Silverflame.

Inside the Garganta, the three travelers lay down footholds of spirit matter as they run, though Ichigo and Sado's are ragged and nearly give way while Uryu glides ahead on a smooth board he calls a basic form of Hirenkyaku. Sado brings up something Urahara told him: the deal Uryu made with his father Ryuken, keeping clear of Shinigami in exchange for restored Quincy powers and training. Pressed by a startled Ichigo, Uryu admits it is true.

A recollection fills in the rest. Drained after his training in the hospital's chamber, Uryu was visited by Urahara, who told him Orihime had been taken and that Ichigo would surely go after her alone, since Soul Society had pulled back. That detail changed Uryu's mind and he asked to be let out. In the present he argues the technicality that saves him: Ichigo is a Substitute Shinigami now defying Soul Society, so he is neither their agent nor their ally, which leaves nothing barring Uryu from helping.

Back in the chamber, Ryuken finds the note Uryu left and dismisses it just as Isshin, restored to his Shinigami form, appears behind him. The two fathers trade jabs, Ryuken shrugging that he no longer cares what becomes of his son now that the powers are back, and conceding only that he is at least a better father than Isshin. Meanwhile Orihime waits alone in Las Noches, hungry and doubting her choice after watching Grimmjow kill Luppi, but resolves to seem useful until her friends are ready to fight.

The installment closes out volume 27, goodbye, halcyon days. Sensing a fierce spiritual pressure, Aizen notes that the intruders have arrived just as Ichigo's group bursts into a solid-floored building, where the massive Demoura Zodd slams a hand into the ceiling and demands to know who they are. The chapter was adapted into episodes 143 and 144 of the anime.