In the second season of the popular fantasy-adventureBleach, Ichigo,Chad, Ohime, Ishida, and Master Yoruichi the talking cat pass through the inter-dimensional portal linking Earth to the segregated world of the Soul Society. Lost souls are consigned to the run-down Rukon ("Drifting Spirit Town"), where Yoruichi obtains help from pyrotechnician Kukaku to get into the stronghold the Seireitei.  Although the teen-agers have crossed space and time to rescue Rukia, no one knows where she's imprisoned--or where they are--in that city-sized compound. Ichigo and his new ally Ganju seize timid janitor Hanataro:  He knows where Rukia is and secret ways to get there. Director Noriyuke Abe skillfully mixes overlapping movements, slow-motion, unusual camera angles, reverse colors, and black-and-white to heighten the drama of the sword fights between Ichigo's team and the bizarre-looking officers of the Soul Society. But the internal conflicts often prove more compelling than the external ones. Viewers learn why Chad never uses his awesome strength in his own interest; Ichigo discovers that he must use his sword as an ally, rather than as a tool. By submitting to Zangetsu, the spirit of the sword, he acquires greater power. ButBleachnever stays too serious for too long: Ichigo and Ganju squabble, even in dire straights, and an overhead shot of Ichigo fleeing a squad of Soul Reapers looks like a table-top Pac-Man game.The satisfying balancee of comedy, adventure, and well-choreographed battles has madeBleacha smash hit in Japan and America. (Rated "Teen," suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use.)--Charles Solomon