Spoiler-Safe Summary

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During a fierce battle, Ichigo confronts his inner powers to match his opponent, while Uryuu arrives to open a gateway for reinforcements. Alliances shift as plans unfold to defeat the invading Bounts.

Full Plot Summary

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As Kariya is about to stab Ichigo with his own zanpakutou, Ichigo grabs it and stabs himself with it, forcing his subconscious into the world of his zanpakutou, Zangetsu. After a discussion with Zangetsu, Ichigo returns to reality and uses his bankai, which enables him to fight evenly with Kariya. Uryuu arrives and uses his powers to open the gateway created by the Bounts into the Soul Society. When Kariya thanks him, Uryuu informs Kariya that he did so to defeat the Bounts in the Soul Society.