Episode Title:
The Shooting Star Project (Zero Mix)
Episode Description:
After the invasion, Rukia and Renji are treated by Division 4, along with the surviving Soul Reapers as Byakuya barely clings to life. Captain Kurotsuchi tells Ichigo that as his Zanpakutō was destroyed while in Bankai state, it cannot be fixed. The captains mourn Yamamoto, Byakuya and Zaraki are still in a critical state and may never wake. Ichigo and the captains meet with Squad Zero, composed of five most elite former captains, who protect the Soul King in the Royal Palace. Ichigo and the captains communicate with Urahara, Inoue and Sado, who were saved from Quilge by a concealed Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Kūkaku Shiba sends Ichigo, Byakuya, Renji, Rukia and Squad Zero to the Royal Palace above the Seireitei where Zangetsu could be reforged. Kūkaku, having sent them up to the Royal Palace joins her brother Ganju, as well as Kūgo Ginjō, Shūkurō Tsukishima and Giriko Kutsuzawa, who now reside in the Soul Society, since they were killed with a Zanpakutō. At the Royal Palace, Ichigo, Rukia, Renji, and Byakuya are being healed by Tenjirō Kirinji, a member of Squad Zero and the one who taught Unohana healing techniques. The Soul King is seen awakening.
