Dordonii is struck down by Ichigo once again, and to thank Ichigo for using his full power against him, Dordonii fights Rudbornn Chelute and the Exequias, a group of arrancars specializing in eliminating intruders, to allow Ichigo to retreat. When Sōsuke Aizen learns of this, he asks who ordered the Exequias to attack Ichigo, and the Espada Szayelaporro Grantz takes responsibility. Aizen forgives him, noting that Dordonii's body will help Szayelaporro's research. Meanwhile, Uryū Ishida is battling the Privaron Espada Cirucci Sanderwicci, and Rukia encounters the Espada Aaroniero Arruruerie. Aaroniero removes his mask, revealing the face of Kaien Shiba, the former lieutenant of the thirteenth division that Rukia had killed.