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

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Megaman X
Sorry guys but this quote makes me laugh

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

Actually this quote made me think of something else.

Ichigo: Well I'm in the story again. Looks like... I'm going to have to jump (jumps off Las Noches and starts singing)
So dangerous, so dangerous!
I fights the hollows
But I also fights soul society, but only all their rules
I'm Ichigo
With Chad at my side,
Well Chad was supose to be at my side
Ichigo (Ichigo!)
I've got a Zanpakto
I keep it on my back with a hollow mask
Ichigo (Hollow Mask!)
My name is Ichigoooooooooo
The mighty berry's fallen
If shonen manga have taught me anything
I'll get the girl (Orihime: Hopefully not just to rescue again!)
Stick it to arrancar! Stick it arrancar! (Hoo hoo!)
Cool bankai, cool bankai!
Stick it to arrancar! Stick it to arrancar ! (Hoo hoo!)
Cool, overdone bankai!
I work alone
Except when people bail me out/watch from the sidelines, which is all the time
Ichigo
I'm a soul reaper, subsuistue shinigami,
High School student, and part japanese pharmaicst
Ichigo
My Name Is Ichigo
Ichigo
Ichigo
Ichigooooooooo!
Or did I? (Thinks for a sec and stops singing) Wait, what did I do- (hits the ground) Luckily this is only a comedic fall since someone needs to put comedy in this manga again.
Pesche and Dondochakka: (Offscreen) We'd do it if we were in it.

[RockmanDash]

Actually this quote made me think of something else.

Ichigo: Well I'm in the story again. Looks like... I'm going to have to jump (jumps off Las Noches and starts singing)
So dangerous, so dangerous!
I fights the hollows
But I also fights soul society, but only all their rules
I'm Ichigo
With Chad at my side,
Well Chad was supose to be at my side
Ichigo (Ichigo!)
I've got a Zanpakto
I keep it on my back with a hollow mask
Ichigo (Hollow Mask!)
My name is Ichigoooooooooo
The mighty berry's fallen
If shonen manga have taught me anything
I'll get the girl (Orihime: Hopefully not just to rescue again!)
Stick it to arrancar! Stick it arrancar! (Hoo hoo!)
Cool bankai, cool bankai!
Stick it to arrancar! Stick it to arrancar ! (Hoo hoo!)
Cool, overdone bankai!
I work alone
Except when people bail me out/watch from the sidelines, which is all the time
Ichigo
I'm a soul reaper, subsuistue shinigami,
High School student, and part japanese pharmaicst
Ichigo
My Name Is Ichigo
Ichigo
Ichigo
Ichigooooooooo!
Or did I? (Thinks for a sec and stops singing) Wait, what did I do- (hits the ground) Luckily this is only a comedic fall since someone needs to put comedy in this manga again.
Pesche and Dondochakka: (Offscreen) We'd do it if we were in it.

Kon: *pops up* Word to your momma.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

So...I skipped from where the US JUMP is to this latest chapter to see if Orihime had been rescued now and Aizen defeated.

I have a sneeking suspicion none of that has happened.


Having skipped from the end of the Dododndodndodndodndodndocnio v. Ichigo fight to the current chapter (and having read that current chapter), I have to ask:


"Are they still on Namek"?



Or are they Rescuing Karin now?



(God, I feel like such a troll).

[Rolling Cloud]

<snip>

Just one thing, it's spelled "Dordonii" =P

[garfield15]

You know, I honestly can't believe that we're actually through all the Espada.

Well except for Yammy but I mean come on. Even if he is the 0th Espada, he's still dumb as heck. I'd say 8 or so chapters to defeat him.

Of course, Kubo could go the padding route and have Aizen reveal the "Verdadero (means "true" in Spanish) Arrancar" or something crazy like that.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Just one thing, it's spelled "Dordonii" =P

I fear it doesn't bode well for my following of Bleach if I can't remember that guy's name. :sweat:


Ah well, nice to see Kuririn crying for Gokû for a third tim---


---stop it Jacob, you'll get in trouble.



(Really am lookin' forward to that smug Aizen getting his butt handed to him, though!)

[Rud]

(Really am lookin' forward to that smug Aizen getting his butt handed to him, though!)
lol, aren't we all, but that probably wont be happening for an extremely large amount of time, nobody can so much as touch him yet.

[SigmasonicX]

Of course, Kubo could go the padding route and have Aizen reveal the "Verdadero (means "true" in Spanish) Arrancar" or something crazy like that.

It worked for Reborn.

Personally, I prefer Numeros Negativos myself.

[RockmanDash]

You know, I really thought Shinji would be able to hit Aizen at least once, but seeing him freak out the way he did, I don't think he stands much of a chance than the rest of the Soul Society.

[garfield15]

You know, I really thought Shinji would be able to hit Aizen at least once, but seeing him freak out the way he did, I don't think he stands much of a chance than the rest of the Soul Society.
Yeah, no one really does. Aizen would just cast his sword on them.

Ichigo better find a way to bend reality while he's in Hueco Mundo

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: We return to Hueco Mundo to what see Yammi has been up to.

- Yammi has captured Rukia.
- Chad and Renji are already on their knees.
- Yammi and Rukia have an exchange.
- As Yammi is about to crush her, Ichigo arrive and save Rukia.
- Ichigo says he will end this trivial battle fast.
- Chad, Renji and Rukia watch the fight from a distance.
- Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and claims he will defeat Yammi and then go the real world.
- The final page hint that Ichigo's mask has a horn now.

[garfield15]

Oh well. Yammi's done now. After about 4 or 5 chapters, he'll lose and then they'll have to find a way to break out of Hueco Mundo.

Cool mask upgrade though.

- Chad and Renji are already on their knees.Befitting of the Yamcha and Krillin of the series. :p

- Chad, Renji and Rukia watch the fight from a distance.
Might as well stick a big "WE'RE USELESS" sign on them.

[anime_guru]

am I the only one that has forgotten one very important thing

where is orihime!? Ichigo wants to return back tot he real world, without a garaganta - to whom only aizen and uahara (tousen too) can open...

considering he couldn't even defeat ulqiorra without a grandiose deus ex machina...I'm sorry but wtf

bleach gets a fail =[

[ShadowGUN]

am I the only one that has forgotten one very important thing

where is orihime!? Ichigo wants to return back tot he real world, without a garaganta - to whom only aizen and uahara (tousen too) can open...

considering he couldn't even defeat ulqiorra without a grandiose deus ex machina...I'm sorry but wtf

bleach gets a fail =[

I think Orihime is with Uryu. And who knows maybe they found a way back to real world. Ohrime and Uryu could have found a Garaganta. That could explain why they aren't with Ichigo.

[anime_guru]

I think Orihime is with Uryu. And who knows maybe they found a way back to real world. Ohrime and Uryu could have found a Garaganta. That could explain why they aren't with Ichigo.

but that's just it, no one just finds the garaganta. Its an opening a very few shinigami have access to. Hollows can use it granted but not shinigami - at least from what I remember in the manga (its not something you can get from a store)
it makes absolutely no sense that the main person you're saving is being left with uryu...

am I the only one just plain miffed by this
go back to fake karakura =( and what of unohana too? I say sexism extreme in bleach

[Beat]

This week chapter: We return to Hueco Mundo to what see Yammi has been up to.

- Yammi has captured Rukia.
- Chad and Renji are already on their knees.
- Yammi and Rukia have an exchange.
- As Yammi is about to crush her, Ichigo arrive and save Rukia.
- Ichigo says he will end this trivial battle fast.
- Chad, Renji and Rukia watch the fight from a distance.
- Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and claims he will defeat Yammi and then go the real world.
- The final page hint that Ichigo's mask has a horn now.



Well, it's the return of two Bleach staples. The midcarder before a big fight, and Rukia being useless, along with Chad and Renji. Wow, remember when Renji could hold his own with Ichigo? Seems like Chad, Ishida, and Renji have become the Tien, Yamcha, and Krillin, not necessarily in that order.

Also, Orihime is with Ishida looking for...something. IshiHime FTW. ;)

It's either that or being kidnapped again. I think Kubo is losing track of his plotpoints again.

[Don_East]

Also, Orihime is with Ishida looking for...something. IshiHime FTW. ;)
Or Orihime would be, you know, healing Uryu considering the damage he took. They'll probably catch up after the fight for a much needed main character reunion. Honestly, all six of them haven't been together for nearly 3 years.

I doubt that Kubo would be injecting that pairing at this point in the story.

I think that they're not here is because the rest of Ichigo's friends are gonna see what Ichigo is capable of now.

[anime_guru]

Well, it's the return of two Bleach staples. The midcarder before a big fight, and Rukia being useless, along with Chad and Renji.

also sexism no jutsu =)
but in seriousness...this is getting to be like one of those train wrecks
you know morally its wrong to look at point but then your eyes say something else LOL (such as LOOKIE)

[1 of 3]

My Prediction:

Ichigo goes berserk again and tears Yammy apart then goes after Rukia and the others. Then Unohana (and maybe the other captains) appears and reveal they had secret orders to take Ichigo out if something like this happens.

Then Orihime finally steps up and defends Ichigo.

[garfield15]

^^I'm not trying to be funny here, but I don't expect Kubo to actually do something with his female characters for a while.

Oh. Unless he wants them to get cut down. Then he'll use them.

[anime_guru]

insert matsumoto, momo, harribel (and now) rukia here

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Well this chapter's spoilers seem to be begging to be parodied so I won't disappoint.


Yammi has captured Rukia.

Yammi: Ha ha ha, looks like it's time for another Rescue Ruika arc.
Ruika: You know how come I'm the one who got captured anyway?
Yammi: I'm making you pay for Aarenerio. With him dead, now i'm the freakiest looking Espada.
Ruika: You're the only Espada still around. Well until Grimmjow gets out of unresolved fater land, and Starrk and Harribel's death weren't terribly conclusive. And some people still say Ulqouirra's around.
Yammi: Whose that?
Ruika: The conspiracy nuts who probably remember more of the story's continuity then Kubo forgot.



Chad and Renji are already on their knees.

(... It's hard to really resist doing a sexual joke about that but I'll try. Uh anyway Chad and Renji were on their knees-)
Renji: Already? We didn't even have a fight sequence.
Tite Kubo: Pfft, sorry not even I could or would want to think up a twist that would make you guys win.
Renji: But that's not fair! Ruika got to take out an Espada, Chat got a Privaron, who'd I get?
Chad: What about that Numero Edward Granz?
Renji: Well yeah I guess him-
Chad: Although you would of lost if Ururu didn't show up at the last second and if you didn't have your restriction on you might not of surpirsed him long enough to win.
Renji: ... Damn I suck. Have I ever won an actual one on one battle?
Chad: Do you count filler?
Renji: No.
Chad: Or that time you beat Uryu offscreen?
Renji: No.
Chad: Yeah no then.


- Yammi and Rukia have an exchange.

Ruika: Why are we talking? Aren't you suppose to be killing me?
Yammi: Well maybe I'm torturing you psychologically first.
Ruika: You're the retard of the group. Can you even spell psychogically?
Yammi: Yeah P...s...uh...are there two rs somewhere in there?
Ruika: No.
Yammi: Well spell this. I'm C-R-U...uh... I'm crushing you. And no can possibly save you


As Yammi is about to crush her, Ichigo arrive and save Rukia.

Ichigo: (Singing) Ichigo is awesome I am just so awesome, saving Ruika for the ten billionth time.
Ruika: Oh come on Ichigo it was probably only the 10 millionth time.
Ichigo: Yeah well I"m still cool. (Looks at Yammi) Okay dinosaur what have you done with Yammi?
Yammi: I'm Yammi. I'm just in my super twist Actually Espada 0 Mode.
Ichigo: No you're not! Oh anyway I'm going to fight you too because I'm Ichigo and I'm stronger then you.


Ichigo says he will end this trivial battle fast.

Yammi: These battles aren't trivial. We're the main villians.
Ichigio: (Sarcastically) Yeah because you sure have been proving yourself a threat alright. Seriously... how many people have died on OUR side in this war?
Yammi: Well I wouldn't talk. You were nearly killed by Grimmjow, and then Ulqouirra... hey wait a minute, how the hell did you rise to Ulqourria's level when you were about even with Grimmjow.
Ichigo: Oh everytime I'm near death and get healed, my spirit pressure rises and I become stronger.
Yammi: ... You're a Sayian?
Ichigo: Uh apparently.
Yammi: That's the biggest load of bullcrap ever. No one else has that excuse.
Ichigo: Maybe Toshiru does.
Yammi: No that's just fangirl popularity.
Ichigo: Well I can have to. I have spiky hair, and angst, and can be about as interesting as a dry sponge-
Fangirls: Eeeee! Ichigo is Awesome! I'm going write fanfic poetry of him and Ruika before listening to some of my new New Moon CD.
Ichigo: Hey I'm way better then that vampire guy from Twilight, cause I'm Ichigo and I'm stronger then him!



Chad, Renji and Rukia watch the fight from a distance.

Ruika: Well looks like we're doing sideline commentary.
Renji: Again.
Chad: Guess we really are the Z Warrriors of this manga.
Ruika: Speak for yourselves. I actually got my own movie, not pushed out of 11 of 13 of them.
Renji: Yeah besides Kubo is still only 60% as sexist as Toriyama was in letting women actually fight and win battles.
Chad: Oh you just don't want to make the comparison because you're Yamcha.
Renji: What? You're Yamcha!
Chad: No I'm more Tien because I'm stiff and serious and have actually won some battles on my own and still appear to be strong and competent until I get owned. You're the one who hasn't won anything since becoming a rival and are pretty much the butt monkey of the entire series.
Renji: Hey it's a snake baboon.
Chad: No I mean the one who just seems to be there but dosen't do anything.
Renji: ... I wish I could think of something that would prove that statment false.


- Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and claims he will defeat Yammi and then go the real world.

Yammi: What? Even if you defeat me you can't go to the real world. Aizen sealed the Gargunta portals Soul Society entered in.
Ichigo: Ha you forget that Kisuke gave me my own portal.
Chad: Ichigo you do realize that was a one way only portal right?
Ichigo: Crap. Well I'm sure we'll find a plot device that will let us rip the fabric of space and time.
Ruika: Isn't that what Orihime can do with her rejecting reality powers? Can't she just reject a portal to the real world for us?
Orihime: (Offscreen) Hooray for a chance to actually do something besides just healing and sulking possibly.



- The final page hint that Ichigo's mask has a horn now.

Ichigo: That's right my mask horn is my amazing new powerup.
Yammi: That's suppose to be a power up?
Ichigo: Yup it's the horn of the Hollow..corn. It gives me 700+ attack boost.
Yammi: Hey that's a ripoff of a Yu-Gi-Oh card.
Ichigo: Oh who cares? I'm Ichigo and I'm stronger then Yu...gi. And anyone else I happen to fight unless it's to stall the plot!

Seriously it would be

Rather lame to have Ichigo defeat Yammy as well. I mean Ichigo gets all of the 3 first intorduced Espada as his opponents he defeats? I understand Grimmjow and Ulqouirra but Yammi? Come on someone else should get an Espada to defeat. I'm hoping personally Ichigo loses this battle and Unohana comes in and defeats Yammi so Ichigo doesn't have to pull out another random power up from his ass. Yeah seems Kubo is being rather sexist latley, or at least moreso then usual, but hey we can always hope right?

[garfield15]

Yammi: ... You're a Sayian?
Ichigo: Uh apparently.Wow, I totally didn't even think of that connection until you parodied it. Now I've another joke to make

[Rocketboy]

Rather lame to have Ichigo defeat Yammy as well. I mean Ichigo gets all of the 3 first intorduced Espada as his opponents he defeats? I understand Grimmjow and Ulqouirra but Yammi? Come on someone else should get an Espada to defeat. I'm hoping personally Ichigo loses this battle and Unohana comes in and defeats Yammi so Ichigo doesn't have to pull out another random power up from his ass. Yeah seems Kubo is being rather sexist latley, or at least moreso then usual, but hey we can always hope right?
While I do think it would be nice that someone else took down Yammy, at the same time, I think it's appropriate that Ichigo takes him down as well. He was the first arrancar he fought, and couldn't handle his hollow powers then. Both of them are stronger now, and it seems appropriate that the 2 would be fighting again using new abilities.

[Rolling Cloud]

Renji: Yeah besides even if Kubo is still only 60% as sexist as Toriyama was in letting women actually fight and win battles.

Hey at least Toriyama kept women important to the story (Bulma, 18, Chi-Chi), which is a lot less sexist than Kubo. :P

[anime_guru]

and mike strikes again with ROFL spoilers!
seriously though I never noticed some of the similarities...I honestly feel kubo totally screwed the plot...a lot =/
kishimoto wins again this week...
well at least the bleach anime was fast paced and rather enjoyable...I expected an emo fest from that but what I got was...
total epic win!

[Fool's Gil]

- Yammi has captured Rukia.
- Chad and Renji are already on their knees.
- Yammi and Rukia have an exchange.
- As Yammi is about to crush her, Ichigo arrive and save Rukia.
- Ichigo says he will end this trivial battle fast.
- Chad, Renji and Rukia watch the fight from a distance.
- Ichigo dons his Hollow mask and claims he will defeat Yammi and then go the real world.
- The final page hint that Ichigo's mask has a horn now.


I never been anymore ashamed of a manga I enjoyed until now. Why isn't Unohana fighting? Why is Rukia a damsel in distress AGAIN? Why hasn't Orihime chop Yammy into bite size pieces with her reject powers?

Dammit Kubo, women can be more than eye candy! It's funny. Women in Bleach have more potential than women in Naruto, and yet they do so much less. You know what? Bring the chapter on. I want to see this train wreck finish.

[garfield15]

Honestly, of all shounen manga, Gintama and FMA use their female characters the best. In both of those manga, most of their female characters are more badass than the males.

[Fool's Gil]

Honestly, of all shounen manga, Gintama and FMA use their female characters the best. In both of those manga, most of their female characters are more badass than the males.

I haven't read Gintama, but yeah FMA is an example of how to show women the right way. And if you don't know what to do with a female character, just don't add them in a story!

[Captain Highwind]

This week chapter: We return to Hueco Mundo to what see Yammi has been up to.

- Yammi has captured Rukia.

Godzirrrra...

Oh wait, I'm thinking Kong. Still a funny image in my mind.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted byRolling Cloud
Hey at least Toriyama kept women important to the story (Bulma, 18, Chi-Chi), which is a lot less sexist than Kubo. :P

Bulma's important as the scientist but I was talking about fighting wise and Bulma's never even been in a battle at all. Besides her importance dwindled near the end of Dragonball, became important in a few Arcs of Z, stopped doing anything by the Buu saga and became sort of important again in GT.

I don't recall Chi Chi doing anything important besides birthing and raising Gohan and Goten. And yelling at Goku (especially in the anime). And 18? Yeah she won a fight, but then what? She got absorbed by Cell, Married Krillin, had a baby, provided an excuse for Hercule to win the 25th worlds martial arts tournament and... that's it. The end.

I say Kubo's less sexist since at least one of the female leads in Bleach actually took out one of the main villian antagonsists. Hell that actually places Ruika right after Ichigo when it comes to who took out the strongest of the main heroes, as Chad and Uryu only took out Privaron, Orihime's a damsel who really can't fight as of now and Renji... well you did hear how I called him Yamcha didn't you?

[Rocketboy]

I wonder of Yammy had picked up Renji, would fans be calling Renji a damsel in distress?

[Luna]

Honestly, of all shounen manga, Gintama and FMA use their female characters the best. In both of those manga, most of their female characters are more badass than the males.I'm not familiar with Gintama,but FMA has the advantage of being written by a woman...Who IMO,excels at characterization...

Anyways,another "Ichigo to the rescue" :shrug:....I'd have much rather seen a team-up between Chad,Rukia and Renji to take down Yammi (but no,Kubo has to establish the latter two as pretty much useless yet again...bad writing,Kubo,the best shonen out there let other characters rather than the leads win a fight every now and then)....

Plus,Ichigo left Orihime behind to rescue Rukia (I can already imagine how the Ichigo X Rukia fans feel about that...:mad:....I hate the pairing so,so much.....also hate Ishida X Orihime while I'm at it)....

[Rud]

^^Released Yammi is Espada #0, as in the strongest, any of you expecting Chad, Renji and Rukia to actually defeat him are vastly overestimating those 3, they would not stand a snowballs chance. It is not bad writing that all of them got owned, it wouldn't happen any other way.

[Lighthammer]

I'm not familiar with Gintama,but FMA has the advantage of being written by a woman...Who IMO,excels at characterization...

Anyways,another "Ichigo to the rescue" :shrug:....I'd have much rather seen a team-up between Chad,Rukia and Renji to take down Yammi (but no,Kubo has to establish the latter two as pretty much useless yet again...bad writing,Kubo,the best shonen out there let other characters rather than the leads win a fight every now and then)....

Plus,Ichigo left Orihime behind to rescue Rukia (I can already imagine how the Ichigo X Rukia fans feel about that...:mad:....I hate the pairing so,so much.....also hate Ishida X Orihime while I'm at it)....

Then there's Sakura taking out Sasori in what will probably go down as one of the best fights in animation history.

Yea, the fight did take FOREVER to get to the final climax, but it was truly glorious!

[Captain Highwind]

I wonder of Yammy had picked up Renji, would fans be calling Renji a damsel in distress?

Maybe if he let down his ponytail

I just think it's funny that Yammy was supposed to be the next wave of super Arrancar and Ichigo's about to annihilate him, in manga-time it's literally 2 minutes of fame.

I'm gonna miss him, he brought the unintentionally funny

[Fool's Gil]

^^Released Yammi is Espada #0, as in the strongest, any of you expecting Chad, Renji and Rukia to actually defeat him are vastly overestimating those 3, they would not stand a snowballs chance. It is not bad writing that all of them got owned, it wouldn't happen any other way.

Not necessarily. After FMA Chapter 99, I believe anybody could beat anybody. You just need more than 3 people to take out Yammy, and not necessarily Ichigo in that group.

[anime_guru]

strange thought
is it possible through poor writing and plot that yammi is going to say something relevant to the plot
like something about the privaron espada and then switch back to fake karakura town? I can only hope I guess

and in all of this battle where is zaraki and nel!? for that matter mayuri, byakuya unohana, gah a lot of characters being left out here that may be more than enough to analyze and even defeat mr. numero zero

I am thinking the only reason why this is occurring is for the vague plot exposition bs...which is bs in itself...

[Lighthammer]

That does give me an interesting thought.

Aizen was pretty sure upon entering the fight that they were in a fake Karakura.

Here's another theory to toss out there: What if Aizen sent another Battalion of troops to the real Karakura and the fight in fake Karakura was only meant as a diversion ?

Its not like this is outside the realm of possibilities. As far as we know Karakura was only transported to Soul Society, a place Aizen, as far as we know, still has access to.

I mean, you'd have to ask yourself why he continued fighting in fake Karakura as soon as it was established the fact it was fake. It's kind of counter productive, you know?

Maybe I am giving Kubo too much credit for well thought out plot progression >.<

[RockmanDash]

Bulma's important as the scientist but I was talking about fighting wise and Bulma's never even been in a battle at all. Besides her importance dwindled near the end of Dragonball, became important in a few Arcs of Z, stopped doing anything by the Buu saga and became sort of important again in GT.

I don't recall Chi Chi doing anything important besides birthing and raising Gohan and Goten. And yelling at Goku (especially in the anime). And 18? Yeah she won a fight, but then what? She got absorbed by Cell, Married Krillin, had a baby, provided an excuse for Hercule to win the 25th worlds martial arts tournament and... that's it. The end.

I say Kubo's less sexist since at least one of the female leads in Bleach actually took out one of the main villian antagonsists. Hell that actually places Ruika right after Ichigo when it comes to who took out the strongest of the main heroes, as Chad and Uryu only took out Privaron, Orihime's a damsel who really can't fight as of now and Renji... well you did hear how I called him Yamcha didn't you?

Guys I don't mean to be in the middle of this but..maybe that's just how they prefer to write? You might as well be saying that he's also kind of sexist against some type of men because Renji and Chad get kicked to the side all of the time. Kubo gave Rukia a pretty badass Espada fight and he does not make all of the girls so useless*points to the fraccion fight*

[Silver Soul]

I say Kubo's less sexist since at least one of the female leads in Bleach actually took out one of the main villian antagonsists. Hell that actually places Ruika right after Ichigo when it comes to who took out the strongest of the main heroes, as Chad and Uryu only took out Privaron, Orihime's a damsel who really can't fight as of now and Renji... well you did hear how I called him Yamcha didn't you?
Sexism in manga is really in the eye of the beholder really, I mean it's shounen it's suppose to appeal to young males more so than females so of course the men are gonna take center stage and save the girl in the end, it's a played out formula. I wouldn't save Kubo is any different, while the female characters in Bleach actually play a role in battles THEY'RE ALWAYS ALWAYS HAVE TO BE SAVED ONE WAY OR ANOTHER top it off with the fact that in the recent chapters Kubo has develop a thing for guro as well (Rangiku losing half of her ribs, Soi-Fon losing her arm, Mashiro getting smashed in the face and of course Hiyori getting cut in half) and who is there to save them after they failed so miserably? The guys that's who (Kira and Shuuhei saving Rangiku and Momo, Hachi taking care of Barragan after her bankai had no effect, Kensei taking over for Mashiro and Shinji saving Hiyori). I'm not sure what's the accomplishment of Rukia beating what was the weakest Espada and the only reason why the battle was prolonged was because her feelings clouded her judgment, anyone else probably would have wiped the floor with him given his advantage wouldn't have any affect on them, but of course this is also a shounen trope that the female character must fight the weakest member of an organization (which is half the time a female anyways) one can argue that Sakura's battle with Sasori is an exception since he was an actual threat and this is coming from a mangaka that has admitted that he can't write for female characters.


Honestly, of all shounen manga, Gintama and FMA use their female characters the best. In both of those manga, most of their female characters are more badass than the males.
Actually, they're only two female characters in Gintama that I consider to be handle well in terms of story development and character the rest are used fo comedic and or appear in humorous situations and don't really seem indicated to the plot as a whole ("cough" Sacchan "cough") but the majority are handled much more tastefully than the males. There's really no argument with FMA, hell if one entire chapter can be dedicated to seeing two female character kick ass verbaily and physically then you've done something right.

I'm not familiar with Gintama,but FMA has the advantage of being written by a woman...Who IMO,excels at characterization...

Not really, D.Grayman and Hitman Reborn are both done by female mangaka and both have even less female characterization than Bleach

[garfield15]

Not really, D.Grayman and Hitman Reborn are both done by female mangaka and both have even less female characterization than Bleach
Reborn's females are only there just so that it's not thought of as a shounen-ai manga. :p

[Rud]

Not necessarily. After FMA Chapter 99, I believe anybody could beat anybody. You just need more than 3 people to take out Yammy, and not necessarily Ichigo in that group.

this is not FMA where team work or numbers saves the day, this is more like DBZ where all of the Z fighters together still got their buts kicked by 17 & 18 or lost to just Nappa alone cause their "power levels" were just that much higher. If you had 10 chads & 10 Renji's Yammi would still destroy them all easily.

To put things bluntly, no amount of ants together will ever be enough to defeat a dinosaur, youd need another dinosaur.

[Silver Soul]

Reborn's females are only there just so that it's not thought of as a shounen-ai manga. :p
Well played Amano, well played.;)

[Beat]

I think writers write what they know, for the most part. Kubo has never been big on team assaults. It's about the big damn hero or big damn villain looking awesome in the flow of battle. So Chad and Renji are wimps. It only serves to make Ichigo look that much more awesome when he does beat down Yammy and save Rukia, no doubt making it another favor she needs to repay him. And it gives Ishida and Hime that nice alone time before everyone makes that big entrance on Aizen's men.

[Rud]

chapters out, anyway, pretty meh.

Ichigo's got a new mask, but no horns (which sucks). And that complaint about Rukia being a damsel in distress, come on.... Chad and Renji are being saved even more than she is in this situation.

[Mr. Obsession]

I know it's been awhile since his last appearance but just how many legs does Yammyzilla have?

Anyway, as much I like the theory that Unohana will be the one to really take Yammy down (she's gotta fight one of these days), at this point I'll settle for Ichigo showing off his new power and ending this quickly. This arc needs end for the good of the series.


Ichigo's got a new mask, but no horns (which sucks).

Yeah, it's disappointing. But hopefully they'll be revealed next week since the closing page didn't show Ichigo's full face and mask (what was up with his right eye though?). Of course if it isn't I won't blame Kubo. It would probably be a pain and a half to draw everything Ichigo uses his new mask.

[anime_guru]

my personal opinion this was a horrible chapter
period
and I thought it couldn't get any worse, we get quintessentially ANOTHER reminder that ichigo could very well be the king of deus ex machina and his comrades being beat up off panel...
...
typical lazy kubo IMHO (especially considering how many pages didn't necessarily have any sort of environment/background panel to panel)

As for manga itself, Ichigo has a new mask...yawn...Ichigo saves the day again *snore*

Let's hope the captains (kuchiki, kenpachi, kurosuitchi) find something very soon and if possible defeat yammy offscreen...

Not going to lie. Bleach is like a bad canker sore right now. Very bad...and for all of the wrong reasons

[Rolling Cloud]

<snip>

Dude, it's Dragonball. As in big muscle-stacked guys beating the crap out of each other. If you expect girls to be fighting in it (as much as the guys), then you're reading the wrong story.

[Rocketboy]

I died when we got an upskirt of Yammi.

It went on for miles.

[Beat]

He wants you to remember him.

Since Ichigo will likely be blasting him into oblivion with the Stoner Sunshine or something.

[garfield15]

When Ichigo comes in, I'm sure they're going to start playing Number One.

*yawn* so how many more chapters until Yammi goes down? I'm thinking 3 or 4. I figured the 0th Espada would be kind of a big deal you know? But then again, this is the manga where the number 1 mini-boss is taken down by a Shikai.

[Silver Soul]

Ah, see, this is why Kubo can get away with this. 95% of the audience either does not notice or does not care about the subtext of the chapter, so they'll just view it as a giant F*** YEAH save the day moment for Ichigo, rather than a painful subversion thereof.

It's like Rukia pointed out: look at his eyes and his body language. More specifically, contrast them with how he acts in every other fight.

He's grim. It's a completely different attitude than his usual bravado. He's not having fun, and most importantly of all, on this page he's gone precisely back on his previous opinion. (When Kenpachi last told him to go home, he wanted to stay and fight even though it was unnecessary, because it was fun.)

Basically, Ichigo just lost his innocence, and realized how serious war really is.

Oh, and that's completely aside from the fact that he's sporting a batwing now and has the demon mask.

[garfield15]

Oh no no. I definitely noticed Ichigo's cool demeanor. This is a very important thing and I like how Kubo has addressed that. But, I think the journey to get to this point has been....flawed.

It's like Naruto coming in to defeat Pain with his awesomeness and it's a breath of fresh air from the chapters we had to put up with before.

[Captain Highwind]

The mask has changed

opaque eyes (no black and white invert with the pupils going on) and the linework is different

The batwing is actually his torn up sleeve

[Silver Soul]

Oh no no. I definitely noticed Ichigo's cool demeanor. This is a very important thing and I like how Kubo has addressed that. But, I think the journey to get to this point has been....flawed.
It's like Naruto coming in to defeat Pain with his awesomeness and it's a breath of fresh air from the chapters we had to put up with before.
I'm willing to say that Kubo has reverted back to his previous character, the one before the SS arc, the one who didn't necessarily try to play fair in every fight nor tried to suppress his inner instinct as a bad thing. Or I could just be thinking too deeply into this but you have to admit that the last couple of chapters has progress quite smoothly compared to last year and earlier this year, perhaps the sales drop in tank 41 and lost of interest in the current arc has finally gotten to him. :p

[Lelouch]

When Ichigo comes in, I'm sure they're going to start playing Number One.

*yawn* so how many more chapters until Yammi goes down? I'm thinking 3 or 4. I figured the 0th Espada would be kind of a big deal you know? But then again, this is the manga where the number 1 mini-boss is taken down by a Shikai.

I'd say the 0th Espada would be a big deal...if that Espada didn't happen to be Yammi. I truly hope that Yammi goes down next chapter, heck, halfway through the chapter would be great. Then we can have it so that Nel/Grimmjow or perhaps even Unohana make it so they can get out of HM and go to FKT.

But knowing Kubo this fight will last 3 or 4 like you said. I'm curious to see Aizen's reaction to Ichigo. He called the other Vizard poorly made Arrancar, I wonder if Ichigo is the perfect version, or at least getting there.

[mumbo]

Yammy's looking like he could be down as early as next chapter. It's looking like this is just a short fight to build Ichigo up as the strongest and to show his new demeanor, that he's taking things seriously.Forever fodder, that's our Yammy.

So I'm guessing the way everyone gets out of Hueco Mundo is that Grimmjow will open a Garganta, because he lost fairly to Ichigo who's now stronger than him respect blah blah blah.

And by this theory of mine Unohana's role in all this is to heal Grimmjow so that he can do this. A role which could easily be filled in by Orihime, but Unohana has to do SOMEthing or there was no point in her showing up.

Oh, poor Unohana.

[garfield15]

Oh, poor Unohana.

Well, she is a female character in Bleach after all. Just be glad she's not around so that Yammi can take her out or get cut down or something. :p

[Novapocalypse]

I'm just glad we are actually getting somewhere which is a good change of pace from the last year of chapters where we've pretty much stayed in the same spot.

It's like water that has been stagnated for so long and now finally flowing again. I hope Ichigo kicks Yammi's ass hard.

[Beat]

Well, she is a female character in Bleach after all. Just be glad she's not around so that Yammi can take her out or get cut down or something. :p

When taken in that context, Retsu is easily the smartest female in the whole story. She can still take the appearance of being tough because she hasn't been directly subject to Kubo's writing.

[RockmanDash]

There's no way Ichigo is going to beat Yammy, he just got a new mask that he probably can't even control yet. If anything the mask is to over powering for Ichigo and he gets knocked out and Unohana saves his butt. I'm not going to believe that Unohana is there to simpy heal. Oh and Kubo said in a interview that she would be showing her strength THIS YEAR, so.. it's now or never Kubo.

[Lelouch]

I wonder if we will ever get to see Urahara and Yoruichi's Bankai's....

Sorry, that was a bit random. Anyways, the chapter itself was decent, not a whole lot happened but that's alright. I am very curious about this new mask, and I am also wondering if Ichigo can fully control it. I would love him and Hichigo to realize they are at their strongest working together, and have him present when using the mask also. Of course, if he completely took over that would be great. I can't wait to see the Vizard's reactions when they realize Ichigo has made it to level 2.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Megaman X
There's no way Ichigo is going to beat Yammy, he just got a new mask that he probably can't even control yet. If anything the mask is to over powering for Ichigo and he gets knocked out and Unohana saves his butt. I'm not going to believe that Unohana is there to simpy heal. Oh and Kubo said in a interview that she would be showing her strength THIS YEAR, so.. it's now or never Kubo.

That's true, though Kubo could of either forgot about that interview or decided to go with something else. You know what I was thinking would be a good twist (I don't know how feesable this is or not) would be if before Yammy had his arm reattached, Syzazel ran various tests of the left over spiritual pressure from Ichigo's cut. And was able to find out a way to neutralize Ichigo's power and put that into Yammy's arm. So Yammy ends up using his cut off arm to smack around Ichigo because his power dosen't work on it or something. Then Unohana steps in. Don't know if that'd make any sense but it'd at least seem like a more decent twist then some of the plot turns we've been getting latley.


Originally posted by Lelouch
I wonder if we will ever get to see Urahara and Yoruichi's Bankai's....

Uh, shoudln't we first see Yrouchi's Shikai? I haven't even seen her use her sword in combat (besides you know in a flashback which wasn't even her actual sword) so first actually seeing her use it would be necessary. Same thing could be said about Mashiro actually who also never used her sword. I mean I'm all for combat diversity but you think if fighting with just your fists wasn't working you'd go for sword combat.

[RockmanDash]

That's true, though Kubo could of either forgot about that interview or decided to go with something else. You know what I was thinking would be a good twist (I don't know how feesable this is or not) would be if before Yammy had his arm reattached, Syzazel ran various tests of the left over spiritual pressure from Ichigo's cut. And was able to find out a way to neutralize Ichigo's power and put that into Yammy's arm. So Yammy ends up using his cut off arm to smack around Ichigo because his power dosen't work on it or something. Then Unohana steps in. Don't know if that'd make any sense but it'd at least seem like a more decent twist then some of the plot turns we've been getting latley.



Uh, shoudln't we first see Yrouchi's Shikai? I haven't even seen her use her sword in combat (besides you know in a flashback which wasn't even her actual sword) so first actually seeing her use it would be necessary. Same thing could be said about Mashiro actually who also never used her sword. I mean I'm all for combat diversity but you think if fighting with just your fists wasn't working you'd go for sword combat.

Yourichi probably only even gets her sword out in top emergencies(about to die basically, not counting her fight with Soi Fong since she was simply trying to get her to reason with her), if anything it's probably something similar to Soi Fong's shikai. Maybe assassin cat claws...........yeah Kubo would do that....fan service wise anyways.

[Lighthammer]

I've always been under the belief that Soi Fong is in possession of Yourichi's zanpakdou.

It's never been outright stated, but during the fight between Soi Fong and Youirchi, she had so much intimate knowledge of her Zanpakdou that it felt like Soi Fong was in possession of her Zanpakdou.

[RockmanDash]

I've always been under the belief that Soi Fong is in possession of Yourichi's zanpakdou.

It's never been outright stated, but during the fight between Soi Fong and Youirchi, she had so much intimate knowledge of her Zanpakdou that it felt like Soi Fong was in possession of her Zanpakdou.

That's impossible, a zanpaktou only responds to it's wielder, Soi Fong can't just take it and command it.

[Rud]

That's impossible, a zanpaktou only responds to it's wielder, Soi Fong can't just take it and command it.
Then how do you explain Tousen using the Zanpakuto of his dead friend? (plucked it right out of her coffin).

Not that i think Soi Fong has Yoruichi's Zan, i don't.

[RockmanDash]

Then how do you explain Tousen using the Zanpakuto of his dead friend? (plucked it right out of her coffin).

Not that i think Soi Fong has Yoruichi's Zan, i don't.

Because she was dead, when a Soul Reaper dies they lose their ability to wield a zanpakuto and it passes on to another.

Of course a lot of times a zanpakuto spirit will die when their wielder dies, so Tosen was lucky I suppose, that or his dear friend decided to pass the sword down to him when she was killed which allowed the zanpakuto spirit to help him.

[Mr. Obsession]

I've always been under the belief that Soi Fong is in possession of Yourichi's zanpakdou.

It's never been outright stated, but during the fight between Soi Fong and Youirchi, she had so much intimate knowledge of her Zanpakdou that it felt like Soi Fong was in possession of her Zanpakdou.
I thought Yoruichi had that knowledge because she took Soi Fong under her wing and personally trained her. Kind of like how Kaien helped Rukia learn her shikai and its first two dances.

And what about Yoruichi and Soi Fon both having zanpakuto in the same flashbacks?

EDIT: In chapter 158 (when Soi Fon and Yoruichi were fighting) Soi Fon uses possessives that refers to Suzumebachi as hers, as always having been hers.

"Shall I tell you about my Horent's Sting?" and "My Suzumebachi is fatal!"
(borrowed from Viz's translation, emphesis mine)

Further, Soi Fon states that the last time Yoruichi saw her fight, Suzumebachi's shikai technique wasn't complete. Now why would a captain who had bankai possess an incomplete shikai? Also, what kind of hissy fit would Yamamoto have thrown if one of his standing captains had given away their zanpakuto to a subordinate.

[Lighthammer]

In the fight between Soi Fon and Yourichi, Soi Fon reveales she has developed a very special tactic with her zanpakdou that would kill Youirchi and it was so new it hadn't been named yet.

Yourichi then reveals that she was in fact the person who created it and begins to cite the name and also explains that that technique is the whole reason Squad 2's uniforms were sleeveless.

That passage right there is what led me to believe Soi Fon had her Zanpakdou.

As far as quoting out of chapter 158 goes, think about the circumstances here:


Soi Fon is in a fight of pride here. If it was Yourichi's Zanpakdou, she has clearly demonstrated that she feels EVERYTHING that was once Yourichi's is now her's. She doesn't even seems to acknowledge Youichi's birth right at this point.
Soi Fon is pretty outright pissed with Youirchi right now.

We know now that Yourichi took part in the escape or Urhara and co.
We know she worshiped Youirchi and not taking her litterally crushed her.
We know she was always prissy that (in her view) Yourichi valued Urhara more.



Yea, Soi Fon had plenty of reasons to be mad at Youirchi.

As it's already pointed out, we know for fact that Tousen was given his friends Zanpakdou, so there has to be a process or processies one can committ to transfer a Zanpakdou to another user. I tend to doubt it directly involves being dead because we've been told already that when a Shinigami dies, their Zanpakdou dies with them. I could see transferring a Zanpakdou as the person passes though. Either way, our current information contracts a little at this point, we only know it's possible.

So how does a Zanpakdou transition occur? I don't entirely know. It could be tradition for the Shihōin house, Youirichi could have left it in soul society and Soi Fon took it as her own, it also could simply be that members of Elite Guard some how forge their zanpakdou in a similar method. I don't think Yammato would "flip out" under any of these circumstances.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Originally posted by Knighthammer
In the fight between Soi Fon and Yourichi, Soi Fon reveales she has developed a very special tactic with her zanpakdou that would kill Youirchi and it was so new it hadn't been named yet.

Yourichi then reveals that she was in fact the person who created it and begins to cite the name and also explains that that technique is the whole reason Squad 2's uniforms were sleeveless.

You know I've seen the subs, dub and the manga version of that scene and it is NEVER mentioned it was a technique for her Zanpakto. In fact Soi Fon specifcally says "This is a combat technique combining physical attacks with demon magic". In other words it's a combination of kido and physical techniques, NOT Zanpakto technques. Later on Aizen states that there are four main fighting styles and sword fighting is DIFFERENT then either physical attacks OR Kido. So really Soi Fon and Yourouchi's Flashcry has NOTHING to do with a Zanpakto. Soi Fon was just using it to show off to Yourouchi and try and kill her faster. It had nothing to do with a sword (as Yourouchi's was more powerful and yet she didn't even have a blade). So really that reasoning you have is based on a bad mistranslation I guess.

[Mr. Obsession]

First, as Neo Ultra Mike pointed out, if shunko/flash cry was a technique specifically related to Suzumebachi than Yourichi could not have possibly used it as Soi Fon was the only one with access to Suzumebachi in that fight. If the technique is a general zanpakuto technique again Yourichi could not have used it since she wasn't carrying a zanpakuto in that fight. Later after having knocked Yammy around, Yourichi tells Urahara that she should have used shunko when she attacked. Again, Yourichi did not have access to a zanpakuto at that point.

Second, Tosen is a unique case since the original wielder of Suzumushi is dead. Nor was Tosen a shinigami prior to obtaining Suzumushi, his own flashback shows this plus his removing Suzumushi from his dead friend’s coffin prior to her burial. There is no evidence showing that one shinigami can use another living shingami's zanpakuto. Given that zanpakuto are born from their wielder's soul and draw their power from their wielder, logic (Logic in Bleach? It's more likely than you think. :p) seems to point towards only one shinigami being able to use one zanpakuto at a time: their own.

Third, Soi Fon was already a shinigami and a member of the special forces the day she met Yourichi. Soi Fon would have already have already obtained her own zanpakuto at that point. Why would Yourichi give her own zanpakuto to another shinigami who already had one?

Fourth, why would Soi Fon toss aside the zanpakuto that was born from her own soul, in essence the perfect weapon for her to fight with, to take Yourichi's? Especially before Yourichi disappeared?

[Rolling Cloud]

Spoilers are out...

The color cover is of everyone in Halloween costumes. Ichigo is Frankenstein?
Ichigo is surprised that Yammi's head/neck is only slightly cut.
Yammi: Hey, who do you think I am? I'm number zero Yammi-sama! Those guys you defeated, Ulq, Noitra, and GJ are all small fries.
Ichigo tries to put on his mask again but for some reason he can't, so he's caught by Yammi.
Just as Yammi's going to use full power on him, Zaraki Kenpachi and Byakuya show up to help. The end.

I wonder if they'll explain how the heck they got out of Hueco Mundo. >_>

[ShadowGUN]

Funny. I expected Unohana to show up and help Ichigo. I guess Kenpachi and Byakuya are good enough.

[garfield15]

Very glad to see Ken-chan. Byakuya....not so much

[Lelouch]

I wonder if they'll explain how the heck they got out of Hueco Mundo. >_>

They haven't gotten out yet...

Eh, I am not so surprised Unohana didn't show up. I mean, she did say herself she came to heal, so I doubt she will be fighting.

[Fool's Gil]

Well, I'm glad Kubo kept Ichigo in reasonable limit jumps at least.

[Mr. Obsession]

Well, I'm glad Kubo kept Ichigo in reasonable limit jumps at least.Amen. Looks like Ichigo's back to 11 seconds, or less. And he's probably going to need another Grimmjowesque battle of willpower and determination to properly use his mask again.

Rukai's comments about Ichigo's eyes make me think his inner hollow is holding back on purpose due to Ichigo's depression. We may be looking at another inner world conversation relatively soon.

[Captain Highwind]

We may be looking at another inner world conversation relatively soon.

I hope so, things are getting both confusing and unbalanced. I want some explaining

I see Kenpachi getting bludgeoned quite a bit until he wins, yadda yadda, and Byakuya will have to go through silo-amounts of cherry blossoms (about this much should do it (http://www.augers.com.au/pictures/silo_unloader_installation_large.jpg))

[anime_guru]

but does this mean kenpachi and byakuya were healed by unohana in that case? and if so wouldn't the rule ichigo falls under (every fight you have in which you see your mortality increases your reiatsu) also is mutually exclusive for kenpachi and byakuya? If that's the case, considering kenpachi took down mr. spoonhead with 2 strokes (one with kendo, one with one hand) and well byakuya is relatively fresh especially after hanatarou healing him, does this mean for once Ichigo doesn't take down the bad guy?

Speaking of characters coming from absolutely nowhere, what of neliel and her "fracciones"? Shouldn't they get some time too?

interesting direction, though now I want to get back to fake karakura town

[Beat]

While I'm happy this didn't turn into a curbstomping, "healer" is now Bleachspeak for "worthless."

[Rolling Cloud]

They haven't gotten out yet...

......
should've realized that

[Captain Highwind]

does this mean for once Ichigo doesn't take down the bad guy?

But Ichigo hasn't really taken down anybody in this entire arc except Dordoni. He's put a dent in a few, but somebody else always finishes it.

[garfield15]

But Ichigo hasn't really taken down anybody in this entire arc except Dordoni. He's put a dent in a few, but somebody else always finishes it.
Um...Ulquiorra....? Or wait, maybe he doesn't count?

He didn't even take down Dordoni. He tried to heal him and then the Exquias finished him off.

[Captain Highwind]

Um...Ulquiorra....? Or wait, maybe he doesn't count?

No he doesn't, Ichigo said it himself. ^^

[ShadowGUN]

I LOL at the Halloween picture. Orihime looks cute as a orange ghost. I also like Frankestein Ichigo, devil Rukia and witch Rangiku . What Uryu supposed to be any way? Nice fight between Ichigo and Yammy. Btw I don't remember Ichigo defeating and killing Nnoitra. Why did he counted him as someone he defeated when he was thinking of his foes?

[Rolling Cloud]

What Uryu supposed to be any way?

Looks like a vampire. (Aw Kubo, why'd you have to put Inoue so far in the corner though? Ruins avy shots)

[garfield15]

Kubo really likes pulling "Big Damn Heroes" moments doesn't he?

[Captain Highwind]

I LOL at the Halloween picture.

...Isn't that what Renji always looks like in-series?

[AlphaPrime]

You know i find that HW picture very fitting(specially since Inoue's in the background bwahahahaha) but....WTF is up with Toshiro being a dog boy?

[Demonic Raven]

Man....Rukia is just..... @_@ wow.

You know i find that HW picture very fitting(specially since Inoue's in the background bwahahahaha) but....WTF is up with Toshiro being a dog boy? He is a werewolf, I suppose.

[Luna]

I liked the Halloween picture...but what is Orihime supposed to be?...a ghost,but in orange?...

[Katsumara]

Halloween picture was awesome. <3 Chapter was good too.

[djthomp]

I liked the Halloween picture...but what is Orihime supposed to be?...a ghost,but in orange?...

A pumpkin maybe?

[zoombie]

As I was reading from the chapter, I knew Ichigo needed help, and I expected one of those guys Byakuya or Kenpachi to show up, and both of them did, one more than I expected. I guess it makes sense to make things go full circle as Ichigo two opponents from the Soul Society arc show up to help him.

The Halloween picture looks awesome.

[anime_guru]

surprisingly the halloween picture may have been better than the previous chapters as of late (even if orihime is so far away)
its weird to see kenpachi with byakuya though...I think the only time they "coexisted" was during a shinigami cup...
though should be a unique fight

[FlyByNite77]

Man....Rukia is just..... @_@ wow.


lol I gotta say that's one of the few times I've looked at Rukia and thought she looked really cute ;)

But tsk tsk to Kubo. NOBODY PUTS ORIHIME IN THE CORNER! :mad:

[zoombie]

Kenpachi and Byakuya is a odd couple, they are as fun as a mis matched pair as Isshin and Ryuken. They should do some omakes or Shinigami Golden Cup shorts in which they are forced to be roommates.

[Mr. Obsession]

I know it was probably a liberal translation choice, but I lol'd when Yammy said Ulquiorra was trash.

Yeah, something's up with Ichigo. His eyes didn't change when he put on the mask, plus he commented that it felt different, heavier. And, after he removed it on his own, he couldn't summon it back. Maybe instead of having a time limit for how long he can wear the new mask instead he has a time limit between mask uses? If that's the case it's certainly a better handicap as it would force Ichigo to be a lot pickier about when he uses his mask.

Also, if Kenpachi with the eye patch can cut off one of Yammy's legs, then Ichigo with his mask should have been able to do a lot more damage than he did. I said it before, but I think we're looking at another inner world conversation soon. Or a new training session. If it's the later instead of the visoreds I'd rather see Isshin step up and put some fire back in his son's blood.

Also^2, with Byakuya fighting I hope this means Kubo's going to reveal some new kido. Preferably something in the mid-high 90's on the destructive side of things.


But Ichigo hasn't really taken down anybody in this entire arc except Dordoni. He's put a dent in a few, but somebody else always finishes it.
Grimmjow was pretty much done by the time Nnoitora came along.


I liked the Halloween picture...but what is Orihime supposed to be?...a ghost,but in orange?...
I'm assuming her imagination got the best of her.

[Rolling Cloud]

I liked the Halloween picture...but what is Orihime supposed to be?...a ghost,but in orange?...

Yep, an orange ghost. =d

[JDNobodi]

I love "The devil in miss Rukia" look in the color spread.
I wonder if Kenpachi is going to ever going to be able to "talk" to his zanpakdou? I was hoping a serious battle would let him "level up" so he could, but with him teamed up with Byakuya, I don't see him doing so.

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Actually reading the chapter I have to point out that Yammy probably had no idea who killed Nnortoria. He figured it was Ichigo since he saw him fight Ulqouirra and probably heard he fought Grimmjow so probably had no idea who actually beat him. I guess it could still be an errior but I decided due to the latest twist of Ichigo not taking down Yammy to give Kubo the slightest benefit of the doubt for once.

You know I found one line interesting in the transcript. When Yammy points out someone on Ichigo's level could never be even with him, Ichigo pointed out he wasn't exactly on the Espada's level that he fought. And just beat them because he had to. Which is... lazy writing at it's most lazy. It's suppose to sound deep sure but it just makes you realize how hackneyed Ichigo's victories were. "I only beat them because I had to" sounds more like an excuse then solid reasoning. It's like Kubo realized how ridicolous some of Ichigo's victories were and tried to lampshade it in one of those "oh look we're trying to make it sound dramatic" sort of way but it just comes off as cheap. Thankfully seems he won't be doing that with this upcoming battle though as someone pointed out Kenpachi and Byakuya suddenly got a lot better somehow. ANd I don't think we can just say it was due to catching Yammy by surprise either.

[RockmanDash]

You know at first I really liked this chapter with it's flow..but right when Ichigo said he CLAIMED to have defeated Nnotria as well, that just ticked me off a bit. Oh yeah sure Ichigo, take the credit of defeating someone you got your butt kicked by because you had no more power like in this situation. Really I have no idea why Tite Kubo did not mention Dorondii, it's like he forgot...oh wait.. he probably did. >_>


Besides that terrible loophole and part, I liked Ichigo's speech though, because it's kind of true for every battle he fights in. Yet.. it's somehow not true because Ichigo always barely survives thanks to someone else *Cough* Kenpachi *cough* Grimmjow, *cough* his hollow.

..Sometimes I wonder if Bleach will ever get as good as it use to be. I mean I like Ichigo as a character but it's getting seriously old that he has to throw the same attack everytime and use his 1000000x mask to power it up more. Surely Tite Kubo knows about the anime/manga formula of learning new attacks for the main character? He seems to be doing that well with Hitsugaya and all..

Oh and Byakuya and Kenpachi saved the chapter.

Oh and to conclude

Ichigo's development as a main character? -100
Kenpachi and Byakuya showing up? +1000

Sorry Ichigo but I'm kind of losing my interest of where your going in this series if your going to get trashed to death and survive with ultra super powers everytime. I'm really happy to see Kenpachi and Byakuya actually do something since last year though.

[Captain Highwind]

Would anyone mention that they beat Dordoni and expect to be taken seriously?

Ichigo's needed a new attack since his first fight with Grimmjow finished back in 2006.

[Rolling Cloud]

New spoilers are out:

Cover is Kenpachi and Byakuya
This will be brief.
Yammi focuses on fighting Kenpachi. (Kenpachi is blown away by Yammi but it's a weak punch.)
In the middle of this Mayuri shows up.
He explains that he has with him a machine he made that can open the gates whenever he wants.
Mayuri: "Kurosaki Ichigo, by properly making it to the real world you'll become my #1 test subject."
Unohana appears and says she wants to go to the real world, too.
Mayuri: "Oh dear, if the 4th Division Captain is my test subject herself, she won't know if I've made a mistake."
Undaunted, she replies, "There definitely won't be a mistake. If there was and if Urahara-san heard then he'd make fun of you."
Ichigo: But those guys are in trouble (against Yammi.)
Byakuya: "You are the substitute shinigami of that town...so it's your duty to guard it."
Ichigo: !!!!!
Ichigo says he understands and warps away with Unohana. That's the end.

[garfield15]

He explains that he has with him a machine he made that can open the gates whenever he wants. Wow....we were speculating many ways Ichigo could go back.....Didn't think Kubo would make it that easy.

"Bye guys! I'm leaving you for dead against the 0th Espada but you can handle it right!?"



Unohana appears and says she wants to go to the real world, too.
Why is Unohana going? (Hey if any of you thought this was going to be her debut battle... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRVUOGUmxJI))

Wonder if Mike could help me out with some witty dialogue

[ShadowGUN]

Good old Mayuri. Always has a back up deus ex machina plan. So is Ichigo going to leave Orihime behind? The Vizards could really use her.

As for why Unohana is going, she healer, which the Vizards could use, and she hasn't had a fight yet.

[garfield15]

As for why Unohana is going, she healer, which the Vizards could use, and she hasn't had a fight yet.
Ah. I did forget that little detail. Okay I guess it's a good thing she's going then.

[anime_guru]

New spoilers are out:

Cover is Kenpachi and Byakuya
This will be brief.
Yammi focuses on fighting Kenpachi. (Kenpachi is blown away by Yammi but it's a weak punch.)
In the middle of this Mayuri shows up.
He explains that he has with him a machine he made that can open the gates whenever he wants.
Mayuri: "Kurosaki Ichigo, by properly making it to the real world you'll become my #1 test subject."
Unohana appears and says she wants to go to the real world, too.
Mayuri: "Oh dear, if the 4th Division Captain is my test subject herself, she won't know if I've made a mistake."
Undaunted, she replies, "There definitely won't be a mistake. If there was and if Urahara-san heard then he'd make fun of you."
Ichigo: But those guys are in trouble (against Yammi.)
Byakuya: "You are the substitute shinigami of that town...so it's your duty to guard it."
Ichigo: !!!!!
Ichigo says he understands and warps away with Unohana. That's the end.

and there goes the deus ex machina...
but then here's one thought concerning ichigo going back to earth

actually...he doesn't need to go back imho but whatever...
and wha? No orihime again!?

well...at least this week the anime performed beyond my expectations...
another one goes to naruto this week

[Zach Logan]

At least it won't take another six months to go back to the...Karakura Town fake world thing...again. Bleach is grating me.

[Lelouch]

I find it slightly humorous that Ichigo went to HM to rescue Orihime...only to leave her behind. I suppose he thought it would actually be a lot more dangerous in FKT. I'm not so sure that Aizen would kill Orihime though, given his fascination with her power.

I can't believe Kubo had Mayuri introduced again without an explanation of the bodies, I want to know who they are!

[Silver Soul]

Ichigo leave Huceo Mundo without Orihime, while he entered illegally there to retrieve her to begin with. :sweat:

[anime_guru]

and are we forgetting he is a shinigami substitute for karakura town. Not fake karakura town...
that's a large distinction and when "home" is considered, fake karakura town is not ichigo's official home though its the real karakura town...

y know what...I think I am thinking too hard on bleach =/
Orihime is needed. Quit making her a damsel in friggin distress =(

[Beat]

Ichigo- You know what? Forget it. She is totally NOT worth the headache.

Yammy- But this is my official level up in awesome!

Ichigo- Too bad.

Yammy- What about Orihime?

Ichigo- Ah, I'm sure she'll be alright. What were you expecting? Ten pages of sappy romance?

Kishimoto- HEY!

Unohana- Wait! Let me go with you!

Ichigo- How come?

Unohana- That portal has...screentime!

Mayuri- I've done it! I've generated the 2.1 jigawats necessay to travel through time! Marty! Get the DeLorean!

Unohana- You don't have a DeLorean.

Mayuri- I don't? *sulks*

[Mr. Obsession]

Heh. Unohana knows how to hit Mayuri where it hurts. And this probably means she'll be the one to save Hiyori. Or Kubo will go for extra "drama" and Hiyori's injuries will be beyond Unohana's abilities, only for Orihime to exit Mayuri's portal "just in time."

Now I just wonder who Unohana's promised fight is going to be against. Gin? Wonderweiss (having defeated Kensei off-screen)? Aizen (going for a preemptive assult to prevent his enemies from getting healed)? Tosen?

And given the pace at which Kubo is now moving I wouldn't be surprised if when Ichigo and Unohana arrive in FKT only to find most of the remaining captains and visoreds already defeated.

[Captain Highwind]

Mayuri: "Kurosaki Ichigo, by properly making it to the real world you'll become my #1 test subject."

That gives me a bad feeling.

I bet that portal has all sorts of squirmy parasites swarming around in it, after what Mayuri did to Ishida.

Is Ichigo gonna get the zombie pox...?

[Beat]

That gives me a bad feeling.

I bet that portal has all sorts of squirmy parasites swarming around in it, after what Mayuri did to Ishida.

Is Ichigo gonna get the zombie pox...?

Ichigo would rather take his chances with interdimensional parasites than deal with Orihime.

That's even funnier in context.

[RockmanDash]

...Wait..Ichigo and Unohana goes but everyone else is left to fight against Yammy? ....Either Yammy gets a off screen death or he wins and comes to fake Karakura holding Orihime like King Kong.

Either way, I think they "finish him" and go running after Ichigo and Unohana and Yammy gets up and chases after them. Oh and meanwhile..

Grimmjow:*still dead on the ground* Yep..Tite Kubo will write me back in any week now..

[ShadowGUN]

Kenpachi: " Honestly, Do ya get beat half to death every damn place you go...?"

Yep. That pretty much Ichigo :sweat:.

I love Mayuri he such a fun and creepy character. And LOL at Ichigo not using honorific with him. Cool chapter.

[garfield15]

"Well I don't know what to call this week's chapter, so I'm going to use the same 4 words over and over again....because I'm edgy like that."

[Luna]

Kenpachi is awesome :D (He's one of my favorite characters)....I loved all his lines in this chapter....

Mayuri is creepy as always,but at least has a useful invention...

Unohana is going with Ichigo (who is leaving without the girl he promised to save :sweat:)....Hopefully,we get to see her fight soon...

[Mr. Obsession]

Hurray for the return of "O_O Comedy Face" Ichigo. :)


"Well I don't know what to call this week's chapter, so I'm going to use the same 4 words over and over again....because I'm edgy like that."

Next week will be: "Devil, Devil, Devil, Devil, Devil." Don't believe me? May I remind you of the two month period known as "The Lust." :p

[Beat]

In context, this chapter can be summarized in 3 sentences.

Kenpachi/Byakuga- DYNAMIC ENTRY!

Ichigo- Screw you guys, I'm going home.

Unohana- SCREENTIME!

[bigdeath]

I love Kenpachi. That was amusing and badass as always.

[Lelouch]

I honestly have always hated how the Captains all talk down to Ichigo. Sure, he is reckless, but he is just as powerful as them. Byakuya is especially annoying in this regard. I get that sometimes you have to be forceful to get through to Ichigo...but I just don't like it when they talk down to him.

As for the chapter...it was kind of boring, but at least we are going to FKT. I am hoping once we get there all of SS is down, and there are just a few Vizards remaining...

[GWOtaku]

The bit on Karakura being where Ichigo belongs is all well and good, but he's being sent off to help fight Aizen even while he's being told that he shouldn't be helping with Yammy.

Gah.

All the fighting notwithstanding, Ichigo still doesn't seem strong enough to fight the big villains without getting smashed around. His defeat of Ulquiorra was due to a transformation that he apparently can't repeat at will. How's he going to power up and make a difference in what is literally no time at all?

I'm at a loss when it comes to comprehending Kubo's pacing on this.

[Lelouch]

I completely agree. At the very least Unohana should have healed Ichigo before going. He couldn't even use his new mask for very long...and yet he is expected to take AIZEN!? Yeah, a bit ridiculous.

To be honest, I just hope Hichigo makes an appearance. Then Aizen can try and talk down to him and get owned. But hey, that is my own personal fantasy for Bleach.

Oh, and I almost really want Ichigo to make that transformation again...if only because I'd like to see everyone's reaction...is that a bad thing?

[FlyByNite77]

The bit on Karakura being where Ichigo belongs is all well and good, but he's being sent off to help fight Aizen even while he's being told that he shouldn't be helping with Yammy.

Gah.

All the fighting notwithstanding, Ichigo still doesn't seem strong enough to fight the big villains without getting smashed around. His defeat of Ulquiorra was due to a transformation that he apparently can't repeat at will. How's he going to power up and make a difference in what is literally no time at all?

I'm at a loss when it comes to comprehending Kubo's pacing on this.

"You can't stay here and fight this Espada because you're not strong enough, so go back to Karakura town and fight against Aizen." umm yea... Makes complete sense in the bizarro-verse that is Kubo's brain.

[RockmanDash]

Why do you guys think Ichigo is going to simply fight Aizen? Unohana will probably heal him while their going through the portal anyways so that fixes his damage problem, and it's not like they both instantly get there to begin with.

And did everyone else forget that Ichigo's dad is post to be very involved soon as well?(due to a interview and DON'T SAY THAT TITE KUBO FORGOT) >_> It's obvious he's going somewhere with Unohana now besides her healing factor, and he did say that she would be in battle by this year.

Have faith guys.. the long and twisted Hueco Mundo arc is basically over now. Ichigo is out after three years!

[FlyByNite77]

Have faith guys.. the long and twisted Hueco Mundo arc is basically over now. Ichigo is out after three years!

God so long... Ichigo and company entered Hueco Mundo in chapter 240 back in August of 2006. 140 chapters later(plus umm 12 chapters i think of the turn back the clock flashback) and he's finally leaving the place.

Without Orihime...Whom he went there to get.

[Mett]

Whoa! It's really been 3 years since they went to Hueco Mundo? Damn time flies :O

[Captain Highwind]

And did everyone else forget that Ichigo's dad is post to be very involved soon as well?

No I haven't, and I'm hoping Ichigo's upcoming bludgeoning will bait him out.

Exactly as planned...just get the boy out the gate!

[Beat]

Three years. Man, time flies when the pacing is awkward.

Ichigo- Three years? For who?

*Flashback*

"Save me Ichi-kun!"

"I'm being kidnapped!"

"Help me Ichi-kun!"

Ichigo- I'm going home.

[zoombie]

They have been trying to get rid of Ichigo for a long time. Poor Ichigo.

But actully the real action could end up being in Kurakura Town, that is where Aizen wants to be to get the king's key. I wonder if Ichigo ends up in the fake Kurakura town.

[Lelouch]

Megaman, I am pretty sire Kubo was implying in the interview that Ichigos dad will not be heavily involved until the next arc. I may have misread, but that's what I got out of it.

[zoombie]

I wonder if they will be any Ichigo / Unohara fics, in which Ichigo finally becomes a man, and learns a few tricks that will make Orihime very happy. LOL

Anyway on my more serious note, I think it is obvious Unohara is going to heel Hiyori, she has preformed her own miracles as well, Hinamori is still alive.

[silvanoir]

I haven't actually read a Bleach chapter in a long while, only been keeping up with the spoiler summaries. I decided to read this one because of promise of Ichigo making silly faces and comedy, and was not disappointed

But what I must mention is that I was listening to the radio when reading. And when I got to the page with Kenpachi and Byakuya showing up and standing over Ichigo (with Kenpachi being very shirtless, and Bya being far too pretty for a man) the song that came on that very instant was "I'm bringing sexy back"

I giggled for ten minutes straight. No exaggeration.

Nothing will ever sync up that perfect again. hahaha. :p

[Beat]

I wonder if they will be any Ichigo / Unohara fics, in which Ichigo finally becomes a man, and learns a few tricks that will make Orihime very happy. LOL
.

Eww, why not just put him in Grandma Prison with Zorak then?

Healers in Bleach do little besides heal. So I'm not expecting much as Ichigo crosses dimensions to get away from Orihime.

[RockmanDash]

Megaman, I am pretty sire Kubo was implying in the interview that Ichigos dad will not be heavily involved until the next arc. I may have misread, but that's what I got out of it.

=p Ever heard of backup? We have no idea of Ichigo's dad in terms of power. For all we know he'll save Ichigo's butt from Aizen, because I see Ichigo just charging in without thinking. And yes I'm aware he said next arc, but him showing up now will open up that next arc. Aka

Father saves son from the main enemy, son finally finds out that his father is just like him, and the father joins the group for the next big battles to come. See where I'm going with this? He is involved big in the next arc, but he can show up first to start that.

I would have faith in Yamamoto to save everyone but..all he does is stand there.

[Captain Highwind]

Father saves son from the main enemy, son finally finds out that his father is just like him, and the father joins the group for the next big battles to come. See where I'm going with this? He is involved big in the next arc, but he can show up first to start that.

Just don't kill him off Kubo. I said don't do it. ...no. Fight it.

[RockmanDash]

Just don't kill him off Kubo. I said don't do it. ...no. Fight it.

I hate to say it but I think Ichigo's dad actually could very well be killed off. With the way Tite kubo writes, I'm starting to think Ichigo's dad dieing will be a way for Ichigo to get stronger without pulling out his mask every time he needs it. It's kind of funny though, for three years we have Ichigo getting better at using his mask, but now when it gets it's power up, it's time limit resets all over again.

Yet I admit, a Isshin vs Aizen battle would be completely awesome to see, well as long as Isshin actually can hit Aizen and no more of this illusion crud we've been getting.

[Grave]

I hate to say it but I think Ichigo's dad actually could very well be killed off. With the way Tite kubo writes, I'm starting to think Ichigo's dad dieing will be a way for Ichigo to get stronger without pulling out his mask every time he needs it. It's kind of funny though, for three years we have Ichigo getting better at using his mask, but now when it gets it's power up, it's time limit resets all over again.

Yet I admit, a Isshin vs Aizen battle would be completely awesome to see, well as long as Isshin actually can hit Aizen and no more of this illusion crud we've been getting.

Then whose going to be taking care of Yuzu and Karin? I don't exactly see Isshin dying in this because of that. Not like Ichigo has a job to go grocery shopping or anything either. However, I'll be shocked if he does kick the bucket though. Now Urahara is one I can actually see being killed off.

[Don_East]

Healers in Bleach do little besides heal. So I'm not expecting much as Ichigo crosses dimensions to get away from Orihime.
Yeah, because it's not like Ichigo made some promise to protect her and went to Huenco Mundo to save her.

Oh wait, yes he did I HATE THIS CHAPTER! I HATE IT!

[zoombie]

Yeah, because it's not like Ichigo made some promise to protect her and went to Huenco Mundo to save her.

Oh wait, yes he did I HATE THIS CHAPTER! I HATE IT!

Yeah Ichigo forgets the whole points of things. He gets so consumed with personal grudges, he forgets the whole point of the mission.

[RockmanDash]

Yeah, because it's not like Ichigo made some promise to protect her and went to Huenco Mundo to save her.

Oh wait, yes he did I HATE THIS CHAPTER! I HATE IT!

It's ironic as well because Ichigo even told Kenpachi before his mission is to protect his friends. I know going to Karakura involves that as well but, he still has to protect Orihime who is just with Ishida and are probably defenseless.

[Beat]

Ichigo is going where he is needed, and choosing not to stand in the way of his OTP in IshiHime. ;)

[Don_East]

Ichigo is going where he is needed, and choosing not to stand in the way of his OTP in IshiHime. ;)
Please, Orihime needs a real man, not a girly man. :p

[ShadowGUN]

You know Uryu, Orihime, Rukia, Renji and Chad could be going with Ichgo to Karakura Town in the next chapter. I mean the chapter ends with Ichigo standing near the entrance of the Garganta. He is till there in Hueco Mundo.

[garfield15]

Did we just forget about Nel or what?

Yeah, Ichigo should just grab everybody and get out of there. Seriously. Just like "Come on guys, we're out of here."

[ShadowGUN]

They can bring Nel if they want(her healing saliva could be of use). Although seeing how Aizen like to stab female Arrancar/Espada lately I think it safer for Nel to stay in Hueco Mundo :sweat:.

[Beat]

So Nel dies if she goes with them?

I'm sure Don's all for it now.

[Luna]

Please, Orihime needs a real man, not a girly man. :pExactly :anime: More importantly,SHE'S NOT INTERESTED IN HIM ROMANTICALLY,she loves Ichigo,(you can argue all you want how he doesn't love her back,fact is she does love Ichigo,and I can't see her automatically going to Uryu even if Ichigo ended up with someone else)and he's well aware of that....Besides,I'd much rather see him with Nemu (as weird as that sounds :sweat:...I doubt it'd ever happen,though)...

Anyways,yeah,I'd love Isshin to come in to this soon,especially if we got more backstory on him (and possibly Masaki)....Please don't kill him off,though,Kubo...I like him as a character,and he also has Yuzu and Karin to take care of besides Ichigo...

[zoombie]

Orihime is in love with Ichigo, she all but said it when she left for Hueco Mundo. Ichigo is so focused on other things, mainly protecting everyone he cares about and becoming stronger, he doesn't think about girls as weird as that sounds. If a girl tried to flirt with him, or reveal herself Ichigo's get very unconfertable.

But when he finally does, why can't he love Orihime? She has much chance of capturing Ichigo's heart as any other girl. They also share a connection in both losing a member of their family that they were close to.

[Luna]

Orihime is in love with Ichigo, she all but said when she left for Hueco Mundo. Ichigo is so focused on other things, mainly protecting everyone he cares about and become stronger, he doesn't think about girls as weird as that sounds. If a girl tried to flirt with him, or reveal herself Ichigo's get very unconfertable.

But when he finally does, why can't he love Orihime? She has much chance of capturing Ichigo's heart as any other girl. They also share a connection in both losing a member of their family that they were close to.I agree...to me,Orihime is the one who's most likely to end up with Ichigo,if anyone does...Rukia and Ichigo don't have romantic interest in one another (Kubo actually came right out and said it :D),Tatsuki's more of a childhood friend than anything else,and while Nel cares about him,I don't think it's in a romantic way (like Tatsuki,Rukia and Uryu,she seems to be well aware of Orihime's feelings for Ichigo)...

[zoombie]

I agree...to me,Orihime is the one who's most likely to end up with Ichigo,if anyone does...Rukia and Ichigo don't have romantic interest in one another (Kubo actually came right out and said it :D),Tatsuki's more of a childhood friend than anything else,and while Nel cares about him,I don't think it's in a romantic way (like Tatsuki,Rukia and Uryu,she seems to be well aware of Orihime's feelings for Ichigo)...

Yeah not to mention, Nel gave her seal of approval to Orihime, when she yelled at Ichigo for calling Orihime heavy, and saying that is not how you talk to a girl. In the anime, when she meet Rukia, she showed a jealous side, but had no problems with Orihime.

So she had Nel and Tatsuki's approval, Rukia has no romantic feelings for him so why would she object and I see no reason to think that Karin and Yuzu would object. So she should have the thumbs up from all the women important to Ichigo except for his late mother.

And after Ichigo beat Grimmjow, when Ichigo, Orihime, and Nel were together, didn't they look like a married couple with their kid?

[Rolling Cloud]

In the anime, when she meet Rukia, she showed a jealous side, but had no problems with Orihime.

I'm pretty sure that was in the manga, too.

[garfield15]

I'm pretty sure that was in the manga, too.
Studio Pierott with their obvious IchiRuki shipping would definitely say that Ori is just a manipulative person who doesn't deserve Ichigo and demonstrate that in a 1:30 ED song of sad Rukia as Ichigo stands close to her as they gaze longingly into each others eyes.

(Hey Pierott! Your fanshipping =/= canon.)

[Beat]

There's not really much else to say except he left Orihime in the hands of another and he's generally afraid of girls.

So yeah, let Studio Pierrot make their coupling. They might even become the canon pairing.

[RockmanDash]

There's not really much else to say except he left Orihime in the hands of another and he's generally afraid of girls.

So yeah, let Studio Pierrot make their coupling. They might even become the canon pairing.

*Final attack against Aizen*

Ichigo: This hollow sword of mine tells me..

Rukia: TO DEFEAT YOU WITH THE POWER OF LOVE!

Ichigo and Rukia: LETS GO! SHINNNNINNNGGGGGGGGGGG GETSUGA NO TENSHO! LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE!!!!

Aizen: NOOOOO!!! My illusions can't defeat the power of love!!!




.......*runs from Don_East*

[garfield15]

*Final attack against Aizen*

Ichigo: This hollow sword of mine tells me..

Rukia: TO DEFEAT YOU WITH THE POWER OF LOVE!

Ichigo and Rukia: LETS GO! SHINNNNINNNGGGGGGGGGGG GETSUGA NO TENSHO! LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE!!!!

Aizen: NOOOOO!!! My illusions can't defeat the power of love!!!




.......*runs from Don_East*
Nobody makes an IchiRuki G Gundam parody on our watch!

[Grenzer]

People have mentioned this already, but I think it needs to be stated just how uncomfortable Ichigo is with women in general. Even if Orihime declared her undying love for him, Ichigo would have no idea how to handle it. He would shake it off and bury himself in some other task.

It's kind of hard to remember because it happened so long ago (near the start of the manga), but it was made quite clear that Ichigo was traumatized by the death of his mother in a way far more profound than when Chad, Ishida, Rukia and Orihime lost their loved ones. The others have all made peace with their losses, Ichigo has not. He seems to view romantic affection from females with great anxiety, and he builds walls with almost all of the women in his life. Tatsuki was an exception because she was a childhood friend, but Ichigo started pushing her away as well. And Rukia... he almost sees her as a sibling (that was what Kubo said, right?) so his interactions with her make sense in that context.

We all forget that in the Japanese version, Ichigo has never even addressed Orihime by her first name. He always calls her Inoue-san, which is rather formal and shows how Ichigo views her. He would have to go through some major character development to move past his personal grief and mommy issues before he could ever consider a relationship with Orihime.

Kubo may never even get around to it if he keeps dragging the plot. We have all noticed by this point that many story and character elements have been neglected or discarded because things have become far too big and bloated for him to manage properly. Canon IchiHime (or any pairing for that matter) may end up a casualty of that as well, though obviously readers would be angry if it came to that.

But what am I saying, this is shonen. A couple of exploding heads and manly tears will fix everything. :p

[Don_East]

Studio Pierott with their obvious IchiRuki shipping would definitely say that Ori is just a manipulative person who doesn't deserve Ichigo and demonstrate that in a 1:30 ED song of sad Rukia as Ichigo stands close to her as they gaze longingly into each others eyes.

(Hey Pierott! Your fanshipping =/= canon.)

Oh God, do not get me started, or I'll be typing. Plus that's why I make my videos. I will say this though...

Pierott's IchiRuki material = Pierott's NaruHina material
Take out both from and their supporters don't have much to use except one or two scenes which are outnumbered by the massive material that supports the opposing pairing.


So Nel dies if she goes with them?

I'm sure Don's all for it now.
Hey now, you're putting words in my mouth, Beat.

[Captain Highwind]

Kubo may never even get around to it if he keeps dragging the plot. We have all noticed by this point that many story and character elements have been neglected or discarded because things have become far too big and bloated for him to manage. Canon IchiHime (or any pairing for that matter) may end up a casulty of that as well, though obviously readers would be angry if it came to that.


From time to time he does write small random character stories, like Tatsuki reflecting about why Ichigo keeps drawing away from her. But there'd be no way to really fit that into these kind of plots except for brief intermissions between major arcs.

[Beat]

Thank you for pointing that out clearly and concisely Grenzer. I think Kubo practically realized he has a knack for drawing females but not one for writing romance so he avoids the latter. Distinctly unlike that OTHER shounen writer.

It's either that or the one that can get Ichigo to trust women again is the one that will...nope, WAY too much like the other shounen writer. We need Ichigo and daddy to fight Aizen in a battle where they can hopefully make Captain Evil bleed.

[garfield15]

Thank you for pointing that out clearly and concisely Grenzer. I think Kubo practically realized he has a knack for drawing females but not one for writing romance so he avoids the latter. Distinctly unlike that OTHER shounen writer.

Isn't it great how Oda never has this problem? ;)

[zoombie]

Never thought about that, maybe Ichigo apprention around women is becauce Kudo has the same apprention.

In defense of Ichigo, he is not alone. Several if not most of the male characters have the same discomfert about romance. Shunsui, Urohara, I guess at one time Byakuya because he was married, and the comic relief characters like Kon, and Keigo are the exception, they are comfortable to show their attraction towards women.

Maybe there is an intentional joke, that these guys that want to act tough, are scared wimps when it comes to women, and weak comic relief characters like Kon are much more brave than them in the category of romance.

[Beat]

Huh, never thought of it that way. I still don't see it as a major issue, mostly because, well Ichigo would be annoyed either way.

[JDNobodi]

Well, I understand what you guys are saying about that Ichigo leaving HM without Orihime defeats the purpose of him bring there.
However, everybody in HM knows there is a battle going on in Karahura town (or fake Karahura town) but nobody in HM knows how the battles are going. When the battle in fake Karahura town started there were a lot of non Espada arrancars which where the front line of Aizen's invasions. As for the Captains in HM are concerned, Ichigo would be perfect against these lesser hollows plus he is supposed to be in Karakura town. It just that nobody knows it just down to the former captains vs the Gotei 13 and Vizards.


Give me a minute to look up the correct spelling for my misspelled words. For some odd reason my spell checker does not know what the correct spelling of Japanese names into English.:sweat:
Edit - my spelling should be corrected.

[1 of 3]

Regarding everyone favorite strawberry:

Ichigo really needs this "I won because I had to" garbage beaten out him. He's becoming a real tool.

Either that or the next time Hichigo bails him out, he should keep control for a while and make everyone think Ichigo's pulled a big heel turn.

[Novapocalypse]

I don't blame Ichigo. Everyone wants to get the hell out of Hueco Mundo so we can get this arc over.

[ShadowGUN]

This week chapter: A surprise awaits Ichigo in Karakura Town.

- Mayuri and Ichigo have a converstaion. After Unohana and Ichigo make fun Mayuri they enter the Garganta.
- Inside the Garganta, Unohana praise Ichigo.
- She believe only Ichigo can defeat Aizen because he never seen his shikai.
- Yammi unload a barrage of punches. Kenpachi cuts off one of his fingers.
- Mayuri and Byakuya converse. Byakuya still wonder why he is still here.
- Byakuya: " I heard people believe in Ichigo victory".
- Ichigo wonder about the other Soul Reapers at Karakura Town. Unohana reasure him they will okay .
- As Ichigo and Unohana are leaving the Garganta, they are shocked to see everyone pointing their swords at Soi Fon, Shunsui and Hitusgaya. Chapter ends.

[Beat]

Wow, that is one...gigantic leap of faith there granny.

[Mett]

Looks like Aizen put out his hypnosis to make it look like those 3 captains are Aizen, Tousen and Gin I bet :O

[Neo Ultra Mike]

Time for something that hasn't been done for awhile. Making fun of the spoilers!


Mayuri and Ichigo have a converstaion. After Unohana and Ichigo make fun Mayuri they enter the Garganta.

Mayuri: Why does everyone need to make fun of the scientist?
Ichigo: You mean the psychotic bastard who gets his kick out of experimenting people and ripping them open while they're still alive?
Mayuri: Now see that I can live with becausei it's totally true. But it's the backhanded snide comments that really hurt.
Unohana: I'm not being snide.
Mayuri: No but you're being so polite it almost looks like you're being snide.
Ichigo: Well enough of this. Time to leave the place I entered to find Orihime and rescue her and bring her back no matter what... wait there's something wrong with this picture.
Mayuri: Really what?
Ichigo: Well I have the strangest feeling I'm forgetting something.
Orihimie: (Offscreen) Ichigo I'm almost done healing Uryu-
Ichigo: Oh yeah... I forgot to say something cool. I'm Ichigo and I'm a gonna win! (Leaves the portal).


- Inside the Garganta, Unohana praise Ichigo.

Ichigo: Well I'd praise you too if you know you fought someone.
Unohana: I was only sent to Hueco Mundo to heal the wounded. All my opponents either ran away from me or turned out to not be evil anymore.
Gantennbe: (Offscreen) Yeah I realized-
Ichigo: No one cares whoever you are. Still I thought you were going to fight Yammy.
Unohana: Defeating Aizen in Fake Karkura Town is more important where my healing skills are needed more. Also Kenpachi gets off on fighting supremly strong foes so I didn't want to be a buzzkill.
Ichigo: Oh... wait a minute was that a... LOGICAL reason not to fight?
Unohana: Yeah.
Ichigo: Huh I thought this show forgot it's logic afteer my 10th billion power upgrade.
Unohana: It found it again when that didn't work. Hey speaking of logic what logical reason was there to leave behind Orihime?
Ichigo: Oh I didn't want to drag her into battle. Also if we were together we might have one of those couple conversations that express our feelings. And anyone whose been reading Naruto knows that's much more painful then anything Aizen could dish out


- She believe only Ichigo can defeat Aizen because he never seen his shikai.

Ichigo: Technically I did see it. I saw him use it on Konamura when he defeated him all the way back at the end of the Soul Society arc.
Unohana: Oh well I meant the more overall hypnosis all of us have had for apparently 100+ years.
Ichigo: Well last time we fought he beat me with one finger... literally.\
Unohana: Yeah but you're the main hero. Eventually sooner or later one of you 10 billion plus power ups is going to be strong enough to kill him.
Ichigo: See now that makes sense. Why didn't you say that before?
Unohana: I was trying to find a plausbile reason in story why you would fight him instead of a stronger captain but as you pointed out there is none.


- Yammi unload a barrage of punches. Kenpachi cuts off one of his fingers.

Yammy: Ow why do people always try and cut off my limbs?
Kenpachi: Cause it's fun.
Yammy: Hey wait you weren't that much stronger then Nnortoria. How the hell did you get to my level?
Kenpachi: I'm like Ichigo in my crazy powerups, but unlike him the fans actually like me for legimiate reasons and always love it when I come and clean house.


- Mayuri and Byakuya converse. Byakuya still wonder why he is still here.
- Byakuya: " I heard people believe in Ichigo victory".

Byakuya: Wait was I suppose to say that or were you?
Mayuri: I think I was suppose to wonder why you're still here and then you were suppose to say you heard people believe in Ichigo's victory. Hey who said that anyway?
Byakuya: Unohana.
Mayuri: And?
Byakuya: I don't know. Those annoying friends of his.
Renji: (Offscreen) Captain how could you?
Byakuya: Sorry Renji you may be a lieuntant but you're still the Yamcha of this storyline.
Mayuri: Would that make you the Piccolo?
Byakuya: Well I am stiffly serious and dress quite spiffy and have that too cool for this convesation demaneor. On the other hand the person I have strong emotions that I rarley show has fan power then you know actual power.


- Ichigo wonder about the other Soul Reapers at Karakura Town. Unohana reasure him they will okay .

Ichigo: How do you know?
Unohana: They're soul reapers. Soul Reapers never die.
Ichigo: But you ARE dead.
Unohana: Then we never die again. Seriously Kubo's kind of a wimp when it comes to killing off the heroes no matter how many times they get chopped to pieces.
Ichigo: Yeah really considering I've been stabbed in the chest twice and am still alive. Or is that just main characteritis?
Unohana: A little from columm A, a lot from that collum B.


- As Ichigo and Unohana are leaving the Garganta, they are shocked to see everyone pointing their swords at Soi Fon, Shunsui and Hitusgaya. Chapter ends.

Hitsuguya: ... Well I defintley didn't predict this ending.
Soi Fon: I think that was the point.
Shusui: I thought the point was on their swords.
Hitsuguya: ... Are you trying to be funny when we're starring certain death in the face?
Shuusi: You know I'm quirky like that.
Ichigo: Hey how did this happen anyway?
Unohana: I can't read the future but I'd bet 50 million dollars on this somehow involving Aizen's mass hypnosis powers.
Ichigo: Oh I get it. That explains why the top Espada were so easy to take out: It was all an illusion!
Unohana: No I think only this is. They all just sucked.
Harribel: (Offscreen) I'd complain but I can't deny the facts sadly.

Well the ending was defintley good and makes me wonder where they're going from there. Otherwise fairly standard chapter.

[mumbo]

Looks like Aizen may be turning some of the captains on the others using his powers after all. I saw this prediction before and it made a lot of sense to me, so.

[Silver Soul]

869 ：ohana ◆eoKmtR7prg ：2009/11/04(水) 22:30:43 ID:Y2sCpmZSP
嘗て剣を交えし者達にかけられた言葉…。決意新たに、遂に一護は現世へ！
！
After hearing the words of those he crossed swords with, Ichigo has new determination.
At last he returns to the real world!!
柱の上に立ち腕を上げ球体も上げてるマユリとネム
Mayuri and Nemu are standing on a pillar, arms lifting up a globe.
マユリ『…中の解説はしないヨ　来た時と逆に進めば現世だ』
Mayuri: "...I won't explain what's in there. You came through there and
if you go back you'll be in the real world.
一『…ああ』
Ichigo: "...Right"
マ『…足場だけには気をつけ給えヨ』
Mayuri: "...You just have to be careful of your footing."
ガルガンダ入口徐々に開く
The garganta opening widens.
マ『中で足場を踏み外せば現世とウェコムンドの間にあるどこへともしれん
空間に落ちて
帰えってこれなくなる　まアそれはそれで面白い資料にはなるがネ』
Mayuri: "If you take a wrong step you'll fall into the space between the real
world and hueco mundo and won't be able to return. Well, in that case
it would be interesting data, wouldn't it?"
ポカーン顔の一護
Ichigo is shocked.
マ『…何だネ？』
Mayuri: "...What?"
一『…いや　そういや浦原さんも俺達を見送る時ちょっと高いトコ立って喋
ってたなあと思って』
Ichigo: "...No, is just that I was thinking that when Urahara-san sent us off
he was also standing on a higher location and giving a talk."
マ『…ナニ？』
Mayuri: "...So what?"
一『あんた技術開発局の二代目ってことは浦原さんの弟子かなんかだろ？　
似たとこあるよ
やっぱり』
Ichigo: "You're the second head of the technology department which means you were
Urahara-san's apprentice, right? As I expected there's a resemblance."
マユリ、目が血走る『貴様…』
Mayuri's eyes get bloodshot. "Why you..."
一護、卯の花ガルガンダの穴の中へ飛びこむ
Ichigo and Unohana leap into the garganta.
マユリ『…』
Mayuri: "..."
ネム『…マユリ様…』
Nemu: "...Mayuri-sama..."
マ『…成程…面白いネ…　面白い男だヨ　黒崎一護…！
Mayuri: "...I see...Amusing...Amusing boy, that Kurosaki Ichigo...!
ガルガンダに閉じ込められるのも面白いと思ったが止めだ…！この戦いが終
わってから
I no longer find it amusing thinking of shutting you up in the garganta...After this war is over
じっくりと恐怖に落とし入れてやるヨ…　この戦いが楽しい思い出だったと
思い違う程の
I'll carefully devise a plan for your terror...Terror such that it will change your happy thoughts
恐怖にネ…！』
regarding the war...!"
横目で見てる白哉『…』
Byakuya gives him a sidelong glance."..."
ネム『…了解しましたマユリ様　　作戦を考えます』
Nemu: "...Yes, Mayuri-sama. I will devise a strategy."
Bleach381　Words Just Don't Like You
永き戦い…。幽かに射す光明を辿り、そして…。
An eternal battle...As they follow the faint glitter of light...
ガルガンダを走る一護と卯の花
Ichigo and Unohana are running.
卯『…黒崎さん　一つお訊きしたいのですが…貴方以前双？の丘で藍染惣右
介と相対していますね 』
Unohana:" ...Kurosaki-san. I have something I'd like to ask...You faced Aizen that
previous time on that hill, didn't you?"
一『そうだけど…　それが？』
Ichigo: "That's right...so what?"
卯『どうでしたか？』
Unohana: "How was it?"
一『どうもこうもねえよ　バケモンみたいに強くて　手も足もでなかった
向こうは始解もしてねえのに一方的にやられたよ』
Ichigo: "How was it? It's was strong like a monster without even
using his hands or feet. It was completely one-sided even though
he didn't even use his shikai."
卯『…それは良かった』
Unohana: "...That was fortunate."
一『え？』
Ichigo: "Huh?"
卯『それだけの大きな力の差があったことが貴方の最大の幸運です』
Unohana: "That the difference in your power was so great is your
greatest fortune."
濁り顔一護
Ichigo is puzzled.
卯『今のうちに　お伝えしておきます　黒崎さん』
Unohana: "Right now I'll tell you, Kurosaki-san."
卯の花『藍染惣右介に対抗できるのは現時点で　現世・ソウルソサエティ・
ウェコムンド
全て含めても恐らく　　貴方一人だけです』
Unohana: "At the present time, of those who are in the real world, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo,
those who are able to resist Aizen Sousuke, includes only yourself."
ビックリ顔一護『どういう――…』
Ichigo is surpsied. "What do you mean..."
卯『お教えましょう　彼の斬魄刀「鏡花水月」の能力と　その発動条件を―
―』
Unohana: "I'll explain. His sword Kyoukasuigetsu's power, and the conditions to invoke it..."
ドン
BANG
ヤミーパンチ連打『喰らえッ！！』
Yammi unleases a barrage of punches. "Take this!!"
ヤミー『オラッ　オラッ　オラッ　オラッ』
Yammi: "And this, and this, and this, and this."
ドン
BANG
ヤミー右手指４本飛ぶ
Four of the fingers on Yammi's right hand go flying.
ヤミー『ぐうッ！？　ごオあああああ』
Yammi: "Damnit! Argggggg"
痛がるヤミー『ちくしょう俺の指…　よくも俺の指をオ…！！』
Yammi, in pain: "My f***en fingers...How dare you...!!"
ヤミーの右腕に乗りニヤリ剣八
Kenpachi is standing on Yammi's right arm.
斬りかかり～～～～
He swings his sword.
その様子を見てる白哉　その後ろマユリ
Byakuya looks on. Behind him is Mayuri.
白『…兄は何故此処へ残った　クロツチマユリ』
Byakuya: "...Why are you still here, Kurotsuchi Mayuri?"
マ『ハテ　その答えに君が興味を持つとも思えない質問だネ』
Mayuri: "Well, I don't think you're even interested in the answer to that question."
白『兄の興をさかせるものなら現世のほうが多い筈だ　何の意図があって此
処へ残ったのかと聞い ている』
Byakuya: "As for things that interest you, wouldn't there be more of them in the real world?
I was asking what your intentions are that you remain here."
マ『オオ　用心深い事だネ　安心し給え　君が肝を冷やす様な事は何も企ん
じゃいないヨ』
Mayuri: "Oh, so you're being wary, huh? You can relax. I'm not undertaking anything that
would strike terror into you."
チラ見、白　　見下ろすマユリ
Byakuya glances at him. Mayuri looks down at him.
マ『…何　単に今の時点で、こっちの方に面白い死体が多い　それだけの理
由だヨ
Mayuri:; "It's just that at this time this where is there are many interesting corpses. That's all.
どうせ現世での戦いが終われば　むこうから勝手にガルガンダを開く
Whenever the war in the real world is done, the garganta will open up on its own from that side.
それからゆっくり現世に行って死体になった連中を一体一体じっくり調べさ
せて貰うヨ…！』
And then I'll be able to have the bodies leisurely transported one by one to have them studied...!"
チラ見、白
Byakuya glances at him.
マ『…何だネ？』
Mayuri; "...What?"
一『何だって…！？』
Ichigo: "What the...!?"
卯『そうです　鏡花水月の能力発動条件は相手に始解を見せること
Unohana: "That's correct. The condition to invoke Kyoukasuigetsu's ability
is to show its shikai to the opponent.
私達護廷十三隊はもとよち　貴方達が現世で通じている浦原喜助の一団
Those of us in Gotei 13, you in Urahara Kisuke-san's group in the real world,
そして彼　藍染惣右介の部下である破面や十刀に至るまで
the arrancar serving under Aizen Sousuke, including the Espada,
現世で戦いに関わる可能性ある全ての者が　その始末を目にしています
it's possible that all of them fighting in the real world have witnessed it and been affected,
そう　黒崎一護さん　　　　貴方うぃ除いて』
All, except for you, Kurosaku Ichigo-san."
ビックリ一護
Ichigo is shocked.
卯『隊長格に匹敵する霊圧を持ち　鏡花水月の始解を見ていない
Unohana: "You have captain class reiatsu, and you haven't seen Kyoukasuigetsu's shikai.
貴方のその優位性は　この戦いに於いて極めて重要です
That advantage of yours is of tremendous importance in this war.
いえ更に正しく言うならば　その優位性を失えば　この戦いは終わりなので
す
And truthfully, if that advantage is lost, this war will be finished.
黒崎さん　　この先の戦いで何が起きても　藍染惣右介の　始解だけは　見
ないで下さい
　　　絶対に』
Kurosaki-san...Whatever happens in the war ahead, please do not under any circumstances look at
Aizen Sousuke's shikai.
マユリ少し怒りながら『何だネ！？
Mayuri, a bit peeved: "What!?
何だと訊いているんだヨ！私は！！　言いたいことがあるなら言い給えヨ１
1
エ！？』
I'm asking you!! If you want to say something then say it!"
白『兄の口から出た言葉とも思えなかったのでな　　少し驚いた』
Byakuya: "I wasn't even thinking about what you said. I was surprised."
マ『……何？』
Mayuri: "...What?"
白『今の言葉は　黒崎一護を現世に送ったことで戦いが終わると言っている
ように聞こえる』
Byakuya: "I thought it sounded like you were saying that the war would be over after sending
Kurosaki Ichigo to the real world."
マユリ無言
Mayuri is speechless.
白『黒崎一護の勝利を信じていると　　言っているように聞こえるぞ』
Byakuya: "It sounds like you're saying you believe in Kurosaku Ichigo's victory."
無言マユリ
Mayuri is speechless.
一『…わかった　　ありがとな卯の花さん　戦いの前に聞けて良かった
そんだけ聞けりゃ充分だ　　…俺しかいねえんだろ？　　それなら決まって
る
俺が　　藍染を　　倒す』
Ichigo: "...I understand. Thank you, Unohana-san. I'm glad I
heard it before the battle. That's all I needed to hear. Only me, huh?
If that's the case then it's obvious. I...will...defeat...Aizen."
マ『…下らんヨ　　それこそらしくない言葉じゃないのかネ　　朽木白哉』

Mayuri: "...Fool. I didn't mean it that way, Kuchiki Byakuya."
目を閉じうつむく白
Byakuya closes his eyes and hangs his head.
走る一護
We see a picture of Ichigo running.
仲間待つ現世へ…！！
To his comrades waiting in the real world...!
終わり★サーセイ★
The end.

[Grave]

Ichigo interacting with Mayuri might be worth seeing. Byakuya interacting with Mayuri also might be interesting. Unohana telling Ichigo about Aizen's zanpakuto sounds interesting.

Overall the chapter sounds interesting. And with all the talk about next arc... I'm starting to think that Aizen's going to bail to drag things out.

[GWOtaku]

*applauds Grenzer's post*

Unohana's commentary makes sense, although the power difference is still a massive barrier to overcome. Anyhow, here's hoping that the pacing picks up drastically from here on out.

[RockmanDash]

I actually think that Aizen might get his butt kicked this time around. It's true the situation is bad and Ichigo has much lower power than Aizen, but then again that's what I thought about him compared to Ulquorria and look what happeened there. I think Kubo is deciding to finally move this piece of plot along now finally. It seemed like he enjoyed working on the zanpakuto filler arc more than this. =p

[Novapocalypse]

C'mon Kubo, make this twist even better than the one back when we first found out Aizen was the bad guy.

[Grave]

C'mon Kubo, make this twist even better than the one back when we first found out Aizen was the bad guy.

Can that even be topped?

[Funkatron]

Help us, Obiwan Kursaki; you are our only hope!!!

[Baseball]

Calling it now--Mayuri Kurotsuchi is the next villain. There's got to be a reason we haven't seen his real form yet. Coupled with the fact that he's near invincible and his recent comments, let's see.

[bigdeath]

Can that even be topped?

No, that is a legend among manga/anime.

[Mett]

Calling it now--Mayuri Kurotsuchi is the next villain. There's got to be a reason we haven't seen his real form yet. Coupled with the fact that he's near invincible and his recent comments, let's see.

What do you mean by his real form? Isn't he just a human like everyone else? There was a time when it showed him without all his getup on and he looked like a regular person with blue hair. It was back when they alerted everyone that Aizen was a traitor.

[bigdeath]

Wasn't that in the anime only?

[Grave]

That was also in the manga.

[CartoonOverlord]

It would be in his character though, he is completely amoral. Betrayal should be nothing to him.

[Grave]

Agreed. Ever since his first appearance I've never trusted Mayuri. I still don't even though he's proved his worth. I still find it surprising that Uryu forgave him so easily.. I'd try killing him every chance I get.

[CartoonOverlord]

Ever since his first appearance I've never trusted Mayuri.Well it is rather hard to trust a guy that uses people as living bombs in his first appearence after all.:p

[Grave]

Well it is rather hard to trust a guy that uses people as living bombs in his first appearence after all.:p

Haha.

Sort of makes me questions Soul Societies morals (or something). They just let that stuff go.

[Captain Highwind]

381

Mayuri's so passive-aggressive. Bayakuya's pissed him off too. :3

Looks like the Aizen-Ichigo fight's gonna involve blindfolds.

[FlyByNite77]

Use the force Ichigo...Stretch out your feelings

[Mett]

Hmmm, I dont see the part where they come out into the real world and see everyone pointing swords and those 3 captains that the spoiler suggested.

[Rud]

Hmmm, I dont see the part where they come out into the real world and see everyone pointing swords and those 3 captains that the spoiler suggested.
Yeah, i knew something was off about that, Aizens shikai is good, but it cant be that good.

[Funkatron]

Hmmm, I dont see the part where they come out into the real world and see everyone pointing swords and those 3 captains that the spoiler suggested.
Trust the force instead of spoilers, my friend...

[Captain Highwind]

Yeah, i knew something was off about that, Aizens shikai is good, but it cant be that good.

It probably can, but I'm glad it didn't. I really don't want another Ichigo vs Soul Society for awhile.

[Beat]

Well it wouldn't have lasted nearly as long as the last one did.

Oh, found this on another forum.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/759/811by8.jpg

[Captain Highwind]

Well it wouldn't have lasted nearly as long as the last one did.

Oh, found this on another forum.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/759/811by8.jpg

It all stems from this line of thinking:

"I WILL defeat you...and to do that, all I have to do is defeat you, right?"

[Fresh V]

After being pretty far behind...I have finally decided to catch up. Bleach used to be one of my favorite series but shortly after HM it got kind of...old. However, basing my thoughts on your comments, would it be best if I just waited until the current arc is completely over? If the pacing is horrible it might be better to just read it all in one go.

[garfield15]

After being pretty far behind...I have finally decided to catch up. Bleach used to be one of my favorite series but shortly after HM it got kind of...old. However, basing my thoughts on your comments, would it be best if I just waited until the current arc is completely over? If the pacing is horrible it might be better to just read it all in one go.
Worked for me with the Sasuke vs. Itachi fight.

[mumbo]

After being pretty far behind...I have finally decided to catch up. Bleach used to be one of my favorite series but shortly after HM it got kind of...old. However, basing my thoughts on your comments, would it be best if I just waited until the current arc is completely over? If the pacing is horrible it might be better to just read it all in one go.
That's probably not a bad idea. Kubo takes very few weekly breaks, but there are some chapters where so little happens that he might as well have taken the week off.

So, given the pacing...see you in 2015 :)

[GWOtaku]

So this week on Bleach it's revealed that Ichigo's spiritual power is only about half restored, but Unohana realizes that it's at captain level already. She then starts working to fully restore Ichigo during their trip. So basically, we're supposed to be reassured that all of that losing has actually progressed things.

I won't call this too convenient just yet though, since it is entirely possible that the Ulquiorra incident has made something snap and allowed Ichigo to use most or all of his power without the mask...hence the reason he can't summon it anymore. He can't because he doesn't need to.

There's also Byakuya/Kenpachi hijinks. They don't work well together, they argue, Yammy attacks, and so they simultaneously attack him for getting in the way of their confrontation. Har har.

No chapter next week either, but One Piece is coming back so we're more than compensated.

[Lelouch]

No chapter next week? Dang, that sucks, I am honestly just looking forward to Ichigo in the real world at this point...

As for the chapter itself, based on the spoilers the pacing still needs work, the anime would cover these in about 5 minutes.

And One Piece doesn't make up for no Bleach :P. For me, at least.

[Silver Soul]

藍染を討つ為、現世へ急ぐ一護。果たして勝機を掴むことが出来るのか…！？
Ichigo rushes to the real world to defeat aizen. Will he really be able to prevail...!?

ガルガンダを走る一護、卯の花
Ichigo and Unohana run through the garganta.
一護の霊圧がバラバラなのか、道が途切れる
Their path is interrupted, maybe because Ichigo's reatsu is scattered.
卯『…
黒崎さん　よろしければ私が前を走りましょうか？』
Unohana:"...Kurosakisan, if you don't mind I'll run in front."
一『え？イヤいいよ霊圧の消費を心配してくれ～なら大丈夫だ』
Ichigo" Huh? If you're worried about my reaitsu expenditure it's fine."
話を遮り　あの恐怖顔の卯の花『よろしければ私が前をはしりましょうか』
She interrupts him with a frightening face. "If you don't mind I'll run in front."
一、ビビリ顔『…　…はい　…お願いします　　…すいませんでした』
Ichigo, a bit frightened: "Yes...please....I'm sorry."
Bleach　382
The United Front [Discordeque Mix]

卯の花が前を走り　綺麗な道が出来る
As Unohana runs in front she is able to make a clear path.
一『うおお…　隊長格の霊圧でやると　こんなキレイな道になんのか
差がありすぎて　さすがにショックだ…』
Ichigo: "Wow...with captain level reaitsu the path is so clear. It's really
shocking the difference..."
卯『何をいっしょるのです　霊圧では貴方もにたようなものですよ
Unohana: "As far as reiatsu goes you are similar.
見たところ怪我も癒えてる様ですし　万全の霊圧で　あの有様ということは
生来霊圧が雑だから不向きなのでしょう』
From the looks of things your wounds are healed, so even at 100% your
reiatsu is rough, and so not suitable for doing this."
一『そ…そんなことねーよ！　霊圧が全快してりゃ　もうちょいイケるって！』
Ichigo: "That's not true! If my reiatsu were 100% I'd be much better!"
卯『あらまあ　寝言にしては目が開き過ぎですよ』
Unohana: "My, your eyes are opened too wide for you to be sleep talking."
一『ちょっと！言うことキツくねえ！？さっきから！　つーか寝言でも冗談でもねえよ！！
Ichigo: "Hey, isn't that harsh?! I mean, I'm not sleep talking or joking!!
見てくれよこれ！　服が右ソデしかねえだろ？
Look at this! I only have my right sleeve.
俺の卍解じゃ死覇装も変化すんだけどさ　どうもこの変化した死覇装も含めて卍解みたいなんだ
When I use bankai my clothes change. Somehow these clothes are like they are part of my bankai.
その証拠にさっき井上にキズを治してもらった時　死覇装はちょっとしか直んなかったんだ
As proof when Inoue healed my wounds my clothes were only restored a bit.
いつもは井上の治療で死覇装も直るのに　なんでだろうって思って訊いたら
I was wondering why whenever Inoue healed me that my clothes were fixed as well.
どうも井上はキズを治すのは速いけど霊圧を回復させんのは遅いらしいんだ
Somehow Inoue heals wounds quickly, but restoring reiatsu appears to be slower.
けどそん時は下でルキア達がやられてたから急いでて…　結局霊圧は回復させねえまま
When I rushed down after Rukia and the others were defeated...my reiatsu
still hadn't been restored yet.
来ちゃったんだよ　だから今の俺の霊圧はこんくらいってこと！
That's why my reiatsu is that way!
なっ！全快なら――　…』
If it were completely restored..."
ビックリ顔卯の花（そんなバカな　あの死覇装は普段と比べると半分も無い　今の霊圧が
半分？）
Unohana is surprised. ("His clothes are only half of normal, so does that mean
his reiatsu is half?")
一『？』
Ichigo: "?"
卯（私は　その霊圧を　隊長格に匹敵する万全の霊圧だと錯覚していた――？）
Unohana: "Was I mistaken in thinking that his reiatsu which rivals captains was 100%?"
卯『…黒崎さん　やはり前を走ってください
Unohana: "...Kurosaki-san, please run in front."
今から移動を続けながら　貴方の霊圧を限界まで回復させます』
If you continue the movement from here your reiatsu will be restored to its limit."
一『移動…って走りながらか？　そんなことでき…』
Ichigo: "Movement...while I'm running? I don't think it..."
卯『できます　本来の鬼道による治療では多くの場合霊圧の回復を先に行います
Unohana: "It can. Initially, healing with kido in many cases restores the reiatsu first.
それにより回復した内部霊圧と術者による外部霊圧とで肉体の回復を図るのです
Furthermore, by means of the internal reiatsu and the healer, the external reiatsu and the flesh are then restored.
肉体が回復している状態での霊圧の回復など雑作もないこと　　さあ黒崎さん
前へ』
Restoring your reiatsu once the body has been healed will not be a problem. Now Kurosaki-san, to the front."
卯（今の霊圧が本当に限界地の半分なら―…　彼は本当に真の切り札になり得るかもしれない―…！）
Unohana: ("If that reiatsu is truly only half of his limit...he may very well be the trump card...!")

剣『うおおおおおおおおおおらあ』
Kenpachi: "Yaaaaaa"
ヤミーの脚？切り落とす
Yammi's leg(?) is cut off.
剣『…ちっ』
Kenpachi: "...chi"
倒れてるヤミーの顔の前に立つ剣八
He stands in front of the fallen Yammi's face.
剣『ようやく　ボッ倒れやがったか頑丈な野郎だ
Kenpachi: "Finally knocked down that sturdy bastard."
オイ終えかデカいの
Hey, you done you big oaf?
おオい　朽木白哉ア！！こいつアもうダメだ！！後はてめえにやるよ！！』
Yo, Kuchiki Byakuya!! This dude's finished!! I'll leave him to you!!"
白『……　……言葉の意味が解らぬが』
Byakuya: "...I don't know what you mean."
剣『バカか　てめえは　今まで見てるばっかでヒマだっただろうが
Kenpachi: "You stupid? You were just lounging around watching up till now.
あとは止めだけだから　てめえにゆずってやるっつってんだ』
Since there's only the finishing blow left I meant I'll just let you handle it."
白『…成程　私に貴様の半端な仕事の片付けをしろと言っているのか　身の程を知れ』
Byakuya: "...I see. You're saying I should clean up your leftovers? Know your place."
剣『弱えエ奴に止めを差すのは性に合わねえんだ　ごちゃごちゃ言ってねえでやれよ』
Kenpachi: "Landing the finishing blow on some weak guy doesn't suit me. You shouldn't be complaining.
白『断る　とどめを刺すなど　兄如き蛮人にこそ似合いの仕事だ』
剣『…ンだとオ！？』
Byakuya: "I refuse. Landing the finishing blow is more suited to the work of a barbarian such as yourself."
Kenpachi: "What the hell!?"
白、剣の間に巨大な手が入る（地面に平手）
A gargantuan hand lands on the ground between the 2.
ヤミー『くそっ…　くそっ…』
Yammi: "Damn...Damn..."
ヤミー大口開けてセロ打つ
He opens his mouth and fires a cero.
走り交わす剣八『大したセロだぜ　この野郎まだチカラ余ってんじゃねえか…』
Kenpachi dodges. "That was a big cero. That bastard still has some strength left, huh?"
白『全くだ　よくもこの状態で「あとは止めだけ」などと言えたものだ
Byakuya: "Really. How could you say "There's only the finishing blow left" when he's like that.
浅薄な見立てに哀れみすら憶えるな』
Don't think I'll show sympathy for such a shallow diagnosis
剣『ハッ　俺にとっちゃあのくらいで後は止めなんだよ　てめえにゃ荷が重かったみてえだがな！』
Kenpachi: "Ha! For me there would have only been a finishing blow. For you it seems you would have still had a lot of work to do!"
白、剣をチラ見　　白、刀を地面に落とし『…面白い』　（卍解）
Byakuya glances at Kenpachi, drops his sword to the ground. "...Amusing." (bankai)
瞬歩しながら白『荷が重いかどうか―　その身を以て確かめるが良い』
He shunpos over. "Whether I would have had a lot of work remaining, this blade will ascertain."
剣『面白れえ！！　俺もてめえとは一遍戦り合ってみたかったんだ！！』
Kenpachi: "Amusing!! I also wanted us to fight each other one time!!"
ヤミーが二人の前に　剣白『『…邪魔だ』』
Yammi goes in front of them. They both say, "...You're in the way"
剣白『失せろ！！！！』
Ken/Bya: "Get lost!!!:
ヤミーの顔面斬る二人
The two slash his face.


結果オーライ！？
Will it be ok in the end!?

[ShadowGUN]

So even Ichigo is afraid of Unohana :p.

[RockmanDash]

Looks like Yammi is basically done for. And like I said before..

I think Ichigo actually might defeat Aizen this time. Tite must really want this to end already for him to be saying Ichigo is the complete trump card and all. And it's not like there is anywhere else for Aizen to run besides trying to get that key of his..

Looks like the next arc might actually be something...*looks around* new...*gasp*

I find it funny how Kenpachi says that he always wanted to fight Byakuya almost on the same week for the anime and manga.

[Rolling Cloud]

There's also Byakuya/Kenpachi hijinks. They don't work well together, they argue, Yammy attacks, and so they simultaneously attack him for getting in the way of their confrontation. Har har.

Like somebody on AP said, this sorta mirrors Luffy and Zoro during Whiskey Peak. (And, Yammi's Mr. 5 :p)

[RockmanDash]

No chapter next week? Dang, that sucks, I am honestly just looking forward to Ichigo in the real world at this point...


Think again...

Yet it's ironic that we have to get a chapter break next week right when Ichigo is about to step right into the battlefield... well ok it's the best place for a break but still.

The cool thing is that if this is going to be ending soon, we only really have four more battles after Yammi.

Someone vs Gin
Someone vs Tosen
Ichigo vs Aizen
And the battle with Wonderweiss(who has yet to show his release)



....I'm a bit surprised that Wonderweiss is actually the last arrancar of the army though.

[garfield15]

....I'm a bit surprised that Wonderweiss is actually the last arrancar of the army though.
Duh. Cause he's awesome


Looks like the next arc might actually be something...*looks around* new...*gasp*
And there's only one direction a mangaka can take after having a major arc so they can recover and that is to have a.....

TOURNAMENT STORY! (You all watch, I'm totally not kidding)

[RockmanDash]

TOURNAMENT STORY! (You all watch, I'm totally not kidding)

With extra slowing pacing! And to top it all off..more Chad and Renji getting owned!

[thenewme93]

And there's only one direction a mangaka can take after having a major arc so they can recover and that is to have a.....

TOURNAMENT STORY! (You all watch, I'm totally not kidding)

This.

[garfield15]

With extra slowing pacing! And to top it all off..more Chad and Renji getting owned!
Oh yeah. 5 chapters per match ought to do it. Complete with about 2 months of exposition chapters in-between victories. Oh sure, there may be 3-on-3 fights or so, but those are always like one stage.

Oh and just think of what Pierott would do if they knew they had a tournament arc on their hands? Months of footage to burn while padding the fights with filler? They'd probably be partying in the streets

[FireStarterLE]

With extra slowing pacing! And to top it all off..more Chad and Renji getting owned!

And once the finals roll around one opponent decides to withdraw because the tournament was only a delay tactic. Which means the tournament was meaningless and the only reason it was put together is so you can see some guys fight who would otherwise be passed over because in the end they are completely useless. With of course both Chad and Renji being pawned in the prelims vs. guys who you would think they could easily beat in under 10 seconds.

... Sounds good, lets do it!

[garfield15]

If Kubo were to make a tournament arc, I'd suspect he'd take the Yu Yu Hakusho/MAR/HunterXHunter way with team based matches. Not like Dragonball/Naruto single-person fights.

Now, that I'm thinking about it. Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, Rukia and Renji with Orihime as their "substitute" (cause you know she's not fighting at all and would just be there for back up :p) would be Team Earth Society and they would enter with Team Seireitei. Out of the most fanservice characters, I think the old man would make it Byakuya, Kenpachi, Hisagi, Kira and Toushirou with maybe Hanatarou on healing. Then they could fight the other Soul Societies of the world (something I think most of us have been interested in seeing if it was true or not). This would really just be an investigation as to the mysterious Squad 0 who have entered the tournament too....

Wow, I kinda want to see this now. :D

[rubberchicken]

with Orihime as their "substitute" (cause you know she's not fighting at all and would just be there for back up :p)

Wait, so she's the Sakyo of the Earth team?

[garfield15]

Wait, so she's the Sakyo of the Earth team?Exactly what I was going for.

And when I say "backup" I mean, "for healing only." She'd really just be there to say "Kurosaki-kun, Ishida-kun, Sado-kun, Rukia-san, Renji-kun..." over and over again.

[Beat]

Exactly what I was going for.

And when I say "backup" I mean, "for healing only." She'd really just be there to say "Kurosaki-kun, Ishida-kun, Sado-kun, Rukia-san, Renji-kun..." over and over again.

Why do you need a tournament arc for that? When it comes to Orihime, that's Tuesday.

I'd much rather we got the hypothetical "Evilhime" arc where she tries to erase existence.

[garfield15]

I'd much rather we got the hypothetical "Evilhime" arc where she tries to erase existence.I'm pretty sure that's gonna happen with this arc anyway.

[Lelouch]

I still kind of believe that Orihime will be the one to take down Aizen. SS doesn't know the extent of her powers, so Unohana saying Ichigo could be the trump card isn't neccessarily wrong...but, I'd say Orihime is the /real/ trump card. Oh course...then Kubo would have to make Orihime actually do something....so I am not entirely sure it would happen.

Granted, if Kubo wants to take the route where Ichigo goes full hollow...I'm alright with that. Is it a hax? Yes. But at this point things have dragged on long enough.

[FireStarterLE]

I still kind of believe that Orihime will be the one to take down Aizen.

I can see it now, Kubo has us read about 15 chapters straight of a grueling, back and forth deathmatch between Aizen and Ichigo. And right as the match is reaching it's high point, Orihime has sneaked up behind Aizen without him sensing her and with one move she rejects his existence.

Aizen disappears into nothingness and the battle is over in one move thanks to the most unlikely of heroes.

[RockmanDash]

I can see it now, Kubo has us read about 15 chapters straight of a grueling, back and forth deathmatch between Aizen and Ichigo. And right as the match is reaching it's high point, Orihime has sneaked up behind Aizen without him sensing her and with one move she rejects his existence.

Aizen disappears into nothingness and the battle is over in one move thanks to the most unlikely of heroes.

...I see it happening. xD

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Isn't there still White Ichigo who needs to obligatorily rip himself from Ichigo, have his own physical form, and ruck amuck?


But yeah, relatively cool chapter this week. My God, I read this and last weeks chapter without really reading since Ichigo beat his first foe from Hueco Mundo and I feel like I haven't missed anything. Sheesh.

[RockmanDash]

Isn't there still White Ichigo who needs to obligatorily rip himself from Ichigo, have his own physical form, and ruck amuck?


But yeah, relatively cool chapter this week. My God, I read this and last weeks chapter without really reading since Ichigo beat his first foe from Hueco Mundo and I feel like I haven't missed anything. Sheesh.

You missed the epic Ichigo vs Grimmjow fight D:.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

You missed the epic Ichigo vs Grimmjow fight D:.

Actually, I think I read that. Grimmjow's backstory was pretty cool, but as I understand/remember didn't Ichigo lose control to White Ichigo for the eleventh time?

[RockmanDash]

Actually, I think I read that. Grimmjow's backstory was pretty cool, but as I understand/remember didn't Ichigo lose control to White Ichigo for the eleventh time?


Not in that fight, your thinking of his final fight with Ulquorria.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Not in that fight, your thinking of his final fight with Ulquorria.

Ah yes.

You can blame Zach for me reading that fight, though.


Good Lord, that chapter...that chapter!! What the hell was Kubo thinking when he came up with that chapter?

[Beat]

Ah yes.

You can blame Zach for me reading that fight, though.


Good Lord, that chapter...that chapter!! What the hell was Kubo thinking when he came up with that chapter?

Well it started out great when he made it Devilman vs. Ichigo with Devilman inevitably winning. Then it all went right to hell.

And made UlqHime canon.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Well it started out great when he made it Devilman vs. Ichigo with Devilman inevitably winning. Then it all went right to hell.

And made UlqHime canon.

What got me if that there was an entire chapter that looked like it was drawn in ten minutes.

[zoombie]

When I heard next week there would no new chapter, I knew much wouldn't happen in this chapter, it was mostly filler stuff.

[Nel]

Having grown impatient with the pacing of the show, sick of some of the more spoilerish posts in the talkback threads, and well aware of the upcoming break from the show at the end of the month, I decided to read all the chapters from where we currently are in the U.S. episode airings up to now... and, well, good god. This arc's too long. Way too long. How have you guys not gone insane waiting week after week for this for over two years now? This all has been taking place in a matter of hours, right? Ichigo has really gotten that strong in that short of time?

Some twists and plot points have been pretty neat, if not completely abandoned afterward (Nel and Grimmjow... where are they?). Way too much time spent on stupider fights. Did I really need to see chapter after chapter of Kira and 69-guy fighting Barragan's men and Rangiku and Momo fighting Hallibel's women?

At the same time, I've been reading this thread alongside it and seeing what initial reactions were. I agree with a post that GWOtaku (I think it was you, anyway) made months ago about the captains getting too much spotlight and Aizen being put at way too high of a power level. I also think that several of the Espada fights were somewhat disappointing and that Orihime has been completely wasted as a character.

On a positive note, I did enjoy the "Turn Back The Pendulum" story and the twist that Yammy was actually Espada Zero. I also was massively creeped out by Barragan's released state and power. I also thought it was a good reason for why Ichigo might actually have a chance against Aizen (not seeing his sword).

I deciding between waiting another year to read another bulk of chapters or just hanging in week by week. It'll probably be week by week because that's just how I am, but I know I'm going to have little patience here. :sweat:

And now to post this message without having checked for typos. :p

[Rud]

Well it started out great when he made it Devilman vs. Ichigo with Devilman inevitably winning. Then it all went right to hell.

And made UlqHime canon.
Meh, its my favorite fight in the series, while i dint like how Ichigo won (or that he won at all), it was still epic (Ishida got owned, thats always fun), i did like how it ended for Ulquiorra with finding and understanding "the heart" before fading away. And you can hardly say it established anything between Orihime & Ulquiorra besides understanding.

[Rolling Cloud]

What got me if that there was an entire chapter that looked like it was drawn in ten minutes.

10? Nah, that's Togashi. I'd give Kubo 12. :p

[Beat]

I loved it...right until Ichigo started winning. But that's my inevitable Go Nagai bias rearing its head.

[Baseball]

Well it started out great when he made it Devilman vs. Ichigo with Devilman inevitably winning. Then it all went right to hell.

And made UlqHime canon.
I really enjoyed Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra. It showed not only that Ichigo was way out of his league, but it reiterated the idea that was foreshadowed prior by the hollow inside Ichigo. The hollow specifically told him "not to get killed until the next time we meet," which he did. And then the beast came out. Aside from that, Ichigo's spiritual pressure has ironically increased dramatically because he was so weak in Hueco Mundo. Ulquiorra literally killed him twice while Grimmjow and Nnoitra brought him to a state of near death. Surviving an attack that should have killed you drastically raises your spiritual pressure, which is definitely why Ichigo is so strong now.

[Grave]

I, too, enjoyed the fight between Ulquiorra and Ichigo. The only thing that I didn't really care for was the final look of their transformations. (And Orihime) There were some pointless moments, though, but nothing drastic. (Pointless, as in characters I don't need to see) But other than that I thought the fight was really good. (At the very least they were better than what we got from the other captain and espada fights)

Anyway, I thought this chapter was pretty good. Funny moments between Byakuya and Kenpachi. I'm definately being teased by both the manga and anime. One thing I wish for is that Ichigo fight like he's supposed to be stronger than the captains. Because the way he is, he does way too much sandbagging (and in the process, makes me start hating him for it) till I lose interest in the guy. (Fighting-wise, him and Kenpachi are identical yet Kenpachi has been shown to get straight to the point at times, or other times he's just bad$$$)

[Captain Highwind]

How have you guys not gone insane waiting week after week for this for over two years now?

My procrastination has gotten the better of me, but now I am going to sit down and finish this:

Subsitiute Shinigami arc
Chapter 001, Death & Strawberry, released January 5, 2002
~Chapter 050, Quincy Archer Hates You Part 2, released February 2003?

Soul Society arc
Chapter 051, Death 3, released February 2003?
~Chapter 182, Get Back From The Storm, released March 2006?

Arrancar Invasion arc
Chapter 183, Eyes of the Unknown, released April 2006?
~Chapter 233, El Violador, released March 2007?

Rescue Orihime arc
Chapter 234, Not Negotiation, released April 4, 2007
~Chapter 315, March of the Death, released November, 2008?

Turn Back the Pendulum/Fake Karakura Town
Chapter -108, Turn Back The Pendulum, December 4, 2008
~??? But it looks like it will come to a close around the end of '09, start of '10.

So that means the Subsitute Shinigami arc took about 1 year, while the Soul Society arc took roughly 2 and a half years. The Arrancar Invasion arc also took one year, with the entire Las Noches arc, so far, taking two and a half years as well. It all seems pretty even to me. Now if this arc keeps spreading into 2010 and beyond...but I really doubt that.

It's understandable to think the Soul Society arc wasn't as horribly-paced as the current arc, but that's because a lot of people had access to those chapters in bulk, and now everybody has to wait every week for the new chapters and see the pacing as it always has been.

[garfield15]

How have you guys not gone insane waiting week after week for this for over two years now?
Oh we already have. All these postings are just exercises in mental control as we fight our urge to march to Japan and storm Kubo's house :p
This all has been taking place in a matter of hours, right? Ichigo has really gotten that strong in that short of time? 5 minutes for Namek to blow up.

[Nel]

5 minutes for Namek to blow up.

Those were in Namekian minutes. NAMEKIAN MINUTES! :p

[Jacob T. Paschal]

5 minutes for Namek to blow up.

Eight chapters, 15 pages each. :p

[Mr. Obsession]

Aside from that, Ichigo's spiritual pressure has ironically increased dramatically because he was so weak in Hueco Mundo. Ulquiorra literally killed him twice while Grimmjow and Nnoitra brought him to a state of near death. Surviving an attack that should have killed you drastically raises your spiritual pressure, which is definitely why Ichigo is so strong now.
Thank you. I was going to bring that up, but you beat me to it.

I know people like to accuse Kubo of making everything up on the fly, but now I'm convinced that he's been building up to this fight between Aizen and Ichigo for quite a while. And that it will be Aizen's final fight.

First, As Mr. Toto reminds us, during Urahara's training of Ichigo it was stated that in the Bleach universe that which does not kill you only makes you stronger. Ichigo was beaten to hell and back by Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Nnoitora, and Ulquiorra (again). And he's been constantly in bankai since Grimmjow, which has to say something.

Second, when they came face-to-face after Aizen faked his death in Soul Society, Aizen confirmed to Unohana that someone with enough spiritual pressure can see through his shikai's illusions.

Third, during Wonderweiss' transformation into an arrancar via the hogyoku, Aizen stated that to temporally awaken the hogyoku to its full state for even a short period of time he had at least double the average spiritual pressure that is expected of a captain level shinigami.

Ignoring the anime filler, character's like Unohana haven't seen Ichigo since the end of the Soul Society arc. In this latest chapter we have Unohana thinking his power is at full because his injuries have already been healed. But Ichigo states he's at around half, or less. Meaning current Ichigo running on a half tank is approximately where Ichigo was at the end of the Soul Socety arc.

I think that when Ichigo and Unohana exit that portal, Ichigo will be running at 100% and it will be revealed (to shock and amazement) by someone on the scene that Ichigo's power feels equal to Aizen's. Yes, Ichigo has the "I haven't seen his shikai yet" advantage. But Aizen's smart and that won't last. Instead he'll be surprised to find that Ichigo can see through his illusions.

In the end it will probably come down to Aizen finally pulling out his bankai and Ichigo regaining his mask. Which he might even have access to right away since he'll be at full strength again. In the past he's been shown having trouble calling the mask when he's exhausted. Perhaps that's all that happened when he faced Yammi.

Aizen won't be stopping Ichigo with a finger this time.

[garfield15]

Eight chapters, 15 pages each. :p
So if 5 minutes=8 chapters than about 6 or so hours=.....576 chapters....

[Captain Highwind]

And that it will be Aizen's final fight.

I'm beginning to think so, since Ichigo's cloak seems to be at 20% or less, if I'm to take it literally. That's going to be quite a boost.

Add to the fact that everybody has now said this is the Winter War. I am finally convinced.


Aizen won't be stopping Ichigo with a finger this time.

Ichigo will omnislash him to pieces and give him the finger. ^_____^

[GWOtaku]

Great analysis, and I really hope you're right. This has gone on for so long, and I'd like nothing more than for Aizen to get what's coming to him sooner rather than later.

I'll be curious to see who matches against Gin and Tousen.

[Lelouch]

I almost get the feeling that Gin has been playing Aizen this whole time. He just seems like too much of a jerk to simply be sidekick...

[Nel]

With what is hopefully all the back story he needs and the talk that Bleach has plans for beyond Aizen, I'm actually inclined to agree. I hope this is the fight where Aizen gets what's coming to him and Ichigo kills him. Both Soul Society and Hueco Mundo are very long arcs; I don't think we need another focused on him as the bad guy.

And if it does end up being the big battle, then I'm glad I joined in now.

[Rud]

nice little observation i found said by a certain Ichiruki08 on another forum

When Yammi fought in the real world

-defeated Chad and Tatsuki
-about to kill the last female nakama who is vainly trying to defy him
-Ichigo saves her
-Ichigo beats up Yammi a bit
-Ichigo's powers suddenly hinders him and create a opening for Yammi to exploit
-Ichigo saved by Shinigami duo
-Yammi get his ass kicked by said duo


Yammi get saved by Ulq

Yammi in HM

-defeated Chad and Renji
-about to kill the last female nakama who is vainly trying to defy him
-Ichigo saves her
-Ichigo beats up Yammi a bit
-Ichigo powers suddenly hinder him and creates an opening for Yammi to exploit
-Ichigo is saved by Shinigami duo
-Yammi gets his ass kicked by said duo


guess the next step is........
what do you think?, we know Kubo is repetitive, but is he that repetitive?

[garfield15]

nice little observation i found said by a certain Ichiruki08 on another forum


what do you think?
Nice theory. The problem is that back then, Yammi did not release.

If you remember Hueco Mundo arc rules, any Arrancar who releases and is evil, dies. It's like Akatsuki and the cloaks. :p

[Lelouch]

Grimmjaw? Or is he considered just an evil good guy?