For first-time viewers: – it’s essential for understanding Ichigo’s maturity and the dark history of the Substitute Shinigami system.
1. Overview of the Arc The Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc is the final story arc of the original Bleach manga before the Thousand-Year Blood War . After defeating Aizen, Ichigo loses his Shinigami powers. The arc introduces Kugo Ginjo – the leader of a group called Xcution – who claims to help Ichigo regain his powers through a device called the Substitute Shinigami Badge .