Ichigo looks like a normal teenage boy, except that his hair is spiky
orange, a trait that he has been ridiculed about for years on end. He
is a fairly tall, lean-built person with peach skin and brown eyes. He
likes to wear tight clothes top and bottom.[6] He has a tendency to wear shirts patterned with the number 15, because his name is a homonym for the number.[7] Since becoming a Shinigami, he has become noticeably more muscular, as noted by his sister Karin.[8]
When in his spiritual form, Ichigo wears standard Shinigami attire with
the addition of a strap across his chest. Initially, it was a thick
brown belt to hold his Zanpakutō sheath,[9] but it later became a red rosary-like strap. The shape of them is a kite with a flat top and bottom.[10] Ichigo's appearance has caused several people, including Jūshirō Ukitake, to notice a similarity to Kaien Shiba; the former lieutenant of the 13th Division.[11] After training in the Dangai, Ichigo's hair grows considerably and is noticeably taller, as stated by his friends.[12] However, after Ichigo loses all his spiritual powers, his appearance reverts to the way it was before his Dangai training.[13]
Seventeen months after defeating Aizen, Ichigo's appearance doesn't change, except that he becomes taller and grows sideburns.[14]
After regaining his powers, Ichigo’s Shinigami attire also consists of a
thicker strap across his chest. He also has four black vertical lines
on his forearms and black, tattoo-like bands crossing over his chest,
wrists, and ankles. Similar bands, but with white ends, are around his
neck as collars. Kūgo speculated that these changes are influenced from
the remaining traces of Ichigo's Fullbring.[15]
When he was young, Ichigo considered his mother to be the center of his world,[16]
always smiling when he was with Masaki and he was regularly holding her
hand. Despite crying whenever he lost in a match at the dojo he attended, Ichigo started to smile again as soon as he saw Masaki when she came to pick him up.[17]
At a very young age, Ichigo heard his father saying that his name means
"to protect one thing", which instilled in him a desire to protect his
mother. When his sisters were born he began attending a dojo for the
sake of protecting them, since then the number of people he wished to
protect has continued to grow,[18] causing Ichigo to risk his life to protect both his family and strangers.[19][20]
As a teenager, Ichigo's personality is much more complex. Stubborn, short-tempered,[21][22] strong-willed and impulsive. He attempts to maintain a detached and "cool" image,[23]
despite claiming not to care about what other people think about him.
He generally keeps his face set in a permanent scowl, with his eyebrows
drawn together.[24]
His outspoken, hot-headed demeanor is a trait Ichigo himself
acknowledged, and that if somebody picks a fight with him, he cannot
help fighting back. He coldly refers to his teachers as “instructors”.[25] He is shown to be genuinely compassionate and empathetic about others, as seen by him promising to bring a Plus flowers[26] and a toy plane[27] or soothing others when they become upset.[28]
Ichigo is also a capable student, ranked 23rd in his year at school,[29]
studying regularly and not neglecting his schoolwork. He works as hard
as he does to overcome the misconceptions many have about him based on
his hair color and fighting.[30]
Ichigo hates fortune telling, horoscopes, feng shui, psychics and
anyone whose trade involves taking money from people for things that
they cannot see.[31] He has difficulty remembering people's faces and names.[32][33][34] Ichigo becomes extremely shy and uncomfortable around nude or immodestly dressed women, a fact both Yoruichi Shihōin[35][36] and Rangiku Matsumoto[37] have teased him for. Ichigo is often disrespectful when talking to those older than himself, calling Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto "gramps"[38][39] and referring to several of the Shinigami captains by their given names without using honorifics.[40][41][42]
When it comes to fighting, Ichigo has a complex sense of honor;
he regularly seeks to exact revenge for the actions of his opponent,
such as instilling the fear of being murdered in Shrieker[43] and cutting off the right arm of Yammy Llargo in retaliation for him ripping Yasutora Sado's right arm apart.[44] He often taunts and belittles his opponents when fighting, sometimes even attacking without warning.[45] Ichigo has a strong desire to win his fights[46]
in what he views as a legitimate manner. To this end, he has refused
the aid of his inner Hollow, even when knowing that it would allow him
to win.[47]
However, Ichigo's resolve in battle can waver at times, which can
impede his fighting prowess and goes into a state of depression and
self-loathing when he loses a major battle or lets a friend down.[48]
Ichigo has even shown that he despises those who mistreat their
allies in any way, even if they are his own enemies. He is disgusted
when an individual berates his/her own allies, such as when Yammy calls Ulquiorra Cifer, Nnoitra Gilga, and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez "trash".[49]
He also expresses anger towards those who go as far as attacking their
own allies, expressing that he cannot forgive those who murder their own
comrades.[50]
Young Ichigo with Tatsuki Arisawa.
Ichigo was born on July 15th, as the son of Isshin Kurosaki and Masaki Kurosaki, 15 years before he became a Shinigami. His sisters Karin Kurosaki and Yuzu Kurosaki were born a few years later. When he was four, Ichigo joined a karate dojo, where he met and befriended Tatsuki Arisawa.
Tatsuki beat Ichigo in every match they had. Tatsuki would also help
Ichigo if he was being picked on by bullies and cheer him up if he was
upset.[17]
Ichigo was able to see Pluses for as long as he could remember.[51][52]
He could see them so clearly that, as a child, he could not tell the
living from the dead. This resulted in him appearing to other people to
be looking at deserted places and talking to himself. This caused people
to say that he could see ghosts, though when Tatsuki Arisawa asked him about this, he denied being able to see them.[53] Ichigo wakes up under Masaki as she lies dead.
On June 17th, when Ichigo was nine years old, he and his mother were
walking home alongside one of Karakura Town's rivers; which was swollen
from heavy rain. Ichigo saw a girl near the river and thought that she
was about to jump into it. Unable to tell the difference between ghosts
and living people, Ichigo ran towards her to stop her, unaware that the
girl was the lure of the HollowGrand Fisher.
Masaki tried to stop him, but he did not listen. After failing to grab
hold of the girl, Ichigo lost consciousness for a time. When he awoke,
Masaki was lying on top of him, covered in blood.[54]
Starting the day after Masaki's death, Ichigo repeatedly skipped school
to go to the riverbank where Masaki died. Tatsuki found him there,
where he would stay from morning until night, wandering along the bank
as if searching for his mother; squatting down if he was tired and then
wandering some more.[55] Ichigo risking his life to protect Chad's coin.
One day when Ichigo was twelve, prior to the Clinic opening, he heard the bell ring and answered the door to find a girl with her brother
on her back. He had been in a car accident and was covered in blood.
The clinic did not have the equipment necessary to save him and he died
before an ambulance arrived to transfer him to Karakura Hospital. Sometime later, he learned that the girl was Orihime Inoue.[56]
Ichigo later entered Mashiba Junior High School. During this
time, Ichigo had finally defeated Tatsuki in a karate match and had not
had another match with her since.[57] Ichigo regularly got into fights with thugs, due to the unusual color of his hair.[25] During one of these fights he received help from Yasutora Sado. Shortly after Ichigo returned the favor when he rescued Chad from two gang members roughing him up.[58] When the thugs later abducted Chad, Ichigo found them and knocked down their leader, Yokochini.
He used Yokochini's phone to ring for an ambulance for each of the five
thugs, and then beat up all of them. After Chad was freed they made a
pact to protect and fight for each other, they have remained good
friends since.[59]
Shortly before Ichigo became a Shinigami, he and Chad began attending Karakura High School, and their reputations preceded them. During a fight with a gang led by Reiichi Ōshima, Ichigo and Chad met Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima,
saving the former in the process. While Keigo was initially afraid of
Ichigo and Chad, both he and Mizuiro later became friends with them.[60]
Rukia, wounded, about to give Ichigo her power.
One evening, after scaring off a group of skateboarders who had knocked over an offering to a dead girl
Ichigo apologizes for using her to scare them and promises to bring her
some new flowers and tells her to hurry up and go to heaven.[61] When he arrives home, he has an argument with Isshin and later sees Rukia Kuchiki,
mistaking her for a burglar and kicks her. Isshin tells him to stop
creating a ruckus, but when Ichigo informs him about the intruder,
Isshin states there is nobody there. Ichigo accepts that Rukia is a
ghost of some sort, but refuses to believe her explanation about
Shinigami; causing Rukia to bind him with Kidō. A Hollow then attacks the Kurosaki Clinic and upon hearing his sister's pleas for help, Ichigo breaks out of the Kidō and rushes to stop the Hollow.[62]
Ichigo is surprised that it is a monster rather than the Human like
spirit he expected, but when he notices that it is holding Yuzu, charges
at it with a baseball bat in a futile attack. Rukia injures the Hollow,
freeing Yuzu and explains that the Hollow's target is likely him.
Ichigo thinks this means that it is his fault that his family is in
danger and his reckless actions force Rukia to shield Ichigo with her
body; causing her severe injuries.[63]
Seeing that Ichigo is truly determined to protect his family, Rukia
offers to temporarily turn him into a Shinigami by piercing his chest
with her Zanpakutō
and transferring half of her power to him. However, Ichigo absorbs
almost all of Rukia's power. Transformed into a Shinigami, Ichigo makes
short work of the Hollow,[64] collapsing afterwards.[65] Rukia removes Ichigo’s soul from his body.
The following morning, Ichigo awakens from a nightmare to find that
his family's memory of the attack has been replaced. At school, he is
horrified to find that Rukia is now a part of his class. After she
threatens him not to make a scene she informs him that she is using a Gigai
while she awaits the return of her powers and insists that he help her
do her job in the mean time. Ichigo refuses, saying that the only reason
he fought the previous night was because his family was in danger.
Rukia forces his Shinigami form out of his body and takes him to a park
where where a Hollow is about to attack. She then manipulates the
situation to persuade Ichigo to perform her duties.[66] After having undergone some training with Rukia to improve his combat tactics,[67]
Ichigo is startled when Rukia jumps out of his bedroom closet and warns
him about a Hollow. As a large hand bursts through the floor, Rukia
forces Ichigo's soul out of his body. Ichigo slashes at the Hollow's
head, but only manages to slice off a portion of its mask, revealing the
Hollow to be Sora Inoue.[68] Rukia explains the origins of Hollows and then cuts off an angry Ichigo to tell him that Orihime Inoue is in danger.[69] As Rukia explains that Hollows often attack their relatives, she and Ichigo rush to Orihime's apartment.[70] Ichigo manages to stop the Hollow before it eats Orihime's soul[71] Ichigo notes that Tatsuki has been caught up in Sora's attack before realizing that Orihime's soul is outside her body.[72] Sora uses Ichigo's Zanpakutō to purify himself.
The Hollow sends Ichigo through an upstairs wall. As Ichigo lands and
comes to a stop in mid-air, the Hollow spits acid at him, causing him
to drop his Zanpakutō. Sora then knocks him into the ground.[73]
As Rukia wakes Ichigo, he notes that the battle is different and that
it has affected him. Rukia reminds him that Orihime's soul will be eaten
if he loses.[74] Ichigo jumps back into the apartment and cuts off Sora's hand. Sora demands to know why Ichigo is interfering[75]
and insists that he will not give her to anyone else, especially
Ichigo. Ichigo tells him that Orihime does not belong to anyone. Sora
charges at him, but Orihime steps in between them and is bitten. Ichigo
listens as she talks to her brother. As she collapses, Rukia arrives and
attempts to heal her. Ichigo reveals that Orihime had told him that her
hairpins were a present from Sora and that he is not the only one who
is sad. Sora uses Ichigo's sword to purify himself and Rukia explains to
Ichigo that Hollows defeated by a Zanpakutō are purified and sent to
Soul Society. As Ichigo and Orihime talk, Rukia erases her memory.[76] Ichigo senses Yūichi Shibata inside the parakeet.Mizuiro Kojima
interrupts a discussion about Ichigo's healed wounds, noting that Rukia
and Ichigo are together again, saying that they get along well, which
Ichigo denies and states that he would have dyed his hair long ago if he
was worried by the impression he creates. Ichigo warns Rukia to watch
out for Mizuiro and as Keigo Asano arrives, Mizuiro tells him that Ichigo asked her out. Keigo congratulates him, but is interrupted by Reiichi Ōshima.
Reiichi asks Ichigo when he will dye his hair, claiming it is a copy of
his own. Ichigo reminds him that it is his natural hair color and tells
him to do something about his own hair and insults him. Angered,
Reiichi produces brass knuckles, but is knocked out by Chad. As Chad explains his injuries, Ichigo notices that he has a parakeet
with him. Rukia tells him that the spirit inside of it is just a lonely
Plus, which they should send to Soul Society that night. Ichigo
complains about missing another night of sleep.[77]
When Ichigo returns home, he finds his sisters busy helping with the
injured from a car accident. Ichigo is told to stay out of the way, but
when an injured Chad is brought into the clinic, Isshin asks him to
help. Ichigo notes that the wound on his back were inflicted by a
Hollow.[78] Karin pleads with Ichigo
The following morning, Ichigo rushes to school in search of the
missing. Rukia catches up to him as he leaves the school, saying that
she did not find him nor has she received any information about Hollows
from Soul Society. Ichigo tracks the spirit inside the parakeet using Reiraku, which shocks Rukia.[79]
They find Chad, who runs away from them. Ichigo tells him that it is
dangerous to be by himself, but is distracted by an ill Karin. At
Rukia's behest, he brings his sister home. Karin tells him that she saw
the memories of the child trapped within the bird and that the Plus saw
his mother being murdered. She asks him to save the child.[80]
After placing her in her bed, Ichigo rushes back to help Chad.
Reflecting upon how long it has been since he last saw Karin cry, he
promises to send the Plus to Soul Society.[81] Ichigo returns Shrieker's bombs.
When Ichigo arrives to take over fighting the Hollow, Shrieker,[82]
Rukia releases him from his body and he immediately injures Shrieker.
Ichigo notes the small creatures nearby, which he had seen carrying
Chad's birdcage. He states that he is glad that he killed them and Rukia
tells him that they spit out explosive leeches. After seeing the
leeches explode, asks Shrieker if he was the one who killed the child's
parents, which the Hollow confirms. Ichigo catches one of the leeches
and slams it into Shrieker's mouth. When the Hollow does not trigger
them, Ichigo rips out its tongue,[83]
before stabbing his sword into Shrieker's leg. Ichigo asks him how it
feels to be unable to move or fight and if he can savor what it is like
to be murdered. Shrieker briefly escapes, but Ichigo cuts through his
head. From this wound, the gates of Hell
emerge and Rukia explains about Hell as they watch Shrieker being
dragged inside. When Rukia tells the Plus that they will send him to
Soul Society, Ichigo tells him that he might be able to see his mother
there.[84] Ichigo questions the use of the Artificial Soul.
The following day, Ichigo notes that Chad's memory has been erased.
Rukia forcefully drags a reluctant Ichigo out of class and gives him a Gikongan, a dispenser of Artificial souls.
After explaining its purpose, and striking Ichigo for making fun of
her, she forces him to try one. Ichigo is unconvinced by the replacement
soul's personality, but is forced to leave it in his body when they
receive an order from Soul Society.[85]
After defeating the Hollow, Ichigo rushes back, concerned about how the
artificial soul is getting on. He sees his body jumping out an upstairs
window and run away at extremely high speed. As they chase after him,
Rukia tells him that it must be a Mod soul.[86]
Rukia explains what she means to an angry Ichigo, who asks if Rukia is
alright with the idea of the Mod souls being created and killed all for
Soul Society's convenience. She tells him that it is irrelevant as it is
Soul Society's law which is there to protect Humans. Ichigo wonders how
the Mod soul must feel about being persecuted and then gaining his
body.[87] As they search for him, they receive a warning about a Hollow.[88]
Hurrying to its location, they find the Mod Soul is fighting it and
Ichigo rushes to his aid. When the Mod soul tries to ask why Ichigo
saved him, he reminds him that he is using Ichigo's body. The two
continue arguing as they defeat the Hollow together. Kisuke Urahara
arrives to reclaim the Mod soul, removing it from Ichigo's body. Ichigo
asks him what he is going to do with it and, realizing that Kisuke can
see him, he asks who he is. Rukia gives the Mod Soul to Ichigo; who
thanks her for not throwing him away.[89] Ichigo has trouble sleeping, plagued by memories of Masaki's death.
On the 16th of June Ichigo is woken by Kon.
He throws Kon at the wall, reminding him that he has been told to act
like a normal stuffed toy animal before recalling how he and Rukia had
searched for a body to place the Mod soul in, but ended up placing him
inside a stuffed animal. He also reminisces about how he came to call
him Kon. Rukia complains about the noise they are making. Ichigo
scrambles to hide them as Yuzu comes into the room to say that Mizuiro
is waiting for him. Whilst hurrying to get dressed, Ichigo apologizes to
Mizuiro and notes that Mizuiro's memory seems to have been erased,
remembering that Rukia had told him that Urahara, must have worked hard.
As Rukia leaves, Ichigo complains that Isshin did not wake him up as
usual before noticing the date.[90] At school, Orihime greets him and he smiles back as he returns the greeting.[91]
That night, the Kurosaki's hold a family meeting to discuss their trip
to Masaki's grave the following day. Ichigo asks Rukia if he can take
just the one day off from the Shinigami work, telling her that it is the
day Masaki was killed.[92]
Ichigo lies in his bed, as memories of her death flash through his
mind. Ichigo covers his eyes, trying to block out the painful memories.[93] Rukia asks about Masaki's death.
On the 17th of July, while walking to the graveyard, the twins see
Rukia waving at them. After initially denying that he knew her, Ichigo
tells them that she is from his school and goes to talk to her, sending
the girls ahead to the grave. Ichigo asks why Rukia followed him and
gets annoyed when she says it was in case of a Hollow attack, saying
that she should be more covert. Rukia asks if Masaki was killed by a
Hollow, angering Ichigo. Ichigo notices the same girl he saw the night
Masaki died and he runs after her.[94] He later tells Rukia that he killed Masaki.[95] At Masaki's grave, Ichigo looks watches his families antics[96] and reflects on his mother died and its impact on his family.[97]
Later, Isshin tells Ichigo to find the girls, but he refuses, saying it
is tiring and that he should go himself. Isshin grabs Ichigo, asking if
his little sisters are not precious to him. He tells Ichigo to search
in one direction and while he stays there, prompting Ichigo to kick him.
Ichigo then senses the reiatsu of a Hollow.[98]
Ichigo realizes that Yuzu and Karin are easy targets. He meets up
with Rukia and asks her if she is going to question him further on his
mother's death. She tells him that it is his problem and that she will
wait until he is ready to talk about it. Kon tells them to stop acting
so cool, surprising Ichigo. He questions when Kon became so devoted to
Rukia, saying that Orihime is there. Seeing his reaction he says that
Kon is not devoted at all as he is left behind.[99]
As the Hollow attempts to eat Yuzu, Ichigo arrives and cuts frees the
twins. He demands to know why the girl he saw when Masaki died is there;
asking if she is a Hollow's crony or if she is controlled by a Hollow.[100] The girl is revealed to be part of the Hollow. Rukia tells him that the Hollow is called Grand Fisher
and that it uses a lure to trick and devour Humans who have high levels
of spiritual power. Ichigo realizes that the girl he was trying to save
when Masaki died was actually Grand Fisher's lure and that it killed
his mother. Despite Rukia's protest, Ichigo lunges at Grand Fisher, who
dodges his attack. As Grand Fisher attacks Ichigo, Ichigo stops Rukia
from using Kidō on it. Ichigo insists on fighting the Hollow alone and
instructs her to mind his sisters.[101] Grand Fisher attempts to manipulate Ichigo.
Ichigo struggles against the faster Grand Fisher and is subjected to the Hollow's Transcribe ability.[102] Grand Fisher transforms his lure into an image of Masaki[103] and explains about his ability.[104]
The Hollow punches through Masaki's form and pierces Ichigo's chest.
Ichigo stabs the Hollow's chest and grabs his arm, saying that he has
finally caught him, slashing open his chest.[105]
As Grand Fisher collapses, the severely injured Ichigo props himself
up. When Rukia arrives, Ichigo tells her that she is late and that he
has already cleaned up. Rukia reminds him that it was him who told her
to stay out of the fight. As Grand Fisher stirs behind Ichigo, Rukia
warns him just in time to dodge another attack. The Hollow then
transfers its form into the lure[106]
and leaps into the sky, escaping. Rukia tries to convince Ichigo that
he cannot fight him any more, but he insists that he can still fight and
that the Hollow is still not dead yet; despite this he soon collapses.[107] Isshin gives Ichigo some advice.
Ichigo awakens in his body, in great pain. Rukia tells him that he
should know by now that the wounds his soul received will show up when
he returns to his body. Ichigo complains that she has not fully healed
him and Rukia apologizes, saying that she used most of her strength to
heal his stomach wound. Ichigo asks her if he lost, but she tells him
that the Hollow fled and nobody died, so he won. Ichigo says that Grand
Fisher is not dead and walks off.[108]
At Masaki's grave, Ichigo apologizes to her for being able to avenge
her. Isshin offers him an umbrella, but Ichigo declines it, prompting
Isshin to repeatedly poke Ichigo in the head until he hits him back with
it. Isshin notes that the time has gone by quickly and that it has
already been ten years since Masaki died. Ichigo corrects his error and
Isshin replies that he was "so close". Ichigo loudly complains about
this, causing Isshin to say that Masaki can rest easily if she sees him
being so lively. When he starts smoking a cigarette, Ichigo says that he
thought he had quit smoking when Karin and Yuzu were born. Isshin
explains that Masaki complimented him when they started dating about his
hand looking cool when he was smoking, the only time that she had
complimented his looks, which is he is smoking on this one occasion.[109]
When Ichigo asks why nobody blames him for Masaki's death, Isshin asks
why he would, saying that if he did, Masaki would be mad at him. He
explains that Masaki would gladly die to protect her child and reminds
Ichigo that he is the one that the woman he loved gave her life to
protect. He then knees Ichigo in the back and tells him to live his life
well and leaves. Ichigo asks Rukia if her powers are returning and asks
that she allow him to remain a Shinigami for a while longer regardless.
He says that he wants to become stronger so that he can defeat Hollows,
protect those that are targeted and to defeat Grand Fisher; otherwise
he will not be able to face Masaki.[110]
One Sunday morning, Ichigo and Rukia try to clean Kon.[111]
Later, Kon, wearing a dress, leaps at Ichigo apologizing for having run
away from home. Ichigo, who had been wondering where Kon was, questions
why Kon is dressed in such a way.[112] While Yuzu and Isshin are watching Don Kanonji's Ghost Bust
TV program one Wednesday evening, Ichigo asks Yuzu what the pose they
are doing is and annoys her with his responses. He then asks a
distracted Karin what she is looking at. She says it is nothing,
prompting Ichigo to tell her that she is acting weird. Ichigo asks her
if she is not going to watch with Yuzu and Isshin, but she says she is
not interested. She tells Ichigo that she can see spirits about as
clearly as Ichigo can, hence her disinterest in the ghost show. Ichigo
remembers that she was the only member of the family to see the Hollow
that attacked the house when he first met Rukia and realizes that she
might be able to see Shinigami as well. His thoughts are interrupted by
Yuzu shouting as the announcer reveals that the show will be broadcast
from an abandoned hospital in Karakura Town the following week.[113]
The next morning at school, Orihime performs Don Kanonji's pose as
Ichigo arrives in class, confusing him. She asks Ichigo if he has not
heard of it. When Ichigo identifies the pose, Orihime ask him to do the
pose with her. As Ichigo's friends all do the pose, Ichigo tells Keigo
that he is not going to the show in Karakura. Keigo tries to convince
him to go, but he retorts that Keigo is not even from Karakura.[114] Orihime apologizes to Ichigo.
The following Wednesday, an annoyed Ichigo, accompanied by his
family, watches his friends gather at the abandoned hospital where Ghost Bust
is being filmed. Orihime apologizes to him for trying to get him to do
Don Kanonji's pose and he tells her that it is okay. He reveals that
Keigo and Mizuiro know he despises it, but yet still do it anyway. When
asked why he came, he explains that Isshin and Yuzu are huge fans of the
show, saying that they would look pitiful if just the two of them went.
Orihime tells him that he is so kind, but Ichigo dismisses it as
normal.[115]
Rukia tells him that he must be tired from his dual life and instructs
him to use this chance to relax. Ichigo is surprised that she is
concerned about his health, but gets annoyed with her when she reveals
that she does not know what the "festival" is about. After explaining it
to her, he asks if there really is a spirit in the hospital, saying
that the Shinigami would have dealt with it already. Rukia says that it
is likely to be a Jibakurai and begins to explain what this is.[116]
When the Jibakurai begins screaming, Ichigo notes that it sounds like
the voice of a Hollow. Rukia tells him that it is on its way to becoming
a Hollow.[117]
Ichigo notes that it feels like there is a Hollow nearby, but it does
not look like one. As the Jibakurai screams at those who have gathered,
Ichigo says that he is carrying "one hell of a greedy grudge". As the
show begins filming Don Kanonji parachutes into the hospital grounds.
Ichigo asks Rukia if they should not perform Konsō
on the Jibakurai to prevent him from becoming a Hollow. Rukia tells him
that it takes months to turn into a Hollow. She says to do it after the
show as it would be trouble if there was a struggle and someone was
hurt. Seeing that Ichigo is unconvinced, she seeks to reassure him.
However, Don Kanonji jams his staff into the hole in the chest of the
Jibakurai.[118] Ichigo fends off the Hollow.
Concerned, Ichigo tries to stop Kanonji, but he and Rukia are pounced
upon by security. He tells them to let him go or something bad will
happen.[119] Urahara frees Ichigo's Shinigami form from his body. Ichigo rushes towards Kanonji,[120]
shouting at him to stop. He knocks him away from the Jibakurai. Kanonji
asks what he is doing, causing Ichigo to realize that the medium can
see him. However it is too late and the Jibakurai vanishes in an
explosion.[121]
Kanonji promises to send Ichigo to heaven too as Rukia shouts at him to
look up, where they see the spirit reforming into a Hollow on top of
the hospital. Kanonji asks what it is, surprising Ichigo, who tells him
it is a Hollow. As Ichigo and Kanonji bicker, the Hollow charges at
them. Ichigo knocks it back and fends off another attack.[122] When the Hollow gets its head stuck in a wall, Ichigo drags the medium inside the hospital.[123] The Demi-Hollow is defeated by Ichigo.
Kanonji argues that he should not run away as he is viewed as a hero
and must be a symbol to his fans. Ichigo stops him from returning to
where the TV cameras can see him, asking the medium what he will do if
the audience gets caught up in the fighting; insisting that protecting
his fans is also a hero's duty. He explains that Hollows attack people
with high levels of spiritual power, meaning that the Hollow will
definitely come after them if they stay inside, avoiding harm to others.
The Hollow bursts through the floor and Ichigo's Zanpakutō becomes
stuck in the ceiling as he fends it off. Realizing that the corridors
are too confined to use his sword in, Ichigo admits to himself that he
never thought of such a thing. The Hollow glues his hands together.
Kanonji jams its mouth open with his staff.[124] Kanonji uses his Kanon Ball
technique to free Ichigo's blade. He thanks the medium and injures the
Hollow. With his sword still embedded in the Hollow's shoulder it
smashes through the external wall and climbs up on to the roof, dragging
Ichigo with him.[125]
Freed from the Hollow, Ichigo takes advantage of the open space to
attack. defeats the Hollow, prompting Kanonji to congratulate him and
dance around. Ichigo tells him to stop and explains that it is the same
spirit Kanonji thought he had sent to heaven. Ichigo tells him that he
should not let it get to him, as he did not know and regretting it will
do no good. Ichigo points out that the crowd is waving and tells him to
answer them, asking if it is not his duty. Kanonji thanks him,
complimenting his courage, quick-wits and strength and asks that they
work together in future. Ichigo agrees to help him once in a while.
Kanonji then annoys him by calling him his number one pupil.[126] Before departing, Ichigo is forced to take a Don Kanonji fan club card, signed “to my #1 pupil”.[127]
The following day, Ichigo and his friends are brought before the
principal regarding the events at the abandoned hospital. Showing a
recording of the program, Kagine
complains that their escapades were broadcast live nationwide. When
Rukia says that it is her own fault for not stopping Ichigo and
distracts Kagine, Ichigo and the others sneak out the window. After they
make their escape, Keigo thanks Rukia, but Ichigo tells him not to, as
she was going to sell just him out. When Keigo mentions that the
announcer talked over Ichigo’s shouting during the show, Ichigo thinks
that he owes the announcer one for preventing people from realizing that
he had called Rukia by her first name.[128]
That afternoon, Ichigo answers the door to Don Kanonji. Ichigo
immediately closes and locks the door, demanding to know how he found
out about his house. Kanonji reveals that he invited Rukia along and
Ichigo realizes that it was her who told him where he lived. Yuzu then
sees Kanonji and knocks Ichigo over while opening the door. Rukia’s Denreishinki alerts her to a Hollow and they rush off to fight it.[129] Ichigo fends off a clingy Plus.
Arriving at what they believed to be the location of a Hollow attack, Ichigo and Rukia find a Plus
cowering in a corner, but no Hollow. Ichigo asks how many times such a
thing has happened in the past week, suggesting that Rukia’s
Denreishinki is broken. They bicker as Rukia insists that the
Denreishinki is working and Ichigo asks if there is another Shinigami
defeating the Hollows before him. Rukia tells him that Shinigami are
strictly sorted and that it should not be the case. As the Plus jumps at
Ichigo, thanking him, Ichigo hits him and orders him to say that to the
person who saved him. When Rukia is unable to get the Plus to tell them
who saved him, Ichigo performs Soul Burial on him.[130]
At school, Ichigo tells a worried Keigo that exams do not hold a
lot of meaning in life. Mizuiro points out that Ichigo is ranked 18th
out of the 322 people in their grade. He points out that his orange hair
causes him a lot of trouble as older students pick on him and teachers
watch him closely and he studies so that the school does not complain
about him. Mizuiro then asks him if he has seen Rukia, saying that they
are always together. Ichigo tells Mizuiro that he has been trying to
keep away from her at school to avoid the “creepy glances” and rumors
since their appearance on Don Kanonji’s TV program. Rukia then drags
Ichigo off, causing him to complain about the rumors regarding them.
Rukia tells him to complain later as there is a Hollow. Ichigo tells her
that he will not forgive her if it is not there this time.[131]
After school, as they fail to find another Hollow, Ichigo complains
about the current missing Hollow and the one from lunch time. As Rukia
drags his body from its hiding place, she tells him to shut up and
return to his body. Re-entering his body, Ichigo tells her to do
something about the problem. The pair are approached by Uryū Ishida, dressed in a Quincy
outfit, prompting Ichigo to ask if the unusual outfit means that he is a
priest. Uryū asks Ichigo if it is correct that he can see spirits,
which Ichigo denies is even possible. When a new Hollow appears, Uryū
kills it and introduces himself, saying that he hates Shinigami and
Ichigo.[132][133] Uryū grabs Ichigo's red spirit thread.
At school, Ichigo reflects upon his encounter with Uryū, wondering
why he would say such things to a complete stranger and why Uryū was
angry. Realizing that he cannot remember his full name, Ichigo lists of
possible names out loud. Orihime overhears him and states that Uryū is
in their class. She takes him to the handicrafts club to show him Uryū.
Ichigo notes that he is indeed in their class and they watch him sew a
teddy bear for Michiru Ogawa. Orihime asks what happened between Ichigo and Uryū, but Ichigo dismisses it as no big deal.[134]
After school, Ichigo follows Uryū as he leaves. The Quincy asks him if
he intends to follow him all the way home, noting that he had noticed
him spying on him from the classroom doorway. When Ichigo applauds him,
Uryū states that it is due to Ichigo’s inability to restrain his
spiritual power and that he lacks the ability to sense reiatsu,
as evidenced by him not noticing Uryū until that day. Uryū then
explains that he noticed Ichigo’s unusually high spiritual power and
that in mid-May, he acquired Shinigami powers. He invites Ichigo to
fight him, saying that Shinigami are unnecessary in the Human World.[135]
Ichigo calls the idea ridiculous, saying that his grudge against Shinigami has nothing to do with him.[136]
Uryū succeeds in convincing Ichigo to fight him. Ichigo uses Kon to
free his Shinigami form and tells Kon to watch from there as he beats
Uryū. He asks the Quincy what the rules for the fight are and Uryū uses
some Hollow bait, saying that it will cause Hollows to gather in
Karakura Town and the one who defeats the most Hollows within
twenty-four hours wins. Angered by this, Ichigo demands to know why he
is exposing the town's residents to such danger. Uryū tells him not to
worry as they will kill all the Hollows.[137]
When Uryū kills the first Hollow, Ichigo leaps at him and tells him to
undo it, but Uryū tells him that Hollows will soon flood the town and
that he should run if he wishes to protect as many people as possible.
When Uryū warns him that Hollows tend to prefer people with high
spiritual power, Ichigo runs off to find Karin.[138]
After slaying his third Hollow and saving a pair of Pluses, Ichigo
struggles to think where Karin is. He sends Kon to get Rukia’s
Denreishinki to aid in reacting to the Hollows.[139]
Ichigo defeats the Hollows between the Kurosaki Clinic and the last
place where he saw Karin, thinking that it should be safe for her now.[140] Ichigo tries to persuade Uryū to fight together with him.
Having found Uryū, Ichigo bickers with Kon when he arrives. Unable to
attract their attention by shouting, Uryū fires an arrow at Ichigo, who
blocks it. Ichigo insists that it is a battle between him and Uryū and
that the amount of Hollows they beat is irrelevant. Kon points out that
there is a large crack forming in the sky, and Uryū notes that the
Hollows are converging upon it. When Uryū begins to fire arrows into the
group of Hollows, Ichigo tells him there are too many and that they
need to come up with a strategy. Uryū asks him if he is afraid and
charges towards the Hollows, shouting that the last Quincy will be their
opponent. Ichigo asks what he means by this, and Rukia explains about
the fall of the Quincy at the hands of the Shinigami,[141][142]
prompting him to run after Uryū and attack several Hollows around Uryū.
Ichigo tells him that he does not know or care about whether the
Shinigami or Quincy were right and expresses his frustration at Uryū’s
methods. Uryū tells him that he thought the Shinigami were correct,
until his sensei was killed in front of him.[143]
Uryū tells Ichigo of his sensei’s attempts to convince the Shinigami to
work together with the remaining Quincy, but he died fighting a group
of Huge Hollows without achieving that goal. Uryū says that he must
prove the strength of the Quincy to the Shinigami. Ichigo points out
that his sensei’s wish was to work together and asks if he will do that
now, saying that fighting back to back is the best way to deal with the
situation.[144] Ichigo attacks the Menos Grande.
As the two begrudgingly work together, Ichigo tells him that his
approach to their fight is endangering the people he wants to protect
and says that he will not forgive him for that, but it is not the time
to talk about such things. The pair agree to beat each other up after
the Hollows have been dealt with, but as they are about to attack a
horde of Hollows, a Menos Grande appears. After they argue about how to deal with the Hollows and the Menos, Ururu Tsumugiya, Tessai Tsukabishi, Jinta Hanakari and Urahara arrive to fight the Hollows.[145] Urahara tells Ichigo to concentrate on fighting the Menos.[146]
Seeing its size, Ichigo questions whether it is in fact a Hollow and is
shocked to see it eating the nearby Hollows. Saying that there is no
way they can figure out how to fight such a monster and that the will
have to simply cut it repeatedly until it succumbs to its injuries,
Ichigo charges towards the Menos[147] and attacks the Menos' leg, but is knocked back by the unfazed Menos.[148]
Uryū notices that Ichigo's power flows into his bow when he touches it
and Ichigo is shocked to see the increased size of the bow.[149] Uryū's strategy for attacking the Menos Grande.
Uryū plans to fire an enlarged arrow at the Menos, telling Ichigo to
increase his power to maximum. Ichigo points out that he never controls
his energy output and comments that it must be at maximum all the time.
When the Menos starts to charge a Cero,
Ichigo rushes towards it and blocks the Cero with his Zanpakutō. Uryū
notes that Ichigo's power increases as he resists the Cero. Ichigo
repels the attack, injuring the Menos in the process.[150]
As the Menos retreats from the Human World, Ichigo collapses. He notes
that he cannot move and his Zanpakutō begins to destabilize. The energy
released from Ichigo and his Zanpakutō causes Uryū's bow to grow again,
this time without having to touch it. Noting that it will explode, Uryū
begins to fire arrows into the sky to release the excess power, injuring
himself. Ichigo tells him not to over do it, as he will lose his arm.
Uryū tells him to make sure that he lives so that they he can beat him
later.[151]
The following day, when Uryū arrives late to school with both arms
bandaged, Rukia tells Ichigo not to pay attention to it, as Uryū is
responsible for his injuries. Ichigo denies being worried. He later
overhears Keigo telling Mizuiro that he saw Uryū talking to himself the
previous day, believing it to be related to a theatre. Ichigo is
thankful, thinking that it is good that Keigo is an idiot.[152]
At lunch, Ichigo asks Uryū to join them for lunch. While they eat,
Ichigo instructs him to tell some jokes to liven things up, thinking to
himself that maybe he should not have invited Uryū. When Uryū asks
Ichigo why he invited him, he replies that he is in a good mood and that
he ought to be grateful that someone invited him. When the Quincy says
that he prefers to eat alone, Ichigo says that he enjoys eating alone
too and tells him to eat while facing the other way.[153] Ichigo finds Kon tied up.
That night, despite Yuzu's protests, Ichigo takes the leftovers from
dinner and goes to his room. He calls Rukia, but she is not there.[154] Ichigo resigns himself to eating the meal, even though he is not hungry.[155]
At 2:00 a.m. Ichigo wonders whether Rukia is going to return that
night, noting that it would be nice to get a full night's sleep for
once, with no Shinigami duties to carry out. Hearing a muffled noise,
Ichigo finds Kon gagged and tied to the back of the toilet bowl. Kon
thanks Ichigo for freeing him, only for Ichigo to spray him with
deodorant, prompting an argument between them. When Ichigo asks why he
was tied up, Kon says that Rukia is in big trouble and shows Ichigo a
note that she left on his desk, saying that she has left. They open the
note and are shocked to find that she has left the message in a word
puzzle, which Ichigo figures out. Confused by the message, which tells
them that she has to leave and instead of looking for her, they should
go into hiding, Ichigo decides to change into his Shinigami form and
find her. Kon asks him how he will do this, Ichigo realizes that he
cannot change form without Rukia and demands that the reluctant Kon
change him into a Shinigami. Urahara appears at the window and changes
him into Shinigami form.[156] Renji unleashes his Shikai against Ichigo.
As Renji Abarai attacks Rukia, Ichigo arrives and attacks him. Renji dodges and demands to know who he is.[157]
When Renji notes the size of Ichigo's Zanpakutō, Ichigo replies that he
thought it was large compared to Rukia's, but there had not been anyone
else to compare it to. Realizing that he is the Human who took Rukia's
Shinigami powers, Renji attacks him.[158] As they clash, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki
tells Renji that their undercover forces witnessed Ichigo inflicting a
scar upon a Menos Grande. Hearing this, Ichigo wonders what a Menos is,
thinking that he must be referring to the "big-nosed guy" he fought with
Uryū. Renji scoff at this and asks Ichigo what the name of his
Zanpakutō is. Ichigo replies that he has not named his sword and asks if
they actually give them names. Renji activates his Shikai, surprising Ichigo with its change of form. He leaps into the air and slashes Ichigo's shoulder.[159] Ichigo's final blow to Renji is stopped.
After Renji explains about the Shikai form of Zanpakutō, he moves to
attack him. Rukia attempts to stop him so that Ichigo can flee, but
Ichigo grabs his sword. As he stands up, Ichigo's reiatsu increases,
severing the tassel on his Zanpakutō's hilt. Ichigo injures the
surprised Renji and quickly overwhelms him. As he attempts to end the
fight, Byakuya severs his sword's tip, leaving Ichigo stunned. As he
prepares for Byakuya's subsequent attack, Byakuya appears behind him and
stabs him through the chest.[160]
Falling to the ground, Ichigo wonders whether he was attacked from the
front or from behind, only to be stabbed again by Byakuya.[161]
As Byakuya and Rukia talk, referring to Ichigo, Ichigo grabs Byakuya's
leg and tells the Shinigami captain not to talk about him as if he is
dead. Byakuya tells him to let go, but Ichigo instructs the captain to
look at him when he is talking so that he can hear him. Rukia kicks
Ichigo's hand away from her brother, telling him that he should know his
place. She then tells Byakuya that she is ready to leave for Soul
Society. Ichigo protests, but Renji tells him to stop making things
worse. Rukia tells Byakuya that there is no point in deliberately kill
Ichigo, as he will soon stop breathing on his own. Ichigo asks if this
is a joke, causing Rukia to reply that if he tries to follow her, she
will never forgive him. She tells him to conserve what energy he has
left so that he may live a moment longer. Byakuya acquiesces to Rukia's
request and explains that 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 notes that he cannot move or speak. He reflects
upon coming to protect Rukia, but instead she protected him again.[162] As Ichigo contemplates his injuries in the rain, Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin approach him.[163] Ichigo awakens with an unexpected bedfellow.
Ichigo awakens to see Tessai Tsukabishi
lying on top of him in a small bed on the floor. As Tessai calls
Urahara, Ichigo recognizes him and pushes him out of the bed, hurting
his shoulder. Urahara enters the room, telling Ichigo that his wounds
are not yet fully healed and that if he moves too much he could die.
Ichigo realizes that he is in Urahara's house and that it was Urahara
who saved him. He asks the shopkeeper if he found Uryū as well and if he
is alright. Urahara explains that Uryū's injuries were treated on the
spot and when he left, he was worried about Ichigo, stating that Ichigo
was the only one who could beat the Shinigami and save Rukia. Ichigo
says that he cannot do anything as Rukia has been taken to Soul Society
and he cannot follow. Urahara reveals that he can send Ichigo there, but
on the condition that he trains with Kisuke for the next ten days.
Ichigo protests that the should go as quickly as possible, but Urahara
reveals that Soul Society typically allows a grace period of a month
before executions and warns him that he will die if he goes there in his
current condition. Kisuke reveals that he purposely allowed Ichigo to
fight Renji and Byakuya so that he would realize this after having
fought them himself. As Urahara continues to force the point home,
Ichigo stares at Urahara's cane, noting that it feels as if there is a
sword pointed at his head. He states that it will take seven days to
open the gate to Soul Society, leaving Ichigo with thirteen days in Soul
Society to rescue Rukia. Though doubting that he can become strong
enough in ten days, Ichigo agrees to Urahara's deal.[164] Orihime asks Ichigo about Rukia's disappearance.
Urahara gives Ichigo a bottle of pills and instructs him to take one
every hour. Saying that he will be recovered from his injuries by dinner
time, Kisuke sends him to school for the final day of the term. At
school, Tetsuo Momohara
speaks with Ichigo, who fails to remember his name. Tetsuo reminds
Ichigo of his name and that he has repeatedly tried to recruit him for
the karate club. Ichigo apologizes and Tetsuo takes Rukia's seat in the
class. Ichigo reflects upon the fact that nobody appears to remember
Rukia. As Misato
dismisses the class for summer, Ichigo notes that Uryū's absence,
thinking that he would remember Rukia. As he walks home after dismissing
Keigo's invitation to holiday with him, Ichigo thinks that it is odd
that the world is continuing as normal without Rukia and that if this is
how things are supposed to be, then why should he bother. He meets
Orihime on the way, who asks him where Rukia is. She notes that everyone
has forgotten about her, but she believed that Ichigo would know.
Ichigo explains the situation to her, surprised that she could see his
Shinigami form. Orihime notes that Ichigo has already made up his mind
to rescue Rukia and tells him to go save her, insisting that she does
not want her friend to die either. Ichigo thanks her and runs off.[165] Ichigo goes to the Urahara Shop,
showing Kisuke his healed wounds. He tells Urahara that he told Isshin
that he would be sleeping over at a friend's house and asks Urahara to
teach him well.[166] Ururu attacks Ichigo.
In a Urahara's training area
frees Ichigo's soul form. Ichigo quickly finds it difficult to move and
Urahara notes that it is his first time he has had to move in soul
form. He explains that Byakuya destroyed the source of his power,
leaving him without any Shinigami powers and that he must restore these
in order to fight the Shinigami. He explains about Reiryoku,
saying that the more one's reiryoku rises, the sharper the movements of
their spiritual body becomes. He says that if Ichigo can manage to move
even better with his spiritual body than he can with his mortal body,
then we will have made a complete recovery of his reiryoku. Urahara
tells him to fight Ururu Tsumugiya,
stating that the lesson will end when one of them can no longer move.
Shocked, Ichigo refuses to fight the girl, but is interrupted by Ururu,
who tells him to put on some gloves and headgear or else he will die.
She lunges at Ichigo and causes a large could of dust and debris.[167]
Ichigo emerges from the dust and grabs his headgear, thinking that he
would have been killed instantly if that attack had hit him. Ichigo puts
on the headgear, but runs away from Ururu after another near miss.
Realizing that he is able to run away from her, Ichigo guesses that he
can dodge her attacks directly and allows her to attack him. Ichigo
dodges and attacks Ururu. Trying to keep his self control, Ichigo tries
to hit her headgear lightly, believing the weight difference will do the
rest. However, when he hits and cuts her face, Ururu kicks him into a
rocky outcropping. Tessai catches Ichigo before he hits it, cushioning
Ichigo from the impact.[168] Tessai severs Ichigo's Chain of Fate.
Ichigo asks for one more try, but Urahara congratulates him for
clearing the lesson, explaining to the confused Ichigo that he did not
tell him to beat Ururu. He asks if Ichigo is still having trouble
breathing or moving, and Ichigo says no. Urahara says that he has
successfully recovered his spirit energy; the soul tends to gain the
reiryoku faster when it is in danger of being destroyed. Tessai then
cuts Ichigo's Chain of Fate[169]
and pins him to the ground by sitting on his back. Ichigo yells that he
will die, as he can no longer return to his body. Urahara tells him
that all he has left is death and reveals that the chain has already
begun to corrode from the severed end. He states that if it reaches his
chest, Ichigo will become a Hollow, but he can avoid this by becoming a
Shinigami instead. The point of this lesson, which Urahara calls "Shattered Shaft", is to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Ichigo is dropped to the bottom of the shaft, where he is bound with a "Kin" spell. Urahara tells him to scale the sides of the deep shaft to clear the lesson and the chain begins to eat itself.[170]
Urahara reveals that there is a gas at the bottom of the shaft which
speeds up the corrosion process to at most 72 hours. He tells Ichigo to
become a Shinigami and climb out of the hole before that, or else he
will become a Hollow and they will destroy him.[171] Ichigo awakens in his inner world.
After the fifth corrosion of the chain, Ichigo notes that 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 attempts to run up the wall of the shaft. Jinta Hanakari
asks him if he is hungry. Ichigo replies that he cannot be hungry as
souls do not get hungry. Jinta tells him that a soul feeling hungry is a
sign that they will soon become a Hollow and teases him by offering his
drool as a drink. 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. Ichigo denies that he is hungry, saying
that the chain is still long. Jinta tells him that it has been seventy
hours since he entered the Shattered Shaft and reveals that the final
corrosion phase is stronger than the earlier ones. The entire remaining
length of the chain then begins to eat itself and a hole opens in his
chest and a mask begins to form over his face.[172] Urahara explains that the mask forming before his body reforms is a sign that Ichigo is resisting the transformation.[173]
Hearing a voice calling him, Ichigo awakens inside his consciousness
and sees a man standing on a building, who is surprised that Ichigo does
not recognize him. The man says his name, but Ichigo cannot hear it. He
remarks that it is sad and asks how many times he has to tell him his
name before he is able to hear it, as he thought that nobody in this
world knew him better than Ichigo. Ichigo falls from the building and
the man follows him, stating that he should not worry as Shinigami
control death. Ichigo tells him that he is not currently a Shinigami.
The man tells him to focus the Reishi
around him underneath his feet to stand on, urging Ichigo to remember a
time as a Shinigami when he stopped in mid-air. He tells Ichigo that
Byakuya only destroyed the powers given to him by Rukia, but that Ichigo
has his own Shinigami powers. He says these powers were hidden deep in
his soul and awakened by Rukia's power and instructs Ichigo to find it
as the world is crumbling around him.[174] Ichigo emerges from the Shattered Shaft.
With the buildings of his inner world dissolving into countless boxes
falls through a fissure into water where he wonders how he can find his
own powers. He remembers Uryū stating that Shinigami have red Reiraku
and uses this to find a box containing a Zanpakutō's hilt. The man
tells him that this time he ought to hear his name and urges him to take
the hilt.[175] Ichigo struggles to pull out the Zanpakutō as the world crumbles around him.[176] In the Shattered Shaft, the Kidō restraining Ichigo breaks apart. Tessai activates the next stage of the Kidō, Bankin.
However, there is an explosion from Ichigo's body. As the smoke clears,
Ichigo, wearing a Hollow mask and Shinigami clothes, emerges. Ichigo
draws his still broken Zanpakutō and uses it to smash the Hollow mask.
Urahara congratulates him on his success, saying that 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. Ichigo proposes a five minute time limit as Kisuke draws a blade
from within his cane.[177] Ichigo and Kisuke clash.
Urahara quickly overwhelms Ichigo. Remembering that the only thing
which can cut a Shinigami is Zanpakutō or a Hollow, Ichigo concludes
that he cannot be harmed by Urahara's blade and relaxes. Kisuke,
however, immediately cuts off the remains of Ichigo's Hollow mask and
calls him naive for thinking that his sword is not a Zanpakutō. He
activates Benihime's Shikai[178]
and Ichigo remembers Renji using his Shikai during their fight. Urahara
tells him that every Zanpakutō has a name and attacks again, sending
Ichigo flying. Urahara then cuts through the remains of Ichigo's blade
until there is just the hilt remaining, saying that he will kill him if
he continues to fight with just the hilt. Ichigo runs away, thinking
that he is going to die. As Urahara continues to attack him, Ichigo
thinks that it is embarrassing and questions why he ran. Ichigo sees the
man from his inner world again, who asks why Ichigo ran when he has not
yet called him. He reveals that his name is Zangetsu[179]
and Ichigo stops in his tracks, turns towards Urahara and calls out
Zangetsu, activating his Shikai. Ichigo looks at the new form of his
Zanpakutō as Urahara tells him it is time to start lesson three for
real. Ichigo warns him that he might not be able to hold back and swings
Zangetsu at Urahara, who activates his Chikasumi no Tate ability. As the dust settles, the hat-less Kisuke comments that he could have lost an arm if it were not for the Chikasumi no Tate, saying that he did not expect so much from one swing.[180]
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. After a short argument with Keigo concerning why
there are there so early, Ichigo asks Tatsuki how she broke her arm.
Isshin, Karin and Yuzu, all wearing kimonos, come running up to Ichigo,
knocking him down a bank. Due to the girls' behavior, Ichigo asks if
they are drunk. Isshin explains that a juice seller had used wine to
dilute the juice instead of water. Isshin then tells the group that they
saved a seat on the opposite bank of the river that morning and Isshin
heads off with the twins, and several of Ichigo's friends. Ichigo
decides to follow them and apologizes to Tatsuki for always bothering
her, saying it is alright if she does not want to come. She tells him to
hurry up and that she will be there later.[181]
Later that night, after Ichigo complaining to a drunken Isshin about
having to carry his sisters, Ichigo tells him that he will be leaving
soon and that he might not be back until the summer vacation ends.[182] Isshin presents Ichigo with a protective charm.
Seven days after completing his training, Ichigo is summoned to the
Urahara Shop. As he leaves, Ichigo says goodbye to his sisters. Outside
the clinic, Isshin tries to assault him, but misses. Isshin lends him an
amulet which he claims Masaki gave to him and states that it will bring
him good fortune. On his way to Urahara's, Ichigo meets up with
Orihime. Ichigo reveals that he did not know she was going too until
Urahara mentioned it and asks her if she is sure about it. When she
insists that she is, he urges her to hurry. When they arrive at the
shop, they find Chad waiting for them and Ichigo asks where Uryū is,
saying that he had heard that he was coming too. When Uryū arrives in a
Quincy outfit, he promises to show Ichigo how powerful he has become.
Ichigo, however, asks him if he had walked the entire way there wearing
that outfit, saying that he is very brave. Urahara interrupts them and
invites the group inside.[183] The Kōtotsu that chases Ichigo's group through the Dangai.
In the underground training area, Ichigo notes that Orihime finds it
easy to get along with new people, unlike Chad and Uryū. Urahara reveals
the Senkaimon
that they will be using to enter Soul Society and removes Ichigo's
Shinigami form from his body. As the others examine his body, Ichigo
complains about them touching it freely. Kon appears and agrees with
Ichigo, prompting Ichigo to demand to know why he is there. Kon insists
that he is going with them. Urahara explains about how the Senkaimon
works, saying that it will only stay open for four minutes. If they do
not reach Soul Society in that time, then they will become trapped in
the Dangai.
As Urahara tells them about the Dangai, Yoruichi tells them that only
those who are truly ready for the task can go. Ichigo says that everyone
gathered there has already made their decision and will go to Soul
Society. When Yoruichi tells him that they will never return if they
lose, Ichigo responds that they simply have to win. When the Senkaimon
opens, Ichigo tells the now tied up Kon to take care of his family.
Ichigo, Uryū, Orihime, Chad and Yoruichi enter the gate and appear in
the Dangai. Yoruichi tells them not to zone out and run to the exit.[184] As they run, Uryū's cape is caught by the Kōryū.
Ichigo grabs his Zanpakutō, but Yoruichi tells him not to use it, as
the Kōryū will trap it and he will not escape. After Chad frees him, the
group are chased by the Kōtotsu and Orihime uses her shield to protect them from it, propelling them through the exit and into Soul Society.[185]
Ichigo shows his new strength against Jidanbō.
Upon arriving at one of the entrances to Seireitei, Ichigo encounters the gatekeeper Jidanbō Ikkanzaka.[186]
Ichigo faces the giant alone and quickly shows off his newfound might
by defeating him easily. Upon gaining access to Seireitei, however, he
is quickly repelled outside the gate by Captain Gin Ichimaru.[187] After spending some time in Rukongai, where he encounters and briefly fights Ganju Shiba, Ichigo and the others are brought to Kūkaku Shiba in search of a new means of entering Seireitei. There, Ichigo trains to operate the Reishūkaku
that they will being using to breach the protective barrier above
Seireitei. Ganju joins the group and they are launched from Kūkaku's Kakaku Hō fireworks canon. They successfully break through the barrier, but are separated from each other.[188] Ganju grabs Ichigo and ensures a safe landing for them, but Ichigo is quickly confronted by Ikkaku Madarame. Ichigo beats Ikkaku, but spares his life and learns that as the strongest of the intruders, he will be hunted down by Kenpachi Zaraki.[189]
Ichigo accidentally attracts the attention of more Shinigami and soon
meets up with Ganju again. The pair become surrounded by Shinigami and
decide to take Hanatarō
hostage as they bid to escape. Stuck with Hanatarō, they take advantage
of his offer to show them a shortcut through the sewers to Rukia's
cell.[190] Ichigo fighting Renji in their second battle.
Upon exiting the sewers, Ichigo is confronted by Renji, who seeks
revenge for his earlier defeat. Renji gravely injures Ichigo, who
becomes stronger during the fight and manages to barely defeat Renji
using a Getsuga Tenshō. Renji begs him to rescue Rukia. Ichigo is
healed by Hanatarō, who discovers Ichigo's Hollow mask lessen the
damage from what would have been fatal blows by Renji.[191]
After recovering, Ichigo encounters Kenpachi Zaraki and struggles to
even cut the powerful captain. After Zangetsu helps Ichigo find his
resolve, Ichigo manages to injure Zaraki. Finding Ichigo his equal,
Kenpachi decides to unleash his full power. This prompts Ichigo and
Zangetsu to work together to summon his full power and the fight ends in
a draw, with both of them incapacitated. Ichigo is rescued by Yoruichi.[192][193][194] Ichigo frees Rukia from the Sōkyoku execution stand.
After learning of Yoruichi's true Shinigami form and being healed,
Ichigo quickly rushes to save Hanatarō and Ganju from Byakuya.[195] Upon his arrival he confronts Byakuya,[196]
but knowing that Ichigo is not ready to fight someone of Byakuya's
caliber, Yoruichi stops the fight by incapacitating Ichigo, swearing to
make Ichigo stronger than Byakuya in three days.[197] After escaping, Yoruichi takes Ichigo to a hidden area to undergo Bankai training.[198] She tells Ichigo that he cannot save Rukia with his present power and asks him to undergo Bankai Training. Upon completing this training, Ichigo stops the Sōkyoku from killing Rukia and after sympathetic captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake
destroy the Sōkyoku, Ichigo frees Rukia and gives her to Renji to
protect. He stops three lieutenants from pursuing Renji and Rukia before
being confronted by Byakuya once again.[199] The final fight of Byakuya and Ichigo.
Ichigo eventually coerces Byakuya to use his Bankai. Ichigo is unable
to keep up just using his Shikai and he reveals his own Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu.
He uses his increased speed to outmaneuver Byakuya's Bankai and
eventually injure him for the first time. Byakuya counters using his Senkei
technique and after a while Ichigo's begins to slow and weaken, giving
Byakuya the chance to immobilize him. As he is about to be struck down, Ichigo's inner Hollow
surfaces and injures Byakuya. After regaining control of himself,
Ichigo and Byakuya prepare for one final clash. Ichigo demands to know
why Byakuya will not save his sister and Byakuya promises to answer if
Ichigo wins. They clash and while Ichigo can barely stand, Byakuya
explains himself[200] Sōsuke Aizen effortlessly defeats Ichigo.
Through a message relayed through Kidō by Isane Kotetsu, Ichigo then finds out that the events in Soul Society were an elaborate plot masterminded by Sōsuke Aizen. As Renji is wounded by Aizen when he refuses to hand over Rukia, Ichigo arrives to help them against the treacherous captain.[201]
The pair join forces to fight off Aizen, but it proves to be futile and
Aizen blocks their attack and cuts through Ichigo's midriff, defeating
him.[202]
As Aizen takes Rukia by the collar, Ichigo interrupts him and Aizen
begins to tell Ichigo how he had planned every move from the beginning
for his goal, to obtain the Hōgyoku.[203] After Aizen defeats Captain Sajin Komamura,
Ichigo looks on dumbstruck at the difference in power. Aizen continues
his explanation, stating that Urahara had planted the Hōgyoku inside
Rukia's soul to hide it and then gave her a Gigai that would ultimately reduce her to a normal Human.[204] Ichigo helplessly looks on as Aizen then extracts the Hōgyoku from within Rukia and then departs for Hueco Mundo.[205]
After being healed by Orihime, Ichigo and the others spend a week in Soul Society, where he spars with the 11th Division and learns from Rukia that she has decided to stay in Soul Society.[206]
As they prepare to leave, Ichigo is given a Substitute Shinigami Badge
by Ukitake that serves as a license that allows him to hunt Hollows in
his area officially.[207][208]
When Ichigo returns from Soul Society, Isshin attacks him in bed. Ichigo blocks the attack, earning praise from Isshin.[220]
Ichigo returns the protective charm to Isshin, who says that he does
not want it. He sews it to Ichigo's school uniform, leaving Ichigo to
wonder if he lied about Masaki haven given him the charm.[221]
When Ichigo returns from school, Isshin elbows him in the face,
knocking him to the ground, surprising Isshin, who notes that he looks
depressed. Saying that he must have done poorly in an exam and lectures
his son. Ichigo, however, simply says that he will stay in his room
until dinner, prompting Yuzu to blame Isshin for not apologizing.[222] Ichigo blocks an attack from Yammy Llargo.Shinji Hirako tries to recruit Ichigo into the Visored,
but Ichigo persistently refuses, even after being warned that his inner
Hollow will eventually take over and destroy everything in sight.
Shortly afterwards, two Arrancar, Yammy Llargo and Ulquiorra Cifer,
appear in Karakura Town in order to locate and evaluate Ichigo's
strength. Upon seeing Chad injured, Ichigo battles Yammy using his
Bankai and manages to cut off his arm. However, Ichigo's inner Hollow
soon interferes, paralyzing Ichigo, allowing Yammy to injure both him
and Orihime. Yoruichi and Urahara arrive to protect Ichigo, prompting
the Arrancar to withdraw.[223]
After his failure against the Arrancar, Ichigo becomes depressed
that he cannot protect his friends. This mood lasts until the arrival of
a Gotei 13 expeditionary force under the command of Tōshirō Hitsugaya.
Rukia forces Ichigo to defeat a Hollow, all the while chastising him.
Later that day, Ichigo discusses the growing Arrancar threat with
Hitsugaya's force and learns what the Arrancar actually are. When Rukia
returns to the Kurosaki household, Isshin and Yuzu try to eavesdrop on
her and Ichigo from his bedroom door. When Ichigo hears him talking to
Karin, he scares them off.[224]
After they discuss the mission, Renji and Rangiku study Kon's Mod Soul
pill and his plushie body. Becoming annoyed by their company, Ichigo
asks them when they would be leaving. Renji tells him that they cannot
return to Soul Society until after the Arrancar threat is dealt with.
Ichigo insists that they all cannot stay at his house and the eventually
leave, except for Rukia,[225] who convinces Isshin and Yuzu to allow her to stay in the girls' room using a cover story.[226][227] Ichigo stops Di Roy Rinker from killing Chad
During the night, six Arrancar lead by Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez invade Karakura Town, seeking targets with spiritual power.[228] Rukia states that one of them has already arrived at Chad's house.[229] Chad is attacked by Di Roy Rinker, but Ichigo arrives in time and stops Di Roy's strike.[230] Ichigo tells Chad to let him handle the Arrancar and Chad leaves.[231]
Rukia then arrives, asking Ichigo what he said to Chad. Ichigo just
tells her that he told him to step aside and let him fight. Rukia then
tells Ichigo to step aside, as he already exceeded his strength when he
fought Yammy. She transforms into her Shinigami form, which surprises
Ichigo. The Artificial Soul
possessing Rukia's Gigai pounces on Ichigo. Rukia explains that the
soul's name is Chappy, and that it was the one she originally intended
before they got Kon by mistake, to which Ichigo remarks that he's glad
they got Kon instead.[232] Ichigo fights Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
Chappy restrains Ichigo while Rukia fights[233] and explains Chappy explains Rukia's Zanpakutō to him. Grimmjow arrives[234]
and asks which one of them is stronger. As Rukia yells to Ichigo to
retreat, Grimmjow impales her with his arm. Ichigo proceeds to charge at
Grimmjow in response,[235] but is unable to harm him with his Shikai. He activates his Bankai[236]
but Grimmjow is able to block Ichigo's strikes unarmed and is able to
out-maneuver him. The Arrancar beats Ichigo up until Ichigo uses his
black Getsuga Tenshō to attack Grimmjow. The Arrancar blocks it with his arms, taking minimal damage. Ichigo realizes that he is in danger of his inner Hollow taking over.[237] The fight is brought to a close when Kaname Tōsen forces Grimmjow return to Hueco Mundo. As Tōsen opens a Garganta,
Grimmjow reluctantly complies, which angers Ichigo, who demands that
Grimmjow finishes their fight. Grimmjow counters him by saying that the
only reason he is still alive is because he is leaving before their
fight is finished. The Garganta closes, leaving Ichigo alone to ponder
the events that have occurred. Renji arrives soon after, asking Ichigo
if he won. Ichigo states that he lost, but Renji argues that since he's
alive, it means that he won. Ichigo tells him not to patronize him, as
he would not be saying that if he were in Ichigo's position. He further
states that he cannot protect anyone or even help the wounded; he was
defeated in battle by Grimmjow.[238] The other Visored stop Ichigo's inner Hollow from killing Hiyori Sarugaki.
Feeling unable to control his inner Hollow, Ichigo seeks out the Visored in order to gain control.[239] At their warehouse, Ichigo ends up duelling with Hiyori Sarugaki. He loses control to his Hollow side once more and nearly kills her, only to be stopped by the other Visored.[240][241]
Ichigo is informed that he cannot simply keep his Hollow in check with
his body or mind, but must force it into the very core of his soul.
After a brief period of unappreciated training, Ichigo is sent in to his
inner world to face his inner Hollow. While the Visored fight his out
of control body, in his inner world, Ichigo is unable to damage the
Hollow and is instead stabbed. After a brief discourse with his Hollow
and another with a manifestation of Kenpachi, Ichigo realizes his
trouble is that he lacks pure fighting spirit, instead needing reasons
to fight his opponents. His spirit rekindled by this revelation, Ichigo
subdues the inner Hollow and regains consciousness.[242][243] Ichigo then trains with Hiyori to increase the amount of time he can stay in his new masked form.[244] Ichigo challenges Grimmjow, donning his Hollow mask in battle for the first time.
A month later, Ichigo once again fights Grimmjow, even though he can
only remain in his masked form for eleven seconds. He initially
overwhelms the 6th Espada, but his mask crumbles when the time limit
expires and Grimmjow counterattacks. The Arrancar pins him to the ground
and tries to kill him with a Cero,
but Rukia freezes his arm. As Grimmjow tries to kill her, Shinji Hirako
steps in and fights him until the Arrancar retreat by order of
Ulquiorra.[245][246][247] When tending to Ichigo's wounds, the Visored Hachigen Ushōda
reveals that Ichigo's spiritual power has been contaminated somewhat by
Grimmjow's and at his behest, Rukia takes Ichigo home to recover.[248]
While in a deep sleep, he is visited by Orihime, who has been taken
prisoner by the Arrancar. Orihime tries to kiss Ichigo while he sleeps,
but is unable to. She does, however, confess her love for him.[249] Renji silences Ichigo as he protests.
When Ichigo awakens, he realizes that his wrist has been healed by
Orihime. Hitsugaya brings him to Orihime's apartment for an emergency
communication with Soul Society. Captain Ukitake informs them that
Orihime was taken by an Arrancar and might have been killed. Ichigo
informs them that she visited him to heal him the night before, which
leads Captain-Commander Yamamoto to believe that she has betrayed them.
Renji silences Ichigo's protest and requests permission to go to Hueco
Mundo to rescue her but the request is denied. Ichigo asks to go save
Orihime by himself, but Yamamoto once again denies the request, stating
that Ichigo is a significant asset to Soul Society. The Shinigami are
ordered to return to Soul Society to fortify their defenses, leaving
Ichigo alone.[250]
While being confronted by Tatsuki over Orihime's disappearance,
Ichigo learns that Tatsuki can see him in Shinigami form. Ichigo tries
to distance himself from his friends and then goes to Urahara's shop.
Ichigo is joined by Uryū and Chad and after some convincing, the trio
agree to help each other rescue Orihime. Urahara opens a Garganta to
Hueco Mundo and they enter the portal.[251]
As Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū enter Hueco Mundo, they are promptly attacked by two Arrancar, Demoura Zodd and Aisslinger Wernarr.
Ichigo is told to stay back as Chad and Uryū engage the two Arrancar by
themselves. Once they are victorious, the room and passageway collapses
around them, forcing the trio to race outside where they see their Las Noches.[252][253][254] Ichigo and Nel Tu run into the Privaron EspadaDordoni.
They see Nel Tu
being chased by three Hollows and intervene, but are surprised to learn
that the child is an Arrancar and her pursuers are in fact her two
"brothers" and their pet playing a game.[255] The expanded group travels toward Las Noches, but come under attack by the sand-based Hollow, Runuganga. The Hollow is immune to their attacks, but the group is saved by Renji and Rukia who defeat it.[256] Ichigo and his group break into Las Noches and split up. Nel Tu follows Ichigo, catching up to him just as he is attacked by Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio.[257]
Ichigo tries to defeat the Privaron Espada
without his Bankai, but is unable to do so. When Dordoni fires a Cero
at Ichigo, Nel intervenes and absorbs the blast, firing it back at him.
Dordoni attacks Nel, prompting Ichigo to use his Bankai to save her.[258][259]
Dordoni then tries to convince Ichigo to use his Hollow mask, which he
ultimately does, defeating Dordoni in an instant once he does so.
Dordoni is partly healed by Nel and then attacks Ichigo again. He blocks
the attack and runs away with Nel. Upon sensing Rukia's defeat, Ichigo
is confronted by Ulquiorra.[260] Ulquiorra stabs Ichigo with his hand.
When Ulquiorra tells Ichigo that Rukia has been killed, Ichigo denies
it and attempts to leave to save her, reasoning that he and Ulquiorra
have no quarrel and thus no reason to fight. Ulquiorra reveals that he
was the one who kidnapped Orihime and successfully goads Ichigo into
fighting. Ichigo attacks as hard as he can, but Ulquiorra suffers little
damage and reveals himself to be the 4th Espada. Ulquiorra then impales
Ichigo's chest with his hand and leaves after telling Ichigo to leave
Hueco Mundo if he is able to.[261] Ichigo protecting Orihime and Nel from Grimmjow's attack.
Grimmjow brings Orihime to heal Ichigo, wanting to fight him at full
strength. Ulquiorra returns and attempts to retrieve Orihime, but
Grimmjow uses a Caja Negación to temporarily imprison him.[262]
As the battle ensues, the advantage shifts between the two combatants.
Ichigo uses his Hollow mask to protect Orihime and Nel from Grimmjow's Gran Rey Cero. Seeing that Ichigo is finally at his full strength, Grimmjow releases his Resurrección and fiercely attacks Ichigo.[263]
Both take a lot of damage and as Grimmjow is about to strike down
Ichigo, Orihime begs him not to get hurt anymore. Ichigo stops
Grimmjow's attack and slashes him. Enraged at the injury, Grimmjow
impales Ichigo in the stomach and then uses his most powerful attack, Desgarrón.
Ichigo overcomes this and defeats Grimmjow, who reverts to his
unreleased state. The 6th Espada tries to attack once more, but Ichigo
stops him. Suddenly, Nnoitra Gilga appears, incapacitates Grimmjow, then attacks Ichigo, revealing that he is the 5th Espada.[264][265] Nelliel takes over from Ichigo in the fight against Nnoitra.
As they fight, Nnoitra recognizes Nel as the former third Espada, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck.
Nel denies this as Nnoitra attacks Ichigo again. Seeing Ichigo hurt
triggers Nel's transformation into her adult form. She battles Nnoitra
but eventually reverts to her child form. Nnoitra kicks Nel and the
enraged Ichigo attacks again, only to be slammed into the ground. Tesra Lindocruz
moves in to kill Ichigo, but Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and defeats Tesra.
As Kenpachi and Nnoitra fight, Orihime heals Ichigo and Nel. While
Orihime defends Yachiru Kusajishi, Ichigo, tries to stop Orihime, but is stunned that he cannot break through her healing shield.[266][267][268] Ichigo facing off against Ulquiorra.
After Kenpachi defeats Nnoitra, Coyote Starrk snatches Orihime away. Ichigo tries to stop him, but is unable to do so.[269][270] Aizen announces via Tenteikūra
that Orihime is in the fifth tower and that he is leaving to destroy
Karakura Town. Ichigo tells Kenpachi that his duty is to protect his
friends and rushes to rescue Orihime.[271] Upon arriving at the base of the tower, he is attacked by the Exequias.
However, Renji, Chad and Rukia arrive to fight them so that Ichigo can
continue on. Ichigo finds Orihime under the guard of Ulquiorra, who
draws his Zanpakutō to fight him.[272][273][274][275]
The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)Edit
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Ichigo dons his Hollow mask to attack Ulquiorra.
As his fight with Ulquiorra continues, Orihime shields Ichigo from an attack by Ulquiorra.[293]Menoly Mallia and Loly Aivirrne ambush Orihime. Ichigo tries to help her but is stopped by Ulquiorra.[294]Uryū Ishida
arrives and Ichigo orders him to protect Orihime. Ichigo dons his
Hollow mask and manages to gain the upper hand against Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra heads to the top of Las Noches and releases his Zanpakutō, Murciélago.[295] Despite surviving his first attack, Ichigo quickly realizes how much more powerful and faster Ulquiorra is. Ulquiorra uses his Cero Oscuras,[296][297]
which overwhelms him. Ulquiorra continues in a series of attacks and
questions why Ichigo will give up. Ichigo explains that he always knew
that Ulquiorra was stronger, but nothing he sees him do will stop him
from fighting. Ulquiorra transforms in a bid to force Ichigo to despair.[298] Ichigo seemingly finished off by Ulquiorra's Cero Oscuras.
Ichigo is completely overwhelmed by Ulquiorra's attacks, but insists
that he has no choice but to fight. Orihime arrives to the top of the
dome just as Ulquiorra fires a Cero Oscuras through Ichigo's chest, seemingly killing him.[299] Orihime tries to heal him and pleads for Ichigo to help Uryū against Ulquiorra.[300] Hearing Orihime's desperate cry for help, transforms into a Hollow and quickly defeats Ulquiorra.[301][302] However, he also injures Uryū and while he is distracted, Ulquiorra attacks him again,[303] restoring Ichigo to normal with his injuries healed.[304] Ichigo is shocked to see the devastation he has caused and looks on as Ulquiorra dies.[305] Ichigo and Unohana dive into the Garganta.
After recovering slightly from his battle, Ichigo jumps off of the dome and saves Rukia from Yammy.[306][307] Ichigo lures Yammy away and dons his Hollow mask to attack Yammy.[308]
While noting the strange feeling of his altered mask, he is attacked by
the recovering Yammy. Ichigo is unable to summon his mask again and is
caught by Yammy. However, before the giant Arrancar can do anything else
to Ichigo, he is freed by Byakuya and Kenpachi.[309] Byakuya reminds him that protecting Karakura Town is his duty and Mayuri Kurotsuchi opens a Garganta for him and Captain Retsu Unohana to travel to Karakura while the others remain to handle Yammy.[310]
On their way through, Unohana explains Aizen's Shikai and says that he
is the only one able to defeat him due to having not seen it and that he
must maintain that advantage.[311] Ichigo arrives in Fake Karakura Town.
En route, Unohana comments on Ichigo's unpolished Ichigo’s skills and
realises the extent of Ichigo's potential power. She offers to
replenish his energy along the way.[312]
Ichigo jumps out of the Garganta and tries to end Aizen in one blow but
is blocked by a barrier. Ichigo thinks he should have used his
Hollowfication but Aizen, guessing his thoughts says that it would not
work and invites him to try.[313] Aizen tries to unnerve Ichigo, but as he begins to waiver, Sajin Komamura
appears beside him and tells Ichigo not to be taken in by Aizen's
words. He tells that the Shinigami and Visored will not let him see
Aizen’s Shikai as they all gather around him.[314]
Ichigo is initially reluctant to receive help but following words with
his allies Ichigo resolves to trust in his allies and watch for now.[315] Ichigo pounces on Aizen as he emerges from Yamamoto's attack.
Ichigo watches the battle closely waiting for an opening on Aizen, but sees him defeat Komamura, Rose and Love.[316]
Ichigo then watches as the captains and Visored rejoice for defeating
Aizen. Ichigo, the only one of them not under Kyōka Suigetsu's
influence, asks everyone what they are doing as they realize it is not
Aizen but Momo Hinamori that has been stabbed.[317]
When the remaining captains are cut down, Captain-Commander Yamamoto
engages Aizen in battle. He states that the Gotei 13 will lay down their
lives to stop him but Ichigo should fall back.[318] After Yamamoto uses Ittō Kasō against Aizen, Ichigo pounces on Aizen using Getsuga Tenshō.[319] Isshin intervenes.
As Ichigo continues his attack, Aizen blocks his blade and tells him
that was his final chance to kill him. Aizen’s wounds heal and Ichigo
believes it is High-Speed Regeneration but Aizen says it is merely the instinct of the Hōgyoku to protect its master, revealing that he has implanted it in his chest. Aizen complements Ichigo's Reiatsu,
saying that he has grown, just as he had planned. He lists various
important moments in the development of Ichigo's power and tells him
that all of his battles have taken place exactly as he desired.[320]
Ichigo becomes angry at this and Aizen explains that he believed Ichigo
to be the perfect subject for his research. Aizen tells Ichigo that all
of Ichigo’s victories were by his own doing, prompting Ichigo to attack
and tells him that his claims do not match those he made back in Soul
Society. Aizen questions what made Ichigo believe he told the truth back
then and claims responsibility for the events that have led Ichigo to
this point. Ichigo asks him when he came to the conclusion that he would
be a perfect subject for his research. Aizen replies that he has known
about Ichigo from the day he was born. He is interrupted by Isshin, who
appears on the battlefield between his son and Aizen.[321]
Isshin takes his son away, saying that he will answer any questions
later. Ichigo says that he has none and accepts that Isshin must have
had a reason to keep things a secret. He then thanks his father and
returns to Aizen's location where he fights Gin Ichimaru.[322] Ichigo attacks Gin, but is blocked.
When Gin asks if Ichigo remembers their previous fight, Ichigo
explains his philosophy on battle and notes that he could not feel Gin’s
heart in his blade when they last fought. Gin then notes that is
starting to understand why Aizen is interested in Ichigo.[323] Gin releases his Bankai, Kamishini no Yari. The two fight as Ichigo is able to stop Gin’s attacks.[324]
They continue exchanging attacks and Ichigo begins to worry about Gin’s
blade and it’s speed. After his shoulder is grazed, Ichigo states that
its true danger is its speed and Gin's comments on its length was a
distraction.[325]
After being knocked into a building, Ichigo is told that stopping his
blade was a fluke but Ichigo claims it not to be. When the Hōgyoku
begins to envelop Aizen, a shocked Ichigo asks Isshin what is occurring.
Isshin states he does not know and after the two banter, Aizen is
suddenly attacked by Urahara.[326]
Ichigo watches on as Urahara, Isshin and Yoruichi battle Aizen until
Gin points out that his back is wide open. He tells Ichigo to relax and
the two discuss Aizen and Ichigo’s allies. Gin activates his Butō
ability, but Ichigo dodges. Before he can react, however, Ichigo
realizes that Gin's blade has already fully contracted. Gin then uses Butō Renjin, causing Ichigo to don his Hollow mask.[327] Isshin encourages Ichigo to go defend Karakura Town.
After Ichigo becomes winded, Gin tells him to run away as he cannot
win. He moves to finish Ichigo off but he is stopped by Aizen. Ichigo
notices Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Isshin lying on the ground and when Aizen
orders Gin to open a Senkaimon, Ichigo tells him to wait. Aizen tells
him he will "devour" him after they have destroyed Karakura Town and
leaves with Gin. Isshin tells Ichigo to open a Senkaimon and to defend
the real Karakura Town.[328]
Ichigo says there is no way they can beat Aizen with that monstrous
reiatsu and Isshin, who could not sense Aizen’s reiatsu, tells Ichigo to
come with him but Ichigo does not move. Isshin persuades Ichigo to go.[329] As they are running through the Dangai, Isshin takes advantage of the lack of the Kōtotsu to allow Ichigo to learn the "final" Getsuga Tenshō.[330]
Isshin explains the nature of the Dangai's time distortion and
suppresses the restrictive current, saying he can give Ichigo three
months to get information from Zangetsu about the true nature of this
ability[331] Isshin explains about Jinzen and Ichigo tries it.[332] Tensa Zangetsu appears before Ichigo
Sometime later a wound appears on Ichigo's shoulder and Isshin then
warns him to be careful as Zangetsu is going to be on a rampage.[333]
Ichigo awakens in his inner world to find himself underwater and
struggles to breathe. He is surprised to be confronted by Tensa
Zangetsu, the spirit of his Bankai, who calms him and teaches him to
breathe. After noting that it is unsurprising that Ichigo does not
recognize him as it is his fist time entering this world in Bankai,
Tensa Zangetsu attacks him.
.[334]
Ichigo tries to stop the fighting, but Tensa Zangetsu, knowing what
Ichigo wants, states that he cannot teach him such a technique. Ichigo
says he needs it to protect Karakura Town but Tensa Zangetsu says that
what Ichigo wants to protect and what he wants to protect are different.[335] Ichigo fights the merged Tensa Zangetsu.
Ichigo is surprised that Tensa Zangetsu will not lend him his power
and listens as he notes that the hope-filled skyscrapers that once
filled his inner world now resembles Karakura Town, submerged by
constant rain caused by Ichigo falling into despair. Tensa Zangetsu
pierces Ichigo's chest with his arm and pulls out the source of his
despair, his inner Hollow.[336]
Ichigo is shocked to see the Hollow, as he believed that he had been
defeated. Tensa Zangetsu states that Ichigo will fight them together as
they merge into one being, which tells Ichigo that they are two parts of
the same being and they are his power, proceeding to attack Ichigo.[337]
Ichigo refuses to give up and begins to find something strange in the
merged Tensa Zangetsu’s actions. He discards his broken sword, allowing
himself to be impaled. Ichigo is congratulated on figuring it out as he
notes the blade does not hurt. Crying, the fused Tensa Zangetsu reveals
that all he wanted is to protect Ichigo and states that the meaning of
this, along with the essence of the technique, should be conveyed to him
directly from the blade.[338] He tells Ichigo that if he uses the Final Getsuga Tenshō he will lose his Shinigami powers and bids Ichigo farewell.[339] Ichigo confronts Aizen in Karakura Town.
Ichigo later arrives with his unconscious father in Karakura Town. Aizen turns his attention towards him.[340]
Ichigo, now taller and with longer hair from his time in the Dangai,
places Isshin on the ground and thanks him. After searching for the
reiatsu of his sisters to make sure they are safe, Ichigo greets his
friends and tells them to stay where they are. Ichigo grabs Aizen and
brings him outside Karakura Town, throwing him into the ground. He tells
a stunned Aizen that he will finish the fight in an instant.[341] Ichigo blocks Aizen's attack with his bare hand.
The two clash, causing significant devastation to the surrounding
area. Aizen comments on their appearances, noting the similarities
between each other with the agglutination of their right arms and
Zanpakutō's and how it has brought forth a revolutionary discovery.
Aizen continues to gloat as Ichigo stops Aizen’s blade with his bare
hand. Ichigo asks Aizen if his feat is really that hard to believe.
Ichigo then asks him if he's scared of what is in front of his eyes
right now, of something he can't understand.[342] Aizen recovers and uses the full incantation of the "Kurohitsugi".
Aizen proudly gloats at the power of his Kidō, but destroys the spell.
He begins to explain to a stunned Aizen that he did not notice that
Ichigo is stronger than him currently and moves in to strike.[343] Ichigo injures Aizen.
Ichigo cuts Aizen’s torso, but Aizen instantly backs away. Ichigo
throws Aizen's earlier taunts back at him. Aizen becomes enraged and
transforms again. Aizen then fires an immensely powerful blast that
creates a crater. Ichigo survives the blast but it destroys the upper
half of his shikakushō and singes the arm he used to block the blast.
Aizen attacks, sending Ichigo into the crater. He grabs Ichigo and
states that Ichigo has now lost the power he gained and will be killed.
Aizen continues his gloating as Ichigo asks Aizen if something like that
is going to end him. He slashes at his chest, forcing Aizen to release
him. Tired of Aizen's logic, Ichigo tells Aizen he wants to show him the
"Final Getsuga Tenshō".[344]
Ichigo explains the technique and uses Mugetsu, causing darkness to fall over the land.[345]
Aizen then plummets to the ground as the darkness dissipates. The bands
covering Ichigo's face begin to crack and peel off. Ichigo watches as
his opponent’s wounds heal once again. Aizen begins to reverts to a more
normal form. Ichigo falls to the ground as his Shinigami powers weaken.
Ichigo then looks on as Aizen is bound by a Kidō spell hidden inside
his body by Urahara, who appears at the scene to explain the mechanics
of the spell. The two converse briefly before Aizen is finally sealed as
Ichigo looks away.[346]
Sometime after their battle with Aizen, Ichigo asks Urahara where
everyone is and asks if everyone’s memories have been erased. Urahara
says no and Ichigo is relieved. Urahara then tells Ichigo that Aizen's
seal structure will be dealt with by Central 46.
Ichigo asks him if Aizen was really rejected by the Hōgyoku and wonders
if Aizen himself wished to lose his power. He explains his theory that
Aizen wished to just be a Shinigami. Orihime, Uryū, Rukia, Chad and
Renji arrive and shortly after greeting them, Ichigo collapses,
screaming in pain.[347] Ichigo watches Rukia fade away.
Ichigo awakes to find himself back home surrounded by Orihime, Rukia,
Uryū and Chad who explain that he has been unconscious for almost a
month. Rukia explains that Urahara told them he has lost his Shinigami
powers. Ichigo tells Rukia he will most likely have to give back his
Substitute Shinigami title. Rukia explains that the first stage of loss
brings intense pain, loss of consciousness and a reverse flow of the
time that his body experienced in the Dangai. She further explains that
he lost his Shinigami powers at that point. Then in the second stage,
his remaining reiatsu stabilized, he woke up and in due time, the
remainder of his spiritual power will completely disappear. Ichigo,
unsurprised by this, says that he expected this to happen, asking if he
can go outside. Ichigo notes that he can no longer sense spiritual
presences anymore and that it is becoming harder to see Rukia. As she
starts to fade before his eyes, Ichigo asks Rukia to give his best
regards to everyone, says goodbye and thanks her.[348]
Ichigo and Keigo talk about school and the future.
Seventeen months after Ichigo defeats Aizen, Ichigo is about to start
his third year in high school. Ichigo recalls that Chad and Orihime had
already told the others about him losing his powers while he was
unconscious. He also notes that since his powers disappeared, Karin's
has been getting stronger and since Karin has not asked him about it,
Ichigo figures that she is dealing with it well.[393]
At school, Ichigo looks for Tatsuki's video game in his bag and finds
his Substitute Shinigami Badge, noting that it has lost its abilities.
He then notices Uryū running out of the classroom, aware that Uryū began
taking over the Hollow extermination he used to cover, noting to
himself that it was probably better for Uryū to handle it than Zennosuke Kurumadani.[394]
At lunch, Keigo asks Ichigo about his career after high school. Ichigo
asks if it's too early to think about that. Keigo tells him that his
grades were good when he began high school, but started slipping during
the second half of first year. Ichigo states that he still did well in
school despite his Shinigami duties interfering with his school work.
When Keigo asks about Rukia, Ichigo questions why he brought her up and
states that she is not assigned to Karakura Town any more. Ichigo
insists that he is fine with his now peaceful life.[395] Ichigo returns the stranger's bag to him.
As he walks home with Mizuiro and Keigo, Ichigo stops an armed thief,
reflecting as he does so that he still has the body and reflexes of
someone trained to fight and win. He returns the stolen property to its
owner, Kūgo Ginjō,
who thanks him for recovering it. He offers to treat Ichigo to ramen,
but Ichigo declines and asks for the man to keep Ichigo's actions a
secret.[396]
The next day, Ichigo has a dream in which he sees silhouettes of Renji
and Rukia telling him to wake up. He awakens to the sound of Isshin, who
pounces on him. Ichigo dodges, sending Isshin through an open window.
Ichigo dismisses Isshin's complaints, saying that he would go to Soul
Society if he died. The annoyed Ichigo blames his father for him having
weird dreams recently and demands that he apologize to him.[397]
At school, Ichigo negotiates with some clubs over renting his services to them, accepting Satoda's
requests to join the soccer club. As Ichigo prepares for practice, he
talks with Tatsuki, telling her that he is glad he gave up attending the
dojo as he would hate it if he had to call her sensei. He also
criticizes her attitude to disciplining Orihime. Tatsuki reminds him to
call his boss, Ikumi Unagiya,
or he will be scolded by her again and insists that she will not help
him this time. Ichigo rushes out to call Ikumi and when he tells her
that he will be off for another week, she angrily demands that he come
immediately or else be fired. Ichigo calmly responds that it seems he
has no choice but to be fired, prompting Ikumi to back-peddle. Ichigo
states that he will not go back and apologizes to her. As he hangs up
his phone, a gang arrives at the school looking for him. Ichigo sees the
thief that he had previously beaten up with them. When the gang leader
demands that Ichigo come forth, Uryū confronts the group, prompting
Ichigo to rush to him to prevent the incident from worsening.[398] Ichigo and Uryū punch Obuta together.
As Ichigo and Uryū fight the gangsters, the pair scold each other.
Ichigo and Uryū together knock the gang leader out and continue their
yelling at each other. The remaining gangsters rush them from behind,
and Ichigo and Uryū beat every single one of them, as they discuss
Uryū's Hollow extermination duties. Before they finish, another
gangster, Yokochini,
appears and asks Ichigo if he still remembers him. When Ichigo fails to
remember him, Ichigo states that he neither wants to nor cares about
his past. Yokochini and his men are beaten by Ikumi, who takes a scared
Ichigo away in a van and brings her to her office.[399] Ichigo tied up by Ikumi.
Inside the Unagiya shop, Ichigo demands to be untied, but Ikumi
refuses. She shows Ichigo a pile of documents related to work, saying
that he seldom does them. Her son, Kaoru,
came in and mocks Ichigo. As Kaoru leaves, Ikumi apologizes for his
behavior and tells him to bear with it, before hitting Ichigo for his
reply. She yells at him to go to work as she removes the tape around
Ichigo. Kūgo enters the store and Ichigo recognizes him as the guy he
helped out from being mugged. Kūgo offers Ichigo some ramen, but Ichigo
refuses it.[400] Ichigo looks at the photo of Isshin.
As Kūgo eats the ramen, Ichigo criticizes him for not eating it at his own house. Ichigo later asks what he wants from him.[401]
Kūgo eventually shows them a picture of Isshin, asking for background
information on him. Ichigo says that Isshin is his father and that he
can tell him anything he wants to know. Kūgo questions whether Ichigo
even knows enough to answer, saying that Ichigo shouldn't even know
about his family yet.[402]
When Ichigo tries to question him about what he means, Ikumi
interrupts, saying that she is closing shop for the day and will
consider the job. As he leaves, Kūgo tells Ichigo to go to the Urahara Shop.[403] The card given to Ichigo by Kūgo Ginjō.
There, Ichigo witnesses Karin leaving and wonders why she was there.
Kūgo approaches, calling Urahara a shady character. As Ichigo tries to
defend Urahara, Kūgo questions how much he knows about Kisuke and warns
him to act quickly to defend his family.[404]
Ichigo tells Kūgo that he does not trust him and Kūgo gives Ichigo a
card with "welcome to our Xcution" written on it. Ichigo returns home
where Yuzu greets him with the results of her first exam, which she
excelled at. Ichigo congratulates her and tells her to show it to
Isshin, inquiring where he is. When she tells him that he is not there,
Ichigo goes up to his room and remarks that he could find Isshin if he
still had his Shinigami powers. Orihime calls round to Ichigo to sell
him some bread and she asks him if something happened recently or if he
is being followed, which Ichigo denies. Later, Ichigo exams the card
Kūgo gave him as he hears sirens nearby.[405] Ichigo and Orihime visits Uryū in hospital.
After being offered dinner by Yuzu, Ichigo decides to eat later and
rushes out of the house as Karin calls after him. He arrives at Karakura Hospital
looking for Uryū and finds that Orihime is there already. He asks where
Chad is, but Orihime tells him that he didn't answer when he was
called. After Ryūken Ishida
states the cause of Uryū's wounds, he asks what happened, only for Uryū
to respond that it had nothing to do with him. Ichigo offers to walk
Orihime home, but Ryūken decides to drive her home instead, telling
Ichigo he should get home as well. After thanking him, Ichigo runs off,
frustrated that there is something going on which he can do nothing
about. He dials the number on the card Kūgo gave him and states his
name. The person on the line tells him that they have already been
informed of him and welcomes him to "Xcution".[406]
Ichigo is given a complicated dialing sequence to follow, which
eventually puts him through to Kūgo. Following a brief exchange, during
which Ichigo complains about the complicated nature of the phone call,
Ichigo arranges a meeting between the two at 8:00 PM the following
evening. Ichigo is instructed to go to Chouhara, Naruki City, Block 7-1
and stand in front of the dirty apartment building there. The following
day, Orihime asks Ichigo if he knew what happened to Chad, which he does
not. Orihime then reveals that she wanted to tell him what happened to
Uryū, but he didn't seem to be in school. After declining an offer to go
to Chad's house with her, Ichigo walks off, remembering the exchange
with Kūgo. When Ichigo arrives at their meeting place, he is greeted by
Kūgo, who remarks that he is five minutes early. Ichigo points out that
he is only three minutes early and informs him that his friend was
attacked and he wants his help. Kūgo inquires if Ichigo trusts him,
prompting Ichigo to say that he is probably not a normal Human. Kūgo
gives a vague answer and notes that Ichigo has nobody else to count on.
Inside the building Kūgo jokes about his request to investigate Isshin,
before insisting it was only to gain Ichigo's interest. They enter
Xcution's hideout where Ichigo sees some of the other members of the
group. Kūgo then informs him that they aim to restore his Shinigami
powers.[407] Kūgo explains Fullbring to Ichigo.
Ichigo demands to know how and why they intend to do this, but Kūgo
insists on taking their time. He explains that the members of Xcution
are Humans who were born with a special ability called Fullbring,
which Kūgo demonstrates by making the liquid in a glass makes its way
into Kūgo's mouth. He explains that all matter has a soul and that he is
able to pull out the soul that resides within objects and make it do as
he pleases. He then transforms his necklace into a large sword. When Riruka Dokugamine
enters the room complaining, Ichigo asks Kūgo who she is. He introduces
her and tells her to come in. She is followed inside by Yasutora Sado,
surprising Ichigo.[408] Ichigo and Chad in Xcution's hideout.
Ichigo angrily asks Chad why he's here and why he hasn't been going
to school. Kūgo tells Ichigo to calm down so he can explain everything.
As Ichigo glares at him, Kūgo explains that the hole of a Hollow is
where their hearts used to be and that their lost hearts have become
their masks, their outward appearance and their individual powers. Kūgo
then explains a Fullbringer is a person who had a parent that was
attacked by a Hollow before their birth and traces of the Hollow's
powers remain in their mother's bodies and are passed on to them at
birth. These powers are always closer to Hollow than Shinigami powers.
He further explains that Fullbringers do not enjoy their powers similar
to the way Ichigo hated his Hollow powers. Kūgo says he wants to erase
these powers from within, and they've learned they can pass their powers
on to someone who possesses both Human and Shinigami powers. Ichigo
then realizes that he wasn't the first person born from a Shinigami and a
Human.[409]
Kūgo says they have old allies who have reverted to being Human
and that they will help Ichigo to get his Shinigami powers back so that
he can help them become normal Humans. He then explains that Chad
offered to help them if it meant Ichigo getting his powers back. Ichigo
asks Chad to confirm this and listens as he explains that he sees the
pain Ichigo feels at not being able to protect the people he cares
about. He tells Ichigo he doesn't have to hide it, that his feeling this
pain means that's who he is. Kūgo says they will restore his Shinigami
powers and add their powers on top of that. Ichigo accepts this deal.
The other Fullbringers are happy that Ichigo will work with them except
for Riruka who still hasn't even seen Ichigo and doesn't believe he's
someone they should trust so easily. She takes out a flashlight, shines
it on Ichigo and is surprised to see that he is rather attractive. When
Ichigo asks if she's alright, she blushes, saying she's not.[410] Ichigo finds himself inside Riruka's doll house.
Having arrived home late for the last two nights, Ichigo returns to
the Kurosaki Clinic late once again, to the delight of Karin and Yuzu.
He urges them to go to bed as it is late. Ichigo is later called back to
Xcution's hideout, where he asks if he is going to be doing any
training in a more spacious area. Riruka enters the room with a doll
house, saying that they will be. She tells him that the doll house is
his training facility and explains that her Fullbring allows her to
place people into something that she considers to be cute. She places
her pass on Ichigo and he is pulled into the box. A miniaturized and
disorientated Ichigo is told to defeat a doll inside the box. She says that it is not strong and he can defeat it using Fullbring.[411]
As Ichigo evades the doll's attacks, he shrugs off Riruka's
complaints, saying that he does not even understand the situation yet.
Riruka reiterates her explanation of her Fullbring and tells him to beat
the stuffed animal by using Fullbring. Ichigo questions how this will
help him regain his Shinigami powers and states that he cannot suddenly
use a power that he has never used before. The doll then gives out to
Ichigo, surprising him. Riruka explains that she trapped an old yakuza
man inside the doll, Mr. Pork. The yakuza says that if he does not kill
Ichigo within fifteen minutes, he will be trapped there permanently.
Riruka leaves and Ichigo begins to reflect on what she said. He thinks
about Kūgo transforming his pendant into a sword and concludes that he
should focus on something that he regularly has with him. Chad tells
Ichigo to use his representative Shinigami badge if he wants to get a
Fullbring to use for battle and Ichigo tells him he had just thought of
it too. As Ichigo holds his badge, the fifteen minutes expire and Mr.
Pork enters "Mad Beast Mode", growing in size.[412] Ichigo unleashes a Getsuga Tenshō-like attack to defeat Mr. Pork.
Chad reveals to Ichigo that it was pride that allowed him to use his
Fullbring. When Ichigo thinks of times he was proud to be a Shinigami,
his Badge begins to take the form of Tensa Zangetsu's tsuba.[413]
Kūgo explains that the badge recorded every battle he ever fought by
touching it. Shocked, Ichigo tests out a variety of ways on how to use
this new power before successfully flinging a large amount of energy
shaped like a wheel at Mr. Pork, which defeats the doll. Ichigo wonders
if the power will help him get his Shinigami powers back.[414]
At Ichigo's behest, Riruka lets him out by sneezing on him. Back to his
normal size, Ichigo is irritated by being covered with saliva and
mucous and receives a towel from Kūgo. As he is drying off, he realizes
his Fullbring deactivates and returns his badge back to normal. Ichigo
briefly hears a voice coming from the badge, which he recognizes as
Rukia's and wonders what is happening.[415]
Ichigo listens as the yakuza tries to extort money from Riruka.
He asks Ichigo if she forced him to come there as well and Ichigo notes
that he looks exactly like the doll he was inside. Ichigo asks if he is
to stay for further training, but is told that Fullbring puts more
strain on the body than can be felt. Kūgo advices him not to push
himself as his body will fall to pieces if he wears himself out. Saying
that a few more days without his powers should be bearable after all
this time, he promises to call him when he has recuperated. As Chad and
Ichigo walk to Chad's home, the latter tells Ichigo that Orihime has
been bringing him leftover bread everyday lately. Ichigo tells him that
she is worried about him and that he should call her. As Chad goes to
give half of it to Ichigo, he notices something is wrong with her
reiatsu and shouts that something happened to her.[416] Sado and Ichigo rush to Orihime's side.
Ichigo tries to call Orihime, but Chad tells him not to, as it could
distract her and lead her to her death. He says that he cannot quite
locate Orihime's exact location, but Ichigo can tell by the direction
they are going that she is at her apartment.[417]
They arrive to find Orihime kneeling in front of her door and ask her
if she is alright. Orihime grabs her shoulder, seeming distracted, but
notices Chad and Ichigo and asks why they are there. Hearing their
explanation, Orihime tells them that nothing happened and that she was
with a friend before going into her apartment. As they leave, Ichigo
asks Chad about Orihime. Chad tells him that he was probably sensing
things wrong and tells Ichigo not to worry.[418]
Realizing that Chad and Orihime will not tell him anything, Ichigo calls the Xcution
headquarters and asks Kūgo to let him in. When Ichigo arrives, he
explains the situation to Kūgo and Jackie, telling them that he believes
Orihime was attacked by the same guy who attacked Uryū. Kūgo and Jackie
both suspect it is Tsukishima. Ichigo asks who this is and Kūgo explains that Tsukishima is a Fullbringer[419]
and the former leader of Xcution who came up with the idea to give
their powers to a Substitute Shinigami. However, when they did so, he
killed the Shinigami and those that gave him their power and then
disappeared. He shows Ichigo a Substitute Shinigami Badge and tells him
that he believes Tsukishima wants to keep Ichigo away from them and is
using his attacks on Uryū and Orihime to catch Ichigo's attention. He
tells him to go home until they are ready for the next stage of
training. While walking the streets, Ichigo spots Isshin in an alley and
hides. He witnesses him meeting with Urahara and when they leave,
Ichigo contemplates Kūgo's warning about Urahara, wondering if he should
follow them, but decides not to. Ichigo later returns to Xcution's
hideout where Riruka places him inside a fish tank, to fight Jackie Tristan, who introduces himself as he activates his Fullbring.[420]
After an exchange of words between the pair, Jackie activates her Fullbring, Dirty Boots and they begin to fight.[421]
Jackie tells Ichigo that he is too lax and he cannot take his time
getting into a battle. Jackie rubs her boots in the mud, increasing her
attack power, and slams Ichigo into the water. She explains about her
Fullbring, before warning Ichigo that because he is in a living body, he
will die if he keeps taking her attacks with his body. Ichigo fires an
energy blast at her, only for Jackie to easily shatter it. Ichigo
reveals that he knows his attack's weakness and uses Fullbring to
increase his speed and attacks her. After being asked who taught him to
fight, Ichigo explains that he first learned from Urahara, but then he
learned from his battles as time went on, saying that even though he was
only a Shinigami for a brief time, he probably has more experience in
battle than Xcution.[422] Ichigo's badge starts to go berserk.
Reiatsu from Ichigo's badge begins to engulf his right arm and Ichigo
begins to tire as a result. Jackie says they will abort training as
Ichigo's Fullbring is going berserk in a way she has never seen before.
Ichigo is adamant in continuing. Jackie calls for Kūgo to retrieve
Riruka to end the training, but Ichigo suddenly pins her to the ground.
He says his Fullbring is not going berserk and has always been like
this. He believes this is his badge's way of telling him to hurry and
get his Shinigami powers back soon. Believing that it is too dangerous
to continue, Jackie decides to stop him by force.[423] Ichigo clashes with Tsukishima.
When Tsukishima arrives at the Xcution headquarters, he cuts through
Riruka's Fish Tank, and Ichigo emerges, engulfed in reiatsu shaped
similarly to his Shinigami shihakushō.[424]
Ichigo asks who he is before clashing with him to test his new
abilities. Chad attacks Tsukishima to protect Ichigo's new powers,
resulting in Ichigo learning about how he was being protected from the
truth. He realizes that Tsukishima attacked both Uryū and Orihime.
Ichigo manages to surprised Tsukishima in the subsequent clash but he is
swiftly overwhelmed due to Tsukishima's greater experience with
Fullbring. Just when Tsukishima moves to make a devastating blow, Kūgo
deflects his blade, stating that he can't let them fight yet.[425] Ichigo attacks Tsukishima from behind.
Ichigo tells Kūgo to get out of his way, but Kūgo simply elbows
Ichigo behind the neck and tells Ichigo that he isn't fine as he just
got dropped in his real body. Ichigo then tries to go back to fight but
is stopped by Chad, who tells Ichigo that Tsukishima is way ahead of
him, and it is impossible for Ichigo to win at his current state. But
Ichigo disregards this and rushes off to fight, attacking Tsukishima
from behind. This lightly burns his sword wielding arm. Tsukishima asks
how Ichigo can evolve so well so quickly and comments that Ichigo is
becoming much closer to the heights of his previous powers. Yukio uses
his Fullbring to seal Ichigo in order to stop him from interacting with
Tsukishima.[426][427][428]
Inside Yukio's Fullbring, Ichigo yells to try and get out.[429]
Later, in Xcution's back-up hideout, Yukio frees Ichigo He asks what
happened with Tsukishima and Kūgo replies that he has fled for now.
Ichigo then asks what Kūgo is worried about, to which he says that if
Tsukishima wanted to harm Xcution, he could have kept going but it seems
that his objective is Ichigo. Kūgo tells Yukio to help with Ichigo's
training. Ichigo asks if it will be a live battle and Kūgo says that is
what seems to work best with him, stating that he will fight Ichigo
himself.[430]
Yukio loads Ichigo and Kūgo into his console. Seeing this, Ichigo
realizes that this is what happened to him before on the rooftops and
Kūgo explains about Yukio's Fullbring. Kūgo activates his Fullbring and
says it would be great if they had rules like a video game. Ichigo asks
what kind of rules and Kūgo asks Yukio to give them six HP each and six
crosses appear above their heads. Kūgo asks if Ichigo needs a tutorial
but he says understands. Yukio tells Ichigo that he will make it says
that he is dead when he loses. Ichigo tells Yukio to bite him in
response. Ichigo activates his Fullbring and they charge at each other.[431]
Orihime arrives inside Yukio's game world to find Ichigo lying on
the ground, badly injured. Orihime begins to heal him and Ichigo
guesses that Chad called her. Chad arrives and confirms this, saying he
knows that Ichigo did not want to get Orihime wrapped up in this but
they will need her. Chad then goes to train by himself.[432]
Kūgo grows impatient and asks Ichigo if he is ready to fight. Ichigo
says yes and they ignore Orihime's protest. Orihime blocks Kūgo's attack
with her Shiten Kōshun ability, injuring Kūgo in the process.
Orihime explains to the surprised Ichigo that it is a new technique and
explains that in the 17 months that Ichigo has been powerless, she and
Chad knew he would get his powers back and swore that when he did, they
would be there with him and not fall behind. She tells him not to worry
about them and Ichigo thanks her. He gets up, Fullbring now intact again
and tells Kūgo to come at him.[433] Kūgo blinds Ichigo.
Following Orihime's arrival, Ichigo's movements become sharper. He
attacks Kūgo up close to counter the range of his sword, but Kūgo is
able to fend him off, injuring Ichigo's leg. As they fight, Ichigo notes
that he cannot feel anything from Kūgo's sword, contrasting it with his
battle with Gin Ichimaru. He notes that while Tsukishima did not look
at him, he felt his killing intent. He wonders if he cannot feel
anything because they are not using Zanpakutō or if it is because he
does not fully trust Kūgo. Kūgo slashes Ichigo's eyes and notes that
when Ichigo lost his powers he also lost his resolve.[434] Ichigo's Fullbring is completed.
Blind and confused, Ichigo demands to know what Kūgo thinks he is
playing at and states that he does not trust Kūgo as he is not helping
him as he had promised he would. Kūgo reminds him that their deal was to
get his Shinigami powers back and that if he did not trust him then he
should not have agreed to his training. When Yukio prevents Orihime from
interfering, an enraged Ichigo attacks but with no success. Ichigo
tries to dodge Kūgo's attacks by sensing the presence and sound of his
opponent, but Kūgo further injures him, finally leaving Ichigo lying on
the ground, impaled with his sword. Kūgo walks away, telling Ichigo that
he's going to kill Chad and Orihime and further taunts him. Ichigo
struggles for a moment, reflecting his inability to see, move or speak.
Just then he sees a white shape in the darkness and realizes that he is
beginning to see Kūgo's reiatsu. With a roar, Ichigo begins to manifest a
new form. Kūgo puts his life on the line to control Ichigo's new
explosion of power. After stating his pride in Ichigo's accomplishment, a
bloodied Kūgo smiles, admitting that his villain act is not the best
and welcomes Ichigo to Xcution.[435] Ichigo tests out his completed Fullbring.
After completing his Fullbring, Kūgo puts Ichigo through a new
training regiment of over a dozen sets of 100 push-ups to increase his
stamina to meet the demands of using Fullbring. Kūgo tells an annoyed
Ichigo to aim for 15 sets, to match his name, prompting him to say that
he hates when people do that with his name. Kūgo calls him a liar as he
regularly wears shirts with a 15 pattern on them, prompting Ichigo to
call him a stalker. Kūgo asks if Ichigo saw something when he completed
his Fullbring and Ichigo is shocked he knows this. Kūgo says that Ichigo
saw him bathed in reiatsu and that is why he cut Ichigo's eyes as that
is proof that Ichigo is beginning to regain his Shinigami powers. Kūgo
explains that when Ichigo lost his reiatsu, a tiny portion accumulated
in a single location inside of him over time and that is why they used
the reiatsu flowing from his badge to jolt that awake. He says all that
is left to do is to beef up his new body and powers and then his
Fullbring and Shinigami powers will fuse, giving Ichigo a power
transcending that of a Shinigami. Ichigo takes his badge and tries out
his new Fullbring. Kūgo then tells him that his Fullbring needs a name.
Ichigo leaves Yukio's Fullbring and thanks him but Yukio alerts him to
the time that has passed. He becomes worried but Yukio says it has only
been 90 minutes thanks to his Fullbring's abilities. Ichigo goes home
and Yuzu confronts him at the door, saying they have a surprise guest.
She takes him into a room to find Tsukishima sitting on the couch and
Yuzu calls him cousin Shū. Tsukishima greets Ichigo.[436] Ichigo flees his home in horror at Tsukishima's manipulation.
Karin and Yuzu explain how Tsukishima came along, with Tsukishima
apologizing for having annoyed them. Ichigo, watching their conversation
in disbelief, grabs Tsukishima, demanding an explanation for why he is
there. Karin and Yuzu try to pry him off Tsukishima, but the doorbell
rings, and Tsukishima asks Yuzu to get it, saying it must be Keigo and
the others. Tatsuki begins to lecture Ichigo on staying out so late, and
Tsukishima tells Ichigo he called everyone, and starts to call Chad and
Orihime as well. As he is on the phone, Ichigo attacks him, prompting
Tatsuki to berate Ichigo for attacking his relative. Ichigo can only
quietly respond that she's wrong, before every asks why he is acting the
way he is. Ichigo flees his house, wondering whether what is going on
is Tsukishima's ability. He runs into Ikumi Unagiya, who takes him to
her store to let him calm down. She says he can talk about it if he
wants. As she goes to answer the door, Ichigo decides against telling
her about Shinigami and Hollows, as it would make her uncomfortable. She
interrupts his thoughts to tell him Tsukishima has come to pick him up.
Ichigo flees the store, saying he needs someone in their right mind,
when Kūgo finds him, saying that everyone in Xcution has fallen for
Tsukishima's trap.[437]
Kūgo takes Ichigo to a location which he says no members of
Xcution know about to discuss the events that transpired. Ichigo wonders
why everyone is acting the way they are. Kūgo tells Ichigo that, thanks
to information that Chad provided about Tsukishima's attack on Orihime
and with what has transpired, that his ability may be cutting himself
into people's pasts. He proceeds to explain that it would make sense
considering his Fullbring object is a bookmark and that he places
himself in people's pasts as whatever he wants. Ichigo then asks if this
would break if Tsukishima were to die. Kūgo tells Ichigo that he does
not know the answer yet still asks if he could kill him despite this.
Just then, Yukio finds them and takes them to a house in the middle of a
forest.[438] Ichigo in complete Fullbring form, begins his assault on Tsukishima.
Tsukishima greets them at the door and upon seeing him, Ichigo
angrily rushes towards him, reaching for his badge. Kūgo stops him,
telling Ichigo not to attack without thinking, as if he is correct about
Tsukishima's ability, Ichigo will be in trouble if he is cut even once.
Tsukishima invites them inside, saying he only wants to talk. Ichigo
refuses to go inside, worried about traps, but Tsukishima points out
that if there were any, he would have placed them in the forest. Inside,
Ichigo's family and friends greet him. They tell a shocked Ichigo that
he should be happy that Tsukishima is not angry and urge him to
apologize. Kūgo tells him not to worry, because even though they view
Tsukishima as a friend, Ichigo is their friend also, so they won't
suddenly attack him. However, it is too much for Ichigo to handle and he
flees the room. He wants to kill Tsukishima, but he cannot fight him
where his friends and family can be dragged into the fight. He goes
upstairs and comes across the other members of Xcution. Tsukishima
appears behind Ichigo. Kūgo appears, having destroyed the stairs so
Ichigo's family and friends cannot follow and tells Ichigo he can now
fight without holding back. Ichigo activates his Fullbring and while
Tsukishima is activating his, Ichigo cuts off his left arm. As
Tsukishima expresses his surprise that Ichigo mastered his Fullbring in
such a short time, Ichigo tells him that he came here to kill him.
However, Chad bursts through the window and he and Orihime shield
Tsukishima.[439] Ichigo tries to attack but is stopped by Orihime's Santen Kesshun.
Orihime heals Tsukishima's arm, leaving Ichigo unable to believe that
Chad and Orihime have become the same as the others. Chad asks why
Ichigo is attacking Tsukishima. Both Orihime and Chad say that Ichigo
was able to save Rukia and defeat Aizen because Tsukishima helped him do
so. Tsukishima appears behind Ichigo, asking him if he understands, but
Ichigo tries to attack him.[440] Tsukishima explains about the ability of his Fullbring, Book of the End,
to modify the past of those affected by it. He states that to those
affected, Ichigo is the one whose past is incorrect. Ichigo tries to
attack Tsukishima, but Orihime stops Ichigo's attack with her Santen Kesshun.
Chad tries to attack Ichigo, saying that he did not become strong to
fight with Ichigo. He attacks again and Ichigo is pushed outside from
the force of the attack. As he wonders why he things turned out this way
and that he only wanted to protect his friends, he asks what he got his
powers back for. Tsukishima suddenly appears above Ichigo, causing him
to charge at him.[441] Kūgo protects Ichigo from Tsukishima's attack.
Tsukishima continuously berates Ichigo, who unleashes a Getsuga Tenshō,
which Tsukishima manages to redirect. Trying to finish him off again,
Chad intervenes and blocks his attacks. Ichigo yells at Tsukishima,
demanding that he stop hiding behind his friends and face him. However,
Tsukishima gets behind Ichigo to attack him, but Kūgo takes the attack
instead.[442]
Ichigo rushes to see if Kūgo is alright and Kūgo that he's still one of
his comrades. Uryū then arrives and Ichigo questions his allegiance.
Not wanting to fall for a trap, Ichigo is hesitant to listen to Uryū.
However, Uryū informs Ichigo that it was Kūgo who attacked him. Uryū
fires arrows at Kūgo, but he blocks them and attacks Ichigo. Ichigo asks
if Kūgo was turned by Tsukishima's powers, but Kūgo states that
Tsukishima had just returned him back to normal by cutting him a second
time. Kūgo then merges the Substitute Shinigami Badge he had with his
sword and tells Ichigo that it is time to relieve him of his Fullbring
and stabs Ichigo through his chest.[443]
Kūgo explains to Ichigo how they attacked Uryū; he was the one
who actually attacked Uryū, explaining that Uryū was the key. Ichigo
would need to be able to discern Uryū from the others and changing him
would make the fight too easy. Then he ordered Tsukishima to cut him to
make them "enemies" betrayed by each other. Tsukishima explains he can
negate his power by striking someone a second time. Kūgo further
elaborates that Tsukishima's ability prevented Ichigo from suspecting
him. Tsukishima jokes the reason that he cut Kūgo was because his acting
is bad, pointing out that Kūgo started saying Kurosaki instead of
Ichigo after he was cut. Kūgo withdraws his blade from Ichigo's chest
and Ichigo drops his Substitute Shinigami Badge as his Fullbring
disappears. Ichigo thinks about how hard it was for him to go 17 months
without any power and when he thought he found a way, he was so happy he
could protect his friends again. Ichigo yell's no very loudly at the
loss of his Fullbring. Tsukishima wonders if he's crying, saying it
makes him feel horrible. Kūgo doesn't care, saying they will likely
never meet him again. Ichigo asks Kūgo to give his power back to which
Kūgo responds it was power he gave to Ichigo and that it belongs to him.
Kūgo says he will spare his life and should thank him.[444] Ichigo realizes that it was Rukia who stabbed him.
Ichigo is suddenly stabbed in the back. He looks back and sees
Urahara and Isshin. He starts crying more, asking his dad if he was in
on this too. Isshin calls him an idiot saying he didn't stab Ichigo and
that he will be able to see the person who did by now. Ichigo sees Rukia
was the one who stabbed him, and he is surrounded by a big explosion.
Ichigo emerges with a new Shinigami outfit and a slightly altered
Zangetsu, ready to fight.[445]
Rukia greets Ichigo and momentarily berates him for crying before
explaining to him that Urahara told her about Tsukishima's ability. She
tells him that no matter how much of the past Tsukishima changes, he
cannot change his future, and his bonds with his friends and family can
be rebuilt. Ichigo clarifies that Tsukishima didn't change his own past
and asks Rukia about the sword she is carrying. Rukia explains that
Urahara made it and she was able to transfer Shinigami powers to Ichigo
again with it. Kūgo interrupts their conversation and disputes the
return of Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Renji, Byakuya, Kenpachi, Hitsugaya
and Ikkaku step through a Senkaimon,
revealing that they all poured their Reiatsu into the sword in order to
restore Ichigo's own powers. Rukia then tells Kūgo that he only stole a
small portion of Ichigo's power that had Ichigo's Fullbring, and that
Ichigo's Shinigami powers wells up from deep inside, and he could never
take that from him. Rukia tells Ichigo to show Kūgo and Tsukishima that
despair wouldn't be able to stop him. Ichigo swings it towards Kūgo.
Kūgo blocks the attack, mistaking it for Getsuga Tenshō. Ichigo appears behind him and tells him it was merely a practice swing before firing a Getsuga Tenshō.[446] Ichigo fires Getsuga Tenshō at Kūgo.
Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō misses Kūgo and Kūgo tries to retreat, but Ichigo stops him from leaving. He attacks Kūgo with another Getsuga Tenshō
and then Ichigo realizes that Shinji, Rangiku, Unohana, Hanatarō,
Isshin, Urahara, Yoruichi and Yamamoto also contributed to the
restoration of his powers. Ichigo asks if it was a crime to transfer
Shinigami powers to a Human. Renji informs him that Yamamoto ordered
that all captains and lieutenants should put their Reiatsu into
Urahara's sword to help bring back Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Hitsugaya
tells him that he did this because Ichigo was able to change the Soul
Society by fighting, and that he should accept it proudly. Ichigo
notices Kūgo emerging from the dust behind him. Hitsugaya then tells
Ichigo there are Yamamoto also gave that order to stop the original
Substitute Shinigami, Kūgo Ginjō.[447]
Ichigo is confused about this and Hitsugaya reminds him of when Ukitake
gave him his badge and tells Ichigo the Substitute Shinigami law was
created solely because of Kūgo. Before explaining more, Byakuya
interrupts him and Hitsugaya tells Ichigo they need to focus on Kūgo
right now. Kūgo thanks Ichigo, saying if he hadn't taken his powers, he
would've been dead by now.[448]
After Kūgo grants the other members of Xcution part of Ichigo's Fullbring, Giriko
tells Ichigo to prepare. He says that Ichigo will now experience the
power of his Fullbring himself. Blaming himself for their increased
strength, Ichigo attacks them all. However, Yukio used his Fullbring to
deceive Ichigo and the Fullbringers are unharmed. He reminds Ichigo they
received his Fullbring powers, which is a Fullbring that allows for
wearing your powers as a mantle and expelling them. He says with
Ichigo's help, his Invaders Must Die is now able to influence the world outside his console. Ikkaku tells Ichigo not to hold back and kill them properly.[449] Ichigo kicks Uryū to silence him.
Yukio uses his Fullbring to split everyone up into individual rooms.
Ichigo finds himself facing Kūgo, in a replica of Karakura Town. Kūgo
says he picked the environment so Ichigo could fight easier and says
they can go one-on-one then. However, Uryū steps out, declaring their
fight to be two-on-one. Ichigo asks if he is hurt but Uryū says that
Rukia healed him. Uryū then apologizes to Ichigo, saying that when he
first saw the Substitute Badge, he had thought there were other
Substitutes before him. He thought that if the previous one was alive,
they would have told Ichigo and if he was dead, they would have said
why, leading Uryū to believe the Soul Society did not know. Ichigo
responds by kicking Uryū, telling him it does not matter as they could
not have done anything anyhow and that he would have forgotten in a few
days. He tells Uryū to stop worrying all the time. The two friends
insult each other before Ichigo tells Uryū to clean his glasses as they
prepare to face Kūgo.[450]
While Ichigo and Uryū fight Kūgo, they eventually begin hiding
from him. Ichigo asks Uryū if he has a plan. Uryū tells him that he was
not trying to come up with a plan; instead, he was observing Kūgo's
Reiatsu. Realizing the Uryū is not trying to come up with a plan, Ichigo
confronts Kūgo, who was thinking they were trying to come up with a
plan as well. Ichigo attacks Kūgo with a Getsuga Tenshō, but Kūgo cuts through it with his sword and attacks him with a Getsuga Tenshō
as well, surprising Ichigo. Uryū then concludes that Kūgo took Ichigo's
abilities as well, in addition to taking his Fullbring and Reiatsu.[451]
Kūgo and Ichigo continue to fight each other. Kūgo comments that Ichigo
is fighting well, but if looks like to him he does not care what
happens to himself. Ichigo disagrees with him. Kūgo then asks him what
he is fighting for, which confuses Ichigo. Kūgo then clarifies that
Tsukishima is dying, and that if a Fullbringer dies, then all traces of
their ability disappears. And if Tsukishima does end up dying, then the
pasts he modified will return to normal. He asks Ichigo again what he is
fighting for, but when Ichigo does not answer him, Kūgo informs him of
an enemy that he should be fighting.[452] Ichigo activates his Bankai.
Ichigo dismisses this as an attempt to shake his resolve. Kūgo begins
talking about the Substitute Shinigami Badge, saying that the badge is
awarded whether the person is of benefit to Soul Society or not, saying
that it carries no authority. Ichigo remembers showing his badge to
Zennosuke, who had no idea what it was. Kūgo goes on to say that the
badge's true purpose is to observe and restrict Ichigo as a Shinigami.
He notes that Ichigo's reiatsu was always rampaging in Shinigami form
but completely calm while in Human form. When he first activated his
Fullbring, Ichigo's reiatsu came pouring out of the badge and Ichigo's
friends were heard through it. Kūgo then says that this whole scheme was
designed by Ukitake to control Substitute Shinigami. As Kūgo goes on to
say that everyone in Soul Society was in on this, an enraged Ichigo
tells Kūgo to shut up and shouts Bankai.[453]
The release of his Bankai shatters the pocket dimension. Ichigo
dismisses Kūgo's words, saying that he knew Ukitake was not trying to
mislead him. He looks on as Kūgo activates his Bankai.[454]
Ichigo remembers that Kūgo is a former Substitute Shinigami. Kūgo
reminds Ichigo that he has some Hollow in him and the pair clash.
Ichigo blocks an energy blast from Kūgo and slashes him across the
chest.[455]
They clash again, resulting in Kūgo's sword breaking and him slumping
to the ground badly injured. As Tsukishima tries to attack Ichigo, Rukia
steps between them and Riruka bursts forth from her chest, taking the
attack instead. Ichigo catches Rukia and looks on as they talk.[456]
Sometime after the fighting ends he is at Urahara's shop waiting for
Riruka to wake up so he can make sure she is okay. He then tells Riruka
that none of the other Fullbringers have been found. He then looks on as
Orihime and Riruka converse.[457] Ichigo greeted by the captains upon his return to Soul Society.
Ichigo goes in Soul Society to ask for the return of Kūgo's body so
that he may bury it in the Human World. Upon arriving at the First
Division, he finds the captains waiting for him. He is told to go inside
the building by Kensei. He is surprised to see Kensei in a captain's
uniform. After informing Yamamoto of his request, he dismisses Captain
Hirako's words about forgiving Kūgo, stating that his friends and family
hare back to normal and calls Kūgo a "mere Substitute Shinigami".
Yamamoto notes that he must have thought carefully about using that
phrase. Afterwards, Ichigo is asked about his Badge, but he states that
he trusts them and keeps it.[458]
Ivan appears.
After Hollows appear in Karakura Town, Ichigo arrives on scene to help Ryūnosuke Yuki. After he finishes two Hollows, Ryūnosuke asks for his name and Ichigo introduces himself.[459]
After Ichigo defeats the swarm of Hollow, with additional help from his friends, he brings Ryūnosuke and his friend Shino
back to his home to recover. Two days later, Ryūnosuke awakens. As
Ichigo asks who he is, a man with mask covering his left eye appears
acting as if Ichigo was talking to him and introduces himself as Asguiaro Ebern. While shocked by his sudden appearances, Ichigo firmly tells him to get off his bed.[460]
Asguiaro asks Ichigo to repeat himself and he again, tells him to get
off of the bed. He refuses and is kicked out of the window by Ichigo.
Ichigo transforms into a Shinigami and chases after him. Ichigo tells
him to follow him since he has business with him. as they flay away from
the house, Ichigo asks if Asguiaro is an Arrancar. Ichigo states that
he probably isn't there to avenge Aizen and asks why he wants to fight
him and if he's under someone's orders. Asguiaro tells him that he's not
an Arrancar and drops a Quincy cross out of his sleeve and activates a
bow, to Ichigo's surprise.[461]
While fending of Ivan's attacks Ichigo wonders just what Asguiaro is,
noting that he has a bracelet similar to Uryū's, but yet has a mask
fragment that only an Arrancar should have. Ichigo notes that Asguiaro
is repeatedly taunting him, but decides that he has little choice in the
matter and activates his Bankai. However, Asguiaro activates a special
technique which damages Ichigo's arm. The Substitute Shinigami quickly
breaks free from the attack and fires a Getsuga Tenshō at a stunned
Ivan.[462]
When the smoke settles, an enraged and battered Asguiaro demands
to know why the Bankai wasn't sealed, Ichigo further startles Asguiaro
by appearing behind him with his blade at Ivan's neck. Ichigo decides to
take Asguiaro with him for questions. Suddenly, a human-shaped shadow
appears, alarming Ichigo. Asguiaro calmly tells him that will only hide
"the chosen ones" before disappearing in it. Ichigo wonders what
happened as that clearly wasn't a Garganta.[463] When returning to his friends, Ichigo learns from Ryūnosuke that 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe
was recently murdered by an unknown enemy group. Later, after
discussing with Uryū that Soul Society probably let Ichigo know such in
detail what happened because they wish for Ichigo to help them soon,
Ichigo grows restless and decides to patrol the city. While doing so, he
is caught by surprise by the return of a wailing Nel, who tackles into him. While sobbing on Ichigo she begs Ichigo to help Hueco Mundo.[464] Ichigo asks Nel what happened to Hueco Mundo, but before she can answer, Pesche Guatiche appears, and he too tells Ichigo what happened.[465] Ichigo tries to keep Nel and Pesche quiet.
A bit later, Ichigo, his friends, and Nel and Pesche meet at Ichigo's
house. As Uryū tells Ichigo he can't come with him, Ichigo tells him
that 'Quincy exist to destroy Hollows,' and that they can do it
perfectly with out him. Then Urahara appears, asking Ichigo if he should
arrange a trip to Hueco Mundo.[466]
While Urahara leads Ichigo and the others through the Garganta, Urahara
tells him about the amount of unusual activity recently that had put
him on alert, saying that it is all connected and is not a trivial
matter. As they arrive in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo tries to keep Nel and
Pesche quiet as the enemy is nearby. Upon seeing the dead bodies lying
around, he stops Nel from looking at them and asks what will happen to
those that are being dragged away by the invaders. Pesche states that
they will be taken to their camp and divided into groups to be killed or
taken away. Ichigo decides to go save them, despite being told that
Dondochakka is not among them.[467]
As Ichigo goes looking for Dondochakka, he notices an explosion. He
questions what caused the explosion, causing Nel to tell him that it was
caused by the Tres Bestias. Ichigo asks Nel why she is with him, and she tells him that she's going to protect his back. She then explains that the Tres Bestias are Tier Harribel's
Fracción, who are strong and always threaten to kill each other, and
that their presence means that the enemy army will be wiped out soon.[468]
As Ichigo heads to their location, he notices another explosion.
Nel recommends that they go back, as he'll only get in their way if he
gets involved. Ichigo eventually arrives at their location and notices
that Kirge Opie has defeated Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and Cyan Sung-Sun. Kirge notices Ichigo, commenting that they have many guests today.[469] As Ichigo fights the enemy, he quickly realizes they are Quincy as Kirge launches a volley of arrows at him.[470]
Ichigo drops his sword, so he can catch one of Kirge's arrows and
throws it back. Upon the arrival of Orihime and Chad, he throws Nel to
Orihime, asking that she take care of Nel. He deflects Kirge's next
attack with a Getsuga Tenshō
who is ashamed that his arrows can be so easily countered. Ichigo tells
him that his arrows are much stronger than Uryū's though they have not
fought in a long time. Kirge inquires if Ichigo is talking about Uryū
Ishida and states that Uryū's arrows should not be weaker than his.
Realizing he has said too much, Kirge draws his sword saying he has much
to report to his leader. During their talk, Kirge has received the
order to take down Ichigo with all his strength and proclaims that
Ichigo will die there. He assumes Ichigo has heard of the Quincy
abiltiy, Quincy: Letzt Stil
and takes off his glove which starts a transformation. Kirge takes on a
new, angelic form and tells Ichigo the true name for this form is Quincy: Vollständig.[471]
Ichigo recalls learning about Quincy: Letzt Stil from Urahara and as
they are fighting, Kirge tells him this form is different from Letz
Stil. Ichigo is relieved that the forms are different, as he knows that
Uryū never took on such an ugly form and attacks Kirge with a Getsuga Tenshō.
Kirge is unscathed by the attack and declares he has no weak point; he
then starts collecting nearby reishi with which to attack him. However,
before he can Kirge is attacked from behind by Ayon.[472]
Ichigo is confused by Ayon's sudden appearance. Apacci explains
that Ayon is formed by merging her left arm with Mila Rose's and
Sung-Sun's left arms, and warns Ichigo, Chad, and Orihime to run, since
they are not their enemies.[473]
Ayon proceeds to attack Kirge mercilessly and brutally, seemingly
killing him, but Kirge stabs Apacci and shrugs off the damage Ayon has
done to him.[474] Kirge then uses Sklaverei
to absorb the Reishi making up Ayon's body, causing Mila Rose and
Sung-Sun to retrieve Apacci and try to conceal themselves, as well as
Chad, Orihime, and Nel, from Kirge. However, Kirge is able to locate
them easily, and his Sklaverei not only affects Mila Rose and
Sung-Sun, but Chad and Orihime as well. Ichigo then activates his Bankai
and attacks Kirge, stopping his attack on his friends and the Arrancar,
reasoning that if he crushes Kirge's head, he won't be able to use Sklaverei anymore.[475]
Substitute Shinigami Badge (代行証 死神代行, Daikōshō Shinigami Daikō):
Given to Ichigo by Ukitake before leaving Soul Society for the first
time, the pendant he commonly carries on his belt signifies him as a
Substitute Shinigami, allowing him to remain active in the Human World.[207][208]
The pendant gives Ichigo the ability to separate his soul from his body
in the absence of Rukia's glove or Kon. It also alerts him to the
presence of Hollows in Karakura town, like Rukia's Denreishinki.
Ukitake informs Ichigo that the badge can also be dangerous and thus it
has built in protection making it invisible to normal Humans.[476][477]Zennosuke Kurumadani tells Ichigo that he's never heard of his "Seal of Approval" causing Ichigo to refer to it as useless before Hirako's arrival.[478] When Ichigo loses his powers, all of the mentioned abilities of the badge are lost as well.[479]Kūgo
tells Ichigo the true powers of the badge is to observe and restrict
the owner. It is at once a surveillance device for Soul Society and a
device to absorb, analyze and control the user's reiatsu. It is also a
device for communicating with Soul Society, as seen when Ichigo heard
Rukia's voice coming from it. As the badge absorbed and stored Ichigo's
reiatsu, Ichigo used it as his Fullbring focus.[480]
Protective Charm: A Kidō-based charm given by his father. If the owner is attacked by hostile forces, it acts as a defense by forming a barrier, as seen when Kon (in Ichigo's body) was attacked by the Arrancar Grand Fisher.
Ichigo was unaware of the charm's power, and was told it once belonged
to his mother. However, the latter is proven to be a lie, as Isshin
later reveals that he created the charm recently.[481][482][483]
Asauchi (浅打ち; literally, "shallow hit"): A nameless Zanpakutō wielded by the low-class Shinigami. Zangetsu gave this sword to Ichigo when the latter had his Zanpakutō broken by Kenpachi. Ichigo had to fight his doppelganger with this sword in order to obtain Zangetsu once more.[484]
He noticed he can't push back his opponent with it and that it looks
like a stick next to Zangetsu. When it hit Zangetsu's blade, it was
broken in half.[485][486]
Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Physically, Ichigo is in top
form even in his Human form. Ichigo has been trained in martial arts
since he was a small child both professionally and by his father. He has
repeatedly shown great agility and coordination in his attacks. In
addition to having powerful kicks and punches, Ichigo has also shown
proficiency in counterattacks, takedowns, and body locks. He has
repeatedly caught an opponent's weapon strikes with a single hand.[487] He also regularly defeats multiple bullies and gangsters, and is a better martial artist than Tatsuki Arisawa,
who is ranked the second-strongest girl in all of Japan despite her
fighting with a broken arm. He also effortlessly dispatched three
lieutenants in rapid succession bare-handed.[488] While he stopped training, his constant attacks from bullies and his father keeps his skills fresh.
Enhanced Strength: Even without his Shinigami powers,
Ichigo has shown himself to be deceptively strong, as shown from his
ability to smash a man's head through a concrete floor.[489] Enhanced Speed & Reflexes: Even before learning Flash
Step, Ichigo has repeatedly shown himself to be a very agile fighter.
Ichigo has demonstrated great reflexes in battle, able to quickly dodge a
strike with no wasted effort and he can instantly counterattack right
after.[490] He is able to strike quickly without warning and in rapid succession.[491]
His speed also allows him to follow the movements of faster opponents
to better analyze their movements or blocking difficult and otherwise
fatal strikes.[492] Enhanced Durability: While only a teenage Human, Ichigo
has shown himself to be a highly resilient man, as shown from his
ability to safely break free from a binding spell (albeit a low-level
one) and withstand an assault from a large Hollow.[489] Advanced Growth Rate: According to both Aizen and Urahara,
Ichigo's most astounding ability is his growth rate: he grasps the
basic control of advanced techniques in days where it would take several
years for even the most gifted Shinigami. Shortly after getting
Shinigami powers and with no previous training, began learning advanced
spiritual energy sensing techniques by sheer instinct, as he proved he
can use a spirit ribbon to find Yūichi Shibata (in bird form).[493]
Another example of his growth rate is the amount of time he took to
learn the Bankai of his Zanpakutō, which he learns in two days (albeit
with the assistance of a special device invented by Urahara that was
originally intended for three days).[494][495]
He also gains considerable experience in the use of Flash Step while
training with Yoruichi, which was done over the same period as his
Bankai.[496]
Besides his improvements in his Shinigami abilities, Ichigo was also
shown able to greatly increase the time he could maintain his Hollow
mask from eleven seconds to considerably longer amounts of time. During
his first fight with Ulquiorra, he is instantly incapacitated by one
Cero blast even with his Hollow mask (which broke within a second), but
only a few hours later, he is able to withstand another Cero from
Ulquiorra without undergoing Hollowfication and can analyze Ulquiorra's
movements much better than before, when he had "felt like [he] was
fighting a machine or a statue", and failed to predict and counter his
attacks.[497][498] He is also capable of completing Jinzen within roughly 3 months in the Dangai, which even the strongest of the Shinigami in Soul Society will take thousands of years before it is completed.[499] Keen Intellect: Despite his somewhat punkish attitude,
Ichigo has shown himself to be analytical, perceptive, and deductive. In
his high school, Ichigo's grades are almost always near the top,
despite his work as a substitute Shinigami. Aside from that, Ichigo
appears to be able to determine the pattern of his opponent's battle
methods and correctly deduce a proper counter-strategy to defeat his
opponent's attacks.
Master Swordsmanship Specialist:
In terms of fighting style while in his Shinigami form, Ichigo relies
mainly on swordplay, and thus would be considered a swordsmanship
specialist. Aside from his initial training with Urahara, he is
basically on a "learn as you go" training regimen thus his skill has
developed by fighting rather than formal instruction, becoming even more
capable with every fight. His overall skill has been shown capable of
competing on equal grounds against the sword masters of Byakuya Kuchiki
and Kenpachi Zaraki's caliber. While usually performing right-handed,
Ichigo appears to be ambidextrous as he has shown proficient skill
wielding Zangetsu in his left.[500][501][502] Shunpo Expert:
Though not particularly versed in its various techniques, Ichigo has
become proficient enough of the technique itself to keep up and even
surprise high-level Shinigami with his speed. Even Byakuya Kuchiki, one
of the most proficient users of Shunpo in Soul Society, complimented
Ichigo's growing mastery of the technique.[503]
During his first demonstration of this skill, he was able to quickly
move to knock out three lieutenants and grab his sword before any of
them hit the ground.[488] Vast Spiritual Power: Ichigo has been noted on several occasions to have tremendously vast levels of spiritual energy well beyond other Shinigami.[504]
He is capable of defeating a Gillian before awakening his true power
with only his sealed Zanpakutō. Even at less than half strength, his
spiritual energy is still comparable to a Captain-level fighter.[505] His spiritual power is noted to be heavy, which surprised Renji Abarai, a lieutenant-ranked Shinigami.[506] Ichigo constantly gives off reiatsu at the level of a captain.[507]
It is so overwhelming that even when worn-out in battle, he can
continue fighting effectively while still capable of unleashing Getsuga
Tenshō or even unleash and maintain his Bankai.[508]
Because Ichigo's spiritual energy level is constantly very high, even
at its base level without him consciously being aware of it, he rarely
becomes exhausted in battle, thereby meaning the sheer resilience and
amounts of energy Ichigo has is monstrous.[509]
Ichigo's spiritual energy is still rather difficult for him to control
as he has no formal training in controlling it and upon the instances of
Hollowfication his reiatsu fluctuates wildly, with it being unreadable
at its lowest point and at its highest point more powerful than that of
the 4th Espada Ulquiorra Cifer's.[510]
Due to this and that he has far more spiritual energy than his body can
consciously contain, it leaks out constantly, preventing him from
hiding it and effectively making stealth impossible when dealing with
other spiritually-aware beings. However, he has learned how to harden
his spiritual energy and enhance the strength of his attacks or act as a
barrier to reduce the impact of attacks on him, if not negating them
completely. His energy is also strong enough to hold back the Sōkyoku, a
halberd with the destructive force equivalent to one million Zanpakutō
combined, just using his Zanpakutō.[511]
He has shown some skill in channeling his spiritual power as he was
capable of destroying the Arbor of the Sōkyoku, seemingly an impossible
feat which surprised the Gotei 13, by channeling his spiritual power
through his sword into the execution stand.[512] Enhanced Strength: When he is in his Shinigami body,
Ichigo's already impressive strength is greatly enhanced. His overall
abilities are great enough that he was able to fend off three Shinigami
lieutenants with a single punch each; one of which shattered one of
their Zanpakutō at the same time.[488] His strength is also great enough to stop repeated axe blows from Jidanbō
and hurl Rukia several meters into Renji’s arms and still send them
both skidding several meters more, achieving both feats with a
single-hand.[513][514] With a single kick, he can break down and launch a large chunk of stone wall.[515]
After regaining his Shinigami powers, one swing from his sword was
capable of producing a strong shockwave powerful enough to overwhelm Kūgo Ginjō, making the Fullbringer mistake it as a "Getsuga Tenshō".[516] Immense Durability: When in his Shinigami form, Ichigo's
physical durability is strengthened to the point he can continue
fighting effectively even after receiving many injuries and can survive
attacks that would easily kill normal Humans effortlessly. It was stated
by Rukia that a Shinigami's life force is their spiritual power. As
such, Ichigo is able to withstand attacks that would be fatal to most
Shinigami.[517] Uryū once stated that Ichigo was a monster in this regard.[518] Even Aizen commented on it.[519]
Zangetsu (斬月, Slaying Moon)
When Ichigo first becomes a Shinigami, his Zanpakutō was a
standard-looking katana, but oversized with an equally-oversized brown
sheath hung by a strap across his back and over his right shoulder. It
has a rectangular bronze tsuba with gently inward-curved edges, a
stylized flame pattern on the long sides, and a simple decorative slit
on the short sides. The handle's hilt has a red-wrapping two light blue
tassels attached to the pummel, which is decorated with a flame design
on its short sides. The large size is due to the unfocused but immense
amount of Ichigo's spiritual power, which he didn't know how to control.
As a result, the sword itself was rather weak, since very little
spiritual power was used to create it. Nevertheless, it was powerful
enough to subdue a Gillian-class Menos and lesser Hollows, completely
blocking a Cero from the former. It was even able to upturn the ground
with a single strike.[520] Because of its weak spiritual energy nature, Byakuya Kuchiki was able to easily cut off most of the blade during his first encounter with Ichigo and Kisuke Urahara
subsequently slices it down to the hilt during their training, forcing
Ichigo to learn the name of his Zanpakutō in order to release its true
form. This sword is found to be a result of Rukia's deprived spiritual
energy and not a result of his own power.[521][522] Zangetsu's constant Shikai form.Zangetsu's Shikai Version 2.
Shikai:
The Shikai form of Zangetsu looks like an oversized elegant cleaver
rather than a formal "katana". It has no tsuba and no proper hilt: what
Ichigo holds is the cloth-wrapped tang. The sword is about as tall as
Ichigo is,[523]
and has a black blade with a silver edge. The cloth wrapping on the
tang seems to react to Ichigo's will, changing length at a thought or
twining about the blade in an impromptu sheath. When in combat, the
cloth falls away when necessary, shrinking back to a manageable size.[524] The cloth can be used to swing the weapon like a flail and toss it at opponents for mid-range combat,[525][526] as well as bandage wounds,[527]
but these are done rarely. Ichigo has also on more than one occasion
used Zangetsu's wide blade as a shield from incoming attacks,[528][529] and for deflecting energy attacks.[530] Unlike most Zanpakutō, which can be sealed into their original form, Zangetsu is always in its Shikai form. Yoruichi Shihōin has stated that his Zanpakutō
is a full-time released form type because of Ichigo's vast but
uncontrollable spiritual energy upon generation of it, implying that it
is simply a type of Zanpakutō that without proper control of his spiritual energy, once in Shikai form, it remains in its said state.[531] After influenced from the remaining traces of Ichigo's Fullbring,[532]
Zangetsu's appearance changes, giving the blade a silver hilt with
gray-wrappings and a short length of chain at its base. The blade itself
becomes slightly reshaped, curving inwards at the backside of the tip
similar to a trench knife.[533] When stored away on Ichigo's back, the former cloth will materialize to still act as an impromptu sheath.[534]
Shikai Special Ability: Zangetsu's Shikai is largely used for melee combat but possesses one known special ability.
Getsuga Tenshō (月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer;
"Piercer of Heaven" in the English anime): At the instant of the slash,
Zangetsu absorbs his spiritual energy and releases highly condensed
spiritual energy at the tip of the blade, magnifying the slash attack
and then flies forward.[535] This slash takes the form of a crescent moon or in the shape of a wave.[536]
Ichigo uses this ability without knowing its name several times but
masters the technique later on during his Bankai training. As stated by
Zangetsu, knowing the name of an attack heightens its power compared to
its strength when the wielder does not know its name.[537]
The Getsuga Tenshō is a powerful technique with great force, capable of
causing large-scale damage and destruction. Ichigo has used this
technique in several different manners, such as striking the ground to
create an omnidirectional blast to knock away incoming attacks or
slashing at the ground to upturn it and crush everything in its path.[538]
After Ichigo regains his Shinigami powers for the second time, his
Getsuga Tenshō is shown to be noticeably larger and stronger than it was
before he lost his powers.[539] A single strike from it was able to cut off the top portion of Tsukishima's mansion and disperse an entire rainstorm.[540]
Zangetsu's Bankai: Tensa Zangetsu
Bankai: Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heaven Chain Slaying Moon):
To activate his Bankai, Ichigo first points his Zanpakutō in a straight
direction using either a single hand or both of his hands, with the
cloth of his Shikai surrounding his arm, tightening during the
activation, initially before his Shinigami powers were regained for the
second time. Then, his spiritual power surges, with the smoke obscuring
his being.[541]
It is considered completely out of the ordinary for any Zanpakutō.
Unlike most Bankai forms, which usually create some sort of massive
creature or effect, Ichigo's Bankai actually shrinks his sword down to a
daitō
(Japanese long sword) with a black blade instead. The cross guard has
four prongs bent out to form the shape of the manji (which is the kanji
for "ban," meaning "full", as in "full release"). The blade itself can
endure even the strongest of attacks, making it quite effective in
blocking and deflecting incoming attacks.[542] It can even withstand getting crushed by force.[543]
Instead of the cloth his Shikai form had, a short length of chain with a
broken link at the end dangles from the base of the hilt.In addition to
his sword, Ichigo's robe is replaced with a long-sleeved, ankle-length
black coat (or shihakushō) with red lining that is closed at his chest,
then left to flare out into ragged ends, much like that of Zangetsu
himself.[544]
This coat is part of Ichigo's Bankai and the damage it can take is
directly proportionate to the remaining strength and level of Ichigo's
reiatsu.[545]
Tensa Zangetsu Version 2.
After his training in the Dangai,
Ichigo's Bankai takes on a slightly different appearance. While
Zangetsu still takes the form of a daitō with a black blade, the four
prongs on the cross guard extend out farther than they previously did.
While still in the shape of the manji, the prongs become more abstract
and slender in appearance. Ichigo's right hand becomes covered by a
black glove and the chain at the base of Zangetsu's hilt extends out
further than it previously did, spiraling up the length of his
sleeveless right arm with the additional portion of the chain hanging
down freely from his upper arm.[546]
Tensa Zangetsu Version 3.
After influenced from the remaining traces of Ichigo's Fullbring,[532]
the appearance of his Bankai changes. He wears a white undershirt
beneath his black shihakushō, which is now open. Held together by three
"x"-shaped marks, it ends in a number of coattails. Ichigo wears black
gloves with white "x"-shaped marks appear on both the gloves and his
forearms. Tensa Zangetsu's blade is now much longer (roughly the length
of his Shikai) and more curved as it nears the tip, with three
protrusions along the blunt end of the sword close to its tip. While
retaining its manji-like shape, the tsuba becomes more curved and
jagged.[547]
Tensa Zangetsu's chain is now longer, attaching to both the base of the
sword's hilt and to Ichigo's glove, forming a wide loop.[548]
Bankai Special Ability: Tensa Zangetsu, much like its Shikai form, is used heavily for melee combat, but also possess a certain special ability.
Hyper-Speed Combat: Ichigo takes all the power of
his Bankai and compresses it into a small, condensed form. Then, he
uses the power of the Bankai to perform high-speed combat.[549]
His new speed is so great, that it also enhances his Shunpo prowess and
allows him to create dozens of afterimages to confuse his opponent.[550]
Enhanced Strength: Ichigo's Bankai also allows
him to further enhance his natural great strength as shown from how
effortlessly he blocked a punch from Yammy Llargo, an Espada known primarily for his immense strength. He is strong enough to cut through Yammy's Hierro with relative ease.[551]
The sudden boost in strength upon releasing allows Ichigo to break free
from any attack that binds him and prevents him from moving.[552] After his training in the Dangai, Ichigo's strength has drastically increased to the point where a single swing of his sword can level a mountain.[553]
He can grab hold of Aizen's Zanpakutō blade with his bare hand without
feeling any of the exerted force, although that force was capable of
doing considerable damage to the surrounding area.[554] He is able to effortlessly break through a #90. Hadō spell "Kurohitsugi" with full incantation with just his bare hand alone.[555] After his Shinigami powers were restored, Ichigo had enough strength to catch a massive blast produced by Kūgo Ginjō's Bankai one-handed and then crush it. With only a swing of his sword, Ichigo is also able to make a huge shock wave.[556]
Enhanced Getsuga Tenshō (Kuroi Getsuga)
Enhanced Getsuga Tenshō: Tensa Zangetsu retains
the use of Getsuga Tenshō and can be used in the same manners, but can
be used in an enhanced form. When used in Bankai, these potent blasts
are black with a red outline and their path can be controlled, with
explosively augmented power and speed. During Byakuya Kuchiki's fight
with Ichigo, he refers to this attack as a "Kuroi Getsuga" (黒月牙, "Black Moon Fang"), referring to the attack's darkened color.[557] Ichigo has stated that the Black Getsuga was originally Hollow Ichigo's technique,[558] and has been proven as Ichigo had no knowledge of it during his fight with Byakuya Kuchiki, and Hollow Ichigo stated that all Ichigo was doing when he used the technique was copying his inner Hollow.[559] Ichigo can also keep Getsuga Tenshō within Tensa Zangetsu to augment his sword swings[560] or fire it from the tip of the blade as if it were a gun.[561]
Enhanced Spiritual Power: His already immense
spiritual energy increases grandly and explosively. His reiatsu is so
intense and rough as well as thick and heavy that it can suffocate
Humans just by being in the general vicinity of his released Bankai.[562] Ichigo's reiatsu was solid in his Bankai despite him only recently acquiring it.[563] Initially, when he activates his Bankai, he produces a white aura that shoots high into the sky.[564][565] However, ever since Ichigo defeated his inner Hollow and affirmed his place as a Visored,
he produces a deep black spiritual energy with a crimson outline. It
has come to a point where the red-outlined black energy emanates off of
Ichigo's body when his spiritual pressure is exerted, replacing his
white aura.[566] After his training in the Dangai,
Ichigo's ability to sense reiatsu has increased greatly as he can now
sense his sisters blocks away through various buildings and determine
their current status.[567]
According to Sōsuke Aizen, by achieving evolution into a dimension
separate from Shinigami, both Shinigami and Humans have become unable to
feel his reiatsu unless he voluntarily lowers his level and allows them
to interfere, in the same way that a two-dimensional being is unable to
interfere with a three-dimensional being. In this same way, he surmises
that Ichigo is standing in a dimension even higher than the one he is
in.[568]
After Ichigo regains his Shinigami powers for the second time, his
Bankai activation reverts back to the way it used to be, by shooting a
white aura high into the sky. The released energy can break apart Yukio's chatroom, which is said to be indestructible.[569]
Enhanced Bankai Duration: Furthermore, the fact
that all of his energy is "compressed" means that usage of his Bankai
doesn't expel as much spiritual power as other Bankai from the point of
activation, thus allowing him to use Tensa Zangetsu at a much longer
duration than any other Bankai users of his level. From his final
encounter with Grimmjow in Hueco Mundo until Aizen's defeat, Ichigo
continuously stayed in his Bankai state for three months.[570]
Ichigo assuming the form of the Final Getsuga Tenshō
Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō (最後の月牙天衝, The Final Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer): By using this technique, Ichigo becomes the Getsuga (月牙, Moon Fang) itself. It is referred to as the “Final” Getsuga Tenshō because if Ichigo uses it, he loses all of his Shinigami powers.[571]
For the duration of the ability, Ichigo’s hair turns black, and becomes
waist-length. Light bluish-gray bandages form around his body, tightly
wrapped around his torso, right arm, and face, ending just beneath his
eyes. Black flame-like markings spread across his chest and wrap around
his left arm, and the remains of a tattered black cloak cover his lower
body. In this form, Ichigo’s body constantly emits smoky black reiatsu,
most of which is focused around his right arm.[572] Being in this form allows Ichigo to use Mugetsu.[573]
Once it is used, the transformation dissipates, in which he will then
lose consciousness accompanied by intense pain with the loss of his
Shinigami powers following. Then, any remaining reiatsu stabilizes and
he will awaken (sometime later, roughly a month) followed shortly by the
loss of his remaining Reiryoku.[574] However, when Ichigo lost his reiatsu, a tiny portion of it accumulated in a single location inside of him over time,[575] and he began to regain it slightly after a year and a half.[576]
Mugetsu (無月, Moonless Sky): Ichigo
generates a blade of deep black spiritual energy in his hand and swings
it towards the target. Doing so causes a massive veil of black
spiritual energy to erupt upwards and approach the target, darkening the
sky, and heavily damaging anything caught within the blast.[577][578] The energy then continues to rise, dissipating into the sky.[579]
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