Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Jidanbō Ikkanzaka

Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Jidanbō Ikkanzaka is the first battle Ichigo Kurosaki faces in the Soul Society and it falls under the Soul Society Arc. After Rukia Kuchiki is escorted back to Soul Society, Ichigo undergoes hectic training under Kisuke Urahara in order to regain his lost Shinigami powers and also to become able to fend off strong opponents. Hence, Ichigo, along with Uryū Ishida, Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue and Yoruichi Shihōin begin their journey to Soul Society in order to save Rukia from her fated execution.

Battle
As soon as they land in Rukongai, Ichigo runs toward the Seireitei despite Yoruichi's warnings. A huge barricade falls around the whole of the Seireitei and Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper of the "White Way," appears in front of him. As the two prepare to battle, Jidanbō tells Ichigo that he has been a gatekeeper for 300 years and that he had been appointed gatekeeper for his "Herculean strength." Amazed by his gigantic size, Orihime and Chad run ahead to aid Ichigo, but Jidanbō's gigantic ax, stops them by disturbing the ground surrounding Ichigo and himself. He tells the two that it was considered bad manners to interrupt a duel because it was a rule that duels were to be fought one on one. Reassuring the others that it would be alright, Ichigo resolves to defeat Jidanbō and to get to the other side. The latter then lands a massive blow at Ichigo, but is taken by surprise when he appears to have dodged his attack without so much as a scratch. Then, Jidanbō attacks again, saying that only three people had survived his first blow including Ichigo and that none had survived the second. He begins to land multiple blows with his ax, but to no avail. Infuriated, he takes a second ax out and proceeds to hurl them down, blow after blow yet, Ichigo appears unscathed. Finally, Ichigo loses his patience and cuts off the two axes, leaving Jidanbō with the handles alone.

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.