Bleach Chapter 665-668 – Bankai VS Vollständig

The last Giant character didn’t amount to much, but fortunately Gerard is somewhat intimidating given his defeat foes

Effectively the battle between the Shinigami and Quincy has come down to a battle of Bankai vs Vollständig, where one power ends ups effectively countering the others strength to ultimately defeat the opponent. Against the multiple of characters battling against Yhwach’s Schutzstaffel (Pernida, Askin, Gerard, Lille), the Quincy are initially overwhelmed by one characters abilities but with the release of their Vollständig, they are able to nullify its danger yet are overcome by the release of another characters Bankai (which serves to counter their ability). Formulaic, yes, but not necessarily bad thanks to the stylized and creative approach of Kubo-sensei. Yet unfortunately its use in these four battles have become repetitive and have ultimately diminished the intrigue this battle against the final Schutzstaffel member has.

Bleach Chapter 664 – Kisuke VS Askin [Bankai]

The air itself around them froze for a moment

After over a decade in waiting, it has finally come. That echoing moment that any Bleach fan had resounding in their minds the instance its existence was made known. With the hush of silence and the embrace of darkness signalling it, the hearts of every Bleach fan stopped the moment that one word was uttered. A word so powerful that it shattered open the flood gates of patience and let loose years of contained excitement. A cornered Urahara Kisuke has finally revealed his most powerful trump card. A power that materializes his zanpakutou’s spirit and unleashes it. Bankai. Urahara Kisuke has finally unleashed Benihime!

Bleach Chapter 662-663 – Kisuke And Yoruichi VS Askin

Yoruichi unleashes her Shunryuu Kokubyou Senkei (Flash God Black Cat Warrior Princess) form

I love it, these past few chapters of Bleach have been absolutely fantastic. The focus has shifted back to Yoruichi VS Askin and on top of that, Kisuke has been introduced into the battle as well. And just as we all expect from Kisuke, he has an answer (of sorts) to the problems that arise with seemingly no answer. Yoruichi has unleashed her Shunryuu Kokubyou Senki forcing Askin to unleash his Vollständig forcing Kisuke into a very interesting position where he may have to unleash his genius and powers (c’mon Benihime).

Bleach Chapter 635 – The Sternritter Elite Four

With Yhwach asleep, Jugram gains the Almighty power of foresight

Finally we get to see Yhwach’s Elite Force in action targetting the Shinigami. With the four members splitting up and encountering different opponents, it will be interesting to find who the final opponent they will each fight will be. Will Grimmjow be able to take out Askin or will it take a combined effort with Ichigo and Co. to take him down. As for the other Elite Force Sternritter, they are beginning to show just why they were able to take out the Zero Division earlier in the arc. As for Jugram, looks like he has woken up with Yhwach going to sleep. I wonder what “future” Jugram saw…

Bleach Chapter 602 – Death Comes Knocking

If only Askin wasn’t so generous with the information he shared with his enemy…

So that is what Askin’s “Death Dealing” ability is, to be able to manipulate a person’s lethal dose tolerance to a substance, how fascinating. Initially I was wondering where the chapter was going when it began talking about the concept of “lethal dose”, but once Askin revealed how he would apply it in the battle against Ohetsu, it made sense. Unfortunately for Askin, he wasn’t up against just one Zero Division member, Tenjirou joined in and pretty much nullified the effect “Death Dealing” had on Ohetsu. I guess Askin only has his allies to blame for getting disposed of so easily and Yhwach for just standing there like a chump and not doing anything useful to assist.

Bleach Chapter 601 – Ohetsu Unleahes

Nimaiya Ohetsu is here!

What an incredibly enjoyable chapter, I was growing tired of the Quincy and their fights being stretched excessively over several chapters, thank goodness Ohetsu was on the scene to send several of the remaining Sternritter off to the grave. That failed zanpakutou, Sayabuse, which Ohetsu is using is quite the peculiar zanpakutou, to have such cutting ability that it is basically a ‘one swing, one kill’ blade (for the most part). Askin being alive was great, his character has been established as being a interesting one, so I am glad he will get a moment to be highlighted in his battle against Ohetsu. Will be interesting to see how Ohetsu will handle a guy who just can’t die =/.