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

[djthomp]

Oh hell yeah.

We gotta be talking Vizard backstory, right? I really wonder how many plot threads will be tied together with this.

[GWOtaku]

Feh. I don't mind the backstory, but couldn't we have at least seen Ulquiorra dealt with?

[Lighthammer]

So we'll actually get back story on Isshin and Urahara somewhere down the road...?

I tend to think that its going to be tied in with this one >.>

Urahara was still a captain at the time the flashback is taking place. If Isshin was in fact a shinigami (baring all other theories), we should find out about him too.

The bigger question is Ryukin. Will he be involved in this?

[Lighthammer]

Just to keep things situated here, here's what we know


Soul Society Captains 110 Years ago
Green = Sure, Yellow = Likely, Red = Unsure/Not Likely

Squad 1: Yamamoto
We know he was ALWAYS the first captain
Squad 2: Yoruichi
We know she left Soul Society over a 100 years ago, so she was probably holding this position
Squad 3: Rose
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 4: Unohana
We don't know if Unohana was around this long, its possible
Squad 5: Shinji / Aizen
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 6: Kuchiki
We don't know if Kuchiki was around this long but history seems to suggest if he didn't hold the position, another family member did
Squad 7: Love
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 8: Kyōraku
We know he's always had the position
Squad 9: Tōsen
Based on what we know on the backstory of Tosen, he probably WAS NOT the ninth captain at this time
Squad 10:
There's been no info yet on who held this position. We know it wasn't Toshiro.

Squad 11: Kenpachi (?)
We don't know exactly when Kenpanchi won Squad 11 from the previous captain but the time table suggests it was much more recent then 110 years ago.
Squad 12: Urahara / Hiyori
We know Urahara left Soul Society over 100 years ago so he was probably holding this position
Squad 13: Ukitake
We know he's always had the position That means we have the following Vizards who don't have a home
Hachigen
Lisa
Kensei
MashiroThen of course there's always Isshin.

If I had to take a few guesses, I'd probably plug Hachi into Squad 9, Isshin into Squad 10 or Royal Guard and Kensei into Squad 11. If Isshin is not the Squad 10 cap, then I'd put my money on Rose. Mashiro is probably a new comer. That leaves Lisa and I have no idea where to peg her.

[Captain Zechs]

Damn. Didn't know Shinji was that old...you can just never tell anymore...

And who is Love?

[laactor101]

Boy this is going to be one good break from the main storyline.

[Katsumara]

Just to keep things situated here, here's what we know


Soul Society Captains 110 Years ago
Green = Sure, Yellow = Likely, Red = Unsure/Not Likely

Squad 1: Yamamoto
We know he was ALWAYS the first captain
Squad 2: Yoruichi
We know she left Soul Society over a 100 years ago, so she was probably holding this position
Squad 3: Rose
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 4: Unohana
We don't know if Unohana was around this long, its possible
Squad 5: Shinji / Aizen
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 6: Kuchiki
We don't know if Kuchiki was around this long but history seems to suggest if he didn't hold the position, another family member did
Squad 7: Love
Confirmed based on new material
Squad 8: Kyōraku
We know he's always had the position
Squad 9: Tōsen
Based on what we know on the backstory of Tosen, he probably WAS NOT the ninth captain at this time
Squad 10:
There's been no info yet on who held this position. We know it wasn't Toshiro.

Squad 11: Kenpachi (?)
We don't know exactly when Kenpanchi won Squad 11 from the previous captain but the time table suggests it was much more recent then 110 years ago.
Squad 12: Urahara / Hiyori
We know Urahara left Soul Society over 100 years ago so he was probably holding this position
Squad 13: Ukitake
We know he's always had the position That means we have the following Vizards who don't have a home
Hachigen
Lisa
Kensei
Rose
MashiroThen of course there's always Isshin.

If I had to take a few guesses, I'd probably plug Hachi into Squad 9, Isshin into Squad 10 or Royal Guard and Kensei into Squad 11. If Isshin is not the Squad 10 cap, then I'd put my money on Rose. Mashiro is probably a new comer. That leaves Lisa and I have no idea where to peg her.

Just curious. Last I checked, there weren't two Roses...right? You mention Rose as the Squad 3 Captain and as a Vaizard/Vizard with no home. Just curious if it was a mistake.

Also, Love is the tall one with the track suit, glasses, and the afro.

[Lighthammer]

Just curious. Last I checked, there weren't two Roses...right? You mention Rose as the Squad 3 Captain and as a Vaizard/Vizard with no home. Just curious if it was a mistake.

Also, Love is the tall one with the track suit, glasses, and the afro.

My bad, didn't pull him out of the cut and paste =(

You know, a few things do occur to me though (food for thought).

We know Gin takes over Squad 3 so that means either Rose was around for some time after Shinji left or there was another captain heading that squad between the time Shinji left and when Gin took over. We know Gin just didn't take over Squad 3 as he was Aizen's LT for a while.

Likewise, IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, Kenpachi took over his squad about 50 years before the current time in Bleach. If thats true, we are missing some facts for Squad 11. I'm not going to start throwing in speculations into this right now weather Kensei was in fact the Squad 11 captain, but that means there's more time gapage where either the Squad 11 captain was around longer then Shinji was or there were two captains in between the 110 year time gap. I think I tend to favor that someone else took the squad over that was substantially weaker and allowed Kenpachi to beat him with ease (not that I am claiming Kenpachi is a wimp).

All that said, does anyone else find it REALLY WEIRD that Hiyori was in Squad 12? She just doesn't seem like any kind of a science nut. Freak, yes? Science nut, no.

[Lighthammer]

Damn. Didn't know Shinji was that old...you can just never tell anymore...

And who is Love?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizard

There's the wiki article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bleach_-_The_Vizard.JPG

In that pic, he's the one in the background on the right hand side.

[Captain Zechs]

Ah, thanks. I hope it explains how they got their powers, not to mention...how powerful are they? can they stand up against the arrancar?

Hmmm...does anyone else get the feeling that Urahara may be a Vaizard?

One more question...can Ichigo develop Cero blasts yet?

[FireStarterLE]

Kensei into Squad 11

would a dead guy still be walking about?

(that is unless Kenpachi didn't really kill the former Squad 11 Captain). Or there could have been two Captains between then and when Zaraki became one

[Lighthammer]

Ah, thanks. I hope it explains how they got their powers, not to mention...how powerful are they? can they stand up against the arrancar?

Hmmm...does anyone else get the feeling that Urahara may be a Vaizard?

One more question...can Ichigo develop Cero blasts yet?

I actually suggested the idea about Urahara being a vizard to one of my friends IMMEDIATELY when I saw Shinji used to be a captain.

There is a bit that suggests he's not though. When Ichigo discovered his powers as a Vizard, he told Orhime that he believed Urahara would have gave him guidance if he knew enough about his powers to help, thus why he sought out Shinji for help.

If Urahara turns out to be a Vizard, Yoruichi might be too.

I still find myself wondering if my theory of why Urahara got kicked out of Soul Society will hold up after this chapter.

Quick Recap, my theory had been that Urahara invented the Hogyoku so that he might attempt an audience with the king of soul society (I have many more theories from that point but thats the basis of it). That might not pan out now >.>

As far as Ichigo in Cero, I'm PRETTY SURE we've seen him do it but not yet in this arch.

[Lighthammer]

would a dead guy still be walking about?

(that is unless Kenpachi didn't really kill the former Squad 11 Captain). Or there could have been two Captains between then and when Zaraki became one

The later is what I am thinking --- either that or the Squad 11 spot was continuous filled till Kenpachi took the seat --- in which case no Vizard or anyone else we know now for that matter held the Squad 11 spot.

You know, I wonder if they will tie in filler --- Maki Ichinose was linked heavily to the captain that was killed by Kenpachi.

Another thought is maybe in order for Shinigami to gain access to the hollow powers, they need to some how die and be reborn similar to Ichigo's experiences.

[Lighthammer]

You know, I just thought of more reasons why Hachi might have been Squad 9's captain.

Hachi's abilities focus around suppression and restoration, like Orhime's. The zanpakdou that Tousen wields has abilities along these lines. We also know Tousen got his Zanpakdou from someone, he didn't complete the same "quest" that all other Shinigami go through to obtain theirs. Hachi also hasn't been seen with his Zanpakdou yet (as far as I recall).

[Mr. Obsession]

Squad 2: Yoruichi
We know she left Soul Society over a 100 years ago, so she was probably holding this positionWhere has this ever been stated that Yoruichi was a captain? As that has been stated about her past rank was that she was leader of the Special Forces and personally in charge of the punishment division. To my knowledge Soifon was stated as the first person to officially be leader of the Special Forces and a Captain in the Gotei 13 at the same time.

Very interesting about the Vizards though.


Squad 6: Kuchiki
We don't know if Kuchiki was around this long but history seems to suggest if he didn't hold the position, another family member didByakuya and Gin became a captains at about the same time while Renji was still in the Academy, roughly 40 years before the start of the series. Confirmed by both Rukia and Renji.


I actually suggested the idea about Urahara being a vizard to one of my friends IMMEDIATELY when I saw Shinji used to be a captain.I got the idea that he might be a Vizard when we first learned that Urahara knew what the Vizards were doing at the moment he was talking to Isshin, then again later when the Vizards were using training equipment that comes straight out of the Urahara play book, and again when they have an underground area that looks just like the ones Urahara built under his shop and back in Soul Society.


You know, I just thought of more reasons why Hachi might have been Squad 9's captain.

Hachi's abilities focus around suppression and restoration, like Orhime's. The zanpakdou that Tousen wields has abilities along these lines. We also know Tousen got his Zanpakdou from someone, he didn't complete the same "quest" that all other Shinigami go through to obtain theirs. Hachi also hasn't been seen with his Zanpakdou yet (as far as I recall).Tosen got his Zanpakto from a friend who was killed by her husband in a marital spat after the husband had killed another member of his division in an argument. It's in the manga flashback when Tosen swears to become justice.

Wouldn't restoration and suppression make Hachi a more likely candidate to be Unohana's predecessor?

[Anime Freak]

Chapter 316 spoilers are out! Some interesting stuff....

-All the captains have come together for a ceremony to induct Urahara as he's just become a new captain.
-Aizen is the vice captain of Shinji and is constantly asking questions and not necessarily agreeing with his captain's mindset.
-Hiyori is the vice captain of the 5th squad and Love is a captain as well. It's mentioned that Kenpachi has just recently became captain and everyone is sort of distant from him because they find him odd.
-Kyouraku, Ukitake and Unohana are all also captains this time and have been since its started. A former captain Hikitake has joined the ranks of Royal Force 0 and her spot has become vacant, which is what Urahara has taken over for.
-At the end of the chapter they are all being introduced/welcomed to Urahara who they all seem to enjoy, but Aizen on the other hand is giving Urahara a steady look as if he can see right through him....

[kidx]

Tosen got his Zanpakto from a friend who was killed by her husband in a marital spat after the husband had killed another member of his division in an argument. It's in the manga flashback when Tosen swears to become justice.
I always thought she was killed by a hollow or something like that, but it makes more sense now that he talks about justice and all.;)

[Captain Zechs]

Chapter 316 spoilers are out! Some interesting stuff....

-All the captains have come together for a ceremony to induct Urahara as he's just become a new captain.
-Aizen is the vice captain of Shinji and is constantly asking questions and not necessarily agreeing with his captain's mindset.
-Hiyori is the vice captain of the 5th squad and Love is a captain as well. It's mentioned that Kenpachi has just recently became captain and everyone is sort of distant from him because they find him odd.
-Kyouraku, Ukitake and Unohana are all also captains this time and have been since its started. A former captain Hikitake has joined the ranks of Royal Force 0 and her spot has become vacant, which is what Urahara has taken over for.
-At the end of the chapter they are all being introduced/welcomed to Urahara who they all seem to enjoy, but Aizen on the other hand is giving Urahara a steady look as if he can see right through him....

Royal Force 0? Have we heard anything on that yet?

Funny, cause Aizen is the one everyone should have seen through, I wonder what he sees in Urahara?

[Lighthammer]

Royal Force 0? Have we heard anything on that yet?

Funny, cause Aizen is the one everyone should have seen through, I wonder what he sees in Urahara?

Yes, yes we have

We know they existed, we know they were disbanded and I think we got the impression it was about a 100 years ago.

One of the outstanding rumors is that Isshin was a Royal Guard. Thats been around ever since we first saw Isshin sporting a Captain like Shinigami uniform.

[Mr. Obsession]

Chapter 316 spoilers are out! Some interesting stuff....

-All the captains have come together for a ceremony to induct Urahara as he's just become a new captain. So Urahara was only a Captain for about 10 years before he fled Soul Society? Something about the spoiler seems fishy to me. Or Kubo's smoking some really wonky stuff.


-Aizen is the vice captain of Shinji and is constantly asking questions and not necessarily agreeing with his captain's mindset.
-Hiyori is the vice captain of the 5th squad and Love is a captain as well. It's mentioned that Kenpachi has just recently became captain and everyone is sort of distant from him because they find him odd.Wow. That completely throws off just about every fan made time line. Again, wow.

Also, are you sure about the division placement of Love and Hiyori? I thought Shinji and Aizen were the fifth, and it was previously stated that Aizen spent most of his shinigami career in the fifth.


-Kyouraku, Ukitake and Unohana are all also captains this time and have been since its started. A former captain Hikitake has joined the ranks of Royal Force 0 and her spot has become vacant, which is what Urahara has taken over for. Wait. Are you sure that's right? Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana have been captains since the beginning of the Gotei 13? Doesn't that completely contradict everything about Kyouraku, Ukitake, and Yamamoto's back stories?\


We know they existed, we know they were disbanded and I think we got the impression it was about a 100 years ago.When was it stated that the Royal Guards were disbanded?

[Captain Zechs]

I think he meant that since when the series is timed, not neccessarily all the way back to the beggining. And you question a lot of things lol.

[Lighthammer]

So Urahara was only a Captain for about 10 years before he fled Soul Society? Something about the spoiler seems fishy to me. Or Kubo's smoking some really wonky stuff.

It does seem a bit on the Fishy side. Ten years is hardly enough time to stir up so much trouble that Urahara was kicked out.



Also, are you sure about the division placement of Love and Hiyori? I thought Shinji and Aizen were the fifth, and it was previously stated that Aizen spent most of his shinigami career in the fifth.

Hiyori is most certainly Squad 12's captain. I think Anime Freak's intent wasn't to imply Love was Squad 12's captain, that he was simply a captain.



Wait. Are you sure that's right? Shunsui, Ukitake, and Unohana have been captains since the beginning of the Gotei 13? Doesn't that completely contradict everything about Kyouraku, Ukitake, and Yamamoto's back stories?

That actually pretty much firms things up. Ukitake and Kyōraku were they first captains.



When was it stated that the Royal Guards were disbanded?

I don't recall EXACTLY where but I believe it was when Unohana entered the chambers of the 46 and the back story with Aizen played out.

It was either then or when Yamato explained to Toshiro's group about the King's Key.

I'm actually a little saddened with the events being played out between Aizen and Shinji. It seems like Kudo won't be taking what could have potentially been the deeper path and is instead setting Aizen up to really be the bad guy straight up and down. We'll have to see.

[Mr. Obsession]

And you question a lot of things lol.It's my shtick.


That actually pretty much firms things up. Ukitake and Kyōraku were they first captains.So what does that make Yamamoto who founded the academy they went to?

EDIT: Having read the spoilers and several translations myself I see that Shunsui was complaining that he, Ukitake, Unohana, and Yamamoto were the last of the veteran captains. The rest had become captains within the last 100 years.

Which itself raises the question of why was there a turnover of nine(!) captain positions in a 100 year period?

[Furu]

It does seem a bit on the Fishy side. Ten years is hardly enough time to stir up so much trouble that Urahara was kicked out.

It's not if he was, in fact, the person behind the discovery of the Vizard, which appears to be where things are headed.

Also I get the feeling the negative chapter numbers for flashbacks is how many years ago the events happened.

[Lighthammer]

So what does that make Yamamoto who founded the academy they went to?

EDIT: Having read the spoilers and several translations myself I see that Shunsui was complaining that he, Ukitake, Unohana, and Yamamoto were the last of the veteran captains. The rest had become captains within the last 100 years.

First off, Yamamoto founded the 13 Protection Squads. Before that, there were no captains. Soul Society was very unorganized before that point.

Although there's nothing that confirms this, I've interrupted that part of the need for the squads may have been derived from some massive attack before squads were established that forced soul society to reorganize. This is implied in the Bount arch. Although that is not necessarily canon, it seems plausible.



Which itself raises the question of why was there a turnover of nine(!) captain positions in a 100 year period?

These are the questions a lot of us have been asking, theorizing and waiting for for a long time. This may be a filler arch of sorts but probably has to be the potential to be the best filler arch / backflash arch ever in any series. There are so many questions to be answered from back then.

[Baseball]

I'm glad that I've stopped reading the spoilers. Opening the chapter and seeing Hirako as a captain was definitely a jawdropping moment.

But now I'm wondering how so many captains left at once, and what Urahara did to make them all Vizards. Definitely should be pleasing.

[Mr. Obsession]

First off, Yamamoto founded the 13 Protection Squads. Before that, there were no captains. Soul Society was very unorganized before that point.

Although there's nothing that confirms this, I've interrupted that part of the need for the squads may have been derived from some massive attack before squads were established that forced soul society to reorganize. This is implied in the Bount arch. Although that is not necessarily canon, it seems plausible. And the I believe the information up to this point implies that there were some sort of Shinigami organization before Yamamoto became commander-general, but when he did so he completely reorganized the Goeti 13 into what we've seen so far.

Case in point. In this chapter, Ukitake, one of the two captains who were the first graduates from Yamamoto's academy to attain the rank, calls Unohana his senpai, implying one of three things. (1) She is older than he is, but went through the academy after he and Shunsui. (2) She went through the academy before they did, but they reached the rank of captain before Unohana did. Or, and more likely (3) given the usage of the term in this situation, Unohana was already a captain, thus did not go through Yamamoto's academy and is a holdover from before Yamamoto took over as commander-general.

[Funkatron]

So nice to see how the Vizards fit into shinigami history. Shinji and Hiyori's relationship doesn't seem to have changed much. Love is probably going to becvome one of my fave characters.

Anyone know how long these flashback chapters are going to last? I think I'm going to love this arc/intermission before all the big, big fights

[Lighthammer]

And the I believe the information up to this point implies that there were some sort of Shinigami organization before Yamamoto became commander-general, but when he did so he completely reorganized the Goeti 13 into what we've seen so far.

Case in point. In this chapter, Ukitake, one of the two captains who were the first graduates from Yamamoto's academy to attain the rank, calls Unohana his senpai, implying one of three things. (1) She is older than he is, but went through the academy after he and Shunsui. (2) She went through the academy before they did, but they reached the rank of captain before Unohana did. Or, and more likely (3) given the usage of the term in this situation, Unohana was already a captain, thus did not go through Yamamoto's academy and is a holdover from before Yamamoto took over as commander-general.

I'm basing a lot of my info on Yamamoto here from the Bount arch so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Given, supposedly the Bount arch was based HEAVILY on Kudo's notes. Some fans except it as canon, others most certainly don't.

Ran'Tao was a Shinigami well before the establishment of Squads. Based on what we know of her and the Bounts, they left Soul Society approximately ~400 - 500 years ago during modern mid evil times approaching the renaissance period.

This means sometime between 110 years ago and ~500 years ago was the first establishment of a former hierarchy of squads in Soul Society. Before then, its unclear what form of hierarchy they followed. One would assume some kind of civilized hierarchy existed but it certainly wasn't Yamamoto's 13 Protection Squads.

We also know from reference material that the Seireitei is relatively new compared to the rest of Soul Society. One could conjecture that much of Soul Society's structure may have occurred some time during the Japanese Feudal era as much of the structure, indiums, platitudes and socialized structure seems to be loosely developed around Feudal Japan.


So nice to see how the Vizards fit into shinigami history. Shinji and Hiyori's relationship doesn't seem to have changed much. Love is probably going to becvome one of my fave characters.

Anyone know how long these flashback chapters are going to last? I think I'm going to love this arc/intermission before all the big, big fights

Per information based on the November anime convention in Japan thats Kudo attended, it's going to be pretty long. It could last about as long as Death & Strawberry

[Katsumara]

Man, I enjoyed this chapter. I can't wait for the coming history of the Gotei 13. It's going to be a blast I think, to see the history of the past captains and current Vizards/Vaizards.

As far as the actual chapter goes, Shinji's speech at the beginning to Aizen was hilarious. Love how he treats things. Seeing Aizen like that is a bit odd for me, and the old hairstyle back too. Almost didn't recognize him. Love is pretty interesting and Hiyori seems to still own poor Shinji. Haha, also it seems Shinji tries to ask her out a lot or something with him getting shot down and all. Nice to see Ukitake/Shunsui are basically the same and Shunsui still has Hotty McHotty as his Vice Captain. God, she's got to be the cutest Vice Captain of them all, and one of the cutest characters in the series. D: I have a weakness for glasses.

It seems like Shinji is hella scared of Unohana. Makes me want to see her offensive power even more. She's probably really more uber than we think. Finally, the end of the chapter was just too good. Urahara showing up late? Who knew! Haha. This is gonna be a good couple of months or however long this lasts.

[Malex]

Nice to see Ukitake/Shunsui are basically the same and Shunsui still has Hotty McHotty as his Vice Captain. God, she's got to be the cutest Vice Captain of them all, and one of the cutest characters in the series. D: I have a weakness for glasses.

I believe that Shunsui's lieutenant is Lisa aka the perverted schoolgirl vizard, not Nanao. Seems like the 8th Squad Captain has a glasses fetish...

I found it interesting that the 11th Captain always seems to a Kenpachi. Makes me wonder if the Kenpachi they are talking about is the Kenpachi we know and love or his predecessor.

One more thing, Jazz is the next big thing! :D

[FlyByNite77]

I believe that Shunsui's lieutenant is Lisa aka the perverted schoolgirl vizard, not Nanao. Seems like the 8th Squad Captain has a glasses fetish...

I found it interesting that the 11th Captain always seems to a Kenpachi. Makes me wonder if the Kenpachi they are talking about is the Kenpachi we know and love or his predecessor.

One more thing, Jazz is the next big thing! :D

Yea I'm pretty sure that's Lisa and not Nanoa since Lisa uses that type of language and not Nanoa heh, although I did think it was Nanoa at first glance as their character designs look so alike. I wonder if there's a relationship between them? Sisters?

[Lighthammer]

Yea I'm pretty sure that's Lisa and not Nanoa since Lisa uses that type of language and not Nanoa heh, although I did think it was Nanoa at first glance as their character designs look so alike. I wonder if there's a relationship between them? Sisters?

Thats actually quiet an interesting theory.

Wonder if its true.

[Katsumara]

Thats actually quiet an interesting theory.

Wonder if its true.

Oh, wow. I totally forgot that it was Lisa. My bad. D: Either way, Nanao and Lisa are both hotties. >.>; I'm also curious of their relationship. They do resemble each other a lot. Sorry for the mix up.

I guess we can modify that post earlier with squad listings. Also can remove Kensei Muguruma from the list of people we don't know where they belong as he appears at the meeting (and in one other panel) as a Captain. Which squad? I'm not sure. It seems to fit that he would be the 9th Division Captain, but again, I'm only guessing. I doubt it's Squad 10 as they mention the Squad Captain met with an untimely demise and all.

Hiyori is most definitely Squad 12's Vice Captain/Lieutenant. Just re-reading the chapter makes me almost have a giggle-fit of awesomeness. Not too manly of me. D:

[Mr. Obsession]

This chapter has to be the biggest bombshell to hit Bleach since Aizen was ousted as evil.

So much information. Where to begin…

Zaraki's the tenth Kenpachi to be captain of the 11th Division. Given that we now know each captain of the 11th caries the title of Kenpachi, and that Zaraki gave himself the name, we now have a much better idea of why the duel took place to begin with.

The majority of fan theories regarding when most of the current captains became captains just got fubar'd. I don't think anyone saw Kenny being a captain before Urahara coming.

The vizards are revealed to be former captains and high-ranking seated officers. The question now is: did they all leave Soul Society with Urahara and what caused them to make the drastic choice to become vizards?

If the entire Royal Guard is made up of former captains, that's insane.

The old theory about the sleeves of the captain’s robe designating tenure of the captains is officially dead.

We now know why Shinji ran when Hitsugaya's group showed up at Ichigo's school. Since Ikkaku and Yumichika joined the 11th shortly after Kenpachi, they would have recognized Shinji.

Speaking of Shinji, now that we know a lot more about the Bleach timeline, given that Shinji did not recognize Isshin's reiatsu, if Isshin was ever a captain in the Gotei 13, it couldn't have overlapped with Shinji's shinigami days. So the question of when Isshin met Urahara became even more interesting.

If Mayuri was already in the 12th Division at this point, that means his superiors were both Urahara and Hiyori. I think some of his current behavior just became understandable, the poor guy was clearly driven insane. ;)


I'm basing a lot of my info on Yamamoto here from the Bount arch so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Given, supposedly the Bount arch was based HEAVILY on Kudo's notes. Some fans except it as canon, others most certainly don't.

Ran'Tao was a Shinigami well before the establishment of Squads. Based on what we know of her and the Bounts, they left Soul Society approximately ~400 - 500 years ago during modern mid evil times approaching the renaissance period.

This means sometime between 110 years ago and ~500 years ago was the first establishment of a former hierarchy of squads in Soul Society. Before then, its unclear what form of hierarchy they followed. One would assume some kind of civilized hierarchy existed but it certainly wasn't Yamamoto's 13 Protection Squads.

We also know from reference material that the Seireitei is relatively new compared to the rest of Soul Society. One could conjecture that much of Soul Society's structure may have occurred some time during the Japanese Feudal era as much of the structure, indiums, platitudes and socialized structure seems to be loosely developed around Feudal Japan.
The problem with your theory is that it's a canon that Yamamoto founded his academy some 2,000 years before the start of the series, which means Yamamoto has been the commander-general for at least that long. You also forget that Yamamoto states that the location of the Kings Key is passed down, verbally, from the predecessor to the successor of the commander-general’s position, implying that the Gotei 13 existed long before Yamamoto came on the scene.

Though your point about Kubo's involvement with the filler is valid. It's known that he served as an advisor for the Bount arc and the movies, the "Forest of Menos" mini-arc was his original idea, he wrote the stories for both "The Sealed Sword Frenzy" OVA and the upcoming DS game "3rd Phantom" (which apparently features yet another 5th Division captain prior to Shinji) and he designed the new captain for the upcoming anime filler arc.


I guess we can modify that post earlier with squad listings. Also can remove Kensei Muguruma from the list of people we don't know where they belong as he appears at the meeting (and in one other panel) as a Captain. Which squad? I'm not sure. It seems to fit that he would be the 9th Division Captain, but again, I'm only guessing. I doubt it's Squad 10 as they mention the Squad Captain met with an untimely demise and all.

It's funny that Kensei is the only captain in this chapter that Kubo doesn't give a shout out. I can see why you'd say the 9th (I thought so too at first) because his sleeveless style uniform matches what we've seen every other member of the 9th wear so far. But way back in chapter 146, during the Tosen/Kenny fight, when Tosen mentions the fight where Kenny killed the previous captain of the 11th, Kubo draws Tosen with his flashback hair and a captain's robe (as seen in the Bount arc's flashback of the same event). Given that we also know that at one point Tosen served under Aizen while Aizen was still a vice, that means in all likelihood Tosen became a captain just before Kenpachi.

Since the 2nd, 6th, and 9th are the only Divisions not represented or mentioned in the chapter, and Tosen would thus be the captain of the 9th at this point, by default Kensei is either the captain of the 2nd or 6th Division.

So the captain list as of this chapter is officially:
1) Yamamoto
2) *
3) Rose
4) Unohana
5) Shinji
6)*
7) Love
8) Shunsui
9) Tosen
10) Recently Deceased
11) Kenpachi
12) Urahara
13) Ukitake

*Either Kensei, another of the vizards, or surprise Kubo is saving.

[Lighthammer]

Zaraki's the tenth Kenpachi to be captain of the 11th Division. Given that we now know each captain of the 11th caries the title of Kenpachi, and that Zaraki gave himself the name, we now have a much better idea of why the duel took place to begin with.


Let's be careful here. We know that each captain of the 11th caries the title Kenpachi. What we DON'T know is if the current Kenpachi is Zaraki. We just know that the 11th captain was recently defeated. This could be a red hearing.

I cite page 11 for reference =) There's no mention of Zaraki, only Kenpachi.



If the entire Royal Guard is made up of former captains, that's insane.


This is another place we have to be careful not to jump to conclusion. Aizen is the one jumping to conclusions about a promotion where as Shunsui only states she was accepted into the Royal Guard. See page 14.



We now know why Shinji ran when Hitsugaya's group showed up at Ichigo's school. Since Ikkaku and Yumichika joined the 11th shortly after Kenpachi, they would have recognized Shinji.


Same issue as before, we don't know FOR SURE that Kenpachi is Zakari.



Speaking of Shinji, now that we know a lot more about the Bleach timeline, given that Shinji did not recognize Isshin's reiatsu, if Isshin was ever a captain in the Gotei 13, it couldn't have overlapped with Shinji's shinigami days. So the question of when Isshin met Urahara became even more interesting.


Let's not jump to conclusions there yet either. We still don't know anything new about Isshin.



If Mayuri was already in the 12th Division at this point, that means his superiors were both Urahara and Hiyori. I think some of his current behavior just became understandable, the poor guy was clearly driven insane. ;)


I'd have to agree with that :sweat:



The problem with your theory is that it's a canon that Yamamoto founded his academy some 2,000 years before the start of the series, which means Yamamoto has been the commander-general for at least that long. You also forget that Yamamoto states that the location of the Kings Key is passed down, verbally, from the predecessor to the successor of the commander-general’s position, implying that the Gotei 13 existed long before Yamamoto came on the scene.


Actually, just in this chapter, we learn that its likely the Gotei 13 is a mere 2 centuries old. (See page 13, frame 3) This could be up for interpretation but the translation I have reads:

"It's the Old man, Ukitake, and me...
I mean only remnants of the original guard from a centuary ago." ~ Shunsui



So the captain list as of this chapter is officially:
1) Yamamoto
2) *
3) Rose
4) Unohana
5) Shinji
6)*
7) Love
8) Shunsui
9) Tosen
10) Recently Deceased
11) Kenpachi
12) Urahara
13) Ukitake

*Either Kensei, another of the vizards, or surprise Kubo is saving.

We may have a 10th captain already too. We also have nothing to lead us to believe Tosen is in fact the 9th captain at present. I tend to think based on the relationship between Tosen and Komamura, they may have become captains at about the same time.

I would also like to throw out that any theories a vizard was the 11th captain is mitigated by the Kenpachi title issue. One might think that if a Vizard used to be the 11th captain, he might still go by Kenpachi. That said, its also just as likely he would have relinquished the title when he left soul society. Food for thought more then anything.

[Rud]

Actually, just in this chapter, we learn that its likely the Gotei 13 is a mere 2 centuries old. (See page 13, frame 3) This could be up for interpretation but the translation I have reads:

"It's the Old man, Ukitake, and me...
I mean only remnants of the original guard from a centuary ago." ~ Shunsui


its 2000 years old, the only thing his words mean is that those are the only ones left from 100 years prior, that doesnt mean it started with them, just that noone else from 100 years before is left.

[1 of 3]

Let's be careful here. We know that each captain of the 11th caries the title Kenpachi. What we DON'T know is if the current Kenpachi is Zaraki. We just know that the 11th captain was recently defeated. This could be a red hearing.

I cite page 11 for reference =) There's no mention of Zaraki, only Kenpachi.


Actually, it has to be Zaraki since it was stated he was the only one to ever become captain via defeating the previous captain.

[Mr. Obsession]

Let's be careful here. We know that each captain of the 11th caries the title Kenpachi. What we DON'T know is if the current Kenpachi is Zaraki. We just know that the 11th captain was recently defeated. This could be a red hearing.

I cite page 11 for reference =) There's no mention of Zaraki, only Kenpachi.They're all Kenpachis. :sweat:

Page 11. Shinji dailog states that it's the "tenth Kenpachi." And that he doesn't understand why such a "loose cannon" was made captain.

Page 12. Love's dialog states that the captain of the 11th has always carried the title of Kenpachi. And that it's the ninth's fault that there is now a tenth Kenpatchi.

Fact. We know that out of all the captains, former and current, that we have seen to date, Zaraki is the only one who gained his captain position by killing his predecessor in a sanctioned fight.

The implications of the dialog, combined with the other previously known information, points to the Zaraki we all know and love as having just become the captain being mentioned.


This is another place we have to be careful not to jump to conclusion. Aizen is the one jumping to conclusions about a promotion where as Shunsui only states she was accepted into the Royal Guard. See page 14.I said if.


Actually, just in this chapter, we learn that its likely the Gotei 13 is a mere 2 centuries old. (See page 13, frame 3) This could be up for interpretation but the translation I have reads:

"It's the Old man, Ukitake, and me...
I mean only remnants of the original guard from a centuary ago." ~ ShunsuiThe original guard from a century ago, as in the only remaining captains from that time period.

It's a stated fact, from the word of god, the last word of authority in the world of Bleach, Kubo Tite himself, that Yamamoto founded his academy over 2,000 years ago. The Gotei 13 would have been around at least that long. Other dialog in the series indicates that the Gotei 13 is in fact much, much older.

Also, how can Ukitake and Shunsui be original, as in "first ever" captains, if they were only the first graduates of Yamamoto's academy to attain the rank of captain? If they were the original, first ever captains wouldn't they be captains of the 2nd and 3rd Divisions, not 8th and 13th?



We may have a 10th captain already too.Shunsui only says the 10th is dead, nothing is stated about a replacement having been chosen.


We also have nothing to lead us to believe Tosen is in fact the 9th captain at present. I tend to think based on the relationship between Tosen and Komamura, they may have become captains at about the same time.Komamura and Tosen were known to be friends long before Komamura became a shinigami.

Due to Kubo's own drawings in the manga, if Zaraki is captain at this point (as the dailog indicates to not just myself, but a lot of other fans) then so too is Tosen.

[Rocketboy]

-107

Damn it, she WAS the captain of the 2nd squad. I gotta go apologize to some people.

[Lighthammer]

-107

Damn it, she WAS the captain of the 2nd squad. I gotta go apologize to some people.

=P

That's what I've been saying since the fight with Soifon. Many communities refused to believe it =(.

[Mr. Obsession]

Because there was no information to back it up, and existing dialog even pointed towards the exact opposite.

Considering that this spoiler information came out on April 1st I'm waiting until the chapter actually comes out to see what's going on.

[Katsumara]

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8748/xqc1t3tv6.jpg

So clearly Hachi and Mashiro were involved too. If I had to take a guess, I'd say Hachi was Unohana's Vice Captain and Mashiro was just apart of a squad, and not as highly ranked.

Another spoiler out. Seems I was right (Thank you, Thank you) about Kensei being Squad 9's Captain, and I was also right about a previous Kuchiki being the Squad 6 Captain (as I told a friend of mine on AIM that no longer comes here) so cool. I predicted those. New Chapter spoilers look awesome.


A picture of Squad Captains 3, 5, 7, 9, 13 (10 is dead, 11 is "lazy" and Urahara left early)
http://i25.tinypic.com/29ust8l.jpg

A picture of Squad Captains 2, 4, 6, 8 (They are standing across from one another in a 2 > 3, 4 > 5, 6 > 7, etc)
http://i27.tinypic.com/2ur9nkm.jpg

[Mr. Obsession]

Kubo Tite! [/fist shake] Now I don't know what to believe anymore.

Sigh. I was wrong about Yoruichi. The people who held on to their theory despite a lack of evidence were right. I still take comfort in knowing that the majority of fans were blindsided by this as well.


A picture of Squad Captains 2, 4, 6, 8 (They are standing across from one another in a 2 > 3, 4 > 5, 6 > 7, etc)
http://i27.tinypic.com/2ur9nkm.jpg

Is that Byakuya I spy in the background there?

[GWOtaku]

Kind of strange that basically all of the Vaizards were captains or vice captains. Hopefully, this side story will explain how they became what they are.

[Grenzer]

I wonder if the captain of the 6th is that old man who seems to act as Byakuya's advisor in the present?

[GWOtaku]

I wonder if the captain of the 6th is that old man who seems to act as Byakuya's advisor in the present?

Hmm, when did said advisor last appear in the series? Sounds worth checking into.

[Grenzer]

Hmm, when did said advisor last appear in the series? Sounds worth checking into.

His most notable appearance was when he invited Rukia into the Kuchiki clan, but he has been seen following Byakuya around (or is it the other way around?) in other scenes.

[Mr. Obsession]

The guy who addresses Byakuya as "Byakuya-sama," wears glasses, and is about a foot shorter than Byakuya? I don't think he'd be treated like a personal man-servant if he was a retired captain, the Kuchikis have more class than that.

My money's on him being Byakuya's dead pappy.

[Katsumara]

Kubo Tite! [/fist shake] Now I don't know what to believe anymore.

Sigh. I was wrong about Yoruichi. The people who held on to their theory despite a lack of evidence were right. I still take comfort in knowing that the majority of fans were blindsided by this as well.



Is that Byakuya I spy in the background there?

I do think the old man for the 6th Squad is the older Kuchiki.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3209/52070510jv9.jpg
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8025/mangarainbleachch09812vg8.png

Also, confirmed today that:

Urahara was Yoruichi's 3rd Seat in Squad 2, and Yoruichi suggested that Urahara be considered for the Captain seat in Squad 12.

[Grenzer]

About the old man, he always seemed to be a member of the Kuchiki family. Perhaps he was disgraced in the affair that cause Urahara and all of those other captains to go rouge. The old man retired in favor of Byakuya, and out of respect for the former captain's position, Byakuya kept him on as an advisor for his house.

[Katsumara]

About the old man, he always seemed to be a member of the Kuchiki family. Perhaps he was disgraced in the affair that cause Urahara and all of those other captains to go rouge. The old man retired in favor of Byakuya, and out of respect for the former captain's position, Byakuya kept him on as an advisor for his house.

This actually makes ton of sense.

[GWOtaku]

It really does make sense, and that guy simply has to be him. Aside from being bent of old age, the features are way too similar for it to be a coincidence.

Heck of a catch, I hadn't made the connection at all.

[kaine23]

Another great chapter!

[Funkatron]

So I'm assuming we have another 106 chapters until we get back to present day?

[Captain Highwind]

So I'm assuming we have another 106 chapters until we get back to present day?


The numbering system confuses me, but I wouldn't put it past them if what you just said actually happens.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I guess it's about time I started posting in this thread. I've been meaning to for awhile.
Hiyori bothers the crap out of me. I just don't care for bratty little girls who scream and yell and kick people in the face a lot. I just had to tell somebody how much I can't stand her at all.

Even back then Aizen was a creepy little slimeball still snooping around. As much as I like reading 'present day' actions, flash backs like this are exciting.

[Captain Highwind]

I guess it's about time I started posting in this thread. I've been meaning to for awhile.
Hiyori bothers the crap out of me. I just don't care for bratty little girls who scream and yell and kick people in the face a lot. I just had to tell somebody how much I can't stand her at all.

You'd think they'd be a little harsher on her for assaulting a captain, since they were so quick to prosecute Rukia.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

You'd think they'd be a little harsher on her for assaulting a captain, since they were so quick to prosecute Rukia.

I was thinking the same thing! What happened to all the 'respect your captain' attitude.
Somebody should at least tell her to calm the hell down and act like a proper lieutenant.

[Furu]

So is it just me or did Shinji see right through Aizen's shikai like it wasn't even there?

[FinnMacCool]

So is it just me or did Shinji see right through Aizen's shikai like it wasn't even there?

I doubt that was Aizen's shikai. For starters you can't tear a hand through a hypnosis illusion like that, and Aizen was keeping a tight lid on his shikai's powers at that point in time. Most likely he was using some sort of kido to keep himself hidden.


You'd think they'd be a little harsher on her for assaulting a captain, since they were so quick to prosecute Rukia.

Well, when the governing body is brutally massacred and replaced by the Big Bad of the series, the justice system gets a little stricter.

Plus it depends on the Captain. No one did anything when Nanao dropped a load of flowers on Shunsui, and Kenpachi would probably love it if someone in Squad 11 kicked him in the balls, so long as it was a strong kick.

[Katsumara]

I doubt that was Aizen's shikai. For starters you can't tear a hand through a hypnosis illusion like that, and Aizen was keeping a tight lid on his shikai's powers at that point in time. Most likely he was using some sort of kido to keep himself hidden.

In my opinion, Shinji may be strong enough to do just that. Sure, his shikai had a tight lid kept on it, but Shinji was the only one to see, and is probably the only one who actually knows about it. We haven't seen present-day's Shinji talk about Aizen really, as we didn't know their history. I think it's foreshadowing for them meeting later, of course, but it could have been a form of his Shikai.

Then again, you could be right and it could just be kido. =P I may be overthinking things, but I'm pretty sure Shinji would be able to see through Aizen's Shikai. Aizen hasn't gone completely off the deep-end yet anyway. Now that I've seen this chapter, those two fit nicely as Captain/Vice-Captain. Both crazy.

[Captain Highwind]

In my opinion, Shinji may be strong enough to do just that. Sure, his shikai had a tight lid kept on it, but Shinji was the only one to see, and is probably the only one who actually knows about it. We haven't seen present-day's Shinji talk about Aizen really, as we didn't know their history. I think it's foreshadowing for them meeting later, of course, but it could have been a form of his Shikai.

The only time I remember him talking about Aizen is when he let on to Ichigo that he knew about the Hougyoku, something that only the current Soul Society and Urahara (and by extension, Isshin) knew about it. So there's a good chance that he knows what Aizen is really planning.

[FinnMacCool]

In my opinion, Shinji may be strong enough to do just that. Sure, his shikai had a tight lid kept on it, but Shinji was the only one to see, and is probably the only one who actually knows about it. We haven't seen present-day's Shinji talk about Aizen really, as we didn't know their history. I think it's foreshadowing for them meeting later, of course, but it could have been a form of his Shikai.

Then again, you could be right and it could just be kido. =P I may be overthinking things, but I'm pretty sure Shinji would be able to see through Aizen's Shikai. Aizen hasn't gone completely off the deep-end yet anyway. Now that I've seen this chapter, those two fit nicely as Captain/Vice-Captain. Both crazy.

Thing is, hypnosis is just inside someone's head, so even if Shinji could see through it/dispel it, he wouldn't need to make a physical gesture like that.

[Captain Highwind]

It looked like one of those pocket dimension thingies, similar to what Ulquiorra just broke out of. Maybe just a watered-down version of it.

[Lighthammer]

Because there was no information to back it up, and existing dialog even pointed towards the exact opposite.

Considering that this spoiler information came out on April 1st I'm waiting until the chapter actually comes out to see what's going on.

More like some of us took the whole fight with Soifon to mean Youirchi was in fact the second captain.

Its all up to interpretations =)

[Lighthammer]

Ok, I got sick of pointing at people so I did what I always do when I want to sort info out

SPREADSHEET IT (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=puijzhyBfjulwYIhCJub6Sw)

Have fun if your brain doesn't hurt after figuring out what the status was of Squad 3 and Squad 10 during the 100 year gap >.>

[Mr. Obsession]

Regarding your spreadsheet. The previous chapter (page ten) states that Love is the captain of the 7th.

[Katsumara]

Also you have a typo about Kensei being the Squad 7, when he's probably Squad 9.

Another thing, I don't think the manga suggests Zaraki is the 11th Squad Captain. It clearly states Kenpachi is, and I know it's been had, but the argument against Zaraki is if he were one of the Captains from back then, wouldn't he be referred to as "an original Captain" in the present time-line? Meh. Good stuff anyway.

[kaine23]

Ok, I got sick of pointing at people so I did what I always do when I want to sort info out

SPREADSHEET IT (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=puijzhyBfjulwYIhCJub6Sw)

Have fun if your brain doesn't hurt after figuring out what the status was of Squad 3 and Squad 10 during the 100 year gap >.>

thanks for making that. I think that's the only way to keep track of things right now.

[Lighthammer]

Also you have a typo about Kensei being the Squad 7, when he's probably Squad 9.

Another thing, I don't think the manga suggests Zaraki is the 11th Squad Captain. It clearly states Kenpachi is, and I know it's been had, but the argument against Zaraki is if he were one of the Captains from back then, wouldn't he be referred to as "an original Captain" in the present time-line? Meh. Good stuff anyway.

I have Kensei in Squad 9 =P I've been predicting him to be there or 11 since the whole flashback preview >.>

Kenpachi IS the name of every squad 11 captain ever. Thats why I specifically used Zaraki (the Kenpachi we know's first name).

Although all evidence suggests it IS Zaraki, I'm not ready personally ready to jump in and believe that yet. I'm still caught up on the back story when Ichigo and Zaraki fought. It suggested to me that him being a captain happened more recently. This is one of things I think I'll be wrong on but I'll stand my ground for now.

Mr Obession,

The translation I originally had DID NOT have Love listed but a friend threw me a new one that does. I updated accordingly =).

BTW, just to throw it out there, I could easily add in 1-2 more blocks between the time skip and the Soul Society Arch. We know Ichi HAD TO HAVE been made a captain semi recently because he visited the training grounds as Aizen's LT. This means either Rose was in Soul Society for a VERY LONG TIME after Urahara, there wasn't a captain in division 3 for about 100 years or there was another captain there in between Rose and Ichi. Furthermore, we can reasonably guess that it is possible that Shiba died AFTER Ichi became a captain as Rukia had to have been there and thus it was some time after their training days.

I can also add 1-2 more columns before the current flash back because we know something ELSE happened within the last 100 years that cause Shinji and Rose to only recently be installed as captains.

Seems like SS goes through captains more quickly then my dog goes through bones :-|

[Lighthammer]

Ok, I bite the bullet and filled in the Spread sheet that is evil (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=puijzhyBfjulwYIhCJub6Sw) with a few more time periods we know information about it (lets hope this arch fills in stuff) and added in five more important time frames.


100 Years before Flash Back - We know there were only three captains left from whatever happened then
Right before Flash Back - We know Love and Shinji just became captains.
Right after Flashback when we know the Vizards left and before Rukia, Renji, Toshiro, Momo, Iba, Hisagi, Kira and anyone I missed were in the Academy. This would be the period where Rukia saw Byakuya as a child.
During the Academy
Right after the Academy before Renji, Kira, Momo, Iba and Hisagi became LTsI think these are also pivotal periods in the history. I wonder how much information this flash back will give us >.>

[Mr. Obsession]

Interesting chapter that left me with a few questions:
Why is this the first time we've seen Yoruichi in a captain's robe?
What happened to Yoruichi's zanpakutou, and why isn't she using it in the present?
What is the "nest of maggots" and why does going there suprise/scare Hiyori?


I wonder if the captain of the 6th is that old man who seems to act as Byakuya's advisor in the present?http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9316/formcaptmaybenx5.jpg
Old man in question (only seen so far in Kubo’s old art style), Captain “Old Man” Kuchiki, and Byakuya (Kubo’s current art style [Zommari fight], added for facial comparison)

What we do know about the Captain Kuchiki in these flashback chapters is that he's wearing the scarf worn only by the current head of the Kuchiki Family, making him either Byakuya's father, grandfather, or uncle. If he's Byakuya's father then the two old men cannot be the same person since Byakuya's father was dead by the time Rukia was adopted. If the two old men are the same person it means in all likelihood that Byakuya's father was never the head of the family for currently unknown reasons. Interestingly it would make him the first retired captain we've seen in the series. It would also raise the question of what happened to the old man to completely change his posture and demeanor?

In either case it provides some new insight into the Kuchiki.


100 Years before Flash Back - We know there were only three captains left from whatever happened then Unohana had also been a captain for at least 100 years at this point. Shunsui left her out and Ukitake corrected him [-108, pg 14].


Right before Flash Back - We know Love and Shinji just became captains.Love says Rose became captain of Squad 3 two years prior [-108, pg 14]. Dates or estimates for Love and Shinji having become captains haven't been given yet. Just that they, Kensei, and “Old Man Kuchiki” all become captains within the last 100 years.

Also, regarding note #10 on the spreadsheet. The color spread in chapter -107 showing the vizards appearance in the past and the present, Lisa appearance 110 years ago is identical to the Lt. walking besides Shunsui in chapter -108.


This would be the period where Rukia saw Byakuya as a child.When did Rukia meet Byakuya as a child? Wasn’t their first meeting when Byakuya approached her in the academy about adoption?

[Grenzer]

You know, Byakuya's father might have ended up killed in the fallout of Urahara's defection, another blow for the Kuchiki's that shaped their current attitudes. The exact cause of his death is debatable at this point, but I have my own theory. Hopefully one of the major plot threads of this arc will be to clear that whole mystery up.

I'm even more sure now the old man is Byakuya's grandfather, but I guess we have to wait awhile before we get offical confirmation.

[Lighthammer]

Mr. Obsession,

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out tomorrow. Seems like you're taking the pragmatic approach now too, especially with Elder Kuchiki. All good points. I personally don't know what to think so far about the current 6th captain. It also seems a little weird if Byakuya is really his LT. Seems like it might come off seemingly like favortism.

As far as Rukia seeing Byakuya, it was in a flash back during the Soul Society arch. Byakuya was in the Rukon district riding on a horse drawn carriage. He gave Rukia, Renji and other children a piece of soul candy. This was in the midst of the big Rukia / Renji flashback explaining how they came to be Shinigami.


You know, Byakuya's father might have ended up killed in the fallout of Urahara's defection, another blow for the Kuchiki's that shaped their current attitudes. The exact cause of his death is debatable at this point, but I have my own theory. Hopefully one of the major plot threads of this arc will be to clear that whole mystery up.

I'm even more sure now the old man is Byakuya's grandfather, but I guess we have to wait awhile before we get offical confirmation.

That seems like a plausible theory.

There are so many things we need to find out >.>

[Lighthammer]

Ok, as promised I updated the spreadsheet of doom.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=puijzhyBfjulwYIhCJub6Sw

Just to note, I don't know if I published it before like this but I'll state it in case I did. Previously I had some captains in the time gap between the Pendulum and the Soul Society arch fleshed out. I removed most of them till we get an indication of when certain parties became captains to retain the pragmatic approach of this spreadsheet.



Why is this the first time we've seen Yoruichi in a captain's robe?
What happened to Yoruichi's zanpakutou, and why isn't she using it in the present?


I don't recall where but its stated some where that Yoruichi doesn't like using her Zanpakutou let alone carrying it around. I don't think they even ever explained where it is in the future.




Love says Rose became captain of Squad 3 two years prior [-108, pg 14]. Dates or estimates for Love and Shinji having become captains haven't been given yet. Just that they, Kensei, and “Old Man Kuchiki” all become captains within the last 100 years.


I've looked in two different translations and neither say anything about Kensei specifically, nor "Old man Kuchiki".

I updated everything else. Thanks =).

[Mr. Obsession]

As far as Rukia seeing Byakuya, it was in a flash back during the Soul Society arch. Byakuya was in the Rukon district riding on a horse drawn carriage. He gave Rukia, Renji and other children a piece of soul candy. This was in the midst of the big Rukia / Renji flashback explaining how they came to be Shinigami.Episode 32?

The only shinigami Rukia and Renji met as children was anime filler. He was an unnamed character from their district who had just become a shinigami. Rukia was already suffering from hunger, so when his reiatsu completely overwhelmed her he gave Rukia his lunch.

Besides, Byakuya couldn’t have been a captain when Rukia and Renji were children. By Rukia’s own words Byakuya became a captain shortly before she was adopted and advanced directly into the Gotei 13. [ch. 145, pg. 5]

The only horse drawn carriage I’ve ever seen Byakuya get in or out of was during the credit sequence at the end of The Seal Sword Frenzy OVA, and that was with all the present characters in the living world.


I've looked in two different translations and neither say anything about Kensei specifically, nor "Old man Kuchiki".

I was going with obvious logic. If Yamamoto, Unohana, Shunsui, and Ukitake are the only remaining captains who have been captains for more than 100 years at this point in time, and if Rose became a captain 2 years prior to this point, and Urahara had just become a captain, then everyone else (Yoruichi, Shinji, Old Man Kuchiki, Love, Kensei, and "Kenpachi") became captains at some point within the last 100 years. The "when" within that 100 year gap for each of them is just unknown.

[Lighthammer]

Episode 32?
The only shinigami Rukia and Renji met as children was anime filler. He was an unnamed character from their district who had just become a shinigami. Rukia was already suffering from hunger, so when his reiatsu completely overwhelmed her he gave Rukia his lunch.


I'll hunt around for the exact episode sometime when I have a chance. Might not be till this weekend though. Weekdays are messy to say the least for me.



I was going with obvious logic. If Yamamoto, Unohana, Shunsui, and Ukitake are the only remaining captains who have been captains for more than 100 years at this point in time, and if Rose became a captain 2 years prior to this point, and Urahara had just become a captain, then everyone else (Yoruichi, Shinji, Old Man Kuchiki, Love, Kensei, and "Kenpachi") became captains at some point within the last 100 years. The "when" within that 100 year gap for each of them is just unknown.

Thats obvious logic. I thought you were pointing out something very specific EG Kensei was a captain for quiet a while or something.

BTW, just to throw something else out that you made a point about earlier with "Elder Kuchiki". We have seen a captain retire; or rather, many people had thought she was going to. The X-12th Captain. Aizen specifically suggested he thought she was retiring so we do know retiring DOES happen. I'll concede that we technically haven't seen a captain who has retired that we can confirm was a captain yet though. Point of reference more then anything and minor detail at that. It might be important later though; who knows.

[Rocketboy]

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4784/vlphp180364ta4.jpg

Haha, Mayuri was a dork.

[MezzoDragon]

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4784/vlphp180364ta4.jpg

Haha, Mayuri was a dork.

Mayuri was just as creepy then as he is now.

[Mr. Obsession]

Haha, Mayuri was a dork.And a prisoner, apparently (explains quite a bit doesn't it). Maggot's Nest is supposedly some sort of prison where Urahara worked when he was in the 2nd.

[Lighthammer]

So appearently Mr. Obsession might be pretty damned close on a few points (or at least paying attention some topics many of us aren't).

Based on this chapter, Shinigami DO NOT retire. Once you are a Shinigami, you can't not be one.

This right here suggests "Elder Kuchiki" isn't the one we've seen before UNLESS he was permitted to step down as he's in a powerful family, still serves in some major capacity or was injured and can no longer perform the needed duties. All of those reasons might be moot though.

It seems very random to go to the maggots nest at this point to show a new subordinate this, but it feels like theres a major point to this.

This has got to be leading some place and by some place I don't mean freeing the soon to be 12th squad captain.

I'm thinking we're going to see the old 12th squad captain there and maybe even learn that Squad 0 'promotions' might actually be same as getting locked up here.

[Mr. Obsession]

If episode 166 was a feast for the eyes, this chapter is one for the mind. Having read the detailed summary, for my money this chapter is the most plot detailed one yet, with a ton of stuff I probably won't even get until I've read it for the 10th time.


In the meantime I have theories based on the new information from this meaty chapter:

1) The fact that the Shihouin family, one of the four great noble families, is closely associated with Secret Mobile Corps, has been established for a long time. What’s new are these facts:
The Shihouin were involved with the creation of the SMC,
the SMC was at one point separate from the Gotei 13,
at some point the Shihouin came to control the SMC,
since that point in Soul Society’s history the head of the Shihouin has been granted the rank of captain in the Gotei 13, and
whichever Division the current head of the Shihouin becomes captain of becomes closely associated with the SMC (so the SMC hasn’t always been associated with the 2nd).

Yoruichi was the 22nd generational head of the Shihouin Family. Given the general expanded lifespan in Soul Society this has been going for a long time. At least since Yamamoto became Commander General some 2,000 years before the start of the series, possibly earlier.

There are no Shihouin among the ranks of the captains in the present, and Soifon as the current head of the SMC and a captain in the Gotei 13 holds a position that should historically belong to a Shihouin. Given that the Shihouin are not yet a fallen house something is going on behind the scenes and its being kept a secret.


2) Soul Society has Four Great Noble Families (not including the King). Three are known: The Kuchiki, The Shiba, The Shihouin, and one as of yet unnamed family. The Shiba are considered a fallen house (it is not yet known when they became a fallen house, or why), but are still treated as nobility by the other houses. Coincidentally, or not, shinigami fall into one of four categories: Gotei 13 general divisions, SMC, Kido Corps, and Royal Guard (which is hinted at being defunct, or “fallen” in the present).

If this is not a coincidence, then I believe that following same rules that apply to the Shihouin and the SMC, the Yamamoto-Genryusai are the fourth Noble Family and directly oversee the of the Gotei 13, the Shiba fell with the Royal Guard (some point before Kaien’s death), and the Kuchiki control the enigmatic Kudo Corps.


3) Soul Society is not a nice place.
The nobility live in a gated community while, commoners are left to fend for themselves. Living conditions get worse the farther away from the gated community you are.
Shinigami dump new arrivals wherever they can and make no effort to help reunite souls.
You can become a captain by killing a current captain in a legally sanctioned duel.
Blind eyes are turned to the genocidal antics of individuals like Mayuri Kurotsuchi as long as they benefit Soul Society.
Anyone with a trace of reiatsu is expected to become a shinigami, and once a shinigami always a shinigami.
The laws and ruling decisions are passed by a group in a sealed room to which access is heavily restricted.
People who have done nothing other than being considered “dangerous” are locked up for the good of the whole.
Any member of the Gotei 13 below the rank of captain is expendable and replaceable (Yamamoto’s own words).
The King of Soul Society is kept sealed away in a sub-dimension separate from the rest of Soul Society.
There are probably more I’m forgetting.

I’m starting to get an idea why Kaname “Blind-4-Justice” Tousen sided with Aizen.

Anyway, I need to see how the rest of the flashback chapters play out, but I’m starting to think the vizards weren’t created to stop something Aizen started, but rather an effort to change the way Soul Society is run. Look at the known key players: half of the current flashback captains, one of whom is the head of one of the Four Great Noble Houses, and now possibly Mayuri (though whatever his role he won’t get banished for it).

Aizen on the other hand, I believe, is someone who thinks Urahara’s plan didn’t go far enough and in the present seeks to completely overthrow Soul Society and create a new utopia of his own design, regardless of the sacrifices necessary.

[Lighthammer]

Sounds like your theories are lining up with mine.

I've held on to the theory that Aizen isn't the bad guy in all of this for quiet a while.

I feel once we learn why all the captains left Soul Society, we'll probably have a good idea if this theory is right or wrong.

Just another theory to throw out here with this chapter: I think there's something amiss with the Royal Guard. Based on the new knowledge that we know "Once a shinigami, always a shinigami" and "No one retires" dropped a major, major, major hint.

The general population in Soul Society (EG LTs) seem to have been under the impression that the former 12th captain was retiring then all of a sudden she's getting promoted. I think we're going to have a scene where Hiyori finds her imprisoned some place and goes ballistic.

[Mr. Obsession]

I've held on to the theory that Aizen isn't the bad guy in all of this for quiet a while.You and Momo. :p

I still think Aizen's an evil prick. It just seems to me that if this is the way things are going Aizen approves of what Urahara is doing, but completely misses Urahara's intentions, and instead takes Urahara's goal to it's extreme.


Just another theory to throw out here with this chapter: I think there's something amiss with the Royal Guard. Based on the new knowledge that we know "Once a shinigami, always a shinigami" and "No one retires" dropped a major, major, major hint.

The general population in Soul Society (EG LTs) seem to have been under the impression that the former 12th captain was retiring then all of a sudden she's getting promoted. I think we're going to have a scene where Hiyori finds her imprisoned some place and goes ballistic.I'm still agreeing with "once a shinigami, always a shinigami," but I'm starting to see translations that say "resigning" not "retirement." The Gotei 13 is being made out in this chapter as this carefully crafted and maintained organization. Obviously they're not going to keep people in the same position that are no longer physically able to do their job, though given Yamamoto's age and Ukitake's condition I do wonder how much is enough. Or if someone more qualified comes along, under the same basic idea, I don't see them forcibly keeping someone less qualified in their current position.

I think "retirement" is more of a stepping down into inactive service with the understanding that you will be monitored. And if the Gotei 13 needs you, you will be returning to active service. Making it entirely unsinister when Shunsui said the former 3rd captain retired.

Deserters who are caught, "retirees" who look like they're going to cause trouble, and genuine threats to Soul Society end up getting tossed in the Maggot’s Nest. And of course this is all 110 years before the present, some things could have changed, but I doubt it.

[Lighthammer]

Well, we might already be tripping over something that might be very obvious (or a red herring).

In so far, we've somewhat established that there is a rather large turn over in captains and heck, there may even be a higher turn over in the shinigami general body.

I think it might be fair to suggest that many believe the reason for the huge turn overs has been wars, battles, fights, etc.

If the story holds true from the first few chapters, by Rukia's own admition, Shinigami don't truly understand what drives a hollow. If this is true, it might actually suggest that the main sources of conflicts in soul society haven't actually been hollow invasions. I mean think about it, if you're fights are so frequent with an enemy that you have a constant turn over, you'd think you would have built up a rather decent understanding of your enemy. You might not know what their goal is or what their purposes are but you at least know what tweaks them off.

Soul Society is starting to sound more like a well organized mafia then anything else.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Wow.. creepy detention center, jail, Maggots Nest, what ever you want to call it-looks like hell. Everything sounds a little wishy washy. Something is really something crooked about that place. It's got all sorts of bad feelings attached, like there are actives going on that nobody is supposed to know about all over the Soul Society.
Mayuri looks so...young on that last page.

[Mr. Obsession]

-105: Byakuya, Kaien, and Gin!

[beren]

???? No SJ this week I thought.

[FireStarterLE]

-105: Byakuya, Kaien, and Gin!

From the looks of what's out so far, this is going to be an interesting chapter

[Funkatron]

Young Byakuya is...interesting. I guess a lot has changed over the years. Love how Yoroichi messes around with him like that.

And Gin...man. Even as a kid, he was creepy

[MezzoDragon]

I love Yoruichi's facial expressions. They just make her so cute. She is definitely on the cuteness level as Momo and Yachiru.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Little Byakuya!! Oh how cute is he... Kind of girlish though, eh? No wonder he grew up to be such a hard ass. He looks really skinny as a child too.
Gin is forever creepy. His face looks oddly disturbing, like a skull, on the very last page.

[Reg]

As much as in enjoy delving into the past, I was disappointed by the last two chapters in Bleach. So here's hoping I'll enjoy this upcoming one.

[Mr. Obsession]

Mayuri:
Tempting Mayuri with a promise of “and when I’m gone it will all be yours.” Damnit Urahara, for genius that’s just stupid. If this bites Urahara in the ass and ends up leading to his downfall I can only hope Yoruichi kicks him in the head (because you know she would) before they flee.

Byakuya:
Ha! “Cat Monster.”

I don’t know what causes his personality change later on, and I want to see it, but this young Byakuya is hilarious. As is his interaction with Yoruichi. If present day Renji and Rukia saw this they’d probably lose it (Ichigo would laugh his ass off).

Interestingly, Byakuya isn’t an academy graduate yet. Coupled with the physical differences with the Lt. shown behind Capt. Kuchiki, he obviously wasn’t Byakuya. So I have to wonder who that man was (Byakuya’s father?). Plus we get confirmation that flashback Capt. Kuchiki is Byakuya’s grandfather.

Kaien:
Ukitake’s been courting Kaien for a while now to take the Division’s second seat, meaning there is no current Lt. in the 13th Division. Another example of the kind of pull Ukitake has as a captain, he’s keeping a high ranking seat open until his choice to fill it accepts. Given that in the present no one has filled the spot since Kaien died I have to wonder who Ukitake keeping it open for now.

Gin:
Creepy as hell, showing some things never change. Anyone still holding out that Gin will be revealed as some kind of good guy double-agent will continue to be heartbroken.

I wonder how Aizen plans on explaining the former 3rd seat to Shinji.


So, just about the only present characters left to show up from this time period are Tosen, Komamura, Zaraki (and crew), Hachi, and Mashiro. Barring some far left field surprise, just about everyone else would be too young or insignificant to play a role in this. Maybe a Rukia cameo if Kubo’s going to show Urahara stashing the hogyoku. And I’m on the fence regarding Isshin.

[Rud]

I don’t know what causes his personality change later on, and I want to see it, but this young Byakuya is hilarious. As is his interaction with Yoruichi. If present day Renji and Rukia saw this they’d probably lose it (Ichigo would laugh his ass off).



i bet what causes his personality change is that his Grandfather dies

[Anime Freak]

i bet what causes his personality change is that his Grandfather dies

I seriously doubt that mainly for the fact that it was hinted at majorly that he became the way he was because of his fiancee's death as we saw at the end of the Soul Society Arc ;)

[FlyByNite77]

It's so hard to figure out ages in Bleach. Shuuhei makes an appearance in the flashback arc which has now jumped 9 years ahead of where it previously started so that puts him pretty close to age as Byakuya?

I'm guessing all these missing people is related to Aizen and this arc will end with him settting some type of trap where the Vaizard we know today are exposed to something that starts the Hollowfication and Urahara has to step-in and stablilize it to prevent them from dying. Then that would ultimately force him to leave Soul Society, probably because the leadership would then want the Vaizards executed for what they are and Urahara gets the blame for doing it.

[kaine23]

Showing Isshen would make sense actually...

[kaine23]

New chapter out.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Bleach and the Mystery of the Missing Shinigami! It's like a Hardy Boys novel with swords.

My attention has been caught. *pushes up her glasses* I'm curious about this whole situation.

[Baseball]

I don't know if I wrote it here or not, but does anyone else think that this time period's Kenpachi is actually Ichigo's dad? We still haven't seen the mystery behind him being the captain, and it would make sense considering how he abuses his son.

[Mr. Obsession]

*Sigh* I'm starting to think we'll never see who the "Kenpachi" of this time period is.

Having just read -103 (I've been busy), since Kensei and the others couldn't see who was attacking them I'm guessing it's Aizen using his deus ex shikai. The only question I have is at the end, is Urahara rushing off to the emergency captains meeting like ordered, or is he heading out to save Hiyori? Probably the latter.

Chapter -102 spoilers:
Tessai's the leader of the Kido Corps., Hachi's his assistant
Kensei's transformed into something
Shinji, Rose, Love, Lisa, and Hachi are sent to the scene.

[FireStarterLE]

Chapter -102 spoilers:

Tessai's the leader of the Kido Corps., Hachi's his assistant
Kensei's transformed into something
Shinji, Rose, Love, Lisa, and Hachi are sent to the scene.

So it looks like "they" were all created around the same time from the looks of it

[kaine23]

Interesting chapter.

[warnerbroman]

how convient that all the vizards are investigating the scene

[FlyByNite77]

how convient that all the vizards are investigating the scene

Probably how they wind up becoming Vizards. I was saying when the flashbacks started I figured it would turn out something like Aizen is experimenting and they get caught up in it and to somehow save them Urahara has to perfect the Vizard process, which leads to him having to leave Soul Society. We've seen they're not a very adaptible society and able to change.

Since Tessai is leader of the Kidou Corps I guess he gets caught up since his second was Ushoda and wants to help. Perhaps Tessai's superior abilities in Kidou come into play and somehow he uses a kidou spell to aid in the vizardification process once Urahara perfects it?

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I don't know if I wrote it here or not, but does anyone else think that this time period's Kenpachi is actually Ichigo's dad? We still haven't seen the mystery behind him being the captain, and it would make sense considering how he abuses his son.

I have a suspicion about it, although it's probably more wishful thinking than anything else. I mean he has to fit in somewhere doesn't he? It's been killing me to find out who the Kenpachi is, but at least these flash back chapters are still pretty good.
:3

[FireStarterLE]

I don't know if I wrote it here or not, but does anyone else think that this time period's Kenpachi is actually Ichigo's dad? We still haven't seen the mystery behind him being the captain, and it would make sense considering how he abuses his son.

I think most of the speculation around Isshin Kurosaki is that he was a member of the "Royal Guard" Squad 0 (maybe Capt or Lt) and not a regular 13 Court Guard Captain.

[Lighthammer]

I think most of the speculation around Isshin Kurosaki is that he was a member of the "Royal Guard" Squad 0 (maybe Capt or Lt) and not a regular 13 Court Guard Captain.

I'm actually thinking the Royal Guard is a farce.

On the note of Isshin being Captain of Squad 11, I've had a number of people poke me on AIM about that idea since this chapter came out. I'm not buying the hype but on the same token, I think theres more then meets the eye with him.

I'm expecting to see him crop up in the next few chapters though.

[kaine23]

and this week's Bleach really didn't explain anything...

[FlyByNite77]

and this week's Bleach really didn't explain anything...

Well it explains the origin of Lurichiyo's hat I guess.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Cool stuff cool stuff.
Fighting is neat but I'd love to get some infomation on exactly what is going on. But I guess with patience we'll get an answer eventually.
I love Urahara in flash backs.

[kaine23]

Aizen, Gin, and Tousen made their move this chapter. We also see chibi Nanao.

[FlyByNite77]

Aizen, Gin, and Tousen made their move this chapter. We also see chibi Nanao.

Chibi Nanao might quite honestly be the cutest damn thing ever in Bleach
:anime:

I was wrong about them being related, but it appears Nanao views Lisa as a kind of idol and probably based her appearance off of Lisa.

Aizen/Gin/Tousen are revealed IN THE FLASHBACK? Maybe there's some type of mindwipe when the Vaizards get stabilized or something.

[warnerbroman]

wait so tousen is a vizard?

[Malex]

It was Aizen all along!

Wait a minute...

Well, three down, five to go. I am curious on how the dastardly trio are hollow-fying people. Hiyori just instantly produced a mask. I think once the vizards get control over their hollows, SS will just dump them without letting them speak. That is the only way that Aizen could stay in SS for another 100 years without any repercussions.

[Katsumara]

Chibi Nanao = best thing of the chapter.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

HOMG NANAO!!!
/falls over
So....CUTE. SOCUTE.
"I always make a note of the young girls' names" Because that's only slightly creepy, captain.

Aizen must have been born a very very bad seed.

[Captain Highwind]

wait so tousen is a vizard?

Nah, it wasn't a Hollow mask. I guess he was just concealing his face until the last minute.

[FireStarterLE]

Well maybe it was just me but it seemed like that mask was covering his air intake valves. If Aizen's plan to change them all involved something that was airborne he wouldn't want to contaminate his faithful followers. And so they all three put on their masks, Aizen released whatever it is, it took effect on all Soul Reapers who showed up to investigate and then Aizen deemed it safe to remove the masks.

[blitzkrieg]

As to why everyone didn't know Aizen's intentions after this I think everyone is discounting his zanpakuto's release. The guy was able to convince the whole Soul Society that he's dead, it's not hard to believe that he could whip up an illusion to cover his tracks.

[kaine23]

Bleach -99 is out.

Awesome first page color shot of Aizen and chibi Gin.
Pic of Ichigo and co eating and Orihime ass-shot(wtf?!)
Aizen reveals all.

[Don_East]

Bleach -99 is out.

Awesome first page color shot of Aizen and chibi Gin.
Pic of Ichigo and co eating and Orihime ass-shot(wtf?!)
Aizen reveals all.
You serious, beacause I seriously don't buy it with that chapter number. If it's a lie, then "Knock it off, Fox."

[Mr. Obsession]

I haven't read the chapter yet, but supposedly the spread with Ichgio and Co. is an announcement for the third movie.

[FireStarterLE]

Bleach -99 is out.

Awesome first page color shot of Aizen and chibi Gin.
Pic of Ichigo and co eating and Orihime ass-shot(wtf?!)
Aizen reveals all.

I have to say, the best part of this chapter was Aizen's surprised look when Kisuke was attacking him from behind. That's not something you see everyday from Aizen so it was great seeing that

[Don_East]

Okay, read the chapter, didn't know about the weird chapter numbering. Even though I've been following the series' current events, this is my first time reading it.
I see some simarilites between this and when Aizen revealed his true intentions in back the Soul Society arc.(I assume that's intentional) I loved the look on Aizen's face when Urahara showed up. Seeing that arrogant jerk surprised is always great. That two-page spread, nice rear view. ;)

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I loved one of the opening lines about 'expecting it since you were in your mothers womb'. It was all so quotable.
Really great chapter. Aizen is a dirty birdy. He's pretty much slandering poor Hirako the entire time, calling him ignorant to his Hypnosis and basically stupid to what was going on. =[[[[[
Ohhhh cliffie!

[kaine23]

I haven't read the chapter yet, but supposedly the spread with Ichgio and Co. is an announcement for the third movie.
So the 3rd movie is about them eating...?


Okay, read the chapter, didn't know about the weird chapter numbering. Even though I've been following the series' current events, this is my first time reading it.
Yeah since this flashback arc started they're numbering it backwards from -108.

[Beat]

So what happens when it hits zero? Game over?

"#80 in a four issue limited series!"

[kaine23]

"#80 in a four issue limited series!"
From the Gen 1 Marvel Transformers comic.

[Beat]

From the Gen 1 Marvel Transformers comic.

Yeah, I just thought it was a good example of bizzaro numbering.

[Captain Highwind]

He's pretty much slandering poor Hirako the entire time, calling him ignorant to his Hypnosis and basically stupid to what was going on.

He does this with everyone though. ^^;

[Mr. Obsession]

Pity, it looks like Kubo's going to tease us with partial transformations and not reveal the Vizard's full hollow transformations, save Kensi and Mashiro. Shinji's got a pretty neat mummy theme going on.

Awesome that someone finally managed to surprise Aizen. Even better that it was Urahara.


So the 3rd movie is about them eating...?
:rolleyes:

I was talking about this:
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9409/002003lm8.jpg

[Fireprower]

Does anyone know if Viz's graphic novel 23 is edited?

[kaine23]

New chapter's out. Discuss.

[Captain Highwind]

Kid Gin's going to sound really creepy in the anime I just know it.

Child of the corn, that boy.

[Mett]

I was hoping to see Aizen and Urahara fight :(

[Malex]

Wait, the Hougyoku can reform the barrier between Shinigami and Hollow? Wouldn't that make the Vizards revert back to Shinigami? Kubo needs to elaborate on this. If it can really make Vizards go back to the original Shinigami form, the Aizen could just seal Ichigo's Hollow powers in an instant and win.

[Rud]

Wait, the Hougyoku can reform the barrier between Shinigami and Hollow?
when did Urahara ever say that?, he just sad it could breat down the barrier.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I absolutly love Urahara's outfit for some reason. It's so...cool o_o

[Malex]

when did Urahara ever say that?, he just sad it could breat down the barrier.

I read a translation that said it could break down and reform the barrier.

[Captain Highwind]

I'm beginning to feel more and more that Urahara turned Ichigo into a Hollow on purpose.

[Scirel]

If this isn`t the last chapter of the flashbacks, there would only be one more, or manybe a new "set" of flashbacks. the only thing we don`t know the origin of now is the 2 kids at Urahara's.

[Rud]

anyway, heres a posible spoiler which i hope is fake because i dont want the flashbacks to end.

POSIBLE SPOILER OF DEVASTATION


Let's stop the pendulum.

A night has passed. Urahara wakes up to see Shinji who's face is covered by his mask. Shinji is not moving.

Urahara apologises to Tessai for failing to cure them. Urahara goes outside for some fresh air but is met by the central 46 law enforcement. They are there to arrest him.

He is summoned for interrogation and asked where he was last night. He is asked if he was experimenting on hollowification.

Central 46 suspects that Urahara while in the forrest attempted to use 8 vice captain/captain level shinigami in an evil hollowification experiment. (Perhaps they were told this by Aizen).

Urahara tells them that it was Aizen who did it and that he was simply trying to help them. However Aizen has 124 general shinigami and 1 captain confirm that he wasn't at the scene the night before.

Also, during the investigation there was a report claiming the discovery of hollowification research going on at the 12th division.

Also, Tessai has been sentenced to serve in the third underground prison for using a forbidden technique.

For doing taboo research and experimenting on his fellow shinigami resulting in them being heavily injured, Urahara is sentenced to exile in the living world for eternity.

They then announce that the shinigami who are victims of this experiment will be strictly disposed of as hollows.

When Urahara is about to object Yoruichi who has her face covered by a cloth kidnaps both of them and takes them away to the hiding place near sougyoku.

Yoruichi has already transported the 8 shinigami (vizards) and the new gigai that has been being developed.

After listening to Shinji for a while Urahara decides they are in the worst situation possible and thinks of the best way to deal with it.
Urahara asks Tessai to use Jikantenshi one more time to create a barrier, he will then create 10 gigai for himself, Tessai, Shinji and the rest within 20 hours. Urahara vows to hide himself and spend his time finding a way to get rid of the hollowification.

The scene changes to Shinji and co in the current day.

In the same warehouse, Shinji says that Urahara said there has been no miscalculation and that is the first miscalculation.
He says that everything has come to the worst possible scenario as expected.

Shinji "For real, I am indebted to Urahara.... and then Aizen also."

It finishes with someone saying "let's go" and then the Vizards leave the warehouse.

[GWOtaku]

Yeah, that sounds like the end to the backstory. It was an interesting ride, but I'm eager to get back to the present.

[Captain Highwind]

I was expecting a couple of really big plot twists.

All this did was neatly explain everybody's present situation. It did nothing to liven the upcoming tourney battles. Bleh.

[FlyByNite77]

I was expecting a couple of really big plot twists.

All this did was neatly explain everybody's present situation. It did nothing to liven the upcoming tourney battles. Bleh.

Yea if that's true it's pretty much how I've expected the backstory to end so I was hoping for some kinda twist in it.

[Mett]

If those spoilers are true then I'm gonna be angry that it did not show Ichigo's father in the pendulum arc.

[GWOtaku]

If those spoilers are true then I'm gonna be angry that it did not show Ichigo's father in the pendulum arc.

Eh, its purpose was to tell us more abut Urahara and the Vaizards. The rest was window dressing. I'm sure we'll learn more about Isshin, but not everything needs to be revealed at once.

[FireStarterLE]

Well the Vizards are on the move

They'll likely oppose Aizen's attack squad, but I wonder how they'll react to the SS group?

And what's their overall purpose? Sure there's revenge but it just seems like there'll be more to it than that

[FlyByNite77]

Well the Vizards are on the move

They'll likely oppose Aizen's attack squad, but I wonder how they'll react to the SS group?

And what's their overall purpose? Sure there's revenge but it just seems like there'll be more to it than that

kind of a lackluster ending to the pendulum flashback arc, but the last shot of them going off to fight was cool. It will be fun seeing how the Soul Society Shinigami who knew them react when they show up.

[Rud]

kind of a lackluster ending to the pendulum flashback arc, but the last shot of them going off to fight was cool. It will be fun seeing how the Soul Society Shinigami who knew them react when they show up.

im assuming the "treat them like Hollows" order still stands, they will probably fight with then at first, but when the battle is over, i assume its on.

(seing as how SS have always been portrayed as douchbags, i hope they lose)

[kaine23]

im assuming the "treat them like Hollows order stands, they will probably fight with then at first, but when the battle is over, i assume its on.

(seing as how SS have always been portrayed as douchbags, i hope they lose)

Be awesome to see pervy little Mashiro take out Gen. Yamamoto then. ^^

[Rud]

it would never hapen, Yamamoto would win, though right now im assuming he gets killed by Aizen.

[FlyByNite77]

I think based on what we saw in the backstory two meetings I'd probably predict is Lisa rescuing/helping Nanao and likewise Kensei rescuing/helping Hisagi.

[Scirel]

Yama hasn`t even revealed Bankai yet. However, the Nature of Aizen's Zanpakto isn`t directly offensive, which IIRC is a first for a main SJ villain. of course, he has speed, swordsmanship, and kidou up the wazoo, so he really dosen`t need it.

My guess is that since Yama's IS a direct offensive ability, he'll be schooled by Aizen's bankai, finally revealed. IMO, an Illusion world where Aizen is "god", and anythign he wishes to happen, happens. It would explain his whole Superiority complex if he discovered his bankai to be this.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Oh lord it'd going to be a messy battle. A messy BIG battle? I hate seeing Urahara kind of framed like that. It's so frustrating to handle, plus the fact that Aizen has the biggest ego this world has ever known...
Moooaaarrrr I need moaaaarrrrrrrr

[Mr. Obsession]

im assuming the "treat them like Hollows" order still stands, they will probably fight with then at first, but when the battle is over, i assume its on.I don't know. Central 46 is dead, and with the earlier revelation that Urahara has been working with Soul Society since Aizen was ousted, probably means at the very least Yamamoto knows the truth about the Vizard, probably the other captains who were around at the time as well.

But Yamamoto being Yamamoto, I could see him ordering those under his command to let the Vizards battle Aizen's group alone, under the assumption that the two groups will wipe each other out, cleaning up both messes at once.

Based on the characters at the scene, if push came to shove, I could see Yamamoto, Soifon, Komamura (maybe), Hitsugaya (maybe), and their Lt.s fighting the Vizard. But Ukitake and Shunsui? Not going to happen. As awesome as something like Shunsui vs. Lisa would be, it's just not in his character. Though I can see Shunsui completely embarrassing Lisa when she shows up.



My guess is that since Yama's IS a direct offensive ability, he'll be schooled by Aizen's bankai, finally revealed. IMO, an Illusion world where Aizen is "god", and anythign he wishes to happen, happens. It would explain his whole Superiority complex if he discovered his bankai to be this.I’m partial to the theory that since Aizen’s shikai is so powerful his bankai is actually inversely proportional, and is ironically useless.

[FlyByNite77]

Based on the characters at the scene, if push came to shove, I could see Yamamoto, Soifon, Komamura (maybe), Hitsugaya (maybe), and their Lt.s fighting the Vizard. But Ukitake and Shunsui? Not going to happen. As awesome as something like Shunsui vs. Lisa would be, it's just not in his character. Though I can see Shunsui completely embarrassing Lisa when she shows up.

I also don't think Shunsui would fight Lisa, but I could definitely see him flirting with her openly in front of Nanoa and Nanoa getting extremely pissed off.

Now that's in his character :anime:

[Captain Highwind]

Crap. I think I missed a few chapters so I'm going to have to start labeling my posts again.

316

Hurry up Ichigo! Before Orihime turns into Gwen Stacey! D:

[FireStarterLE]

Bleach is back and this time it's a setup chapter for the next fight in HM

The renewed Rukia and Chad are back in the game (I was more happy to see Chad, it's been a while for him).

Though I'm not sure what I want to see more in the next chapter: the captains fight or Ichigo .... I think I'm leaning more to the captains, we've been with Ichigo for a while

[Rocketboy]

317

Yet another bridge chapter, though hopefully next week, things will happen.

Though I wonder where Ishida was? Probably still having comedic conversations with the guy who killed his entire clan.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I find it very interesting to watch Orihime have a conversation with Ulquoirra. I just can't see him as I see the other arrancar- he doesn't feel like a beast. He gives off a different personality.
I don't know what I want next week. I'd be happy with another Ichigo chapter or the captains fight.

[Captain Highwind]

I just can't see him as I see the other arrancar- he doesn't feel like a beast. He gives off a different personality.

Yeah,

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9133/page1lw2.jpg
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9099/page2kw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Yeah,

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9133/page1lw2.jpg
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9099/page2kw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I would actually support that pairing believe it or not XD I was hoping they would get a little closer.

[Rud]

oddly enough, id also support that pairing, solely because Ulquiorra is so cool though, hope he doesnt die.

[Don_East]

Yeah,

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9133/page1lw2.jpg

AAAH!

***FORMS CROSS WITH INDEX FINGERS***

I hate that couple.

[FireStarterLE]

*poor Bleach, I had to go back 3 pages just to find you

Well with Ikkaku and those guys protecting the pillars, Soul Society is pretty much left unprotected except for the regular squad members. Maybe Squad 11 could hold off any potential invaders .... at least until any backup arrived.

The best part of the other three showing up would be if they all used bankai.

[FlyByNite77]

So Yamamoto said he left elite fighters to defend the four pillars that are keeping the fake Karakura town in 'the real world' and the real one in Soul Society for protection.

How come Kira is there?
For that matter how come Shuuhei is there?

At least Ikkaku and Yumichika have fought Arrancar before, and Ikkaku has a bankai.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Is it wrong to say that I hope Ichigo doesn't kill Ulquiorra? I'm wondering, if it comes to that, will Orihimie get in the way?
Anywho, interesting chapter. Even though things aren't happening at a fast pace, I still very much enjoy the recent chapters.

[Rocketboy]

So, new spoilers reveal that Hisagi and the others are going to fight Barragan's fraccion. (Yumichika fighting the top ranked one might be interesting, too.)

Hopefully Hisagi will release.

[FlyByNite77]

So, new spoilers reveal that Hisagi and the others are going to fight Barragan's fraccion. (Yumichika fighting the top ranked one might be interesting, too.)

Hopefully Hisagi will release.

Eh... Fraccion fights... Kubo just filling time by giving us opponents who are just going to die anyway. We finally got to the Arrancar opponents in the rescue Orihime arc, but now it feels kinda like regressing backwards a bit to go to a lower level.

I know they're the top ranked Arrancar's fraccion, but still. If we're going to need to burn through the Fraccion we still then have some for the other arrancar there as well. Makes me wonder when we'll get to something significant.

[Captain Highwind]

319

So what have we got here?

Hollow Char

Chad in drag

A Grimmjow for Kira

...Eh, can't think of anything for Ikkaku's guy. Looks like he's drawn by Oda though.

5000th post

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2170/titlecard2hz2.gif (http://imageshack.us)
http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/521/rudefanfaregg3.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Ohhh I love Kira's image on the last page. I would greatly enjoy seeing him kick some villain behind. As a matter of fact, I'd like to see them all do that.
Does anybody know when the manga is going to come to an end?

[GWOtaku]

Ohhh I love Kira's image on the last page. I would greatly enjoy seeing him kick some villain behind. As a matter of fact, I'd like to see them all do that.
Does anybody know when the manga is going to come to an end?

When Ichigo and Inoue and all their friends are dressed in black doing a MC hammer breakdance over Aizen's corpse?

Hey, *I* would be satisfied.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

When Ichigo and Inoue and all their friends are dressed in black doing a MC hammer breakdance over Aizen's corpse?

Hey, *I* would be satisfied.

'Can't Touch This' MUST be playing in the back ground for that scene to be complete.
And Kenpachi should be wearing a pimp hat.

[GWOtaku]

'Can't Touch This' MUST be playing in the back ground for that scene to be complete.
And Kenpachi should be wearing a pimp hat.

Naturally.

Hammer time!

[kaine23]

When Ichigo and Inoue and all their friends are dressed in black doing a MC hammer breakdance over Aizen's corpse?

Hey, *I* would be satisfied.

I would love to see someone do a Flash video of that!!

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I would love to see someone do a Flash video of that!!

Speaking of which, I always found this quite funny in terms of Bleach flash animation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq7USy8ryS0&feature=related
slight language warning for one quick part.

It's amazing the things you can find online.

[bigdeath]

Yeah,

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9133/page1lw2.jpg
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9099/page2kw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Its so wrong its kind of right....

[FlyByNite77]

Speaking of which, I always found this quite funny in terms of Bleach flash animation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq7USy8ryS0&feature=related
slight language warning for one quick part.

It's amazing the things you can find online.

I almost spit out what I was drinking with the Tousen nyoro-n parody...

:anime:

[Captain Highwind]

I wondered where this avatar came from...

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8610/avatar36606oe7.gif (http://imageshack.us/)

[FireStarterLE]

And the chapter started off so good when you thought Kira was going to fight and be showcased but nope ...... we got that

and the release at the end, well that was just the cherry on top

[FlyByNite77]

a ballerina outfit is that guys release...

wow :sweat:

[GWOtaku]

Uh, yeah, I think I'm just going to ignore the next two chapters until this one blows over.

[Katsumara]

Reminds me of a guy from Action League Now! >.>; So bad.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

/falls over
I'm going to pretend like I didn't see that guy in a ballerina outfit....

[Captain Highwind]

320

They should've ended with Yumichika's reaction to the tutu.

[Mr. Obsession]

Charlotte Coolhorn out Szayel'd Szayel Aporro Granz. That release was so over the top I couldn't stop laughing. :)


They should've ended with Yumichika's reaction to the tutu.I'm sure Kubo is saving that gem for the opening of the next chapter. At least I hope he is.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Charlotte Coolhorn out Szayel'd Szayel Aporro Granz. That release was so over the top I couldn't stop laughing. :)

I'm sure Kubo is saving that gem for the opening of the next chapter. At least I hope he is.

But Szayel was cool :3, and hip, and pretty, and awesome....and didn't look like a hairy mess in tight clothing D; Charlotte Coolhorn is a copycat! A fake! Burn him at the stake for his transgressions!

[Rocketboy]

I think...I think Yumichika's fight might be the best fight in the entire series.

[Mett]

WTB Chapter with Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra(probably spelled that wrong.)

[Mr. Obsession]

But Szayel was cool :3, and hip, and pretty, and awesome....and didn't look like a hairy mess in tight clothing D;You also conveniently forget that Szayel was an EFn Tentacle Monster™. Hmmm...maybe he didn't out Szayel Szayel after all.

I’ll take drag ballet over tentacle scientist with a thing for Quincies any day.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Even though I said I wasn't really going to pay all too much attention to these next few chapters, I love seeing Yumichika actually get serious.

[Malex]

I knew that Yumichika would absorb Cool Horn's energy. Once he knew he could not be seen, it was over. Now Kira has to put some weight on the "agile" Redder while Ikkaku uses his bankai and Hisagi...does something for once.

[Rocketboy]

322

Kira vs. Big Bird! Who will winz?!

Yumichika's zanpakuto is interesting. I wonder if there are any more like his.

[FlyByNite77]

Eh you can see how Kira will win his fight he'll hit the guys feathers with his zanpakuto causing him to become insanely heavy and just flop onto the ground I suppose.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

The pride and honor of those in squad 11... I didn't really think somebody would go as far as die rather than release more power from their zanpakuto. Go go Yumichika! He must be pretty powerful then if he hasn't even shown his bankai yet just saying his weapons name makes it go that crazy

[Captain Highwind]

He must be pretty powerful then if he hasn't even shown his bankai yet just saying his weapons name makes it go that crazy

When it does go bankai I bet it turns into that talking plant from Little Shop of Horrors.

[MeggieMay]

When it does go bankai I bet it turns into that talking plant from Little Shop of Horrors.

ROTFLMAO!!!!! :D:D:D

The plant from LSoH name is Audrey II, BTW (didn't even have to look it up - popped into my head :anime: )

[Mr. Obsession]

Sneaky way to hide your kido zanpakuto, Yumichika, use its previously described vanity against it. Also it's nice to finally learn exactly what Yumichika did to Hisagi that one time.

Speaking of, am I the only one who finds it ironic that Hisagi is fighting an someone who was purposely restraining themselves at the level of a fifth seat, when the last fifth seat he fought kicked his ass?



When it does go bankai I bet it turns into that talking plant from Little Shop of Horrors.Feed me, Yumichika.

[MezzoDragon]

If Yumichika obtains bankai, he will have a hard time hiding its true type from Captain Kenpachi and Ikkaku. It may be powerful enough to eliminate strong Hollows and Soul Reapers, but it is obvious he prefers being part of Squad 11 more than having a strong weapon. That's quite noble of him, no?

[kaine23]

I never want to see an Arrencar in a thong again...

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I never want to see an Arrencar in a thong again...

oh lord do I agree.

Unless it's Grimmjow....or Szayel ....or >_>

[FlyByNite77]

I never want to see an Arrencar in a thong again...

I agree with you about not wanting to see Arrancar in a thong except for Halibel :anime:

[Captain Highwind]

I agree with you about not wanting to see Arrancar in a thong except for Halibel :anime:

Isn't one of her lackeys in a thong?

You know, the one that looks like she fell out of a Conan comic?

[Rocketboy]

323

Kira's speech on how he's against the war gives him the power to win.

[Malex]

Isn't one of her lackeys in a thong?

You know, the one that looks like she fell out of a Conan comic?

She wears a miniskirt.

I would put up an "I CALLED IT" picture for Kira's victory, but it was too obvious anyways.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

"A warrior does not beg for his life"

I'm not a big Kira fan, but it wasn't bad to see him go a little 'angry smartass' on us.

[Captain Highwind]

Funny how his Kira's sword works immediately in the manga while in the anime it keeps crapping out on him.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Funny how his Kira's sword works immediately in the manga while in the anime it keeps crapping out on him.

SHHH!!! You mustn't let them hear you! *shifty eyes*... thou must not question the logic of Bleach and why it has slight plot holes or makes hairy men wear skimpy tutu's....

[FireStarterLE]

Hisagi finally releases!

And it looks kinda cool

[Captain Highwind]

324

Spinning hedge shears?

This better tie into his tattoos somehow...


"Farewell, Warrior of the Sky. I pray..."

[/next page]

"...That you don't forgive me."

Oh Kira you crack me up.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Oh Kira. Ohhhh Kira. Sometimes I love the things you say.
Nice..uhm...blades[?] Hisagi. Come over my house sometimes and cut the grass in our front yard.
Must admit- he looks pretty nice on that last page. mmmm

[Mr. Obsession]

So this whole time Hisagi's been wearing explosive bands around his neck and upper arms? O_o

Also, his shikai is pretty cool, but doesn't it kind of go against what Yamamoto said about Shunsui and Ukitake's being the only twin release in all of Soul Society? Or does this not count because there are two blades on each stick or something?

Still, I wonder if Kazeshini has a special power or if it's just a pure combat type release.

[blitzkrieg]

Also, his shikai is pretty cool, but doesn't it kind of go against what Yamamoto said about Shunsui and Ukitake's being the only twin release in all of Soul Society? Or does this not count because there are two blades on each stick or something?

Well his is two scythes connected by a chain, so a little different from two separate bladed weapons.

[Mr. Obsession]

Ukitake's are connected by that chord with dangly thingies.

[Paul_Cousins]

So this whole time Hisagi's been wearing explosive bands around his neck and upper arms? O_o

Also, his shikai is pretty cool, but doesn't it kind of go against what Yamamoto said about Shunsui and Ukitake's being the only twin release in all of Soul Society? Or does this not count because there are two blades on each stick or something?Or it could be a simple case of ignorance. Some of the Soul Reapers seem to have common sense to hide their true abilities and power from their Captains.

[Captain Highwind]

Or maybe the blades are analogous to the number 69 and are considered 'one.'

[/naughty thoughts]

[MezzoDragon]

Hisagi's shikai is cool. His opponent's release, however, is lame. Hopefully, this battle will end in the next chapter. I want this 'arc' to be over with as soon as possible.

[kidx]

Isnt there like 2 more groups of fraccions though...Stark and Halibel?

[MezzoDragon]

Stark only has a single fraccion. In other words, there are only four left (five if the mysterious 5th of Arrogant Arrancar's fraccion is not a error).

[kidx]

So then that comes down to 10 more chapters at minimal, b4 they could possibly get back to Ichigo vs Ulquiorra or the top showdown with the Espada.Sigh...This is gonna be a long winter!:sweat:

[Rocketboy]

325

Hisagi wins and Ikkaku loses. Well, one out of four pillars shouldn't do much.

[MezzoDragon]

Ikkaku is defeated?! Why the hell?! Perhaps it is a feint or something. Ikkaku should not lose to some random Arrancar. By the way, did the Arrancar (and/or Ikkaku) released?

[Rocketboy]

Well, even if Ikkaku gets up and beats the arrancar, the pillar he was guarding still got destroyed.

[MezzoDragon]

Oi. Perhaps they should have sent Maki Maki instead of him. J/K. However, the heroes having a (figuratively) clean sweet would have been boring, no?

[Rud]

no way!!, did Ikkaku use Bankai!?

[XOMiss_Samantha]

I hope this doesn't mean he's....incapacitated...or...something bad >_<

[thenewme93]

^ Since when does Kubo go and kill heroes?

[kaine23]

3 saved, one destroyed. Hopefully the Lt's can take out the Arrancar who defeated Ikkaku before more are destroyed.

[FlyByNite77]

Wow that's a pretty nice twist. The strongest of the 4 sent to defend the pillars (well at least who all the readers think is the strongest) LOSES? Ikkaku man... wow

So Hisagi had a dual-weapon release? hmm...

[GWOtaku]

Well, I give Kubo credit for not taking the expected route. I had fallen into taking for granted that all of the pillar fights would end in victory, basically being padding before the real fighting.

Really though, while this is nice, I really want to get back to Ichigo.

[warnerbroman]

think about it we seen ikakumon's bankai and stuff

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Ohhh Hisagi's lookin pretty badass lately. mhm mhm.
I agree with the post above. I had expected them to fly through these fights almost 'effortlessly' [ie:win completely], but instead we have one pillar down and one Ikkaku out of the fight. ;_; If there's a manga that I can always rely on enjoying, it's Bleach. I really haven't felt let down by the plot in a long time. Exited to see what's gunna happen next.

[Captain Highwind]

I forgot what the columns were supposed to do. :sweat:

But yeah, bad thing!

Those big Oda characters always do something unexpected. Ikkaku's Kratos powers are useless against him. D:

[Rocketboy]

326

Komamura stops Po from killing Ikkaku, and Po releases his sword to fight against him.

[Captain Highwind]

326

Komamura stops Po from killing Ikkaku, and Po releases his sword to fight against him.

You know, the big guy really isn't that big a deal is he? Sorry about Ikkaku, but that's still pretty good that the other three beat their opponents and now have their hands free.

I know shonen jump doesn't like this phrase, but just team up against the last guy.

[Rocketboy]

Sheesh, regarding how Po looks during his release, it appears Kubo's back on crack.

[n1c3guy707]

So Ikkaku is still keeping his Bankai a secret. Oh well at least we'll get to see a captain fight.

[Katsumara]

No one ever dies in Bleach, etc.

[XOMiss_Samantha]

Poor Ikkaku, all hurt and stuff ;_;
Komamura now has to deal with a giant...bowling-pin type thing.. .[that guy does kinda look like one]

[garfield15]

Sheesh, regarding how Po looks during his release, it appears Kubo's back on crack.

When was he ever off crack?

But yeah, Po looks really strangely designed here. Well at least we know Komomura's about to own some ass

[ShadowGUN]

Wow Po's zanpakut is really small.
I hope Komamura has some new tricks under his sleves to defeat this guy.

[Scirel]

No one ever dies in Bleach, etc.


Does that really apply anymore since the arrancars started appearing? Maybe only to good guys.

[Captain Highwind]

326

Next week on Bleach:

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3544/290pxsaijinep6.jpg (http://imageshack.us) VS http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5426/staypuftmarshmallowmanof6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/326/grimmjawke0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SRSLY?

[garfield15]

326

Next week on Bleach:

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3544/290pxsaijinep6.jpg (http://imageshack.us) VS http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5426/staypuftmarshmallowmanof6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)




WHY COULDN'T THAT HAVE HAPPENED DURING GHOSTBUSTERS?

[FireStarterLE]

I have to say, Bleach has been pretty good that past few weeks and that was just with the lower seated members fighting.

I was hoping for an Espada vs. Captain to start off the "Captain's Battles" but I guess this will be good for appetizers (and the impending main course should be great)

[FlyByNite77]

So Ikkaku is still keeping his Bankai a secret. Oh well at least we'll get to see a captain fight.

Yea that was why I didn't expect him to lose, but I forgot he was keeping his Bankai under wraps. Watching the Diamond Dust Rebellion reminded me of that so I doubt he used it during this fight since all of Soul Society is pretty much monitoring the fights.