The Crimson Cremation

Nel's warning in Karakura Town is cut short when Pesche Guatiche crashes down beside Ichigo, who recognizes the Arrancar and impatiently stomps on him before hearing him out. Pesche confirms what Nel meant, that Hueco Mundo has been seized.

In the Seireitei, the captains and lieutenants gather before Sasakibe's pyre. Byakuya explains to Renji that the late lieutenant had reached Bankai before Kyoraku or Ukitake were born yet never revealed it, repeatedly turning down promotions out of pure devotion to Yamamoto. Standing in grief, Yamamoto orders the flames lit.

That night Ichigo gathers Orihime, Sado, and Uryu to meet Nel and Pesche. Pesche recounts how Harribel governed Hueco Mundo after Starrk and Baraggan died, until the Wandenreich arrived, defeated her, and carried off Arrancar as soldiers, Dondochakka among them. Ichigo commits to helping, and though Uryu declines because Quincy exist to destroy Hollows, Kisuke Urahara appears at the window offering to open a path to Hueco Mundo.

In Silbern, Jugram Haschwalth shows Yhwach Ebern's Medallion, which was used but failed to work as intended. Yhwach decides a special approach will be needed for Ichigo and orders more Arrancar captured, as the Jagdarmee marches a chained column across the sands.

Sasakibe's cremation reveals to the reader that he was a concealed Bankai master fiercely loyal to Yamamoto. Ichigo confirms the Wandenreich has conquered Hueco Mundo and taken Harribel and numerous Arrancar prisoner. He decides to mount a rescue, Uryu bows out, and Urahara volunteers to transport the group. Yhwach, learning Ebern's Medallion malfunctioned against Ichigo, orders further abductions.

Chapter 486 appears in volume 55, THE BLOOD WARFARE, during the Thousand-Year Blood War. It was adapted as part of Episode 368, Foundation Stones. The chapter fills in the fate of Hueco Mundo since Aizen's defeat and sets up Ichigo's return there alongside Orihime and Sado.