In the second chapter, Rukia reveals she has lost her Shinigami powers to Ichigo and presses him to take up her duties, a burden he resists until a Hollow's attack in a park forces him to decide what kind of protector he will be.
Summary
Ichigo wakes from a nightmare of his slaughtered family to find them unharmed, their wrecked home blamed on a truck. At school, Rukia reappears in a student uniform, having enrolled under a cover story, and warns Ichigo through a note to play along. In private she confesses she is stranded: pouring her powers into him left her confined to a Gigai and unable to return to Soul Society. She insists he shoulder her Shinigami work until she recovers, but Ichigo refuses to risk himself for strangers. Ejecting his soul with her Gokon Tekkō, Rukia leads him to a park where a Hollow, Hexapodus, menaces a young boy Ichigo has glimpsed before. Told not to save the boy unless he will commit to protecting every soul, Ichigo cuts the creature down anyway, rejecting her cold logic and pledging to repay his debt to her as best he can.
Key Events
Ichigo learns Rukia lost her powers and is trapped in a Gigai. Rukia enrolls at his school and demands he perform her duties. A Hollow, Hexapodus, threatens a boy in the park. Ichigo defeats it and resolves to help souls on his own terms.
Notes
The second chapter of Volume 1 (THE DEATH AND THE STRAWBERRY) sets up Ichigo's role as a substitute Shinigami and his differing philosophy from Rukia. Episode 2 adapts it. Featured characters include Ichigo, Rukia, Isshin, Orihime, Tatsuki, Mizuiro, and the Hollow Hexapodus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the beginning of Bleach?
Bleach begins with Ichigo Kurosaki gaining Shinigami powers from Rukia Kuchiki. In the second chapter, Starter, Rukia reveals she has lost those powers to him and presses him to take up her duties as a substitute Shinigami.
What happens in chapter 2 of Bleach, Starter?
Rukia reappears at Ichigo's school under a cover story and confesses she is stranded after pouring her powers into him. She ejects his soul with her Gokon Tekko and leads him to a park, where a Hollow named Hexapodus menaces a young boy and forces Ichigo to decide what kind of protector he will be.
Why is Rukia trapped in a Gigai in Bleach?
Rukia is confined to a Gigai because pouring her Shinigami powers into Ichigo left her unable to return to Soul Society. She insists that Ichigo shoulder her Shinigami work until she recovers.
What is the Hollow Hexapodus in Bleach?
Hexapodus is the Hollow that threatens a young boy in a park during the second chapter. Ichigo cuts the creature down despite Rukia telling him not to save the boy unless he will commit to protecting every soul.
Why does Ichigo agree to do Rukia's Shinigami duties?
At first Ichigo refuses to risk himself for strangers, rejecting Rukia's cold logic that he should only act if he will protect every soul. He defeats Hexapodus anyway, resolving to help souls on his own terms and to repay his debt to Rukia as best he can.
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.
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