Ikkaku finally showed up!!!

My favorite dramatic bald dude!

His appearance always brings a sense of excitement and anticipation.

With his unique style and personality, he stands out among the crowd.

The way he carries himself, the confidence in his eyes, it all makes him truly captivating.

Every time he appears on the scene, it feels like a storm is about to break loose.

His actions are bold and decisive, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Whether it's in battle or in his interactions with others, Ikkaku always makes a lasting impression.

His bald head only adds to his charm, making him even more recognizable.

I can't wait to see what he does next and how he'll continue to shine in the story.

4 stars.

Ichigo and Ikkaku's battle is truly an exciting event.

Both of them are powerful warriors with unique abilities. Ichigo, with his Bankai and determination, is always ready to face any challenge. Ikkaku, on the other hand, is a skilled fighter with a strong sense of loyalty.

Their battle is filled with intense moments and powerful attacks. The clash of their weapons and the release of their spiritual energy create a spectacle that is both thrilling and awe-inspiring.

As the battle progresses, we can see the growth and development of both characters. They push themselves to their limits, learning from each other and becoming stronger in the process.

Overall, the battle between Ichigo and Ikkaku is a must-see for any fan of the Bleach series. It showcases the power and excitement of the world of Bleach, and leaves us eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their story.

See? I just told you to bear the existence of this insufferable idiot because it is obvious that there is more story to tell from his part, and now he is the cover model of this tenth instalment! Which is a bit strange, since this guy makes his appearance long before his scary sister does and it will make more sense to me if he adorns the previous cover while she shows up here. But maybe Tite Kubo has another idea. Like, making him another permanent member of this suicidal go-save-Rukia team. Wait, what?! Well, I hope you don’t disdain him too much in the previous book because as I hinted already, there is more he hasn’t shared with us yet. But seriously, Tite Kubo, why do you create such an ugly and pitiful character? I’m feeling sorry he even exists in this universe.

\\n  TATTOO ON THE SKY\\n

The one-armed first-class firework master –hopefully not self-declared– Kūkaku Shiba, coincidentally an old friend of Yoruichi, agrees to help Ichigo and team infiltrate the impenetrable Seireitei. However, the only way to do that is very risky. Worse still, Ichigo, possibly the strongest one in the team, really sucks at the necessary preparation before the launch of human/cat soul firework. Meanwhile, the Shinigami are not sitting idly and waiting for the impending infiltration. Each one is eager to meet the invaders and obviously tea and snack is not what each has in mind for them.

Kūkaku Shiba reveals yet another fact of why Ichigo and team cannot infiltrate Seireitei the normal way: a sphere-shaped protection field! Sooo Seireitei have triple protection… gate, giant, and globe. Paranoid, huh? Or over-cautious? Quite impenetrable… almost. And no wonder that the elite warriors inside are ready to pick up a fight with each other. They may be suffering from the lack of enemies and so to kill their boredom they make their supposed-to-be allies their enemies, too. Wow, such a sarcastic comments, but I’m not sorry.

Since Renji and Byakuya’s visit to Karakura Town, I really was curious of the other Shinigami holding other numbered ranks. And in this book, Tite Kubo has revealed all the Captains of the Gotei 13 or 13 Division of Imperial Guards of Soul Society — except the 13th Captain due to his illness –. A feast to the eyes! But to be honest, I kind of disappointed. Such animosity and hostility! It doesn’t look like a meeting of higher-ups of an organization. It is more like a meeting of opposite forces trying to reach a peace treaty. Taunts, unkind remarks, total disregard, you name it. Their lieutenants are much better in each other’s company, though not all of them have been revealed yet.

I will refrain myself from listing all the new Shinigami we meet in this book in the next section because mostly only show their ugly side for a little while and it is too premature to draw a conclusion of their whole personality based on those shorts encounters. Besides, first impressions always fail in Bleach Universe. Ganju, for example. How the author seems to want us to portray Ganju as a lame, stupid, and good-for-nothing troublemaker from his first appearance while there’s much much more from him in this book!

Even though it may be already implied from previous books, it just comes to me now that Shinigami can actually… die? And get sick? I mean, they are souls, right? So, how come? And where do the Shinigami go when they die? Anyway, this book is ended with a short episode that I believe serves as the comic relief to offset the more serious previous episodes. Also, it reminds us that while Ichigo and team are infiltrating Soul Society, the life in Karakura Town must go on. Here we are convinced by Don Kanonji, Karin, Ururu, and Jinta that Karakura Town will be safe from Hollows while Ichigo and Rukia are absent, much to the dismay of the replacement Shinigami, Zennosuke Kurumadani.

\\n  MEET THE MAIN CHARACTERS\\n

\\n  Ichigo Kurosaki\\n

\\n  

\\"I owe her a favour. She saved my life. I need to return the favour. She saved my life and the lives of my family by giving me her power. Doing that got her arrested. Now, she’s going to be executed. I’m not a punk who can sit back and do nothing while somebody is going to die for his sake.\\"

\\n

Unofficially the leader of the team — or should it be Yoruichi? — of this suicidal squad, but the most clueless one. His relationship with Ganju improves just a little, and their bickering about everything is the source of laughter in this more serious book. No wonder that they are stuck with each other after the separation.

\\n  Orihime Inoue\\n

This girl is actually a kind-hearted girl, but somehow I still cannot make myself like this character. Maybe because she looks caring and understanding when it is about Ichigo? But she heals Jidanbou and still down to earth about it! And protect Ishida and even comfort him. And yet it still doesn’t lessen my hatred towards her.

\\n  Sado Yasutora\\n

I still remember how he thinks that Ishida is the weakest among them and I still think that he is too confident about himself. When the whirlwind of energy is about to separate them, he heroically catches Ishida, already separated from them, and throws him back to the group, sacrificing himself. Now he is on his own and actually I kind of worried about that. But given his steel body, I think he will be doing okay, at least if he’s smart enough to avoid anyone of Vice-Captain or Captain level.

\\n  Yoruichi\\n

\\n  

“This thing is as natural as breathing for me.”

\\n

How this talking cat can use the Reishūkaku (Spirit-Gathering Core) so easily make me as flabbergasted as Ichigo. Who is this talking cat actually and how long should we wait to know it? The cat is got separated from others, but I don’t think I’m worried about this cat’s safety amidst the enemy. I even has a suspicion that I should worry about those enemies who come across its way.

\\n  Gin Ichimaru\\n

\\n  

“I have no excuse. I made a mistake. I won’t try to justify my carelessness.”

\\n

He sure as sly as a snake. He surely has something in mind, and that something is definitely contradicting his fellow captains. But that something saves Ichigo and team. It makes us wondering where his loyalty does lie. Much like Aizen implies, the alarm actually blares in a suspicious precise time, as if to save him from an impending punishment, and as Zaraki says, they have searched all night for nothing and Ichigo and team arrive at Seireitei at dawn. So! Is it true that Ichimaru sounds the alarm? Or is it somebody else? Or is there any other intruders before Ichigo and team?

\\n  Kūkaku Shiba\\n

\\n  

“You’ve always loved the Shinigami and at the end… died as a Shinigami.”

\\n

It seems Shiba had another older brother who was a Shinigami. The exact detail of this particular brother is still unconfirmed, since Ganju himself claiming that he doesn’t know the details because he’s still young at that time, and she doesn’t correct him nor she clarifies the story. It is still unknown, too, that whether this death has made her a scary woman as she is or whether violence is indeed in her blood. But remembering this dead brother manages to soften her harsh edges and damn, she is actually a beautiful woman!

\\n  Ganju Shiba\\n

\\n  

“I want to know the reason why he never hated Shinigami. The reason why he believed in Shinigami even in death.”

\\n

He finally reveals the reason for his blind hatred towards Shinigami in front of Ichigo and team, before he insists to join Ichigo because, in his opinion, Ichigo is not like other Shinigami. It is obvious that he loved his dead brother so much and maybe thought of him as a hero. So much that he dare to accompany Ichigo in his dangerous mission only to find the answer about why his big brother didn’t blame the Shinigami who Ganju claimed betrayed the brother.

\\n  Kenpachi Zaraki\\n

\\n  

“I don’t know why but they survived a fight against Ichimaru. I want to try them myself!”

\\n

This is the kind of Shinigami who may have babies for breakfast and the blood of his enemies for drinks. The kind who comes at danger instead of runs away to the opposite direction. It is the kind of perfect killing machine, actually, and too bad for those getting in his way. I dread the time Ichigo or team meets this scary opponent.

\\n  Ikkaku Madarame\\n

\\n  

“I’m Ikkaku Madarame, the 3rd seat of 11th Division. Since we both have ‘ichi’ in our names, let’s make this a great fight.”

\\n

The first opponent to battle Ichigo right after their successful infiltration. He looks more like a monk than a Shinigami, and always brings an ointment in the hilt of his zanpakutō. His being stunned after learning that Kisuke Urahara is Ichigo’s teacher, to the point he release his shikai, implies that Urahara is not just a random Shinigami. However, he and Hōzukimaru are on par with Ichigo and Zangetsu, so I should admit that their battle is not that interesting at all.

\\n  THE MORAL VALUES OF THE STORY\\n

Do not only have one or two security systems, but three? Because Ichigo has just proven that even a place with three security systems are not impenetrable!

I bet the motto of the Gotei 13 is ‘Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer’ and I believe if Ichigo and team do not distract them with this invasion, they will ignite a civil war among themselves instead.

Finally in the soul society

4 stars.

I liked this volume better. The questions presented were truly great. For example, "Who is Gangu’s brother? Why did he die? Who was his captain?"

Another interesting question was "Who is Kisuke Urahara? Why did another soul reaper know his name?"

I also had a great appreciation for the fights in this volume. In this one, I really felt as if Ichigo had truly learned and engaged in a good fight. He got cut, but due to the length of the fight, he was able to read the attacks and ultimately emerge victorious.

I also liked the separation. I hope that whoever is following Orihime and the Quincy guy isn't a pervert or a captain, haha.

Overall, it was a good volume!

Ps. I really like the squad back at home with the kids and Don Konoji. The girls are absolutely adorable, and the boy is a bit of a punk. Hah.

This volume is truly remarkable as it contains some outstanding content.

First, there is the introduction of Shiba, which adds an interesting new element to the story.

Then, there is the intense and thrilling big fight between Ichigo and Ikkaku. Their battle showcases their skills and determination, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.

In addition, the volume also features the introduction of the Gotei 13, which gives us a better understanding of the overall structure and dynamics of the Soul Society.

Overall, this volume is very cool and packed with action, adventure, and interesting characters. It is a must-read for any fan of the series.

No sexual harassment in this one, that's a nice change.

In a world where inappropriate behavior and harassment seem to be all too common, it is truly refreshing to encounter a situation where such unethical conduct is absent.

This lack of sexual harassment creates a more positive and comfortable environment for everyone involved. It allows for better communication, collaboration, and the free expression of ideas.

People can focus on their work, pursue their goals, and build meaningful relationships without the fear of being harassed or violated.

This change is not only beneficial for individuals but also for society as a whole. It promotes equality, respect, and dignity, and sets a positive example for others to follow.

Let us hope that this trend continues and that more and more places become free from sexual harassment, creating a safer and more inclusive world for all.

Ichigo Kurosaki is a central character in the popular anime and manga series "Bleach."

Throughout his journey, Ichigo has encountered numerous enemies. However, what is quite interesting is that many of these enemies do not remain hostile towards him indefinitely.

Some of Ichigo's foes end up liking him. They may see his determination, his sense of justice, and his unwavering spirit, which earns them his respect and eventually their affection.

Others come to respect him. Ichigo's strength and skills in battle are undeniable, and his opponents recognize his growth and development as a fighter.

There are also those who find him amusing. Ichigo's brash and sometimes impulsive nature can be entertaining to watch, and his enemies may be charmed by his unique personality.

In conclusion, Ichigo's enemies often have complex relationships with him, and their feelings towards him can change over time.

In volumes 6 to 10, some problems that had been foreseen are confirmed. There are filler characters introduced too early in the story who later end up being annoying ornaments because the author doesn't know what to do with them and has to keep them due to popularity polls...

Aside from that, it recovers the freshness of the beginning and the drawing remains excellent.

The introduction of these filler characters seems to disrupt the natural flow of the story. Instead of adding depth and progression, they just take up space and create unnecessary distractions. It's a pity that the author has to rely on such methods to meet certain requirements.

However, on the positive side, the return of the initial freshness is a welcome aspect. It gives readers a sense of familiarity and reminds them of what made them fall in love with the series in the first place. The excellent drawing also continues to be a strong point, enhancing the overall visual experience.

Despite the flaws, there is still potential for improvement in the subsequent volumes. Maybe the author can find a better way to handle the characters and story development to make it more engaging and satisfying for the readers.

I really liked this book.

There are always exciting fights that keep me on the edge of my seat. They constantly talk about the eleventh and twelfth company, which adds an element of mystery and anticipation.

One of my favorite parts is when they went underground in the sewer. It was a thrilling and dangerous journey as they made their way towards their enemy to engage in battle.

As soon as they emerged, one of the company's fighters was already primed and ready to attack. The action was intense as they tried to beat the enemy. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the girl ambushed the two boys. It added a new layer of complexity and excitement to the story.

This book is full of action, adventure, and unexpected twists that make it a truly engaging read.

Yumachika, sir, your eyelashes

In high school, I was completely obsessed with the anime. It was like a magical world that drew me in and held my attention captive.

Now, as the newest season of the anime is set to come out in October, which is the latest in about a decade, I've been having a great time rereading the manga and rewatching the anime.

It's been a wonderful trip down memory lane, reminiscing about all the exciting moments and characters that I fell in love with during my high school days.

The anticipation for the new season is palpable, and I can't wait to see how the story continues and what new adventures await the characters.

Rereading the manga and rewatching the anime has also given me a new appreciation for the art and storytelling, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the new season will build on the foundation that has been laid before.

Overall, it's been a great experience, and I'm excited to share my love for the anime with others when the new season comes out.