— 11th Squad Barracks
The 11th Squad. The squad most specialised in battle. In the past, when Kenpachi KURUYASHIKI was captain, the Squad was seen as a group of brilliant military men and women. After Kenpachi KIGANJÔ came on, the Squad got its image as a bunch of crude bandits. Nowadays there were hardly any women in their ranks, aside from vicecaptain Yachiru KUSAJISHIA. Yumichika has lost his zanpakutô. But rather than looking down on him, his fellow squad members were merely interested in the strong man who had managed to beat their 5th Seat. Yumichika and Ikkaku exchange some words. Ikkaku understands Yumichika's frustration. Just remembering how Ichigo once healed his wounds during their fight still ticks him off. Why did AZASHIRO steal Fuji Kujaku? Yumichika thinks it might have to do with Fuji Kujaku's abilities. But he can't share this guess. After all, he's hiding the truth behind Fuji Kujaku's powers. But he's worried. Very worried. Outside the barracks, they hear the faint sound of bells ringing. It draws closer and Kenpachi ZARAKI enters the barracks.
ZARAKI asks Yumichika about his fight with the Muken escapee. Yumichika says that technically it wasn't really a fight — they didn't even cross swords. Yumichika tries to explain something about AZASHIRO's abilities, but Ikkaku stops him, telling him not to pull a face like he's about to die. ZARAKI follows this up by stating that he doesn't want to know his opponent's weakness. That'd be boring. Yumichika realises he was worried for nothing. These men want to enjoy battle. That's all. And ZARAKI just wants to know one thing, "Is he strong?" He smiles when Yumichika answers yes. The Commander has ordered him to go to Karakura Town to find a female arrancar with a skull on her face. ZARAKI doesn't really understand why, but… the Commander told him he could fight to the death with this AZASHIRO guy once he did. ~~ And so, three devils turn their eyes to Karakura Town. Kenpachi AZASHIRO, the Szayelaporrolookalike and Kenpachi ZARAKI. To find one frail, masked, female arrancar. But she has a hero on her side.
The End of first volume.