Bleach manga discussion

[orochi X]

Uh yeah I've fallen back into the Bleach fandom, but this time with the manga. Nice to catch up on all that I've missed since I dropped the anime from my to watch list.


ASSUME SPOILERS



The Soul Society arc was nice, good cast of characters there with the Captains. Aizen is great and ditto with Utitake.

As for now with the half hollow half shinigami thing they are doing, that's a bit eh but I guess it's nice to see Ichigo team up with the other shinigami and nice to see Rukia again.

Like to find out more about Ichigo's dad and his past and the connections he has with Soul Society.

I guess I'll be following Bleach again .. unless I get bored of it like what happened last time.

[ACE2001]

Yeah, I've been following the manga instead of the anime. I was glad to see Rukia back. She knocked Ichigo back into shape which I thought was kind of cute. :) But it makes me wonder though, just exactly how much stronger can Ichigo get? At the rate he's going, he may end up being stronger than Goku from Dragonball Z!! :lol: Of course I'm being extreme here, but I just don't see an end for him as far as gaining strength.

[orochi X]

It's a pretty typical shounen series, there will always be a stronger enemy which will result in Ichigo and co. in becoming stronger in order to defeat them. But hey it's an enjoyable series, it's really the great cast of characters which I enjoy most about Bleach.

Current chapter 197 is great, gotta love Rukia and her doodles especially the Aizen one and great to see Aizen once more, he looks absolutely cool without his glasses, very sinister. Matsumoto oh those scenes where she knocks out Kon and Keigo were funny.

[ACE2001]

Yeah, that's true. :) I just finshed reading 197 as well. Looks like some more powerful foes are definately on the horizon. The "Menos Grande" don't pose too much of threat here. But what I'm interested in is the "Ajuukaru and the "VASTOCRODE." Especially the Vastocrode, since there are ten under Aizen's command. Not to mention the fact that Ichigo will have to fight the Quincy again. Chad and Orohime are going to have to step up big time.

In any case, I'm looking forward to how far this exactly goes.

[orochi X]

Chapter 207

Can we speculate what Ururu is? She just went a bit psycho with the must kill and what not, but still looked adorable though, fighting in her PJs. Some failed experiment of Soul Society which Urahara took with him before leaving Soul Society?

The captains are having trouble against their current enemies, I wonder how it will be resolved ...

[ACE2001]

Damn man!! Took you long enough!! :lol: j/k I finshed reading chapter 207 recently. I don't know what to make of Ururu though. The look on her face was pretty scary though. Even after she got impaled, she still maintained that look. Makes me wonder if she's going to be the turning point in this battle as it seems that she has alot of hidden power stored inside her.

I don't think vice captains are having too much trouble. I believe that they are just getting caught off guard just by how strong their enemies are and therefore get over-whemled emotionally at the beginning of the battle. But once they regain their composure, I'm sure that it'll be a little easier for them.
What I'm looking forward to mainly is the battle between Ichigo and the one who took out Rukia so easily in chapter 204. His speed was incredible! And I'm wondering if Aizen is going to join the fray.

Seems like things are definatly going get even messier from this point on.

[snowcherry]

And I'm wondering if Aizen is going to join the fray.
No way. Aizen and Gin are both people who don't get their own hands dirty unless absolutely necessary. I seriously doubt we'll be seeing either of them fight until the Climactic Final Battle™.

Anyway, considering that Ikkaku's fight basically ended in a draw and even the Tenth Division is getting owned, I think the Karakura gang is pretty well screwed for this round. The Arrancar will most likely retreat after either a)sustaining enough damage that continuing to fight would be too risky (as Edorado did after fighting Ikkaku) or b)assuming they've left their opponent[s] dead or near death. They'll be back eventually, and the Karakura shinigami team will have leveled up, and then this whole mess will start anew. It's rather formulaic.

(As eventful as 207 was, I can't be the only person who thought 206 was incredibly awesome, too. Eleventh Division flashbacks! Captain-subordinate bonding over a shared death wish! Renji acting like a big dumb fanboy! That's now one of my favorite chapters in the whole series, and Ikkaku is now one of my favorite characters.)

[orochi X]

Damn man!! Took you long enough!! :lol: j/k
I totally forgot about this thread hah.

It does feel like it is too early to start wrapping up this story arc and take out the top Arrancar's from the picture unless Kubo decides to introduce some more higher super class ones ... I have to agree the outcome of these current battles will probably be retreat and fight another day. I do hope Soul Society ends up sending a few more down say maybe Kenpachi hoho. And then there's the issue of Ishida who has been out of the picture for quite a while now.

Yes Ikkaku is growing on me, I just dig his bankai. It might not be as flashy as Byakuya's or slick as Ichigo's but still looks quite cool.

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 208. Two words to describe this chapter: PURE OWNAGE!!! :lol: Man, the captains are getting whipped left and right by the Arrancar. It makes me wonder if the captains are somewhat "hiding" their power like Ikkaru did, otherwise this would seem like an easy victory for Arrancar. It looks like Ichigo may be the only hope to turn the tide of this battle as most of the captains are beaten up pretty badly. Hopefully we'll get a chance to see Ichigo fight next week, which is what I'm waiting for mostly.

[orochi X]

Hitsugaya .., I was expecting him to be more of a challenge for the Arrancar seeing as he is a captain and all.

Other than that pretty average chapter 208 was.

As for next chapter I do hope to see Ichigo in action against Grimjaw, hopefully he'll have better luck against them.

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 209....I knew it, I knew it. I'm trying to figure out if this was a "cheesy" move or not. It seems like the Captains had to hold back their limits by the powers that be. Now all of the sudden they get the word that they can now, "break their limits." Can I dare say, Final Fantasy Limit Breaks!? :lol: Anyways once that happened, it seem that the tide of the battle changed drastically. Well, with the captains now being able to fight at their maximum power, it should be an easy win for them or I could be jumping to conclusions. I somewhat had the feeling that the Captains weren't just going to be simply overpowered like that.

As for the battle between Grimmjow and Ichigo, this looks like it will be a long battle since Grimmjow is an Espada whom was personally numbered as the 6th most powerful one in the ranks. He's just toying with Ichigo pretty much right now as Ichigo is fighting a little desparately. Makes me wonder if Ichigo will be able to rise his power even higher. Also, with their maximum output obtained, does the make the Captains somewhat a little closer to Ichigo in terms of strength. Only time will tell.

The more I read this, epsecially after reading this chapter, that this is somewhat I more intelligent version of Dragonball Z!!! :lol:

Well, in any case, there won't be chapter next week. :( I'm definately looking forward to how things will turn out between Grimmjow and Ichigo.

[orochi X]

I have to agree the whole holding their limit thing was cheesy and a pretty lame ass excuse to allow the shinigami to fight on and possibly win. Also the whole Espada thing, not surprised, it was abvious the current foes weren't Aizen's best, Kubo wouldn't of wrapped this arc up that fast. Anyway all this means is more kickass shinigami action.

[ACE2001]

Well, it turns out there was a chapter this week. :) However, I'm bit disappointed. I finshed reading chapter 210. I must say that this chapter was a complete waste of my time. I already knew the outcome when I read the first page. Again, I must say that this was pretty cheesy. Now all of a sudden since the Captains released their limits, their powers are now Quintuple!! After I read that, I knew pretty much the result. Jesus christ! I wish they would've used this chapter to focus on Grimmjow and Ichigo. Just a complete waste of pages. With the Arrancar out of the way, the stage is now set for a Grimmjow vs. Ichigo brawl! :D But it's not going to happne as the Arrancar had to retreat quickly at the end of of chapter but well.....

To sum it up, this was probably the most disappointing chapter of Bleach I read in a while.

[orochi X]

Didn't they say no chapter this week?

Yeah the follow up to releasing the limit was lame, as I said previously, poor excuse to let the shinigami win. However I admit the three looked pretty cool. Also would that of meant Rukia and Ikkaku were fighting with their limits on?

I do hope the Ichigo V Grimmjow fight is going to be nice and lengthy.

[ACE2001]

Hmm...I actually never thought of that. But from the looks of it, Rukia seemed to have most of her power released, but it wouldn't really matter as Grimmjow took her down in a matter of seconds limit or no limit. She's clearly terrified of Grimmjow's power so I don't think releasing her limit would be no help anyway, not that she's in any shape to do so.

Hmm as for Ikkaku for fighting with his limits on...if that were the case, man talk about a truly frightening power! But with that said, I'm pretty confident that the Captains aren't quite near Aizen yet in terms of power. Now that I think about it, does Ichigo have his "limit"? Well, in any case, I'm hoping for the Grimmjow vs. Ichigo showdown. This will be sweet!! :D

[orochi X]

I don't think Ichigo has a limit restricting thing whatever, he wasn't aware that the shinigami were coming down to earth to battle the arrancar, so I doubt the people at Soul Society put one on him ... unless they put one on him unknowingly but well that's just stupid.

[snowcherry]

unless they put one on him unknowingly but well that's just stupid.
Well, there was the thing Ukitake gave him. (And if it turns out he has no limiter, hey, that wasn't my theory. :p)

As for the disappointment of such an anticlimactic chapter, I guess not every chapter can be "End of Hypnosis". Such is the cost of reading the weekly installments rather than the collected volumes; the sense of time gets distorted and everything feels really drawn-out if you have to wait a week just to see the end of a fight.

[orochi X]

Well, there was the thing Ukitake gave him. (And if it turns out he has no limiter, hey, that wasn't my theory. :p)
Ohh Ukitake you crafty captain you are hehe, crafty yet plagued with some illness. We can only speculate now.

I do hope in the later story arcs Kubotite expands on the past and history of Soul Society, the captains and other important shinigami characters.

[ACE2001]

Bummer! :( Just woke up and found out there's no Bleach this week. :( Hopefully next week will be worth the wait. :)

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 211.... It's a fake damn chapter!! :mad: What a waste of time. I understood the message, but really, did they need to do this? You'll have to read it to see what I'm talking about. Sorry guys. :(

[orochi X]

The lack of raw and file size made me suspicious. Skimmed through a few pages then gave up.

[ACE2001]

Finally, the real chapter 211 is out, well at least the RAW. All I have to say is GOD DAMN!! Ichigo surprised me in this chapter with being able to hang with Grimmjaw. This chapter was definately worth the wait. I'll post more once the translated version comes. :)

[orochi X]

What can get from 211 raw.

Hitsugaya seems to have been seriously injured in his fight.

Renji's bankai is in pieces.

That was Ichigo's black moon cresent thing right? The one that hollow-Ichigo used on Byakuya in their fight in Soul Society?

And is that Tousen I see?

[ACE2001]

Just finished reading it translated. Didn't really miss too much from the RAW. Still this was an awsome chapter. Actions spoke louder than words for a change. It seems that Ichigo is more powerful than the current Shingami's at their 100% limit. Grimmjaw and Ichigo are or seem to be at the same speed, but Ichigo is displaying a little more muscle right now. Can't wait to see what new attack he does.

I think at the end of the chapter, it's Tousen.

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 212. It was very tense and dark. I'm really starting to like Grimmjaw as he's quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in the manga. I thought that Tousen should've let Grimmjaw finish off Ichigo since he knew exactly how much power that Ichigo had left in him. Too bad as I wanted to see Ichigo pushed beyond his limits...Grimmjaw has become just a tad bit more interesting than Aizen, although he's pretty cool himself.

Now with the battle pretty much over, it'll be interesting to see what direction it will go to. I say it will probably be awhile before we see another intense battle between the Shinigami and the Arrancar.

[snowcherry]

Tousen has really lost it.

In other news, GIN. I was very happy to see him back, though the "playing with your subordinates" line--coming from him--will never stop being hilarious.

Also, Keigo's sister is awesome and has an incredible ass. Seriously, she could star in rap videos with that. Much as I loved Gin's line, her speech about always wanting to be the kind of big sister who warmly welcomes the strange men her little brother brings home? Wins the chapter. However, it raises some...concerns about Keigo.

[orochi X]

Also, Keigo's sister is awesome and has an incredible ass. Seriously, she could star in rap videos with that.
Quote for truth.

The manga seriously needs more Keigo time. Hands down the best "supporting" character, oh silly antics a plenty from him.

Tousen taking off Grimmjaws arm yes!

Gin terribly spiffy in that outfit.

And who can forget Aizen.

[ACE2001]

Yeah, Tousen was pretty awsome just taking off Grimmjaw's arm like that. :) It's weird but I don't really care for Gin too much. Doesn't seem too interesting to me.

[snowcherry]

Heh, well, I have a great deal of Third Division love in general (um, obviously) so Gin's reappearance + last week's color insert = glee.

And yes, total agreement on the need for more Keigo. I get the impression that Kubo's got something in store for him, otherwise he wouldn't be able to see Hollows. I mean, it'd really suck to give him that ability just for the sake of setting him up to house Ikkaku and Yumichika.

I think the real message of this chapter was "Don't ---- off Tousen, because he can and will morally justify your dismemberment." Dude is nutso.

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 214....This I have to say has to be the most interesting chapter of Bleach that I have read in awhile, which definitely leaved me wanting more. It seems like there's definately going to be a lot of character development going around. There were a couple of revelations that I found a bit shocking:

Chad asking Uraharua to train him
Watching Ishida train
The fact that the captains are truly outmached by the higher powers
Ichigo getting some "help" from the bad guys?

I'm really not sure about the last part, but it seems like Ichigo more or less is going to stop trying to supress his hollow and bring forth it's full potential, which could prove deadly and interesting at the same time. Yep there was definately alot of developing moments in this chapter. I wonder what Rukia will say to Ichigo?

[snowcherry]

I have serious, serious doubts that the Vizoreds (Visoreds? Vaizards? whatever) are "bad", per se. I don't know what they're after, but they don't strike me as bad.

Then again, I love them so. Much so I might be biased.

Also, Ishida Ryuuken might actually be the scariest character in the series. His son has so much more of my sympathy now.

[orochi X]

Glad to see Ishida Uryuu again, it's been a long time now I thought Kubo had forgotten about our lovable quincy.

I have to agree with snowcherry, we don't know enough about the Vaizards and where they currently stand. There's quite a few of them there .., I guess all that means is more chapters from Kubo.

Oh ahem yes the Bleach fighting game for Nintendo DS is love.

[ACE2001]

Well, the Vaizards don't appear to be "good guys", but I also understand that looks can be deceiving as well. I just can't see them as being nothing but trouble. But there's not enough evidence to confirm my suspicions....It will be interesting to see what will happen if Ichigo decides to go with the Vaizards. This could be a huge turning point, especially if the Vaizards turn out to be as evil as I believe they are. Hopefully there motives will be explained soon.

[ACE2001]

Just read chapter 215.....

Ichigo doesn't want to join the Vaizards but more or less wants them to help quiet down the Hollow inside him. Of course Ichigo's brash behavior doesn't sit well with the group and as a result ends up up fighting against Shinji and then Hiyorin which then she brings out her Hollow?! Hmm....judging by her looks, I say she isn't too strong, but at the same time she just has that look about her.

This chapter however still hasn't convinced me that the Vaizards are indeed "good people" at all. I think we'll find out more when Rukia appears and shares her viewpoint about the situation.

[daniel480]

Bahhh. . as much as I've been trying to avoid it. . I'm sucked into the Bleach fandom too ._.

[ACE2001]

Read chapter 216...


Ichigo was a damn beast!! Once that hollow came out of him, that was a wrap. He was about to kill good ole Hiyorin. Then the whole damn Vaizard team had to come down to stop him!! :eek: Anyways, it looks like the Vaizards are going to help Ichigo try to push down the hollow to his very soul.

But again, what made this chapter good was when Ichigo's hollow came out. The look on Hiryorin's face was priceless!!! :lol:

[orochi X]

Two page spread of Vaizards pinning down H-Ichigo is win.

Look on Hyorin's face priceless.

Been a while since I've really enjoyed a chapter.

[ACE2001]

Finished chapter 217. I must say that Bleach is getting better now with each chapter. Rukia wasn't able to find Ichigo at all, which was a surprise since she's a high-level Shinigami. After that bit, we see Ichigo training with a walker-exercise machine of some sort that helps with spiritual pressure. The big thing though comes at the end of the chapter when he comes face to face with his hollow counterpart!! Man, this is going to make up some interesting dialogue here I say with the next couple of chapters. Especially since Ichigo risks getting eaten by the Hollow inside of him.

[orochi X]

So the Vaizards knew about the whole Aizen thing all along, I guess you could of seen that coming from a mile away. I doubted that Kubo would of left the lovably Vaizards out of the loop, so now we can speculate some more about them and their intentions.

Ichigo X H-Ichigo battle next chapter? I hope so!

[daniel480]

The issue now, however, is how the Vaizards knew about the entire situation in the first place?

Personally, I've been speculating a lot about the true intentions of Isshin and Urahara. They seem to be playing the parts behind a plot much bigger than any of the current characters know about.
I mean. . given Isshin's real self, why did he not show up at all during Ichigo's initial encounter with the hollow/rukia? Not to mention, how is he not detected at all given his true nature by other shinigami such as rukia? The only way I can see this happening is if he used one of Urahara's reiatsu/etc hiding gigai. Why did Urahara give Rukia the gigai containing you-know-what knowing that it would render Rukia's recovery of power as an impossibility while also letting it fall into Aizen's hands easily? Why does Urahara intentionally let Ichigo essentially become a hollow during the training? etc etc. It seems convenient that Ichigo's mask appears right at that instance. There just seems to be much more to Urahara (and partially Isshin) than they're letting on.

Now I even wonder what relationship Urahara has with the Vaizards. Maybe they were previous experiments by Urahara? Urahara --> Shinigami as Aizen --> Hollow. . ah well.

[orochi X]

Speculation speculation that's all we can do now, who knows what lurks in the mind of Kubo.

Shinigami Isshin has only made on appearance and we haven't really learnt much about him since, but doesn't that sort of look like a vice captains badge on his arm hmm? As for not showing up in the initial hollow/Rukia confrontation of the first chapter, could be anyones guess, Kubo might not of planned for Isshin to be shinigami, I mean to plan 20 volumes a head well ... Anyway in 188, Isshin says he doesn't know what the Vaizards are up to or what they plan to do. I don't really think anyone has any idea what the Vaizards are up to.

It's really hard to speculate when there's so much that still needs to be revealed. I still wonder about Mayuri though, he didn't seem interested when it was announced that Aizen was in fact the one behind all the doings in Soul Society. And of course we still have Ishida's dad and where he's been all those years and his fascination in reviving his sons powers ...

Anyway latest 218.

Colour spread of Viazards = yes!

Bankai X Bankai = win!

[7thKeeper]

Up to 220 so far. Looks like the fight "inside" Ichigo between him and the Hollow is reaching a turning point. But damn Kensei (that was the guys name right?) isn't gentle with Ichigos body :P blowing off an arm?

[Kusunagi]

Orochi, Ace, Daniel.... your slacking where's my updates???

[ACE2001]

:lol: :)

Actually, I've been keeping up with the most recent chapters. I've finished chapter 238 a couple of days ago. Things are definately taking a turn for the worse as Orohime was literally forced to leave everyone. I'm not so sure what Ichigo can or will be able to do although he was able to get a somewhat significant upgrade for his powers, it still wasn't enough to completely take Grimmjaw down. He's talking about doing it on his own to trya and get Orohime back, but it's just impossible for him right now in his current state. I see that the manga is definately beginning to take a very dark turn right now.

[orochi X]

Bleach has been on and off for me, too much teasing recently. Urahara making an appearance but not much of him actually fighting, I really want to see him go at it seriously. Shinji also makes an appearance to battle Grimmjow, but again is cut short! Byakuya and Kenpachi come down to earth, only to take the other shinigamis back to Soul Society, blegh I was hoping they would join in on the action.

Damm you Kubo!

[Kusunagi]

Im not sure if Kenpachi can join in. He can't release his limit in the real world can he? If he takes off that eye patch things could be deadly. HE BETTER FIND OUT THE NAME OF HIS ZAN... ZANPA.... HIS SWORD BEFORE THE SERIES IS OVER!!!

Oh Zaraki is my favorite character if I didn't mention it. Ace Im sorry I was in the gaming room before I came here and saw that you had posted already.

[orochi X]

Did I miss something? Ishida decides to pop back into the picture, yes we know he's been training with his father but wasn't that on the agreement he doesn't associate himself with the shinigamis? Or is it really friendship here and that's why he's teaming up with Ichigo and Chad to save Orihime.

[Kusunagi]

Im actually downloading the next few volues today. I will get back to you by Friday.

[snowcherry]

Did I miss something? Ishida decides to pop back into the picture, yes we know he's been training with his father but wasn't that on the agreement he doesn't associate himself with the shinigamis? Or is it really friendship here and that's why he's teaming up with Ichigo and Chad to save Orihime.
Ishida's there because, obviously, he's a LYING LYING LIAR who LIED to get his powers back. Ichigo is His friends are more important to him than his father's wishes, anyway.

Ryuuken's going to kick his ass when he finds out. I can't wait. <3

[Mecha454]

Ishida's there because, obviously, he's a LYING LYING LIAR who LIED to get his powers back. Ichigo is His friends are more important to him than his father's wishes, anyway.

Ryuuken's going to kick his ass when he finds out. I can't wait. <3

I agree with snowcherry.

[orochi X]

"My fire rate is 108 ..."

"Well mine is 1200 ..."

Ahh Ishida is soo geekily cool in the most recent chapter (243).

[ACE2001]

Okay, okay. I'm back on track! :D I just read chapter 244....Aizen sure is one scary son of a b!tch!! :lol: Even with Chad, Ichigo and Ishida approaching, he doesn't seem worried in the slightest. Dude wants to drink some tea! :lol: Actually, I suppose he has no real reason to be since they're on his home turf now, including the other 12 Arrancar that are there. Ichigo and gang definately have an uphill battle here. This may be dragged out for awhile unless the other Shingami decide to get involved, which will happen, but will they be in time to save Ichigo and his friends? Can't wait to see what will Ichigo do.

[ACE2001]

I thought I would keep the ball rolling here. Nothing really significant happens in 245. Aizen has his little meeting to discuss how he wants everyone to deal with Ichigo and everyone else. I mean, he's so calm, that it's scary in a sense. No fear, no hesitiation. It's as if he's fear himself. Calmly going about his plan to deal with everyone. This definately doesn't look good for Ichigo and everyone. Now I'm wondering just how terrifying Aizen really is and how much power he's holding back.

[ACE2001]

Well, since I'm here, I might well throw in another chapter. I just finished reading chapter 246. This was the weirdest chapter of Bleach that I've read in awhile. I got a little lost for a second. Towards the end Rukia and Renji come in to save the day. I was expecting Soul Society to help, but not this early. Well, in any case, I still think that Ichigo is going to need more help, if he's to take down the Arrancar, let alone Aizen himself. I just don't see why the whole Soul Society just go in and just fight the Arrancar.

[orochi X]

The fan boy within jumped with joy when Rukia and Renji made their dashing appearance infront of Ichigo and the gang. Though didn't Soul Society (well old man Yamamoto) say to abandon Orihime? And Rukia and Renji were ordered to return by Byakuya and Kenpachi. Either old man has changed his mind or they have disobeyed him, I'm leaning towards the latter.

[ACE2001]

Yeah. I'm pretty sure they disobeyed him. The thing thing that baffels me though is why would Soul Society want leave Orhime in the hands of the Arrancar? I mean, she literally has the power to return massive damage loss back to normal. She can control time herself, yet the old man doesn't sound too concerned about it...something just doesn't seem right.

[orochi X]

Skimmed through 252.

What I have dreaded has come true, Nell has pulled off some stupid power (in Nell's case the ability to suck in the attack and fire it back?) to save Ichigo. I guess it was to be expcted, it is a typical shounen series thing to do. But hey Ichigo has bankai'd, time to finish off the triple digit then.

Also the raws came with a scan of the upcoming Jump Ultimate Stars for DS which I'm looking forward to playing when it comes out later this month.

[Kusunagi]

I hope the series doesn't leave Renji out. He is becoming my second favorite character. This "Ex-Espada" guy is pretty strong, or so it seems. I don't see this turning out to good, especially if Aizen, Gin and Tousen have all gained hollow powers. I honestly hope that bleach doesn't go down hill. All the cool dragonball characters were killed off or left behind! Same with Kenshin! I'm getting teary eye'd just thinking of the possibilities...

[orochi X]

254

Nell, I just wonder what Kubo plans to do with her after this whole ordeal is over, thought that slobbering barfing panels were quite amusing.

Was worried that Ichigo was going to pick up another straggler, that triple digit.

So introduction of some elite execution squad; Exequias. Now they aren't even close to being as cool as the mysterious elite squad; the Vindices of Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

[Kusunagi]

Ichigo really seems to be stuggling, well until he released his trump card! Im amazed after the transformation, the battle only lasted one second. Still how do you think the later battle will fare? I know they will find some way to make Ichigo even stronger but it really seems like he is at his limits. What else can they do?

[ACE2001]

Finally caught up to chapter 254. Man, Ichigo took him down so quickly in his hollow form. The question now is, will he have enough energy to take on Aizen once he reaches him? I would imagine right now that Aizen doesn't fear Ichigo in the slightest, even if he were to go into hollow form. Through the whole invasion of his territory, Aizen has been completely cool and confident. Sippin tea and everything. Just how is Ichigo supposed to beat an opponent like that whom shows no signs of fear whatsoever?

[orochi X]

257.

So lately I haven't been impressed with Bleach at all, I don't really care for the recent arrancar designs, the past two encounters (Ichigo and currently Ishida) are a joke. And their released form aren't all that spectacular either. I do hope Kubo whips up for the next batch of arrancars Ichigo and friends face.

Oh and Ishida with some sword, that's just really unspectacular.

[Kusunagi]

Yeah Bleach is slowly going down hill. Ishida with a sword? A Spear maybe... MAYBE! but a sword, WTF was K thinking?

[orochi X]

From the looks of the photos for the next chapter Ishida spears that arrancar with that sword, maybe it's actually an oversized arrow?

[Kusunagi]

YOu guessed right, its not a sword according to Ishida. Its a over-sized arrow that "Brainiac" developed for him!

[Zachalmighty]

I was looking to buy the manga in english from Barnes and noble and I was wondering where the Soul Society ARC from the anime ends . So that I could buy the english volume after that.

[Kusunagi]

260 is great.... Wake up you guys!!!

[ACE2001]

I'm awake now!! :lol: Just finished reading chapter 262. Damn, I had high hopes for Chad, but he got owned so damn easily! :eek: I mean that was supposed the be the Diablo Arm and it didn't even faze the Espada (can't remember his name) Makes me wonder what kind of chance does Ichigo stand against him. Hell, his energy will all be used up by the time he gets to Aizen.

[orochi X]

I just hope Espada number nine isn't really Kaien, that would really just cheapen his whole death and sacrifice. As for Ichigo, need not worry he has Nell by his side with her healing drool hah.

[Kusunagi]

I think it may be, and he did it in hopes to meet a certain Shinigami again. He will probably do something to trigger Rukia's latent power or something of that sort. Well since everyone else seems to have some kinda new trick, I wonder whats in store for good ol Renji. He's my third Fav!

Zaraki, Ikkaku, Renji, Icigo...

[Unlikely Fan]

I was caught off-guard by the whole Kaien thing. I really didn't like the fact that they brought him up again because as Orochi said it cheapens his death, but I am glad that this nullifies the "Ichigo is a reincarnation of Kaien" theory.

As far as for what's up next...we'll see Rukia's bankai and I hope to God they kill off the "Great Desert Bros."

[Kusunagi]

GDB takes Kon's place, so I don't see them being killed of. I don't see Nell ever dying, I think were stuck! lol

[Kusunagi]

I just hope Espada number nine isn't really Kaien, that would really just cheapen his whole death and sacrifice. As for Ichigo, need not worry he has Nell by his side with her healing drool hah.

Question for you...are you ready?

Possible Spoiler

Possible Spoiler... Kaien Arrancar Espada or Vaizard

[Unlikely Fan]

I'm not sure what to think about Kaien after having read the last few chapters. I have two theories:
1.) That is not Kaien. Rukia keeps saying that Kaien would never say the things he does.

2.) It is Kaien, but he is just fighting his inner hollow like Ichigo.

Of these two, I believe that the first is the most likely.

[ACE2001]

I believe it's Kaien, although I have no real proof. I believe that he's just messing with Rukia head to throw her off her game. More like a "mind-fu**if you will.

[ACE2001]

Hmm...just read chapter 265. He aint messing around. I definately believe that's he the genuine article. Rukia hasn't put a scratch on him yet.

[orochi X]

Okay 266 spoiler pictures are out.

SPOILER AHEAD and I mean it ...












So Kaien is a test tube head with two skulls floating in it?!

[ACE2001]

Haha! Didn't look at your spoilers there. :) Just finished reading chapter 266. I must say that I was easily fooled. :) Seems like Rukia is a force to be reckoned with even if she's not using her sword.

[Kusunagi]

Im stuck in the woods in New Jersey so I can keep up. I can't wait until Friday when this is over.

[orochi X]

I assume you meant you can't keep up, well it's only a chapter or two of Bleach which you can blitz through in a few minutes, ahh that's why I love manga so much more.

[Kusunagi]

Im back.... MUHU HAHAHA!!! I have just read 264 - 266. Where is 267 released?

[Unlikely Fan]

Im back.... MUHU HAHAHA!!! I have just read 264 - 266. Where is 267 released?

The most recent is 269, I just read it today. The websites I get the manga from are: bleachportal.net
bleach7.com
bleachexile.com

I usually get the best speeds from b7 and exile. Bportal tends to be too "pop-upish."

[Kusunagi]

Oh SNAP... Ichi is getting beat down. I don't think its going to end anytime soon. I want to see the Renji fight. Also way back when, when they originally fought the Arrancar in the human world and won because their limits were release, I thought that was a load of ish. Well I started the series over today and realized that this isn't the first time this was brought up. Renji and his Captain (can't spell his name) have mentioned it before.

[ACE2001]

Just caught up to chapter 271 right now. Everything is pretty much one-sided at this point, with Rukia on the brink of death and Ichigo not even putting a scratch on the fourth strongest Arrancar out of the group. I mean, he's just getting manhandled! :eek: Even after using his hollow powers. I'm seriously wondering how Ichigo and gang will pull this out, considering the fact that they're pretty much battered down and have to fight even stronger opponents ahead of them. Not to mention, that they still would have to fight Aizen!! :eek: Orohime powers may be the only thing that can save this group.


P.S. Although the moderators are pretty relaxed here, you might want to take those links down Unlikely Fan since the Bleach manga is licensed :)

[orochi X]

Lame. Heuco Mendo has been pretty meh so far, fairly unimpressed with the last two chapters. I mean it was pretty obvious Ichigo was going to get a smack down after all that commotion with his getsuga cleared up (270). Though how Ulquiorra revealed his number four was pretty bad ass.

Some scans of chapter 272 are floating around, Orihime is getting slapped around by some female Arrancar.

[Kusunagi]

I just hope that Tousen, Aizen and Gin aren't Vizard!

[ACE2001]

Yeah...it seems likely though. I've finished reading chapter 272. This almost becoming a joke as everyone in Ichigo party is getting their ass handed to them. It sucked to see Ichigo in such a state. Completely powerless....makes me wonder how is he supposed to take on Aizen with his current state or will he even make it that far? I'm expecting a MAJOR power increase soon, or otherwise this battle will end very soon. One thing to note in this chapter is that Grimmjaw breaks in to Orohime cell while the female Arrancar was dealing with her. What is his purpose for doing that? Considering the fact that she healed his wounds, it would be beneficial for him to keep her alive. Also, I think he may use her to get revenge on his own buddies. That's my main guess. Either way, something has to be done and fast!

[Kusunagi]

Wake up bleach fans!

[ACE2001]

Okay, okay! I'm awake now! :D Just finished reading chapter 280. The past couple of chapters have basically been a Grimmjow/Ichigo slash fest. Can't really understand why they picked this time in the story for them to go at it, but I'm not really complaining! I can't help but wonder if Ichigo manages to lose to Grimmjow, then really, what chance does he have of beating Aizen? Not to mention, he still hasn't even fought the top three yet and he's already having a tough time.

I think the overal problem with Ichigo is that he holds back too much at times. This isn't the time for him to be surpressing his power, he's need to go all out and whoop some a$$! Or else his entire group will be wiped out.

[Kusunagi]

At some point Shinji and CO will step in. Its their fight too right?

[Westlo]

Way too much of a powergap between Ichigo and the rest at the moment, I really can't see myself liking the thought of ichigos power rising Ulquiorra atm let alone the 3 people above him and Gin and Aizen (if they don't count).

[ACE2001]

God Damn! Just read chapter 282. Ichigo in full beast mode!!! :D Still, it seems a pretty even match between him and Grimmjaw. This fight is starting to drag-on. I'm worried if Ichigo loses this one, then what chance he has against Aizen? The last page shows him in hollow mode coming in contact with Orohime. I hoping to god that it doesn't turn him soft.

[Kusunagi]

She's number 3... I can't believe it

[ACE2001]

Haha!! :lol: I can't believe it either. Damn....this is pretty weird. So if Nel is number 3 then, I guess Gin and Aizen are number 1 and 2 respectively. Still though, that doesn't change the fact that Ichigo is so powerless right now. He still has to rely on other people to help him. It's nice that Nel is a high ranking Espada, but I'm sure that won't mean much when they have to face off against Gin and Aizen. Ichigo is going to have to find a way to increase his fighting power. I must say that he's pretty lucky right now.

[Kusunagi]

I would say that Gin, Aizen and Tousen are more powerful than that. I think that they probably have some kinda Vizardish powers. I think it would be ironic if tousen were killed by Zaraki.

Ichigo has more training to do! I think he's the weakest of the Vizard. Bleach still has alot of intrigue to it!

[Kusunagi]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/79/Espada-group.jpg

Here are the Espada 1-10. This is why i think the 3 Shinigami are more powerful. Also Tousen cut off Grimjow's arm with ease!

[Unlikely Fan]

Jesus H. Christ, this Las Noches arc is taking WAY too freakin' long!

::SPOILER ALERT::







Complaints:
We don't know what happened to Rukia, who I should add is the primary female protagonist and second character introduced in depth.

This little fight with Ishida/Renji vs. just-one-more-character-in-this-series-that-is-already-getting-into-the-100s-of-people is taking WAY too long!

Hurry the f*ck up and die Nell! We don't care if you had some secret form. Woooohoooo, but she has big boobies? Who cares!

Ichigo...stop being such a whiney bitch!

Chad...I never like you anyway...you NEED to die!

Aizen...what the f*ck are you waiting for? Kill everybody!

Enough complaining...for now...I'm only reading the manga to see Ichigo's reaction to his dad being a shinigami and I kinda want to know how the whole thing ends.

[Kusunagi]

Hey I have a question. How did Soifon's LT change his zanpakto? I thought his zanpakto was the little spinnging blade things and not... what was released in the latest manga chapter?!?!

[DraniX]

Life for you, has been less than kind...

[ACE2001]

I've been keeping up with the Bleach manga lately and I must admit that it has lost a little steam. Im hoping that the manga will switch back to Ichigo as the fights here lately have been nothing short of lackluster.