BIGGER, FASTER, STRONGER

Blood erupts from Kenpachi Zaraki's chest and he demands to know what struck him. Gerard Valkyrie answers that The Miracle shapes itself from the desires and emotions of the masses, the force that swelled his body and rendered Hoffnung unbreakable. Hitsugaya notes that logic holds no sway over the ability while Kenpachi taunts Gerard for sounding like a stock villain, and Gerard fires the mockery back, chiding him for not yet grasping the chasm between them. A stunned Hitsugaya remarks that the two seem tailor-made as rivals as they collide, each praising the other's speed and reflexes.

When Hitsugaya tries to step in, Kenpachi hammers him down to the ground and orders him to stay clear, with Byakuya Kuchiki backing the demand. Hitsugaya observes that Kenpachi already rates Gerard highly enough to have removed his eyepatch, and Byakuya warns that fatigue is leaving all of them short on time. Hitsugaya settles on a plan to freeze Gerard solid and shatter him with Senbonzakura.

Kenpachi and Gerard resume, but the captain is steadily overpowered as Gerard points out the fading force behind his swings. After knocking Kenpachi aside, Gerard snatches Senbonzakura out of the air, slams the blade into Hitsugaya, and proclaims himself the mightiest warrior granted everything. Then Yachiru Kusajishi appears before Kenpachi, telling him the real fun is only beginning. Energy courses down his arm from where she touched him as she explains he could cut down anyone by wielding her correctly, naming this power Bankai.

Gerard reveals that The Miracle feeds on the collective will of the masses, explaining his unbreakable weapon and swelling size. Kenpachi and Gerard prove evenly matched until Gerard begins to edge ahead. Yachiru Kusajishi manifests before Kenpachi and awakens his Bankai, transferring a power he had never accessed.

This Volume 73 chapter deepens the mechanics of Gerard's Schrift and stages the physical parity between him and Kenpachi. Its climax finally ties Kenpachi's Zanpakuto spirit to the name Yachiru, revealing his Bankai for the first time. Byakuya and Hitsugaya's supporting roles set up the coordinated push that follows.