Previous: The New Shinigami Guardians & the Broken Balance Concurrent: Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Asguiaro Ebern Next: Return to Hueco Mundo Rise of the Vandenreich Conflict: Quincy Blood War Date: Place: 1st Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul Society & Vandenreich HQ Outcome: Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe is murdered by the Vandenreich. The Vandenreich formally declare war on Soul Society. The Vandenreich reveals they have conquered Hueco Mundo & imprisoned Tier Harribel. Participants: Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe † Luders Friegen † 6 Vandenreich Members Driscoll Berci 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa Asguiaro Ebern † Emperor Yhwach Ryūnosuke Yuki Uryū Ishida Yasutora Sado Orihime Inoue Ichigo Kurosaki Shino Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck Tier Harribel

Rise of the Vandenreich is an event where the Vandenreich formally declare war on Soul Society, as well as the Vandenreich's first direct interaction with Soul Society.

Prelude

As Yamamoto listens to the report on the current events, the reporter is slaughtered by seven Vandenreich members dressed in white. One of those members greets Yamamoto, saying that they have come to declare war on Soul Society. ^[1] The member continues to speak, saying that he is surprised, as the room they are in is the office of the Captain-Commander, but it was still quite easy to break in. Luders asks if the security wasn't too soft, but Yamamoto says that there is no need to worry, as he is here, stating that there is no better security than that. The member responds, saying that those arrogant words will be his last. ^[2]

Declaration of War

All of a sudden, Chōjirō Sasakibe is launched into the room, impaled through the chest with a large weapon, and Yamamoto’s eyes widen. The member tells Yamamoto not to grieve, but to praise him. He then states to Yamamoto that after fighting and sacrificing everything, he will die a desperate death. The member concludes his speech proclaiming that in five days, Soul Society will be annihilated by the Vandenreich. ^[3]

In an instant, Yamamoto goes to free Sasakibe. Luders says he knows that Yamamoto wants to ask who they are, but knows perfectly that he will not be given the answer. He says that it would be easy to guess who they really are, as shadows appear, and he bids that Captain farewell. Yamamoto steps in to attack with his Zanpakutō, releasing a blast of fire. However, the masked men have already disappeared. After Yamamoto remarks that their Reiatsu has already disappeared, Sasakibe calls him, saying there is something that he must tell Yamamoto, which is that the masked men were able to perform Bankai. The Captain-Commander’s eyes widen in shock. ^[4]

Aftermath

The masked men arrive back at their headquarters, and Luders removes his cape and mask. He notices Asguiaro Ebern, and says that it is quite admirable to bow down to him, and remarks that Asguiaro must have been too impatient, judging by his appearance. Asguiaro asks if he is kidding, saying that he would not bow down to the likes of him. After Luder retaliates, his arm is suddenly sliced off. Vandenreich Leader Yhwach tells Luders and Asguiaro not to fight in front of him, a he does not like fights. He then asks for their reports.^[5] Luders pants on the ground, and the Leader allows him to stay on the ground. However, he states that Luders would not need his legs if that was the case. Luders immediately apologizes and says he would never be that rude. The Leader then asks for Asguiaro’s report.^[6]

The Leader then discusses with Luders about the Vandenreich destroying Soul Society in five days, and Luders is asked if he is maybe a prophet. Luders says he is not, and the Leader responds saying he does not want to hear the future now, and kills Luders with a wave of his hand. The Leader then directs his attention to Asguiaro, and states that he did enough to slow down Ichigo Kurosaki, but slaughters him as well. Another one of the masked men ask if he is fine, since Arrancar are supposed to be precious soldiers. The Leader says he doesn't care, as he climbs up a stairway. After reaching the top of the stairway, he removes a curtain, revealing that they have captured Tier Harribel, the Third Espada. The Leader proclaims that Hueco Mundo is already their territory, and is just another foundation stone to invade the Soul Society. ^[7]

References

1. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 482, page 15-17
2. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 483, page 1-4
3. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 483, page 17-18
4. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 484, page 1-7
5. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 484, page 13-16
6. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 485, page 1-3
7. ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 485, page 12-17

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