Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Gin Ichimaru

 is a battle which takes place in the Fake Karakura Town. It consists of Ichigo Kurosaki facing off against the former captain of the 3rd Division, Gin Ichimaru, after having clashed with him once in Soul Society.

Prelude
Noticing Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's charred arm beginning to crack, Sōsuke Aizen notes that this technique can only be invoked by using one's body as a catalyst before realizing it is the self-sacrificial '''Hadō #96. Ittō Kasō''' as a pillar of flame in the shape of a katana's tip erupts around him. As several buildings in the nearby vicinity break apart, Aizen leaps out of the flames and notes he underestimated Yamamoto.

Aizen expresses disbelief at Yamamoto immediately sacrificing his burnt body and turning it into a weapon before being shocked by the appearance of Ichigo Kurosaki before him. Ichigo hits Aizen with a point-blank Getsuga Tenshō, cutting the building beneath him in half in the process and leaving a deep cut in Aizen's left shoulder. As they land on the building, Ichigo states he is not done yet before firing another Getsuga Tenshō at Aizen.

When Aizen moves past him with Shunpo in order to evade his attack, Ichigo turns around and fires a third Getsuga Tenshō at him, only for Aizen to effortlessly disperse it with a slash of his sword. Ichigo rushes forward and clashes with Aizen as fragments of his Getsuga Tenshō hit the ground before demanding to know what is so funny upon seeing Aizen smiling. Noting Ichigo failed to kill him, Aizen claims this was Ichigo's last chance. Ichigo points out how he wounded Aizen and states this was enough, but Aizen asks him if he believes the cut in Aizen's shoulder is a wound as cracks begin to spread over Aizen's injured shoulder before pushing Ichigo back.

When Aizen states this is simply the protective instinct of a servant toward its master rather than High-Speed Regeneration, Ichigo wonders what he is talking about, prompting Aizen to pull his jacket away, which reveals that the Hōgyoku has been embedded in his chest and is the source of the cracks in his body. As Ichigo recognizes the Hōgyoku, Aizen confirms his observation and pulls some of Ichigo's lingering Reiatsu away from his body before complimenting how well-developed it is and stating this is exactly as he planned. Surprised by this, Ichigo wonders what he means.

Aizen notes that Ichigo met Rukia Kuchiki; became aware of his Shinigami powers through his battle with Uryū Ishida; learned the power of his Zanpakutō in his fight with Renji Abarai; took a step toward achieving Bankai during his battle with Kenpachi Zaraki; advanced down the path of Hollowfication during his final confrontation with Byakuya Kuchiki; mastered his Hollowfication in his final battle with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez; and gained an even greater power during his last fight with Ulquiorra Cifer before claiming that all of Ichigo's battles have played out in the palm of his hand.

Recalling all of his previous major opponents, Ichigo expresses disbelief at Aizen's claim and demands to know what he is talking about, only for Aizen to silence him by holding up a single finger and telling Ichigo to not raise his voice like this. Aizen goes on to explain how there is nothing to be very surprised about and reveals he believed Ichigo would be the best subject for his research before stating this is why he assisted in Ichigo's development. When Ichigo fails to respond, Aizen asks him if he did not find it strange that he had never encountered a Hollow prior to meeting Rukia.

Aizen notes that this was when Ichigo was first attacked by a Hollow before asking Ichigo if he did not find it strange that the Quincy bait used to attract and exterminate weak Hollows managed to summon a Menos Grande. Pointing out how Rukia was discovered and reported to Soul Society despite her Reiatsu not even being detectable around the time that Ichigo was beginning to grow accustomed to fighting as a Shinigami, Aizen notes that Ichigo fought Renji, Kenpachi, and Byakuya when his power was at a level for him to do so before asking Ichigo if he did not find any of this strange.

As Ichigo stares at him in shock and tells him to hold on, Aizen asks Ichigo if he thought that those encounters were fated and that those attacks were coincidences before wondering if Ichigo believed his victories were a result of his own effort, prompting Ichigo to leap forward and clash with Aizen, pushing him into the air. However, Aizen merely grabs Tensa Zangetsu by the blade and tells a surprised Ichigo to not disappoint him now before stating Ichigo's power should be far beyond this. When Aizen asks him if he does not believe what Aizen is saying, Ichigo confirms this. '

Aizen states it is a fact, only for Ichigo to proclaim it is a lie before demanding to know who would believe that all of Ichigo's battles up until this point were staged by Aizen. When Ichigo points out the contradiction between Aizen previously saying that he only discovered Rukia after she went missing in the Human World and him currently saying that he has known about Ichigo ever since he met Rukia, Aizen states this is amusing before pointing out how Ichigo believes that what Aizen is currently saying is a lie, but does not believe that what he previously stated could have been a lie instead.

Admitting this is understandable, Aizen tells Ichigo he has Aizen's sympathy before stating that there are only facts in the world and no truth or lies. Aizen goes on to explain how everyone in the world lives by identifying only the facts which are convenient to them as the truth, as they do not have any other way to live, before claiming that the powerless who make up the majority of the world's population have the truth composed of the facts which are inconvenient to their self-affirmation. When Ichigo fails to respond, Aizen asks him if he knows all of the facts.

Asking Ichigo who it was that sent Rukia on a tour of duty to the Human World, added the ability to detect Reiatsu to Renji's equipment, and added details of the direction of Ichigo's progress to the report which the lieutenants received during the Ryoka Invasion, Aizen wonders if Ichigo believes that he was unable to ascertain the location of the Hōgyoku in more than one hundred years since its completion. However, Ichigo reveals there is one thing which he wishes to ask Aizen before noting that Aizen previously said that he believed Ichigo would be the best subject for his research.

Ichigo wonders why Aizen believed this and what he based this belief on before asking Aizen when he started believing this if he has been watching Ichigo only since he met Rukia, prompting Aizen to reveal he has held this belief from the very start. When Ichigo tells him to stop saying such vague things, Aizen asks him if he does not understand and repeats his statement before claiming he has known about Ichigo since the latter was born. As Ichigo expresses shock, Aizen attempts to reveal Ichigo's lineage, only to be interrupted by Isshin arriving before Ichigo in his Shinigami form while telling Aizen he talks too much.

Noting Aizen's attempt to reveal the races of his parents, Ichigo mentally notes that Aizen's last word was drowned out by the arrival of Isshin before admitting he did not need to hear it because the answer appeared before his eyes. When Ichigo tells him to say something, Isshin turns to face him before using Chōhigezutsuki to headbutt Ichigo, sending him flying back a considerable distance. Ichigo manages to grab onto the edge of the building's roof while noting this was close, but Isshin kicks him off, prompting Ichigo to curse him as he falls.

Isshin looks at Aizen before moving away with Shunpo, prompting Aizen to state it was a good decision for him to keep his distance before noting he and Ichigo are very alike. Meanwhile, Isshin moves a struggling Ichigo to a back alley and holds him down with his hand over Ichigo's mouth while telling him he knows what Ichigo wants to ask him. As Isshin begins to tell him to be quiet, Ichigo kicks him in the face and angrily proclaims that he knows he has to be quiet before revealing that he was trying to tell Isshin that he could not breathe, prompting Isshin to apologize.

When Ichigo looks at him, Isshin tells him that his eyes are not deceiving him, prompting Ichigo to admit he is right. Stating they will talk later, Isshin notes Ichigo likely has a lot of questions and promises he will answer all of them, only for Ichigo to cut him off by revealing he does not have any questions. As a surprised Isshin looks at him, Ichigo repeats his statement and points out how Isshin must have had a reason for not revealing this to him for so long before admitting he does not know how to ask about this in a way that does not trample on Isshin's feelings about it.

Ichigo says he will wait until Isshin thinks it is okay to talk about it or feels like talking about it, prompting Isshin to note that he has learned to express things very well. However, Ichigo admits that he borrowed it from someone who said it to him and states he remembered that it made him feel a lot better before thanking Isshin for hitting him because it feels like he has come home. When Isshin points out that he actually headbutted Ichigo instead of simply hitting him, Ichigo asks him if this really matters before complaining about Isshin ruining a nice moment like this.

Meanwhile, Aizen notes that Ichigo and Isshin must have put up a powerful barrier to make their Reiatsu vanish like this. When Gin appears behind him, Aizen notes that he has been spectating for a long time now, prompting Gin to claim he simply did not find a chance to make himself useful, which Aizen states he understands. However, Gin is interrupted when Ichigo leaps up behind him and attacks, prompting Gin to block with his Zanpakutō as the corner of the building which Aizen is standing on is sliced off by the force of Ichigo's attack.

Battle
Soon afterward, as an explosion occurs behind him due to Aizen firing '''Hadō #63. Raikōhō''' at Isshin, Gin notes it has been a while since he and Ichigo fought like this and reminds Ichigo of the last time they fought, with Ichigo rushing at him in a blind fury after he cut off Jidanbō Ikkanzaka's arm, before revealing that he kept thinking to himself that Ichigo was an interesting kid. When Ichigo states he does not remember, Gin does not believe this and asks Ichigo if he is trying to provoke Gin, only for Ichigo to reveal that he is referring to Gin's mind and not his sword.

Ichigo claims he can learn something about his opponent when he crosses blades with them and states that he cannot outright read their minds before clarifying that he can learn why they are fighting him and what feelings they hold toward him. Admitting that he does not usually realize this until each battle is over because the fighting is so hectic, Ichigo reveals that stronger opponents convey more to him when they clash. When Gin states he is a poet, Ichigo tells him to shut up before stating that Gin did not have any of this and did not even look at him when they fought.

When Ichigo wonders what he was looking at, Gin revises his opinion of Ichigo and states he is just creepy now, causing Ichigo to point out how Gin is not exactly in a position to tell him this. Noting he understands why Aizen has taken an interest in Ichigo, Gin asks Ichigo if he knows how far Shinsō extends, prompting Ichigo to state he does not care. Gin reveals it can extend to the length of a hundred swords, which is why those around him called it a Hyapponzashi when he was younger. As Ichigo states he did not ask Gin about this, Gin asks him if he knows how far his Bankai can extend.

Ichigo points out how he did not come here to play a quiz game with him, prompting Gin to state him giving up is no fun and decide to tell Ichigo the answer in terms that Humans like him use so he can understand before revealing that his Bankai can extend thirteen kilometers. When a shocked Ichigo fails to respond to this, Gin notes that it is hard to comprehend this even if one hears the number before deciding to show Ichigo. Telling Ichigo that he will not hold back this time, Gin activates his Bankai, Kamishini no Yari, before using it to cut the nearby city in half.

As the bifurcated buildings collapse, Gin turns his attention to Ichigo and swings Kamishini no Yari, an extremely long sword, at him, forcing Ichigo to block with Tensa Zangetsu as Kamishini no Yari pushes him back several meters. Slowing himself down with his foot, Ichigo asks a surprised Gin why he is so shocked and proclaims a Bankai can always block another Bankai before pushing Kamishini no Yari back and firing a Getsuga Tenshō at Gin, who opens his eyes as he is hit-head on by the blast. The smoke clears as Gin, having suffered a head wound, notes Ichigo is definitely a creepy kid.

Gin notes that this could turn into a mess if he does not dispose of Ichigo as soon as possible before holding up a drastically shortened version of Kamishini no Yari. Upon seeing this, a shocked Ichigo wonders when Gin retracted his sword and notes he was paying attention to it the whole time before realizing something as he tells himself he could not possibly miss an extension or contraction of that length. Meanwhile, Gin notes that he is in a predicament and has no choice but to fight the old-fashioned way because Ichigo stopped Kamishini no Yari so easily.

Leaping forward, Gin clashes with Ichigo before attacking him multiple times in rapid succession as Ichigo blocks each slash. When Gin tells him that he has a very strong sword because it feels like Kamishini no Yari is going to break in half despite Gin being the one attacking, Ichigo tells him that this is fine with him while noting that he believes Gin retracted Kamishini no Yari instead of simply deactivating his Bankai and that he is done for if he lets Gin point the tip of Kamishini no Yari at him. As Ichigo thinks this, Gin leaps back and points Kamishini no Yari at him.

Gin extends Kamishini no Yari, causing it to slice Ichigo's left shoulder, before slashing downward. As Ichigo pulls away to prevent his arm from being cut off, Kamishini no Yari cuts into the ground, kicking up a large amount of dust in the process. When Ichigo leaps toward him, Gin retracts Kamishini no Yari and deflects Ichigo's slash before leaping over him and onto a nearby building. However, Gin is surprised when Ichigo states that his deduction was correct before telling Gin that the most terrifying aspect of his Bankai is its speed and not its length or destructive force.

Stating that it was pointless for Gin to inform him of how far Kamishini no Yari can extend and cut the town in half, Ichigo points out how it would have been more advantageous for Gin to stay quiet and immediately attack him before claiming that he did this in order to draw Ichigo's attention away from the speed at which it extends and contracts. As Ichigo demands to know if he is wrong, Gin notes that Ichigo realized this on the first strike and dodged the second before admitting he is very scary and realizing that Ichigo can still move to a higher level than this.

However, Gin notes that Ichigo is not yet at this higher level and puts Kamishini no Yari between his side and his arm before admitting that there is no point in hiding it with the secret known to Ichigo. Deciding to tell Ichigo how fast Kamishini no Yari can extend and retract, Gin claps his hands once and asks Ichigo if this reached him before revealing that the speed of Kamishini no Yari is five hundred times as fast as the speed of sound. Gin clarifies that Kamishini no Yari is the fastest Zanpakutō before telling Ichigo that he still has no chance of winning as they attack each other.

Soon afterward, as Aizen explains the true power and nature of the Hōgyoku to Isshin while detailing its limits and how it has affected the lives of those around it, they are interrupted by Ichigo slamming through a building next to them before crashing into another building further away, having been propelled by Gin's Kamishini no Yari. When Ichigo pushes Kamishini no Yari off of himself and moves to Isshin, Gin notes that Ichigo managed to stop it fairly well despite it being dumb luck, prompting Ichigo to demand to know what he means by this.

When Isshin says his name, Ichigo proclaims that Isshin is getting on his nerves before telling him to stay out of his way because he has almost got Gin figured out. Isshin smiles upon hearing this as Gin asks Aizen if he interrupted his conversation with Isshin, only for Aizen to state it is fine before claiming they were just finishing up as a white substance begins to cover his body. Upon seeing this, Ichigo asks Isshin what it is, only for Isshin to angrily respond that he does not know before telling Ichigo to ask Aizen himself. However, they are interrupted when Kisuke Urahara pierces Aizen's shoulder with Jūgeki Byakurai.

Ichigo and Gin watch as Urahara takes on Aizen and uses high-level Kidō spells against him, with Ichigo expressing surprise at how powerful Urahara is. When Urahara uses Fūsatsu Kakei to blast Aizen with his own Reiatsu, Ichigo calls out to him, only for Urahara to inform him that the battle is not yet over as Aizen emerges from the blast in a new form, prompting a shocked Ichigo to wonder what this is before expressing surprise when Aizen manages to appear in the midst of him, Isshin, and Urahara without warning or time for them to react.

As Aizen takes on Isshin, Urahara, and the newly-arrived Yoruichi Shihōin, Gin asks Ichigo if it is a good idea to watch and appears behind him before telling him that he has been flanked. Ichigo attempts to turn around and attack, only for Gin to move away and sit on a piece of rubble before suggesting that they take a break. As Ichigo wonders what he is saying, Gin points out how it will not affect anything before telling Ichigo that it is useless now because he has never seen Aizen do anything at this level of power despite having been with him for a very long time.

Admitting that this is to be expected because of how Aizen absorbed the Hōgyoku without letting anyone know about it, Gin tells Ichigo that there is nothing more to be done because he and all of the other Shinigami will die. When Ichigo proclaims he is not going to let this happen, Gin notes that he thought Ichigo might say this, only to be surprised when Ichigo points out that Gin cannot be sure what is going to happen to him with Aizen in this state. Gin stands up and admits that he did not expect Ichigo to say this before pointing out how this makes it sound like Ichigo has resigned himself to dying here.

Gin wonders if a small part of Ichigo has already given up on this battle and stands up while stating this is pathetic before noting that Ichigo is still a fragile little kid despite Gin thinking that he could hold out a bit longer. Claiming that he cannot leave a coward like Ichigo for Aizen to take care of, Gin placed the hilt of Kamishini no Yari on the center of his chest before using Butō, extending the blade out before instantly retracting it. As Ichigo dodges, Gin uses Butō: Renjin, unleashing a flurry of extensions and retractions that destroys a building and forces Ichigo to don his Hollow mask.

Soon afterward, an injured Ichigo kneels on the ground while panting heavily as Gin calls him pathetic before asking Ichigo if he was always this weak. Noting Ichigo's mask is also fairly fragile, Gin wonders if this is all there is to Hollowfication and states Ichigo was much scarier when he confronted him in Soul Society. When Ichigo looks at him, Gin expresses annoyance and tells him to get out of here, prompting Ichigo to express surprise. When a large shockwave occurs behind him, Ichigo turns around in surprise, only for Gin to ask him if it is a good idea to turn his back on his opponent.

Telling Ichigo he cannot do anything anymore, Gin leaps down from the rubble he was standing on and notes Ichigo is not a soldier, a Shinigami, a Hollow, or even a Human. When Gin asks him if he believes he can defeat Aizen, who took on Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi at the same time, while in this fragmented state, Ichigo opens his mouth to speak before stopping, prompting Gin to state he is not going to mince words before telling Ichigo to get out of here. Noting Ichigo does not want to die yet, Gin reveals he has lost interest in Ichigo and states Aizen will likely be disappointed with him as well.

Gin notes Aizen is very frightening and, upon seeing Ichigo's reaction, asks him if he has a good understanding of Aizen's power. When Ichigo looks down in despair, Gin draws his Zanpakutō and states this is all the warning he is going to give Ichigo before informing Ichigo that he will cut him down right here if Ichigo does not get out of here, surprising Ichigo, who looks at him. However, they are interrupted when Aizen appears behind a shocked Ichigo in a large explosion as the defeated Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi crash into the ground around them.

Aftermath
As a shocked Ichigo calls out to the three defeated Shinigami, Aizen asks Gin what he was going to do to Ichigo, only for Gin to claim that he was simply testing Ichigo's power. Noting this, Aizen orders Gin to open a Senkaimon before revealing that they are going to raid Karakura Town in Soul Society because it is more convenient to create the Ōken there. As Ichigo tells him to stop, the white substance covering him cracks and falls off to reveal Aizen with longer hair and violet sclera as Aizen notes that the chrysalis period has ended.

Proclaiming that he can now watch the demise of Soul Society with his own eyes, Aizen tells Ichigo that he will leave him here and return to devour him after all of this is over before entering the Senkaimon, which closes behind him, alongside Gin. As a stunned Ichigo wonders what is going on, Isshin calls out to him and asks him why he is simply standing there before telling him to open a Senkaimon. As Ichigo calls out to him, Isshin puts his arm around Ichigo's shoulders and tells him they will go before proclaiming that they will protect Karakura Town together.