For a generation of anime fans, the voice cast from the Bleach English dub is the definitive way to experience Tite Kubo’s masterpiece. While the “Big Three” of anime dominated the late 2000s, Bleach held a unique edge with its gothic Soul Reaper aesthetic and the iconic vocal work of Johnny Yong Bosch (Ichigo) and Michelle Ruff (Rukia).
To understand episodes 226-250, you have to understand the publishing nightmare that was 2009-2010. The anime had caught up to the manga during the climactic battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra Cifer. To avoid overtaking the source material, Studio Pierrot pivoted to a massive filler arc.