With his training not working out, Ichigo returns to the world of the living and runs into his father, Isshin, who reveals secrets about his mother and the way she died.

The battle between the Soul Reapers and Aizen over the fate of Karakura Town continues with more warriors joining the fight.

"With Captain General Yamamoto giving him an opening, Ichigo goes in for the finishing strike against Aizen! But Ichigo will need the help of some new reinforcements if he hopes to defeat both Aizen and Ichimaru Gin!" --Publisher's web site.

After healing Ichigo's terrible wounds, Orhime must watch from the sidelines as Ichigo and Grimmjow battle. Grimmjow taunts Ichigo into releasing his Hollow self and Orihime wonders if their time in the Hallows has changed them both too much.

"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.

"After finally learning the truth about his mother and his own connection to the Quincies, Ichigo now faces off against his true Zanpakuto. Meanwhile, the Vandenreich prepares its final plans as Uryu's role becomes clearer. The world's last nine days now begin" -- Publisher's web page.

Fifteen-year-old high school student Ichigo Kurosaki has martial arts skills and the ability to see ghosts, and his life is about to change when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a soul reaper and protector of innocents.

Ichigo's recent battles with the Arrancars have proven that if he wants to protect his friends he must get stronger, and the only way to do that is to control his inner Hollow. Ichigo turns to the Vizoreds, ex-Soul Reapers who have been Hollowfied, to teach him. But before his training begins, Ichigo must do battle against his Hollow self--winner takes his soul.