A teenager who can see ghosts, Ichigo Kurosaki gains some of the powers shared by his new friend Rukia Kuchiki and becomes a Soul Reaper.
Rukia wants Ichigo to take over her Soul Reaper duties, but he refuses. A mysterious shadow begins following Orihime, a classmate with a sad past.
Orihime learns her brother is a Hollow, a soul that didn't pass peacefully to the Soul Society but lingered, pursuing those he loved most in life.
Ichigo's pal and classmate Chad Sado brings a cursed bird to school that's really the soul of a boy who lived a tragic life.
Rukia and Chad fight Shrieker, a vicious Hollow who has defeated many Soul Reapers and committed many crimes. But they can't beat him without Ichigo.
At a supply shop, Rukia picks up a modified soul to take over Ichigo while he's pulling Soul Reaper duty, but it absconds with Ichigo's body.
Rukia and Ichigo track his body to an elementary school, where Ichigo struggles with the mischievous, fun-seeking soul inhabiting his physical form.
On the anniversary of his mother's death, Ichigo intends to take the day off from Soul Reaper duties to visit her grave with the rest of his family.
Ichigo faces the Grand Fisher, a Hollow using a lure in the shape of a little girl whom Ichigo remembers seeing when his mother died.
TV star Don Kanonji tapes his show "Spirit Hunter" at an abandoned hospital, where Ichigo finds a demi-Hollow being summoned for the program.
Rumors spread about Ichigo and Rukia's relationship when they keep disappearing from school to respond to Hollow alerts.
To prove how useless Soul Reapers are, Uryu lures Hollows to town and soon they're everywhere, including one that threatens Chad and Ichigo's sister.
When a Hollow pays Orihime a visit at school, she attempts to defend her classmates and discovers her spiritual powers.
In the midst of battle, Ichigo learns that Uryu is a Quincy, a being with a long-standing grudge against Soul Reapers, but the two must join forces.
Rukia fears that Ichigo's battle with Menos Grande will attract the Soul Society's attention. Meanwhile, she and Uryu feel increasingly out of place.
Rukia runs into two reapers from the Soul Society: her brother Byakuya and Renji Abarai, who censure her for giving her powers to a human.
Ichigo squares off against Renji Abarai, but just as he's about to win, Byakuya Kuchiki steps in and deals him a fierce blow from his zanpakuto.
Summer vacation begins, but it's all work and no play for Ichigo, who starts training with Urahara Kisuke to enter the Soul Society and save Rukia.
In the Soul Society, Rukia learns that she'll face her punishment in 25 days. Ichigo struggles to bounce back from a near-death experience.
Ichigo completes the third lesson of Urahara's training and learns his zanpakuto's name, then reports to Urahara's shop for an important meeting.
Ichigo and the others make it through to the Soul Society.
Ichigo and crew defeat the giant, but their entrance into the Seireitei is far from smooth sailing.
An arrogant, boar-riding bully named Ganju Shiba challenges Ichigo and his friends to a fight.
Kukaku Shiba agrees to catapult Ichigo and the others over the walls of the Seireitei with her own creation: the Flower Crane Cannon.
Ichigo, Chad, Uryu and Orihime concentrate on controlling their spirit energies for their flight into the Seireitei.
During their flight into the Seireitei, Ichigo and the others get separated.
Within the Seireitei, a full-fledged search for the intruders is put into action. Meanwhile, Rukia is transferred to the Repentance Cell to await her execution.
Ichigo and his fellow ryoka are forced to stay alert and on their toes as they continue to be hunted by Soul Reapers.
News of the intruders' surprising strength spreads among the Soul Reapers, and the captains are eager for information.
Hanataro Yamada leads Ichigo and Ganju toward the Repentance Cell where Rukia is being held.
Renji and Ichigo engage in battle.
Renji faces defeat, and in his final moments recalls his childhood with Rukia in the Rukongai district of the Soul Society.
In the world of the living, Don Kanonji recruits Ichigo's sisters and the kids from the supply shop to form a team fighting bad spirits.
Word of Renji's defeat spreads, and all-out war is declared against the ryoka.
When a prominent captain of the Soul Reapers is found dead, they turn against one another amid a flurry of suspicion and accusations.
Ichigo, Ganju and Hanataro climb the Senzaikyu's great staircase -- the White Tower -- only to sense an unprecedented amount of spirit energy.
Chad's journey to the Senzaikyu is interrupted by the captain of Squad 8.
Ichigo, still battling Capt. Zaraki, senses a loss of Chad's spirit energy and fears the worst.
As he lies weak on the ground with sword wounds, Ichigo is greeted by a vision of an embodied version of his zanpakuto.
Ganju and Hanataro continue toward the Senzaikyu to save Rukia.
Sensing great spirit energy near the Repentance Cell, Ichigo defies Yoruichi's orders and flees to help Ganju and Hanataro.
To get to Rukia, Orihime and Uryu disguise themselves as Soul Reapers.
While dressed as Soul Reapers, Orihime and Uryu are offered help by Squad 12 -- but Uryu quickly realizes that the jig is up and the offer is a trap.
The captain decides it would be better to capture Uryu and study his distinctive abilities rather than kill him.
Yoruichi trains Ichigo in the finer points of using his zanpakuto.
Lt. Momo Hinamori recalls her days at the Soul Reaper Academy, where she trained in the world of the living.
Momo, Renji and Izuru all escape.
In her holding cell, Rukia has a dream that she believes will help her prepare for the next day's events.
In her dream, Rukia recalls the time she spent training under Lt. Kaien Shiba and Capt. Jushiro Ukitake.
In the world of the living, Don Kanonji tries to boost his television show's ratings by recruiting Kon as the program's mascot.
Preparations get under way for Rukia's execution.
While Ichigo continues his bankai training, Renji tries to save Rukia.
As a resigned Rukia is being led to her execution, the ever-devious Gin Ichimaru stops her and breaks her resolve by offering to let her live.
Rukia stands on the Sokyoku on the brink of execution, not knowing that help is on the way.
While Renji hurries to get Rukia out of harm's way, Ichigo stays behind to hold off Byakuya.
Capt. Ukitake and Capt. Kyoraku face the punishment meted out by Capt. Yamamoto's zanpakuto.
Fueled by anger and feelings of abandonment and betrayal, Soi Fon persists in her attempt to destroy her former master, Yoruichi.
The fierce battle between Byakuya and Ichigo rages on as he taunts Byakuya and demands that he use his bankai against him.
Though the power exerted by Ichigo may have impressed Byakuya, he's not done fighting yet.
After breaking into the chambers of the Soul Society's highest judicial body, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto make a shocking discovery.
After defeating Hitsugaya, Capt. Aizen heads for the Execution Grounds. Renji is dumbfounded as he finds himself facing Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen at Sokyoku Hill.
Furious after hearing news of the defection of three captains, Sajin Komamura arrives at Sokyoku ready to beat the treachery out of Aizen and his lackeys.
Peace returns, and Komamura and Hisagi visit graves of fallen comrades, as the Soul Society heals wounds left by the villainous Aizen and his crew.
After returning from the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends are finally able to get back to their "normal" lives.
Ichigo and his friends meet at school and set out to look for Orihime the day after her disappearance.
After Chad's kidnapping, Ichigo and the others go to Urahara to explain their predicament.
Chad and Orihime are rescued, but when Lirin tells them an impostor has replaced one of their friends, they realize the game isn't over.
Lirin sets in place a giant gate that begins to devour everything in Karakura -- and the only way to save the town is to destroy the gate.
New information has come to light about an unusual race known as Bounts -- beings who attain eternal life by absorbing human souls.
Ichigo and Lirin find themselves in a pinch when they're attacked by the Bount Yoshino Soma and her doll, Goethe.
Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime, Chad and Uryu surround the Bount Ryo Udagawa but find themselves at a slight disadvantage when he releases the immense power of his doll, Friede.
Uryu is hospitalized after being seriously hurt in the Bount attack. Knowing that Quincys are being targeted, Ichigo and the others decide to protect Uryu in the hospital.
Ichigo and the others run from twin Bounts Ho and Ban, who have attacked them at the hospital.
Knocked unconscious during Ho and Ban's attack, Uryu is saved by Yoshino.
While listening to the history of the Bounts at Yoshino's hideout, Uryu is attacked by a Bount named Koga. Uryu and Yoshino battle Koga's steel doll Dalk, but Yoshino's flame doll is no match for Dalk.
Ichigo, Rukia, Lirin, Noba and Kurodo enter the Bount mansion and come face to face with Jin Kariya and the other Bounts for the first time.
Udagawa, who betrayed Kariya, is brought down by former Squad 11 Soul Reaper Maki Ichinose -- who then turns his zanpakuto on Ichigo.
Thanks to Yoruichi's surprise attack, Ichigo and his cohorts escape from Kariya's mansion. But Uryu and Yoshino have sustained serious injuries and are treated at Urahara's shop.
Yoshino leaves Urahara's shop at the crack of dawn. She's aware of Kariya's ambition and is determined to stop him even if it means risking her life.
Yoshino's death brings forth a massive number of new dolls known as Bitto for Kariya. As day breaks, Urahara casts a barrier around his shop so that Ichigo and the others will remain undetected by the Bounts.
Several days after Yoshino's death, Kariya's new Bitto dolls begin attacking humans and accumulating souls. The Soul Society secretly dispatches a contingent to the world of the living, but they're ineffective.
Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime and Chad desperately search the town for Renji when soul disappears after he's attacked by the Bitto.
Rukia and Orihime are having a difficult time battling Yoshi. They decide that Kurodo and Orihime should act as decoys to give Rukia time to unleash a powerful kido.
Sent by the Soul Society, Izuru saves Ichigo and takes over the fight with Dalk.
Possessed by Ritz, Rukia obeys Mabashi's orders to attack Orihime. When she tries to use her Shunshunrikka powers, Mabashi draws out Rukia's Soul Reaper powers.
Chad, Noba and Ururu confront the Bount Sawatari at a park. Just as the battle is about to begin, Matsumoto suddenly appears.
After a fierce battle, Noba is defeated by Baura's immense power. The injured Noba musters all his remaining power and moves himself and his allies to another space before Baura can swallow him.
Rukia, Chad, Orihime, Noba and Kurodo regroup at Urahara's shop. While getting medical treatment, they discuss how the Bounts are fighting with more power than ever.
Ichigo, Renji, Rukia, Chad, Orihime and the others enter the cave of the Bounts. As they proceed cautiously, the eyes of the doll Gesell suddenly appear.
Near the end of Gesell's labyrinth, the doll reveals her true form to Ichigo and Renji. Ichigo stands ready with his zangetsu, but Renji steps forward and insists on facing her solo.
Ichigo is shocked when Kariya reveals that destroying the Soul Society is the true mission of the Bounts -- who are byproducts of the Soul Society's experiments.
Kariya and other Bounts arrive in the Soul Society and find themselves in a fight with Soul Reapers Lt. Omaeda and Lt. Iba. With the abundance of reishi in the Soul Society, the Bounts are able to absorb them quickly, giving the Bounts power.
On her way back to rejoining Squad 13, Rukia fights with Yoshi in the Rukon district. But Rukia finds herself in a pinch because her spirit energy hasn't fully returned.
Hitsugaya and the others investigate the Senzaikyu, which Kariya and his group destroyed. Meanwhile, Rukia, who was injured in a fight with Yoshi, is treated at the Kuchiki house. Ichigo follows her there and asks Byakuya to help battle the Bounts.
Byakuya and Kariya start fighting in a forest in Kusajishi. During the battle, Byakuya finally releases his zanpakuto, but Kariya's invisible dolls bounce the Senbonzakura back.
Ichigo rushes to the site where Byakuya and Kariya are fighting and releases his bankai on Kariya. Byakuya also releases his bankai to attack Kariya, but Ichigo and Byakuya aren't in sync so they can't hurt Kariya.
After learning that the Bounts have assembled mobs, Hitsugaya heads to the forest in Kusajishi with Rangiku and Renji to investigate. Meanwhile, buildings that Ichinose destroyed in the Seireitei are being restored.
Hitsugaya and the others arrive at the Bounts' hideout, where Ichinose is waiting for them. He plans to detain them to help Kariya and his group, who are headed for the Seireitei.
Kariya and the others successfully open the Seireimon using the mobs from Kusajishi. Upon entering, they attack not only the Soul Reaper guards but also the mobs -- and confusion reigns.
Soi Fon is poisoned by a member of her punishment force, which is under Ritz's control. Having increased her power, Ritz can control several Soul Reapers simultaneously.
Upon entering the Seireitei, Sawatari sees Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the captain of Squad 12 -- who proposes that he become a guinea pig for an experiment. But Sawatari refuses and attacks Mayuri using the Baura doll.
As the battle between the Soul Reapers and Bounts intensifies, Kariya breaks into the Department of Research and Development, where he looks for an original Bount crest and interrogates Nemu.
Severely injured by Nieder's attack, Uryu tries desperately to counterattack, but his bow seems to have run out of power. Meanwhile, Yoshi revels in the fight in the Soul Society because she can do whatever she wants.
Hitsugaya -- along with the Soul Reapers of Squad 10 -- tries to capture Koga using Kurodo's Bount sensor. But Koga flees the Seireitei.
Hitsugaya has defeated Koga, leaving Kariya as the last surviving Bount. When Hitsugaya returns to the Squad 10 barracks, he finds that Ichigo and his friends have made themselves at home while Uryu recovers from his fight with Yoshi.
During the battle between Kariya and Rantao, Kariya learns the origin of his powers. When Rantao pleads with Kariya to use the Jokai crest to save the Bounts, he's forced to recall his life of oppression and reasons for destroying the Soul Society.
Ichigo arrives just in time as Uryu and Rantao struggle to fend off Kariya. When Hitsugaya and the others try to go after Ichigo, Rantao stops them.
Ichigo and Kariya's final clash begins on Sokyoku Hill. Realizing that Kariya's fighting style consists of counterattacks that rely on his incredible ability to recover, Ichigo uses Tensa Zangetsu's speed to attack Kariya.
With Kariya defeated and all of the Jokai crests sealed away, Ichigo and his friends rest until the Senkaimon is prepared so they can return to the world of the living.
Back at school, Ichigo battles a Hollow and meets a Vizard named Hirako Shinji. Attacked by Hollows, the powerless Ishida is saved by his father.
Ishida learns that his father has become more powerful and can restore his powers. Ichigo's father Isshin arrives to save Kon from the Grand Fisher.
Hirako faces consequences for his failure to recruit Ichigo into the Vizards. Isshin and Urahara discuss their belief that a war is looming.
Ichigo faces the reality that Hirako is right about his inner Hollow eventually overwhelming him. A pair of Arrancars easily defeats Orihime and Chad.
After he nearly falls in defeat to the Arrancar named Yammy, Ichigo meets a team of Soul Reapers at school that has been dispatched to help him.
New ally Rukia helps Ichigo overcome his fear of the Hollows with some training and explains the nature of the Arrancars they'll now be facing.
After Ulquiorra and Yammy make their report to Aizen and the other Arrancars, an angry Grimmjow assembles a team of assassins to invade Karakura Town.
When the assault of the Arrancars begins, Ichigo and Chad take a back seat to Rukia in a fight with D-Roy. Keigo makes a deal with Ikkaku.
As the Arrancar assault continues, Ikkaku and Edorad engage in an epic battle royale, while Grimmjow quickly defeats Rukia and now faces Ichigo.
During his brutal struggle with Edorad, Ikkaku remembers when he first met and lost a fight with Kenpachi, whom he later pledged to serve.
While Ichigo fights Grimmjow, Hitsugaya, Renji and Matsumoto are losing to their opponents, until a sudden unlocking of further Soul Reaper powers.
On the brink of defeat, Ichigo's inner Hollow is awakened, but the fight with Grimmjow is halted by an unexpected source.
Returning to Hueco Mundo in disgrace, Grimmjow faces possible execution. Realizing his inner Hollow is too powerful, Ichigo searches for the Vizards.
Ichigo's inner battle with his Hollow begins as he battles with Hiyori and receives a spiritual energy test at the hands of Hirako and the Vizards.
Ichigo fights an inner battle with his Hollow for control over his soul, while the Vizards engage in mortal combat with his increasingly berserk body.
Ichigo regains his sword and the fight with his Hollow comes to an end. Forces gather to fight Aizen's plan to overthrow the king of the Soul Society.
Chad and Uryu train, Hiyori teaches Ichigo more about his Hollow form, and Orihime tracks down Ichigo and the Vizards to inform them of Aizen's plans.
Orihime receives the bad news that she may not participate in the coming war with Aizen, due to her decreased power levels. Yammy's arm is reattached.
Matsumoto and Ikkaku dispatch a singing Arrancar, saving a boy who claims that he has a task to complete before he can depart from the real world.
The Soul Reapers learn the Arrancar's secrets: Its song attracts souls and it can duplicate itself. The child Shota reveals he's seeking his sister.
Discovering that the singing Arrancar can disguise itself as the human souls it has devoured, the Soul Reapers begin to suspect Shota's sister, Yui.
The Soul Reapers engage the singing Arrancar and its many copies in a final showdown, with the souls of Shota and his sister, Yui, in the balance.
After she talks her friends into taking on a group of older kids in a soccer match, Karin convinces Toshiro to join their team to even the odds.
When a surprise attack leaves the school's kendo team injured, Ikkaku steps in to train young team members to compete in an upcoming tournament.
Sent to the human world to study Arrancar residue, Rin and Hanataro agree to help a baker's ghost bake a cake for his distraught mother.
After entering a stuffed animal to save a little girl from drowning, Kon returns home with her and must protect her from a Hollow attack.
Resentful of Aizen's reign in Hueco Mundo, an Arrancar named Patros steals the powerful Hogyoku and flees to the human world to learn how to use it.
While rogue Arrancar Patros and his allies battle the Shinigami in the human realm, in Hueco Mundo, Aizen reveals his master plan.
At Aizen's bidding, four Arrancar enter the human world, where the Shinigami use newly learned battle techniques to combat the threat.
While Ichigo uses his fierce new abilities to fight Grimmjow, Ulquiorra attacks Orihime's bodyguards and tells her she must go to Hueco Mundo.
The Shinigami pull out all the stops in their battle with the Arrancar. Meanwhile, Ulquiorra announces the Arrancars' objective has been achieved.
Made invisible and given just hours to prepare for her sojourn in Hueco Mundo, Orihime reflects on her life and says an emotional farewell to Ichigo.
When Captain-Commander Yamamoto forbids all the Shinigami from rescuing Orihime, Ichigo looks for a way into Hueco Mundo on his own.
As Orihime uses her power to heal Grimmjow in Las Noches, Ichigo, Sado and Uryu enter the Garganta and make their way to Hueco Mundo.
Arriving in Hueco Mundo in search of Orihime, Ichigo, Sado and Uryu do battle with powerful Hollows, intent on stopping them.
As Ichigo, Uryu and Sado face a dangerous sandstorm on their way to Las Noches, Aizen holds council with the Espada to plan their attack.
Ichigo, Sado and Uryu form an unlikely alliance with an Arrancar, and Rukia and Renji join their Shinigami friends in Hueco Mundo.
Ichigo and his allies fall into the Forest of Menos, where Hollows reside. Meanwhile, Rukia gets separated from the group and makes a curious friend.
While Ichigo and his friends battle Hollows in the Forest of Menos, Ashido reveals to Rukia his mysterious past and his task in Hueco Mundo.
Ashido takes on the powerful Guardian of the Forest of Menos, and Ichigo and his companions resume their search for Orihime.
Ichigo and the group break into Las Noches and are forced to split up, and Orihime determines to destroy the Hogyoku herself.
Unable to rid himself of Nel, Ichigo moves deeper into Las Noches and does battle with an ultra-powerful Arrancar.
Ichigo comes up against the Privaron Espada Dordonii Alessandro Del Socacchio, who proves difficult to vanquish.
After being defeated by Ichigo, Dordonii decides to help him by taking on a team of arrancars so Ichigo can make his getaway.
Rukia discovers that Aaroniero is in fact Kaien. Eventually, Kaien makes Rukia an unusual proposal.
Rukia enters into a long, difficult battle with Kaien and makes some surprising discoveries along the way.
The struggle between Uryu and Cirucci goes on, but Uryu gets some assistance from the arrancar Pesche Guatiche.
The battle between Cirucci and Uryu finally comes to a conclusion. Chad encounters trouble while fighting Privaron Espada Gantenbainne Mosqueda.
Just as the battle between Chad and Gantenbainne is coming to a close, Chad finds himself set upon by another Espada.
Nnoitora leaves Chad for dead. Meanwhile, Renji comes up against Szayelaporro, and the fight between Rukia and Aaroniero goes on.
The fight between Rukia and Aaroniero finally comes to its conclusion, but no one emerges from the battle unscathed.
It begins to look like Renji may be outmatched in his struggle against Szayelaporro. Ulquiorra enrages Ichigo.
Ulquiorra gets the upper hand in his battle against Ichigo. Renji receives some unexpected aid in his fight with Szayelaporro.
Espada Grimmjow Jeagerjaques saves Orihime from the clutches of Loly and Menoly. Renji and Uryu team up against Szayelaporro.
Renji and Uryu finally rid themselves of Szayelaporro, at least temporarily. Grimmjow wants Orihime to heal Ichigo.
While Grimmjow manages to waylay Ulquiorra, Orihime is able to continue the process of healing Ichigo.
Grimmjow and Ichigo engage in a pitched battle, while Orihime gives Ichigo some much-needed inspiration.
After Ichigo seemingly prevails in his battle against Grimmjow, he and Orihime get ready to leave Las Noches.
With the position of Third Division Captain now open, Shusuke Amagai, a no-name Shinigami recently returned to the Seireitei, steps up to the plate.
A mysterious trio appear in the human world, and Ichigo and Rukia get news of hollows. The duo go to vanquish them, only to be flooded with sightings.
The mysterious trio transfer to Ichigo's class under the names Rurichiyo, Kenryu, and Enryu, and a strange spiritual pressure is felt throughout town.
Ichigo and Ruki are tasked with looking after their new classmate Rurichiyo, who badgers them to explain every little thing in the human world.
Those in the Third Division are working hard under their new captain Amagai, but aren't happy with a constant stream of jobs unfitting of Shinigami.
Rurichiyo is missing one morning, and Kenryu thinks she must've returned to the Soul Society. Ichigo and Rukia head through the Senkaimon after her.
Ichigo and friends hear that the Urahara Shop is in short supply of the all-important material Spirit Particles. They are suspicious about it.
Assassin Nukui and his team of spirit-energy-sapping Bakkoto wielders go to the human world in search of their target. Ichigo braces for the attack.
Ichigo goes head-to-head with assassin captain Nukui in the human world, while the grotesque Bakkoto-wielding Doko appears at Rurichiyo's house.
As Ishida and Rukia face off against Ryu Kuzu and Doko from Nukui's team of assassins, they are introduced to the awesome powers of the Bakkoto.
With the power to use the victim's memories against them, the Saiga Bakkoto torments the trapped Ichigo with visions of his painful past.
At a meeting of the captains, Amagai proposes a joint training exercise between the divisions, but is shut down by captains Kenpachi and Mayuri.
Ichigo and gang narrowly escape Nukui's team of assassins, but Ishida and Chad are nearly completely sapped of their spirit energy in the process.
Ichigo and the gang try to stop Rurichiyo's wedding but are ambushed by the Second Division. Ichigo calls to Rurichiyo, but she turns her back on him.
Having broken up the wedding, Ichigo and Rukia flee from the pursuing Shinigami. They go into the underground tunnels with Shu as their hostage.
Ichigo manages to convince Amagai to help find Rurichiyo, but the news of his betrayal quickly reaches the ears of the Shinigami captains.
Order returns to the Seireitei as the confusion between the Shinigami cools. Ichigo spots a Kasumioji assassin with someone who resembles Rurichiyo.
Kira and Kibune continue their heated battle in the Third Division's barracks when one of them is found to have a connection with the recent events.
All hell breaks loose when the Shinigami storm the Kasumioji Clan's estate only to be met by a group of assassins wielding mass-produced Bakkoto.
The battle between the energy-sapping Bakkoto-wielding assassins and the bewildered Shinigami continues. At this point, can they do anything to win?
The Kasumioji conspiracy is found to be the work of someone close the Shinigami. With this, Captain-Commander Yamamoto steps into the fight.
Hit with Ichigo's powerful Getsuga Tensho attack, Amagai reaches his breaking point and gives every ounce of energy left to his Bakkoto.
Ichigo and gang head into the Hueco Mundo to save Orihime. But they fall one after the other when they face off against the much stronger Espada.
Ishida and Renji find themselves once again in Szayelaporro's chamber. There the bewildered pair come face to face with a mysterious figure.
Finding Nel hiding within some rocks, Nnoitra reveals the innocent looking little girl's secret to Ichigo. He falls silent in disbelief.
Ishida and Renji continue their grueling fight with their clones. But the persistent doppelgangers only seem to grow in number when defeated.
Nnoitra and Nelliel continue their latest in a string of heated battles. However, being former allies, the two are practically identical in power.
The battle between Nnoitra and Nelliel heats up, prompting Nel to release her Zanpakuto. But unfortunate timing means the battle doesn't end there.
About to meet his end at the hands of the Espada, Ichigo is saved at the last minute by a familiar face he never knew he would be so happy to see.
Byakuya swoops in to save his unconscious sister Rukia, firmly anchoring himself in a fight with the seventh Espada, Zommari Rureaux.
Seeing his sister used as a shield by Zommari, Byakuya cracks, finally releasing his Banaki, the Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, against the Espada.
Szayelaporro bears the full brunt of Mayuri's Bankai, but just then, something strange begins to happen to Twelfth Division Vice-captain Nemu.
Szayelaporro waits in silent agony for Captain Mayuri to put him out of his misery. The captain revives Nemu and quickly puts her to work again.
Engaged in battle with Nnoitra, Kenpachi stabs through the fifth Espada's eye patch hoping to hit his injured eye. What he gets instead is much worse.
Nnoitra releases his Zanpakuto against Kenpachi and an intense battle unfolds. The Shinigami captain is overjoyed by the relentlessness of the Espada.
Hoping to die in battle, the merciless Nnoitra fights simply for the thrill of it. The current brawl with Captain Kenpachi is no exception.
Peace was restored to the Kasumioji Clan; but, after an argument with Kenryu, the new head of the clan, Rurichiyo, runs away to the human world alone.
Kenryu and Rurichiyo decide to settle their spat by playing the ancient imperial court game Kemari and drag Ichigo and the gang into the fray.
Over a century before Ichigo first laid eyes on a Hollow, budding Fifth Division lieutenant Sosuke Aizen learns of a new Twelfth Division captain.
Urahara is appointed captain of the Twelfth Division. However, not everyone is convinced that he's up to the task of such a high-ranking position.
Despite her fervent opposition, Twelfth Division lieutenant Hiyori is dragged along to a dangerous facility beneath the Second Division's barracks.
Urahara learns of a series of unexplainable disappearances. Ninth Division captain Kensei Muguruma and his subordinates are sent to investigate.
After the Ninth Division's encounter with a mysterious foe, an emergency captains’ meeting is held to determine who will look into the situation.
The captains rally to defeat the powerful Hollow. Hachigen’s binding attack proves successful — until the group suddenly faces an unexpected threat.
Teleporting back to the Twelfth Division headquarters, Urahara attempts to save his fallen peers. But his actions lead to a terrible accusation.
Ichigo, Uryu and Chad’s journey to Hueco Mundo leaves Karakura without anyone to protect it from Hollow attacks. Luckily, Urahara has a backup plan.
Led by Don Kanonji, Kon and the ragtag team of Hollow-fighting heroes he was forced to join prepare to infiltrate a Hollow-infested fortress.
The Soul Society's remaining captains prepare to face off against Aizen and his Arrancars in a battle that threatens to decide the fate of all worlds.
Reaching Orihime, Ichigo is met by Ulquiorra, who swiftly unsheathes his blade. Meanwhile, Baraggan launches an attack on the Soul Society captains.
While Izuru continues to defend one of Karakura’s protective pillars from attack, Yumichika trades blows and cutting insults with a vain Arrancar.
Yumichika reveals a secret about his zanpakuto before ending his fight. Meanwhile, Izuru witnesses the terrifying power of an Arrancar's resurrección.
Findor continues to chip away his mask, increasing his power exponentially. Finding himself on the ropes, Hisagi unleashes his ultimate weapon.
With the real Karakura coming under threat, Seventh Division captain Komamura rushes to prevent the Arrancars’ rampage from ballooning out of control.
Tenth Division lieutenant Rangiku offers to take on a group of Arrancars, allowing Hitsugaya to face off against the formidable Espada Tier Halibel.
Soi Fon locks horns with the Arrancar Ggio Vega. She quickly gains the upper hand, but an oversight on her part grants Ggio a narrow escape.
Concerned for Omaeda, who is tied up in a battle of his own, Soi Fon is momentarily distracted, leaving herself wide open to Ggio’s attack.
Rangiku struggles to hold her own in her three-on-one battle against Halibel’s subordinates. When all seems lost, an unexpected ally comes to her aid.
With the odds already heavily stacked against her, Rangiku’s situation takes a further turn for the worse when she must face an additional enemy.
First Division captain Yamamoto steps in to confront an enraged Ayon. Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Renji and Chad face a Hollow threat of their own.
On a warm spring day, Ichigo and his friends begin their first day of high school while the Soul Society lieutenants gather to discuss a promotion.
The female Soul Reapers head to a beach in the human world, where they are joined by Renji and the guys. An unexpected attack soon ruins the mood.
Ikkaku and Yumichika are sent to Karakura in search of an escaped Hollow only for Ikkaku to end up in an even stickier situation with a local girl.
As zanpakuto swords across Soul Society begin acting strangely, an unexpected visit spurs Captain-Commander Yamamoto to urgently summon the divisions.
Ichigo encounters a mysterious woman who uses Rukia's techniques. Rukia tells her friends of how the Soul Reapers’ zanpakuto are being manipulated.
Returning to Soul Society, Rukia once again faces off against Sleeved White Snow. But her zanpakuto spirit proves too strong for her to take on alone.
Faced by Muramasa, the man responsible for releasing the zanpakuto spirits, Ichigo unwittingly endangers himself and Zangetsu when he opts to fight.
Hisagi encounters his own vicious zanpakuto spirit while patrolling Soul Society. Muramasa works to draw out another of Ichigo's inner selves.
Renji continues to trade blows with the two spirits of his zanpakuto. A flurry of attacks leads Muramasa to discover the truth of his opponent.
Ichigo's fight with Zangetsu takes a deadly turn as he faces his own bankai. But with the loss of his zanpakuto in the balance, he refuses to give up.
Ichigo and Ikkaku patrol Soul Society in search of the zanpakuto spirits, bringing them face to face with Omaeda and Ikkaku's personified swords.
While searching for Byakuya, Ichigo encounters two female zanpakuto spirits who are on a quest of their own. Luckily for him, backup isn't far away.
Rangiku and Momo split up to fight their respective zanpakuto spirits. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya's meeting with Hyorinmaru quickly escalates into a fight.
Mayuri experiments on Omaeda's zanpakuto spirit to research how to return them to their owners. Ichigo faces the most threatening zanpakuto yet.
Returning to Muramasa’s hideout, Byakuya is forced to prove his loyalty by defeating and ultimately destroying his own sister's zanpakuto spirit.
As the showdown between the Soul Reapers and their zanpakuto spirits commences, Ichigo confronts Byakuya only to be intercepted by Senbonzakura.
While Soi Fon's prospects of winning further dwindle when a familiar face joins the fray, Yumichika struggles to hold his own against Ruri’iro Kujaku.
Kenpachi makes a belated appearance, single-handedly turning the tide of battle against Wabisuke before taking on Senbonzakura and Byakuya.
While Kenpachi and Byakuya lock horns, Ichigo's fight with Senbonzakura rages on. Meanwhile, Soi Fon realizes she’s no match for Suzumebachi's speed.
After discussing how to rescue Yamamoto from the zanpakuto, Yoruichi, Ukitake, Kyoraku, Kenpachi and Ichigo split up and infiltrate their hideout.
As the captains fend off the zanpakuto spirits, Ichigo once again encounters Muramasa. Pushed to the brink, Ichigo is forced to use his last resort.
Muramasa and his two companions depart for Karakura, leaving Ichigo and the Soul Society captains trapped inside an impenetrable ring of flames.
Uryu and Chad take on Muramasa in Karakura, but the odds are quickly evened for their opponent when a formidable zanpakuto spirit enters the fray.
Several centuries ago in Soul Society, Koga Kuchiki fights in the Soul Reaper rebellion, only to be framed for the deaths of his own allies.
Unable to forgive those that betrayed him, Koga goes on a rampage, killing anyone he deems an enemy and placing himself at odds with the Soul Reapers.
Senbonzakura reveals the truth behind Byakuya’s treacherous conduct. Unwilling to accept help from Muramasa, Koga engages Byakuya in a one-on-one duel.
Muramasa's spirit energy begins attracting hordes of Hollows. While Ichigo and his companions fend them off, Muramasa becomes unstable and transforms.
Joining forces once more, the Soul Reapers and zanpakuto spirits work together to hold off a flood of Menos Grandes pouring into the human world.
Trapped inside Koga's inner world, Ichigo clashes with Muramasa and shows him what a true bond between a Soul Reaper and a zanpakuto looks like.
The Soul Reapers enjoy a picnic in Byakuya's garden. But their fun is cut short when Rukia is suddenly attacked by two mysterious creatures.
Ichigo encounters a rampant zanpakuto in the human world. Ukitake and Kyoraku ponder over where the sword beasts came from and how many still remain.
Renji and the two spirits of his zanpakuto, Saru and Hebi, chase a sword beast to the human world. Splitting up, Hebi sees a chance for freedom.
Ikkaku and a party of Soul Reapers are sent to track down a thief in the sewers but become separated when a giant, tentacled monster suddenly attacks.
Despite being freed from Muramasa, Kazeshini refuses to return to Hisagi. But his freedom is short-lived when he is saddled with a baby orphan.
New student Kyoko Haida transfers to Karakura High School. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Rukia learn of a suspicious attack on a high school girl.
Haineko falls for the handsome sword beast that she is ordered to destroy. The two become close but the beast struggles to keep control of his senses.
Senbonzakura and Zabimaru infiltrate the Twelfth Division's research facility to deliver a sword beast. But Senbonzakura clumsily traps them inside.
First Division lieutenant Nanao takes one of Kyoraku's zanpakuto on a mission but struggles to find common ground with the tight-lipped spirit.
A mysterious creature begins reverting sword beasts to their weapon forms. The Soul Reapers’ zanpakuto spirits band together to try and take it down.
Aizen arrives in Karakura with the Espadas and his army of Arrancars. The Soul Reaper captains and lieutenants prepare themselves for an all-out war.
Ichigo's battle with Ulquiorra shifts into high gear. Meanwhile, Renji and Chad work together to take down a giant Hollow in the Hueco Mundo desert.
While Ichigo is distracted, Orihime falls into the hands of Loly and Menoly. Just when her life is in danger, an unexpected warrior intervenes.
Uryu takes on Yammy in a one-on-one battle. Unable to defeat the giant Arrancar with brute strength alone, Uryu must do what he can to outwit him.
Turning into his Hollow form, Ichigo puts the pressure on Ulquiorra. However, Ichigo isn't the only combatant with the ability to transform.
Orihime rushes to Ichigo’s side after Ulquiorra lands a deadly attack on the beleaguered Soul Reaper. Uryu steps in to take on the powerful Espada.
Renji and Chad work together to break through Rudbornn’s defense, giving Rukia a clear shot. Meanwhile, Ichigo prepares to unleash the final blow.
Growing exponentially in size, Yammy unleashes his true power. Renji, Chad and Rukia quickly attack the giant Arrancar but their hits are ineffective.
In the sky above Karakura, Hitsugaya and Halibel continue to cancel out each other's attacks. Down below, Kira urgently tends to his fallen comrades.
With his allies in danger, Hitsugaya opens up the heavens and unleashes his most powerful attack, raining down a flurry of entombing ice on Halibel.
Omaeda is left to fight the seemingly untouchable Espada Baraggan alone. Meanwhile, Kyoraku begins using mind games to confuse his opponent.
While Soi Fon unleashes her powerful missile-like bankai, Kyoraku pushes Coyote Starrk to call his Fracción to his side and reveal his resurrección.
Ukitake joins Kyoraku in a bid to overpower Starrk. But things soon turn south for the Soul Reapers when a powerful young Arrancar appears.
After the unexpected arrival of the Vizards, Hirako explains to Yamamoto where his group's alliances stand. Wonderweiss summons reinforcements.
The Soul Reapers form an uneasy alliance with the Vizards and prepare to take on the Arrancars together. Hisagi confronts his former captain.
Hachigen takes on Baraggan alone. After the Vizard successfully turns the tables on him, Baraggan reveals the reason why he dons a crown.
Starrk remains passive in his fight with Love and Rose. Frustrated by Starrk’s apparent lack of interest, Lilynette takes matters into her own hands.
Starrk gets his wish of fighting Kyoraku with his zanpakuto released. But Kyoraku's combative abilities prove to be more than he bargained for.
Halibel recalls when she first recruited her three female Fracción subordinates in Hueco Mundo, and the impossible ultimatum posed to her by Baraggan.
Kensei Muguruma steps in to save Mashiro when her Hollow mask breaks. Hiyori carelessly puts her life on the line in a head-on attack on Aizen.
Yammy throws Rukia to the ground only to discover that Ichigo has come to her aid. Enraged, the Arrancar takes a powerful swing at the Soul Reapers.
Ichigo and his friends go in search of hidden treasure but instead stumble upon a magical lamp containing a genie who looks exactly like Rukia.
Ichigo and Unohana use the opening created by Mayuri to head to the human world. Back in Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi continues to lock horns with Yammy.
Yammy reveals to Byakuya and Kenpachi the secret of his power. Meanwhile, Komamura and Hisagi square off with Tosen while Hirako confronts Aizen.
Komamura uses his powerful bankai to fight Tosen. Amid their bitter exchange of blows, Tosen reveals he knows an indirect way to hurt Komamura.
Tosen’s newly acquired Hollow form threatens to destroy Komamura — until an unexpected attack from above takes both combatants by surprise.
Ichigo calls on his Hollow powers to attack Aizen. However, after easily dodging his attacks, Aizen begins questioning his reasons for fighting.
After Hitsugaya's attacks prove ineffective against Aizen, the Soul Reapers and Vizards come together to unleash a furious barrage of attacks.
Aizen succeeds in firing up Yamamoto after easily dispatching his allies. But the commander’s wall of flames is swiftly extinguished by Wonderweiss.
Ichigo successfully wounds Aizen, but their fight is far from over as Aizen reveals that every battle Ichigo has fought has been a part of his plan.
Aizen continues to explain his role in Ichigo's battles, including his encounters with Ulquiorra and Grimmjow — until he is interrupted by a visitor.
With Aizen preoccupied, Ichigo clashes swords with Gin. Wasting no time in releasing his bankai, Gin warns Ichigo that he won’t hold back like before.
The Soul Reapers of the 13 Soul Society divisions split into teams to see who can come up with the best movie for an upcoming film festival.
In the human world, Rukia encounters a chain-wearing Hollow, only to realize that it's Shrieker, one of the first Hollows Ichigo ever defeated.
Urahara steps in to take on Aizen. Equipped with a few tricks up his sleeve, Urahara catches Aizen off guard, forcing him to transform his appearance.
Ichigo activates his Hollow mask and launches an attack on Gin. Meanwhile, Urahara, Isshin and Yoruichi team up to put a dent in Aizen's armor.
Isshin reveals that he and Ichigo are in a dimension perfectly suited for intensive training. Ichigo prepares to learn his final Getsuga Tensho.
Finding themselves at odds over some New Year’s greeting card designs, the male and female Soul Reapers opt to settle their dispute with a card game.
Ichigo has another dream, only this time he and his friends are monsters in a spooky castle and must fend off two threatening monster hunters.
Rangiku and Hisagi are sent on a mission together and end up at an inn. Hisagi tries to focus on their task, but his imagination gets the best of him.
Fusing with Ichigo’s inner Hollow, Tensa Zangetsu charges at Ichigo with the full intent to kill. Meanwhile, Don Kanonji steps in to take on Aizen.
Ichigo's classmates attempt to stop an approaching Aizen and escape. Despite their best efforts, however, Aizen’s advance is halted by somebody else.
While Rangiku mourns the loss of her friend, Ichigo arrives back in the human world. More confident than before, Ichigo challenges Aizen to a duel.
Transforming yet again, Aizen prepares to make quick work of Ichigo. Tired of his opponent’s antics, Ichigo unleashes his final Getsuga Tensho attack.
With each of their fights resolved, the embattled Soul Reapers and Vizards begin their recovery. Meanwhile, Ichigo wonders about Aizen's true motives.
In Karakura, Kon attempts to save a woman from a Hollow but is beaten to the punch by a handsome, kind and suspiciously perfect man in a cape.
Omaeda accidentally saves a child from a Hollow. Seeing a chance for some admiration, he tells the boy that he's the captain of the Second Division.
Ichigo notices a Soul Reaper in the Eleventh Division being disrespected by his peers. After finding out why, Ichigo tries offering his encouragement.
Sick of being stuck indoors, Kon takes advantage of Ichigo's absence and goes for a stroll. He soon comes across a woman about to leap from a bridge.
Responding to a woman’s cry for help, Yachiru hurries to the scene and witnesses a familiar face appear out of nowhere to vanquish a fearsome Hollow.
Hitsugaya visits an old acquaintance in the human world and discovers that she has taken in a young ghost who could turn into a Hollow at any moment.
Just when peace has finally returned to the human world and Soul Society, Rangiku and Nanao encounter a bizarre occurrence after entering the Dangai.
The mysterious girl that Kon found regains consciousness. Meanwhile, Rukia helps Ichigo escape incarceration, but they soon run into Renji and Ikkaku.
Yoruichi proposes a bold plan to help Ichigo and Rukia return to the human world. Uryu fights the mysterious reaper but finds himself outmatched.
The real captains and lieutenants hold an urgent meeting in Ichigo's room to discuss their next move. Orihime holds a barbecue to help Nozomi open up.
After Nozomi runs away, Ichigo and the others frantically search for her. Meanwhile, a team of Reigai arrives in the human world to capture Ichigo.
Rangiku faces Kira's Reigai but has trouble dealing with his improved zanpakuto. In Soul Society, Ukitake pleads for Kyoraku's release.
Renji"s Reigai confronts an unsuspecting Orihime and Chad. Unohana discovers the identity of the mastermind behind all the incidents.
Urahara devises a way for the five captains to pass through the Dangai while avoiding Kageroza's traps. Kenpachi faces off against his Reigai.
While Yamamoto continues to fight Ukitake and Kyoraku’s Reigai, Byakuya faces a strong foe. Warming up to Ichigo, Nozomi uses her powers to heal him.
Following their fierce battles, the wounded Kenpachi and Byakuya run into more powerful Reigai. Meanwhile, Kageroza lies in wait for Ichigo.
As the Soul Reaper captains continue their fierce battle to take back Soul Society, Kyoraku and Ukitake’s Reigai begin to overwhelm Yamamoto.
Hitsugaya and Kenpachi find Kageroza and engage him in combat but struggle against the awesome power of his zanpakuto. A familiar face lends a hand.
Ichigo awakes to find himself in the human world despite having been swallowed up inside the Dangai. Kageroza reveals a shocking truth.
Ichigo and Rukia work to destroy the increasing number of Hollows appearing in the human world. A depressed Kon feels unsure how to act around Nozomi.
While Kageroza moves to send an invasion force to the human world, Ichigo and the others train with Nozomi in a bid to awaken her dormant zanpakuto.
Nozomi sets out to assist the Soul Reapers in battle, but none of them accept her help. Stepping in to defend Kira, she confronts Hitsugaya’s Reigai.
Yamamoto saves Ichigo’s group from Byakuya’s Reigai but refuses to accept Nozomi as an ally because she’s a modified soul. Two persistent foes appear.
Nozomi attempts to protect Yamamoto but her zanpakuto breaks. Ichigo and Renji step in to defend her from Kageroza, who reveals a shocking secret.
Despite having lost his Soul Reaper powers, Ichigo remains determined to save Nozomi. He and the others gather at Urahara's shop to form a plan.
Rukia and the others must act as decoys to attract the Reigai's attention and enable Ichigo, Urahara and Kon to sneak into the research department.
Ichigo and his companions search for Kageroza's lab, but his spirit energy and Hollow powers become increasingly unstable, causing him to pass out.
In the Nest of Maggots, Urahara finds traces of Kageroza's blood, which lead him to where Nozomi is being held — and his own Reigai lies in wait.
The Hollowfied Ichigo attempts to fight the newly fused Kageroza but is no match for him. Rukia and the others arrive from the human world to help.
The Soul Society captains find themselves surrounded by the Reigai. Meanwhile, Renji, Rukia, Uryu and Chad combine their efforts to take on Kageroza.
Together with his friends, a rejuvenated Ichigo launches a frenzied assault on Kageroza before unleashing a powerful Hollowfied Getsuga Tensho attack.
Despite his waning spirit energy, Ichigo continues to fight Hollows in the human world. Rukia senses the time to bid him farewell is fast approaching.
Over a year has passed since Ichigo lost his reaper powers. No longer able to see ghosts, he finally gets to live the normal life he desired.
After Ichigo joins Uryu in dealing with the group of delinquents, he is suddenly abducted by his part-time job boss and taken to the company office.
Learning of Uryu’s accident, Orihime and Ichigo rush to the hospital to see him, but he keeps quiet about what happened. Keigo and Mizuiro go missing.
Desperate to know why his friends are being targeted, Ichigo goes to meet Ginjo, who tells him Xcution’s objective: to restore his Soul Reaper powers.
While Ichigo struggles to decide whether or not he wants his reaper powers back, Karin begins to sense a strange presence outside their house.
To regain his reaper powers, Ichigo must first learn to use Fullbring. Riruka uses her Dollhouse ability to put him through some intense training.
Orihime is approached by a high schooler named Shishigawara, who intends to kill her. Thinking he is behind Uryu's injury, she prepares to fight him.
Fearing for Orihime’s safety, Ichigo and Chad rush to her apartment. Meanwhile, Tsukishima unleashes his fearsome Fullbring, Book of the End.
Ichigo asks to fight one of the Xcution members to help him master his Fullbring more quickly, but not everyone consents to his request.
Ichigo begins his training with Jackie, who uses her formidable Dirty Boots ability to nullify his attacks before kicking through his defense.
After learning that Tsukishima was behind the attacks on Uryu and Orihime, a furious Ichigo utilizes his evolved Fullbring to fight him head-on.
Uryu asks Orihime to heal his wounds. Meanwhile, Yukio uses his Fullbring power, Invaders Must Die, to create a space for Ichigo and Ginjo to train.
As Soul Society rings in the new year, Kira holds a kite flying event to improve squad relations. Rukia struggles to rehearse a ceremonial dance.
While training with Ginjo, an injured Ichigo undergoes healing from Orihime, who makes herself heard by defiantly unleashing a powerful new ability.
Chad and Orihime work together to investigate Tsukishima's ability. Later at school, Orihime suddenly begins to remember some peculiar memories.
Uryu escapes from the hospital to investigate Tsukishima but notices that people close to Ichigo are acting strangely. Ichigo completes his Fullbring.
Shocked by their discovery, Ginjo and Ichigo head to a hideout to discuss how to free their friends and family from Tsukishima's past-altering power.
While Ginjo fights Shishigawara and his Xcution teammates, Ichigo tries to take down Tsukishima, but Orihime and Chad step in to protect him.
Ginjo reveals the truth behind his plan and strips Ichigo of his Fullbring. Ichigo falls into despair after losing his powers for the second time.
Under the watchful eye of his Soul Society companions, Ichigo puts his newly restored Soul Reaper powers to use and launches an assault on Ginjo.
Finding themselves split up in different dimensions, the Soul Reapers engage the Xcution members in one-on-one fights. Uryu offers Ichigo an apology.
Confident of victory, Byakuya advances on Tsukishima but falls prey to his opponent’s trap. Rukia struggles to deal with Riruka's cute stuffed toys.
When Uryu cannot devise a plan for defeating Ginjo, Ichigo decides to rush in and attack, but Ginjo easily deflects his Getsuga Tensho.
As their battle nears its end, Ichigo and Ginjo clash bankai in a furious showdown. Ginjo is surprised to find sympathy in Ichigo’s expression.
In Karakura, two newly appointed Soul Reapers nearly die while facing several powerful Hollows — until some veteran combatants come to their aid.
Ichigo and the others learn of the damage caused by the mysterious attack on Soul Society. Later, Ichigo encounters Nel, who begs him for help.
In Soul Society, Yamamoto orders all the squad captains to prepare for war with the Quincies. Meanwhile, Ichigo duels Quilge Opie in Hueco Mundo.
The Soul Reapers fail to stop the Stern Ritters' incursion into the Seireitei, leading to heavy casualties. The squad captains take to the front line.
Trapped within Quilge Opie's barrier, Ichigo can only listen to the cries of his comrades. Meanwhile, Byakuya faces Äs Nödt, who stole his bankai.
Amid roaring flames, Yamamoto and Yhwach face each other for the first time in a thousand years, beginning a vicious and fateful battle.
After the duel, Yhwach describes how Yamamoto and the once-dreaded 13 Court Guard Squads have changed. He then orders the destruction of Soul Society.
As the denizens of Seireitei tend to their wounded, Ichigo meets the members of the elite Squad 0, who have come to take him to Soul King Palace.
After Ichigo and Renji recover from their injuries, Kirio treats them to a feast. Newly appointed Head Captain Kyoraku meets with the Council of 46.
Continuing their intense battle, Kenpachi and Unohana recall the day they first met. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Renji meet the man who created zanpakuto.
Expelled from Soul King Palace, Ichigo finds himself back in his hometown. There, his father tells him the truth about his mother and how they met.
Captain Isshin decides that he wants to see the Quincy girl Masaki again. Meanwhile, Ryuken's mother scolds Masaki for helping a Soul Reaper.
While a resolute Ichigo returns to Oetsu's shack to get a new zanpakuto forged, the Soul Reapers in Soul Society prepare for their next battle.
Squad 0 leader Hyosube tells Ichigo he is not ready to face Yhwach. Meanwhile, Yhwach makes an announcement that causes a stir among the Stern Ritter.
The Stern Ritter forces begin attacking the panicked Soul Reapers. With Rangiku by his side, Hitsugaya pits his icy powers against Bazz-B's flames.
Cang Du prepares to use Hitsugaya's own power against him and strike a killing blow. Urahara reveals the method for reclaiming the stolen bankai.
With the Quincies' powers unleashed, Stern Ritter member Bambietta turns the tables on Hirako. Komamura confronts her while using a new technique.
Muguruma's iron fists are no match for Mask De Masculine's muscular might. Ohtoribashi tries to deceive the masked wrestler with a musical attack.
With his training complete, Ichigo learns of the Quincies' invasion and hurries toward Seireitei. Meanwhile, Rukia fearlessly faces Äs Nödt.
While Yachiru and Isane face one Stern Ritter member, another suddenly appears in the room with them. Kenpachi arrives to battle this new enemy.
Soon after his battle against Gremmy, Kenpachi is attacked by four female Stern Ritter members. A familiar ally finally arrives and joins the fray.
Ichigo and his friends resolve to head to Soul King Palace and confront Uryu. Ikkaku and Yumichika battle Giselle and an undead Bambietta.
After Ikkaku and Yumichika prove no match for a zombified Hitsugaya, Mayuri makes an ominous request. Byakuya swiftly defeats Candice and her group.
Ganju demands that Ichigo and the others let him accompany them to Soul King Palace, where Senjumaru Shutara and her soldiers confront Yhwach's group.
As Hyosube fights to prevent Yhwach from reaching the heart of the palace, the rest of his squad continues battling the other elite Quincies.
Hyosube and Yhwach's battle rages on. Meanwhile, struggling against Yhwach's empowered elite guards, Oetsu and the others take drastic action.