Noblesse Oblige.

Mayuri explains to Ichigo about the Garganta, but Ichigo managed to piss him off by saying he is very much like Urahara. Before Mayuri can react, Ichigo and Unohana jumps in the Garganta. Inside the Garganta pathway, Unohana asks Ichigo when he fought Aizen did Aizen use his Shikai or Bankai. Ichigo admits that he was overwhelmed to the point that Aizen did not even need to release his sword. Unohana, however, explains that this is great news because none of the Captains, former Captains, Visoreds, or Espada can stand up to Aizen because they have all seen at least his Shikai. Ichigo is the only one left with recognizable power that can face Aizen. She warns Ichigo that he must under no circumstance see Aizen's release, because everyone is counting on him. This assertion is confirmed back in Hueco Mundo, as Byakuya and Mayuri implicitly reveals that the reason they did not back to Karakura Town as well is because they both believe in Ichigo.

Thoughts: Everything in this chapter we saw coming. The main character has an advantage that permits only him to face off the final boss. As to how Ichigo think he can defeat Aizen remains a mystery to me. His Bankai proved to be insignificant in speed and power back on Sokyoku as Aizen was able to foresee his attack through Renji's distraction and block it with his bare hands. Even when I try to sum up Ichigo's growth, circumstantial strength, and Getsuga Tenshou, it still does not change much (Ichigo has fought many more battles since then which increase his experience, abilities, and strength; Ichigo was injured from Byakuya fight when he "fought" Aizen; Ichigo did not get the chance to use Getsuga Tenshou because he was taken out immediately). As for Hollowfication, Ichigo can't even bring out the mask now. But for some reason, I keep foreseeing that when he brings out the mask, Aizen would just shatter it in an instant. I have more to say about this, but I'll save the rant for later.

Next, I would like to comment on Yammy, the "strongest" Espada ... he is so insignificant that everyone is just talking and chilling while Kenpachi is raping him in the background. Sigh ... Yammy disappoints me like no other, whyyy did they made him the Cero Espada =[. Finally, there was some good poses and pictures of Byakuya in this chapter =].