After the fight between Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez concludes when Ichigo breaks through Grimmjow's strongest attack, Grimmjow attempts to continue the fight, but is attacked by Nnoitra Gilga, an Espada. However, Ichigo protects Grimmjow. As Ichigo and Nnoitra begin to fight, Tesla Lindocruz, Nnoitra's subordinate, captures Orihime Inoue. Nnoitra reveals that he is the Fifth Espada and is stronger than Grimmjow. Meanwhile, Renji Abarai, Uryū Ishida, Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Bilstin attempt to flee the Espada Szayelaporro Grantz, but because Szayelaporro controls the building they are in, he redirects the hallways to point back towards their battlefield.