is bleach episode 149 filler?

's mask is shattered when he protects Rukia from Vecuness's attack. With Ashido Kanō having been struck by Vecuness in defense of Rukia Kuchiki and the pieces of his shattered mask falling to the ground, he and Rukia land in the center of the group of Menos Grande, where Rukia apologizes to him for causing this.

As Ashido tells her to not worry about it, a chuckling Vecuness mocks Ashido for bringing a burden with him today and warns Ashido that he should be more concerned about himself, prompting Rukia to decide to defeat him in order to atone for Ashido getting hurt to protect her.