Most shonen protagonists define themselves not just by their combat power, but by their circle of friends and allies. Bleach's star Ichigo Kurosaki is just like that too, even if he's more of a moody anti-hero than Naruto Uzumaki or Monkey D. Luffy are. Ichigo views himself as his friends' ultimate defender, and he'll risk it all for their sake.
Who is in Ichigo's inner circle? He has a few friends at high school in Bleach's first season, and he soon forms a few more vital friendships during the Soul Society arc and even in the Hueco Mundo story arc after that. These people are all precious to Ichigo, and he will take on any foe to protect them. Who might they be, in no particular order?
10 Orihime Inoue Is Ichigo's Lovely Friend & Future Wife
Orihime Inoue is one of Ichigo's longtime friends, and like him, she suffered personal loss in her childhood and even has spiritual powers. Orihime lost her big brother, Sora, in middle school and has paid tribute to his memory ever since. She now bravely fights alongside Ichigo, mainly as a healer and support mage of sorts.
Orihime cheerily suggested that she, Rukia Kuchiki, and several other girls compete to see who can win Ichigo's heart first, showing how much she cares about him. During Ichigo's bitter fight with Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, Orihime's heartfelt words reached Ichigo, giving him the strength to triumph.
9 Yasutora "Chad" Sado Is Ichigo's Battle Partner
Ichigo's good friend Chad is a gentle giant, a strong boy who refuses to abuse his strength and harm others. He swore this oath on the memory of his late grandfather, Oscar, and Chad will not hit back even if bullies pummel him. He is a pacifist, for the most part.
Ichigo saved Chad from some bullies one day by the Karakura river, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Chad and Ichigo deeply trust and respect one another, and Chad insisted on helping Ichigo rescue Rukia from Las Noches, despite the danger. A true friend, indeed.
8 Mizuiro Kojima Keeps Everyone Grounded
Mizuiro Kojima is a minor character in Bleach, but he does make a good case for himself. Mizuiro is one of Ichigo's classmates at school, and when they first met, Ichigo and Chad were fighting some bullies, and Ichigo saved Mizuiro and Keigo Asano from them. And Mizuiro made sure Ichigo and Chad didn't get in trouble for fighting.
Mizuiro is rather cool-headed and "normal" compared to most of his friends, but he is a genuine friend to Ichigo, and he helps Ichigo keep a tight rein on Keigo Asano and his nonstop antics. Mizuiro may be plain, but he is vital for Ichigo's social life at school.
7 Keigo Asano Is Ichigo's Ladies' Man Pal
Keigo Asano's friendship with Ichigo is a bit one-sided, and he is better friends with Mizuiro, whom he's known since middle school. Still, Keigo considers Ichigo part of the gang, and Ichigo will reluctantly play along. Ichigo isn't terribly fond of him, but he also wouldn't hesitate to protect him from bullies or monstrous Hollows.
Unlike the cool and collected Mizuiro, Keigo is like a firecracker, always acting up and looking for another adventure or prank, usually involving beautiful girls. Keigo fancies himself a ladies' man, though the reality must go a long way to catch up with Keigo's self-image.
6 Rukia Kuchiki Is Ichigo's Otherworldly Ally
Rukia Kuchiki of squad 13 is something of a reverse-isekai heroine, traveling from the Soul Society to Karakura Town to slay Hollows. She lost her powers and had to stay in the human realm for weeks or even months on end, giving her and Ichigo plenty of time to become good friends.
It's true that Ichigo and Rukia often annoy each other, but their bond is strong, and each of them will go to great lengths to help the other. Their chemistry is so strong, the fandom often ships Ichigo with Rukia, though it was fated to never be. Friends, they shall remain.
5 Renji Is Another Soul Reaper Ally Of Ichigo's
At first, Renji Abarai of squad 6 was an enemy of Ichigo's, since he helped Captain Byakuya Kuchiki capture Rukia and take her back to the Soul Society to face twisted justice. Renji fought with Ichigo twice until he stood down and accepted Ichigo's way of thinking. Now, Renji is ready to help rescue Rukia, no matter what.
Renji continued to fight by Ichigo's side ever since then, helping him face the traitor Sosuke Aizen and then the many Arrancars that followed Aizen's command. Renji and Ichigo don't always get along perfectly, but they are definitely comrades.
4 Uryu Ishida Is Ichigo's Quincy Friend, Regardless Of Feuds
On paper, the Quincy archer Uryu Ishida should be Ichigo's bitter enemy, since the Soul Reapers and Quincy have a long-standing feud. However, Uryu is better than that, and he and Ichigo learned to become allies and friends rather than enemies. They are also classmates in school.
Uryu is Ichigo's staunch ally, just the way his father Ryuken learned to get along with Ichigo's Soul Reaper father, Isshin Kurosaki. Uryu is also intensely loyal to Orihime, and risked his life to save her in Las Noches. He won't leave any friend behind, on his Quincy honor.
3 Nelliel Became Ichigo's BFF Right Away
Most Arrancars are aggressive thugs or twisted schemers, but not Nelliel Tu Odelschwank, who has a heart of gold. She was betrayed by Nnoitora Gilga, then reverted to a toddler form in the Hueco Mundo desert. When Nelliel met Ichigo, she was afraid at first, but quickly became an ally.
In fact, Nelliel was attached to Ichigo at the hip and ran off after him when he proceeded deeper into Las Noches. They have both risked their lives for the other's sake, and Nelliel repaid the favor when she assumed her adult form to face Nnoitora once again. She also hung out with Ichigo early in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
2 Kisuke Urahara Is A Vital Ally For Ichigo's Cause
Ichigo doesn't often connect with Kisuke Urahara on a personal level, but all the same, Ichigo won't complain if Mr. Urahara shows up to help him save the day. Kisuke proved his worth when he helped Ichigo train to obtain his true zanpakuto, Zangetsu, and Kisuke also helped him get into Las Noches.
Kisuke is cool, funny, and smart, and he never fails to impress Ichigo with his knowledge of spirits and alternate worlds. Without his ally Kisuke on the scene, Ichigo never would have gotten very far in his quest.
1 Hanataro Yamada Was Ichigo's Soul Reaper Friend For A Time
Not all Soul Reapers were hostile to Ichigo's group during the Soul Society arc. For example, a certain Hanataro Yamada from squad 4 became Ichigo's friend and ally during this time, and although he was meek and unassertive, at least he was trying to help.
Hanataro has some healing capabilities, both through kido spells and his gentle shikai. Ichigo appreciated having Hanataro around, and later on, Hanataro helped Byakuya heal Rukia in the Hueco Mundo story arc, too.