Betrayal! Aizen's Secret Maneuvers

Patrolling at night, Shunsui Kyōraku glimpses Aizen and shrugs off his unease, while at the Eighth Division Nanao waits in vain for Lisa Yadōmaru, who is away on a mission. In the Rukongai forest that mission has gone wrong: Shinji Hirako's group struggles against a Hollowfying Kensei Muguruma until Hachigen Ushōda binds him with high-level Kidō.

When Hiyori suddenly Hollowfies and strikes Shinji, Kaname Tōsen cuts down the others from the shadows. Aizen then steps forward and admits Tōsen never betrayed anyone, having followed his orders faithfully. He explains that his Zanpakutō can seize all five senses, which is how a decoy walked beside Shinji for a month unnoticed, and he mocks Shinji for believing he controlled the situation by naming Aizen his lieutenant.

As his comrades transform into Hollows, Shinji fights to stay in control and duels Tōsen, recalling that agitation speeds Hollowfication. Aizen coldly calls Shinji a splendid test subject and draws his blade to finish him. Before he can strike, Urahara appears with Tessai Tsukabishi and slashes the lieutenant's badge from Aizen's arm.

Lisa Yadōmaru's squad battles the Hollowfying Kensei Muguruma. Kaname Tōsen is revealed as Aizen's loyal agent. Aizen exposes his hypnotic Zanpakutō and admits orchestrating the incident. Hiyori and the others Hollowfy while Shinji resists. Urahara intervenes and severs Aizen's lieutenant badge.

Part of the Turn Back the Pendulum arc, the episode adapts Chapters -100 and -99. No formal fights are listed. Techniques include Aizen's Kanzen Saimin, Tōsen's Bankai Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Korogi, Urahara's Benihime, and several Kidō spells. A Substitute Shinigami Work Diary skit shows the Shinigami Men's Association crowding into Ichigo's room.