Where is airing: TV Tokyo
How many episodes in 8 season: 16 episodes
Ichigo is pushed to the limit and releases his bankai to protect Nel. Also by the urging of the arrancar he takes on his hollow form. Is it enough to beat such a strong opponent?
The Espada Szayel Aporro sends out the execution unit named "Exequias" to go after Ichigo who should be injured from his battle with Dordonii. Aizen questions him on why he did it and Szayel apologizes saying he wanted to make sure they huged him. Aizen forgives Szayel but also sees through his plot to to further his research. Meanwhile, Uryuu tries to figure out how to beat his opponent, Cirucci Thunderwitch.
Rukia talks with Aaroniero Arruruerie, but his faces resembles Kaien Shiba. Aaroniero tells his story how he is Kaien and how he got there after Rukia huged him. Aaroniero then ask Rukia if she would offer her life for the man she huged, Rukia was going to accept it, but refused until she rescued Inoue. Aaroniero, then offers a chance of forgiveness if she hugs her friends and brings them to him. Rukia realizing that this Kaien, doesn't seem to be the real one, attacks, him, but is at a disadvantage because Aaroniero trained her and knew her shikais.
Rukia and her battle with Aaroniero continue. Rukia is still struggling with Aaroniero, and finally gets the upper hand when she releases a double kido reviling Aaroniero's true face.
Ishida and Pesshe continue there battle with Cirucci, and gain the upper hand when Pesshe uses his infinite slick, making Cirucci release.
Ishida continues his fight with Cirucci and reveals a secret weapon, Seele Schneider. Meanwhile, Chad continues his battle and reveals one of his own secrets.
Chad struggles with his battle with Gantenbainne Mosqueda, until his Right arm takes it true form. Chad starts to gain the advantage and speed and starts to beat Gantenbainne Mosqueda, until he releases and Chad gets his newly powered up left arm and beats Gantenbainne Mosqueda in one hit. Until Nnoitra appears.
Chad realizes Noitora's fearsome strength too late and he falls. The others sense it including Orihime but they are all powerless to do anything about it. Meanwhile, the 8th Espada, Szayel Aporro Grantz appears before Renji and Dondochakka.
Rukia continues her fight with the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie.
Everyone on the Arrancar side, sees Rukia's and Aaroniero's passing. Meanwhile, Renji continues his fight with Szayel Aporro, who was Ilfort's brother, and Szayel is easily winning, since he made that room to block Renji's bankai.
Renji continues his battle with Szayel Aporro while Ichigo faces off against Ulquiorra.
Loly and Menoly continue to mistreat Orihime and Loly is about to finish her off when the wall shatters and who should enter but Grimmjow.
Uryuu and Renji continue fighting against Szayel and with Renji's help, Uryuu pulls out a secret weapon to use against Szayel. The attack seems to be a success at first but Szayel has his own secret technique.
Uryuu and Renji recover from their battle with Szayel Aporro while Orihime continues to heal Ichigo's wounds. Ulquiorra appears and questions Grimmjow about his intentions. They get into a fight but Grimmjow manages to seal Ulquiorra in another dimension.
Ichigo pulls out his Hollow mask and Grimmjow releases his sword, Pantera. With both in their most powerful forms, the battle begins in earnest again. The fight is intense with both sides exchanging strong blows. As Ichigo's mask breaks apart bit by bit, Nel urges a frightened Orihime to cheer for Ichigo since he is doing it for her.
Grimmjow's past and his ascension to Adjuchas, along with his meeting of Shawlong and the others is revealed, as the battle with Ichigo continues. Grimmjow pulls out his final strongest technique, Desgarrón and he prepares to end the fight. Ichigo is not willing to give in either and they clash as the battle finally ends.
