The Broken Coda

The volume opens with Rukia Kuchiki confronting the Soul Reapers sent to bring her back to Soul Society. Although she wishes to avoid involving her friends, Uryū Ishida intervenes and challenges Lieutenant Renji Abarai, buying Rukia precious time. Meanwhile, Ichigo learns that Rukia has disappeared and rushes to find her before it is too late.

Ichigo arrives in time to battle Renji, discovering the overwhelming difference between ordinary Soul Reapers and the officers of the Gotei 13. Although he manages to exceed Renji's expectations through sheer determination, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki effortlessly defeats him. Rukia willingly returns to Soul Society, believing her sacrifice is the only way to protect Ichigo and his friends.

After surviving the encounter, Ichigo is taken to the shop of Kisuke Urahara, who reveals that rescuing Rukia will require far greater strength than Ichigo currently possesses. Urahara begins an intense training regimen designed to restore and surpass Ichigo's lost Soul Reaper powers while preparing him for the dangers awaiting in Soul Society.

At the same time, Urahara begins preparing Ichigo's allies for the coming rescue mission. New methods of combat and spiritual training are introduced, broadening the scope of the series and setting the stage for the expedition into Soul Society.