The Soul Society's Department of Research & Development is observing a sudden surge in the number of Hollows being destroyed in the World of the Living, raising concerns among staff. Meanwhile, Soul Reapers Ryunosuke Yuki and Shino Madarame arrive in Karakura Town as its newest assigned protectors. But the two quickly find themselves outmatched by the Hollows they encounter. Just when all seems lost, they are saved by Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends. Two days later, a recovered Ryunosuke gets to know more about Ichigo and his friends as they share a meal together, when a masked man suddenly appears before the group. Meanwhile, strange incidents also begin to take place across the Soul Society.