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.

Fifteen-year-old high school student Ichigo Kurosaki has martial arts skills and the ability to see ghosts, and his life is about to change when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a soul reaper and protector of innocents.

Ichigo defeats Ikkaku and discovers where Rukia is being detained before her execution. Meanwhile, Ganju is having more difficulty with his opponent, and Uryû finally has an opportunity to prove how much more powerful he has become.

Beauty Is So Solitary Soul Reaper captain Shinji Hirako has uncovered Aizen's betrayal, but it may be too late. As some of the Soul Society's greatest Soul Reapers transform into Hollows, it will be up to Kisuke Urahara to save them. And back in the present time, the grand battle between the Thirteen Court Guard Companies and the remaining Espada finally begins!

Ichigo and company are one step closer to saving Rukia from the Soul Society, but for their plan to work, Ichigo must control the spiritual energy that wells within him. Meanwhile, the Soul Society dispatches a delegation to "welcome" their visitors.

Ichigo "Strawberry" Kurosaki was born with the ability to see ghosts. 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. During a bloody confrontation with a sadistic Soul Reaper, Uryû chooses a path that will temporarily grant him enormous power, at great personal cost. Meanwhile, Ichigo races to master...

Hiraku struggles to turn his losing streak at the insei school around in time for the Young Lions Tournament, where he could have a chance to play against his rival, Go prodigy Akira Toya. But that's only three months away!

"The shocking truth behind the collapse of the Soul Society is finally revealed. The magnitutde of the conspiricay is far-reaching, and the perpetrators wield staggering power. Is this the end of the Soul Soceity?"--Cover, page [4].

Tension is high during a Go tournament between the Kaio Go Club and the Haze Go Club, particularly during the final match between Akira and Hikaru. Afterward, Hikaru and Kimihiro learn more about playing the game and Hikaru finds a way to let Sai play all the Go he desires without drawing attention.