Ichigo sits up, his body still pulsing with the energy Orihime’s healing gave him. He’s mostly fine, bruised but ready for whatever comes next. He glances around, wary, as Yoriichi stands nearby, her hands firmly on her hips and a determined look in her eyes.

“No, we’re not,” she says with confidence, and her gaze flicks upward. “Open it up.”

The air crackles, and a black rift splits open above them, stretching horizontally. A Garganta. The familiar darkness yawns open, and from within, a figure steps out. Grimmjow.

Ichigo’s eyes widen, a surge of shock and recognition flashing across his face. “You—Grimmjow…” he mutters, his hand instinctively tightening around Zangetsu.

Grimmjow’s lips curl into that signature smirk, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Yo, long time no see, Kurosaki.” His voice is low, taunting, and there’s no mistaking the anticipation in his gaze. He’s been waiting for this moment, the chance to face off once more.

But before he can start the fight, Nel jumps over him yelling "Ichigooooo" and onto Ichigo with a grin, then with you stepping out of the Garganta after her.