Episode 153 – The Devilish Research! Szayel Aporro's Plan

Dordonii is struck down by Ichigo once again, and to thank Ichigo for using his full power against him, Dordonii fights the Exequias, a group of arrancar specializing in eliminating intruders, to allow Ichigo to retreat. When Sōsuke Aizen learns of this, he asks who ordered the Exequias to attack Ichigo, and the Espada Szayel Aporro Granz takes responsibility. Aizen forgives him, noting that Dordonii's body will help Szayel's research. Meanwhile, Ishida is battling the Privaron Espada Cirucci Thunderwitch, and Rukia encounters the Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie. Aaroniero removes his mask, revealing the face of Soul Reaper Kaien Shiba, the former lieutenant of the thirteenth division that Rukia killed.