The opening chapter of Bleach introduces Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager able to perceive spirits, whose ordinary life is upended when the Shinigami Rukia Kuchiki appears and a Hollow named Fishbone D attacks his family.
Summary
Ichigo can see and speak with the dead, a gift he treats as routine while defending a dead girl's roadside offering from careless skateboarders. At home in the Kurosaki Clinic, he trades blows with his father Isshin and endures his sisters' teasing about the spirits that trail him. That night Rukia Kuchiki slips into his room, stunned that he can perceive her physical form at all, and explains her mission to hunt a nearby evil spirit. Dismissing her tale, Ichigo is bound by a Kidō spell just before a monstrous Hollow, Fishbone D, breaks in, wounding Isshin and snatching Yuzu. Enraged that the creature came hunting his own spiritual energy, Ichigo shatters the binding and hurls himself at it. Rukia slashes into its arm to free Yuzu, setting up the fateful choice that will change Ichigo's life forever.
Key Events
Ichigo demonstrates his ability to see and interact with spirits. Rukia Kuchiki appears, astonished that he can perceive her. The Hollow Fishbone D attacks the Kurosaki household in search of Ichigo's power. Ichigo breaks free of Rukia's binding spell to defend his family.
Notes
The debut chapter of Tite Kubo's Bleach launches the series and its lead cast, opening Volume 1 (THE DEATH AND THE STRAWBERRY). It establishes Ichigo, Rukia, the Kurosaki family, and the Hollow threat that drives the story. Featured characters include Ichigo, Rukia, Isshin, Yuzu, Karin, and Fishbone D.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Death & Strawberry in Bleach?
Death & Strawberry is the title of the debut chapter of Tite Kubo's Bleach, which opens Volume 1, THE DEATH AND THE STRAWBERRY. It introduces the spirit-seeing teenager Ichigo Kurosaki and the Shinigami Rukia Kuchiki, launching the series and its lead cast.
What happens in the first chapter of Bleach?
The chapter follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see and speak with the dead, whose ordinary life is upended when Rukia Kuchiki appears in his room. A monstrous Hollow named Fishbone D then breaks in, wounds his father Isshin, and snatches his sister Yuzu, driving Ichigo to fight back.
Why does Rukia Kuchiki appear in chapter 1 of Bleach?
Rukia Kuchiki slips into Ichigo's room on a mission to hunt a nearby evil spirit, stunned that he can perceive her physical form at all. When Ichigo dismisses her, she binds him with a Kido spell just before the Hollow Fishbone D attacks.
What is Fishbone D in Bleach?
Fishbone D is the monstrous Hollow that attacks the Kurosaki household in the first chapter, drawn by Ichigo's spiritual energy. It wounds Isshin and snatches Yuzu, prompting Ichigo to shatter Rukia's binding spell and hurl himself at the creature.
Which Bleach volume does Death & Strawberry open?
Death & Strawberry opens Volume 1 of Bleach, titled THE DEATH AND THE STRAWBERRY. It establishes Ichigo, Rukia, the Kurosaki family, and the Hollow threat that drives the story.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and the production committee.
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
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