In Karakura Town, unidentifiable spirits begin appearing en masse. While attempting to deal with these strange souls, Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki meet Senna, a mysterious Soul Reaper who wipes out most of them. Senna refuses to answer any questions, so Ichigo is forced to follow her while Rukia tries to find out what's going on.Meanwhile, in Soul Society, the real world is suddenly reflected in the sky, so Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto are sent to investigate. They meet up with Ichigo and discuss the events at the Urahara Shop, where Kisuke Urahara explains that a dimension between Soul Society and the real world, known as the Valley of Screams, has expanded to the point that it is connecting the two worlds.The souls Ichigo saw earlier are known as "Blanks," souls that were lost in the space between the worlds and have been stripped of their memories. The Valley of Screams is composed of these Blanks, but they alone could not be responsible for the size to which it has grown. He goes on to explain that the lost memories of the Blanks will have formed into a single being known as the "Memory Rosary," and he has Ichigo track this being down.Senna is eventually revealed to be the Memory Rosary, and a fair amount of the Gotei 13 shows up to deal with the problem. However, a mysterious group appears, identifying themselves as the "Dark Ones," and set their sights on Senna. The ancestors of the Dark Ones belonged to the Ryuudouji clan, who were one of the strongest noble families in Soul Society before they were exiled. Despite Ichigo's efforts, they succeed in capturing Senna...
An artifact known as the "King's Seal" is stolen during transport from Soul Society by an unidentified Soul Reaper and two arrancar-resembling girls who control fire and lightning. During the attack, Tōshirō Hitsugaya corners and seems to recognize the Soul Reaper, who immediately stabs him in the stomach. In the middle of battle, Hitsugaya abandons his post to pursue him and leaves his squad behind to fend for themselves. After the battle, Seireitei suspects Hitsuguya of treason and orders his immediate capture. The whole 10th Division is then put on house arrest at which time they can surmise whether or not the division should be abolished.With the whole of Soul Society looking for Hitsugaya, Ichigo accidentally stumbles upon Soifon as she is conducting an investigation of the transport site. Soifon informs him of the events happening in Seireitei and dispels the kido surrounding them. As Soifon disappears with her crew, Tōshirō makes his presence known and passes out in front of Ichigo. Awakening in the Kurosaki residence, Tōshirō refuses to explain what's happening. In the midst of their discussion, Ichigo is attacked by the two arrancar before he can force the issue more. Tōshirō escapes, continues to avoid capture, and things only look worse when the Soul Reaper thief, identified as Sōjirō Kusaka uses Hyōrinmaru, a sword identical to Hitsugaya's, to injure Shunsui Kyōraku. Tōshirō's capture is then made top priority and his execution is approved.Meanwhile, back in the human world, Rukia has caught up with Ichigo. The gang exchange information, and Rukia reveals rather surprising, in-depth knowledge of Hitsugaya's personality, as well as some rather accurate guesses as to what Hitsugaya plans to do next. During the talk, Ichigo realizes what might be troubling Hitsugaya and leaves to find him...
Bleach OVA - 1 - BLEACH Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour Memories In The Rain
Spoiler
This special, shown in Japan at the Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour, is a pilot episode for the series. It is a one-episode version of episodes eight and nine, and focuses more on Ichigo Kurosaki's feelings regarding his mother's death.
Bleach Ova - 2 - BLEACH Jump Festa 2005 Anime Tour The Sealed Sword Frenzy
Spoiler
This special, shown in Japan at the Jump Festa 2005 Anime Tour. Baishin, a Soul Reaper sealed by Soul Society four hundred years before the start of the series, escapes his confinement. He battles Ichigo and drains half of his spiritual energy. To aid Ichigo, Rukia, Renji Abarai, and several other Soul Reaper captains travel to the real world. After using his bankai...