Bleach Speculation (Chapters 300+)

[Doubleshadow]

Wow, that was highly enjoyable backstory. Two of those captains seemed to be espada, Nnorita and the guy with the "Amor" attack, so I wonder if that makes Hikifune Nel.

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]..I LIVE!

Okay, now that that's over....

OMZ! I was surprised with Shinji being Yonbantai-taicho! ((5th Division))

..And his long, flippyful hair!..O_O

I was really thinking that Hiyori would be Juuichibantai-fukutaicho ((11th Lieutenant))....not Shichibantai-fukutaicho! ((7th Lieutenant))

O_O

Wow...
And now we know the name of the old Kingly man!

^o^[/font]

[uc pseudonym]

Wow, that was highly enjoyable backstory. Two of those captains seemed to be espada, Nnorita and the guy with the "Amor" attack, so I wonder if that makes Hikifune Nel.

What? I didn't see anything about the Espada in this chapter. Three of the Vaizards are ex-Captains, but that's about all the new information we received.

[Doubleshadow]

What? I didn't see anything about the Espada in this chapter. Three of the Vaizards are ex-Captains, but that's about all the new information we received.

Daggone it.

Uh, yeah... I looked up Vizards in Wikipedia after I posted that because I didn't find the expected alterations to the Espada Wikipedia sections I thought should be there, since I missed the Vizard part of the manga, and realized I goofed it. Oh well, can't win'em all.

[Bap]

Ahhhh, aha... D:

I thought that was Nanao... but I guess it wasn't... xD;;;

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]Nah, that was Lisa.
Hey, maybe Lisa and Nanao are related...?

Poor Ura-chan...
Hiyori is mean to him, but I don't blame her.

Her "Mother" left her, and someone is trying to replace her?
I'd probably do the same thing...[/font]

[Doubleshadow]

I like the way Aizen's captain just rips a tear in the fabric of space and time and there's Aizen looking stupid. It does make one wonder how they became Vizard's and just when it became illegal.

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]Yup! Shinji's just like "C'mon!" and RIIIIP!
There's Aizen!

I wonder, also...[/font]

[uc pseudonym]

My wondering is if Shinji and company were somehow set up in order to force them to get kicked out and disrupt Soul Society.

I like the way Aizen's captain just rips a tear in the fabric of space and time and there's Aizen looking stupid.

I hope we find out the current level of Aizen and Urahara. It seems obvious (from the end of the last chapter) that both of them are hiding their true intentions, but the same might not be true for power. Future chapters will probably shed a great deal of light on this.

[Mave]

This flashback is quite welcomed. Especially if it shows us what Urahara and Aizen can do.

[ich1990]

Wow, I always new that Mayuri Kurotsuchi was especially wacked. I didn't know that Urahara was dumb enough to let him out of prison. I certainly wouldn't want Mayuri as an ally, then again, I wouldn't want him as an enemy either.

On another note, it looks like the chapter names are counting down from 108. Rather than representing years, it looks like they represent the number of chapters left until the end. The end of the series? The end of the "history arc"? I don't know, I just hope it stays interesting.

[MasterDias]

The end of the "history arc"?

I hope not. That's twelve volumes.

[uc pseudonym]

I had the same thought as MasterDias (though Berserk's flashback is about as massive). My hope is that the numbers will skip when the plot skips; for example, once this issue with Urahara as a new Captain is complete things will move to -85.

But I have to say, I'm enjoyed this more than the normal chapters so I don't mind if it goes on for a while. It is interesting to finally see more of characters who haven't done much, as well as old versions of ones we already know (Yoruichi in this chapter, for example). Also, I think it's interesting that Urahara at least has training in hand to hand combat, which he has not yet used.

[Doubleshadow]

I'm pleased with this chapter. It presented some character background, and is slowly adding information to be used for analyzing motives. I wonder what evil mad scientist protagonist did to require that much security, and how he goes from The Seritei's most notorious to the trusted and important position of captain. I'm also wondering about the other captains we haven't seen (the fact that Unohana was among the original four makes her cooler than ever to me). Would someone who knows more about the series than tell me if the previous Kenpachi has shown up yet?

[MasterDias]

So, yeah...

Young Byakuya, Kaien, Gin...

And it looks like Urahara essentially gave Mayuri an offer he couldn't refuse.

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]OMZ, Byakuya's showing emotion!!! DDDD:

the part with Gin was....interesting...[/font]

[uc pseudonym]

I remain interested. That's four chapters in a row.

The appearance of Gin is probably the highlight for me. Good to know more about the beginnings of Aizen's scheme. Once again, the lines at the end of the chapter make me wonder how powerful he is at the moment. Also, this chapter raises questions about exactly how characters in Soul Society age.

[MasterDias]

Also, this chapter raises questions about exactly how characters in Soul Society age.

That's what I was considering.
The fact that Byakuya and Gin have obviously aged in 100 years, and yet Hiyori looks exactly the same makes me believe that Vizards age much slower than normal Shinigami.

[ich1990]

Despite the sudden change of pace, I am really glad for this flashback arc. It is just what bleach needed to cure itself from filler-fighter-itus. My favorite arc was the soul society arc becuase of all the inter-political posturing. I would love to find that this is a 108 chapter arc leading up to the present time, all from the bad guys' view.

Heck, it would be even cooler to find out that Urahara was the bad guy all along, and that he was just manipulating Ichigo to do his dirty work for him. Actually, Urahara was the bad guy with hypnotic sword, he just used that power to portray Aizen as the bad guy. Thus the only way Aizen could stop Urahara was to muster an army of hollows to march against the corrupt soul society. Hey I can dream can't I?

Also, it is great to find out that Gin is so powerful. We haven't seen him fight much, so it is nice to know that he will provide a suitable challenge to overcome.

[Doubleshadow]

Gin was psycho from the get-go. Neat. Poor Matsumoto.
That was an interesting take on Yuroichi and Byakuya. I bet it irks Byakuya that Yuroichi is still faster than him.
Is it just me, or does the manga-ka draw tiny feet and ankles on a lot of his characters?

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]Wow, Ich1, that was a very well thought out theory..O_O

I....like Gin. O_O

Psychos are the best characters in my opinion....

Yeah, Kubo's feet and ankles are tiny!
I just never really noticed it before!

And, MasterDias, maybe the Vizards get stuck in their current bodies due to being Half-Hollow. So, if Vizards age slowly, if not at all, would that mean Ichigo would be stuck in that current form for a very long time, if not forever?[/font]

[uc pseudonym]

Heck, it would be even cooler to find out that Urahara was the bad guy all along, and that he was just manipulating Ichigo to do his dirty work for him. Actually, Urahara was the bad guy with hypnotic sword, he just used that power to portray Aizen as the bad guy. Thus the only way Aizen could stop Urahara was to muster an army of hollows to march against the corrupt soul society. Hey I can dream can't I?

While I think this is unlikely, I would much approve. The main reason I keep coming back to these kinds of thoughts is that Soul Society has consistently been portrayed in a somewhat negative light. Circumstances mitigate some of these, but still:
- Incoming souls are randomized
- The lower districts are hellish
- They keep people locked up who might be problems
- They let Mayuri be a Captain (arguably these last two cancel?)
- Their solution to the Quincy problem was to kill all of them
- Urahara, Vaizards and company were all kicked out for apparently minor things

Can all of those really be incidental? I can't help but think these are being brought up for a reason, but that doesn't seem to be the direction of the plot.

[Fish and Chips]

A bit behind in my Bleach reading, but I'd like to jump in.

Heck, it would be even cooler to find out that Urahara was the bad guy all along, and that he was just manipulating Ichigo to do his dirty work for him. Actually, Urahara was the bad guy with hypnotic sword, he just used that power to portray Aizen as the bad guy. Thus the only way Aizen could stop Urahara was to muster an army of hollows to march against the corrupt soul society. Hey I can dream can't I?

A couple weeks back I saw someone on another site talk about the possibility of Urahara being the final villain of Bleach. I immediately wished I had thought of it first.

Also, it is great to find out that Gin is so powerful. We haven't seen him fight much, so it is nice to know that he will provide a suitable challenge to overcome.

Not sure. By shounen logic, Gin is kinda problematic to write fights for. Any kind of showdown would invariably lead to shinigami using their zanpakutō, and Gin's is pretty much a one hit kill, if used properly, and that doesn't lend itself to much of a second to last boss, Gin's weapon of choice favoring precision over tactics.

What I think would be best suited is whoever has to deal with Gin Ichimaru comes down to a "Quick draw." High noon, that sort of thing. It'd be short, possibly two chapters tops, but if well written would be the best of all possible climaxes for the character.

Please take my post with a grain of salt. I'm only on volume 13.

[MasterDias]

Someone did propose a theory that Urahara originally had a plan to change Soul Society from within and that got him (and probably Yoruichi and the Vizards) kicked out of SS. And that now Aizen is currently trying to accomplish a similar plan, but doesn't believe Urahara took it anywhere near far enough, and so is taking it to extremes.

Please take my post with a grain of salt. I'm only on volume 13.

That is rather far back.
But your thoughts were solid. We really haven't seen Gin in a serious fight, so it should prove interesting as to what he can really do.

[Mave]

[font="palatino Linotype"]OMZ, Byakuya's showing emotion!!! DDDD:[/font]

XD He seems cuter when he was younger. Guess his wife's death really screwed him up? I can't remember much about his history but seeing him like this makes a nice contrast to Gin who was always psycho from the beginning.

Gah, I never liked Mayura and I wonder what on earth Urahara is thinking. Urahara as the ultimate villain would be interesting although having this level of complexity has its limits and doesn't come in at the best time.

The truth is Aizen isn't evil and he was really trying to protect the original purpose of the Soul Society.

Wait, where have I heard this before? Oh wait, Naruto....OK never mind.

But in all fairness, these chapters have been pretty good in the sense of generating curiosity. =)

[Doubleshadow]

The truth is Aizen isn't evil and he was really trying to protect the original purpose of the Soul Society.

Wait, where have I heard this before? Oh wait, Naruto....OK never mind.

Ha. Maybe Urahara tried to accomplish some sort of change within Soul Society that had unintentionally severe consequences, and he has realized since then that he was wrong to have attempted what he did, or at least in how he attempted it, and is now genuinely repentant though still not above meddling. If this is so, it would be a good contrast between him and Aizen since Aizen is power mad and drunk on his own delusions of grandeur.

[MasterDias]

So, yeah, Kensei is the captain of the 9th, Kuna Mashiro is his lieutenant,
and...a random appearance by kid Hisagi Shuuhei.
Meanwhile, someone is doing unethical experiments.

There was a time skip of 9 years too, but the number was still -104, so whatever...

[Doubleshadow]

Could somebody tell me what was written on the back of the ninth divisions cloaks?

I like the sense of foreboding this chapter had, and the atmosphere of uneasiness that the mysterious events evoke. I am however, really unimpressed with Kuna Mashiro. That was annoying to simply read, it would be a whole new level of annoying animated with sound.

[Hana Ryuuzaki]

[font="palatino Linotype"]Well, Masahiro sounds like an older Yachiru, am I right?
Kensei was quite funny, though.

Umm, hey, I know that this is a completely random topic, but.....what do you guys think about the IchiRuki versus IchiHime pairing, and what evidence do you really have that would support your opinion.

((Trying to get some info for a podcast))[/font]

[Elycien]

Um... I hope you guys don't mind me joining in this discussion. X3 But Bleach is one of my favorite series right now.

This chapter worried me a bit. XD; I wonder if it's Aizen and Gin behind the disappearances, or else Mayuri. But I really, really hope it isn't Urahara. He's one of my favorites, and I'd lose so much respect for him if that was the case...

Rukon!Hisagi is adorable. I just want to hug him. X3 Also, lieutenant!Aizen has some of the most hilarious expressions....... XDDD I don't even know why he amuses me so much, but he does. Aaand I'd forgotten how much I like Kensei. ^^ He looks older in this to me, for some reason. Might be just how he's dressed, I suppose.

I'm not worried about the fact that the flashback might go on for another hundred chapters or so, cause I'm really enjoying it - but what I really don't like about that... is that it would probably mean no Hanatarou for all those chapters. ;__;! He's my favorite character and I was ECSTATIC when he returned - so it sucks to kick him out of the narrative for another story arc. Again.

@Hana Ryuuzaki - I'm an IchiHime pairing with a lot of affection for IshiHime, and also a RenRukia shipper... but I've almost never seen much solid support for IchiRukia and was kind of surprised that it was so popular. I do have a few reasons for supporting the pairings I do, though. Excuse my longwindedness, please.

-Orihime's crush on Ichigo. It's onesided as far as we know, but it's incredibly cute. It was the farewell scene, before going to Hueco Mundo, that I really got won over to this pairing.

-The fight with Grimmjow. Ichigo's "Sorry. I'm not allowed to get injured any more." was... I don't know. X3 But it's something that makes me think he has a bit more of a soft spot for her than for the others. If Rukia said something like that to him (not that I think she would) he'd probably get ticked off. XD

-Then there's the Rukia rescue. Yes, Ichigo was prepared to die for her - but that's how he is. He'd have gone to the same lengths to save Chad or Ishida (doubtless with more complaining in the case of Ishida) and has done the same for Orihime already. Renji, on the other hand, was ALSO prepared to die for Rukia, and that means a lot more coming from him. Renji wouldn't sacrifice himself for just anyone.

-Renji and Rukia's past together in Rukongai. I am a sucker for childhood-friends pairings. The end. ^^

-Sometime before the Aaroniero fight, Rukia was thinking about Orihime and remembering how she'd felt when her friends had come for her. The face in Rukia's memory? Not Ichigo, but Renji. Interesting considering that it was technically Ichigo who actually did the work of saving her, no?

Anyway, on top of all that I see Ichigo and Rukia as having more of a sibling type of relationship. ^^

Sorry. That went on too long. But I hope it helps for your podcast. I support lots of strange Bleach pairings, but Ichigo/Orihime and Rukia/Renji are two of the few that I'm actually convinced are canon. xD Looking back, I guess I mostly just presented evidence against Ichigo/Rukia instead of Ichigo/Orihime, as far as your podcast is concerned... ^^;;;; I'm just more of a Rukia/Renji person than an Ichigo/Orihime person, I guess.