Bleach Vol. 31

After learning that Ulquiorra Cifer brought Orihime to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo attacks him with Bankai and his Hollow mask. Ulquiorra remains overwhelmingly superior and reveals that he is only the Fourth Espada before piercing Ichigo’s chest and leaving him near death. Elsewhere, the Arrancar attendants Loly Aivirrne and Menoly Mallia assault Orihime out of jealousy over the attention she receives from Sōsuke Aizen, but Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez intervenes and forces Orihime to accompany him.

Meanwhile, Renji Abarai continues battling Szayelaporro Granz, whose extensive research allows him to neutralize Renji’s Bankai. Uryū Ishida joins the fight, and the two combine their abilities to trap Szayelaporro in a large spiritual explosion. The Espada survives by consuming one of his own Fracción and regenerating his damaged body.

Grimmjow brings Orihime to the dying Ichigo and orders her to restore him so their interrupted battle can be completed. When Ulquiorra attempts to interfere, Grimmjow uses Caja Negación to imprison him temporarily, clearing the way for his long-awaited rematch with Ichigo.