Ichigo's training keeps stalling on a bizarre exercise machine, and his impatience finally goads Shinji into revealing how much the Visored leader already knows about Aizen and the Hogyoku, right before knocking him out to begin the true battle within.
Summary
Back home, a tearful Yuzu Kurosaki fears her brother has been abducted, and neither Karin, Isshin, nor a disheartened Rukia Kuchiki can console her, since no trace of Ichigo Kurosaki's spirit lingers anywhere in town. At the warehouse, meanwhile, Ichigo sweats through endless drills on the Super Trainer while the Visored loaf around him, and his frustration boils over into another squabble with Hiyori Sarugaki.
Key Events
Shinji Hirako explains that the contraption gauges Ichigo's stamina and that three straight days on it will earn him real instruction. Ichigo scoffs, having already worked out that the machine measures his spiritual output, and demands they simply hand over the method. The outburst draws a sharp rebuke, as Shinji reveals he has known of the Hogyoku, the Arrancar, and even Sosuke Aizen for years.
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Notes
Conceding that Ichigo's swift grasp of Shikai and Bankai may justify skipping ahead, Shinji knocks him unconscious with Tanma Otoshi and has Hachigen Ushoda seal the warehouse in a layered barrier. Deep in the underground chamber, he warns the sleeping teen to devour his inner Hollow or be devoured, as Ichigo comes face to face with the grinning double waiting in his soul. The chapter, from the twenty-fifth volume NO SHAKING THRONE, was adapted in Episode 123, Ichigo, complete Hollowfication!?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 217th chapter of Bleach about?
Hole In My Heart is the 217th chapter of Bleach, in which Ichigo's training stalls on a bizarre exercise machine until his impatience goads Shinji into revealing how much he already knows about Aizen and the Hogyoku, right before knocking him out to begin the true battle within.
What is the Super Trainer machine for?
In Hole In My Heart, Shinji Hirako explains that the Super Trainer gauges Ichigo's stamina and that three straight days on it will earn him real instruction, though Ichigo has already worked out that it measures his spiritual output.
What does Shinji reveal that he already knows?
In Hole In My Heart, Shinji Hirako reveals that he has known of the Hogyoku, the Arrancar, and even Sosuke Aizen for years.
How does Shinji begin Ichigo's real training?
In Hole In My Heart, Shinji knocks Ichigo unconscious with Tanma Otoshi and has Hachigen Ushoda seal the warehouse in a layered barrier, then warns the sleeping teen to devour his inner Hollow or be devoured.
Who does Ichigo confront in his soul at the end of this chapter?
At the close of Hole In My Heart, Ichigo comes face to face with the grinning double waiting in his soul, his inner Hollow.
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.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
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:
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
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