The first Espada falls, and word of Aaroniero's death ripples through Las Noches in a spread of very different reactions, while a broken Rukia vows to reach Orihime and Renji's rage grazes the untouchable Szayelaporro.
Summary
Rukia's reformed blade tears through the glass capsule, spilling its contents as Glotonería dissolves into a wave of fluid and she drops beside Aaroniero's ruined body. One of his heads shrieks for the air it cannot draw and demands to know why Aizen has not saved it; the other simply curses and splits apart. Dragging herself along the ground with shards of Nejibana still in her side, Rukia clings to Kaien's warning never to die alone, thinks of everyone she loves, and silently promises Orihime that she will come, knowing as she does the loneliness of a captive, before she collapses.
Through Aaroniero's Cognition Synchronization, the surviving Espada register the loss in their own ways: Apacci turns to Harribel, Baraggan sneers, Zommari meditates, and a groggy Starrk shrugs Lilynette off. Szayelaporro, only now noticing the report, coldly informs Renji that both Rukia and her killer are dead. The name Rukia snaps Renji into a furious swing of Zabimaru that grazes the Espada's temple despite his Hierro. Elsewhere, Ichigo freezes as Rukia's Reiatsu drops, and Ulquiorra reappears on the steps behind him, admitting he had underestimated the boy's senses.
Key Events
Rukia destroys Aaroniero, the first Espada to die, then collapses while vowing to save Orihime. The remaining Espada learn of his death through Cognition Synchronization and react with indifference or contempt. Told that Rukia has died, Renji lashes out and grazes Szayelaporro, and Ulquiorra appears behind Ichigo as he senses the same loss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Bleach chapter 269, The End is Near?
In chapter 269, Rukia Kuchiki destroys Aaroniero Arruruerie, the first Espada to die, then collapses while vowing to reach Orihime. The surviving Espada learn of the death through Cognition Synchronization, and Renji grazes Szayelaporro after being told Rukia is dead.
Who is the first Espada to die in Bleach?
Aaroniero Arruruerie is the first Espada to die, destroyed by Rukia Kuchiki in chapter 269. His capsule is shattered and his two heads perish, one shrieking for air and the other cursing as it splits apart.
How do the other Espada learn about Aaroniero's death?
The remaining Espada register Aaroniero's death through his Cognition Synchronization ability, which relays what he perceived to his allies. In chapter 269 they react with indifference or contempt, with Baraggan sneering, Zommari meditating, and Starrk shrugging off Lilynette.
Why does Renji attack Szayelaporro in chapter 269?
In chapter 269, Szayelaporro coldly tells Renji Abarai that both Rukia and her killer are dead. The name Rukia snaps Renji into a furious swing of Zabimaru that grazes the Espada's temple despite his Hierro.
Which volume and episodes cover chapter 269?
The End is Near closes volume 30, THERE IS NO HEART WITHOUT YOU, as its 269th chapter in the Hueco Mundo arc. It was adapted across episodes 160 and 161, The Cruel Arrancar, Ulquiorra's Provocation.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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