The last chapter saw a big reveal and the onset of a major battle between Mayuri and Pernida. The battle rages on!
Mayuri seems unfazed with Pernida revealed as the Left arm of the Soul King, and he manages to resist the initial attacks. In 638, we see a new look for Mayuri, more threatening and more indicative of his madness.
Predictions for 638 had the odds against Mayuri, as Kaleo.org mentioned; he is being reckless and will "get into trouble for underestimating his opponent." Pernida's revelation was supposed to strike fear, but he laughed it off and continued to taunt.
"Boiling Malice and Total Comedy" picks up where it left off, and the battle rages on. (Spoilers from Bleach Wiki)Pernida displays its strength, sending its nerves underneath the ground, causing it to crumble. Mayuri is amused, treating his enemy as an experiment, noting that he has the ability to control inanimate objects.
Mayuri uses "jabarakaina" to escape, holding onto a building, but Pernida pushed the building out, turning it into a giant hand of stone. He also creates another hand of stone and crushes Mayuri by "clapping"the two hands together as an explosion is heard.
They thought Mayuri exploded but it was just armor that reacts by exploding. Mayuri continues to remain confident, hovering over the nerves released by Pernida that now cover the ground. Mayuri hovers over them with a sky walking technique and continues to taunt.
Being the mad scientist that he is, Mayuri takes a "sample" by blowing off Pernida's pinkie with a remote explosive. However, Pernida also uses a 'sleight of hand' as one of his nerves causes Mayuri's arm to burst!
Mayuri still emerges, quickly sewing his limb back with the declaration that he "rearranged the position of his nerves and muscles" and that Pernida "cannot take control of his body so easily."
Mayuri does not fall against the hand of Pernida (that IS Pernida, actually).
Who will take the upper hand in this battle?