Bleach 195. Current manga discussion. *MAJOR SPOILERS!*

[Demonic Raven]

Barragan was very powerful, and was willing to wave it around to become king. Stark was even more powerful, but was too lazy to do anything with it. At least that's how I view the situation.

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: Starks is hungry. Hungry like a woooolf.

- Rose and Love attack Starks.
- Love wanted to attack early because he thought Starks would be dangerous after Barragan die. Rose point ou he doesn't seem the revenge type.
- Love unleashes his Shikai and it looks like a oni's club.
- Lynette tells Starks he should fight to avenge Barranagar. Starks doesn't feel like helping Aizen. Lynette remind him it Aizen who gave him his # 1 Espada because he had faith in him.
- Love hits Starks with the oni club and Starks crashes into nearby buildings.
- Starks vanishes. Rose and Love look up and see him with a pack of wolf. End of chapter.

[bigdeath]

Starrk seems motivated finally. I'm going to enjoy this, Starrk is my favorite.

[RockmanDash]

Stark is getting the wolves out! I knew Stark was not all cero guns, it's going to be interesting to see him at full power. I'm guessing were most likely going to see the results of Stark and Harribel's two battles and then it will switch to Hueco Mundo after Aizen making some evil speech like he always does.

But really if I see Aizen saying "I suspected this too happen! I knew Ichigo would get a hollow mask and develop more powers and take down the Espada waiting for him at Hueco Mundo, I knew the Vizards would come and.."

>_> He better not pull a Soul Society. Sometimes I wonder if Kubo even knows what to do when it comes to getting Aizen defeated.

[Lelouch]

>_> He better not pull a Soul Society. Sometimes I wonder if Kubo even knows what to do when it comes to getting Aizen defeated.

Ichigo power hax.

And I'm not even kidding.

This chapter makes me think that Stark will survive.

[RockmanDash]

Ichigo power hax.

And I'm not even kidding.

This chapter makes me think that Stark will survive.

Stark will most likely win the battle from what I can tell, and then Harribel will most likely die from Lisa.

And also from what I can tell, Aizen will most likely start beating the crud out of everyone soon, which leads to the Hueco Mundo crew saving everyone's butt because Yamamato is too lazy at the moment.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Megaman X
Stark will most likely win the battle from what I can tell, and then Harribel will most likely die from Lisa.

I'm not too sure about that. I mean really so far all Starrk's going on is some slight encouragment from Lilyentte to get his fighting gumption. That dosen't mean he's going to win though. I mean we haven't even seen Rose's shikai, or the two bankais (they were both captains so they must have some sort of Bankai). Besies if Harribel was to die in a one on one battle so easily Kubo would of done it already around or before Barragan's death. I say a more likley scenario is Starrk ending up being killed by Love and Rose, and Harribel revealing she has a special second resurrecion. One that can only be used by absorbing the remants of powerful dead hollows and gets the power to knock everyoen around for awhile.

... Okay I doubt that will happen but that's what I'd like to happen.

[Lelouch]

I don't think Stark will win, I just think that he will choose to stop fighting. Maybe not turn against Aizen, but realize that they are fighting a pointless battle?

[RockmanDash]

I'm not too sure about that. I mean really so far all Starrk's going on is some slight encouragment from Lilyentte to get his fighting gumption. That dosen't mean he's going to win though. I mean we haven't even seen Rose's shikai, or the two bankais (they were both captains so they must have some sort of Bankai). Besies if Harribel was to die in a one on one battle so easily Kubo would of done it already around or before Barragan's death. I say a more likley scenario is Starrk ending up being killed by Love and Rose, and Harribel revealing she has a special second resurrecion. One that can only be used by absorbing the remants of powerful dead hollows and gets the power to knock everyoen around for awhile.

... Okay I doubt that will happen but that's what I'd like to happen.

I like it but I just can't stand seeing the number one Espada being taking down, Stark is probably one of the only interesting characters left. If he does end up being killed by Love and Rose, it better be one heck of a land slide. Yet I do like your idea for Harribel though, I really would not see that coming at all.

[Captain Highwind]

Starrrrk?

Starks?

Why is he suddenly having a million re-spellings lately? The internet exploded.

You can win this, number one. They made a song after you.

[Mr. Obsession]

So, Love's giant Oni club has fire based attacks? Fire seems to be the most prevalent elemental zanpakuto type.


I say a more likley scenario is Starrk ending up being killed by Love and Rose, and Harribel revealing she has a special second resurrecion. One that can only be used by absorbing the remants of powerful dead hollows and gets the power to knock everyoen around for awhile.
Well, that's a different take on her "sacrifice" death theme, sacrificing the other Espada so she can gain power. And it would explain why she seems to be going last.

Though I still believe that after the remaining Espada have fallen she will either reveal her trump card power and sacrifice herself to either create the King’s Key for Aizen, or sacrifice herself to restore the fallen Esapada, who will then mop the floor with the good guys now that they have experience with their abilities.

[Lelouch]

If she does have the power to sacrifice herself in order to ressurect the others, I'd hope that they come back stronger. I mean, if Aaerenerio (sp?) can be taken down by Rukia...then he (and the others) really are not nearly strong enough to take on the Captains + Vizard. I'd really like this idea because it'd be awesome if Ulquiorra came back.

Oh, and does anyone else think that Ichigo might be the final "enemy"? It really does seem to be building the story up to that point. And when I say enemy, I say enemy to Soul Society, who may be the ones considered evil at this point. Ichigo is ridiculously powerful, but also because he really has no control over Hichigo at this point. Sure, he gained the mask and whatnot, but his fight against Ulquiorra pretty much proved that Hichigo still has the ability to take control when he wants. If and when SS figures out about his powers, he will definately be a target.

[garfield15]

If and when SS figures out about his powers, he will definately be a target.
Well in the Lurichiyo arc, he used the mask right in front of everybody including Yamamoto and they all seemed fine with it. :p

[Lelouch]

Well in the Lurichiyo arc, he used the mask right in front of everybody including Yamamoto and they all seemed fine with it. :p

Silence you. Filler doesn't count. Though, Byakuya has also seen a bit of Hichigo...I am surprised he has never brought it up...with anyone. Or maybe that is how Rukia knew?

[RockmanDash]

Silence you. Filler doesn't count. Though, Byakuya has also seen a bit of Hichigo...I am surprised he has never brought it up...with anyone. Or maybe that is how Rukia knew?

Remember Byakuya's words after Ichigo transformed back?

"I won't say anything more about what I just saw, now let's finish this"

Byakuya most likely felt he had no reason to tell anyone else about Ichigo's hollow like form.

And yeah...the princess arc never existed in my opinion...it's in some strange dimension of it's own, way too many plotholes in that one to fix.

Lelouch as for your idea of Ichigo being the final "enemy", I would not be surprised if he was hunted down in the end. This Karkura town/Hueco Mundo arc will most likely be done by next year at this pace and a new arc is most likely going to start up by the end of next year. But as for the complete ending for the series, I see the border between the Soul Society, the world of the living, and Hueco Mundo being sealed for good somehow, yet I'm probably forgetting important plot devices that makes that impossible but heh...

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: Rose and Love take on Starks and his wolf pack.

- Starks attacks Rose and Love along side his wolf pack.
- Love and Rose release their shikai. Rose' shikai is a rose whip.
- As the wolfs explodes, Love discovers they are Ceros in wolf form. This is Starks and Linette ability.
- The wolves surround Love and Rose in a huge explosion. Both of them go down.
- Starks tell them to surrender and start talking about Aizen only to be stab in heart by a unknown person. Chapter ends.

[Scirel]

Aw man... I hope that blow isn`t lethal.

Also, 5 bucks says it's Wonderweiss, who is just that psycho.

[Grave]

For some reason I want to say it's either Shunsui or Kensei. Need pictures of the stab.

[garfield15]

I would so love it if it was Wonderweiss. Just because he's that awesome.

Though if I were to guess I'd say either Grimmjow or maybe Urahara should get in on the action.

[FireStarterLE]

For some reason I want to say it's either Shunsui or Kensei

And my vote is Ukitake or Shunsui.

Since chapter is not out yet I'll use tags:
Doesn't seem like Shunsui's style but he may have a "vicious" side that we haven't seen yet.

Ukitake was blindsided by Wonderweiss in the back so he could return the favor by doing it to Stark and catching him off guard.


And if I had to go with a Mystery #3 Pick, I'd be vague and go with someone originating from H.M.

[Novapocalypse]

Maybe it's Urahara or Isshin.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by ShadowGUN
This week chapter: Rose and Love take on Starks and his wolf pack.

Rose: Oh no, not only do we have to face a pack, but Stark multiplied himself.
Love: No I think someone just put an extra s into his name.
Rose: I thought it was r.
Love: No the r's are the romanticzed version of the names.
Rose: It's not really romantic to make the name a lot harder to say.
Love: Well I guess it is in Japan.




Starks attacks Rose and Love along side his wolf pack.

Love: Hold up. Aren't you the Espada of Lonliness? Why do you have a pack?
Starrk: I guess it's more I don't care personality that defines my name instead of my arrancar power. Between having a little annoying twit as my Zanpakto and having my own pack.
Lilyenette: Who are you calling a twit? Don't forget even as a gun I can still inflict comedy damage on you.
Starrk: Weren't you suppose to be giving me some sort of "never give up" speech last week?
Lilyenette: I'm a girl. It's perfectly sensible if we start flip flopping between emotions at the drop of a hat.
Starrk: Oh...



- Love and Rose release their shikai. Rose' shikai is a rose whip.

Starrk: (Sarcastic) Oh no, a rose whip. I'm so scared. What next, you going to try attacking me with your deadly plants?
Rose: Hey this is an original attack.
Love: No it's not. I told you Yu Yu Hakusho already called dibs on rose whips.
Rose: Hey I had this over 100 years before they came out.
Love: Yeah stop trying to justify in story logic with the actual real world timeline. Dosen't work.
Rose: Oh yeah, like that time you tried enacting that scene from Fist Of The North Star-
Love: No, that failed because everyone said I should Fist Of The Nose Hair, because of the connections between the dubs of BoBoBo and Bleach. Though at least my character didn't sound like some jelly fusion stuck between peace nick and uber powerful butt kicker like a certain person we know.
Ichigo: (offscreen) Hey I'm not even suppose to be mentioned here. I"m... wait what the hell am I suppose to be doing?



- As the wolfs explodes, Love discovers they are Ceros in wolf form. This is Starks and Linette ability.

Okay I'm going to interject here and admit that is cool: Having Wolves end up being freaking energy beams. Not even Dr. Evil's blasting bolt sharks have anything on that.

Love: Awesome as this is how do you get energy to act like wolves?
Starrk: Obviously you missed the part of the storyline where we tossed away logical things like that.



- The wolves surround Love and Rose in a huge explosion. Both of them go down.

Rose: You know in retrospect seeing as how Starrk was able to take on two of our former captain peers when they were in their Shikai, we should of gone Bankai from the start.
Love: Yeah but true superheroes start at their more meager strength and work their way up to show off more of their techniques.
Rose: That's MANGA heroes. Real superheroes don't do that crap.
Love: Oh yeah.



- Starks tell them to surrender and start talking about Aizen only to be stab in heart by a unknown person. Chapter ends.

Narrator: Who stabbed Starrk? Was it Kyrokau? Wonderweiss? Grimmjow?
Starrk: That theory makes no sense.
Narrator: Mr. Garrison?
Starrk: ... That only makes slightly less sense.

Seriously though

I have no idea who it is but with how they at least built up Barragan with 3-4 chapters even after Vizard assistance I doubt Starrk Will be finished off so quickly. Part of me has a feeling it's actually Harribel who is using the theory I proposed a couple days back about using the aspect of sacrifice to power up to secondary resurrecion. Sounds like of doubtful but about as concrete as some of the other theories floating around here

[Mr. Obsession]

My money's on Gin, for the lulz. Or because things are taking too long.

[Malex]

I say it is going to be...



...wait for it...




...a Bleach character! :D


I guess I was the only one who thought of Super Ghost Kamizake when reading the spoiler.

[Captain Highwind]

God I want it to be Isshin, but it still feels too early. Money goes to Urahara. ...Or maybe Urahara brought Isshin to tag team with him.

Or for a boring answer, one of the other Vaizards or Yamamoto.

(I still don't know if this is supposed to be the Winter War lulz)

[silvanoir]

I'll say it's Tousen. Because he's a jerk that likes to stab people in the back. Figuratively. Literally. ;)

But really, I can't be very excited about new Bleach chapters these days because its all a bunch of weird fighting techniques (wolf-bombs? REALLY?) that go back and forth for a few weeks, followed by the Espada being defeated. :yawn: At this point, even though I like Stark and Hallibel, I wish it would stop being drawn out and just kill them already. It's not like they'll ever get any story outside their fight and a brief flashback. Sigh.

I'll call it. Next week: Stark's flashback scenes and his slow death, then the Hallibel fight will start up.

Maybe by the end of the year Aizen will reveal his new devious plan and things will get interesting again.

[anime_guru]

I'll say it's Tousen. Because he's a jerk that likes to stab people in the back. Figuratively. Literally. ;)

But really, I can't be very excited about new Bleach chapters these days because its all a bunch of weird fighting techniques (wolf-bombs? REALLY?) that go back and forth for a few weeks, followed by the Espada being defeated. :yawn: At this point, even though I like Stark and Hallibel, I wish it would stop being drawn out and just kill them already. It's not like they'll ever get any story outside their fight and a brief flashback. Sigh.

I'll call it. Next week: Stark's flashback scenes and his slow death, then the Hallibel fight will start up.

Maybe by the end of the year Aizen will reveal his new devious plan and things will get interesting again.

could also be yamaji =)
but tht would be too too nice...
maybe it was shun...honestly he has a lot more fight left in him..

[Grave]

And my vote is Ukitake or Shunsui.

Since chapter is not out yet I'll use tags:[spoiler]
Doesn't seem like Shunsui's style but he may have a "vicious" side that we haven't seen yet.
Don't forget that Shunsui's been doing a lot of things that's unexpected... according to Stark.

[Lelouch]

It's not Tousen, he is with Shinji. And I doubt it is Shinsui or Ukitake, if only because a blow from behind is rather...dishonorable, and I don't see either one of them resorting to that kind of low. Then again, maybe one of them realized this is a war and that sometimes you have to fight dirty. I HIGHLY suspect it to be either Aizen or Gin. Aizen because Stark showed mercy, and Gin because he is a bastard like that.

Also, I wouldn't be too worried about Stark being dead...if Barragan was given...what, 3 chapters more? Then I doubt Stark will get the short end of the stick. Plus....I thought Arrancars didn't have hearts? I think it is safe to say he will be pretty injured...but I wonder how this affects Lillinette.

[garfield15]

And just think. Stark was only two days away from retirement! :p

[Lelouch]

...I don't get it?

[Malex]

...I don't get it?

It's a reference to the latest Nostalgia Critic review with SpoonyOne and Linkara. Basically, Starrk is going to die soon.

[silvanoir]

It's not Tousen, he is with Shinji.
I said it was him as a joke, hence the winky emoticon.

[Grave]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2nhqq1h.jpg

Err... Is that really a sword? Maybe that is Gin..

[Captain Highwind]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2nhqq1h.jpg

Err... Is that really a sword? Maybe that is Gin..

I forget what his 'shoot to kill' looks like...

...

So I'll say it's Isshin with a shotgun!

[Lighthammer]

I was trying to break down the question of who stabbed him earlier with a friend.

The only clue we really have is that the actual blade looks kind of like Zangetsu.

That limits us to going through the list of Zanpakdous that we know look remotely like Zangetsu (few) and the Zanpakdous that we haven't seen a release in the anime yet.

Here's the list I've come up with:

Shinigami

Sasakibe: Squad 1 Vice - We've seen his release as a Sabre in games, but never in the anime (and pretty sure not in the manga).
Isane: Squad 4 Vice - Doubtful since the last time we've seen her, she was in Heuco Mondo. We haven't seen her release yet though.
Iba: Squad 7 Vice - His release is a Falchion so, of the releases we've seen before, his might be the very closest match in shape from this shot we saw of the sab.
Nanao: Squad 8 Vice - We haven't seen her release either, but I actually don't recall seeing her on the battle field yet.
Hisagi: Squad 9 Vice - His Zanpakdou does kind of fit the profile. Last we saw he was engaged with Tousen though.
Ikkau: Squad 10 3rd Seat - His Zanpakdou again kinda looks right.

Vizards


Lisa: We still haven't seen her release.
Mashiro:We haven't seen her release yet. More over, she doesn't seem to be occupied yet.
Hiyori: We haven't seen her release yet.
Shinji: We haven't seen his release yet. He may or may not be involved ATM. Last we saw of Sinji, Komamura and Hisgai were rushing to his aid.

Others


Isshin: I think Isshin needs no introduction. Being Ichigo's father, he may have a similar Zanpakdou.
Tessai: We learned Kido Corps members have Zanpakdous too and we haven't seen his sword yet.

[ShadowGUN]

So their full names are Coyote Stark and Lilynette Gingerback. Although I have wonder why someone call Coyote Stark has a wolf pack as a special attack. Anyway good chapter.

[silvanoir]

So their full names are Coyote Stark and Lilynette Gingerback. Although I have wonder why someone call Coyote Stark has a wolf pack as a special attack. Anyway good chapter.

Because it makes as much sense as having a sidekick who is a little girl that runs around in her underwear and turns into a talking gun.

Don't try to make too much sense out of anything in Bleach, it will only make your brain hurt. Just roll with the crazy.

[Lelouch]

I was trying to break down the question of who stabbed him earlier with a friend.

The only clue we really have is that the actual blade looks kind of like Zangetsu.

That limits us to going through the list of Zanpakdous that we know look remotely like Zangetsu (few) and the Zanpakdous that we haven't seen a release in the anime yet.

Here's the list I've come up with:


Shinigami

Sasakibe: Squad 1 Vice - We've seen his release as a Sabre in games, but never in the anime (and pretty sure not in the manga).
Isane: Squad 4 Vice - Doubtful since the last time we've seen her, she was in Heuco Mondo. We haven't seen her release yet though.
Iba: Squad 7 Vice - His release is a Falchion so, of the releases we've seen before, his might be the very closest match in shape from this shot we saw of the sab.
Nanao: Squad 8 Vice - We haven't seen her release either, but I actually don't recall seeing her on the battle field yet.
Hisagi: Squad 9 Vice - His Zanpakdou does kind of fit the profile. Last we saw he was engaged with Tousen though.
Ikkau: Squad 10 3rd Seat - His Zanpakdou again kinda looks right.
Vizards


Lisa: We still haven't seen her release.
Mashiro:We haven't seen her release yet. More over, she doesn't seem to be occupied yet.
Hiyori: We haven't seen her release yet.
Shinji: We haven't seen his release yet. He may or may not be involved ATM. Last we saw of Sinji, Komamura and Hisgai were rushing to his aid.
Others


Isshin: I think Isshin needs no introduction. Being Ichigo's father, he may have a similar Zanpakdou.
Tessai: We learned Kido Corps members have Zanpakdous too and we haven't seen his sword yet.


I doubt it is any of the Shinigami that you have mentioned. And all of the Vizard's you mentioned are paired with a different opponent. I could see it being Isshin, which I think would be completely badass. Tessai...not so much, I think if he is going to be involved he is going to stick to Kido.

As far as good guys...I could see it being Isshin, Urahara, or maybe Yoruichi. I'd say Ukitake and Shunsui also, but they might find that tactic a little distasteful.

But I still think it was Gin because Stark showed mercy...

[Mr. Obsession]

I wish I could take credit for this, but “Wolves Ain’t Grammer Good Either.” Silly Kubo. Sometimes his grasp on the structure of the English language is surprisingly good. Other times we get stuff like: “Wolves Ain’t Howl Alone.”


Sasakibe: Squad 1 Vice - We've seen his release as a Sabre in games, but never in the anime (and pretty sure not in the manga).
He, Issani, and Omeada all did their releases (in both the anime and the manga) when Ichigo faced them barehanded at Rukia's execution. Sasakibe has a fencing sword of some type (I've seen people say both saber and rapier). Besides didn't he go back to guarding the entrance to Fake Karakura Town?

As for the shape of whatever is stabbing Starrk, I think Kubo's using some artistic license to convey that whatever stabbed him is moving very, very quickly. Whatever did it is probably a standard katana-type blade.

Also, I think any suspect who isn't captain level can be eliminated from the list. Starrk, especially in his release form, being a high ranked Espada is going to have incredibly tough Hierro. Think about the kind of power it took to wound Ulquiorra and Barragan (hell, Harribel still doesn't have a scratch on her).

Of the characters on the scene:
Soi Fon and Hachi are free following Barragan's death, but are wounded.
Tosen (backstabbing is kind of his thing), Komamura, and Hisagi (and his release, which is more like a scythe, is used by throwing it and making it spin) are busy dealing with each other. Shinji may or may not be involved.
WW appears to be down, Kensei and Mashiro are free. Although if it was Mashiro it would have been a kick.
Aizen and Gin are free.
Yamamoto is free.
Shunsui and Ukitake are both down, but Shunsui is faking to some degree.
Lisa is fighting Harribel, while Hitsugaya and Hiyori are bickering. Either of the later could leave.
Rose and Love obviously didn't do it.
Kira's healing Momo and Matsumoto. None of them are going anywhere. Plus as I said above I seriously doubt any of them have the strength to pull this off.
Ikkaku is free, and coming back into the story to fight an Espada with his full strength in front of everyone would be an awesome follow up to Iba's manly speech of manliness. The problem is, Ikkaku's the kind of guy who will always face an opponent head on. Iba's also free, but he's not even close to captain level. And Yumichika's "shikai" is a slicing weapon, not a stabbing weapon.

Based on the above I'd say the most likely, barring someone who isn't currently on the scene like Urahara or Isshin, or an unseen escape from Hueco Mundo, would be:
Aizen
Gin, acting on Aizen's orders. Plus stabbing someone in the back would be the kind of dick move he'd find amusing.
Yamamoto
Shunsui. He doesn't seem as idealistic as Ukitake and it would be payback for Starrk shooting him in the back earlier.
Kensei
Shinji
Hiyori
Hitsugaya (oh dear god in heaven no)

[Demonic Raven]

Based on the above I'd say the most likely, barring someone who isn't currently on the scene like Urahara or Isshin, or an unseen escape from Hueco Mundo, would be:

Aizen
Gin, acting on Aizen's orders. Plus stabbing someone in the back would be the kind of dick move he'd find amusing.
Yamamoto
Shunsui. He doesn't seem as idealistic as Ukitake and it would be payback for Starrk shooting him in the back earlier.
Kensei
Shinji
Hiyori
Hitsugaya (oh dear god in heaven no)

I was going to make a similar post about what the possibilities are, but I basically agree with you.

I'm leaning towards Shunsui, since I believe he really was faking it and thought that now was a good time to get back into the ring. Gin is another possibility, if kind of a weird one. Aizen would have had to of ordered it, but why would he? It would be a hell of a twist if he starts to turn on the Espada, but I kind of doubt it. It certainly could be a Vizard coming to the aid of his buddies, and the one the least tied up seems to be Kensei, so I'd say it could also be him.

So basically, I'm saying Shunsui or Kensei. OR maybe Isshin or Urahara if they decide to pull that kind of card. This manga has too many characters. At this point you practically need a chart to remember who's doing what, but I digress.

[Lighthammer]

Even after breaking down the list, my gut feeling is that it's Shinji.

Shinji has demonstrated in the past that he's willing to forgo "Honorable fighting" in a grave situation or in a situation that he feels could spin out of control fast.

Case and Point: When he fought Grimmy, he opted to go full power to mitigate Grimmy getting a chance to beat him with an unusual tactic.

[Captain Highwind]

I HIGHLY suspect it to be either Aizen or Gin. Aizen because Stark showed mercy, and Gin because he is a bastard like that.

I guess Aizen could have ordered the hit because, not only did Stark show mercy, but he lost trust in Aizen by saying that 'He's going to let us die anyway.' I'd imagine desertion's a big taboo in Aizen's ranks.

Still kind of strange for it to be Aizen or Gin, since Stark was winning. At least wait for him to finish...

[garfield15]

I can't believe nobody mentioned that Rose's release is pretty much Kurama's Rose Whip.

I also can't believe that Stark's Wolf pack thing is like a direct copy of Gotenks' Super Ghost Kamikaze attack....only with wolves.

"Wolves' ain't howl alone." LOL grammar.

[Mr. Obsession]

Gin is another possibility, if kind of a weird one. Aizen would have had to of ordered it, but why would he? It would be a hell of a twist if he starts to turn on the Espada, but I kind of doubt it.
Something hit me. We know from a few chapters ago when WW appeared on the scene that, at least according to Starrk, it meant that Aizen is in a hurry. Based on what we've been told, everything's happening in Karakura Town because it's the right corodanates to create the Kings Key before the lines shift or something. The problem is, with Fake Karakura Town the number of souls required to create the Key is missing. Except the top three Espada are all arrancar created from high level menos, composed of thousands upon thousands of hollow, which were all once ordinary souls. What if the deaths of Starrk, Barragan, and Harribel and their fraccion in and/or above the location that is Fake Karakura Town is enough to create the Kings Key?

This is Aizen after all. Granted neither he (or was he? >__>) nor Yamamoto were expecting the Visoreds to show up. But his side has still been doing fairly well despite the shinigami having the advantage in numbers. I can just imagine Aizen, following the defeat of the Espada saying to the utterly exhausted Captains gathered: "Congratulations, you've defeated my Espada and in doing so given me exactly what I wanted. So long suckers!"

[Lelouch]

I think that would be completely insane, and the good kind. Granted, I would hate Aizen even more for doing so, but it would be completely badass and horrible. I'd feel even worse for the Espada then I did for Momo.

Though, something inside me still thinks that Aizen is already long gone and he just has them all under hynosis right now.

One more thing, something I was thinking about this morning...

I really think the one to finish off Aizen should be Orihime. To be honest, I feel as if she is the only one who can actually do it and the battle not seem like a hax. Why? Because she has the ability to erase things from existence. Granted, we have been let down by Orihime time and time again so I don't expect this to happen, but I kind of wish it would. At least then she would get the last laugh for him telling her what her powers really are.

I also (would) see this happening in a way that also results in Orihime's death...which would make Ichigo go insane and fully access Hichigo's powers, turning SS against him and thus setting up for the next arc.

[garfield15]

Don_East would not like that theory. :p

[Paul_Cousins]

Something hit me. We know from a few chapters ago when WW appeared on the scene that, at least according to Starrk, it meant that Aizen is in a hurry. Based on what we've been told, everything's happening in Karakura Town because it's the right corodanates to create the Kings Key before the lines shift or something. The problem is, with Fake Karakura Town the number of souls required to create the Key is missing. Except the top three Espada are all arrancar created from high level menos, composed of thousands upon thousands of hollow, which were all once ordinary souls. What if the deaths of Starrk, Barragan, and Harribel and their fraccion in and/or above the location that is Fake Karakura Town is enough to create the Kings Key?

This is Aizen after all. Granted neither he (or was he? >__>) nor Yamamoto were expecting the Visoreds to show up. But his side has still been doing fairly well despite the shinigami having the advantage in numbers. I can just imagine Aizen, following the defeat of the Espada saying to the utterly exhausted Captains gathered: "Congratulations, you've defeated my Espada and in doing so given me exactly what I wanted. So long suckers!"That makes sense. I can see Aizen doing that.

[RockmanDash]

Don_East would not like that theory. :p

As much as that is sad, it is very possible though. Orihime has yet to get a power up or much development and I don't want to think that Tite Kubo has nothing planned for her besides being the captured girl of the arc.

[Don_East]

Don_East would not like that theory. :p
You're darn right I won't.


As much as that is sad, it is very possible though. Orihime has yet to get a power up or much development and I don't want to think that Tite Kubo has nothing planned for her besides being the captured girl of the arc.
I hold out hope that her upgrade eventually but her demise would be the worst case scenerio. The even worse case scenerio is that happening and a color page comes out with Ichigo & Rukia making out on her grave, like it was a mandate by Joe Quesada.

The thing is, we don't know what will happen to Orihime yet. Or Ichigo, Uyru, and just about all the main characters. These fights are taking up way too much time and makes Kubo look bad in the process, as if he's dragging out these fights until he can think of a good idea to work with. I can describe my opinion on the last few chapters in four words...



http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2796/godgotonwithit.jpg
"GET ON WITH IT!"

[Beat]

To be fair, this is no different from the pace of most of Kubo's fights.

I don't want Orihime to die mostly because there's still a lot that can be done with her. Unfortunately, the way Kubo has written her, most of the cool stuff involves her becoming the villain of her own arc, a sort of Hollow Queen or something equally evil. And as I've noted before, Evilhime would rock. She'd be the kind of villain that wouldn't even need to stand up to erase a Soul Society captain from existence. And when she does stand up, everyone better start running.

I don't see Kubo killing in a lead or even a major supporting character. In his quest to make Bleach NOT Zombie Powder, he has gone out of his way to avoid needless death. Unfortunately, he lacks the talent to gently excuse characters from the story, causing a lot of needless hanging around.

[Rud]

While it'd be cool to have an evil Orihime, it isn't necessary, Orihime is fine the way she is in her current characterization (it lets her play a role which somebody has to play anyway, and shes been made to play it well), yeah, she should develop to become stronger (mentally and all that), but becoming evil or something like a complete change in what she is isn't necessary, it'd just be ridiculous.

[RockmanDash]

You know, thinking back to when this Karkura town fighting started... I really hope we are in a completely different background and area by next summer. >_> It's like a snail moving one inch each week.

[animeshark]

You know, thinking back to when this Karkura town fighting started... I really hope we are in a completely different background and area by next summer. >_> It's like a snail moving one inch each week.

Lol, very true. Though one would wonder where the next arc will take place and for how long. Plus, who is going to be that arc's damsel in distress.

[1 of 3]

Alternate theory for if it's Aizen or Gin:

It was to prevent Starrk from finishing off Love and Rose as Aizen wants to turn them and the rest of the Vizard into creatures like H2 Ichigo and make them his 'perfect' Espada.

[ShadowGUN]

Early spoilers confirm it was

Shunsui who stab Starrk. I guess this payback for being shot in back by Starrk.

[garfield15]

Early spoilers confirm it was

Shunsui who stab Starrk. I guess this payback for being shot in back by Starrk.
OWNED!

And someone put up that Colbert picture. I know they want to.

[ShadowGUN]

More spoilers are out.

- After stabbing Starrk, Shunsui unleashed his ability.
- Shunsui ability consists of making rules of a game and the opponent has to play by the rules. The spoiler say this is Shunsui bankai.
- Shunsui rules are that he and Starrk call out a color they are wearing and they have to attack the place where that color is.
- Starrk goes into flashback mode. His flashback explain how he and Linette separated.
- The chapter end with Shunsui dealing a killing blow to Starrk.

[Mr. Obsession]

...

I almost, almost want those spoilers to be fake. Because that is the lamest idea for a bankai I have ever heard.-

[garfield15]

More spoilers are out.

- After stabbing Starrk, Shunsui unleashed his ability.
- Shunsui ability consists of making rules of a game and the opponent has to play by the rules. The spoiler say this is Shunsui bankai.
- Shunsui rules are that he and Starrk call out a color they are wearing and they have to attack the place where that color is.
- Starrk goes into flashback mode. His flashback explain how he and Linette separated.
- The chapter end with Shunsui dealing a killing blow to Starrk.
.....

What the hell was that? For Christ's sake Stark, you're number freakin' 1? What is Yammy going to be taken down by beating him at a staring contest?

And wasn't that done in Yu Yu Hakusho? Like in the exact same way except it was the alphabet?

(I need Neo Ultra Mike commentary)

[Rocketboy]

Whoa.

That's.. really awesome.

[GWOtaku]

.....

And wasn't that done in Yu Yu Hakusho? Like in the exact same way except it was the alphabet?

(I need Neo Ultra Mike commentary)

Yes, it functions similarly to territories in YYH's Sensui arc. Each one had had its own rules that could the user could use against opponents, and they usually suited the talents and personality of the individual. This Bankai is far beyond Kaito or Gamemaster, though, since the terms aren't preset. Shunsui can seemingly choose the rules of his "territory," which theoretically allows him to make up whatever rules are most disadvantageous to his opponent.

Oh, and assuming that this is the end of Stark, it isn't stupid. First of all, Bleach takes too long to get things done, so moving right along is good. Also, as long as we're talking Yu Yu Hakusho, at one point Yusuke was subdued by a territory talent despite being far stronger than its user.

[Paul_Cousins]

.....

What the hell was that? For Christ's sake Stark, you're number freakin' 1? What is Yammy going to be taken down by beating him at a staring contest?

And wasn't that done in Yu Yu Hakusho? Like in the exact same way except it was the alphabet?

(I need Neo Ultra Mike commentary)Yea, and the YYH form was cool because it was a duel of wits between geniuses and was a very will thought out scene and game.

[Grave]

...

I almost, almost want those spoilers to be fake. Because that is the lamest idea for a bankai I have ever heard.-
I'm leaning towards this but, before I make any type of criticisms I need pictures or more of a detailed spoiler. If that is Shunsui's bankai then that seriously makes me almost not even want to see anybody elses bankai.

[garfield15]

Oh, and assuming that this is the end of Stark, it isn't stupid. First of all, Bleach takes too long to get things done, so moving right along is good. But I prefer things to move along without it looking rather dumb. True, Shunsui's bankai is unexpected but this battle wasn't a battle of wits like YYH's and he didn't even get a cool death like Barragan's. He lost a game. The 1 Espada lost a game and that's why he lost.

He didn't even get a backstory chapter which I actually liked for Barragan, he got a quick flashback. Sure, it's probably going to be touching but I'd at least have liked him to die with some really cool swordplay.

Also, as long as we're talking Yu Yu Hakusho, at one point Yusuke was subdued by a territory talent despite being far stronger than its user.Yep. The shadow dude. I remember that short little mini-arc to set up for Chapter Black.

Also, now I'm frightened for Ukitake's bankai.

[SigmasonicX]

For the record, more detailed spoilers have shown that:

Shunsui can't chose the rules of the games. Instead, his zanpakuto chooses it for him. Also, it seems like it might actually be the ability of his shikai, since the spoilers state that his sword hasn't changed in appearance at all, and there was nothing to indicate that he had gone bankai.

Here are the more detailed spoilers:

The one who stabbed was Kyouraku and he came out from Stark's shadow
My ability is to turn a child's play into reality"
If you're the shadow-monster, you lose if your shadow gets stepped on.
If you're the tall-monster, you win by being the taller one. You die if you lose and live if you win. (TN: I think this refers to some traditional Japanese children's games)
According to the naming of the sword, once you go into that area, you have no choice but to play by the rules.
The rules and way to play is decided by the sword itself, and it's a chore to be pushed around by it~
The duel is starting,
"Iroki, haiiro" (Monster of color, gray) Kyouraku says and attacks Stark.
Stark: "Somehow even when i feel I've been cut down, I don't see that kind of wound...


The part where I was cut is gray... a bit of a worry
Kyouraku: Oi oi what are you doing? It's your turn, you have to give a color to attack
Stark: (He doesn't have anything gray...) Monster of color, white
Kyouraku's expression changed and on his back was a splash-shaped wound and a tremendous amount of blood is sprayed out.
Kyouraku: Crap. After all the pain of thinking about trying to explain the rules a bit at a time.
To think about what will instead be a large damage to yourself and turn it to an attack. And you can give your opponent a large blow by aiming for the weakness.
You already understood it...This is why you're a pain in the ass!!
(TN: Essentially to name the color you have on yourself, and do the damage to the opponent. This is why Stark was able to damage Shunsui badly by naming "white")

Stark: Right back at you!! (Why do I have to fight someone this strong?)
Stark's flashback
I envy the weak ones. The ones around me will soon become corpses.
Because of the loneliess, I have split my soul into two, I've already forgotten which one of us is the original.
I envy the weak ones. They are able to live in groups.
If someone as strong as me joined as my comrade...

Stark cut across the Happi (Kyouraku's captain coat) that was thrown at him.
Kyouraku is now all in black. "Monster of color, Black!"
Stark got cut open everywhere

[Grave]

That's actually a lot better and make's me look forward to seeing it now. :)

[1 of 3]

Not really surprised or disappointed that it ended up being Shinsui.

If this is only his OTHER shikia ability, geez...there's no way for these guys are gonna lose (barring of course, the massive "Just As Planned" Aizen has coming).

I'm past being disappointed with the Espada's performance.

(I was one of those sad folks who was hoping for a face turn by some of the Espada, but I gave up on that around when Harribel's fraccions died. Now I just pity them.)

[thenewme93]

*Sigh* So are they still on Karakura, or wat?

[RockmanDash]

I have to admit, that ability for Shunsui is really awesome, and I'm glad to see that he's the one who takes down Stark. And then there was Harribel..

So that means we only got Harrible vs Lisa, and the fight with Tosen.

After that...the plot can finally move somewhere. >_>

[bigdeath]

Nooooooooooooooooooo, Starrk has to live! :ack:

[RockmanDash]

Nooooooooooooooooooo, Starrk has to live! :ack:

And keep the plot going slow? Oh no thanks, Stark is going bye bye. :p

[mumbo]

I have to admit, that ability for Shunsui is really awesome, and I'm glad to see that he's the one who takes down Stark. And then there was Harribel..

So that means we only got Harrible vs Lisa, and the fight with Tosen.

After that...the plot can finally move somewhere. >_>
Well, then everyone vs. Yammy back in Hueco Mundo. I'm not sure if that'll happen before or after Tosen. This means about three more fights until we move on to the big two - Aizen and Gin.

Haribel will probalby have some especially broken power though, since for some reason as the #3 she's being saved for last (or presumably second last because of Yammy).

But yeah after over 50 chapters of nothing but consecutive fights, I'm just ready to get these last ones over with and move on with some actual plot.

[Mr. Obsession]

For the record, more detailed spoilers have shown that:Ok, in more detail it does sound better. I still need to see it before I'm sold though. I still have to question the usefulness of a power that has the potential to let your opponent to kill you.

And am I the only one who can hear the game developers crying? :p

[bigdeath]

And keep the plot going slow? Oh no thanks, Stark is going bye bye. :p

Plot? What plot? Bleach doesn't have a plot. All that matter is that the cool characters can show off in flashy battles. And Starrk is far too cool to die. DON'T DIE, PLEASE!

[Captain Highwind]

Shunsui should have gotten a Roulette/Dice Roll limit break, like Cait Sith. When used correctly it can take down Weapons.

[/slaps himself in the face so he stops talking about FFVII]

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Garfield15
(I need Neo Ultra Mike commentary)

Ask and ye shall recieve.


After stabbing Starrk, Shunsui unleashed his ability.

Starrk: Damn, you stabbed me? I thought it was Gin.
Shunsui: Why?
Gin: Yeah why would I do that?
Starrk: Because you were ordered by Aizen after I showed mercy or you're crazy or... something.
Gin: You've been listening to too many forums.
Starrk: It's what Kubo should do, because they actually know this story should revovle around more then just fights against enemies that are being easily slaughtered after being given a tremendous load of hype.
Rose: (Overheard) Whip snap... if I could still use my whip.



Shunsui ability consists of making rules of a game and the opponent has to play by the rules. The spoiler say this is Shunsui bankai.

Starrk: Yeah and other spoilers said it wasn't. Which is it?
Shunsui: I think it's just my Shikai.
Starrk: Seems pretty dues ex machinsih.
Shunsui: Yeah says the guy under someone with total hynopsis. Besides the games are just random ones my sword chooses.
Starrk: Why would you listen to your sword and trust your life to a random game?
Shunsui: You didn't the latest filler arc? She's a one eyed pirate hotty. You don't say no to that booty.
Starrk: Well I guess this explains why sicky didn't want you to unveil your other powers but still this has got to be one of the most random things I've ever seen, and I'm the guy who uses Super Ghost Kamizake Wolves and turned his word into an annoying blond girl.


- Shunsui rules are that he and Starrk call out a color they are wearing and they have to attack the place where that color is.

Starrk: Wait, can't I just call out flesh color? That'd mean you'd attack your entire body and loose automatically.
Shunsui: No sorry only goes by 16 box of crayon rules, not 128.
Starrk: Oh. Hey wait, how is this a game? There is no such thing as "call a color out and attack someone"
Shunsui: Sure there is. Poor kids in the Rukongai district use to play it all the time. Of course they could only afford one color outfits so those games involved a lot of bleeding and death.
Starrk: Oh that is a load of bull no one's going to believe.
Tite Kubo: Hey, that's what people are suppose to say to me!


- Starrk goes into flashback mode. His flashback explain how he and Linette separated.

Starrk: I was tired of being one of the strong ones. How I yearned to be weak and make friends-
Shunsui: Why didn't you just crossdress for a day, badmouth Nnorita, and have him knock you into Syazel's kidafier machine. Then you could of had a lot of fun in a comic relief trio until the plot required you to change.
Starrk: Quiet, that's someone else's backstory. I'm having my own.
Shunsui: Is it me or do you guys only get backstory when your'e about to die? What's the poitn? Shouldn't we know about your story when you're alive so we can care?
Starrk: Oh I'm not going to die.


- The chapter end with Shunsui dealing a killing blow to Starrk.

Starrk: Oh that is bull****! I mean I thought Ulqourria's getting blasted in by a random mach 2 hollow power up and then disappearing and suddenly discovering he has a heart was suckish, but dying due to losing a game of guess the color? That is sad man. I'd rather be Aaeronrio. He at least got stabbed in the fact. That's a legiminate way to die. Hell even Zommari got cut down like a real villian. But this is just... well I can't say it here. (Dies).
Harribel: Oh great, now it's my turn to die in some ridicolous fashion. Unless I'm the Espada who actually lives-
Aizen: Nah I'm pretty sure you're going to be horribly massacured so I can make one of my smug satisfying smirks and go "exactly as planned" as I reveal my REAL intentions.
Harribel: So wouldn't that make this whole series of battles that have been going on for over a year (points upward) entirley pointless.
Aizen: Yup.
Harribel: ... Why do people like this series again?
Aizen: Guys hitting each other with blades.
Harribel: Oh losing a game of guess the color.
Starrk: (In hell) I wish I was in One Piece. I might still have lost as ridicously but no way I would of died for it

About the spoilers though

I'm reminded of Goku having to play some unfair game in some paralel world in GT which I thought was stupid and ridicolous and just done to be different. Cause so far that's what I'm getting here. I mean I'm hoping it's Shunsui's bankai so I can offically cross Soi Fon's name off the list of "sounds interesting at first but when you think about it kind of sucks" Bankais. Oh well, at the very least the anime filler arc between Shunsui in his sword now seems like it could be interesting, if Kubo told them about this power anyway.

[RockmanDash]

You know I've been thinking, what if the top three Espada that have been fighting are actually illusions made by Aizen to take out the last three towers? I mean you would think at least of one of the Espada would just quickly get to one and take one out no matter if he/she takes damage since it's for their lord Aizen and all. >_>

Because I'm seeing this as

-All three are "defeated"

-Aizen stands there smiling and boom.. all three towers destroyed by the three Espada. And then Aizen mentions that the Espada illusions that they fought only carried 45% of their original power. DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


...Or they just die and move on with the plot somehow.

[garfield15]

You know I've been thinking, what if the top three Espada that have been fighting are actually illusions made by Aizen to take out the last three towers? I mean you would think at least of one of the Espada would just quickly get to one and take one out no matter if he/she takes damage since it's for their lord Aizen and all. >_>

Because I'm seeing this as

-All three are "defeated"

-Aizen stands there smiling and boom.. all three towers destroyed by the three Espada. And then Aizen mentions that the Espada illusions that they fought only carried 45% of their original power. DUN DUN DUNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But that was done in Shippuden already....

[RockmanDash]

But that was done in Shippuden already....

=p I'm not caught up with Shippuden at all, mind explaining?

[Neo Ultra Mike]

I'll explain. See in Shippuden during the first arc Rescue Gaara Naruto's team and Gai's team were shown making their way to where Gaara was taken by the Akataski. The group needed a way to stall them while they were preforming the taking the tailed beast out of Gaara's body ritual but none of the members were around. So Itachi and Kisame used a jutsu where they transfered about 30 percent of their Chakra to a couple of short time Akataski members (who were presumably just low ranked ninja who served under the actual members) with the Art of Impersonation Technique. So essitantly Naruto and co fought a 30 percent powered Itachi and Gai and co fought a 30 percent powered Kisame. The idea of them just being fake copies fighting at all a fraction of the power the actual enemies have is the idea garfield is saying is a copy of Naruto. However Naruto explained this beforehand that they weren't the actual characters but just copies. So if Bleach tried doing it without explanation it'd be considered a really big cop out.

[garfield15]

However Naruto explained this beforehand that they weren't the actual characters but just copies. So if Bleach tried doing it without explanation it'd be considered a really big cop out.
Wait, I though they didn't notice that the Itachi and Kisame guys were fakes until after they had beaten them?

[Grave]

So if Bleach tried doing it without explanation it'd be considered a really big cop out.
Would it really be a cop out? (I might've misunderstood what you said...) Given Aizen's ability and all we know that he could do just about anything. And the whole Pendulum (sp?) flashback chapters already had Aizen doing something very similar to that. :sweat:

[RockmanDash]

Would it really be a cop out? (I might've misunderstood what you said...) Given Aizen's ability and all we know that he could do just about anything. And the whole Pendulum (sp?) flashback chapters already had Aizen doing something very similar to that. :sweat:

Exactly my point, at this rate it seems like Aizen is just going to pull something after the Espada lose. If Aizen actually ends up somewhat shocked or did not plan this to happen, I will be very surprised.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by garfield15
Wait, I though they didn't notice that the Itachi and Kisame guys were fakes until after they had beaten them?

Yeah the characters didn't. WE, the Auidence did though since WE saw them doing it beforehand. The same thing didn't happen here though and besides them not proving any threat to the Shinigami captains and Vizards for the most part (at least compared to how they were suppose to be so strong) there's no indication that gives that the Espada aren't the real thing.


Originally posted by Magus
Would it really be a cop out? (I might've misunderstood what you said...) Given Aizen's ability and all we know that he could do just about anything. And the whole Pendulum (sp?) flashback chapters already had Aizen doing something very similar to that. :sweat:

If it was revealed the top 3 Espada were just fakes, copies or something of that nature it'd make this entire year of fighting (points upward) entirley pointless. And really who wants that?

[Grave]

^ Ah, that's what you meant. No I don't think any of us wants to see that, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were to happen though.

I liked this chapter. Shunsui's ability actually made things more interesting for me. But I still would've liked to have seen a bankai though.

Did Love get a haircut on the first page? Or is the "!!" just in the way?

[mumbo]

While I don't think the top three Espada are illusions, I can totally see Aizen going "it was my plan all along for them to be weak enough for you to kill them for this overly convoluted reason, muhahaha" after this. Kubo would do that.

[Lelouch]

As much as I wanted Stark to live, at this point I really just don't care. I am sick of all the fighting and want some PLOT. Hell even Ichigo's random Hollow power-ups are more entertaining than this. I do have to wonder why Kubo left #3 for last...either her representation of sacrifice is a power like Neo Ultra Mike has stated...or he did it cause he wanted the fanservice last.

I just want to see Aizen and Gin get involved...

[RockmanDash]

As much as I wanted Stark to live, at this point I really just don't care. I am sick of all the fighting and want some PLOT. Hell even Ichigo's random Hollow power-ups are more entertaining than this. I do have to wonder why Kubo left #3 for last...either her representation of sacrifice is a power like Neo Ultra Mike has stated...or he did it cause he wanted the fanservice last.

I just want to see Aizen and Gin get involved...

Or simply because he did not want to go in the obvious 3-2-1 order. =p

[Rocketboy]

Kubo talked about the future of the manga on JUMPBANG TV, and said that Isshin will play an important role in the future, and those 2 bodies in Szyeal's lab are a key part to the story.

[Rolling Cloud]

Kubo talked about the future of the manga on JUMPBANG TV, [...] and those 2 bodies in Szyeal's lab are a key part to the story.

And, here I thought he forgot about those...

[ShadowGUN]

Kubo talked about the future of the manga on JUMPBANG TV, and said that Isshin will play an important role in the future, and those 2 bodies in Szyeal's lab are a key part to the story.

So those bodies will be Espada -1 and -2 :sweat:?
I am surprise Kubo remenber those bodies. I always thought those bodies belong to the Privaron Espadas but now I wonder if it is them or someone else?

[Captain Highwind]

Kubo talked about the future of the manga on JUMPBANG TV, and said that Isshin will play an important role in the future, and those 2 bodies in Szyeal's lab are a key part to the story.

Finally. On both counts.

Although I thought he was going to just forget about the two bodies entirely. Isshin's old friends maybe? (they look like they have Shinigami robes)

EDIT: Everybody thought he forgot. Lulzy.

[Luna]

Good...I've been hoping we'd see Isshin take part for a long while (hopefully,Ichigo will finally learn about his father's past)....

[Mr. Obsession]

I want Ichigo to learn about Isshin in a situation where Isshin has to save Ichigo's ass. And Isshin appearing competent and badass breaks Ichigo's brain.

However it happens I suspect there will be lots and lots of yelling. Mostly from Ichigo.


Edit: To be more specific about the tv interview. From what I've read Kubo said that Isshin's role will take place in the NEXT arc. And that between the end of this one and the start of that one there will be a "mini-arc."

[Grave]

Next arc....

So Aizen's going to win by the time this current arc comes to its conclusion...?

[RockmanDash]

Next arc....

So Aizen's going to win by the time this current arc comes to its conclusion...?

Most likely, we might actually get that Hell arc that everyone wanted. So I guess by next year we will actually be somewhere different, thank goodness. >_>

[Lelouch]

Oh please let Orihime be the big baddy next arc.

Errr...back to reality. While Kubo didn't forget about those two bodies, I certainly did, could someone run by me what has already been said about them?

On a side note, I think it would be completely awesome if we had a Yoruichi and Urahara team up to take down Aizen. If anything Urahara has good reason to want revenge. That being said, with Ichigo being the main character it will most likely be him. I can only hope that he goes crazy hollow again if only because I would love to see all of the Shinigami's reactions.

[RockmanDash]

Oh please let Orihime be the big baddy next arc.

Errr...back to reality. While Kubo didn't forget about those two bodies, I certainly did, could someone run by me what has already been said about them?

On a side note, I think it would be completely awesome if we had a Yoruichi and Urahara team up to take down Aizen. If anything Urahara has good reason to want revenge. That being said, with Ichigo being the main character it will most likely be him. I can only hope that he goes crazy hollow again if only because I would love to see all of the Shinigami's reactions.

Thinking about it now..


Ichigo's father+ Urahara vs Aizen would be an awesome fight. =D And Ishida's dad vs Gin would be something I would love to see.

But.. probably not going to happen.

[Grave]

I've always thought that those bodies were Dorduni (sp?) and that Thunder witch lady.

[Lighthammer]

Up until now, I've also envisioned that Isshin and Ryuke had a team similar to Ichigo and Uryu.

If that is the case, that it probably holds true that the two bodies are those similar in their group to Chad and Orhime.

I'm not suggesting those people's powers are similar to Chad or Orhime, but now that I think about it, we *DO* know that Chad and Orhime's parents are both dead.

Hmmmm...

We'll have to see how this plays out. Isshin's plot in all of this could go in a few different directions.

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: It the end of the Espadas.

- Starkk has flashback to when Aizen ask him to join him.
- Kyoraku kills Starkk.
- Love thanks Kyoraku.
- Harribel and Lisa fight while Hitsugaya and Hiyori are yelling at each other.
- Aizen looks on. He tells Gin that is enough and tell him to it time finish things.
- Aizen cuts down Harribel telling her, she is no longer of any use to him.
- Chapter ends with Gin and Kagame getting ready to fight.


Well that fast.

[Grave]

- Aizen cuts down Harribel telling her, she is no longer of any use to him.
That's cold. Even for him...

You are no longer my hero, Aizen.. "coughs" jokes aside though, at least she didn't go out losing to Toushiro.

That being said, I'm pretty much disappointed in how the top 3 espada were portrayed. What was the point of them even being there if they weren't even going to be fleshed out? (Espada's 4-9 showed everything they were capable of while these 3 didn't do much of anything. Honestly, if I didn't know any better I would think Ulquiorra is #1 compared to those 3.) I know it's a no win for Kubo here. People are going to complain about Bleach dragging and then people are going to complain about not fleshing out characters, but in this situation I probably would've preferred to see the draggy-ness.

I'm also concerned about the vaizards. Was it even necessary to even bring them into the story at all? This has truly been a one-sided battle with the Shinigami just dominating. Even to the point to where it seems like Shinigami's > Vaizards. (Grouping the 3 species it almost seems like its Shinigami > Espada > Vaizard. With the vaizards showing up in 2-on-1 situations and still couldn't do a thing.)

[anime_guru]

speaking of the vaizards, my thinking is that the vaizards will turn on the shinigami as aizen essentially first began testing the "best" warrior on the vaizards
It's evident that the espada aren't the best (given by what has happened) so why continue with "failed" experiments?
all in all, I am a bit lost by tite kubo (no surprise) and the developments for the week...I guess that's another week waiting for zettai karen children to update because I am almost done with bleach...sadly

btw neo ultra mike, comments please we need your wit and stuff

[Neo Ultra Mike]

My parody thoughts on the spoilers.


Originally posted by ShadowGUN

Starkk has flashback to when Aizen ask him to join him.

Aizen: So yeah join me and you won't ever be lonley again.
Starrk: Why should I join you? Aren't you one of those Shinigami who kills hollow?
Aizen: Uh nah I'm one of those Shinigami who uses hollow for his own evil game. Besides if you're worried about strength you're like a small insnigifcant pebble next to me. I can probably make you have a wheezing fit just by just powering up.
Starrk: Then why would you want me?
Aizen: Eh I don't like fighting ants. I'll have you guys do that. And maybe someday in a one on one battle you'll look back onto this and remember how you first became an Espada before you get killed.
Starrk: Wouldn't it be stupid to look back on how I joined you right before I die?
Aizen: I heard it's the new thing,,, in iditocy.



- Kyoraku kills Starkk.

Kyoraku: If it's any consolation you were the best opponent I've ever faced.
Starrk: Really?
Kyoraku: Yeah but that's only because no one ever saw my battle with Yamamoto and my only other fight was against Chad and he sucks.
Chad: (Offscreen) Hey I took on a Privaron Espada! They're like the actual Espada, accept no one tried to expand for 100+ chapters how dangerous they were before being taken down one on one.
Kyoraku: True. (To Starrk) At least you died knowing there are people stronger then you out there.
Starrk: I knew that already.
Kyrokau: Oh. Well you can die knowing you suck at guess the color.
Starrk: I hate you- (dies).


- Love thanks Kyoraku.

Love: Thanks for interrupting our two on one battle.
Kyoraku: To be fair I was fighting him first.
Rose: True. Though we still never got to show what our Shikai can really do.
Kyoraku: Yeah well mine makes childish games come to live, so unless you want to play me in a childish (looks at sword) Children's card game-
Love: Okay we'll be quiet.



- Harribel and Lisa fight while Hitsugaya and Hiyori are yelling at each other.

Lisa: Dosen't it bother you that you're the last Espada left?
Harribel: A bit but there was a reason that I was saved to be the last one to fight.
Lisa: What would that be?
Harribel: Well it's obvious that Kubo is trying to throw the fans for a twist. See he makes it seem like I'm the weakest of the three but then I bust out a second Resurrecion that was only possible by the other two higher ranked Espada having been killled in battle, due to me being the Espada of Sacrifice.
Lisa: Is that true or just fan speculation?
Harribel: A fan speculation. But think about it: So far the Espada have been built up to be inciredlbey tough and actually rival the power of the Shinigami. If we don't do anything at all to even damage the Shinigami ranks in the slighest, that would make our entire existance entirley pointless. So you take a compeltley plausible and explainable twist, expand on it some and boom, you get us actually looking like a legimate threat.
Lisa: What if you guys were only made to have fight scenes?
Harribel: Well then Kubo would essistantly just be a hack writer but I don't even think he'd be that bad.


- Aizen looks on. He tells Gin that is enough and tell him to it time finish things.

Aizen: For once I have heard what the people have been saying about this arc and agree that it's stretched out far too long.
Gin: Yeah especially that year we spent trapped in the fire shield.
Aizen: Well time to change all that.
Harribel: (To Lisa) See here we go. This is where he reveals it's time for me to use my secret power and-


- Aizen cuts down Harribel telling her, she is no longer of any use to him.

Harribel: (Looks at spoiler) ... WHAT?!
Aizen: What, you can't read? You're no longer of any use to me so I'm cutting you down.
Harribel: But... but I didn't even have a complete fight where I got to showcase my abilities.
Aizen: Yeah well not my fault you suck.
Harribel: Hey you're the one who said as long as we were with you, we'd have no chance of being defeated.
Aizen: I lied.
Harribel: But you said we'd help you build your empire.
Aizen: Lies. Really even the retarded privaron espada knew you guys were nothing but tools that had a great view of how sexlicious my evil schemes are. (Harribel stares at him) What? It's a word, and if it's not I can make it up cause I"m that sexlicous.
Harribel: But you said when you were trapped in the shield we could handle the Shinigami indicating you knew our true strength.
Aizen: Gee, I guess that'd be another lie. (Sarcastically) I guess I must be getting good at them considering I've been decieving people hundreds of years.
Harribel: Wait if I really was the weakest then what was the point of me going last?
Aizen: Oh I needed someone to sacrifice to showcase how much of an a**hole I am. And since you're the Espada of Sacrifice and all-
Harribel: Whoa whoa hold on, I'm the Espada of Sacrfice cause you were going to just needlessly sacrifice me?
Aizen: Yup.
Harribel: So I don't have a super secret second transformation-
Aizen: No. Only Ulqouirra cause you know he fought Ichigo and the whole Byakuya comparison thing.
Harribel: How about some super last technique where I sacrifce myself but actually cause damage to the Shingiami?
Aizen: No.
Harribel: Don't I even get a flashback?
Aizen: No.
Harribel: Not even a two page one where I meet my Fraccion-
Aizen: Nope.
Harribel: So... there really was no point to our characters were there?
Aizen: That's not true. You provided some... decent fights.
Harribel: What? That's it?! My god, Kubo IS nothing but a hack!
Aizen: Duh. That's been obvious for months.
Harribel: Well now there's no way he can try and get around that fact. And I also note he's a sexist hack since he didn't let the female villian have a complete fight.
Aizen: Well you can at least die knowing you weren't killed by Hitsguya.
Hitsguya; (Offscreen) Hey!
Harribel: I guess that's true but this still sucks.
Aizen: For you.
Harribel: Can't I at least fight her (points at Lisa) enough to make her release her shikai?
Lisa: You did. Mine is some sort of cool hook sword.
Hiyori: Yeah and I got a saw thing that's probably much more effective then Renji's.
Renji: (Offscreen) Hey I can win fille battles and... maybe more filler battles.
Harribel: Oh I guess that's something.
Aizen: There see now you can die peacefully.
Aizen: Well while I'm dying can you at least kill these guys with me so it's almost like I actually took out someone myself?
Aizen: Uh sorry they're way way over there.
Harribel: They're twenty feet away! You could get to them in a flash step.
Aizen: Sorry but under the hero clause no I can't. But under the villian clause you suck so out you go. (Kills her) Ha, I almost cut down her character as much as Kubo.



- Chapter ends with Gin and Kagame getting ready to fight.

Harribel: (As ghost) Yeah might as well be preparing your graves too guys.
Starrk: (As ghost) No as former captains they are under the "we can survive pretty much anything" clause.
Harribel: (As ghost) You know it's chapters like this that makes fanfiction actually look appealing.
Starrk: (As ghost) You're kidding me right?
Harribel: (As ghost) Were we killed by our leader being shown to be nothing in fanfiction?
Starrk: (As ghost) Touche.
Kagame: Silence you wacky easily killed sub-boss troope. It's time for the main baddies associates to take care of things.
Gin: Since when is your name Kagame? I thought it was Kaname.
Kagame: I guess it got randomly changed for not good reason like a lot of names around here.
Gin: Oh then my new name is Grin. Since like the suckpada, adding an extra r really makes all the difference. And by all I mean none.

Yeah really disappointing chapter this week.

Like Magus said what was the point of the Espada even coming if they were going to be mowed down so easily after having so much build up? Just to have some fight sequences? Fail. And I really do think it's sexist and just quite stupid for Aizen to kill Harribel before she even could show her ultimate attack. Really, that's why she was picked last? So Aizen could kill her. That is lame beyond lame. Eh I'm going to find it hard to keep interested in Bleach if this is how carless Tite has gotten. Seriously I could easily think of more interesting twists then this hack can and I'm only half trying here

[GWOtaku]

This is what happens when Too Many Characters Syndrome kicks in. Something has to give. And even now, the cast ranks in the dozens. Unlike Naruto Bleach really hasn't focused in, and we know that all of this fighting is preamble to Ichigo anyhow. As long as Kubo struggles to give face time to Ichigo, his friends, and the majority of named soul society characters while adding on even more fresh blood, these pacing issues won't really go away.

[garfield15]

Jeez, remember when the Espada (Particularly the top 3) were like this uber-huge threat that it seemed like nearly nobody could take down.

Of course, there is always the option of Vasto Lorde class Espada.

[bigdeath]

NOOOOOOO, poor starrk. :crying:

At least we are going to see gin fight.

[Lelouch]

Top 3 perhaps equals 100,000 souls? That's the only reason I could see aizen offing hallibel. What happens to lillinette now though? Ah well. Despite the top 3 espada being a let down I am just glad the plot...might...move.

[Rud]

Remember back in chapter 316 when Aizen was talking about how the battle would be over without him & Gin & Tousen having to lift a finger? The Espada totally have not lived up to the hype they have gotten, except maybe for Ulquiorra. Total disappointment.

[Silver Soul]

Remember back in chapter 316 when Aizen was talking about how the battle would be over without him & Gin & Tousen having to lift a finger? The Espada totally have not lived up to the hype they have gotten, except maybe for Ulquiorra. Total disappointment.

"The battle will be over." Not "the espada will win", "the battle will be over". He never thought they could actually pull off a victory.

Yes, he did end up raising a finger in order to off Harribel, but that's because he got sick of watching the duels drag on. In other words, the espada actually exceeded his expectations by surviving for so long

[RockmanDash]

You guys forgot that Grimmjow and Yammi are still alive so that makes two Espada left. =D Something tells me next week were heading back to Hueco Mundo.

[ShadowGUN]

You guys forgot that Grimmjow and Yammi are still alive so that makes two Espada left. =D Something tells me next week were heading back to Hueco Mundo.

Well Yammy is probably dead by the time Aizen has already killed the Espada. Grimmjow might be the last Espada standing though.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted bySilver Soul
"The battle will be over." Not "the espada will win", "the battle will be over". He never thought they could actually pull off a victory.

Yeah but his words were "This battle will be over without us having to lift a finger. That's all" after being trapped in the fire shield. That specifically implies that he didn't expect either himself, Gin or Tosen would be needed to fight the Shinigami. So he is going back on that. Maybe if he just asked Wonderweiss to take care of the Shinigami but last I checked Wonderweiss was kicked away and he was calling Gin and Tosen to finish them so yeah he did go back on what he said. And not a "oh I was lying and that makes me more evil" way either.


Originally posted by Megaman X
You guys forgot that Grimmjow and Yammi are still alive so that makes two Espada left. =D Something tells me next week were heading back to Hueco Mundo.

Considering how Kyrokau was able to take care of Starrk, Unohana should be able to clean house with Yammy easy enough (which is where they better be going with that fight. I swear I will hurt Kubo twice as much as he deserves if Ichigo ends up being the one to take down Yammy). As for Grimmjow, well maybe he'll end up joining the heroes side after realizing that Aizen has no use for him and would kill him anyway. And also seeing that if Aizen is gone he could be king of Hueco Mundo. There's also Nel and technically that Privaoron Espada Chad fought, though I doubt the later will be doing anything of any worth in the story.

[bigdeath]

If Grimmjow joins the good guys that would be a dream come true for many fans.

[Silver Soul]

Aizen simply set it up so that whether or not the Espada beat the shinigami he would get the key:

Espada win: the destroys the pillars and sacrifices Karakura town
Espade don't win: Aizen sacrifices them (who are made up of hundreds of thousands of souls)

Aizen planned a win/win situation, he did NOT secretly help the shinigami destroy super evil hollows. He just activated plan B, or perhaps this was his plan A all along as he said the current Espada were mere stand ins until he got an army of all vastros.

If Grimmjow joins the good guys that would be a dream come true for many fans.
Speak for ya self, he'll be another Vegeta :shrug:

[Rolling Cloud]

Yeah really disappointing chapter this week.

I'm curious now... which do you hate more? This or Lil' whitey killing her? :p


You guys forgot that Grimmjow and Yammi are still alive so that makes two Espada left. =D Something tells me next week were heading back to Hueco Mundo.

Yammy might be standing if Unohana didn't already vaporize him by now. Grimmjow's probably stuck in limbo or something.

......I want Nel back. D=

[Grave]

You guys forgot that Grimmjow and Yammi are still alive so that makes two Espada left. =D Something tells me next week were heading back to Hueco Mundo.
I'll believe Grimmjow is alive when I see him standing again. Until then he died a crappy death.

[silvanoir]

So the Espada (and lesser arrancar) were pretty much like the Bount.... there to provide some flashy fights with weird powers, but ultimately not accomplishing much and leaving the viewers feeling like they've wasted a collosal amount of time. Great.

And Aizen's crazy for getting rid of Hallibel... she was loyal and eyecandy, can't go wrong with that. lol.

At least we'll always have the most excellent fanart that Wen-Jr did.
http://wen-jr.deviantart.com/art/Spoiler-espada-III-106952554
and
http://wen-jr.deviantart.com/art/cold-heart-fury-127442250

*wishes Bleach would have a 3-d opening like the 'Ghost in the Shell' tv series with animation like that*

[RockmanDash]

=p Is it just me or were you guys just expecting too much out of the Espada?

I know you guys looked at them like the really all powerful stronger than a captain arrancar but you should know that the top three really did fight well. It's not like it was really fair for them anyways, Barragan had to fight three people, Starrk had to fight basically four people, and Harribel got KOED by Aizen.

The three of them were just fought to their limit.

Personally I liked the their deaths, I think were just all surprised that it's actually over now. Barragan went out in a very interesting way, Starrk really wished he was not fighting at all and got his butt kicked by Shunsui who's strength is probably somewhere near Yama, and Harribel was doing all of her orders and probably would of been a bit more interesting if she stayed but it seems like Kubo has other plans now.

I'm satisified, we knew they were somehow going to lose anyways, Tite Kubo probably has another thing up his sleeve to make this interesting that's all. >_> Just as long as he does not pull a Hitman Reborn and reveal THE REAL ESPADA. Not that I mind, I would love to find out that there was a negative number group who makes even Yamamoto scared.

[Demonic Raven]

I'm satisified, we knew they were somehow going to lose anyways, Tite Kubo probably has another thing up his sleeve to make this interesting that's all. >_> Just as long as he does not pull a Hitman Reborn and reveal THE REAL ESPADA. Not that I mind, I would love to find out that there was a negative number group who makes even Yamamoto scared.Yes...NEGATIVE ESPADA! Then after a year or so, they all get killed. Then Aizen pulls out his army of DEMONS, and the cycle repeats.

I'm praying that something else happens. Negative Espada, or some other such secret elite group, would just be a continuation of the same stuff we've already seen with the regular Espada, just with increasingly escalating power levels. In other words.....DBZ.

*sigh* But should it happen anyway, I'm expecting Wonderweiss to be part of it (most likely on the lower end, since he's the only one who's "public" at this point).

.....*continuing the first part* Wait, before the demons, we get IRRATIONAL ESPADA, IMAGINARY ESPADA, and COMPLEX ESPADA! The power of Math compels you!

[Lelouch]

I am dissatisfied in that not one Shinigami at this point has been killed, and that is utterly ridiculous. Not even Omaeda, the most useless Shinigami in SS has been killed off. Not to mention, despite the "trouble" Hitsu had with Hallibel, he still pretty much came out of this battle without a scratch.

What this really boils down to is...what was the point in even having the Vizard show up? Stark didn't even get taken down by a BANKAI. I personally find it ridiculous that the #1 espada got taken down by a Shikai. And Starrk wasn't really going 4 vs 1...Ukitake is down, and the other two were having trouble with some freaking cero wolves.

I'm just baffled at how Kubo can really expect us to take him seriously when he can't get his power levels straight. I mean we are lead to believe the Espada (especially the top 3) are way up there in strength...but they can't even kill 1 Shinigami? And at that the Vizard's don't even seem that powerful. One would think that a Captain class Shinigami + Hollow powers would be a bit more powerful than a regular Shinigami but in the end I have my doubts about that also. Ichigo is an exception, because he is the main character, but honestly Kubo needs to get his act together and start killing off some characters, and not just villains.

Am I happy the plot is moving? Yes. But Kubo needs to make this fighting a bit more serious by having the good guys actually have some casualties.

[Captain Highwind]

So if I have this right...

Everybody likes the Substitute Shinigami arc, but then it trails into the Soul Society arc. Someone gets kidnapped.

Everybody likes the beginning of the Arrancar arc, but now it's just endless tourney battles. Someone gets kidnapped.

So the start of the next arc should be good, but then it will trail into more tourney battles. Someone gets kidnapped.

[mumbo]

I have to admit I'm kind of glad Harribel is getting finished now rather than having her inevitable death dragged out for a few more weeks. Even though it's a disappointment, it's still like, at least we're finally getting somewhere.

But by the looks of it Kubo just plain sucks at storytelling, I've got to say. He just throws some elements out there and pretty much none of them pan out or live up to expectations, and some of them are worth questioning if they have any point at all (ie the hyped Vizards' arrival, when only one of them helped to take down one of the Espada). A big part of the problem as mentioned before is that there are way too many characters, especially for a manga that has like three panels on a page and crawls by at a snail's pace as a result.

Do you think maybe Kubo's editor is forcing him to push the story along a little faster? He's had conflicts with time constraints before (like the Forest of Menos, and wanting to include the Zanpakuto spirits). That's the only reason I can think of for these poor and awkward developments.


So if I have this right...

Everybody likes the Substitute Shinigami arc, but then it trails into the Soul Society arc. Someone gets kidnapped.

Everybody likes the beginning of the Arrancar arc, but now it's just endless tourney battles. Someone gets kidnapped.

So the start of the next arc should be good, but then it will trail into more tourney battles. Someone gets kidnapped.

Well, I think a lot of people found the Substitute Shinigami arc kind of dull, but yeah, pretty much.

Kubo's great at setting things up with a lot of promise, it's the follow-through that's the problem.

[Rolling Cloud]

At least we'll always have the most excellent fanart that Wen-Jr did.
http://wen-jr.deviantart.com/art/Spoiler-espada-III-106952554
and
http://wen-jr.deviantart.com/art/cold-heart-fury-127442250

I'm so saving that 2nd one for a future wallpaper.

[Lighthammer]

I just wanna chime in to say I doubt Unohana killed anyone in Heucho Mondo.

If everyone will recall, when she got on scene, she gave a speech that she was there to help Shinigami or Hollow alike. She was there merely to heal the battle worn.

If ANYTHING, I would expect Aizen to go back to Heucho Mondo and one shot Unohana simply out of spite that she was healing people he feels are disposable.

Even at that, its not likely to happen since Shinigami apparently are never allowed to die based on the rules of Kubo.

... You know, now that I think about it, maybe this is the real problem. Kubo's law of Shinigami aren't allowed to die is what's causing this battle to go on for so long. Aizen is a Shinigami fighting Shinigami.

Hmm .....

Paradox anyone ?

[Luna]

My main problem with Bleach is that there are too many characters (Kubo himself even admits when he's stuck for ideas,he adds more characters),leading to some of them never getting the spotlight,and/or never getting to win a fight(and having to be saved by another character,usually Ichigo) after showing some early promise....
Bleach woyld be better if it stuck mainly with "Team Ichigo" (which I would consider to be Ichigo,Rukia,Orihime,Chad,Uryu and Renji) ,and left the rest of the characters as side characters/cameos and villains....
....but with my luck,if he does end up finally killing off some of the "good guys",it'll be the ones I really like,just because they aren't as popular (Renji and Orihime....I'm extremely annoyed with people who say they're either "useless" or "getting in the way" of a pairing that doesn't even exist...:shrug:...Seriously people,Kubo's even said Ichigo and Rukia's relationship is platonic)....
Wouldn't mind if Grimmjow joined Ichigo's team though (if he's still alive,of course ;))...He was the only one of the current Espada I liked (and I like former Espada Neliel a.k.a Nell Tu as well)....

[ShadowGUN]

I just wanna chime in to say I doubt Unohana killed anyone in Heucho Mondo.

If everyone will recall, when she got on scene, she gave a speech that she was there to help Shinigami or Hollow alike. She was there merely to heal the battle worn.

If ANYTHING, I would expect Aizen to go back to Heucho Mondo and one shot Unohana simply out of spite that she was healing people he feels are disposable.



Kubo said in a interview that we were gonna see Unohana in action this year. Since she one of the strongest Captains, she will probably fight Yammy.

[Grave]

(Renji and Orihime....I'm extremely annoyed with people who say they're either "useless" or "getting in the way" of a pairing that doesn't even exist...:shrug:...Seriously people,Kubo's even said Ichigo and Rukia's relationship is platonic)....

Haha.. I'm one of those that think Orihime is useless. (sorry) Anyway, that's why you're suppose to ignore pairings. (If that's even possible...) People get stupid with these pairings. (Makes you want to bang someones face on the wall or something.)


Everybody likes the Substitute Shinigami arc, but then it trails into the Soul Society arc. Someone gets kidnapped.

Everybody likes the beginning of the Arrancar arc, but now it's just endless tourney battles. Someone gets kidnapped.
Negative. Substitue Shinigami arc started off way too slow for me. Everything about the arrancar arc is true though. I think it fell off as soon as they stepped foot into Hueco Mundo.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Knighthammer
I just wanna chime in to say I doubt Unohana killed anyone in Heucho Mondo.

If everyone will recall, when she got on scene, she gave a speech that she was there to help Shinigami or Hollow alike. She was there merely to heal the battle worn.

Well to be fair she specifically said she wasn't there to start more fights, but she dosen't she shouldn't fight if she had to. The reason she let Rudobon and the other Exqueias go was because they ran off. Yammy is a brick headed idiot though who woudln't think to run off, especially since I'm sure he'll be having a super ego while in his released state.

Another one of Kubo's problems besides abudance of characters, never wanting to kill any of the heroes off, and dependnce on having fights over story is that he dosen't have any overall plans with Bleach. It seems he has ideas and things he planned out, but no overall long term goal on where he wants to take the series. Which puts him at a disadvantage compared to the other major shonen out there who actually do have things more planned out or can at least improvise better on the spot. This trait especially shows in this latest arc. He changed around the entire reason why Orihimie was even kidnapped in the first place because he coudln't think of where to go with that originally, and now obviously realizes he wants to have the Top 3 Espada be weaker then the Shinigami and easily get killed when before it seemed more like they would of needed a lot of Vizard help to win this battle.

[Mr. Obsession]

So in the end Harribel's sacrifice power allows the plot to progress? :p Ehh. I'm disappointed that we won't get to see Lisa and Hiyori fight. But hey, progress! Plus maybe we'll get the remaining visored shikai's against Tosen and Gin.

The cynical part of me thinks Kubo got an editorial mandate to move things along. The fan in me wants to believe that this is what he planned all along.



I'm just baffled at how Kubo can really expect us to take him seriously when he can't get his power levels straight.
I don't know about other people, but I thought power levels/scaling were thrown out the window when the same Kenpachi who fought pre-bankai Ichigo to a draw defeated Nnoitra and Yammy became the Zero Espada.

Re: Other stuff mentioned in the thread -
- Screw the "Negative Espada." I want a Pi Espada and an ∞ Espada.

- Speaking of. Back after Ulquiorra and Yammy were introduced, when Ulquiorra made his report to Aizen there were several arrancar shown who haven't been seen since. I wonder if they're going to show up soon.

- I want Unohana to manhandle Yammy just so the Zero Esada fanboys who infest some other websites will finally shut the hell up.

- I've said it before that some of the shinigami should have been killed of allready, but honestly if Kubo was going to do it he would have done so already. Maybe this wouldn't have turned into such a problem if he had limited the number of divisions from the get go, or if he hadn't done the whole seated officer thing, and just gone with Captains and regular shinigami.

- I strongly suspect Grimmjow is both alive (he never got a death scene like any of the other Espada) and that he will join with Ichigo because of Ichigo's promise at the end of their last fight.

[Lighthammer]

Another one of Kubo's problems besides abudance of characters, never wanting to kill any of the heroes off, and dependnce on having fights over story is that he dosen't have any overall plans with Bleach. It seems he has ideas and things he planned out, but no overall long term goal on where he wants to take the series. Which puts him at a disadvantage compared to the other major shonen out there who actually do have things more planned out or can at least improvise better on the spot. This trait especially shows in this latest arc. He changed around the entire reason why Orihimie was even kidnapped in the first place because he coudln't think of where to go with that originally, and now obviously realizes he wants to have the Top 3 Espada be weaker then the Shinigami and easily get killed when before it seemed more like they would of needed a lot of Vizard help to win this battle.

I tend to think the opposite.

Based on how intricate some early details have been (IE all the references to Kaien), I tend to believe that Kubo knows exactly what he wants to do, but he suffers from two problems.

#1.) He doesn't know precisely how he wants to get from point A to point E.

#2.) He seems to be suffering a little bit of the shinny penny syndrome and then realizes he HAS to finish what he started for it to tie together.

Which ultimately comes first is probably as difficult a conundrum as the Chicken or the Egg.

These large instances of fights that take a year (over the course of a day in Story Time) are simply a result of that.

[Luna]

Haha.. I'm one of those that think Orihime is useless. (sorry) Anyway, that's why you're suppose to ignore pairings. (If that's even possible...) People get stupid with these pairings. (Makes you want to bang someones face on the wall or something.)
...I try to,for the most part,and have succeeded for most series,but for Bleach,it just seems so obvious what the right pairings are, my opinions were formed long before knowing anything about the fandom,and I'm not changing my mind just because what I like isn't popular (I'll even admit the pairings I do like are pretty much one-sided,though Kubo keeps hinting at them,so whatever)... it's the fandom that makes it hard to ignore pairings (especially since it's so obviously wrong to pair up the leads in this series,since it's never once even been hinted that they see each other as anything other than friends)...

Anyway,I'd also like to see Yammy be defeated (Hopefully by someone other than Ichigo)....

[Demonic Raven]

Unohana is going to come walking in on the Yammy fight, just minding her own business and not planning to do anything other than heal. Yammy, like a moron, will go and attack her, putting Unohana on the offensive. Does the rest need to be spelled out? I'll be surprised if she even needs to use a sword release, though it would be a good opportunity to show off some offensive ability and/or a bankai.


- Screw the "Negative Espada." I want a Pi Espada and an ∞ Espada.I can imagine the number tattoo of the Pi Espada. 3.14 starts on the head somewhere, then the numbers swirl all around his body to have as much of Pi as possible, then ends with a "..." on a pinky toe. Ah...maths.

[RockmanDash]

Yikes I almost forgot Wonderweiss is still alive. >_> Who wants to bet he releases and turns into a complete badass and can actually speak with a brain?

[silvanoir]

My main problem with Bleach is that there are too many characters (Kubo himself even admits when he's stuck for ideas,he adds more characters),leading to some of them never getting the spotlight,and/or never getting to win a fight(and having to be saved by another character,usually Ichigo) after showing some early promise....
Bleach would be better if it stuck mainly with "Team Ichigo" (which I would consider to be Ichigo,Rukia,Orihime,Chad,Uryu and Renji) ,and left the rest of the characters as side characters/cameos and villains....

Yes, THIS. I don't care about Kira or Shuuhei or Soifon or the Vizards. It would be fine if they were just in the background, but they're all in the spotlight at on time or another (freaking Hitsugaya gets his own movie!). And the Soul Society completly stole the show from Ichigo and his friends. Kubo, determine who your main characters are, stick to their point of view. It's fine to show cutaways to the villians to reveal their evil plans that the heroes don't know about yet, but don't have 20 million heroes.

[Captain Highwind]

Negative. Substitue Shinigami arc started off way too slow for me. Everything about the arrancar arc is true though. I think it fell off as soon as they stepped foot into Hueco Mundo.

Hm. I seem to see a lot of people liking the premise of the Substitute Shinigami arc. I guess because they wanted another Yu Yu Hakusho (Team Urameshi goes on a merry spree of random supernatural adventures), with Team Urameshi replaced by poster boys and big-boobed girls in this case.

[zoombie]

So I wonder if Aizen was referring to Harribel or the entire Espadas of being done with. If that is the case, it means we finally move onto the next stage, I wonder if we have any surprise villains coming up soon.

[Baseball]

What a waste. Although it's true that Starrk did have to fight a total of four captains, he didn't end up doing anything very impressive at all. What happened to all of those wolves he sent out? I didn't think they all disappeared that fast. Why did he get rid of the cero gun that could shoot 1000 at a time for a sword? Why was so much time spent on Kenpachi vs Nnoitra? Or Szayelaporro against everyone? Weak.

I suppose you could hardly call these battles fair, though. The Espada didn't interfere when their Fraccion fought against the Soul Reapers, and then we got a team-up of Visoreds and Soul Reapers against the Espada. Soul Society can't really afford to be fair though.

[kaine23]

I just wanna chime in to say I doubt Unohana killed anyone in Heucho Mondo.

If everyone will recall, when she got on scene, she gave a speech that she was there to help Shinigami or Hollow alike. She was there merely to heal the battle worn.

If ANYTHING, I would expect Aizen to go back to Heucho Mondo and one shot Unohana simply out of spite that she was healing people he feels are disposable.

Though Aizen taking Unohana out would be a huge blow to Team Shinigami seeing how they'd lose their healer, considering how inured the Shinigami likely are at this point.

[ShadowGUN]

Hey it Kon. Long time not see. The best bout will have to be Grimmjow in his released form vs Ichigo. For someone who was already an Arrancars when Aizen found them, I am somewhat surprised Starkk and Lynette where defeated by a Shikai. Lisa and Hiyori released look pretty cool. And wow Aizen look pretty cold when he killed Harribel. I hope we get flashback for her next chapter. She the only Espada that hasn't gotten any real development.

[Rud]

Stark was an arrancar before he met Aizen!!?? (no mask). What happened to all the top arrancar being made from the Hogyoku?

[Malex]

Stark was an arrancar before he met Aizen!!?? (no mask). What happened to all the top arrancar being made from the Hogyoku?

They never said that all of the Espada were created by the Hougyoku just that the Privaron Espada were replaced by the ones created by the Hougyoku. It has been confirmed that Aaroniero was in the first Espada, which was created before Aizen had the Hougyoku. Plus, Nnoitra and Szayel Apporo were in the Espada when Nel was in the Espada. So, at least three Espada have to be created by the Hougyoku to be able to make Dordonii's statement true. With the 1st, 5th, 8th, and 9th Espadas' birth confirmed, it is possible for at least three out of the remaining six to have been created by the Hougyoku.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Yeah but Grimmjow was also shown as an arrancar in his former life so he coudln't of been one of the Hogkyoku created Arrancar. And neither is Barragan who was king of Hueco Mundo who met Aizen when he took over the world of hollows, so he couldn't of been created either. That means the only ones who could of been created are Yammy, Zommari, Ulqourria and Harribel. Of the four I think that Zommari, Ulqourria and Harribel were the Hogkyou created Arrancar. Thinking about they were the most loyal to Aizen and looking at Yammy's release form it'd make sense if he was an arrancar before becoming an Espada. Then again that may of been one of the things Kubo forgot about when doing the story.

No offense to Knighthammer but it has been pointed out that not only does Kubo make new characters whenever he runs into a wall in his story but he also goes back and looks at his older work to get new ideas, which implies he hasn't thought everything through yet. Yeah a lot of things I'm sure he has since the continuities match up but other stuff don't match up (Aizen's goals and objections since the Hueco Mundo arc has started for example) thus there's a lot of stuff not really planned out.

[Rud]

Yeah but Grimmjow was also shown as an arrancar in his former life so he coudln't of been one of the Hogkyoku created Arrancar.
Thats not true, we never saw Grimmjow as an arrancar in his previous life, when he had his flashback he was just an adjucas class menos, he still had his mask on in perfect condition (meaning he wasnt an arrancar) and wasnt even humanoid.

[Malex]

Yeah but Grimmjow was also shown as an arrancar in his former life so he coudln't of been one of the Hogkyoku created Arrancar. And neither is Barragan who was king of Hueco Mundo who met Aizen when he took over the world of hollows, so he couldn't of been created either.

Actually, Grimmjow was shown as an Adjuchas Menos with his Fraccion as Menos in his flashback. It's obvious as Grimmjow was more panther-like in the past and still had his mask. The same can be said about Barragan because he had a different crown ornament in his flashback and cursed Aizen for making him stronger as he died.

EDIT: Beat me to it, Mr. Tiger.

[Lighthammer]

No offense to Knighthammer but it has been pointed out that not only does Kubo make new characters whenever he runs into a wall in his story but he also goes back and looks at his older work to get new ideas, which implies he hasn't thought everything through yet. Yeah a lot of things I'm sure he has since the continuities match up but other stuff don't match up (Aizen's goals and objections since the Hueco Mundo arc has started for example) thus there's a lot of stuff not really planned out.

Thus point: #2.) Shinny Penny effect =).

I have to say, now that I actually read the manga this week, I found Shunsui's comments kinda .... odd.

He basically told off former captains that he HAD to have known were previous Captains.

It came off really 'stand-offish'.

I know Soul Society couldn't risk a loss here but seriously, he really called Love and Rose out.

Something tells me this is a setup for something else, but I cant quiet put my finger on what.

[Captain Highwind]

When you think about it, Kon really did have the most fights in Bleach. He just lost all of them.

Mr. Obsession's theory looks like it's coming true next week. Thank god.

Lilinette and Stark's backstory makes me think the next villains will be Composite Espadas...sigh.

[garfield15]

No, no, no, now we need the negative Espada. Then the reality will be that Aizen will fuse demons from Hell with Hollows to create the Hellrancers!

[1 of 3]

Cover for Volume 41


http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/264/bleach41.jpg

[garfield15]

*insert Captain Planet joke here*

Ironically, Heart is the most useless one and well looks who's on the cover? :p

[ShadowGUN]

*Looks at cover for vol. 41*

So Yammy is a Planeteer :p?

Edit- Ahh Garfield beat me to the joke.

[Rud]

Cover for Volume 41


http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/264/bleach41.jpg
that should've been Ulqs second release, hes the one who found his heart after all, so it'd fit, whys Yammi there?

[RockmanDash]

that should've been Ulqs second release, hes the one who found his heart after all, so it'd fit, whys Yammi there?

Probably because of Yammy releasing right after, and Ulq already got the last cover. =D

[Rud]

Hey guys, something interesting, its been discovered that Aizen used Sonido in the last chapter when he snuck behind Harribel. Its because if you look at the sound affect kanji that was used it is the same as the sound effects used when the Arrancar (and hollow Ichigo) had when they used Sonido. Its also different from the sound effect kanji you always see when Shunpo is used (including the one Aizen had when he used Shunpo back in SS).

In short, Aizen totally has Hollow powers!!!

[RockmanDash]

In short, Aizen totally has Hollow powers!!!

Not surprising, this means Aizen most likely has a hollow mask of his own.

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: Harribel doesn't get a flashback and Aizen is up to something.

- Harribel, with her last ounce of strength, cries Aizen and stab him in abdomen.
- Turn out the Aizen she stab was an ilusion created by Aizen.
- Aizen skewers her from behind. Harribel falls.
- Aizen tells the Captains and Vizards to come with him. He has something to show them.
- Scene change to Mashiro. She notice that the Espada have all benn defeated.
- WW revives and attacks her. The two have an exchange.
- Kensei tells Mashiro to put her mask away becuaes of the time limit but she doesn't hear him.
- As Mashiro mask disolves, WW fires at her face and blows her away.
- Kensei catches her and promises he won't go easy on WW.

[garfield15]

This week chapter: Harribel doesn't get a flashback and Aizen is up to something.

- Harribel, with her last ounce of strength, cries Aizen and stab him in abdomen.
- Turn out the Aizen she stab was an ilusion created by Aizen.
- Aizen skewers her from behind. Harribel falls.
I'm sorry but serious lol right there. So much haxx, so little time.

And yay for WW being awesome as usual.

[Mr. Obsession]

Hey guys, something interesting, its been discovered that Aizen used Sonido in the last chapter when he snuck behind Harribel. Its because if you look at the sound affect kanji that was used it is the same as the sound effects used when the Arrancar (and hollow Ichigo) had when they used Sonido. Its also different from the sound effect kanji you always see when Shunpo is used (including the one Aizen had when he used Shunpo back in SS).

In short, Aizen totally has Hollow powers!!!

Since that came out people have been scouring previous chapters to see if there are other instances. Several more have been found. Ichigo's second hollow form used sonido (but that was pointed out by Ulquiorra). When Komamura intercepts Tosen in Fake KT, the sound effect was used with the implication that it came from Tosen. When Shinji appeared before Aizen, the effect was used before he took off his mask to strike. And during Barragan's death flash back, when Aizen, Gin, and Tosen crashed his pitty party the sonido sound effect was also used.

Also, we all seem to have forgotten that following Grimmjow's introduction, Tosen used Garganta the same way Ulquiorra did.

Foreshadowing in Bleach? It's more likely than you think.


- Aizen tells the Captains and Vizards to come with him. He has something to show them.

Obvious trap is obvious.

[Lighthammer]

You know what, I think I just realized whats going on here.

The Espada, as most have probably come to the conclusion, was some sort of distraction.

That being said, what else do we know about Aizen --- oh yea, thats right, his Shikai has hypnotic qualities.

Either his Shikai or his Bankai could be capable of not only making someone believe what he wants them to see, but what if it can be used to actually force someone to submit their will to him?

What if this ENTIRE fight was staged so that Aizen could use his Shikai on all the Captains / Vice Captains present to do something more sinister then we have seen yet ... take control of the majority of the most powerful Shinigami all at once.

This whole fight could have been a win, win situation for Aizen. Either he rampages all over the forces of Soul Society and knows he has little opposition going forward or he gets his forces walloped and he takes the ones that defeated them as his own and still has little opposition going forward.

[Rolling Cloud]

(@Knighthammer) Um dude, people have been joking about something like that for weeks now. :/

[Paul_Cousins]

This week chapter: Harribel doesn't get a flashback and Aizen is up to something.

- Harribel, with her last ounce of strength, cries Aizen and stab him in abdomen.
- Turn out the Aizen she stab was an ilusion created by Aizen.
- Aizen skewers her from behind. Harribel falls.
- Aizen tells the Captains and Vizards to come with him. He has something to show them.
- Scene change to Mashiro. She notice that the Espada have all benn defeated.
- WW revives and attacks her. The two have an exchange.
- Kensei tells Mashiro to put her mask away becuaes of the time limit but she doesn't hear him.
- As Mashiro mask disolves, WW fires at her face and blows her away.
- Kensei catches her and promises he won't go easy on WW.
Aizen is slipping into having "Chronic Backstabbing Disorder". This is a bad trait to have for someone doing a Xanatos Gambit.

Or maybe Aizen has a fetish for stabbing women who are loyal to him.

[Lelouch]

Aizen is slipping into having "Chronic Backstabbing Disorder". This is a bad trait to have for someone doing a Xanatos Gambit.

Or maybe Aizen has a fetish for stabbing women who are loyal to him.


So...does this mean she will survive? To be honest, this chapter was pretty much a waste. What was the point of having her survive for half the chapter? Though I for one second don't believe she is completely dead, but still, I think Kubo is dragging this out to give himself more time.

Also...couldn't Mashiro keep her mask for 15 hours? I certainly hope it hasnt been 15 hours, that is ridiculous.

And Rolling Cloud, I thought the same thing.

[RockmanDash]

You know what, I think I just realized whats going on here.

The Espada, as most have probably come to the conclusion, was some sort of distraction.

That being said, what else do we know about Aizen --- oh yea, thats right, his Shikai has hypnotic qualities.

Either his Shikai or his Bankai could be capable of not only making someone believe what he wants them to see, but what if it can be used to actually force someone to submit their will to him?

What if this ENTIRE fight was staged so that Aizen could use his Shikai on all the Captains / Vice Captains present to do something more sinister then we have seen yet ... take control of the majority of the most powerful Shinigami all at once.

This whole fight could have been a win, win situation for Aizen. Either he rampages all over the forces of Soul Society and knows he has little opposition going forward or he gets his forces walloped and he takes the ones that defeated them as his own and still has little opposition going forward.

Dude that actually makes sense! And that would mean that the only captains not under Aizen would be Kenpachi, Byakuya, Mayuri, and Unohana. >_> But that's Aizen dragging the plot of defeating him a bit..

[Lighthammer]

It also makes sense why Ichigo and co. aren't on scene for the "Fight of the Centenary".

Lets face it, who didn't think Ichigo NOT being on scene for fight wasn't really weird.

More over, who didn't think sending Ichigo so much backup was really out of place?

We can makeup plot elements to explain these away, but at the end of the day, they still felt like there was some sort of plot progression going on.

[Paul_Cousins]

So...does this mean she will survive? To be honest, this chapter was pretty much a waste. What was the point of having her survive for half the chapter? Though I for one second don't believe she is completely dead, but still, I think Kubo is dragging this out to give himself more time.

Also...couldn't Mashiro keep her mask for 15 hours? I certainly hope it hasnt been 15 hours, that is ridiculous.

And Rolling Cloud, I thought the same thing.I don't think Stark, nor his other half, along with her are completely dead.

[Mr. Obsession]

What if this ENTIRE fight was staged so that Aizen could use his Shikai on all the Captains / Vice Captains present to do something more sinister then we have seen yet ... take control of the majority of the most powerful Shinigami all at once.

This whole fight could have been a win, win situation for Aizen. Either he rampages all over the forces of Soul Society and knows he has little opposition going forward or he gets his forces walloped and he takes the ones that defeated them as his own and still has little opposition going forward.

I had already assumed as soon as Fake Karakura Town started that no matter the outcome Aizen would be one step closer to victory. But the more I think about your idea, the more I like it.

That would be: Aizen, Gin, and Tosen + Yamamoto, Hitsugaya & Matsumoto, Soi Fon & Omaeda, Komamura & Iba, Shunsui, Ukitake, Ikkaku & Yumichika, and Hisagi, Kira, Hinamori + Shinji, Love, Rose, Kensi & Mashiro, Lisa, Hiyori and Hachi.

Vs.

Ichigo, Orihimi, Chad, Uryu, Rukia, and Renji, + Byakuya, Kenpachi & Yachiru, Unohana & Isane, Mayuri & Nemu + Grimmjow and Nel + Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai + Isshin + Ryuken + Nanao (she's been missing for too long) & Sasakibe (he's outside the barrier).

25 vs. 21. Shuffle a few characters around, like say Shinji escaping Aizen's grasp or Aizen ignoring everyone in FKT who isn't a visored or a captain, and you could have some very interesting match ups. We might even finally get that Uryu vs. Hitsugaya fight the anime's second opening promised. :p

Or Aizen just hypnotizes everyone in FKT and uses them as cannon fodder against Zero Squad.

[Lighthammer]

You know, I'm still not sure I really believe Squad 0 exists.

To me, the whole Maggot's Nest story was a story that largely suggested to me that Squad 0 was just a pseudo name for another kind of holding cell.

I mean, lets recall the way Urhara described leaving the Court Squads: It's not allowed.

The only exception Urhara described was taking leave for personal business and if it ended up taking too much time they would be pulled off the active roster.

Hikifune obviously didn't do this.

[Lelouch]

I had already assumed as soon as Fake Karakura Town started that no matter the outcome Aizen would be one step closer to victory. But the more I think about your idea, the more I like it.

That would be: Aizen, Gin, and Tosen + Yamamoto, Hitsugaya & Matsumoto, Soi Fon & Omaeda, Komamura & Iba, Shunsui, Ukitake, Ikkaku & Yumichika, and Hisagi, Kira, Hinamori + Shinji, Love, Rose, Kensi & Mashiro, Lisa, Hiyori and Hachi.

Vs.

Ichigo, Orihimi, Chad, Uryu, Rukia, and Renji, + Byakuya, Kenpachi & Yachiru, Unohana & Isane, Mayuri & Nemu + Grimmjow and Nel + Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai + Isshin + Ryuken + Nanao (she's been missing for too long) & Sasakibe (he's outside the barrier).

25 vs. 21. Shuffle a few characters around, like say Shinji escaping Aizen's grasp or Aizen ignoring everyone in FKT who isn't a visored or a captain, and you could have some very interesting match ups. We might even finally get that Uryu vs. Hitsugaya fight the anime's second opening promised. :p

Or Aizen just hypnotizes everyone in FKT and uses them as cannon fodder against Zero Squad.

I think it would be awesome if Aizen somehow managed to get Hichigo on his side and then it would be Aizen, Gin, Tousen and Hichigo vs. Everyone.

With of course the end result being Hichigo turning on Aizen and completely owning him.

[RockmanDash]

I had already assumed as soon as Fake Karakura Town started that no matter the outcome Aizen would be one step closer to victory. But the more I think about your idea, the more I like it.

That would be: Aizen, Gin, and Tosen + Yamamoto, Hitsugaya & Matsumoto, Soi Fon & Omaeda, Komamura & Iba, Shunsui, Ukitake, Ikkaku & Yumichika, and Hisagi, Kira, Hinamori + Shinji, Love, Rose, Kensi & Mashiro, Lisa, Hiyori and Hachi.

Vs.

Ichigo, Orihimi, Chad, Uryu, Rukia, and Renji, + Byakuya, Kenpachi & Yachiru, Unohana & Isane, Mayuri & Nemu + Grimmjow and Nel + Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai + Isshin + Ryuken + Nanao (she's been missing for too long) & Sasakibe (he's outside the barrier).

25 vs. 21. Shuffle a few characters around, like say Shinji escaping Aizen's grasp or Aizen ignoring everyone in FKT who isn't a visored or a captain, and you could have some very interesting match ups. We might even finally get that Uryu vs. Hitsugaya fight the anime's second opening promised. :p

Or Aizen just hypnotizes everyone in FKT and uses them as cannon fodder against Zero Squad.

I'd say take out Shinji, Shunsui, and Ukitake. Those three I can't really see being used by Aizen for some reason, and it would be cool to see another Shunsui and Ukitake vs Yamamoto.

[Grave]

I'd say take out Shinji, Shunsui, and Ukitake. Those three I can't really see being used by Aizen for some reason, and it would be cool to see another Shunsui and Ukitake vs Yamamoto.

Those 3.. I can't see Yamamoto doing anything under Aizen either.. Maybe I'm just giving him too much credit.

[RockmanDash]

Those 3.. I can't see Yamamoto doing anything under Aizen either.. Maybe I'm just giving him too much credit.

It's true that Yamamoto kind of can go either way. Something tells me if anything, Yamamoto would pretend to be under Aizen's control and wait for a moment to attack. Actually, that might be a trick the Soul Society could use on Aizen somehow, I mean they at least researched his Zanpakuto since his betrayal....right? >_>

[Lighthammer]

Lets assume for a second there's a cap on how much Aizen can do with hypnosis.

Let's say to make someone believe one or a few images or 'truths' is mere child's play and Aizen can pretty much cast something like that on all of soul society in one shot.

Now lets assume that actually taking control of someone takes FAR more power. Moreover, the more powerful said person is, the more power must be exerted to take that person over.

If we were to assume these boundaries, then Aizen's first target in order of who is a "Must" would be Yamato. In the theory, Aizen isn't going to make a new key, he's just gonna take the one thats already made, so he'll have to control him both because of his shear power and because of his knowledge.

It might be fair to say that in terms of shear power, Shunsui and Ukitake are the next most powerful.

If Aizen is looking for best prospects, he might choose to snag everyone else and let them go. I mean heck, Toushiro probably has the same potential as Yamato and the only limiting factor is the maturity of his power.

That being said though, if this theory turns out to be fact, I think there would be a certain shock value having Ichigo and co. emerge only staired down by Yammato, Shunsui and Ukitake acting as a human shield for Aizen. Can you imagine the shock value in that?

Really, the only person I would REALLY expect to escape such a mind bending is Shinji and thats largely because we have seen that he can see through Aizen's illusions.

[Lelouch]

I just don't see Yamamoto, Ukitake or Shunsui falling for Aizen's power...at all. The shock value wouldn't be great because it would be utterly ridiculous, and silly.

[RockmanDash]

I just don't see Yamamoto, Ukitake or Shunsui falling for Aizen's power...at all. The shock value wouldn't be great because it would be utterly ridiculous, and silly.

Going to have to agree, those three are not dumb enough to fall for Aizen's illusions, and it would seem a bit..awkward? Something tells me Aizen is just going to release a army of hollows or he's going to pull something with his sword that will let him carry out his plan in some way.

[bigdeath]

But haven't they already fallen for Azien illusion powers back in the soul society?

[Rud]

I don't want any illusions or mind control or any of that, all i want to see is some new revelations or something, its been far too long since any plot has happened.

[RockmanDash]

But haven't they already fallen for Azien illusion powers back in the soul society?

Once, but I doubt they would fall for the same trick twice. Aizen tricked them bad so if they were smart enough they most likely learned and researched how Aizen's Zanpakuto works at least.

[Lighthammer]

I don't want any illusions or mind control or any of that, all i want to see is some new revelations or something, its been far too long since any plot has happened.

I don't particularly like the idea of Aizen doing a mind control trick, but I do think it seems like the obvious answer.

Personally, I'd still like to see some more complex story line.

What I had been hoping would happen (quiet a while ago) is we'd find out that someone in Hell took control of Aizen long ago and he's been doing his bidding for a LONG time. At some point Aizen would break away and become a good guy.

Something of a Medivh type character for those who know the reference.

[Captain Highwind]

- Aizen tells the Captains and Vizards to come with him. He has something to show them.


Obvious trap is obvious.

Okay, first off, I immediately have this image in my head of Aizen punching Hitsuguya in the face after luring him over with a five dollar bill, like what happened to the mime in that episode of Seinfeld.

With that said, if it takes a sacrifice (or many) from people like Soi Fon and Yamamoto to see what Aizen wants to show us ...why, that's a chance I'm willing to take.

[Lighthammer]

All I have to say is after all this fighting, SOMEONE has to die!

[Beat]

All I have to say is after all this fighting, SOMEONE has to die!

Well, anyone except the main cast, seeing how this is Bleach.

[anime_guru]

not to break this line of discussion but we need neo ultra mike's parody spoilers...

truthfully, they are better than the manga right now... =/

[RockmanDash]

not to break this line of discussion but we need neo ultra mike's parody spoilers...

truthfully, they are better than the manga right now... =/

I guess I'll take a try at it

Harribel: No! I'm not going to die! I NEED MY SCREENTIME! If Barragan and Starrk get a flashback then I GET A FLASHBACK AS WELL! I mean what ever happened to the importance of me being the last one left? Don't I have some special power to revive the Espada or something???

Aizen: Nope sorry, that would of been to obvious, and besides the viewers would kill us if we brought back three years worth of material making all those fights useless. And besides......*kills* I for some reason have a love for killing women.

Hitsugaya: Well that was anticlimatic..

Lisa: >_> Wait... so I don't release a bankai or anything? Where is my screentime? All I did was release my shikai for what? Two seconds? And it does not help that Hitsugaya had to help me.

Hitsugaya: I need my screentime!

*Everyone glares*

Hitsugaya: *cough* um move the plot!

Aizen: *reading a magazine* Oh right uh...the plot um *thinks* OH! Now Captains and Vizards..come over here..

Everyone: We instantly go over to Aizen without thinking..

Aizen: Now here is.....OH HEY CHAPTERS OVER! I guess you kids will have to wait until next week until my uh.. master plan is shown!

Everyone: QUIT DRAGGING THE PLOT!

*meanwhile in Hueco Mundo*

Ichigo: Tite Kubo forgot about his diden't he?

Orihime: ._.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Well good to know that some people enjoy my parody spoilers.


Harribel, with her last ounce of strength, cries Aizen and stab him in abdomen.

Aizen: Are you backstabbing me?
Harribel: I'm front stabbing. Besides you can't backstab someone who already backstabbed you.
Aizen: Yes you can.
Harribel: Well in this case you're asking for it. I hope you like tasting blood you smug ***hole!



Turn out the Aizen she stab was an ilusion created by Aizen.

Harribel: Oh, you're still pulling that bullcrap? Why can't I just stab people without it being an illusion or an ice clone or have it actually be effective in some way?
Aizen: Hey what made you think you could touch me if Barragan failed?
Harribel: His death was suppose to be symbolic as implied in his flashback which BTW he ACTUALLY GOT.
Aizen: Hey you know what they say: the most loyal never get a flashback. I mean Zommari never got one did he?
Harribel: Not but at least his fight got completed!
Aizen: Too bad, so sad. Well for you anyway.



- Aizen skewers her from behind. Harribel falls.

Harribel: Wait a minute, maybe I'm not dead. I mean thinking about it, you couldn't even kill Momo and she pratically embraced herself right into your sword.
Aizen: Yes but you know how if you're a named member of one of the 13 court guard squads you can't die in present time.
Harribel: You know eventually this series is either going to collasp on itself or actually learn to grow a pair and kill off someone on the hero's side.
Aizen: Eh I'm leaning more towards the former.
Harribel: (Grumbles) You know it says something when in two of the big three you have decently coregraphed out female empowerment and then in this series you have them being kicked to the curb. Which is especially sad considering Kisihimoto couldn't even write for girls and Oda hates romance. What's Kubo's excuse?
Aizen: Oh just die already. Or stay in storyline limbo like Grimmjow.
Grimmjow: (Overheard) I am going to be shown again right?
Aizen: I don't think even Kubo knows that.



Aizen tells the Captains and Vizards to come with him. He has something to show them.

Yamamoto: I'm betting it's some sort of trap.
Aizen: No it's not.
Soi Fon: Yeah right. I bet you're about to say some mock words of congratulation and then go "exactly as planned" on us.
Aizen: Maybe, but you have to follow me anyway. You know rules of storytelling.
Shinji: Well if yer trying to hypnotize us it won't work on me. I can see through ya.
Aizen: Remember that time you can't I made you into part hollow?
Shinji: Apparently people around here don't.


Scene change to Mashiro. She notice that the Espada have all benn defeated.

Mashiro: Wow, that was fast. I thought the battle would of lasted at least a few more chapters.
One Group Of Fans: We all thought that but then it was revelaed this whole thing was pointless.
Second Group Of Fans: No it isn't because it's going to actually lead to this series having plot for about a couple of weeks again.
Third Group Of Fans: Go back to Hueco Mundo! I want to see some of the main characters this series is suppose to be focusing on!
Fourth Group Of Fans: I want the hell arc, Negative Espada and Isshin appearences now!
Mashiro: Look at all the people... we're going to end up ticking off even more next time.


WW revives and attacks her. The two have an exchange.

Mashiro: You're mean.
Wonderweiss: Wahhhhhhhh.
Mashiro: Poopoo head.
Wonderweiss: Wahhhhhhhhhh!
Mashiro: Jerky jerk jerk.
Wonderweiss: Ehwheheheh.
Kensei: (Groans) It's like moron in stereo.


Kensei tells Mashiro to put her mask away becuaes of the time limit but she doesn't hear him.

Kensei: Why can't you hear me? I'm right here.
Mashiro: Sorry I may speak stupid, but I don't speak plotholes. I can keep my mask on for 15 hours remember?
Kensei: Well maybe it's been over 15 hours by now-
Mashiro: It's barley been 15 chapters since we've come in! And even though the pacing may feel like it's taknig forever it's still suppose to be the same day. Hell even in the anime adapation this whole battle up till now will probably have only taken a few hours.
Kensei; Wow those are actually some good points. Then again maybe this broken continuity is now so bad we're in broken continuity. The kind you can't just say "oh it was my vision to have it end like this" since it goes against what was established earlier.
Harribel: (overheard) So was our importance but apparently everyone forget that!


As Mashiro mask disolves, WW fires at her face and blows her away.

Mashiro: Hey what did I ever do to you? Besides kicking you those few times. And it was kill or be kicked. Besides I should still have my mask on.
Kensei: Apparently according to this transcript you can transform with a mask for 15 hours if you aren't fighting high level opponents. So that means fighting Wonderweiss dampered your powers more then normal.
Mashiro: Really? How come I didn't train to get rid of that weakness?
Kensei: You never trained at all! You just acted like an annoying goofy nutball all the time.
Mashiro: Oh yeah! I'm quirky that way aren't I- (gets knocked out).
Kensei: Wow another female down. Maybe Kubo is sexist.
Lisa: That's what I"ve been saying ever since those fanservice shots.
Kensei: No those had their... importance.
Lisa: Hey I'm suppose to be one of the many peverts around here!



Kensei catches her and promises he won't go easy on WW.

Kensei: Yeah she may be annoying but she was still my vice captain. But as a younger female I could never beat her around, but since you're a younger male on the villians side I can so prepare to get Kensi-owned.
Wonderweiss: Unlike the Espada I'm actually worth all the hype.
Kensei: Pfft after getting rid of the main villian group so easily without any casulities and trying to make loopholes around his continuity Kubo's got a lot of trust to earn back and it's going to take more then some pretty promises to make people-
Kubo: Hey everyone I may end up dealing with those two bodies that were discovered that one time soon.
Fans; Eeee he did really have it planned all along.
Kensei: ... Not everyone believes that right? (Some people shake their heads) Thank god.

I'd say what I thought of the chapter but I'll wait until the chapter comes out to do that since last week's chapter ended up having more in it then I thought from the spoilers, even if it still was really unsaitisfying in every single possible way.

[Grenzer]

Aizen and the Soul Reapers should be careful about who they kill, they might end up with a racial discrimination lawsuit on his hands. :D

Scene: Slums of Soul Society

The dead(er) members of the Espada congregate around a burning pile of garbage to stay warm.

Zommari: I'm telling you guys, it's all racist bs. The brothers get it first, and then we have to sit around here like idiots.

Aaroniero: They don't like the disabled either. I told them I needed a special accommodation for my two heads, and told me they don't have a budget for that... and that the American Disability Act has no jurisdiction in Soul Society. What's up with that?

Zommari: I know, right? The ADA and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are recognized in Hueco Mundo, these crackers here in Soul Society just don't care. I think this is a violation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights!

Szayel: Is Soul Society even a member of the UN? I mean it exists on a different plane of reality from Earth.

Zommari: Shut up.

Starrk walks up.

Starrk: Room for one more?

Zommari: They got you too? So now they have something against Latinos as well. You are Latino right?

Starrk: Half. You know... the part of me that's "Coyote."

Zommari: Good enough for me.

Zommari notices Harribel walking up to them.

Zommari: Even the sisters aren't safe? That's it, I'm calling the ACLU!

Ulquiorra: There are no phones here you idiot.

Zommari:........ ****.

:p

[RockmanDash]

Aizen and the Soul Reapers should be careful about who they kill, they might end up with a racial discrimination lawsuit on his hands. :D

Scene: Slums of Soul Society

The dead(er) members of the Espada congregate around a burning pile of garbage to stay warm.

Zommari: I'm telling you guys, it's all racist bs. The brothers get it first, and then we have to sit around here like idiots.

Aaroniero: They don't like the disabled either. I told them I needed a special accommodation for my two heads, and told me they don't have a budget for that... and that the American Disability Act has no jurisdiction in Soul Society. What's up with that?

Zommari: I know, right? The ADA and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are recognized in Hueco Mundo, these crackers here in Soul Society just don't care. I think this is a violation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights!

Szayel: Is Soul Society even a member of the UN? I mean it exists on a different plane of reality from Earth.

Zommari: Shut up.

Starrk walks up.

Starrk: Room for one more?

Zommari: They got you too? So now they have something against Latinos as well. You are Latino right?

Starrk: Half. You know... the part of me that's "Coyote."

Zommari: Good enough for me.

Zommari notices Harribel walking up to them.

Zommari: Even the sisters aren't safe? That's it, I'm calling the ACLU!

Ulquiorra: There are no phones here you idiot.

Zommari:........ ****.

:p

xD I gotta admit, that's hilarious.

[ShadowGUN]

Damn. I fell bad for Harribel. All that loyalty and she got nothing in return. Not even a flashback. I enjoy the WW vs Mashiro fight. Can't wait to see it animated. So next week will probably be Kensei vs WW. Unless Aizen feels like stabing him in the back too :shrug:.

[Mr. Obsession]

I was going to say "what the hell, shoulder stabs aren't lethal" but Aizen followed through pretty effectively. Based on the wounds they've gotten I can see both Harribel and Starrk both coming back for one last hurrah to try and take down Aizen in revenge before they die for real.

So Aizen's Plan B isn't to call everyone to him in some obvious trap (stupid spoilers) but rather to just kill off all his already exhausted and in some cases wounded enemies.

And Kensei looks pissed off. Yeah, he always looks pissed off but at least now he has a reason to be!

[Rud]

I just love Wonderweiss's expressions when he fights, the panel after Mashiros mask broke and he stuck out his tounge was the best.

I wonder what Aizen has to show everyone....

[zoombie]

Is Tosen going to do anything to save his little pet?

[garfield15]

Harribel: Oh, you're still pulling that bullcrap? Why can't I just stab people without it being an illusion or an ice clone or have it actually be effective in some way?
Because you're a female character in Bleach. :p

[Paul_Cousins]

Because you're a female character in Bleach. :pHarribel, fighting two vizards and a soul reaper captain and holding her own in the fight.

That's badass. :cool:

And Big Bad Aizen stabbed her in the back because she was taking to long in her fight.

Also, I am not sure that Harribel and Stark are completely dead yet.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Paul_Cousins
Harribel, fighting two vizards and a soul reaper captain and holding her own in the fight.

That's badass.

No, here are some things that'd be badass.

1. Harribel finishing off Toshiru with one blow after she released proclaiming "one attack and the shark sinks the ice dragon."

2. Harribel using the power of water to push all of Toshiru's ice attacks back at him making him unable to land a hit on her.

3. Harribel sneaking up and taking him out from behind before Toshiru knew what was coming after being memorized by the Vizards.

4. Harribel activating a second resurrecion using her element of sacrfice to absorb every other dead arrancar around (which beisdes Wonderweiss would be all of them) and become immensly more powerful.

5. Using teamwork, Lisa Hiyori and Hitsaguya being able to defeat Harribel's strongest attack (that was hinted at but never used), her having a flashback about how she met Aizen and her Fraccion, and then dying, having a complete battle.

Here's what isn't badass.

Toshiru going back to his Shikai (when even when she wasn't released he needed a Bankai to face her) Lisa and Hiyori fighting for awhile before she was stabbed from behind without a chance to even finish her battle. That is a copout, not badass. Maybe sort of badass of Aizen... well more like jerkass actually.


And Big Bad Aizen stabbed her in the back because she was taking to long in her fight.

Well since Barragan and Starrk lost he knew that she'd loose eventually as well so figured "let's speed things along and not try to find a more interesting twist" and offed her himself.


Also, I am not sure that Harribel and Stark are completely dead yet.

I can see Harribel since we saw her fall into the city after being struck down by Aizen. And last I checked Aizen couldn't even kill Momo when he wanted to (then again Unohana was there to heal Momo but still). Starrk? Yeah not so much. Not only was he more viciously cut then Harribel was but his backstory/flashback seemed to wrap up: he realized in the end he wasn't alone and was able to sort of die happily in that knowledge. That's the kind of clarity some characters achieve in death and in this case it's what he achieved.

[RockmanDash]

Toshiru going back to his Shikai (when even when she wasn't released he needed a Bankai to face her) Lisa and Hiyori fighting for awhile before she was stabbed from behind without a chance to even finish her battle. That is a copout, not badass. Maybe sort of badass of Aizen... well more like jerkass actually.

As much as I would love to agree with you about Hitsugaya using his shikai, he kind of had no choice since I'm sure he basically had no more energy left to pull anything else off. I'm sure that absolution attack he pull off took away all the last of his strength, which probably makes no sense since he has all the water in the air but.. I'm going by anime reasoning.

And besides, Ulq said it himself that he was special because he was the only one with a second release(which actually from how these battles turned out, makes him probably stronger than Starrk)

[Grave]

And besides, Ulq said it himself that he was special because he was the only one with a second release(which actually from how these battles turned out, makes him probably stronger than Starrk)

He certainly fought like he was stronger than Stark.


1. Harribel finishing off Toshiru with one blow after she released proclaiming "one attack and the shark sinks the ice dragon."
:mad: It still irks me that he wasn't done in after that. That clone crap was a load of garbage.

I'm still anticipating bankai's but, I'm not so sure if I'm willing to wait anymore considering how things are turning out. >_> I'm holding grudges out of this world. (Stark being done in by a shikai just don't sit well with me at all.)

[Paul_Cousins]

I can see Harribel since we saw her fall into the city after being struck down by Aizen. And last I checked Aizen couldn't even kill Momo when he wanted to (then again Unohana was there to heal Momo but still). Starrk? Yeah not so much. Not only was he more viciously cut then Harribel was but his backstory/flashback seemed to wrap up: he realized in the end he wasn't alone and was able to sort of die happily in that knowledge. That's the kind of clarity some characters achieve in death and in this case it's what he achieved.I think Harribel was a badass in that fight, you don't. We are just going to have to disagree.

And she was shown falling, she hasn't hit the ground yet.

[Lelouch]

I'm not so sure I'd go as far as to say Stark is alive, but I'd definately say that the #1 isn't quite dead yet. We still have Lillinette, and until we see otherwise, I'll say she is alive, meaning Stark is also alive...in some form (their souls are linked, yes?)

But count me in with the group that thinks Harribel is still alive. I am also kind of thinking he meaning of sacrifice will come to its full power because of this...which could perhaps mean the ressurection of Stark (if he is dead)?

[Paul_Cousins]

I'm not so sure I'd go as far as to say Stark is alive, but I'd definately say that the #1 isn't quite dead yet. We still have Lillinette, and until we see otherwise, I'll say she is alive, meaning Stark is also alive...in some form (their souls are linked, yes?)

But count me in with the group that thinks Harribel is still alive. I am also kind of thinking he meaning of sacrifice will come to its full power because of this...which could perhaps mean the ressurection of Stark (if he is dead)?Some readers said Harribel was dead after Hitsugaya encased her in ice. And she survived that.

[Rud]

So.... how badly is Kensei about to get owned, Ichigo vs Ulquiorra 1st match bad?, Ichigo vs Ulq 2dn match bad?, or maybe just Grimjow vs Ichigo 1st match owned?.

Im thinking itl be Ichigo vs Ulq 1st match bad. He cant stand a snowballs chance.

[Silver Soul]

Some readers said Harribel was dead after Hitsugaya encased her in ice. And she survived that.

Aizen >>>>>>>>> Hitsugaya

[RockmanDash]

Aizen >>>>>>>>> Hitsugaya

Aizen killing Momo=FAIL

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: Gin finally does something.

- Kensei unleashes his Bankai on Wonderweiss.
- The scene changes to Aizen, where he starts saying provoking things.
- Hiyori wants to kick Azien ass but Hirako tell her not to rush in without a plan. Aizen teases her. Hiyori attacks him.
- Hiyori's body is pierced by a sword and her body it cut in half. The sword belong to Gin.
- Hirako holds Hiyori upper half. She tells him it hurts.
- Hirako call Hachi. He sees Hachi is missing his arm. Wishes Orihime was here.
- Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo is seen running somewhere (Yammi maybe?). Chapter ends.

[garfield15]

this week chapter: Gin finally does something.
- kensei unleashes his bankai on wonderweiss.
- the scene changes
&$*# Kubo, what the heck?


- hiyori's body is pierced by a sword and her body it cut in half. The sword belong to gin.
- hirako holds hiyori upper half. She tells him it hurts.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

DARN YOU GIN! DARN YOU TO HUECO MUNDO AND BACK!

[Grave]

&$*#!

I seconded this. I want to hear more about bankai unseen bankai's dag flammit. Funny, I was just on the verge of dropping this and "bankai" changes all of that.. heh

[GWOtaku]

Hmm, the vaizards now need Inoue's talents, I wonder if Ichigo will escape from Hueco Mundo soon!

The sarcasm aside, I really hope that's what this means. Move the plot! I want our main characters back already.

[Demonic Raven]

Hiyori gets WHAT? Cut in half? So surely she's going to die, right? Not to mention that things are seemingly moving! This is new and exciting for Bleach! ;)

[Mett]

- Hirako holds Hiyori upper half. She tells him it hurts.



She tells him it hurts? Well no crap it hurts! :p

[Mr. Obsession]

It's kind of fitting that Kensei will be the first Visored (Ichigo doesn't count :p) to show off his bankai since he was the first to show us a shikai.

As for Hiyori, holy crap. I'm still skeptical after Hitsugaya's ice clone from nowhere, but a similar injury did do in Uliquorra. Really need to see pics on this one.

[Silver Soul]

&$*# Kubo, what the heck?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

DARN YOU GIN! DARN YOU TO HUECO MUNDO AND BACK!
Ah, Gin :)

Good old Gin ;)

Never change :evil:

[garfield15]

As for Hiyori, holy crap. I'm still skeptical after Hitsugaya's ice clone from nowhere, but a similar injury did do in Uliquorra. Really need to see pics on this one.Yeah, but Hitsugaya wasn't in freaking half!

[Mr. Obsession]

Yeah, but Hitsugaya wasn't in freaking half!
I seem to remember the spoilers at the time, before the pics came out, that said Hitsugaya was cut in half. Hence I'm waiting for the actual chapter to come out.

[Rolling Cloud]

........
Shinji, kick his ass!!

[RockmanDash]

Wow....this is.....freaky. So Gin...CUT HIYORI IN HALF? No seriously? IN HALF? ...I sense heavily edited violence in the anime. And of course we switch to Ichigo right when things actually got interesting. xD

[Luna]

As for the latest chapter...:eek:...

Doesn't look good for Hiyori....She's not a favorite of mine,but I still feel bad for her....OUCH,cut in half...

[silvanoir]

Yeah, I think I'm done with the manga. I was already becoming less and less interested. And now with all the women stabbed and cut in half .... yeah, done.

When Aizen stabbed Momo in the Soul Society Arc, it was for a purpose. To show there was no good left in him, that he cold be so cold as to stab cute little girl who had been nothing but loyal to him. Part of the shattering the illusion he'd had over everyone.
What's been happening in the recent fights is gratuitous horror movie dreck. I'm done.

[Rocketboy]

And now with all the women stabbed and cut in half .... yeah, done.


This has been talked about throughout some Bleach communities, and it angers me.

Apparently, female fans of Bleach don't want women to get injured in fights that they participate in. They seem to want the women to flawlessly defeat their opponets without a scratch.

The women fight alongside the men. They are going to get hurt, like the guys are.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

I don't have any problems with female characters getting injured. Hell if they're fighting such high level opponents they should be getting as thrashed around as the guys. My problem is that the female characters seem to be getting smacked around without getting a chance to prove themselves. I mean come on, first off we have Harribel being the only Espada whose full on battle was cut short while everyone else got to last till the end. And then out of all the Espada to get cut in two it's Hiyori, right after Mashiro was taken out of the fight (then again she's the only female Vizard to take down one of her main opponents, Fura. Actually to be fair besides Hacchi none of the other vizards even beat anyone else besides standard menos anyway). Not to mention Orihimie being so easily put down in every encounter, it is leaning a little sexist. (I'm not even going to mention on the Shinigami's side how the only female who got a full battle was Soi Fon, whose Espada match was interrupted. And how easily Momo and Rangiku got pushed aside after Allon came along, or a few other examples I could list now).

[Rud]

^^
about Soi fon's espada fight being interupted.... so did all of the guys Espada fight on this battle.

and about how easily Momo and Rangiku got beat by Allon. Well Iba got thrashed by Allon even faster than they did, at least its better than how Kira gave up like a punk (then again he does suck).

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Lightning Tiger
about Soi fon's espada fight being interupted.... so did all of the guys Espada fight on this battle.

Well yeah but Kyrokau was still the one who ultimatley took out Starrk, while Soi Fon wasn't the one who took out Barragan. As for Hitsaguya, well since apparently Wonderweiss saved Harribel from his ultimate attack, we're still left with the ideal that Hitsaguya's asspull last power up would of killed Harribel if not for Wonderweiss's intervention.


and about how easily Momo and Rangiku got beat by Allon. Well Iba got thrashed by Allon even faster than they did, at least its better than how Kira gave up like a punk (then again he does suck).

Kira at least had a full battle though, unlike Momo and Rangiku (though to be fair neither did Iba but he was never given a fight. Besides he had a cool moment pointing out to Ikkaku hiding his Bankai was stupid. Momo and Rangiku never got a permanent cool moment in this fight. Momo's kido attack dosen't count if it didn't really do anything besides force the Fraccion to transform).

[Rud]

Well yeah but Kyrokau was still the one who ultimatley took out Starrk, while Soi Fon wasn't the one who took out Barragan. As for Hitsaguya, well since apparently Wonderweiss saved Harribel from his ultimate attack, we're still left with the ideal that Hitsaguya's asspull last power up would of killed Harribel if not for Wonderweiss's intervention.

Harribel literaly had no injuries from Hitsus final attack, as you see when she got out of ice (when Luppi got saved from hitsus attack before, he was all banged up, as a counter example, Harrible was still in mint condition), she was just stuck in some ice. Hitsugaya could never kill her.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted byLightning Tiger
Harribel literaly had no injuries from Hitsus final attack, as you see when she got out of ice (when Luppi got saved from hitsus attack before, he was all banged up, as a counter example, Harrible was still in mint condition), she was just stuck in some ice. Hitsugaya could never kill her.

Yeah I would like to think that too. Hell part of me just imagines Harribel breaking through the ice glaring at Histaguya just her being ticked at what he tried doing and not going out that way. But the thing is it is never implied or stated she got out on the ice on her own. And there's no dialogue in the actual manga that states she wouldn't of been affected by the 100 Ice Flower bullcrap final attack Hitsaguya used. So from how it's presented she was going to die due to Hitsaguya's attack but Wonderweiss saved her from that happening. I really don't like it either especially with how retarded Hitsaguya was in that fight ("Oh I'm going to use my Shikai on someone I know is one of the top Espada when it's been proven before I need at least Bankai to take on the 10th Espada") and how stupid his comebacks are (Ice clone and ice flowers? Seriously ice hasn't been so lame since the 90's with Batman and Robin Mr. Freeze and the "Cool As Ice" Vanilla Ice) but it's suppose to be fact that Hitsaguya is awesome. And will only get more awesome the older he gets. That's why I would of loved a clean cut win from Harribel but that didn't happen. Thus why her death still stinks with sexist writing.

Of course there is a way to change all this Kubo: You're going back to Hueco Mundo right? Well have Ichigo run into Yammy (who defeated Chad, Ruika and Renji by now I'm sure) try to take him on, fail miserably, and then have Unohana come to take him out. I mean really she's supposed to be the second strongest captain besides Yamamoto (not counting former Captain Aizen). This would be a good chance to show it if Shushi was able to take out Espada 1 wihtout even going Bankai.

[Silver Soul]

Yeah, I think I'm done with the manga. I was already becoming less and less interested. And now with all the women stabbed and cut in half .... yeah, done.

When Aizen stabbed Momo in the Soul Society Arc, it was for a purpose. To show there was no good left in him, that he cold be so cold as to stab cute little girl who had been nothing but loyal to him. Part of the shattering the illusion he'd had over everyone.
What's been happening in the recent fights is gratuitous horror movie dreck. I'm done.
Women are nothing more than background characters,
and you know Kubo feels about backgrounds. :p

[Beat]

Yeah, I think I'm done with the manga. I was already becoming less and less interested. And now with all the women stabbed and cut in half .... yeah, done.

When Aizen stabbed Momo in the Soul Society Arc, it was for a purpose. To show there was no good left in him, that he cold be so cold as to stab cute little girl who had been nothing but loyal to him. Part of the shattering the illusion he'd had over everyone.
What's been happening in the recent fights is gratuitous horror movie dreck. I'm done.

You know, I'm not one to defend Bleach. But what I'm seeing here is a double standard in regards to male/female violence. I mean, how does a female soldier getting killed equate to Jason killing girls in a trashy setting, or Freddy's many horror movie kills? As long as the violence isn't gratuitous, violence towards female soldiers is expected.

That said, if you want to attack the way Kubo WRITES women, I'm all ears. But deaths on the battlefield? It should be equal.

[garfield15]

Women are nothing more than background characters,
and you know Kubo feels about backgrounds. :p
Dump a bottle of ink on it and hope it works?

[FireStarterLE]

I seem to remember the spoilers at the time, before the pics came out, that said Hitsugaya was cut in half. Hence I'm waiting for the actual chapter to come out.

well now you have a choice, you can either wait for the chapter or view this page from that chapter that shows:


Hiyori staring back at her legs (http://www.manga-and-anime.info/bleach/index.php/bleach-377/37713.jpg?action=big&size=original&fromthumbnail=true&preferredsize=resize) :(

[garfield15]

well now you have a choice, you can either wait for the chapter or view this page from that chapter that shows:


Hiyori staring back at her legs (http://www.manga-and-anime.info/bleach/index.php/bleach-377/37713.jpg?action=big&size=original&fromthumbnail=true&preferredsize=resize) :(

.....

I need a minute....

[bigdeath]

Ah, Gin :)

Good old Gin ;)

Never change :evil:

Make them suffer, Gin. :evil:

[garfield15]

Make them suffer, Gin. :evil:

I hate you all.....:p

[RockmanDash]

Oh my.....yeah I..wish I did not see that image... wow..I mean I always thought Bleach was extreme with only arm cutting but......her entire lower body got cut by Gin? Looks like Gin is stronger than I thought he was since the Soul Society.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Actually thinking about it I forgot to parody the spoilers. I mean even if they are interesting they're still worth a little mocking, especially with that pic up.


Kensei unleashes his Bankai on Wonderweiss.

Kensei: Yeah that's right I'm actually doing what barley any of these putzes did around here: kick things up a notch BEFORE the fight happens.
Wonderweiss: Oooooh.
Kensei: Yeah oooh all you want. Prepare for the fury of my (uses Bankai) Giant pair of knuckles.
Mashiro: (Offscreen) Lameeeeeeeee.
Kensei: Shut up! I'm about to pound some skulls in so no one try interrupting-


The scene changes to Aizen, where he starts saying provoking things.

Kensei: (Overheard) Hey, I said don't interrupt! Things were getting interesting in my fight!
Aizen: It keeps the people guessing.
Kensei: (Overheard) No it honks them off.
Aizen: Yes well that's something Bleach is good for. Unlike you worthless heaps of trash.
Hirako: Is that how you try provoking people?
Aizen: Well if I had the time I would of written you guys notes that made you attack you best friends under suspicion of supposed murder. Unfouratnley the only mind games I can play now though are of a little verbal banter.
Hirako: What about using yer Shikai power?
Aizen: That's a good question.
Hirako: ... You going to answer it?
Aizen: It will tick you and everyone else off more if I don't answer it, so no. Now behold my super taunting: You all are going to die, just like you died 100 years ago.
Hirako: We didn't die, you just hollowfied us until Kisuke saved us.
Aizen: That's death to me, or about as dead as Soul Reapers can get in this series anyway.


Hiyori wants to kick Azien ass but Hirako tell her not to rush in without a plan. Aizen teases her. Hiyori attacks him.

Hirako: Look don't be an idiot. He's not a *ussy like Ichigo so you aren't going to get away with using chibi girl anime rage on him.
Hiyori: No one can resist the power of chibi girl anime rage.
Hirako: Serious non comedic bad guys can.
Hiyori: So does that mean I can beat up on Gin?
Gin: This isn't an Arrancar Encylopedia so no.
Hiyori: Well I'm still going to cut Aizen up. Just like I should of over a hundred years ago.
Aizen: You couldn't take on anyone. I mean thinking about it you're actually the weakest Vizard overall. Hirako, Rose, Lose and Kensei are captain class, Mashiro's got super karate, Hacchi's got kido, Lisa's got expert swordsmanship skills. What do you have, besides being annoying?
Aizen: Uh... you're head! (Tries attakcing him)


- Hiyori's body is pierced by a sword and her body it cut in half. The sword belong to Gin.

Hiyori: Well this dosen't look so bad (Looks at FireStarterLE's spoiler) Yes I take it back this is very bad.
Bleach Anime Crewmember: I'll say... how the hell are we suppose to edit this?
Bleach Anime Crewmember 2: I know: We'll her her be sliced hard in the stomach and have it paralyze her legs so it's like they were cut off except they aren't cut off in the least!
Bleach Anime Crewmember 3: Brilliant. This is even better then having all those laser stamps over everyone's cut out arms. Or slight snippets of blood representing someone's guts being taken out!
Tite Kubo: You guys are ruining my gore!
Bleach Anime Crewmember: You're pacing is ruining the anime adapation... and the storyline in general, so we're even.




Hirako holds Hiyori upper half. She tells him it hurts.

Hiyori: Well duh of course it hurts. Even more then Mashiro getting knocked out.
Lisa: I hate to play the whole sexist thing again but you know this is once again proving how sexist the writing is kind of getting. I mean it's not like there shouldn't be gore across the gender, but it seems that guys can kind of shrug off this kind of thing. Or make up bullcrap like ice clones-
Hitsaguya: (Offscreen) Hey!
Lisa: While this entirley incapatites us women.
Hirako: Well maybe Gin was just going after the weakest.
Hiyori: ... If I had my legs I'd take off my sandal and slap the crap out of you.
Hirako: Well you can't... hey maybe there is a plus side to this!


- Hirako call Hachi. He sees Hachi is missing his arm. Wishes Orihime was here.

Lisa: Why?
Hirako: Because she has super healing powers.
Lisa: Well how do we know that? It's not like Kisuke told us the specfiics about her power. All we know personally about her skills is that she can slip past barrier very well and her powers are similar to Hacchi's. We don't know if they're better or not.
Hirako: Well it'd be nice to have another healer here.
Lisa: Then why not ask for someone in squad 4?
Hirako: Unohana still scares me. Besides Orihimie is teh hot.
Lisa: I know. And I have erotic manga of her under my bed I pleasure myself with nightly but that's neither here nor there.
Hirako: Yeah... but where is that? After the battle I may need for uh... research. (Lisa glares at him) I mean Ichigoooooooooooooooooo, where are youuuuuuu?


Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo is seen running somewhere (Yammi maybe?). Chapter ends.

Ichigo: Well with that flimsy transition out of the way we can finally get back to my story. I mean it's been... wow 20 chapters? Oh well, at least I can finally give the fans what they want.
One Group Of Fans: Actually we were interested in seeing the conclusion of what was happening in Fake Karkura Town since that actually looked interesting now.
Ichigo: Oh I meant the fans who wanted to see me back in Hueco Mundo.
Another Group Of Fans: Actually we just wanted Unohana to take out Yammy.
Ichigo: Uh... I meant the fans who wanted to see the main characters-
Yet Another Group Of Fans: Is Orihime going to do something useful?
Ichigo: I meant about me!
Fans: .... That dosen't sound interesting.
Ichigo: (Muttering) How come Oda and Kishimoto know how to make they're main title characters interesting and evolve while I'm stuck on first rate stupid generic cliche mode again?

[anime_guru]

another classic parody spoilers especially ichi's cliches mike
as for the chapter itself I'll comment when its released but my feeling is that the naruto chapter is already better just for the sake of plot exposition and coherence. We've seen a lot of routine with bleach and save from what happens to one character (which we have been all begging a good character gets hurt/dead), its not so great...

...

Maybe next week it will rock

[Mett]

Oh man, Hiyori got messed up baaaad!

[Grave]

Is it sad for me to say that the best part of this whole war is Hiyori being cut in 2? Seriously, her being cut in two has turned this into something like a race against time and, made the situation a lot more interesting. No healers are there with them outside of Hacchi and it seems like he needs both his hands to do any sort of healing. I wonder if Urahara is going to show up (if he shows up) with everyone.. (Tatsuki, Keigo and what's his name included?)

I thought I would like Kensei's bankai, but I'm not sure that I do. I have to see more.

[Captain Highwind]

Is it really a race against time though? Orhime's already revived Ichigo from death, which makes her powers a little too convenient...actually, ever since they first found out that she can heal just about anything.

[ShadowGUN]

WOW. Hiyori getting cut in half was brutal. Curse you Gin. I like Kensei bankai. Hope it looks cool in action.

[Fool's Gil]

So I took off six weeks from Bleach because the story was going too slow. I get all the way up to the newest chapter, and now I'll take off another six weeks because the chapter was crap.

How the hell Can Shinji panic and beg for Ichigo to get there! This isn't Dragonball, and did Tubo forget an uninjured Yamamoto is right behind EVERYONE? How could Shinji suddenly lose it? And what the hell can Ichigo do? He couldn't defeat Ulquiorra(without losing it for no reason!) and he just left all his friends behind alone to fight Magic Numbers Yammy!

I don't understand. I can't comprehend. I can only rant.

[Baseball]

So I took off six weeks from Bleach because the story was going too slow. I get all the way up to the newest chapter, and now I'll take off another six weeks because the chapter was crap.

How the hell Can Shinji panic and beg for Ichigo to get there! This isn't Dragonball, and did Tubo forget an uninjured Yamamoto is right behind EVERYONE? How could Shinji suddenly lose it? And what the hell can Ichigo do? He couldn't defeat Ulquiorra(without losing it for no reason!) and he just left all his friends behind alone to fight Magic Numbers Yammy!

I don't understand. I can't comprehend. I can only rant.
Uh, maybe you missed the fact that his best friend was just cut in half and that the only person that can save her is currently in the process of being saved by Ichigo? And even if Yamamoto is there, it doesn't mean anything if he can't hit Aizen. Also, your spiritual pressure raises after every near-death experience, so Ichigo is stronger than when he fought Ulquiorra.

[Fool's Gil]

Uh, maybe you missed the fact that his best friend was just cut in half and that the only person that can save her is currently in the process of being saved by Ichigo?

Oh right, I thought he was calling out out of fear of Aizen being too strong.


and even if Yamamoto is there, it doesn't mean anything if he can't hit Aizen. Also, your spiritual pressure raises after every near-death experience, so Ichigo is stronger than when he fought Ulquiorra.

If Yamamoto can't hit him, then how could Ichigo? Also I know Ichigo gets stronger, but in a short amount of time, like maybe 60 minutes, can he really jump past Harribel, Barragan, Starrk, Yammy, Gin, and Tosen in terms of ability and strength and match Aizen?

[zoombie]

We need some healer ASAP. It is about time Ichigo returned to the story, I thought maybe Kubo forgot he even excisted and suppose to be the main character.

[garfield15]

Sure feels like the Vegeta and Nappa part in Dragonball
I totally didn't get that until just now.

Will Ichigo get out of Hueco Mundo riding on his Flying Nimbus? :p

[Rud]

How the hell Can Shinji panic and beg for Ichigo to get there! This isn't Dragonball, and did Tubo forget an uninjured Yamamoto is right behind EVERYONE? How could Shinji suddenly lose it? And what the hell can Ichigo do? He couldn't defeat Ulquiorra(without losing it for no reason!) and he just left all his friends behind alone to fight Magic Numbers Yammy!

I don't understand. I can't comprehend. I can only rant.

Come on now, Yamamoto is given too much credit, after Ukitake got taken out & wonderweiss showed up he and Kira & everyone else were like "OMG were doomed" until the Vizard showed up.

[GWOtaku]

Shinji wants Ichigo to get back because he knows that Inoue will be with Ichigo, and she's the only one that can save Hiyori at this point. To me this is explained by his memory of her abilities.

[Captain Highwind]

Come on now, Yamamoto is given too much credit,

Since when has Yamamoto done anything on time, anyway? He's the one that started the rescue orihime arc and one of the core reasons the plot drags on as long as it does. We'll be 8 chapters in before he realizes what happened to Hiyori.

Yes I hate him.

[zoombie]

I know some of you are going to be mad if they go backwords again, but with the current condition of Hiyori, this would be a good time for flashback to when Captain Hikifune was around, I would love to meet her and see some of that mother / daughter relationship Hikufune and Hiyori had. Just one quick flashback.

[Grave]

I know some of you are going to be mad if they go backwords again, but with the current condition of Hiyori, this would be a good time for flashback to when Captain Hikifune was around, I would love to meet her and see some of that mother / daughter relationship Hikufune and Hiyori had. Just one quick flashback.

As much as I hate flashbacks I'd definately take this. A break from all the fighting is needed and I'm interested in what Hikifune was like. Kind of makes me wonder if she's stronger than Yama-ji...?

[zoombie]

As much as I hate flashbacks I'd definately take this. A break from all the fighting is needed and I'm interested in what Hikifune was like. Kind of makes me wonder if she's stronger than Yama-ji...?

It makes more sense knowing what we know now about Hiyori and why she is similar to Ichigo and why they clashed during Ichigo's hollowfication training, they both lost their mother or mother figure.

[Grave]

It makes more sense knowing what we know now about Hiyori and why she is similar to Ichigo and why they clashed during Ichigo's hollowfication training, they both lost their mother or mother figure.

I haven't noticed any similarities between the two until you mentioned that. To be honest, I kind of forgot about the mother figure and whatnot. :sweat:

Good eye.

[RockmanDash]

Sorry guys but this quote makes me laugh

"Ichigo is later seen jumping off the top of Las Noches."

:p

Ichigo: You know what? HECK WITH IT! Forget the story and plot, I'm jumping and killing myself! I'm tired of this slow series! Why not just name the show "The Soul Society" when was the last time I did anything? I'M DONE! Tite Kubo probably forgot about me and.....wait.. I'M ON AIR AGAIN? YESSSS! .....CRAP I'M FALLINGGGG!!!

[Beat]

"Ichigo is later seen jumping off the top of Las Noches."


"I am immortal!!"

"Ichigo!"

"Wait, I'm not immortal. Inoue got kidnapped...again. I just can move if the pollar holds for..IT'S NOT HOLDING!"