Ever since he was a child, Ichigo Kurosaki has lived with the ability to see ghosts. However, his routine is disrupted when he and his spectral companions are caught in a battle between Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki and a Hollow. Ichigo soon learns that Soul Reapers are spiritual beings tasked with guiding the dead safely to Soul Society, while Hollows are corrupted spirits that hunt innocent souls. Although Rukia manages to defeat her opponent and keep everyone else safe, she depletes her powers in the process. Unable to continue her duties, she forces Ichigo to act as her substitute until she recovers. Despite Rukia's abrasive attitude, Ichigo adapts to his new responsibilities with ease. But when he is assigned to guide one of his classmates to Soul Society, Ichigo develops a deeper understanding of the afterlife.