The Wandenreich mobilizes its elite force, the Stern Ritter, to annihilate the Soul Society. Creating massive flaming pillars of Reishi as a distraction, the Stern Ritter easily enter the Soul Society to bring carnage to the Soul Reapers.

Rescue efforts are being made across the Seireitei to find and help those who've survived the Stern Ritter attack. Meanwhile, Ichigo meets with Mayuri Kurotsuchi about fixing his broken Tensa Zangetsu.

Ichigo is kicked out of the Royal Palace by Oh-etsu Nimaiya for failing his test. When Ichigo next opens his eyes, he finds himself standing in front of his house in the World of the Living.

Ichigo prepares to leave the Royal Palace to return to the Seireitei but is stopped by Hyosube, who claims that Ichigo cannot defeat Yhwach as he is now.

The Stern Ritters drive the Soul Reapers deeper into a corner.

Isane and Yachiru are attacked by Gwenael.

Ichigo tries to stop Yhwach upon learning that his real target lies within the Royal Palace.

Yhwach confronts Hyosube, who is protecting the real Royal Palace.

Yhwach performs Auswählen to bestow power to his fallen Royal Guards.

Ukitake takes the place of the slain Soul King by releasing the power of Mimihagi.

Yhwach builds his new castle, Wahr Welt.

Nemu ignores Mayuri's orders by intervening in his battle against Pernida.

As the battle between the soul reapers and the quincies rages, Haschwalt finds himself confronted by Bazz-B inside Wahrwelt

Kyoraku has paved the way for the soul reapers to reach the enemy's stronghold within Wahrwelt, but Gerard Valkyrie prevents them from advancing any further.