Bleach (Arcs) - Season 2 : Episode 1

2005-03-01

Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Uryū, and shapeshifting Yoruichi infiltrate Soul Society to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, who’s condemned to death for giving Ichigo her powers. They crash into the fortified Seireitei via Kūkaku Shiba’s cannon and immediately attract the attention of elite guardians like Gin Ichimaru and Kenpachi Zaraki. The group splinters amid dramatic battles against captains and lieutenants, forcing each to fend for themselves as they push toward Rukia’s prison while uncovering Soul Society’s rigid. Along the way, Ichigo faces his limits and realizes he’s up against foes far stronger than Hollows—especially when he tangles with Kenpachi, and Aizen stages a fake death to sow. Critics and fans praise the arc for ramping up stakes, world-building, and character introductions—“one of the all‑time best twists in manga”—and for delivering intense action and intrigue that define Soul Society’s tone