Remnant

Sealed inside her cell, Rukia Kuchiki notices the noise of battle has faded along with the two energies she had been tracking, though the stone walls scatter spiritual pressure and leave her unable to tell who fell. Wondering aloud whether she is worth the blood being spilled, she silently asks the memory of Kaien Shiba for his answer. Outside, Yoruichi Shihoin crouches over the senseless Ichigo, apologizing for her lateness, noting that a draw against Kenpachi was no small feat, and vowing to keep him alive as she prepares to carry him off.

On the walkway two guards trade insults over how badly the distant fight rattled them, until Hanataro Yamada silences one with a drop of a tranquilizer called Shinten and Ganju Shiba drops in to elbow the other. Ganju marvels that the little medic carries such a drug, and Hanataro explains it only fells those with weak spiritual power. At the final shuttered door, Hanataro produces a bulky wooden key he had quietly taken from the lock storeroom the night before, confessing he was tired of always fleeing while Ichigo fought and wanted to do his part to save Rukia, whatever the punishment. Ganju tells him that was more than enough.

Sliding the door open, they find Rukia standing alone. The moment shatters when Ganju catches sight of her and freezes, and when she notices the crest on his trousers she recognizes him as a Shiba. Recalling the night his brother was brought home dying, Ganju names her as Kaien's killer, describing the throat and chest wounds that no Hollow could have left. Rather than deny it, Rukia confirms that Kaien died by her hand. Enraged, Ganju seizes her collar as she calmly offers no resistance, and Hanataro pleads with him to remember why they came. Before anything can happen, a suffocating pressure descends, and the two turn in terror to see Byakuya Kuchiki approaching along the bridge.

Yoruichi secures the unconscious Ichigo and pledges to save him. Ganju and Hanataro subdue the outer guards and use a stolen key to open Rukia's cell. Rukia admits she killed Kaien Shiba, igniting Ganju's fury and turning the rescue into a confrontation. The reunion is cut short by the arrival of Byakuya Kuchiki, whose presence pins all three in fear.

The chapter rounds out the thirteenth volume and was adapted into the anime episode The Shinigami whom Ganju Met. Viz Media retained the title Remnant. It ties the Shiba family's tragedy to Rukia's imprisonment and sets Byakuya against the intruders as the Soul Society arc presses on.