With Ichigo trapped in Hueco Mundo, the Soul Society comes under attack by a mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich. The Soul Reaper captains valiantly stand up to the invaders, but this is a battle they might not be able to win. Bambietta Basterbine, one of the Sternritter (the Quincy’s elite) is introduced. Her character and abilities, specifically her power called "The Explode," turns challenging for the Soul Reapers. Bambietta's arrival escalates the conflict between the Soul Reapers and the Quincy.