As the lives of Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends begin to return to normal, three mysterious figures appear and abduct Orihime Inoue.
Event Year: 2004
Rukia's Resolution, Ichigo's Feelings
Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends say their goodbyes in Soul Society before heading back home through the Dangai.
Gather Together! Group of the Strongest Shinigami!
5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen removes the Hōgyoku from Rukia Kuchiki's Soul and retreats to Hueco Mundo.
Aizen Stands! Horrible Ambitions
4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu informs the Gotei 13 that Sōsuke Aizen is alive as the latter reveals his machinations.