Dead Black War Cloud

Renji collapses still clutching Ichigo's collar, and Ichigo drops beside him. Ganju and Hanataro rush over, the young medic quietly astonished that this boy defeated a lieutenant. Sensing more Shinigami closing in, Ganju hoists Ichigo up and has Hanataro lead them somewhere hidden. Moments later Izuru Kira arrives with subordinates, refuses to give chase, and makes saving Renji their priority.

Deep in the canals beneath the Seireitei, Ganju is surprised that Hanataro can heal at all; the medic explains that only his division channels reiryoku for mending rather than combat, and promises to fully restore Ichigo within a single night. Elsewhere, Momo Hinamori stands horrified over the unconscious Renji, reassuring a guilt-ridden Izuru that his injuries are not the lieutenant's fault. Byakuya then appears and coldly orders Renji thrown into a cell, dismissing him as a beaten fool who chose to fight alone. Momo protests, Izuru silences her, and both are forced to bow as the captain departs.

Gin Ichimaru slips in, remarks on how frightening Byakuya can be, and offers to contact the Fourth Division before leading Izuru away. Hitsugaya then materializes behind Momo and warns her to be wary of the Third Division, Gin above all. In the captains' assembly hall, Captain-Commander Yamamoto declares the loss of a lieutenant a grave crisis. Overlooking Gin's earlier conduct, he authorizes every high-ranking Shinigami, lieutenants included, to bear their zanpakuto and use full wartime powers inside the Seireitei, then orders a full assault against the intruders.

Ichigo is carried into hiding and set to heal overnight. Byakuya orders his own lieutenant imprisoned, Hitsugaya warns Momo about Gin and the Third Division, and Yamamoto declares total war while lifting restrictions on carrying zanpakuto.

The chapter opens the twelfth volume and was adapted into Episode 34, Tragedy of Dawn. The full lineup of Gotei 13 captains gathers at the closing assembly.