By Episode 221, Ichigo has been pushed beyond every conceivable limit. After being struck down by Ulquiorra Cifer (the Fourth Espada), Ichigo lies motionless as his friends, Uryu and Orihime, watch in horror. Ulquiorra, in his Segunda Etapa form (a release even Aizen had never witnessed), prepares to deliver the final blow.
It marks the start of the anticipated fight-heavy section of the arc, with intense action and strategic battles, following the filler-free "No-Filler" rewatch consensus. Reception: