Hunting Hollows becomes Ichigo Kurosaki's responsibility when the Soul Reaper whose powers he accepted cannot reclaim them. Until then an ordinary high school student, Ichigo takes on the role after a Hollow—a corrupt spirit that feeds on human souls—attacks his family. Rukia Kuchiki is wounded defending them, and Ichigo accepts her offer to transfer her powers so he can save his family.
With Rukia still unable to regain her powers, Ichigo must confront the Hollows threatening their town. His classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida later join the fight, each bringing distinct abilities. The friends adjust to their responsibilities and support one another in battle and in everyday life. But Ichigo soon discovers that protecting the human world means facing more than Hollows alone.
