Ichigo, with his donned hollow mask, uses Getsuga Tenshō to attack Aizen, wounding him in the process. However, it is revealed that Aizen has fused with the Hōgyoku, which heals his wounded chest. It is revealed that all of the battles Ichigo has fought thus far were part of Aizen's plan, as such these battles are recapped. His first encounter with Rukia against a hollow, his first time fighting with Uryū against several hollows, his first fight with Renji and interference from Byakuya, his first training session with Urahara, his successful rematch with Renji, his first intense match with Kenpachi and his fierce confrontation with Byakuya and use of his hollow powers are all shown.