Bleach: Memories in the Rain

Bleach: Memories in the Rain is the first Bleach OVA. It was screened at the Jump Festa 2004 Anime Tour and later released on DVD. Produced before the TV anime premiered in Japan, it served as a pilot for the series and is a special version of the story told in episodes 8 and 9.

Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who has always been able to see ghosts. After Rukia Kuchiki transferred her powers to him, he became a substitute Soul Reaper, protecting the living from Hollows, the monstrous spirits that devour human souls.

On a rainy day, while visiting the grave of his mother Masaki with his family, Ichigo discovers that one of the Hollows he has been hunting is the one that killed her years ago. Burning with grief and anger, he throws himself into a prideful battle of revenge against the creature, determined to settle the score on his own.