Trials of the Shattered Shaft

Trials of the Shattered Shaft is an event marking the end of The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry and leading up to the Ryoka Invasion. During this event Ichigo first converses with his Zanpakutō, Zangetsu but is also burdened with an inner Hollow who threatens to take control of his soul.

Prelude
When Rukia Kuchiki failed to return to Soul Society in due time two high ranking Shinigami were sent to retrieve her. Ichigo went for her defense but was eventually defeated by Rukia's adoptive older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki. Rukia was subsequently taken back to Soul Society by Byakuya and his lieutenant, Renji Abarai. During the fight Byakuya sliced Ichigo's Zanpakutō into a mere stump and cut his Chain of Fate so that whatever Shinigami powers he had would be removed. Ichigo was found on the brink of death by Kisuke Urahara and taken to the Urahara Shop where his wounds were dressed. Urahara tells Ichigo that there is a way for him to reach the Soul Society and save Rukia but says he'll only reaveal what it is under one condition: Ichigo is to train for ten days under Urahara's tutelage. Ichigo is reluctant at first, saying he has no time for training. Urahara knocks Ichigo down with his cane and holds it against his face, giving Ichigo the uneasy feeling that he is facing the point of a sword. Urahara tells him that if he goes into Soul Society in his present condition, he will die. He says the Soul Society usually allows a one month grace period. Ten days of training plus seven more days to open a passageway to Soul Society would leave Ichigo 13 days to try and rescue Rukia. Ichigo agrees to try, seen as if he won't do it, no one else would.