Erdyan Kurosaki (黒崎 一護, Kurosaki Erdyan) is a Human who had Visored powers. He is the son of Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki, and older brother of Karin and Yuzu. He is the main protagonist of the Bleach series.
Erdyan looks like a normal teenage boy; the one exception to that is his spiky orange hair, a trait that he has been ridiculed about for years. He is a fairly tall, lean-built person with peach skin and brown eyes. Since becoming a Shinigami he has become noticeably more muscular, as noted by his sister Karin. When in his spiritual form, Ichigo wears standard Shinigami attire with the addition of a strap across his chest. Initially it was a thick brown belt to hold his Zanpakutō sheathe,[3] but it later became a red rosary-like strap.[4] Ichigo's appearance has caused several people, including Jūshirō Ukitake, to notice a similarity to Kaien Shiba; the former lieutenant of the 13th Division.[5] After training in the Dangai, Ichigo's hair grows considerably and is noticeably taller, as stated by his friends.[6] However, after Ichigo loses all his spiritual powers, his appearance reverts to the way it before his Dangai training.[7]
When he was young, Erdyan considered his mother to be the center of his world.[8] Erdyan always smiled whenever he was with Masaki and he was regularly at her side, holding her hand. Despite crying whenever he lost in a match at the dojo he attended, Erdyan started to smile again as soon as he saw Masaki when she came to pick him up.[9] At a very young age, Erdyan heard his father saying that his name means "to protect one thing", which instilled in him a desire to protect his mother. When his sisters were born he began attending a dojo for the sake of protecting them, since then the number of people he wished to protect has continued to grow,[10] causing Erdyan to risk his life to protect both his family and strangers.[11][12]
As a Human teenager, Erdyan's personality is much more complex. Stubborn, short-tempered, strong-willed and impulsive, he attempts to maintain a detached and "cool" image, despite claiming not to care about what other people think about him. He generally keeps his face set in a permanent scowl, with his eyebrows drawn together.[13] His outspoken, hot-headed demeanor is a trait Erdyan himself acknowledged, and that if somebody picks a fight with him, he cannot help fighting back. He coldly refers to his teachers as “instructors”.[14] He is shown to be genuinely compassionate and empathetic about others, as seen by him promising to bring a Plus flowers[15] and a toy plane[16] or soothing others when they become upset.[17] Erdyan is also a capable student, ranked 23rd in his high school.[18] He studies regularly and does not neglect his schoolwork, claiming that he has "nothing better to do at home", though he actually works as hard as he does simply to overcome the misconceptions many have about him, which are based on his hair color and fighting.[19] Ichigo hates fortune telling, horoscopes, feng shui, psychics and anyone whose trade involves taking money from people for things that they cannot see.[20] He has difficulty remembering people's faces and names.[21][22] Ichigo becomes extremely shy and uncomfortable around nude or immodestly dressed women, a fact both Rangiku Matsumoto and Yoruichi Shihōin have teased him for.[23] Ichigo has some trouble with authority and traditional respect, often quite rude and disrespectful when talking to those older than himself, calling Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto "gramps" and referring to several of the Shinigami captains by their given names.[24]
When it comes to fighting, Ichigo has a complex sense of honor; he regularly seeks to exact revenge for the actions of his opponent, such as instilling the fear of being murdered in Shrieker[25] and cutting off the right arm of Yammy Llargo in retaliation for him ripping Yasutora Sado's right arm apart.[26] He would often taunt and belittle his opponents when fighting, sometimes even attacking without warning.[27] Ichigo has a strong desire to win his fights[28] and to win them in what he views as a legitimate manner. To this end, he has refused the aid of his inner Hollow, even when knowing that it would allow him to win.[29] Similarly, after regaining control of his body, he tells Ulquiorra to cut off his limbs so that they may have a fair fight[30] and refuses to kill him when he is dying; saying that it was not the way he wanted to win.[31]
Ichigo has even shown that he despises those who mistreat their allies in any way, even if they are his own enemies. He is disgusted when an individual berates his/her own allies, such as when Yammy calls Ulquiorra Cifer, Nnoitra Gilga, and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez "trash".[32]. He also expresses anger towards those who go as far as attacking their own allies, expressing that he cannot forgive those who murder their own comrades.[33]
Despite Ichigo's strong sense of honor, his will to win can waiver at times, which directly affects his overall energy levels and fighting abilities. His absolute resolve is depicted by his eyes glowing bright blue and his body being engulfed in a bright blue aura. The same is included with his Hollow powers, in which his eyes glow yellow and his aura turns black. Erdyan’s abilities at their peak allow him to hold his own, if not contend, against the toughest opponents. His will to protect his friends is shown to be so great that, even when battle-worn, he can fight at deceptively high levels, as seen when he effortlessly caught Grimmjow’s punch when in his released state.[34] However, at the same time, his lack of resolve to win can also impede his spiritual energy and fighting prowess, shown when he goes into a state of depression and self-loathing when he loses a major battle or lets a friend down; after losing his fight against Yammy and Ulquiorra, thanks to the crippling fear of his inner Hollow, Erdyan's will became so weak, he was unable to even defeat a weak Hollow until Rukia helped restore his resolve.[35]
Ichigo was born on July 15th, as the son of Isshin Kurosaki and Masaki Kurosaki, 15 years before he became a Shinigami. His sisters Karin Kurosaki and Yuzu Kurosaki were born a few years later. When he was four, Erdyan joined a karate dojo, where he met and befriended Tatsuki Arisawa. Tatsuki beat Ichigo in every match they had. Tatsuki would also help Erdyan if he was being picked on by bullies and cheer him up if he was upset.[9]
Erdyan was able to see Pluses for as long as he could remember. He could see them so clearly that, as a child, he could not tell the living from the dead. This resulted in him appearing to other people to be looking at deserted places and talking to himself. This caused people to say that he could see ghosts, though when Tatsuki Arisawa asked him about this, he denied being able to see them.[36]
On June 17th, when Erdyan was nine years old, he and his mother were walking home alongside one of Karakura Town's rivers; which was swollen from heavy rain. Ichigo saw a girl near the river and thought that she was about to jump into it. Unable to tell the difference between ghosts and living people, Ichigo ran towards her to stop her, unaware that the girl was the lure of the HollowGrand Fisher. Masaki tried to stop him, but he did not listen. After failing to grab hold of the girl, Erdyan lost consciousness for a time. When he awoke, Masaki was lying on top of him, covered in blood.[37] Starting the day after Masaki's death, Ichigo repeatedly skipped school to go to the riverbank where Masaki died. Tatsuki found him there, where he would stay from morning until night, wandering along the bank as if searching for his mother; squatting down if he was tired and then wandering some more.[38] Erdyan risking his life to protect Chad's coin.
One day when Ichigo was twelve, prior to the Clinic opening, he heard the bell ring and answered the door to find a girl with her brother on her back. He had been in a car accident and was covered in blood. The clinic did not have the equipment necessary to save him and he died before an ambulance arrived to transfer him to Karakura Hospital. Sometime later, he learned that the girl was Orihime Inoue.[39]
Ichigo later entered Mashiba Junior High School. During this time, Erdyan had finally defeated Tatsuki in a karate match and had not had another match with her since.[40] Ichigo regularly got into fights with thugs, due to the unusual color of his hair. During one of these fights he received help from Yasutora Sado. Shortly after Ichigo returned the favor when he rescued Chad from two gang members roughing him up.[41] When the thugs later abducted Chad, Ichigo found them and knocked down their leader, Yokochini. He used Yokochini's phone to ring for an ambulance for each of the five thugs, and then beat up all of them. After Chad was freed they made a pact to protect and fight for each other, they have remained good friends since.[42]
Shortly before Ichigo became a Shinigami, he and Chad began attending Karakura High School, and their reputations preceded them. During a fight with a gang led by Reiichi Ōshima, Ichigo and Chad met Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima, saving the former in the process. While Keigo was initially afraid of Ichigo and Chad, both he and Mizuiro later became friends with them.[43]
One evening, Ichigo confronts a group of skateboarders who had knocked over an offering to a dead girl. After beating an explanation out of them, he orders them to apologize to the ghost of the dead girl; who is floating behind him. When the skateboarders run away, Ichigo tells the girl that they scared them so much that they will leave her alone and apologizes for using her to scare them. He then promises to bring her some new flowers and tells her to hurry up and go to heaven.[44] When he arrives home, he has an argument with his father, Isshin Kurosaki, and storms off to his room; where he sees Rukia Kuchiki. Ichigo mistakes the Shinigami for a burglar and kicks her. Isshin comes to Ichigo's room to tell him to stop creating a ruckus, but when Ichigo informs him about the intruder, he tells his son that he cannot see anyone else in the room. As a result, Ichigo accepts that she is a ghost of some sort, but refuses to believe Rukia's explanation about Shinigami; causing Rukia to bind him with Kidō. As Rukia continues her explanation a Hollow attacks the Kurosaki Clinic. Hearing his sister's pleas for help, Ichigo breaks out of the Kidō and rushes to stop the Hollow.[45] Upon seeing the Hollow, Fishbone D, Ichigo is gripped by fear, having expected the evil spirit to be similar to a Human, rather than the monster standing before him. While reassuring himself, he notices that it is holding Yuzu and charges at it with a baseball bat in a futile attack. Rukia injures the Hollow, freeing Yuzu, and explains that the Hollow's target is likely him. Ichigo thinks this means that it is his fault that his family is in danger and his reckless actions force Rukia to shield Ichigo with her body; causing her severe injuries.[46] Seeing that Ichigo is truly determined to protect his family, Rukia offers to temporarily turn him into a Shinigami by piercing his chest with her Zanpakutō and transferring half of her power to him. However, Ichigo absorbs almost all of Rukia's power. Transformed into a Shinigami, Ichigo makes short work of the Hollow,[47] collapsing afterwards.[48] Rukia removes Ichigo’s soul from his body.
The following morning, Ichigo awakens from a nightmare to find that his family have no memory of the attack and instead believe that a truck hit the clinic. When Ichigo goes to school he is horrified to find that Rukia, who is visible to the other students, is now a part of his class. After she threatens him not to make a scene, Ichigo brings Rukia outside, where she informs him that she is using a Gigai while she awaits the return of her powers. While she is recovering, Rukia insists that Ichigo take over her job. Ichigo initially refuses, saying that the only reason he fought the previous night was because his family was in danger. But Rukia forces his Shinigami form out of his body and takes him to a park where she has received word that a Hollow is about to attack. She then manipulates the situation to persuade Ichigo to perform her duties.[49] After having undergone some training with Rukia to improve his combat tactics,[50] Ichigo hears a beeping sound from inside his room and is startled when Rukia jumps out of his closet whilst trying to warn him of a Hollow attack. As a large hand bursts through the floor, Rukia dons her Skull Symbol glove and forces Ichigo's soul out of his body. Ichigo slashes at the Hollow's head, but only manages to slice off a portion of its mask, revealing the Hollow to be Orihime Inoue's brother; Sora.[51] Rukia explains that all Hollows were once a Plus, causing Ichigo to angrily say that he thought they were just monsters that had to be defeated, questioning what he has been killing up to that point. Rukia cuts him off, saying that Orihime is in danger.[52] As Rukia explains that Hollows often attack their relatives, she and Ichigo rush to Orihime's apartment.[53] Ichigo manages to stop the Hollow before it eats Orihime's soul, positioning himself between her and the Hollow and telling it that it will have to kill him first.[54] Ichigo notes that Tatsuki has been caught up in Sora's attack before realizing that Orihime's body is lying on the other side of the room. Ichigo turns to confirm that Orihime is still behind him and she exclaims that she thought it was him. Remembering Rukia's words that only other spirits can see Shinigami, Ichigo is puzzled by why Orihime can see him. Sora explains that he is talking to her soul, and that Orihime is already dead.[55] Sora uses Ichigo's Zanpakutō to purify himself.
The Hollow attacks Ichigo with its scale-covered tail, which Ichigo is unable to cut, sending the substitute Shinigami flying through the wall. As Ichigo lands and comes to a stop in mid-air, the Hollow spits acid at him, burning his hands and causing him to drop his Zanpakutō. Sora then hits him from above, knocking him into the ground before returning to Orihime.[56] As Rukia wakes Ichigo, he notes that the battle is different, and that it has affected him. Rukia reminds him that Orihime's soul will be eaten if he loses.[57] Ichigo jumps back into the apartment, but is again shrugged off by Sora. As he threatens to kill Orihime, Ichigo cuts off his hand, telling Sora that older brothers are supposed to protect their siblings. Sora demands to know why Ichigo is interfering[58] and insists that he will not give her to anyone else, especially Ichigo. As Sora tries to bite him, Ichigo tells him that Orihime does not belong to anyone. Sora charges at Orihime and bites her. Ichigo listens as she talks to her brother. As she collapses, Rukia arrives and tells him that she can be saved as long as the Chain of Fate is still attached to her body. As Rukia attempts to heal her, Ichigo reveals that Orihime had told him that her hairpins were a present from him and tells him that he should not think that he is the only one who is sad. Sora grabs Ichigo's sword and uses it to break off his mask, saying that he wants to disappear before he lose himself again. Ichigo tries to talk him out of it, but Rukia stops him, saying that he should let him disappear. She explains to him that Hollows defeated by a Zanpakutō are purified and sent to Soul Society. After Sora purifies himself, Ichigo asks Orihime how her injuries are but instead she tries to ask him other questions; only for Rukia to erase her memory.[59] Ichigo senses Yūichi Shibata inside the parakeet.
When Ichigo remarks that his wounds have healed very well, Rukia tells him that she excelled at Kidō in the Shinigami Academy. Ichigo asks if there is a school for Shinigami, but Rukia changes the subject by asking him how to open a juice box. Mizuiro Kojima interrupts, noting that Rukia and Ichigo are together again, saying that they get along well. Ichigo denies this. When Mizuiro questions the impression Ichigo is giving those around him, Ichigo tells him that he would have dyed his hair long ago if he was worried by such things. As Mizuiro introduces himself to Rukia, Ichigo says that his hobby is womanizing, warning Rukia to watch out for him. As Keigo Asano arrives, Mizuiro tells him that Ichigo asked her out. Despite Ichigo's denial, Keigo congratulates him and introduces himself to Rukia, only to be interrupted by Reiichi Ōshima. Reiichi then asks Ichigo when he will dye his hair, claiming that Ichigo is copying his style. Ichigo reminds him that it is his natural hair color and tells him to do something about his own hair, calling him a chicken and claims to be a thousand times stronger than him. Angered, Reiichi ignores Keigo's pleas not to fight and produces brass knuckles. He is then knocked out by Sado. As Sado explains his injuries, Ichigo notices that he has a parakeet with him. Rukia tells him not to worry, as the spirit inside of it is just a lonely Plus, which they should send to Soul Society that night. Ichigo complains about missing another night of sleep.[60] When Ichigo returns home, he finds his sisters busy helping with the injured from a car accident. He asks Isshin if there is anything he can do to help, but is told to stay out of the way. When Sado is brought into the clinic, Isshin asks him to help his friend. Ichigo notes that the wound on his back were inflicted by a Hollow, which Rukia confirms.[61] After his adventures in Soul Society, Ichigo, not aware he is unable to perform Bankai outside of Soul Society, faces off against three mod souls in a series of games set by Urahara which involved kidnapping Ichigo's friends, unbeknownst to Ichigo. When Ichigo attempts Bankai he is unable to, and undergoes training with three Modified Souls (Ririn, Kurōdo and Noba).[190]
After the training, which ends up unsuccessful, he finds out about the Bounts and confronts Yoshino Sōma, who uses a powerful fire-type Doll. Ichigo is unable to win, even with the help of Rukia Kuchiki. However, he is unintentionally saved by another Bount, Ryō Utagawa. Utagawa appears later to try to eat Uryū's soul, and a battle between him and Ichigo's group ensues. Yoshino then appears and takes Uryū away. While visiting Uryū in the hospital, the group is met by Hō and Ban, Bount twins who use Dolls that manipulate water. Ichigo attempts to defeat them, but any damage sustained to the Dolls quickly regenerates. He discovers that when the twins are separated, their ability to control their Dolls is greatly reduced, and with some assistance from Ganju Shiba, the group succeeds in blowing the weakened Dolls up with fireworks, killing the Bount twins in the process. Ichigo and company then infiltrate Jin Kariya's mansion in search of Uryū.[191]
Upon entering Kariya's mansion, Ichigo engages Utagawa in battle, during which he obliterates a large portion of the house. His spiritual power surprises both Utagawa and Maki Ichinose, a Shinigami deserter who joined forces with the Bounts. Ichinose confronts Ichigo and the two fight until Kariya takes over and overpowers Ichigo. As Ichigo is at the brink of defeat, Kisuke Urahara and his assistants arrive to rescue them, demolishing the remainder of the mansion in the process.[192] Ichigo fights Dalk, Gō Koga's Doll.
Later on, Ichigo fights Gō Koga and his Doll, Dalk, after the Bitto nearly killed Keigo Asano. Ichigo is slowly beaten, allowing his Inner Hollow to take over. Ichigo manages to repel his Inner Hollow and take over, only to succumb to his previous injuries. Izuru Kira soon appears to lend a helping hand, disabling the Doll. Gō retreats, unwilling to kill such young men due to an incident in his past with a young Bount.[193]
Ichigo then invades the Bount hideout that Ugaki is defending with Chad, Orihime, Rukia, Renji and the modified souls. Four Shinigami lieutenants who had entered the cave earlier and fought Ugaki's Doll, Gesell, assist them. Finally, only Renji and Ichigo continue into the depths of the cave to find Ugaki. Renji decides to take on Gesell one on one with his Bankai so that Ichigo will have the strength to take on the remaining Bounts. Renji's attacks send Gesell on a fury that ends when Ugaki is killed by his own Doll (possibly due to the Doll being influenced by Kariya). The cave begins to crumble and Yumichika Ayasegawa convinces Ichigo to leave them behind and go further into the cave.[194]
Ichigo finds the remaining Bounts and they open a portal to an unknown destination. Ichigo starts a battle with Kariya. Kariya defeats Ichigo's Shikai and threatens to kill him using Zangetsu. The threat convinces Ichigo to recover his will to fight and regain his ability to use his Bankai. The fight continues, with both adversaries now evenly matched. They are interrupted by Uryū Ishida, who helps the Bounts reach Soul Society, believing he will get stronger there and defeat the Bounts.[195]
In Soul Society, Ichigo's group uses Kūkaku Shiba's house as their initial base of operations and separate to search for the Bounts. After the Bount Yoshi almost kills Rukia Kuchiki, she is saved by Byakuya. Ichigo asks Byakuya for assistance, but Byakuya refuses, making it clear that he still dislikes Ichigo. Later, Ichigo comes across Kariya and Byakuya fighting in a forest and joins in. Despite being outnumbered, Kariya is able to hold his own. Ran'Tao, the Shinigami who created the Bounts, steps in and takes Ichigo and Uryū Ishida (who arrive soon after) back to her home in Rukongai. Ran'Tao explains to Uryū and Ichigo about how her spirit powers were sealed and how she was banished for creating the Bounts, among other things.[196]
After departing from Ran'Tao's home, they meet up with Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, and Renji Abarai, who are in the middle of a battle with former Shinigami Maki Ichinose. This does not last long though as Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and challenges Ichinose, allowing the others to pursue the Bounts. At the Technological Institute, Ichigo and Chad catch up to Kariya, but are unable to stop him. Their battle inadvertently unearths the Jōkaishō, a massive energy source, which Kariya had been searching for. Kariya absorbs the energy and uses its destructive potential as a threat to keep Ichigo at bay. He then gives the whole of Soul Society a day to think about their impending destruction. With permission from Matsumoto, Ichigo uses the 10th Division as a base of operations during this time.[197] Ichigo fights Jin Kariya.
The next day, Ichigo saves both Uryū and Ran'Tao from Kariya, and the two battle.[198]
Ichigo uses his Bankai and begins to fight Kariya. Ran'Tao reveals that there are multiple Jōkaishō scattered throughout Soul Society that will detonate when Kariya uses his Jōkaishō, and the Shinigami of the Gotei 13 begin to seal all of the Jōkaishō. Meanwhile, Ichinose arrives and attacks Ichigo, but turns his sword on Kariya, claiming that he did not join Kariya to watch him destroy Soul Society. Kariya kills Ichinose, and reveals his doll, Messer, in the form of a sword of wind. Kariya uses the wind from his doll to produce electricity, and attacks Ichigo with it. Ichigo's inner Hollow momentarily takes over his body, but Ichigo regains control of his body, surprising Kariya. Ichigo informs Kariya that he cannot absorb spirit particles to heal himself because Ran'Tao sealed his absorption ability. Kariya attempts to detonate a Jōkaishō. Ichigo then deals a fatal blow to Kariya, who wonders what will happen to Ichigo and his inner Hollow before dying. Ichigo concludes that Kariya intended to travel to Soul Society in order to end his eternal life.[199]
Ichigo, Renji and Rukia return to the Kuchiki Manor to discuss Kariya's life. Ichigo remarks on how his life was changed when Rukia gave him her powers, Renji recalls when he was promoted to lieutenant of the 6th Division, and Rukia reminisces on the day when she was assigned to the Human World. Afterwards, Ichigo and his friends return to the Human World. Yoruichi brings Koga, who survived his fight with Hitsugaya, to Ran'Tao's hideout. Hidden from the Shinigami, he is able to recover from his injuries. Koga accepts that the destiny of the Bounts is to eventually die out.[200]
When Ichigo returns from Soul Society, Isshin attacks him in bed. Ichigo blocks the attack, earning praise form Isshin.[201] Ichigo returns the protective charm to Isshin, but he says that he does not want it and sews it to Ichigo's school uniform. Ichigo asks if he lied about Masaki haven given him the charm, but Isshin changes the subject.[202]
When Ichigo returns home from school, Isshin elbows him in the face, knocking him to the ground, surprising Isshin, who notes that he looks depressed. He says that he must have done poorly in an exam and tells him that Isshin "The Man" Kurosaki does not get upset by school exam results, saying that grades are unimportant. He tells Ichigo that a high school student should be energetic and do things that are difficult to speak of, such as falling in love. Ichigo, however, says that he will stay in his room until dinner, prompting Yuzu to blame Isshin for not apologizing.[203] Ichigo blocks an attack from Yammy Llargo.
Shinji Hirako reveals himself as a recruiter for the Visored, approaches Ichigo and attempts to convince him to join his organization. Ichigo persistently refuses, even after being warned that his inner Hollow will eventually take over and destroy everything in sight. Shortly afterwards, two Arrancar, Yammy Llargo and Ulquiorra Cifer, appear in Karakura Town in order to locate and evaluate Ichigo's strength. Upon seeing Chad injured, Ichigo battles Yammy using his Bankai, and manages to cut off the giant's right arm. Before he could progress, however, Ichigo's inner Hollow soon interferes, paralyzing Ichigo, and Yammy injures both him, and Orihime. The arrival of Yoruichi Shihōin and Kisuke Urahara forces Ulquiorra into strategic retreat. Ulquiorra returns to Aizen believing that Ichigo is a waste of his and Aizen's time.[204]
After his failure against the Arrancar, Ichigo loses his will as a Shinigami since he cannot protect his friends. This mood lasts until the arrival of Gotei 13's expeditionary force: six Shinigami sent to the Human World under the command of Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Rukia, who is among them, forces Ichigo to defeat a Hollow, all the while chastising him. Later that day, Ichigo discusses the growing Arrancar threat with Hitsugaya's force and learns what the Arrancar actually are. 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.[205] After they discuss the mission, Renji and Rangiku study Kon's Mod Soul pill and his stuffed lion body, amazed that a gikongan pill could be used in a stuffed animal's body. Getting annoyed by their company, Ichigo asks them when they would be leaving. Renji tells him that they cannot return to the Soul Society until after the Arrancar threat is dealt with. Ichigo tells them he has no problem with them in the Human World, but insists that they all cannot stay at his house, which eventually causes all of Hitsugaya's team to leave Ichigo's residences, except for Rukia, who tries to move into Ichigo's closet again, which Ichigo prevents, since his family now knows about her.[206] Rukia tells Isshin and Yuzu a cover story of having no home in order to coerce them to let her stay with them, which apparently succeeds.[207] However, instead of staying in Ichigo's closet, Rukia ends up sharing a room with Karin and Yuzu (much to her dismay).[208] Ichigo stops Di Roy Linker from killing Chad
Later during the night, six Arrancar under the command of Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez invade Karakura Town, intending to finish what they view as an incomplete mission on Ulquiorra's part. They split up, seeking targets with spiritual power.[209] Ichigo senses them and fully recognizes their reiatsu. Rukia tells him that there are six Arrancar total and that they are targeting anyone with reiatsu, regardless of how much or how little each person has. She further states that one of them already arrived Chad's house.[210] Although he has not completely recovered from his injuries against Yammy, Chad heads out to fight the Arrancar, but is nearly killed by Di Roy Linker, who tries to impale his arm into Chad's chest. Ichigo arrives in time and stops Di Roy's strike, narrowly saving Chad's life.[211] Ichigo tells Chad to let him handle Di Roy. Chad tries to protest, but Ichigo insists that he lets him fight Di Roy. Realizing that he is not strong enough to help Ichigo anymore, Chad lets Ichigo fight Di Roy and runs off.[212] Rukia arrives after Chad leaves, asking Ichigo what he said to Chad. Ichigo just tells her that he told him to step aside and let him fight. Rukia then tells Ichigo to step aside, as he already exceeded his strength when he fought Yammy during his last encounter with the Arrancar. She swallows a Gikongan pill and transforms into her Shinigami form, which surprises Ichigo. Rukia explains that she lost her powers in the first place because of Urahara's Gigai, and that once she was out of that Gigai, her powers returned as time passed. The artificial soul possessing Rukia's Gigai pounces on Ichigo. Rukia explains that the soul's name is Chappy, and that it was the one she originally intended before they got Kon by mistake, to which Ichigo remarks that he's glad they got Kon instead.[213] Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez approaches Ichigo and Rukia
Growing impatient, Di Roy attacks Rukia while Chappy continues to keep Ichigo from interfering with their fight.[214] Chappy keeps Ichigo pinned down until Rukia returns from the fight, having killed Di Roy with her Zanpakutō's Shikai. Chappy explains Rukia's Zanpakutō to him and that her abilities are actually on-par to that of a seated officer, and that Byakuya pulled some strings to prevent Rukia from being promoted, so she would not be involved in dangerous missions. Before anything else can be said, another Arrancar arrives, having sensed Di Roy's death at Rukia's hands. He introduces himself as Arrancar #6: Grimmjow.[215] Rukia is lost in her own thoughts, as she questions as to whether or not if Grimmjow is really the same species as Di Roy, as he is much more powerful than Di Roy was. Grimmjow questions them both as to which one of them is stronger, breaking Rukia from her thoughts. She yells to Ichigo to retreat, but Grimmjow silences her shortly after by impaling her with his arm, stating that he knew that Rukia was not the strongest of the two. Rukia loses consciousness as Grimmjow slides her body off of his arm. Ichigo proceeds to charge at Grimmjow in response to him impaling Rukia.[216] Ichigo fights Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
He tries to attack him with Zangetsu, but Grimmjow blocks it with his bare arm and pushes him back with his reiatsu. Grimmjow tells him that he is giving him a chance to use his Bankai, and that if he does not, then he will punch a whole in him like he did to Rukia. Ichigo complies and activates his Bankai.[217] Ichigo tries to attack Grimmjow with his Bankai, but Grimmjow is able to block each of Ichigo's strikes unarmed and is even able to out-maneuver him. He proceeds to attack Ichigo unarmed and severely beats him to the point of exhaustion without sustain any injuries or fatigue of his own. Grimmjow is disappointed with Ichigo's Bankai, as he only notices that Tensa Zangetsu increases Ichigo's speed. Desperate, Ichigo uses his black Getsuga Tenshō to attack Grimmjow, which he barely manages to block. Grimmjow questions what attack Ichigo used, as Ulquiorra's report did not record Ichigo's use of his Getsuga Tenshō. Ichigo smirks and ask Grimmjow if he is still disappointing. However, Ichigo is halted by his inner Hollow, who tries to take over.[218] Grimmjow laughs at Ichigo's remark and states that he might just be worth killing after all. Ichigo looks at Grimmjow and sees that his Getsuga Tenshō only wounded him superficially. He further states that his black Getsuga Tenshō was originally his inner Hollow's technique and determines that he can fire two or three more blasts before his inner Hollow takes over completely. Grimmjow begins to draw his Zanpakutō, but is stopped by Kaname Tōsen who tells Grimmjow to sheathe his sword. Ichigo recognizes Tōsen as one of the captains who defected with Aizen. Grimmjow questions Tōsen why he is in the Human World. Tōsen tells him that he broke orders by mobilizing five Arrancar, taking them to the Human World, and getting them killed in battle, when he did not receive orders to attack the Human World in the first place. He informs Grimmjow that Aizen is upset with his actions, and that he is to be taken back to Hueco Mundo to be punished. As Tōsen opens a Garganta, Grimmjow reluctantly complies, which upsets Ichigo. As Grimmjow explains that he's returning to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo demands that Grimmjow finishes their fight. Grimmjow counters him by saying that the only reason he is still alive is because he is leaving before their fight is finished. He further states that he knows Ichigo can only fire two or three more Getsuga Tenshō blasts at him, and that even if he could fire his Getsuga Tenshōs without limit, he would not stand a chance against him in his released state. He tells Ichigo not to forget his name: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, as the next time he hears his name, he would be a dead man. The Garganta closes, leaving Ichigo alone to ponder the events that have occurred. Renji arrives soon after, asking Ichigo if he won. Ichigo states that he lost, but Renji argues that since he's alive, it means that he won. Ichigo tells him not to patronize him, as he would not be saying that if he were in Ichigo's position. He further states that he cannot protect anyone or even help the wounded; he was defeated in battle by Grimmjow.[219] The other Visored stop Ichigo's inner Hollow from killing Hiyori Sarugaki.
Ichigo, unable to control his inner Hollow, accepts Shinji Hirako's offer and seeks out the Visored in order to gain control.[220] During a sparring match with Hiyori Sarugaki, he loses control to his Hollow side once more and nearly kills her.[221][222] After reverting back to his Shinigami state, Ichigo is informed that he cannot simply keep his Hollow in check with his body or mind, but must force it into the very core of his soul. After a brief period of unappreciated training, Ichigo is told to confront his Hollow side within his inner world. There, Ichigo squares off against his Hollow self. Even after several exchanges, Ichigo is unable to damage the Hollow, while badly injured and stabbed himself. Finally, Ichigo is defeated, and his sword shatters. After a brief discourse with his Hollow, and then another with an inner manifestation of Kenpachi Zaraki (in the anime, Byakuya Kuchiki and Jin Kariya appear before this, and force him to fight their battles again. Ichigo is defeated by both of them), Ichigo realizes his trouble is that he lacks pure fighting spirit, instead needing reasons to fight his opponents. His spirit rekindled by this revelation, Ichigo is able to make a comeback, seizing the Hollow's sword and impaling him on it. With his Hollow subdued for the moment, Ichigo fades back to reality. When he comes to, he learns that while he was fighting internally, his outer body had transformed into that of a powerful and berserk Hollow. The Visored had taken turns battling this monster to keep it in check.[223][224] Ichigo then trains with Hiyori to increase the amount of time he can stay in masked form.[225] Ichigo challenges Grimmjow, donning his Hollow mask in battle for the first time.
A month later, the Arrancar once again invade Karakura, and Ichigo brashly heads off to fight Grimmjow, even though he can only remain in his masked form for eleven seconds. This backfires, as despite using his masked form and Grimmjow's loss of an arm since their last meeting, Ichigo is unable to defeat him within the eleven-second limit. His mask crumbles, and Ichigo is brutally counterattacked. On the brink of defeat and pinned to the ground, Ichigo is granted a short reprieve by Rukia. As Grimmjow recovers from Rukia's attack, Shinji Hirako appears and fights him until the Arrancar retreat by order of Ulquiorra.[226][227][228]
When tending to Ichigo's wounds, the Visored Hachigen Ushōda reveals that Ichigo's spiritual power has been contaminated somewhat by Grimmjow's. As per his instructions, Rukia takes him back to the Kurosaki Clinic to recover.[229] While in a deep sleep, he is visited by Orihime, who has been taken prisoner by the Arrancar and given a twelve hour reprieve by Ulquiorra to say good-bye to just one person. Orihime tries to kiss Ichigo while he sleeps, but is unable to. She does, however, confess her love for him.[230] Renji silences Ichigo as he protests.
Later, Ichigo awakens from a bad dream and realizes that the wound from his wrist is healed. Trying to sense by spiritual pressure who has healed him, he is visited by Hitsugaya, who tells him to come immediately for an emergency Shinigami meeting. The meeting is held at Orihime's apartment where Hitsugaya and Matsumoto took up residence and done via a live-conference device connecting Soul Society and the Human World. Captain Ukitake greets them and informs them Orihime was taken by an Arrancar and might have been killed. Ichigo informs them that she visited him to heal him the night before, which leads Yamamoto to believe that Orihime has betrayed them. Renji requests permission to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her but the request is denied, as Yamamoto believes that the death of one person and the death of the world are weighted on a scale, thus saving Orihime is not important overall. Ichigo asks to go save Orihime by himself, but Yamamoto once again denies the suggestion, stating that Ichigo is a significant asset to Soul Society. The Shinigami are ordered to return to Soul Society to fortify their defenses, leaving Ichigo alone.[231]
Despite Yamamoto's decision, Ichigo decides to make preparations with Urahara to single-handedly retrieve Orihime from Hueco Mundo. At school, Tatsuki Arisawa confronts him about her sightings and she becomes angry and violent over his reluctance to explain himself. She reveals to him that she is able to sense his and Orihime's spiritual energy, and can see Ichigo and other Shinigami. She is restrained by Keigo and Mizuiro while Ichigo walks away coldly telling his friends not to get involved. At Urahara's shop, Ichigo is joined by Uryū with his Quincy powers restored and Chad with a new more powerful right arm. After some convincing, the trio agree to help each other rescue Orihime, and Urahara opens a gate to Hueco Mundo. Ichigo leads Chad and Uryū into Hueco Mundo but unbeknownst to him, Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro had followed him and witnessed his departure.[232]
As Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū enter Hueco Mundo, they are immediately detected by Aizen and attacked by two Arrancar, Demoura Zodd and Aisslinger Wernarr. Ichigo is then told to stay back and simply watch as Chad and Uryū engage the two Arrancar by themselves. Once they are victorious, the room and passageway collapses around them, forcing the trio to race outside where they see their destination, a castle in the middle of a barren desert.[233][234][235]
They see what looks to be a Human child being chased by three Hollows. After Ichigo attacks the three, it is revealed that the "Human" is actually an Arrancar named Nel Tu; the Hollows are her two "brothers" and their pet.[236] After becoming friends, the expanded group travels to the wall of Las Noches, where they are attacked by a sand-based Hollow, Runuganga. The Hollow is immune to their attacks, but the group is saved by Renji and Rukia, the latter of which freezes Runuganga in a circle of ice.[237] Ichigo and Nel Tu run into the Privaron EspadaDordoni.
Ichigo and his group break into Las Noches and split into five directions, leaving Nel and her brothers behind. The siblings decide to follow Ichigo but get lost. Nel is the only one who catches up to Ichigo, arriving just in time to see Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, a Privaron Espada with the number 103.[238]
As Ichigo and Dordoni fight, the difference in power between the two quickly becomes apparent. Dordoni suggests that Ichigo use his Bankai, so he will at least stand a chance, but Ichigo refuses, noting that it would only be a sign of weakness if he were to use his Bankai in every battle. Hoping to force the issue, Dordoni releases his Zanpakutō, thus greatly increasing his power. Now commanding two wind elementals, Dordoni is more than a match for Ichigo. When Dordoni tries to fire a Cero blast at Ichigo, Nel steps in and absorbs the blast and fires it back. Enraged, Dordoni attacks Nel, who is then saved by Ichigo, now using his Bankai.[239][240]
Dordoni, not satisfied with Ichigo's Bankai, wishes to see his Hollow form. He even resorts to attacking Nel in an attempt to force Ichigo to transform. Ichigo sets Nel aside and tells Dordoni he will show him his Hollow form, but for only a second. Dordoni is pleased at first, but Ichigo defeats him in one blow. Dordoni is healed a bit by Nel, and unexpectedly attacks Ichigo again, who blocks the attack and runs away with Nel, and finally encounters Ulquiorra Cifer.[241]
Ulquiorra tells Ichigo that Rukia has been killed, which Ichigo denies. Ichigo attempts to leave to save Rukia, reasoning that he and Ulquiorra have no quarrel and thus no reason to fight. Ulquiorra reveals that he was the one who kidnapped Orihime and successfully goads Ichigo into fighting. Though Ichigo starts out well, he proves to be no match for Ulquiorra, who explains that even if Ichigo managed to somehow win, there would be three other Espada who are stronger still, as Ulquiorra reveals himself to be the 4th Espada. Ulquiorra then impales Ichigo's chest with his hand. He leaves after telling Ichigo to leave Hueco Mundo if he is able to.[242]
Grimmjow brings Orihime to heal Ichigo before he can die, wanting to fight him at full strength. Ulquiorra discovers this and attempts to retrieve Orihime, but Grimmjow uses a portable Negación field to temporarily imprison him, thus allowing the two to battle unimpeded. Much like Kenpachi before him, Grimmjow insists that Ichigo not battle for his friends, instead just wanting him to focus on killing him, and reveals that he kept the scar from their first battle as a reminder to fight and kill Ichigo to prove that he is stronger.[243] Ichigo protecting Orihime and Nel from Grimmjow's attack.
As the battle ensues, the advantage shifts between the two combatants at random. During the battle, Grimmjow fires a Gran Rey Cero at Orihime and Nel to make Ichigo put on his Hollow mask. Seeing that Ichigo is finally at his full strength, Grimmjow releases his Resurrección and fiercely attacks Ichigo, smashing him into the ground. As he looks for Ichigo amongst the dust, Ichigo appears behind him and fires a Getsuga Tenshō at him. Grimmjow only starts to laugh maniacally and tells Ichigo how much he hates his "eyes". As the fight continue both fighters seems to be on par, and Tia Harribel, who was watching the fight from a distance, even said it felt like a fight between two Espada.[244] Ichigo fighting Grimmjow in his released form.
Towards the end of the battle, Grimmjow is about to kill Ichigo, but after hearing Orihime beg for him to not get hurt anymore, Ichigo deftly catches Grimmjow's fist without looking, and slashes his shoulder. Grimmjow gets up after this, enraged at the injury, and impales Ichigo in the stomach. He then uses his most powerful attack, Desgarrón, but the battle still ends in his defeat. Grimmjow, badly injured and reverted back to his unreleased state, tries one more attack which Ichigo blocks bare-handed. Suddenly, Nnoitra Gilga appears, incapacitates Grimmjow, then attacks Ichigo, revealing that he is the 5th Espada and is thus more powerful than Grimmjow, whom Ichigo barely defeated.[245][246]
As they fight, Nnoitra notices Nel, recognizes her as the former third Espada, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, and explains to Ichigo that he gave Nel the crack in her mask. Nel denies this accusation heavily as Nnoitra attacks Ichigo again, eventually snapping his wrist. Seeing Ichigo hurt triggers Nel's transformation into her adult form. Nel attacks Nnoitra after revealing her ex-Espada status and easily matches him. She releases her Zanpakutō and overwhelms Nnoitra; but, just before finishing him, reverts to her child form. Nnoitra kicks Nel and the enraged Ichigo attacks again, only to be slammed into the ground. Nnoitra then orders his Fracción, Tesra Lindocruz, to switch with him and kill Ichigo and takes hold of Orihime. Tesra also releases, but just as he is about to kill Ichigo, Ichigo is once again saved at the last moment by Kenpachi, who defeats Tesra in one strike and briefly explains that along with him, Byakuya, Retsu Unohana, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi have come to perform an intrusion on Las Noches before engaging in combat with Nnoitra. As Kenpachi and Nnoitra fight, Orihime heals Ichigo and Nel to full health. When Nnoitra, thinking for a moment that Kenpachi is dead, attempts to attack Yachiru Kusajishi, Orihime rushes to defend her, while Ichigo, trying to stop Orihime, is stunned that he cannot break through her healing shield.[247][248][249] Ichigo facing off against Ulquiorra.
Kenpachi kills Nnoitra, and as he orders Orihime to heal him, Coyote Starrk appears, apparently reluctant as he snatches Orihime away to bring her to Aizen.[250][251] Aizen makes an announcement to all of Hueco Mundo, stating that Orihime is in the fifth tower, should anyone want to retrieve her, and that he has closed the Gargantas that the captains used for entry into Hueco Mundo. He informs them that he is leaving to destroy Karakura and orders Ulquiorra to take charge of Las Noches. Ichigo tells Kenpachi that his duty is not to defend his town, but to protect his friends, and flies to rescue Orihime as Ulquiorra declares his challenge to Ichigo.[252] Before he gets far though, he is attacked by the Exequias, but is assisted by Renji, Chad, and Rukia who start fighting them while he continues on. Before Ulquiorra can interrogate Orihime's mind further, Ichigo reaches them. In order to protect Las Noches, Ulquiorra brandishes his sword and begins dueling with Ichigo.[253][254][255][256]
The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)Edit
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki are alerted to an abnormal amount of Hollow sightings. As they leave to dispatch them, Ichigo encounters Rurichiyo, who asks him for sweets and is attacked by Hollows. As Kenryū and Enryū take Rurichiyo away, Ichigo uses his Bankai to defeat the Hollows, impressing Kenryū and Enryū. The following day, they move into the house next to Ichigo's, and become students at his school.[257] He later learns that they are two Shinigami named Kenryū and Enryū, who are the personal bodyguards of the child with them, Princess Rurichiyo Kasumiōji. Kenryū explains that Rurichiyo is the heir to the Kasumiōji clan, the highest noble clan under the Four Great Noble Houses. Despite Rurichiyo's young age, it is still unavoidable for her to take on the role of leader so young, as Rurichiyo's parents passed away. They came to the living world to protect Rurichiyo after several suspected assassination attempts on her from one of the lead members of the Kasumiōji clan, Gyōkaku Kumoi, who strongly desires to become the leader of the clan. Kenryū asks for Ichigo's help to stop Kumoi.[258]
Later, a group of assassins come to kill Rurichiyo. Their leader, Hanza Nukui, faces Ichigo with an unusual mirror-sword connected to his arm. Hanza is able to gain the advantage by allowing his sword to cover more of his arm. He then uses this sword's mirror to paralyze Ichigo. Hanza explains that his sword, Saiga, evolves in power by consuming spiritual energy from its wielder. Yoruichi intervenes and forces Hanza to retreat. Hanza later returns with new subordinates, each armed with a unique parasitic weapon called a Bakkōtō. While Chad and Uryū go to lure some of the enemies away, Ichigo faces Hanza. As the fight progresses, Hanza's entire body is eventually consumed by his Bakkōtō, ending the battle.[259] The following day, it is learned that Rurichiyo is expected to marry Shū Kannogi soon. After thanking Ichigo for his help, Rurichiyo sneaks back to Soul Society as she cannot stand seeing people get hurt for her sake anymore.[260]
Ichigo, Rukia, Kenryū and Enryū arrive in the compound and separate to find her. Kenryū and Enryū are locked in a storehouse by Kumoi, Rukia encounters eleventh division captain Kenpachi Zaraki, who realizes that Ichigo is present and goes to find him, and Ichigo finds Rurichiyo. However, Ichigo is forced to evade the guards, and loses track of her. Rurichiyo is attacked by one of her child servants. Zaraki arrives and kills the assassin, and Rukia asks Zaraki to keep the incident a secret. Watching from a distance, Hanza tries to frighten Ichigo by releasing his spiritual pressure, but is surprised when Ichigo is unperturbed.[261]
Kumoi sends Hanza and a dozen assassins to kill Ichigo, his friends, and Rurichiyo. Hanza fights Ichigo using the mirror weapon an assassin previously used against Ichigo, and explains that the weapon, Saiga, is stronger via feeding on his spiritual energy. Hanza traps Ichigo in a separate dimension using Saiga. Ichigo is freed by Yoruichi Shihōin, who reveals that the remaining assassins have been defeated. After hearing about this, Hanza retreats. The following day, Kumoi installs Rurichiyo's fiancé as the head of the clan.[262] Having failed in his previous attempt to kill Rurichiyo, Hanza gathers three of his subordinates from the criminal underground and requests that they be given weapons similar to Saiga. Kumoi agrees and the four set out to kill Rurichiyo, Ichigo, and his friends. In Karakura Town, Rurichiyo tells Ichigo that others would frequently be blamed for her reckless actions, including Kenryū and Enryū. Sensing the arrival of Hanza and his subordinates, Ichigo and Rukia stay to protect Rurichiyo and Yasutora Sado and Uryū Ishida leave to confront their attackers. Hanza fights Ichigo and Rukia, Chad, and Uryū each begin to fight one of his subordinates.[263] Ichigo fights Hanza, and using the enhanced speed from his Bankai, breaks Saiga's mirror. In response, Hanza uses one of Saiga's abilities to engulfs Ichigo in light from the shards of the mirror.[264] Sealed inside a different dimension, Ichigo is forced to relive his childhood and his mother's death. Reflecting Ichigo's guilt for being unable to save his mother, the image of Ichigo's mother tries to kill him. Ichigo manages to break free of the dimension by making peace with his mother. Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and overwhelms Hanza, forcing him to allow his Bakkōtō to absorb more of his energy. However, Hanza is consumed by his Bakkōtō, ignoring Ichigo's pleas to stop.[265]
Kumoi schedules Rurichiyo's wedding for the following day, and Kenryū and Enryū realize that he will replace her with an impostor if Rurichiyo does not return for the wedding. Ichigo goes to speak with Rurichiyo, who reveals that she knew about the assassins' true goal and Kumoi's connection to them, and feels guilty that Chad and Uryū were injured. She escapes into Soul Society, intending to participate in the marriage to keep Kumoi in line; however, when she arrives on the other side, her eyes have gone blank and she expresses no desire to leave. Kenryū, Enryū, Rukia and Ichigo attempt to follow them, but are unable to reach Rurichiyo, as Kenryū and Enryū have been blamed for kidnapping her. On the day of the wedding, the four enter the compound to retrieve Rurichiyo, but 2nd Division captain Sui-Feng and several members of the 2nd Division surround them, and Rurichiyo does not respond to Ichigo's calls to her.[266]
Enryū uses his Shikai to destroy the building, and in the confusion, Ichigo reaches Rurichiyo. Revealing Kumoi's intention to gain control of the clan to Rurichiyo's fiancé, Shū Kannogi, Ichigo is attacked by Rurichiyo, who is revealed as an impostor. Sui-Feng begins to fight Ichigo, allowing Rurichiyo and Kumoi to escape. Kenryū and Enryū are captured by the 2nd Division members, and Ichigo and Rukia escape with Shū's help. The three decide to escape by having Shū pose as a hostage. In response, Yamamoto orders a manhunt for Ichigo and Rukia.[267] Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū decide to rescue Rurichiyo, but are attacked by the new 3rd Division captain Shūsuke Amagai, who uses his Shikai against Ichigo. Shū stops the battle, revealing the truth of Kumoi's intentions to Amagai, who agrees to help them.[268]
Despite the patrols of the Gotei 13, Ichigo, Amagai, Rukia, and Shū manage to make contact with the 3rd Division members, and head towards the 3rd division's training grounds, Rurichiyo's last known location.[269] Ichigo and Amagai pursue a pair of assassins with Rurichiyo, and discover that the Rurichiyo they are carrying is a fake. Ichigo, Rukia, Amagai, and Shū head to the Kasumiōji compound, which 10th Division captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya is guarding. Amagai fights Hitsugaya and Rukia fights Matsumoto, the 10th Division lieutenant as Ichigo and Shū enter the compound.[270]
After discovering that one of Amagai’s men, Makoto Kibune, is working for Kumoi and has a Bakkōtō, Amagai has it sent to Yamamoto to tell him about Kumoi's treacherous actions. After receiving the message, Yamamoto orders the Gotei 13 to take the Kasumiōji clan into custody. After Ichigo and Rukia manage to catch up to Kumoi and Rurichiyo, Amagai strikes down Kumoi. After which, Amagai teleports away, taking Rurichiyo with him. The dying Kumoi reveals that Amagai is the true brains behind the conspiracy.[271] Ichigo vs. Shūsuke Amagai
Amagai explains that he is after revenge for the death of his father, Shin'etsu Kisaragi. Before his father died, Amagai was told by him of the Bakkōtō. Amagai later learned that Shin'etsu discovered the illegal manufacturing of the Bakkōtō and sought to stop it, but was then killed by Yamamoto. Amagai knew that Yamamoto was well-aware of the Kasumiōji clan's actions but refused to do anything, eventually prompting Amagai to the conclusion that he was in league with the Kasumiōji clan. Ichigo and Rukia quickly catch up to Amagai at Yamamato's headquarters, where Amagai is facing off against Yamamoto and vows to destroy both Yamamoto and the entire Kasumiōji clan. Amagai also reveals that he has a special Bakkōtō of his own that had the power to negate all Shinigami and Zanpakutō powers other than his own. Amagai uses his Bankai, and Ichigo arrives to fight him.[272]
Despite hearing these allegations against Yamamoto, Ichigo is determined to stop Amagai, stating that Amagai has selfishly caused innocent people to suffer. Ichigo is still able to use his spiritual energy and unleashes his Bankai. As the battle progresses, Ichigo also reveals his Hollow mask and quickly takes advantage in the battle. Amagai then realizes that while his Bakkōtō can seal away Shinigami power, it cannot do the same for Hollow powers. Amagai begins to attack Ichigo's mask, and Ichigo manages to hit Amagai with a Getsuga Tenshō. Injured, Amagai declares that he is willing to die for his revenge, and starts to draw more on his Bakkōtō's power. With some well-timed maneuvers, Ichigo is finally able to strike and destroy the Bakkōtō power-negation ability. Then in a final clash, Ichigo is able to defeat Amagai.[273] While injured, Amagai turns his attention to Yamamoto and stabs him in the stomach, which Yamamoto allows to happen. Yoruichi, who arrives with the other captains, explains that Yamamoto did not betray Amagai's father. Rather, Shin'etsu was another victim of the Bakkōtō. After Yamamoto learned about the Bakkōtō, Yamamoto tried to get permission from Central 46 to investigate, but they refused. Instead, Shin'etsu volunteered to investigate by himself. However, he was made into a test subject for the Bakkōtō development. Losing his mind to the Bakkōtō, Shin'etsu attacked Yamamoto, forcing the captain to regretfully strike Shin'etsu down. Horrified by the truth, Amagai falls into complete shame. Wishing to make up for his mistakes, he decides to take his own life as payment. Ichigo is about to stop him, but Byakuya makes Ichigo understand that he needs to let Amagai repent the best way he feels possible. Later, Ichigo says he will help Rurichiyo whenever needed, but she says she will try as the head of her clan to handle it with her own power from now on.[274]
Ichigo is seen with a wound on his right shoulder done by Ulquiorra during the battle. As his fight with Ulquiorra continues, Ichigo manages to fight on equal footing with the Espada. Ulquiorra taunts Ichigo as they fight. Ulquiorra is surprised when Ichigo manages to catch his wrist. The battle rages on hard than before. Orihime is able to save Ichigo from an attack with her Shield.[275] Ichigo dons his Hollow mask to attack Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra continues to taunt as Menoly Mallia and Loly Aivirrne show up and ambush Orihime. Ichigo tries to help her but is interrupted by Ulquiorra and the Arrival of Yammy Llargo[276] The arrival of Uryū Ishida sends Yammy falling to the bottom of Las Noches and Ichigo orders him to protect Orihime. Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and manages to gain the upper hand against Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra, noticing how strong Ichigo has become, heads to the top of Las Noches. Ulquiorra explains the reason why he has brought them there and releases his Zanpakutō, Murciélago.[277] Ulquiorra attacks but Ichigo instinctively blocked with a Getsuga Tenshō to which Ulquiorra notes that had he not done so, the attack would have killed him.[278] Ichigo then starts to realize how much more powerful and faster Ulquiorra is.[279] Ichigo continues to try but has no luck in doing anything to the Espada. Ulquiorra then tells Ichigo he will demonstrate the difference in their power with his Cero Oscuras.[280] Ichigo seemingly finished off by Ulquiorra's Cero Oscuras.
Ichigo then prepares for Ulquiorra's "Cero Oscuras", but is overwhelmed by it and greatly injured. Ulquiorra continues in a series of attacks and questions why Ichigo will not put his sword down. He explains that he always knew that Ulquiorra was stronger, but nothing he sees him do will stop him from fighting. Ulquiorra then states that Ichigo has still not realized the meaning of despair, and transforms into a new form.[281] Ulquiorra explains that only he has a second release form and then proceeds to carry on with his series of attacks against Ichigo . Ichigo is completely overwhelmed but keeps going, which Ulquiorra does not understand. Ichigo says he has no choice but to fight but Ulquiorra calls him a fool. Ulquiorra attacks with his tail and Ichigo tries to reform his mask but it easily breaks. Orihime arrives to the top of the dome just in time to see Ulquiorra fires a Cero Oscuras through Ichigo's chest, seemingly killing him.[282]
Orihime is devastated by the attack on Ichigo and tries to heal him. Ishida then tries to attack Ulquiorra to little success. Seeing Ishida losing, Orihime pleads for Ichigo to help. Ichigo slowly begins to move as his hair grows longer, almost resembling a mane and his hands grasp at the ground.[283] Hearing Orihime's desperate cry for help, Ichigo's inner Hollow takes over, resulting in a new transformation. Quickly, Ichigo's new form proves vastly superior to Ulquiorra in every conceivable way and easily defeats him.[284][285] However, Ichigo has no control behind his desire to protect Orihime and tries to attack Ishida with a Cero but Ulquiorra cuts off one of Ichigo’s new horns, resulting in an explosion.[286] Ichigo's mask then breaks off entirely and he falls back down to the ground. Spiritual power gathers and enters the hole in Ichigo's chest healing him completely.[287] Ichigo's breaks free of his Hollow's control.
Ichigo regains control of his body with no memory of what has transpired. Ulquiorra grabs Ichigo’s sword and gives it back to him so they may finish. Seeing the damage inflicted on his opponent, Ichigo wants to even the fight but Ulquiorra begins to disintegrate. Ulquiorra tells Ichigo to finish him off, but Ichigo refuses. Ulquiorra admits an interest in humans as he fades into the wind.[288] Ichigo dons a new mask and attacks Yammy.
After recovering slightly from his battle, Ichigo jumps off of the dome and manages to save Rukia before she falls.[289][290] Ichigo then teases Yammy and manages to stop his cero. Yammy attacks but Ichigo manages to dodge along with Rukia. He tells Rukia he will take care of things. Ichigo runs causing Yammy to follow and get away from his friends. He dons his new mask and slams Yammy to the ground.[291] Ichigo and Unohana dive into the Garganta.
Ichigo notes that his mask is very heavy. Yammy recovers and fires off a barrage of Bala and explains his rank to Ichigo. Ichigo cuts through the Bala and taunts Yammy once more. Ichigo tries to summon his mask again, but is unable to. While distracted by this event, Yammy grabs Ichigo. However, before Yammy can continue his attack against Ichigo, he is blindsided by a Sōkatsui spell. Before he is able to retaliate, one of his appendages is cut off as well; Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki have arrived.[292] Kenpachi scares off Ichigo so he won't get in the way of his foe as he fights off the Cero Espada. Ichigo is concerned but Byakuya reminds him that Karakura Town is his duty. Mayuri Kurotsuchi approaches Ichigo and opens a Garganta. Retsu Unohana volunteers to accompany Ichigo on his way back and the two head off while Byakuya and Kenpachi fight Yammy.[293] On their way through, Unohana tells him how Aizen's Shikai works and that he is the only one able to defeat him due to having not seen it. She informs him that he must not look at Aizen's Shikai, no matter what. Ichigo then says he will defeat Aizen.[294] Ichigo arrives in Fake Karakura Town.
As they continued their path, Unohana decides to take the lead to produce a sturdier path to run on. Unohana says Ichigo’s skills are not polished enough but Ichigo insists that if he was at full strength, he could produce a much more solid path. After explaining how the damage to his Bankai shihakusho’s condition gives a clear example of how much spiritual energy he has left, Unohana was awe struck to discover just how great Ichigo’s reiatsu is. Realizing Ichigo’s potential power, Unohana offers to replenish his energy along the way.[295] He jumps out of the Garganta and tries to end Aizen in one blow but is blocked by a barrier. Ichigo thinks he should have used his Hollowfication but Aizen, guessing his thoughts says that it would not work and invites him to try.[296] The Gotei 13 and the Visored protect Ichigo.
Ichigo tries attacking with his mask but Aizen moves behind him. Ichigo tries to back away but Aizen tells Ichigo that distance Is meaningless between them. Aizen questions why Ichigo is fighting him when he does not hate him. His comrades are all alive so he has no reason to fight. Ichigo begins to waiver but Sajin Komamura appears beside him and tells Ichigo not to be taken in by Aizen's provocation. He tells that the Shinigami and Visored will not let him see Aizen’s Shikai as they all gather around him. [297] Ichigo is reluctant to receive help but Shinji says the battle is everyone’s.[298] Komamura thanks Ichigo for his arrival, stating that if he did not arrive when he did, he would have attacked Aizen in anger and would have most likely been cut down.[299] Shinji asks Ichigo why he didn't bring Orihime back with him due to her healing powers but says that since it is combat, Unohana was a better choice.[300] As the Visored leave, Sui-Feng advises Ichigo to watch them fight Aizen and says they are all their to fight for survival. She then leaves to fight Aizen. Ichigo resolves to watch for now.[301] Ichigo pounces on Aizen as he emerges from Yamamoto's attack.
Ichigo watches the battle closely waiting for an opening on Aizen, but sees him defeat Komamura, Rose, and Love.[302] Ichigo then watches as the captains and Visored rejoice for defeating Aizen. Ichigo, the only one of them not under Kyōka Suigetsu's influence, asks everyone what they are doing as they realize it is not Aizen but Momo Hinamori that has been stabbed.[303]. When the remaining captains are cut down, Captain-Commander Yamamoto engages Aizen in battle. He tells Aizen that the Gotei 13 will lay down their lives to stop Ichigo but Ichigo should fall back.[304] After Yamamoto uses Hadō 96, Ittō Kasō against Aizen, Aizen emerges only to be pounced on by Ichigo using Getsuga Tenshō[305]