Yasutora "Chad" Sado

Yasutora Sado (茶渡 泰虎),nicknamed Chad (チャド), is a human teenager who lives in Karakura Town. He is a student at Karakura High School, where he is in the same class as Ichigo Kurosaki. His Best Friend is Ichigo Kurosaki.

Backgrpund
Sado was born in Okinawa, Japan, but was taken to Mexico by his parents at a young age. After their deaths, Sado was adopted at the age of eight by Oscar Joaquin de la Rosa, a man believed to be his grandfather since Sado calls him Abuelo ("Grandfather" in Spanish).

During his early years, Sado was extremely violent; exploiting his advantage in size, he intimidated and hit any other children who annoyed him. Oscar Joaquín tried to teach Sado to be gentle, but was initially unsuccessful. One day, the fathers of the children Sado fought, seeking to punish him, attacked Sado. Oscar Joaquín stepped in between them, taking Sado's punishment without retaliation. Sado was inspired by this example to become a decent person. To commemorate this event, Oscar Joaquín gave Sado an old Mexican coin; years later, when Oscar Joaquín had died, Sado made a vow that he would never fight unless it was to protect others, as instructed — even if his own life was in danger. The coin would come to symbolize this vow, which Sado now claims to hold more value than his own life.

Some time after De la Rosa died, Chad moved back to Japan and entered Mashiba Junior High School at Karakura Town. In the 8th grade, he helped Ichigo Kurosaki when the latter was attacked by thugs. Chad was later attacked by two of Yokochini's gang members and, keeping with his vow, did not strike back or defend himself. Ichigo intervened and saved him and later learned from Chad a little about his past, the meaning of the coin and the vow he made. However, as the gang members fled they left a cell phone with an ongoing call to Yokochini, allowing him to spy on Chad and learn what might get a rise out of him. Yokochini later had Chad abducted and threatened him with the destruction of the coin. Ichigo stuck his neck out again, this time to protect not only Chad, but also the coin he held so dear. When the gang was defeated, Chad and Ichigo made a pact to fight for each other and protect one another.

Because they were constantly involved with fights and brawls with thugs and delinquents, both Ichigo and Chad gained the reputation of hardened thugs themselves. Their reputation far exceeded that of violent youths as they were made up to be juvenile gangsters of sorts. On their first day of high school, Chad and Ichigo were forced into pushing back a gang of thugs led by Reiichi Oshima, who was hell bent on proving his bravado by beating up such a menacing duo. When Mizuiro Kojima befriended them, Reiichi started bullying Keigo Asano, forcing the two to help him and beat up Reiichi.

Personality
Sado is a quiet person and is sometimes the subject of jokes or bullies because he never fights back. Nonetheless, he is treated equally within his group of friends in Karakura. Sado also has a soft spot for cute things, like small animals and Kon's plushie form. Sado has also shown to be very intelligent: he ranked 11th out of 322 students in Karakura High School. Sado has a very loyal personality. He is quite loyal to his friends, especially to Ichigo, who is one of his closest friends, even going as far as to try and defeat a Gotei 13 captain to go help him. He is also shown to be fearless and told so by numerous enemies such as the first Hollow he fights. He displays little emotion except when something he cares about is in danger.

Sado's favorite food is tomatoes. He also likes music, but rarely watches TV. He only likes two shows, one of which is Carnivore Kingdom, which starts at 8 a.m. on Sundays. He likes it so much that he bought the DVDs for it. As Kon is a cheap knock-off plushie of the main character of Carnivore Kingdom, Sado finds Kon especially cute. The other show he likes is Don Kanonji's Ghost Bust. Sado also has a bass guitar.

Appearance
Sado is a teenager of Mexican descent. He is dark-skinned with pronounced cheek-bones and has wavy brown hair with bangs that generally hangs over his brown eyes. He is a muscular and extremely tall man and appears to be much older than he actually is. Sado has a tattoo on his left shoulder which reads Amore e Morte ("love and death" in Italian) and consists of a heart with a snake and angel wings around it. He typically wears either his school uniform or flashy short-sleeved shirts with open collars. He also wears a dark, long-sleeved shirt with a rose emblazoned on the left sleeve. Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Sado has grown a small goatee on his chin.

Superhuman Strength
Sado possesses a remarkable amount of strength for a Human. With little effort, he lifted a steel beam that had fallen on him. He can effortlessly throw another person half a block away with one arm. Sado fought a Hollow with his bare fists, and is strong enough to break a telephone pole and swing it like a bat. He effortlessly threw off the Hollow creature helpers of Shrieker. His strength is further enhanced by his armored arms, allowing him to take on those bigger than himself with relative ease; with a single punch, he was able to take left arm off the Hollow, Bulbous G. He can aid himself in a safe descent to the ground when falling from high above with tremendous force. He nonchalantly bent an unseated Shinigami's Zanpakuto.

He is so strong that when he effortlessly punched a 3rd Seat Shinigami, he sent him flying away half a block, defeating him. He punched a large Arrancar in the face, shattering his mask remnant and send him flying a good distance. In its true form, his right arm is powerful enough to take on a former Espada, send him flying a great distance through a wall, and give him a considerable injury. With his left arm, he stopped and crushed Gantenbainne's most powerful attack.

Chad Catapult
(チャド・カタプルト, Chado Katapuruto):[227] A technique used by Sado to launch an ally into the air.

Grua Tirar
(クレーン投げ(グルーア・ティラール), Gurūa Tirāru; Japanese and Spanish for "Crane-Throw")[229] A technique involving a shoulder throw, reminiscent of seoi-nage, that allows Sado to hurl an opponent of gigantic proportions effortlessly.

Enhanced Durability
Sado is unnaturally resistant to damage. He withstood a falling steel beam, which bent upon contact with his back, relatively unfazed. He took a head-on collision with a motorcycle; while the driver was seriously injured, he walked away with only minor injuries. He sustained a clawed attack to his back by the Hollow Shrieker which would have been fatal for anyone else. When his arms are armored, he attains an even greater level of endurance, allowing him to withstand relentless beatings and being thrown into structures without showing any signs of injury.

His durability becomes great enough to block incoming attacks and blasts. He is highly resilient mentally, able to endure a powerful attack to his psyche and continue fighting.[236] In its true form, his right arm is durable enough to effortlessly block attacks from a former Espada.

Spiritual Awareness
After his encounter with the parakeet containing the soul of Yuichi Shibata, Sado started to detect the approximate locations of spirits and Hollows, but could not fully see them. Only after saving Karin Kurosaki from a Hollow, during the Hollow-slaying match between Uryu and Ichigo, did Sado begin to fully see spirits.

Enhanced Speed
Sado's speed is above that of an average Human. The recent furtherance of Sado's powers has increased his natural agility to the point where his reaction time is sufficient enough to anticipate high-speed attacks and counter them. During his fight with Gantenbainne, Sado develops a level of speed that can easily keep up with that of Sonído, even becoming capable of appearing behind his opponent and attacking.

High Spiritual Power
He commonly uses spiritual energy to augment the strength of his punches. During his basic training in spirit energy with Kūkaku Shiba, Sado was shown to have intensely strong and high levels of spiritual energy, though the Shiba Clan cannon orb he created was unstable. His Reiatsu intimidated an unseated Shinigami into submission.

Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: While never officially trained, Yasutora Sado has shown himself a capable fighter, even when outnumbered.

Brazo Derecha de Gigante
(巨人の右腕 (ブラソ・デレチャ・デ・ヒガンテ), buraso derecha de higante; Spanish and Japanese for "Right Arm of the Giant") (Brazo Derecho del Gigante in the English version and English manga).

Originally it was thought that by encountering the spiritual form of Ichigo Kurosaki constantly, Sado's natural spiritual powers were pulled from the depths of his soul. This power is actually a product of Fullbring. Ever since he came to Hueco Mundo, Sado had felt the power inside him rustling, something he never felt while in Soul Society. The rustling increased the deeper he went into Hueco Mundo, and it was the beating he received from Gantenbainne that caused the rustling to settle down. Upon coming to Hueco Mundo, his power has been happily crying out like it had come home, and through the violent welcome of its brethren had reclaimed its sanity. Sado acknowledges that his power is less like a Shinigami's or Quincy's and more like that of a Hollow.

This allowed him to fully tap his powers, which manifests as armor on both arms, instead of just his right. Sado states that when he first used his power, it awoke because of the pride that had been instilled in his heart by his 'abuelo', and that the object that acted as the source of his Fullbring was the skin on his arms. Originally, he could only activate this power from his need to protect. Later, during his training under Yoruichi Shihoin, Sado learns to activate his powers at will.

First Form
Sado covers his right arm all the way up to his shoulder in a liquid which then solidifies into a form of armor. The shoulder fans out a bit into an upward extension, parallel to his height. It has an indentation at the top in the middle of the extension, stopping just where his shoulder begins, separating the upward extension into two. There are two wing-like protrusions on either side of his wrist. The arm is black, with a dark magenta strip running down the middle of the arm, tapering down towards a point that stops at the wrist. The dark magenta strip is outlined by a thin white line. These patterns are on the top as well as the underside of his arm.

Spiritual Energy Blasts
He is able to fire powerful energy blasts from his fist. While originally he could only use 2 blasts before collapsing, his training with Yoruichi gave Sado sufficient stamina to fire multiple blasts in a single day. These spiritual energy blasts have become more powerful with each form taken. He is able to fire them effortlessly.[256] Sado gathers energy through the shield portion of his right arm and fires it in the form of a massive energy blast from his arm.[257] This power is present in all forms.

Second Form
Sado covers his right arm all the way up to his shoulder in a liquid which then solidifies into a form of armor. The shoulder extension becomes pointed and slightly longer, making it a little bit taller than Sado. The arm maintains its black color, but the magenta becomes slightly lighter, and the design becomes more intricate, while the white is lost altogether.

El Directo
(巨人の一撃 (エル・ディレクト), eru direkuto; Spanish for "The Direct", Japanese for "One Strike of the Giant"): A powerful special attack learned upon attaining the second form. The end of the extension on Sado's shoulder opens up and charges up spiritual energy, resembling the flaming exhaust from a car engine. He releases a huge blast of spiritual energy, which he can either use to augment his punches or fire as a concentrated medium to long-range attack.

True Second form Defensive Shield
True Second Form (Defensive Shield): He covers his right arm all the way up to the shoulder in a liquid which solidifies into a form of armor. Brazo Derecha de Gigante becomes a shield, which extends from his hand to some distance beyond his forearm, with the same intricate pattern as before. Hollow-like teeth lie in the center, with a rose-like pattern or skeletal nose and eyes near the end. He loses the wing-like protrusion which extended from his shoulder and replaces it with a hexagonal plate, which covers his wrist up to his shoulder. In this form, it is used for defense instead of offense, though it's still more powerful offensively than his original arm.

This is the true power and form of his right arm. Sado says that "the soul of his Abuelo flows through his right arm," speaking metaphorically of his grandfather's teachings. What his abuelo taught him was to protect, and that is why what dwells in his right arm is a defensive power.

Brazo Izquierda del Diablo
(悪魔の左腕 (ブラソ・イスキエルダ・デル・ディアブロ), buraso isukieruda deru diaburo; Spanish and Japanese for "Left Arm of the Devil") (Brazo Izquierdo del Diablo in the English version): He covers his left arm all the way up to the shoulder with a liquid which solidifies into a form of armor. The arm is white, with a red stripe running down the length of the center. His fingertips have red diamond shaped marks on them. A spike protrudes from the shoulder. and two more, resembling claws, extend over his chest. This is the offensive power within him.

La Muerte
(魔人の一撃 (ラ・ムエルテ), ra muerute; Spanish for "The Death", Japanese for "One Strike of the Demon") (El Muerte in the English manga): A powerful special attack, La Muerte is used by his left arm by grasping spiritual power focused on the five fingers. Those who are struck by it are like sacrifices crucified and offered to the devil.[264] His fingertips charge in the forms of five disks of crackling spiritual energy, and he forms a fist and punches his opponent. The blow is devastating, and upon contact, a huge skull shape is gouged into the surface behind the target. The power can easily defeat a Privaron Espada.

Agent of Shinigami arc
Sado is offered a cockatiel by his friends, but he's told that it's a cursed cockatiel whose previous owners have all died horrible deaths. Just as he takes it, a girder falls on the group and it falls on top of Sado's back. The bird suddenly begins talking as if it understands the situation, so Sado begins conversing with it.[15] Later as Ichigo Kurosaki is about to get into a fight with Reiichi Ōshima, Sado intervenes and pushes Reiichi away. Sado's friends notice his injuries and Sado explains what happened to him. Sado then shows the group his new cockatiel, but he doesn't explain where he got it from.[16]

Later, an injured Sado arrives at the Kurosaki Clinic along with his cockatiel and he is shown to have a terrible wound on his back. However, Sado claims that he's fine and tries to leave, but he ends up collapsing on the ground before getting anywhere, and he begins resting in bed.[17] Sado then leaves the hospital without telling anyone.[18] He reappears in an abandoned warehouse with his cockatiel, but they're suddenly attacked by something and Sado begins running away with his bird, while telling the bird that he'll save his mother. As soon as he comes outside, Sado notices Rukia Kuchiki and Ichigo and he begins running from them.[19]

He stops running though when he notices that Rukia is in trouble and he goes back to help. He immediately punches the invisible threat, named Shrieker, surprising Rukia. Rukia then warns Sado that Shrieker is flying, but Sado doesn't see it as a problem as he picks up a telephone poll and uses it to slam Shrieker into the ground.[20] Sado and Rukia are suddenly forced into the ground by Shrieker's "artillery", but Sado simply uses his brute strength to get them off. Sado then helps out Rukia just as Shrieker flies into the air again. However, Sado launches Rukia into the air, but she's stopped by Shrieker's miniature bombs. Shrieker then brings out Sado's cockatiel and threatens to kill the bird if Sado moves, so Rukia is forced to fight alone.[21] Later, Sado notices that Ichigo's body is on the ground, but Rukia explains that Ichigo is in the middle of a battle and she tells him to take his body and the cockatiel away.[22] After the battle is over and it's revealed that the cockatiel is actually a kid, the cockatiel thanks Sado for everything, and just before he is sent to Soul Society Sado tells him that if they meet in Soul Society he'll carry him around one more time.[23]

During school, Sado shows his friends his cockatiel again, but they notice that it has a smaller vocabulary. Sado simply claims that the bird was like this when he woke up.[24] Later, Sado goes with his friends to Don Kanonji's show.[25] While there Sado hears a strange voice, but Keigo Asano tells him that it's just his imagination.[26] As the show goes on, Ichigo gets captured by security and Sado tries to help him, but Keigo stops him.[27] After Don Kanonji's show, Sado and the rest of his classmates that were at the show are yelled at by Kagine for causing such a ruckus at the show.[28] Rukia distracts Kagine, allowing Sado and the others escape through a window.[29]

Later Sado gets attacked by a Hollow named Bulbous G, and he runs away to lead the Hollow away from the area.[30] Unfortunately, he ends up running into Karin Kurosaki, Ichigo's sister, and this forces Sado to protect her.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30">[31] Sado, being unable to see the Hollow, decides to have Karin help him by having her be his eyes. As the battle goes on Sado recalls that his fists are meant for protecting, and this causes armor to form around his right arm and allows him to gain the advantage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31">[32] Sado, now being able to see the Hollow, kills his enemy immediately with his new-found power. Sado then collapses onto the ground and wonders why he gained this power, but decides it doesn't matter and is simply glad Ichigo's sister didn't get hurt.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32">[33]

Sado later appears with Orihime Inoue at the Urahara Shop, and Kisuke Urahara prepares to explain how they got their new-found powers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33">[34] Urahara explains about Hollows and Shinigami, but Sado and Orihime have a difficult time believing him. Urahara then tells them that Ichigo's large amount of reiatsu leaked onto them and that caused them to gain their powers, and that these powers are what they naturally had to begin with.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34">[35] Urahara then states that it's up to them if they want to continue down this path with their powers, and decides to show them the enemies that they'll have to face in the future.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35">[36] Sado and Orihime then watch from a distance as Ichigo and Uryu Ishida are battling a Menos Grande. This causes the two of them to wonder what choice they should make.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36">[37]

Soul Society arc
After arriving in Soul Society, the group is immediately met by opposition as Jidanbō Ikkanzaka blocks the gate into Seireitei.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-44">[45] Ichigo is able to defeat him, but the group is still stopped from entering Seireitei when Captain Gin Ichimaru arrives and closes the gate on them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45">[46] The people of Rukongai suddenly come out and one of them is revealed to be Shibata, Sado's cockatiel from before.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46">[47] Sado carries him around like he promised to do, and he's told that Shibata has yet to find his mother, so Sado encourages him to keep looking.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">[48] The group then tries to figure out a new way into Seireitei, so Yoruichi brings them to Kūkaku Shiba, whose fireworks specialty helps launch Sado and the others into the Seireitei through a spirit cannon. While successfully entering, the group becomes separated from each other. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48">[49]

In Seireitei, Shinigami begin looking for Sado, who is hiding nearby.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-49">[50] Sado then finds some Shinigami from the 11th Division and goes to fight them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50">[51] Later, Sado wakes up in an abandoned warehouse after having a dream of when he first met Ichigo, and he hears some Shinigami coming for him, causing him to prepare for battle.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51">[52] Sado then forces information out of some Shinigami on where Rukia is being held and heads to her location.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52">[53] On the way there, he is confronted by the third seat of the 8th Division, Tatsufusa Enjōji, but he easily defeats him with a single punch. Sado is then confronted by Shunsui Kyōraku, captain of the 8th Division.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53">[54]

Sado and Shunsui talk for a bit and try to avoid battling each other, but they soon realize that they must battle and the two begin their fight.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54">[55] Shunsui quickly overwhelms Sado with his quick reflexes and Shunsui wonders why Sado came to Soul Society, and Sado tells him that it was because Ichigo wants to save Rukia and that's good enough for him. This causes Shunsui to draw his dual Zanpakutō, and Sado charges in for one final attack. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55">[56] However, Shunsui stabs Sado across his stomach and easily defeats him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56">[57] Shunsui then decides to put Sado into the detention center.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57">[58]

While in jail, Sado is reunited with Uryū and Ganju Shiba, and Sado states that they must wait for Ichigo to rescue them. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58">[59] Later, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki arrives with Orihime to rescue Sado and the others.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59">[60] After escaping, Sado and the others continue through Seireitei, but they run into difficulties when they're confronted by two captains and two lieutenants. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">[61] Kenpachi decides to fight them all alone, so Sado and the others continue on.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61">[62] As they run, the group notices the execution for Rukia finally beginning.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62">[63] Sado and the others finally arrive at Rukia's execution site, Sōkyoku Hill, and are informed by Yachiru Kusajishi that Rukia has already escaped and that Ichigo is currently fighting.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63">[64]

After Ichigo's battle is over, Sado and the others run up and tend to him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64">[65] Later, Sado and everyone else in Seireitei, through the use of Kidō, are informed that Sōsuke Aizen is the one behind all the conspiracies going on, and they realize that Aizen is going to kill Rukia. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65">[66] A week after Aizen's betrayal, Uryū makes clothes for Sado and Orihime that resemble the ones they had when they first entered Soul Society.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66">[67] Sado and the others then leave Soul Society and go back to the Human World.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67">[68] Upon arriving in the Human World, Sado is brought back to his home by Kisuke Urahara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68">[69]

Bounts arc
Sado returns to his everyday life and goes back to school. After school, he talks with Orihime about their time in Soul Society and that they'll have to get stronger in order to be useful to Ichigo. Later, Sado and the others find Orihime at her house being kidnapped.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69">[70] It turns out a little girl is behind the kidnapping and she gives them several tests to complete. After completing these tests, the group finds Orihime back at her house. However, it ends up being a trap and Sado is captured by the enemy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70">[71] Later, Sado is used as part of the final test for Ichigo and the others to complete, but it turns out that everything was Urahara's idea to test the group and that Sado knew about it once he was captured. Yoruichi suddenly appears and informs the group of a new threat called the Bount.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71">[72]

At the Urahara Shop, Sado is given the Mod-Soul, Noba, to help him in finding the Bount. After putting the mod-soul in a stuffed animal, Sado searches for a Bount with Orihime, Kurōdo, and Noba. They end up finding a killed Human and a Bount named Ryō Utagawa, but he immediately leaves the area.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72">[73] Sado and the others find Rukia with Ichigo and they reunite with her. Later during school, the Mod-Souls sense a Bount in the area and they head towards the trace of it. Sado and the others find Ryō and they begin fighting with him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73">[74] However, the battle is interrupted by another Bount named Yoshino Sōma and she takes Uryū away. The group later hears that Uryū is in the hospital, so Sado and the others go to where he is and they talk with him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74">[75]

During the stay at the hospital, the group is eventually attacked by two young Bount named Hō and Ban. The group is able to fight them off for a bit and they are able to escape outside.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75">[76] Eventually, the group is able to take care of the two young Bount with the sudden arrival of Ganju.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76">[77] Immediately after the battle, Sado and the others find that Uryū is missing again, so they look for Uryū. After figuring out the Bount live at a mansion they head over to said mansion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77">[78] After Uryū is rescued from the mansion, Sado and the others head back to the Urahara Shop.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78">[79] Later, the group decides to look for the Bount and Sado is paired up with Noba to search for them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79">[80] As they look, Ururu appears to them, but as this happens they are confronted by the Bount Sawatari.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80">[81]

Rangiku Matsumoto appears to help out the group as well and they all start fighting Sawatari. Sado and the others have difficulty against Sawatari's Doll and they soon create an opportunity to escape. As they wonder what to do, Sawatari reappears and has his Doll attack Sado, but Sado is pushed out of the way by Ururu, who ends up taking his blow and is eaten. The group escapes again and they come up with a plan to save Ururu. However, the plan is unsuccessful.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81">[82] After running away again the group then comes up with a successful plan that ends with Sado punching Baura in the stomach, causing him to throw up everything it has eaten, including Ururu. However, Sawatari still survives and he escapes with his doll, leaving the battle undecided.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82">[83] After resting at the Urahara Shop, Sado and the others head to the Bount Cave to confront the Bount.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83">[84] They head into the cave, but they are soon attacked by Ugaki's Doll Gesell. After battling it and being saved by Rangiku, Ichigo tells Sado to protect Orihime as she heals Rukia and Rangiku.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84">[85]

Sado reappears with Uryū and the others at the location of the Bount inside the cave. However, the Bount end up leaving to Soul Society with the help of Uryū's powers, so Sado and the others head to Soul Society to stop the Bount.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85">[86] Upon arriving in Soul Society, the group heads to Kukaku Shiba's house. After talking with her, Sado splits up with everyone to look for the Bount again.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86">[87] After Rukia is attacked by the Bount, Sado heads back to the Shiba Household and Ganju appears. Sado and the others ride on his boars to head to Kusajishi due to rumors of the Bount being there.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87">[88] In a forest, Ganju introduces the Kusajishi Bulls to Sado and Orihime,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88">[89] and after talking with them for a bit Sado and the others leave for Seireitei and on the way there Sado reunites with everyone, but they are soon blocked by Maki Ichinose. However, the arrival Kenpachi allows Sado and the others to head onto Seireitei.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89">[90]

Upon arriving at Seireitei they find it already being attacked by the Bount, and Sado splits up with Noba to look for the Bount.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90">[91] Sado later reunites with Ichigo and the two of them head after Jin Kariya. The two find Kariya and fight him, but Sado is quickly pushed aside by Kariya. Sado then watches on as Kariya combines with the Jōkaishō and declares his plans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91">[92] Sado and Ichigo later find an injured Uryū and they decide to help heal him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92">[93] They head to the 10th Division barracks and Orihime arrives and begins healing Uryū.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93">[94] As Ichigo and Kariya are having their final fight, Sado and the others decide to head towards Ichigo's location to help him out.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94">[95] Upon arriving, Rukia stops them from helping out since this is Ichigo's fight. After the battle concludes and Kariya is defeated, Sado and the others run up to Ichigo and congratulate him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-95">[96] Sado then heads back to Karakura Town along with everyone else.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96">[97]

Arrangcar arc
After returning from Soul Society, Sado's life goes back to normal and he returns to school.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97">[98] During school, Ichigo's Substitute Shinigami Badge goes off, signifying that a Hollow is in the area, prompting Sado to leave with Orihime and Ichigo to defeat it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[99] After the Hollow is easily defeated by Ichigo he tells Sado and Orihime that they didn't need to come and help.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[100] Later, Sado is in class again and after Ichigo leaves again, he tells the new transfer student named Shinji Hirako that this is how Ichigo always is.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100">[101]

Sado and Orihime later interrupt a fight between Shinji and a girl named Hiyori Sarugaki and they ask them what they want with Ichigo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101">[102] However, after Hiyori threatens to kill them Shinji takes Hiyori away from the area and Orihime tries to go after them but Sado stops her, explaining that they'll just get killed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102">[103] Sado and Orihime later sense an enormous spiritual pressure around the area.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103">[104] They run to where it's coming from and after seeing several people dead on the ground, Sado tells Orihime that he needs her healing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104">[105] Later, Sado saves Tatsuki Arisawa from an Arrancar named Yammy Llargo. Sado tells Orihime to run away with Tatsuki, but Yammy attacks Sado and knocks him out.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105">[106]

Sado is later shown looking out of a window and healing from his injuries.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106">[107] He later gets up and leaves, but is confronted by the Arrancar Di Roy Rinker, but Ichigo appears and saves him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107">[108] Sado reluctantly runs away after Ichigo tells him to and Sado thinks to himself that he'll never be able to help Ichigo anymore.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108">[109] Sado then goes to the Urahara Shop and begs Kisuke Urahara to train him,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109">[110] so Urahara has Sado train against  Renji Abaraiwhile he uses his Bankai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110">[111] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111">[112] Later as Sado continues training, Urahara tells Orihime that he won't allow her to fight in the upcoming battles, so Sado begins arguing with Urahara since Orihime is his comrade. However Orihime tells Sado that she's fine with not fighting and leaves.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-112">[113]

When Espada-level Arrancar attack Karakura Town, Sado tries to go and fight, but Urahara decides that he'll go himself.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113">[114] Later when Orihime is kidnapped by Aizen and taken to Hueco Mundo, Sado and Uryū decide to head to Hueco Mundo with Ichigo to save her, and Sado demonstrates how powerful he has gotten to Ichigo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114">[115] Urahara then opens up a Garganta and the three of them enter and head to Hueco Mundo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-115">[116]

Hueco Mundo arc
After going through the Garganta, the group arrives in a building and a mysterious enemy immediately confronts the group.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116">[117] The group runs away and they eventually reach a much wider room, but are immediately surround by Aisslinger Wernarr and Demoura Zodd.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117">[118] Sado begins fighting Aisslinger, but struggles against his opponent, so he switches opponents with Uryū and begins battling Demoura.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-118">[119] Sado quickly overwhelms his opponent<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-119">[120] and then prepares to use El Directo against Demoura.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-120">[121] Upon using the attack Demoura is killed, but the room suddenly begins to collapse in on itself and the group quickly escapes. Sado and the others get outside and they appear in a vast desert-like area. They then notice Las Noches in the distance, and believing Orihime is there, they begin heading towards it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-121">[122]

The group then rests a bit, but they soon see a girl running from some Hollows and they go to save her.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122">[123] The group then saves the girl, but it turns out that she was really a Hollow that was playing with her friends.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-123">[124] After she introduces herself as Nel Tu, Sado and the others ride her pet Bawabawa to Las Noches, but they're quickly confronted by a Hollow named Runuganga. Before the Hollow can kill them though Rukia and Renji appear and kill the Hollow.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-124">[125] Everyone then heads to Las Noches and upon reaching the palace they break through one of the walls.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-125">[126] They then eventually reach a room that splits off into five paths and the group decides to separate from each other.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-126">[127]

Sado reaches a room and is confronted by a Privaron Espada named Gantenbainne Mosqueda.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-127">[128] Sado is quickly overwhelmed by his opponent, but after being hit by a barrage of attacks Sado's armored arm changes into a new form that he calls Brazo Derecha de Gigante<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-128">[129] Sado states that his powers have gotten stronger in Hueco Mundo because his powers are more Hollow like than anything else. Sado then quickly overwhelms his opponent, forcing Gantenbainne into activating his Resurrección. Gantenbainne sends a powerful attack towards his opponent, but Sado is uninjured and Sado tells Gantenbainne that his right arms power is for defending, while his left arms power is for attacking, and his left arm is shown in a new form that he calls Brazo Izquierda del Diablo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-129">[130]

Sado uses La Muerte and defeats Gantenbainne, but spares him and says that because of Gantenbainne he can now fight stronger enemies. However, he is immediately confronted by the Espada Nnoitra Gilga and is attacked.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-130">[131] Sado then falls to the ground defeated and is mocked by his opponent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-131">[132] Sado gets back up though and charges towards Nnoitra, but his blow is blocked by Tesra Lindocruz and Sado falls down unconscious.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-132">[133] Sado is later healed by Unohana Retsu.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-133">[134] Sado then goes with Renji and Rukia and fights against the Exequias so Ichigo can pass through and save Orihime.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-134">[135]

The New Captain Shunsuke Amagi arc
As Ichigo fights several Hollows Sado appears alongside Uryū and Orihime and they help defeat the Hollows.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-135">[136] Later, assassins are sent into the Human World to kill Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, and Sado is attacked by one of these assassins. Sado easily fends him off though with his armored arm.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-136">[137] After this failed attempt, stronger assassins are sent into the Human World and Sado is confronted by the assassin Genga.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-137">[138]

Sado leads Genga outside of Karakura Town and he tries to convince Genga that they don't have to fight, but the assassin doesn't listen. Sado is initially overpowered by Genga's Bakkōtō, but after using the true form of his armored arm he is able to fight on even-ground with him. However, Genga fuses with the walls formed from his Bakkōtō and attacks Sado.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-138">[139] Sado initially has trouble with Genga while he is fused to the walls, but Sado eventually uses his brute strength to pull the assassin out. After battling a bit more, Sado brings out the true power of his left arm and uses La Muerte to kill Genga, but Sado falls down unconscious in the process.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-139">[140] Sado is later shown resting at the Urahara Shop.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-140">[141]

Fake Karakura Town arc
Sado and Renji fight several Hollows together but the Hollows are endless.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141">[142] Later, the Hollow Battikaroa emerges and gives Sado and Renji a hard time with his Cero and instant regeneration. Though Sado constantly annoys Renji with his quiet nature, in the end, the two finally learn how to work together and kill Battikaroa by Sado using his La Muerte to distract the Hollow and Renji finishing him off for good with his Bankai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-142">[143]

Sado and the others are then confronted by Yammy Llargo and prepare to fight, but are interrupted by Ichigo's immense reiatsu coming from above the dome.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-143">[144] After the reiatsu disappears, the group decides that since they have fought stronger Espada before they shouldn't be worried in facing the weakest of them. However, Yammy goes into his Resurrección causing his Espada tattoo to turn into #0 and he reveals that he's actually the strongest Espada, and he attacks Sado and the others.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-144">[145] Later, Sado is shown to have been knocked out by Yammy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-145">[146]

Sometime after Aizen is sealed away by Urahara, Sado arrives along with Uryū, Orihime, Rukia, and Renji to the Soul Society. Sado's left arm and head are bandaged as the group greets Ichigo. When Ichigo suddenly collapses, Sado, Uryū, Renji, Rukia, and Orihime run toward him and find him screaming.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-146">[147] Later, Sado along with Orihime, Uryū, and Rukia, are by Ichigo's bedside as he wakes up. Rukia explains he's been unconscious for a month and details the loss of his Shinigami powers. Sado along with the rest of the group is present to see Ichigo's farewell to Rukia as she fades from Ichigo's sight once his spiritual energy disappears.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-147">[148]

Zanpakuto Unknown Tales arc
When Rukia Kuchiki's Zanpakutō Sode no Shirayuki materializes and attacks Ichigo in the Human World, Sado appears at the Urahara Shop with the others to discuss what is going on.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-148">[149] Later, Muramasa arrives in Karakura Town after learning that his master was sealed there and Sado and Uryu arrive after Orihime heals him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ep248_149-0">[150] Sado and Uryū both fight Muramasa together, but Senbonzakura interrupts the fight and separates Uryū from the battle. Muramasa subsequently invades Sado's mind and manages to subdue him. Sado later recovers to fight off Muramasa's Hollows in order for Rukia to go after Muramasa.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ep249_150-0">[151]

When Muramasa transforms into a Hollow and goes on a rampage, Sado goes to protect his friends, his armored arm barely able to repel Muramasa's attacks. When Muramasa's power rises again by drawing in more Hollows, Sado joins Uryū in destroying the Hollows.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-151">[152] As Ichigo continues to fight Muramasa, the rogue Zanpakutō goes through another transformation; this time into a dome-like structure that engulfs Ichigo. While Sado and his friends are unsure what to do, several Shinigami arrive to help. After the Shinigami destroy the Hollows and Muramasa's dome collapses, Ichigo emerges with a defeated and dying Muramasa, who apologizes for his mistakes before fading away.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-152">[153]

Gotei 13 Invasion army arc
As Sado is out with Uryū and Orihime, Rukia and Ichigo pass overhead. Orihime asks if they need help, but they decline her offer. Uryū notes that Ichigo has not undergone any changes and Sado states that because Rukia remained in Karakura Town, Ichigo has not had to expend more reiatsu than necessary.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-153">[154] As Inaba goes to kill Uryū, Sado crashes down with an attack, forcing Inaba back. Inaba activates his Shikai and strikes Sado before he can react, badly wounding him. Inaba goes to finish him, but Orihime blocks the attack.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-154">[155] After Inaba is forced to retreat, Sado joins Ichigo and Uryū at a table in the Urahara shop while Orihime assesses Nozomi's condition. As Ichigo then goes to a meeting with the members of the Gotei 13, Sado helps Orihime set up a barbecue for Nozomi. After Nozomi is saved from the Reigai-Rangiku, he joins in at the barbecue.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-155">[156]

Again, Sado joins Ichigo and Orihime in searching for Nozomi when she goes wandering around Karakura Town a second time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-156">[157] While looking, he wonders, with Orihime, if Nozomi keeps leaving because she knows of a way to rectify the current situation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-157">[158] After Orihime senses the Shinigami losing, she and Sado go to help as Ichigo searches for Nozomi. They are confronted by Reigai-Renji whom Sado begins to battle as Orihime goes to heal their comrades. In his battle, Sado struggles and is soon aided by the real Renji. Working together, they manage to defeat the Reigai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-158">[159] Sado later joins everyone at the Urahara shop as they look up the news on the events in Soul Society.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-159">[160] After Urahara informs everyone that Ichigo's reiatsu has disappeared, Sado later questions Urahara again, but he simply repeats what he said. As Nozomi then blames herself, Kon says it will take more than that to kill Ichigo and Sado adds that it was Ichigo's idea to go so she cannot blame herself.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-160">[161]

Sado is present when Urahara states that he still cannot detect Ichigo's reiatsu. After Urahara successfully picks up on a reading, he tells Sado and the others to accompany him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-161">[162] After Ichigo wakes up abruptly, Sado and the rest of his friends greet him. Later, Sado sits down alongside Urahara, who explains the reasoning behind Inaba's research into the Dangai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-162">[163] Sado then participates in a meeting in Ichigo's room, where he listens to Nanao Ise reporting on the situation in Soul Society. Later, Ichigo, Rukia, Uryū and Sado spar with Nozomi in order to help her to awaken her Zanpakutō. Nozomi absorbs reiatsu from their attacks and eventually succeeds releasing her Shikai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-163">[164]

Having succeeded in their goal, Sado goes off to join the fight. He finds Rangiku and Iba fighting the Reigai-Komamura. While Sado lands a powerful blow that launches the captain Reigai into a lake, he quickly emerges with his Bankai. Sado, Rangiku, and Iba are quickly pushed back, forcing them to regroup with the others. Sado notices that Ichigo's reiatsu is fading again, quickly tiring him, forcing Sado to back him up and draw the Reigai-Kenpachi's attention. Seeing how grim the situation is, it is decides to rely in Nozomi's new Shikai, which has the power to absorb and redirect spiritual energy into a powerful blast. They launch their attacks on Nozomi, who then directs the accumulated energy on the Reigai, defeated all except for the Reigai-Byakuya, who then counters with a blast of his own, knocking everyone except for Ichigo and Nozomi out. Yamamoto arrives and quickly defeats the last Reigai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-164">[165] Shortly afterwards, the Reigai of Kyōraku and Ukitake appear. As Uryū and Sado recover, they are told to take the unconscious Shinigami to Orihime so they can be healed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-165">[166]

After Inaba manages to capture Nozomi and destroy Ichigo's remaining reiatsu, Sado and the others are forced to regroup at Unahara's. There, it is wondered why Inaba would constantly try to destroy Ichigo whenever the chance presented itself, even using the Kōtotsu. Kisuke surmises that it was because Inaba is unable to produce a Reigai with Hollow powers. Realizing that Ichigo was indeed swallowed by the Kōtotsu, Kisuke believes they can restore Ichigo's reiatsu with his remaining reishi still inside the Kōtotsu. Sado is present when Ichigo returns with a sample of his reishi.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-166">[167] Afterwards, Sado and the others act as diversions in the Dangai while Ichigo and Kisuke sneak into Soul Society.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-167">[168]

Sado and the others later return to Urahara's Shop, but become worried when they don't receive any news from Kisuke and Ichigo. Sado and the others eventually decide to go to Soul Society, along with the healed Shinigami. After arriving and splitting up from the Shinigami, Sado and his friends discover Ichigo has transformed into a Hollow again and has been subdued by a strange man that bare a resemblance to Nozomi and Inaba. Sado and the others quickly engage the man, Yushima, only to be easily defeated.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-168">[169]

After the Hollowfied Ichigo surprisingly saves Rukia from Yushima's attack and returns to normal, albeit deprived of his reiatsu again, Renji comes to and joins his friends to protect Ichigo. Sado follows Uryū's lead in setting up for his "Sprenger". While succeeding in restraining Yushima long enough to use the technique, Yushima counters with a "Hajokuri" spell to dispel the attack. Afterwards, Kon arrives and gives Ichigo a Mod-Soul pill of his reishi, restoring Ichigo's powers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-169">[170]

As Ichigo manages to fight evenly with Yushima, Kon convinces everyone to help Ichigo. Sado and the others launch group attacks on Yushima. Their attacks are ultimately defeated, but it give Ichigo an opening to strike Yushima hard. After a final clash, Ichigo is able to defeat Yushima.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-170">[171] Afterwards, Sado and the others return home.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-171">[172]

The Lost Soul Shinigami arc
Sado is led to Xcution by Riruka Dokugamine. As she complains about having to find Sado, she begins to get annoyed at Sado for not speaking. Sado simply remarks that he is amazed that Riruka could talk for so long, and Riruka begins to get more annoyed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-172">[173] Sado eventually reaches Xcution, but when he gets there he immediately spots a shocked Ichigo sitting in front of him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-173">[174] Chad is just as surprised to see Ichigo there but does not respond to Ichigo's questions. Kūgo asks them both to sit quietly as he explains things. He says every Xcution member had their mothers attacked by Hollows while they were in the womb, leaving traces of their powers which were then passed to the children as they were born. The members of Xcution wish their powers gone and have discovered that they can erase them by transferring them onto a Shinigami-Human hybrid. He says Chad also has Fullbring powers and has agreed to help restore Ichigo's powers. Ichigo asks Chad if that's true and he approves it, saying he hasn't been able to look at Ichigo since the latter lost his powers. He tells Ichigo not to try and hide his passion to fight for others' protection. After hearing this, Ichigo agrees to help.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-174">[175]

When Sado returns to the hideout with some shopping, Giriko thanks him. He asks what the box on the table is and Jackie tells him that it is Riruka's doll house, inside which Ichigo is doing his Fullbring training. He is stunned by this and Riruka tells him that it is better to start quickly. She asks if he is going to join in the complaints against her way of doing things. Sado removes the roof of the house and tells Ichigo to that his substitute Shinigami badge is the best thing he can think of to use for Fullbring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-175">[176] As Ichigo is fighting Mr. Pork in his "Full Beast Mode", Sado turns to Riruka and tells her they need to get Ichigo out of the box. However, Giriko reveals his power "Time Tells No Lies" and tells Sado and Riruka that that they cannot release Ichigo until he has defeated Mr. Pork. When Ichigo is wondering how he can use Fullbring on his substitute badge, Sado shouts "Pride!" He goes on to explain that his Fullbring is his skin, which he has kept pride in. Thanks to his abuelo, he has kept this pride in his heart. He tells Ichigo to find a time when he felt pride as a Shinigami, and his heart will activate the badge. Sado then witnesses as Ichigo's Fullbring is released.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-176">[177]

Sado and Ichigo later walk back to his home. He tells Ichigo that Orihime has been bringing him leftover bread everyday lately. Ichigo tells Sado that she is worried about him and that he should call her. Sado tells Ichigo that she leaves him too much and that he will give half of it to Ichigo. But when Sado arrives at his door and reaches for the bread, he notices something is wrong with her reiatsu and shouts at Ichigo that something happened to her.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-177">[178] Sado warns Ichigo against calling Orihime in case the distraction causes her death.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-178">[179] They arrive at her apartment to find Orihime stunned and alone, but unharmed. She frantically brushes off their concern with a bad lie that causes the two of them to be suspicious with Sado later silently agreeing with her precautions regarding Ichigo being vulnerable, and tells him not to worry about her.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-179">[180]

Orihime walks into a pole while talking with Sado on her phone. Sado, hearing the noise, asks if she is okay. She tells him that she is and apologizes. She tells him that she is certain she was cut, but by the time she came to, he and Shishigawara were gone and there was no wound. Orihime reveals that when Sado and Ichigo arrived on the scene she thought for a second that Tsukishima was her friend. She says that she does not understand it and rather than mistaking him for a friend, it felt like an old memory, leaving Sado shocked. Orihime tells him to be careful as she believes that Tsukishima's power is scary. Sado agrees and then asks for the two attackers' names and he tells him their names, though she mistakenly says Shishigawara's name as Sushigawara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-180">[181]

After speaking with Orihime, Sado meets with Kūgo at the Xcution headquarters. Kūgo tells him that Ichigo had already started his next training phase. Sado asks what Tsukishima's abilities are.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-181">[182] Sado explains what Orihime told him and suspects that Tsukishima's Fullbring can alter the memories of those it cuts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-182">[183] Kūgo, however, says that he already told Sado everything he knew about Tsukishima's Fullbring, and if he already knew about it, then he would have told Sado already. He tells him that Tsukishima's Fullbring is called Book of the End, and that it has an attack power so high that it can literally cut through anything, but it is the only thing that it can do. Sado asks if his Fullbring could have evolved since they last met, and Kūgo says that they cannot; Fullbring abilities cannot and will not change through growth. Sado argues that his Fullbring changed many times. Kūgo, however, explains that means that Sado simply could not access his Fullbring to its fullest ability until he reached a level that he could, and that the rest of the members of Xcution had surpassed that stage a long time ago. Kūgo also explains that Orihime's explanation worries him, because to the best of his knowledge, Tsukishima's Fullbring didn't cause Orihime's memory distortion. Kūgo then asks about Uryū's condition, surprising Sado. Kūgo reminds Sado that Uryū was attacked and asks if he has the same memory problems. Sado tells him that Uryū apparently did not suffer the same memory distortion as Orihime did. Kūgo tells Sado that they had better be sure, because if Uryū is suffering from the same memory distortion, then they need to be worried about Tsukishima's abilities. However, if Uryū is not suffering from the conditions as Orihime, then whoever attacked Orihime may not have been Tsukishima at all.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-183">[184]

However, Tsukishima breaks into the room telling Kūgo not to be so sure about his theory, surprising everyone in the room. Sado watches Tsukishima as he greets everyone in the room. Noting that Jackie and Riruka are not in the room, Tsukishima attack Riruka's Fish Tank causing Ichigo to emerge, cloaked in Reiatsu shaped similarly to his Shinigami shihakushō.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-184">[185] Sado realizes that Ichigo reached a new stage of his Fullbring, and that it is similar to his Bankai, and to be cloaked in power is Ichigo's true self. Ichigo attacks Tsukishima and asks who he is. Sado realizes the dangers of not knowing who Tsukishima is and attacks him after he identifies himself to Ichigo. Sado lands on the roof and Kūgo scolds him, remarking that they can now tell Ichigo about Tsukishima. Sado remarks that it would be a risk, as they do not know how powerful Ichigo's Fullbring is yet, nor do they know how much control he has over it. He further explains that if they explain what he did to Orihime, then his performance might suffer. Ichigo, however, overhears this and realizes that they only avoided telling Ichigo anything because they were trying to protect him, which he did not realize. Tsukishima lands on the rooftop as well, causing Ichigo to attack him. As Ichigo fights, Sado notes that Ichigo progressed immensely on his Fullbring training. However, Tsukishima gains the upper hand in their fight, causing Kūgo to stop his attack with his own Fullbring.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-185">[186]

Sado later stops Ichigo from trying to interfere with Kūgo and Tsukishima's fight. Sado tells Ichigo that Tsukishima is way ahead of him and is impossible for Ichigo to win at his current state. But Ichigo does not listen to Sado and rushes off to fight.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-186">[187] After their encounter with Tsukishima, Sado runs into Orihime. He asks her if she was just at the hospital and she replies yes and that she healed Uryū. He says he wanted to hear how Uryū was and she can tell him on the way. Orihime asks where they are going and he responds that they are going to Ichigo as he will need Orihime's powers in the next stage of his training.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-187">[188] As they arrive at Xcution's back-up headquarters, Riruka jumps off the building and asks who Sado is with. He responds that it is Orihime and Riruka grins a little. Riruka talks to Orihime and says that Sado told them about her. Sado tries to get her to stop antagonizing Orihime, but she continues before Orihime points out Riruka's feelings for Ichigo and then says that she will heal Ichigo no matter what and they all continue on up to Yukio.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-188">[189]

After Orihime enters Yukio's game, Ichigo says that Sado must have brought her there. Sado enters and says that he did and that he knows Ichigo did not want to get her involved, but he will need her. Kūgo begins saying something to Sado but he interrupts saying that he did not come there to back up Ichigo. He says he had Yukio make him his own room where he can train, saying he cannot afford to sit around if he wants to fight Tsukishima again. Kūgo acknowledges this and tells him to do as he will. He enters the room and reflects on the encounter with Tsukishima and remembers that he was attacked by Tsukishima, but no one noticed he was stabbed. He says that everything is how Orihime described it and that Tsukishima's powers are a mystery and that he needs to gain more power if he is going to fight back.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-189">[190] Once Ichigo finishes his training, Sado leaves Yukio's Fullbring along with Ichigo and Orihime.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-190">[191]

Later, when Ichigo declares that he would kill Tsukishima, Sado punches through the window of the room that Ichigo and Tsukishima were fighting in and he along with Orihime defend Tsukishima.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-191">[192] Orihime heals Tsukishima's arm, causing Ichigo to state that he can't believe that Sado and Orihime are the same as the others. Sado is confused by Ichigo's words and states that he's conflicted, not because they're the "same", but because they're "different". He asks Ichigo why he's attacking Tsukishima, and both him and Orihime tell him that he only saved Rukia and defeated Aizen because Tsukishima helped him. Tsukishima appears behind Ichigo and asks him if he understands, but Ichigo lashes out at him<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-192">[193] Ichigo continues to attack Tsukishima, but Orihime stops his attack with her Santen Kesshun. Sado then appears next to Ichigo and tries to attack him with his Brazo Derecha de Gigante, but Ichigo manages to block the attack. Sado states that he didn't become stronger so he can fight with Ichigo and attacks him with his Brazo Izquierda del Diablo, which pushes Ichigo out of the mansion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-193">[194]

Later, Sado and Orihime find Ichigo with his Shinigami powers restored. Both he and Orihime notice that Rukia, Renji, and Hitsugaya are there as well. Orihime thinks they have come to stop Ichigo, but Sado notes that they look like they are there to help Ichigo and kill Kūgo. Tsukishima then comes behind Sado and Orihime and asks them if they doubt their memories. Tsukishima asks Orihime who protected her from her parents and raised her, and he asks Sado who gave him his coin. He answers that he did both. Kūgo tries to stop Tsukishima from saying anything else, but then Sado and Orihime both feel strange. They are both knocked out by Urahara and Isshin shortly afterwards.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-194">[195] They are brought to Urahara's shop and after Tsukishima is defeated, they become stable. They are left in the care of Tessai and Isshin.

The 10 Thosand Year Blood War arc
While Ichigo is fighting the Hollows that attacked Ryūnosuke Yuki and Shino, Sado arrives with Uryū and Orihime, and they help him in the fight. Two days later, they arrive at Ichigo's house and Sado agrees with Uryū that Ichigo has no etiquette.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-196">[197] Sado wonders who Asguiaro Ebern is and tells Ichigo that he'll help him fight when he's done with the bread that Orihime brought.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-197">[198] When Ichigo returns, Sado learns about the death of Chōjirō Sasakibe.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-198">[199]

Orihime, Sado and Uryū return to Ichigo's house at his request to hear from Nel Tu and Pesche about the Wandenreich's conquest of Hueco Mundo and capture of various Arrancar, including Dondochakka. The group begin to discuss rescuing them when Urahara arrives and offers to facilitate their entry to Hueco Mundo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-199">[200] Along with Ichigo, Orihime, Urahara, Nel and Pesche, Sado travels to Hueco Mundo, where they notice the large number of dead bodies. When Ichigo goes to rescue a group of captured Arrancar, Urahara wonders if Ichigo realizes that he is going to help those that were his enemies just recently. Sado states that because Pesche and Nel know that Ichigo is that kind of person, they trust him to do something about the situation. Sado sets off in pursuit of Ichigo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-200">[201] When Ichigo begins to yell at Nel, Sado reminds him to be quiet.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-201">[202]

While Ichigo is fighting the Quincy, Sado brings unconscious bodies of six Arrancar under Orihime's barrier.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-202">[203] As Ichigo fights Quilge Opie, who has activated his Quincy: Vollständig, Quilge begins to absorb Reishi from his surroundings, including Orihime's Santen Kesshun, which surprises her. Sado notes that everything around them composed of Reishi, including the rocks, sand, trees, and buildings, are being absorbed by Quilge's technique.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-203">[204] Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and Cyan Sung-Sun regain consciousness and summon Ayon, who attacks Quilge.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-204">[205] Sado is stunned by the beast's immense power as it releases its Reiatsu and Apacci describes its origins, advising them to get away to ensure their own survival.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-205">[206] He watches as Ayon badly beats Quilge, thinking that he is going too far when it becomes clear Quilge's neck is broken. However, Quilge survives and attacks Apacci when she gloats. He gets back up, snapping his neck into place, stating that he will need to report this to his leader before demanding they all die quickly.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-206">[207]

Ayon retaliates and tries to attack Quilge, but he uses Sklaverei to absorb the Reishi making up Ayon's body, causing Mila Rose and Sung-Sun to retrieve Apacci and try to conceal themselves, along with Sado, Orihime, and Nel, with Muda. However, Quilge is able to locate them easily, and his Sklaverei not only affects Mila Rose and Sung-Sun, but Sado and Orihime as well. Ichigo then activates his Bankai and attacks Quilge, stopping his attack on his friends and the Arrancar, reasoning that if he crushes Quilge's head, he won't be able to use Sklaverei any more.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-207">[208] As Ichigo fights Quilge, he enrages him, causing Urahara to wound Quilge, so Ichigo can go to the Soul Society.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-208">[209] Sado and Orihime approach Urahara soon after. Urahara asks them to search Quilge's body for the medallion he used to try to seal Ichigo's Bankai, as they need to analyze the enemy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-209">[210] However, as Urahara is explaining Quilge's powers to Akon, Quilge recovers using Ransōtengai and wounds Sado and Urahara before proceeding to trap Ichigo in a cage of Reishi.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-210">[211] After Quilge traps Ichigo inside the Dangai, he turns his head towards Sado and Orihime.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-211">[212]

After Quilge is defeated, Sado is called into Urahara's tent by Orihime, where he sees that the former captain has contacted Ichigo in Soul Society. He informs Ichigo that it is good to see that he is safe. A voice is heard demanding to see Ichigo, but Urahara has Sado and Orihime keep him out of sight from the monitor. After Urahara insists that Ichigo not worry about them and do what's best for him, Sado asks Urahara if it was wise to tell Ichigo to only think about himself. Urahara scoffs at the question, telling Sado that he knows full-well that Ichigo is the kind of person who will always help those in need.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-212">[213] Much later, Chad arrives at the Negal Ruins per Urahara's instruction and welcomes Orihime to their new location.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-213">[214]

Using their time to train, Chad asks Orihime if she is getting tired and if they should stop for the day. Replying that she's fine, Orihime then comments on how peaceful she feels. Reminding her of the war, Chad asks how she can think like that, only for Orihime to point out that despite the situation, humans such as themselves are spending time in Hueco Mundo as easily as anywhere else while saving Arrancar and doing their best for the Shinigami.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-214">[215]

Bleach movie l
In the SRDI, as members monitor a screen displaying the two worlds, 12th Division 3rd Seat Akon enters the room and asks a member what the status is. Stating the space is still expanding, the member says they have sent the Onmitsukidō in to investigate. As he states they will begin the infiltration shortly, Rin Tsubokura, saying he has found them, states they will pass through the Dangai in ten seconds and will enter the new dimensional space. As he opens communication lines, an Onmitsukidō member exclaims something has happened to the exit.

As the panels displaying the Onmitsukidō members' current status flip to reveal they are in danger, the member, saying they have an emergency, states infiltration of the target has failed. As the member calls for backup, Rin, saying they have received their SOS, states they are sending backup. As SRDI members shout orders to one another, screams are heard on the other end. As Akon asks if they can hear them and why they cannot get into the space, the panels slide again to reveal the Onmitsukidō members have been killed, leaving the SRDI members to stare at the screen in horror.

Meanwhile, in the Human World, as Humans go about their day, a female Plus runs through the trees as an unseen presence roars. As one of the Humans notices something, a tree falls over onto the sidewalk as Ichigo,Rukia, and Kon run towards it. As Rukia states it is coming, Ichigo, reaching into his pocket, pulls out his Substitute Shinigami badge as Rukia pulls out her Gikon dispenser. Running towards the dust cloud, Ichigo enters his Shinigami form and jumps as Rukia follows suit. As a Hollow emerges from the dust, Ichigo cuts its forearm off.

As they land on the ground, the Hollow leaps away, prompting Ichigo to tell it to come back. As the Hollow jumps from tree to tree, the curious Humans, unable to see it, watch from the ground. As the roaring Hollow continues to leap, Ichigo chases it and cuts its tail off in midair, causing it to fall and crash through several trees. As it continues to charge, Ichigo stands in its path and blocks its attack with Zangetsu. When it jumps back, Ichigo leaps into the air and cuts it in half.

As the purified Hollow fades away, Rukia, approaching with the Plus and Kon, states the Hollow was after the Plus. When Ichigo looks at the Plus, she recoils in fear, prompting Rukia to tell her he only looks scary. As Ichigo tells the Plus it is time to go, Rukia says Soul Society is not a scary place, and it is where all departed Souls go to live. When the Plus begins to protest, Ichigo says if she stays here, more Hollows will come after her. Putting the glowing hilt of Zangetsu to the Plus' forehead, Ichigo performs Konsō, turning the Plus into a ball of light which ascends into the sky.

As Ichigo, Rukia, and Kon walk down the steps, they are greeted by Chappy in Rukia's Gigai. Returning to her Gigai, Rukia tells Ichigo to not use his badge so recklessly and elbows him in the ribs. As he clutches his side in pain, Rukia grabs Kon and forces his lips to Ichigo's. As they both gag, Rukia reminds Ichigo he has Kon and states she is tired of him tossing his body all over the place and leaving her to take care of it. When Ichigo asks why, Rukia demonstrates how someone would react if they saw his body lying on the ground.

As Rukia says the commotion always means more work for her, they see an ambulance and a crowd of people around Ichigo's body, which is on a stretcher. As a doctor states he is going into cardiac arrest, Rukia says she told him so as Ichigo runs towards his body. Returning to his body, Ichigo bolts up, shocking the people around him, and says he is fine. As the doctors try to restrain him, an exasperated Rukia uses her Kikanshinki, which glows before creating an explosion of pink smoke.

As Ichigo, Rukia, and Kon run out of the park, Rukia states it is lucky they had the Kikanshinki. Calling Kon over, Rukia throws him at Ichigo, who asks why she did so. When she states it would be pointless if he did not keep Kon with him, Ichigo asks why he has to carry him. Kon complains about being stuck with Ichigo, who throws him on the ground, stomping on him, and tells him to shut up. Hearing her Denreishinki beep, Rukia pulls it out and sees multiple red dots on the screen.

When Ichigo asks if it is another Hollow, Kon jumps on his face, prompting him to state he got dog feces in his mouth. As Kon says they are even, Ichigo resumes stomping on him. When Rukia tries to get his attention, Ichigo says he is not done kicking him yet before feeling a large amount of Reiatsu. Running down the street, Rukia states it is near the station as Ichigo, carrying Kon, follows her. When Ichigo asks why there is such a large amount of Reiatsu, Rukia, saying she does not know, states she has never felt anything like it.

Arriving at the station, Ichigo and Rukia see a mass of white figures with pink, conical heads. When Ichigo accidentally bumps into one, it and several others look at him before moving away. When Ichigo asks what they are, Kon claims they are white ghosts. Noting the people at the station cannot see them, Rukia says they must be Souls. As Ichigo states they do not have Chains of Fate on their chests, Rukia states they have no choice and exits her Gigai once more. When Ichigo pulls out his badge, Rukia tells him to use Kon.

Pulling Kon's pill out of his plushie, Ichigo, wiping it off on his shirt, swallows it and exits his body. Following Rukia, he tells Kon to hide somewhere. Telling Ichigo to not just leave him here, Kon is surrounded by the figures. Contacting Soul Society, Rukia tells Ichigo to see if he can perform Konsō on the figures. As Rukia explains the situation, Ichigo draws Zangetsu and states he will give it a shot. When he presses the hilt against one of the figures, nothing happens, and the figure moves past him. As Ichigo tells Rukia it does not work, Rukia states she has lost the connection to Soul Society.

As the wind picks up, the heads of the figures turn red, and they begin advancing towards Ichigo and Rukia. Seeing Rukia being grabbed by one of them, Ichigo pushes them out of the way and runs towards her as Kon struggles to keep them back. Knocking the figures out of the way, Ichigo assumes a battle stance as Rukia wonders what they should do. As a tornado forms behind the figures, a female Shinigami moves through the crowd and cuts through the figures as Ichigo wonders who she is. As the Shinigami, jumping over them, lands behind them and continues cutting through the figures, Rukia asks what she is doing.

As the Shinigami is lifted into the air by a tornado, Kon frees himself from one of the figures' body and sees a man standing in front of him. As the Shinigami spins in midair, Rukia states she is going to release her Zanpakutō. As the Shinigami calls out the release command, Ichigo appears in front of her and attacks her, stopping the release. As Rukia calls out to him, Ichigo, asking the Shinigami what she is doing, states the figures are not Hollows. Telling Ichigo to be quiet, the Shinigami kicks him to the ground and begins to spin once more. As Ichigo yells at her for stepping on his face, the Shinigami releases her Shikai, Mirokumaru, and creates a tornado, which destroys the figures as it moves through the crowd.

Asking what is happening, Kon gets up, wondering where the man went, but is knocked down by the figures, who move over him. As the Shinigami continues to destroy the figures, her tornado creates gusts of wind, which affect the Humans nearby. As the wind dies down, Ichigo is surprised to see the figures are gone. As Rukia wonders what happened, the Shinigami, now in a Gigai, happily exclaims she got them before noticing Ichigo and Rukia. Demanding to know when she entered her Gigai, Ichigo asks what she is, prompting her to state she is a Shinigami.

When Ichigo says he knows this, the Shinigami states he should introduce himself before asking so many questions. After Ichigo introduces himself, the Shinigami introduces herself as Senna and prepares to leave. When Ichigo asks her why she wiped out the figures, Senna states it should be obvious. When Rukia asks her if she knows something about the figures, Senna runs over to a store window and states yellow does not suit her. When Ichigo tries to get her attention, she points out his body lying on the ground with three police officers next to it, one of which is reporting to the police station. As Ichigo notices Kon's pill on the ground, Senna states she has to get going. As Ichigo grabs her by the arm and pulls her along, Rukia calls him a fool.

In the Seireitei, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, drinking sake, tosses the bottle to 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and asks if he has had enough. As Iba tells him to not be ridiculous, Ikkaku asks if it is okay for a lieutenant to be drinking sake at noon, prompting Iba to state he has had so little he might as well be drinking water. When Iba shakes the bottle and states they are out of sake, Ikkaku says he told him he drinks too much.

When Iba tells him to calm down, Ikkaku grabs Hōzukimaru and asks if he wants to fight again. Saying the loser buys the next round of sake, Iba moves to the rooftop. As Ikkaku comments on him moving to high ground again, Iba states it is first come, first serve. Telling him to get ready, Ikkaku sees something behind Iba and stops mid-sentence, prompting Iba to ask what is wrong. Looking at the sky above Iba, Ikkaku, asking what is going on, sees a town through a hole in the sky which continues to expand.

At the fairground in the Human World, Senna, noting they have a Ferris wheel, states she wants to ride it next. When she asks Ichigo and Rukia what they wanted to talk about, Rukia demands to know which division she is in, prompting Senna to remind her she said she cannot keep track of things like this. As she tries to remember the number, Rukia, stating there is no doubt of her being a Shinigami because she wielded and released her Zanpakutō, says she must belong to a division, and there is no way she could forget which one she is in. When Senna asks why Rukia is here, Rukia begins to explain before Senna runs off laughing.

As Rukia tells her to wait, Senna states what division she is in does not matter. When Ichigo asks if she knows what the figures were, she, denying this, notices a dog and asks his owner if she can pet him. Petting the dog, Senna, stating she felt like she needed to do what she did, says it was a hunch. As Ichigo asks what is up with her, Rukia, telling him she is going back to Soul Society, states she cannot contact them and is concerned about the things they witnessed earlier. As she tells Ichigo to not let Senna out of his sight, Ichigo tells her to not order him around. As Kon begs her to not leave again, Rukia throws him at Ichigo and states she is counting on him.

As Ichigo wonders why she is acting so serious, Kon gets Ichigo's attention, prompting him to tell Kon to not shout in public, and points out Senna is gone. As Ichigo runs towards her, Senna says he is persistent and runs off as Ichigo tells her to wait up. As Ichigo chases her through the mall, Senna states Ichigo said if she answered his questions, he would listen to what she had to say. When Ichigo denies saying this, Senna decides to play tag as Ichigo states he never said anything like this.

Running into a pavilion with a small theater, Ichigo tells her to come back. Asking him what he is doing here, 10th Division Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya approaches him with his lieutenant. When Ichigo recognizes them, Hitsugaya tells him to address him as Captain Hitsugaya. When Ichigo asks what they are doing here, Hitsugaya says they have to talk. As a small child runs past, Ichigo says he is busy. As Hitsugaya walks away and tells him to come with them, Ichigo runs after him and tells Senna he will be right back. As a child points out Ichigo is talking to himself, Senna darts past him.

At the Urahara Shop, Kisuke Urahara, saying he understands, states Rukia went to Soul Society, and they just missed her. As he asks where they begin, Hitsugaya explains how a town in the Human World appeared in the sky above the Seireitei, the communications office simultaneously detected a massive disturbance in the Human World's spiritual waves, and one minute later, they lost contact with everyone. When Ichigo asks what this means, Hitsugaya expresses exasperation at him not knowing.

Telling him to calm down, Urahara states he will simplify it for Ichigo. As Tessai Tsukabishi holds up a sketchbook, Urahara explains how there are the two worlds, the Human World and Soul Society, and how the Dangai lies between them and keeps them from touching. As Tessai reveals pictures illustrating Urahara's words, Urahara, noting Ichigo has been in the Dangai before, reveals a new dimension formed in the Dangai about three days ago.

Stating it grew bigger and bigger until it connected to both worlds, Urahara says it now acts as a lens, leading to the Human World appearing in the sky above Soul Society. As he states it resembles a mirage more than anything, Hitsugaya reveals they sent the Onmitsukidō in to enter the new dimension, but the mission ended in complete failure. Saying the only option left to them was to investigate the influx of new spiritual waves into the Human World, Hitsugaya states he is in charge of this mission.

When Ichigo asks why he was chosen, Rangiku states all the other captains refused. As Hitsugaya states this does not matter, Ichigo says it must have been "them". When Hitsugaya asks if he saw something, Ichigo explains how they were overrun by the figures. As Urahara states he is referring to the Blanks, Hitsugaya realizes the Valley of Screams must be involved. As Tessai holds up the sketchbook once again, Urahara, going over the process of death and reincarnation, reveals some Souls have accidents while in the Dangai, and are thus ejected from the cycle.

Stating the Souls wander aimlessly until they inevitably reach a certain spot, Urahara says this gathering creates a new dimensional space known as the Valley of Screams. Stating Souls in the Valley of Screams have their energy and memories separated in preparation for returning to the normal cycle, he asks if Ichigo is still with him. When Ichigo confirms he is, Urahara reveals the figures Ichigo saw are known as Blanks, Souls which have been separated from their memories. When Ichigo asks where their memories go, Urahara reveals they merge into one entity and return to the Human World, and this entity is known as the Shinenju.

Stating the Valley of Screams' appearance is a naturally occurring phenomenon, Urahara, saying they have seen it happen many times, states this one is a problem because it is connecting the Human World and Soul Society. When Ichigo asks if this is really so out of the ordinary, Hitsugaya, saying he would not call two stars being connected ordinary, states this is the same thing. As Hitsugaya states someone is doing this intentionally, Kon hops down from Ichigo's shoulder and recounts seeing the man in the midst of the Blanks. As Hitsugaya notes Kon stating the man was wearing armor, Urahara asks Kon if he can remember the specifics.

As Kon tries to remember, Urahara puts on a Gokon Tekkō and knocks Kon's pill out of the plushie. Picking it up, Tessai tells Ichigo he will take it in for analysis. Thanking him, Urahara states if this was intentional, it is being done for evil purposes. When Ichigo asks what the perpetrators want, Urahara theorizes they are searching the Human World for the Shinenju. Stating he has got a feeling this is what they are doing, Urahara, saying they will work on learning about the enemy, tells Ichigo to continue watching over Karakura Town, for he is certain they will appear again, and to find the Shinenju if possible.

Later, Ichigo states this is easier said than done and bumps into a woman. Apologizing, he runs into a pavilion. As he wonders where he goes from here, Senna states he really did come back. Seeing her on the second floor balcony, he notes he still has a lot to ask her about. Saying he is "it", Senna runs off as Ichigo tells her to listen to him and runs after her. As he continues to chase her through the crowd, an announcer tells the crow to prepare to see an amazing feat. As a man drinks an entire bottle of juice, another man counts down from ten. When the announcer says this happened too fast, the two men pull off his jacket and pants.

Looking around, Ichigo sees Senna standing on top of a roof. As the strings of bulbs light up, the crowd below wonders what she is doing. Putting her foot onto one of the lines, Senna begins walking along it, prompting a nearby film director to order a man to aim the spotlight at her. Continuing to walk along the rope, Senna states this is nice before falling off the line. As the crowd watches in horror, a flurry of autumn leaves are stirred up where she lands. As people wonder where she went, Senna appears behind Ichigo and dances as the crowd cheers. As she asks the crowd how it was, Ichigo grabs her hand and pulls her away as the man on stage complains about them stealing the show.

At a restaurant, Senna eats a sandwich and says if Ichigo had told her he would treat her to dinner, she would have answered everything. Wondering if she has any money, Ichigo asks if she knows anything about the Blanks and the Shinenju. Stating this is the first time she has heard of them, Senna asks who the people looking for the Shinenju are. When Ichigo states this is what he wants to know, Senna asks why they want it, prompting him to say he does not know. When Senna asks what the Shinenju looks like, Ichigo states he has no clue, prompting Senna to state this will not work.

Saying Ichigo will have to wait for the Blanks to return, Senna states she will help him on one condition: he needs to take her for a ride on the Ferris wheel. As Ichigo states he is not going to fall for this, Senna stands on her chair, prompting Ichigo to note she likes high places. As Senna explains how everything becomes crystal clear when one is up high, Ichigo comments on her hair ribbon. When Senna says red looks better on her, Ichigo asks where she got it. When she states she tried it on in a store and forgot about it, Ichigo brings her back to the store, where he pays for the ribbon. When the clerk asks if it is for his girlfriend, Ichigo says this is not the case.

Exiting the shop, Ichigo offers the packaged ribbon to Senna, who, stating she cannot believe he went back and paid for it, says he is more virtuous than he looks. Tossing her the package, Ichigo tells her to shut up, for he hates stuff like this. Thanking him, she asks if they will go on the Ferris wheel. When he denies this, she calls him a cheapskate, prompting him to state high school students are not very rich. Walking away, she says she is going to the bathroom.

Putting the ribbon on in front of the mirror, Senna says Ichigo has his good points. Walking out of the bathroom, she, seeing a river through a window, recalls a girl running alongside the river towards her father. Welcoming him home, she reaches for him, but tumbles to the ground as he dissipates around her hand. Recalling a graveyard at which a funeral is being held for the man, Senna sees a family eating dinner together. Meanwhile, Ichigo, leaning against a wall, says she is taking too long. Trying to find her, he notes the place was crowded a moment ago before sensing something.

As a traffic light blinks, Senna enters the graveyard she saw in her memories. Walking through it, she, looking at the headstones, once again sees the funeral procession. Seeing her face on the portrait of the deceased, she realizes it is her funeral. As she notices her mother and father, a Blank tries to grab her. As she backs away from it, more Blanks materialize. Continuing to back away, she dodges a surprise attack from Jai. Back-flipping away, she asks who he is. As he says she is sharper than he thought, she exits her Gigai and asks what he wants.

When he states she needs to come with him, for their leader, Ganryū, commands it, Senna states she does not know who he is talking about. As Jai says she does not need to, Riyan says he told him to only say what was necessary. As Benin comments on him jumping out on his own, Jai states he will capture her in a second. As autumn leaves swirl around her, Senna clashes with Jai, who comments on her attacking without warning before punching her away. As she looks up, Jai lands on her as Benin tells him to not squash her. As Riyan tells him to hurry, Jai lifts Senna up by the throat and asks if she is ready to go.

Telling him to wait, Ichigo asks where he is going. As Jai asks where he came from, Ichigo draws Zangetsu and cuts Jai's arm off, freeing Senna. As Jai yells in pain, Ichigo asks Senna why she wandered off, prompting her to tell him she can do what she wants. Saying she cannot do so yet, for she has not kept her promise, Ichigo sees Jai struggle to his feet and apologizes for cutting off his arm. As Jai states he will not forget this and promises to get revenge, Riyan, telling him to stop, states the time has not come yet.

As he and the others vanish in darkness, Ichigo wonders what they mean by time as a cursing Jai vanishes as well. When Senna tries to move away, Ichigo stops her and asks her why she ran away after he treated her to dinner, prompting her to state she did not run away. When Ichigo asks why she is here, she reveals her family is buried here. As Ichigo tells her to quit with the stories, Senna, stating it is true, says she can remember it all. Stating they are memories from when she was still alive, she says her house used to be around here. As she promises to help him tomorrow and prepares to leave, Ichigo stops her and asks if she is going to ignore how she was just attacked.

At the Kurosaki Clinic,Isshin Kurosaki stands in shock as Karin states Senna being attacked by bad guys sounds fishy. Saying this is how it is, Ichigo said he told her she can stay the night. When Senna introduces herself, Yuzu introduces herself in return and welcomes her to their home. As Senna thanks them for letting her stay there, Ichigo walks up to his room and asks if Senna can sleep in Yuzu's bedroom and use their bath. When Karin asks Isshin what is wrong, he and Yuzu creep up the stairs as Karin expresses shock at Yuzu joining in.

As Ichigo states he will kick Senna out once they prepare her room, Senna, stating boys' rooms are boring, says Ichigo's family members seem like fun people. Comparing them to her father, Senna recalls a man grabbing her by the hair and hitting her. Noticing her pained expression, Ichigo asks if something is wrong, which Senna denies. When Ichigo asks why those men attacked her and if they said anything, Senna states they mentioned a man named "Gan-something" wanted her brought to him. When Ichigo asks if there was anything else, she, stating there was not, says if he had not come, she might have heard more. As she falls back and kicks her shoes off, Ichigo tells her to not sleep in his bed.

As they continue to argue, Yuzu, listening through the door along with Isshin, tells Karin how Senna said she would sleep in his bed. When Karin explains this by stating Ichigo is a guy, Yuzu puts her hands over her ears in horror while Isshin wonders if he should stop his son or let nature take its course. Pushing the door open, which sends Isshin and Yuzu flying, Ichigo demands to know what they are doing. As Karin notes he is angry now, Yuzu tells him the bath is ready, prompting him to tell Senna to take a bath and get to bed. When she does not respond, Ichigo looks into his room and sees her fast asleep on his bed.

Later, Urahara contacts Ichigo and asks if he learned anything about the Shinenju. Saying he did not, Ichigo reveals he ran into the people whom Kon saw, prompting Urahara to ask if he is hurt. Stating he is fine, Ichigo says they ran away as soon as he showed up. Saying they have learned a few things, Urahara reveals their analysis of Kon's memory led them to the true identity of the armored man Kon saw in the crowd of Blanks.

Stating they determined he belongs to a clan which was exiled from Soul Society after a territorial dispute, he says this explains their motives for attacking, but their true goal is still a mystery. Recalling Senna stating she has memories from when she was alive, Ichigo asks Urahara if it is common for Shinigami to retain their memories from their Human life. Stating it is exceedingly rare, Urahara asks Ichigo what this is about, prompting him to say he was just wondering.

The next day, at the station, Senna asks if the Blanks are going to appear again. Saying he does not know, Ichigo states their only clue is the Blanks appearing here. As Senna complains about it being boring, Ichigo notes there are many more people here than usual. As Senna walks away, Ichigo states it is usually quiet around this time and, recalling sensing something at the mall, tells Senna to stay close to him.

When he does not receive a response, Ichigo sees Senna is no longer there and calls for her until she appears at the corner behind him and calls him over. Running over to her, Ichigo tells her to not just run off before seeing a crying Plus. As he asks what is wrong, Senna stops him, introduces herself to the Plus, and asks what his name is. When he says his name is Tomoya, Senna asks him to tell her what is wrong. When he says his father is gone, Senna asks if he was with him, and Tomoya, confirming this, states they were driving to a festival, but when he woke up, his father was gone.

As Ichigo says his father must be in Heaven now, Tomoya, saying he is not, states his dad is looking for him, prompting Senna to say they should all look for him together. As Tomoya tells her where to go, Ichigo stops Senna and begins to tell her they cannot go because they are busy, only for her to state there are no more clues here. As the two head off, Ichigo sighs in exasperation and follows them. As they walk all over town and up a hill, Ichigo asks how long they will do this.

As he states there is no festival this way and Tomoya's father cannot possibly still be here, Senna, stating they will find one of them, says Tomoya will have to leave this world soon, and he has a long journey ahead of him. Stating it would be sad if they did not grant him one last wish first, Senna says she cannot perform Konsō on him like this as Ichigo recalls performing Konsō on the Plus in the park. Turning to him, Senna states she wants Tomoya's last memory to be a happy one.

When Tomoya calls to her, Senna asks what is up and runs over. When Tomoya pulls her into an enclosed area, Ichigo runs after them and sees a festival in the pavilion. When Tomoya points out his father is not here, Senna tells him to not worry and states they will keep looking. As they walk, Senna, saying she is glad it is still here, states she came here a lot when she was a kid. As Ichigo begins to say something, they hear a man calling Tomoya's name.

Realizing it is his father, Tomoya runs towards him and tearfully hugs him. Apologizing to him, Tomoya's father thanks Ichigo and Senna. As Senna states they are welcome, Tomoya's father says this is all thanks to her, prompting her to state she did not do anything. Noting she has not noticed, Tomoya's father reveals the souls gathered here led him to this place. As Tomoya notes Senna led him here in the same way, Tomoya's father says it is time to go, and they fade away as Tomoya bids them farewell.

Looking behind him, Ichigo sees the area has returned to normal, with Human shops and shopkeepers. Seeing a man walk by, Ichigo, confronting him, sees his face and is reminded of the Blanks. As he lets go of him, Senna, beginning to ask why people around her keep disappearing, tries to tell Ichigo the truth. Attempting to comfort her, Ichigo is distracted when a Senkaimon appears.

As Rangiku, Hitsugaya, Rukia, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai, 2nd Division Captain Sui-Feng, 13th Division Captain Jushiro Ukitake, and several Onmitsukidō members appear. Ichigo, asking Ukitake what is wrong, asks Rukia what happened. As Rukia begins to explains, Renji steps forward and, stating they have top-priority orders from the Central 46, tells Ichigo to hand Senna over. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Rukia reveals even after going through all the files of the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukidō, the Kidō Corps, and the Shin'ō Academy, they did not find a single person named Senna.

As Senna expresses shock, Rukia reveals her Zanpakutō, Mirokumaru, was lost in the Dangai 100 years ago when its owner was absorbed by the Valley of Screams. As Rukia states they no longer exist, Senna, asking her what she is trying to say, states she is a Shinigami, prompting Renji to ask her when she came to the Human World. Saying she woke up by the riverbank clearly, Senna states she remembers her name clearly.

Recalling how she used to play by the river as a child, Senna clutches her head and wonders why she was alone, prompting Renji to point out her head is full of all kinds of memories. Stating he cannot believe it, Ukitake reveals the Shinenju they have been looking for all this time is Senna. As Senna expresses surprise, Hitsugaya, stating it has been 24 hours since the Valley of Screams appeared, says Soul Society has determined Ganryū's ultimate goal is the destruction of the Human World and Soul Society, and the Shinenju is the key to his plan.

Addressing Senna as Shinenju Senna, Hitsugaya states she will be hereby be detained by Soul Society for an indefinite period of time. As Rangiku, Renji, and Suì-Fēng grab their Zanpakutō, Senna asks what they are talking about. As she tries to state what she is, Ichigo stops her and says he does not like this. As Rukia asks what Ichigo is doing, Ichigo says whatever Senna is, it does not change her being here now.

Stating she still experiences anger, happiness, and pain, Ichigo, asking if they are going to ignore all this and lock her up anyway, says if they do so, they are no better than the people trying to capture her. As he states he cannot hand Senna over to them, Ukitake apologizes and says this is not the time to discuss this. When Renji tells Ichigo to get out of the way, Ichigo moves in front of Senna and states he will not, prompting the Shinigami and Onmitsukidō members to prepare to attack.

As Ichigo notices something, the people from the graveyard appear once more. As Riyan fires several projectiles, Rukia wonders what this is. As one of the projectiles hits the ground and creates an explosion, Renji, Hitsugaya, and Rangiku emerge from the dust cloud. When Renji is attacked by Bau, Rangiku, calling out to him, is attacked by Riyan, who is attacked in turn by Hitsugaya. As the dust clears, Ichigo and Senna see the people around them transforming into Blanks.

As Ichigo notes it is them again, Senna tells him to watch out just as Jai attacks them. As they roll away, Ichigo swallows Kon's pill and enters his Shinigami form. Getting up, Jai, stating he is back, says he is taking the Shinenju this time. As Ichigo asks Jai if he wishes to lose his other arm, Senna calls out to him, prompting Ichigo to tell Kon he is counting on him. As Kon and Senna move away, Ichigo attacks Jai.

As Jai blocks with a chakram, several Blanks enter his right sleeve and form a new right arm. Creating another chakram, Jai attacks Ichigo. As Jai forces him back, Ichigo notes he is completely different from when he met him yesterday. Moving behind him with Shunpo, Ichigo slashes at Jai, who deflects the attack. Meanwhile, Suì-Fēng and Benin clash on a roof. Slashing at Benin, who jumps away, Suì-Fēng commands the Onmitsukidō members to defend the Shinenju.

As the Onmitsukidō members are overwhelmed by the Blanks, Hitsugaya releases his Zanpakutō, Hyōrinmaru, and slashes at Riyan, who draws his blade, which separates into three blades, and counters the attack by spinning the blades. He thrusts at Hitsugaya, who, moving behind him with Shunpo, is attacked by Riyan's projectiles, which explode as they follow him. Elsewhere, Renji, running from Bau, releases his Zanpakutō, Zabimaru, and slashes at him.

When Bau deflects Zabimaru with his tetsubo, Renji expresses shock. Leaping into the air, Bau smashes Renji down with his tetsubo. Elsewhere, Ukitake releases his Zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari, and blocks an attack from Mue while telling Rukia to go. As Kon tells the Blanks to move away, Rukia slashes one of them. As Kon hugs her in relief, Rukia uses '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''', blasting multiple Blanks.

As Rukia, telling Kon to get off her, elbows him several times, Senna runs off, prompting Rukia to tell her to wait. Stating she is also a Shinigami, Senna, exiting her Gigai, jumps towards Ganryū. As she begins to release her Zanpakutō, Ichigo tells her to stop. As she completes the release, a smirking Ganryū punches her in the stomach. As she slumps over his arm, his companions stop fighting and return to him.

Stating it is true, Ukitake says they are the exiled members of a once-noble clan attempting to take their revenge. Stating he would not know, Ganryū says they are the Dark Ones. When multiple Blanks leap into the air and fly past the Shinigami, Hitsugaya, stating they are not getting away, is stopped when the converging Blanks explode. As Suì-Fēng dodges an exploding Blank, the Blanks surrounding the Onmitsukidō members explode as well, and Ukitake and Rukia move away, with Rukia carrying Kon.

Watching the explosions, Ganryū turns and says they will go. Rushing towards them, Ichigo, now in his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, speeds through the group before turning around to confront them. As he states they are slow, Senna, regaining consciousness, starts beating on Ganryū's chest and demands he let her go. Calling out to her, Ichigo says he is coming and points his sword at the group, prompting the other members to attack.

Stating he will not let them take Senna away, Ichigo, outmaneuvering each member, moves in front of Ganryū and prepares to attack. As Ichigo says he has him, Ganryū reveals he is holding a spear, which, extending, impales Ichigo. As Senna calls out to him, the spear retracts, and Ichigo, reaching out to her, falls to the ground below. As Senna screams his name, Ganryū vanishes, and Ichigo continues to fall as the Shinigami move past him. Seeing him fall, Rukia catches him as he loses consciousness.

Later,Orihime Inoue heals Ichigo with Sōten Kisshun. As the aura fades, she tells Uryu,Jinta, Rukia, Tessai, Ururu, and Yasutora "Chad" Sado that he is okay. As they express relief, Rukia thanks Orihime and states her arrival saved Ichigo. As Jinta says he needs to stop slacking, Urahara enters the room and states not only was he ambushed, but even three captains were not able to fend them off, so this was inevitable.

When Rukia asks how the others fared, Urahara says they lost sight of the enemy. When Uryū asks if they have learned anything new, Urahara reveals the Dark Ones plan to somehow use the Shinenju's power to cause the Human World and Soul Society to collide. When Uryū questions how they can do this, Urahara, stating it is hard to believe, says it is the only theory which makes sense to him. When Sado asks what Soul Society is doing, Urahara states they are working on their next plan.

When Urahara reveals the Valley of Screams cannot be infiltrated from Soul Society, Orihime and Rukia express shock as he says there is no entrance, so there is no way in. When Sado asks if there is another way, Urahara states there should be an entrance in the Human World close to where the Shinenju first appeared. Asking if this is so, which surprises everyone present, Ichigo, sitting up with the help of Orihime, says they can follow them if they can find the entrance. When Urahara confirms this, Ichigo, stating he is going, gets up and grabs Zangetsu. As he walks out with Rukia following him, Urahara says they should start looking for it as well, which everyone agrees to do.

Elsewhere, Ichigo jumps from roof to roof with Rukia following him and arrives at the site of the attack. As a policeman states there is none of the normal residue which explosives leave behind, another wonders what happened here. Walking through the area, Ichigo sees something and runs towards one of the buildings as Rukia follows. Going up to the porch, Ichigo finds Senna's red hair ribbon on one of the crates. As he picks it up, Rukia begins to apologize before Ichigo says it is not her fault.

Stating Senna is too strong-willed, he says she moved out on her own. Noting she was trembling, Ichigo slams his hand on the crate and blames himself for not being able to save her when she was in such a vulnerable state. Looking at the ribbon, he recalls Senna's words regarding her hair ribbon and being up high. Wondering why she said this, Ichigo pockets the ribbon and walks away. When Rukia asks him what is wrong, he tells her to come with him.

At the Ferris wheel, Ichigo and Rukia stand in one of the passenger cars as it moves towards the top. Stepping forward, Ichigo, recalling Senna telling him her house used to be around here, sees something and tells Rukia to move to the river. Jumping off, they move to the bridge and see a large circle of light in the water. As Rukia wonders what it is, Ichigo sees a location filled with rocks in the circle.

As Rukia states it is the same place which can be seen in Soul Society, Ichigo says they can get in and tells Rukia to contact Urahara. When Rukia tells him he cannot go in alone, Ichigo states he will definitely rescue her. As Rukia calls after him, Ichigo, falling towards the entrance, draws Zangetsu and slashes at the circle, creating a hole which he moves through. As a large amount of water is sent into the air by the impact, Rukia looks on.

In the Valley of Screams, an unconscious Senna lies strapped to a post with several purple orbs rotating around her. As Ganryū, Riyan, and Bau approach, Senna, regaining consciousness, wonders where she is. When she asks if they wanted her to do something, Ganryū states they just need to use her to make their wish come true. When Senna asks what this means, Riyan, telling her to watch her tone, says Ganryū is a noble and virtuous man who will rule over Soul Society.

Telling him to relax, for there is no longer a need for formalities, Ganryū reveals when their clan was exiled from Soul Society 1000 years ago due to its unjust laws, they were forced to wander in the Dangai. Stating they were constantly forced to run from the Kōtotsu which absorbed anything they touched, he, saying they somehow managed to survive and taught themselves to use the Blanks as a power source, states they have an infinite number of them at their disposal.

Snapping his fingers, which causes multiple Blanks to swirl around Senna, Ganryū explains how the Blanks come together to form a new dimension known as the Valley of Screams, which consists of countless Blanks, and how the memories of the Blanks merge into one object and return to the Human World. Saying this object is the Shinenju, Ganryū states it is Senna, who reacts with surprise.

At a captains' meeting in Soul Society, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi reveals the Blanks' wandering is not entirely without purpose, for they seek out their own memories for a time. Beckoning with his hand, which creates a holographic projection of the Valley of Screams, he, saying the problem begins here, states putting the Shinenju in the center of the Valley of Screams causes the Blanks to push against one another in an effort to get closer, which makes them multiply rapidly. Saying the energy released is incredibly powerful, he states it could draw the Human World and Soul Society together and force them into a massive collision.

As Ukitake expresses shock, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku says it sound dangerous. As Mayuri states this reaction has already begun, Ganryū forms a sword, which he raises above his head. As 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki says they have talked enough, and asks what exactly will happen. Mayuri states even though he is not sure, the collision of two worlds which must not touch would certainly result in the destruction of one or both of those worlds.

As the tornado around Senna intensifies by drawing more and more Blanks, Ukitake asks how much time is left, prompting Mayuri to say they do not have enough data to draw a scientific answer, but he would guess they have about an hour. When Suì-Fēng states she will mobilize her forces to enter the Valley of Screams immediately, Mayuri states this is a waste of time, for there is no Senkaimon in Soul Society which connects to the Valley of Screams.

As Senna is bound completely by the Blanks, which create a cocoon connected to the Valley of Screams by dozens of strands, Mayuri says they cannot enter, and no matter what they do, there will not be even a speck of dust left. As the cocoon unfurls to reveal Senna floating in a detailed gate, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto states this is a top-level emergency. As Senna is struck by lightning, Yamamoto orders them to prepare to fire the Kidō Cannon.

As Senna screams in pain, Yamamoto says they must try to disengage the Valley of Screams from Soul Society by firing at the adhesion point. As the lightning intensifies, Ukitake states doing so will cause great damage to both worlds. As Ganryū smiles, Yamamoto states they have no other options. Hearing a commotion, the captains turn as a Shinigami outside the meeting room tells someone they cannot go in. As the doors open, Rukia struggles with the guards.

When Yamamoto asks what the meaning of this is and tells the guards to stand down, Rukia, getting on her hands and knees, apologizes and tells Yamamoto if he wishes to discipline her, she will accept it without question, but she has information she must share with everyone first. As she reveals Ichigo has found an entrance to the Valley of Screams in the Human World, Ichigo runs through the Valley of Screams as the lightning continues to intensify.

Revealing he has entered the Valley of Screams to save Senna, she begs them to send reinforcements to help him. When Yamamoto says he cannot fulfill this request, Rukia asks why he cannot. Stating he does not mean to belittle Ichigo's power, Yamamoto says they only have one hour left, and there no proof of the Gotei 13 being able to mobilize their troops, enter the Valley of Screams, defeat their enemies, and retrieve the Shinenju in this time.

Asking her to not think badly of him, Yamamoto, stating the meeting is over, proclaims the divisions will begin emergency procedures and prepare the Kidō Cannon. As the Kidō Cannon is prepared, Rukia, watching from afar, is approached by Renji. When she begins to say something, Renji cuts her off and says he is going too, for Ichigo should not get all the action. In the Valley of Screams, as the lightning dies down, the clouds begin to converge at a point and fall.

As more threads of Blanks surround Senna, Riyan tells Ganryū the Blanks are uniting. Noting this, Ganryū sees a large cut appear in the wall behind Senna as the threads are cut in two. As the Dark Ones move away, Ganryū states they have another rat as Ichigo calls out to Senna, who sees him standing on a pillar. Saying he is coming, Ichigo, moving towards her, is confronted by Ganryū, who slashes him.

Falling to the ground below, Ichigo attacks Ganryū, who asks if he has come for another crushing defeat. When Ichigo tells him to give Senna back, a smirking Ganryū forces him back as the rest of the Dark Ones appear. As Ganryū states she has finally been awakened as the Shinenju, dozens of Blanks rise from the ground behind the Dark Ones. As he says she will endure a great amount of pain and suffering because of Ichigo, Senna, calling out to him, is surrounded by more threads of Blanks.

As Ichigo calls out to her, Senna is further constricted by the threads. Telling the Dark Ones to get out of his way, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which courses through the Valley of Screams. In the Human World, Sado, Uryū, Orihime, Urahara, Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu stand on the bridge near the entrance to the Valley of Screams. When Orihime asks if they have to follow Ichigo, Urahara states they cannot, for the Valley of Screams is a spiritual world like Soul Society.

As he says Humans cannot enter, a Senkaimon opens behind them as Rukia and Renji jump out. As Orihime and Uryū greet them, Urahara asks how it went, prompting Rukia to reveal Soul Society plans to use the Kidō Cannon to destroy the Valley of Screams' dimension. When Orihime begins to exclaim Ichigo will die if they do this, Renji states they will finish the job before the Kidō Cannon fires. As Rukia says they will do something, Hitsugaya states they do not stand a chance on their own.

As Orihime looks over the railing and sees Hitsugaya under the bridge, Hitsugaya, saying they have gathered several people, states they will finish the fight together. As Rangiku says she is coming as well, Hitsugaya states they are running out of time and tells them to go. As he jumps into the entrance, Orihime asks Rukia to take care of Ichigo, prompting her to say she will. Flipping over the edge, Renji and Rukia fall into the entrance.

In the Valley of Screams, Ichigo clashes with Jai and leaps away from an attack, prompting Jai to throw his chakram after him. Running past some Blanks, Ichigo deflects one of the chakram and dodges the other, only for them to attack him in midair. Landing, Ichigo is restrained by several Blanks. As he tells them to let go, Bau attacks him, only for Ichigo to leap away. As he lands, Ichigo blocks an attack from Mue and dodges throwing knives from Benin.

Preparing to clash once more, Ichigo hears laughter from above. Looking up, he sees a laughing Kenpachi falling from the sky. Glowing with yellow Reiatsu, he smashes into the ground, destroying the surrounding area. As Ichigo calls out to him, 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi waves to him as Kenpachi tells him he is standing in a dangerous spot. Leaping to solid ground, Ichigo notices something.

Wondering who Kenpachi was, Riyan is attacked by the Shikai of Hyōrinmaru, forcing him to dodge. Snaking through the air, the ice dragon returns to Hitsugaya, who tells Ichigo to stop wasting time. As Ichigo sees the assembled Shinigami, Ikkaku tells Ichigo they are not letting him have all the action, and 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa states there has not been a "party" like this for a while, so they want their chance as well.

As Rangiku, saying she merely mentioned it and everyone got involved, tells him to leave it to them, Hitsugaya tells Ichigo to hurry. Thanking them, Ichigo runs off, prompting Bau and Jai to run after him. As Hitsugaya tells his companions to move out, the Shinigami move away with Shunpo. Running down a slope, Ikkaku releases his Zanpakutō, Hōzukimaru, and cuts through several Blanks.

Slicing through Blanks with her sealed Zanpakutō, Rangiku is confronted by Benin, who blocks Rangiku's sword with her dagger. Smirking, Rangiku releases her Zanpakutō, Haineko, prompting Benin to leap away as the ash cloud destroys several Blanks. Running along the side of a structure shaped like a window, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira releases his Zanpakutō, Wabisuke, and strikes the platform four times, causing it to fall due to its increased weight.

Elsewhere, as Iba and 9th Division Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi fight the Blanks, Benin aims a crossbow at Yumichika. Firing the bolt, which does not hit, she wonders what happened before having her attention drawn to Suì-Fēng, who holds the crossbow bolt in her hand. Asking if she is looking for this, Suì-Fēng breaks it in two. As she begins to draw her Zanpakutō, Benin throws a knife at her, which she dodges.

Discarding her haori, Suì-Fēng runs towards Benin with her Zanpakutō drawn. As Benin draws her daggers, the two clash. Dodging Suì-Fēng's attack, Benin slashes at her. Jumping, Suì-Fēng kicks at her, only to be blocked by her dagger. Continuing to fight, the two separate. Landing on a rock formation, Benin sees a Hōmonka appear on her midsection. As she leaps into the air, Suì-Fēng appears behind her and kicks at her.

In a tree-like area, Kenpachi walks along a thick branch with his Zanpakutō over his shoulder. Looking around, Kenpachi is surprised when his face is cut. Deflecting subsequent attacks, Kenpachi catches one of the projectiles. Seeing it is a shuriken, he says it is ridiculous and throws it. Seeing it fly past him, cutting the tree he was hiding behind in the process, a startled Mue steps back, only to bump into Kenpachi, who says even though he hates chasing people, he is not bad at it.

As Mue moves away and runs along a branch, a giggling Yachiru runs beside him. When he jumps away, Yachiru tells Kenpachi to get him. Landing, Mue sees Kenpachi, who asks if he can cut him yet. Leaping towards him, Mue stabs at Kenpachi, who catches the blade with his hand. Detaching the blade from the hilt to reveal a thin, segmented golden blade underneath, Mue slashes Kenpachi across the chest. Watching blood spurt from his wound, Kenpachi states he can have some fun with Mue as an orb of Reiatsu forms around him.

Leaping towards Mue, Kenpachi strikes at the branch he is standing on as he jumps away. As Kenpachi moves after him, Mue fires the segments of his blade at him. Deflecting them, Kenpachi catches Mue and punches him away. Landing on a branch, Mue holds up the hilt of his sword, which is attached to Kenpachi's Zanpakutō by a wire, and sends electricity towards Kenpachi, which results in an explosion. As the smoke clears, Kenpachi, having been shielded by his orb of Reiatsu, leaps towards Mue, destroying the branches around him in the process, and cuts him in half.

Elsewhere, Hitsugaya, releasing his Zanpakutō, sends the ice dragon at Riyan, who fires his explosive projectiles at him. As the ice dragon is destroyed by the explosions, a chuckling Riyan tells Hitsugaya to not try to outlast him. As Blanks flow into the rocketpacks on his back, Riyan says Hitsugaya's energy will not outlast his own. Stating he will fight as long as Hitsugaya likes, Riyan fires more projectiles at him.

When Hitsugaya jumps to avoid them, the projectiles follow him into the air. Destroying some with his sword, Hitsugaya moves away as the rest follow him. When Hitsugaya is enveloped in an explosion, a laughing Riyan forms more projectiles and fires them at him. As Hitsugaya runs, Blanks continue to flow into Riyan's rocketpacks while Riyan fires more projectiles. When one of the projectiles seemingly hits Hitsugaya, Riyan, saying he got him, is surprised to see he has activated his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru.

Expressing surprise at Hitsugaya having this much energy left, Riyan realizes there is ice sealing off his rocketpacks. As he screams in terror, the ice dragon crashes into him, creating a large amount of ice. Getting up, Hitsugaya looks towards the tree in the center of the Valley of Screams. In Soul Society, a member of the Kidō Corps informs Yamamoto the 3rd Division is in place and preparations for firing are complete.

Stating the latest status reports indicate the dimension will pass the critical point within five minutes, he moves away with Shunpo. When Ukitake begins to say something, Yamamoto states they will wait until the very end. In the Valley of Screams, Ichigo dodges an attack from Bau. When Jai throws his chakram at him, Ichigo deflects them, only for Bau to appear behind him and smash him into the ground. As Jai says he will not get the Shinenju, Renji tells Ichigo to hold on.

As a tornado forms behind Ichigo, Renji's Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, lunges out of the top and hurtles towards Ichigo. Crashing into the ground where he is standing, it moves away with Ichigo clinging to the side of its head. As Hihiō Zabimaru moves past Bau and Jai, Ichigo looks back and calls out to Renji, who, standing next to Rukia, tells him to go. Ichigo jumps off of Hihiō Zabimaru, which turns around and crashes into Bau and Jai.

As Renji says he is not letting them go after Ichigo, he and Rukia jump to avoid Jai's chakram. As Rukia deflects the blades, Jai, running along the wall, attacks her and states they will just kill them first. Emerging from the dust cloud with Bau in its mouth, Hihiō Zabimaru slams him into a wall. As it moves along the wall, Bau emerges and smashes his tetsubo into the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru. As the rest of Hihiō Zabimaru flies towards him, Bau strikes its head, creating an explosion.

Landing on a branch, Ichigo looks at the trees in front of him and screams Senna's name. When Ganryū asks if he still believes the Shinenju can be saved, Ichigo says he is going to get Senna out of here. Jumping away to avoid a stream of Blanks, Ichigo watches the stream turn into another branch. Stating he is too late, Ganryū says the Shinenju has begun to merge with the Valley of Screams, and no one can stop it now. Telling him to shut up, Ichigo promises Senna he will get her out of here.

As Blanks emerge from the branches, Ganryū, asking if Ichigo cannot comprehend his words, states he speaks of the impossible. When Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, Ganryū is revealed. As the branches behind him are cut in half, Ganryū curses Ichigo. Noting he has finally shown himself, Ichigo, pointing his blade at him, says he will beat him and save Senna. As Ganryū tells him to try, Ichigo tells him to get ready and activates his Bankai.

As the dust clears, Ichigo attacks Ganryū. Moving away, the two clash in midair. As Ichigo lands on a branch, Blanks trap his feet. Ganryū generates a stream of Blanks which, surrounding Ichigo, cracks and breaks when Ichigo attacks it. Moving behind him, Ganryū attacks Ichigo, who moves away. Following him, Ganryū continues to clash with him. When Ichigo moves away once more, Ganryū generates several daggers, which follow Ichigo.

Destroying them with his sword, Ichigo is hit in the abdomen by one of them, which pins him to a tree with a stream of Blanks. Landing on the branch on front of Ichigo, Ganryū recounts how his clan was forced to live in the Dangai for 1000 years and endured the hardship so they could obliterate Soul Society, a wish which is about to come true. As the other Shinigami notice the Valley of Screams shaking, Ganryū states he will not let anyone stop him and throws four more daggers at Ichigo.

As Ichigo, having been impaled by one of the daggers, coughs up blood, Ganryū asks why he is so desperate, for the Shinenju is simply a condensed mass of thoughts and memories, and to call it a living thing is too much. Saying this is not true, Ichigo states Senna is here now. Pulling one of the daggers out, he says she was nervous and scared, and wanted someone to help. Stating he swore on his soul to protect her, Ichigo releases a large amount of Reiatsu.

As a band of yellow light travels to the center of the tree, Senna regains consciousness and recalls her encounters with the Blanks. Finally accepting her existence as the Shinenju, she calls out to Ichigo as a bright light shines from her location. Continuing to release Reiatsu, Ichigo frees himself from the Blanks. In Soul Society, as a Shinigami says they will pass the critical point in two minutes, Ukitake wonders what the Shinigami in the Valley of Screams are doing.

Stating time is up, Yamamoto orders the Kidō Corps to fire the Kidō Cannon. Flames ignite around the Kidō Cannon, which fires blasts shaped like various animals at the Valley of Screams. As a section of the Valley of Screams is destroyed, dark ooze begins dripping through the hole as black lightning flashes. Saying it has been released, Hitsugaya states they have pulled the trigger, and the dimension is going to collapse.

Meanwhile, Bau expresses shock as Hihiō Zabimaru reforms. Saying his Zanpakutō is very thick-headed, Renji states if this is all Bau has, he will not even put a dent in him. As Hihiō Zabimaru rushes towards him, a screaming Bau is killed as the ground underneath him shatters. Elsewhere, as Rukia stands on a platform, Jai jumps towards her and says she is not getting away. When Rukia states she does not have to run, Jai says he will grind her to dust.

When Rukia releases her Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki, Jai states it is no use as he dives at her. Using Some no mai, Tsukishiro, Rukia encases Jai in a column of ice, which shatters. Standing up, Rukia is surprised when the chakram in the air around her begin to bubble and transform. As they become copies of Jai, one of them says he told her resisting is pointless. As they move to attack her, Rukia, preparing to fight, notices cherry blossoms floating near her arm.

As two rows of giant blades rise up from the ground, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki tells Jai to be proud about being destroyed by his Bankai and obliterates the clones with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Moving to Rukia, Byakuya states they are leaving. Elsewhere, Ichigo, moving towards Senna's location, calls to her while dodging streams of Blanks. As Ichigo lands on a branch, Ganryū does the same and creates a sword, which he points at Ichigo.

As Ichigo generates a large amount of Reiatsu, Ganryū does so as well and tells him to come. Jumping towards Ichigo, who fires a Getsuga Tenshō at him, Ganryū cuts through the blast and continues charging towards Ichigo, who generates a Getsuga Tenshō in his blade and leaps towards him. As they clash, an explosion rips through the branches around them. As Ichigo stands behind him, a bifurcated Ganryū fades away. Seeing Senna among the branches, Ichigo tells her she is awfully quiet.

When he asks what happened to her usual energy, a smiling Senna tells him to shut up. In the Human World, Uryū, Sado, Orihime, Urahara, Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu stand on the bridge next to the entrance. As Urahara notes they are coming, the Shinigami burst out of the water. As Orihime looks over the railing, Ichigo bursts out of the water with Senna. In Soul Society, a Kidō Corps member tells Yamamoto the Shinenju has been rescued and the Valley of Screams is collapsing.

As the Shinigami in Soul Society cheer, Ichigo, Senna, Renji, and Rukia land on the bridge in the Human World. As Orihime welcomes them back, Kon runs towards Rukia, who stomps on him. As Uryū tells Ichigo he did it and Sado gives him a thumbs-up, Urahara states they have all done well. As Orihime says she is glad they are all safe, Ichigo thanks Rukia and Renji, the latter of whom states he did not do it for Ichigo.

As Jinta says Renji did good for a freeloader and has earned his dinner tonight, Senna looks over the railing. Telling Senna he found her hair ribbon, Ichigo is surprised when it floats away. In the SRDI, Mayuri wonders why the alarm has not stopped. Revealing the Valley of Screams has expanded beyond the final critical point, an SRDI member says its gravitational pull has linked it to the Human World and Soul Society, and the three have started to merge.

As Yamamoto looks up in shock, Rukia is forced to her knees and wonders what the meaning of this is. As Renji realizes it did not stop, Orihime wonders what will happen. As Urahara states this is not good, Senna leaps into the air, prompting Ichigo to tell her to wait. Joining her in the air over the entrance, he wonders why this is happening. As whirlwinds tear through the Seireitei, Kenpachi notes they are in trouble now. As Hitsugaya wonders if they were too late, violent waves crash around the entrance.

Looking at the entrance, Senna grabs Ichigo's arm and tells him she is scared. As Ichigo expresses concern, Senna says she will not let this world go. Explaining her view of this world, Senna, telling him it will be okay, reveals the Blanks are still close to her, and if she uses their energy, she can return both worlds to normal. As Ichigo sees Senna in her Gigai clothes and expresses confusion, Senna states if the world ended, he would disappear as well.

Saying she does not want this to happen, Senna begins to glow. When Ichigo tells her to stop, Senna states she would rather sacrifice herself than let him die. As Senna is enveloped by a whirlwind, Ichigo yells her name and reaches for her, only to be enveloped by the wind. As a green column of light grows brighter, Rin reveals they have reports of countless spiritual explosions in the Dangai, and the Human World and Soul Society are both stabilizing, for the fusion has stopped.

As Senna says she has a favor to ask, Ichigo carries her on his back next to the river to the graveyard where they first met the Dark Ones. As he carries her through the rows of gravestones, Senna states she wants to check her family grave. Saying she said they were here yesterday, Senna states she knows she once lived in this town. Saying she had parents and was alive, Senna states her name must be on the gravestone.

Stopping, Ichigo asks her if this is it, prompting her to say it is four stones from the end. When Ichigo arrives at the gravestone, Senna asks if there is a name on it. As she states she has something in her eye, Ichigo sees two names on the gravestone, neither of which are hers. When Senna asks if it is there, Ichigo says it is. Standing up, he states she used to live in this town and had a family. Crying, Senna says she is happy. As she begins to fade, Senna states she feels warm and asks Ichigo if she will see him again.

As he says she will, Senna fades away completely. As Ichigo kneels, Rukia approaches him and states the Blanks' energy is about to run out, and when it does, everything related to Senna will disappear from their memories, for one cannot remember something which should not have existed in the first place. Getting up, Ichigo says even though it may only last for a few more seconds, he can still hear her voice.

Later, on the bridge, a strong wind causes the pedestrians to stop in their tracks. Walking along, Ichigo sees a red hair ribbon floating in the wind. Grabbing it, he realizes something as a girl tells her friend to shut up and states it will be the same either way. As her friend says they will be late, the girl says she will pass. Running past Ichigo, the girl bears a striking resemblance to Senna. Smiling, Ichigo continues walking.

Bleach movie ll
As a large cloud moves across the sky of the the Human World, a royal procession takes place inside, with guards walking next to carts and musicians playing instruments. As a carriage being carried by several men moves past, 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto appears before three Shinigami and asks for a status report. When one of the Shinigami tells her there has been nothing out of the ordinary, Rangiku tells them it is an important assignment, so they must stay alert.

As the Shinigami agree, one of them asks what the Ōin actually is, and another states all they know is they have been ordered to guard it without being conspicuous. When he asks whose authority this operation is under, Rangiku reveals the orders come directly from the Royal Family, and in regards to the Ōin, they only know it is a treasured artifact, and only those within the Royal Family are permitted to see it.

Saying they do not know the extent of its power or how to use it, Rangiku states the Royal Family decides to change its location without warning once a decade. When she says it has the power of magic, the Shinigami express surprise, prompting her to state they are gullible, and in truth she does not know any more about it than they do. Saying the 10th Division having been assigned to this is the only thing which matters, Rangiku tells them to stay focused and moves away with Shunpo.

As 10th Division Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya watches the cloud, Rangiku appears next to him and tells him all stations have reported everything being normal. When she states the procession is even more magnificent up close, Hitsugaya tells her there is always fanfare surrounding royalty. As a presence moves across the land, Rangiku tells Hitsugaya he will get in trouble if he says things like this. As the presence continues to move, Hitsugaya and Rangiku sense something.

When a ball of lightning crashes into one of the carriages, Hitsugaya tells Rangiku to alert the 10th Division as they move away with Shunpo. Sinking into the cloud, the carriage bursts into flames as the ball of lightning emerges and splits into two balls. Moving through the procession, the balls attack and electrocute the bannermen and carriage-bearers as the Shinigami emerge from the trees below and approach Rangiku, who tells them to attack the reformed ball.

As they do so, the ball reveals a whip which electrocutes the Shinigami upon contact, creating an explosion, before sending the whip towards Rangiku, who blocks with her Zanpakutō. As the whip wraps around the blade, the dust clears to reveal Yin, who bids Rangiku farewell before sending electricity down the whip towards her, prompting Rangiku to release her Shikai, Haineko, to counter it.

As the counterattack creates an explosion, Yin dodges an attack from Rangiku. Meanwhile, as someone calls for the fire to be put out, a ball of fire emerges from the damaged carriage. As it attacks and incinerates the bannermen and carriage-bearers, Hitsugaya draws his Zanpakutō and attacks it. As the smoke clears, Yang blocks Hitsugaya's sword with her own. As Hitsugaya tells her to identify herself, ice begins to cover her blade.

Leaping back as the ice shatters, Yang runs away as Hitsugaya tells her to stop before running after her. Moving to the top of the damaged carriage, Hitsugaya looks for her. Feeling an immense amount of Reiatsu, he looks down to see he has been stabbed. As he leaps back, a masked man emerges from the smoke. When Hitsugaya demands to know who he is, the masked man draws his sword and attacks him.

Running up, Rangiku asks where the Ōin is and is told they do not know. As Hitsugaya and the masked man continue to fight, Rangiku calls out to him. When they cross blades, the masked man tells Hitsugaya he has not changed at all, prompting Hitsugaya, who tells him to show his face, to attempt to take his mask off. As the man leaps away, Hitsugaya tells him to stop and begins to chase him before Rangiku calls out to him.

Looking at her with a sorrowful expression on his face, Hitsugaya moves away with Shunpo. As Rangiku calls out to him once more, the carriage explodes, forcing those present to shield themselves. As a Shinigami orders the others to put the fire out, another one tells Rangiku the enemy has escaped, and though they did everything they could, they suffered severe casualties. When Rangiku does not respond, the Shinigami asks her if she is alright.

The next day,Ichigo Kurosaki moves through the clouds in his Shinigami form and appears in the area where the Shinigami were stationed. Looking around, he puts his hand in front of him. When his hand touches a barrier, he puts his other hand on the barrier and wonders what is going on. Saying the last thing he needs is someone starting trouble close to his house, he unsheathes Zangetsu and cuts out a section of the barrier.

Looking through, he is shocked to see the aftermath of the attack on the procession. As he wonders what happened, several Onmitsukidō members appear around him. When they prepare to draw their blades, Ichigo tells them to calm down and states he is the Substitute Shinigami. As they advance, 2nd Division Captain Sui-Feng tells them to wait. As they clear a path for her, she says she knows who Ichigo, but not why he is here.

As Ichigo recognizes her, she asks how he got here, for she had put a barrier up around this area. Asking what happened, Ichigo asks what all of this is, indicating the dead Shinigami and bannermen. As she states she probably should not tell him, for he is only a Substitute Shinigami, Uryu Ishida appears outside the barrier. Looking around, he sees the glow from the entrance Ichigo created and pushes his glasses up.

As Ichigo, having been told what happened, says he does not believe it, an Onmitsukidō member approaches Suì-Fēng and leans down to tell her something. Listening to him, Suì-Fēng says Ichigo is to notify her as soon as he discovers "his" location and performs a series of hand movements. As Ichigo tells her to wait, the barrier shatters, leaving him alone in the forest before Uryū approaches him.

When Ichigo asks him what he is doing here, Uryū reveals he has known this area was sealed off and placed under a special barrier since yesterday. When he asks what happened and if Ichigo found anything out, Ichigo begins to tell him what he learned before noticing falling snow. As he notes it is snowing, Uryū states "he" must have been concealing his Reiatsu. As Ichigo asks what he means, Hitsugaya walks towards them before collapsing.

Running over to him, Ichigo asks what happened as Hitsugaya whispers the name "Kusaka". In Soul Society, as the doors to the Captain-Commander's office close, the captains and Rangiku gather before Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. When Yamamoto asks if this is all Suì-Fēng has to report, she confirms this and says even though they sealed the area off and her division covered every inch, they were unable to find any trace of the Ōin.

Stating they believe whoever is responsible for the attack possesses it now, she says Hitsugaya pursued the attacker and is currently missing, based on the reports they received on the 10th Division. As Suì-Fēng states he concealed his Reiatsu to avoid being found, Rangiku tells her to wait and states she makes it sound like Hitsugaya purposely abandoned his post. Saying it is the only possible explanation for his actions, Suì-Fēng states he broke regulations and disobeyed his orders.

As Rangiku says he would never do this, Yamamoto tells them to stop and states the 10th Division is to be confined to their barracks until further notice. As he says he is prepared to shut down the 10th Division based on the outcome, Rangiku, asking if he is saying he is willing to disband the 10th Division because of this, states the members of the 10th Division have done nothing wrong and asks him to let her accept the consequences instead of them.

Telling her this is enough, Yamamoto says she is misjudging the magnitude of this situation and tells her to remember her place. As she kneels once more, Yamamoto states their top priority is the retrieval of the Ōin, and it is also critical to find Hitsugaya and take him into custody so they may assess his involvement in this incident. As he states this is to be considered an emergency order, Rangiku looks down somberly.

At the 10th Division barracks, 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe says the 10th Division is to remain confined to these barracks until further notice on Yamamoto's orders. As the division members begin talking among themselves, Chōjirō reveals until Hitsugaya is apprehended, they are all considered to be co-conspirators, and therefore are required to surrender their Zanpakutō. As the division members voice their dissent,Rukia Kuchiki and 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai approach.

As Chōjirō says Yamamoto's orders stand, the division members ask Rangiku to say something, prompting her to hold out her sheathed Zanpakutō. As a Shinigami takes it from her, Rukia and Renji enter. As the rest of the division members hand over their Zanpakutō, Rangiku tells Rukia and Renji it is what it is. When Rukia states taking such drastic actions without any evidence seems very odd, Rangiku says the Ōin which was stolen must have been very important, or otherwise they would not be doing this.

When Renji states he is sure Hitsugaya will return soon and sort this mess out, Rangiku says she supposes he is right, but she is not sure why everyone left without saying a word. When Renji states Hitsugaya is nothing like Gin Ichimaru, Rangiku looks away, prompting Rukia to reprimand Renji. When a Shinigami tells Chōjirō all of the division members have surrendered their Zanpakutō and they will keep them in the stockade for safekeeping, Chōjirō tells the members to return to their barracks and await their sentence.

Apologizing, a Shinigami tells Rukia and Renji he has orders to lock down the barracks, and everyone must be cleared from these quarters, so he must asks them to leave. As Renji says he understands and they are leaving now, Rukia apologizes to Rangiku. As they begin to leave, Rangiku grabs Renji's arm and tells him to wait. When he looks over his shoulder at her, Rangiku states she wants him to check on something for her.

As Rukia and Renji walk out of the barracks, Rangiku tells them Hitsugaya was chasing a man on the night he disappeared, and she cannot help but think they are connected, or else Hitsugaya would not have left his post. In the past, a young Hitsugaya sits at a table and stares out of the window at the Shin'ō Academy. Approaching him, another student says he must be Tōshirō Hitsugaya, the boy genius whom everyone has been talking about.

As he and the boy clash, Hitsugaya asks who he is and says he plans to become a Shinigami and devote his life to Soul Society. When the scores for the students are posted, the boy states when he saw Hitsugaya's score, it confirmed he was a genius. As the two cut through dummies in combat training, the boy says he is not going to let Hitsugaya beat him next time. As the boy asks if they are friends, he is wounded, and as his Zanpakutō fades, Hitsugaya wakes up.

Getting up, Hitsugaya wonders where he is. As the door opens, Ichigo greets him. Recognizing him, Hitsugaya asks where he is, prompting Ichigo to reveal he is at his house because he found him unconscious by the side of the road and did not want to leave him lying there. As Hitsugaya apologizes for any trouble he caused him, Ichigo sits down and asks if he knows he has the entire Onmitsukidō looking for him. When Hitsugaya says he figured as much, Ichigo asks if this is all he can say.

Asking why the Onmitsukidō is looking for him, Ichigo states he at least owes him this much. When Hitsugaya says he should forget about this because it does not concern him, an irritated Ichigo states he did not care anyway. When Hitsugaya says he will get "it" back, Ichigo expresses confusion, prompting Hitsugaya to reveal the Ōin was stolen. As he states it is far too complicated for a Substitute Shinigami to understand, an irritated Ichigo says he cannot believe how obnoxious Hitsugaya is.

When Hitsugaya begins shivering and sweating, Ichigo gets up and asks if he is alright. Stating it is nothing, Hitsugaya says he will be fine if he can get some rest. Stating he will call Orihime Inoue in the morning, Ichigo tells him to sleep until then and leaves. In the morning, Hitsugaya leaves the Kurosaki Clinic without letting Ichigo know, leaving his captain's haori on his desk, and stands outside the house wearing a tattered cloak.

Bowing towards the house, Hitsugaya walks away, only to be stopped by Ichigo, who stands before him in his Shinigami form. Telling him there is no need to sneak around, Ichigo says he does not see why Hitsugaya is skulking around in the shadows like he is ashamed of something instead of walking out the front door like a man. Thanking him for his help, Hitsugaya states he appreciates it, prompting Ichigo to ask why he is trying to do this alone.

When Ichigo asks what is bothering him, Hitsugaya says he does not know what he is talking about. When Ichigo asks if this has anything to do with Kusaka, Hitsugaya expresses shock as Ichigo asks who he is. When Ichigo theorizes he is the one who attacked Hitsugaya and took the Ōin, Hitsugaya states he is someone who was killed a long time ago. When Ichigo asks who killed him, Hitsugaya continues walking past him, prompting him to attempt to stop him.

Drawing his Zanpakutō, Hitsugaya slashes at Ichigo, who jumps back and asks what is wrong with him. When Hitsugaya tells him to not interfere, Ichigo asks if he is supposed to leave him alone after finding him on the verge of death. Seeing Hitsugaya's shihakushō covered in blood, Ichigo tells him he can either turn himself in to the Onmitsukidō or come back to his house. Staring at him, Hitsugaya sees a fireball hurtling towards them.

As they jump back from the explosion, Ichigo asks who did this. Looking up at the sky, he sees Yin and Yang. As Yin tells him to hand over Hitsugaya if he does not want to get hurt, Yang says he will be eliminated if he gets in their way. When Ichigo asks Hitsugaya what is going on, Hitsugaya attacks him, forcing him to draw Zangetsu and block. As Hitsugaya pushes him back, Ichigo asks what is wrong with him.

When Hitsugaya asks him to let him go, Ichigo expresses surprise. Pushing his blade aside, Hitsugaya slashes him away. Flying through the air, Ichigo sees Yang throw a fireball at him. As the fireball hits Ichigo and creates an explosion, Yin generates electricity along her whip and zaps Ichigo's location. As the smoke clears, Ichigo stands in the middle of a crater with blood running down the side of his face.

Seeing this, Yin fires a ball of lightning, and Yang combines it with two blasts of fire, creating a fireball crackling with electricity. As the attack hurtles towards him, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, countering it, and fires another one through the smoke. As the two Arrancar dodge the blast, Yin notes Ichigo countered their attacks even after they combined them and wonders who he is.

When they move away with Sonído, Hitsugaya begins to move after them, only for Ichigo to tell him to wait. Falling to his knees, Ichigo pushes himself up with Zangetsu and asks what this was about. Asking where Hitsugaya is, Ichigo watches him move away with Shunpo before collapsing. Later, as Rukia tells Ichigo to wake up, Renji states he knows something which will rouse him and punches him in the face.

As Ichigo bolts up and clutches his face, Renji says he knows the fastest way to get his attention. When Ichigo angrily asks why he hit him, Renji states it is his own fault for lying in the middle of the street. As Ichigo says he should beat Renji up, Rukia asks him what happened here. Looking around, Ichigo curses and clutches his head. Saying his head is killing him, he asks how long he was unconscious and where Hitsugaya went.

As Rukia and Renji express surprise at the mention of Hitsugaya, Renji asks if he was here, and Rukia asks if he is serious. When Renji asks where he was and when Ichigo saw him, Ichigo states this must be serious. At the Kurosaki Clinic, Ichigo holds up Hitsugaya's haori. As Rukia notes it is definitely Hitsugaya's, Renji grabs him by the shirt and asks why he let him leave. Telling him to back off, Ichigo says he tried to stop him, but he was chasing after two girls.

As Renji expresses surprise, Ichigo states they looked like they were Visored or Arrancar, but he could not determine which. Asking if Hitsugaya talked about anything while he was here, Rukia asks Ichigo if he can remember anything he said. Stating he said something about getting the Ōin back, Ichigo says he mentioned someone named Kusaka. As Rukia expresses confusion, Ichigo states Hitsugaya had said he was someone who had been killed.

Stating he had a strange look in his eyes, Ichigo recalls Hitsugaya attacking him as Rukia tells Renji to return to Soul Society and find out everything he can about Kusaka, for it is possible he has something to do with the man Rangiku saw attacking Hitsugaya. When Renji asks why she does not go, Rukia states they are far more likely to allow him to visit a lieutenant than her. Taking the haori from Ichigo, she says this needs to be taken back.

Taking the haori, Renji says he is not looking forward to this. In the past, a young Hitsugaya stands before the Central 46, who declare they have no need for two Shinigami. As the boy from before manifests his Zanpakutō, the Central 46 proclaims they must decide, and there can only be one Shinigami and one rightful wonder. When Hitsugaya asks them to let him abandon Hyōrinmaru and end this, the Central 46 states it is not his choice and tells him to not question them.

As they say their decision is indisputable and absolute, Hitsugaya calls out to the boy as the latter's Zanpakutō fades. Waking up, Hitsugaya sees the moon through the window of an abandoned factory. Attempting to get up, Hitsugaya falls over before getting to his feet and stumbling towards the exit. In Soul Society, the masked man looks over the Seireitei as Yin and Yang kneel behind him.

When the masked man asks how Hitsugaya was, Yin says they have been observing him, and he has made no attempt to contact the Gotei 13. When Yang asks if he would like them to capture him before they take him into custody, he declines and states he wishes to see how this all plays out. Stating there is no place for him here as long as they wield the same power, he says he will have no choice but to submit to his will.

At the Urahara Shop, as Yoruichi Shinoin watches in her cat form, Rukia tells Ichigo, Orihime, Uryū, yAsutora "Chad" Sado, and Kisuke Urahara what she knows about Hitsugaya. When she states she knows he grew up with 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori and they are very close, Uryū says they should contact her and see if she knows anything. Stating she is in the hospital right now, Rukia says Momo told her Hitsugaya does not like to talk about his past, so she would not be much help.

When Urahara states he especially does not like to talk about painful events, Rukia notes this is true and says this is just the kind of person he is. When Orihime asks if he is strong, Ichigo denies this and states he would not hurt the people who really care about him if he had any strength. Pouring some tea, Urahara, drinking it as Yoruichi walks out, says they will not find him by sitting around and talking. Getting up, he states he will do some research on his own, and in the meantime they should go out and look for him.

In Soul Society, Rangiku looks at a rock garden through a slat in the wall, but is startled when she hears a guard telling someone she is not allowed to have any visitors. As she whirls around upon hearing Renji's voice, Renji says he is only asking for a couple of minutes. Walking up to him, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda states he has direct orders from Suì-Fēng and Yamamoto. Turning away, Renji says he used to think Ōmaeda was a reasonable man.

When Renji states he is just a pinhead, Ōmaeda angrily asks what he said and puts his hand on his Zanpakutō. When he asks if Renji insulted him, Renji denies this, prompting Ōmaeda to say he just called him a pinhead. As the two continue to argue, they are interrupted by the arrival of 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, who asks what all the shouting is about, and his lieutenant, Nanao Ise. Asking if it would be okay if he went in with Renji, Shunsui wonders if he trusts him.

Inside, Rangiku states she has not heard Hitsugaya mention the name Kusaka before. As Renji thanks her, Rangiku notes even though she is his lieutenant, she does not know very much about Hitsugaya. Nanao notes this leaves them with several mysteries to solve, namely how Hitsugaya is connected to Kusaka, who he is, and if he has anything to do with the theft of the Ōin. When Shunsui wonders if they are all connected, Rangiku says they know very little.

When Nanao states they will have to start looking, Renji asks how they will do this. Saying it being impossible for one person to know everything about someone is the first thing he has to understand, Nanao states it is not always easy, but in order to find the information they want, they have to investigate. When Shunsui chuckles, a confused Nanao asks if she said something wrong, prompting Shunsui to say she is dead-on, and they knew they could count on her to figure this out.

As Nanao stares in bewilderment, Renji bows his head and begs her to help them. When Rangiku states this means a lot to her and thanks Nanao, Shunsui says he will drink to this. When he asks who is buying, Nanao states she is sure he wants to help Rangiku as much as anyone, so he will be helping. When Shunsui asks if she is referring to him, Nanao confirms this. As she stands there with a stern expression on her face, the others begins laughing, and eventually she does as well.

Stating there is something else, Renji brings out a package. Inside the house, Rangiku opens the package and lifts up Hitsugaya's haori. When Renji says they thought she should have it because Ichigo said Hitsugaya left there, Rangiku sees blood on the inside and realizes Hitsugaya is hurt. When Renji states Ichigo told him he was hurt very badly, Rangiku, wondering why he disappeared and left this behind, says she is not sure if she should be happy because he is alive or upset because he left his haori behind and disappeared.

Stating this is a mess, Shunsui notes he must know they are all worried about him and wonders what he is up to. In the past, in a snow-covered land, the spirit of Hyōrinmaru lands before the boy and introduces himself. When he asks if the boy believes he is capable of mastering him, the boy says he does and raises his hand. As he commands Hyōrinmaru to obey him, he is surrounded by snow, and the sealed Zanpakutō of Hyōrinmaru appears in his hand.

As the snow-covered land fades, leaving the boy in a cavern, the boy states he did it. When Hitsugaya gets up, the boy realizes they both obtained the same power and says it is incredible. Waking up next to a stream, Hitsugaya uses Hyōrinmaru to push himself up. Walking on a bridge as a train speeds past, he walks up a flight of stairs and past a villa as a plastic windmill spins.

In a library in Soul Society, Nanao states even though she has searched through the last fifty years of the registry, there is no listing for a division member named Kusaka. When Shunsui asks if she went through the records for the Shin'ō Academy, Nanao confirms this and states there is no record of a student with this name. Saying there is something unusual about the student registry for they year Hitsugaya graduated, she reveals it is missing a name, and the missing student appears to be from northern Rukongai.

When Shunsui asks if she checked to see if there is anyone named Kusaka listed in this district, Nanao states there is one named Sōjirō Kusaka. When Shunsui looks at the registry and notes he is dead, Nanao reveals he is not in the Shinigami registry and asks if this could have been a mistake. Denying this, Shunsui says these kinds of mistakes do not happen, especially when someone is dead.

When Nanao states they have at least disproved the theory of Kusaka having anything to do with the events which transpired, Shunsui crosses his arms and says they cannot list a person as dead until it is confirmed their Reiatsu has been extinguished. When he states he must be dead but hesitates, Nanao asks what is wrong. Getting up, Shunsui says he is going for a walk and asks Nanao to try to figure out the cause of death, prompting her to call after him.

As Shunsui walks away from the library, Yin steps out behind him. As he continues walking, she follows him. Noticing her, Shunsui runs into an alleyway. As she runs after him, he sees snow falling and puts his hand on his Zanpakutō. When the masked man steps out, Shunsui demands to know who he is. When the man does not answer, Shunsui states it is rude of the man to not introduce himself.

Saying Shunsui's name, the man states his cavalier attitude disguises his keen intellect and shrewd disposition. When he states he has an exceptionally sharp mind with no equal, so it is no wonder he was the first to figure it out, Shunsui says he will take this as a compliment and states since he seems to know a lot about him, the man should tell him more about himself. Revealing his blade, the man states it would be a waste of time because he is about to be killed by Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

Drawing his blade, the man slashes the ground in front of him, generating an overflowing wave of ice which rushes at Shunsui, who expresses surprise. As the ice pins his kimono to the wall, Shunsui comments on the power the man is using before clashing with him. Knocking his mask off, Shunsui expresses shock upon seeing the man's face. In an abandoned shrine, Hitsugaya wakes up and looks through the slats to see dozens of Shinigami surrounding the building.

As they move into position, 3rd Division Lieutenant  Izuru Kira and 9th Division Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi appear. Addressing Hitsugaya, Hisagi says this is an executive order and states he must return to Soul Society immediately. Pushing the doors open, Hitsugaya emerges, saying he has no intention of doing this, and puts his hand on his Zanpakutō. As the Shinigami prepare to fight, Hitsugaya attacks Hisagi, who blocks with his half-sheathed blade.

Trapping Hitsugaya's blade with his sealed Zanpakutō, Izuru begs him to not do this, for he will be accused of treason. When Hitsugaya tells Izuru and Hisagi to back off, Hisagi apologizes and states he has orders to take him into custody. Saying he will die, which alarms the lieutenants, Hitsugaya kicks him away, disarming Izuru with a single slash, and attacks Hisagi again. As Hisagi blocks, the force of the attack creates a shockwave and sends Hisagi flying away.

Regaining his footing, Hisagi moves to the top of the gate and uses '''Bakudō #62. Hyapporankan'''. As Izuru clashes with Hitsugaya, Hisagi throws the rod, which splits into a hundred more. Seeing this, Hitsugaya moves away with Shunpo. As the rods hit the ground leading to the shrine, Hitsugaya is hit by one of them. Falling against a crate, he pulls the rod out of him. As Izuru begs him to not resist any further, Hitsugaya releases his Zanpakutō.

As Ichigo senses this from far away, the ice dragon formed by the Bankai of Hyōrinmaru attacks. Meanwhile, in the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, as Shunsui breathes slowly, 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana tells the 4th Division members to set up the purification barrier and prepares to operate. In the hall, as a sobbing Nanao states it is all her fault, 13th Division Captain Jushiro Ukitake says it is not her fault.

Approaching with his 3rd Seat, Kiyone Kotetsu, he states Nanao knows how strong Shunsui is, so he was either caught completely by surprise or overpowered by someone much stronger. When he asks if he is correct, Nanao begins to blame herself again, prompting Ukitake to say she is not responsible. Revealing the 6th Division is investigating the scene right now, he states they will find who is responsible and capture them.

At the scene of the attack, Renji picks up a piece of Shunsui's kimono, which, to his surprise, crumbles away in his hand. Saying there is no doubt about it, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki states it was Hyōrinmaru. Asking if they are sure, Ukitake says he doubts it is the only news the Riteitai has brought. Kneeling before him, the Riteitai reveals Izuru and Hisagi tracked down Hitsugaya in the Human World, but were badly injured while trying to arrest him, shocking those present.

At the shrine, as another Riteitai vanishes after reporting to Rukia, Uryū expresses surprise at Hitsugaya being able to defeat all of them while Orihime states she cannot believe Hitsugaya would attack his own men. Saying this is not all, Rukia reveals Shunsui was also injured. When Sado asks why this is happening, Rukia states everyone who tried to attack Hitsugaya was badly injured by Hyōrinmaru.

When Ichigo asks Uryū if he can track Hitsugaya's Reiatsu, for he is good at this, Uryū says he cannot do so at this point. As Ichigo curses, Orihime falls to her knees, and Sado notes the sun is coming up. When Ichigo suggests they all go home and get some sleep, for they can meet up later this afternoon, and helps Orihime to her feet, Orihime states she is not tired, so they can keep looking. Saying Ichigo is right, Rukia states they will have a better chance of finding him after they rest.

In Soul Society, at another captains meeting, Yamamoto says they have evidence of Hitsugaya being guilty of treason, and as such, he is upgrading the priority of his capture to an execution order. When Unohana asks if he really thinks the situation calls for such extreme measures, Yamamoto states it has been decided. Saying the search for the Ōin shall proceed uninterrupted, Yamamoto proclaims Hitsugaya's case will now be their top priority, and they must execute him by any means necessary.

In the Human World, as Ichigo's alarm clock beeps, Ichigo grabs it and turns it off. Hearing a beep, he turns as Rukia bursts out of his closet and states Renji has told her they have ordered an execution. When Ichigo asks what she is talking about, Rukia reveals it means they have orders to execute him on sight. Saying she has to be kidding him, Ichigo grabs her by the shoulders and asks why they would do something like this.

As Rukia states there was no time for anyone to argue the decision and the order cannot be revoked, Ichigo sits on his bed and says this is crazy. Attracting Rukia's attention, Renji reveals they have learned who Kusaka is. When Rukia asks if he heard, Ichigo confirms this and asks her to turn up the volume. As she does so, Renji states his name is Sōjirō Kusaka, and he was one of Hitsugaya's classmates, but he died shortly before Hitsugaya graduated from the Shin'ō Academy.

When the wall behind Ichigo is destroyed, sending debris flying into his room, Ichigo and Rukia emerge from the hole in their Shinigami forms and move to the sky, where they confront Yin and Yang. As Ichigo recognizes them, they reiterate their previous statement of killing him if he got in the way before the masked man approaches. When Ichigo asks who he is, Rukia notes his Reiatsu is incredibly powerful. Chuckling, the man draws his sword as its sheath fades, which Rukia recognizes as Hyōrinmaru.

In Soul Society, as Byakuya, Nanao, and Ukitake stand around the wounded Shunsui, Ukitake notes he is usually the one lying on a hospital bed surrounded by visitors. As he apologizes, Byakuya states there is something about this which bothers him. Revealing forensics determined the time of the Hyōrinmaru attacks, he says they also know when the search party encountered Hitsugaya. As Nanao and Ukitake express surprise, Byakuya states the time between the attacks was insufficient to travel between the two worlds.

As he begins to theorize how Hyōrinmaru could have been used in both attacks, the masked man releases Hyōrinmaru as Yang attacks Rukia. As the ice dragon hurtles after them, Yin attacks Ichigo, who knocks her away with his sword. As the chain of Hyōrinmaru wraps around his wrist, the ice dragon turns to attack him. When he moves away with Shunpo, the masked man yanks on the chain, pulling Ichigo towards him.

Hurtling towards the man, Ichigo asks why he is doing this, prompting him to say he is doing it because he is the master of Hyōrinmaru. As they clash, Ichigo sees a young Hitsugaya calling out to someone. As he pushes the man's blade away and wonders what happened, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi asks Byakuya and Ukitake if they just mentioned twin Zanpakutō. Stating a Zanpakutō is born directly from the consciousness of the Shinigami, Mayuri says the Shikai is like a binding contract between the two.

When he states it is impossible for a Zanpakutō to be tied to more than one Shinigami at a time and would not even be a Zanpakutō by definition, Ukitake asks if he can verify for certain something like this does not exist and can absolutely prove there are not two Hyōrinmaru. As Mayuri expresses surprise, Ukitake begins to theorize how it could have two owners. Realizing something, Mayuri says he now understands why they are here.

Stating they have come to the right place, Mayuri turns to his computer and says sneaking into the inner recesses of the Daireishokairō archives is child's play to him. As he presses several keys, causing the Daireishokairō to light up, Ichigo slashes Yin away. As Rukia attacks her, the masked man lunges at Ichigo. When Yang kicks him from behind, he moves away with Shunpo just as the masked man stabs at him.

Landing on a telephone tower, Ichigo demands to know who the masked man is, prompting him to state his name is Sōjirō Kusaka. As Mayuri finds something, Kusaka says he is the one who was forced to fight in the Central 46 assembly hall and was murdered by Hitsugaya. As Ichigo stares in shock, Kusaka states Hitsugaya no longer has a home to return to because of Soul Society branding him a traitor, so the only obstacle left in his path is Ichigo.

Saying he will die, Kusaka rushes at Ichigo, who leaps towards him. Flying towards each other, the two clash in a flurry of sparks. In the past, Kusaka and Hitsugaya stand in a misty canyon next to a river. As the two recognize each other, the canyon fades to reveal the Central 46 assembly hall around them. Stating the Central 46 has reached a decision, a voice proclaims two Shinigami are not allowed to wield the same Zanpakutō, and Hitsugaya and Kusaka shall duel to determine the rightful master.

When Hitsugaya asks if they are saying the only way to settle this is to fight to the death, a man states it is the council's decision, and a woman says it is to see who is deserving. Stating Hyōrinmaru is strong and requires such a test, another man tells them to consider it an honor. When Hitsugaya says he would rather surrender Hyōrinmaru than kill Kusaka, the Central 46 vehemently states he cannot.

When he asks why they cannot wield the same Zanpakutō, he is told it is an ancient law which has been in place since the beginning of time, and he cannot disobey the law. As the Central 46 tells them to fight, an ice-covered Kusaka stands before Hitsugaya. As he shrugs the ice off, several Onmitsukidō members appear around them and begin walking towards Kusaka. When Kusaka asks why they are interfering, one of them reveals the council has decided Hitsugaya shall be the one master of Hyōrinmaru.

As Kusaka states the fight is not over and he is the rightful master of Hyōrinmaru, the Onmitsukidō member says it is the decision of Central 46. As the Onmitsukidō members raise their blades, Kusaka begs them to give him one more chance before being stabbed by several of them. As two Onmitsukidō members restrain Hitsugaya, he calls out to Kusaka, who asks why they have done this and why he must die before another Onmitsukidō member slashes him.

Panting, Kusaka states he dedicated his life to Soul Society as Hyōrinmaru fades from his hand. As Kusaka falls down, Hitsugaya screams his name while running to him. In the present, as Ichigo clashes with Kusaka and sees these events, Kusaka takes off his mask, revealing his eyes have turned red and he has gained a large scar. Knocking Ichigo back, Kusaka generates a large amount of water, which freezes as it pushes Ichigo away.

As Ichigo regains his footing and catches his breath, Kusaka lands before him and states Hitsugaya will walk the same path he did, and no one will interfere. As purple ice gathers around his blade, he releases Hyōrinmaru and creates a purple ice dragon, which flies towards Ichigo before attacking him. As Rukia calls out to Ichigo, the dragon crashes into the ground, creating a large amount of purple ice, which Ichigo is frozen inside of.

As Rukia stares in shock, Kusaka notes his power is growing stronger. Putting his mask on, he says he will leave the rest to Yin and Yang and leaves. As Rukia charges towards them, Yang clashes with her while Yin slashes at her with her whip. Dodging with Shunpo, Rukia uses '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui'''. As they continue to fight, Ichigo awakens in his inner world and sees Zangetsu.

As Ichigo gets up, Zangetsu states it has been quite a while since he last saw him. When Ichigo asks if the events he saw were an illusion, Zangetsu reveals they are a resonance, for Zanpakutō resonate with each other, and this allows the past to be revealed. As Ichigo realizes what this means, Zangetsu states it is the indisputable truth. Angrily stating Soul Society did not want two Hyōrinmaru, so someone had to die, Ichigo asks why they would do this.

Saying this is the way it has always been, Zangetsu jumps down from his post and states the preservation of balance is the most sacred and revered of all laws in Soul Society. When Ichigo asks if the life of someone means anything to them, Zangetsu asks why he would ask this and says one's life becomes insignificant when placed against the fate of the world. Asking if he thinks it is any different in the Human World, Zangetsu notes his Human parts question themselves.

As he states they all become susceptible to fear and fall into the depths of evil in time, Ichigo says he is wrong and they are not this weak. When he states Hitsugaya would never allow this to happen, Zangetsu asks what makes him so sure. Recalling his mother's death, Ichigo says he looked at the world after his mother died in the same way Hitsugaya did. Stating he had many emotions locked up inside of him, Ichigo says he did not want to burden anyone else because they were his feelings.

Stating it was his duty to handle them alone, Ichigo recalls Yuzu,Karin,and Isshin approaching him. Saying he was stupid, Ichigo states he realized he was not only hurting himself, but those around him as well. Recalling how Hitsugaya had the same look as he did back then, Ichigo says he is trying to bear the whole burden by himself. Standing up, Ichigo states he finally understands what Hitsugaya has been trying to do.

Thanking Zangetsu, he jumps away. Telling him to not stray once he knows the truth, Zangetsu returns to his sword form and tells Ichigo to go forth. In the real world, as Ichigo's eyes glow, Rukia continues to fight against yin and Yang. As she blocks an attack from Yang, the ice begins to glow, and red-black Reiatsu emanates as Ichigo yells. As the ice around Ichigo shatters, Ichigo stands on the ice in his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu.

Leaping towards them, Ichigo slashes at Yin, who dodges. When Rukia asks him if he is alright, Ichigo says he is fine and asks where Kusaka is. When Rukia reveals he got away, Ichigo curses and states they should deal with the Arrancar girls before going after him. As he says he finally figured out what Hitsugaya is doing, Yin states she is surprised he is still alive. When Yang says he does not know how to roll over and die, Yin states he might need some help.

Turning into their ball forms, Yin and Yang rush at Ichigo and Rukia, who dodge. Saying there is no time to waste, Ichigo charges at them as he states he has something which Hitsugaya needs to hear. Meanwhile, in an abandoned factory, Hitsugaya pushes a metal door open and leans against the wall. Tightening the fabric on his arm, he walks down the many flights of stairs. Walking along the floor, he steps in a puddle.

As the sound echoes, Kusaka says it took him a while, but Hitsugaya finally found him. Stating he has been waiting for him, Kusaka takes his mask off. As Hitsugaya recognizes him, Kusaka reveals he stabbed Hitsugaya with Hyōrinmaru to send a message. Asking what better way there is to prove he is alive, Kusaka notes life has led them on a strange journey to bring them to this point, prompting Hitsugaya to ask what he means.

Chuckling, Kusaka says Hitsugaya knows what the Gotei 13 are like, and has seen the kinds of things they are capable of, but he stayed with them regardless. When he asks if he did so because of his childhood friend, Hitsugaya states Momo has nothing to do with this and demands to know where the Ōin is. Holding up a glowing seal, Kusaka says he is holding it in his hand, and its power makes it the perfect tool to help them realize their dreams.

As the Ōin begins to glow, Hitsugaya demands to know how he knows about the power of the Ōin and what he plans to do with it. Telling him to not get so excited, Kusaka states he will know soon enough. As Hitsugaya is drawn towards him, Kusaka holds up the Ōin and laughs as they are transported across space. Meanwhile, as Ichigo fights Yang, he feels an intense Reiatsu and asks Rukia what it is. As Yin dodges her attack, she says she does not know, but it is not a normal Reiatsu.

Stating it is more pure and powerful, she says she has never felt anything like it. As Yin and Yang laugh, Yin states it is the power of the Ōin, and Yang says Kusaka and Hitsugaya have begun to take their revenge on the Seireitei. As Ichigo expresses disbelief, Yang states he is a bothersome obstacle which must be eliminated as hundreds of Hollows appear behind them. As Yin says they will not allow him to interfere with Kusaka's plans, they order the Hollows to attack.

In the Seireitei, as lightning crackles above Sōkyoku Hill, the Shinigami below wonder what is going on as they gather. When a Shinigami informs Rangiku of the Reiatsu of the Ōin appearing above Sōkyoku Hill, she exits the room to see what is going on. As the rest of the 10th Division gathers, Ōmaeda tries in vain to get them to return to their barracks. Turning around in shock when they all gasp in unison, he wonders what is going on as Rangiku realizes Hitsugaya is there.

As a Jigokuchō flies through the air, an announcer informs all Shinigami of Hitsugaya and Kusaka appearing on Sōkyoku Hill. As the announcer tells them to prepare for battle, Kiyone and 13th Division 3rd Seat Sentarō Kotsubaki stop fighting, Suì-Fēng and several Onmitsukidō members rush through the corridors, 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi alerts her captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, and 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura suits up.

As her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, approaches, Unohana wonders how they could have penetrated their defenses so easily. Theorizing the enemy knew the forces of the Gotei 13 were short-handed, Isane states they must assume the worst and apologizes. On Sōkyoku Hill, as the lightning around Kusaka dissipates, Hitsugaya recognizes their location. Revealing they are at Sōkyoku Hill, Kusaka says he is witnessing the incredible power of the Ōin.

Stating whoever masters the Ōin is empowered with the ability to transport any type of matter to other dimensions, regardless of space and time, Kusaka reveals the power of the Ōin not only allows them to be transported to a different physical location, but he can also move attacks to another dimension, and he can reverse any of his wounds to a time before he was injured, prompting Hitsugaya to realize this is how he is still alive.

Confirming this, Kusaka reveals his fading soul was bathed in the light of the Ōin, transporting it to Hueco Mundo and resurrecting him. Saying he has spent every waking day since in search of the Ōin, he states he will finally have his revenge on the Seireitei. Holding the Ōin out, Kusaka tells Hitsugaya to cut it in two, for he knows his Bankai has the power. When Hitsugaya asks why, Kusaka reveals everything will be purified once he cuts the Ōin.

As Kusaka laughs maniacally, Renji, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, and 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa appear above Hitsugaya. Landing, Ikkaku says it appears they are the first ones to arrive. As Yumichika agrees, Renji asks Hitsugaya what he is trying to prove, prompting Ikkaku to state it makes no difference, for they have an executive order from Yamamoto to arrest Hitsugaya and Kusaka.

Saying Ikkaku's name, Kusaka notes his immense physical power and expert swordsmanship make him valuable to the Gotei 13. As Ikkaku states flattery will not save him, Kusaka says he is still no match for him. Jumping towards him, Ikkaku slashes at him, only to be blocked by Hitsugaya. As they land, with Hitsugaya stumbling, Ikkaku notes he must really want to save Kusaka if he is willing to protect him while wounded.

When Renji demands to know what Hitsugaya was thinking, Hitsugaya states he is in his way as he begins to breathe heavily. In the Human World, as the Hollows rush towards Ichigo and Rukia, Ichigo notes there are too many of them. As they surround them, Uryū calls out to Ichigo and destroys the Hollows around him with Heilig Pfeil. Saying he thought Ichigo said he would contact them if anything came up, Uryū fires a barrage of arrows, destroying the other Hollows.

Revealing his Ginrei Kojaku fires 1200 arrows per second, Uryū states regular Hollows are useless, no matter how many they summon. As Orihime asks if Ichigo is alright, Ichigo berates Uryū for attacking while he was still there. As he says he would not make the mistake of hitting him, Yang generates a large fireball. As Uryū prepares to fire and Ichigo tells him he has got this, Sado uses El Directo, which destroys the fireball.

As Sado tells Ichigo to get going, Orihime tells him to hurry to Soul Society. As Uryū reveals Urahara has set up a Senkaimon, Sado states he can leave Yin and Yang to them. When Orihime says he has to save Hitsugaya, Ichigo tells Rukia they will go. As they leap away, hundreds of Shinigami and Onmitsukidō members appear on Sōkyoku Hill, and Suì-Fēng, approaching with Komamura and Byakuya, says this is far enough and tells Hitsugaya to throw down his weapon.

As Komamura tells Kusaka to do the same, Kusaka states this is ridiculous and laughs. As Komamura says Kusaka is under arrest, Kusaka asks Hitsugaya if he has endured enough. Telling him to teach the Shinigami a lesson, prompting them to draw their swords, Kusaka states this is their revenge for all of the suffering they have endured and raises the glowing Ōin above his head. As he tells Hitsugaya to cut the Ōin, Suì-Fēng orders the Shinigami to seize them immediately.

As the Shinigami and Onmitsukidō members run toward them, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō in front of them, stopping them in their tracks. As Byakuya wonders what is happening now, Ichigo lands in front of the Shinigami and tells them to stop. Saying the only way they know how to solve problems is to fight, Ichigo states none of them really wants to kill Hitsugaya. As he says they should think twice before drawing their sword against a friend, even if it is an order, Suì-Fēng tells him to stay out of this.

Stating it does not involve him, Suì-Fēng says they are under Yamamoto's orders and have sworn to carry out their superiors' orders, for it is their duty as Shinigami. When Ichigo states their orders do not make any sense, Suì-Fēng says he is just wasting their time, and if he continues to resist, he will have to die as well. As the Shinigami and Onmitsukidō members draw their blades, Yamamoto commands them to halt.

As the Shinigami bow, Rukia notes it is Yamamoto as Kusaka grins. As he approaches with Rangiku and Nanao, who is supporting Shunsui, Ukitake notes Shunsui is back on his feet, prompting him to state he would not have been able to live with himself if he had let an innocent man be executed. As Yamamoto notes Kusaka really is still alive, Kusaka asks if he thought they had killed him off and apologizes.

When Yamamoto theorizes the Ōin brought him back to life and gave him a second chance in Hueco Mundo, Kusaka confirms this and says he will use the Ōin to take his place as the king of Soul Society. When Yamamoto states he is arrogant for wanting such a thing, Kusaka says he of all people would know about arrogance. Raising the Ōin above his head, he tells them to take this as a lesson as the Ōin glows.

Leaping towards him, Hitsugaya attacks him, forcing Kusaka to block. When he forces Hitsugaya back, the other Shinigami express surprise as Rangiku runs towards him. Telling her to stay back, Hitsugaya states this is his fight. Asking what the meaning of this is, Kusaka says the Shinigami are the ones he should fight. When Hitsugaya states Kusaka is evil and it was never his intention to be on his side, Mayuri wonders why Hitsugaya deserted his post if he did not intend to betray to Gotei 13.

Suì-Fēng wonders why he attacked them when they tried to arrest Kusaka, who asks Hitsugaya if he wants to to fight him. When he asks if killing him once was not enough for him, Hitsugaya says he is just trying to make amends for the mistakes which he has made. When Kusaka asks what mistakes he is talking about and if he thinks killing him will purify his soul, Hitsugaya attacks him once more. As they clash, Rukia states she thinks she understands.

Saying Kusaka was once a noble man who swore his loyalty to Soul Society, she states he would have been a great Shinigami if it were not for the twin Zanpakutō, but because of his duel with Hitsugaya, he lost not only Hyōrinmaru, but his honor and his life. Confirming this, Ichigo says Hitsugaya blames himself for everything which has happened, and Rukia states Hitsugaya could not bear the thought of destroying him again because he had attained everything Kusaka wanted by becoming a Shinigami captain.

As Rukia says it was too painful, Ichigo states seeing Kusaka again must have been devastating, and he was so racked with guilt, he deserted his post and went after him in an attempt to settle things, knowing he would be accused of treason and it could cost him his life. As Hitsugaya and Kusaka cross blades, Kusaka says Hitsugaya knew all along it would come to this, which Hitsugaya confirms. Stating he thought Hitsugaya was more intelligent than this, Kusaka says he was wrong.

Forcing him back, Kusaka states he will just have to do this himself as the Ōin glows. As Kusaka tells the Ōin to answer to him. Hitsugaya tells him to not do this. Saying he was unable to open the power of the Ōin with his Bankai until now, Kusaka states this has changed, and he can do it now. As Yamamoto expresses surprise, Kusaka tosses the Ōin in the air and cuts it in half, creating a column of yellow energy which extends into the sky.

As Hitsugaya calls out to Kusaka, Ichigo appears before him and says there is no need for him to suffer by himself anymore. As Hitsugaya tells him to move out of his way, Ichigo states he is not the only one affected by this, he is not the only one who has suffered, and he is not the only one who feels pain, so he has to let them help. When Hitsugaya says he is no longer a captain, Ichigo punches him in the face, knocking him down, and states he has tried to endure all of this alone.

Saying his friends want to help, but he will not let them, Ichigo asks if he has thought about how this makes them feel. as Hitsugaya looks up, Ichigo states he was like him once, thinking he was being strong and refusing to depend on others. In the past, as a young Ichigo asks Yuzu and Karin why they are so excited, Yuzu begins to cry as Karin asks why he is smiling. When Yuzu says they were worried sick about him, Ichigo asks why.

Crouching down, Isshin pats Yuzu and Karin on the head, prompting them to run and cry into his shirt. Extending his hand, Isshin states he knows Ichigo is trying to be strong, but sometimes he has to share his feelings with them, for they are a family. Putting a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, Isshin tells him to share the things which make him happy or sad with the ones he loves, for without this, they are not a family, just alone.

As Isshin begins to cry, Ichigo does as well and hugs his father. In the present, Ichigo says he learned if someone keeps their emotions inside of them, it just makes them weak. As Hitsugaya gets to his feet and wipes the blood off of his mouth, his division members call out to him as Rangiku looks at him. Looking around, Hitsugaya tells Ichigo to prepare to fight, for he is coming. The tornado around Kusaka dissipates, revealing he has transformed into a humanoid dragon made of purple ice.

As Kusaka revels in his new power, Kenpachi runs towards him, surrounded by yellow Reiatsu. As Ichigo calls after him, a laughing Kenpachi stabs Kusaka's midsection, destroying it. As the Shinigami express surprise, a disappointed Kenpachi wonders if this is it before Kusaka grabs his Zanpakutō and generates a large amount of ice. As the ice breaks, a cackling Kusaka flies off the edge of the hill, bringing Kenpachi with him.

As Kusaka states Kenpachi's attacks have no effect on him and he is invincible, a chuckling Kenpachi says he is starting to like him and states they will have some fun. As he repeatedly attacks him while falling, Kusaka slashes him across the chest, leaving him to fall to the ground below. Saying he is a nuisance, Kusaka fires a barrage of ice projectiles after him, which embed themselves in the ground below. Laughing, Kusaka flies away.

As he lands on a post, the area underneath him is encased in purple ice, which grows larger, and his legs merge with the ice as his wings grow in length and size. As he states his power is incredible and unstoppable, Yin and Yang appear. As they land on the ice platform, Kusaka asks what is wrong with them and says it looks like they have taken a beating. When Yang states they beg his forgiveness, Kusaka says he does not think so and encases them both in ice.

Glowing, Kusaka roars as Ukitake notes he is becoming even more powerful. As the ice forms an enormous tree, the branches of which pierce the ground, Yamamoto tells the Shinigami to stand their ground, for they cannot retreat, and Kusaka must be destroyed. As the Shinigami move forward with Shunpo, Byakuya releases his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, and attacks Kusaka. When his attack is blocked by ice, Renji releases his Zanpakutō, Zabimaru, and attacks as well.

Catching the blade, Kusaka pulls Renji to the ground. When several Shinigami appear around Kusaka, he states they are in the way and releases an omnidirectional energy blast, which knocks the Shinigami away and cracks the ice tree. As the ice begins to shatter and fall apart, a dark orb with two intersecting band forms around Kusaka and begins to expand outward. As Isane wonders what is going on and says it looks like it is taking over the Seireitei, 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi asks Mayuri if he thinks the Ōin has released all of its power.

When he states the power of the Ōin has in fact gone out of control, Ukitake asks if he is sure, prompting Mayuri to reveal they are witnessing the Reiatsu of the Ōin increase as it spreads out, and if it continues, it will engulf all of the Seireitei and destroy everything. When Shunsui says this is unbelievable, Mayuri reveals the Reiatsu of the Ōin can influence time and space within a limited area upon being released into the atmosphere, and every phenomenon of reality can be manipulated by it.

Stating the wielder of the Ōin possesses the all-encompassing power of a god, Mayuri reveals Kusaka is unable to access the full power of the Ōin or control it because he has not mastered the Bankai of Hyōrinmaru. Walking forward, Yamamoto says this puts them in a grave situation. Inside of the orb, Rangiku pushes a chunk of stone off of Hitsugaya. As she states she is alright, Hitsugaya gets up and pushes the stone over.

When Hitsugaya asks what she was doing, Rangiku states she was told it was a lieutenant's duty to protect their captain no matter what. Freeing Rukia, Ichigo asks her if she is okay, prompting her to say she is fine. Stating it looks like they are not the only ones, Ichigo says it looks like Hitsugaya and Rangiku survived as well. Calling out to Rukia and Ichigo, Renji appears. When Rukia asks him what is wrong, Renji tells her to look around.

Looking up, Ichigo is shocked to see an enormous stone statue towering over the building. Stating it seems Kusaka has built himself a castle, Renji says they are trapped in some sort of spiritual wall. When Ichigo asks what they should do, Renji states he is asking the wrong guy as Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng appear. Saying there is not much time, Yoruichi states they need to work fast as Suì-Fēng reveals Yamamoto is doing everything he can to suppress the expansion, and they have been sent with orders to find and eliminate Kusaka.

When Ichigo asks how they can get to him, Yoruichi suggests they start climbing. As Ichigo expresses confusion, Yoruichi says they will have to cut through the main tower when they reach the top, and they should attack as soon as possible since Kusaka has stopped moving temporarily. As Ichigo agrees, Ikkaku tells them to wait. Jumping down, he states he did not get his invitation, so he hopes they do not mind if he crashes this party, and Yumichika says to not forget about him either.

As they hear a roar, Yoruichi states they have company. As the underside of the statue glows, hundreds of Hollows appear. When Ichigo prepares to fight, Yoruichi tells him to forget about the Hollows and leaps towards them as Suì-Fēng discards her captain's haori and follows suit. Activating Shunkō, they begin destroying the Hollows. As Ichigo says they have to go straight up to reach their goal, Rangiku approaches Hitsugaya and holds out his captain's haori.

Putting it on, he tells Rangiku to watch his back and throws his cloak away. As they run toward the statue, Hitsugaya states they will form two groups. Confirming this, Ichigo takes Rukia and Renji with him. When Rangiku wonders why she always gets stuck with Ikkaku and Yumichika, Ikkaku tells her to shut up. As they leap over a pit, Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji run up a narrow path. Seeing a large Hollow, Ichigo wonders what it is.

When the Hollow blasts a fireball at them, Renji tells them to leave it to him and leaps into the air. When he slices the fireball in half with Zabimaru, the two halves turn around and attack him, creating an explosion. As Ichigo and Rukia call out to him, Renji activates his Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, and embeds it into the side of the statue, creating a path. Saying it is time for them to quit messing around and get into this fight, Renji states they can use Hihiō Zabimaru to get to the top.

As they run up the skeletal snake, Hitsugaya's group climbs the tower. Moving behind them, another Hollow fires two balls of electricity at them. Noticing this, Hitsugaya tells them to look out and releases Hyōrinmaru, which melts upon attacking the balls. Elsewhere, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng run up the side of the fire-generating Hollow, destroying Hollows as they do. As the Hollow rapidly blasts fire projectiles at them, Yoruichi tells Suì-Fēng to do it now.

Telling Yoruichi to leave it to her, Suì-Fēng leaps up the front of the creature and stabs it with Suzumebachi before stabbing it in the same place once more, activating Nigeki Kessatsu, which seemingly destroys the Hollow. As Yoruichi compliments her, the Hollow reforms behind Suì-Fēng and fires a Cero at the two. Moving in front of Suì-Fēng, Yoruichi blocks the blast with Shunkō and notes the Hollow can use High-Speed Regeneration.

Meanwhile, as Ikkaku cuts a ball of electricity in half with Hōzukimaru, it explodes, knocking Yumichika back and forcing Ikkaku to dodge with Shunpo. As the Hollow fires more electric blasts at them, Rangiku's footing is destroyed, causing her to fall down. As Hitsugaya moves to Rangiku, the group feels the statue shake. As yellow Reiatsu surges up the side, which cracks from the power, Rangiku wonders if the statue can move, prompting Ikkaku to tell her this Reiatsu belongs to someone else.

The statue's leg is lifted, revealing a maniacally laughing Kenpachi without his eyepatch on. Saying this is fun, he slashes at the statue, cutting the leg in half. When Ikkaku calls out to him, Kenpachi states he is in his way before slashing once more. As Hitsugaya tells them to get to the top, they move away as the leg splits apart. Meanwhile, as the Hollow continues to fire Cero at Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng, Yoruichi tells Suì-Fēng to do it now.

Elsewhere, running to the top of the statue, Ichigo and Rukia see Kusaka's tower surrounded by Gillians. As Rukia notes they can summon Menos as well, the Gillians approach as one fires a Cero. As the group dodges, another fires a Cero, prompting Hitsugaya to activate his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, to stop it. As Ikkaku and Yumichika cut through Hollows, a Hollow fires spikes at Rangiku, who releases Haineko and destroys it.

As Rangiku notes they are close, Rukia is confronted by two Hollows. As one of them punches the ground, Rukia releases her Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki, and uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren, encasing the Hollows in front of her in ice, which shatters. As another Hollow appears, it is bifurcated by a Bankai-enhanced Getsuga Tenshō, but reforms afterwards. As they stand back to back, Rukia asks Ichigo if he sees the tower in front of her.

When he confirms this, she asks if he could use the speed of Tensa Zangetsu to get to the top if they opened a path. As Hitsugaya expresses surprise, Rangiku states there is no other way, and if she, Ikkaku, and Yumichika pool their strength, they should be able to create an opening. Appearing behind them with Yumichika, Ikkaku says it sounds like a great idea and Rangiku has got it right, but he should be able to handle the opening by himself.

Stating he would like to see this, Yumichika moves away as Ikkaku assumes a battle stance. Saying they cannot tell anyone, Ikkaku activates his Bankai, Ryūmon Hōzukimaru, as Ichigo bifurcates Gillians with a Getsuga Tenshō. As Renji attacks dozens of Hollows with Hihiō Zabimaru, Rukia uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro, encasing several Hollows in a pillar of ice, which shatters. As she avoids a Gillian's footsteps, several Hollows fire projectiles at Hihiō Zabimaru, which encircles Renji.

As several Gillians fire their Cero, the group is encircled by several rows of glowing swords, shielding them from the blasts. Inside, they see Byakuya, who tells them to prepare themselves, for Yamamoto and the others are all being pressured on the outside. Outside, Yamamoto has discarded his haori and released his Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, while Komamura and Mayuri have activated their respective Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō and Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, all of which are holding back the expansion of the dome.

As Byakuya tells Ichigo to hurry, Ichigo asks if Renji is ready. As Renji confirms this, Byakuya envelops the surrounding Gillians in his Bankai. Meanwhile, Ikkaku spins his Bankai to build up power before attacking as Renji uses Hikotsu Taihō, sending a beam of energy through the crowd of Gillians. As Hitsugaya flies to the tower, Ichigo dons his Hollow Mask and launches himself towards the tower.

As Hitsugaya flies up the side of the wall, Ichigo joins him. Roaring, Kusaka fires ice blasts shaped liked the ice dragon of Hyōrinmaru at them. As Ichigo dodges the dragons, Hitsugaya generates his own ice dragon, which collides with Kusaka's dragons in an explosion of ice. Reaching the top, Ichigo attacks Kusaka, who fires a beam of yellow energy at him, stopping his attack. As Ichigo tries to push through, Hitsugaya's ice dragon breaks through the ice platform.

Constricting Kusaka, the ice dragon bites his neck. As Kusaka's forehead glows, a rotating ring of symbols appears above him. Coming down in him, Ichigo stabs his forehead and fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which goes through Kusaka's head and comes out the back as his wings shatter. Meanwhile, the Hollows on the ground stop moving as everyone looks at the tower. Standing in front of the headless Kusaka, Ichigo removes his Hollow mask and lowers himself to the ground as the ring fades.

As a pillar of blue light extends from Kusaka's neck into the sky, the rest of his body shatters. As the blue light begins to erode the dome, Yoruichi states Ichigo did it as the Hollow she and Suì-Fēng were fighting finally shatters. As the Gillians dissolve, the ice tower begins to break apart. Moving to Ichigo, Hitsugaya deactivates his Bankai. As the dust clears, revealing a panting Kusaka, Ichigo tells Hitsugaya to take it from here.

Assuming a battle stance, Hitsugaya says it is over. Pulling his sword out of the ice, Kusaka assumes a battle stance as well and tells him they will end it. Running at each other, they stab at each other. As their blades grind against one another, Kusaka recalls pulling out his sword in the Central 46 chambers and telling Hitsugaya Hyōrinmaru should belong to him. As Hitsugaya begged him to not do this, Kusaka charged at him, forcing him to pull out his own sword and block as an ice dragon emerged from the clash and froze Kusaka.

In the present, as light begins to shine through the clouds, Kusaka's Zanpakutō falls to the ground and breaks. Stating he guesses it is true, Kusaka says Hitsugaya is the chosen one as blood stains the latter's haori. Stating he was ordered to kill him once, Kusaka says he succeeded again, but he will not die easily, for he will justify his existence. As he begins to disperse into blue energy, due to having been impaled, Hitsugaya tells hims they will always be friends.

Thanking him, Kusaka states he needed to know this and disperses completely. As Hitsugaya bids him farewell, the blue energy rises into the sky. As Byakuya says it is finally over, Yumichika asks Ikkaku who he thinks won. Telling him to not be stupid, Rangiku asks if it is not obvious. As the blue energy ascends into the clouds, several streams of yellow energy converge at one point, and the Ōin reforms. As it descends to the ground, Ichigo picks it up and notes it did all of this despite its size.

Seeing Hitsugaya standing still, Ichigo walks over to him. When Hitsugaya thanks him for his help, Ichigo states he does not think Kusaka has any regrets. Tossing Hitsugaya the Ōin, Ichigo says he got a fair chance to settle things this time. Stating it sometimes seems like life is not giving someone a "fair shake", Ichigo says no one can tell them how to get beyond this, and they must figure it out themselves.

As Hitsugaya looks at the Ōin, Ichigo states Kusaka got a second chance, and he decided to come back here. Saying he could have let someone else do it for him, he states he wanted to settle this fight for himself. As light breaks through the clouds, Ichigo says he stayed true to his feelings and notes he put all of them through a lot of trouble. As Hitsugaya chuckles, Ichigo tells him they should head back. Agreeing, Hitsugaya looks at him and tells him to address him as Captain Hitsugaya.

After the Gotei 13 begins recovering and Urahara informs Ichigo's friends of his victory. Hitsugaya visits a gravestone with his bloodied cloak in front of it. Placing Kusaka's broken Zanpakutō in front of it, he bids farewell.He Apologizies to Rangiku for putting her through all of this, and thanks her. As she expresses surprise, he states they should head back. Protesting this, Rangiku asks if they can call it a day and says she knows of a great hot spring nearby. When he tells her she can go alone, she tells him to not be a "stick in the mud", prompting him to tell her to cut it out as they walk away.

Bleach movie llll
As Ulquiorra Cifer and a possessed Ichigo battle on top of Las Noches, the Cuatro Espada soars through the skies. Roaring, Ichigo charges, clashing with Ulquiorra. Looping around once more, both combatants continue to battle, parrying each other's strikes until Ichigo catches Ulquiorra's wrist. Ulquiorra kicks Ichigo away, then chases after him. Regaining his footing, Ichigo swings his sword, sending a shockwave at Ulquiorra. As Ulquiorra flies away, Ichigo appears behind him and tears off his left arm and wing with a single strike. After recovering from the fall, Ulquiorra prepares a Lanza del Relámpago and throws the attack headlong into Ichigo's powerful crimson Cero. As a massive explosion rips through the sky, Ulquiorra comes under assault from his enemy and gets hurled into a pillar, leaving him helpless before Ichigo's Cero. As the battle comes to its conclusion, a mysterious, hooded figure in Hell, awakened by the battle, screams as he regains his mortal body, which causes an explosion to erute from the ground.

Meanwhile, in Karakura Town, Ichigo picks a fight with three teenagers who had knocked over a vase with flowers which was left for the spirit of a young boy. After Ichigo finishes up, he goes home, where he is "greeted" by Isshin, who attacks him. After Ichigo hits him in the face with his bag, which knocks Isshin into a wall, Isshin, revealing he is joining the Resident Clinic Committee, leaves Ichigo to take care of  Yuzu and Karin while he is gone. Later, when Ichigo goes out to bring flowers to the young boy, he is greeted by Rukia and Renji, who are coming back from an important mission. When they state they did not come to see him, but are instead on a mission, Ichigo offers to help, but Rukia says Captain Byakuya Kuchiki did not want him to get in their way. Rukia and Renji promise to send the young boy's spirit to Soul Society if they find him. Going to school, Ichigo is greeted by Orihime Inoue and Yasutora "Chad" Sado. While they are chatting, a rattling is heard, and the entire metal scaffolding outside the school gives way and crumbles. As a girl is about to get crushed by one of the falling metal sections, Sado saves her by blocking it with his body.

While the students discuss the incident, Uryū Ishida comes to see Ichigo. Though they do not say a word, Uryū makes a sign, which Ichigo understands. Later, as the group examines the structure to see what Reiatsu caused it to collapse, Sado notes that he is unable to detect any Reiatsu whatsoever, but Uryū finds traces of it and notes how it came from an enemy they have never faced before. Another rumbling occurs and Reiatsu explodes inside the school. As Rukia and Renji sense it, Rukia detects another one. They split up, with Renji heading to assist Ichigo and Rukia investigating the second source. Ichigo (now in his Shinigami form), Orihime, Sado, and Uryū, arriving in the classroom, see Tatsuki Ariawa and other students wounded from the explosion. Ichigo is attacked by a fat masked figure clad in a black cloak, who recognizes Ichigo. Somewhat confused as to how he knows who he is, Ichigo is embroiled in combat. The masked foe proves to be quite enduring, so Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō which hardly even scratches their foe. As Sado knocks the figure out of the building, Ichigo tells Orihime to take care of Tatsuki and the others. Ichigo activates his Bankai, and tries to attack, but a three-pointed glaive forces him back. Catching the glaive, Another masked figure launches a furious attack on Ichigo. A third, hulking figure joins the fight and soundly beats Sado. Uryū has similar trouble with their first foe, who absorbs and reflects every Heilig Pfeil Uryū fires as purple energy bolts.

Renji asks Ichigo if he is alright. The enemy whom he attacked states the Shinigami will be a problem. When Renji expresses recognition of the figures, Ichigo asks if he knows who they are. Confirming this, Renji says things are getting out of hand. Stating another with Reiatsu like theirs has appeared and it is now at the Kurosaki Clinic, shocking Ichigo, Renji says Rukia went there earlier, but he has doubts about her being alright. As Ichigo states this means Yuzu and Karin are in danger, Renji gets ready to battle his enemies while Ichigo races towards the clinic. The masked enemies are cut off by a barrage of arrows from Uryū when they try to stop Ichigo. When the enemy with the glaive attacks, Renji uses his Bankai to battle him. As his target retreats, another enemy intercepts, catching Hihiō Zabimaru and using his bare hands to pry the jaws open, but gets smashed into a wall.

Having fared well against the attack, much to Renji's surprise, the masked hulk yanks on the skeletal serpent, pulling Renji towards him, and strikes the lieutenant with a powerful punch, and moves to deliver the finishing blow. Uryū blasts arrows at him and shatters his mask. The fat one shouts for him to put his mask back on, but before he can do so, chains materialize around his body. As a gale begins to whip up, the surrounding area is bathed in unearthly green light. Uryū, Sado, and Renji watch in surprise as the Gates of Hell manifest and open, pulling the unmasked figure inside. As the blade extends, the chained one screams in terror before the blade impales and obliterates him. His remains drift inside the Gates, which promptly close. The remaining two figures retreat just as Uryū fires arrows at them. Elsewhere, Rukia is having similar problems. Clad similarly to the ones whom Uryū, Chad, and Renji fought, two figures stand before her, the taller one whipping her with tentacles from his chest while holding Ichigo's sisters.

When Rukia demands that he release them, he states she cannot order him to do so. His companion tells him it is time to finish Rukia off. the masked figure, who is referred to as Gunjō, agrees with his companion, known as Shuren, and declares they have no time to "play" with her. As Rukia attempts to stop him with '''Hadō 33. Sōkatsui''', the tentacles pierce through the energy blast. Ichigo arrives cuts the tentacles, telling Gunjō to release Yuzu and Karin, and demands they tell him what they want with them. As Gunjō states it appears Taikon and his comrades had failed, Shuren says it will all end the same way, and demands Ichigo come with them, stating they need him to accomplish something for them. Refusing, Ichigo repeats his request for Gunjō to release his sisters. As Gunjō states he cannot do so, Shuren materializes sword-shaped flames in his hands and tells Gunjō to

go back first. Attacking Ichigo, he proves himself to be a powerful fighter, smashing Ichigo out of the sky and onto a building. Shuren praises Ichigo for his power, and states that they looking for such power. Seeing Gunjō walking backwards into a rift with flaming edges, Ichigo chases after him, but his foe stops him with another clash. Meanwhile, the rift continues to close. A blue light explodes from the rift, which opens wide, surprising everyone. Gunjō shouts as one of his arms is cut off, releasing Karin. As a figure with black bandages wrapped around his head grabs Karin, Ichigo and Rukia wonder who he is while Gunjō and Shuren express their displeasure at his appearance. The mysterious figure says he is tired of watching them do whatever they please. Both men attack him, but are forced to retreat. When the rift appears once again, closing significantly faster than before, Ichigo rushes towards the rift, but is unable to rescue Yuzu before it closes. Shuren attempts to blindside the newcomer, but a chain blocks his attack. Realizing what the chains mean, Rukia gasps. As he reveals his face, the newcomer asks if Shuren wants to continue the battle. Cursing him, Shuren places a hand over his cracked mask. Telling him to return Yuzu, Ichigo dodges a flame bolt, which flies at Rukia and Karin. Sado arrives and takes the attack. Appearing afterwards, Renji and Uryū voice concern about Sado.

Shuren, referring to himself and his comrades as Togabito from Hell, says if Ichigo wants to rescue Yuzu, he must help them break free from Hell, a feat which requires Ichigo's power to be achieved. As Ichigo spots him and attacks, Shuren, blocking Ichigo's sword swing, declares Ichigo must destroy the Gates of Hell if he wants Yuzu back. As Shuren fades away in flame, Ichigo, presses the man in bandages for answers, demanding to know who Shuren was, where they took Yuzu, and what was going on with the Gates of Hell. As the bandaged man tells him to calm down and slow down with the questions, Ichigo tells him to answer now. Rukia tells him to calm down, for they must tend to their injuries at this point.

That night, as Orihime begins to heal Chad, Rukia asks the bandaged man who he is. When asked if the chain he has is Hell's Chain, he confirms this, introducing himself as Kokutō, and a Togabito. When Rukia asks why he helped them against the Togabito from earlier if he is one of them, Kokutō states he is not helping them, and he merely dislikes those Togabito. When Ichigo demands Kokutō take him to Hell, Kokutō reveals Hell's air cannot be breathed safely by Humans, so Yuzu will die if she stays in Hell. After a brief description of Hell, Kokutō asks if Ichigo still wants to go. When Ichigo maintains he has to go to save Yuzu, Kokutō agrees to go with them to teach the Togabito from earlier a lesson. When Renji asks why he fought the Togabito, Kokutō reiterates he dislikes them, and in Hell, disliking one creates enemies. When Rukia asks why he is there, he says he deserves to be in Hell for things he has done in his life, stating some people fall to darkness for people they love.

Changing the topic, Kokutō says they should get going to Hell. When Renji asks Ichigo if he really trusts Kokutō, Ichigo says he will trust him if it means getting Yuzu back. When Renji says entering Hell would allow the Togabito to toy with him, Ichigo maintains he must go. Rukia states they will go as well. Kokutō tells them to hurry up because he is opening the Gates of Hell. Quietly talking to Renji, Rukia tells him to use "that" to get everyone out of Hell if it goes wrong.

Yuzu is locked in a cage inside a strange, dark room. Talking to Shuren, Gunjō says it appears Ichigo and his friends have entered Hell. When Shuren asks if Murakumo is back, he is told he has been taken by Kushanāda and has sunk into the depths of Hell. Stating they will need a tremendous amount of time to revive him, Shuren instructs Gunjō to intercept the intruders along with Taikon and Garogai.

Ichigo, Renji, Rukia, Uryū, and Kokutō enter the first section of Hell, which is composed of blocks and blue roads hovering over a void. When Renji states he never thought Hell would look this way, Uryū asks if it is Renji's first time here because he thinks Hell is under jurisdiction of the Shinigami, but Rukia states it is only under their surveillance. Renji says it feels nauseating in Hell, and anyone with low Reiatsu would have fainted by now. As Kokutō reveals the Togabito's base is at the lowest level of Hell, they descend to the road. As they run, Ichigo notices people are staring at them. Kokutō states they are Togabito who gave up fighting, and talks about how Togabito keep their abilities in Hell so they can fight Hell's guards, but this is merely to make them despair, for the guards are practically unbeatable. All this causes them to be "brain-dead", making them want to die, but some people resist anyway, fueled by their resentments and memories, which keep them the way they are.

As Kokutō says "they" discovered the group, a massive creature with an elongated skull mask and samurai armor on its right shoulder rises out of the void, eyes focused on them. As it raises a hand towards them, Kokutō introduces them as the Kushanāda, Hell's Guardians. Eating several Togabito, the Kushanāda plows through everything to attack the intruders.

Attempting to flee from it, the group runs into another Kushanāda. As they jump over it, more and more Kushanāda pour in from the walls to pursue them. Rukia, Renji, and Uryū attack one Kushanāda and fail. Ichigo, activating his Bankai, prepares to use Getsuga Tenshō to defeat the Kushanāda, but his Hollow mask materializes on his face. Faltering for a moment, Ichigo destroys all of the Kushanāda with his attack.

Rukia berates Ichigo for using his Hollow mask without warning them, and Uryū states they almost got caught up in the attack as well. Apologizing, a bewildered Ichigo stares at his hand. Noticing this, Rukia asks what the matter is. Ichigo explains he did not call for the mask, and it formed upon his face without him calling for it, surprising Rukia. Kokutō asks if this was Hollow power. When Ichigo confirms this, Kokutō reveals Hell's miasma must be affecting Ichigo strangely, possibly bringing out Ichigo's dormant Hollow power, and could cause this power to run out of control. After a moment of silence, Kokutō moves on, and Ichigo follows. As Uryū, Rukia, and Renji stay behind for a moment, the latter two ask Uryū what was wrong. Revealing he had seen Ichigo's Hollow power run out of control before, Uryū states if Hell is exactly how Kokutō claimed it is, Ichigo is in much graver danger than they originally imagined.

The group runs around several corners before coming to a road leading into empty space. When Ichigo comments on this, Kokutō tells them to ignore that and just jump. Jumping into the vast, smoky chasm below, they plunge through the clouds into Hell's next level, an endless expanse of sea with many small stone islands circling the equator. As the group lands on one shaped like a flower, Uryū wonders what this place is. Staring up at a large skeletal statue in the likeness of a Kushanāda, Renji wonders if this is a grave. Ichigo asks Kokutō if this is where Yuzu is, but before he can respond, somebody informs them there is nobody there. They whirl around to see the tentacle-wielding Togabito from earlier and the hulking one with large fists. When Ichigo demands they give Yuzu back, a voice from above says he can have her, and the overweight Togabito from earlier, crashing down upon the skull of the statue, reveals the catch to the deal: he will have to help them out first.

As Renji scoffs at the idea, the figure, jubilantly exclaiming he can finally take off his uncomfortable cloak, whips it off, introducing himself as Taikon. Slipping out of his cloak, the tentacled Togabito introduces himself as Gunjō, and their third member reveals his name to be Garogai. Stating this is a precarious environment, Gunjō asks the uninvited to leave. Once again demanding they give back Yuzu, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Taikon.

Garogai attempts to crush Ichigo, who jumps back. Gunjō is intercepted by Renji and Zabimaru. Evading a counter-strike from the lieutenant, Gunjō and Garogai dodge Rukia's '''Hadō 4. Byakurai'''. Taikon, attempting a strike of his own from behind, is shot down by a Heilig Pfeil from Uryū. Taikon creates lips on his skin, which swallow up the arrows. As he thanks the Quincy for the "treat", Rukia uses Sōkatsui, which Taikon swallows as well. With a motion similar to blowing a kiss, Taikon sends the energy flying back at them, forcing them to dodge, which creates a heart-shaped crater in the ground behind Uryū. Garogai lands in the crater pushing Uryū back even further. Kokutō tells him here, unhindered by their cloaks, they are much stronger than they were in the Human World. Uryū tries to get a reason, but Garogai attacks again, forcing them to jump away.

Leaping out of the flower, Ichigo runs along the rim with Gunjō in hot pursuit. Before they can go too far, bright blue Kidō blasts rain down between them and forces Gunjō to stop for a moment. As Rukia and Renji close in, Taikon, revealing he absorbed all the Reishi from Rukia's attack, returns fire, destroying a large amount of the flower structure. Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji decide to retreat as the rocks around them crash into the water. Garogai emerges from the water, hefting a giant circular stone slab, and throws it into the water to create a huge tidal wave which crashes down towards the group. Rukia, plunging her sword into the ground four times, activates Tsugi no mai, Hakuren, freezing the wave and the surface of the water solid.

Undaunted, Taikon and Gunjō blast through the ice, the latter smashing into Ichigo, sending both combatants into another stone flower, where they clash. Uryū prepares to help, but before he can do anything, he is forced to jump away as Taikon blasts him again. Rukia is distracted with Ichigo when Garogai shoots his fist at her. Rukia notices and dodges, and Garogai charges Rukia. Before he can attack her, Rukia shoots a Kidō bolt off her shoulder and into him, sending him crashing through a number of rocks until he breaks through the stone flower Ichigo and Gunjō are fighting on. As a growling Ichigo prepares a Getsuga Tenshō, his Hollow mask once again manifests without him calling for it, and after hesitating again, he blasts his foe with the extra power granted by his mask.

Ichigo flies out of the blast and lands on the rim of the flower. Kokutō, landing beside him, reveals his sister is further away. Hearing this, Renji tells Ichigo to go on and leave the Togabito to them. Rukia agrees and tells Ichigo and Kokutō to go. As Ichigo reluctantly agrees, the group rushes ahead. As the three jump off the edge and Kokutō plunges into the water, Gunjō states he will not let them escape, forcing Rukia to stay behind to fend him off as Ichigo plunges in after Kokutō. Elsewhere, Uryū stands across from Taikon, who asks if the Quincy honestly intends on fighting him, and if so, he must be tired of living. Disagreeing, Uryū bets his honor as a Quincy he will not lose to the same person. As they begin fighting, Renji, standing across from Garogai, releases his Bankai, suggesting they finish the fight they started in the World of the Living.

Plunging through the bottom of the sea, Ichigo and Kokutō descend upon a large wasteland with pools of yellow liquid dotting the ground. Kokutō says they will arrive shortly, and because Shuren's cronies are currently battling Ichigo's friends, their base's defenses will be at their weakest, making it perfect for them to attack. As they descend, a giant fist bursts out of a yellow pool, and a Kushanāda reaches for them. Pushing Ichigo out of the way, Kokutō, trying to attack the Kushanāda, is hurled to the ground. Glancing at his arm, which is burning from where some of the liquid got on it, Kokutō grimaces. The Kushanāda grabs invisible chains. Shedding their invisibility, the chains reveal their linkage to Kokutō, who cries out in fear. Before the Kushanāda can do anything more, Ichigo cuts through its arm and cuts the entire guardian in half with a Getsuga Tenshō. Using Shunpo to move Kokutō's location, Ichigo, deactivating his mask, uses Shunpo to move away with Kokutō in tow just before the yellow liquid cascades over their location.

When Ichigo asks Kokutō if he is alright, he, stating he is, asks if Ichigo is okay using his mask. As Ichigo says he is fine, Kokutō, grunting in pain from his wound, tells Ichigo to leave him there, for such pain is not unusual in Hell, and he should just think about saving Yuzu. Bending down, Ichigo asks why he was helping him, for Kokutō's heart fell to darkness for the person he loved. Kokutō revealed that he had a sister once, but he let her die, so he would throw himself through any kind of danger for her. Kokutō tells Ichigo to not let Yuzu suffer like his own sister did and save her. As Ichigo looks at him in surprise, Kokutō says it must not be very convincing coming from a heartless Togabito banished to Hell like him. As Ichigo stares at him again, Kokutō tells Ichigo they should hurry or else he will be letting his friends down. The two prepare to dive down to the next level.

High above, the water-like sky bursts as Hihiō Zabimaru, thundering down from the level above, reels through the air before tossing Garogai away. When Renji attacks again with the skeletal serpent, Garogai, grabbing the jaws, pulls them apart, bringing Renji's attack to a forceful stop, and tells him it will not work before, swinging Hihiō Zabimaru around, tossing it down towards the yellow liquid below. Regaining his balance, Renji fires Hikotsu Taihō at the him, knocking him into the water. As a badly injured Garogai emerges, Renji wonders if it was the yellow liquid which was affecting him, and attempts to fire Hikotsu Taihō again, but Garogai punches the accumulating energy before Renji can

fire, creating a massive explosion, which sends the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru flying. As Renji stares in shock, Garogai, sending him flying upwards with a punch, stomps on Renji after he lands. As Garogai, preparing to punch him again, says it is the end for the lieutenant, Renji slams the handle of his Bankai into the ground. As the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru, glowing red, float upwards, Renji, uses Higa Zekkō, which brings down all the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru down on Garogai, crushing him. Getting up, Renji tells him to not underestimate Zabimaru.

Elsewhere, as innumerable arrows shower upon Taikon, he, saying it is useless, eats all of them. As Uryū growls, Taikon rapidly fires attacks at Uryū, who uses Hirenkyaku to appear behind Taikon. He slashes him with a Seele Schneider, which Taikon absorbs as well. Finding the taste rather funny, Taikon says it does not really matter. As the two combatants land, Taikon tells Uryū that he should just stop struggling and let him kill him. He fires another blast at him. Sidestepping, Uryū, telling him to follow his own advice, charges at Taikon and slashes him with another Seele Schneider, which Taikon absorbs and calls useless. Saying he is not finished, Uryū slashes him again, prompting Taikon to say he had better stop before it is too late.

Landing, Uryū, whirling, fires the same Seele Schneider at Taikon, who, deflecting it to the side, asks if it was supposed to be Uryū's killer shot, saying he never imagined Uryū to be so stupid. Telling him to say so after his final shot, Uryū, drawing one last Seele Schneider, fires it at him. As Taikon, once again stating it is useless, prepares to absorb it, the blade flickers out of existence, the hilt floating in midair in front of Taikon's open mouth. As Taikon wonders what it is, two squares, meeting at right angles materialize around him, their vertices marked by the Seele Schneider, followed by a blue box. Uryū calls this Gert Schneider - surrounding an opponent with high density Reishi - and says it is similar to Sprenger. When Taikon says he should have absorbed all of Uryū's Reishi, Uryū reveals the box is created by Taikon's Reishi, not his own. As Taikon's body begins to receive cuts, which emit Reishi, Uryū, explaining how Gert Schneider took the Reishi it needed from Taikon where the Seele Schneider cut him, tells Taikon he is not the only one who uses an opponent's Reishi as a weapon. Pulling out a Gintō, Uryū, tossing it, says Quincy are much better at it. As the Gintō, striking the Seele Schneider, breaks open, Uryū turns away as the box, contracting and exploding, destroys Taikon. Far away, the explosion is seen by Gunjō, who realizes Taikon's fate. As Rukia attacks while he is not looking, Gunjō, dangling her upside down with his tentacles, notes his comrades have failed, but this does not affect their plan too much. Attempting to slice the tentacles, Rukia ends up breaking Sode no Shirayuki. Rukia stares at the blade in shock, and Gunjō decides it is time for her to die. The tentacles begin to constrict, causing Rukia to scream. Gunjō, saying it is such a lovely sound, lowers a motionless Rukia, thinking she is dead. Preparing to move on to another one of Ichigo's companions, he notices it is snowing. Raising her blade, Rukia, using San no mai, Shirafune, forms a blade of ice which, freezing Gunjō, breaks him into pieces, freeing the Shinigami.

As Rukia pants on the ground, Uryū runs over and calls to her. As Rukia tells him she is alright, they hear a laughing Gunjō say they are better than he initially thought. As he continues to freeze, a chuckling Gunjō, saying he initially wanted to drag them down with him if he was defeated, tells them to forget it because it is inevitable for them to die there. When Uryū asks what he means, Gunjō, saying he cannot tell them, shatters in a peal of maniacal laughter, leaving Rukia to wonder with dread what is going on.

A stairway shrouded in mist takes Ichigo and Kokutō through a number of tiny houses with one wall missing and a flame flickering inside. Ichigo, gazing at them in wonder, trips and crashes to the ground. Kokutō, asking if he is alright, offers him his hand. Ichigo pulls himself up and apologizes for the hold up. Telling Ichigo to be careful, Kokutō turns to continue their descent.

The stairs take them out of a rock splitting a waterfall of the yellow liquid in two into the deepest level of Hell. Ichigo, looking at the black sand dotted with rocks, notices he can sense Reiatsu in them. Kokutō reveals that they are filled with Reiatsu from the bones of Togabito, which surprises Ichigo. Kokutō explains how after being constantly bombarded by the Kushanāda, the Togabito lose heart, and as their bodies rot on the ground, Hell's fire consumes the bones. He says it is the resting place of those Togabito, as no matter where you are, freedom is nonexistent. When Ichigo questions this, since they came to Karakura Town, Kokutō, stating the Kushanāda's watchful eyes extend there too, reminds him of what happened to Murakumo. Turning to Ichigo, he asks for a favor after he has saved Yuzu: release him from Hell. When Ichigo is surprised by this, Kokutō states he wants to be reborn, to see his sister again, and to apologize to her. When Ichigo agrees to do it if he can, Kokutō apologizes for asking to do this. Turning, he tells Ichigo they must hurry, as it is just beyond a hill. Ichigo starts running, with Kokutō following.

Reaching the top of the hill, Ichigo, looking into the distance, is shocked by what he sees: Yuzu lying unconscious in a small cage, dangling from a large skeleton with rods impaled in it above a pool of lava. Ichigo, screaming Yuzu's name, slips on the sand before leaping onto a rock and flying towards the skeleton. As an orange gleam shines from the top of the skull, a bolt of fire flies at him. Slashing the blast with Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo, seeing another one coming, jumps over it and onto one of the fingers. On top of the skull, Shuren, who has a Togabito mask suspended by chains on his chest, thanks him for coming. Raising his blade, Ichigo shouts for him to give Yuzu back. Introducing himself, Shuren says if Ichigo wants to save Yuzu, he must listen, prompting him to lower his blade slightly. Catching up, Kokutō asks Shuren if he plans on taking on both of them by himself. Shuren says he will not, and while Ichigo and Kokutō wonder what he means, he says Togabito do not die in Hell, something Kokutō should know best. As Kokutō realizes what Shuren means, Shuren, posing with his arms, calls out the names of his fellow Togabito.

Three streams of lava, bursting from the pool below Yuzu's cage, take on the form of the three Togabito whom they encountered earlier. As Ichigo and Kokutō stare, the Togabito groan and growl as they reincarnate. Shuren reveals they fought earlier to separate Renji, Uryū, and Rukia from them, and died so they could revive here. As Kokutō claims this is impossible because Togabito cannot be revived so fast, Gunjō, who has fully reincarnated, declares what Kokutō thinks he may know may not always be that way. As Gunjō attacks, Kokutō, jumping away, shouts for Ichigo to go save Yuzu and not worry about him. Trying and failing to tackle Kokutō, Taikon comments on how strange it is for a Togabito and a Human to be friends. As Garogai drops down, Kokutō is forced to evade once more. Before Ichigo can do anything, he uses Shunpo to move away as Shuren, slashing at where he was, says he will fight Ichigo. As he slices again, Ichigo blocks and charges. Redirecting this, Shuren knocks Ichigo back and blasts fire bolts at Ichigo, forcing him to run. Shuren, flying alongside the stones, states it is about time Ichigo started listening, but Ichigo refuses and attacks.

Meanwhile, Kokutō is sent flying by a punch from Garogai towards one of the fingers, which Gunjō is standing on. As Gunjō sends a tentacle flying at Kokutō as he nears, Kokutō cuts it, but he smashes into the finger and falls towards the ground. Taking advantage of this, Gunjō launches tentacles down at Kokutō, who propels himself out of the way. Just as he lands, Taikon fires an energy blast at him, which Kokutō cuts in half. Meanwhile, Ichigo, running from Shuren's flame bolts, jumps onto yet another one of the fingers as Shuren pursues. Shuren fires another flame bolt, which Ichigo blocks. Shuren, with his flame sword, knocks Ichigo through another finger after a brief scuffle. As Shuren fires a barrage of flame at Ichigo, who attacks once more, a smirking Shuren blasts bolts at Ichigo while charging a much larger one in his left hand, which he fires towards his side. Realizing Shuren is firing it towards Yuzu, Ichigo, having let his guard down, goes flying, unable to do anything about the flame bolt. Cutting Garogai in half, Kokutō, jumping in front of the flame bolt, slashes it in half.

As Ichigo goes flying into the dirt, Kokutō is bound by several of Gunjō's tentacles above the lava. More come to skewer him, though he attempts to slash them. Several, getting through, impale him. Landing next to Gunjō, Taikon declares Kokutō cannot win now. Telling him to shut up, Kokutō, saying it is the same for them, throws his sword at Taikon. As Taikon, swallowing it,, Kokutō uses his Hell Chains to pull on the sword, sending Taikon into the lava. As Gunjō expresses shock at what happened, Kokutō, stating it is over, jumps into the lava, pulling Gunjō with him. Ichigo, hearing Shuren attacking once more, runs away from a flurry of flame bolts. As Shuren asks what he is looking at, for his opponent is over here, blue light begins to surround Ichigo, who declares he does not have time to play with Shuren. Briefly materializing, his Hollow mask fades as he fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Shuren. As Shuren dodges, the Getsuga Tenshō penetrates through the many levels of Hell, quaking the blocks at the top level.

Staring at what just happened, Ichigo's attention is attracted by Shuren laughing. Calling his power wonderful, he declares this is the power he needs to destroy the Gates of Hell. Ichigo prepares to attack again, but pauses, realizing that his attack would hit Yuzu. Laughing at how he was rational enough to realize what would happen if he attacked, Shuren blasts a flame bolt which splits as it hits Ichigo's chest, exploding behind him. Shuren, saying he will not kill Ichigo, continues to fire flame bolts at him. Ichigo blocks a flame bolt with Tensa Zangetsu, but the bolts' explosions obscure him from view. When he is visible once more, Ichigo has his Hollow mask on. Laughing again, Shuren, calling it splendid, tells Ichigo to destroy the gate before blasting another flame bolt. Sidestepping, Ichigo begins to run toward Shuren. Alarmed, Shuren, realizing what will happen, begins attacking more ferociously. Using Shunpo to dodge the flame blasts, Ichigo, jumping at Shuren, prepares to slash him. Fully aware Ichigo may be able to beat him now, Shuren uses a flame barrier to keep Ichigo at bay. Rushing behind Shuren, Ichigo jumps off a rock at him. Shuren tries to blast Ichigo as he flies next to the stone-hedge. Ichigo, firing a Getsuga Tenshō at Shuren, slashes him. Attacking one more time, Ichigo deals Shuren a killing blow enhanced with a Getsuga Tenshō contained within the blade, which rockets off into the distance as soon as he hits Shuren.

Exhausted after defeating Shuren, Ichigo, deactivating his mask, tells Yuzu he is coming. As he begins to run towards her cage, Kokutō's blade stabs him through the chest. As the Getsuga Tenshō he used to kill Shuren finally explodes, Ichigo collapses as the wind from the blast catches up. Walking up, Kokutō nonchalantly asks Ichigo how he is doing.

Bending down, Kokutō pulls the blade from Ichigo's chest, telling him to shut up as he screams in pain, and calls it a small cut. Standing up, he raises his blade over his head and stabs it into the ground next to Ichigo's head. When Ichigo, staring up at him, asks why, Kokutō, saying he did it for the same reason they did, reminds Ichigo about what Shuren said before: after you die, you will be revived. When Shuren lands nearby in lava form, moaning as he tries to revive, Kokutō, calling him a nuisance, wonders why he will not stay dead for a couple moments. As he begins beating Shuren down, Ichigo asked why he betrayed him.

Stating everything is going according to plan, Kokutō says that they were all helping him and tells Ichigo to keep his end of the promise. Struggling to get up, Ichigo, failing to do so, asks about Kokutō's sister. Kokutō states she was real, and she was killed, so he killed her murderer. As Shuren, moaning again, begins to get up, Kokutō, tells him to shut up, for he had felt great for a moment. Kokutō states his sister will never come back to life, so he wants everyone to have a taste of his pain. He rips his bandages off, revealing that his face is horribly burned on the other side. Asking why he was banished to Hell, he recalls how he tried to escape several times, and each time, he was pulverized by the Kushanāda and sent back to Hell, but when he saw a discarded memory of Ichigo, fully Hollowfied, battling Ulquiorra, he passed the information to Shuren and his minions.

Kokutō states he must get out of Hell, even if it means that the Human World and Hell became one. Ichigo, glaring at him, hears Rukia coming and realizes what Kokutō will do now. As Rukia asks if Ichigo is alright, Kokutō, speeding past her, incapacitates her. Appearing behind Kokutō, Uryū prepares to fire a

Seele Schneider, but Kokutō uses the same move on him, and when Uryū tries to slash him, one of Kokutō's Hell Chains blocks his attack. As Uryū falls to the ground, defeated, Kokutō tells him he cannot break the chain with that. Renji arrives and attempts to attack Kokutō, but the chain blocks the attack, leaving Renji wide open to two slashes from Kokutō while he wonders what happened.

Reiatsu flaring, Ichigo attacks Kokutō in a rage, but Kokutō dodges, and the impact of Ichigo's slash obscures his vision. As Ichigo attacks again, Kokutō tells him he must release all his hatred and anger upon him so he will cut the chain. As more attacks from Ichigo are blocked by the chain, Kokutō states this is not enough, and to break the chain he must unleash the monster in him. As he speeds away, Ichigo, looking up at the giant skeleton, sees Yuzu's cage falling, but Yuzu is no longer in it. Standing on top of the skeleton, Kokutō commands him to look. Holding up Yuzu, Kokutō, stating she can no longer withstand Hell's miasma, holds her up for him to see a Chain of Fate growing from her chest. Rendered utterly speechless, Ichigo cannot stand this failure, and his Reiatsu flares up in rage.

Kokutō tells Ichigo to let all his anger out, for this is Hell, so he does not have to hold back: he can just let the darkness in him take over. As Renji whispers Ichigo's name, Ichigo, holding nothing back, unleashes all of his anger, his Reiatsu flaring wildly. Smiling cruelly, Kokutō drops Yuzu and welcomes Ichigo to Hell.

As Yuzu falls down towards the lava, Ichigo, blazing forward in fury, catches her before using Shunpo to move back onto safe ground. As a Hollow hole rips open in his chest, he erupts into a blaze of intense Reiatsu. After the Reiatsu clears, a fully Hollowfied Ichigo charges a Cero. Kokutō goads him on. Ichigo, roaring as he builds his Cero to maximum power, unleashes it in a destructive blast which obliterates the skeletal statue and the stones around it. Laughing as he evades, Kokutō allows his chains to take the hit.

As the Cero dissipates, the remains of Kokutō's chains become visible as they fall to the ground. As Renji glances at one as it falls down beside him, Kokutō, reappearing atop the last section of the structure surrounding the skeleton, states Shuren and his group believed destroying the Gates of Hell would free them, which was not correct. Revealing the source of their incarceration lay in their chains, Kokutō orders Ichigo to cut more of his chains as Renji tries to come up with a plan to stop this.

As Ichigo fires another Cero, Kokutō, blocking it with an energy shield, laughs maniacally as he is blasted backward, unharmed but with more of his chains destroyed. As the explosions from the Cero creates a massive explosion which reaches up all the way to the top level, the Gates of Hell, unable to stand the impact, are shattered, causing a massive jet of fire to blast into the sky of Karakura Town. Landing on the shattered skull of the skeleton, Kokutō declares this is the last chain. As Ichigo prepares another Cero, Renji, intervening, tells Ichigo to not let Kokutō provoke him and cuts one of the horns on Ichigo's mask, causing the Cero to explode harmlessly.

Realizing what will happen, Kokutō, jumping at Ichigo, is too late as Renji uses a special, one-time use Kidō, enveloping Ichigo in a bright blue light. Unable to reach Ichigo in time, Kokutō, halted, wonders what this is. Grinning, Renji, telling him it serves him right, collapses as Ichigo floats upward in blue light, his mask breaking, with his arm still wrapped around Yuzu. Watching his only hope for escaping Hell fly up and away, an enraged Kokutō screams.

As the destroyed Gates of Hell hover in midair, blue bands surround them, and in turn, those bands are surrounded by Shinigami. Inside a tent, Byakuya, 13th Division Captain Jushiro Ukitake, 10th Division Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto are having a meeting. As Ukitake tells Yamamoto their Kidō Team is preventing Hell's miasma from spreading any further, Yamamoto asks how Karakura Town is. When Ukitake states everything is normal at the moment.

Yamamoto, ordering them to continue with the repairs of the Gates of Hell, puts them in charge. Hitsugaya wonders how the Gate was destroyed, for the Togabito do not have this kind of power. Ukitake states Rukia and Renji could not have broken the gate either. Their meeting is interrupted by a Shinigami, who reports Ichigo has appeared outside of the Gates of Hell.

Outside the Hell Gate, Ichigo lies unconscious, his arm still over Yuzu. As several Shinigami appear around him, he begins to regain consciousness. As soon as Ichigo is fully awake, he yells at the Shinigami to get away, stating he must get Yuzu away. As a Shinigami tells him they have called a medical team to check on her, they attempt to restrain him. Shaking them off, Ichigo angrily states he has no time to wait for that. As Ichigo and the Shinigami continue to argue. Ichigo's name is called, and the Shinigami bow down. As Ichigo realizes Yamamoto has arrived. As Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Ukitake arrive, Rangiku Matsumoto comes shortly after with Orihime, who, running over to Ichigo, yells his name. Ichigo tells Orihime to save Yuzu, and Orihime activates Sōten Kisshun to heal Yuzu. When the shield begins to flicker and shine with irregular colors, Orihime wonders what is going on before the shield violently explodes, causing Ichigo and Orihime to recoil.

Reaching over, Orihime flips Yuzu onto her back, revealing a Hell Chain extending from her chest. As Orihime grips the chain briefly before helplessly releasing it, Ichigo, staring, screams at Orihime, shaking her by the shoulders and begging her to do something. Yamamoto interrupts by saying all their attempts are futile because there is a Hell Chain, which means she is a Togabito, and they can do nothing about it. Staring helplessly, Ichigo denies it, unable to accept his sister is dead. When Yamamoto states everything started because of Ichigo, Ichigo, devastated at how his sister is dead now and how he is responsible for it, screams in rage at what happened.

In the Gotei 13's base in Karakura Town, Yuzu lies in a bed inside a tent, with Ichigo sitting nearby. As memories flash in Ichigo's mind of Yamamoto telling him he made the wrong choice in charging into Hell, which is why they now must deal with the current situation at hand, he reminisces about how he lost control and demolished Hell, and Yamamoto tells him the demon in him broke the chains which, for centuries, had never been broken once. He recalls Kokutō's chains breaking and falling, and he remembers Yamamoto saying he has caused the Human World to combine with Hell. As Ichigo recalls the massive Cero which destroyed the Gate and blasted a massive jet of flame into the sky, Yamamoto's voice says his irresponsible actions have doomed all Humans.

As Ichigo feels unable to cope with the remorse his deeds have given him, his hands begin to crumple the rug which covers the ground, but his thoughts are interrupted when Byakuya comes in. When Byakuya asks him why he is avoiding his eyes, Ichigo tells him he left Renji, Rukia, and Uryū in Hell, and states because he left them there and was unable to save Yuzu, he let everyone down. As he begins to break down again, Byakuya interrupts by asking why this matters.

Staring at Byakuya in shock, Ichigo says Rukia is in Hell and they did everything to get him out. When the captain states Rukia is an honorable Shinigami and she would know what she was doing, Ichigo, releasing Byakuya, stares at him while the captain calmly tells him if they decided he should be the one to escape, he had better start thinking about their intentions. As Ichigo ponders this, Byakuya, turning to leave, apologizes for intruding.

As the blanket covering Yuzu is blown off, her Hell Chain begins to glow red. As Ichigo and Byakuya whirl around, the shaking Chain releases a pulse of energy. As Ichigo runs over, the Chain begins to dissolve, shocking Ichigo and Byakuya. The Chain completely disappears and the red light fades. When Yuzu begins to cough, Ichigo grabs her in concern. Byakuya exits the tent, causing the Shinigami to believe something happened.

Byakuya tells Orihime, who is standing outside, to enter the tent. As a complying Orihime runs in, Byakuya ponders what happened.

Later, in the Kurosaki Clinic, Orihime tucks Yuzu and Karin into bed while Ichigo, sitting in the living room, thinks about what Byakuya said. When Orihime enters, Ichigo asks how Yuzu is. When she states she is better now, Ichigo gratefully thanks her, but Orihime, shaking her head, says everyone helped. Asking how Sado is doing, Ichigo is told he is unconscious, but has almost fully recovered. Thanking her again, Ichigo asks if she wants something to drink.

Realizing what Ichigo intends to do, Orihime asks if he plans to return to Hell. Silent for a few moments, Ichigo states Yuzu was taken by Hell, but she recovered, so there is still a glimmer of hope for Rukia, Renji, and Uryū. Orihime is worried that Ichigo will lose control again, but Ichigo says he knows. If he does this, the world may come to an end, just like Yamamoto said, but this time he will not lose control. Recalling Kokutō fighting, he states he is extremely strong, so he is not sure if he could beat him again, even if he Hollowfied, but he must win. When Ichigo nearly breaks down again while saying if he does not, he would never be able to face any of his friends who entrusted their lives to him, Orihime tells him he must come back. Ichigo states it will not be long.

As the sun sets on Karakura Town, a messenger, coming to Ukitake, Rangiku, and Hitsugaya, tells them Ichigo has broken the barrier and is coming to the Gates this very moment. Hitsugaya asks Ukitake if they should stop him. Ukitake reminds them their top priority is repairing the Gate and offers to handle him. He realizes Ichigo is behind them, Zangetsu in hand. As the three Shinigami reach for their swords, Hitsugaya asks if he is looking for revenge.

When Ichigo gives no reply, Ukitake says they have even more reason to stop him in this case. Before he can finish telling Ichigo what will happen if he loses control again, Ichigo, activating Bankai, declares he is going to save his friends. Before the Shinigami can do anything, the Gates begin to pulse red, and a Kushanāda, reaching out, swipes at them. As they all use Shunpo to get back, Ukitake orders everyone to stop the Kushanāda from entering the Human World. When Ichigo takes this opportunity to charge into the gate, Hitsugaya, releasing his Reiatsu, tells Rangiku not to go after him because they cannot worry about him right now. As Ichigo charges in, the Kushanāda attempts to stop him, but a flurry of blades from Senbonzakura Kageyoshi slash it.

Charging through the levels of Hell, Ichigo dives through the first level before any of the Kushanāda can grab him, plummets through the water in the second level without stopping, and plunges straight into the chasm on the third level, ready to save his friends.

Sitting upon what looks like a Kushanāda's skull, Kokutō, noticing lightning flashing in the sky, stands up to look at what is the matter. Seeing Ichigo plunge through the dark clouds above him, he is pleased Ichigo came to him. Ichigo dives down towards Kokutō, who is standing on a tower in a lake of lava. Landing on the ground, which is composed entirely of bones, Ichigo is greeted with Kokutō telling him he intended to come to the Human World so Ichigo may cut his chains, but was not expecting Ichigo to come to him. Asking if he is here to avenge Yuzu, Kokutō is surprised when Ichigo states Yuzu is alive and well.

When asked why he came if this is the case, Ichigo states he came to rescue his friends. Scoffing at this, Kokutō declares Ichigo does not seem to know Hell very well. Saying Hell has already bound them in chains, he turns toward a tree of bones. Following his gaze, Ichigo sees Renji and Uryū, bound by Hell Chains, rotting. Kokutō, pulling out his sword, says he is in no hurry because Rukia is ready to be resurrected.

As the lava bubbles up, Rukia bursts out, a Hell Chain wound around her body. As a white shihakushō covers her, she gasps in pain. Looking up, Rukia, wondering why Ichigo is there, is interrupted when Kokutō, grabbing her Hell Chain, pulls her close.

As Rukia groans from the pain of having her Hell Chain pulled on, Kokutō states the rule in Hell is simple: those who are bound with the chains can be revived endlessly, and if you do not break the chains, you will never get out. Preparing for battle, Ichigo declares he will break the chains, prompting Kokutō to ask if Ichigo will cut his chains as well. Saying he will not, Ichigo, raises Tensa Zangetsu, his Reiatsu flaring along the blade, and states he came to defeat Kokutō.

As Ichigo rushes to attack, Kokutō releases Rukia just as Ichigo appears in front of him, ready to slash, and blocks the attack. With a wave of his arm, Kokutō knocks Ichigo away and attacks him, forcing Ichigo back as they spar on top of the tree. When Ichigo jumps to another place on the tree, Kokutō, running up to him, continues attacking, knocking him away. Ichigo, unleashing his Reiatsu, charges back. Smirking, Kokutō sidesteps, allowing Ichigo's momentum to carry him off to the side. As Ichigo, losing his balance, falls off the tree, Kokutō grabs him by the neck, berating him for thinking he could defeat him without his mask, and throws Ichigo down at the skull.

As Ichigo, rolling off the skull and onto the ground, stands up once more, Kokutō rushes down to attack again. As the two continue to clash, Kokutō mocks Ichigo's naivete and knocks him off the tower. Seeing the lava below, Ichigo uses Getsuga Tenshō to attack and propel himself up. Noting this, Kokutō, slashing through the pitch-black energy, redirects it at a tree.

Crawling on top of the skull to watch the battle, Rukia sees Ichigo return to the tower. As a Hollow mask begins to form on Ichigo's face, he struggles with his inner Hollow for control as Rukia watches helplessly. Ichigo rips the incomplete mask from his face, but doing so tires him greatly. Asking what is wrong, Kokutō, disappearing, reappears next to Ichigo for an instant, asking what he is afraid of. When Ichigo attacks, Kokutō is gone already. Behind Ichigo, Kokutō, stepping out of the shadows, asks if it is his inner Hollow which will destroy the world.

Saying if this is the case, Ichigo should never come here again, he throws him off of the skull and attacks once more. Angrily stating Yuzu was saved because Ichigo became the monster, and without its power, Ichigo cannot do anything, Kokutō sends him flying into the mouth of the skull. As Rukia is shaken by the shockwave, a lava vein flares up violently, worrying Rukia.

Inside the skull, Ichigo recovers from Kokutō's attack. Appearing above him, Kokutō, mercilessly stomping on his chest, reminds Ichigo how he said in a world of despair, resentments and memories are what keep a person sane. Smashing his heel into Ichigo's face, he says revenge is what drives him. Noticing that lava is

beginning to trickle down towards them, a panicked Ichigo struggles. As an annoyed Kokutō asks what is wrong, the lava lands on Ichigo's hand, catching fire. As Ichigo screams in pain, Kokutō laughs cruelly as the magma explodes outward. As the flames hurtle out of the skull, a badly burned Ichigo is sent flying far away from the skull. When Kokutō lands nearby, his sleeve still on fire, Ichigo angrily glares at him as he tells him to hate him more, for this will make him even more powerful. His sleeve is completely burned away, revealing his hand to be horribly burned as well.

When Kokutō begins to attack him, Ichigo, desperately rolling away, is caught by his Hell Chain and smashed through several rocks into the ground. Jumping at Ichigo, Kokutō stabs him in the abdomen, causing magma to erupt from the earth. Stepping on Ichigo's chest, he asks him if he wants his sisters dragged into Hell again. As the fear and anger of even contemplating this causes Ichigo's Reiatsu to flare out violently, Kokutō jumps away to avoid being injured.

Ichigo loses control as a mysterious gray substance, bursting from his mouth and abdomen, threatens to swallow him. As Ichigo struggles against the gray substance, Kokutō states this is how he wants it: once the body is broken, it is easy for a relapse. He states Ichigo might as well relent because he cannot escape from the monster.

As Ichigo's Hollow continues to take over his body, Rukia, making her way over to watch, screams his name. Grabbing her by her Hell Chain and telling her to be quiet because the show is just starting, Kokutō, grinning when he hears humming noises, asks an almost completely Hollowfied Ichigo if he hears it. Kokutō notes the Kushanāda have discovered the change in his Reiatsu and will devour him to prevent Hell's destruction.

He tells Ichigo to hurry up and finish up his transformation, or else he will be devoured, but need not worry as he will be revived. As he says Ichigo will continuously relive this if he does not destroy Hell, the Kushanāda army advances, ready to destroy Ichigo, and Kokutō, moving himself and Rukia to on top of the tree to get to a safe distance, asks Ichigo what he will do. To his surprise, Ichigo asks who would want to be a monster.

Repeating the question, Ichigo, reaching up, breaks off one of his horns. As his Hollow form disintegrates, he says because Kokutō cannot get what he wants, he seeks revenge, and only makes people as miserable as he is. As his Hollow form continues to crack, Ichigo, oblivious to the Kushanāda climbing the tower, says revenge is only the path Kokutō took to escape his sufferings. Ichigo declares while he wants to save his friends, he will not sacrifice innocent bystanders to do it. A Kushanāda rises, with its chin on level with the ground, and Rukia, frantically struggling in Kokutō's grip, tells Ichigo to run. Ignoring the looming threat behind him, Ichigo, stating he swore he will fight, breaks the remains of his Hollow form completely. As the Kushanāda looms over him, Rukia screams as it brings its hand down on top of Ichigo.

As golden light begins to shine from underneath the Kushanāda's hand, other Kushanāda, moving away, drop their offensive postures. Thinking it is great, Kokutō shouts for Ichigo to kill them all. Beginning to dissolve, the Kushanāda's hand reveals the golden light clinging to Ichigo's form, creating armor across the side of his head, his torso, and his left arm. Not knowing what is going on, Kokutō takes a step back. As more Kushanāda lend their powers, a massive pillar of golden Reiatsu extends into the sky. Releasing Rukia, Kokutō braces himself while the former grabs onto the tree to avoid being blown away. Cutting the Hell Chains suspending Renji and Uryū in the air, someone catches Rukia and lands on the ground. A gasping Rukia, clutching at where it used to be, looks up to see her rescuer is none other than Ichigo, now clad in an armor of bones.

Wondering what is going on, Kokutō, landing nearby, angrily demands to know what Ichigo did. When Ichigo asks if Kokutō's sister wanted him to avenge her, Kokutō, bewildered, asks what Ichigo is getting at. Asking if she would wish to see Kokutō in his endless killing spree, Ichigo says there would be no end to revenge, and he will just make his sister eternally miserable. As he does this, Ichigo, leveling his blade at Kokutō, declares his friends did not want him to avenge them, but rather to stop Kokutō. As he declares Hell agrees with him and the Kushanāda would rather help a Human than let Kokutō escape, golden light emerges from the skulls in his armor. Kokutō refuses to believe this, and states that both he and Ichigo were in the same situation. Unable to accept such a thing, he attacks Ichigo, who, raising his sword and glowing with ethereal energy, states they are both Humans and both elder brothers. Ichigo's slash fires a golden wave of energy at Kokutō, breaking one of his chains, before launching him backward and ripping a giant gash in the tower.

When the smoke clears, a giant rut lies in front of Ichigo. At the far edge of the gash, Kokutō crawls away from it with a grievous chest wound. When the shackle on his wrist falls to the ground, Kokutō, gasping, stares at it and, looking at his chest, which is unchained, joyfully proclaims his freedom. However, the ground begins to rumble, hundreds of chains, bursting out of the crevice which Tensa Zangetsu made, dive towards Kokutō. The chains bind a bewildered Kokutō. As they completely immobilize him, wrapping around his entire body multiple times save for his head.

Ichigo declares this is Kokutō's retribution for deceiving Hell, and raises his blade once more. He tells Kokutō to atone for his sins in Hell. Bursting from the ground, purple-red flames close around Kokutō before the chains drag him even deeper into the earth, demolishing the tower in the process. Grabbing Rukia, Ichigo uses Shunpo to get on top of the skull as daylight pours down from a hole in the clouds, shining down on Ichigo while the Kushanāda bow down to him.

Noticing her Shihakushō is now black and her Zanpakutō has returned, Rukia looks up at Ichigo, who, saying he did it, throws his arms up into the air and cheers. A smiling Rukia, congratulating Ichigo on what he has done, stands up and says they need to find Uryū and Renji. Ichigo, saying he broke their chains, wonders where they are now.

They look around before Renji shouts out as he and Uryū, digging themselves out, complain about how they feel stiff and ache all over. As Rukia tells them to deal with it because they were bound with the chains, Renji wonders what she is talking about as Uryū, getting up, states he believes it is all over. When Renji wonders what happened to Kokutō, Ichigo states he was dragged into the depths of Hell.

Beginning to say what the important thing is, Renji and Uryū, surprised by Ichigo's skull armor, demand to know what it is. Ichigo, saying it is the power the Kushanāda gave to him, states it is rather strange.Renji states it is more than strange because they are talking about controlling Hell's power. Uryū, sighing, calls Ichigo hopeless, for this is why people often take advantage of Ichigo. Renji tells Ichigo to revert to his normal form, which he does.

Rukia says if he does so, the Kushanāda will start attacking again. Ichigo realizes this too late, and the Kushanāda loom above them, ready to renew their assault. Panicking, the group runs away as one brings a hand down on the skull, crushing it, and another one attempts to crush them, an attempt which fails and gives them a ramp on which they can rush up back to the surface.

Outside the Gates of Hell, Hitsugaya and Rangiku have their swords drawn in case another Kushanāda attacks, but this proves to be unnecessary because the Gates of Hell are finally regenerating. At the last moment, Ichigo and his friends hurl themselves out of the small hole in the Gates. When Orihime runs up to greet them, they begin to fall, so she uses Santen Kesshun to catch them all. A completely healed Sado waves at them. Just as Hitsugaya begins to relax, Rangiku gives him a hug, which does not please him. Byakuya remains expressionless throughout all of this.

Meanwhile, Yuzu wakes up, but Karin, bolting up, interrupts a greeting from her sister to check and see if she is completely alright, touching the area where her Chain of Fate had been some time ago. As Yuzu is completely clueless, Karin, hugging her, begins crying in joy. Announcing he is home and brought lots of souvenirs, Isshin wonders if no one is home.

Video Games
Sado appears in most of the Bleach video games, having appeared in every installment of the Bleach: Heat the Soul series as of the first, as well as many other Bleach video games.

Sado has appeared in; In Bleach: Blade Battlers 2nd and Bleach: Heat the Soul 4, Sado can use his right arm's second form.
 * Bleach: Blade Battlers
 * Bleach: Shattered Blade
 * Bleach: The Blade of Fate
 * Bleach: Dark Souls
 * Bleach: Heat the Soul
 * Bleach: Heat the Soul 2
 * Bleach: Heat the Soul 3
 * Bleach: Heat the Soul 4
 * It should be noted that these appearances show him only using the Brazo Derecha de Gigante.

In Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, Bleach: Versus Crusade, and Bleach: Heat the Soul 5, 6, and 7, he is playable with both the second and true forms of the Brazo Derecha de Gigante, as well as his new left arm, Brazo Izquierda del Diablo.

In Bleach: The Blade of Fate and Bleach: Dark Souls, his Super attacks are called Infinity Knuckle, Marvelous Blow, and Ultimate Finish.

In Bleach: Soul Carnival, Sado has Kyōjin no Rengeki (巨人の連激, lit. "Serial Surge of the Giant"), Majin no Shōgeki (魔人の衝撃, lit. "Impact of the Devil"), and Majin no Kengeki (魔人の拳撃, lit. "Fist Strike of the Devil") as attacks.

Quotes

 * (About Uryū Ishida) "The more complex a person, the weaker they are."
 * (About Rukia Kuchiki) "Ichigo wants to save her. Ichigo went all out for her, and that's enough. That's all the reason I need to put my life on the line for anything."
 * (About the coin his grandfather gave him) "That's right. Very important. Maybe even more important than my life."
 * (To Demoura Zodd) "Sorry. The truth is, I don't like doing things like dealing the deathblow to opponents who have lost the will to fight. But this time, it seems I can't even say such naive things."
 * (To Gantenbainne Mosqueda) "This power of mine seems to be less like a Shinigami or a Quincy and more like you Hollows."
 * (To Gantenbainne Mosqueda) "Because you fought me with all your might, I was able to grasp my power. Thanks. Because of you, I'll be able to tough it out ahead. I'll spare your life and pray for your good fortune."

Knownable Relatives

 * Unnamed Mother & Father (Parents/decreased)
 * Oscar Joaquin De Rose (Grandfather/decreased)

Trivia

 * His theme song according to Tite Kubo is "No Song Unheard" by the Hellacopters.
 * Although their interaction is never shown in either the manga or the anime, in the Bleach Bootleg it is stated that Sado gave Hisagi instructions on how to play the guitar.
 * In the Bleach popularity polls, Sado has ranked 6th, 14th, 31st and 18th.

Voice Actors

 * Japanese : Hiroki Yasumoto

all information on Yasutora "Chad" Sado came from http://bleach.wikia.com/wiki/Yasutora_Sado
 * English : Jamieson Price