The Fire Yamamoto quickly saves Zaraki from Yhwach's clutches and engages him in battle across the rooftops of the Seireitei. After Yhwach is pushed to unsheathing his sword, Yamamoto activates his Bankai, Zanka no Tachi. Upon activation, every droplet of water within the Soul Society begins to evaporate, while everyone can feel the dryness. Unohana is worried that if it goes on for too long, Yamamoto could destroy even the Soul Society. Yhwach is powerless against the various abilities of Zanka no Tachi, and Yamamoto boasts that his Bankai is too strong to be stolen. With his strongest Bankai attack, Yamamoto bisects Yhwach. However, he is soon unnerved by the dying "Yhwach" apologizing to his Master for failing. Suddenly, the Division 1 barracks are annihilated and the real Yhwach arrives to terminate his double, Stern Ritter "Y- Yourself", Royd Loyd for failing. Yhwach reveals he was busy meeting with Sōsuke Aizen in his underground prison. Considered one of the Five Special War Powers, Yhwach attempted to recruit Aizen to his side, but the latter firmly claimed that Yhwach would need to be the one to serve him, so Yhwach leaves, being unable to kill Aizen because of his fusion with the Hogyoku. Baffled, Yamamoto attempts using his Bankai again, but Yhwach steals it, citing that it can be stolen, but only he is powerful enough to do so. Resigned to his fate, Yamamoto is diagonally bisected by Yhwach, shocking the Soul Reapers.