After Ichigo Kurosaki gains the Soul Reaper powers of Rukia Kuchiki, Uryū confronts him in an attempt to prove that Quincy are superior. Using some special bait, Uryū attracts a swarm of Hollows to Karakura Town so that he and Ichigo can compete to see who can kill the most Hollows in three days. This bait, however, attracts too many Hollows than Uryū expected. During their competition, Uryū learned the reason Ichigo fights, which is the same reason his grandfather fight as a Quincy, leading Uryū to see Ichigo in a new light. He and Ichigo are then forced to fight a Gillian-type Menos together. A few days later, Uryū is defeated by Renji Abarai when he attempts to stop him and Byakuya Kuchiki from capturing Rukia Kuchiki. Intent to save Rukia by joining Ichigo's group, Uryū trains to better equip himself for the next time he needs to battle a Soul Reaper.