Bleach: Uncut - Set 12

"The New Captain Shusuke Amagai" arc (episodes 168 to 189), an anime-only adventure that ran during season nine of the beloved supernatural adventure Bleach, gave creator Tite Kubo the time he needed to develop the main storyline in print. When Ichigo agreed to protect Soul Society princess Rurichiyo Kasumioji, he inadvertently got himself involved in a complex set of schemes and counter-schemes in the uppermost echelons of the Soul Society. The sinister Kumoi plans to seize control of the Kasumioji clan by forcing Rurichiyo to marry the well-intentioned but immature Prince Shu. He's also been involved in the secret and illegal research the clan has been conducting into the creation of bakkouto--powerful swords that consume the user. At the center of the action is Shusuke Amagai, the newly appointed captain of Squad Three of the Soul Reapers. He and Ichigo seesaw between being enemies and allies, and soon the Seireitei, the realm of the Soul Society, is in chaos. Director Noriyuki Abe deftly balances Ichigo, the goodhearted protector of the weak, and Ichigo, the deadly duelist, and the plot features some surprising twists and turns. But it's a real jolt when the characters move from this self-contained story to the "Arrancar vs. Shinigami" arc (episodes 190 to 205), which continues the central plot. Back in the Hueco Mundo, Ichigo has defeated the redoubtable Grimmjow, but the higher-ranking Espadas--Hollows who have evolved to new levels--are too powerful for him. Ishida and Renji are trapped by the puppets of the sniggering Szayel; Chad lies unconscious after his last battle. Nel reveals her true form as a buxom woman when she aids Ichigo against the maniacal Nnoitra. But the set ends on a cliffhanger, with all heroes effectively out of commission. (Rated Teen: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, risqué humor) --Charles Solomon

(180. The Princess' Decision, the Sorrowful Bride, 181. The 2nd Division Sorties! Ichigo Is Surrounded, 182. Amagai's True Strength, Zanpakuto Is Released! 183. The Darkness Which Moves! Kibune's True Colors, 184. Kira and Kibune, Offense and Defense of 3rd Division, 185. Ice and Flame! Fierce Fight of Amagai vs. Hitsugaya, 186. Sortie Orders! Suppress the House of Kasumioji, 187. Ichigo Rages! The Assassin's Secret, 188. Duel! Amagai vs. Ichigo, 189. The Fallen Shinigami's Pride, 190. Hueco Mundo Chapter, Restart! 191. The Frightening Banquet, Szayel Aporro's Theater, 192. Nel's Secret, a Big-Breasted Beauty Joins the Battle?! 193. The Irresistible, Puppet Show of Terror)