Bleach was accepted for publication a short time later in 2001, and was initially intended to be a shorter series, with a maximum serialization length of five years. Manga artist saw the story and wrote a letter of encouragement to Kubo. After his Soul Society allies restore his Soul Reaper powers, learning that Xcution's leader Ginjo Kujo was his predecessor, and that the substitute Soul Reapers are not fully trusted, Ichigo defeats Ginjo while resolving to continue fighting with the Soul Society. Months later, preparing for life after high school, Ichigo is called back into action when, a gang of Fullbringers-supernaturally aware humans like Chad-manipulate him and his loved ones in a scheme to siphon his Fullbring abilities. Ichigo ultimately succeeds in subduing Aizen at the cost of his powers and reverts to a normal human. However, the latter then uses the Hōgyoku to become a Hollow-like being and overpower everyone.

When the Vizards join the remaining Soul Reapers to face their mutual enemy, Gin reveals his own agenda of assassinating Aizen. However, as Ichigo rescues Orihime, Aizen reveals her abduction was a distraction as he launches an attack on Karakura Town in order to sacrifice the souls of the living and create a key to the Soul King's Palace so he can kill the Soul King who reigns over the Soul Society.

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