Bleach Episode 56: Supersonic Battle! Determine the Goddess of Battle

Uryu Ishida runs through the night, exhausted and hunted by a massive Hollow. His cracked glasses reflect his shattered strength; he has no true way to fight. The creature multiplies, looming over him, and he knows this fight is beyond him. He is alone and powerless in the face of this threat.

Just as the Hollow closes in, a calm figure appears. It is Ryuken Ishida, Uryu's father. He stands unflustered, showing no fear as he manifests a Quincy bow. A single, powerful arrow disintegrates the monster. Uryu is frozen, witnessing a power far beyond anything he possessed.

Ryuken dismisses the vanquished Hollow, turning his cold gaze on Uryu. He berates his son for being pathetic, while Uryu demands to know the source of this power. Ryuken claims Uryu lacks talent, his words cutting deep. Uryu's hands tremble, hurt and frustration warring within him.

Ryuken declares himself the true heir to their power, the 'Last Quincy.' His Quincy cross glows with an intimidating blue light, solidifying his claim. A brief memory shows Uryu training happily with his kind grandfather, Soken Ishida, a stark contrast to his current father. Ryuken then offers Uryu his powers back, but only if he severs all ties with Soul Reapers.

The scene shifts to Kon, panicked and in Ichigo's body, being chased through the city by Grand Fisher. Kon screams, knowing he is defenseless without Ichigo's spiritual power. Grand Fisher smashes through the city, relishing the hunt. The Mod Souls Ririn, Kurudo, and Noba watch from above, unimpressed by Kon's terror. Kon eventually finds himself cornered, facing his end.

Grand Fisher mocks Kon's bluffing and reveals his new form, partially removing his mask to show a more human face. He is now an Arrancar, a Hollow with Soul Reaper powers, his spiritual pressure crushing the air. The chase resumes, Kon crying as he pushes Ichigo's body to its limit. Grand Fisher corners him on a water tank, preparing a final, crushing blow.

Just as Grand Fisher's strike connects, a brilliant spiritual barrier appears, throwing the monster back. A red protective charm falls near Kon, the source of the unexpected defense. From the darkness, a figure descends. It is Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's goofy father, now clad in Soul Reaper robes and a captain's haori. His presence is calm and commanding.

Elsewhere, Ichigo and Shinji Hirako sense the immense spiritual pressure. Shinji smiles knowingly, while Ichigo is confused. Isshin reveals to Kon he knew about him inhabiting Ichigo's body all along. A flashback shows Isshin somber after Masaki Kurosaki's death. He then turns to Grand Fisher, mocking the Arrancar's arrogance and unimpressed by his boasts of new power, even yawning.

Grand Fisher draws a colossal zanpakuto, believing its size equates to power. Isshin calmly explains that a true Soul Reaper controls their zanpakuto's size, lecturing the Arrancar on spiritual pressure. In a blur, Isshin draws his own blade and delivers a single, precise vertical strike. Grand Fisher is split and disintegrates, his long pursuit of the Kurosaki family finally ended.

Ichigo and Shinji discuss the battle, with Shinji teasing Ichigo about his slow understanding. Shinji attempts to recruit Ichigo again, but Ichigo refuses, resolute in his Soul Reaper path. Shinji departs, leaving Ichigo to ponder the mysterious warrior. A comedic 'Shinigami Illustrated Guide' features Iba and Hisagi trying to play fetch with Captain Komamura. The episode closes with Isshin in his Soul Reaper attire, a small, knowing smirk on his face.