Isshin Kurosaki

Isshin Kurosaki (黒崎 一心, Kurosaki Isshin), formerly known as Isshin Shiba (志波 一心, Shiba Isshin), is the former captain of the 10th Division. He is the father of Ichigo,Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki. He is also the head of the Kurosaki family, and formerly that of the Shiba Clan.

Background
Isshin was once a Shinigami captain,[11] [12] under the Tenth Division, with Rangiku Matsumoto as his lieutenant and Tōshirō Hitsugaya as his 3rd seat. At some point, he attempted to learn Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō by facing his Zanpakutō's spirit, Engetsu. Whether he succeeded or was unable to learn this technique is unknown.[13]

One day, about twenty years ago,[14] Hitsugaya reported the death of a Shinigami in Naruki City two months ago, and Isshin expressed knowledge of the incident, fully aware the Gotei 13 was already investigating the incident. When Hitsugaya further reported two more individuals had died within the past month alone, Isshin, concerned with the disappearances, decided to investigate them alone, knowing Rangiku and Hitsugaya were not strong enough to assist him.

Making his arrival known to his division members, Isshin sent them away so he could take care of the mission himself.[16] As Isshin patrolled the area waiting for any sign of danger, he felt the presence of something. Witnessing it killing the members of his division he had previously told to leave, he came face to face with the creature.[17]

Facing the creature, Isshin noted with confusion it was a black Hollow. As the creature roared, Isshin, observing its closed Hollow hole, stated its Reiatsu was still that of a Hollow. As the creature lunged at him, he, blocking the blow, thought to himself even though the creature's appearance was that of a Hollow, it felt like he was fighting a Shinigami. Spotting a Shinigami nearby, Isshin told them to run as the creature charged a Cero between its horns. Stating it cannot be a Hollow, as that is not how a Menos fights, Isshin, lunging at the creature, asked it who was pulling the strings to prevent Soul Society from knowing of its existence. Stating he does not care, Isshin released his Zanpakutō, Engetsu. As he prepared to attack the Hollow, Sōsuke Aizen cut him from behind.[18]

Aware it was not the Hollow who cut him, he began calling out to the Shinigami who did to come out of hiding. Forced on the defensive as the Hollow continued to attack, he, noting the wound was preventing him from using Bankai, launched an explosive attack which severed one of the Hollow's arms. Despite this, the Hollow continued its offensive, pinning Isshin down, and prepared to fire a point-blank Cero at him before someone interrupted the fight. Watching on, Isshin stated the Hollow's new opponent was an "idiot" for seemingly letting down her guard.[19]

Watching as the girl defeated the Hollow, he saved her when it began to self-destruct. Afterwards, he and Masaki introduced themselves, with Isshin taking a liking to Masaki. Later, he returned to Soul Society to report to Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto about what happened. Though Yamamoto overlooked his violation of rules because he kept the damage and casualties to a minimum, Yamamoto suspected Isshin was hiding something, which Isshin denied.[20]

Later, Isshin decided to return to the Human World without permission. While there, he ran into Ryūken Ishida, saving him from a Hollow. After casually greeting Ryūken, he, shown the condition Masaki is in, was horrified he was the reason she was suffering. As tensions grew between Ryūken and Isshin, Kisuke Urahara, stepping in, stopped the fight, stating he knew how to save her.[21]

At the Urahara Shop, Urahara, explaining Hollowfication to Isshin and Ryūken, explained the solution, but as he did, Isshin agreed to sacrifice his Shinigami powers to save Masaki. Afterwards, he entered Masaki's inner world to confront the Hollow.[22] After saving her, Isshin was forced to remain in the Human World. With Urahara's help, he was able to properly adjust to this new world and ultimately open his clinic.[23] Over ten years ago, Isshin encountered an imperfect Arrancar.[24] He married Masaki, and they had three children: Ichigo, Karin, and Yuzu. Masaki was killed by the Hollow Grand Fisher when Ichigo was nine.

Personality
Isshin typically acts in a goofy, energetic, and fun-loving manner. Loud voice, big smile and a wide range of facial expressions are his trademark features. He's prone to attack his son all of a sudden for every reason, from being late for a dinner to simply waking him up. Like he claims, it was all to make Ichigo stronger, which actually paid off.[6] Sometimes Isshin can be the life and the soul of the party as shown during the festival in Karakura Town. Initially starting the fun with his daughters he finally took almost all of Ichigo's friends with him.[7]

During his time in Gotei 13 Isshin was a lazy and carefree captain who often tried to make his subordinates do his work for him. For this reason he was in bad terms with Rangiku Matsumoto who was often forced to call him back to order. Isshin was delighted seeing how diligent Tōshirō Hitsugaya was doing all the paperwork and, on the spur of the moment, saw the future of his division in him.[8]

Isshin has also a perverted and lecherous side. He loved commenting how Rangiku's boobs were shining from sweat and bullying Ichigo that his sisters, who were piggybacked by him, weren't wearing underwear.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8">[9] However, when he encountered a naked Masaki, he blushed and demanded her to not act casually while looking like that.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9">[10]

Appearance
Isshin is a tall, muscular man with spiky black hair and brown eyes. He has thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. As a doctor, Isshin usually wears a white lab coat over his otherwise more casual shirt and trousers. He has the appearance of a man in forties, as noted by his daughter, Karin.

As a Shinigami, he wears the standard Shinigami Shihakushō, along with a tattered captain's haori, worn like a sash and fastened over his left shoulder. The Division insignia cannot be seen as the haori is worn presently.

When he was the captain of the 10th Division, Isshin wore the typical Shinigami uniform, with a sleeveless captain's haori. He had noticeable sideburns, did not have facial hair at the time, and had slightly shorter hair.

Abilities
Master Swordsman: Despite being rusty, Isshin still possesses great skill in swordsmanship, allowing him to effortlessly slice through Grand Fisher's body and his Zanpakutō with a single swing of his sealed sword.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c187p1619_105-0">[106 ] While fighting against Aizen, Isshin used kendō, which he performed very proficiently, breaking concrete into pieces with a single strike.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106">[107 ] Kidō Master: Isshin can create charmed objects to act as a defense against hostile forces, such as the Arrancar Grand Fisher.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108">[109 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109">[110 ] He can erect powerful barriers which can completely erase any traces of reiatsu.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110">[111 ]
 * Agitowari (顎割, Jaw Splitting):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unmasked151_107-0">[108 ] A single sword attack which cuts an opponent in half from the jaw down the length of the body until the target is bi-sectioned.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c187p1619_105-1">[106 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c188p2_3-1">[4 ]

Shunpo Expert: Isshin is proficient in the use of Shunpo, keeping fast opponents on their toes with his continuous assaults.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111">[112 ] He evaded a powerful, point-blank '''Hadō 63. Raikōhō''' fired by Aizen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-112">[113 ]

Hakuda Expert: As evidenced by his repeated attacks on his son, Isshin is a very skilled fighter even when barehanded.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113">[114 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c182p20_48-1">[49 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114">[115 ] Chōhigezutsuki (超ヒゲ頭突き, Super Stubble Headbutt):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unmasked154_115-2">[116 ] A headbutt attack with enough force to send an opponent flying backward a considerable distance.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-118">[119 ]
 * Isshin Flying Double Knee (一心・フライング・ダビル・ニー, Isshin Furaingu Daburu Nī):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unmasked154_115-0">[116 ] A flying double knee attack performed by Isshin against his son as part of their usual playful fighting.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116">[117 ]
 * Isshin Handstand Dash (一心・サカダチダッシュ, Isshin Sakadachi Dasshu):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unmasked154_115-1">[116 ] A simple running handstand used to show his physical capability to his daughters while walking up a hill.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117">[118 ]

Oni Dekopin (鬼デコピン, Demon Headpoke):<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unmasked151_107-1">[108 ] A simple finger flick with enough physical force to send an opponent flying a considerable distance away and through multiple physical constructs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-119">[120 ]

Immense Spiritual Power: As a former captain and head of one of the Five Noble Houses, Isshin possesses a considerable amount of spiritual energy, but he used to have a greater amount of it before losing his powers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c188p6_13-1">[14 ] Ichigo and Shinji are able to sense its strong presence from miles away. Kon was stunned by the level of Isshin's power when he watched Isshin kill Grand Fisher with one swing of his sealed Zanpakutō.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-120">[121 ] Using his reiatsu, he can fixate the Kōryū in the Dangai by himself for up to two thousand hours (roughly three months) before it runs out, something which lower-echelon Shinigami come in by the dozens to do under normal circumstances. Masaki described his Reiatsu as "incredibly powerful".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-121">[122 ]

Enhanced Durability: Even without his Shinigami powers, Isshin can take severe physical punishment (e.g. fighting with Ichigo and being kicked by Karin).

Spiritual Awareness: As a spiritual being, Isshin is spiritually aware. He sensed Grand Fisher from a significant distance.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122">[123 ]

Engetsu (剡月, Scathing Moon)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c409p14_12-1">[13 ] : It looks like a ordinary katana, with a red handle and hexagonal tsuba. It is carried on a string wrapped around his belt in an iaidō style, and worn with the edge down like a tachi instead of the edge up like a katana. The hilt's pommel has a blue tassel attached at the end.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-123">[124 ] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-124">[125 ]

Shikai: Engetsu's release command is "Burn" (燃えろ, moero). The sword does not change shape upon release, but its blade is sheathed in a form of spiritual energy, which engulfs the sword's tassels, creating long, trailing streams.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-125">[126 ]

Energy Technique: Isshin can take his blood and spit it onto his sword, doing so activates a large wave of deadly spiritual energy to emanate from the sword and take out his opponent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-126">[127 ] (Unnamed)

Getsuga Tenshō (月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer): During his battle with Aizen in the Fake Karakura Town, Isshin used Getsuga Tenshō by gathering spiritual energy in his Zanpakutō's blade and slashing down his opponent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-127">[128 ] When used against Aizen, Isshin's blast demolished a large radius of the Fake Karakura Town and left behind a huge crater.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-128">[129 ]

Bankai: Not yet revealed. Aizen states it puts a considerable strain on his body, rendering it unusable if he is heavily injured.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-129">[130 ] Isshin himself has noted heavy injuries prevent him from fixing his reiatsu properly, hence why he cannot activate it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-130">[131 ]

Substitute Shinigami arc
When Ichigo returns home late after helping a Plus, he is attacked by Isshin, who tells Ichigo dinner is at seven o'clock every night and no matter what the reason is, he will punish anyone who disrupts the household's harmony. As the two argue about being able to see spirits, Karin interrupts. As Isshin uses the opportunity to pin Ichigo to the ground, Ichigo, shrugging him off, goes up to his bedroom. While Karin blames Isshin, Yuzu explains how Ichigo has been seeing more ghosts lately. Surprised Ichigo talks about such things to her, Isshin states Ichigo does not tell him any of his troubles, prompting Karin to say she would not talk about her problems with a father who is over forty, but has child-like communication skills. Turning to the poster of Masaki on the wall, Isshin, saying their daughters are very cold towards him, blames adolescence.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-24">[25] When Ichigo attacks Rukia Kuchiki in his bedroom, Isshin, kicking Ichigo in the back, tells him to not make such a ruckus upstairs. Striking him in return, Ichigo says he cannot help but make a ruckus when there is an intruder in the house. Complimenting Ichigo's counter-attack, Isshin asks Ichigo who he is referring to.

While Rukia explains how normal Humans cannot see Shinigami, Isshin, leaving the room, returns to Yuzu and Karin, saying Ichigo kicked him hard. While Yuzu comforts him, Karin tells him he reaps what he sows.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25">[26] When the Kurosaki Clinic is attacked by Fishbone D, an injured Karin tells Ichigo blood had started pouring out of Isshin's back, and he fell.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26">[27] Ichigo rushes downstairs to find a bloody Isshin lying on the ground.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27">[28] The following morning, Isshin, attacking Ichigo while he is still in bed, compliments his son when Ichigo pins him to the ground, telling him he has nothing left to teach him. When Ichigo asks about his injuries, Isshin asks when he got hurt. Outside the clinic, Isshin says it is a miracle nobody was injured despite a truck crashing into the house.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28">[29]

After a major car accident, Isshin, arguing over the phone with a hospital employee who is refusing to transfer the overload of patients, says the employee should tell his boss Kurosaki needs a favor and beds will open right up, and, slamming the phone down, calls the employee a low-level fool. When Ichigo asks if there is anything he can do to help, Isshin tells him to stay in a corner so he will not be in the way. When Yuzu brings Yasutora "Chad" Sado in to the clinic, Isshin tells Ichigo to carry him. While examining Sado's wound, Isshin, noting it looks like a burn and is bleeding all over, tells Sado he will have to remain in the clinic. When Sado refuses, he tells him not to be stupid because he cannot be fine after losing so much blood. When Sado collapses, Isshin tells Yuzu to prepare a bed for him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29">[30] The following morning, Isshin rushes into the kitchen to report Sado has disappeared.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30">[31]

The night before the anniversary of Masaki's death, the Kurosaki family holds a meeting. Declaring the meeting open, Isshin decides because he is the chairman, he has the final say in everything. When Karin complains about this, he silences her by appointing her staff director. Appointing Yuzu as lunch staff and Karin as the luggage carrier, he, saying he cut his hair for the anniversary, asks them what they think of it, but they complain it is the same.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31">[32]

The following day, as the family walks to the graveyard, Yuzu complains about how the hill they are walking up is tough. Telling her to do her best and not to give in because he is with her, Isshin begins to climb the hill while standing on his hands. As Karin tells Yuzu to ignore him because it will never end if she encourages him, Isshin, saying she is naive and he will not stop even if they do not look, slides past Yuzu with his "Special Daddy Sliding Technique", noting she is wearing polka-dot underwear. Karin kicks him, sending him back down the hill.

At Masaki's graveside, while Karin is praying, Isshin declares it is time for the annual "Kurosaki Family Tombstone Domino Rally", with Isshin and Ichigo being the first match. Telling him to stop, Yuzu says he will not get any dinner if he does it. Later, Isshin uses a chicken-shaped whistle to call Ichigo and the twins. Telling him to stop because he can hear him even without the whistle, Ichigo asks him if Karin and Yuzu are there yet, but Isshin, saying he has been blowing the whistle for a while, tells Ichigo if he was the only one whom he was waiting on, he would have left for home without him. When he sends Ichigo to find the girls, Ichigo, refusing, says it is tiring and he should go himself. Grabbing Ichigo, Isshin, asking if his little sisters are not precious to him, decides they will split up search for them. Telling Ichigo to search in one direction, he says he will stay there, prompting Ichigo to kick him. Stating Ichigo broke his jaw, Isshin asks if he looks as handsome as John Travolta like this. Sensing the reiatsu of a Hollow, Ichigo runs off while Isshin wonders what is up with him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34">[35]

While Ichigo is fight Grand Fisher, Isshin waits inside a building with Karin and Yuzu while Kon (in Ichigo's body), stays outside. Noticing it has started to rain, Isshin wonders why he has not come in. Opening the door to call him in, he cannot find him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35">[36] Finding Ichigo at Masaki's grave, Isshin offers him an umbrella. When Ichigo refuses the offer, Isshin repeatedly pokes Ichigo in the head until he hits him back with it. When Isshin notes time has passed quickly, and it has already been ten years since Masaki died, Ichigo says it has only been six years. When Isshin states he was "so close", Ichigo loudly complains about this, causing Isshin to say Masaki can rest easily if she sees him being so lively. When he starts smoking a cigarette, Ichigo says he thought he had quit smoking when Karin and Yuzu were born. Revealing Masaki, when they started dating, complimented him about his hand looking cool when he was smoking, Isshin notes this was the only time she had complimented his looks. As a result, he smokes at her graveside every year on the anniversary of her death.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36">[37] Isshin tells Ichigo not to look so sad. When Ichigo asks why nobody blames him for Masaki's death, Isshin, asking why he would blame Ichigo, says if he blamed her death on him, Masaki would become mad at him. Explaining how Masaki was a woman who would die to protect her son, Isshin, reminding Ichigo he is the one whom the woman he loved gave her life to protect, knees Ichigo in the back, telling him to live his life well, and leaves.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-37">[38]

One Wednesday evening, Isshin brings the family to watch Don Kanonji's TV show when it comes to Karakura Town.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c27p15-16_38-0">[39] When an earth-bound Plus begins to howl due to people trespassing on what he views as his territory, Isshin, noticing Karin is annoyed, asks her what is wrong. She tells him it is nothing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39">[40] Once the show begins recording, when Isshin excitedly tells Yuzu it is starting, Yuzu tells him to be quiet.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40">[41] When Ichigo is stopped by security after jumping across the barriers, Isshin, beginning to cross the barrier as well, is caught by Yuzu, who tells him to stop.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41">[42] After the Earth-bound Plus becomes a Hollow, it shatters many of the hospital's windows, showering the crowd with glass. Asking Yuzu and Karin if they were hit by the glass, Isshin, telling them not to worry about him because he is happy to die for their sake, collapses.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42">[43]

Later, after Karin is protected from a Hollow by Sado, she brings Isshin to the spot where she left him so he can help the injured Sado. When he does not see Sado, Isshin, speculating Karin lied about the injured man so she could spend time with him, for he has been busy with work, rips open his shirt, telling Karin to jump into it. Punching him in the face, Karin pins him to the ground. Asking why she is pinning him in such a painful position, Isshin wonders if it is a new way of expressing familial love.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43">[44]

When Ichigo and his friends gather for a fireworks festival on August 1st, the rest of the family, all wearing kimonos, come running up to Ichigo, knocking him down. Noticing the girls' behavior, Ichigo asks if they are drunk. Explaining how a juice seller had used wine to dilute the juice instead of water, Isshin tells the group they saved a seat on the opposite bank of the river that morning after giving up on the idea of sitting in a boat on the river because the police would catch them. Isshin invites Orihime Inoue and Tatsuki Arisawa, calling them "cute girls". When they say they will catch up later, Isshin heads off with the twins and Ichigo's other friends.

Later that night, when Ichigo complains to a drunken Isshin about having to carry Karin and Yuzu, Isshin, telling his son he can enjoy that touch, reveals they did not wear any underwear under their kimonos. When Ichigo angrily asks him what he wanted to do to his daughters, he states it is just a joke, and he should not make such scary expressions. When Ichigo tells him he will be leaving for another week again and might not be back until the summer vacation ends, Isshin tells him if he meets any good girls, he should remember to introduce them to him. When Ichigo looks at his father, Isshin, asking why he is giving him an "I'm very worried about what will happen when I'm gone look", tells Ichigo he will take care of everything at the house, and while he is still around, he will not allow anyone to hurt his family. When he notes what he just said was cool and is a useful sentence, Ichigo, asking if he is an idiot, says he is not worried at all.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45">[46] When Ichigo leaves for his "trip" during his summer vacation, Isshin, once again trying to assault him, misses, smashing his head into the pavement in the process. When Ichigo dismisses it, Isshin, giving him a protective charm, tells him Masaki gave it to him, and it will bring him good fortune. Isshin tells him he is lending it to him for his trip, and he has to give it back when he returns. When Ichigo does not answer, Isshin tells him he will have to shave his beard if he loses it. {| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;"

Soul Society arc
During Ichigo's final fight with Byakuya Kuchiki, the hollow inside him completely awakens and takes over control of Ichigo's body. When that happened Isshin's reiatsu could no longer suppress the creature and the reishi string, which was binding Hollow's soul with his Human Shell, finally broke resulting in returning Isshin's Shinigami powers to him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47">[48]

When Ichigo returns from Soul Society, Isshin attacks him in bed. Ichigo blocks the attack, earning praise from Isshin.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-c182p20_48-0">[49]

Bounts arc
After Ichigo returns from his "summer vacation", Isshin resumes his normal antics of attacking Ichigo. While Ichigo initially ignores his attacks, he gets annoyed enough to pummel Isshin. At breakfast, when Yuzu asks Isshin what happened to his face, Isshin, turning around, says nothing happened. As Ichigo asks Yuzu and Karin about their summer, Isshin, getting up from his chair, kicks Ichigo in the face, knocking him backwards. As Isshin mocks Ichigo for not being able to react fast at all, the two of them begin fighting.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-e64_49-0">[50]

Later, after Ichigo returns home from school, Karin greets him, and Yuzu tells him he is just in time for dinner. Beginning to fight with Ichigo again, Isshin tells him he is late. When Yuzu tries to stop this, Karin tells her to leave them alone and think of it as a bonding experience for the two of them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-e64_49-1">[50]

Arrangcar arc
When Ichigo returns the protective charm to Isshin, he, saying he does not want it, sews it into Ichigo's school uniform. When Ichigo asks if he lied about Masaki having given him the charm, Isshin changes the subject.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50">[51]

When Grand Fisher is about to attack Kon (who is in Ichigo's body), the charm Isshin gave Ichigo is activated, creating a barrier between them. Wearing a Shinigami uniform, Isshin, telling him to take it with him wherever he goes, turns his attention to Grand Fisher, telling him Ichigo is not home and he should play with him instead. When Grand Fisher questions who he is, Isshin, apologizing, introduces himself.

Hearing the name Kurosaki, Grand Fisher realizes Isshin is the father of Ichigo. Confirming this, Isshin, throwing the charm to Kon, addresses him as Kon. When Kon asks how long Isshin has known about Kon taking Ichigo's place, Isshin, revealing he has known since he saw him enter Ichigo's body in the graveyard, further notes he has never called him by Ichigo's name when he was in Ichigo's body. Stating he has no interest in Isshin, and he only came to kill Ichigo. Grand Fisher orders Isshin to hand him over. When Isshin reveals he does not know where Ichigo is, for Ichigo is no longer a little kid. Including that Ichigo had always been very relaxed with the rules in his family's house. Kon states that Isshin is very strict with Yuzu, and Karin. Kon also states that girls, and boys are very different. Isshin tells Grand Fisher he came to kill him.

Laughing, Grand Fisher, asking if they believe he is nothing, but a regular Hollow, transforms, growing in size. As a shocked Kon says Grand Fisher is nothing like the Menos he saw before, Isshin reveals that Grand Fisher is an Arrancar, a Hollow who has removed his mask to gain Shinigami powers. Drawing his huge Zanpakutō, Grand Fisher, stating the size of his sword shows the amount of power he has, says Isshin cannot win with his twig-sized sword. Smiling, Isshin, challenging Grand Fisher to give it a try, draws his own Zanpakutō. After Isshin and Grand Fisher clash, Isshin states all captain-level Shinigami consciously keep their Zanpakutō in a manageable size, or else everyone would be swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers, telling him to remember never to judge an opponent by the size of their Zanpakutō. As Grand Fisher falls, Isshin, saying he should not talk about a Shinigami's strength until he can understand this, calls him a kid.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54">[55] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55">[56]

Appearing, Urahara asks if Isshin had his revenge. Stating it has been a long time since they saw each other, Urahara says he is relieved he seems well. When Isshin asks what he is on about, Urahara says it would be problematic if he had become weaker and blamed him for it. Isshin states rather than blaming him, he would simply accept it if he became weak. When Urahara asks how it feels to take the form of a Shinigami after abandoning it twenty years ago, Isshin states it is "so-so".

When Urahara asks if his heart is now free of guilt, Isshin, stating he never hated Grand Fisher or any Hollow like that, reveals the thing he has not been able to get over during the last twenty years is his inability to save Masaki that night. Urahara says he has not changed and his attitude is similar to his son's, which Isshin denies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56">[57] Noting the Visored have contacted Ichigo, as Urahara predicted, Isshin explains how they are a group of ex-Shinigami who used forbidden spells to acquire Hollow powers, and they never found their base of operations or learned their goals. When Urahara notes their contacting of Ichigo, Isshin says they are preparing for the battles ahead, just like they are doing.

Telling Urahara they must have noticed the sudden growth of the Arrancar, Isshin, stating Grand Fisher was on a completely different level than the pseudo-Arrancar they had seen before, notes Aizen, using the Hōgyoku, must be responsible for their sudden growth. Noting Grand Fisher's reiatsu was imperfect, Isshin concludes he was only an incomplete prototype, created to test how it performs in combat. Isshin says Aizen will finish his research soon and lead an army of Arrancar to take over the Menos Grande before destroying their world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57">[58]

When Ichigo returns home from school, Isshin elbows him in the face, knocking him to the ground, surprising Isshin, who notes he looks depressed. Saying he must have done poorly in an exam, he tells him Isshin "The Man" Kurosaki does not get upset by school exam results, saying grades are unimportant. He tells Ichigo a high school student should be energetic and do things which are difficult to speak of, such as falling in love. When Ichigo says he will stay in his room until dinner, Yuzu blames Isshin for not apologizing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58">[59] When Rukia returns to the Kurosaki household, Isshin and Yuzu try to eavesdrop on her and Ichigo from his bedroom door. When Ichigo hears him talking to Karin, he scares them off.

When Rukia lies to Isshin and Yuzu about needing a place to stay, leaving Yuzu in tears, Isshin, stating she should be allowed to stay at their house, says Rukia is always welcome. Going over to Masaki's memorial picture with Yuzu, he tells it they now have three daughters.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60">[61] The following morning, when Yuzu tells Isshin she cannot find Ichigo, Isshin asks if Rukia is around. When Rukia, appearing, asks what is wrong, he notes she is alright while Yuzu tells her Ichigo is missing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61">[62] Later, when Isshin is doing the laundry, he finds Yuzu crying over Ichigo's disappearance. Attaching clothes pegs to his beard, he calls himself a bearded daruma doll. Saying he already is one, Karin pulls on the pegs, knocking Isshin to the ground.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62">[63]

Hueco Mundo arc
When Ichigo leaves for Hueco Mundo with Uryū and Sado, Isshin visits Ryūken Ishida at the Karakura Hospital. When Ryūken, asking how he got in to the training area, calls him Kurosaki, Isshin, noting this is the first time he has called him that, asks why his attitude has changed. Noticing Isshin is wearing his Shinigami uniform, Ryūken asks if his powers have returned. Stating he thinks so, Isshin, wondering if Ryūken is not going to read Uryū's farewell letter, asks him if he let Uryū go. Ryūken states it is none of his business, and it is up to Uryū if he keeps his powers and whether or not he lives. When Isshin says Ryūken is a pretty bad father, Ryūken states he is doing better than him, which Isshin admits is correct.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63">[64] Isshin notices Ryūken still smokes despite being in a hospital, ignoring the "No Smoking" sign right next to him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64">[65]

The New Captain Shusuke Amagai arc
As Ichigo wakes up in the morning, Isshin, jumping through his bedroom window via trampoline to greet him, tries to kick him as a way to say good morning. Missing, he falls to to the ground after breaking the window. Later, he, appearing in the kitchen upon hearing his next door neighbor has moved away, he, attempting to kick Ichigo again, is repelled and starts to complain about his injuries.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65">[66]

Fake Karakura Town arc
After Aizen's defeat of the Shinigami captains, Aizen begins to reveal to Ichigo everything he knows about him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66">[67] He is interrupted by Isshin, who, appearing with his Zanpakutō drawn on the battlefield between his son and Aizen, states Aizen "talks too much".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67">[68] As Ichigo calls out to him, Isshin, turning to his son, headbutts him with enough force to send him flying over to a building. Where he, almost falling off the roof, grabs hold of the side just in time. Moving to kick Ichigo off the side, Isshin, looking back at Aizen, retreats with his son. After getting enough distance and finding a place to hide, Isshin holds Ichigo down to keep him quiet, prompting Ichigo to kick him in face.

As Ichigo explains how he knows enough to keep quiet - he just could not breathe - Isshin assures his son he is seeing correctly, and he knows he must have a lot of questions, but they need to wait until later. Ichigo surprises Isshin by stating he has no questions and assuming if he kept this secret, he must have had his reasons to do so. When he decides to not force the issue and allow Isshin to explain when he wants to, Isshin compliments his son on talking so competently. Ichigo tells him to think nothing of it because someone else told him something similar, which helped at the time. He thanks his father for bringing him back into a mood to handle the current situation. As Ichigo moves to attack Gin Ichimaru, Isshin, going on the offensive, attacks Aizen. When his attack is blocked, Isshin, flicking his finger, sends Aizen crashing through several buildings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68">[69]

As Isshin continues the assault, Aizen, finding an opening, unleashes '''Hadō 63. Raikōhō''' on Isshin.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69">[70]

As their battle progresses, Isshin, noticing Aizen panting and becoming less sharp, asks him if he is already at his limit. When Aizen states he has reached his limit as a Shinigami and his soul is being reformed, Isshin asks what he is talking about. Aizen states the will of the Hōgyoku has finally begun to understand what he desires.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70">[71] As Aizen elaborates, Isshin states it still sounds like nonsense to him. As Aizen shocks Isshin with his claims, their conversation is interrupted by Gin smashing Ichigo into a nearby building. When Isshin tries to say something to Ichigo, he tells his father to not talk to him and stay out of his way because he nearly has Gin. When the Hōgyoku begins to envelop Aizen, Ichigo asks Isshin what is happening. When Isshin states he had been thinking to himself he had no idea what was going on when Ichigo flew past them, and he still does not know, Ichigo says he should know because he had been fighting him, prompting Isshin to state he should ask Aizen, who is attacked from behind by Urahara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71">[72] Shocked, Isshin and Ichigo watch as Urahara and Aizen battle.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72">[73]

After Aizen transforms, Isshin attacks him from behind as he is talking to Urahara. When Aizen kicks his sword away, Urahara and Isshin, attacking him simultaneously, entangle him, allowing Yoruichi Shihōin to attack Aizen from above.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73">[74] After the attack fails when Aizen easily breaks the armor Yoruichi is wearing, Urahara and Yoruichi argue about how the armor, made by Urahara, had failed while Isshin awkwardly looks on.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74">[75] After the fighting resume, Urahara uses the special abilities of Benihime to immobilize and attack Aizen. Just as Aizen tells Urahara such techniques will never affect him, Isshin, appearing right in front of Aizen, uses Getsuga Tenshō to slice the latter down the middle.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75">[76] As the dust settles, Isshin notes Aizen's reiatsu was unreadable, and it was like Aizen was not even really there. Emerging with a large crack in his form's face, but otherwise unfazed, Aizen, stating he understood that attack, declares they will now come to understand his power. After Aizen defeats the trio, he, along with Gin, leaves for Soul Society to destroy the real Karakura Town. Managing to get back on his feet, Isshin, going to a shaken Ichigo, tells his son to open a Senkaimon so they can follow Aizen, reminding him of their job to protect Karakura Town.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76">[77]

When Ichigo says there is no way to defeat the monster Aizen has become, Isshin snaps him out of it by asking him if he plans to let something precious to him be destroyed again. With Ichigo's resolve restored, Isshin and Ichigo enter the Dangai to follow Aizen.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77">[78] After entering, Isshin, noticing Aizen has destroyed the Kōtotsu, decides to take advantage of the warped time-space, telling Ichigo he will teach him the Final Getsuga Tenshō.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78">[79] Explaining to a confused Ichigo the nature of the Dangai's time distortion and its past as a penal colony, Isshin reveals while they are inside the Dangai, time passes two thousand times faster. He reveals it is thanks to Urahara's technological prowess Ichigo's group was only thrown back in time a few days when they went to Soul Society to rescue Rukia rather than hundreds of years. Telling Ichigo he will suppress the Kōtotsu, Isshin embeds four implements, which are attached to his wrists by cord, into the wall of the Dangai. He says that he will use his own reiatsu to hold back the current, which he believes he can do for around two thousand hours, nearly three months. He tells his son to use that time to get information from Zangetsu about the true nature of the Final Getsuga Tenshō.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79">[80]

As Ichigo engages in Jinzen, Isshin tries to hit him, but Ichigo dodges. Stating that being able to dodge proves Ichigo's mind is not inside his sword, Isshin questions if he can converse with Zangetsu. Frustrated, Ichigo tells him he has never gone to his inner world by meditating. Telling him about Jinzen, Isshin notes all the techniques he has obtained thus far were probably obtained by forcing them with sheer power.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80">[81] Later, when Ichigo receives a slash on his shoulder, indicating to Isshin he "did it", Isshin warns him to be careful because this time around, Zangetsu is going to go on a rampage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81">[82] Recalling his Engetsu was the same way, he notes their Zanpakutō spirits do not want to teach them this technique, and Ichigo will soon find out why.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82">[83] While Ichigo is battling in his inner world, Isshin, slumped over on his knees as his spiritual power is ebbing to its last bit, ponders why Ichigo is still training.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83">[84]

Ichigo later arrives in Karakura Town in Soul Society, carrying an unconscious Isshin, who is sporting a much longer beard.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84">[85] Placing his father on the ground, Ichigo thanks him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85">[86]

Gotei 13 Invasion army arc
As Kon searches for the missing Nozomi Kujō, Isshin stands in the bathroom. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86">[87]

Introducing Yuzu, Karin, and Isshin to Nozomi, Ichigo says Rukia is the only relative she has left following the break up of her family. Pleading with Isshin to allow Nozomi to stay with them, Yuzu likens her story to a movie. Granting the request, Isshin says he would do so even if it was not like a movie. Proudly telling the poster of Masaki he now has four daughters, Isshin, comparing the house to a harem, leaves with Karin and Yuzu to do some shopping. Later, when Orihime is invited by Karin to make dinner, Isshin, agreeing, says he will be a father to them all, receiving a thump from Ichigo in response.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87">[88]

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc
Isshin yells for Yuzu to choose which tie looks better with his suit for her opening ceremony. When she says either one, he reacts comically. Later, he leaves with Yuzu and Karin for school.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88">[89] One day, when he goes to Ichigo's room to wake him up by pouncing on him, Ichigo dodges his pounce, sending him all the way through the window. Bracing himself on the window, Isshin, yelling at his son for letting him go through the window, asks what he would do if he fell and died. When Ichigo states he would just go to Soul Society, Isshin notes Ichigo has finally come to terms with his father's previous occupation. Telling him he would not have died falling from two stories, Ichigo, trying to loosen Isshin's grip on the window, says he is having strange dreams recently because of him, demanding he apologize. When a surprised Isshin asks about his dreams, Ichigo says he has already forgotten about them.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89">[90]

As Ichigo is walking home one night, he spots Isshin meeting up with Urahara. When Isshin seems to notice Ichigo's presence, Urahara wonders what is wrong. When Isshin suggests they move away to have a private discussion elsewhere, Urahara agrees, and they both move away.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90">[91]

Later, at the Urahara Shop, Urahara, finishing with something, says it is the last one, asking if Isshin is sure. When Isshin, saying he is getting annoying, asks how many times Urahara needs to ask that, Urahara states it is a matter of whether or not a parent robs his son of his future, so it is common sense to confirm it several times. When Isshin says he knows and he is sure, Urahara says they will make their final move, and a mysterious figure steps forth.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91">[92] As Urahara states once the Shinigami inserts some of their reiatsu into the large glowing container, they are done, Isshin, looking away, appears upset.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92">[93] Later, Isshin, who is carrying a glowing, sword-like object, walks through the moonlit streets with Urahara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93">[94]

After Ichigo loses his Fullbring, he is stabbed through the chest. When he looks behind to see who did it, he, seeing Urahara and Isshin behind him, asks if his dad was in on this betrayal as well. Calling Ichigo an idiot, Isshin, saying he did not stab Ichigo, tells Ichigo to look closely so he will see the form of the sword's wielder, which turns out to be Rukia, who stabbed Ichigo to give him his powers back.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94">[95] Afterwards, Ichigo notices his father's power was used to help restore his own.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-95">[96] When Orihime and Sado start to break down from Tsukishima's ability, Urahara and Isshin knock the pair out. Isshin catches Sado, and when Urahara catches Orihime, he complains about Urahara getting a better deal out of this than he did.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96">[97] They bring Orihime and Sado to Urahara's shop, and after Tsukishima is defeated, they become stable. They are left in the care of Tessai and Isshin. Deciding to return to where the battle is taking place, Urahara, telling Isshin to remain behind, acknowledges Isshin's concern about Ichigo learning the truth, stating Ichigo is bound to learn it eventually.

The 10 Thousand Year Blood War arc
After Ichigo is kicked out of the Soul King Palace, he ends up back in front of his home. When Isshin comes out to greet him, Ichigo flees.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98">[99] Later, Isshin goes to Ikumi Unagiya's home in his Shinigami form to confront Ichigo, and both leave Ikumi's place. After joking around, Isshin, revealing he was told by Urahara about the events in Soul Society, deduces Ichigo was sent back home by the Royal Guard.

Recalling Ichigo once said he should tell him about his heritage when he is ready, he says now is the time. He reveals Ichigo is not a Shinigami, but neither a normal Human. Telling Ichigo his mother was a Quincy, Isshin begins to recall his time as a captain and when he first met Masaki.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99">[100] Afterwards, Isshin also decided to tell Ichigo the true reason behind Masaki's death.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100">[101]

Isshin recalls how he didn't go save Masaki on the day she died, not only because of his own powerless state, but how he believed that she could handle herself. He then explains the Quincy prophecy to Ichigo. He asks if Uryu ever talked about his family, and explains what happened to Uryu's Mother when Ichigo says he doesn't know about it. He then reveals that all Quincy have Yhwach's blood flowing in them, which shocks Ichigo. After this, Ichigo thanks him.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-101">[102] As Ichigo walks away, Isshin asks him how he intends to return to the Soul King Palace and witnesses Mera whisking Ichigo away.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102">[103]

Later, he states he will join Yuzu for lunch after he is finished with a patient. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103">[104]

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 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,Renji, Jushiro Ukitake,Sui-Feng, 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 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 Kyora 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. The 10th Division Lieutentant 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 the 10th Division Captain 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, Uryū 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 and Renji 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 watches in her cat form, Rukia tells Ichigo, Orihime, Uryū, Yasutora "Chad" Sado, and Kisuke 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. The 11th Division Lieutenant alerts her captain, 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 4
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 Kurosaki, 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 Kurosaki and Karin Kurosaki while he is gone. Later, when Ichigo goes out to bring flowers to the young boy, he is greeted by Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai, 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 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 Arisawa 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 Jūshirō Ukitake, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō 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.

Quotes

 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Silence! No matter what reason, to he who disrupts this household’s iron harmony, only a punishment of blood can be rendered!"
 * (To Ichigo about Masaki) "Around the time we started dating, she said that my hand is cool when I'm smoking a cigarette. Now that I think about it, that was the only time your mom complimented me on my looks. So every year I smoke on this day only. In front of her."
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "If I were to blame Masaki's death on you, Masaki would get mad at me. It's not anyone's fault that Masaki died. It's just that, the woman I fell in love with was a woman who could die protecting her son. And don't forget, you are the guy the woman that I loved gave her life to protect."
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Live well, age well, and go bald well. And die after me. And... if you can, die smiling. If I can't, I won't be able to face Masaki. Don't hesitate to act. Sadness is a cool thing to shoulder, but you're still too young."
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "I'll take care of everything at the house! While I'm still around, I won't allow anyone to hurt my family. Ah! What I just said was so cool! That sentence is pretty useful."
 * (To Grand Fisher) "I'm sorry, Mr. Hollow, but Ichigo's not in right now. As a replacement or something, how about playing with me instead?"
 * (To Grand Fisher) "Even if you have no interest in me, I'm still here to kill you, so if you don't treat me as your opponent it would be a problem."
 * (To Grand Fisher) "Let me teach you the basics. All captain class Shinigami control the size of their Zanpakutō, otherwise everyone would be swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers like yours. Remember that you can never judge the strength of an opponent by the size of their sword. You should have at least known that much before you challenged me, kid."
 * (To Kisuke Urahara regarding saving Masaki) "You don't need to make it all so complicated! I've just gotta give up being a Shinigami and protect her for the rest of her life, right?! Of course I'll do it! If I let the girl who saved my life die because of some stupid regrets, I'd have to laugh in my own face!"

Knownable Relatives

 * Masaki Kurosaki (Wife/decreased)


 * Ichigo Kurosaki (Son)


 * Karin Kurosaki (Daughter)


 * Yuzu Kurosaki (Daughter)

Trivia

 * His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is "Don't Drag Me Down" by Social Distortion.
 * Before the series started, Tite Kubo was going to portray Isshin as a mortician, resulting in a character he feels looks better in black.

Voice Actors
Japanese : Toshiyuki Morikawa

English : Patrick Seitz