The titular focus of the episode belongs to the battle between the Gotei 13's 6th Division Lieutenant, , and the 8th Espada, Szayelaporro Granz .
: The realization that there are three Espada even stronger than this terrifying monster completely shatters Ichigo's morale. Ulquiorra plunges his hand directly into Ichigo’s chest and leaves him for dead, delivering the ultimate psychological and physical defeat. 💔 The Torment of Orihime Inoue 162 : Szayel Aporro Laughs, The Net Trapping Re...
: Just as Medazeppi corners Renji in a pit of broken floor tiles, a massive spiritual arrow pierces the monster from above. Uryū Ishida makes his entrance, noting that Szayelaporro's failure to build his palace walls out of spiritual-suppressing Sekkiseki stone allowed Uryū to sense their location from three layers of walls away. ⚡ The Gut-Wrenching Truth: Ulquiorra's Rank The titular focus of the episode belongs to
: To Ichigo's absolute horror, Ulquiorra walks out of the debris with only light scratches, admitting he was surprised he couldn't stop the blast with both hands. 💔 The Torment of Orihime Inoue : Just
: Having already disabled Renji's Bankai in previous episodes by mapping his spiritual energy, Szayelaporro treats the battle as a controlled laboratory experiment. Renji attempts to use the physical unpredictability of Zabimaru's whip-like Shikai to outmaneuver the scientist, but Szayelaporro easily dodges using Sonído .
: Bored by the exercise, Szayelaporro unleashes a massive horde of modified Hollows that he turned into Arrancar. Renji is quickly overwhelmed by a massive brute named Medazeppi.