Antagonists are meant to be the bad guys, or so we think, until certain stories introduce us to characters like Ulquiorra Cifer. The character became an immediate fan favorite with his cocky and brooding personality. In fact, several fans even claim to like him better than the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki. No wonder people are always hyped up about the Ichigo vs Ulquiorra fight. This was indeed one of the most exhilarating fights in the Bleach anime (and manga) that gave us goosebumps. Craving to rewatch these scenes but don’t know where to begin? When does Ichigo fight Ulquiorra? How does the fight end? Let’s refresh our memories of Bleach while we are at it.
Bleach became a part of the Big 3 with its vast popularity. The anime, too, succeeded quite well despite the several negative reviews surrounding it. It aired its first episode in 2004 and concluded in 2012. The anime’s negative reviews are overtaken by the positive reviews regarding its plot execution, character development, and badass villains. Ulquiorra being one of these badass villains is an equally important factor that led the series to become such a heartthrob. The character draws out the complexities in emotions and how they can be perceived by people. This is quite relatable to an extent, as poor decisions are something that everyone experiences once in their lives.
Bleach has been such a huge part of the anime industry. Amidst its popularity, the Ichigo vs Ulquiorra fight is one that is talked about a lot. If you’ve been looking for the checkpoints to rewatch this epic battle, we have got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know and find your answers to when Ichigo fights Ulquiorra.
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When Does Ichigo Fight Ulquiorra
What makes Ichigo and Ulquiorra’s fight an event worth anticipating is their similar nature despite being so different. They want to fight each other and gain victory. Their enthusiasm was almost as if transferred to the viewers as they rooted for their favorite characters as the tension between Ichigo and Ulquiorra grew.
The Ichigo vs Ulquiorra fight is one that is excited and has several amazing parts. These two characters come face to face clashing down to defeat each other. I love the build-up that comes before the fight begins, and the heaviness ensues after the fight ends. So when does Ichigo fight Ulquiorra? This big battle takes place in the second part of The Fake Karakura Town Arc. In the anime, Ichigo fights Ulquiorra in episode number 272. Alternatively, if you flip through the pages of the manga, you will find the fight between Ichigo and Ulquiorra in chapters number 352, 353, and 354.
You can read Bleach Manga on Viz Media or Shueisha’s Manga Plus app. The anime is currently streaming on Hulu.
Also Read: How Many Episodes Are There in Bleach?
Ichigo Vs Ulquiorra
During the big battle, Ichigo gets severely injured with a hole in his chest. However, he heals himself with high-speed regeneration after his Reiatsu moves out of his body and then comes back. This gives Ulquiorra quite a surprise. After Ichigo wakes up, he is met with another shock as he notices that Zanpakutō is in Uryu’s stomach. Ulquiorra challenges Ichigo to a final fight. Claiming to want to be fair in the fight, Ichigo demands that Ulquiorra cuts off his arms and legs. Provoked by Ichigo, he tries to do so but instead gets turned to ash.
Ulquiorra realizes what he has done and accepts his defeat. He asks Ichigo to kill him, but the latter refuses to do so. Ichigo continues to express that even if he desired victory, he did not expect it to have it like this. On the other hand, Ulquiorra is quite amused by Ichigo yet again and says that he has experienced someone unexpected once again. Before fading away, he takes another look at Orihime and asks her if she feels afraid of him. She says she is not afraid and even tries to hold his hand, but before she can, it turns to ash.
Orihime’s final attempt resolves his conflicts regarding the existence of a heart, and he starts believing in it.
Also Read: Why Did Itachi Kill His Clan? The Story Behind Uchiha Massacre
