New Bleach chapter out.

[rii_no_ame]

I said I wasn't going to post about this chapter.  But now I am...confused?  Startled by the turn the arc has taken?  In denial, still?

Jesus.  Help me figure this out, people.

Comments

[neurotoxia]

I'm considering hiding under a blanket until we see a living, breathing Byakuya again. Oh God, the feels. Senbozakura's hinted dissolving gives me the biggest concern's too, but I haven't completely abandoned hope

[rii_no_ame]

You're not the only one who feels that way, believe me.

I'm with you, inasmuch as it doesn't fit Byakuya's character arc for him to go out this way; it doesn't make sense to me. His relationships with Rukia and Renji are so important that I can't believe we'd get no closure on them. I always assumed he'd go out that way - sacrificing himself for Rukia or Renji, which is on par with his nature - so this makes zero sense. I can't believe this is how it will end. And you're right - Ichigo's indebted enough to SS alone that of COURSE he'd protect it, so he's not gaining anything new via Byakuya's request.

And where is Unohana? Yoruichi?

Bingo on the Quincy thing. It makes narrative sense, but reeks of unnecessary power-up.