Bleach 422+ Current Manga Discussion (Spoilers)

[Captain Highwind]

And, backstory!

Something tells me all of the Fullbringers are going to be revived by Orihime at the end and become good guys.

 

[KYO'NYUU IMOUTO]

Woah, I guess Ginjou is much older than the others after all! I can't wait to see how the story unfolds from here on out and what drove Ginjou to rebel!

 

[zoombie]

I loved this chapter. Tsukishima is still alive, Riruka finally reappears and does a face turn, but looks like she might die. Please Kubo don't let her die, I wish Riruka was a Fairy Tail character because they don't die. Anyway why didn't Ishida do anything to stop Tsukishima, at least warn Ichigo that someone is coming behind to attack.

Anyway looks like backstory time at last, I think Riruka will survive, while Ginjou and Tsukishima, one will survive, one will die. I don't which one though.

And Ginjou is older than he looks.

 

[Neo Ultra Mike]

I have to say the conclusion of the fight was rather anticlimatic. I mean Ginjou supposedly has hollow powers and yet never really used his mask form at all and only after a few more pages was struck and tried getting up and ultimatley fell down. Pretty lacking after having such a build up. I do admitt the other part of the chapter was better with Tsukishima trying to take out Ichigo (wasn't he supposedly dying from Byakuya's attack? Dosen't seem nearly as injured as he did there) and then Rirukia finally popping out of Rukia and pointing out Ichigo somehow saved Ginjou. By... how exactly? Showing him that he didn't believe in Ginjou's past and promised he wold defeat him or something? Honestly this is something I don't get with Ichigo's opponents: It's not really like with Naruto or Luffy where Ichigo really even makes friends or makes an honest connection with the person he defeats. He just gives his philosphy and I guess dosen't kill them and that's it. That dosen't really scream "he saved them" like Rirukia tried saying. Honestly if you want to make Ichigo actually come across as a hero to his antagonisits, do a better job of it Kubo. Though at the very least if the battle's over having a flashback now with the characters not just about to die is something. I hope it's not just Tsukishima and Ginjou but the other fullbringer are shown appearing before Ginjou in this. Overal a chapter that started off very eh but did get a bit better by the end even if it still feels seriously weak that's the fight we got of the supposed big threat of this arc.

 

[KYO'NYUU IMOUTO]

Ginjou had Hollow eyes and used a Cero, so we did see his Hollow powers, or at least some of them.

 

[Rud]

Isn't Tsukishima supposed to just be a regular human?, whats he doing walking around with that hole in his chest... you can see right through taht thing.

 

[KYO'NYUU IMOUTO]

Isn't Tsukishima supposed to just be a regular human?, whats he doing walking around with that hole in his chest... you can see right through taht thing.

He's in a human form, but he still has Reiatsu. He's probably barely hanging on because of his Reiatsu.

 

[Mr. Hypocrite]

Hey. There's Riruka!

Oh. That's ironic. A non Friend-Shank on a friend.

But Tsukishima still lives. That means I have more of an opportunity to make the term Friend-Shank catch on.

Let my will be done.

Oh, and Ginjou being old makes so much sense, but somehow it never occured to me at all.

Derp.

 

[Cartoon X]

Please Kubo don't let her die, I wish Riruka was a Fairy Tail character because they don't die.

Simon died, and a bunch of the Grimoire Heart kicked the bucket as well.

Anyway, that fight was horribly rushed. I mean, come on! Ginjo was the ultimate antagonist of this arc right? He should've at least have been tougher for Ichigo to beat, or have used his hollow powers in a much more destructive way. I'm also annoyed Ishida contributed nothing to the fight in the end after all, it's quite a let down that he, Chad, and Orihime didn't get to contribute much to the defeat of the Fullbringers while the fan-favorite Soul Reapers just busted in and beat them. Chad versus Giriko, Orihime versus Riruka, and Uryu versus Tsukishima would've been marvelous to see when you consider the roles these characters played earlier in this arc.

I also don't quite understand why Riruka would protect Rukia like that. I would understand if it was Orihime, because those two had a good relationship going earlier in the arc, but there wasn't much beforehand that indicated Riruka would help out Rukia. I notice Uryu and Yukio didn't even appear in this chapter despite still being around, and Renji didn't do much in this chapter either. I fear sometimes that Bleach has so many characters that Kubo sometimes doesn't know what to do with them, or plain out forgets them, like Kon.

My guess is that when this arc finishes, the still alive Xcution members become allies of Ichigo. Personally I hope Giriko stays dead and Yukio...just goes away somewhere, but if Mayuri and Kenpachi are considered protagonists, I guess it isn't too unrealistic for a wife-killer and livelihood-destroyer to be so as well.

I wasn't suprised that Ginjo is "older than he looks" because we've already seen that many Soul Reapers don't age. I hope the Tsukishima-Ginjou backstory will elaborate more on why Ginjou did what he did, how Xcution came to be, why Ginjou told Ichigo to not trust Urahara or his dad, and exactly what Ginjou needed to be saved from that Riruka was talking about.

 

[zoombie]

Simon died, and a bunch of the Grimoire Heart kicked the bucket as well.

Anyway, that fight was horribly rushed. I mean, come on! Ginjo was the ultimate antagonist of this arc right? He should've at least have been tougher for Ichigo to beat, or have used his hollow powers in a much more destructive way. I'm also annoyed Ishida contributed nothing to the fight in the end after all, it's quite a let down that he, Chad, and Orihime didn't get to contribute much to the defeat of the Fullbringers while the fan-favorite Soul Reapers just busted in and beat them. Chad versus Giriko, Orihime versus Riruka, and Uryu versus Tsukishima would've been marvelous to see when you consider the roles these characters played earlier in this arc.

I also don't quite understand why Riruka would protect Rukia like that. I would understand if it was Orihime, because those two had a good relationship going earlier in the arc, but there wasn't much beforehand that indicated Riruka would help out Rukia. I notice Uryu and Yukio didn't even appear in this chapter despite still being around, and Renji didn't do much in this chapter either. I fear sometimes that Bleach has so many characters that Kubo sometimes doesn't know what to do with them, or plain out forgets them, like Kon.

My guess is that when this arc finishes, the still alive Xcution members become allies of Ichigo. Personally I hope Giriko stays dead and Yukio...just goes away somewhere, but if Mayuri and Kenpachi are considered protagonists, I guess it isn't too unrealistic for a wife-killer and livelihood-destroyer to be so as well.

I wasn't suprised that Ginjo is "older than he looks" because we've already seen that many Soul Reapers don't age. I hope the Tsukishima-Ginjou backstory will elaborate more on why Ginjou did what he did, how Xcution came to be, why Ginjou told Ichigo to not trust Urahara or his dad, and exactly what Ginjou needed to be saved from that Riruka was talking about.

Okay some people die on Fairy Tail, but for the most part people don't die. Makarov should have died at least twice or three times. Besides all of the examples you mentions, they are all guys. Chicks don't die in Fairy Tail.

Anyway back to the topic at hand. I think Riruka was protecting as much as she was portecting Rukia. If just lets Tsukishima do what he wants, her beoloved Ichigo could have gotten some of the blow. But besides, Riruka has proven she is not one to want to hurt people. Besides who knows they might have bonded inside Rukia's mind.

Agree with most of what you said, Giriko and Yukio, the oldest and youngest members of Xcution (not counting Ginjou whose age is yet to be determained), also the two most unlikeable ones. And there names almost rhyme.

 

[mumbo]

The final fight between Ichigo and Ginjo was absolutely terrible. No two ways around it. Of course the anime will probably make something good out ot of it.

Hopefully Ginjo's backstory will wash the bad taste out of my mouth, that's something I've been anticipating.

 

[Luna]

This chapter was good...

I'm surprised Tsukushima's not actually dead yet,it seems like he is truly loyal to Ginjou,and it looks like we'll be getting some kind of backstory for the two of them (I'm actually not surprised that Ginjou's the older of the two by a significant number of years...He seemed like he was older than he looks,anyway)...

Looks like Rukia and Renji will be staying around for now...If we have to have any of the Soul Society characters around,I'd prefer these two to anyone else (especially since they're more a part of the main cast than any of the others)....

and Riruka was inside Rukia after all,only coming out when Ichigo's life was in danger...Rereading the chapter,I noticed the bewildered look on Rukia's face when she got in between Ichigo and Tsukushima (because it wasn't a decision on her part,at that point in time,she wasn't in control of her body,Riruka was)...

If any of the Fullbringers survive this,I hope Riruka will...She's funny,and despite being somewhat selfish,she seems like she does care about the people she's bonded with...Unless the backstory can somehow make them sympathetic,I honestly don't really care about Tsukushima or Ginjou...As for the rest,I'd like it if Jackie was revived (I honestly felt sorry for her),don't want to see Giriko again (he was a major jerk),don't care either way about Yukio (sad backstory,though),and wouldn't mind seeing Shishigawara again (he's almost as funny as Riruka)...

 

[KYO'NYUU IMOUTO]

JUMP Festa 2012 tidbits:

Spoiler

Will update if some other stuff will pop up.

The key to Tsukishima is the sense of isolation.
The book Tsukishima is reading: ジョージ・キリアンの『アイオーンの帰還』 George Kilian's "Return of the Aeon"
Aeon is an ancient Greece concept of a man's entire lifespan.

Kilian is based on some real person's name.

In Ginjou's design appearance came to mind first.
Kanji "Go" in name Kuugo was made in pair for Ichigo's "Go"

There's no meaning for Tsukishima's name.
Tsukishima's appearance and name came to mind simultaneously.
Kubo was originally thinking about a Shinigami "with a beautiful sword".

The captains who came to town all had a connection with Ichigo. About Ikkaku Kubo had his doubts.

Chapters 477 and 478 are Substitute Shinigami Arc climax.

Also, it seems Tsukishima's design is just a recycled design.

 

[Magus]

Anyway, that fight was horribly rushed. I mean, come on! Ginjo was the ultimate antagonist of this arc right? He should've at least have been tougher for Ichigo to beat, or have used his hollow powers in a much more destructive way. I'm also annoyed Ishida contributed nothing to the fight in the end after all, it's quite a let down that he, Chad, and Orihime didn't get to contribute much to the defeat of the Fullbringers while the fan-favorite Soul Reapers just busted in and beat them. Chad versus Giriko, Orihime versus Riruka, and Uryu versus Tsukishima would've been marvelous to see when you consider the roles these characters played earlier in this arc.

For the most part I agree with you. However, I thought Ginjo should've been done in sooner. I'm still not convinced that Ginjo or the rest of these fullbringers are even in the same league as Ichigo and the rest of Soul Society. Aizen is and will always be considered the ultimate villain and it's just going to take a lot more to convince me that Ginjo can hang with that guy (Ichigo did too much sandbagging). Not to mention I just can't see Giriko actually going toe-to-toe with someone like Barragan or Yukio trying to fight Grimmjow.

As far as Chad, Orihime, and Uryu, well, I can't say that I'd like to see them fight since I find them to be boring characters, and to be this far into the series, I'm convinced that they're there just to get in the way (I came to that conclusion when they were in HM), but I definately understand where you're coming from though. 2 year time-skip and they haven't changed one bit outside of appearance.

As for the chapter, I'm just hoping this arc is coming to an end soon, and hopefully answers about Isshin will start to surface. I think fans have been patient long enough.

 

[RockmanDash]

coming from though. 2 year time-skip and they haven't changed one bit outside of appearance.

Actually, Chad gained a new plate on his arm and Orihime got her new reflect attack ability. Of course that's not much, but they did have a change of some sorts. Not to mention Orihime seems to be much stronger in situations now compared to how she was in Hueco Mundo.

 

[Rynnec]

Actually, Chad gained a new plate on his arm and Orihime got her new reflect attack ability. Of course that's not much, but they did have a change of some sorts. Not to mention Orihime seems to be much stronger in situations now compared to how she was in Hueco Mundo.

Now if only they could kick ass on a regular basis...

 

[Magus]

Now if only they could kick ass on a regular basis...

Exactly. Like the other arcs they continue to be a waste.

 

[RockmanDash]

Exactly. Like the other arcs they continue to be a waste.

Well to be fair, I don't think a character needs to always "kick ass" in order to not be a waste. I'm not sure if that's directly what your poking at though. Orihime, Chad, and Ishida have always been more of the friend support group than fighting. But, I can understand the disappointment of not getting to see more out of them though.

 

[Luna]

JUMP Festa 2012 tidbits:

Just one question...

Spoiler

OK,I get the connection the other Captains have with Ichigo,as well as Rukia,Renji and Ikkaku,but what connection does Toshiro have?...I can't recall him ever really interacting with Ichigo in the manga,only in the Diamonddust Rebellion movie (and the movies,like filler,are not canon)...Ikkaku's at least fought Ichigo before...

Byakuya...Ichigo fought him in the human world and lost,then fought him in Soul Society and won...and also managed to get through to him that an older brother should protect his younger sister (and that maybe it's not such a good idea to rigidly uphold the law)...

Kenpachi...Fought him in the Soul Society,and actually managed to beat him..After which,Kenpachi wants to fight him again,but also seems to consider him an ally...

Toshiro...????


Ikkaku...Fought Ichigo in the Soul Society arc,and lost..Afterward,like his Captain,Kenpachi,seems to consider him an ally...

Rukia...The one who initially gave Ichigo his powers,and introduced him to Soul Society...He managed to save her from being executed in Soul Society,as well as helping to mend her relationships with Renji and Byakuya...

Renji...Fought Ichigo in the human world,but didn't finish the fight (Byakuya stepped in),Later,fought Ichigo in Soul Society and lost (during the fight,it's revealed that the reason Renji's fighting Ichigo isn't because he doesn't want Rukia saved,it's because he blames Ichigo for Rukia losing her powers in the first place)...They end up becoming allies afterward,and Ichigo helps in saving Rukia and mending Renji and Rukia's relationship...

 

[zoombie]

Mmm thought we would have a flashback first, but when we are in epiloque. Looks like Shonnen Alpha debut chapter will be the start of the new arc.
I don't know much about the Japanese alphibit, but for us english speaking people at least, ironic. The letter G the seventh letter in the alphibit, the so called lucky number, and the only FBers to die or in Ginjou's case maybe dead (who knows really), but let's go with he is dead, the only FBers to die names start with G. A guess it is not so luckey after all.

Jackie survival a nice surprise. That clueless Yukio, Jackie was offering to adopt him, and he turned her down and now raise himself. I know this is Bleach and Ichigo is the only one of the nakama that we know of that has a parent (Keigo confirmed to have parents as they were mentioned), but still a kid and a kid that he messed up in the head and needs some guidance going to raise himself. Okay. But in Japan, minors can run cooperation apprently, like Seto in Yu Gi Oh.

As for Riruka, we will see what they do with her. Did she lose her powers? That will be the key if she will be useful or not in the future.

Seeing her in Urahara's shop, is Urahara the one running a clinic? Isshin and Ryuken run hospitcal, and yet Urahara in between the series, the fillers, and the movies, have had at least a dozen different patients in his shop.

Did Tsukishima ever undo his BOE on Ichigo's friends and family. I thought he had to either die or have to slice them again. Orihime doesn't remember I guess it is for the best, but I think her momories will return in the next arc. Something will trigger out at the worst possible time.

My complaint though, is they didn't explain what the point of this battle was. Why did Ginjou do what he did, it had to be more than "they are spying on me, I am pissed off", and what was he planning to do? We know what Aizen was trying to do, we never got what Ginjou and Tsukishima goal were. Or whatever goal the other FBers had (though Riruka is still there, so they could tell us what Ginjou promessed to them through her, but I doubt that, though we might see a brief flashback of her explaining to them what this was all aobut) but I still think what Ginjou told them and what his true intention are seperate.

Anyway it is has been a up and down ride, I am glad the arc is over. Riruka the one character that made this arc enjoyable for me. I am glad it appears she is going to stay at least as a background character.