Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki is the main protagonist in the Manga series, Bleach. His Shinigami (Death God/Soul Reaper) powers were first activated by Rukia Kuchiki attempting to grant him a portion of her powers. Upon realizing his strength, Ichigo took it upon himself to protect souls from the evil Hollows.

Appearance & Personality
Teenage IchigoBirthday: 15 July Hair: Orange Eyes: Brown Height: 5'9" (174cm) Weight: 134 lbs (61 kg) Blood Type: A Voice Actors- Japanese: Mazakazu Morita

English: Johnny Yong Bosch

Ichigo is a normal looking teen. He wears clothes that are not baggy and looks more along the style of an alternative music fan. Ichigo has orange hair, hence the nick name Strawberry, and is rather athletic. He becomes noticeable more athletic as his Shinigami powers mature, as observed by his sister, Karin. Ichigo also bears a striking resemblance to one of the former vice-captains, Kaien Shiba. This resemblance has not been explained at this time and was largely ignored by Kaien's siblings, Kukaku and Ganju despite Ichigo spending considerable time with both of them.

As far as personality goes Ichigo is a hot headed and brash individual. Like with most teenagers, Ichigo is every bit confident of their own mortality and will rush headlong into any situation. Ichigo has some trouble with respect and is quite rude when talking to those older than him. He tends to call some captains by their given names despite verbal protests from the latter two and almost never uses any honorifics. But he does treat some people with respect (Yoruichi Shihoin, Kisuke Urahara, Jushiro UkitakeThe same is true with Shinigami "royalty", such as Shuu and Rurichiyo. Ichigo hasn't overtly shown any romantic type feelings to any females in the series except for Senna in an anime-only filler. This is likely due to the fact that he and Senna spent quality time together, and Ichigo bought a ribbon for her. This apparently made the two very close. Another sign of his dedication to her was when he refused to give up on her after she was captured. However, there is also a strong bond between Ichigo and Rukia, and their love-hate relationship has romantic potential. Orihime Inoue has frequently shown her love and concern for Ichigo. This was especially demonstrated when Orihime was allowed to say goodbye to one person before she was take to Hueco Mundo and chose to see Ichigo, wishing to meet him again and again in any lifetime she could live. Ichigo, although not outwardly affectionate with Inoue, has expressed his special bond with Inoue by protecting her time and time again. It is possible that his love for Inoue and desire to protect her even brought him back from the dead and transformed him into his second hollow form after Ulquirra pierced his chest.

History
Throughout Bleach Ichigo's spirit power has an effect on some of his closest friends and allies. Some of Ichigo's allies include Uryu Ishida, Yasutora 'Chad' Sado, Orihime Inoue, Rukia Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, Kisuke Urahara, and Yoruichi Shisouin. Ichigo also picks up several allies in the Soul Society arc after he has fought against them. Many of these are Soul Reapers and others are people he meets before entering the center of the Soul Society.

Strawberry & The Soul Reaper
Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary fifteen year high school student who just happens to be able to see and interact with ghosts.

On one fateful day whilst saving a little girl's spirit from an unseen force, he meets a mysterious young girl dressed in a black robe and wielding a sword. Despite looking out of place, this does not bother the other people nearby as she appears to be invisible. The young girl is in fact a Soul Reaper called Rukia Kuchiki, an agent of the Soul Society who acts like a guide and guardian to spirits that haven't passed on yet.

Ichigo temporarily succumbs to Rukia's binding spellShortly after his meeting Rukia, Ichigo and his family are attacked by a Hollow (a malevolent spirit normally that of a human) at their family owned clinic. The hollow was trying to devour the spiritual energy of Ichigo and his two sisters, Karin and Yuzu, at their family clinic they live at.

Rukia explains that the hollow had traveled in with their father and had actually come to eat Ichigo because of his extraordinarily high spirit power, his power actually blocked hers while she was in the same room as him and the door was closed. Ichigo tries to defend his family and learns that he can't fight the Hollow as he is.

Receiving his powers from RukiaRukia tries to tend to him and ends up being horribly injured. In a last ditch effort to save the family Rukia tries to pass a part of her powers over to Ichigo and ends up giving Ichigo almost all of her power by accident. The plan works better than she meant and Ichigo quickly finishes off the Hollow. When Ichigo wakes the next day he finds that he is the only one who can remember what happened.

Ichigo's returns to school the next day to find Rukia has joined the school as a new student. Through out the day she works to convince Ichigo to hold her place as the Soul Reaper for his city. Ichigo is hesitant at first, but finally agrees to her terms and starts his training under her.

Good Night My Sister
The next day, Ichigo introduces Orihime to Rukia. Rukia notices a strange bruise on Orihime and explains to Ichigo that Orihime has been getting attacked by a Hollow.

Later that night Ichigo is attacked by the Hollow that has been hunting Orihime. After battling it away Ichigo and Rukia follow it back to Orihime's apartment. Along the way Ichigo tells Rukia that he recognized the face behind the Hollow's mask. He knows the Hollow as Orihime's brother, who she dragged to his family's clinic after he was hit by a car. Ichigo explains that Orihime's brother had died in Ichigo defeating Orihime's hollow brothertheir clinic while await a transfer. Rukia tells Ichigo that Hollows are people that have died, but have not accepted that they are dead and so the lose their humanity and start eating other people's souls to fill their pain.

Ichigo bursts into Orihime's apartment in time to keep the Hollow Acidwire from killing her. During the battle Orihime manages to step between her brother and Ichigo and explains why she quit spending all her time praying to him. Orihime's brother comes back to his senses and falls on Ichigo's zanpaktou- to cleanses his own soul.

The Pink Cheeked Parakeet
The Parakeet Ichigo and his friends are at school one day when Chad arrives with his new pet, a parakeet with a boy's soul attached to it. Ichigo senses the soul and plans to free it from the bird's body when he gets the chance to. Unfortunately Chad is attacked by a Hollow right outside of the

Kurasaki Hospital. That night before Ichigo can step in to help Chad and the boy the Hollow that attacked them returns and chases off Chad. The next day Ichigo and Rukia set out to find Chad. Along the way Ichigo and Rukia run into Karin, Ichigo's sister, as she stumbles around too sick to know what is happening. Ichigo leaves Rukia to take Karin home.

While Ichigo is gone Rukia runs into Chad and the Hollow. Ichigo shows up in time to keep the Hollow from defeating Rukia and Chad.

During the battle Ichigo defeats the Hollow. Unlike any of the previous battles Ichigo was involved in when he destroys this Hollow it doesn't have it's soul cleansed. This time when the zanpaktou- to hits the Hollow the Gates of Hell appear and the Hollow's soul is dragged to hell. Rukia informs Ichigo that a person who has committed crimes against humanity are banished to Hell as punishment for their crimes. After the Hollow is dealt with Ichigo and Rukia confront the parakeet and Chad. they explain to the boy how he will be able to pass on and find his murdered mother.

A very fun loving and crazy character is introduced into Ichigo's life in the second story. Because Ichigo is always needing to rely on Rukia to change from his human form to his Soul Reaper form she orders a new device that allows him to change out of his human form. Rukia goes to Urahara's Candy Store to pick up a Mod Soul (Gikongan in the manga) that allows Ichigo to leave his body whenever he eats a candy. The soul that takes over his body us a mod soul that was programmed to fight Hollows, but because of ethics was suppose to e destroyed. The Mod Soul runs a muck while Ichigo and Rukia set out to hunts Hollows. After they return from the Hollow hunt they are greeted by the havoc of Ichigo's class room where the new Mod Soul has kissed Tatsuki. Icihgo and Rukia try to corner the Mod Soul but it jumps out a window. Ichigo and Rukia chase after the Mod Soul until they corner him at a school. Ichigo tries to kill a Hollow that has attacked and is angered by the Mod Souls desire to attack the Hollow even after Ichigo has cleansed it. When Ichigo inspects what has happened he is surprised to see that the mod soul has actually saved the lives of ants and sworn to never take a life.

Memories In The Rain
Ichigo and Rukia finally find a name for the Mod Soul and readers are fully introduced to Kon. Rukia awakens one day to the sound of Kon and Ichigo fighting and notices that Ichigo is acting differently. When Ichigo arrives at school he acts differently and catches the attention of some of the class mates that know how he normally behaves. When Orihime brings it up Tatsuki explains to her that Ichigo has a yearly tradition that is going to make him skip school the next day. That night Ichigo and his family plan out their yearly visit to their mother's grave. When Ichigo and his family set out for the picnic the next day they run into Rukia along the way. Ichigo drags her to the side and explains that his mother was not murdered, and despite her suspicions it was not a Hollow that killed her. While arguing with Rukia Ichigo sees a familiar face and chases after the girl. When Ichigo is unable to find the girl in the cemetery he finally breaks down and reveals to Rukia that he blames himself for his mother's murder.

While the Kurosaki family spend their day at the graveyard Tatsuki and Orihime talk about Ichigo as a child and his mother. Tatsuki explains that as a child Ichigo was very different than he is now. As a child Tatsuki remember Ichigo as being weak and crying a lot. However he always seemed to find strength in his mother being around and always smiled when she was near. Orihime then learns that Ichigo and his mother were walking home one day when he tried to run after someone. His mother then tried to run after him, but something struck her down. Ichigo spent days trying to find his mother, being a little too young to fully understand that she was dead. Ichigo has blamed himself since then for his mother's death, but never told anyone how he felt.

Ichigo vs Grand FisherBack in the cemetery Karin notices a spirit and tries to talk to it. The young girl turns out to be a Hollow and traps Karin and Yuzu until Ichigo and Rukia show up and battle Grand Fisher. Ichigo attacks Grand Fisher and asks Rukia to stay out of fight so he can settle the fight with Hollow that killed his mother. Ichigo attacks recklessly and gets wounded horribly before he manages to trap the Hollow and wound it. The Hollow even plays against Ichigo's feelings for his mother by making it's second body (the little girl) turn into his mother. When the Hollow becomes too injured to carry on it retracts it's main body back into the bait body and runs off. Ichigo tries to pursuit Grand Fisher but Rukia stops him and convinces him to stay and let her treat him as he gives to his injuries.

Later Ichigo goes back to the grave to ask for forgiveness for having attracted the Hollow to attack him and his mother. While standing in the rain Ichigo's father Issin arrives back at the grave and talks to Ichigo about letting himself live a normal life and accept that his mother died protecting him because she loved him. Ichigo swears to make it right for her sacrifice and sets out to improve as a Soul Reaper under Rukia.

Meeting Don Kanoji
Ichigo decides to one day try and clean up Kon as he has gotten dirty since he has had to be there when Ichigo needs the candy. Often having his stuffed animal body abandoned where ever they are when Ichigo needs to fight. Ichigo decides that beating Kon against the side of the clinic wall outside of his window is the best way to get him clean. The commotion gets Rukia involved who tries to use the janitor's broom that she has taken from the school. Ichigo and Rukia end up having to leave and at the end of the day to find Kon running down the hallway with a dress on and a flower glued to his ear. Ichigo takes Kon back to his room and gets the dress off and then tears the flower off of his ear, causing Kon to attack him.

Soon after Ichigo reveals that he doesn't put a lot of faith in his horoscopes, even if they are proving themselves to be right. He also decides that he dislikes a show that has topped the rankings in his area called Spontaneous Trips to Spiritual Hot Spots. The host of the show Don Kanonji has drawn in a lot of people and started several fades, which Ichigo has no problem hating. The show announces that it is heading towards Ichigo's town for a special live episode, and Ichigo ends up being dragged along with his family to see the show play through. At the site for the show Ichigo and Rukia notice that an evil spirit that has yet to turn Hollow is attaches to the building. Ichigo at first plans on coming back at night to cleanse the soul, but is forced to act quickly as Kanonji ends up hastening the transformation by using his cane to open up the Hollows hole on the man's chest. Ichigo and Rukia continue to wrestle with security until the spirit reappears on top of the abandoned clinic. Ichigo can't find a way to get to Rukia so that he can turn Soul Reaper, luckily though Kisuke Urahara uses his cane and knocks Ichigo's Soul Reaper out of his body.

Don Kanoji with his trademark pose. Ichigo quickly knocks Kanonji inside the building and tries to convince him to leave so he can fight the Hollow. His pleads turn out to be useless as Kanonji refuses to leave and wants to stay because that is "what a hero would do." Ichigo ends up having his hands stuck to his hilt by the Hollow's glue like spit, and unable to get a good swing off because the zanpaktou-to is too long and gets stuck in the ceiling. Kanonji steps in and saves Ichigo by wedging his cane into the Hollow's mouth and using his other hand to create a small projectile that blows the ceiling away from the Zanpaktou- to. Ichigo and the Hollow end up fighting on top of the roof of the clinic where Ichigo finally kills the Hollow. Kanonji thanks Ichigo for his help and out of his want for a protege gives Ichigo a membership to his fan club and makes him his number one fan. Ichigo is, however, very intent on openly refusing the gift as he sees Kanonji as an idiot.

The Battle for the Rubicon
The next day Ichigo and Rukia begin to get false calls that Holows are attacking and begin to wonder if something might be wrong, but play it off to chance. Ichigo and Rukia keeping getting calls that Hollows are attacking the city, but every time they arrive the Hollow is gone and the victims are safe. One night they are met by Uryu Ishida, the last Quincy ho proclaims his hatred for Soul Reapers very openly.

Concerned that something may be wrong with her communicator Rukia tries taking it to Urahara for repairs. While she is gone Ichigo accepts a duel with Uryu after unsuccessfully following him Ichigo takes the Soul Candy to release himself from his body and has Kon go to find Rukia. As the duel begins Ichigo runs around trying to find his sisters and protect them. He does not realize at the time that his friends are gaining new powers just from exposure to his powers. When Ichigo finally finds Rukia Uryu is already there and so is Kon.

He, however, is too busy beating on Kon to acknowledge Uryu and ends up aggravating Uryu. When Uryu and Ichigo begin to square off the Hollows that were attracted to Uryu's bait begin to act funny and Uryu runs off to kill them.

The ultimate weapon(?)Before Ichigo can set off to get him Rukia stops Ichigo. Ichigo learns that the Soul Reapers were responsible for the Quincies being wiped out. When Ichigo arrives to get Uryu he ends up explaining that he disagrees with what happened, but that the two of them have to work together to survive so that they can fight one another. Ichigo and Uryu end up having to fight a massive Hollow known as a Menos Grande. the two squabble over how to fight it and the Menos eventually releases it's cero blast to try and kill the two of them. Ichigo uses his spirit power and absorbs and creates his own blast that inflicts enough damage on the Holllow to make it want to retreat back to Hueco Mundo.

Unfortunately Ichigo is unable to regain control of his spirit pressure and comes dangerously close to destroying himself and the others as he would overload. He is saved by Uryu who redirects the power through his bow and arrows and shots the extra energy off until Ichio stabilizes his spirit pressure and can continue on.

The Battle for the Rubicon is over, but now Ichigo and Rukia are about to impart on an even more treacherous journey that is hinted to as the chapter closes with the Soul Society sending out people to retrieve Rukia and, if the need be, destroy Ichigo.

Ichigo returns to school and feels bad for Uryu when he sees all the injuries he has after releasing all of the excess energy that had built up inside Ichigo. He tries to get Uryu involved in the daily madness that him and his friends usually enjoy, but it ends up being a mistake as Uryu is very much a downer compared to Ichigo and the others. Later that night Ichigo returns home home and tries to find Rukia, but she has disappeared.

The Broken Coda
Ichigo's First Battle with RenjiIchigo finds a note in his room from Rukia after he finds and releases Kon, who was taped to the back of the toilet so Rukia could leave without him alerting anyone. Ichigo has to "decode" the note that reveals that Rukia has decided that she needs to leave. She tells Ichigo to stay low for awhile because they might both be in danger. As Ichigo panics and tries to think of a way to help Rukia Kon has his candy released from him by Kisuke Urahara (called Hat and Clogs at the time) who insist that he only wants to try to find a way to help Rukia. Ichigo doesn't ask anymore questions, he just takes off to try to find Rukia. When Ichigo arrives to where Renji and Byakuya have trapped Rukia he finds that Uryu has already been defeated. Ichigo tries to fight Renji with his zanpaktou- to, but proves to slow and weak at first to be able to fight him. After a few wounds though Ichigo's body starts drawing in spirit energy and he becomes too fast and too strong for the limited Renji. As Ichigo goes to try and finish the battle his zanpaku- to is broken. As he turns to see Byakuya holding the broken end of the zanpaktou- to he is struck down.

Byakuya proves to be too fast and powerful, cutting through Ichigo's Saketsu Chain and his Hakusui Soul Sleep. The attack doesn't kill Ichigo quickly, but it removes all of his Soul Pressure and any Soul Reaper powers that he had. Ichigo hears a short conversation between Rukia and Byakuya where they say he looks like someone they both knew.

Ichigo grabs onto Byakuya's hem and questions him, but Rukia kicks his hand away to keep it from being cut off. Ichigo watches helplessly as Rukia and the other two walk off to get into the Soul Society. As the rain begins to pour down on him Ichigo blacks out as a familiar pair of wooden clogs appear in front of him.

Ichigo awakens to the sight of Tessai laying on top of him staring at him. Ichigo goes ballistic like always and draws Kisuke's attention to the room. Urahara explains what has happened and how he saved Ichigo and Uryu after the fight. Ichigo becomes upset and tries to follow get up and demands to be allowed to try and save Rukia again. He is surprised when Urahara jumps over him and holds his cane over Ichigo's face.

Ichigo senses that the cane is more like a sword for some reason and listens as Urahara explains his plan. Ichigo accepts Urahara'a plan to train and prepare so that he can go to the Soul Society to retrieve Rukia.

Ichigo has to spend his first day taking pills to heal what is left of his wounds. At school he notices the new kid that has been sent to replace Rukia. None of the others seem to have noticed that she is gone. After school Ichigo sets out to return to Urahara's when he runs into Orihime. She begins o ask him what had happened to Rukia, and why no one else seems to remember her. Orihime asks Ichigo to get himself ready and to help Rukia, because she knows that is what Ichigo would want to do. The talk with Orihime strengthens Ichigo's resolve and he sets out to train under Urahara.

At the candy store Ichigo meets up with Urahara and Tessai and thanks them for their help before he follows them to an immense underground bunker that they built under the city to train Ichigo in. Ichigo is knocked from his body and begins to feel the strain of being a new Soul exposed from it's body.

Ichigo training so that he can save RukiaIchigo is quickly thrown into his training as he is given head gear and gloves and told to try to hit Uryu, a small girl that lives at the candy shop. Ichigo at first refuses, that is until Uryu takes a swing at him and reveals that her punches are more like bomb blasts. Ichigo runs about dodging her while being mad fun of by Urahara, until he gets his gloves and head gear on. Ichigo finally gets to the point where he feels like he can confidently dodge her attacks and possibly even hit her.

As Ichigo goes on the offensive he manages to kick Uryu's cheek, which turns out to be a mistake. Ururu goes into a battle mode that she has developed and jumps up on Ichigo's extended arm and kicks him several dozen feet away and buries him and Tessai in a platue wall. Ichigo is spared though as Urahara has caught Ururu's foot and stopped the majority of the kick's force. Ichigo is at first up set that he lost and demands another chance to fight Ururu, but Kisuke explains that the first test is over. Ichigo is puzzled by what has happened and has to have it spelled out for him that the test was to improve his spirit body's strength and make it easier for him to move and breath as a soul.

Excited that he has just passed the first lesson Ichigo asks what kind of celebration tha Kisuke has in store for him. Unfortunately for Ichigo teir idea of a celebration is to cut off his Chain of Fate. Ichigo becomes understandably upset as he has technically just been killed. It is then explained to Ichigo he has just been put into a sink or swinm situation. He has two choices, become a Soul Reaper or be condemned to turn into a Hollow. As the situation is setting in Ichigo is put into an even worse situation as he is dropped down into an enormous hole and his hands are bound behind his back. Urahara explains that normally having a chain cut off can take some time to finish it's encroachment and turn a person Hollow, unfortunately for Ichigo Kisuke has taken this into account and flooded the hole with a gas that will force the encroachment to complete itself in seventy- two hours.

Ichigo tries to stop the encroachment by slamming the chain against himself and the wall, but when the chain gets close to him the mouths at the ends of the chain turn on him and take a bite out of him.

Ichigo tries to run up the walls with no hands and actually makes it about ten feet up the wall before he falls back to the floor. While in the hole Ichigo has more than the chains to torment him. At the mouth of th hole Kisuke's two store tendants Ururu and Jinta tease him and try to spit on him. At one point Jinta even runs him some food and jumps back out of the hole, explaining that when a spirit becomes hungry it is finishing it's turn to a Hollow. Ichigo doesn't make it out of the hole before the chains finish eating themselves and is drawn into his inner spirit world where he meets a strange man in a long trench coat and sunglasses.

Ichigo talks to the man and is told to find his spirit powers in one of the boxes that his spirit world is turning into and falling into pieces as. The man with the unruly black hair and trench coat tells Ichigo to hurry, he doesn't have much time left. Ichigo falls from the wall of the building he was sitting on and lands in water where one of the boxes ribbons reach him. The ribbon is red and signifies a Soul Reaper, which leads Ichigo to his Soul Power which was trapped in the box. Ichigo returns to the real world where his Spirit Pressure had exploded form him and he leaps from the hole.

Oddly though Ichigo is now wearing the Soul Reaper's uniform and the Hollows mask, something that surprises Jinta and Ururu.

Ichigo reaches up with his broken Zanpaku-yo and shatters the mask, then he turns and hits Urhara with the handle to his zanpaku- to. Ichigo decides that he needs to run off at his mouth to Urahara and ends up getting into his next lesson where he has to knock Kisuke's hat off. Ichigo starts off showing some promise as he manages to make a small knick in the edge of the hat's brim. Urahara notes that he is mildly impressed and draws a sword from his cane and begins to chase after Ichigo with his sword/ cane. Ichigo decides to turn and face Kisuke believing that there is no way that the sword is a zanpaku- to. A mistake Ichigo learns quickly as Urahara knocks what is left of the Hollow mask off Ichigos head and releases his Zanapaku- to, Benihime, from it's sword/ cane form.

Ichigo watches in horror as Urahara cuts through his broken zanpaku- to with Benihime, and realizes that he may be killed. Ichigo begins to run for his life and realizes that Renji and Kisuke have both called their zanpkau- tos names. Ichigo has by now realized that zanpaku- tos have names, but knows that his is now useless as Kisuke has cut it down to nothing more than a handle. Ichigo becomes gripped wit the fear that he is going to die and runs, avoiding Kisuke as best he can.

While running Ichigo sees the strange man again and he hears him talking. The man asks why Ichigo has not called his name and demands that he turn around and face off against Kisuke. Ichigo does as he is told and finally learns the name of his zanpaku- to. In a blast of energy Ichigo unleashes Zangetsu and faces Kisuke to finish the lesson. Ichigo warns Kisuke that he can not control the blast, but he is going to attack again to finish the lesson. Ichigo unleashes a blast of raw energy and not only knocks off Kisuke's hat, but cuts about a quarter of it off. When the smoke clears Kisuke looks at Ichigo and mentions that he has a frightening amount of power.

After Ichigo has finished his training (which is shown until later) he returns home to enjoy the last few days of his vacation with his friends before he returns to Kisuke's Candy Shop. The invitation to go to Kisuke's house is actually kinda comedic, seeing as it is a ballon that flies through Ichigo's window and splatters a red fluid on the wall. The fluid then tells Ichigo and friends where they must go to meet Kisuke. However, before it is finished it tells them that anyone who reads the message and think it looks like a psychopathic murder scene has no sense of humor. Ichigo tries to sneak out of his house so that no one will have to see him leave, but his dad jumps off the top of the clinic to try and catch Ichigo off guard. Isshin gives Ichigo a small charm that was given to him by his wife before she died (it say fertility on it.), but demands that Ichigo returns it when he gets back. Ichigo goes to the candy shop and meets Orihime along the way. As they arrive at the shop Orihime and Ichigo are met by Chad (Sado) and Uryu, who arrives last. Ichigo and the team are lead inside to he secret bunker again and have the situation with the Gate explained to them. Ichigo is removed from his human body so that he can use his Soul Reaper powers and tries to get to the gate before everything is explained to them. After taking some abuse from Urahara the full situation is laid out. The tams has four minutes to get through a tunnel that is surrounded by a wall of energy that devours souls. If they are not through in four minutes then he tunnel will collapse and the team will be devoured. Before any doubts can set in Yoruichi steps in and gives some quick confidence to the team and steps through the gate with them.

Soul Society Arc
As Ichigo and the others begin their run for the entrance to the Soul Society they are greeted by the surprise as the tunnel begins to collapse. Ichigo watches in horror as Uryu's cape is caught in the walls and starts to draw his Zanpaku- to before Yoruichi stops him and Chad tears the cape off Uryu. The team returns to running the length of the tunnel, except Uryu who is now being carried by Chad, when a new problem arrives, a Kototsu. Yoruichi warns the team that they have arrived at a bad time as teh Kototsu is a cleaner that clears the tunnels and absorbs any souls that may be lingering. Ichigo and the others are seconds away from being devoured when Orihime uses her shield to protect the team. the resulting explosion more than helps the team to clear the tunnels. Ichigo and the others feel a little releaved, and sore, that they have made it through the first part of their journey without any real problems. After gethering themselves Ichigo and the others see the Seireitei and Ichigo runs off thinking that it is gonna be really easy to get in. Ichigo defeating Jidanbo with his first attackAs Ichigo rushes towards the Seireitei a giant wall falls from the sky and encases the city. Along with the wall comes a gate and a very powerful looking giant who is guarding the gate. Ichigo is introduced to Jidanbo, who takes his job seriously as the gate keeper. Ichigo is cut off from his friends as Jidanbo creates an upheaval in the pavement so that he can fight Ichigo by himself and leave Orihime and Chad to wait for the fight to finish. Yoruichi explains to the group that Jidnaboi has served as the guard of the gate for around 300 years and has not lost yet. As the fight starts Jidanbo attacks Ichigo with his axes using several of his "techniques", which are more or less him swing haphazardly at Ichigo. On his third attack Jidanbo starts swinging and even loses count of how many times he has swung before Ichigo apologizes and shatters his axes. Ichigo apologizes again when Jidanbo begins to cry over his broken axes and convinces Jidanbo to open the gate since Ichigo won the fight. Jidanbo accepts his defeat and opens the gate to let the team through, but waiting inside is the Gotei 13 captain Jin Ichimaru.

Ichigo's encounter with his first captain goes poorly as Gin cuts off one of Jidanbo's arms and uses his extending zanpaku- to to knock Ichigo and Jidanbo back out of the Seireitei. Yuroichi and the others check on Ichigo and Jidanbo and are suddenly greeted by the inhabitants of the outer city of the Soul Society. The people outside the Seireitei are very friendly and welcome Ichigo and the others because Ichigo had tried to help Jidanbo, who was always friendly with the people. While Orihime begins to heal Jidanbo, Sado meets back with the boy who was trapped in teh parakeet, and the other three meet with the elder. As evening draws near Yuroichi discusses meeting with the Kukaku Shiba, someone Yuroichi believes can get the team into Seireitei now that the gates are closed and guarded. While the team is meeting with the elder a commotion erupts from outside and a young man is thrown through the door and begins to negotiate with the boar that threw him.

 #1 Self Proclaimed Hater of Soul Reapers 

Ganju looks around and sees Ichigo and begins to insult and challenge Ichigo to a fight, all the while proclaiming himself the self appointed number one hater of Soul Reapers. Ichigo respondes to the challenge and ends up fighting with Ganju outside the elder's house until an alarm sounds on the back of one of Ganju's friends. The four pig riders run off and Ganju tells Ichigo to wait because he would return to finish the fight later. The next morning the rest of the team try to drag Ichigo with them since he wants to wait to fight Ganju again. Yuroichi gets through to Ichigo by scratching him across his face (Yuroichi is a talking cat) and convinces him that he needs to save Rukia more than he needs to fight with Ganju.

 A Different Way In 

The team begins to trek across the Soul Society until they can find Kukaku's house, which turns out to be very simple as it is the only house that they see with two arms holding up a banner in the middle of a field. Ichigo and the others arrive at the house where they are greeted by twin guards who recognize Yuroichi and humbly welcome everyone to the Shiba house. Inside they meet Ichigo and the others meet Kukaku, a one armed woman who says that she can get them into the Seireitei, but she insist that they take her brother along with them to make sure that they make it in safely. Ichigo and her brother, Ganju instantly go after one another and get brutalized by Kukaku who insists that the two of them get along so that they can get into the Soul Society.

Kukaku begins to train all of them how to properly form an energy shield so that they can be launched without injury and break the shield that around the Seireitei. Ichigo proves to be the slowest learner as the others have spent more time learning to use their energy and manipulate it while he spent more time learning to fight. While trying to learn how to use the shield technique Ganju shows Ichigo a way to make a shield quickly, unfortunately since Ichigo can't control his Spirit Pressure his shield begins to shake the whole house and brings everyone running. As the others arrive Ichigo becomes distracted and his shield explodes. Ichigo starts to worry that he won't be able to help the others since he can't control his energy, but Yuroichi talks him into continuing to try. Ichigo ends up being able to make the shield, but has to spend a lot of time adjusting his power levels so that he isn't overburdening the others.

Halfway through the flight Ichigo and Ganju begin to argue again, causing the shield to blow apart when they hit the Seireitei shield. The team ends up being split apart, with Orihime and Uryu getting sent to one spot, Ichigo and Ganju end up paired together and Sado and Yuroichi end up separated by themselves. Each team decides that they should try to find the others and run off to find one another.

 First Contact 

Ichigo and Ganju end up running into a bigger challenge than they thought right off the bat as they meet Ikkaku and Yumichika, two of 11th Division's strongest fighters. While Ganju runs off to fight Yumachika Ichigo and Ikkaku stand and fight one another. Ikkaku proves to be a strong opponent and a crafty fighter as he uses a clotting ointment in his sword to stop his bleeding while he is fighting Ichigo. Eventually Ichigo beats Ikkaku, even after Ikkaku releases his zanpaku- to to it's second form, and prepares to move on with his plan to find the others.

However Ichigo leaves with a cloud of uncertainty as Ikkaku reveals that his captain Kenpachi Zaraki has decided to hunt down and fight Ichigo. After Ichigo and Ganju catch back up with one another they are met by a mob of Soul Reapers and run to keep from wasting energy. When they get in a pinch they run across a medic in the Gotei 13, Hanataro Yamada. In an attempt to stop the mob from following them Ichigo and Ganju take Hanataro hostage and threaten to kill him if them don't stop. In a weird twist of fate though, the mob shrug off the threat responding that they don't care what Ichigo does to the medic. Hanataro explains that the medics are looked down upon by the other Gotei 13. Ichigo and Ganju end up running again and taking Hanataro with them. Eventually the group escapes from their pursuer and run into another problem.

 Rematch, Zangetsu vs Zabimaru 

Renji Abaraji is waiting for his rematch after the battle against Ichigo went so bad the last time they fought. Ichigo and Renji start fighting, with Ichigo learning that Renji was restricted the last time they had fought, having his power limited to one fifth of what he has available. After taking a couple of hits Ichigo reveals that he has been holding back his true powers this time and defeats Renji quickly. After the fight Renji makes Ichigo swear that he will save Rukia since Renji feels like he is unable to complete the rescue with his current power level. After the battle Ichigo collapse from all his combined injuries and is taken into a sewer where he is treated and healed by Hanataro while Ganju watches over him as he sleeps.

Ichigo's hard headed- ness is demonstrated as he tries to leave the sewers too early and is knock back to unconsciousness by Ganju. When Ichigo is finally healed and has rested, Ganju, Hanataro and himself set back out to find Rukia. Ichigo finds an advantage in having kidnapped Hanataro as his knowledge of the area and it's passages get him and Ganju very close to the tower. Hanataro's assistance proves less useful, however, when the team is confronted by the 11th Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki.

 Ichigo vs Zaraki Kenpachi 

Ichigo leads Kenpachi away from Ganju and Hanataro since they become paralyzed by Kenpachi's exceptional spirit strength. As Ichigo draws Kenpachi away he begins to wonder if he is in fact strong enough overcome Kenpachi. In an effort to do quick damage to Kenpachi Ichigo stops and slashes at his rival quickly. He is bewildered to find that Kenpachi is merely stare at him unscathed. Ichigo tries to reign in his thoughts and becomes aware of the fact that he can no longer detect Sado's Spirit Pressure. Ichigo focuses and finally senses what is left of Sado's Pressure. He opens his eyes to find that he has been followed by a now bored Kenpachi.

Ichigo tries a quick retreat but finds that Kenpachi is fast enough to keep up with him. Ichigo is finally offered a free attack on Kenpachi and reluctantly takes the offer striking at Kenpachi's shoulder. However when Zangetsu makes contact with Kenpachi's skin Ichigo is wounded instead. Confused as to what has happened Ichigo inquiries as to how it is possible that he took the damage instead. Kenpachi reveals to Ichigo that he has surrounded himself in his own Soul Pressure to ward off weaker attacks. Ichigo takes the information and applies it to his own attacks and finally succeeds in wounding Kenpachi. Ichigo realizes that he has made a mistake in wounding the mad man as Kenpachi becomes battle crazed and attacks Ichigo relentlessly, regardless of how much damage he takes himself while trying to force Ichigo into an even more serious battle.

Realizing that Kenpachi has not released his zanpaku- to Ichigo calls out Kenpachi claiming he needed to unseal his zanpaku- to so that he can fight Kenpachi at an even higher level of power. Ichigo learns from Kenpachi that he has no idea how to release his Zanpakuto since he does not know it's name or how to learn it. Ichigo becomes filled with a false confidence as he thinks he has gained the upper hand since his zanpaku-to is in a constantly released state. He is mortified to have Kenpachi attack him again and declare that he has enough Spirit Pressure to fight even if he can't unseal his zanpaku- to. In a moment of sheer horror Kenpachi stabs though Zangetsu and impales Ichigo on the end of his zanpaku- to.

As Kenpachi steps away to decide if he wants to finish the fight or not Ichigo goes into a trance where Zangetsu reveals himself to Ichigo again. This time Zangetsu is angry though and demands that Ichigo earn the right to fight with him. Zangetsu than manifests himself in his Zanpaku- to form and hands it over to Ichigo's evil Hollow- self. He then gives Ichigo a different Zanpku- to named Shallow Wound. He tells Ichigo that he has to overcome his Hollow- self to learn to wield Zangetsu as his partner and not just a tool used in battle. Ichigo is at first surprised by how how the Hollow fights using Zangetsu's wrapping as an extension to the handle to increase his attack range. After watching and dodging his Hollow- selfs attacks Ichigo finally learns what Zangetsu was talking about and offers himself to Zangetsu as a partner. When he opens his eyes Ichigo is now holding Zangetsu and the Hollow Ichigo is holding Shallow Wound. Ichigo leaves his inner world and returns to the battle with Kenpachi where time has come to a stand still.

Ichigo stands and challenges Kenpachi to finish their duel. The two attack each other viciously, their spirit energies surrounding them in visible bursts of light. The duel ends as Ichigo cuts through Kenpachi's zanpkau- to. Ichigo is already severely wounded from the attack and passes out from his injuries after Kenpachi is carried off from the battle. When Ichigo finally awakens he is surprised that he is still alive.

 A Big Surprise 

Ichigo wakes up in a small cave and finds himself bandaged up. He is greeted after he awakens by Yoruichi, who insists that he brought Ichigo to the cave. When Ichigo insists that there is no way a cat could carry him Yoruichi concedes that he had to change to his true form to carry Ichigo. To prove to Ichigo that it isn't a lie Yoruichi transforms, but becomes something totally different than what Ichigo was expecting. Instead of a MR. Yoruichi Ichigo is greeted by Miss Yoruichi. Ichigo panics a little as he is confronted by the nude woman and insists that she put on some clothes. Yoruichi admits that she isn't used to having to wear clothes and dresses herself so she can explain to Ichigo what is happening.

 Back to the Rescue 

After getting his Sit Rep from Yoruichi Ichigo notices a change in Ganju's spirit pressure and the appearance of Byakuya's power at the tower. Without hesitating Ichigo grabs a totem of Yoruichi's that will fly him anywhere he wants. As Ichigo arrives at the tower he steps past Rukia to fight Byakuya, taking a moment to argue with Rukia for old times sake. When Byakuya attacks Ichigo blocks and tells Byakuya he has slowed down since the last time they fought. Ichigo gets Byakuya to finally release his zanpaku- to so that they can actually battle, but Yoruichi shows up and seals Byakuya's zanpaku- to in a wrap. Ichigo begins to protest but is knocked unconscious by Yoruichi when she strikes his wound from Kenpachi.

Ichigo awakens after Yoruichi's escape and confronts her saying he had wanted to fight Byakuya. Yoruichi chastens him and tells him that Byakuya had yet to unleash his power. Yoruichi begins to teach Ichigo how to use his Bankai release by using a doll that Urahara designed and used to achieve his own Bankai. Ichigo trains for two days and Yoruichi becomes concerned that he isn't growing even though he is learning to fight better and better each day he battles Zangetsu. At the start of his third day Renji arrives to finish his own Bankai training. Renji also explains that the execution day has been moved up and Ichigo only has twenty- nine hours to develop his Bankai. Suddenly Ichigo's spirit power sky rockets as he returns to learning his Bankai. Ichigo begins to battle multiple Zangetsu to increase the speed of his training.

''' Stop the Execution! ''' Ichigo Finally Saving RukiaAfter finishing his Bankai training Ichigo makes a run for the execution block. As he arrives he helps to stop the Sokyuko from killing Rukia. Captains Jushiro and Kyoraku set up their device to destroy the Sokyuko. Ichigo releases Rukia from her bindings and throws her baseball style at Renji who has just arrived and is injured from his battle with Byakuya. The two begin to scream at Ichigo while he destroys the execution scaffolding. Ichigo tells Renji to run while he finishes up fighting the remaining Soul Reapers Lieutenants. Ichigo makes short work of the Lieutenants, taking them all out quickly using only his hands to win. As Ichigo defeats the last Lieutenant he turns to retrieve his zanpaku- to stop Byakuya's attack. The two begin an all out war to defeat each other, both slowly releasing their zanpaku- tos as the battle rages on. Eventually Ichigo releases his Bankai and reveals his new powers. With his new powers Ichigo proves too fast for Byakuya to use his release form only. Eventually Byakuya releases his Bankai too. As the fights carries on Byakuya reveals that Ichigo has slowly began to lose his speed due to activating his bankai too long and takes control of the battle. When it gets too hard for Ichigo to win Byakuya is confronted by a new enemy. Ichigo's inner Hollow begins to take over and adds more power and speed to Ichigo's Bankai.As the Hollow is preparing to kill byakuya, Ichigo manages to regain control and takes back control of his body.

Ichigo apologizes to Byakuya for letting his Hollow interfere in their fight. Byakuya and Ichigo agree to channel every power that they have into their next attacks. The two charge at each other and their zanpakuto smash into each other. Ichigo's zanpakuto managed to destroy byakuya zanpukuto and byakuya's zanpukuto turns into cherry blossom leaves, fading away. After their battle Byakuya walks away from the battle to decide his next step, while Ichigo collapse backwards. Ichigo unfortunately cracks the back of his head into Orihime's as she tries to catch him.

''' Mission Accomplished? '''

After the battle with Byakuya is over Ichigo and his friends begin to make their way down the stairs that lead to the execution grounds. Suddenly they are included in on a message that is sent out to all Soul Reapers that everyone has been duped by Sosuke Aizen. Ichigo feels the appearance of three high level Soul Reapers, Rukia, and Renji back at the execution grounds. Ichigo releases his bankai again with what little strength he has regained and arrives just in time to stop Aizen from killing Renji and Rukia. Ichimaru points out that he had thought about stopping Ichigo but was sure Aizen was already aware that he was coming. Ichigo and Renji argue a bit before they decide on how they will attack Aizen. Their plan is thwarted though as Aizen defeats them both and drags Rukia away to use a Kido to remove the Orb of Distortion from her. Ichigo and Renji watch helplessly as Aizen commands Ichimaru to kill Rukia. Before either of them can move though Byakuya arrives and takes the attack himself. Ichigo and the others can only watch as the other high ranked Soul Reapers return and stop the traitors. Ichigo watches as Aizen and his men escape by the help of Menos Grande into Hueco Mundo.

Bittersweet Victory

Ichigo and the others begin getting treatment for their injuries after the battle as the Soul Reapers realize that they were wrong for having trued to kill the humans. Ichigo eventually leaves the Soul Society to return to their world, before he leaves though Ichigo is given a "Deputy Soul Reaper's Badge." Ichigo and the team leave the same way they com in unfortunately, running for their lives from the closing tunnel that devours souls. Ichigo complains about the treatment but Yuroichi reminds him that to leave any other way would take a hell butterfly and only Soul Reapers can control them. As they exit back into the human world they are greeted by Kisuke Urahara and the rest of his shop's occupants.

 Welcome back Ichigo 

After returning back to the human world Ichigo and the team are flown home by Kiuke Urahara one at a time. Along the way he apologizes to Ichigo for not telling him about wht all he had sent the to the real world for. Ichigo doesn't get mad until Urahara explains that he didn't tell him because he was afraid Ichigo might get scared and not go. Ichigo tells Urahara that he should also apologize to Rukia. After seeing all his friends off Ichigo finally returns home and uses his badge to release Kon from his body so that he can get some rest. Ichigo doesn't get the chance however befoe his dad jumps into the room to wake him up for the day, leading up to another big fight between the two of them.

 Life After Soul Society 

As Ichigo gets ready to return to school he finds a trinket his father had given him before he left and tries to return it. His father decides that he doesn't want it, so he instead ties it to the bottom of Ichigo's shirt. Before Ichigo can retaliate though he has to leave for the bus. At school Ichigo is met by his friends Keigo and Mizurio before he reunites with Orihime, Chad, and Uryu in the classroom. Before Ichigo's class starts he runs into Tatsuki who can see the badge on Ichigo's belt. Ichigo is almost convinced the thing is broken when it suddenly sounds off with an alarming warning hi that a Hollow has arrived. Ichigo Chad and Orihime run off to defeat it, but are noticed by Tatsuki as they run across the school field. After school Ichigo brings Uryu home to have him fix Kon's tattered body. Ichigo almost stops Uryu to ask him if lost his power but decides against it.

 First Encounters with the Vizards 

At school the next day Ichigo and the crew are meet a new student at their school Shinji Hirako. Ichigo blows Shinji off for the moment as a new Hollow alert comes through to him. Later that night Ichigo tries to read a manga at his house when the alert goes off again. Tired of listening to Kon complain about how he is stuck in the doll's body all the time Ichigo removes the Soul Candy from him and puts Kon in his own body. Ichigo leaves Kon to enjoy his time and sets out to cleanse the Hollow. After defeating the Hollow Ichigo meets the new official Soul Reaper for his town, Zennosuke Kurumadani. When Ichigo presents his badge Zennosuke says that he there is no such thing as a Deputy's badge. Before Ichigo can complain too much though he is attacked by Shinji, who also wields a Zanpaku- to. confused Ichigo demands to know what is happening, but is instead chastened by Shinji for letting off too much Spirit Pressure. Angrily Ichigo demands answers again and is answered as Shinji reveals that he too is a mask wearing Soul Reaper, a Vizard. Ichigo refuses Shinji's first invitation to join the Vizards and goes out to try to find all the intruders that have crossed over to find his spirit pressure.

 Enrollment in the Vizard Program 

After accepting Ichigo into their tutelage the Vizards as they realised that his inner-hollow was too dangerous,they put him to work running on an exercise machine to drain away his spirit energy so that they can start the next step in his training. However after several days Ichigo is still running and insist that he could go for much longer if he wanted but wants to move on now. Angry Hiyori begins to fight with Ichigo while the others begin deciding what to do. Ultimately Shinji convinces the others that they should just move on. Before Ichigo's excitement can die down though Shinji puts him out and the Vizards move to phase two as they move to an underground bunker and seal off Ichigo while his body awakens in his Hollow form. The Vizards line up to enter one at a time to keep his body distracted while his mind goes to battle. Lisa goes first and does a good job at defense evasiving manuevers. Kensei tags her out and takes the offense to the transforming Ichigo. He notes the hollow is progressing faster than anticipated. This was because Ichigo was losing the battle with his inner hollow.

 Battle of the Souls 

Inside of his body and mind Ichigo finds himself back in the city like setting that he first found Zangetsu. Hoping to figure things out with the old man in his Zanpaku- to. The only problem is that the old man isn't there, but Ichigo's inner Hollow is, and he wants nothing more than to devour Ichigo. The Inner Hollow and Ichigo fight bitterly as the Hollow explains that he is the one who gave Ichigo all his powers he currently uses as he used them while he was controlled by the mask. Ichigo fights to zone out and recall his battles with Kenpachi and Byakuya. Ichigo realizes he must go off his own instinct of combat to keep moving forward Ichigo finds the will to prevail and defeats his inner hollow at last. He is warned not to let his guard down in using the Vizard Power. The inner hollow felt he had just as much right to be in control of the body as Ichigo. He also advises Ichigo not to die before their next encounter to see his real power. Kensei's fight comes to a halt as the Full Hollow around Ichigo shatters. Ichigo now had the ability to summon his mask at will. The remainder of his training is dealt with increasing the time limit of his Vizard Powers. Ichigo spends most his time facing Hiyori for unknown reasons. He gets to know each of the Vizards in the brief period of peace. During one session with Hiyori all are caught in alarm. Someone managed to enter their hideout even with the barriers set up by Hachigen, the biggest Vizard. The intruder was Orihime and came to update Ichigo on the agenda of Aizen to create the King's Key by sacrificing the souls of Karakura. Ichigo isnt too bothered by this revealation. He knows he is getting stronger and will be even more powerful when it is time to face Aizen.

Enter The Cavalry
After finding none of the Hollows that Ichigo had sensed he returns home and tries to continue his "normal" life. One day he is having a discussion with Karin when she asks him about Soul Reapers. Not sure if he should be telling her everything Ichigo laughs off the incident and has to run as a new threat has arrived. Unfortunately Ichigo is late and shows up in time to save Orihime and Chad from the new monsters, The Arrancar. When Ichigo tries to fight the massive Yammy he starts off doing fine, even cuts off one of his arms. The fight takes an ugly turn though as Ichigo's power gets shut off from him by his Inner- Hollow as he had refused to let his inner-hollow take control of him. Ichigo takes a real beating before Urahara and Yuroichi show up and save the team from the two. Ichigo returns home and turns in on himself, ignoring calls to kill Hollows and regretting having not been able to help Orihime and Chad.

Ichigo returns to school distraught by the reminders of his and the others loss to the Arrancar, but he doesn't have to wait long before the help arrives. While at school Ichigo is greeted by a team of Soul Reapers that includes Renji Abarai, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, and the one person that can motivate Ichigo, Rukia Byakuya. Before Ichigo can say anything he is beaten up by Rukia for becoming a coward. She drags him off from the school, leaving his body and taking his soul, in order to find a Hollow and make Ichigo regain his confidence in his Soul Reaper abilities.

The team returns to Ichigo's house and begin to plan out how they will stop the invasion of the Arrancar before it gets too late Ichigo tells everyone to leave and find somewhere to stay. As everything seems to be coming into place for Ichigo and the team when suddenly a rogue group of Arrancar attack. Ichigo manages to get out in time to Sado from being killed, but Rukia steps in and kills the Arrancar.

Grimmjow
As Ichigo watches a more powerful Arrancar, Grimmjow Jaggerjaques steps in and attack, nearly killing Rukia. Ichigo becomes enraged and attacks with his bankai, but he is beaten badly and only managed to injure grimmjow once with Getsuga Tenshō and is only save when Tosen steps in and retrieves the last Arrancar from the raiding party. Ichigo is left with the realization that he is too weak to defeat the higher leveled Arrancar and is brought back to full health by Orihime.

Finding inner strength

Ichigo comes to the conclusion that he is going to have to have a lot more power to win against the Arrancar so he sets out to find Shinji and the other Vizards. Ichigo follows the trail of energy that the Vizards leave for him and meets them in an abandoned warehouse Without hesitation Ichigo enters and demands that they teach him how to control his inner Hollow. Shinji mocks Ichigo and demands that he make him, causing Ichigo to attack. Shinji easily deflects and counters Ichigo's attacks driving him to a stalemate without even using his release for his zanpaku- to or Hollow powers on Ichigo. Ichigo and Shinji battle it out momentarily before Hiyori steps in and uses her mask abilities and starts clobbering Ichigo. Unfortunately for Hiyori though Ichigo's Hollow self takes over and nearly kills Hiyori before the others can step in and stop him.

''' The Espada Return

'''A few months of peace is ended in the arrival of the Espadas. Ulquiorra,Yammy,Luppi,Wonderwice, and Grimmjow have come on a special mission. Ichigo felt their spiritual energy and left the Vizards despite his incompletion of training. He ends up facing the one armed Grimmjow who is set to fight Ichigo and no other. This time Ichigo shows his Vizard power to shock Grimmjow. He dominates the battle as Grimmjow struggles against him. Ichigo was ready to end it when his mask broke and allowed Grimmjow to gain the upper hand. Rukia arrived to freeze the former Espada and save Ichigo from a cero. She went to Ichigo's aid only to fall prey to Grimmjow. Shinji arrived to save the pair and drive Grimmjow into a fit of rage. Ulquiorra arrived to retrieve Grimmjow before showing his released form to Ichigo. Ichigo was badly hurt and his spirit was distrupted by Grimmjow's blows. He would rest at home unaware the Espada accomplished their secret mission to abduct Orihime for Aizen.Ichigo wounds are healed overnight with Orihime playing her hand. It is good timing as Toshiro came to summon Ichigo to an urgent meeting. Ichigo learns from Soul Soceity that Orihime may have been abducted by the Hollows. Yamamato has a theory that Orihime really defected to aid the enemy which angers Ichigo alot. Renji stops Ichigo from any further outburst. He tries to use the fact of being assigned to Karakura and get to be on a team assigned to rescue Orihime. Yamamato denies this request and wants to abandon the girl as a single human was unimportant during such harsh times. Rukia openly states planning to go against her orders. That is when Kenpachi and Byakuya make an appearance to halt any of the Shinigami from leaving their assigned post. Ichigo decided to go himself but Yamamato found this unacceptable as well. Ichigo was on par with a captain in terms of combat ability and Yamamato didnt want to lose such a powerful ally before a brewing war got underway. Ichigo had nothing more to say as none would give him any hand at saving Orihime or tell her means to go save her.

''' Hueco Mundo

'''Ichigo goes back to school after missing for a few months. Friends greet in him relief and thought Ichigo dropped out. All goes well until Tatsuki approaches Ichigo about Orihime their mutual acquaintence. She tells of being able to know that Orihime is not even in town anymore. Ichigo defends himself trying to make it seem as if Tatsuki is crazy and plays naive to her rambling. This enrages the girl and she reveals being able to see spirits. Tatsuki lets Ichigo know of witnessing his fights as a shinigami. She points out they have always been closer than friends and Ichigo was wrong for hiding stuff from her for so long. Ichigo leaves wanting Tatsuki and his friends to no longer concern themselves of his well being. Ichigo later meets with Urahara with plans to find a back door to Hueco Mundo and save Orihime by himself. He is surprised as Ishida and Chad emerge from the shadows planning to tag along for the suicide mission. Urahara opens the gateway known as Garganta and Ichigo leaves with his two comrades. Once gone Urahara addresses Tatsuki, Mizruiro, and Keigo that had been spying on the conversation that took place. Ichigo transverses across Garganta to break way into the realm of Hueco Mundo. He and the others are welcomed by two arrancar named Demora and Iceringer guarding the way into Hueco Mundo's domain of Las Noches. Ichigo is asked to stand aside as Chad and Ishida wanted to display the fruits of their long training. Unfortunately the death of the guardians led to the break down the path into Las Noches. Ichigo and his friends ended up in the desert where he meets Nel, a child arrancar. Nel and her brothers Pesche and Dondo fear the Shinigami as they kill Hollows. Little Espada NellIchigo gains the trust of Nel and is guided through the desert until facing the sand hollow Lunaganga. Ichigo's direct attacks proved useless. Renji and Rukia show up to save the day, Rukia uses her ice based attacks to freeze and shatter Lunaganga. The group reach Las Noches and split into different directions to search for Orihime. Ichigo ends having Nel follow him as she grew fond of him. Ichigo ends being confronted by a Privaron Espada named Dordonii Alessandro Del Socacchio. They collide with Dordonii urging Ichigo to push himself to the limits if to survive. Ichigo used bankai to become on par and his vizard form to end it. Ichigo uses Nel to heal Dordonii for him to counterattack and have his sword broken this time. Ichigo proceeded leaving Dordonii crushed. This led Ichigo and Nel before Ulquirroa who reveals being the one that abducted Orihime and made her look like a traitor. Ichigo immediately goes Vizard and is able to drive back the apparent leading Espada. Ulquiorra gains the upper hand leaving Ichigo battered and bruised. He added insult to injury by revealing himself as the 4th Espada where Ichigo thought him at the top. Ichigo was then impaled in the chest and left to die. Fortunately Grimmjow arrived with Orihime to save Ichigo. She does so even though Grimmjow wants Ichigo saved for him to kill. This leads to a long awaited battle as Ichigo fought Grimmjow toe to toe in his resurrected state. Ichigo in his prolonged Vizard form was able to triumph over Grimmjow at last. The taste of victory is short lived in coming of Nnorita Jiruga comes after dealing a mortal blow to Chad hours earlier. He goes to finish off Grimmjow but Ichigo protects the Espada he came to respect through combat. Nnorita finds it amusing and crushes Ichigo spirits revealing himself a step higher than Grimmjow as the 5th Espada. Ichigo was helpless as Nnorita beat him soundly with Nnorita's Fraccion Tesla holding Orihime at bay, Suddenly Nel underwent a transformation into her Espada persona of Neliel to save Ichigo. She reveals herself as the previous 3rd Espada and commenced to attack Nnorita. As the battled waged Ichigo was in awe and even more so when Neliel revealed her resurrected state. Nnorita was against the ropes when Neliel just reverted back to child arrancar form from exertion on her body. Nnorita knocked her out for good measures. He resumed to the gradually degradation of Ichigo. Tesla was offered the killing blow as Nnorita wanted to make Orihime watch Ichigo die. This is when Kenpachi arrived to kill Tesla in one blow. Kenpachi ends up fighting with Nnorita and reveals other captains arrived as well to aid Ichigo.kenpachi managed to kill nnoitra in the end All seemed well when Stark suddenly arrived in Sonido fashion. He took Orihime admist Ichigo and Kenpachi and was gone in less than a blink of the eye, and this begins the showdown between the Shinigami and Hollows in a fake Karakura Town.

Battle of Fake Karakura Town

The captains face off with the top 3 Espada and their lethal Fraccion in the Fake Karakura. Ichigo focusses on reaching Ulquiorra who has been left in charge of Las Noches. They resume fighting with Ulquiorra continuing to talk down to Ichigo and play mind games. Ichigo isnt phased and proves to be a much better challenge since encountering both Grimmjow and Nnorita. Ulquiorra thinks either he is becoming more human or Ichigo more hollow for their equal footing. Ichigo finally manages to slice into Ulquiorra and surprises the Espada. Ulquiorra goes to crush Ichigo's spirit but Orihime saves him. Trouble comes when Loly and Menoly return to torment Orihime. Ichigo is forced to combat Ulquiorra if he wants to save the girl. Matters grow worst in return of Yammy. Luckily Ishida manages to show up and is able to take out Yammy. Ichigo charges Ishida to protect Orihime while he prepares to attempt to defeat Ulquiorra. Atop Las Noches Ichigo dawns his mask and gains the advantage in facing Ulquiorra. Things change when Ulquiorra reveals two laws against the top 4 Espada. Ulquirroa reveals a Gran Ray Cero that shatters Ichigo's mask. Ichigo then bares witness to Ulquirroa's ressurection. Ichigo is drastically outclassed but refuses to submit. He knows the odds are against him but he fights on to baffle Ulquiorra even more. This leads Ulquiorra to reveal his own unique second stage ressurection. Ichigo tries to reform his mask but it is broken by Ulquiorra and he recieves another point blank cero to the chest. Orihime and Ishida rise atop Las Noches after witness the intense array of energy that was unleashed. They find Ichigo near death and the stage 2 Ulquirroa descending upon them. Ishida takes charge to battle the espada. Orihime desperately begins attemping to heal Ichigo. Ulquirroa easily disarms Ishida literally by tearing away his left hand. Orihime's cry of desperation reach Ichigo and spark his own hollow resurrection. Ichigo flesh pales and he grows a new mask with long horns and long orange hair. He rises no longer resembling a shinigami at all. Ichigo reveals some telekinetic ability to attrach his zanpakuto by will. He then immediately lets out a powerful new cero from the edge of his horns. Ulquirroa dodged the massive attack only to find Ichigo behind him. Ichigo quickly sliced off Ulquirroa entire left arm. However, Ulquirroa regenrates his arms and reveals that his greatest power is regeneration. Ichigo then used sonido and cuts off his one of his body parts. Ichigo cuts ulquirroa into half and charges a cero near pointblank at ulquirroa to destroy him. Ishida steps in to help Ichigo come back to his senses but ultimately fails. Ulquirroa attacks while Ichigo struggles for control of himself after injuring Ishida. The blow from Ulquirroa fully brings Ichigo back as his mask breaks. As usual Ichigo feels bad for the injuries his opponent suffered while his hollow side was in control. He wanted to injured just as badly as Ulquirroa to be fair. Fortunately the damaged dealt by Ichigo's hollow proved more fatal than Ulquirroa even presumed. Ichigo, Orihime and Ishida watch the 4th Espada Ulquirroa Cifer accept his lost and fade away. Return to Karakura Ichigo immediately leaves this battle and heads for the next major battle going on with Yammy vs Ichigo's friends. They are fighting a losing battle as Yammy dominates over everyone in his new Zero Espada Form that resembles a massive godzilla like homage. Ichigo is calmly at ease in facing this massive espada. He taunts Yammy and manages to draw out his new mask that was affected by the new transformation he underwent against Ulquirroa. Yammy's rage grows as Ichigo toys with him before delivering his Getsuga move that fully topples Yammy. The giant returns by firing a beam of light from his mouth. Ichigo cuts through it. Yammy refuses to accept Ichigo's dominance and reveals that he is the most powerful espada. Ichigo is snared by Yammy but freed by Byakuya. Kenpachi arrives as well to face Yammy. Everyone wants Ichigo to go back to Karakura and stop Aizen since he is the only captain level shinigami that can't be influenced by Aizen's power of illusion. Unohana returns with Ichigo through the Garganta corridor. Ichigo is healed by her as well. She is amazed as Ichigo's spiritual level while nearly depleted of spiritual energy and upon his recovery finds him stronger than the other captains. Ichigo returns to Karakura ready to battle Aizen. The other captains and vizards stop him. Ichigo is told to wait for an opening. Ichigo watches the captains battle Aizen. Hitsugaya gains the upperhand on Aizen. Ichigo was the only one to see it was Hinamori being cut down. It isn't until after Captain Yamamoto that Ichigo captializes on Aizen. He manages to injure Aizen but notices his enhanced healing like that of Ulquirroa and Ichigo's own hollow forms. Yet Aizen protests that he isn't a hollow and begins playing mindgames with Ichigo. This is when Ichigo's father, Isshin Kurosaki, intervenes when Aizen was about to reveal Ichigo was a hybrid of Shinigami and something else from birth.  Lost Agent of the Shinigami Arc  After using Mugetsu, Ichigo is able to defeat Aizen, but then subsequently lose his powers. Thus, seventeen months later, we see Ichigo as he lives life on a daily basis without the influence of Shinigami in his life. It is revealed that Uryuu Ishida, the Quincy, now handles the Hollow business in Karakura. The roles have seemingly reversed for him, as its slowly revealed that now Ichigo partakes in everyday activities that no longer involve ghosts and hollows. He's shown having a job, partaking in after-school activities, and a plethora of other things away from any influence involving the other dimensions. However, he is soon confronted by Ginjou Kuugo, a young man that claims his group can give back Ichigo his powers, since its later revealed that he wishes to return to his former duties. Chad Yasutora is also revealed to be in contact with Ginjou's group, XCution, and encourages Ichigo to follow through because he too knows that Ichigo wishes to return to Soul Reaping. At the moment, he is battling a giant teddy bear, courtesy of Riruka Dokugamine. Chad exclaims towards the most recent chapter that Ichigo may also have the Fullbring ability, one that will most likely be needed to defeat the teddy bear.

Powers & Abilities
Ichigo is just like any other teenager in most ways. However he does have a rare innate spiritual powers that allows him to sense, communicate and interact with ghosts and other spiritual beings.

Ichigo character is versatile and unique to the point he is able to quickly adapt to situations and his surroundings. Picking up new skills and concepts, Ichigo is able to learn these quickly and with relative ease. This would prove a worthy ability in the numerous forms he would come to inherit.

Perceived to be athletic, Ichigo has had formal and informal (by his father who constantly tries to sneak attack him) martial arts training, making him a rather quite skilled fighter (as demonstrated by taking on a group of punks who had knocked over a mini shrine in memory of a deceased girl).

Shinigami
As a Shinigami, Ichigo abilities are greatly enhanced, granting him amazing strength, speed and a powerful sword called a Zanpaku-to. He is able to use this Zanpaku-to to destroy Hollows (devouring spirits) and other spiritual beings, as well as fire powerful, focused blasts from the blades edge. Ichigo's ability to amazing adapt and pick up difficult concepts and quickly learn how to use his powers in complex and creative ways.

Ichigo almost becomes a hollow while he is training with Urahara and later developes a split personality that is an evil hollow like creature that looks like a soul reaper called a Vizard.

While in that form he is at full power, but has an evil behavior that is bent on destroying whoever is in it's way. Eventually Ichigo finds a way to overcome the Hoolow and harness the immense powers that his Hollow side has to offer.

As a Soul Reaper Ichigo has the ability to perform a Soul Cleansing on spirits called Wholes, spirits who are not Hollows, but who have yet to pass on to the Soul Societ (kinda like Heaven, or maybe limbo).

When Ichigo defeats a Hollow they will be cleansed too and go to the Soul Society, unless the person has committed crimes against others (i.e. murder), then they are sent to Hell. As far as his hand to hand combat goes Ichigo learned martial arts as a child and his father attacks him daily to help him stay on his toes.

Hollow
Full Hollow transformation We first encounter Ichigo’s Hollow form when he fights to regain his Shinigami powers with Kisuke Urahara. Fortunately, this vicious form is cut short as Ichigo rediscovers his own Shinigami powers, regaining control over his body.

While attempting to suppress and battle his inner Hollow with the help of the Vizards, Ichigo's body is taken over by his Hollow side, transforming him into a full Hollow. Ichigo is eventually victorious, beating his Hollow soul within his inner world and ultimately gaining control of his Hollow powers, essentially becoming a Vizard.

Although we do not see the full extent of his (the Hollow transformed Ichigo) powers, we can interpret it to be very immense as it takes several experienced Vizards to hold it at bay until Ichigo is able to beat his inner Hollow and finally emerge from this form's body.

Vizard
Vizard IchigoBy forming a Hollow mask above his head and donning it, Ichigo is able to access powers from his inner Hollow and merge it with his Shinigami powers, immensely increasing and enhancing his power levels, although not many more abilities manifest. Initially, he is only able to hold his Hollowfication for eleven seconds, but as time progressed and he becomes involved in more battles, Ichigo is able to sustain it for a greater amount of time, even having the ability to reform his mask after it's damaged. While in this form, he is capable of enduring vast amounts of damage and can also regenerate at a monstrous level.

Hollow Resurrección Second resurrección Ulquiorra vs. Hollow Ichigo

Second Full Hollow TransformationLater in the story, Ichigo's body is taken over by Hollow Ichigo again, after Ichigo is seemingly "killed" by the number 4 Espada while in the latter's second resurrección form, Segunda Etapa. Ichigo's second full Hollow transformation is quite possibly his own form of Hollow resurrección and is  many times more powerful than his first incarnation, as evident by proving to be vastly more superior to the already powerful, second-released Ulquiorra. Some examples of his newfound strength; the ability to completely repel and overwhelm Ulquiorra's very powerful Cero Oscuras with his own standard Cero. He is also able to crush Ulquiorra's ultimate attack, Lanza del Relámpago, with just his bare hand. In this form, Hollow Ichigo is able to also use Sonido, which is far superior to even Ulquiorra's Sonido.

Ichigo's Current Powers
Currently, after merging with Zangetsu in its final form in order to defeat Aizen, Ichigo has been left with no Shinigami or hollow powers, having lost all of his reitsu. It remains to be seen if Ichigo will ever regain any of the powers he formerly had. Ichigo remains a superb fighter, with nearly super-human reactions, strength, and speed.

Zanpakutō
Unreleased, but uncontrolledThe zanpakuto (soul-cutting sword) is the Shinigami ‘s weapon that is a manifestation of their soul and personality.

In it's unreleased form, Ichigo's zanpaku-to takes the shape of an over-sized katana due to Ichigo's lack of control of his spirit energy. This version of the sword is initially easily broken by Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia's adoptive brother, because he never learned how to connect to his sword. Ichigo goes under heavy training with Kisuke Urahara and learns that zanpakuto's have names and their names are how their true power can be unlocked.

Shikai form===Shikai===

Ever since regaining his Shinigami powers from Kisuke Urahara’s training, Ichigo’s zanpakuto is now constantly in it’s Shikai form. Ichigo’s zanpakuto takes on the appearance of an oversize, black and white cleaver.

Bankai
Like with most high level Shinigami, Ichigo can tap into his zanpakuto’s final release or what is otherwise known as their Bankai. This occurs by learning his sword's name, Zangetsu. This unlocks it’s full potential and grant’s its user an increase of their own abilities several times over.

Bankai form Ichigo’s Bankai is unique in the sense that rather than a large expansion of his spirit energy, it virtually compresses it. Not only does Ichigo’s appearance turn sleek, so does his sword. By compressing his power Ichigo is capable of movement at such high speeds and velocities. This makes Ichigo’s even more potent and extremely difficult to dodge.

In this form he is able to shoot out another version of Getsuga Tensho that is potentially more powerful and devastating. Aptly named Tensa Zangetsu (“heaven chain cutting the moon”), it is black wave shaped like a crescent moon in appearance. The power of the blast can be contained within his sword and be adapt to such that when he strike it has the power of Tensa Zangetsu behind it.

Zangetsu
Old Man ZangetsuIchigo learns his Zanpakuto's name is Zangetsu. A giant sword in it's first form, but later changes to a released zanpakuto which lacks a hilt and hand guard, looking more like a giant clever. The sword has a wrap around it's handle that hangs from the end of it. In his released form, Zangetsu can fire a very powerful blast of energy called Getsuga Tenshō, which literally means, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer.

Zangetsu is the embodiment of Ichigo's Soul Slayer (Zanpakuto). He looks to be a man somewhere in his late thirties to mid forties. He has long, black hair and scruffy-looking stubble on his face. Zangetsu wears semi-transparent sunglasses and a long black coat with a string connecting the shoulder and the lapel.

As far as his personality goes, Zangetsu is serene and straight forward. His actions speak for themselves and he speaks only when he he feels it is necessary. Most of the time, he is Ichigo's voice of reason. He is also a strong, capable and formidable combatant, not to be taken lightly. Zangetsu resides within Ichigo's inner world (mind), a place that is completely sideways, from the clouds in the sky to the buildings and skyscrapers in the fore and background.

Tensa Zangetsu
He is the bankai (second release) spirit form of Ichigo's zanpakuto. Though he may have the same abilities of Zangetsu (unreleased and 1st release form), his attitude and physical appearance is different. He's ruthless, ignorant, and headheaded. He and Ogichi get along firmly.



Tensa Zangestsu:

Shinigami/Zanpaktou/Inner-Hollow Merge
Becoming Getsuga After completing his training in his inner world with Tensa Zangetsu and his inner-hollow, Ichigo was able to temporarily merge his Shinigami, Hollow, and Zanpaktou selves and powers in order to defeat Aizen. This technique came at the risk of the forfeiture of Ichigo's powers after its use. [http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/0/2372/289196-120880-zangetsu-hollow-ich_super.jpg ]Ichigo Merged with Zangetsu and Ogichi.