Ichigo Loses His Fighting Spirit!? Gin's Expectation!

Masked and mindful of Gin's blade, Ichigo charges, but Gin extends Shinsō, cracks the mask, and shrugs off a Getsuga Tenshō before shattering the mask entirely. Nearby, Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi press Aizen together; he blocks every strike, even slicing Yoruichi's half-formed armor. Urahara probes with Ōkasen and binds him with Shibari, Benihime, then detonates Hiasobi, Benihime, Juzutsunagi, yet Aizen barely flinches. Yoruichi's Shunkō and a point-blank Getsuga from Isshin finally leave a slash on his face, but he rises from the crater declaring it is time they understood his power.

Gin taunts a winded Ichigo, telling him his Getsuga failed against both foes and that he is no longer warrior, Shinigami, Hollow, or even human, urging him to flee. Ichigo bows his head in despair. Before Gin can cut him down, the three beaten adults crash to the ground beside him, and Aizen appears, ordering Gin to open a Senkaimon to the real Karakura Town in Soul Society so he can forge the Ōken there. As his chrysalis peels away, Aizen reveals a near-human face with longer hair and violet, Hollow-like sclera, then leaves Ichigo behind, promising to devour him later.

Passing through the Dangai, Aizen lets the Kōtotsu slam into him and emerges unscathed, dismissing reason as a crutch. Back in the fake town, Isshin headbutts his despairing son and demands they follow to protect Karakura. When Ichigo confesses he can perceive Aizen's overwhelming Reiatsu, Isshin grasps why he is frozen but insists he move. Resolve renewed, Ichigo opens the gate, and Isshin reveals the slowed time of the Precipice World is perfect ground to teach him the Final Getsuga Tenshō, just as Aizen reaches the real Karakura and Keigo Asano stirs awake.

Gin shatters Ichigo's Hollow mask and defeats him. Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi land only a single facial wound on the transforming Aizen before being beaten. Aizen completes a stage of his metamorphosis, revealing his altered face, and has Gin open a Senkaimon to the real Karakura Town in Soul Society, tanking the Kōtotsu on the way. Isshin decides to train Ichigo in the Precipice World for the Final Getsuga Tenshō.

The 301st episode, part two of the Fake Karakura Town arc, adapts chapters 405 through 407 plus bonus material. Its Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book has Byakuya unveil an embarrassing cellphone design at a Seireitei showcase, drawing the crowd's dismay and a curtain drop, then silencing Renji's I-told-you-so.