1-1 Entering the Soul Society

Is this place really the Soul Society?

Yes.

And the specific area we're in is called the Rukon District.

It's here in the Rukon District that souls come to live when they first arrive in the Soul Society. As a matter of fact, it's right on the perimeter of the Seireitei where Soul Reapers live.

Hey.

Look at those buildings over there. Why do they look so different from everywhere else?

I know. I bet that's the Seirei-whatever you mentioned where all the Soul Reapers live!

Wait! Stop, you idiot! You can't run up to the gate like that!

Well, well...

It's been a long time since anyone tried to pass through the Spirit Gates without a travel permit.

And I don't get many guests these days. So welcome to you, little man.

He's a leviathan. What kind of creature do you suppose he is, anyway?

He's way too big to be a human being.

He is known simply as Jidanbo. He was chosen from among the very best warriors the Soul Society has.

His task is to guard the Hakuto Gate, one of four entrances that make up the Spirit Gate.

He's the guard? If we intend to get through this gate, it looks like we have no choice but to defeat him.

Yes. But that will not be an easy task, I'm afraid.

The first thing we need to do is to have a meeting to decide on a strategy. Ichigo, let's start with...

Well if we have to beat him, what are we waiting for?

Ahhh! Come back here, Ichigo! Have you lost your mind?

Hrhrhrhahahaha!!!

You're gutsy. I'll give you that, spikey-head. I can't remember the last time someone was able to stop the thrust of my axe.

This is going to be fun.

For once I'll be able to give it everything I have.

My ultimate attack. See if you can withstand...

The Jidan Banzai Strike Festival!

M-My axes...

My axes are ruined! Wahh! Why did you have to do it? Why did you have to!

Why did you have to destroy my beautiful babies! Waahhhhh!

Ngh...

This giant is such a big tough guy on the outside, but on the inside...

He's more like a little boy.

Look, I'm sorry about your axes and everything, but hey, I couldn't let you keep swinging 'em at me.

Although I guess I could've just destroyed one of them and let you keep the other one. My bad.

No, you're not bad. Even though you're my enemy, you care.

Instead of thinking of only your quest and your desire to get through the gate, you're actually concerned for your opponent and his axes.

What a good person you are, my spikey-headed enemy. What a generous heart you have.

I'm a total loser! You beat me not only as a warrior and gatekeeper, you have defeated me as a man as well!

It has been 300 years since I became the keeper of the Hakuto Gate. In all those years, never have I lost a challenge or allowed anyone to pass this way.

I thought the day would never come, but you are the first man to defeat me.

Therefore, I, Jidanbo, hereby grant you passage through the Hakuto Gate.

Now stand back, and I'll open the gate for you.

Nrgh... Hrrrr... Rahhhh!!!

Nh.

Jidanbo, what is it? Why are you frozen like that?

Okay, now. Who the hell's this?

Captain of Squad 3...

Gin Ichimaru!

I didn't think someone of his caliber would show up.

Being a guardian of the gate doesn't mean you're supposed to open the gate.

I defended the gate and lost. Once I lost, I had to open the gate. There was nothing else I could do.

What you're saying makes no sense.

A gatekeeper who loses isn't supposed to open the gate.

When a gatekeeper loses...

...it means death.

What's the big idea, showing up now and trying to butt in? You stupid freakin' ass clown!

You must stop, Ichigo! It is best we retreat for now!

(Ichigo?)

(So then, it's him...) You must be Ichigo Kurosaki.

All the more reason why I can't let you pass.

So what now?

Impale him, Shinso!

Ichigo!

No! The gate!

Bye-bye now!