Bleach (Arcs) - Season 1 : Episode 1

2004-10-05

High‑schooler Ichigo Kurosaki, gifted with the ability to see spirits, encounters the Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki when a Hollow attacks his home. In order to save him, she transfers her powers—improperly—to Ichigo, making him a substitute Soul Reaper tasked with fighting Hollows and performing the Konso ritual to send souls to the afterlife. Through episodic battles—like against the menacing Grand Fisher—and with Rukia guiding him, Ichigo gradually learns to wield his Zanpakutō. Meanwhile, his classmates Orihime, Chad, and Quincy Uryū begin to awaken their own spiritual abilities. The arc also introduces Shinigami tools like Senkaimon gates and Soul Pagers, offering insight into Soul Society tech. It builds strong character dynamics—especially between Ichigo and Rukia—and balances urban fantasy with supernatural stakes. It closes on a cliffhanger as Rukia is forcibly taken back to Soul Society by Renji and Byakuya, setting the stage for Ichigo’s rescue mission.