Roadblock Jidanbo

Ichigo, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, Uryuu Ishida, and Yoruichi Shihouin emerge from the Dangai in Soul Society’s Rukongai district. When Ichigo rushes toward the Seireitei, a defensive wall rises from the ground and seals the city. The enormous Western Gate guardian, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, then confronts the group and insists that anyone seeking entry must first defeat him.

Ichigo accepts Jidanbō’s challenge and withstands the giant’s increasingly powerful axe attacks. After Ichigo destroys both of his weapons, Jidanbō concedes defeat and agrees to open the gate. Their apparent success is immediately halted by Gin Ichimaru, captain of the 3rd Division, who grievously wounds Jidanbō and forces the gate closed before the group can enter the Seireitei. Ichigo protects the injured gatekeeper, while Orihime uses her spiritual abilities to treat his wound.

Recognizing that the Western Gate is no longer a viable entrance, Yoruichi decides to seek assistance from an acquaintance in Rukongai. During the journey, the group encounters Ganju Shiba, a boar-riding resident who openly despises Soul Reapers. Ganju clashes with Ichigo, but their fight is interrupted before either can settle the dispute.

Yoruichi eventually leads the group to the home of Kūkaku Shiba, an accomplished fireworks expert and Ganju’s older sister. Kūkaku agrees to help the intruders enter the Seireitei by launching them over its walls with her enormous cannon. Meanwhile, Rukia is informed that her execution has been scheduled for fourteen days later, establishing a strict deadline for the rescue mission.