Part-time student, full-time Soul Reaper, Ichigo is one of the chosen few guardians of the afterlife. Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts--he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow--a malevolent lost soul--Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. The mysterious Vandenreich warriors were more than the Soul Reapers could deal with--even with the help of Captain General Yamamoto! In the wake of the disastrous battle, Ichigo retreats to the royal palace to heal his wounds. Once his body is whole, it's time for more grueling training...and a dark revelation about his past!