01SeriesBleach
2004 · 366 episodes
The story
What's it about?
Teenager Ichigo Kurosaki can see ghosts — and one night he accidentally absorbs the powers of a Soul Reaper, a guardian who guides souls and slays monsters called Hollows. He's pulled into a hidden war between the Soul Society and enemies who want to tear down the boundary between life and death.
Meet the main characters
Protagonist
Ichigo Kurosaki
A hot-headed substitute Soul Reaper who protects everyone he cares about, no matter the cost.
Deuteragonist
Rukia Kuchiki
The Soul Reaper who gives Ichigo her powers and changes his life forever.
Antagonist
Sosuke Aizen
A soft-spoken captain revealed as a manipulative genius who faked his death and seeks to overthrow the Soul King.
Side characters
Ally
Orihime Inoue
A kind-hearted girl with reality-rejecting healing powers.
Rival
Uryu Ishida
The last Quincy, a proud archer who fights alongside Ichigo despite their clans' history.
Ally
Renji Abarai
Rukia's childhood friend, a lieutenant with a whip-like sword.
Friend
Chad (Sado Yasutora)
Ichigo's gentle giant of a friend with a devastating right arm.