Ichigo must enter their world to retrieve Rukia from the Soul Society, but he knows he's a long way from ready, so he practices his fighting and hones his spiritual energies. Finally, he must prevent his Chain of Fate from consuming itself or become a Hollow himself.

A long-awaited showdown between Ichigo "Strawberry" Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki has begun. Has Ichigo succeeded in mastering bankai, the highest level of power that a Soul Reaper can attain, to face Byakuya as an equal?

Kubo continues his ongoing manga series, which has been translated into seven different languages. "Bleach" follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, who has always been able to see ghosts. Fighting Hollows, evil spirits that prey on humans who display psychic energy, Ichigo learns that his job is to both protect the innocent from the Hollows and to help the spirits themselves find peace.

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?

After a long struggle, Ichigo finally regains his Soul Reaper powers thanks to Rukia. But as the battle against Kugo Ginjo heats up, Ichigo learns a shocking secret behind his role as a Deputy Soul Reaper. With the truth finally revealed to him, what action will Ichigo take?

"Ichigo's mission to rescue his friend Orihime from the Hollow world has turned into a struggle for survival against a succession of enemies, each one more powerful than the next. Now another vicious challenger has entered the fray, one that happens to know the startling truth about Ichigo's new friend Nel!"--P. [4] of cover.

"The battle between the Soul Reaper captains and Aizen's Espadas continues with the fate of Karakura town hanging in the balance. And just as things take a turn for the worse, some surprising allies make their grand entrance."

"The great battle heads for a climax as Aizen joins the battlefield and faces the Soul Society's greatest captains. Captain General Yamamoto reveals his true powers for the first time, but will it be enough to stop Aizen?" -- from publisher's web site.

Ichigo and his friends are moving ever closer to the center of Hueco Mundo and rescuing Orihime. But their battles against the Arrancars are testing them in ways they never thought possible. Can they keep their honor in a world where it doesn't exist, or will Hueco Mundo leave an indelible mark on their souls?