Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Jidanbō Ikkanzaka

Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Jidanbō Ikkanzaka is the first battle Ichigo Kurosaki is involved in the Soul Society. In order to even begin the rescue of Rukia Kuchiki, Ichigo has to get past the Gatekeeper of the West Gate Jidanbō Ikkanzaka.

Prologue
As soon as they land in Rukongai, Ichigo runs toward the Seireitei despite Yoruichi's warnings. A huge wall falls around the whole of the Seireitei and he is met by a giant that appears in front of him.

Jidanbō immediately attacks Ichigo and tells him to attack from any angle he chooses. Ishida amazed at his giant size, wonders who this person could be, noting that his size makes him something else beyond human. Yoruichi explains that he is Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, one of the elites of Soul Society, the gatekeeper of the "White Way". Ishida deduces that in order to enter the Seireitei they will need to beat him. Yoruichi explains that it won't be that easy, as he has been a guardian for 300 years and nobody has ever been known to pass him. Yoruichi further explains that he is so strong that with a swing from his axe an opponent will disappear from the world. Jidanbō is as legendary as "Hercules". Ishida ponders how they will defeat such a being, to which Yoruichi gives that only possibility is to come up with a plan. He calls out for Ichigo to retreat only to find Chad and Orihime running toward the growing altercation. Jidanbō strikes the ground causing it to surge upward and create a wall that blocks the two for interfering. Jidanbō tells them that their behavior makes him sick, questioning if they are uncivilized. He then explains the rules, making note of the final one that states that "A duel is nothing else but one-on-one." He then tells them that he will fight them after he is done with the Ichigo. The two plan a sneak attack but it is interrupted by Jidanbō who hears their planning. Ichigo then yells to Orihime and Chad to just wait there as he will handle the situation on his own.

Battle
Resolved to win his first fight, the two face off. Much to the surprise of Jidanbō, Ichigo blocks his axe. Jidanbō laughs and notes that it has been some time since anyone has blocked his axe and now that he has come against such an opponent, he can use his full strength. He then tells Ichigo that up until now there has only been 3 people (including Ichigo) who could block his axe, but none have ever been able to block his second attack. Ichigo effortlessly blocks the second attack, and Jidanbō congratulates him and proceeds to use his Jidan Ten Hit Festival, he begins to land multiple blows with his axe, but is taken by surprise when he appears to have blocked his attacks without so much as a scratch. Undeterred, he takes a second axe out and moves to use his finishing move Ten Thousand Year Hit Festival. Ichigo apologizes stating that he'll have to destroy Jidanbō's axes, he then swings his Zanpakutō breaking the axes with relative ease. Leaving Jidanbō holding nothing but the handles.

The shock of the event sends Jidanbō falling back, causing him to question what just happened. Before he hops back up, he tells Ichigo that he must have been rattled for a moment but he can't be beaten that easily. He then notices that he is only holding his axe handles and begins to become agitated wondering where the blades are. Overwhelmed that his axes had been destroyed, Jidanbō breaks down and cries. Feeling bad, Ichigo apologize for destroying his axes, prompting Jidanbō to thank him for his kindness for still caring about his defeated opponent despite having already won. He then revels that he is crying not entirely because of his broken axes, but because of the fact that he has lost for the first time in 300 years. He then grants Ichigo and his friends permission to pass through the gate.

Interruption: The Arrival of Gin Ichimaru
As Jidanbō goes to open the gate, he doesn't proceed further. This causes Ichigo and friends to wonder what's wrong until they they notice a man standing on the other side of the gate. When Ichigo questions who the man is, Jidanbō answers that it is Gin Ichimaru the captain of the 3rd Division. Gin denotes that allowing intruders entrance is not allowed and he cuts off Jidanbō's left arm before anyone can react. Gin then states that Jidanbō is a gatekeeper and it is not his job to open the gate.

Jidanbō tries to push the door up but with only one arm, he can only hold it up with his back. Gin scolds him for opening the gate for any reason and takes out his Zanpakutō to finish off the gatekeeper. Ichigo confronts him and they engage in a minor crossing of swords before they put distance between them. Yoruichi yells at Ichigo to retreat but he pays him no attention as he vows to rip Gin apart for attacking an unarmed man. Gin acknowledges that he is well aware of who Ichigo is. Gin then releases his Zanpakutō. As Shinsō extends forward, Ichigo blocks the blade causing its force to propel him back into Jidanbō, pushing the giant from under the gate and sending them back into the surrounding town as the gate closes.

Aftermath
Ichigo Kurosaki emerges victorious and Jidanbō Ikkanzaka is left crying out loud. However, Jidanbō realizes that he has lost to Ichigo as a warrior as well as a man and agrees to open the gate for him and his comrades, as a sign of acknowledgment. For his trouble Jidanbō loses an arm to 3rd Division captain Gin Ichimaru, who immediately halts the Ryoka progression into Seireitei.