Bleach Chapter Out
It wasn't enough, not nearly enough, and the cliffhanger killed me. Kubo's suddenly gotten really good at ratcheting up the tension.
I actually had to read this chapter twice to make sense of all the chaos in the middle. Kubo must enjoy torturing Ichigo, because I can't think of much worse than being trapped, helpless, listening to people die as they wait for you to save them. So he's stuck, pounding away at this reishi prison, since transmitter swords allow him to listen to all the battles going on. Even more frustrating is that he can't communicate back, and he's already started to get that shadowed look in his eyes that means he's reaching the limits of his patience.
At SS, all the battles are still going on with some extra chaos to boot. Jidanbou shows up - Jidanbou! He still exists! - but he looks...possessed, and he starts wreaking havoc. Rin stabs Hiyosu, and it becomes evident that the enemy has reached and is wreaking havoc in the Research and Development Department. Touching moment here when Hiyosu sends Akon on ahead of them and acknowledges his leadership - Akon's taken quite a role in things lately - and I find myself wondering if the entire department besides Mayuri might not end up being wiped out.
And then, back in Hueco Mundo...
....well. Whose sword is it, guys? Whoever it was sliced Opie clean in half. An Espada, possibly? I'm wistful that it might be Ulquiorra (especially since SS Fabulous was using the moment to threaten Orihime and Chad) but I doubt it. Possibly a Grimmjow? I can't think it would be anyone other than an Espada, unless I'm missing something completely obvious...
I do think Ichigo's hurtling towards his breaking point, but SS Fabulous being dead (for real this time, maybe) may undo his prison - otherwise I anticipated the return of Shirosaki. SS is still in a heap of trouble, and even if Ichigo gets free, it may end up being too late. Kubo's got me guessing like crazy - I really don't know what's going to happen next.
I actually had to read this chapter twice to make sense of all the chaos in the middle. Kubo must enjoy torturing Ichigo, because I can't think of much worse than being trapped, helpless, listening to people die as they wait for you to save them. So he's stuck, pounding away at this reishi prison, since transmitter swords allow him to listen to all the battles going on. Even more frustrating is that he can't communicate back, and he's already started to get that shadowed look in his eyes that means he's reaching the limits of his patience.
At SS, all the battles are still going on with some extra chaos to boot. Jidanbou shows up - Jidanbou! He still exists! - but he looks...possessed, and he starts wreaking havoc. Rin stabs Hiyosu, and it becomes evident that the enemy has reached and is wreaking havoc in the Research and Development Department. Touching moment here when Hiyosu sends Akon on ahead of them and acknowledges his leadership - Akon's taken quite a role in things lately - and I find myself wondering if the entire department besides Mayuri might not end up being wiped out.
And then, back in Hueco Mundo...
....well. Whose sword is it, guys? Whoever it was sliced Opie clean in half. An Espada, possibly? I'm wistful that it might be Ulquiorra (especially since SS Fabulous was using the moment to threaten Orihime and Chad) but I doubt it. Possibly a Grimmjow? I can't think it would be anyone other than an Espada, unless I'm missing something completely obvious...
I do think Ichigo's hurtling towards his breaking point, but SS Fabulous being dead (for real this time, maybe) may undo his prison - otherwise I anticipated the return of Shirosaki. SS is still in a heap of trouble, and even if Ichigo gets free, it may end up being too late. Kubo's got me guessing like crazy - I really don't know what's going to happen next.