044. Awaken (to the Threat)

Karin drags her father Isshin back to where she left the wounded Sado, but the lot is empty and Isshin misreads it all as his daughter fishing for attention, earning himself a punch and a submission hold. At the Urahara Shop, Orihime jolts awake from a silly dream and headbutts Sado; the two realize a stranger saved them, and Sado asks Kisuke Urahara to finish explaining their new abilities and Ichigo's part in it.

Out in the streets, Uryu finds his arrows no longer dropping Hollows in one shot as his hand bleeds and his stamina drains, yet he pushes on, swearing to avenge his slain teacher. Rukia, her strength sapped by months inside a Gigai, can barely dent a Hollow until Kon shows up in Ichigo's body, confirming Ichigo has gone Shinigami. Uryu regroups with them and, though blamed for triggering the swarm, pledges to guard the town himself should Ichigo falter, right before Ichigo cleaves a Hollow apart and rejoins them. Back at the shop, Urahara meets the pair's disbelief by pointing to the very monsters that attacked them and explains that Ichigo's uncontrolled, overflowing spiritual power is what stirred their dormant gifts.

Karin finds the vacant lot empty and hauls Isshin around in vain. Urahara begins explaining Shinigami, Hollows, and the origin of Orihime and Sado's powers. Uryu weakens as the Hollow count keeps rising, while Rukia's Gigai leaves her nearly powerless. Uryu vows to protect Karakura, and Ichigo reunites with the group.

Adapted within Episode 13, Flower and Hollow, the chapter opens Volume 6 in the Agent of the Shinigami arc. Viz Media titled it Awaking to the Threat. It establishes the cause of Orihime and Sado's awakenings.