The United Front (Discordeque Mix)

Pushing deeper into the Garganta, Unohana takes the lead when Ichigo's improvised footing proves too rough, and he marvels at the smoothness of her captain-grade Reiatsu. She notes that his own energy, though captain-level, is too coarse for such delicate work, prompting Ichigo to reveal that he is nowhere near full strength. His uniform reforms with his Bankai only when his Reiatsu peaks, and this time Orihime healed his body but not his spirit power, which she restores far more slowly. Because Rukia and the others were being battered, he left before she could finish, so the amount of robe remaining marks how much power he can still draw on.

Stunned that his tattered uniform reflects under half his capacity, Unohana admits she mistook that reduced output for his ceiling. She offers to top up his Reiatsu with Kidō as they run, explaining that healing mends spirit energy first so both parties' power can then repair the body, which makes the final refill simple. Privately she reckons a half-strength Ichigo could become a genuine trump card. Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi downs Yammy and tells Byakuya to land the killing blow, only for the Espada to rally and loose a Cero. The two captains trade barbs over Kenpachi's judgment until Byakuya releases his Bankai, Kenpachi confesses he has long wanted this fight, and both round on Yammy for getting in their way.

Unohana learns Ichigo is fighting at under half his true Reiatsu and begins restoring it with Kidō mid-flight, sensing he may become a decisive weapon. In Hueco Mundo, Yammy refuses to fall, and the friction between Kenpachi and Byakuya boils over into Byakuya releasing his Bankai as the two turn their combined strength on the Espada.

The fifth chapter of volume 44, VICE IT, it was adapted into episode 288, The Final Trump Card! Ichigo, Towards the Decisive Battle. The stylized subtitle, Discordeque Mix, plays on the mounting discord between allies Kenpachi and Byakuya.