I Want to Live...! Nozomi's Zanpakutō

Ichigo settles Nozomi into the Kurosaki home, spinning a story that leaves Isshin weeping and Yuzu delighted to have another sister. As the household bustles, Kon struggles with what to say to Nozomi now that her Mod-Soul origin is out, and even a promotional toy lion falling apart in his hands leaves him brooding over things made carelessly. In Soul Society, a recovering Yamamoto hears from Renji that the captains have gone silent, and orders the lieutenants and Ichigo's group to brace for Inaba's invasion while still shielding the living world from a rising tide of Hollows.

Urahara tells Rukia he grew certain Nozomi was a Modified Soul when her healing power read like Kidō yet felt artificial, and both wonder what Inaba wants with her. An injured Inaba, meanwhile, assures a silent green-haired man that everything proceeds to plan and that the world will learn of his wish. Ikkaku and Yumichika press Ichigo to let them question Nozomi, revealing that Inaba's force crushed the Gotei 13 captains and that the army will soon reach Karakura Town. Ichigo insists that anyone born into the world has the right to keep living, words Nozomi overhears.

That night Nozomi slips out, wishing she were not alive after seeing so many hurt protecting her. A Hollow corners her, and Kon arrives just as it attacks. When her resolve shifts to wanting to protect, her Zanpakutō manifests; she shifts into a Shinigami form and destroys the Hollow. Kneeling afterward, she calls herself a burden, but Kon urges her not to let being a Mod-Soul stop her from living, and she fixes the little lion toy to her blade.

Nozomi moves in with the Kurosaki family. Yamamoto, healing under Unohana, orders preparations against Inaba's coming invasion as Hollows multiply in the living world. Urahara confirms Nozomi is a Modified Soul with power resembling Kidō. Ichigo learns the Gotei 13 captains were defeated. Cornered by a Hollow and wishing to protect, Nozomi awakens her own Zanpakutō and takes Shinigami form for the first time.

An anime-original episode, the 330th overall, belonging to the Gotei 13 Invading Army arc with no adapted chapters. The closing Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book shows Unohana quietly out-preparing Yamamoto at every turn as he offers to cook, brew tea, and more, leaving him admitting she has thought of everything.