Bleach Vol. 71

Nemu defies Mayuri and releases the power stored within her artificially created body to protect him from Pernida. Although her attack destroys much of the Quincy, Pernida tears her apart and consumes her remains. The rapid cellular growth caused by Nemu’s remains overwhelms Pernida’s uncontrolled evolution, destroying the Soul King’s left arm from within. Mayuri retrieves Nemu’s brain and withdraws with Kenpachi Zaraki, reflecting on how his creation surpassed his expectations.

Elsewhere in Wahrwelt, Shunsui intercepts Lille before the Sternritter can eliminate the advancing Soul Reapers. Lille opens both eyes and activates his Vollständig, Jilliel, becoming intangible and increasingly inhuman. Unable to wound him through conventional means, Shunsui releases his Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, which forces both combatants through a sequence of shared despair, illness, drowning, and execution.

Lille survives by transforming again and severely wounds Shunsui. Nanao Ise then intervenes, prompting Shunsui to reveal her family’s history and return the sacred sword Shinken Hakkyōken. The blade, inherited through the Ise family, possesses the ability to reflect divine power and offers their only means of opposing Lille’s transformed state.