Ichigo and Yoruichi race to save Ichigo's friends from Rukio's brother, Byakuiya Kukichi. Ichigo is determined to defeat Byakuiya this time, but isn't prepared yet. Can he master the skills in time?

During a confrontation with a sadistic Soul Reaper, Ury© chooses a path that will grant him, temporarily, great power, but at enormous cost to himself. Meanwhile, Ichigo races to master a powerful technique that will hopefully allow him to defeat Byakuya and save Rukia's life.

As Ichigo and his friends continue to train, Orihime realizes that she won't be able to participate in the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, Ichigo continues to have difficulty controlling his Hollowfied self.

Rukia's childhood friend Renji makes a rash decision to kill the captain of his own squad in order to save Rukia from her death sentence.

"Ichigo 'Strawberry' Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts, he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul, Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. Orihime's return from the Soul Society is interrupted by the Arrancar Ulquiorra, who has a different, terrifying path for her. Using duplicitous tactics,...

Ichigo's recent battles with the Arrancars have proven that if he wants to protect his friends he must get stronger, and the only way to do that is to control his inner Hollow. Ichigo turns to the Vizoreds, ex-Soul Reapers who have been Hollowfied, to teach him. But before his training begins, Ichigo must do battle against his Hollow self--winner takes his soul.

While Ganju experiences difficulties with his opponent and Uryû gets the opportunity to prove his strength, Ichigo defeats Ikkaku and discovers where Rukia is being detained before her execution. Presented in graphic novel format.