Ichigo Kurosaki vs. The Reigai

Prologue
Ichigo Kurosaki runs alongside Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue, in search for Rukia Kuchiki's reiatsu. He asks Orihime whether it was nearby the river, to which she confirms it. As Ichigo prepares to rush off and assist them, Orihime volunteers to go in his place, stating that he needs to search for Nozomi Kujō. He agrees, telling Sado to go with Orihime, as the three of them split up. Meanwhile, Kon is still directing Nozomi towards the shrine, who asks him why it is taking so long.

Kon and Nozomi, Truth Revealed!
Kon tells her that they are nearly there, pointing up to the red gateway above the treetops. He asks her what is up there, stating that he has a right to know as he brought her there. Kon recalls that she said she would make it so that Ichigo would not have to protect him, asking whether this is the reason she came to Karakura Town. Nozomi remains silent, continually walking up the steep incline. Kon shouts at Nozomi, telling her to wait up for him. As the two arrive at the entrance to the shrine, Kon repeats his question to her.

Nozomi refuses to answer, leaving Kon to think that she is being antisocial again. However, she states that there is a Senkaimon at the shrine, leaving Kon surprised. Nozomi explains that the extensive study of the Dangai led to the discovery of previously unknown naturally occurring Senkaimon, and that one of them is situated at the top of the mountain shrine. Kon states that he understands, asking Nozomi what she will do once she arrives at the Senkaimon. However, she ignores his question, telling him to get going.

As Kon follows her eagerly up the steps, the moon shines brightly over the surrounding area. Whilst Nozomi walks through the multitude of red archways, Kon follows in her stead. She stops suddenly at a ceremonial altar, leaving Kon surprised that a Senkaimon would be found in such a place. Kon states that he understands now, and that she is going to open the Senkaimon in order to run away, but Nozomi refutes this. She walks up to the altar, and places her hand in front of her, resulting in a pulsing light to appear. Nozomi reveals to Kon that there is a rip in space at this location, locking her hands together in unity.

A bright light encapsulates her, rippling into the sky. As the light recedes, a wavering form appears before Nozomi, as Kon asks why it looks much different from usual Senkaimon. Nozomi explains that this is a naturally occurring Senkaimon, and that many such portals connect the Dangai to the Human World. She states that, once she closes the portal, no-one will be able to find her. Kon comments that such a device could be useful for hide and seek, and asks her how long she intends to stay in the Dangai. Nozomi responds that she will stay there forever, which surprises Kon.

She explains that she will not be able to return to the same time and space once the Senkaimon closes, and that there is nothing that he, or anyone, can do about. Kon tries to persuade her to stop and think, stating that Ichigo and the others will protect her. He asks Nozomi whether this is what she wants, prompting her to contemplate her decision. Kon continues, stating that life is better off living, and that Ichigo was directly responsible for letting him live. Nozomi recalls Kageroza Inaba's words, stating that sealing herself within the Senkaimon is the only way to stop Inaba's scheme. Kon states that he understands her motives, and vows to accompany her into the Dangai. Nozomi is surprised at this, but Kon berates her for thinking it is because he cares about her.

He comments that it might be nice for him to spend the rest of his days in the Dangai, as Nozomi picks him up. Kon wonders whether she is going to kiss him, stating that she doesn't have to thank him. However, Nozomi ties him to a nearby tree branch, as Kon demands that she untie him. She tells him that she must make this journey alone, walking towards the Senkaimon. However, she stops, telling Kon that she appreciates his feelings. As Nozomi stands before the Senkaimon, Kon tries to persuade her not to enter, as she walks towards it. However, Reigai-Rangiku Matsumoto stops Nozomi in her tracks, inquiring casually where she was going.

Battle
Nozomi reacts to her sudden appearance, jumping backwards. Reigai-Rangiku tells her to stop acting by herself, as the other Reigai proceed to surround her. She prepares herself, as Reigai-Ikkaku Madarame asks whether Nozomi can take them all on. Nozomi asks how they were able to find her, as Reigai-Rukia Kuchiki reveals that they also were aware of the natural Senkaimon's location. Reigai-Rangiku states that Kageroza knows what she knows by default, taking Nozomi with her. She tries to protest, but is unable to free hewrself from the Reigai's grip. Kon tells the Reigai to let Nozomi go, but their ignore his fleeting cries, moving away from the scene. Nozomi states that she doesn't want to go, as Ichigo Kurosaki's voice echoes, stating that that is her decision.

The Reigai look around for the source of the voice, as a Getsuga Tenshō hurtles at them from afar, forcing them on the defensive. A smoke cloud billows from the point of impact, as Ichigo emerges before the Reigai. They recognise his presence, as Kon berates him for taking his time. Ichigo retorts, asking why he was acting on his own accord, stating that Kon could have let him know if he was with Nozomi. Reigai-Rukia interjects, demanding that Ichigo hand over Nozomi, to which he refuses outright. Reigai-Rangiku states that they have power in numbers, asking tauntingly whether he will be able to protect her from all six of them.

Kon interjects angrily, stating that there are two of them. Ichigo comments that he will protect her at all costs, prompting Nozomi to ask why, He states that it is because she wants him to, as the Reigai draw their katana, seeing no other option. The Reigai then charge at Ichigo with their weapons, as he locks blades with Reigai-Rukia. All of the Reigai charge at him, as Kon and Nozomi look on in despair. He asks Nozomi whether she has a Zanpakutō, to which she states that she doesn't. Kon states that this is a bad situation for Ichigo, as he currently does not possess his full power. She contemplates Ichigo's choices, as the Reigai surround a tired Ichigo. Reigai-Rukia asks whether his reiatsu is low enough to prevent him from fighting. Ichigo states that he has no choice, and releases his Bankai, despite Kon's protests.

He states that he just has to make do with what he has got currently, a black plume of energy enveloping him. He releases a black Getsuga Tenshō at the six Reigai, the tremendous attack hurtling out of the mountainside. This churns up an enormous cloud of smoke, which blankets the entire area.

Aftermath
As the smoke cloud dissipates, Ichigo pants heavily, standing before Reigai-Rukia Kuchiki. She is also tired from the battle, pronouncing his victory, before reverting back to her pill form. The mass pills then congregate upon the floor, as Ichigo reverts back to his Shikai state. Kon runs over to him in concern, inquiring of his gradually dwindling reiatsu. Kon denies showing this concern once asked, as Nozomi asks why he risked his Shinigami powers to save her. Ichigo states that it is because he made a promise to her that he would protect her, whatever the cost. Nozomi stares emotionlessly at him, as Ichigo tells her never to think about something so reckless as trapping herself within the Dangai.

Ichigo asks whether she understands the position she is in, to which she nods. Nozomi agrees with his argument, surprising Kon thoroughly. She jumps back, denying that she agreed to his terms so easily. Kon and Ichigo stare at each other for several moments, as the three of them prepare to leave the mountain shrine and the Senkaimon.