Bleach Vol. 68

Following the Soul King's death, the Royal Realm and the worlds connected to it begin destabilizing. Ichigo reaches the Soul King's chamber and confronts Yhwach, only to discover that the Quincy king intends to reshape existence by destroying the current balance between life and death. Despite Ichigo's determination, Yhwach manipulates events so that Ichigo himself delivers the fatal strike that severs the Soul King's body. Ukitake Jūshirō sacrifices himself by invoking Kamikake, allowing the right arm of the Soul King, Mimihagi, to temporarily preserve the world's stability.

Elsewhere, Sōsuke Aizen is released from Muken under strict supervision to aid Soul Society against the greater threat. Meanwhile, Mayuri Kurotsuchi confronts the evolved Pernida Parnkgjas, whose terrifying regenerative abilities overwhelm conventional attacks. Mayuri responds with carefully prepared experiments while Nemu Kurotsuchi takes an increasingly active role in the battle.

As the fighting spreads across the Royal Realm, Yhwach absorbs Mimihagi and begins transforming into a being capable of controlling the future of every world. Soul Society's defenders are left to confront an enemy whose power now extends far beyond that of the original Quincy invasion.