For Those About To Reap We Salute You

[shinigaminostalgia]

What the heck

Have you ever felt nostalgia for a manga you haven’t read in 10 years and decide to post your opinions during a reread? Nah, me neither.

Questions Never Asked:

IchiRuki or IchiHime?

No.

Who do you ship?

Ikkaku/Yumichika and Yoruichi/Soi Fong immediately come to mind but I’m a slut for so many ships. 

Favorite Character?

I’m not sure I have one. My affections are like a cat chasing a laser light every time the plot shifts. My favorites will definitely be obvious. I’m fond of pretty much every character except Aizen. That guy is good for tea time and the Espada but that’s it. 

Favorite Division?

I swear my bloody allegiance to the Eleventh Division!

Did you read the entire series before this?

Nope. We’ll see how far I get. I know the ending is universally acknowledged to be a disappointment. 

Can I send you messages or posts?

Please do! I love interacting with folks.

[shinigaminostalgia]

You’ve got to pity Ichigo’s future partners. (Okay, yes, we know the canon answer to who that is but I reject it so let me go on.)

They have to deal with his crazy father and this strange older woman who shows up to talk about Ichigo’s first sight of delectable female flesh. 

[shinigaminostalgia]

Truly one of the greatest moments in Bleach. Discovering the wise, talented, male mentor is a badass ninja woman? *chef’s kiss* 

[shinigaminostalgia]

Ganju says out loud all of the worst things Rukia has been telling herself.

However, even before Ichigo can swoop in and answer the question with a resounding ‘HEY, ME, I WOULD GIVE MY LIFE’ we have brave little Hanataro setting the ultimate standard for bravery in this story. He knows without a doubt he will not succeed standing against Byakuya. All he hopes for is to delay him long enough that Ganju can get far enough away with Rukia. 

[shinigaminostalgia]

Oh, Ukitake, you beautiful, silver fox of mercy, good humor, and resilience. 

[shinigaminostalgia]

Ukitake is #officegoals.

[shinigaminostalgia]

Rukia, stop trying to die. Bad Rukia!

(Obviously, the entire Kaien story is heartbreaking. More on that later.)

[shinigaminostalgia]

I do enjoy the comedic duo of Ganju and Hanataro. 

Even more, I enjoy the idea of Unohana getting wind of the 11th Division’s bullying and deciding to stock everyone’s kit with a tranquilizer that would certainly reveal weak members of that division. Should anyone from the 4th decide to test it on them, which she certainly doesn’t recommend but may happen. ^__^ 

[shinigaminostalgia]

Yes, Rukia! You are!

Bless Ichigo for being such a determined bastard that he not only saves her life but helps her back on the path to regaining the will to live.

[shinigaminostalgia]

I’m not crying over Kenpachi and Yachiru. You are!

[shinigaminostalgia]

No matter how bloodthirsty Kenpachi gets, Yachiru sees through him to the man who was different enough from all the beasts in her district that he saved her.

[shinigaminostalgia]

Excepting Ichigo, Rukia, and possibly Byakuya, does anyone else receive a continuing story as strong and consistent as Kenpachi’s?

His relationship with his zanpakuto, the person he named Yachiru after, and the consequences of his desire to battle strong individuals. It’s pretty impressive how consistent his development is whenever he is reintroduced.

[shinigaminostalgia]

I legitimately cannot handle how precious this is. For beings so consumed by violence, the tenderness of their connection is wonderful.

Raise your hand if you would pay for a Lone Wolf and Cub-esque manga all about Kenpachi and Yachiru!

[shinigaminostalgia]

One might say this is foreshadowing but that’s giving too much credit and I also reject it!

[shinigaminostalgia]

Talk shit, get hit.

Most other people attempting this would break their hand off but Yachiru is strong as hell.

She’s just out there slapping everyone in Sereitei.

[shinigaminostalgia]

Just insert every page from chapter 114 here aka nothing’s gonna change Yachiru’s world.

It’s not a matter of if Kenpachi will recover but when he will recover.

PREACH.

I too am a ‘Kenpachi didn’t lose’ truther. But legitimately, per the ideology of the 11th, Ichigo didn’t have the strength to deal a killing blow and he didn’t win.

[shinigaminostalgia]

A) Yachiru is so strong. She just hauls Kenpachi’s dead weight like it’s nothing. Why oh why did she never get a real fight? It would have been a great opportunity for a creative and unique action sequence. I guess I have to go art school so I can draw an epic fight between Yachiru and an Espada or someone.

B) Yachiru leaving a shinigami passed out in his own blood after challenging Ken-chan is just a day ending in y for her.