In the past, it is shown how Komamura and Tōsen met as friends, later revealing that Komamura wanted to repay a debt as his reason for becoming a Soul Reaper. In the present, Komamura activates his bankai but is blocked continually by Tōsen, who later discovers that he can cause damage to Komamura himself whenever his bankai is damaged. Komamura learns that Tōsen had lost a beloved female friend to murder by her husband, and he had joined the academy in order to get his revenge for her demise, being the truth behind his relentless search for justice. Tōsen then activates his release form, taking the form of a hairy insect. When he opens his eyes in this new form, Tōsen exults that he can see the world for the first time. Meanwhile, Aizen finally draws his blade against Hirako. Nonetheless, Hirako then tells Aizen that he is sorely mistaken if he believes he is the only one with a zanpakutō that has power over the senses.