Bleach: Memories of Nobody

Bleach: Memories of Nobody is a 2006 animated film adaptation of the anime and manga series Bleach. Directed by Noriyuki Abe and written by Masashi Sogo, the film was first released in Japanese theaters on December 16, 2006. The DVD was released in Japan on September 5, 2007. To promote the film, the opening and closing credits for episodes 106 through 109 of the Bleach anime use footage from the film. The film's theme music is by Aqua Timez. The film exists outside of the main Bleach continuity, and is not intended to fit into the existing storyline.

This movie had a limited theatrical run in the US for two nights only on June 11th and June 12th 2008 and was released on DVD on October 14, 2008. It aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim Block on September 5, 2009 in Bleach's normal time slot.

Plot summary
Akon enters the Shinigami Research and Development Institute and inquires about the information regarding an unknown dimensional area within the Dangai. A scientist informs him that the area's been expanding at a constant rate, and the Onmitsukidō have been dispatched to investigate it. As the Shinigami continues to monitor the Onmitsukidō, they begin to listen to the Onmitsukidō's progress over their communication lines. However, as Onmitsukidō members try to enter the dimensional area, they are mysteriously killed.

In the Human World, Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki pursue a Hollow. The Hollow tries to flea, but Ichigo ends up slaying it. Seeing the Hollow slain, Rukia catches up to Ichigo and reveals that the Hollow was chasing a young girl Plus. Ichigo and Rukia tell her that it is time for her to pass on into the afterlife, as the Soul Society is not a bad place, but the girl is reluctant to do so. Ichigo tells her that if she lingers in the Human World, then more Hollows may come after her. The girl concedes to Ichigo's point and lets him perform Konso on her.

Their task finished, Ichigo and Rukia return to Rukia's Gigai. Rukia enters her Gigai and tells Ichigo not to be so careless with his Substitute Shinigami Badge. Rukia explains that if someone came across Ichigo's unconscious body, they would panic and draw more attention towards his body. As Rukia makes her point, they see a team of paramedics starting to load Ichigo's body into an ambulance. Ichigo quickly returns to his body, and Rukia erases the memories of both the paramedics and the gathered crowd of civilians with her Kikanshinki.

After they get away from the crowd, Rukia insist for Ichigo to carry Kon with him, so he can leave his body without causing a panic. As Ichigo and Kon begin to argue, Rukia picks up strange readings on her Denreishinki. Ichigo senses the strange Reiatsu, and both he and Rukia head to the area of its origin to investigate. Upon arrival, they see large group of white spiritual beings wandering aimlessly. Rukia and Ichigo leave their Gigai and body respectively, with Ichigo using Kon and telling him to stay out of trouble. Rukia tries to contact the Soul Society, but is unable to reach them, due to unknown interference. She advises Ichigo to try to perform a Konsō on one of them, and he does so; however, nothing happens to the spirit he performs it on.

The spirits suddenly turn hostile and begin to attack Ichigo, Rukia, and Kon. Ichigo and Rukia group together and try to formulate a plan in dealing with the spirits. But before they do, another Shinigami arrives and begins to attack the spirits, effortlessly slaying them. Ichigo and Rukia both ask who she is, but she ignores them. As Kon is struggling to get away from the spirits, he sees a mysterious man observing situation. The Shinigami tries to release her Zanpakutō, but Ichigo stops her and tells her to stop her attack, since the spirits they're fighting aren't Hollows. The Shinigami ignores his protests and releases her Zanpakutō anyway, and she generates a tornado, which kills all of the spirits. As this is happening, Kon notices that the man he saw vanished.

After the spirits are killed, the Shinigami returns to her Gigai and celebrates her victory, but stops when she notices that Ichigo and Rukia are still around. Ichigo tries to ask her what her name is, but she insists upon him introducing himself first. Ichigo complies, and the Shinigami introduces herself as Senna. Senna is momentarily distracted by her reflection, commenting that that the yellow ribbon she wears doesn't suit her. Ichigo tries to get her attention again, but Senna directs his attention towards Kon, who has fallen out of his body. Not letting Senna leave, Ichigo heads over to reclaim his body before the authorities can call the paramedics.

Meanwhile, in the Soul Society, Ikkaku Madarame and Tetsuzaemon Iba are sparring, but before they resume their match, Ikkaku sees a hole opening up in the sky, displaying a clear view to a town within the Human World.

Back in the Human World, Senna sees a ferris wheel, remarking that she had always wanted to go on one. Rukia tries to get information on Senna, but Senna replies she does not recall which Gotei 13 division she belongs to. Continuing their questions, Ichigo asks if she knows what the spirits were. Senna replies that she does not, but because they were acting hostile, she felt she should have attacked them. As Senna begins to wander off, Rukia tells Ichigo she is going back to the Soul Society, since she cannot contact them, and she needs to report their findings to her superiors. She gives Kon to Ichigo and tells him to stay with Senna.

Kon warns Ichigo that Senna had left, and Ichigo chases after her. Senna notices this and begins to run away, which frustrates Ichigo. Ichigo chases after her and continues to search for her until Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto arrive and confront him. Hitsugaya tells Ichigo that they need to speak with him, and although Ichigo is reluctant to follow them, he complies, telling Senna that he'll be back for her.

Ichigo, Hitsugaya, and Rangiku arrive at the Urahara Shop, and Ichigo explains to Kisuke Urahara that Rukia returned to the Soul Society. Deciding to start the meeting without her, Hitsugaya explains to Ichigo that a town from the Human World appeared in the Soul Society, and a trail of spiritual waves was flowing into the Human World, and somehow, the Soul Society lost communication to the Human World shortly after. Urahara explains that the Human World and the Soul Society are separated by the Dangai, and that three days ago, a new dimension appeared in the Dangai, which expanded rapidly and connected with both the Human World and the Soul Society, and because of this, a portal showing the Human World was opened up in the Soul Society. Hitsugaya further explains that the Onmitsukidō was sent to investigate the dimension, but the mission failed. Because of this, the Gotei 13 is now investigating the influx of the spiritual waves into the Human World, which Hitsugaya is currently doing.

Ichigo then explains that he and Rukia encountered a group of white spiritual beings in the Human World. Urahara explains that what Ichigo encountered must have been Blanks, and Hitsugaya concludes that the unknown dimension they were investigating is the Valley of Screams. Seeing Ichigo's confusion, Urahara explains that Blanks are Souls that stray from the normal path to the Soul Society, and wander aimlessly in the Dangai, but are eventually drawn together into another dimension: the Valley of Screams, where the memories of Souls are separated. Urahara further explains that the memories of the Souls merge into an entity called the Shinenju, which is an object of the collected memories. He then tells Ichigo that the Valley of Scream's appearance isn't unusual, as it's a phenomenon that occurs naturally; however, since the Valley of Screams has connected the Human World and the Soul Society together. Hitsugaya concludes someone is manipulating the Valley of Screams to function in this manner. Hearing this, Kon reveals to everyone that while Ichigo and Rukia were dealing with the Blanks, he saw someone among them. Intrigued by Kon's claims, Urahara takes his Mod Soul pill from his plushie body for Tessai Tsukabishi to analyze. Urahara concludes that whoever is manipulating the Valley of Screams is searching for the Shinenju, and Ichigo should watch over Karakura Town, as the enemy will likely appear in the Human World again. He also tells Ichigo to find the Shinenju.

After his meeting with Urahara, Ichigo returns to the mall to find Senna. Senna is surprised to see him again, and Ichigo tries to ask her some questions regarding the Blanks, but Senna runs off again. Ichigo ends up losing her again, and does not find her until she draws the crowd's attention by doing a tightrope walk over the mall. She falls off the wires, but vanishes before she hits the ground, confusing everyone observing it. She appears behind Ichigo, who takes advantage of the situation and drags Senna away.

Ichigo buys Senna some food and asks her about the Blanks and the Shinenju, but she reveals that she knows nothing about either one. Senna asks if Ichigo has any information on the enemy, or if he even knows what the Shinenju looks like. Ichigo admits that he doesn't have information on the enemy or the Shinenju, so they don't have any way of uncovering more. Despite their lack of information, Senna decides to help Ichigo; in return, she wants him to take her onto the ferris wheel. Ichigo notes that Senna likes high places, and she explains that being in a high place gives her a much more clear view on things obscured in lower heights. Ichigo then notices that Senna is wearing a red ribbon in her hair instead of yellow, and she explains that she got it from a store she was in, but forgot that she was wearing it.

Ichigo goes to the store Senna got the ribbon from and purchases it. Senna is surprised by his behavior and asks if she can go on the ferris wheel. Ichigo refuses to do so, and Senna goes into the restroom to tie the ribbon in her hair. As she returns to the hall, she catches a glimpse of the river outside of the window and recalls trying to hug the ghost of her father, attending a funeral, and having a meal with her family. As Ichigo waits for Senna to return, he notices that the mall has suddenly become deserted.

Senna later enters a cemetery recalls a memory of her own funeral, with both of her parents attending it. However, she is suddenly attacked by Blanks, which begin to surround her. Jai ambushes her shortly after, and she separates herself from her Gigai, asking him what he wants with her. Jai replies that Ganryū wanted her brought to him. Confused, Senna asks who Ganryū is, but Jai refuses to answer her. Riyan interrupts them, telling Jai not to waste time talking. Noticing the group with Jai, Senna tries to attack him, but he blocks her strike and punches her before grabbing her by the throat. Before Jai and his accomplices can leave, however, Ichigo arrives and cuts off his arm. Ichigo asks why Senna wandered off and tells her he won't leave her alone until she fulfills her promise. Jai recovers, but before he can retaliate, Riyan tells him the time hasn't come yet. Jai and his group then disappear. With the enemy gone, Ichigo asks Senna why she ran off, and she replies that she came to visit her family's grave. Senna then tells him that even though they're unclear, she has memories of when she was alive. She promises to help him tomorrow and tries to leave again, but Ichigo stops her, knowing that she can't be alone after she was attacked.

Ichigo then brings Senna home to the Kurosaki Clinic and tells Isshin Kurosaki, Yuzu Kurosaki, and Karin Kurosaki that Senna was attacked by bad guys. Karin doubts Ichigo's story, but he assures them that Senna will only be staying with them for one night. Yuzu introduces herself, and Ichigo asks her to let Senna stay in her and Karin's room, to which Yuzu agrees. Ichigo invites Senna into his room, and although she finds his room boring, she tells Ichigo that his family is nice. She then has a flashback of her and her father in a physical fight. Ichigo notices Senna's change of expression and asks her if something is wrong, to which she denies. Ichigo then asks why the enemy was after her, and Senna tells them that their leader wanted her brought to him. Ichigo asked if she learned anything else, but she tells him that's the only thing they knew, and if he hadn't interfered, she may have learned more.

After Senna falls asleep, Ichigo calls Urahara and tells him that he ran into the enemy, but they left without fighting him. Relieved, Urahara tells Ichigo that they analyzed the data taken from Kon's memories, and that the armor the man was wearing belonged to a clan that was banished from the Soul Society a long time ago, after they failed to take over the Soul Society. Urahara concludes that they want revenge for their defeat, but they still cannot determine what they truly want. Ichigo then asks Urahara if it's possible for a Shinigami to have memories of their lives as Humans. Urahara tells him that it is not possible, and asks Ichigo about his question. Ichigo, however, dismisses it as a question of curiosity.

The next day, Ichigo and Senna return to the area where they encountered the Blanks last time. Senna asks if Ichigo is certain if the Blanks will appear again, and Ichigo tells her that the fact they appeared in that area is the only clue they have for the moment. Getting bored, Senna wanders away and finds a young boy Plus alone and crying. Ichigo finds them and attempts to talk to him, but Senna talks to him and introduces herself. The Plus tells them his name is Tomoya, and he is looking for his father. Ichigo tries to tell him that his father had already passed on into the afterlife, but Tomoya insists that his father is still in the Human World. Senna decides to help him find his father, reasoning that they weren't finding any clues about the enemy anyway.

After some time of searching for Tomoya's father, Ichigo asks Senna how much longer they're going to try, as there's no festival around, and that his father may have already been sent to the Soul Society. Senna insists on finding Tomoya's father, as it's his last wish, and she thinks it'll be sad if it doesn't come true. She wants to give him a last good memory before he has to pass on into the afterlife. Tomoya calls out to Senna, and both she and Ichigo find the festival that Tomoya was referring to. They find Tomoya's father waiting for him, and they thank Senna and Ichigo for reuniting them. Tomoya and his father both vanish, and Ichigo notices that many of the people that were gathered at the festival have disappeared as well. Senna then begins to recall many different memories and wonders what she truly is.

Suddenly a Senkaimon opens up, and Jūshirō Ukitake, Suì-Fēng, Hitsugaya, Renji Abarai, Rangiku, and Rukia, as well as Onmitsukidō soldiers, appear before Ichigo and Senna. Ichigo inquires why the Gotei 13 have arrived, and Renji answers that by the orders of Central 46, they are to retrieve and detain Senna. Rukia explains that she checked the records of the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukidō, the Kidō Corps, and the Shin'ō Academy, but she could not find anyone by the name of "Senna" in any of them; furthermore, the Zanpakutō, Mirokumaru, was lost 100 years ago when its owner was caught in the Kōryū, and therefore, there is no way it could possibly exist. Senna doubts Rukia's explanation, prompting Renji to ask when Senna came to the Human World. Senna tells him that she woke up by the river two days ago, and that she still remembers her name; however, she is unable to explain anymore details about herself. Renji remarks that Senna's confusion is stemming from the many different memories she possesses, and Ukitake confirms that Senna is indeed the Shinenju. Hitsugaya explains that twenty-four, the Valley of Screams became visible, and that the Gotei 13 determined that the leader of the enemy, Ganryū, plans to destroy both the Human World and the Soul Society, but in order to do so, he'll need the Shinenju. Hitsugaya then declares that they'll take Senna into custody.

Having heard their explanations, Ichigo disagrees with the decision made by the Gotei 13 and tells them that Senna possesses emotions and sensations, just like the rest of them, but they're going to ignore her existence as a sentient being and detain her, and because of this, he will not let them take Senna. Ukitake and Renji both request for Ichigo to cooperate, but Ichigo still refuses, prompting the Shinigami to prepare to fight.

However, before either side can act, the enemy ambushes the Gotei 13, and Riyan uses his rocketpack to separate the Shinigami. Additionally, Ichigo and Senna notice they have been surrounded by Blanks disguised as Humans, and Jai once again tries to ambush them. Ichigo uses Kon to separate his spirit form from his body and orders Kon to protect Senna. Ichigo attacks Jai, but as Jai blocks his strike, he uses the Blanks to regenerate his arm.

As Ichigo and the Shinigami fight against the enemy and the Blanks, Senna, determined to prove herself as a true Shinigami, separates from her Gigai and tries to attack the enemy's leader, Ganryū. However, Ganryū incapacitates Senna, and the enemy ceases their attack on the Shinigami. Ukitake remarks that the armor the enemy wears belong to the once noble Ryōdoji Clan. Ganryū denies any knowledge of Ukitake's claims and introduces his group as the clan of darkness: the Dark Ones. The Blanks then begin to explode, killing the Onmitsukidō soldiers and scattering the Shinigami officers.

Having fulfilled their objective, Ganryū tries to lead the Dark Ones away, but is confronted by Ichigo, who activated his Bankai. Senna regains consciousness and tries to break free from Ganryū's grip, but Ichigo assures her that he will save her. Ichigo advances towards Ganryū, avoiding any confrontation from the other Dark Ones, and manages to confront him alone. However, Ganryū uses a concealed spear to impale Ichigo through the abdomen. Ichigo begins to lose consciousness and tries to reach out for Senna, but he collapses, accidentally brushing her ribbon off. Ganryū and the Dark Ones then vanish, and the Shinigami attempt to follow them.

Rukia returns with Ichigo to the Urahara Shop, and Orihime Inoue heals Ichigo. When Orihime finishes, Rukia thanks her, Yasutora Sado, and Uryū Ishida for arriving when they did. Uryū asks if Urahara was able to learn anything about the enemy, and Urahara reveals that they are planning to use Senna to draw the Human World and the Soul Society together, which will force them to collide and destroy both worlds. Sado asks what the Soul Society plans to do to stop the Dark Ones, and Urahara tells him that they are trying to come up with a plan; however, the Valley of Screams cannot be entered through the Soul Society, and because of this, the Gotei 13 cannot infiltrate the Valley of Screams. Sado then asks if there is another way in, and Urahara says that the only way in is through the entry the Shinenju used to get to the Human World. Having heard Urahara's explanations, Ichigo asks if they can go after the enemy if they use the same entry point Senna did, and Urahara answers that they can. Ichigo then leaves with Rukia following, prompting everyone else in the Urahara Shop to search for it as well.

As Ichigo and Rukia search for the entry point into the Valley of Screams, they return to the area where the Dark Ones attacked them. Ichigo finds the ribbon he gave to Senna. Feeling guilt for her involvement regarding Senna, Rukia apologizes to Ichigo for her actions; Ichigo, however, tells Rukia it's not her fault, and that she was only trying to help, but despite Senna's bold behavior, she was afraid. Recalling Senna's reasoning of why she likes high places, Ichigo begins to walk off, and Rukia follows.

Ichigo and Rukia use the ferris wheel to ascend to a higher altitude, and Ichigo is able to see the entry point within the river. Ichigo and Rukia then travel towards the entry, and Ichigo orders Rukia to contact Urahara, so she can tell the others of the entry point's location. Rukia tells Ichigo to wait for the others before doing anything, but Ichigo refuses and enters the Valley of Screams on his own.