Yamamoto’s entry into the fray immediately shifts the tide, as he incinerates high-ranking Sternritter like Bazz-B and Äs Nödt with a single stroke of his Shikai before setting his sights on the King. The Spectacle of Zanka no Tachi
Just as Yamamoto appears to have decisively defeated Yhwach , a horrifying truth is revealed: the man he fought was an impostor, , who used his ability "The Yourself" to copy Yhwach’s memories and personality.
The real Yhwach returns after visiting the imprisoned Sōsuke Aizen and wastes no time capitalizing on Yamamoto's exhaustion. He reveals that only he possesses the power to steal Yamamoto's Bankai because it is too powerful for anyone else to wield. With Yamamoto's Bankai stolen and his guard down, Yhwach delivers a fatal blow, ending the era of the legendary Captain-Commander and plunging the Soul Society into its darkest hour.