"Bleach" is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The first volume of "Bleach" introduces readers to the world of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. It kicks off with Ichigo inadvertently obtaining the powers of a Soul Reaper—a celestial being responsible for maintaining the balance between the human world and the afterlife. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki, who is on a mission to eliminate evil spirits known as Hollows and guide departed souls to the afterlife. During their encounter, Rukia is injured while trying to protect Ichigo and is forced to transfer her Soul Reaper powers to him in order to continue her duties. As Ichigo grows accustomed to his new powers, he encounters Chad (Yasutora Sado), a classmate with a mysterious ability to manifest extraordinary strength during a confrontation with a Hollow. Chad becomes an ally to Ichigo, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences and desire to protect those they care about. Meanwhile, Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchik are determined to retrieve Rukia and enforce Soul Society's laws regarding unauthorized transfers of Soul Reaper powers. The central conflict escalates as a mysterious figure named Uryu Ishida challenges Ichigo to a dangerous competition known as "Hollow hunting." Uryu, a Quincy, reveals a deep-seated animosity towards Soul Reapers and challenges Ichigo to prove his worth as a Substitute Soul Reaper. It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetery to pay their respects.