|
|
|
|
Ichigo and Orihime is still looking for Rukia, and they went up to Byakuya's treatment room where we find Renji having a conversation with him. Ichigo asked if Renji has seen Rukia, but he answered no. Ichigo said thanks and heads off to find Rukia again. This time, he has a clue as to where Rukia might be. We see Rukia arrive at Kuukaku's house while she was giving Ganju a rather tiring training. Upon seeing Rukia, Kuukaku asked what she wants, and Rukia apologized. Kuukaku took it well, and said its ok, much to Rukia's amazement. Kuukaku told Rukia that Ukitake told her long ago that it wasnt Rukia's fault that Kaien died, and decided to forgive her if she ever said sorry. Ichigo and Orihime arrived, and Ichigo invites Rukia back to the living world, but Rukia declined, saying that she's gonna stay in soul society. Its time for them to part, and Ukitake gave Ichigo a little something. Once they said their goodbyes, they left via the dimensional gate that they came in from.
 |
 |
 |
 |
A week has passed since the incident involving Aizen. Ishida made everyone (excluding Ichigo) brand new clothes, and he looks really pleased with himself. Meanwhile, Ikakku and Ichigo were having a 'friendly' confrontration, till Kenpachi arrives. His spiritual presence immediately 'cut' Ichigo's wooden sword, and he demanded a rematch with Ichigo since he is all healed up. Hearing this, Ichigo used all his might and ran away ^_^ Orihime, who was looking for Rukia bumped into Ichigo, and told Ichigo that Rukia is missing. Now where can she be?
 |
 |
 |
 |
After Aizen and his accomplices left the scene, the wounded shinigamis gets some serious treatment. One of the shinigami's asked for some of them to treat Ichigo, but seeing that Orihime was already on the scene, began to wonder to himself about Orihime's techniques, and the speed that Ichigo is being treated. Meanwhile, Byakuya, who himself is being treated called for Rukia, and explained to her the reason as to why she was adopted into the Kuchiki family. It turns out that Rukia's sister was Byakuya's wife, and that Rukia was abandoned when she was a child. Upon her last breath, Byakuya's wife asked him to protect Rukia no matter what happens. Byakuya spotted Rukia a year after her wife's death, and immediately arranged for her to be adopted into the Kuchiki family. But since this was against the rules, Byakuya swore in front of his parent's grave that he wont disobey the law ever again. When he heard that Rukia was to be sentenced to death, he was in two minds, and thought about the promise he made to his wife, or the oath to his family. Now we know the reason why Rukia was adopted to the Kuchiki family, and also as to why Byakuya at that time didnt want to save Rukia.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Now we know why Aizen was so calm even after being surrounded by the many captain and vice-captains. Turns out that Aizen is helped by Menos Grande (this is the same hollow that appeared on earth when Ichigo and Ishida were having their battle). They poured this light called 'negation' on Aizen, Gin, and Tousen, and the light somehow lifted them up to the hollows. Someone tried to stop them from leaving but old man Yama said that once that light surrounds them, they are no longer in their reach. The light means that the Menos already consider Aizen and the rest as one of their own. Ukitake asked why Aizen did such thing, and he replied that no one has been on top of the world, and that he will take his place there. Before he left, he said goodbye to the shinigamis, as well as Ichigo. He also told Ichigo that he is 'really interesting for a human'
 |
 |
 |
 |
Byakuya saved Rukia, but he also received a deep wound, courtesy of Gin's attack. Just as Aizen closed in on both Byakuya and Rukia, Yoruichi and Soi Fong appeared with their swords on Aizen's neck, and told him to not move an inch. Then, the other 3 guards of the gate appeared to aid Aizen. Even they were influenced by him. But then Kuukaku arrived with the other guard of the gate, and they then proceed to defeat the other 3 guards. After that, the whole of soul society arrived and took control of the situation, and surrounded the 3 traitors. But Aizen looks calm, and he is even smiling!
 |
 |
 |
 |
First part of the chapter shows a brief introduction on the past of Tousen and Komamura. Then it switches back to Aizen blocking Komamura's attack with just one hand. Just as Komamura was about to release his Ban Kai, Aizen used a blast spell to attack Komamura, hence stopping him in his tracks. Aizen is extremely strong, I wonder if there's anyone who can beat him. He then continued his explanation on how he made fools out of the entire soul society, and then proceeded to release the artifact that was concealed in Rukia's body. Aizen then instructed Gin to kill Rukia, but Byakuya saved Rukia just in the nick of time, and got injured in the process.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ichigo and Renji lost, and Aizen is upon Rukia. Ichigo tried to stand up to face Aizen again, but it is simply impossible. Aizen told him that their mission is over, and Ichigo was suprised upon hearing that. Aizen then explained that he always knew that Ichigo and his crew would eventually come, and that they were assisted by Urahara Kisuke. Aizen also explained the shinigami's four basic forms of combat, and that there was no way to progress above that, except for the hybrid of a shinigami and a hollow. Looks like Aizen has a hand in creating all the weird hollows that we see in the previous chapters. Just as Aizen was about to explain more, he was interrupted by one of the vice-captains who heard the broadcast earlier.
I have to say this again, Kubo Tite (bleach mangaka) is a fucking genius! There are a lot of twists in this story that we can never dream of. And thats what makes Bleach one of my all time favourites.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ichigo told Renji to take Rukia and leave while he distracts Aizen. But Renji refused, saying that its going to be of no use, since Aizen will get to them anyway. So they decided to join forces and fight Aizen. Renji then used the broken form of his soul-cutter to attack Aizen while Ichigo deliver a big blow. But it all seems to go to waste, as Aizen first blocked Ichigo's soul-cutter with just his finger, and proceeds to slice Ichigo across the stomach. He then moved in superfast mode to slice Renji (just how fast is this guy?) Finally, he sets his sight on Rukia, and we see Rukia trembling in fear.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Renji is fending off Aizen's attack, but its clear that Aizen is playing around. Even when Renji is attacking Aizen, it doesnt seem to have any effect at all. Just exactly how strong is Aizen anyway? Renji got hurt pretty badly, but he's still refusing to let Rukia go. Just as Aizen was about to deliver the final blow, Ichigo came out of nowhere and blocked Aizen's sword. Looks like another interesting fight will take place.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Rukia and Renji was stunned to see Aizen, Gin and the blind guy appear in front of them. Aizen then told Renji to move aside as he will now take care of Rukia. Meanwhile, Captain Unohana ordered Kotetsu to inform each and every Captain and Vice-Captain as well as the drifters the truth about Aizen. Everyone was shocked to hear that, but Ichigo acted like he didnt care, until Ishida told him that their target was Rukia. Renji refused to give Rukia up, and decides to fight Aizen to protect Rukia.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Aizen defeated Hitsugaya without even breaking a sweat. I was pretty disappointed, as I would like to see Hitsugaya in action. Oh well, maybe next time >_< As Aizen and Gin were about to leave the scene, Captain Unohana and her subordinate appeared, and confronted Aizen. Aizen knew that somehow Unohana was going to be the one to find Aizen, and he explained to her about his actions, his faked death, and his soul-cutter's abilities. He even said that there was two people working with him, Gin and that blind guy. The blind guy used his powers and teleports Aizen and Gin, along with Rukia and Renji to the sacrificial place, much to Rukia and Renji's astonishment.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hitsugaya appeared just as Aizen and Ichimaru were about to leave, and was shocked to see Aizen still alive. Hitsugaya looked for Hinamori, but when he found her, he was 'a little too late'. Aizen then informed Hitsugaya that he and Ichimaru has been partners since the beginning, and has only thought of Ichimaru as his vice-captain. Hitsugaya realized that everyone was tricked by Aizen, and released his Ban Kai, intending to kill Aizen. But it was Hitsugaya who was hurt, as Aizen moved at an unbelievable speed to cut him up. Damn he's fast!
 |
 |
 |
 |
The chapter starts off with the battle between Matsumoto and Kiba. Kiba never really showed his soul cutter's abilities to anyone before, and decides that Matsumoto should know about it. Turns out that for every block that the other person make, their sword will increase in weight. Not a bad ability if you ask me heh. Next, the scene switches to Hinamori, where Ichimaru Gin told her that there is someone who wants to see her. It is none other than Captain Aizen himself. Everyone thought that he died, but it turns out that it was a lie. Himanori was so excited to see him that she even shed tears of happiness. But Aizen had other ideas, as he stabbed Hinamori, without showing a shred of mercy. He then proceeds with Gin to another place.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Captain Hitsugaya amd Matsumoto found out that the central government was murdered for at least two days before they got there. Just as Hitsugaya was asking who would have done this, Ichimaru Gin's subordinate, Kiba appeared before them. He left as soon as he appeared with Hitsugaya and Matsumoto chasing after him. Kiba then asked whether it was a smart move by Hitsugaya in chasing him, as he should be more concerned by Hinamori, as she has been following the two in secret. Hitsugaya then raced back to where Hinamori was, but he is late, as that fox-faced Ichimaru Gin was already upon Hinamori.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Its a pretty dramatic ending to the battle between Ichigo and Byakuya. It looked like a draw, until Byakuya told Ichigo the reason why he was supportive of Rukia's execution, and saw the determination in Ichigo to stop the execution. Never thought this would happen, but Byakuya admited that he lost. Inoue and the rest of the gang congratulated Ichigo on his victory, and Inoue told Ichigo that she was really worried about him, and was sorry that she couldnt be of any help. Come on Ichigo, get it through your thick skull already, she has the hots for you! Just when you thought that its finally gonna be over, the mangaka decides to throw in another twist. Seems like someone murdered the whole central government. What is that person's motive? And why wait till now to strike? It'll be explained in the next few chapters, hopefully ^^;
 |
 |
 |
 |
I hate to admit it, but that hollow sure knows how to fight. Byakuya is being played with, and the hollow even used Ichigo's special moves on Byakuya. But just as the hollow was gonna finish Byakuya off, Ichigo fought back to regain control of his own body. After that, he apologized to Byakuya and told him that they should start the fight over. But since both of them are at their limits, they decided that this last exchange will determine who will be the winner.
 |
 |
 |
 |
God dammit, Kubo Tite is the man!!! There's a new twist in the fight between Ichigo and Byakuya. Ichigo was struggling to keep up with Byakuya, and got hurt real bad. As Byakuya was about to give the 'paralyzed' Ichigo the final blow, the hollow inside of Ichigo appears and told Ichigo that if he were to die, he (the hollow) would suffer as well. Does this mean that the hollow is gonna take over Ichigo's body? Come on, release the next chapter already!!
 |
 |
 |
 |
The fight is heating up as Byakuya releases the full potential of his Ban Kai. They didnt show much of Ichigo and Byakuya fighting, as this chapter shows how Ichigo's friends are supporting him, mainly Inoue. She knows that she is not able to help Ichigo in battle, but she still stood there, waiting for him dilligently, hoping that he'll be alright. That is like, so awwwwwwww.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Oh yeah, oh yeah, we finally get to see what Ichigo can do with his Ban Kai. Not only does it look uber cool, he is uber fast too! And Im pretty sure he's a lot stronger than he was before. It certainly wiped that ever 'cool' facial expression of Byakuya's off of his face. At last, he shows a look of concerned, and at times, fear. This fight is shaping up to be a good one.
 |
 |
 |
 |
This chapter is in full color! Uber cool! Ichigo finally released his Ban Kai, and it looks awesome. He is wearing the same 'uniform' as the old man in his soul-cutter. But Byakuya wasnt impressed, as he thought that all Ichigo was doing is stepping on the pride of the Shinigamis. Ichigo had other ideas though, as he explained that he obtained Ban Kai only to save Rukia. Guess we'll have to wait for the next chapter to see what Ichigo can do with his Ban Kai.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Byakuya was suprised when Ichigo manage to beat one of his specialty attack. Ichigo then told Byakuya to start using his Ban Kai in order to fight him. Byakuya obliged, and Ichigo got hurt quite badly by Byakuya's Ban Kai. Ichigo muttered to himself that he underestimated Byakuya, and that he should be using his Ban Kai too. Byakuya couldnt believe his ears when he heard Ichigo already achieved Ban Kai, but we have to wait till next chapter to look at his Ban Kai, damn.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Double chapters of Bleach, woot! Beginning of chapter 160 shows the so-called fight between Ikkaku and Iba-san. Only, they arent actually fighting. In fact, both of them are enjoying sake with each other, and they were fighting via jan-ken-pon the whole time lol. But they finally got serious and decided its time to end their match. Elsewhere, the fight between Ichigo and Byakuya finally begins. Now, the fun begins.
 |
 |
 |
 |
An interesting chapter. Soi Fong finally showed her true colors, and we learn why Soi Fong is upset with Yoruichi in the first place. Seems that both of them share an interesting life together previously, and Soi Fong admired and worshipped Yoruichi so much that she is willing to give her life for Yoruichi. No wonder she was pissed when Yoruichi left ^^;
 |
 |
 |
 |
The battle continues, and this time things are not looking good for Yoruichi. Its bad enough that Soi Fong is faster than her, she also has 'the seal of death' in which it will bring upon instant death if someone is hit in the same spot twice. As Soi Fong was about to show her final technique, she explained that Yoruichi was very lucky to be the first one to be shown this technique. She also said that it doenst have a name yet, but Yoruichi stopped her and explained why the battle suit had no cloth on the back and shoulders before performing the very same technique that Soi Fong was so proud of. And now Yoruichi will start to kick some ass!
Im starting to like the battle suit that both of them are wearing, rawr!
 |
 |
 |
 |
Enough with the teasing, its time for the battle. Finally, Soi Fong vs Yoruici II heh. It seems to be a battle of speed, and Soi Fong looks to be the faster of the two. Soi Fong is proud of the fact that she is faster, not to mention stronger that Yoruichi. She seems to be brimming with confidence. Cant blame her for that though. Looks like Yoruichi is in a pinch ;)
 |
 |
 |
 |
This is it! The fight between Commander Yamamoto and the two captains, Ukitake and Shunsui. Seems like this old man is a real tough opponent to beat, and his soul-cutter looks amazingly strong. But Im starting to like the two captains' soul-cutter. They're soul-cutters are the only ones which are a pair. Can't wait to see how this fight will turn up.