Bleach Volume 59

After complete recovery at Tenjiro Kirinji's place, Ichigo and Renji arrive at the palace of Kirio Hikifune where they replenish their Reiatsu with her special food. Ichigo learns that each of Royal Guard members have been chosen by the Soul King because of the significant contributions to Soul Society like Kirio creating the ModSouls. Afterwards, Ichigo and Renji meet Ōetsu Nimaiya, the unpredictable creator of the Zanpakutō. Before repairing their blades, Nimaiya gives Ichigo and Renji the challenge to evade the nameless Zanpakutō known as Asauchi whose anger towards the two symbolizes the improper use of their Zanpakutō. Meanwhile, at the Muken, Kenpachi Zaraki and Unohana enter a dark, cavernous space were they would fight to the death. It would be revealed that Retsu Unohana was originally a blood thirsty sociopath known as Squad 11 Captain Yachiru Unohana, one of the founding members of the Thirteen Court Squads and whose title Kenpachi named himself after. Both excited while remembering their first battle years ago, the battle ends with Kenpachi killing Unohana while finally hearing his Zanpakutō. Back at the Soul King's Palace, Ichigo failed Nimaiya's test and is sent back to the World of the Living. Once Ichigo is gone, Renji admits that he knew Ichigo would fail Nimaiya's test because he is not a true Soul Reaper with Nimaiya believing Ichigo must learn of his roots. Meeting Ichigo there, Isshin decides that it is time to reveal the truth that he was Squad Ten Captain Isshin Shiba and how he met Masaki Kurosaki.

The Battle
Contains chapters 521 - 530.