Cat and Hornet

In the Rukongai, villagers note that Jidanbo can move again as his hut shakes, and Kukaku Shiba arrives asking after him. The townsfolk are grateful to the giant, though one reminds him he owes his saved arm to Orihime, who spent long hours healing it. Five days have passed since she departed for the Seireitei, and Kukaku invites the worried villagers to come along while telling Jidanbo to walk with her, since she is going to see Yoruichi.

In the forest near Sokyoku Hill, Sui-Feng throws off her haori to bare the Keisen Shozoku, drawing a remark from Yoruichi that she has not seen it in some time. Sui-Feng insists they measure who is the better warrior and leaps in with a kick, which Yoruichi blocks with her wrist before answering each strike with rapid punches and grabs. When they part after a final exchange, Sui-Feng spots a bruise on her shoulder and calls the round a draw, as Yoruichi wipes blood from her mouth and says that is true only for now.

Asked the secret behind her improvement, Sui-Feng claims she needs no tricks and appears behind Yoruichi with Shunpo. Holding her blade close, she releases her Shikai, Suzumebachi, which becomes an ornate gauntlet with a stinger over the middle finger, and drives it into Yoruichi's abdomen. As the wounded Yoruichi lands on a branch, Sui-Feng reveals she had been holding back, declares herself the stronger of the two now, and warns that a century away from the front line will cost Yoruichi her life.

Kukaku Shiba wakes the healed Jidanbo and heads toward the battlefield to find Yoruichi. Sui-Feng and Yoruichi fight to an even hand-to-hand draw before Sui-Feng releases Suzumebachi, stabs Yoruichi in the stomach, and claims the upper hand.

The chapter introduces the released form of Sui-Feng's Zanpakuto and its needle-like stinger. It was adapted into Episode 56, Supersonic Battle! Determine the Goddess of Battle.