Rukia, determined not to hear Kaien’s name misused, releases her Shikai, Sode no Shirayuki. Aaroniero, wielding Kaien’s Shikai, Nejibana, taunts her, claiming to know all her moves since he shares Kaien’s memories. As he attacks with Nejibana, releasing waves of water, Rukia is overwhelmed by the familiar combat style but realizes this is not the Kaien she once knew. Aaroniero disarms Rukia, but she retaliates with Hadō #33, Sōkatsui, narrowly missing him.

Aaroniero flees, prompting Rukia to suspect sunlight affects his powers. She binds him with Bakudō #61, Rikujōkōrō, and unleashes Hadō #73, Sōren Sōkatsui, breaking a hole in the wall to let in sunlight, which reveals Aaroniero’s true form—a capsule containing two Hollow heads. Annoyed, Aaroniero shatters the Bakudō and reveals his unique ability to absorb and use the powers of dead Hollows, explaining that he gained Kaien’s powers by consuming Metastacia.

Transforming into his Resurrección, Glotonería, Aaroniero boasts about wielding the abilities of over 33,000 Hollows. Struggling against his immense power, Rukia recalls her past with Kaien and, with newfound resolve, freezes Nejibana with her ice powers. Despite her injuries, Rukia performs San no mai, Shirafune, forming an ice blade that pierces through Aaroniero’s head, destroying the capsule and his body.

As Aaroniero dies, his body collapses, and Rukia, severely wounded, remembers Kaien’s advice to never die alone. She vows to rescue Orihime before collapsing from exhaustion.