Bleach Vol. 30

Chad completes his battle with Gantenbainne Mosqueda by awakening Brazo Izquierda del Diablo, a transformed left arm built for offense. His victory is short-lived, however, when the Quinta Espada Nnoitra Gilga appears and effortlessly defeats him. Elsewhere, Renji Abarai confronts Szayelaporro Granz, who has studied his abilities and altered the chamber to prevent him from using Bankai effectively.

Rukia encounters a man bearing the face, voice, and memories of her former lieutenant, Kaien Shiba. Initially believing that Kaien survived their final encounter, she agrees to undergo a series of tests in exchange for Orihime’s freedom. His demand that she kill her friends exposes the deception, and sunlight reveals him as Aaroniero Arruruerie, the Novena Espada.

Aaroniero explains that his absorption of the Hollow Metastacia gave him Kaien’s body and abilities. Although the revelation nearly breaks Rukia’s resolve, she remembers Kaien’s teachings about the heart and continues fighting. Mortally wounded by Aaroniero’s released form, she uses Sode no Shirayuki’s third dance to destroy his upper head, defeating the first Espada to fall during the invasion.