Asuka Katakura is the 6th Seat of the 3rd Division of the Gotei 13. His captain is Roujuurou Otoribashi.

Along with Lieutenant Izuru Kira and his fellow Third Division officers, he is present near the base of one of the pillars of blue flame caused by the Vandenreich invasion. When Taketsuna Gori complains that he is tired of waiting and hopes that the enemy emerges soon, Asuka criticizes him. After a member of the Reishi Investigation Team tells them there is a Quincy inside the flame, Izuru orders them to attack. However, Izuru is heavily wounded before he can do anything. Third Seat Rikū Togakushi orders the remaining Shinigami to use their Shikai to attack. He releases his Shikai, but is overpowered by the Quincy opponent, who swiftly slams his head into the ground.