Bleach - 544

Walking with Watchers

So to begin with, Uryu Ishida did fall under the extermination bracket for Gemischt Quincies, but became the lone survivor due to the fact he possesses the ability to surpass Juhabach. I have to say, while I begrudgingly accepted this explanation for Uryu's sudden power up, I was not pleased to say the least with how patchy and rushed it all seemed. Of course, Kubo is bound to reveal everything in the long run, and I'll look forwards to whatever plot twists the future may hold.

Good question, I'd like to know myself too

First of all, Bleach isn't so black and white that there is a definitive good, or evil, but rather everything is subjective depending on who's perspective we see things from. By launching an unnecessary war on Soul Society, many would say the Quincy are inherently evil. However, we must not forget it was Soul Society that ruthlessly wiped out the Quincy for no apparent reason 1000 years before the series began. I feel the original pretext for this course of action is suspicious, and that greater forces are at work behind the scenes.

When a Shinigami gets hit by this, it won't be pleasant

In terms of gender and power, the Vandenreich are very divided, with the chapter doing a good job at distinguishing reactions to Juhabach's decision to abdicate. This chapter focuses on how Bambietta and her female crew reacted. Now, Bambietta has this strange, and twisted habit of killing good-looking young men when she wants to vent her anger. Our unfortunate Bishie is sent to an early grave, bifurcated by Bambietta's spirit weapon. She's obviously the Alpha Wolf of the pack, possibly since she's the only one who stole a Bankai, or because of her her higher letter designation. My initial thoughts were 'Wow, it's Tier Harribel's clique, only 100 times hotter.' Literally hotter, with some members recoiling in fear when Bambietta sears a segment of the wall using a technique which has yet to be fully revealed.

The Sword Five have miserably conceded defeat here

Haschwald presents a second reason as to why Juhabach would abdicate. Certainly, this doesn't mean the primary suspicion is now rendered moot, but there were probably many factors that lead to these events. Haschwald's loyalty must be admired, as he truly believes Juhabach does everything for the greater good.  However, I'd say negative, and impure motives are also in the mix.

That mystery (wo)man in the background...

When Orihime appears, things start to trail off. I raged so badly at how they decided to keep the identity of the mysterious saviour (which is pretty much determined to be Grimmjow by this point) secret!!! I mean, spare us the misery and woe of playing this continuous guessing game! Not cool, not cool... WHOA!!! Not an obvious revelation though, but the chapter end was a real eye candy. This took me a while to realize, but the object Urahara was working on at the end of the chapter bore a striking resemblance to the medallion with which the Stern Ritters steal Bankai. Does this mean Soul Society can finally stage a counterattack? Maybe they can even steal back their respective Bankai! (You know this is the only reason As Nodt was kept alive)

That's it for Bleach. Until next time!!!