Kurosaki Ichigo starts off as a normal high school student, but his abnormal amount of spirit energy made him a target of Hollows. Kuchiki Rukia, a Shinigami (or Death God)  of the 13 Guardian Squads, transferred all her powers to Ichigo. He became a substitute Shinigami and fought Hollows in place of Rukia. However, this was a serious crime and Kuchiky Byakuya (accompanied by Abarai Renji) came to arrest Rukia.

 

In order to save Rukia, Ichigo trained under former Squad Captain, Urahara Kisuke. He then travels to Soul Society with Chad (Sado) Yasutora, Inoue Orihime, Yoruichi and Ishida Uuryu. Ichigo defeats Zaraki Kenpachi, one of the Squad Captains, earning himself Captain status. He then proceeds to free Rukia, not knowing several other Captains had sinister plans revolving her, thus postponing their schemes.

 

And then came the fillers...