Countdown to the End: 1 (Only Mercifully)

With Komamura's Bankai looming, Kenpachi laughs at his rival's resolve and swears to hold nothing back, even inviting him to return as a ghost for a rematch. Then both feel an enormous pressure roll off Sokyoku Hill as a ring of spirit fire circles the halberd, and Kenpachi realizes the execution has started. Across the Seireitei, Sentaro, Orihime, Uryu, Rangiku, and a wounded Ikkaku all react in shock. Hitsugaya orders Rangiku to follow him toward the Central 46 Compound while Momo watches from a doorway.

Elsewhere, Kiyone frantically searches for Ukitake, who finally emerges after struggling to undo a seal. Carrying the Shihoin Shield, he declares that since Central 46 will not hear them out, destroying the Sokyoku is their only remaining option. Nearer the hill, Yachiru dashes ahead of Orihime, Sado, Uryu, Ganju, and Aramaki, admitting she cares little for the execution but wants to help Ichigo because he is Kenpachi's friend, then vanishes in a burst of speed that cracks the ground.

On the bridge, Renji wakes to find Hanataro healing him. Rikichi, who slipped from his cell after the Eleventh Division wrecked the medical station, brought the healer, explaining that he joined the Gotei 13 because of Renji and wants him to keep fighting his own way. He hands Renji fresh clothes, and Hanataro bows and asks him to save Rukia, which the revitalized lieutenant vows to do. Back on the hill, Yamamoto promises Rukia the intruders will be spared, a mercy Unohana explains is meant only to let her die with a calm heart, and then orders the execution to proceed.

The execution formally begins, alerting allies scattered throughout the Seireitei. Ukitake retrieves the Shihoin Shield to destroy the Sokyoku, Yachiru breaks off to reach Ichigo, and Renji, healed by Hanataro thanks to Rikichi, renews his pledge to save Rukia. Yamamoto's promise to release the Ryoka is revealed as a hollow kindness before he gives the final order.

The chapter sets every rescue thread in motion just as the sentence is carried out, and it was adapted across Episode 53, Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution Shattered, and Episode 54, An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!. It also closes the seventeenth volume.