Just a few months from the showdown with the Arrancars, Ichigo and his friends are deep in training, but the battle may arrive earlier than expected when Aizen sends Arrancars to the World of the Living. Captain Hitsugaya's advance troops assist in defending Karakura Town, and the fight appears to be going to the heroes, when Aizen orders the kidnapping of one of Ichigo's most loyal friends - Orihime!