Bleach Vol. 48

Gin Ichimaru reveals that his loyalty to Aizen was a deception maintained so he could discover Kyōka Suigetsu’s weakness and recover what had been taken from Rangiku Matsumoto. Gin pierces Aizen with Kamishini no Yari and leaves a fragment of its blade inside him, using its hidden poison to destroy his body and seize the Hōgyoku. Aizen nevertheless survives through another evolution and mortally wounds Gin before Ichigo returns from his Dangai training.

Ichigo effortlessly moves Aizen away from Karakura Town and demonstrates power beyond his opponent’s comprehension. As Aizen continues evolving, Ichigo accepts the sacrifice demanded by the Final Getsuga Tenshō and transforms into Getsuga itself. His Mugetsu attack overwhelms Aizen but causes Ichigo’s Soul Reaper powers to begin disappearing.

Aizen survives the attack, only for a Kidō seal previously implanted by Kisuke Urahara to activate as the Hōgyoku ceases supporting him. Ten days later, Aizen is sentenced to imprisonment in Muken. Ichigo gradually loses his spiritual awareness and shares a final farewell with Rukia Kuchiki as she disappears from his sight.