10 parts Complete There is a principle in chaos theory that states that even a minute change in initial conditions can have a profound effect on the events that follow. Metaphorically, one might say instead that even a tiny drop in a pond may create wide ripples.
Ichigo Kurosaki's untimely death at the tender age of nine means he can't receive Rukia Kuchiki's shinigami powers, or stop her execution, or defeat Sōsuke Aizen in battle. But it doesn't mean that she'll never find herself in need of help, or that the Central 46 won't condemn her to death, or that Aizen will never try to kill the Soul King. Fate, after all, finds a way.
It all begins in Karakura, with a disgruntled Quincy, an eccentric shop owner, and a talking cat.