Bleach (S) Abridged

The group continues on their journey to save Orihime, splitting up to cover more ground I guess. Along the way they each meet challengers who will test their abilities... and patience.

Chad encounters an enemy. One not too strong, but not so weak as to get one-shoted either. Perfect. While he battles against this opponent he comes to terms with his ancestors, the nature of his powers and the ultimate inevitability of Kisuke's words to him when training.

Rukia encounters a face from her past. Unfortunately, she doesn’t remember that past. A battle against an imposter claiming to be Ichigo, Hisagi, and Kaien Shiba ensues, opening many locked doors in Rukia’s heart (at a painfully unfortunate time).

Renji stumbles onto an enemy who might be just a teeny tiny little bit above his pay grade.

Ichigo has the most polite battle of his life. Also the last one.

It turns out it wasn't the last battle. The final battle between Ichigo and that guy who really doesn't like Ichigo finally comes to a head it's a battle between teenager and beast! Reaper and panther! Angry man and more-passively-angry man!