Empty Hall of the Puppet Temple

Collapsing at last, Askin is stunned that Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez can still move while poisoned, and Grimmjow is equally surprised the Quincy clings to life. Urahara explains he healed the Arrancar on his way in, aware that their spiritual pressure turns Hollow-like once Resurreccion is used and betting it would prove handy. Askin cannot believe he planned so far ahead, but Urahara simply notes that he always keeps a stockpile of possible outcomes ready. When Askin calls that excessive, Urahara answers that this is a fight for survival, and Grimmjow, tired of the talk, runs the Quincy through again.

Grimmjow tells Urahara their bargain is settled now that Askin is dead, but the air grows heavy as the Espada drops. Barely alive, Askin reveals that his death amplifies the Gift Ball Deluxe, apologizes to Urahara, and wonders whether he will find a way out before finally expiring as the Gift Bereich contracts. Watching from outside, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck judges it nearly impossible to save four souls through so small an opening yet leaps for it anyway. Urahara, apologizing for leaving the rest to Ichigo and Rukia, slumps down alongside his Bankai marionette.

Elsewhere, Gerard Valkyrie shatters the ice on his arm and roars. As Hitsugaya scrambles for a backup plan, the giant reaches for him, only to have his arm stopped by Senbonzakura. Byakuya Kuchiki warns that defeating Gerard will take more than one captain as the Quincy attacks again, and then the arm is abruptly cut away by Kenpachi Zaraki, who arrives mocking the pair for wasting time chatting.

Urahara reveals he preemptively healed Grimmjow, cementing their alliance's payoff. Askin dies but leaves his intensifying Gift Ball Deluxe to trap Urahara and Grimmjow, prompting Nelliel to attempt a rescue. On the other front, Kenpachi Zaraki joins the fight against Gerard by lopping off the giant's arm.

Titled in Japanese as Karappo, Kairai, Garando and rendered by Viz as Empty, Puppet, Temple, this Volume 73 chapter closes the Askin duel and hands the Gerard battle to Kenpachi. It resolves the Urahara and Grimmjow team-up while planting a lethal aftershock in Askin's death. Nelliel's rescue effort keeps the poisoned fighters' fate open.