 He and his "fracciónes" impulsively attack Ichigo Kurosaki's hometown after learning of Ichigo's power, but are defeated by the Soul Reapers stationed there, with only Grimmjow returning alive after an aborted battle with Ichigo.He is demoted and maimed for this insolence and failure, but is later healed by Orihime Inoue, and regains his rank immediately by murdering his replacement, Luppi Antenor.After his initial battle with Ichigo, the pair form a competitive rivalry as their drive each other to grow stronger until Grimmjow is decisively defeated by Ichigo in Hueco Mundo.