Bleach Vol. 24

The battles across Karakura Town continue as Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, and Renji Abarai struggle against Grimmjow’s Fracción. Their opponents initially dominate because the Soul Reapers stationed in the Human World are operating under power restrictions. Once the Soul Society authorizes the removal of those limits, the defenders regain their full strength and defeat the invading Arrancar.

Ichigo fares less successfully against Grimmjow. Although his Bankai allows him to contend with the Espada’s speed, fear of his inner Hollow disrupts his concentration and leaves him unable to fight effectively. Before Grimmjow can release his zanpakutō, Kaname Tōsen arrives and forcibly returns him to Hueco Mundo for disobeying Aizen’s orders.

Aizen punishes Grimmjow’s insubordination by allowing Tōsen to sever and destroy his left arm, stripping him of his position among the Espada. Disturbed by his weakness and the growing threat within him, Ichigo decides to seek help from Shinji Hirako and the Visored. Meanwhile, Uryū Ishida trains to recover his Quincy abilities, and Yasutora Sado asks Kisuke Urahara to help him become stronger.