Ep. 216: Ichigo fights Ulquiorra while Soul Reapers defend Karakura Town pillars from Baraggan's forces.

216

Ichigo reaches the fifth tower to rescue Orihime and engages Ulquiorra in combat. Simultaneously, Baraggan Louisenbairn commands the assault on the Karakura Town replica, ordering the destruction of four protective pillars using giant hollows. Soul Reapers Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Izuru Kira, and Shuuhei Hisagi defeat the hollows guarding each pillar. They are then confronted by four of Baraggan's Fracciones: Choe Neng Poww, Charlotte Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, and Findor Calius. The Soul Reapers are introduced to their new opponents as the intense battle for the town commences. This segment is part of the Arrancar: Decisive Battle of Karakura arc.