黒崎 一護, Kurosaki Ichigo

The main protagonist of the mixed media series Bleach. Ichigo has had the ability, since a young age, to see and speak with spirits of people who have passed away. Despite the frightening nature of the ability Ichigo adapted to it well, often using his ability to bring comfort or solace to lost spirits in minor ways such as remembering their names and placing flowers at their graves or memorials.

Ichigo's ability also allows him to see shinigami, the guardians of the spirit world. When a shinigami named Rukia Kuchiki comes to perform her duty on a lost spirit a Hollow attacks and in the process Ichigo and his family are caught in the crossfire. Unsure why Ichigo can see her, but unwilling to allow him to endanger himself Rukia uses her kidō to bind him. However when Ichigo hears his sister's plea for help he unleashes a surprisingly powerful burst of reiatsu that astonishes Rukia and shatters her spell, a thing she thought beyond the ability of any mere human. Ichigo charges the Hollow with a baseball bat, but Rukia dashes in to save him...taking a powerful blow meant for him. Wounded and unable to fight Rukia sees the determination and ability latent within Ichigo and offers to give him part of her power so he can end the fight and save his family. Ichigo quickly agrees and Rukia plunges her Zanpakutō into his chest without hesitation, however something goes terribly wrong. Ichigo draws out almost every bit of Rukia's reiatsu instead of the half he was supposed to receive. The resulting transformation gives Ichigo tremendous power and access to his own Zanpakutō that is so large it startles Rukia to see it. The transfer of power leaves Rukia unable to complete her earthly duties and while Ichigo initially refuses to do her job, his own sense of guilt and Rukia's persuasions coupled with his own innate desire to help others lead him to accept the position of "Temporary Shinigami".

Personality
Ichigo is fiercely protective of his friends and family, a trait he developed at a young age when he heard his father mention that his names means "to protect one thing". Ichigo became determined that he would not protect just one thing, but everything precious to him and that he would surpass his name. While he means well, in most cases his stubbornness, impulsiveness, and short-temper often lead him to making rash decisions that don't always have the intended results. Despite this he is capable of strategic and tactical thinking when required and is by no means incompetent in combat. In combat Ichigo follows a complicated code of honor that he himself cannot fully comprehend. He will not strike a downed opponent and he consistently offers enemies the opportunity to relent and give up, often to his own detriment.

Related Tags

• bleach_(series)