List of Bleach Episodes

This is a complete list of episodes for the Bleach anime series. The list is broken into several story arcs and includes a summary of each story arc and the original broadcast date for each episode. With the exception of the five arcs focusing on the Bount, New Captain Shūsuke Amagai, Zanpakutō Unknown Tales, Beast Swords and Gotei 13 Invading Army, each arc is an adaptation of the original Bleach manga by Tite Kubo. These arcs were produced to allow time for Tite Kubo to advance the storyline in the manga. Most of the later English titles are translations from the Japanese titles. Those episodes with official English titles have the title shown above the translation of its Japanese equivalent.

Episode Guide

Episode Type	Color
Normal Episode	Black
Special Episode	Red
Filler Episode	Green
Omake Episode	Orange

Episode list

Agent of the Shinigami arc (Episodes 1-20)

Main article: The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry

Also known by its English adaptation title, "The Substitute" arc, the first Bleach story arc is twenty episodes in length and covers manga chapters 1 through 70. It initially aired in Japan from October 2004 through February 2005 and in the US from September 2006 to January 2007.

Ichigo Kurosaki is a 15 year old teenager with an unwanted talent for seeing spirits. This talent allows him to spot the Shinigami Rukia Kuchiki, whom he inadvertently interferes with during her duties. When Rukia is injured by a Hollow that attacks Ichigo's home, Ichigo is forced to temporarily take her Shinigami powers to defeat the Hollow. The next day, Rukia shows up at Ichigo's school as a normal human. She tells him that she has lost all of her powers, rather than merely the fraction she intended to give him, and cannot carry out her duties. Ichigo must take her place as Karakura Town's Shinigami while she recovers, guiding souls to the afterlife and defending people from attacking Hollows.

Ichigo's spiritual power as a Shinigami is surprisingly large, attracting hungry Hollows and even affecting nearby humans by awakening any spiritual powers they possess. His powers also attract an enemy of another type: Uryū Ishida, one of the few remaining Quincy, a race of spiritually-empowered humans who were butchered by the Shinigami long ago. In order to prove the Quincy are better than Shinigami, he challenges Ichigo to a Hollow hunting contest. This goes horribly awry, as the bait Uryū uses to start the contest is far more effective than intended, summoning legions of Hollows. During this contest, Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Orihime Inoue, two of Ichigo's friends, have their own spiritual abilities awakened when they are assaulted by Hollows. Uryū and Ichigo eventually ally to drive off the Hollows.

As the remainder of the school year passes, Ichigo, Rukia, Chad, Orihime, and Uryū become close friends. Rukia begins to grow comfortable with life in the living world but realizes that she needs to leave. Having already spent too much time in the living world without permission, she has become a wanted criminal. Her superiors in Soul Society send two elite Shinigami, Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchiki, to arrest her. Ichigo tries to stop the arrest, but his efforts are in vain. Not only is he defeated, but Byakuya strips him of the Shinigami powers Rukia had given him. Rukia is taken to Soul Society, where she is put on death row.

Kisuke Urahara, a mysterious shopkeeper and ex-Soul Society resident, approaches Ichigo with a way to recover his powers and save Rukia: Ichigo must die, and then find the Shinigami powers hidden within his own soul before he becomes a Hollow. Ichigo narrowly succeeds in this endeavor, but emerges from the training stronger than he ever was before. Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, and Uryū then set off for Soul Society, led by one of Urahara's friends, a talking cat named Yoruichi.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"The Day I Became a Shinigami"	October 5, 2004	September 8, 2006	Normal
	"The Shinigami's Work"	October 12, 2004	September 15, 2006	Normal
	"The Older Brother's Wish, the Younger Sister's Wish"	October 19, 2004	September 22, 2006	Normal
	"Cursed Parakeet"	October 26, 2004	September 29, 2006	Normal
	"Beat the Invisible Enemy!"	November 2, 2004	October 6, 2006	Normal
	"Fight to the Death! Ichigo vs. Ichigo"	November 9, 2004	October 13, 2006	Normal
	"Greetings from a Stuffed Lion"	November 16, 2004	October 20, 2006	Normal
	"June 17, Memories in the Rain"	November 23, 2004	October 27, 2006	Normal
	"Unbeatable Enemy"	November 30, 2004	November 3, 2006	Normal
	"Assault on Trip at Sacred Ground!"	December 7, 2004	November 10, 2006	Normal
	"The Legendary Quincy"	December 14, 2004	November 17, 2006	Normal
	"A Gentle Right Arm"	December 21, 2004	November 24, 2006	Normal
	"Flower and Hollow"	December 28, 2004	December 1, 2006	Normal
	"Back to Back, a Fight to the Death!"	January 11, 2005	December 8, 2006	Normal
	"Kon's Great Plan"	January 18, 2005	December 15, 2006	Normal
	"The Encounter, Abarai Renji!"	January 25, 2005	December 22, 2006	Normal
	"Ichigo Dies!"	February 1, 2005	January 5, 2007	Normal
	"Reclaim! The Power of the Shinigami"	February 8, 2005	January 12, 2007	Normal
	"Ichigo Becomes a Hollow!"	February 15, 2005	January 19, 2007	Normal
	"Ichimaru Gin's Shadow"	February 22, 2005	January 26, 2007	Normal

Soul Society: The Sneak Entry arc (Episodes 21-41)

This story arc is twenty-one episodes long and covers chapters 71 through 117. It aired in Japan between March 2005 and July 2005. Subtitled the "The Entry" in the US, it aired from February 2007 to July 2007.

Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, Uryū, and Yoruichi arrive in Soul Society, but are stopped from entering the gate of the Shinigami citadel Seireitei by Shinigami captain Gin Ichimaru, and must seek another entrance. Yoruichi takes the group to the home of her old friend Kūkaku Shiba, who owns a giant cannon usually used for fireworks, but is capable of launching other objects else where. Kūkaku agrees to fire them into Seireitei, and sends an assistant with their group, her brother Ganju Shiba, who has hated the Shinigami organization ever since his Shinigami elder brother Kaien Shiba was killed by another Shinigami during a mission. The cannon is a partial success and the party lands in Seireitei, albeit with its members split up.

Meanwhile, the flashy entrance attracts the attention of the highest Shinigami military command, which issues orders mandating the immediate capture of the intruders. Ichigo and company all continue to advance through Seireitei regardless, making short work of the rank-and-file Shinigami and lower officers who oppose them. This lasts until Ichigo and Ganju, who landed together, encounter lieutenant Renji Abarai. Ichigo defeats him, alarming the Shinigami command enough that the captains themselves are sent out to pursue them. Another captain, Sōsuke Aizen, is found brutally murdered the next morning, sparking an internal conflict among the Shinigami, several of whom suspect other Shinigami officers of the murder.

Ichigo and Ganju are met by Kenpachi Zaraki, a bloodthirsty captain with the reputation of being unbeatable, as they are approaching Rukia's prison. Ichigo sends Ganju on to break Rukia out of jail, while he duels Kenpachi alone. Kenpachi and Ichigo fight until they are both nearly dead, both ultimately admitting defeat and collapsing. After the fight, Ichigo is healed by Yoruichi who then reveals that she is not a cat but a woman, and that she and Urahara are both actually ex-Shinigami.

Ganju reaches Rukia's prison, where he discovers that she is the Shinigami who killed his brother, Kaien. A flashback scene ensues, in which it is shown that Rukia killed Kaien only after his body had been completely taken over by a Hollow, but that Rukia still feels guilty for his death. They are interrupted by the arrival of captain Byakuya Kuchiki, who noticed the prison being opened. Byakuya defeats Ganju, but Ichigo comes flying to the rescue, and a brief battle takes place. Yoruichi arrives on the scene but knocks Ichigo unconscious to end the fight.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Enter! The World of the Shinigami"	March 1, 2005	February 2, 2007	Normal
	"The Man who Hates Shinigami"	March 8, 2005	February 9, 2007	Normal
	"14 Days Before Rukia's Execution"	March 15, 2005	February 16, 2007	Normal
	"Assemble! The 13 Divisions"	March 22, 2005	February 23, 2007	Normal
	"Penetrate the Center with an Enormous Bombshell?"	March 29, 2005	March 2, 2007	Normal
	"Formation! The Worst Tag"	April 5, 2005	March 9, 2007	Normal
	"Release the Death Blow!"	April 12, 2005	March 25, 2007	Normal
	"Orihime Targeted"	April 19, 2005	April 8, 2007	Normal
	"Breakthrough! The Shinigami's Encompassing Net"	April 26, 2005	April 15, 2007	Normal
	"Renji's Confrontation"	May 3, 2005	April 22, 2007	Normal
	"The Resolution to Kill"	May 10, 2005	April 29, 2007	Normal
	"Stars and the Stray"	May 17, 2005	May 6, 2007	Normal
	"Miracle! The Mysterious New Hero"	May 26, 2005	May 13, 2007	Filler
	"Tragedy of Dawn"	June 1, 2005	May 20, 2007	Normal
	"Aizen Assassinated! The Darkness which Approaches"	June 7, 2005	May 27, 2007	Normal
	"Zaraki Kenpachi Approaches!"	June 14, 2005	June 9, 2007	Normal
	"Motive of the Fist"	June 21, 2005	June 16, 2007	Normal
	"Desperation! The Broken Zangetsu"	June 28, 2005	June 23, 2007	Normal
	"The Immortal Man"	July 5, 2005	June 30, 2007	Normal
	"The Shinigami whom Ganju Met"	July 12, 2005	July 7, 2007	Normal
	"Reunion, Ichigo and Rukia"	July 19, 2005	July 14, 2007	Normal

Soul Society: The Rescue arc (Episodes 42-63)

The third Bleach story arc is presented in a series of twenty-two episodes and covers chapters 118 through 183. It ran from July 2005 to January 2006 in Japan and in the US from July 2007 to May 2008.

Yoruichi knocks Ichigo unconscious when he refuses to leave, and manages to escape Byakuya with Ichigo. After Ichigo regains consciousness, Yoruichi begins to train him to use his Bankai, the most powerful form of Zanpakutō. Renji later joins to train with them as well, bringing news that Rukia's execution date has again changed. Meanwhile, Uryū and Orihime are confronted by Shinigami captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Uryū battles him but is quickly disabled by the Shikai of Mayuri's Zanpakutō. Even after Uryū overcomes this with the Quincy technique Ransōtengai, Mayuri is still too much for Uryū, who is forced to remove his Sanrei Glove. Uryū then completely overwhelms Mayuri, even after Mayuri uses his Bankai, but is unable to finish him, as Mayuri escapes by turning himself into a liquid.

Meanwhile, Shinigami officers are fighting throughout Seireitei. Shinigami captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya confronts fellow captain Gin Ichimaru, whom Hitsugaya believes killed Aizen, and battles him. Ichimaru retreats after lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto arrives. The next day, Kenpachi rescues Ichigo's comrades, but is stopped by Shinigami captains Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen. Kenpachi manages to defeat Tōsen, even after Tōsen uses his Bankai. Elsewhere, Renji attempts to rescue Rukia, but is stopped by Byakuya. Renji, despite using his newly acquired Bankai, is defeated by Byakuya. Finally, Rukia's execution begins, but she is saved by Ichigo and sympathetic captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake.

While Rukia is spirited away by Renji, numerous Shinigami officers start to battle each other. Ichigo defeats three lieutenants that were pursuing Renji and is then engaged by Byakuya. Ichigo was about to die in the battle but his Hollow self takes control of him and attacks Byakuya with more powerful attacks. Ichigo then manages to retake control of himself in the battle. Using his Bankai, Ichigo manages to battle Byakuya on even footing, and narrowly defeats him. Kyōraku and Ukitake flee the execution area for a more secluded place to battle Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Yamamoto incinerates the surrounding area with his Shikai, and begins to battle his former students. Captain Suì-Fēng is similarly accosted by Yoruichi, her former mentor. In a tearful encounter, Yoruichi defeats her using the Shunkō technique, but was underestimated earlier because of her avoidance of battle for many years.

Hitsugaya, while searching the Central 46 Chambers, discovers that Aizen is alive, and is the mastermind behind the events that have transpired in Soul Society. Aizen then effortlessly defeats Hitsugaya and travels to the execution area. As Rukia has been sent there by Tōsen, Aizen's accomplice, Aizen extracts the Hōgyoku from her, despite the efforts of Renji, Ichigo and Captain Komamura. However, before Aizen can flee, the entire officer corps of the Gotei 13 stops him. However, the arrival of several Menos Grande enable Aizen and his accomplices to escape to Hueco Mundo. Ichigo and his friends then return to the real world, leaving Rukia behind on her request.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Yoruichi, Goddess of Flash, Dances!"	July 26, 2005	July 21, 2007	Normal
	"The Despicable Shinigami"	August 2, 2005	July 28, 2007	Normal
	"Ishida's Ultimate Power!"	August 9, 2005	August 4, 2007	Normal
	"Overcome Your Limits!"	August 16, 2005	August 11, 2007	Normal
	"Authentic Records! School of Shinigami"	August 23, 2005	August 18, 2007	Normal
	"The Avengers"	August 30, 2005	September 1, 2007	Normal
	"Hitsugaya Howls!"	September 6, 2005	September 8, 2007	Normal
	"Rukia's Nightmare"	September 13, 2005	September 15, 2007	Normal
	"The Reviving Lion"	September 20, 2005	September 22, 2007	Filler
	"Morning of the Sentence"	September 27, 2005	October 6, 2007	Normal
	"Renji, Oath of the Soul! Death Match with Byakuya"	October 4, 2005	October 13, 2007	Normal
	"Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution Shattered"	October 4, 2005	March 2, 2008	Normal
	"An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!"	October 18, 2005	March 9, 2008	Normal
	"The Strongest Shinigami! Ultimate Confrontation Between Teacher and Students"	October 25, 2005	March 16, 2008	Normal
	"Supersonic Battle! Determine the Goddess of Battle"	November 1, 2005	March 23, 2008	Normal
	"Senbonzakura, Crushed! Zangetsu Thrusts through the Sky"	November 8, 2005	March 30, 2008	Normal
	"Unseal! The Black Blade, the Miraculous Power"	November 15, 2005	April 6, 2008	Normal
	"Conclusion of the Death Match! White Pride and Black Desire"	November 22, 2005	April 13, 2008	Normal
	"Reality of the Despair, the Assassin's Dagger is Swung"	December 6, 2005	April 20, 2008	Normal
	"Aizen Stands! Horrible Ambitions"	December 13, 2005	April 27, 2008	Normal
	"Gather Together! Group of the Strongest Shinigami!"	December 20, 2005	May 4, 2008	Normal
	"Rukia's Resolution, Ichigo's Feelings"	January 10, 2006	May 11, 2008	Normal

The Bount arc (Episodes 64-91)

Main article: Bount Invasion

The Bount arc is an anime-only arc made to allow Tite Kubo to publish more material. It contains twenty-eight episodes, and aired in Japan from January 2006 to August 2006 and in the US from May 2008 to December 2008.

Ichigo and his friends (without Rukia) return to the real world, where they resume their daily lives. Renji then arrives, and Orihime and Chad are spirited away by three mysterious figures. They lure Ichigo and his friends into a game, with the lives of his friends in jeopardy. After a series of escapades, the three figures are revealed to be modified souls made by Kisuke Urahara. Urahara tells Ichigo and his friends of the Bount, a group of empowered humans that can live forever via absorbing souls. Shortly afterwards, Ichigo fights the Bount Yoshino Sōma. Yoshino manages to defeat Ichigo, and nearly kills him until Rukia arrives just in time.

The reunion is short lived since Ichigo and his group then encounter another Bount, Ryō Utagawa. Utagawa fights Ichigo and his friends, and manages to capture Uryū and escape. However, Yoshino rescues Uryū and reveals that the Bount require a Quincy for their plans. She then drops Uryū at a hospital, where he is attacked by the Bount twins Hō and Ban. The arrival of Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada results in the death of both Bounts. In Soul Society, the presence of the Bount has alarmed the higher echelons of the Gotei 13, who begin to research the Bount threat. Meanwhile, Ichigo and his friends have located the Bount's base. Ichigo fights Utagawa, but their fight is halted when Utagawa attempts to betray Jin Kariya, the Bount leader. Maki Ichinose, a Shinigami deserter from the 11th Division, kills Utagawa and begins to fight Ichigo.

Ichinose's fight with Ichigo is quickly halted by Kariya, who fights Ichigo and easily defeats him. Ichigo is depressed after this fight, but Renji and Ganju fight him to raise his spirits. Meanwhile, Yoshino desperately attempts to kill Kariya, but is killed in turn, enabling Kariya to create the bitto. The bitto capture and concentrate living Human souls for the Bount, enabling them to increase their power. Bounts engage Ichigo, his friends, and Shinigami reinforcements all over Karakura Town. After a series of difficult battles, the Bounts retreat to a cave, where they have constructed a gate to enter Soul Society. The Bount Ugaki slows down the Shinigami pursuers, but he is defeated by Renji's Bankai.

Elsewhere, Uryū is confronted by Shinigami lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi, who gives Uryū a battle accessory to restore his lost powers. Ichigo then comes upon the Bount and fights Kariya once more. He is easily defeated, but after activating his Bankai, he is able to fight Kariya evenly. Finally, Uryū arrives and shoots an arrow into a gate the Bount have created, allowing them to enter Soul Society, but for a good reason.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"New School Term, Renji has Come to the Material World?!"	January 17, 2006	May 18, 2008	Filler
	"Creeping Terror, the Second Victim"	January 24, 2006	May 25, 2008	Filler
	"Break Through! The Trap Hidden in the Labyrinth"	January 31, 2006	June 1, 2008	Filler
	"Death Game! The Missing Classmate"	February 7, 2006	June 8, 2008	Filler
	"True Identity of the Devil, the Secret which is Revealed"	February 14, 2006	June 15, 2008	Filler
	"Bount! The Ones Who Hunt Souls"	February 14, 2006	June 22, 2008	Filler
	"Rukia's Return! Revival of the Substitute Team!"	February 21, 2006	June 29, 2008	Filler
	"The Moment of Collision! An Evil Hand Draws Near to the Quincy"	March 7, 2006	July 6, 2008	Filler
	"Water Attack! Escape from the Shutdown Hospital"	March 14, 2006	July 13, 2008	Filler
	"Gathering at the Place of Fortune! The Man Who Makes His Move"	March 28, 2006	July 20, 2008	Filler
	"Memories of an Eternally Living Clan"	March 28, 2006	July 27, 2008	Filler
	"Earth-Shattering Event at 11th Squad! The Shinigami who Rises Again"	April 4, 2006	August 3, 2008	Filler
	"Crashing force! Furido vs. Zangetsu"	April 4, 2006	August 10, 2008	Filler
	"Unfading Grudge! The Shinigami whom Kenpachi Killed"	April 11, 2006	August 24, 2008	Filler
	"Shocking Revelations for the 13 Divisions! The Truth Buried in History"	May 2, 2006	August 31, 2008	Filler
	"Yoshino's Decision of Death"	May 9, 2006	September 7, 2008	Filler
	"Assault From a Formidable Enemy! A Tiny Final Line of Defense?!"	May 16, 2006	September 13, 2008	Filler
	"Hitsugaya Moves! The Attacked City"	May 23, 2006	September 20, 2008	Filler
	"Ichigo vs. Dalk! Appearance of the Faded Darkness"	May 30, 2006	October 4, 2008	Filler
	"Grey Shadow, the Secret of the Dolls"	June 6, 2006	October 11, 2008	Filler
	"Dissension in the Substitute Team? Rukia's Betrayal"	June 13, 2006	October 18, 2008	Filler
	"Deadly Battle of Tears! Rukia vs. Orihime"	June 13, 2006	October 25, 2008	Filler
	"Rangiku, dances! Slice the invisible enemy!"	June 20, 2006	November 1, 2008	Filler
	"Byakuya is summoned! The Gotei 13 start to move!"	July 4, 2006	November 8, 2008	Filler
	"Annihilation of the Lieutenants!? Trap in the Underground Cave"	July 11, 2006	November 15, 2008	Filler
	"Rematch?! Ishida vs. Nemu"	July 18, 2006	November 22, 2008	Filler
	"Renji Abarai, Bankai of the Soul!"	July 25, 2006	November 29, 2008	Filler
	"Shinigami and Quincy, the Reviving Power"	August 1, 2006	December 6, 2008	Filler

Bount Assault on Soul Society arc (Episodes 92-109)

This anime-only story arc was created to allow Tite Kubo to publish more material. It has eighteen episodes and aired from August 2006 to January 2007 and the US from December 2008 to April 2009.

This arc goes through the numerous attacks on Soul Society, all centered around the Bount. They are not easily defeated though, because of their ability to absorb the spirit particles Soul Society is made up of to heal their wounds. In the end, a fierce battle between Kariya and Ichigo takes place. Kariya loses the battle and disintegrates. But he is not the last Bount alive. Gō Koga apologizes for the Bount's actions and remains with Ran'Tao. The last episode focuses on the groups reminiscing of their lives before they met each other.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Invasion of the Shinigami World, Again"	August 8, 2006	December 13, 2008	Filler
	"The Bount Assault! The Gotei 13 of Destructive Earthquake"	August 15, 2006	December 20, 2008	Filler
	"Hitsugaya's Decision! The Clash Approaches"	August 22, 2006	December 27, 2008	Filler
	"Byakuya Takes the Field! Dance of the Wind-Splitting Cherry Blossoms"	September 5, 2006	January 3, 2009	Filler
	"Ichigo・Byakuya・Kariya, The Battle of the Three Extremes!"	September 12, 2006	January 10, 2009	Filler
	"Hitsugaya Strikes! Slice the Enemy in the Middle of the Forest"	September 19, 2006	January 17, 2009	Filler
	"Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose"	October 4, 2006	January 24, 2009	Filler
	"Shinigami Vs. Shinigami! The Uncontrollable Power"	October 11, 2006	January 31, 2009	Filler
	"Suì-Fēng Dies? The Last of the Special Forces"	October 18, 2006	February 07, 2009	Filler
	"Mayuri's bankai!! Sawatari・Clash of the Demon"	November 1, 2006	February 14, 2009	Filler
	"The Last Quincy! The Exploding Power"	November 8, 2006	February 21, 2009	Filler
	"Ishida, exceeding the limits to attack!"	November 15, 2006	February 28, 2009	Filler
	"10th Division's Death Struggle! The Release of Hyōrinmaru"	November 22, 2006	March 07, 2009	Filler
	"Kariya! Countdown to the Detonation"	November 29, 2006	March 14, 2009	Filler
	"Life and Revenge! Ishida, the Ultimate Choice"	December 6, 2006	March 21, 2009	Filler
	"The Swung-Down Edge! The Moment of Ruin"	December 13, 2006	March 28, 2009	Filler
	"The Wailing Bount! The Last Clash"	December 20, 2006	April 4, 2009	Filler
	"Ichigo and Rukia, Thoughts in the Revolving Sky"	January 4, 2007	April 11, 2009	Filler

Arrancar: The Arrival arc (Episodes 110-131)

This 22 episode arc returns mostly to the plot of the manga, covering chapters 183 through 229. It was aired in Japan from January 2007 to October 2007. US air date from April 2009 to August 2009 since two episodes from this arc are showing every night presumably to help close the gap between the US and Japanese broadcasts.

This arc starts off with Shinji Hirako introduced as a transfer student in Ichigo's school, but his true motive is to recruit Ichigo into the Visored, a group of Shinigami who have gained Hollow powers. Meanwhile, Kon (inhabiting Ichigo's body) is attacked by Grand Fisher and Uryū is attacked by another imperfect Arrancar. Uryū is saved by his father, Ryūken Ishida, while Kon is saved by Isshin Kurosaki, who has regained his Shinigami powers. Soon after that, two Arrancar, Yammy and Ulquiorra Cifer, appear at Karakura Town. Yammy begins draining all of the surrounding souls. Only Tatsuki Arisawa survives. When Chad and Orihime interfere, Yammy injures them gravely, but Ichigo arrives in time to protect them. Upon confronting the Arrancar, his inner Hollow demands that Ichigo switches with him, sinisterly stating that he would be able to finish them off with ease. Ichigo however, denies his request, causing his inner Hollow to interfere. His inner Hollow prevents him from being able to fight and he is severely beaten until Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin arrive to rescue them.

Hitsugaya's team is later dispatched to patrol Karakura Town. The team consists of Renji Abarai, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa and Rukia Kuchiki, all of whom are posing as new students at Ichigo's school. When Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and his Arrancar attack, they each fight their own separate battles. Ikkaku reveals a surprise Bankai to defeat his opponent while Hitsugaya's squad have difficulty battling the Arrancar and are on the verge of defeat before Soul Society allows them to remove their limiters. While this occurs, Ichigo is fighting a losing battle against Grimmjow. After being severely beaten, he manages to launch a devastating Getsuga Tenshō blast that scars Grimmjow. The battle is then abruptly ended by Kaname Tōsen who orders Grimmjow to return to Hueco Mundo for violating orders. After this, Ichigo realizes he can no longer fight adequately with his inner Hollow constantly seeking to take control of him and he goes to train with the Visored. Meanwhile, Hitsugaya's team fend off various Arrancar and Hollows, while Rukia and Orihime go to Soul Society to train.

After defeating his inner Hollow, Ichigo continues to train with the Visored to increase his mask usage time. Yumichika and Rangiku attempt to learn their Bankai, but are interrupted by four Arrancar (Yammy, Luppi Antenor, Grimmjow and Wonderweiss Margela) who are ordered to distract the Shinigami team. In Soul Society, Rukia decides to go back first, while Orihime requires a special gate. Ichigo fights Grimmjow with his newly acquired Hollow mask transformation, but when his mask breaks, Grimmjow gains the upper hand; however, he is subsequently fended off by Rukia and Shinji. When Orihime goes through the gate, her guards are attacked by Ulquiorra and he demands that she follows him back to Hueco Mundo. She agrees, as Ulquiorra threatened to kill her friends if she responded otherwise. The battle is ended by Ulquiorra, and Orihime is brought to Hueco Mundo after she bids Ichigo goodbye.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Reopening of the Substitute Business! The Terrifying Transfer Student"	January 10, 2007	April 18, 2009	Normal
	"Shock! The True Characters of the Fathers"	January 17, 2007	April 18, 2009	Normal
	"The Commencement of War, Visored and Arrancar"	January 24, 2007	May 2, 2009	Normal
	"Prelude to the Apocalypse, The Arrancar's Attack"	January 31, 2007	May 2, 2009	Normal
	"Reunion, Ichigo and Rukia and Shinigami"	February 7, 2007	May 9, 2009	Normal
	"Mission! The Shinigami Have Come"	February 14, 2007	May 9, 2009	Normal
	"The Evil Eye, Aizen Again"	February 21, 2007	May 16, 2009	Normal
	"Rukia's Battle Commences! The Freezing White Blade"	February 28, 2007	May 16, 2009	Normal
	"Ikkaku's bankai! The Power that Breaks Everything"	March 7, 2007	May 23, 2009	Normal
	"Zaraki Division's Secret Story! The Lucky Men"	March 21, 2007	May 23, 2009	Normal
	"Hitsugaya Scatters! The Broken Hyōrinmaru"	March 28, 2007	May 30, 2009	Normal
	"Clash! The Person Who Protects vs. The Person Who Suffers"	April 11, 2007	May 30, 2009	Normal
	"Visored! The Power of the Awakened"	April 18, 2007	June 6, 2009	Normal
	"Ichigo, complete Hollowification!?"	April 25, 2007	June 6, 2009	Normal
	"Collision! Black bankai and white bankai"	May 2, 2007	June 13, 2009	Normal
	"Urgent Report! Aizen's Terrifying Plan!"	May 9, 2007	June 13, 2009	Normal
	"Uryū vs. Ryūken! Clash of the parent-child Quincies"	May 16, 2007	June 20, 2009	Normal
	"Urahara's Decision, Orihime's Thoughts"	May 30, 2007	June 20, 2009	Normal
	"The Nightmare Arrancar! Team Hitsugaya Moves Out"	June 6, 2007	June 27, 2009	Filler
	"The Swooping Descent of the Dark Emissary! The Propagation of Malice"	June 13, 2007	June 27, 2009	Filler
	"The Invisible Enemy! Hitsugaya's Merciless Decision"	June 20, 2007	July 4, 2009	Filler
	"Rangiku's Tears, the Sorrowful Parting of Brother and Sister"	June 27, 2007	July 4, 2009	Filler

Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry arc (Episodes 132-151)

The seventh season of the Bleach. The twenty episodes featured in the season are based on Tite Kubo's Bleach manga series, covering chapters 229 through 251. The episodes are directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Studio Pierrot. The episodes' plot follows Ichigo Kurosaki's journey to Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime Inoue, who was kidnapped by the Arrancar under the command of former Soul Reaper captain Sōsuke Aizen. Although episodes focused on the character Ashido Kanō were not featured in the manga due to timing issues, Kubo still helped the anime staff to show it in the anime. The season began airing on July 4, 2007 in Japan on TV Tokyo and ended on December 5, 2007. The season aired in the United States on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block from July 11, 2009 to September 26, 2009.

The episodes use four pieces of theme music: two opening themes and two closing themes. The opening themes are "Alones" by Aqua Timez, used for the first twelve episodes, and "After Dark" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation, used for the remaining episodes. The ending themes are "Daidai" (橙?, lit. "Bitter Orange") by Chatmonchy, utilized for episodes 132 to 143, and J-pop singer Kousuke Atari's "Tane wo Maku Hibi" (種をまく日々?, lit. Seed-Scattering Days), used for the rest of the episodes. To promote the second Bleach featured film, Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion, the opening and closing credits for episode 151 use footage from the film, which was released on December 22, 2007.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Hitsugaya, Karin and Soccer Ball"	July 4, 2007	July 11, 2009	Filler
	"Ikkaku's Hot-Blooded Kendo Tale"	July 11, 2007	July 11, 2009	Filler
	"The Beautiful Patissier, Yumichika!"	July 18, 2007	July 18, 2009	Filler
	"Kon is Deceived! Rangiku on the Lookout.."	July 25, 2007	July 18, 2009	Filler
	"Hueco Mundo civil war! Ulquiorra's death"	August 8, 2007	July 25, 2009	Filler
	"Battle of bad faith, Aizen's trap"	August 22, 2007	July 25, 2009	Filler
	"Second move of Hueco Mundo! Hitsugaya vs Yammy"	August 29, 2007	August 1, 2009	Normal
	"Ichigo vs Grimmjow, 11 second battle!"	September 5, 2007	August 1, 2009	Normal
	"Ulquiorra's Scheme, the Moment when the Sun Sets!"	September 12, 2007	August 8, 2009	Normal
	"Goodbye..., Kurosaki-kun"	September 19, 2007	August 8, 2009	Normal
	"Order! Forbid rescue of Orihime Inoue"	September 26, 2007	August 15, 2009	Normal
	"Grimmjow Revived"	October 3, 2007	August 15, 2009	Normal
	"Ishida・Chad, the Quickening of a New Power"	October 17, 2007	August 22, 2009	Normal
	"The Espada Gather! Aizen's Royal Assembly"	October 24, 2007	August 22, 2009	Normal
	"Her Name is Nel! The Appearance of the Strange Arrancar"	October 31, 2007	August 29, 2009	Normal
	"Forest of Menos! The Search for the Missing Rukia"	November 7, 2007	September 12, 2009	Filler
	"Ashido, the Shinigami Who Came from the Past"	November 14, 2007	September 12, 2009	Filler
	"Through the Crumbling Forest, a Million Menos"	November 21, 2007	September 19, 2009	Filler
	"Oath! Back Here Alive Again"	November 28, 2007	September 19, 2009	Normal
	"The Raging Storm! Encounter with the Dancing Arrancar"	December 5, 2007	September 26, 2009	Normal

Arrancar: The Fierce Fight arc (Episodes 152-167)

This story arc is sixteen episodes long and covers manga chapters 252 through 286. It aired between October 2007 to April 2008 in Japan and from August 2009 to November 2009 in the US.

The episodes use three pieces of theme music: one opening themes and two closing themes. The opening theme is "After Dark" by Asian Kung-Fu Generation. The ending themes are "Tane wo Maku Hibi" (種をまく日々?, lit. Seed-Scattering Days) by J-pop singer Kousuke Atari, and Kansha (感謝, lit. Appreciation) by RSP for the rest of the episodes.

The first three episodes cover Ichigo and his friends' entry into Hueco Mundo, followed by a three-episode anime-only arc - "Forest of the Menos" - then their entry to Las Noches. After breaking in, Ichigo's group find themselves at a five-way fork. After vowing to stay alive and return, they split up and take one path each. Ichigo and Nel encounter the Privaron Espada Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, where Ichigo engages in battle with him. At first, Ichigo is proving no match for Dordoni because he does not wish to use his bankai. After Dordoni continually pesters Ichigo and attacks Nel, Ichigo is forced to use his Bankai and Hollow mask to defeat him.

Meanwhile, other members of the group are having their own battles. Uryū fights with the Arrancar Cirucci Sanderwicci and defeats her using his energy sword, Seele Schneider. Rukia runs into the Espada Aaroniero Arruruerie, who after removing his mask reveals the face of the deceased Shinigami Lieutenant Kaien Shiba. After initially believing to be the real Kaien Shiba, Rukia exposes him as an imposter and the two do battle. Overwhelmed by Aaroniero's released form, Rukia is impaled through the stomach. She flashes back to her training with Kaien and regains her resolve. She uses her Zanpakutō's third dance to impale the Aaroniero through his upper skull. As Aaroniero dies, she compares Orihime's current situation to her own when she was a prisoner in Soul Society. Though she attempts to keep moving, her injuries get the better of her and she collapses.

Elsewhere, Chad is fighting with Gantenbainne Mosqueda, whom he is unable to harm. After many damaging blows, Chad realizes how to access his full power, transforming his arm into a giant shield, Brazo Derecha del Gigante. When Gantenbainne releases his Zanpakutō to match up, Chad reveals that his right arm is only meant to defend. His left arm, meant for attack, is known as Brazo Izquierda del Diablo. With his newly awakened powers, Chad easily defeats him. However, his victory is short-lived as Espada Nnoitra Gilga arrives at the scene and disables Chad with a single attack.

Renji and Dondochakka run into Szayelaporro Granz. Renji attempts to use his Bankai, but it shatters almost instantly. Szayelaporro explains to Renji that the room they are in has nullified his Bankai. He reveals that he gathered the data using parasites stored in the body of his older brother, Yylfordt Granz. With only his Shikai, Renji is proved no match for Szayelapporo. Just then, Uryū steps in to assist Renji in the battle. However, Uryū finds that Szayelaporro expected his arrival, and his attacks are useless against both the Espada and his minions. With Renji's help, Uryū maneuvers Szayelapporo into a trap, catching him in a massive explosion. Though the trap is very damaging, it fails to kill him. Szayelapporo then completely heals himself by eating one of his subordinates. However, rather than retaliate, he leaves, wanting to replace his damaged clothing and allow Renji and Uryū to formulate a new plan.

Meanwhile, Ulquiorra appears before Ichigo to inform him of Rukia's death. Ichigo says she’s still alive and attempts to leave, but Ulquiorra goads him into fighting by revealing that it was he who forced Orihime to Hueco Mundo. Ichigo decides to end the fight quickly by using his Bankai and Hollow mask. Even after using his most powerful attacks, Ichigo proves to be no match for Ulquiorra. Ichigo, however, refuses to give up, believing Ulquiorra to be the top-ranked Espada. Ulquiorra reveals his "4" tattoo, proving otherwise, and stabs Ichigo in the chest with his hand. Later, Grimmjow brings Orihime to Ichigo, wanting him healed so he may have his own fight with him. Before she can finish her work, however, Ulquiorra arrives. Using a special device called Caja Negación, Grimmjow traps Ulquiorra in an alternate dimension which will take him several hours to escape. Once Ichigo is healed, their battle begins.

Ichigo, using his Bankai and Hollow mask, and Grimmjow, now in his Resurrección form, face off in a destructive battle across Las Noches while Orihime and Nel look on. Ichigo is slowly beaten back by Grimmjow, despite managing to maintain his Hollow mask for much longer than he previously could. Orihime is scared to watch, seeing the same look in his eyes as her brother had when he became a Hollow. At Nel's insistence, she overcomes her fear and cheers Ichigo on. Ichigo summons the last of his strength, swearing that he will defeat Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, Aizen, and bring back all of his friends safely, and launches the finishing blow to Grimmjow. Ichigo returns to Orihime, who is glad to see that he is not really a Hollow as she feared. Nel clumsily jumps into Ichigo, overcome with tears that he is all right. The series moves into another anime-only arc at this point.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Ichigo Strikes Back! This is my Bankai"	December 12, 2007	September 26, 2009	Normal
	"The Devilish Research! Szayelaporro's Plan"	December 19, 2007	October 3, 2009	Normal
	"Rukia and Kaien, the Sorrowful Reunion"	December 26, 2007	October 3, 2009	Normal
	"Rukia Retaliates! Release the Desperate Kidō"	January 9, 2008	October 10, 2009	Normal
	"Ishida & Pesche, the United Attack of Friendship?"	January 16, 2008	October 10, 2009	Normal
	"Ishida's Trump Card, the Cutter of Souls"	January 23, 2008	October 17, 2009	Normal
	"Right Arm of the Giant, Left Arm of the Devil"	January 30, 2008	October 17, 2009	Normal
	"Yasutora Sado dies! Orihime's Tears"	February 6, 2008	October 24, 2009	Normal
	"Testament, Your Heart is Right Here..."	February 13, 2008	October 24, 2009	Normal
	"The Cruel Arrancar, Ulquiorra's Provocation"	February 20, 2008	October 31, 2009	Normal
	"Szayelaporro Laughs, The Net Trapping Renji is Complete"	February 27, 2008	October 31, 2009	Normal
	"Shinigami and Quincy, the Battle of Madness"	March 5, 2008	November 7, 2009	Normal
	"Ishida's Strategy, the 20-second Offense and Defense"	March 12, 2008	November 7, 2009	Normal
	"Murderous Intent! The Joyful Grimmjow"	March 19, 2008	November 14, 2009	Normal
	"Desperate Effort vs. Desperate Effort! The Hollowized Ichigo"	April 9, 2008	November 14, 2009	Normal
	"The Moment of Conclusion, the End of Grimmjow"	April 16, 2008	November 21, 2009	Normal

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (Episodes 168-189)

Main article: Kasumiōji Conspiracy Starting from episode 168, the Hueco Mundo arc diverts to an anime-only arc in order to allow Tite Kubo time to publish more material. It contains twenty-two episodes, and aired in Japan on TV Tokyo from April 23, 2008 to October 7, 2008 and aired in the United States on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block from August 28, 2010 to January 30, 2011. It is a side story focusing on the new captain, Shūsuke Amagai, who takes the empty position as captain of the 3rd Division of the Gotei 13. Meanwhile, three new characters—Princess Rurichiyo Kasumiōji and her two Shinigami guardians, Kenryū and Enryū—arrive in the real world and become Ichigo's new neighbors and classmates. Ichigo and Rukia Kuchiki get involved in their problems, suddenly faced with protecting the princess from assassins wielding strange energy-sapping swords with great power. The princess gets kidnapped and Ichigo becomes hunted by the 2nd Division while trying to break up Rurichiyo's marriage. Rukia manages to break up a battle between Suì-Fēng and Ichigo, leaving Suì-Fēng behind a wall of ice. Amagai and the 3rd Division confront Ichigo, but Amagai joins Ichigo and Rukia after becoming aware of the real reason why they kidnapped Rurichiyo's groom-to-be. Kira discovers Kibune is actually working for Kumoi, the man planning on stealing Rurichiyo's kingdom. Kira barely manages to defeat Kibune, and Renji takes Kibune's infested weapon to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. The Gotei 13 steadily become aware of corruption in the House of Kasumiōji and infiltrate the manor. Ichigo and Rukia reach the House of Kasumiōji while Amagai fights Hitsugaya. Rukia leaves the team to distract Rangiku. Ichigo catches up to Komui, but a smirking Amagai appears, slays Komui, kidnaps Rurichiyo, and reappears behind Yamamoto-Genryūsai. It is then revealed that Amagai has been the true puppet master behind all the events of the arc (on realising this, Captain Hitsugaya remarks that Amagai has "made the Gotei 13 look like fools") It becomes apparent that he seeks to murder Yamamoto to avenge the death of his father, a Shinigami killed by Yamamoto.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"The New Captain Appears! His Name is Shūsuke Amagai"	April 23, 2008	August 29, 2010	Filler
	"New Development, the Dangerous Transfer Student Appears!"	May 7, 2008	September 5, 2010	Filler
	"Desperate Struggle Under the Moonlit Night, the Mysterious Assassin and Zanpakutō"	May 14, 2008	September 12, 2010	Filler
	"The Profusion of Blooming Crimson Flowers"	May 21, 2008	September 19, 2010	Filler
	"Kibune Goes to War! The Violent Wind that Rages"	May 28, 2008	September 26, 2010	Filler
	"The Appearance of the Great Evil! The Darkness in the House of Kasumiōji"	June 4, 2008	October 3, 2010	Filler
	"Break the Mirror's Boundary! Ichigo's Captivity"	June 11, 2008	October 10, 2010	Filler
	"The Revenging Assassin, Ichigo is Targeted"	June 18, 2008	October 17, 2010	Filler
	"Mystery! The Sword-Consuming Assassin"	June 25, 2008	October 24, 2010	Filler
	"The Reversal of Rukia, the Rampaging Blade"	June 25, 2008	October 31, 2010	Filler
	"The Nightmare Which is Shown, Ichigo's Inside the Mirror"	July 2, 2008	November 7, 2010	Filler
	"Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13"	July 9, 2008	November 14, 2010	Filler
	"The Princess' Decision, the Sorrowful Bride"	July 16, 2008	November 21, 2010	Filler
	"The 2nd Division Sorties! Ichigo is Surrounded"	July 23, 2008	November 28, 2010	Filler
	"Amagai's True Strength, zanpakutō is released!"	July 30, 2008	December 5, 2010	Filler
	"The Darkness Which Moves! Kibune's True Colors"	August 6, 2008	December 12, 2010	Filler
	"Kira and Kibune, Offense and Defense of 3rd Division"	August 20, 2008	December 19, 2010	Filler
	"Ice and Flame! Fierce Fight of Amagai vs. Hitsugaya"	August 27, 2008	January 2, 2011	Filler
	"Sortie Orders! Suppress the House of Kasumiōji"	September 3, 2008	January 9, 2011	Filler
	"Ichigo Rages! The Assassin's Secret"	September 10, 2008	January 16, 2011	Filler
	"Duel! Amagai vs. Ichigo"	September 17, 2008	January 23, 2011	Filler
	"The Fallen Shinigami's Pride"	October 7, 2008	January 30, 2011	Filler

Arrancar vs. Shinigami arc (Episodes 190-205)

Part 2 of the Hueco Mundo arc is the tenth season of the Bleach anime series, covering chapters 286 through 315. The episodes are directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu and Studio Pierrot. Three pieces of theme music are used for the episodes: one opening theme and two closing themes. The opening theme is "Velonica" by Aqua Timez whilst the first ending song is "Hitorira no Hanabira" by Stereo Pony. The second ending song is "Sky Chord" by Tsuji Shion.

The series returns to the manga-based storyline, picking up after Ichigo defeats Grimmjow. Nnoitra Gilga attacks the weakened Grimmjow, severely injuring him. Ichigo begins to fight Nnoitra, while Orihime is restrained by Tesra Lindocruz. Injured and tired from his previous fight, Ichigo is overpowered. Suddenly, Nel Tu transforms into her former adult form and attacks Nnoitra as her past is revealed. After releasing her Zanpakutō and overpowering him, she turns back into a child and is defeated by Nnoitra. Tesra then releases his resureccion and prepares to kill Ichigo, but is defeated by Kenpachi Zaraki. As Kenpachi fights Nnoitra, Orihime heals Ichigo. Meanwhile, Retsu Unohana confronts Rudbornn Chelute, Byakuya Kuchiki battles the Espada Zommari Rureaux and Mayuri Kurotsuchi fights Szayelaporro Granz. Rudbornn withdraws from the front lines, while Byakuya and Mayuri defeat their opponents. Having exchanged blows for some time and injuring each other, Kenpachi emerges victorious from his battle with Nnoitra. However, Coyote Stark recaptures Orihime and returns her to Aizen, who departs for the Human World to destroy Karakura Town.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"Hueco Mundo Chapter, Restart!"	October 14, 2008	February 6, 2011	Normal
	"The Frightening Banquet, Szayelaporro Theater"	October 21, 2008	February 13, 2011	Normal
	"Nel's Secret, a Big-Breasted Beauty Joins the Battle!?"	October 28, 2008	February 20, 2011	Normal
	"Irresistible, Puppet Show of Terror"	November 4, 2008	February 27, 2011	Normal
	"Nelliel's Past"	November 11, 2008	March 06, 2011	Normal
	"The Ultimate Union! Pesche's Seriousness"	November 18, 2008	March 13, 2011	Normal
	"Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears"	November 25, 2008	March 20, 2011	Normal
	"Byakuya's Bankai, the Quiet Anger"	December 2, 2008	March 27, 2011	Normal
	"The Two Scientists, Mayuri's Trap"	December 9, 2008	April 3, 2011	Normal
	"Holy Birth, the Resurrected Szayelaporro"	December 16, 2008	April 10, 2011	Normal
	"The Hardest Body!? Cut Down Nnoitra!"	December 23, 2008	April 17, 2011	Normal
	"Nnoitra Released! Multiplying Arms"	January 06, 2009	April 24, 2011	Normal
	"Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest?"	January 13, 2009	May 1, 2011	Normal
	"Karakura Town Gathers! Aizen Versus Shinigami"	January 20, 2009	May 8, 2011	Normal
	"Ichigo's Stomach-cutting Persuasion Strategy"	January 27, 2009	May 15, 2011	Filler
	"Thump! A Kemari Tournament Filled with Hollows"	February 3, 2009	May 22, 2011	Filler

The Past arc (Episodes 206-212)

The episodes of the eleventh season of the Bleach anime series are directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu and Studio Pierrot. They are based on Tite Kubo's Bleach manga series, covering chapters -108 through -97.

The season has begun airing on April 14, 2009 in Japan on TV Tokyo. The English adaptation premiered on May 29, 2011 in the United States on Adult Swim.

The episodes use two pieces of theme music: one opening theme and one closing theme. The opening theme is "Velonica" by Aqua Timez. The ending theme is "Sky chord ~Otona ni Naru Kimi e~" by Tsuji Shion.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"The Past Chapter Begins! The Truth from 110 Years Ago"	February 10, 2009	May 29, 2011	Normal
	"12th Division's New Captain, Urahara Kisuke"	February 17, 2009	June 5, 2011	Normal
	"Aizen and the Genius Boy"	February 24, 2009	June 12, 2011	Normal
	"Muguruma's 9th Division, Moves Out"	March 3, 2009	June 19, 2011	Normal
	"Hiyori dies? The Beginning of Tragedy"	March 10, 2009	June 26, 2011	Normal
	"Betrayal! Aizen's Secret Maneuvers"	March 17, 2009	July 3, 2011	Normal
	"Rescue Hirako! Aizen vs. Urahara"	March 24, 2009	July 10, 2011	Normal

Arrancar: Decisive Battle of Karakura arc (Episodes 213-229)

The episodes of the twelfth season of Bleach. The 17-episode season is based on Tite Kubo's Bleach manga series, covering chapters 316 through 340. They are directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu and Studio Pierrot. The plot continues shows the fight between Soul Society's group of Shinigami against Sōsuke Aizen's army of Arrancar, with the former defending Karakura Town, and the latter planning to use Karakura to invade and destroy Soul Society. The season moves onto auto-conclusive stories beginning with episode 227. The season first aired from March 31, 2009 until July 21, 2009 on TV Tokyo in Japan. The English adaptation of the Bleach anime is licensed by Viz Media, which has yet to announce when the season will air.

The episodes use two pieces of theme music: one opening theme and one closing theme. The opening theme is "Shōjo S" (少女S Shōjo Esu?, "Girl S") by Scandal. The ending theme is "Kimi wo Mamotte, Kimi wo Aishite" (君を守って 君を愛して?, "I Will Protect You, I Love You") by Sambomaster.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"The Soul Burial Detective, Karakuraizer is Born"	March 31, 2009	July 17, 2011	Filler
	"Karakuraizer's Last Day"	April 7, 2009	July 24, 2011	Filler
	"Defend Karakura Town! Entire Appearance of the Shinigami"	April 14, 2009	July 31, 2011	Normal
	"Elite! The Four Shinigami"	April 21, 2009	August 7, 2011	Normal
	"Beautiful Little Devil Charlotte"	April 28, 2009	August 14, 2011	Normal
	"Kira, The Battle Within Despair"	May 5, 2009	August 21, 2011	Normal
	"Hisagi's Shikai! The Name is..."	May 12, 2009	August 28, 2011	Normal
	"Ikkaku Falls! The Shinigami's Crisis"	May 19, 2009	September 4, 2011	Normal
	"The Full Showdown! Shinigami vs. Espada"	May 26, 2009	September 11, 2011	Normal
	"The Most Evil Tag!? Suì-Fēng & Ōmaeda"	June 2, 2009	September 18, 2011	Normal
	"A Miraculous Body! Ggio Releases"	June 9, 2009	September 25, 2011	Normal
	"3 vs. 1 Battle! Rangiku's Crisis"	June 16, 2009	October 2, 2011	Normal
	"All Lieutenants Annihilated! The Terrifying Demonic Beast"	June 23, 2009	October 9, 2011	Normal
	"Fierce Fighting Concludes? Towards a New Battle!"	June 30, 2009	October 16, 2011	Normal
	"Wonderful Error"	July 7, 2009	October 23, 2011	Filler
	"Summer! Sea! Swimsuit Festival!!"	July 14, 2009	October 30, 2011	Filler
	"Cry of the Soul? The Rug Shinigami is Born!"	July 21, 2009	November 6, 2011	Filler

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (Episodes 230-265)

Main article: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

The Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc is an anime-only arc which was created to allow Tite Kubo to publish more material. It forms the thirteenth season of Bleach and is directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu and Studio Pierrot. The season began airing on July 28, 2009 in Japan on TV Tokyo. The English adaptation of the Bleach anime began airing on November 13, 2011 on Adult Swim.

The episodes use four pieces of theme music: two opening themes and two closing themes. The first opening theme is "Shōjo S" by Scandal from episode 230-242. The second opening theme is "Anima Rossa" by Porno Graffitti from episode 243-265. The first ending theme is "Mad Surfer" by Kenichi Asai used for episode 230-242. The second ending theme is "Sakurabito" by SunSet Swish from episode 243-255.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
	"A New Enemy! The Materialization of Zanpakutō"	July 28, 2009	November 13, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 231.png	"Byakuya, Disappearing with the Cherry Blossoms"	August 4, 2009	November 20, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 232.png	"Sode no Shirayuki vs. Rukia! Confused Heart"	August 11, 2009	November 27, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 233.png	"Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy"	August 18, 2009	December 4, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 234.png	"Renji Surprised?! The Two Zabimaru"	August 25, 2009	December 11, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 235.png	"Clash! Hisagi vs. Kazeshini"	September 01, 2009	December 18, 2011	Filler
File:Bleach 236.png	"Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō"	September 08, 2009	January 8, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 237.png	"Suì-Fēng, Surrounding the Zanpakutō"	September 15, 2009	January 15, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 238.png	"Friendship? Hatred? Haineko & Tobiume"	September 22, 2009	January 22, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 239.png	"The Awakening Hyōrinmaru! Hitsugaya's Fierce Fight"	September 29, 2009	January 29, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 240.png	"Byakuya's Betrayal"	October 06, 2009	February 12, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 241.jpg	"For the Sake of Pride! Byakuya vs. Renji"	October 13, 2009	February 19, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 242.jpg	"Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie"	October 20, 2009	February 26, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 243.jpg	"One-on-one! Ichigo vs. Senbonzakura"	October 27, 2009	March 4, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 244.jpg	"The long awaited... Kenpachi appears!"	November 03, 2009	March 11, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 245.png	"Pursue Byakuya! The Confused Gotei Divisions"	November 10, 2009	March 18, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 246.png	"Special Mission! Rescue Captain-Commander Yamamoto!"	November 17, 2009	March 25, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 247.png	"Deceived Shinigami! The World Collapse Crisis"	November 24, 2009	April 1, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 248.png	"Dragon of Ice and Dragon of Flame! The Strongest Showdown!"	December 1, 2009	April 8, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 249.png	"Senbonzakura's Bankai! Offense and Defense of the Living World"	December 8, 2009	April 15, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 250 anime title.png	"That Man, For the Sake of the Kuchiki"	December 15, 2009	April 22, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 251 anime title.png	"Dark History! The Worst Shinigami is Born"	December 22, 2009	April 29, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 252 anime title.jpg	"Byakuya, the Truth Behind his Betrayal"	January 5, 2010	May 6, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 253 anime title.jpg	"Muramasa's True Identity Revealed"	January 12, 2010	May 13, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 254 anime title.jpg	"Byakuya and Renji, the 6th Division Returns"	January 19, 2010	May 20, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 255.jpg	"Final Chapter·Zanpakutō Unknown Tales"	January 26, 2010	May 27, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 256 anime title.jpg	"Byakuya's anger, collapse of the Kuchiki family"	February 2, 2010	June 3, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 257 anime title.jpg	A New Enemy! The True Nature of the Beast Swords	February 9, 2010	June 10, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 258 anime title.jpg	Stray Snake, Tortured Monkey	February 16, 2010	June 17, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 259 anime title.png	Terror! The Monster That Lurks Underground	February 23, 2010	June 24, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 260 anime title.png	Conclusion?! Hisagi vs. Kazeshini	March 2, 2010	July 1, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 261 anime title.png	The Person with the Unknown Ability! Orihime is Targeted	March 9, 2010	July 8, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 262 anime title.png	The Tragic Sword Fiend! Haineko Cries!	March 16, 2010	July 15, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 263 title screen.png	Imprisonment?! Senbonzakura & Zabimaru	March 23, 2010	July 22, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 264 title screen.png	Battle of the Females? Katen Kyōkotsu vs. Nanao!	March 30, 2010	July 29, 2012	Filler
File:Bleach 265 title screen.png	Evolution?! The Menace of the Final Sword Fiend	April 6, 2010	August 5, 2012	Filler

Arrancar: Downfall arc (Episodes 266-316)

The fourteenth season of the Bleach, this arc covers manga chapters 340 to 423. It is directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu and Studio Pierrot. The story will continue the fight between Soul Society's Shinigami and Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar army as the former defends Karakura Town from the latter's invasion, while Ichigo and his group fight the Arrancar in Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime Inoue. The season started airing on April 13, 2010 in Japan on TV Tokyo.[3] The English adaptation of the Bleach anime is licensed by Viz Media.

The episodes use five pieces of theme music: two opening themes and three closing themes. The opening themes are "ChAngE" by Miwa and "Melody of the Wild Dance" by SID. The ending themes are "Stay Beautiful" by Diggy-MO, "Echoes" by Universe, "Last Moment" by Spyair, and "Song For..." by ROOKiEZ is PUNK'D.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
File:Bleach 266 title screen.png	Ichigo VS Ulquiorra, Restart!	April 13, 2010	August 12, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 267 title screen.png	Connected Hearts! The Left Fist Prepared for Death!	April 20, 2010	August 19, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 268 title screen.png	Hatred and Jealousy, Orihime's Dilemma	April 27, 2010	August 26, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 269 title screen.png	Ichigo and Uryū, Bonded Back to Back	May 4, 2010	September 2, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 270.jpg	Beginning of Despair...Ichigo, the Unreachable Blade	May 11, 2010	September 9, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 271.png	Ichigo Dies! Orihime, the Cry of Sorrow!	May 18, 2010	September 16, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 272 title.jpg	Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Conclusion!	May 25, 2010	September 23, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 273.jpg	Fury of the Shark! Harribel Releases	June 1, 2010	September 30, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 274.png	Hitsugaya, the Suicidal Frozen Heavens Hundred Flowers Funeral!	June 8, 2010	October 7, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 275.png	The Approaching Breath of Death, the King Who Rules Over Death!	June 15, 2010	October 14, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 276.png	One Hit Kill, Suì-Fēng, Bankai!	June 22, 2010	October 21, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 277.png	Climax! Kyōraku vs. Starrk!	June 29, 2010	October 28, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 278.png	The Nightmare Returns...Revival of the Espada	July 6, 2010	November 4, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 279 title anime.png	Hirako and Aizen...the Reunion of Fate!	July 13, 2010	November 11, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 280 title anime.png	Hisagi and Tōsen, the Moment of Parting	July 20, 2010	November 18, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 281.jpg	Crown of Lies, Baraggan's Grudge	July 27, 2010	November 25, 2012	Normal
File:Bleach 282.jpg	Power of the Soul! Los Lobos, Attack!	August 3, 2010	January 27, 2013	Normal
File:Bleach 283 anime.png	Starrk, the Lone Battle	August 10, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 284 anime.png	Chain of Sacrifice...Harribel's Past	August 17, 2010		Filler
File:Bleach 285.png	The Hundred-Year Grudge...Hiyori's Revenge	August 24, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 286.png	Protect Karakura Town! Ichigo, towards the Real World!	August 31, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 287.png	Side Story...Ichigo and the Magic Lamp	September 7, 2010		Filler
File:Bleach 288 Title.png	The Final Trump Card! Ichigo, Towards the Decisive Battle	September 14, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 289 Title.png	Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences	September 21, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 290 Title.png	For the Sake of Justice?! The Man Who Deserted the Shinigami	September 28, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 291 Title.jpg	Desperate Struggle with Aizen! Hirako, Shikai!	October 5, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 292 Title.jpg	All Out War! Aizen vs. Shinigami	October 12, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 293 Title.jpg	Hitsugaya, Enraged! Blade of Hatred!	October 19, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 294 Title.jpg	Impossible to Attack? The Sealed Genryūsai!	October 26, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 295 Title.jpg	It's All A Trap...Engineered Bonds!	November 2, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 296 Title.jpg	The Shocking Truth...The Mysterious Power Within Ichigo!	November 9, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 297 Title.jpg	The Extending Blade?! Ichigo vs. Gin!	November 16, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 298 Title.jpg	‎Film! Festival! Shinigami Film Festival!	November 23, 2010		Filler
File:Bleach 299 Title.jpg	Theatre Opening Commemoration! Hell Chapter・Prologue	November 30, 2010		Filler
File:Bleach 300 Title.jpg	Urahara Appears! Stop Aizen!	December 7, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 301 Title.jpg	Ichigo Loses His Fighting Spirit!? Gin's Expectation!	December 14, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 302 Title.jpg	The Final Getsuga Tenshō!? Ichigo's Training!	December 21, 2010		Normal
File:Bleach 303 Title.jpg	Real World and Shinigami! The New Year Special!	January 4, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 304 Title.jpg	Gaiden Again! This Time's Enemy Is A Monster?	January 11, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 305 Title.jpg	Delusion Roars! Hisagi, Towards the Hot Springs Inn!	January 18, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 306 Title.jpg	For the Sake of Protecting! Ichigo vs. Tensa Zangetsu!	January 25, 2011		Normal
File:Bleach 307 Title.jpg	Emergency Situation! Aizen, New Evolution!	February 1, 2011		Normal
File:Bleach 308 Title.jpg	Sayonara...Rangiku	February 8, 2011		Normal
File:Bleach 309 Title.jpg	Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Release, the Final Getsuga Tenshō!	February 15, 2011		Normal
File:Bleach 310.jpg	Ichigo's Resolution! The Price of the Fierce Battle	February 22, 2011		Normal
File:Bleach 311.jpg	The Soul Detective ・ Karakuraizer Takes Off Again!	March 1, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 312 Title.jpg	Inauguration! The Brand New 2nd Division Captain!	March 8, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 313 Title.jpg	The Man Who Risks His Life in the 11th Division!	March 15, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 314 title.jpg	Kon is Seen! Secret of a Beautiful Office Lady	March 22, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 315 Title.jpg	Yachiru's Friend! The Shinigami of Justice Appears!	March 29, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach 316 Title.jpg	Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Holiday!	April 5, 2011		Filler

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (Episodes 317-342)

The Gotei 13 Invading Army arc is an anime-only arc which was created to allow Tite Kubo to publish more material. It forms the fifteenth season of Bleach and is directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Studio Pierrot. The season began airing on April 12, 2011 in Japan on TV Tokyo. The English adaptation of the Bleach anime is licensed by Viz Media, which has yet to announce when the series will air.

The episodes use three pieces of theme music: one opening theme and two closing themes. The opening theme is "BLUE" by ViViD from Episode 317 to Episode 342. The first ending theme is "Aoi Tori" by fumika from Episode 317 to Episode 329. The second ending theme is "Haruka Kanata" by UNLIMITS from Episode 330 to Episode 342.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
File:Bleach Episode 317 Title.png	Unusual Incident in Seireitei?! Gotei 13 Invading Army Arc!	April 12, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach Episode 318 Title.png	Renji vs. Rukia?! Battle With Comrades!	April 19, 2011		Filler
File:Bleach Episode 319 Title.png	Ichigo's Capture Net! Escape From Soul Society!	April 26, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 320 Title.png	Gotei 13, Gathering in the Real World!	May 3, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 321 Title.png	Showdown of Mutual Self, Ikkaku vs. Ikkaku!	May 10, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 322 Title.png	Clash! Rukia vs. Rukia!	May 17, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 323 Title.png	Protect Ichigo! Nozomi's Determination	May 24, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 324 Title.png	Recapture Seireitei! The Captains Move!	May 31, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 325 Title.png	For the Sake of the Believers! Byakuya vs. Hitsugaya!	June 7, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 326 Title.png	The Two Hinamoris, Hitsugaya's Resolution	June 14, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 327 Title.png	Pride of the Kuchiki Family! Byakuya vs. Byakuya!	June 21, 2011		Filler
File:Ep328TitlePage.png	Defeat Kagerōza! Shinigami, All-Out War!	June 28, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 329 Title.png	The Forbidden Research...Nozomi's Hidden Secret!	July 5, 2011		Filler
File:Ep 330 Title.png	I Want to Live...! Nozomi's Zanpakutō	July 12, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 331 Title.png	For the Sake of Fighting! The Awakening Nozomi!	July 19, 2011		Filler
File:Episode 332 Title.png	The Most Evil Reigai, Appears in the Real World!	July 26, 2011		Filler
File:Episode333Title.png	Destroy Nozomi?! Genryūsai's Decision	August 2, 2011		Filler
File:Episode334Title.png	The Depleting Reiatsu! Ichigo, Death Struggle of the Soul	August 9, 2011		Filler
File:Episode335Title.png	Hiding in the Dangai? Ichigo is Alone?!	August 16, 2011		Filler
File:Episode336Title.png	Pursue Kagerōza! Technological Development Department, Infiltration!	August 23, 2011		Filler
File:Episode337Title.png	The Developer of the Modified Souls	August 30, 2011		Filler
File:Episode338Title.png	Kon's Thoughts, Nozomi's Thoughts	September 6, 2011		Filler
File:Episode339Title.png	Protect Ichigo! The Bonds of Friends!	September 13, 2011		Filler
File:Episode340Title.png	Reigai vs. Original, The Fierce Fighting for Gambled Pride!	September 20, 2011		Filler
File:Episode341Title.png	Invading Army Arc, Final Conclusion!	September 27, 2011		Filler
File:Episode342Title.png	Thank You	October 4, 2011		Filler

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc (Episodes 343-366)

The sixteenth season of the Bleach anime, this arc covers manga chapters 424 to 479. Set seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, it chronicles Ichigo's life after losing his powers and the struggle to regain them.

The episodes use three pieces of theme music: one opening theme and two closing themes. The opening theme is "Harukaze" by Scandal. The first ending theme is "Re:Pray" by Aimer. The second ending theme is "Mask" by Aqua Timez.

#	Title	Original Airdate	English Airdate	Type
File:Episode343Title.png	3rd Year High School Student! Dressed Up, and a New Chapter Begins!	October 11, 2011		Normal
File:Episode344Title.png	A Dispute in School?! Ichigo and Uryū, Fight Together!	October 18, 2011		Normal
File:Episode345Title.png	Uryū is Attacked, A Threat Draws Near the Friends!	October 25, 2011		Normal
File:Episode346Title.png	The Fullbring User·Kūgo Ginjō	November 1, 2011		Normal
File:Episode347Title.png	A Creeping Danger in the Kurosaki Family?! Ichigo's Confusion!	November 8, 2011		Normal
File:Episode348Title.png	Power of the Substitute Badge, Ichigo's "Pride"!	November 15, 2011		Normal
File:Episode349Title.png	Next Target, The Devil's Hand Aims at Orihime!	November 22, 2011		Normal
File:Episode350TitlePage.png	The Man Who Killed A Shinigami Substitute?! Tsukishima Makes His Move	November 29, 2011		Normal
File:Episode351Title.png	Fullbring, The Detested Power!	December 6, 2011		Normal
File:Episode352Title.png	Tsukishima Attacks! The Training Has Been Thwarted	December 13, 2011		Normal
File:Episode353Title.png	Ichigo, Mastering the Fullbring!‎	December 20, 2011		Normal
File:Episode 354 Title slide.png	Ichigo vs. Ginjō! To the Game's Space	December 27, 2011		Normal
File:Episode355Title.png	The Shinigami Enter Battle! Seireitei Also Has a New Year Special!	January 10, 2012		Filler
File:Episode356Title.png	Foe or Friend?! Ginjō's Unseen Heart!	January 17, 2012		Normal
File:Episode357Title.png	Creeping Menace...Tsukishima's Ability!	January 24, 2012		Normal
File:Episode358Title.png	Clash?! Xcution Attacks Ginjō	January 31, 2012		Normal
File:359 Title.png	The Sorrowful Battle! Ichigo vs. Sado & Orihime!	February 7, 2012		Normal
File:Episode360Title.png	Ichigo vs Uryū?! Who is the Traitor?!	February 14, 2012		Normal
File:Episode361Title.png	A New Appearance! Meet the Gotei 13!	February 21, 2012		Normal
File:Episode362Title.png	Revival! Substitute Shinigami･Ichigo Kurosaki!	February 28, 2012		Normal
File:Episode363Title.png	Fierce Fight! Shinigami vs. XCUTION!	March 6, 2012		Normal
File:Episode364Title.png	Desperate Struggle!? Byakuya's Troubled Memories	March 13, 2012		Normal
File:Episode365Title.png	Ichigo vs. Ginjō! The Secret of the Substitute Badge	March 20, 2012		Normal
File:Episode366Title.png	Changing History, Unchanging Heart	March 27, 2012		Normal

Specials

OVA#	Title	Type
File:MemoriesInTheRain.jpg	"BLEACH Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour: Memories in the Rain"	OVA

This special, shown in Japan at the Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour and later released on DVD, is a pilot episode for the show. As a different, one episode version of episodes 8-9, this special focuses more on Ichigo's feelings regarding his mother's death. Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, voices Kon in this special for only two lines instead of Mitsuaki Madono, the original seiyū of Kon. This special is around 30 minutes long.

OVA#	Title	Type
File:SealedSwordFrenzyScreen.jpg	"BLEACH Jump Festa 2005 Anime Tour: The Sealed Sword Frenzy"	OVA

This special, shown in Japan at the Jump Festa 2005 Anime Tour, is set after the events of the Soul Society arc (episode 63). Baishin, who was sealed by Soul Society long ago, is set free on Earth. A fateful encounter with Baishin leaves Ichigo with half his spiritual power drained. Rukia, Renji, and other Shinigami soon arrive from Soul Society to give him a hand to stop the destructive Baishin. This special is 33 minutes long.