Bleach (Arcs) - Season 3 : Episode 1

2005-07-26

After infiltrating Soul Society, Ichigo trains under Yoruichi to master Bankai, the ultimate Zanpakutō release, before facing the Gotei 13 to save Rukia Kuchiki from execution. As Toshiro and Gin clash and Renji takes a stand against Byakuya, chaos erupts when Rukia's sentence is abruptly advanced and a captain is mysteriously killed—hinting at deeper betrayal. Amidst full-scale battles—Ichigo unveiling Bankai and nearly succumbing to his inner Hollow, Renji again challenging Byakuya, and Uryū clashing with Mayuri—the execution nears on Sokyoku Hill. Aizen's schemes are revealed during the turmoil, enabling him to seize the Hōgyoku and escape with Gin and Tōsen, framing him as the real enemy. The arc culminates with Ichigo rescuing Rukia and returning to the human world, leaving the Gotei 13 in disarray and marking a turning point for character growth and overarching conspiracy.