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Bleach (2004)
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The Day I Became a Soul Reaper
Ichigo Kurosaki is a 15 year old boy who can see spirits. As he tries to protect the spirit of a little girl from a hollow, he witnesses a clash between the malevolent spirit and a Soul Reaper. Later, Ichigo is met by the woman again in his room. She introduces herself as Rukia Kuchiki, and explains the basic goal of the Soul Reapers to Ichigo. The hollow returns, attacking Ichigo's home, and Rukia is wounded. In order to save his family, Ichigo takes Rukia’s power into himself and becomes a Soul Reaper.
A Soul Reaper's Work
After discovering Rukia has enrolled in his class, she reveals to Ichigo that she has lost her power and tells him to stand in as a substitute. Although he refuses this position at first, Ichigo eventually accepts after realizing he cannot just turn a blind eye if he encounters a hollow.
The Older Brother's Wish, the Younger Sister's Wish
Ichigo discovers that one of his classmates, Orihime Inoue, is stalked by her older brother's spirit turned hollow. As he is forced to use his power again, Ichigo finally submits to his purpose as a substitute Soul Reaper and agrees to take on Rukia's Soul Reaper responsibilities.
Cursed Parakeet
Ichigo’s friend Chad comes into possession of a cursed cockatiel that is inhabited by the soul of a small boy. The curse, which brings misfortune to anyone who possesses it, is really the acts of a hollow that has been stalking the boy's soul. Chad is attacked by the hollow, but with Rukia's help, they face off against the hollow.
Beat the invisible enemy!
With Rukia's help, Chad fights the hollow despite not being able to see it. Ichigo eventually arrives and defeats the hollow, but unlike the previous hollows that simply dissolved and went to Soul Society, the gates of Hell appear and capture the hollow. The spirit that inhabited the cockatiel is released to move on to Soul Society.
Fight to the death! Ichigo vs. Ichigo
In order for Ichigo to transform into a Soul Reaper when Rukia is not around, she purchases some soul candy from the Urahara Shop for him. However, the candy is actually a modified soul, an artificial warrior from Soul Society created to destroy hollows. Once inside Ichigo's body the modified soul goes on a rampage, ruining Ichigo's social image.
Greetings from a Stuffed Lion
Ichigo confronts the modified soul possessing his body, but is then distracted by an emerging hollow. Together, they defeat the hollow. When Kisuke Urahara (the merchant who sold Rukia her gigai) comes for the "defective" merchandise, Ichigo takes the modified soul back. He places the modified soul into a stuffed lion plushie and names it "Kon". Meanwhile in Soul Society, another Soul Reaper is sent to track down Rukia, who has spent too much time in the living world and needs retrieving.
June 17, Memories in the Rain
Ichigo and his family visit their mother's grave on the anniversary of her death. While there, the Soul Reaper sent for Rukia attacks them because she broke Soul Society law by giving him her powers. The battle halts when Ichigo's sisters Karin and Yuzu are attacked by a hollow.
Unbeatable Enemy
Ichigo confronts the hollow, who is revealed as the Grand Fisher, the hollow who killed Ichigo's mother. Ichigo defeats the hollow, but does not manage to kill it. The Soul Reaper sent after Rukia gives up his search when he witnesses Ichigo's strength.
Assault on Trip at Sacred Ground!
When popular TV star/spirit medium Don Kanonji transforms a spirit into a hollow during an exorcism, Ichigo is forced to clean up the mess. Upon the hollow's defeat, Kanonji is shocked to realize what he has done. With a little cheer-up from Ichigo, Kanonji is back to his old self again, and calls Ichigo, despite Ichigo's objections, his new apprentice.
The Legendary Quincy
While on another hollow fighting mission, Ichigo encounters Uryū Ishida, a fellow classmate belonging to a clan known as the Quincy - humans that can use spiritual power to fight hollows. Ishida declares himself an enemy of all Soul Reapers and challenges Ichigo to a hollow-hunting competition.
A Gentle Right Arm
The hollow-hunting contest between Ishida and Ichigo has lured hundreds of hollows to Karakura Town, endangering many of Ichigo's friends. Chad is forced to fight a hollow in order to save Karin. During the battle he is finally able to see the hollow clearly, and develops a new ability — an armoured right arm capable of firing energy blasts.
Flower and Hollow
The situation worsens as more hollows appear in the human world, attacking the school where Orihime and her friends are. While defending them, Orihime develops her own power, the Shun Shun Rikka — a group of fairy-like creatures coming from the hairpins given to her by her brother — and defeats the hollow. Afterward, Kisuke Urahara takes in Orihime and Chad to help them with their new powers while Rukia and Ichigo confront Ishida.
Back to Back, a Fight to the Death!
The legion of hollows force Ichigo and Ishida to team up in combat while the others watch. A giant hollow called a Menos Grande arrives on the scene, and is driven away after Ichigo inflicts a wound with his full power. However, he releases too much spiritual power in the process. The strain of his powers causes Ichigo to lose consciousness, and Ishida saves him by releasing the excess energy through his bow.
Kon's Great Plan
Tired of mistreatment from Ichigo, Kon runs away to find a nicer owner. Instead, he is abused wherever he goes. Ichigo makes an effort to befriend Ishida but is rebuffed. Rukia becomes conflicted with her attachment with humans. Rather than endanger Ichigo, she runs away to face the hunters from Soul Society.
The Encounter, Abarai Renji!
Ichigo faces off against the Soul Reaper Renji Abarai, who has come to capture Rukia. Renji triggers his initial release, gaining the advantage by transforming his sword into a unique weapon, and Ichigo finds himself overwhelmed fighting a fully trained Soul Reaper.
Ichigo Dies!
Ichigo makes a comeback against Renji, overwhelming him. Just when Renji is about to fall, Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia's brother, steps in and defeats Ichigo. Rukia returns to Soul Society so that Ichigo can be spared death, and Ichigo is left dying, with his power stripped from him. He is then saved by Kisuke Urahara, who agrees to help him rescue Rukia, who faces the death penalty in Soul Society. Ichigo, however, must agree to train to regain his powers.
Reclaim the Power of a Soul Reaper!
As his last day of school ends, Ichigo is upset to discover that no one except for Orihime and Chad seems to remember Rukia, due to a Soul Society-imposed mind wipe. He begins his training at the Urahara Shop, first battling Ururu Tsumugiya to regain control of his spirit body. As the training enters stage two Ichigo's soul is cut from his body and thrown into a pit, and he must try to regain his Soul Reaper powers in 72 hours, or risk becoming a hollow. Meanwhile, Yoruichi Shihōin, a speaking cat, offers to train Chad and Orihime to control their powers so they can join Ichigo in Soul Society.
Ichigo Becomes a Hollow!
In Soul Society Rukia’s sentence is moved up and she only has 25 days left. In the pit Ichigo battles through the agony of the process of becoming a hollow. His transformation is almost complete as he enters his own mind, coming face to face with his inner spirit, Zangetsu, who helps him unleash the Soul Reaper powers he was born with. In a powerful display, Ichigo emerges from the pit with his Soul Reaper uniform on, but also wearing the mask of a hollow. Breaking the mask off, Ichigo spends the rest of his training fighting Urahara.
Ichimaru Gin's Shadow
While fighting Urahara, Ichigo learns the name of his zanpakutō - Zangetsu. Upon learning the name, the sword transforms into a much more powerful version and he unleashes an energy blast which knocks off Urahara's hat, completing the third stage in his training. Orihime and Chad, meanwhile, finish their training with Yoruichi. The entire group, including Ishida, who has been training alone, set out for Soul Society using a gate Yoruichi and Urahara made.
Enter! The World of Soul Reapers
Ichigo, Uryū, Orihime, Chad and Yoruichi cross over into Soul Society using the gate. They arrive in Rukongai, where normal spirits reside. Ichigo quickly finds himself in a battle with the gate watcher Jidanbō when he carelessly tries to enter Seireitei, where the Soul Reapers reside. Thanks to Urahara's training, Ichigo easily defeats Jidanbō, but when Jidanbō opens the gate, Ichigo encounters the 3rd division captain, Gin Ichimaru.
The Man who Hates Soul Reapers
Ichimaru uses his shikai and pushes Ichigo back through the gate. After being "shot" out of Seireitei by Ichimaru, Ichigo and his friends must find another way in. While searching for a friend of Yoruichi’s, Ichigo meets Ganju Shiba, a man who claims to be the "number one Soul Reaper-hater of West Rukongai." The two hate each other immediately and begin to fight, but their battle ends abruptly when the clock on the back of one of Ganju's friends goes off.
14 Days Before Rukia's Execution
Yoruichi solicits the help of Ganju's sister, Kūkaku Shiba, who agrees to send them into Seireitei using her fireworks cannon. Meanwhile, Rukia's sentence has been moved to 14 days, and she is transferred into a cell called the Shrine of Penitence. An emergency meeting is called among all the captains of the Gotei 13.
Assemble! The 13 Divisions
In order to use the cannon to enter Seireitei, Ichigo and his friends must first learn how to focus their spiritual energies in order to use an item called a Spirit Orb, a task Ichigo finds especially difficult. He finally succeeds with the help of Ganju and creates the shell he will need to ride the cannon. Within Seireitei a meeting of all the captains in the Gotei 13 is held to discuss how to deal with the invaders. The meeting is interrupted by an alarm, indicating that someone has infiltrated Seireitei.
Penetrate the Center with an Enormous Bombshell?
Before the group launches into Seireitei, Ganju reveals that the reason he hates Soul Reapers is because his brother was killed by one. In Seireitei, 11th division captain Kenpachi Zaraki sets out to hunt Ichigo, believing him to be a worthy opponent. Captain Sōsuke Aizen confronts Ichimaru in front of the 10th Division captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya about his flimsy excuse for allowing the invaders to escape. As the crew passes through the shield surrounding Sereitei, Ichigo’s inability to control his spiritual energy results in the shell exploding, separating the group.
Formation! The Worst Tag
Ichigo lands with Ganju, and Ishida with Orihime, while Chad and Yoruichi are alone. Ichigo and Ganju encounter and fight two 11th division members, Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa respectively. Ikkaku gains an advantage by using the shikai of his zanpakutō. Ganju attempts to escape from Yumichika using a series of tricks.
Release the Death Blow!
Ichigo eventually overpowers Ikkaku, although he is injured in the process. Ganju and Yumichika continue their fight, with Yumichika pursuing Ganju throughout Seireitei. The 11th division captain, Kenpachi Zaraki continues to search for Ichigo, but is lost, thanks to the poor directions of his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi.
Orihime Targeted
Ganju manages to defeat Yumichika by exploding fireworks on his face. Uryū and Orihime are confronted by Jirōbō Ikkanzaka, the 4th seat of the 7th division. Uryū is easily able to destroy the projectiles he sends at them, and destroys his ability to be a Soul Reaper when he threatens Orihime. Meanwhile, the 12th division captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, dispatches squads to locate the intruders.
Breakthrough! The Soul Reapers' Encompassing Net
Ichigo and Ganju attempt to escape the Soul Reapers following them by using Hanatarō Yamada, a 4th division officer, as a distraction. They fail, but the Soul Reapers are distracted by Sado's energy blasts elsewhere, enabling them to escape. Hanatarō promises to take Ichigo and Ganju to Rukia. Kenpachi is still attempting to find Ichigo, but Yachiru's directions are leading him in the opposite direction. He then heads to Ikkaku, and stops Mayuri from attacking Ikkaku when the latter refuses to answer any questions.
Renji's Confrontation
With Hanatarō's help, Ichigo and Ganju begin to move towards Rukia's location. However, Renji Abarai, the lieutenant of the 6th division, confronts them. Ichigo begins to fight him, and Renji reveals that he is five times more powerful than when they fought previously.
The Resolution to Kill
Ichigo and Renji fight viciously, with Renji initially gaining the advantage. However, Ichigo reflects on his training with Urahara, and uses his "resolve" to fire a blast of spiritual energy at Renji, defeating him.
Stars and the Stray
Renji reflects on his past with Rukia, remembering how they were childhood friends, and how they joined the Soul Reaper Academy together. However, they steadily grew more separated, and he stopped interfering with her after she was adopted by the Kuchiki clan. After reminiscing, he begs Ichigo to save her.
Miracle! The Mysterious New Hero
This is a filler episode featuring Don Kanonji and the Karakura Superheroes. Karin successfully destroys a hollow with her soccer ball after it falls from the sky, along with a kitten's soul. Elsewhere, Ururu Tsumugiya and Jinta Hanakari see a hollow and destroy it. At the park, Don Kanonji informs the group that he intends to form a team of heroes, the Karakura Superheroes. Later, the kitten shields Yuzu as more hollows attack her, and the minor hollows around them meld into one larger hollow. With help from the kitten, the Karakura Superheroes defeat the hollow.
Tragedy of Dawn
Hanatarō and Ganju carry Ichigo away as the Soul Reapers arrive. Hanatarō begins to heal Ichigo. Renji, despite being heavily injured, is incarcerated on the orders of his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki. Meanwhile, the Soul Reaper high command orders all-out war against the intruders. As 5th division lieutenant Momo Hinamori travels to a lieutenants' meeting the following day, she finds the corpse of her captain, Sōsuke Aizen, hanging from a tower.
Aizen Assassinated! The Darkness which Approaches
Believing that he murdered Aizen, Hinamori attacks Ichimaru, but is stopped by Kira. Hitsugaya stops their fight, and orders both to be incarcerated. He then promises to kill Ichimaru if he harms Hinamori in any way. Chad continues through Seireitei, but the 8th division captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, decides to stop him. Ichigo, Ganju, and Hanatarō travel towards Rukia's prison, but are immobilized by Kenpachi's immense spiritual force.
Zaraki Kenpachi Approaches!
The 10th division lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, gives Hinamori a letter from Aizen, which discloses the true identity of his murderer. Meanwhile, Ichigo begins to fight Kenpachi. However, Kenpachi's spiritual energy is so great that Ichigo cannot even attack him.
Motive of the Fist
As Chad continues through Soul Society, he encounters members of the 8th division. He manages to defeat them all until the 8th division captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, confronts him. Although Chad is determined to win to uphold his promise to Ichigo, Shunsui easily (albeit regretfully) defeats him.
Desperation! The Broken Zangetsu
Rather than kill him, Shunsui orders Chad to be incarcerated. Elsewhere, Ichigo is fleeing Kenpachi, terrified of Kenpachi's overwhelming power. After realizing the importance of his mission, however, Ichigo finds the resolve to face him. He manages to cut Kenpachi, but becomes overconfident after learning that Kenpachi has not mastered his zanpakutō. Kenpachi then stabs him in the chest, breaking Ichigo's zanpakutō in the process.
The Immortal Man
Zangetsu, the spirit of Ichigo's zanpakutō, brings Ichigo into his world. Through fighting a hollow version of himself, Ichigo realizes that zanpakutō are more than mere tools, and that simply knowing his zanpakutō's name does not make him more powerful. Ichigo is then able to fight Kenpachi on equal footing, and as the two clash in a massive strike, Ichigo collapses.
The Soul Reaper Ganju Met
Kenpachi falls down beside Ichigo in defeat, and Yachiru takes him away for medical treatment. Yoruichi also retrieves Ichigo. Ganju and Hanatarō arrive at Rukia's cell, but Ganju becomes infuriated because he believes Rukia was the killer of his brother, Kaien Shiba. Byakuya arrives, and Ganju decides to fight him.
Reunion, Ichigo and Rukia
As Ichigo awakens, Yoruichi reveals that she is actually a woman. Afterwards, Yoruichi shows Ichigo a device that allowed her to fly, and Ichigo uses it to go save Ganju and Hanatarō. Meanwhile, Byakuya easily defeats Ganju with his shikai, but is then stopped by the 13th division captain, Jūshirō Ukitake. Ichigo arrives and fights Byakuya. Before Byakuya can activate his shikai, Yoruichi stops him.
Yoruichi, Goddess of Flash, Dances!
As Renji Abarai recovers in his cell, the spirit of his zanpakutō, Zabimaru, says that he wishes to face Ichigo Kurosaki's zanpakutō, Zangetsu, again, but Renji tells him that Ichigo is no longer his enemy. Elsewhere, Yoruichi Shihōin manages to evade Byakuya Kuchiki and escape with Ichigo. After Ichigo regains consciousness, she begins to instruct him in the use of his bankai, the final stage of his zanpakutō that would vastly increase his power. Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue are attempting to travel to Rukia Kuchiki's cell by using Soul Reaper clothes, but they are closely watched by twelfth division Soul Reaper captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
The Despicable Soul Reaper
Uryū and Orihime continue towards Rukia's location, but are accosted by Makizō Aramaki, a Soul Reaper of the eleventh division. Some twelfth division members arrive to help, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who has made them into human bombs, detonates them. Orihime uses her powers to protect Uryū and herself from the explosions, and Mayuri expresses his wish to experiment on Orihime. Uryū begins to fight Mayuri, but is quickly disabled by the paralzying abilities of Mayuri's zanpakutō when his lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, uses her body to hold down Uryū. Mayuri then reveals that he has experimented on many other Quincy, including Uryū's grandfather, Sōken Ishida, and was responsible for his death.
Ishida's Ultimate Power!
Uryū uses the Quincy technique ransōtengai to overcome the paralysis of Mayuri's zanpakutō. However, he is outclassed by Mayuri, and is forced to take off his sanrei glove, an act that releases the limits on his powers. Uryū proceeds to completely overwhelms Mayuri, but Mayuri escapes by transforming into a liquid. Uryū continues on towards Rukia's cell, severely weakened, until he is confronted by another Soul Reaper captain, Kaname Tōsen.
Overcome Your Limits!
Tōsen disables Uryū instantly with his zanpakutō, and has him incarcerated. Yoruichi summons Zangetsu using a tenshintai, one of Kisuke Urahara's inventions. Zangetsu states that if Ichigo defeats him, he will be able to perform his bankai, and will be slain if he fails. Elsewhere, Hanatarō Yamada is admonished by his captain, Retsu Unohana, for helping Ichigo, Renji breaks out of his prison cell, third division captain Gin Ichimaru releases his lieutenant, Izuru Kira, from his imprisonment, and eleventh division captain Kenpachi Zaraki agrees to help Orihime find Ichigo in order to fight Ichigo again.
Authentic Records! School of Soul Reapers
While incarcerated, fifth division lieutenant Momo Hinamori recalls her experiences at the Soul Reaper Academy, where she befriended Renji and Izuru. On a field trip to hunt hollows, she and her comrades were saved by captain Sōsuke Aizen and then-lieutenant Gin Ichimaru when powerful hollows attacked. Back in the present, Hinamori knocks her guard unconscious and escapes from her cell, planning to confront the person who killed Aizen.
The Avengers
Yoruichi notes that Ichigo's training for his bankai is going well and stops the training for the day. She reveals in their subsequent conversation that Kisuke Urahara used to be the twelfth division captain. Elsewhere, Tōshirō Hitsugaya confronts Ichimaru and Kira over Aizen's murder, but is interrupted by Hinamori, who believes that Hitsugaya killed Aizen. Hitsugaya knocks Hinamori unconscious and prepares to kill Ichimaru.
Hitsugaya Howls!
Hitsugaya and Ichimaru begin to fight, and Ichimaru initially takes the upper hand with his swordplay. Hitsugaya turns the tables by using the shikai of his zanpakutō to immobilize Ichimaru by freezing his arm, but this advantage is countered when Ichimaru uses his own shikai to threaten the unconscious Hinamori. Rangiku Matsumoto arrives to aid Hinamori and Hitsugaya, and Ichimaru withdraws rather than go against her. Meanwhile, Renji arrives at Ichigo's training spot, and reveals that Rukia's execution date has been moved to the next day.
Rukia's Nightmare
Rukia reminisces about her past as a member of the thirteenth division. As she was able to get into the Gotei 13 due to being part of the Kuchiki clan, she was disliked by the other members of her division, but she was able to construct a deep friendship with lieutenant Kaien Shiba. One night, however, a hollow merged with Kaien and attempted to kill Rukia. Kaien regained control of his body, and impaled himself on Rukia's zanpakutō. Rukia, believing that she is a coward who killed Kaien, is convinced that she should be executed.
The Reviving Lion
In this filler episode, Kon tries to escape from Yuzu Kurosaki. While on the run, he is found by a desperate Don Kanonji, whose television ratings are starting to plummet. Together they reform the Karakura Superheroes, with Yuzu playing Karakura Yellow and Kon playing Karakura King.
Morning of the Sentence
Kenpachi, along with Orihime and his subordinates, begins to travel to the execution grounds, but are confronted by captains Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen and their lieutenants, Tetsuzaemon Iba and Shūhei Hisagi. Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa, Kenpachi's subordinates, begin fights with Iba and Hisagi respectively, and Komamura and Tōsen attack Kenpachi. Elsewhere, Renji has acquired his bankai, and Yoruichi is confident that Ichigo will do the same.
Renji, Oath of the Soul! Death Match with Byakuya
Renji travels to Rukia's execution area, and meets his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, along the way. Renji uses his bankai to fight Byakuya, but his lack of experience with his bankai stymies his efforts. Byakuya uses his own bankai, and defeats Renji.
Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution Shattered
As Rukia travels to the execution area, Ichimaru shatters her resolve by offering to help her, but subsequently claiming that his offer was insincere to begin with. Kenpachi is easily battling both Komamura and Tōsen, forcing Tōsen to use his bankai, which removes all of Kenpachi's senses with the exception of his sense of touch. Despite being unable to see Tōsen, Kenpachi manages to locate and injure Tōsen, but is stopped from killing him by Komamura. Komamura activates his bankai and engages Kenpachi. Meanwhile, Rukia arrives at the execution grounds.
An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!
Rukia has accepted her execution, and gives a request to General Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai to send Ichigo and his friends home after her execution. The sōkyoku, a massive halberd that transforms into a phoenix, is the execution method. However, Ichigo steps forward and stops the sōkyoku with his sword, and sympathetic captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake destroy the sōkyoku. As Renji arrives to take away Rukia, Ichigo defeats three pursuing lieutenants with his bare hands, and turns to face Byakuya.
The Strongest Soul Reapers! Ultimate Confrontation Between Teacher and Students
Byakuya begins to fight Ichigo, and promises to execute Rukia himself. Fourth division captain Retsu Unohana personally heals all of the injured present, then leaves to investigate another location. Shunsui and Ukitake also sprint from the execution grounds, and the pair confront Yamamoto in a secluded area. In an overwhelming display, Yamamoto activates his shikai and incinerates the surrounding area.
Supersonic Battle! Determine the Goddess of Battle
Yumichika returns to his captain after defeating Hisagi, and Kenpachi remarks that Komamura fled after Yamamoto began fighting. Shunsui and Ukitake decide to fight their teacher, and both use the shikai of their zanpakutō. Meanwhile, Soifon begins to fight Yoruichi, her former commander and teacher, and gains the advantage after she begins using her shikai. Believing she has the advantage, Soifon activates a nameless technique she recently discovered which greatly increases her power. However, Yoruichi activates the same technique, calling it "flash cry".
Senbonzakura, Crushed! Zangetsu Thrusts through the Sky
Soifon recalls her past with Yoruichi. She was Yoruichi's personal guard, and highly faithful to her. However, when Yoruichi left Soul Society, she felt betrayed, and carried a grudge against her mentor from that point forward. As Soifon attacks, Yoruichi uses her flash cry to block all of Soifon's attacks. Soifon breaks down in tears, asking Yoruichi why she did not take her along when she left Soul Society. Ikkaku and Iba are fighting, albeit casually for sake. Near the execution site, Ichigo uses his newly learned getsuga tenshō technique to defeat Byakuya's shikai, and requests that Byakuya use his bankai.
Unseal! The Black Blade, the Miraculous Power
Byakuya uses his bankai and overwhelms Ichigo with millions of tiny blades. In response, Ichigo uses his own bankai, which makes him incredibly fast. Ichigo evades Byakuya's bankai and stabs him with his sword. Meanwhile, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto head to the Central 46 Chambers, the highest authority in Soul Society.
Conclusion of the Death Match! White Pride and Black Desire
Byakuya uses the second form of his bankai, summoning several rows of swords. As he and Ichigo continue to fight, Ichigo becomes progressively weaker as the strain from his bankai increases. His inner hollow takes over his body after Byakuya wounds him, and he starts to overwhelm Byakuya. However, Ichigo manages to surpress his inner hollow, and regains control over his body. Both Ichigo and Byakuya focus the remainder of their powers and clash in a final strike, with Ichigo the victor. Byakuya reveals that he wished to execute Rukia to fulfill an oath to his parents, and admits defeat, claiming that Ichigo has convinced him not to execute Rukia. Elsewhere, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto enter the Central 46 Chambers.
Reality of the Despair, the Assassin's Dagger is Swung
Hitsugaya and Matsumoto enter the Central 46 Chambers to find all of its occupants slain. Kira arrives, and Hitsugaya and Matsumoto pursue him. Hitsugaya returns when Kira tells him that Hinamori has entered the Central 46 Chambers. Ichimaru meets Hinamori and takes her further into the chambers, where she is reunited with Sōsuke Aizen. Aizen impales Hinamori with his sword, and Aizen and Ichimaru leave the chamber. Hitsugaya arrives, and is enraged at Hinamori's state. He uses his bankai, but Aizen effortlessly defeats him. Retsu Unohana appears, denouncing Aizen after discovering that he is a traitor. Aizen then informs her that every Soul Reaper has been under the hypnosis of his zanpakutō, with the exception of the blind Kaname Tōsen, Aizen's other accomplice.
Aizen Stands! Horrible Ambitions
At Unohana's command, Isane Kotetsu informs all high-ranking members of the Gotei 13 of Aizen's duplicity. Aizen arrives at Rukia's execution site, where Tōsen has brought Rukia and Renji. When Aizen asks Renji to leave Rukia, he refuses and begins to fight Aizen. Ichigo also arrives, and the two fight in unison against Aizen. Aizen defeats both of them, and begins to explain his reasons for betraying Soul Society until he is interrupted by Komamura.
Gather Together! Group of the Strongest Soul Reapers!
Aizen defeats Komamura with an extremely powerful kidō spell and continues his explanation. He expresses his desire for the Orb of Distortion, an artifact that would allow him to gain hollow powers. He extracts the Orb of Distortion from Rukia, where Kisuke Urahara had hidden it. When he orders Ichimaru to kill Rukia, Byakuya saves her. The majority of the Gotei 13 then arrives to restrain Aizen. Aizen and his accomplices manage to escape when several hollows pull them into Hueco Mundo. Afterwards, as Byakuya recovers, he explains to Rukia that he married her sister, Hisana, and adopted Rukia into the Kuchiki clan due to Hisana's dying wish. However, he broke the clan's rules in doing so, and swore to his parents to uphold rules regardless of the circumstances from that point forward, and was torn between following the rules and allowing Rukia's execution or breaking them to save her.
Rukia's Resolution, Ichigo's Feelings
After a clip show in which the events of the arc are recounted, Ichigo and his friends return to the human world. However, Rukia decides to remain in Soul Society rather than leave with Ichigo.
New School Term, Renji has Come to the Material World?!
With Ichigo back home, family life in the Kurosaki home returns to normal. At school, everyone is returning from summer break, and Inoue almost spills the beans to Tatsuki about what happened in Soul Society. After class starts, Ichigo hears a voice from outside calling his name: Renji’s. Ichigo rushes out and tackles Renji into the bushes. It seems that Renji is now in charge of Karakura City, though Ichigo makes fun of him for getting a demotion since he’s supposed to be a vice-captain. Their argument is interrupted by the arrival of a Hollow, which Ichigo dispatches before it gets to the school building. Renji is actually staying at Urahara’s though they constantly make fun of him over dinner for being a freeloader.
Creeping Terror, the Second Victim
In Soul Society, Commander Yamamoto assembles the remaining captains and tells them about the efforts being made to find Aizen and the Hougyoku. Ukitake and Kyouraku are talking later about Renji, and Kyouraku mentions that he heard a rumor about that. Meanwhile in the real world, the group is trying to figure out what happened. Ichigo had talked to Tatsuki about Inoue, but she had no idea who Inoue was. They decide to go investigate Inoue’s home again and enter through Ishida’s lock-picking skills. Inside, the find the two cups across from each other on the table from when Inoue was with her brother. Suddenly, Renji’s cell phone rings with a girl calling on the other end. This girl wants to play a game and promises to return Inoue if the guys win.
Break Through! The Trap Hidden in the Labyrinth
Ichigo leaves his real body in the care of Urahara, and then receives a call from Ririn telling him to go to the museum so that they can continue the game. This time, Kon gets to come along, but only after Ishida turns him into a backpack. Inside the museum, Ririn wants to play hide and seek, saying that if Ichigo finds them, they’ll return Inoue and Sado. But first, Ichigo and Renji are required to hang up their zanpaktou in special (and mislabeled) cases. The three advance to the next set of rooms, but Ishida feels something weird as they pass through the doorway. They see that the room they are in connects infinitely down the three paths to their front, left, and right. As they quickly find out, the rooms are arranged weirdly, so Ishida takes some string out of Kon and has Kon unravel the ball as they progress through the maze, leaving a trail.
Death Game! The Missing Classmate
After they arrive at school; Ririn tells Ichigo and the others about the next game. One of them is an imposter and they must find out who it is before noon or everyone in their school will disappear.
True Identity of the Devil, the Secret which is Revealed
Ririn, Claude, Nova are on their final game. Orihime, Ishida, Renji, Kon and Ichigo make there attempt to save Chad. It turns out that Urahara has been the one behind it all, but then they find out their new enemies they must beat.
Bount! The Soul Hunters
Ririn senses the presence of a Bount, who are the new villans, and tells Ichigo about it. He arrives on the scene and starts to fight with the female Bount. Later, someone he doesn't expect comes to help him.
Rukia's Return! Revival of the Substitute Team!
Rukia and Ichigo continue to fight with the female Bount, Yoshino, until a male Bount, Ryō, shows up and takes her away. Ichigo, Rukia, Chad and Orihime then go to Ichigo's room to discuss the Bount and what they know so far, which isn't alot. The next day at school; Ririn senses the presence of a Bount and Ichigo and the others go after it.
The Moment of Collision! An Evil Hand Draws Near to the Quincy
While still fighting with Ryō, Ishida decides to trade himself for the life of an innocent woman. Suddenly, Yoshino appears and saves Ishida, taking him with her. Why did she help Ishida and what are her motives?
Water Attack! Escape from the Shutdown Hospital
Ichigo and company keep an eye on Ishida at the hospital. When Ishida is attacked by two Bount who can control water, Ichigo and company try to break out of the closed hosiptal.
Gathering at the Place of Fortune! The Man Who Makes His Move
After escaping the hospital Ichigo and the others see that it is raining outside. Unfortunately this means they must continue fighting Hō and Ban, the two Bounts who control water.
Memories of an Eternally Living Clan
Yoshino tells Ishida of her past with Jin, the leader of the Bount. Meanwhile Yachiru identifies one of the Bount as Ichinose, a former member of the 11th division.
Earth-Shattering Event at 11th Squad! The Revived Soul Reaper
Yoshino and Ishida are captured by a Bount named Koga and brought back to the Bount mansion. After the mod souls sense Ishida's spritual energy, Ichigo and the others go to the mansion to try and resue him.
Crashing force! Fried vs. Zangetsu
While at the mansion Ichigo fights against Ryō and his doll Fried. Meanwhile Rukia and the mod souls run into trouble when they meet up with Ichinose, a former member of the 11th division.
Unfading Grudge! The Soul Reaper Whom Kenpachi Killed
Ichigo seems to be having trouble fighting Ichinose when Jin steps in and offers for Ichigo join them since he likes his spirit. Then Ichinose remembers when Zaraki defeated his captain and how he met Jin.
Shocking Revelations for the 13 Divisions! The Truth Buried in History
Mayuri shows some of the other captains the data he found on the Bount including data on a battle long ago between the Quincy and the Bount. Yoruichi tells Ichigo and the others about this information and they talk about it. While they are talking, Ganju shows up sensing Ichigo's depression about Jin. He and Renji then take Ichigo down to Urahara's underground training area to try and help Ichigo regain his confidence.
Yoshino's Decision of Death
After leaving Urahara's place, Yoshino heads over to the remains of Bount mansion to confront Jin. While there Jin's explains that Yoshino doesn't know of her own importance to the Bount. Yoshino doesn't want anything to do with Jin's plan and decides to attack Jin, not caring whether she survives or not.
Assault From a Formidable Enemy! A Tiny Final Line of Defense?!
Ririn and Claude think that Ichigo isn't taking the Bount threat seriously so they dress up in special suits created by Urahara that look like the new Bount dolls and stage a fake attack. When Ichigo and Rukia's attacks become too much for them they try to remove the suits but they won't come off. What will happen now?
Hitsugaya Moves! The Attacked City
The Bount's new dolls have begun to attack living humans. When a team of shinigami from the covert ops can't seem to handle these dolls, Hitsugaya and a small group of others are sent down to the living world to help out. Meanwhile, Ichigo and the others still can't sense the Bount's whereabouts.
Ichigo vs. Dalk! Appearance of the Faded Darkness
While wearing Urahara's new Bount sensor Ichigo is drawn to a construction site where his friend Keigo is having his soul sucked out by a few of the new Bount dolls. Ichigo stops the dolls and saves Keigo. Then Koga and his doll, Dalk, show up and start to fight with Ichigo.
Grey Shadow, the Secret of the Dolls
While Ichigo is lying on the ground unable to move, Koga is reminded of the time Jin had him care for a young Bount named Cain Nao. Meanwhile Rukia, Orihime and Claude continue fighting against the female Bount, Yoshi.
Dissension in the Substitute Team? Rukia's Betrayal
The battle between Koga and Ichigo continues. Kira comes in and aids Ichigo in his battle aganist Koga and Dalk. Kira takes on Dalk while Ichigo tries to finish off Koga but can't. Koga then rethinks something and leaves. Yoshi conitunes her battle with Rukia, Orihime and Claude, until Mabashi comes in and starts to attack. He attacks Yoshi, and she runs just leaving him aganist Rukia, Orihime and Claude. How will they win this battle?
Deadly Battle of Tears! Rukia vs. Orihime
The battle between Rukia and Orihime conitunes on. As Orihime struggles to attack Rukia, who is under the control of Mabashi's doll Ritz. There only seems to be one choice: kill Rukia. Shūhei Hisagi shows up to aid Orihime. How will Orihime, Claude and Shūhei Hisagi save Rukia and defeat Mabashi.
Rangiku Dances! Slice the Invisible Enemy!
Rangiku enters the real world and appears in front of Chad, Nova and Ururu. Soon enough they start fighting against the older Bount, Sawatari, and his doll Baura, who looks like a huge fish. Things become difficult when they realize that Baura has control over dimensions and can swallow an opponent whole sending them into another dimension.
Byakuya is Summoned! The Gotei 13 Start to Move!
Beginning where they left off in episode 86, Chad, Nova, and Lieutenant of the 10th division, Matsumoto Rangiku, have one more plan to save Ururu from Baura. The plan works, but the second after the Bount decides he's had enough and vanishes. Meanwhile, in Soul Society, while third seat of the 11th division, Madarame Ikakku, is on watch, an invisible man invades the Soul Society.
Annihilation of the Lieutenants!? Trap in the Underground Cave
Ichigo and the gang regroup at Urahara's place. In the Soul Society Yamamoto tells Byakuya that his believes they have a traitor in their midst. Meanwhile Rangiku, Hisagi and Kira meet up with Yumichika in front of the Bount hideout. They enter the cave and run into some trouble when Ugaki and his doll Geselle set some traps for them.
Rematch?! Ishida vs. Nemu
Nemu, the 12th division vice captain, appears in front of Ishida and begins to attack him. After confirming her believe that Ishida lost his powers she asks him if he desires power. Meanwhile Ichigo and the others enter the Bount cave and start to fight against Ugaki's doll Geselle.
Renji Abarai, Bankai of the Soul!
Ichigo and Renji continue through the Bount's cave. As they see Yumichika, they try to save him. But Ugaki and his doll Gesell, attack. Ugaki shows his true doll's form, and starts to attack. Renji decides to fight alone, because of him seeing Yumichika suffering. He releases his ban-kai, and Ugaki starts to attack chickenly. Ugaki is told to hurry it up, because something is happening to Ishida. He tries to do his final attack, but Renji does a new move and hurts Gesell. Gesell freaks out and starts attacking randomly. Gesell turns on Ugaki and kills him, and both die. After all that is finished, Ichigo finds the Bounts. Jin wants to test his new powers as the other Bount and Ichinose prepare the gate. Jin tells Ichigo their plan and why they want to go to the Soul Society.
Soul Reapers and Quincy, the Reviving Power
After knowing Kariya's real evil plan, Ichigo finally achieves Bankai in the real world. He and Kariya start fighting, but they are interrupted by Ishida's surprising entrance - along side with the gang (Chad, Inoue, and Rukia). Later on, it becomes clear why Kariya kidnapped Ishida at the beginning. Ishida does something surprising causing the Bounts to pass through the portals to the Soul Society, but he explains why. The episode ends with everyone deciding to follow the Bounts to Soul Society and defeat them there.
Invasion of the Soul Reaper World, Again
Soul Reaper Commander-General Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai calls for a meeting of all the Soul Reaper captains to discuss the Bount threat. Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya is tasked with defeating the Bount, and Yamamoto gives a standing order to kill all suspected intruders without hesitation. In Rukongai, the area outside the Soul Reaper fortress of Sereitei, the Bounts Jin Kariya and Gō Koga defeat the Soul Reapers sent to capture them. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends enter Soul Society, and Yoruichi Shihōin explains that Maki Ichinose, a Soul Reaper under Kariya's command, manipulated captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi into opening the gate into Soul Society.
The Bount Assault! The Gotei 13 of Destructive Earthquake
Ichigo and his friends begin to search different parts of Rukongaki for the Bount. While searching, Rukia Kuchiki is attacked by the Bount Yoshi. Caught without her zanpakutō, Rukia is quickly overpowered by Yoshi. Meanwhile, Yamamoto is explaining the origins of the Bounts to the assembled captains, and a messenger informs him that Rukia is fighting a Bount. As Rukia is about to receive a fatal blow from Yoshi, captain Byakuya Kuchiki arrives and defeats her. Following the fight, several buildings in Seireitei explode. Rukia ensues in battle with the Bount Yoshi, and her doll Nieder. This battle proves to be difficult without Rukia's use of her zanpakutô.
Hitsugaya's Decision! The Clash Approaches
Byakuya sends Rukia to the Kuchiki clan's house to recuperate. In Rukongai, Kariya enteres Kusajishi, one of the most crime-ridden parts of Rukongai, and asks the populace to aid him in fighting the Soul Reapers. Ichigo, Uryū Ishida, and Yasutora Sado begin searching for the Bount again, and Ichigo takes the modified soul Lirin with him. Elsewhere in a forest in Rukongai, Byakuya encounters Kariya.
Byakuya Takes the Field! Dance of the Wind-Splitting Cherry Blossoms
Byakuya and Kariya begin their battle, and Kariya reveals his doll, which gives him the ability to control wind. Byakuya uses his shikai, but Kariya uses a barrier of wind to deflect his attack. Ichigo arrives to assist Byakuya, and after using his bankai, begins to fight Kariya. With Kariya focused on fighting Ichigo, Byakuya uses his bankai, and manages to penetrate Kariya's wind barrier. However, Kariya heals himself, revealing that in Soul Society, the Bounts can consume the spirit particles in the air to restore their bodies. In Kusajishi, Koga and Ichinose convince the inhabitants to join them in their revolt in order to create a "new Soul Society". Kariya starts to fight with Byakuya after running into him in the forest. During the fight it seems as if they are evenly matched. Meanwhile Koga recruits more men to the Bount's cause and Orihime, Chad and Ganju learn of the Bount's plan.
Ichigo・Byakuya・Kariya, The Battle of the Three Extremes!
Byakuya and Ichigo continue to fight Kariya, who continually regenerates all damage by absorbing spirit particles. However, Byakuya and Ichigo begin to inflict larger injuries on Kariya, and do not give him time to recover. Rantao, the Soul Reaper who created the Bounts, arrives and Kariya retreats. As Byakuya leaves, Ishida arrives, and Rantao takes Ichigo and Ishida to her home. Ichigo, Byakuya and Kariya continue there battle. As they battle they are interrupted by Rantao. Koga comes and saves Kariya. Byakuya leaves to hunt him down. Ishida finds the battle ground, and then Rantao takes Ichigo and Ishida to explain about the Bount.
Hitsugaya Strikes! Slice the Enemy in the Middle of the Forest
The Bount finish there weapons and planning to attack the Soul Society. As Hitsugaya, Matsumoto and Renji go to try to stop them before they attack them. Ichinose stays behind to attack them. As the Bount attack the gate guardians and start there attack on the Soul Society.
Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose
Just as the fight between Ichinose and the gang (including Ichigo and Captain Hitsugaya) begins, they are suddenly interrupted by someone very powerful. Ichinose finally fights his ultimate battle against Zaraki Kenpachi with all the power he's got, but after being struck with few reality checks, he's stuck with death. Ichinose wants to cut down Zaraki for what happened to his old captain. Zaraki battles just because he loves in.
Soul Reaper vs. Soul Reaper! The Uncontrollable Power
The Bount real plan comes out and they where just using the Kasjin district to get into the Soul Society. They still plan on destorying it, but now the captains all must now kill any ryokas without thinking of it. As Mabashi seems to be having fun taking out shinigamis.
Soifon Dies? The Last of the Special Forces
Mabashi uses his doll to control the Shinigami and make them attack others. Captain Unahana tries to heal them but discovers that the only way to save them is by capturing the puppet master (who is Mabashi). Mabashi poisons Soifon who weakens, and then leaves her to die. Mabashi comes back to torture Soifon more before she dies, but Soifon has a big surprise for him that ends his life.
Mayuri's Bankai!! Sawatari・Clash of the Demon
Mayuri battles Sawatari and his doll Baura. Mayuri tries to tempt Sawatari into becoming a test subject so he can get all the information on the Bount. Sawatari refuses and at first he seems to have the edge over Mayuri, but Mayuri regains the upper hand. Using his bankai, the battle between two giant demons continues.
The Last Quincy! The Exploding Power
Ishida battles Yoshi and her doll Niidaa. As Ishida is struggling to battle with his new bracelet against Niidaa defense and offensive abilities. Ishida struggles not to battle full power, because of its weakness. As this battle goes on Kairya is looking for a crest that has the power to destroy Seireitei. As he attacks the 12th divisions head quarters, Ichigo and Chad try to stop him, but can they get there in time to stop Kariya's plans.
Ishida, Exceeding the Limits to Attack!
Ishida's battle with Yoshi contiunes and he is still struggling, but Ishida finds one thing that helps him in his battle by accident. Elsewhere in the Soul Society, the 1st, 4th, 7th and 8th division captains have a meeting to discuss how to beat Kariya. Well Koga and Kariya finally get back together and Koga starts to question Kariya plans. Ukitake, finds something about Ran'Tao's work and Shunsui is now helping him looking up the information.
10th Division's Death Struggle! Release Hyōrinmaru
Hitsugaya and Matsumoto, with the help of the 10th division, are pursuing Koga. Koga easily defeats several 10th division units before finally meeting and fighting captain Hitsugaya. Hitsugaya quickly overpowers Koga's doll, Dalk, freezing and shattering her. Koga then reveals an axe which he tells Hitsugaya is Dalk's core. Koga, now armed with Dalk's core, then proceeds to fight Hitsugaya. Soon, Koga's body appears to be unable to support the large amount of spirit power he's been absorbing throughout the fight. Koga manages to launch a final attack on Hitsugaya, and Hitsugaya slashes him in the stomach. Koga, dying, then briefly reveals his motives, "a future without war", and then falls to the ground, where he gets buried in ice left over from the preceding battle.
Kariya! Countdown to the Detonation
Hitsugaya starts to rest up at his division base after his battle with Koga. He finds Ichigo and crew trying to heal up Ishida. The 10th division has a party to sooth things out. As Nanao tells Yamamoto more about Jōkaishō and Rantao. Then we learn more about Rantao's past. Also Rantao tries to stop Kariya from killing her attacks with his wind power.
Life and Revenge! Ishida, the Ultimate Choice
Kariya explains the background of his past as a Bount and how the Shinigami betrayed and slaughtered all of his companions. As Kariya begins to attack Rantao, Ishida jumps and fights instead. After some really cool fight scenes, it becomes apparent that Ishida's battle accessory has reached its limit. Rantao manages to hold Kariya still long enough for Ishida to fire off a powerful blast. Ishida holds back and Kariya lives. Rantao's reiatsu goes out of control and Ishida absorbs all her spirit particles and fires them off in one shot toward the sky. This causes his accessory to break and Ishida once again loses his powers. Luckily Rantao survives and Ichigo arrives just in time to save the day.
The Swung-Down Edge! The Moment of Ruin
As Ishida's power fails him, Kariya is about to finish him and Rantao off. Ichigo saves them by going bankai and battling Kariya. As Ishida is taking Rantao away they run into Orihime, Chad and the Mod Souls. Hitsugaya and Matsumoto check up and Rantao tells them more about Jōkaishō. There is 10 more left and it is going to take a lot of kidō to reseal them. All of the captains and high ranked officers in the Gotei 13 are told to seal them right away. As this happens, Ichinose finally works his way to where Ichigo and Kariya are battling and asks about Koga and the other Bount as he attacks Ichigo. Ichinose tries to talk Kariya about his true goal and what he really wanted. Kariya doesn't care and attacks Ichinose. Kariya releases his doll Messer and the true battle starts.
The Wailing Bount! The Last Clash
The battle between Ichigo and Kariya contiunes and ends. As the other shinigami's try to seal the other Jōkaishōs, Ichigo's friends show up at different times, but try not to cut into Ichigo's fight. Can Ichigo save the Soul Society or will Kariya's plans actually go through.
Ichigo and Rukia, Thoughts in the Revolving Sky
The aftermath of the Bount arc. Renji, Rukia and Ichigo started to think about Kariya and his goals, and how it somehow related to theirs lifes.
Reopening of the Substitute Business! The Terrifying Transfer Student
In Hueco Mundo, the hollow Grand Fisher transforms into an imperfect arrancar and enters the real world. Meanwhile, Shinji Hirako enrolls at Ichigo Kurosaki's school. During a routine hollow purification, Ichigo is confronted by Shinji, who shows that he can willingly produce a hollow mask similar to what Ichigo has done unconsciously. He asks Ichigo to join his group, the Visoreds. At the same time, Kon, in Ichigo's body, is attacked by Grand Fisher, and Ishida is attacked by another imperfect arrancar. Ishida is rescued by his father, Ryūken Ishida, who reveals that he is a Quincy.
Shock! The True Characters of the Fathers
After rescuing Ishida from the arrancar attacking him, Ryūken offers to restore his powers on the condition he never associates with Soul Reapers. Kon continues to flee from the Grand Fisher; despite receiving help from Lirin, Kurōdo, and Noba, he is caught. Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father, arrives to save him. Ichigo and Shinji recognize a new presence, and neither can identify that it is Isshin. Before leaving, Ichigo declines Shinji's invitation. The Grand Fisher draws his zanpakutō, transforming into a stronger state, and Isshin, identifying the Grand Fisher as an arrancar, dispatches him in a single attack.
The Commencement of War, Vizard and Arrancar
Kisuke Urahara appears and converses with Isshin about the arrancar under the command of former Soul Reaper captain Sōsuke Aizen, and the Visoreds. At school, Shinji asks Ichigo again to join the Visoreds, explaining that Ichigo's inner hollow will overwhelm him if he does not. Later, Shinji is confronted by Hiyori Sarugaki, another Visored, who berates him concerning his lack of success in recruiting Ichigo. Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado confront Shinji and Hiyori, and Shinji takes Hiyori away before she can kill Orihime and Chad. Elsewhere, Ishida agrees to Ryūken's proposal.
Prelude to the Apocalypse, The Arrancar's Attack
After his discussion with Shinji, Ichigo realizes that his inner hollow is indeed becoming more than he can control. Meanwhile, two arrancar, Yammy and Ulquiorra Schiffer arrive in Karakura Town, and Yammy begins to consume the souls of all the humans in the area. Chad and Orihime arrive, and both are easily defeated by Yammy. As he attempts a killing blow against Orihime, Ichigo arrives to block the attack.
Reunion, Ichigo and Rukia
Ichigo uses his bankai, and Ulquiorra identifies him as the target Aizen sent them to investigate. Ichigo begins to battle Yammy, blocking Yammy's first attack and subsequently cutting off his arm. However, his inner hollow interferes, and Yammy gains the advantage. Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin arrive, and Yammy is easily beaten by both of them. Ulquiorra rescues him from an attack from Urahara, and the two return to Hueco Mundo. At Ichigo's school, Ichigo meets a team of Soul Reapers consisting of Renji Abarai, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa and Rukia Kuchiki dispatched to counter the arrancar threat.
Mission! The Soul Reapers Have Come
After greeting the team, Ichigo is taken by Rukia to fight a hollow. While Ichigo fights the hollow, Rukia berates his inability to defend his friends, and encourages him to fight his inner hollow. Inspired, Ichigo easily defeats the hollow, and Rukia takes him to Orihime to apologize for not protecting her against the arrancar. At Ichigo's house, Hitsugaya explains Aizen's plans for the arrancar and the different types of hollows. In Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra and Yammy report their findings in the real world to Aizen and an assembly of arrancar.
The Evil Eye, Aizen Again
Ulquiorra and Yammy are debriefed by Aizen and the other arrancar. Grimmjow Jeagerjaques questions Ulquiorra's decision to keep Ichigo alive, and Aizen asserts that he trusts Ulquiorra's judgment, angering Grimmjow. Grimmjow takes a group of five arrancar, Shawlong Qufang, Edorad Leones, Ilfort Grantz, D-Roy, and Nakim, to kill any being with spiritual power in Karakura Town.
Rukia's Battle Commences! The Freezing White Blade
Grimmjow's five arrancar separate to attack their targets. D-Roy encounters Chad, and nearly kills him before Ichigo intercepts the fatal blow. Rukia arrives, telling Ichigo to allow her to fight D-Roy. Using the shikai of her zanpakutō, she easily defeats D-Roy; however, Grimmjow arrives to fight them, and Rukia realizes that his power is vastly superior to D-Roy's. Meanwhile, Keigo Asano encounters Ikkaku fighting Edorad.
Ikkaku's bankai! The Power that Breaks Everything
Ikkaku fights Edorad, who is forced to release his zanpakutō after failing to counter Ikkaku's unorthodox fighting style. In his released form, Edorad easily overpowers Ikkaku, and Ikkaku uses his bankai. Meanwhile, Grimmjow dispatches Rukia in a single blow, and prepares to fight Ichigo. Ikkaku lands several blows on Edorad, and the two use all their power in a final attack.
Zaraki Division's Secret Story! The Lucky Men
Ikkaku recalls his first encounter with Kenpachi Zaraki when he was a vagrant in Rukongai. Kenpachi easily defeated him, and told Ikkaku to consider a respite from death after a fight as luck. After learning that Kenpachi joined the Gotei 13 as a captain, Ikkaku and Yumichika join Kenpachi's division. When Renji was a member of the eleventh division, Ikkaku trained him, and Renji asked Ikkaku to become a captain after discovering that Ikkaku could use his bankai. Ikkaku refuses, citing his desire to fight and die under Kenpachi's command. In the present, Ikkaku defeats Edorad, and Yumichika congratulates him on his victory.
Hitsugaya Scatters! The Broken Hyōrinmaru
Hitsugaya fights Shawlong, who overpowers him even though he is using his bankai. Renji, also using his bankai, is outmatched against Illfort. Elsewhere, Ichigo begins to fight Grimmjow, who encourages Ichigo to use his bankai. Ilfort and Shawlong release their zanpakutō, and Shawlong explains the ranking structure of the arrancar to Hitsugaya. Afterwards, Matsumoto receives confirmation from Soul Society that they have been granted permission to lift their power limits, and Hitsugaya, Renji, and Matsumoto do so.
Clash! The Person Who Protects vs. The Person Who Suffers
With their power limits lifted, Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, and Renji easily dispatch their opponents. Meanwhile, Ichigo is overpowered by Grimmjow, who is able to fight against Ichigo barehanded. Ichigo uses his getsuga tenshō, which slightly damages Grimmjow and awakens his inner hollow. Before Grimmjow can release his zanpakutō, Kaname Tōsen arrives. Tōsen takes Grimmjow back to Hueco Mundo, claiming that he violated Aizen's orders by attacking the real world.
Vizard! The Power of the Awakened
Grimmjow is taken back to Hueco Mundo by Kaname Tōsen, who asks Aizen for permission to execute Grimmjow. When Aizen denies his request, Tōsen slices off Grimmjow's arm and incinerates it. In the real world, Ichigo attempts to find the Visoreds, realizing that his inner hollow has become too powerful to control. Meanwhile, Ishida trains with his father under the Karakura Hospital and Chad requests that Urahara train him. Ichigo finds the Visoreds, and fights Shinji, believing he can force Shinji to tell him how to control his inner hollow. Hiyori stops the battle, and dons her hollow mask to fight Ichigo.
Ichigo, complete hollowification!?
With her hollow mask, Hiyori overpowers Ichigo, who is unwilling to use either his hollow mask or his bankai. Ichigo's inner hollow surfaces, and the other Visoreds restrain him before he can harm Hiyori. Shinji gives Ichigo an exercise to assess how much spiritual energy he has; however, after Ichigo proves that he has enough spiritual energy, Shinji explains that he must force his inner hollow into the core of his soul. Shinji renders Ichigo unconscious, and as Ichigo battles his inner hollow in his internal world, his body in the real world begins to transform into a hollow.
Collision! Black bankai and white bankai
Ichigo battles against his inner hollow for control while the Visored battle his increasingly berserk body. Ichigo and his inner hollow both use their bankai and commence fighting. Meanwhile, Ichigo is continually assaulted by inner manifestations of previous enemies, Byakuya Kuchiki and Jin Kariya. Ichigo's inner hollow overpowers him and breaks his sword, claiming that he has no desire to serve someone with no instinct for battle.
Urgent Report! Aizen's Terrifying Plan!
After a conversation with a manifestation of Kenpachi Zaraki, Ichigo is able to steal his hollow's sword and impale him with it, and gains control over his inner hollow. Elsewhere, Soul Reaper captain-commander Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai speaks with Hitsugaya concerning Aizen's objective; he desires to use 100,000 human souls in Karakura Town to create a key to the dimension the King of Soul Society lives in, and overthrow the king. At Urahara's shop, Chad is training by fighting against Renji's bankai as training, and Ishida is training by fighting his father under Karakura Hospital. Meanwhile, Yamamoto tells Hitsugaya that lieutenant Momo Hinamori wishes to speak with him.
Uryū vs. Ryūken! Clash of the parent-child Quincies
Hinamori appears to still be in a trance, believing that Aizen is innocent and urges Hitsugaya to save him, which angers him. Throughout the town, various training sessions are taking place: Ichigo is training with Hiyori to lengthen the time he can use his hollow mask, Chad is training with Renji to make his arm stronger, and Ishida is training with Ryūken to regain his powers. Meanwhile, Orihime tracks down Ichigo to inform him of Aizen's plans. This comes as a surprise to the other Visoreds, as she passes through the barrier with no effort. In his battle with Ryūken, Ishida finally loses his patience and goes on the attack, only to be shot through the chest. A pentacle-shaped scar forms at the point of contact, and Ryūken informs Uryū that his powers have been restored.
Urahara's Decision, Orihime's Thoughts
With Orihime's attack spirit, Tsubaki, destroyed by Yammy, Urahara tells Orihime that he does not want her to participate in the upcoming battle against the arrancar. Orihime is saddened by the decision, but understands it. After being taken back to the Visoreds by Hiyori, however, the Visored Hachigen Ushōda is able to restore Tsubaki. Meanwhile, Yammy has his arm reattached by an arrancar surgeon, and Ulquiorra explains that Grimmjow lost his rank as an Espada when he lost his arm.
The Nightmare Arrancar! Team Hitsugaya Moves Out
During a hollow attack, Matsumoto protects the spirit of a child from an arrancar that sings a strange song. After Ikkaku dispatches the arrancar, they forgo sending the child to Soul Society to interrogate him. The child, named Shōta Toyokawa, is insisitent that he has something to do before leaving the real world, but will not reveal what it is. Matsumoto convinces Hitsugaya to wait a day before sending him to Soul Society. At night, Shōta attempts to steal Matsumoto's zanpakutō, but she catches him. He reveals that he has to find someone, but is evasive about who it is. Before Matsumoto can press the issue, the arrancar Ikkaku killed reappears.
The Swooping Descent of the Dark Emissary! The Propagation of Malice
While tracking the arrancar, Matsumoto and Shōta discover that its song can force souls to walk towards it, and that it can multiply itself without limit. A researcher from the twelfth division reveals that another arrancar is creating the copies, explaining their inability to die. The Soul Reapers defeat all of the arrancar, and Shōta finds the person he was searching for: his sister, Yui. More clones the arrancar attack, and Yui runs to the park, where Shōta admits that he abandoned her out of fear.
The Invisible Enemy! Hitsugaya's Merciless Decision
The arrancar is revealed to be able to disguise itself as the human souls it has devoured. Upon learning of the attack on Yui by the arrancar, Hitsugaya assumes she is one of the copies, and his inability to send her to Soul Society confirms this. Still unsure, Hitsugaya has Soul Society track the disguised arrancar while Yui is sealed within a barrier. The analysis confirms Yui is one of the clones, and that the arrancar acquired its cloning power from her. As Yui's brother, Shōta has similar powers, and Yui uses him to break the barrier.
Rangiku's Tears, the Sorrowful Parting of Brother and Sister
Although Yui is able to resist the arrancar and keep Shōta safe, the original arrancar devours her. It is overpowered by Hitsugaya and Rangiku, and stalls them by revealing that Yui's trapped soul will be destroyed if they kill him. It creates hundreds of copied arrancar to attack the town while it hides behind a barrier. Hitsugaya uses his bankai in an attempt to find the arrancar by freezing the surroundings. Matsumoto and Shōta manage to track the arrancar via the song it sings, and Hitsugaya disables it with his bankai. Matsumoto and Shōta defeat the arrancar, releasing all the souls it devoured in the process. With the arrancar gone, Rangiku sends Shōta to Soul Society to reunite him with his sister.
Hitsugaya, Karin and Soccer Ball
Karin Kurosaki meets Tōshirō Hitsugaya when she is playing soccer in the streets. Karin discovers that older students are using a soccer field for practice during a time slot that her team had booked. After a confrontation, the two teams decide to have a soccer match for control of the field. Karin asks Hitsugaya to join, but he refuses; however, he notes that she can see hollows and goes to the match. In the match, Karin injures her knee, prompting Hitsugaya to enter the game to help her. After the game is over, a hollow enters the area, and Hitsugaya easily defeats it. Realizing that Hitsugaya is a Soul Reaper, Karin questions Hitsugaya about her brother, Ichigo Kurosaki, and Hitsugaya assuages her fears concerning Ichigo's location.
Ikkaku's Hot-Blooded Kendo Tale
Keigo Asano asks Ikkaku Madarame to help train a group of kendo students at his school. Ikkaku's brutal training causes most of the team to quit; the only remaining member is a boy named Shinji, who is dedicated to become stronger. To recruit more team members, Ikkaku asks his fellow Soul Reapers to participate in the kendo tournament. The Soul Reapers easily defeat their opponents. However, a hollow appears nearby, forcing them to leave in order to fight it. Shinji fights the final opponent in the tournament, and manages to defeat him as Ikkaku kills the hollow.
The Beautiful Patissier, Yumichika!
Twelfth division Soul Reaper Rin Tsubokura is sent to Karakura Town to conduct research, and Hanatarō Yamada accompanies him as an escort. Yumichika Ayasegawa, one of the Soul Reapers based in the real world, is assigned as their guide. While Rin searches for sweets to purchase, they encounter the ghost of a cake maker who wants the three Soul Reapers to bake a cake for his mother. Upon delivering the cake, however, the chef's mother refuses to eat it because it reminds her of her son, causing the chef to begin transforming into a hollow. Attracted by the chef's transformation, another hollow arrives, and Hanatarō is able to both stop the chef's transformation and defeat the hollow with the shikai of his zanpakutō. Using a device, Rin makes the chef visible to his mother, and he convinces her to eat the cake.
Kon is Deceived! Rangiku on the Lookout..
After encountering Rangiku Matsumoto, Kon rescues a girl named Miyuki from drowning. In the process, however, Kon is swapped with Shintarō, the girl's stuffed animal. Kon attempts to talk to Miyuki, who requests that Kon play with her, as she has no friends outside her house. Kon asks her to bring him to her old house, where Kon learns that "Shintarō" is the name of her old dog and a hollow attacks them. Rangiku kills the hollow, which is revealed to be Shintarō's soul. Afterwards, Kon insists that Miyuki stop relying on him and make friends of her own.
Hueco Mundo Civil War! Ulquiorra's Death
In Hueco Mundo, an arrancar named Patros and his two subordinates steal the Orb of Distortion, and kill Espada Ulquiorra Schiffer in the process. Unwilling to continue taking orders from former Soul Reaper Sōsuke Aizen, Patros wishes to use the Orb of Distortion to take control of Las Noches. To this end, he heads for the shop of Kisuke Urahara, as he believes someone in the shop knows how to use the orb. Patros begins to fight Soul Reaper Renji Abarai, who is staying at Urahara's shop. Meanwhile, the other Soul Reapers fight Patros' subordinates. As the two sides battle, Ulquiorra appears in the real world with no signs of his previous injuries.
Battle of Bad Faith, Aizen's Trap
In Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra's staged death and the theft of the Orb of Distortion are revealed to be a ploy by Aizen, engineered using his illusion-casting zanpakutō. In the real world, Patros' subordinates are defeated, and Renji uses his bankai, forcing Patros to release his zanpakutō. Patros begins to overwhelm Renji, and reveals the secret of his attacks to the modified soul Lirin. Lirin and other modified souls prevent Patros from using his attacks, and Renji defeats him. Meanwhile, Ulquiorra delivers a report to Aizen, noting that Orihime Inoue is currently not in the real world.
Second Move of Hueco Mundo! Hitsugaya vs. Yammy
In Hueco Mundo, Aizen creates the arrancar Wonderweiss Margera with the Orb of Distortion, and Aizen tasks Ulquiorra with gathering arrancar for a mission. Meanwhile, Ichigo's visored training has enabled him to use his hollow mask for eleven seconds. In Soul Society, Soul Reapers Jūshirō Ukitake and Shūhei Hisagi observe Orihime and Rukia, who are training for the winter war with Aizen. In the real world, Yumichika and Rangiku are learning how to use their bankai when the arrancar Luppi, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, Yammy, and Wonderweiss attack. Ichigo encounters Grimmjow and uses his bankai. In the training room beneath the Urahara shop, Kisuke Urahara prepares to leave to enter the battle.
Ichigo vs. Grimmjow, 11 Second Battle!
Ichigo dons his hollow mask, and overwhelms Grimmjow with his enhanced power. However, Ichigo is unable to defeat Grimmjow in his eleven-second limit, and Grimmjow takes the advantage. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya battles Yammy, and Luppi demands that Yammy retreat so he can fight all the Soul Reapers present. Luppi releases his zanpakutō, sprouting eight tentacles from his back, and after knocking Hitsugaya into the ground, captures all of the Soul Reapers. Before he can dispatch Rangiku, Urahara arrives, cutting one of his tentacles, and begins to fight Yammy. In Soul Society, Inoue crosses into the real world, and Ulquiorra attacks her. He severely injures her Soul Reaper guards and demands that she leave with him or he will kill all her friends.
Ulquiorra's Scheme, the Moment when the Sun Sets!
As the battle with Luppi continues, Hitsugaya uses a sneak attack with his bankai and defeats Luppi. Meanwhile, Kisuke Urahara dodges Yammy's attacks using one of his inventions, and subsequently nullifies all of them. Grimmjow nearly kills Ichigo, but is saved by Rukia. She is nearly killed, but Shinji Hirako saves her. Grimmjow begins to battle Shinji, and after Shinji dons his hollow mask, he overwhelms Grimmjow. As Grimmjow prepares to release his zanpakutō, Ulquiorra stops him and orders all the arrancar to return to Hueco Mundo, as Orihime agreed to accompany him.
Goodbye..., Kurosaki!
Ulquiorra gives Orihime twelve hours to say goodbye to one person, and provides her with a bracelet that makes her invisible. Orihime travels through Karakura Town, watching her friends from a distance. She then visits Ichigo, who is recovering from the injuries Grimmjow inflicted on him. She makes a confession of her love to the sleeping Ichigo. She almost kisses him but cannot bring herself to do it. Before leaving the real world, she writes a line in a notebook, "Good bye, halcyon days".
Order! Forbid rescue of Inoue Orihime
Orihime's friends discover that she is missing following the attack by the arrancar. Because she healed Ichigo before departing, Soul Reaper captain Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai assumes that she is a traitor, and refuses any attempts to rescue her. Meanwhile, Tatsuki Arisawa questions Ichigo concerning Orihime's disappearance, and Ichigo tells her that it is none of her concern. Ichigo, unwilling to abandon Orihime, turns to Urahara for help, and is joined by Yasutora Sado and Uryū Ishida.
Grimmjow Revived
After being brought before Aizen, Orihime is asked to demonstrate her power by restoring Grimmjow's arm. After doing so, Grimmjow asks her to restore his tattoo. Following this, he kills Luppi to regain his rank among the Espada. Although she is worried that her actions will only cause more fighting, Orihime resolves to make herself useful until Soul Society has prepared for the upcoming war. Meanwhile, Ichigo, Sado, and Ishida enter Hueco Mundo with Urahara's aid. In the real world, Kurosaki Isshin meets with Ryūken Ishida in the training chamber underneath the latter's hospital, where they discuss how they raised their respective sons.
Ishida and Chad, the Quickening of a New Power
After arriving in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida traverse the halls of an unknown structure. After setting off several traps, they are greeted by Demōra and Iceringer, two arrancar under Aizen's command. Chad and Ishida insist that Ichigo watch them fight, and they overpower the arrancar, showing their new abilities in the process.
The Espada Gather! Aizen's Royal Assembly
With the two arrancar defeated, the room collapses, forcing Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida to escape outside. Upon seeing the Las Noches, they begin running towards it, impeded by the various natural hazards of the desert. Meanwhile, Aizen gathers the Espada to inform them of the intrusion, stressing that the intruders are not to be underestimated, but not to be considered an immediate threat. In the desert, Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida encounter three hollows chasing a human child, and decide to help the child.
Her Name is Nel! The Appearance of the Strange Arrancar
Ichigo learns that the human child is an arrancar named Nel. The three hollows are her brothers Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka, and their pet, Bawabawa. Afterwards, a hollow named Lunuganga attacks the group, and they are unable to harm him because his body is made of sand. They are saved by Renji and Rukia Kuchiki, who freezes Lunuganga with her shikai. Nel offers to take the whole group to Las Noches. Before they can reach Las Noches, Lunuganga rises from the sands again.
Forest of Menos! Search for the Missing Rukia
Lunuganga sinks the group beneath the sands, and Rukia is separated from the group. Nel explains that they are in the Forest of Menos, where most hollows reside. As they begin to fight the hollows around them, Rukia attempts to fight the hollows attack her. She is rescued by Soul Reaper Ashido Kanō, who attacks her after dispatching all of the hollows. Meanwhile, Nel, Pesche, and Dondochakka are kidnapped by a hollow during an attack.
Ashido, the Shinigami who Came from the Past
Ashido reveals that his attack was test of her strength, and he decides to take her back to her friends. Along the way, he relates his past to Rukia, explaining that he was part of a hollow-hunting unit that inadvertenly came to Hueco Mundo. They are attacked by an adjuchas-class menos. Meanwhile, Nel and her friends are held captive by the other adjuchas, and Ichigo, Chad, Ishida, and Renji are searching the area for them. Ashido and Rukia easily destroy the first adjuchas, and another adjuchas prepares up an ambush, in which Ashido is hit while trying to protect Rukia.
The Collapsing Forest, a Million Menos
Ashido's mask absorbs the brunt of the adjuchas' attack, and Rukia kills the adjuchas. Meanwhile, Ichigo and the others locate Nel, and are led into an ambush; however, they defeat all of the hollows present. Elsewhere, Ashido and Rukia defeat another adjuchas, and everyone is subsequently reunited. Ashido leads them out of the forest, and an attack by one of the remaining adjuchas collapses the passage. Ashido leaves to fight the adjuchas as the rest of the group returns to the surface. As she leaves, Rukia promises to return for him. In Las Noches, Ulquiorra informs Orihime that her friends have mounted a rescue.
Oath! Back Here Alive Again
After breaking into Las Noches and finding themselves at a five-way fork, Ichigo's group splits up and each takes one path. Nel chases after Ichigo, and Pesche and Dondochakka forget the direction she took, and travel down a different paths. Meanwhile, Ulquiorra makes Orihime swear her loyalty to Aizen. Afterwards, he explains to Espada Nnoitra Jiruga the psychological traps Aizen created to ensure that Orihime does not have the will to resist. However, Orihime quietly resolves to destroy the Orb of Distortion by erasing its existence, an act that would derail all of Aizen's plans.
The Raging Storm! Encounter with the Dancing Arrancar
Ichigo and Nel encounter the Privaron Espada Dordonii, and Ichigo begins to battle him. Ishida and Chad each encounter an arrancar, and former Soul Reaper captains Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen observe the battles through the surveillance system in Las Noches. Although Ichigo and Dordonii fight evenly, Dordonii gains the upper hand by releasing his zanpakutō.
Ichigo Strikes Back! This is my Bankai
Ichigo Kurosaki continues his battle with the Privaron Espada Dordonii, and Dordonii easily overpowers Ichigo, leading him to demand that Ichigo use his bankai. Ichigo refuses and Dordonii uses a cero blast in response. Nel Tu blocks the blast by swallowing it and fires it back at Dordonii. When Dordonii attacks Nel, Ichigo uses his bankai to stop the attack. However, Dordonii requests that Ichigo use his hollow powers to fight him. Ichigo dons his hollow mask and disables Dordonii with a single strike. Nel heals Dordonii with her saliva at Ichigo's request, and Dordonii explains that he had hoped to regain his position as a full Espada by defeating Ichigo at full power. After being completely healed, he attacks Ichigo again.
The Devilish Research! Szayel Aporro's Plan
Dordonii is struck down by Ichigo once again, and to thank Ichigo for using his full power against him, Dordonii fights the Exequias, a group of arrancar specializing in eliminating intruders, to allow Ichigo to retreat. When Sōsuke Aizen learns of this, he asks who ordered the Exequias to attack Ichigo, and the Espada Szayel Aporro Granz takes responsibility. Aizen forgives him, noting that Dordonii's body will help Szayel's research. Meanwhile, Ishida is battling the Privaron Espada Cirucci Thunderwitch, and Rukia encounters the Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie. Aaroniero removes his mask, revealing the face of Soul Reaper Kaien Shiba, the former lieutenant of the thirteenth division that Rukia killed.
Rukia and Kaien, the Sorrowful Reunion
Rukia converses with Aaroniero, and realizes that he is the real Kaien. Kaien states that after he was killed, he was resurrected in Hueco Mundo, where he became one of Aizen's Espada. Kaien offers a Rukia a chance to atone for killing him by allowing him to kill her, and Rukia accepts, with the caveat that she will be allowed to rescue Orihime Inoue. Kaien reveals that he was joking, and instead, instructs her to kill all of her friends. Realizing that he is an imposter, Rukia begins to fight Kaien, and Kaien quickly gains the upper hand, as he was the one who taught Rukia how to fight.
Rukia Retaliates! Release the Desperate Kidō
Rukia continues to struggle against Kaien, and he begins to overpower her when he uses the shikai of his zanpakutō. When Kaien disarms her, Rukia attempts to use a kidō spell, and reveals in the process that Kaien is afraid of the sunlight. Armed with this knowledge, Rukia binds Kaien with kidō and blasts a hole in the wall. In the sunlight, Kaien's face melts away to reveal a glass case with two masks inside. The creature reintroduces himself as Aaroniero, and after moving out of the sunlight, assumes Kaien's appearance again. After informing Rukia that he absorbed Kaien's remains when he came to Hueco Mundo, Aaroniero releases his zanpakutō, transforming his lower body into a giant, octopus-like form.
Ishida & Pesche, the United Attack of Friendship
Ishida continues to battle with battle with Cirucci, who blocks all of his attacks with her zanpakutō. The arrancar Pesche Guatiche decides to help Ishida, and uses his saliva to cause Cirucci to trip and land awkwardly on the ground. Incensed, Cirucci releases her zanpakutō, transforming into a giant bird with bladed wings. Unable to counter her abilities with his arrows alone, Ishida pulls one of the tubes from his belt, which produces a powerful energy blade that easily slices through her winged blades.
Ishida's Trump Card, the Cutter of Souls
With his energy sword, which he calls Seele Schneider, Ishida is easily able to defend himself against Cirucci's attacks. In response, Cirucci sheds her wings and focuses all her power into a single blade on her tail, and Ishida defeats her by shooting his Seele Schneider from his bow into her chest. As Ishida and Pesche leave, the Exequias arrive to kill Cirucii. Meanwhile, Yasutora Sado is at a disadvantage against the Privaron Espada Gantenbainne Mosqueda. After taking several blows, Chad realizes how to access his full power, transforming his right arm into a giant shield named Brazo Derecha del Gigante.
Right Arm of the Giant, Left Arm of the Devil
With his full power unleashed, Chad overpowers Gantenbainne, and Gantenbainne releases his zanpakutō in response. However, Chad reveals that his right arm is intended solely for defense, and transforms his left arm, naming it Brazo Izquierda del Diablo. With his right arm, Chad overpowers Gantenbainne, and allows him to live. However, Chad is confronted by the Espada Nnoitra Jiruga, and after Chad fruitlessly attacks Nnoitra with his left arm, Nnoitra defeats Chad with a single attack.
Yasutora Sado dies! Orihime's Tears
Bored with the ease of his victory, Nnoitra leaves to pursue another intruder. Chad's apparent death is felt by everyone in Hueco Mundo, and when Espada Ulquiorra Schiffer brings dinner to Orihime Inoue, she refuses to believe that Chad has died. Ulquiorra admonishes her, noting that all her friends are doomed to fail because they rushed into battle without realizing the odds they faced. Meanwhile, Renji Abarai and Dondochakka Bilstin encounter the Espada Szayel Aporro Granz. Renji attempts to use his bankai, but it shatters instantly, leading Szayel to remark that he designed the room they are in to negate Renji's bankai.
Testament - Your Heart is Right Here
Overwhelmed by Aaroniero's released form, as well as the realization that he possesses Kaien's actual body, Rukia is impaled through the stomach, and her zanpakutō is broken in the process. She recalls her training with Kaien, in which he told her how a person's heart is passed on to those they are close to. Regaining her resolve, she reconstructs her zanpakutō with ice and impales Aaroniero through the head. As Aaroniero dies, Rukia attempts to stand in order to continue her journey to save Orihime, but collapses from her injuries.
The Cruel Arrancar, Ulquiorra's provocation
When Renji asks Szayel how he negated his bankai, Szayel reveals that he gathered the data using parasites stored in the body of his older brother, Yylfordt Granz, who Renji fought and defeated. With only his shikai, Renji's attacks cannot harm Szayel. Meanwhile, Ulquiorra meets Ichigo to inform him of Rukia's death. Ichigo attempts to leave to save Rukia, but Ulquiorra goads him into fighting by revealing that he was the person who forced Orihime to come to Hueco Mundo. Furious, Ichigo uses his bankai and dons his hollow mask.
Szayel Aporro Laughs, The Net Trapping Renji is Complete
Even after using his most powerful attacks, Ichigo is overpowered by Ulquiorra. Ichigo, however, refuses to give up, believing Ulquiorra to be the top-ranked Espada. Ulquiorra reveals his "4" tattoo, indicating that he is the fourth Espada, and stabs Ichigo in the chest with his hand, telling Ichigo to either escape from Hueco Mundo or die. Meanwhile, Orihime is confronted by Loly and Menoly, two female arrancar furious because Aizen favors Orihime over them. In Renji's fight with Szayel, Ishida arrives in order to aid him.
Shinigami and Quincy, The Battle with Madness
Orihime is rescued from Loly and Menoly by Espada Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, who claims he is repaying Orihime for restoring his arm. He tells Orihime that he needs her help, and takes her with him. However, Orihime chose to heal both Loly and Menoly before they leave. Meanwhile, Ishida finds that his arrival was expected by Szayel, and his attacks are useless against both the Espada and his minions. Renji saves Ishida from a fatal blow, and the two prepare to work together to take down their common foe.
Ishida's Strategy, the 20-second Offense and Defense
With Renji's help, Ishida maneuvers Szayel into a trap, catching him in a massive explosion. Athough the trap is damaging, it fails to kill Szayel. By eating one of his subordinates, Szayel completely heals himself. However, rather than retaliate, he leaves, wanting to replace his damaged clothing and to allow Renji and Ishida formulate a new plan. Elsewhere, Grimmjow brings Orihime to Ichigo, and asks Orihime to heal Ichigo so he can fight him again. Before she can finish doing so, Ulquiorra arrives.
The Murderous Intent Boils! The Joyful Grimmjow
Using a special device, Grimmjow traps Ulquiorra in an alternate dimension, and remarks that it will take several hours for Ulquiorra to break free. Orihime finishes healing Ichigo, and Ichigo begins to fight Grimmjow. Even after using his bankai, Ichigo finds himself outmatched against Grimmjow; however, when Grimmjow fires a blast at Orihime and Nel, Ichigo dons his hollow mask to block the attack.
Desperate Effort vs. Desperate Effort! Ichigo Transforms into a Hollow
Grimmjow, pleased that Ichigo is fighting with his full power, releases his zanpakutō. The two continue their fight, and Ichigo is slowly worn down by Grimmjow despite the fact that he is able to use his hollow mask longer than he previously could. Orihime, frightened by Ichigo's appearance due to his hollow mask, is afraid to watch the battle, but after Nel admonishes her, she overcomes her fear and cheers Ichigo on, giving him the resolve to deal a blow across Grimmjow's chest.
Time of Conclusion, End of Grimmjow
In a flashback, Grimmjow recalls his time as a hollow, and his history with Shawlong Qufang, Edorad Leones, Ilfort Grantz, Nakim, and D-Roy, his former subordinates. In the present, Grimmjow, despite being wounded, refuses to give up. He uses his strongest attack on Ichigo, but Ichigo overcomes it and deals a final blow. After leaving Grimmjow on the ground, Ichigo prepares to take Orihime away from Las Noches.
The New Captain Appears! His Name is Shūsuke Amagai
Syūsuke Amagai is the newly appointed captain of the 3rd Division, having come from a hollow-hunting squad most of the Gotei 13 doesn't interact with. He brings with him Makoto Kibune, whom he has appointed as the division 3rd seat. Seeing that his division is not willing to accept this new captain, Izuru Kira throws a welcoming party at Rangiku Matsumoto's suggestion. This goes horribly awry when he learns that Syūsuke can't hold his liquor, collapsing after a single drink. Things only get worse when thirty Menos Grande are detected in the dangai, and the 3rd Division is sent to destroy them. While the menos prove easy to dispatch, the entire division faces death when the dimensional cleaners, which should have been shut down, come to life. Syūsuke steps in to destroy the cleaners, and the division heads back home without incident, apart from their still-drunk captain collapsing once again.
New Development, the Dangerous Transfer Student Appears!
Three new people arrive on Earth: Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, a young child who appears to be a princess; Kenryū, a somewhat ordinary-looking Soul Reaper; and Enryū, an extremely tall and silent Soul Reaper. Kenryū informs Rurichiyo that their gigai have yet to arrive, and so they must wait. Ichigo and Rukia are alerted to an abnormal number of hollow sightings and set out to destroy them. During their battle, Rurichiyo wanders away from her bodyguards and finds Ichigo. As she pesters him to get food for her, her two servants appear and carry her off, leaving Ichigo to deal with the hoard of hollows in their wake. Ichigo uses his bankai to dispatch them, impressing the three. Uryū helps to clean up the rest, and explains that hollow bait was used to summon the hollows. Later that day, the three move in next door to Ichigo, though they refuse to answer any questions about their purpose. The following day they become his fellow classmates.
Desperate Struggle Under the Moonlit Night, the Mysterious Assassin and Zanpakutō
The overly cautious behavior of Rurichiyo's bodyguards causes Ichigo to be suspicious; however, he resolves to wait for them to make the first move. That night, an assassin arrives at Rurichiyo's house, and her bodyguards leave her to Ichigo and Rukia. The assassin uses a weapon with a mirror that reflects the moonlight to stun his opponents. Ichigo uses his own sword as a mirror to turn the effect back on the assassin, then easily disarms him. Rather than be questioned, he immolates himself on Ichigo's getsuga tenshō. Kenryū reveals that Rurichiyo is the heir to the high-ranking Kasumiōji clan. The clan's caretaker, Kumoi, has been assassinating members of the clan to consolidate his power, and will control the clan if Rurichiyo is killed. Unable to ask the Gotei 13 for assistance, Kenryū asks Ichigo to protect her, which he reluctantly accepts after being asked to by Rukia.
Kenryū, the Profusion of Blooming Crimson Flowers
Ichigo and Rukia take Rurichiyo around town to show her the real world. Afterwards, they have dinner at his house while Kenryū and Enryū prepare the house. They get into an argument after Ichigo tries to get Rurichiyo to eat carrots, and Ichigo accidentally reveals that they hired him as a bodyguard. Rurichiyo storms out of the house and runs off to the river, where she meets Orihime. The pair are intercepted by another assassin, this one wielding an oversized guandao which attaches to his hand. When swung, it fires energy blasts which solidify into rock walls. Kenryū and Enryū arrive shortly to rescue them, followed by Ichigo and Rukia. They again leave the assassin to Ichigo, and Ichigo again manages to defeat him. Rather than be captured, however, the assassin uses his weapon to create a rock wall, which he then collapses on himself. After the group leaves, the head assassin appears to retrieve the weapon, and the next morning Rurichiyo goes missing.
Kibune Goes to War! Raging Reppū
Syūsuke Amagai orders various menial missions and training exercises in the hope of rebuilding the trust between the division and their captain. He plans to have the division rely not only on himself, but on Izuru and Kibune as well. However, much of the focus seems to be on Kibune, making Izuru feel as if he might be replaced. Izuru comes to further distrust Kibune when they investigate the ruins of the old execution ground at the request of a fellow unseated division member, Seko Shinta. The ground gives beneath them, and all three fall into the execution pit. Furthermore, it is filled with caged hollows, who are released almost as soon as they land. Izuru and Kibune begin to dispatch the hollows, but one manages to partially absorb Shinta. While this makes Izuru hesitate, Kibune is quite willing to kill him for his lack of skill. Kira holds Kibune off, and their short exchange ends up freeing Shinta, though he is not expected to survive his injuries. Amagai arrives with backup, and it is revealed that the entire affair was deliberately set up. The next morning, Rurichiyo sneaks back into the Kasumiōji family compound.
The Appearance of the Great Evil! The Darkness in the House of Kasumiōji
Kumoi finds Rurichiyo after she sneaks back into the family compound, and tells the head assassin, Hanza, to kill her while she is unprotected. Kenryū, Enryū, Ichigo, and Rukia arrive in the compound to search for Rurichiyo, and split up. Kenryū and Enryū end up locked in a storeroom by Kumoi, Rukia is found by Kenpachi Zaraki, who discovers from her reactions that Ichigo is also there, while Ichigo actually finds Rurichiyo. However, he is constantly pursued by her guards, and loses track of her. One of the child servants attempts to kill Rurichiyo, but is stopped by Zaraki, who exposes the "child" as a disguised assassin. The assassin is quickly killed by the much stronger Zaraki. Afterwards, Rukia asks Zaraki to keep the incident secret, and he agrees, stating that he does not understand what is going on. As she and Ichigo head back to meet up with Rurichiyo, Hanza tries to frighten Ichigo by momentarily releasing his spiritual pressure, only to be surprised when Ichigo shrugs it off.
Break the Mirror's Boundary! Captive Ichigo
Kumoi further consolidates his power by eliminating the clan members who oppose him. In the Urahara shop, Urahara reveals that there has lately been a shortage of a certain kind of spirit particles, and wonders if it is linked to the current incident with the Kasumiōji clan. Kumoi sends Hanza and a dozen assassins to take care of Rurichiyo. Hanza takes the mirror weapon held by the first assassin with him. The dozen assassins split up into groups of four to challenge Ichigo's friends, while Hanza fights Ichigo personally. Though Ichigo is familiar with the mirror weapon and easily holds Hanza off, Hanza reveals a second ability of the weapon, using it to trap Ichigo in a pocket dimension in which he cannot move. He explains that the weapon, Saiga, evolves by feeding off the spiritual energy of those who wield, hence it is much stronger in his hands than those of his subordinates. Ichigo is freed by Yoruichi, and she points out that his group of assassins has been defeated. The assassins once again kill themselves to prevent capture, while Hanza escapes. The next morning, Kumoi succeeds in installing Rurichiyo's fiancé as head of the clan.
The Revenging Assassin, a Targeted Ichigo
Having failed in his previous attempt to kill Rurichiyo, Hanza gathers three of his subordinates from the criminal underground and requests that they be given similar weapons. Kumoi agrees, and the four set out to kill Rurichiyo, Ichigo, and his friends. In the human world, Rurichiyo tells Ichigo about how others get in trouble for her actions, until Kenryū and Enryū became her guardians and covered for her. Sensing the arrival of Hanza and his subordinates, Ichigo and Rukia stay to protect Rurichiyo while Chad and Uryū go elsewhere to split up their attackers. Hanza targets Ichigo, wanting payback for his previous defeat, while Rukia, Chad, and Uryū each fight one of his subordinates.
Mystery! The Sword-Consuming Assassin
Rukia is approached by one of the assassins, Jinnai Doukou, who is able to eat his bakkoutou to gain power and fire sword blades at her. Uryu fights Kuzuryuu, whose bakkoutou transforms him into mist. Chad fights Genba, who wields the rock-creating bakkoutou of the assassin Ichigo killed. Chad is able to overpower his opponent's wall-creating abilities with his energy blasts, but Genba manages to fuse with the walls and attack him from behind.
Comeback Rukia! The Rampaging Blade
Rukia discovers how to counter Jinnai's attacks and freezes him. He manages to break free, but is consumed by his bakkoutou. Before she can pick it up, several of Hanza's assassins retrieve it. Uryu realizes that Kuzuryuu has fused with the mist and defeats him by using Sprenger, but is injured in the explosion and collapses. Chad, after taking some hits from Genba, destroys the walls to render his opponent vulnerable. After a final clash between Chad's Left Arm of the Devil and his opponent's strongest move, Chad wins the battle. Ichigo fights Hanza and breaks his bakkoutou's mirror, but Hanza reveals another of his bakkoutou's powers, and surrounds Ichigo with the light of the shards.
The Nightmare Which is Shown, Ichigo's Inside the Mirror
Ichigo is sealed within a mirror dimension which causes him to relive his childhood and his mother's death. The mirror then reflects Ichigo's guilt for not able to protect her, and the illusion of his mother tries to kill him. He is able to break free of Hanza's illusions by making peace with his mother and himself, much to Hanza's disbelief. They resume battle again with Ichigo entering his hollow mode. Hanza allows the parasitic bakkoutou to consume more of his spiritual power to fight on par with Ichigo, but is still outmatched. Hanza reveals that he and his fellow assassins once served under Rurichiyo's mother, but betrayed the family by trying to kill Rurichiyo. Despite Ichigo's attempts to stop him from using his bakkoutou, Hanza refuses to admit defeat and is consumed entirely by the parasite. Back in Soul Society, Izuru covertly follows Kibune to the Kasumiōji compound. Rurichiyo's fiancé is ordered to be locked up in his room by Kumoi. Kuzuryuu is shown to be alive and reports to Kumoi the deaths of Hanza and his comrades. Kumoi decides he has no more use for him and has Kibune, who has just entered the room, kill him, revealing that he and Kumoi are in fact in league.
Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13
Amagai proposes joint training between the squads, citing the failed shutdown of the cleaners but his request is denied. That night, Izuru confronts Kibune about his entering the Kasumiōji compound, which he denies. An alarm goes off, revealing Menos inside the Seireitei. Despite Izuru's orders to stay back, the squad follows Kibune out when he decides to go after the Menos in order to improve the third squad's prestige. The different squads interfere with each other in the process of attempting to reach their foes, which they cannot see. Yamamoto reveals that he orchestrated this to test Amagai, and Amagai coordinates the squads to destroy the fake menos. As a result, his proposal is approved. Izuru notices Kibune sending a Hell Butterfly out after the battle.
The Princess's Decision, the Sorrowful Bride
Kumoi schedules Rurichiyo's wedding for the day after tomorrow, forcing Kenryū and Enryū to take action lest he replace her with a look-alike to secure his power. Ichigo goes to speak with Rurichiyo, who reveals that she knew about the assassins' true goal and Kumoi's connection to them, and feels guilty that Chad and Uryu were injured. She escapes into Soul Society, intending to go through with the marriage to keep Kumoi in line; however, when she arrives on the other side, her eyes have gone blank and she expresses no desire to leave. Kenryū, Enryū, Rukia and Ichigo attempt to follow them, but are unable to reach Rurichiyo, as Kenryū and Enryū have been blamed for kidnapping her. On the day of the wedding, the four enter the compound to retrieve Rurichiyo, but Soifon and many members of the second division surround them, and Rurichiyo does not respond to Ichigo calling out to her.
The 2nd Division Sorties! Ichigo is Surrounded
Ichigo tries to reach out to Rurichiyo, but she recognizes neither him nor the rest. Enryū unleashes his zanpakutō, which becomes a pair of large floating fists, and destroys the building. Ichigo uses the confusion to reach Rurichiyo and reveals Kumoi's intentions to Kannogi, Rurichiyo's fiancé. Rurichiyo attacks him, revealing herself to be an impostor. Soifon prevents Ichigo from harming Kumoi and Rurichiyo by allowing them to escape. Kenryū and Enryū are apprehended, but Ichigo and Rukia manage to escape with Kannogi's help. The three hatch a plan to get past the 2nd division by pretending to take Kannogi hostage. Soifon reports this to the rest of Gotei 13, and Yamamoto orders the 2nd and 3rd divisions to lead a manhunt for Ichigo and Rukia. Soifon reveals some doubts about Kumoi's intentions to Yamamoto, but he merely takes them under consideration. Izuru voices his suspicions on Kibune's recent actions and his apparent relation to Kasumiōji family to Amagai, which Amagai views with skepticism. He tells Izuru to keep an eye on Kibune just in case.
Amagai's True Strength, zanpakutō is released!
The second and third squads keep watch over the Kasumiōji compound in order to catch Ichigo. Soi Fon returns Kenryuu and Enryuu to the Kasumiōji clan at Yamamoto's order, and continues the search despite her reservations. It is revealed that Kumoi has captured the real Rurichiyo. Kibune visits Rurichiyo, who suggests that he is afraid of something and has an ulterior motive for working for Kumoi. Kibune is noticed by a drunken squad member, whom he quickly silences. The next morning, Renji approaches Byakuya about the search, who seems unconcerned despite the fact that Rukia is being sought after, and decides to let Renji take command of the search party by himself. Ichigo, Rukia and Shuu decide to rescue Rurichiyo, but as soon as they reach the surface, Amagai attacks Ichigo and a fierce battle begins. Shuu steps in and reveals the truth about Kumoi and the bakkutou, which Amagai believes.
The Darkness Which Moves! Kibune's True Colors
Amagai is revealed to be helping Ichigo, and is also branded a criminal. Ukitake and Kyoraku grow more suspicious about what Ichigo, Rukia and Amagai know, but Yamamoto forbids them from investigating the Kasumiōji clan. Meanwhile, Renji and Ikkaku fight with Iba and Hisagi, respectively, believing that there is some reason behind Ichigo and Rukia's actions. Kira sneaks into the Kasumiōji compound in search of Kibune. There he finds Rurichiyo being held hostage. He sends off a message to Captain Amagai, but is waylaid by a number of assassins. Though he manages to dispatch them, one escapes with Rurichiyo and Kibune appears to keep him from pursuing.
Kira and Kibune, Offense and Defense of the 3rd Division
The squads manage to put aside their fighting and set up specified territories to patrol, but Ichigo, Amagai, Rukia and Shuu proceed through unassigned territory and, making contact with members of the third division, head for the third division stadium, Rurichiyo's last known location. Izuru begins fighting Kibune. Although Izuru initially gains the advantage by increasing Reppu's weight with Wabisuke's special ability, Kibune manages to make it fly even while heavier, and reveals that he too has a bakkutou. He reveals his past, where his belief that weak comrades could be sacrificed caused him to be largely ostracized in the Gotei 13, and eventually assigned to an expeditionary force due to his being unable to be placed anywhere else. He reveals that he sought power in order to gain respect. With his bakkutou's strength, he knocks Izuru down and prepares to finish him off.
Ice and Flame! Fierce Fight of Amagai vs. Hitsugaya
Although Izuru is nearly exhausted attempting to evade Kibune's attacks, he realizes that Kibune is relying on his bakkoutou's strength to protect his zanpakutou from having its weight increased. He manages to make Kibune's zanpakutou heavier, enabling him to get through his defenses, and Kibune attempts to draw on more of his bakkoutou's power, but dies in the process. Ichigo and Amagai pursue two assassins, but learn that the Rurichiyo they are carrying is a fake, and return to the arena to hear the truth about Kibune. Renji arrives to take the bakkoutou to Yamamoto, while Ichigo, Rukia, Amagai and Shuu head to the mansion. Yoruichi reveals the truth about the clan to Soifon and Ukitake. After hearing about the Kasumiōji clan's crimes, Yamamoto orders all squads to head to the compound. Unfortunately, Hitsugaya and Rangiku, who have not received the order, attempt to capture Ichigo's group. Amagai fights Hitsugaya and Rukia fights Rangiku while Ichigo enters the compound with Shuu.
Sortie Orders! Suppress the House of Kasumiōji
Word of the plan to invade the Kasumiōji compound reaches the 10th squad, and Hitsugaya and Rangiku stop fighting against Amagai and Rukia. Yamamoto reveals that he had suspected the clan, but because of its status as a weapons manufacturer, he could do nothing until Ichigo caused the truth to be revealed. Kumoi, angry over someone (presumed to be Yamamoto or Amagai) breaking his promise to protect him, grows desperate and sends a horde of assassins, all armed with bakkoutou, after the invading Soul Reapers. Ichigo, Rukia and Shuu corner Kumoi, who is using Rurichiyo as a hostage. Kumoi reveals that his plan was to take control of all of Soul Society's nobility. Amagai arrives, prevents Ichigo from rescuing Rurichiyo, kills Kumoi, then teleports to Yamamoto with Rurichiyo.
Ichigo Rages! The Assassin's Secret
Amagai faces down Yamamoto at his office. The mastermind of the events that plagued the Kasumiōji household was his doing. Kenryu and Enryu manage to save Rurichiyo and try to subdue Amagai, but he is too strong for them. Yamamoto demands to know why Amagai wants to do this, and the latter tells him it is all for revenge. He reveals that Yamamoto killed Amagai's father, Kisaragi Shin'etsu, as he knew about the knowledge of the bakkoutou, and Yamamoto's involvement with the Kasumiōji clan to secretly allow them to create bakkoutou. In order to take his revenge, he joined the Soul Reapers and rose through the ranks, waiting for his time to strike, which is now. Yamamoto unleashes his shikai against him. However Amagai uses the collected bakkoutou "eyes" to feed his own tuning fork weapon, which is revealed to also be a bakkoutou, albeit stronger. Using the bakkoutou, Amagai seals Yamamoto's spiritual powers, and then unleashes his bankai, Raika Gouenkaku, against him. The fight continues until Ichigo arrives to stop Amagai. As Amagai used Rurichiyo's household to complete his plans, Ichigo does not care if Amagai's vendetta is right or not, he has to stop him right here.
Duel! Amagai vs. Ichigo
Ichigo begins fighting Amagai, whose bakkoutou's ability to suppress zanpakutou powers initially limits his strength. However, due to his hollow powers, he is able to fight on equal footing with Amagai, getting in several direct hits. Amagai calls upon Gouen Ryuuga, which creates flame jets from the ground that encircle the opponent, injuring Ichigo and breaking his mask. With his mask still crumbling, Ichigo manages to get through Amagai's defenses, badly wounding him with a Getsuga Tenshou. However, Amagai is willing to die to achieve his revenge, and calls upon his bakkoutou's power in order to kill Rurichiyo, Yamamoto, and Ichigo.
The Fallen Soul Reaper's Pride
Amagai uses the power of the bakkoutou to dangerous levels in order to further increase his strength, but after unleashing a powerful blow on Ichigo, he manages to take control of himself. After learning that Ichigo still does not want to back down for Rurichiyo's sake, Amagai decides to fight him on his own power. Finally, Amagai and Ichigo each deal out a final blow at each other, but Amagai loses and his bankai reverts to the zanpakutō's original form. Unwilling to admit defeat, Amagai stabs Yamamoto, but the latter is unharmed. Yoruichi and the other captains arrive to explain that Amagai's father, Kisaragi, was actually helping Yamamoto to investigate the Kasumioji household but was captured and made an unwilling pawn by Kumoi with the power of the bakkoutou. In order to save Kisaragi, Yamamoto had no choice but to kill him. Upon learning this, Amagai finally relents and makes peace with Yamamoto; however, he decides to account for his previous wrongdoings and kills himself with his zanpakutō, igniting himself in a funeral pyre. Before igniting himself, he apologizes to Kira and bids him farewell. Later, Rurichiyo and Shuu thank Ichigo and his friends for the help they provided, with Rurichiyo taking up the role of head of the household.
Hueco Mundo Chapter, Restart!
A recap of the Hueco Mundo arc. After the fight between Ichigo and Grimmjow, Grimmjow comes back up to fight Ichigo again but ends up getting struck down by Nnoitra. Nnoitra and Ichigo begin to fight, while Nnoitra's Fraccion, Tesla, captures Orihime, and Nnoitra reveals that he is the 5th Espada and stronger than Grimmjow. Renji, Uryuu, Dondochakka and Pesche go to save Orihime, Rukia, and Chad, but encounter Szayel Aporro again.
The Frightening Banquet, Szayel Aporro Theater
The fight between Nnoitra and an exhausted Ichigo continues. Attacks from Ichigo with his bankai are easily fended off by Nnoitra. Orihime is warned not to interfere by Tesla, who says her power belongs to Aizen who has allowed Tesla to destroy it if she attacks. Renji, Uryū, Dondochakka and Pesche begin their fight with Szayel who has had time to redress himself for their second act. He indicates his annoyance with the fight with such insects and unleashes his released form, Fornicaras, to create clones of the four rescuers. He releases the power limiter on the room so that they can fight their clones at full power. Meanwhile, Tesla remembers that Ichigo's companion, the arrancar Nel, has gone missing. He locates the trembling Nel hiding behind a rock and exposes her. Nnoitra recognizes the terrified child immediately by her broken mask and facial mark and reveals that her real name is Neliel Tu Oderschvank, a former Espada.
Nel's Secret, a Big-Breasted Beauty Joins the Battle!?
The fight between Nnoitra and Ichigo gets more desperate as Nnoitra is about to crush Nel's head. Ichigo saves her, but Nnoitra brutally throws Ichigo out of the way each time he attempts to stop him. Nnoitra's moves get more aggressive until he begins to break Ichigo's arm. The intensity of Nel's emotions unleash an unintentional transformation to her original adult form. Nel then reveals that she has the rank of the former 3rd Espada- Neliel tu Oderschvank-, and begins to overpower Nnoitra. Nnoitra, however, is not easily defeated, even surviving Nel's powerful Cero Doble technique, and reveals that while Neliel once outranked him, the Espada have grown more powerful in her absence.
Irresistible, Puppet Show of Terror
Uryu and Renji struggle against their clones, which multiply every time one is destroyed. Renji uses his bankai to get his clones to follow, crushing the building. Szayel then reveals a second ability: he is able to create voodoo dolls of an opponent by wrapping them in his wings. He succeeds with Uryu and Renji, and shows that by using them, he can cause pain to the targets and damage their internal organs. Meanwhile, Nnoitra is still losing to Neliel, but they hesitate before they can deal each other fatal blows, and Nnoitra notes that he has despised Neliel even before her departure.
Neliel's Past
Neliel's past is revealed through her fight with Nnoitra. Meanwhile, Pesche and Dondochakka mounts an offensive against Szayel after seeing Renji struggling against the Espada. Pesche thinks back to the time when Nnoitra attacked Neliel for power which ultimately ended with breaking Neliel's mask through the guidance of Szayel. She is dumped by Nnoitra, along with Pesche and Dondochakka back out of Aizen's palace. Neliel obtains amnesia as her broken mask renders her into a child. To the present, Nnoitra taunts Neliel in regards to their past. Neliel then releases her Zanpaktou, shouting "Declare...!".
The Ultimate Union! Pesche's Seriousness
Neliel finishes calling out her sword, Gamuza, and transforms into a white centaur. Meanwhile, Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Bilstin fight Szayel, using their Bawabawa. Pesche takes out his sword, Ultima, as he lands a strike on Szayel. As the fights go on, Dondochakka takes out his club to help out. Pesche and Dondochakka use their ultimate attack, "cero sincrecito", a combination of Dondochakka and Pesche's cero. While out in the desert, Ichigo is getting severely beaten by Tesla, who called out his sword, Verruga, and transformed into a minotaur type creature. Right before Telsa deals the final blow to Ichigo, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki saves him.
Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears
Kenpachi kills Tesla with one blow and tells Ichigo to stay out of his fight with Nnoitra. He informs Ichigo that Urahara was tasked with making the Garganta into Hueco Mundo stable enough for the 4 captains to enter, and that three others came with him. Retsu Unohana arrives with Isane Kotetsu, and persuades the Exequias to leave before healing Gantenbaine and Chad. Mayuri Kurotsuchi arrives and, despite Szayel creating a doll replica of him, remains confident that he can win. Byakuya arrives to save Rukia, and while Zommari nearly kills him with Gemelos Sonido, he manages to save himself with a technique that Yoruichi taught him, that he promised himself he would never use.
Byakuya's Bankai, the Quiet Anger
Zommari, upset over Byakuya refusing to consider him an equal opponent, releases his zanpakuto, Brujeria, causing him to grow eyes all over his body that can control anything. He attempts to hinder Byakuya by controlling his left leg and arm, but Byakuya, realizing what is going on, severs the tendons and renders them useless. Hanatarou arrives and tries to get Rukia to safety, but Zommari uses his ability to control Rukia, who severely wounds Hanatarou, and demands that Byakuya surrender under the threat of making Rukia kill herself. Byakuya immobilizes Rukia with kido, and uses his bankai to attack Zommari, who is unable to control the countless blades to save himself.
The Two Scientists, Mayuri's Trap
Zommari survives Byakuya’s attack but Byakuya, having already discovered how to counter his ability to control others, quickly dispatches him. Mayuri initially seems unable to fight back against Szyael destroying his organs, but reveals that he has made himself immune to Szyael’s ability by replacing all the organs in his body, having learned about the ability from bacteria he implanted in Uryu. He then activates his bankai, poisoning Szyael despite his efforts to make an antidote, then has it swallow Szyael.
Holy Birth, The Resurrected Szayel Aporro
Rukia regains consciousness, but is told to rest and regain her strength for the battles ahead. Kenpachi's battle with Nnoitra continues, and Orihime heals Nel at Ichigo's request. Despite managing to have his bankai swallow Szayel, Mayuri inadvertently poisons Uryu and Renji, and Szayel seizes the opportunity to resurrect himself by absorbing Nemu's spiritual particles through his Gabriel technique. However, in the process, he ingests a “super-human” drug from inside Nemu that increases his reflexes to the point where his body cannot keep up, immobilizing him. Mayuri then stabs him through the hand before stabbing him in the heart, saying that "he won't feel the pain for another 100 years."
The Hardest Body!? Cut Down Nnoitra
Szayel, his senses heightened as a result of the drug, feels Mayuri's zanpakuto piercing through his hand and heart for what seems like countless lifetimes before he dies. After restoring Nemu to full health, Mayuri orders her to clear away the rubble that concealed Szayel's laboratory. Afterwards, Mayuri heals the reluctant Uryu's injuries. Elsewhere, Kenpachi has difficulty cutting through Nnoitra's hierro, but believes that Nnoitra can be injured. Kenpachi manages to stab Nnoitra through his eyepatch, but Nnoitra counter-attacks, injuring Kenpachi, and reveals that he had stabbed him through his hollow hole. Kenpachi, unfazed, merely grins.
Nnoitra Released! Multiplying Arms
Kenpachi manages to wound Nnoitra with the slash, and finds the right amount of force he needs to put into his blows in order to cut his opponent. He continues to attack Nnoitra, and after Nnoitra accidentally tears off his eyepatch while trying to attack him, the limits on his power are removed, and he delivers a devastating slash to Nnoitra. Nnoitra then releases his zanpakuto, Santa Teresa, giving him an extra pair of arms and regenerative abilities. Nnoitra attacks Kenpachi and severely wounds him, but Kenpachi manages to cut off the arm. Nnoitra regenerates the arm and continues on the assault, growing yet another pair of arms and stabbing Kenpachi with one of his new arms.
Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest?
Kenpachi continues fighting Nnoitra, and although he is able to keep up with his attacks, soon realizes that he is in danger of dying. He then resorts to using kendo and deals Nnoitra a powerful sword strike, severely wounding him. Nnoitra is angered by Kenpachi's belief that he had won as he hates being shown mercy or being pitied more than anything, partly influenced by his time with Neliel. He charges Kenpachi, but is struck down again and mortally wounded.
Karakura Town Gathers! Aizen Versus Shinigami
After Kenpachi defeats Nnoitra, he demands Orihime heal him. Before Orihime reaches him, the Espada Stark arrives and takes her away to a tower where Sōsuke Aizen greets her. He informs her that he, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen are preparing to destroy Karakura Town. Aizen orders Tōsen to contact all of the Soul Reaper captains, Ichigo, and his friends with kidō, and reveals that he brought Orihime to Hueco Mundo to lure and trap them. As he travels through a garganta portal to Karakura Town, however, Aizen is confronted by Commander-General Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, the leader of the Gotei 13, with five other captains. Aizen summons the Espada Stark, Barragan, and Halibel and orders Espada Ulquiorra Schiffer to protect Las Noches.
Ichigo's Seppuku Persuasion Strategy
Back in the real world, Ichigo is in school when he happens upon Lurichiyo from the Kasumioji clan again, who it turns out has come back to the real world because she is angered that Kenryuu, her retainer, would not allow her to play soccer when she has other important duties to attend to. This leads to an outburst between Lurichiyo and Kenryuu, and the latter intends to end his life to make Lurichiyo "happy." After some persuasion from Ichigo and his friends, they manage to put on an act to fool Lurichiyo into forgiving him, but she ends up seeing through it. This leads to another argument about soccer and culminates in Lurichiyo challenging Kenryuu to a soccer game to see who is right once and for all.
Thump! A Kemari Tournament Filled with Hollows
The soccer game officially kicks off, with the referees being the proprietors from the Urahara Shop, Jinta and Ururu, with Urahara himself overseeing the proceedings, including setting up a gigantic barrier around the play field to designate the assigned area, which apparently is not legal in Soul Society's eyes. The two teams, each with varying characters, ranging from gigais to Kon, the modsoul, attempt to keep the ball away from each other using different and comical means. The action culminates in Ikkaku Madarame joining in the game, while actually sparring with Ichigo instead, under the impression that the latter was doing some intensive training, and a hollow which appears on the field, drawn by everyone's spiritual pressure. With the help of Ichigo, Chad and Uryu, the hollow is quickly dispatched and the game is over because the ball was dropped by Lurichiyo's team. Before she can lament about going back to her world, Shuu from the Kasumioji clan enters the human world via a Senkai Gate and shows Lurichiyo that her idea about a soccer tournament in Soul Society wasn't such a bad idea in the eyes of the commoners after all. Satisfied with this, Lurichiyo, Kenryuu and Enryuu all return to Soul Society.
The Past Chapter Begins! The Truth from 110 Years Ago
The pendulum of time swings back 110 years to reveal secrets that need to be shown before time can advance again. In the Soul Society, the then-fifth division captain, Hirako Shinji, is approached by then-fifth division lieutenant, Aizen Sosuke, about preparations for the new captain of 12th division. Yoruichi Shihoin and Kisuke Urahara are sparring in their private training area until Yoruichi tells him that she has recommended him for the position of 12th Division Captain. Soi Fon, immediately distrusting Urahara because of what she has seen of his person and his dwelling, follows him around town in order to prove to Yoruichi that he is not worth being chosen for that responsibility. Yoruichi, however, after seeing Soi Fon's proof on paper, disregards it as a love letter. It turns out that Urahara and a group of Shinigami were tailing a group of deserters who had abandoned the Seireitei of their own admonition and sent to stop them. After they are taken care of, Urahara passes the qualification exam and shows up, albeit last and late, to the captain's meeting.
12th Division's New Captain, Urahara Kisuke
Urahara is appointed Captain of 12th Division at the ceremony attended by all the other captains and then introduces himself to the rest of his squad. His lazy and laid-back manner is quickly and easily apparent, and Vice-Captain Hiyori is the only one that does not take to him, first making a scene when he was trying to load his stuff into his new room, even going so far as to challenge him in a match to see if he really can hold up to his promise of not letting danger befall 12th Division. The squad members are led to believe that their captain was too weak and thus fell easily at Hiyori's attack, but it turns out he managed to easily evade her kick before it hit him, then moved back into place, taking the hit and seemingly not wanting to make Hiyori look embarrassed. Later that night, Shinji and Urahara are sitting outside, and Shinji tells Kisuke that Hiyori loved the previous captain of 12th Division like a mother and that she would be very difficult to replace in her heart. The next day, Hiyori finally sees Urahara's room, and is shocked by how much it has changed since the previous captain was there. Urahara then asks Hiyori if she would like to accompany him to the Maggot's Nest.
Aizen and the Genius Boy
Urahara takes Hiyori to the Maggots Nest, explaining on the way that its purpose is to hold people deemed potentially dangerous by the Soul Society. Because it is underground and heavily guarded, the prisoners are free to walk around, doing as they please. While they are walking through the penitentiary, a large prisoner attacks Hiyori, who accidentally left her zanpakuto back at their division headquarters. Urahara easily subdues the man with his bare hand, stating that using one's hands is the only way to thwart an attack in the prison. Deep inside, a younger Mayuri Kurotsuchi; confined to his own cell, is approached by Kisuke in regards to being his second in command in a new division of their own making, the Technological Research Bureau. Mayuri is reluctant, but eventually gives in and agrees. Elsewhere, a young Byakuya Kuchiki is shown to have been easily irritated at that age, proven when Yoruichi demonstrates her flash step technique, stealing his hairpiece before escaping, taunting him in the process. Kaien Shiba is also offered the position of lieutenant under Jushirou Ukitake, but he stubbornly refuses. Ukitake tells Kaien of a boy who is even younger than Byakuya, who is to be promoted to a seat position in his squad. The boy, who easily slays the 3rd seat of the fifth division, is revealed to be a young Gin Ichimaru, under the watchful and impressed eye of Aizen. The pendulum swings forward 9 years, revealing a glimpse of horrible events yet to come.
Muguruma 9th Division, Moves Out
The pendulum of time has swung forward nine years, and mysterious events are occurring in the outskirts of the Soul Society. Three shadowed figures watch on as citizens of Rukongai are devoured and killed by a strange white substance. Some time later, Shinji, Aizen, Mayuri, Hiyori and Urahara meet to discuss the recent disappearances of various Rukongai citizens. Kensei Muguruma and his ninth division are deployed to assess the situation, and happen upon a gigantic hollow, which attacks three boys. One of the boys, a younger Hisagi Shuuhei, is saved from certain death by Kensei, who obliterates the hollow with his released zanpakuto, Tachikaze. Later in Mayuri and Urahara's lab, Hiyori angrily reminds Mayuri of the fact that she is a lieutenant and he is only a 3rd seat, but he retorts that as long as they are in his lab, he is of a higher rank than her. We also get our first glimpse at a gigai, a prototype at this time, but still an idea that Kisuke had long ago. Hiyori is chosen to go from 12th squad to see what's going on with the recent disappearances of the citizens. Kensei and the rest of his squad are camping in the woods, waiting to see of any signs of whatever has been attacking people. Toudou, one of his subordinates, seemingly kills Tosen and the rest of the group, then gets struck down himself. Kensei, the only one left, is imprisoned in a well of darkness and then impaled with a blade. When the darkness lifts, he recognizes his attacker.
Hiyori dies? The Beginning of Tragedy
The spiritual energies of Kensei and all of his squad have vanished, and this sparks a now serious situation in Soul Society. An emergency captain's meeting is held to determine who will go to oversee the situation that is growing worse by the day. Although Kisuke appears late and pleads his case to go, Yamamoto denies him. Instead, Shinji, Aikawa Love, Rose, Kyoraku's lieutenant Yadomaru Lisa and Hacchigen, from the Kido Corps, are dispatched. In the woods, Hiyori is attacked by a grotesque and powerful hollow that is revealed to be Kensei. Shinji arrives to save her, along with the rest of the captains, but soon Mashiro appears, also transformed into a hollow and attacks the group. Hacchi manages to bind both Mashiro and Kensei, but the latter is able to escape by using brute strength alone. The situation begins to look grim for everyone. Meanwhile, Kisuke is torn at his decision to send Hiyori out alone and defies orders that he is not to go, using a cloak that completely masks his energy. Before he can set out, Tessai Tsukabishi, also of the Kido Corps, stops him and insists that he not go alone. The two then prepare to set out together.
Betrayal! Aizen's Secret Maneuvers
Captain Kyoraku is out late when he happens upon Nanao Ise, his future lieutenant, who wonders if Lisa will be all right. Kyoraku reassures her that she'll be fine, but she is actually getting beaten by the rampaging Kensei, whose terrifying new abilities overpower most of the group, until Hacchi finally manages to bind him with an extremely powerful spell. Shinji is then brutally attacked by Hiyori, who is now a hollow. Kaname Tosen unexpectedly incapacitates the group, with the exception of Shinji. To make matters worse, Aizen appears and reveals his own betrayal, explaining to Hirako that his illusion-casting zanpakuto made it seem like Aizen was following Shinji all the time, when it was really a totally different person. Aizen tells Shinji that if he had attempted to get to know his lietenant, he may have been able to see through the deception. Shinji and the rest of the group start transforming into hollows, but Shinji manages to hang onto himself. Aizen prepares to finish off Hirako, but Kisuke and Tessai arrive to stop him.
Rescue Hirako! Aizen vs. Urahara
Kisuke and Tessai arrive to stop Aizen, but Aizen is expecting this the entire time. Aizen attempts to lie by saying that he found his fellow shinigami injured from battle, but Kisuke reveals he has been testing hollowification in Soul Society. Aizen flees from the scene shortly after this. Tessai uses illegal Kidou to freeze time and bring everyone in the area back to the 12th squad research facilities. Kisuke shows Tessai the object that may be useful in saving those undergoing the hollowfication process, the Hougyoku. Kisuke and Tessai were arrested and brought before Central Room 46 the next morning only to find themselves falsely accused as the ones responsible for Aizen's doing. When Kisuke tries to explain that Aizen was at fault, Room 46 declares that Aizen was in the barracks that night. Kisuke is sentenced to removal of his spirit powers, and exile to the real world, and Tessai is sentenced to high level imprisonment. Just before the two are detained, Yoruichi breaks in and takes them back to her and Kisuke's hideout, along with the eight shinigami undergoing hollowfication. Kisuke declares that he will find out how to save them. Time flashes forward to "present day" at the Vizard headquarters, it appears that Shinji had narrated the previous story. He says that they have become who they are thanks to Kisuke and Aizen. After this they walk out of the building, ready to fight.
The Soul Burial Detective, Karakura Riser is Born
Going back to the time when Ichigo, Uryu, and Chad left the real world for Hueco Mundo with Kisuke's help, the main focus is now directed to the events that took place in Karakura town during the previous arc. Kisuke feels that Karakura town needs protection against hollows now that Ichigo left. In one night, he came up with the idea to create a fun way to protect the town, which was to force Kon into a team of hollow fighting super heroes called "Soul Burial Detective, Karakura Riser". Once Kon gets used to his new hero suit, he meets the rest of the team which includes Don Kanonji, Tatsuki, Chizuru, Keigo, and Ururu. After a successful fight with hollows, the team encounters a woman who appears to be an arrancar.
Karakura Riser's Last Day
This is a continuation of the previous episode. The team assembled in the previous episode are to infiltrate a gate that the Arrancar are using to travel between Hueco Mundo and the world of the living. At the "Hollow Fortress" numerous Hollows attacked the team. Don Kanonji and Ururu stayed behind to take care of the hollow and the others went inside the "Hollow Fortress". When they got inside the fortress, they met one of the many arrancar from Hueco Mundo. Chizuru used her "Hyper Erotic Powers" to distract the arrancar, and Tatsuki, Keigo, and Kurumatani take care of the Hollows inside. Kon travels to the center of the fortess, where he meets a hollow and kills it with his "Riser Beam", exploding and destroying the heart of the fortress, and the fortess itself. In the end, Urahara erects a barrier around Karakura town.
Defend Karakura Town! Entire Appearance of the Shinigami
Aizen, Tousen, and Gin arrive in Karakura town and are greeted by the remaining captains of the Gotei 13 and their lieutenants. Aizen states how he is aware that he is not in the real Karakura Town and says that after slaughtering them, he will make the King's Key in Soul Society. He says that Las Noches is in Ulquiorra's hands, at which Ulquiorra appears in the throne room behind Orihime. His appearance is sensed by Ichigo and he rushes to the 5th tower where Ulquiorra and Orihime are located. It then shows a young plus girl being chased by hollow in Kagamino City, 22km from Karakura Town, when suddenly the hollows are killed simply by the reiatsu of the Gotei 13 captains, Aizen, and his top Espada. A shinigami assigned to the area tells the girl to run before she is attacked again, then questions how the battle will end. It then goes back to the battle where the captains talk amongst themselves, when suddenly the captain-commander says for everyone to get back as he unleashes his shikai to trap Aizen, Tousen, and Gin. Back in Las Noches, Ulquiorra talks to Orihime, asking if she is scared. She replies that she isn't scared. Ichigo is temporarily delayed by the exequias and their leader, Rudobone. Rudobone and his men attack, but are stopped by Renji, Sado, and Rukia. Ichigo continues on his way eventually breaking though the floor into the throne room, ready to battle.
Elite! The Four Shinigami
Ichigo arrives in the 5th Tower to save Orihime and confronts Ulquiorra, who tells him that because Aizen has not ordered Orihime killed, he shall not do it unless ordered to. But because Ichigo is a threat to Hueco Mundo that must be destroyed, he will kill him. As a result, Ulquiorra finally unsheathes his sword and they begin their battle. Meanwhile, back at the fake Karakura, Barragan takes command since his boss is locked inside Yamamoto's fire prison, ordering both Halibel and Stark to not underestimate him. His first plan of action is to destroy the four pillars protecting Karakura, and he sends out four giant hollows to do the job, failing to realize that the Gotei 13 would not just leave those pillars completely unprotected on purpose. Ikkaku, Yumichika, Kira and Hisagi each take one pillar, and after defeating the hollows with ease, are matched up against four of Barragan's five Fraccion. Each is introduced to the other and the battle for Karakura begins.
Beautiful Little Devil Charlotte
In the fire prison that Yamamoto's zanpakuto created, Gin notices that Kira is pretty upset. Tosen asks him what is wrong, and if he misses Kira, because he used to be his captain. Gin states that he doesn't, he's just glad that Kira is doing well. At his fight, Kira manages to draw blood against his opponent, Avirama Redder, who proceeds to release his zanpakuto, Aguila. Meanwhile, Yumichika and his opponent, Charlotte Cuulhorne, the sadistic, erotic, strange, feminine arrancar, continue their fight, but eventually it turns out to be more of a "beauty contest" than an actual fight, because of the fact that the two spar for the sake of making the other look disgraced because of the other's ugliness. Charlotte uses an array of attacks, summoned up by a ridiculously long name each time. When Yumichika manages to cut some of Charlotte's hair off, that pushes him over the edge and releases his sword, "Reina de Rosas" which means "Queen of the Roses". Now on equal strength with Yumichika, the two fight more seriously, until Charlotte traps Yumichika in a prison of black thorns, which will completely encase him and his reiatsu, cutting him off from the world. But since he is in a spot where no one will know, Yumichika reveals a secret attack of his zanpakuto he doesn't want anyone to know about, and with it, he defeats Charlotte.
Kira, The Battle Within Despair
Yumichika reveals that he uses a "nickname" for his zanpakuto to avoid revealing its kido-based abilities so that he can fit in with the 11th Division, and Cuulhorne is impressed by his resolve to avoid revealing its true nature to others even if he would die. The other fights continue elsewhere, and Findol reveals to Hisagi that he can chip off his mask to regulate his power level. Izuru fights Avirama, whose Resurrecion turns him into a bird and enables him to attack Izuru with heavy steel feathers. Izuru uses Wabisuke to make Avirama's wings too heavy to fly, and reveals that it represents the 3rd Division's belief that war is full of despair. He then decapitates Avirama as he begs for his life, noting afterward that he does not want to be forgiven.
Hisagi's Shikai! The Name is...
Hisagi has difficulty fighting his opponent, Findor Carias, despite technically being on the same level of power. When Findor releases his zanpakuto Pinza Aguda and corners Hisagi with blasts of water, Hisagi reluctantly releases his zanpakuto Kazeshini despite his dislike for its appearance as a weapon for killing. Using his zanpakuto, he is able to overpower and defeat Findor. Unfortunately, Barragan's fourth Fraccion, Choe Neng Poww, is able to defeat Ikkaku and destroy the pillar he had been guarding.
Ikkaku Falls! The Shinigami's Crisis
As a result of the pillar being destroyed, the real Karakura town starts to return, but Seventh Division lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba manages to stop it while his captain Saijin Komamura face Poww. Poww knocks Komamura aside with a single punch in his unreleased state, and releasing his zanpakuto, vastly increases his size and tries to finish off Ikkaku and Iba. Komamura, however, manages to overpower and defeat him easily with his bankai. Iba reprimands Ikkaku for failing to protect the pillar as a result of his desire to avoid revealing his own strength, and tells him that if he wishes to fight, he must carry out his orders even at the cost of his own life. Barragan grows visibly angry as a result of four of his Fraccions' defeat.
The Full Showdown! Shinigami vs. Espada
Barragan's two remaining fraccion, Ggio Vega and Nirgge Parduoc, offer to deal with the other Shinigami themselves, and end up facing against second division captain Soifon and second division lieutenant Marechiyo Oomaeda. While tenth division captain Toshiro Hitsugaya begins fighting Harribel, lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto begins fighting her fraccion, who are able to defend themselves against her zanpakuto's ability by using ceros. Eighth and thirteenth division captains Kyoraku and Ukitake face Stark, but are unwilling to fight against his fraccion, Lilinette. While Oomaeda struggles against Nirgge, Soifon is able to pin Ggio to the wall and releases her zanpakuto.
The Most Evil Tag!? Soi Fon & Ōmaeda
Ggio manages to free himself and fights back against Soi Fon, chiding her for not finishing him off when she had the chance. He releases his zanpakuto and continues fighting her, seeming to be of equal or greater skill. Oomaeda continues fighting Nirgge, and while it appears that he cannot keep up with his speed even in his slower release state, he reveals that he had only pretended to be slow, and manages to outmaneuver Nirgge and bash him in the head with his zanpakuto. Despite this, Nirgge gets up again, only to die when Ggio accidentally knocks Soi Fon at his head.
A Miraculous Body! Ggio Releases
Soifon continues fighting Ggio, and is pinned down. Nirgge gets up and tries attacking Omaeda again, but he defeats him and tries to help Soifon. Ggio is about to shoot Omaeda with a Cero but Soifon breaks free and knocks Omaeda away before Ggio can kill him, revealing that she had hoped to study an arrancar's resurrecion form before facing the Espada. Ggio then responds by turning into his "Tigre Estoque El Sable" form to grow stronger, but Soifon kills him easily with her zanpakutō's ability. She then explains her zanpakutō second ability before she and Omaeda go to face Barragan.
3 vs. 1 Battle! Rangiku's Crisis
Rangiku struggles against Harribel's Fraccion until fifth division lieutenant Momo Hinamori arrives and, using kido and her zanpakuto's abilities, manages to severely injure the enemy. In response, the three Fraccion release their zanpakutos, rip off their left arms and combine them to form a strange hybrid creature named Allon. Elsewhere, Ukitake refuses to fight Lilynette because she appears to be a child, while Kyoraku and Stark fight against each other despite being unwilling to release their zanpakutos.
Vice-Captains Annihilated! The Terrifying Demonic Beast
Lilynette continues to attack Ukitake in absolutely futility as he is able to repel her attacks effortlessly, even having enough time to use a low kido spell to repel her kick and send her flying backwards. In anger, Lilynette fires a cero blast at Ukitake though he easily bats it away with his bare hand. He tells her that her cero blast is still immature and that he has no desire to fight her. Allon attacks Rangiku and Hinamori, severly injuring each of them in one hit and Hisagi and Izuru arrive to help. While Izuru is charged with healing Rangiku and Hinamori, Hisagi tries to fight Allon but is easily captured and crushed in Allon's massive hands. Iba shows up and tries to come in from behind Allon thinking that he cannot see him but right as he is about to attack, Allon's left eye appears from beneath the fur around his head and he fires a cero blast from it which completely envelops Iba. As Allon closes in on Izuru and an injured Rangiku, a large hole burned through his chest appears and head captain Yamamoto appears before him. Yamamoto says he is disappointed that his men have finally forced him to fight.
Fierce Fighting Concludes? Towards a New Battle!
Allon goes into a rage after being wounded by Yamamoto and increases in size, but Yamamoto easily defeats it and Harribel's three Fraccion. Hitsugaya struggles against Harribel, who reveals that she is third among the Espada and then hits him with a torrent of energy. Kyoraku fights Starrk, who reveals that he is the top Espada. Elsewhere in Las Noches, Ichigo continues his fight with Ulquiorra, and despite Ulquiorra's claim that Ichigo's friends and the Soul Reapers will be defeated, Ichigo has faith in their victory and continues to fight against him.
Wonderful Error
In the real world, much of the main class is attending their first day at Karakura High School. Ichigo and Chad met and befriend Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima while saving Keigo from some thugs. Orihime meets Chizuru, who tries to woo her only to be kicked in retaliation by Tatsuki Arisawa. In Soul Society, the lieutenants meet and decide to promote Renji to Lieutenant of the 6th Division and send Rukia to Karakura Town. Renji discusses his promotion with his friends, but decides to make it a surprise for when Rukia gets back. Rukia, after speaking with her captain and third seats, heads to Karakura town, at the same time as the first episode begins.
Summer! Sea! Swimsuit Festival!!
The Soul Reapers decide to take a vacation to the ocean in the real world because captain Byakuya Kuchiki destroyed the pool the Shinigami Women's Association covertly built in his mansion. The Women's association shop for swimsuits and then head for the beach where everyone meets up. After attending Ukitake's weak body from the heat, they form groups to produce works of art on the beach for a competition. Watermelon-like monsters attack and most of the Shinigami are helpless against them without their zanpakuto until Yoruichi Shihōin and Soi Fon defeat them. It is then revealed that Retsu Unohana arranged the event with Byakuya and Ukitake as a game of splitting watermelons, and several more arrived as the episode ends.
Cry of the Soul? The Rug Shinigami is Born!
Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa travel to Karakura Town on a assignment to catch a hollow that had attacked a convoy in Soul Society. The two travel to Ichigo's house planning to stay there until their assignment is complete. Ichigo, however, turns them down and takes them to Keigo's. Keigo's sister, Mizuho is all over Ikkaku until Yumichika glues a wig to his head. Mizuho gets upset and makes life difficult for the pair. After a falling out with Mizuho, Ikkaku and Yumichika camp outside instead. While Mizuho with Keigo to buy some juice, she is attacked by the hollow. After some difficulty removing the wig from himself, Ikkaku gets to the scene and saves Mizuho. The next day, Ikkaku and Yumichika prepare to return home. Mizuho knows Ikkaku rescued her and both of them return to good terms.
A New Enemy! The Materialization of Zanpakutō
A mysterious man informs a group of strange beings that it is the time to strike. Ichigo Kurosaki wakes up in Zangetsu's dimension, where Zangetsu asks if Ichigo can hear anything, but thinks it is okay that he cannot. In Seireitei, the captains and lieutenants of Gotei 13 are confused as to why their zanpakutō are not working and feel detached. At night, a group of ryoka attempt to enter Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai's home. Yamamoto and his lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe confront the intruders but what they see leaves them in shock. Later, Yamamoto calls all captains and lieutenants to Soukyoku Hill. There they are met by the mysterious man, who calls himself Muramasa. Sajin Komamura tries to attack him with his zanpakutō, Tenken, but Tenken appears in a human form and turns on him, ending the battle by knocking him unconcious with one swing of his blade. The other Soul Reapers attempt to attack, but are also unable to release their zanpakutō. The zanpakutō assume human-like forms and join Muramasa, who states that the Soul Reaper zanpakutō have renounced them and are declaring war.
Byakuya, Disappearing with the Cherry Blossoms
Ichigo finds Rukia Kuchiki injured in the world of the living, and that she is being attacked by a strange woman, who uses Rukia's abilities. It is revealed that this woman is in fact Rukia's zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki. Ichigo successfully forces the renegade zanpakutō into submission, and Sode no Shirayuki retreats back to Soul Society. Ichigo brings Rukia to Kisuke Urahara's shop, where she reveals that the Soul Reapers' zanpakutō' have attacked their masters, and reveals that Byakuya Kuchiki was seemingly defeated by his own zanpakutō, Senbonzakura. Yoruichi Shihōin returns from investigating Soul Society, and reveals that the everyone who met with Muramasa has survived, and the remaining Soul Reapers of the Gotei 13 squads have regrouped to the 4th Division headquarters while they try to re-establish their defenses, and learn more about the zanpakutō rebellion. Urahara observes that only the zanpakutō in Soul Society are affected and that those in the real world are unaffected, and decides to try to capture one of the materialized zanpakutō in an attempt to learn more about their new enemy. In the middle of the night, Rukia leaves for Soul Society, apparently in search of Byakuya. Ichigo and Yoruichi leave, in an attempt to go after Rukia and to save Soul Society.
Sode no Shirayuki vs. Rukia! Confused Heart
Rukia rushes back to the 6th Division HQ and is reunited with Renji. However, Byakuya's status remains unknown after the night of the zanpakutō' attack. Ichigo and Yoriuchi arrive in Soul Society and split up to search for clues. Rukia returns to Byakuya's compound and finds Sode no Shirayuki attacking and freezing Soul Reapers. She tries to reason with her zanpakutō but Shirayuki demands her freedom. After a fierce battle, Rukia loses to Shirayuki and is about to be frozen to death when Ichigo arrives to rescue her. However, he too is defeated by Shirayuki. Rukia attempts to get Sode no Shirayuki back to her by telling the zanpakutō how important she is to her. Using her kidō powers to restrain Sode no Shirayuki and herself, Rukia attempts to sacrifice themselves both in order to convince Shirayuki one could not live without the other. The resulting explosion injures Rukia severely. Sode no Shirayuki has a change of heart and attempts to reach out to her mistress, but Muramasa arrives and holds her back. Muramasa introduces himself to Ichigo and states that he is a zanpakutō.
Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy
Muramasa sends Sode no Shirayuki away, and Ichigo asks why he wanted the zanpakutō to gain independence over the Soul Reapers. Although he does not give the reason, Muramasa replies that zanpakutō can seperate themselves away regardless of being the soul of a Soul Reaper, and he is a good example of one. Ichigo cannot accept this view and attacks him. Muramasa uses illusions to overwhelm Ichigo and pins him to the ground, where he proceeds to drag Zangetsu out of him. Once Zangetsu manifests, he immediately attacks Ichigo. Meanwhile, Mayuri begins experimenting on himself in order to research the zanpakutō' manifestation. After Zangetsu seemingly defeats Ichigo, Ichigo transforms into his hollow form and strikes back. After a while, the hollow transforms into it's stronger form and easily beats down Zangetsu. Muramasa tries a sneak attack but the hollow immediately regenerates and attacks him. Before the hollow form can do anything else, Ichigo manages to return to his Soul Reaper form and falls unconscious at Muramasa's feet.
Renji Surprised?! The Two Zabimarus
Rukia is found by the 4th Division and sent to recover from her injuries. Hisagi and his men patrol Seireitei and are attacked by the sadistic Kazeshini. Renji searches the ruins for any clues of the missing Byakuya, who was last seen hit by Senbonzakura's attack. He instead encounters Zabimaru in its baboon and snake humanoid form. Both entities of Zabimaru have no intention of returning to their original owner and attack Renji. Ichigo wakes up in Zangetsu's dimension but the old man is missing. He sees Muramasa and attacks him, but the man immediately incapacitates him and summons his hollow form out as a separate entity. Muramasa has begun to take an interest in the hollow form and uses his powers to freeze it in place. Thinking that it has been subdued, Muramasa approaches it but the hollow form merely tricks him with its act and lashes out straight at him.
Clash! Hisagi vs. Kazeshini
Kyoraku and Ukitake discuss the possibility that defeating the zanpakutō spirits will destroy the zanpakutō themselves. Renji continues fighting with Zabimaru, who taunts him for his weakness. Hisagi fights with Kazeshini, and, disgusted by his desire to take life, plans on killing him even if he loses his zanpakutō. Ichigo's inner hollow fights with Muramasa inside his mind until Muramasa uses his powers to restrain him. Ichigo then steps up to fight, stating that the hollow is a part of him, too. Ichigo manages to force Muramasa outside of his mind and continues the fight with him there. When Zabimaru threatens to kill Rukia, Renji regains his resolve, and manages to activate Zabimaru's shikai.
Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō
Hisagi is wounded in a surprise attack by Kazeshini, but Izuru intervenes to help him, and using kido, binds Kazehini long enough for the two of them to escape. Renji's fight with Zabimaru continues, and Zabimaru takes the advantage when they are able to activate bankai while Renji, no longer able to control them, cannot. Renji considers his own weaknesses, and tricks Zabimaru into taking his sword, then breaks it with a Red Flame Cannon kido spell and uses Higa Zekkou to defeat Zabimaru by firing the broken shards at them. Ichigo fights Zangetsu, and struggles when Zangetsu activates Bankai. He uses a new Getsuga Tenshou working together with his inner hollow to defeat Zangetsu, and forces Muramasa to retreat. Zangetsu reveals that Muramasa is using a technique to awaken the zanpakutos' instincts and by doing so, he can control them.
Soi Fon, Surrounding the Zanpakutō
Ichigo reports his findings of Muramasa's abilities to Ukitake, Shunsui and Unohana. In order to find out about Muramasa's effects on zanpakutō, Ichigo and Ikkaku patrol Seiretei to seek out the entities. Meanwhile, someone breaks into a compound and knocks out the Soul Reapers guarding the area. Ōmaeda and his men stumble on the unconscious guards and investigate, only to encounter his zanpakutō spirit, Gegetsuburi and Hozukimaru. Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi are just about to fight when Ichigo and Ikkaku interrupt. Ōmaeda is knocked out of the fight, leaving Ichigo to battle Gegetsuburi, while Ikkaku fights Hozukimaru. Ichigo defeats Gegetsuburi but Ikkaku is wounded by Hozukimaru's bankai. Just as he attempts to continue the battle, Ukitake, Shunsui, Soi Fon and her Stealth Corps arrive to surround Hozukimaru, but he uses his bankai to get away. However, they manage to obtain Gegetsuburi. Ichigo goes after Hozukimaru, but the entity escapes when Senbonzakura's petals block Ichigo's route. Ichigo discovers that the attack was from Byakuya, who disappears.
Friendship? Hatred? Haineko & Tobiume
Ichigo continues searching for Byakuya, and encounters the spirits of Tobiume and Haineko, who are looking for Hyourinmaru. Momo and Rangiku arrive to fight their zanpakutos while Ichigo continues the search. Momo uses a kido spell to knock Tobiume into Haineko, causing the two to begin arguing. Ichigo encounters Hyourinmaru, who cannot remember his name or his master . He attempts to freeze Ichigo and leave, but Toshiro confronts him. Elsewhere, Muramasa encounters a large group of Menos Grandes.
The Awakening Hyōrinmaru! Hitsugaya's Fierce Fight
Ichigo is still trapped in the ice prison Hyorinmaru imprisoned him in as Tōshirō and Hyorinmaru confront each other. Meanwhile, Momo and Rangiku fight their zanpakutos in the woods and finally manage to overpower them with kido spells. As Hyorinmaru and Tōshirō begin to fight, Tōshirō tries to seal him but is shocked as Hyorinmaru effortlessly dissolves the seal into fragments of ice. As their fight continues, Hyorinmaru's tremendous power turns the whole of Soul Society's sky black. Toushiro began to recall his past during his first encounter with Hyorinmaru to convince him. Tōshirō managed to activate Hyorinmaru's shikai, thus managed to convince Hyorinmaru that Tōshirō is his master.
Byakuya's Betrayal?
Mayuri experiments on Gegetsuburi, and discovers that the zanpakutō only return to their owners' control if they are defeated by their owners. Momo and Rangiku send their zanpakutō's back to the 4th division barracks, but an unknown assailant attacks the cart carrying them. Ichigo meets with Momo and Rangiku, and then reaches Muramasa, who is having difficult using his abilities in his current body. Ichigo fights Senbonzakura, and gains the upper hand before Byakuya arrives. Byakuya reveals that he has joined Muramasa as part of following his internal desire to protect his pride, and then disappears with Muramasa and Senbonzakura.
For the Sake of Pride! Byakuya vs. Renji
The shinigami discuss Byakuya's betrayal, and the discovery that if a zanpakuto is killed by anyone other than its owner, it will be unusable. Byakuya returns to the zanpakutos' hideout, and proves his loyalty by defeating and seemingly killing Sode no Shirayuki, leaving Rukia unable to use her zanpakuto. Rukia and Renji investigate Byakuya's office, but Byakuya arrives with Senbonzakura, tossing Rukia the broken remains of her zanpakuto. Zabimaru arrives to help Renji fight Byakuya and Senbonzakura, but they are overpowered and several zanpakuto, including Tenken, Houzukimaru, Wabisuke, Ruri-iro Kujaku and Gonryomaru, arrive. The Second Division surrounds the zanpakuto, the zanpakutos' owners come out to fight them, and Ichigo confronts Byakuya.
Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie
Ichigo goes to confront Byakuya, but Senbonzakura intercepts him, and he and Ichigo fight each other with their bankais. Renji and Zabimaru move to prevent Byakuya from leaving. Izuru begins fighting Kazeshini, suspecting that its personality is based on Hisagi's suppressed negative impulses. Soifon fights Gonryomaru and Tenken at once, but is surprised by a smoke attack. Yumichika faces Ruri-iro Kujaku, and the two exchange insults. Ikkaku fights Houzukimaru, and although Houzukimaru unleashes his bankai, Ikkaku is able to break it by repeatedly attacking, and manages to withstand its final attack and claim victory. Fourth division lieutenant Isane Kotetsu and seventh division lieutenant Tetsuzaimon Iba go to assist the wounded at the scene of the battle when Ashisogi Jizo appears.
One-to-One Fight! Ichigo vs. Senbonzakura
Soifon fights Tengen and Gonryomaru, making some progress, but then her zanpakuto, Suzumebachi appears and attacks her. Ruriiro Kujaku gains the advantage over Yumichika, and begins to use its special ability on him. Iba and Isane attempt to retreat from Ashisogi Jizo, but Tobiume and Haineko arrive and Ashisogi Jizo paralyzes Isane's legs. Rangiku and Momo then return to help them against their opponents. Izuru manages to capture Kazeshini by tricking him into thinking he could still use his zanpakuto in order to unsettle him, but is soon attacked by his own zanpakuto, Wabisuke. Byakuya manages to defeat Renji and Zabimaru. Ichigo is desperately fighting Senbonzakura when Kenpachi arrives.
The Long Awaited...Kenpachi Appears!
Wabisuke is about to finish off Izuru when Kenpachi appears. The zanpakuto turns to strike him but is killed off by Kenpachi instead, leaving Izuru unable to use Wabisuke. Yachiru appears as well and tells the shinigami present that she and Kenpachi were off hunting hollows and got lost on the way back (presumably because Yachiru was giving directions), providing an explanation for their disappearance throughout the crisis. Senbonzakura takes on Kenpachi but is overwhelmed by the latter's enormous spiritual power, which destroys a wide radius around them. Byakuya intervenes and fights Kenpachi while Senbonzakura resumes his fight with Ichigo. Yumichika breaks out of Ruriiro Kujaku's binding vines and defeats him, reclaiming his zanpakuto.
Pursue Byakuya! The Confused Gotei Divisions
Ichigo continues fighting Senbonzakura while Kenpachi fights Byakuya, but Ashisogi Jizo appears and using its bankai, spraying poison gas over the battlefield, enabling Senbonzakura and Byakuya to escape. Yachiru chases Ashisogi Jizo and he gets captured by Zaraki. Mayuri blows up Ashisogi Jizo, causing it to return sealed form and break. Soifon has difficulty hitting the small Suzumebachi, but manages to defeat her, and Yoruichi congratulates her. Unohana arrives to treat the victims of Ashisogi Jizo's poisoning, including Momo, Isane, Rangiku and Iba. Yoruichi meets with Ichigo and the captains, and reveals that she knows Yamamoto's location. Yamamoto is then shown as a prisoner of the zanpakuto, with Sogyo no Kotowari, Katen Kyokotsu, and Minazuki encasing him in a barrier.