When was ichigo kurosaki born

After failing to grab hold of the girl, Ichigo lost consciousness for a time. When he awoke, Masaki was lying on top of him, covered in blood. 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.

Ichigo risking his life to protect Sado's coin. One day, when Ichigo was twelve, prior to the Kurosaki 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 the girl was Orihime Inoue. Ichigo later entered Mashiba Junior High School. During this time, Ichigo finally defeated Tatsuki in a karate match, and had not had another match with her since.

Shortly after, Ichigo returned the favor when he rescued Sado from two gang members roughing him up. Using Yokochini's phone to ring for an ambulance for each of the five thugs, he beat up all of them.

After Sado was freed, they made a pact to protect and fight for each other. Bleach Your guide to its series. Search this site. Isshin felt guilty for Masaki's condition, so he used a special Gigai, an artificial body used by Soul Reapers to walk around in the human world, that would suppress his Soul Reaper powers and Masaki's Hollowfication. When Ichigo was born, he had the ability to see ghosts and spirits due to his parentage.

He spent most of his life helping out the ghosts he'd see, protecting them from people who'd dishonor or harm their graves. One night, Ichigo's life changed forever. Rukia, surprised that Ichigo could see her, explained what exactly she was and what she was doing. Ichigo didn't believe her at first, but that changed when the Hollow came into his house and attacked his family. With Rukia unable to defeat the Hollow, she made Ichigo an offer. Take her powers and become a Soul Reaper, or watch his family die.

Of course, Ichigo picked the former option, becoming a Soul Reaper and slaying the monster. After that, Ichigo would use his new powers to slay Hollows that popped up around town, before officially being recognized by the Soul Society as a Substitute Soul Reaper, helping them defeat many villains during his time with them.

Ichigo's completed Fullbring, which covers him in an armored bodysuit that increases his strength, speed, and durability. In this state, Ichigo can use Bringer Light, a Fullbringer technique that pulls on the soul of the ground to propel him across long distances, and a blade forms from his Shinigami badge to use as a weapon.

By tapping into the powers of Zangetsu, his inner Hollow, Ichigo can don his signature mask to greatly boost his strength, speed, durability, and spiritual power. In this state, Ichigo can easily overwhelm Grimmjow , moving faster than he could track. His durability is also enhanced, letting him tank Grimmjow's barrage of dart bullets, which were strong enough to destroy buildings. Stopping Rukia from interfering, he, insisting on fighting alone, instructs her to mind his sisters.

Grand Fisher attempts to manipulate Ichigo. Transforming his lure into an image of Masaki, Grand Fisher explains about his ability. As Rukia tries to convince Ichigo he cannot fight him any more, he, insisting he can and the Hollow is still not dead yet, soon collapses. When Ichigo awakens, in his Human body, in great pain, Rukia reminds him the wounds his soul receives will show up when he returns to his body.

When Ichigo asks her if he lost, she tells him he won, since the Hollow fled and nobody died. Saying Grand Fisher is not dead, Ichigo walks off. Isshin gives Ichigo some advice. When Ichigo, at Masaki's grave, apologizes for not being able to avenge her, Isshin notes the time has gone by quickly, and it has already been ten years since Masaki died.

When Ichigo corrects his error, Isshin states he was "so close". When Ichigo loudly complains about this, Isshin says Masaki can rest easily if she sees him being so lively. When he starts smoking a cigarette, Ichigo says he thought he quit smoking when Karin and Yuzu were born. Isshin explains he smokes on this one occasion, as the only time Masaki complimented his looks while they were dating is when she saw him smoking.

Reminding Ichigo he is the one the woman he loved gave her life to protect, he, telling him to live his life well, leaves. Asking Rukia if her powers are returning, Ichigo asks her to allow him to remain a Shinigami for a while longer regardless.

He says he wants to become stronger so he can defeat Hollows, protect those who are targeted, and defeat Grand Fisher; otherwise, he will not be able to face Masaki.

Orihime apologizes to Ichigo. She tells Ichigo she can see spirits about as clearly as he can, and is not interested in the ghost show.

Remembering she saw the Hollow who attacked the house when he first met Rukia, Ichigo realizes she might be able to see Shinigami too. The next morning at school, Orihime, performing Don Kanonji's pose as Ichigo arrives in class, asks him to do the pose with her. As Ichigo's friends all do the pose, Ichigo tells Keigo he is not going to the live recording of Ghost Bust at the abandoned hospital in Karakura, despite his attempts to convince him to go.

When Orihime apologizes to him for trying to get him to do Don Kanonji's pose, he, telling her it is okay, reveals Keigo and Mizuiro know he despises it, but yet still do it anyway. When asked why he came, he, stating Isshin and Yuzu are huge fans of the show, says they would look pitiful if just the two of them went. When Orihime tells him he is so kind, Ichigo dismisses it as normal. Ichigo fends off the Hollow.

Telling him he must be tired from his dual life, Rukia instructs him to use this chance to relax. Surprised she is concerned about his health, Ichigo, asking if there really is a spirit in the hospital, says the Shinigami would have dealt with it already. Rukia says it is likely to be a Jibakurai , a soul on its way to becoming a Hollow.

She says to do it after the show to avoid trouble in case of a struggle, but Ichigo is unconvinced. Meanwhile, Don Kanonji jams his staff into the partially open hole in the Jibakurai's chest. Urahara frees Ichigo's Shinigami form from his body, allowing him to knock Kanonji away from the Jibakurai. As Ichigo realizes the medium can see him, the Jibakurai vanishes in an explosion.

As Ichigo and Kanonji bicker, the Hollow charges at them. Ichigo fends off its attack, and when the Hollow gets its head stuck in a wall, Ichigo drags Kanonji inside.

The Demi-Hollow is defeated by Ichigo. Ichigo insists they stay inside to avoid the audience being caught up in the fighting. Ichigo realizes he never thought about the corridors being too confined to use his sword in.

When the Hollow glues Ichigo's hands together, Kanonji, jamming its mouth open with his staff, frees Ichigo's blade. Freeing himself, Ichigo takes advantage of the open space to defeat the Hollow. When Kanonji praises him, Ichigo, telling him to stop his antics, explains it is the same spirit Kanonji thought he had sent to heaven. Stating regretting it is pointless, as he did not know, Ichigo directs Kanonji to the crowd.

Kanonji thanks him, complimenting his courage, quick wits, and strength, and asks that they work together in the future. When Ichigo agrees to help him once in a while, Kanonji forces him to take a Don Kanonji fan club card, signed "to my 1 pupil".

The following day, Rukia helps Ichigo and his friends get out of trouble for their actions at the abandoned hospital when they are brought before the principal and Kagine , who states their escapades were broadcast live nationwide. Closing and locking the door, he demands to know how he found out about his house. When Kanonji reveals he invited Rukia along, Ichigo realizes it was her who told him where he lived. Seeing Kanonji, Yuzu knocks Ichigo over while opening the door.

When Rukia's Denreishinki alerts her to a Hollow, they rush off to fight it. After numerous incidents of arriving at the supposed site of a Hollow attack, only to find there is no Hollow, Ichigo and Rukia bicker. When Ichigo asks if there is another Shinigami defeating the Hollows before him, Rukia tells him Shinigami are strictly sorted, and it should not be the case. While discussing his high grades with Keigo and Mizuiro, Ichigo notes his orange hair causes him a lot of trouble, as older students pick on him and teachers watch him closely, so he studies so the school does not complain about him.

Rukia drags Ichigo off, prompting him to complain about the rumors regarding them. When she tells him to complain later, as there is a Hollow, Ichigo tells her he will not forgive her if it is not there this time, but they find nothing.

Realizing he cannot remember his full name, Ichigo lists off possible names out loud. Pointing out his sensei's wish was to work together, Ichigo, asking if he will do that now, says fighting back to back is the best way to deal with the situation.

Ichigo attacks the Menos Grande. As the two begrudgingly work together, Ichigo, telling him his approach to their fight is endangering the people he wants to protect, says he will not forgive him for that.

They agree to beat each other up after the Hollows have been dealt with, but as they prepare to attack a horde of Hollows, a Menos Grande appears. Saying there is no way they can figure out how to fight such a monster and they will have to simply cut it repeatedly until it succumbs to its injuries, Ichigo, charging towards the Menos, attacks its leg, but is knocked back by the unfazed Menos. Stating he never controls his energy output, Ichigo says it must be at maximum all the time. His power increasing as he resists the Cero, Ichigo repels the attack, injuring the Menos in the process.

That night, Ichigo, taking the leftovers from dinner to give to Rukia, finds she is gone. Hearing a muffled noise, Ichigo finds Kon gagged and tied to the back of the toilet bowl. When Ichigo asks why he was tied up, Kon, saying Rukia is in big trouble, shows Ichigo a note she left on his desk.

Confused by the message, which tells them she has to leave and they should go into hiding instead of looking for her, Ichigo decides to change into his Shinigami form and find her. Realizing he cannot change form without Rukia, Ichigo demands a reluctant Kon change him into a Shinigami.

Appearing at the window, Urahara changes him into his Shinigami form. Renji Abarai unleashes his Shikai against Ichigo. Leaping into the air, he slashes Ichigo's shoulder.

As Ichigo attempts to end the fight, Byakuya severs his sword's tip, leaving Ichigo stunned. As he prepares for Byakuya's subsequent attack, Byakuya, appearing behind him, stabs him. As Byakuya tells him to let go, Ichigo instructs the captain to look at him when he is talking so he can hear him. Kicking Ichigo's hand away from her brother, Rukia, telling him he should know his place, tells Byakuya she is ready to leave. As Ichigo protests, Renji tells him to stop making things worse.

When Rukia tells Byakuya there is no point in deliberately killing Ichigo, as he will soon stop breathing on his own, Ichigo asks if this is a joke, prompting Rukia to state if he tries to follow her, she will never forgive him.

As she tells him to conserve what energy he has left so he may live a moment longer, Byakuya, acquiescing to Rukia's request, states Ichigo should die shortly due to his injuries, but if he does survive, he will no longer possess any Shinigami powers. As they leave, Ichigo, noting he cannot move or speak, reflects upon how he came to protect Rukia, but instead she protected him again. Ichigo awakens with an unexpected bedfellow. When Ichigo awakens in Urahara's shop, Urahara tells him his wounds are not yet fully healed, and if he moves too much, he may die.

When Ichigo says he cannot do anything, as Rukia has been taken to Soul Society and he cannot follow, Urahara reveals he can send Ichigo there if he trains with Urahara for the next ten days, revealing Soul Society typically allows a grace period of one month before executions. Saying Ichigo will die if he goes there in his current condition, he reveals he purposely allowed Ichigo to fight Renji and Byakuya so he would realize this after having fought them himself. He states it will take seven days to open the gate to Soul Society, leaving Ichigo with thirteen days in Soul Society to rescue Rukia.

Though unsure if he can become strong enough in ten days, Ichigo agrees to Urahara's deal. Giving Ichigo some pills to take every hour, Urahara, saying he will recover from his injuries by dinnertime, sends him to school for the final day of the term.

At school, Ichigo notes how nobody appears to remember Rukia. As he walks home after dismissing Keigo's invitation to spend the holiday with him, he meets Orihime, who, asking him where Rukia is, notes everyone has forgotten about her, but she believed Ichigo would know.

Explaining the situation to her, Ichigo is surprised she can see his Shinigami form. Noting Ichigo has already made up his mind to rescue Rukia, Orihime, telling him to go save her, insists she does not want her friend to die either. Thanking her, Ichigo, going to the Urahara Shop , shows Urahara his healed wounds. Telling Urahara he told Isshin he would be sleeping over at a friend's house, he asks Urahara to teach him well.

Ururu Tsumugiya attacks Ichigo. In Urahara's training area , Ichigo's soul form is freed from his body, and he finds it difficult to move. Urahara reveals Byakuya destroyed the source of his power, leaving him without any Shinigami powers, and he must restore these in order to fight the Shinigami.

Explaining about Reiryoku , stating the more one's Reiryoku rises, the sharper the movements of their spiritual body become, he says if Ichigo can manage to move even better with his spiritual body than he can with his mortal body, they will have completely recovered his Reiryoku. Urahara has Ururu Tsumugiya attack Ichigo, and she lunges at him, creating a large cloud of dust and debris.

Realizing he is able to run away from her, Ichigo attempts to dodge her attacks directly. Successfully dodging, Ichigo attacks Ururu by trying to hit her headgear lightly, believing the weight difference will do the rest.

When he hits and cuts her face, Ururu kicks him into a rocky outcropping. Catching Ichigo before he hits it, Tessai cushions him from the impact. Tessai severs Ichigo's Chain of Fate. Congratulating him on clearing the lesson, Urahara asks if Ichigo is still having trouble breathing or moving, which he is not. As Urahara says he has successfully recovered his spirit energy, and the soul tends to gain the Reiryoku faster when it is in danger of being destroyed, Tessai, cutting Ichigo's Chain of Fate , pins him to the ground.

The point of this lesson, which Urahara calls " Shattered Shaft ," is to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Dropped to the bottom of a shaft, he is bound with a Kin spell, and Urahara tells him to scale the vertical sides of the deep shaft. After the corrosion of the chain's fifth link, Ichigo notes the process alternates between a few minutes of painful corrosion and a few hours of dormancy.

Only able to attempt to escape during the dormant phases, Ichigo unsuccessfully tries to run up the wall. Asking him if he is hungry, Jinta Hanakari explains a soul feeling hungry is a sign they will soon become a Hollow.

Later, as Ichigo wonders how long he has been in the hole for and how he can get out of it, Jinta runs down the shaft's wall with a platter of fruit for him. When Ichigo, denying he is hungry, says the chain is still long, Jinta reveals it has been seventy hours since he entered the shaft, and the final corrosion phase is stronger than the earlier ones.

As the remaining length of the chain begins to corrode, a hole opens in Ichigo's chest, and a mask begins to form over his face. Awakening inside his consciousness, Ichigo sees a man standing on a building. Surprised that Ichigo does not recognize him, the man says his name, but Ichigo cannot hear it. Stating it is sad, the man asks how many times he has to tell him his name before he is able to hear it, as he thought nobody in this world knew him better than Ichigo. When Ichigo falls from the building, the man, following him, states he should not worry, as Shinigami control death.

As Ichigo tells him he is not currently a Shinigami, the man, telling him to focus the Reishi around him underneath his feet to stand on, urges Ichigo to remember a time when he stopped in mid-air as a Shinigami. He tells Ichigo Byakuya destroyed the powers given to him by Rukia, but Ichigo has his own Shinigami powers, which were hidden deep in his soul and awakened by Rukia's power.

As the world crumbles around him, he instructs Ichigo to find it. With the buildings of his inner world dissolving into countless boxes, Ichigo, falling through a fissure into water, wonders how he can find his own powers.

Telling him this time he ought to hear his name, the man urges him to take the hilt. Congratulating him on his success, Urahara says he is now a complete Shinigami. Having sworn to kill Urahara when he got out of the shaft, Ichigo hits him in the eye with the sword's hilt. Urahara starts the third lesson, which is simply to knock the hat off of Urahara's head. As Ichigo proposes a five minute time limit, Urahara draws a blade from within his cane. Ichigo and Kisuke Urahara clash.

As Ichigo, thinking he is going to die, runs away, Urahara continues to attack him. Ichigo sees the man from his inner world again, who, asking why Ichigo ran when he has not yet called him, reveals his name is Zangetsu.

As the dust settles, a hat-less Urahara, stating he would have lost an arm if it were not for Chikasumi no Tate , says he did not expect so much from one swing.

After completing Urahara's training, Ichigo has a relatively normal summer holiday while waiting for the gate to Soul Society to be opened. On the first of August, Ichigo and his friends gather for a fireworks festival, where they catch up. Isshin and the twins, running up to Ichigo, knock him down a bank. When Ichigo asks if they are drunk, Isshin reveals a juice seller used wine to dilute their juice instead of water. Telling the group they saved a seat on the opposite bank of the river that morning, Isshin heads off with the girls and several of Ichigo's friends.

Seven days after completing his training, Ichigo is summoned to the Urahara Shop. As he leaves, Ichigo says goodbye to his sisters. Isshin lends him an amulet, which he claims Masaki gave to him, stating it will bring him good fortune. On his way to Urahara's, Ichigo meets up with Orihime. Revealing he did not know she was going until Urahara mentioned it, Ichigo asks her if she is sure about it. Interrupting them, Urahara invites the group inside.

In the underground training area, Urahara, revealing the Senkaimon they will be using to enter Soul Society, removes Ichigo's Shinigami form from his body. As the others examine his body, Ichigo complains about them touching it freely. Explaining how the Senkaimon works, Urahara says it will only stay open for four minutes.

If they do not reach Soul Society in that time, they will become trapped in the Dangai. When Yoruichi tells them only those who are truly ready for the task can go, Ichigo says everyone gathered there has already made their decision and will go to Soul Society. When Yoruichi tells him they will never return if they lose, Ichigo states they simply have to win. When the Senkaimon opens, Ichigo tells Kon to take care of his family.

Upon gaining access to Seireitei, he is repelled outside the gate by Captain Gin Ichimaru. Beating Ikkaku, Ichigo, sparing his life, learns that as the strongest of the intruders, he will be hunted down by Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.

Accidentally attracting the attention of more Shinigami, Ichigo meets up with Ganju again. Renji begs him to rescue Rukia. After Zangetsu helps Ichigo find his resolve, Ichigo manages to injure Kenpachi. Viewing Ichigo as his equal, Kenpachi decides to unleash his full power, prompting Ichigo and Zangetsu to work together to summon his full power.

After the fight ends, with both of them incapacitated, Ichigo is rescued by Yoruichi. After stopping three lieutenants from pursuing them, he is confronted by Byakuya once more. Coercing Byakuya into using his Bankai, Ichigo, unable to keep up just using his Shikai, reveals his own Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu , and uses his increased speed to outmaneuver Byakuya's Bankai.

After Byakuya counters with his Senkei technique, after a while, Ichigo begins to slow and weaken, giving Byakuya the chance to immobilize him. As he is about to be struck down, Ichigo's inner Hollow , surfacing, injures Byakuya. After regaining control of himself, Ichigo and Byakuya prepare for one final clash.

When Ichigo demands to know why Byakuya will not save his sister, Byakuya promises to answer if Ichigo wins. After they clash, while Ichigo struggles to stand, Byakuya explains himself. When Renji, refusing to hand over Rukia, is wounded by Aizen, Ichigo arrives to fight against the treacherous captain. After being healed by Orihime, Ichigo and the others spend a week in Soul Society, where he, sparring with the 11th Division , learns from Rukia she has decided to stay in Soul Society.

Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material. Ichigo, unaware he is unable to perform Bankai outside of Soul Society, faces three Modified Souls in a series of games, set by Urahara, which involve kidnapping Ichigo's friends, all unbeknownst to Ichigo.

Ichigo fights them , but they prove to be tough to beat. He discovers when the twins are separated, their ability to control their Dolls is greatly reduced. With some assistance from Ganju Shiba, the group kills the weakened Dolls with fireworks.

There, Ichigo engages Utagawa in battle , during which he obliterates a large portion of the house, surprising both Utagawa and Maki Ichinose. When Ichinose confronts Ichigo , the two fight until Kariya, taking over, overpowers Ichigo. As Ichigo is on the brink of defeat, Urahara and his assistants arrive to rescue them.

When Ichigo is beaten, his inner Hollow takes over. Managing to repel his inner Hollow, Ichigo succumbs to his previous injuries. When Izuru Kira , appearing, disables the Doll, Koga retreats. When Renji and Ichigo, continuing into the depths of the cave, find Ugaki, Renji decides to take on Gesell with his Bankai so Ichigo will have the strength to take on the remaining Bount.

As the cave begins to crumble, Yumichika Ayasegawa convinces Ichigo to leave them behind and go further into the cave. Ichigo starts a battle with Kariya, who, defeating Ichigo, threatens to kill him with Zangetsu , convincing Ichigo to recover his will to fight and regain his ability to use his Bankai.

When Ichigo asks Byakuya for assistance, he, declining the request, says Ichigo's job is in the Human World. Later, Ichigo, coming across Byakuya and Kariya fighting in a forest , joins in, but they are unable to beat the Bount leader. Arriving, Kenpachi challenges Ichinose , allowing the others to pursue the Bount. Absorbing the energy, Kariya, using its destructive potential as a threat to keep Ichigo at bay, 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. As Kariya attacks Ichigo, whose inner Hollow momentarily takes over, Ichigo, regaining control of his body, tells Kariya he cannot absorb spirit particles to heal himself because Ran'Tao sealed his absorption ability.

Afterwards, they return to the Human World. After Ichigo returns from Soul Society, Isshin attacks him in bed. Ichigo blocks the attack, earning praise from Isshin.

At school, he realizes Tatsuki can see his Substitute Shinigami badge, which alerts him to a nearby Hollow, which he rushes to defeat. That night, he is confronted by Shinji Hirako , who reveals both he and Ichigo are Visored.

Ichigo blocks an attack from Yammy Llargo. Interrupting his thoughts, Karin reveals she knows he is a Shinigami. Ichigo's inner Hollow, interfering, paralyzes Ichigo, allowing Yammy to injure both him and Orihime. Yoruichi and Urahara arrive to protect them, prompting the Arrancar to withdraw. After his failure against Yammy, Ichigo becomes depressed that he cannot protect his friends.

Rukia forces Ichigo to defeat a Hollow, all the while chastising him, and forces him to apologize to Orihime. When Renji tells him they cannot return to Soul Society until after the Arrancar threat is dealt with, Ichigo insists they cannot all stay at his house, and they eventually leave, except for Rukia, who convinces Isshin and Yuzu to allow her to stay in the girls' room using a cover story.

Ichigo stops Di Roy Rinker from killing Sado. During the night, six Arrancar, lead by Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez invade Karakura Town, seeking targets with spiritual power. Telling Ichigo to step aside, as he already exceeded his strength when he fought Yammy, Rukia transforms into her Shinigami form, which surprises Ichigo. As Rukia yells to Ichigo to retreat, Grimmjow impales her. Charging at Grimmjow, Ichigo, unable to harm him with his Shikai, activates his Bankai, but Grimmjow, blocking Ichigo's strikes unarmed, outmaneuvers him.

Blocking it with his arms, the Arrancar takes minimal damage, and Ichigo realizes he is in danger of his inner Hollow taking over. When an angry Ichigo demands Grimmjow finish their fight, Grimmjow counters by saying the only reason Ichigo is still alive is because he is leaving before their fight is finished.

As the Garganta closes, Ichigo is left to ponder the events which have occurred. When Renji, arriving, asks Ichigo if he won, Ichigo states he lost, but Renji says since he is alive, it means he won. Telling him not to patronize him, as he would not be saying this if he were in Ichigo's position, Ichigo states he cannot protect anyone or even help the wounded.

Feeling unable to control his inner Hollow, Ichigo seeks out the Visored in order to gain control. The other Visored stop Ichigo, who is told he must force the Hollow into the very core of his soul.

While the Visored fight his out of control body, in his inner world, Ichigo, unable to damage the Hollow, is instead stabbed. After a brief discourse with his Hollow and another with a manifestation of Kenpachi, Ichigo learns he lacks pure fighting spirit, instead needing reasons to fight his opponents. His spirit rekindled by this revelation, Ichigo, subduing his inner Hollow, regains consciousness. Ichigo challenges Grimmjow, donning his Hollow mask in battle for the first time.

A month later, Ichigo once again fights Grimmjow , though he can only remain in his masked form for eleven seconds. As he overwhelms the 6th Espada, his mask crumbles when the time limit expires, and Grimmjow counterattacks. Pinning his hands to the ground, the Espada tries to kill him with a Cero , but Rukia freezes his arm. As Grimmjow tries to kill her, Shinji, stepping in, fights him until the Arrancar retreat.

When Ichigo awakens, he realizes his wrist has been healed by Orihime. Hitsugaya brings him to Orihime's apartment for an emergency communication with Soul Society. Captain Ukitake tells them Orihime was taken by an Arrancar, and might have been killed. When Ichigo reveals she visited him to heal him the night before, Captain-Commander Yamamoto believes she has betrayed them. Silencing Ichigo's protest, Renji requests permission to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue her, but the request is denied.

When Ichigo asks to go save Orihime by himself, Yamamoto, once again denying the request, states Ichigo is a significant asset to Soul Society. The Shinigami are ordered to return to Soul Society to fortify their defenses, leaving Ichigo alone.

While being confronted by Tatsuki over Orihime's disappearance, Ichigo learns Tatsuki can see him in Shinigami form. Trying to distance himself from his friends, Ichigo goes to Urahara's shop.

Urahara opens a Garganta to Hueco Mundo, and they enter the portal. Once they win, the room and passageway collapses around them, forcing the trio to race outside, where they see Las Noches. The Hollow is immune to their attacks, but the group is saved by Renji and Rukia, who defeat it. Trying to defeat the Privaron Espada without his Bankai, Ichigo is unable to do so. When Dordoni fires a Cero at Ichigo, Nel, intervening, absorbs the blast before firing it back at him.

Dordoni attacks Nel, prompting Ichigo to use his Bankai to save her. Partly healed by Nel, Dordoni attacks Ichigo, who, blocking the attack, runs away with Nel after Dordoni gives his life to keep the Exequias from stopping them.

Upon sensing Rukia's defeat, Ichigo is confronted by Ulquiorra. When Ulquiorra tells Ichigo Rukia has been killed, Ichigo, attempting to leave to save her, reasons he and Ulquiorra have no reason to fight.

When Ulquiorra successfully goads Ichigo into fighting , Ichigo delivers an extremely powerful attack, but Ulquiorra, suffering little damage, counterattacks, revealing himself to be the 4th Espada.

Impaling Ichigo's chest with his hand, Ulquiorra leaves. As their battle ensues , the advantage shifts between the two combatants. Stopping Grimmjow's attack, Ichigo slashes him. Overcoming this, Ichigo defeats Grimmjow. As the 6th Espada tries to attack once more, Ichigo stops him.

Nnoitra Gilga , appearing, incapacitates Grimmjow and, attacking Ichigo , reveals he is the 5th Espada. As Nel denies this, Nnoitra attacks Ichigo again. Seeing Ichigo hurt, Nel, transforming into her adult form, battles Nnoitra, but eventually reverts to her child form.

When Nnoitra kicks Nel, the enraged Ichigo, attacking again, is slammed into the ground. As Orihime defends Yachiru Kusajishi , Ichigo, trying to stop Orihime, is stunned when he cannot break through her healing shield.

Ichigo facing off against Ulquiorra. Trying to stop him, Ichigo is unable to do so. After Kenpachi explains his duty as a Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo, telling Kenpachi his duty is to protect his friends, rushes to rescue Orihime. Renji, Chad, and Rukia arrive to fight them so Ichigo can continue on.

Ichigo and Rukia are alerted to an abnormal amount of Hollow sightings. The following day, the trio, moving into the house next to Ichigo's, become students at his school.

Finding Rurichiyo, Ichigo attempts to defend her from an assassin. After the group return to Karakura, Hanza Nukui leads another group of assassins to kill Ichigo, his friends, and Rurichiyo. Sensing the arrival of Hanza and his minions, Ichigo and Rukia stay to protect Rurichiyo while the others go out to fight them. As the fake Masaki tries to kill him, Ichigo breaks free by making peace with his mother.

Amagai teleports away with Rurichiyo, leaving the dying Kumoi to reveal Amagai is behind the conspiracy. Ichigo vs. Despite hearing Amagai's allegations against Yamamoto, Ichigo is determined to stop Amagai, whom he states has selfishly caused innocent people to suffer. Unleashing his Bankai, Ichigo eventually uses his Hollow mask. As Ichigo tries to stop Amagai from taking his own life, Byakuya makes Ichigo understand 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. As Ichigo's fight with Ulquiorra continues, Orihime, shielding Ichigo from an attack by Ulquiorra, is ambushed by other Arrancar , and Ulquiorra prevents Ichigo from helping her. Ichigo seemingly finished off by Ulquiorra's Cero Oscuras. After a series of attacks, Ulquiorra asks Ichigo why he will not give up.

Revealing he always knew Ulquiorra was stronger, Ichigo states nothing he sees him do will stop him from fighting. Ichigo and Unohana dive into the Garganta. After recovering slightly from his battle, Ichigo saves Rukia from Yammy.

As Ichigo realizes he is unable to summon his mask again, Byakuya and Kenpachi arrive to take over the fight. Jumping out of the Garganta, Ichigo, trying to defeat Aizen in one blow, is blocked by a barrier. As Ichigo thinks he should have used his mask, Aizen tries to unnerve Ichigo. As he states the Shinigami and Visored will not let him see Aizen's Shikai, they all gather around him.

Ichigo pounces on Aizen as he emerges from Yamamoto 's attack. When the captains and Visored are tricked by Aizen into attacking Momo Hinamori , Ichigo asks them what they are doing as they realize the truth. Listing various important moments in the development of Ichigo's power, Aizen tells him all of his battles have taken place exactly as he desired.

An angry Ichigo listens as Aizen, stating he believed Ichigo to be the perfect subject for his research, claims all of Ichigo's victories were by his own doing. Attacking, Ichigo states his claims do not match those he made in Soul Society. Asking why Ichigo believes he told the truth back then, Aizen claims responsibility for the events which have led Ichigo to this point. When Ichigo asks him when he came to the conclusion he would be a perfect research subject, Aizen, stating he has known about Ichigo from the day he was born, is interrupted by Isshin, who, taking his son away, says he will answer any questions later.

Ichigo attacks Gin , but is blocked. When Gin asks if Ichigo remembers their previous fight, Ichigo, explaining his philosophy on battle, notes he could not feel Gin's heart in his blade when they last fought. Isshin encourages Ichigo to go defend Karakura Town.

Telling Ichigo to open a Senkaimon to follow them and defend the real Karakura Town, Isshin, struggling to persuade the despondent Ichigo to go, eventually succeeds. When Ichigo says he needs it to protect Karakura Town, Tensa Zangetsu says what they want to protect are different.

Surprised at Tensa Zangetsu's reluctance, Ichigo listens as he notes the hope-filled skyscrapers which once filled his inner world now resembles Karakura Town, submerged by constant rain created by Ichigo falling into despair. Forcing Ichigo to confront the source of his despair, his inner Hollow , whom he believed had been defeated, Tensa Zangetsu states Ichigo will fight them together as they merge into one being, which, attacking him, tells Ichigo they are two parts of the same being and they are his power.

Congratulating Ichigo on figuring it out, the merged spirit, crying, reveals all he wanted is to protect Ichigo, stating the essence of the technique will be conveyed to him directly from the blade. Later, Ichigo, now taller and with longer hair from his time in the Dangai, arrives with his unconscious father in Karakura Town.

Greeting his friends, Ichigo, telling them to stay where they are, grabs Aizen and, bringing him outside Karakura Town, throws him into the ground. As the two clash , causing significant damage to the surrounding area, Aizen, commenting on their changed appearances, gloats. Stopping Aizen's blade with his bare hand, Ichigo, asking Aizen if his feat is really that hard to believe, asks him if he is scared of what is in front of his eyes right now. As they fight, Aizen, transforming, fires an immensely powerful blast at Ichigo, who, surviving, sustains some damage.

Grabbing him, Aizen gloats, but Ichigo slashes at his chest, forcing Aizen to release him. After the two converse briefly, Aizen is finally sealed as Ichigo looks away. After the battle with Aizen, Ichigo, asking Urahara where everyone is, asks if everyone's memories have been erased.

Saying no, which relieves Ichigo, Urahara tells him Aizen's punishment will be dealt with by Central