Ashido's mask absorbs the brunt of the attack of the Adjuchas, and Rukia kills the Adjuchas. Meanwhile, Ichigo and the others locate Nel and are led into an ambush. However, they defeat all of the hollows present. Elsewhere, Rukia and Ashido defeat another Adjuchas, and everyone is subsequently reunited. As Ashido attempts to lead them out of the forest, an attack by one of the remaining Adjuchas collapses the passage. Ashido leaves to fight the Adjuchas as the rest of the group returns to the surface. As she leaves, Rukia promises to return for him. In Las Noches, Ulquiorra informs Orihime that her friends have mounted a rescue.