While doing some soul searching for blog topics, a mix of introspection and a burst of renewed interest brought me back to this series. I’ve been following the series since I was in high school, oh so many years ago, and its a series that I’ve returned to over the course of at least a decade and a half. And, out of the Big Three, it is the one I have the easiest time coming back to.
What is the Aim/Goal of This Blog?
The general gist of this blog is to show appreciation for the series. Something I know I am not alone on. Whether that be through broader/general topics, reviews, personal stories, and what ifs.
I also plan to focus on certain characters to give this blog a bit more of an identity. As of right now, this will include Izuru Kira, Jushiro Ukitake, Grimmjow, and Shunsui Kyoraku. All characters that I enjoy and have plenty of topics in mind for them. Though more characters could be added later. Gin Ichimaru being one, but I currently don’t have any plans/ideas for Gin specific posts at this time.
All in all, this is a blog meant to commemorate Bleach and for a fan to share her thoughts and ideas in honor of it for anyone who enjoys Bleach. This is meant to be a fun little blog that I hope you are able to find something of interest in.
Why “Hopefully Destructive Shinigami Tales”?
I was looking for something that incorporated some of the characters I planned to discuss while still retaining a Bleach centric name. “Hopefully” comes from Squad 13’s symbol being Hope, while “Destructive” comes from Grimmjow’s element of death (destruction). “Shinigami Tales” brings it all together since Soul Reapers are also called Shinigami and I’m just sharing some tales as it were.
Mental Health?
I was thinking about occasionally doing posts on mental health related topics. Things like trauma that certain characters might have and other topics. This could be a monthly or every other month topic to give the blog some additional content. Though, just know that I am not a psychology professional. I do love the topic, but I am not accredited. Any mental health related posts would be researched and cited of course, but I do want to mention that I am merely someone who enjoyed researching psychology.
Thank You for Coming and I Hope You Enjoy Your Stay!!!
Starting off this little side series with a canon ship: IchiHime. Getting it’s name when combining Ichigo and Orihime’s names, this would be one of the more well known Ichigo ships.
Since this is a canon ship, and a way for me to test the waters with this, I thought I would go over two main topics: IchiHime vs IchiRuki and my general thoughts on it.
Before You Go: Shipping Name Convention
In my experience, you will see one of two types of naming conventions when it comes to ships: *insert*shipping and combining the characters names. I’ve only seen the former used in two instances, Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, where the ship name will be based on a similarity between the characters, based on how an interaction will go and so on. For example, Ash and May’s ship name is Advancedshipping, which gets its name from the fact that May was introduced in Advanced Generation. Tristan and Serenity’s ship name is Ardentshipping is derived from the fact that Tristan does have a crush on Serenity with ardent meaning passionate.
However, most fandoms, at least in my experience, use the “combined the characters names” route. Bleach is one such series and is pretty straight forward. It just takes one part of each character’s name and put it together. The only real exception is when a name is short, three to four letters tops, where you may see one character’s full name (ex. KibaHina a.k.a. Kiba x Hinata).
IchiHime vs IchiRuki
It’s not uncommon for shonen series to have at least two potential canon ships when it comes to the protagonist. For Naruto, that would have been was NaruSaku (Naruto x Sakura) and NaruHina (Naruto x Hinata) (SasuSaku a.k.a. Sasuke x Sakura was also a runner for becoming canon). Inuyasha x Kagome and Inuyasha x Kikyo would be another.
While these certainly weren’t the only ships that existed, there would always be a ship or two that the series would lean heavily towards. Whether that be in the manga and/or the anime.
For Bleach, that would be IchiHime and IchiRuki (Ichigo x Rukia). Both make since Orihime and Rukia were close to Ichigo and the fact that Ichigo did everything he could to save them in the Hueco Mundo and Soul Society arcs respectively. And while the anime may have leaned a bit more towards the latter for a few reason, I doubt that the route the anime took was the only reason that people liked IchiRuki.
Now, I never really got into either ship myself when I was younger and first got into the series. Though, if you were to ask me to pick one, I would probably lean more towards IchiHime. This would likely have to do with the fact that I did prefer RenRuki (Renji x Rukia) more and liking Ichigo and Orihime’s interactions a bit more. I might even say Ichigo x Tatsuki for a hot second since it was a ship that I came across and could make sense due to their history. However, between the two I probably would have said IchiHime.
What are My Thoughts on IchiHime?
While I don’t really have much about these two getting together, I do like them as a couple.
In terms of when I was initially reading the series, pat of this could be attributed to the fact that I had known that they got together in the end during my Bleach hiatus (I was spoiled, but since I had taken so long to finish it, I didn’t mind at the time). It could also have been due to the fact that I expected/didn’t mind that they could or would get together.
Looking back at it know with a better understanding, I appreciate it for what it is. When I was younger, I didn’t really think about how part of Orihime’s growth had to do with the trauma she carried between her brother becoming a Hollow and being fearful of Ichigo’s Hollowfication/Hollow Form. Something that Ichigo did pick up on and tried to reassure that he was still the same Ichigo despite it (i.e. during his fight with Grimmjow in Hueco Mundo).
The only real criticism with them, at least when it came to the manga/anime, was how easily she sided with Tsukishima during the Lost Agent/Fullbringer Arc. One criticism I have seen was how she, and by extent the people closest to Ichigo, sided with him when Ichigo was trying to stop him.
Granted, Tsukishima’s ability does allow him to manipulate people’s memories. So it does make sense that people would think that Ichigo attacking their dear friend/relative would be troubling. And while I may not be bothered as much by it personally, I won’t say that this isn’t a valid criticism. However, at the end of the day, it doesn’t effect the fact that I think this is a good ship.
All in all, I do like it and it’s probably my favorite end game couple (RenRuki is cool too).
Conclusion
With this being my first entry in this little series, I hope it kicked it off well. Or at least well enough to get some interest. I thought it would be better to start with a canon couple to test the waters, especially since it was canon. And since IchiHime was a ship I was kind of leaning towards, but not outright enjoying at the time, it made sense.
I may do another canon ship as part of this series, RenRuki probably being the most likely, but as a preemptive heads up, you’ll probably notice that most of the ships going forward aren’t canon. Anywhere and everywhere on the popularity scale, but not canon.
Feel free to drop some feedback. And if there’s a ship you’d like me to cover, within reason, feel free to drop a comment.
Similar to the Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book segments, The Arrancar Encyclopedia was a series of omake (bonus shorts/stories) that played at the end of episodes. Spanning between episodes 125 and 307, these forty shorts were both entertaining and informative as Gin Ichimaru breaks down particular concepts throughout the Arrancar/Fake Karakura Town arc. Sometimes even pointing out filler breaks with some fourth wall breaks. Some even had mini arcs.
I thought it would be fun to go over a few of my favorites as a way to appreciate these little segments. I’ve also embedded the videos from Bleach Watch’s channel. They have uploaded all of the Arrancar Encyclopedia omakes, as well as other shorts and moments. They are all dubbed, however, YouTube also will have them in subbed as well, if you prefer. Seeltech, for instance, uploaded all of them into one video (found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRZH3F8P1mo).
Arrancar Encyclopedia 3
The main reason I like this one is because, not only is it true, but it’s also pretty funny how it’s pointed out that Grimmjow never got to release his Resurrección and how his battles with Ichigo get interrupted. Not only is this true, with Tousen and Shinji stepping into his first two battles with Ichigo, but it’s amusing to have Gin question who should stop him next.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 7
This episode goes over how Hueco Mundo is a barren, desert-like region, with no trace of water in sight. Which begs the question, how is Aizen able to make/have tea? The episode doesn’t give an outright answer, with Gin stating that the less he knows the better (lest he become “more of a threat”), but there are a few ways this could be explained away.
Maybe Hueco Mundo has a secret water reserve that only Aizen knows about. Or maybe Tousen stocks up on water. Or perhaps Harribel helps since her Resurrección gives her water manipulation and abilities.
We may never get the answer, but it is fun to think about in a hypothetical kind of way. Especially since Hollows don’t really get sustenance in the same way people do (i.e. absorbing reishi and devouring weaker Hollows).
Arrancar Encyclopedia 8
In discussing the different kinds of Hollows, we get a bit of subtle foreshadowing. Gin notes how Nel is more humanoid, despite not seeming to be a Vasto Lorde. Which brings up the question of what Nel could be. He does end up brushing it off as Nel feels embarrassed by the attention, stating how there could be exceptions. However, it does set up the notion that there is more to Nel than we know.
Which does get revealed later on and is discussed in the 22nd Arrancar Encyclopedia. It’s a fun little instance of how these segments interconnect.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 9
“Shoot first, ask questions later”. That basically sums up this one.
As Gin is trying to explain Gillians (the giant Hollows that wear body length cloaks and a white mask), Pesche, one of Nel’s “brothers” continues to interrupt the lesson. First by trying to get one to follow his orders, to which Gin continues stating how only people Aizen put in charge can control them. Pesche then kicks the Gillian as he yells at Gin for not telling him as much. This angers the Gillian, to which Gin follows up that his (the Gillian’s) friends will come to help, so you shouldn’t attack them without back up. Once again, Pesche gets mad at Gin for not saying that before he kicked the Gillian.
Of course, this was played up to be more comedic, but had Pesche just let Gin finish, he wouldn’t have gotten in trouble. Then again, there probably wouldn’t have been much of a segment if he hadn’t.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 12
Another little segment with Nel’s band of brothers. For this particular segment, Gin goes over the more animal-like Hollows, with a lizard like Hollow being the creature shown off. Bawa Bawa, who can’t talk comes in and tries to literally take a bite out of Gin when he tries to ask if he consumes reishi like the lizard. He then uses his Shikai to pry Bawa Bawa off him.
What I really like about this episode is the delivery. Both the Japanese and English versions are funny, but I like the delivery in the English version a bit more. The way Gin says “I’m not some midday snack. You’re going on a diet” makes me chuckle.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 13
This one’s more so interesting than funny. Though it is still entertaining given the question “which ones Arro and which one’s Nero”. Here, we get some context on Aaronero, the ninth Espada. It is mentioned in his battle against Rukia, and again here, that Aaronero is the only Espada who’s a Gillian. A bit of a special case due to his abilities, it’s both interesting and significant when it comes to the Espada and Arrancar.
The only Hollows capable of becoming and Arrancar and, by extent an Espada, are Adjuchas and Vasto Lordes. Grimmjow, for instance is an Adjucha, while Starrk would be a Vasto Lorde. Gillians either weren’t powerful enough and/or not what Aizen was looking for when recruiting the Espada (and by extent Arrancar numbered passed 10 and Fracción). So for Aaronero to be the only Gillian says a lot.
Because of that, it’s worth shouting this segment out.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 16
Being the last Arrancar Encyclopedia before the Shusuke Amagai arc (i.e. it took a hiatus for the duration of the filler arc), this episode breaks down Ichigo’s Hollowificaiton and how this makes him more like an Arrancar than a Soul Reaper. Vizards are in a similar boat due to the method that they access their Hollow powers. Ichigo’s situation would be different, but he would be similar to a Vizard because of this. However, all things considered, Gin does raise an interesting point with Ichigo being similar to an Arrancar.
That on it’s own is enough for me to enjoy this installment, however, there is one other element that I like. Gin concludes the episode asking Ichigo if he knew about Squad 3’s new captain. Ichigo heard about it , but doesn’t know who he is. Shusuke Amagai appears on his display as he comments how it could be rough and denies knowing him when asked. He then ends the segment by saying “good luck with you’re career Izuru”.
I always loved that part of the short. Unfortunately, we don’t really get to see what kind of dynamic Gin and Izuru had, or how good of a captain he was. I have also seen questions on whether or not Gin cared about Izuru or Squad 3 (one consensus I’ve seen being that he may not care about them as much as he does for Rangiku, but he may like them enough as far as subordinates goes). So seeing him hoping for the best is something that I liked because it kind of shows that Gin cares enough for Izuru and his well being to wish him luck.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 22
Speaking of Nel and foreshadowing, Arrancar Encyclopedia 22 addresses Nel, her true form, and her Resurrección. Nel (as a kid) enters, stating how pretty grown Nel is, not remembering that they are one in the same. When Gin points this out, Nel, not understanding how Gin could see her like this, makes a bit of a pass at Gin’s eyesight. To which Gin retaliates stating how she mustn’t be all that bright. All in all, it’s just a fun little episode.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 24
There’s not much I can say about this episode other than Swiss Army Knife. The episodes that go over certain Arrancar or Espada, namely their abilities and/or Resurrección, are pretty simple. Some more entertaining than others. I just think this one is funny for setting up the whole joke of “could you pull out *insert tool or appliance here* like a Swiss Army Knife/jack of all trades”.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 25
I’d feel bad not including this one for a joke that it spawned. The topic at hand was Gargantas, the portals used to get from Hueco Mundo to the Human World and vice versa. Kisuke Urahara is brought up and how he was able to reconstruct one for Orihime’s rescue mission. Mayuri pops in, venting his frustrations about it. He then proceeds to get into Gin’s space wondering if Gin could provide a diagram of an Arrancar’s anatomy, much to Gin’s discomfort.
When it comes to Gin, no one really freaks/weirds him out. In fact, he’s probably one of the first examples to come to mind when thinking about unsettled Bleach characters due to how he carries himself and how he’s associated with snakes.
So the fact that someone else is able to make him feel unsettled kind of says a lot. Which would explain why there are a few memes pointing out how Mayuri is just that creepy/unsettling. There’s even a blink and you’ll miss it frame where Gin opens his eyes when Mayuri approaches him, which is a rare for Gin.
Granted, it wouldn’t take someone like Gin for people to realize that something is off about Mayuri. However, seeing how nonchalant Gin is around Kenpachi in the Soul Society arc and characters like Rukia stating how disturbed she feels around him, the fact that Mayuri make him uncomfortable says a lot.
The only other person Gin doesn’t seem to like Szayelaporro Grantz (the 8th Espada) for similar reasons. Which he hints at off hand in the few Arrancar Encyclopedia episodes Szayelaporro guest stars in. I just prefer Mayuri’s appearance over Szayelaporro.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 28 and 29
I’m including these two together since they are directly connected (unlike the previously mentioned Nel ones).
Taking place before the Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc, the 28th installment was meant to go over the Resurreccións of Barrigan’s remaining Fracción, as well as Harribel’s, before the break. Ichigo points out how none of them are exactly new (the former’s Fracción even being defeated in the following episode) to which Gin responds that he thought they would have had more time before the break. He also points out how running these segments isn’t easy. When Ichigo counters that it doesn’t look that hard, Gin ends up having him take over for the next segment to prove a point.
This leads into the 29th segment where Ichigo, as the defacto host, has to interview Starrk, Barrigan, and Harribel, the first through third Espada. Where he receives a pretty cold reception.
These two episodes are a fun little way to play into the whole “public speaking being difficult” bit.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 35/36
I just like how these two play into the whole “Aizen doesn’t know about this”/”I don’t Want Aizen to see this” thing that Ulquiorra mentions during his fight with Ichigo. While Aizen doesn’t make an appearance in this episode (he has invited himself on at least once), it’s funny to think that Ulquiorra doesn’t want him to see, as though knowing Aizen could pop in at any moment. As well as the retaliation he takes when Gin manages to get a good look at him (think laser eye surgery, but deadlier).
I also like how this is an instance where we get to see Gin’s eyes opened. Like a handful of other anime characters, one of his defining features is the fact that his eyes are closed. However, unlike say, Brock from Pokémon, he has opened a few times. Being miscolored twice (red in the early anime and Heat the Soul 6, for the PSP, and apparently yellow in the DS games. Conformation for the games: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/958052-bleach-heat-the-soul-6/49559999). Because of this, I do have to shout out how this is one of the few rare times we see them. In the correct color too.
Arrancar Encyclopedia 39
Of course, what Gin hosted series wouldn’t talk about his Bankai. Which is exactly what this penultimate episode of the Arrancar Encyclopedia does. My favorite thing from this one is how it uses measurements to help explain how long his Zanpakuto goes. It has a 13km reach (or roughly 8.1 miles). And for the sake of discussion, he uses both the Tokyo Tower and Resurrected Yammy as references.
While the next episode is the last, and a nice one at that, I do appreciate that the last informative episode was about Gin. It only felt right.
In Summary
The Arrancar Encyclopedia was a fun little series of shorts going over an array of characters, concepts, and lore. It’s also nice to see characters interact with each other not on the battlefield. And while I wish I could say that I like all of them, there are some that I like more than others.
What about you? Do you have one or more Arrancar Encyclopedia shorts that you like? If so, which ones?
Flowers and apologies. Some flowers can be given as a form of apology or sympathy. Izuru’s Zanpakuto, Wabisuke is also known as “apology/to apologize”. However, one thing that you might not know is that his Zanpakuto also gets its name from a flower.
As such, I thought I it would be fun to go over three interconnecting facts about Wabisuke. What the flower is, how it relates to the shape and use Wabisuke has, and why the flower and apology aren’t mutually exclusive to Izuru’s Zanpakuto.
It’s Name is Derived from Wabisuke Camellia
This wasn’t something I originally knew about, but discovered relatively recently. Camellia is a genus native to certain countries of Asia, namely in Southern/Eastern/Southeastern countries like Japan, China, Korea, and India. They are also a type of tea plant.
While researching, I found that Wabisuke Camellia appears to be a hybrid between two camellia plants: the c. pitardii (Pitard’s Camellia) and the c. japonica (Japanese Camellia).
Side note: I nicknamed a shiny Froslass Wabisuke in Pokémon Scarlet since flowers was the playthrough’s nicknaming scheme.
Klub Outside: Wabisuke Camellia’s Droopy Look Reflecting Wabisuke’s Abilities
Speaking of the wabisuke camellia, in Klub Outside, a Q&A that Tite Kubo runs, Kubo was asked about it. Namely in its relation to how Izuru had decapitated opponents (ex. Abirama Redder).
The individual asked: “Izuru-kun’s Zanpakutō is Wabisuke and Wabisuke is the name of a type of camellia. Does the theory that the reason why there are multiple scenes within the story where he decapitates his opponent, have its origins in the fact that the camellia is likened to a head and is described as falling?”
To which Kubo responded: “That’s correct. I thought everyone would take notice about the Wabisuke camellia but at the time it wasn’t really picked up on that much.“
This is an interesting tidbit given how we do see Izuru play into this “falling head”/decapitated aspect. And given how Wabisuke is unusually curved, and how it was used in the case of his fight against Abirama Redder, I can definitely see the parallel.
The Kanji in Wabisuke is Also Found in the Kanji for Apology/Apologize
Some of you may be wondering how his Zanpakuto means “to apologize” if it’s name is derived from a flower. It is both. But how we get there has to do with Japanese as a language.
It all comes down to the kanji used. Wabisuke’s is 侘助. The wabi- kanji it uses is also in wabishi (侘しい) which means lonely and is also seen in wabiru (侘びる) which means to pine/grieve. That wabiru also shares the kanji びるwith Wabiru (詫びる) and is homonymous with it.
I’ve had a few instances where a character got me into a series. Haru, who appeared on the eight cover of FruitsBasket, was an example of this. as was G1 Starscream thanks to his appearance in You Can Draw Transformers.
If there’s one instance that has stuck with me, and one that I’ve been finding myself reflecting on lately, it has to be Izuru Kira. Maybe it’s the fact that my interest and focus on Bleach has been renewed (I tend to cycle through interests). Maybe it’s the fact that, upon this renewed interest, I’m reflecting on the series with an older perspective. Or maybe, in an attempt to be more introspective with content I’ve invested in, I’m really realizing what the character means to me.
Whatever the case, I thought I would reflect on what that means for me. How a volume eventually prompted this interest, my love of Squad 3, Gin and Izuru especially, and why I like Izuru specifically.
Volume 15 was My Introduction
When reflecting on my history with Bleach and how long it took me to finish the manga, I mentioned how volume 15 was my earliest memory of it. As well as the reason I would initially get into the series way back when. While I can’t recall if I saw someone else with it or on my own first, I do remember seeing it and wanting to look into it.
It may not be the most elaborate cover, with Izuru sitting on it with a black and white backdrop, but it didn’t have to be. All it had to do was spark my curiosity just enough to get me to check it out.
Of course, I would go back and start the series from the beginning, however, if it weren’t for this cover, I’m not sure when I would have gotten into the series. If ever. Because of this, I do consider volume 15 and Izuru my reason for getting into Bleach, with him, and Gin, going on to be some of my favorite characters.
Volume fifteen goes over a few plot points. It starts by wrapping up Uyru’s fight with Mayuri, the captain of Squad 12, before being stopped by Tousen. It then jumping over to Ichigo’s Bankai training with Yoruichi and Orihime, with the help of Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichicka, breaking Uyru, Ganju, and Chad out of prison.
It concludes with Toshiro confronting Gin after Momo and Izuru escaping their holding cells, the latter being freed by his captain, before jumping into a prequel story during Renji, Momo, and Izuru’s academy days. Volume 16 would resolve the conflict between Toshiro and Gin while also giving readers insight into the event that ended in Kaien’s death.
While tying up a few loose ends, this was an interesting volume. I really enjoyed the past segment as it was interesting to see how Izuru, Momo, Renji, and even Shuhei met, as well as how they met Aizen and a then Lieutenant Gin. It puts things into perspective, and place, for events that would happen latter on while giving us some insight into where these characters were and how they knew each other.
So, in that regard, I do appreciate picking it up when I did. I’m also thankful. Had I not gotten curious after spotting this issue, I’m not sure if I would have gotten into it. Or at least not for a while. After all, Naruto was the member of the Big 3 that I was exposed to first and I wasn’t as interested in One Piece, despite liking some aspects of it. So had things not played out the way that they did, I don’t think my experience with Bleach and my fond memories of it would be the same way.
Volume 15’s Poem
I can’t discuss the cover without discussing the poem. For the unaware, each volume would start off with a poem from the perspective of whichever character is on the cover. Anywhere for a few lines to a stanza/verse or two.
This one, though brief, gets an interesting perspective across. Without spoiling too much, this can be seen as a reflection of what’s to come. The farewell that Izuru knows is coming from his captain (Gin) in the following volumes.
Like the cover, this would become one of my favorite poems. Probably my all time favorite if I’m being honest, since it’s the one that has stayed with me (though I also really like Gin’s for volume 47).
Squad 3 (i.e. Gin and Izuru)
If you were to ask me what my favorite Squad was, I’d probably say it was Squad 3. This is in spite of the fact that three of my top five characters aren’t from Squad 3 (Shunsui and Ukitake are the captains of Squads 8 and 13 respectively while Grimmjow is the sixth Espada).
The initial and ever present reason I like Squad 3 does have to do with Gin and Izuru. Both were the first characters I latched onto, after all. So it would make sense that I would be partial to their Squad.
However, there are some other interesting members of it. I don’t mind Rose, one of the Vizard who proceeded and succeeded Gin. Though I do wish we got to see more of his and Izuru’s dynamic. Tetsuzaemon’s mother, Chikane, was Rose’s lieutenant before becaming a Vizard, which is a little fun fact. The Squad would also be a centerpiece for the Shusuke Amagai filler arc, where it gets a new captain in Shusuke Amagai and a new third seat, Makoto Kibune. Which, despite being a filler arc, is one that I feel like is one of the better filler arcs (or at least the most conceptually interesting). So, overall, I do enjoy elements Squad 3 outside of Gin and Izuru.
When it comes to Squad 3 as a squad, is the symbolism and nature behind it. Which was eloquently described by Izuru during his fight with Abirama.
Each squad is associated with a flower, a color, an aspect that their squad represents. For example, Squad 13 is associated with hope, snowflowers, and maroon.
For Squad 3, it’s the marigold and despair and their color is spring green. I am not entirely sure why spring green is associated with them. Though I do have a few theories. As far as the marigold, there is more of an explanation that goes into it.
During the resolution his fight with Abirama Redder, Izuru explains Squad 3’s role. It’s symbol being despair and how that’s seen through it’s flower, marigolds, and how his Zanpakuto, Wabisuke fit into it.
Depending on the culture and time period, the marigold can have both positive and negative symbols. The yellow and orange colors symbolizing the sun for a positive example. While some sources state that marigolds symbolized sadness and despair during the Victorian era. I’m guessing the latter was what Kubo had in mind. That and Dios de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors family that has passed.
The way he describes Squad 3’s despair mantra has always stuck out to me. And it’s pretty suitable coming from him. His Zanpakuto, Wabisuke’s, ability doubles the weight of whatever it strikes, making it look like they’re bowing their head to apologize. And while wabisuke is also the name of a flower in the camellia family, the kanji for Wabi in Wabisuke shares the kanji 侘 for Wabishi (侘しい) and one version of Wabiru (侘び). This Wabiru is homonymous with Wabiru (詫び), which means “to apologize”.
So while I do have a soft spot for Squad 3 based on the characters, I also have an appreciation for what it means to be a part of it. Which we are provided for by Izuru. As such, Squad 3 continues to stand out and be one of my favorite squads.
Now that I’ve covered how gravitating towards Izuru effected some of my interests with Bleach, I’m sure some of you may be wondering…
Why Do I (Still) Like Izuru?
The first character(s) you like from a piece of media may not always be the same as time goes on. When I first got into Naruto, that was Sasuke. However, as I continued to progress through the series, I started liking him less and less, and, if you were to ask me now, I’d probably say Gaara and/or Hinata were my favorite characters.
In this case, Izuru is would be an example of a character who I initially liked, but still like to day. Even when favorability of other characters came into the picture.
If you were to ask me why I like him, the first reason that comes to mind is volume 15 and how that was my first exposure to Bleach. This may sound strange since it’s not something about Izuru specifically, but it’s one that sticks with me.
Going deeper, I’ve norrowed it down to three factors: his dynamic with Gin and how that effected him in a post betrayal Soul Society, his design/aesthetic, and his friendships with Shuhei and Rangiku.
The Gin and Izuru Dynamic
The dynamic he has with Gin is pretty interesting. In a lot of ways, they are parallels/opposites. Gin appears more outgoing/outwardly positive, while Izuru looks gloomy/depressed. Gin’s born closer to Fall (September 10th), while Izuru’s a spring baby (March 27th). Gin likes persimmons, while Izuru hates them. I both love and appreciate these opposing parallels, because it’s helps give the dynamic some neat personality.
Then, after his betrayal, we do get to see that it does effect Izuru. Unlike Momo, who was more so in denial about Aizen’s betrayal, he was more angered or reactive whenever someone brings Gin up (excluding Rangiku). In his fight against Abirama, after a quick flashback, he strikes Abirama, stating how he shouldn’t drop his (Gin’s) name so casually. During the Amagai filler arc, he is shocked/unnerved when he thinks he sees Gin in his office. When it was actually Amagai.
These kind of moments, show how Gin’s betrayal effects him. As well as showing how he reacts differently when compared to Momo or Shuhei. He isn’t in denial about it. He’s hurt. Angry even.
The only thing I wish we got was more exploration into their dynamic. While it makes sense that Ichigo and his closest friends/allies will get more attention, I just think it would have been neat to see how Izuru ended up the way he did and what kind of captain Gin was. As far as we know, Gin treated his squad well. He may not have been as beloved as someone like Ukitake, but he probably treated them. The official bootleg (Colorful Bleach+) also mentions how he would share the dried persimmons he made with others.
Design
I have a bit of a soft spot for the emo/goth/alternative/punk aesthetic. A big contributing factor being that I grew up during the 2000’s era. And while Izuru’s outfit doesn’t really fit into this vibe, outside of black being a primary color, his bang does. The “emo bang” can be defined as a long side swept bang that covers an eye. This may not be the only variation, this style was pretty popular during this time. Funnily enough, it’s also a style we see in a few instances with blonde anime/manga characters (ex. Ino and Deidara from Naruto, and Sanji from One Piece).
That, alongside Izuru’s relatively simple style, was something I was drawn to.
Rangiku and Shuhei
I have an appreciation for the friendships that he has with these characters. Though we may not get a lot of time with them, I think each friendship has good qualities.
Both Rangiku and Izuru were hurt by Gin and, while for different reasons, were able to find comradery in that. Izuru apologizing to Rangiku was also a small yet nice moment of resolution. Rangiku didn’t hold their fight against him given the circumstances and the two lament over a few drinks. Shuhei also gets pulled into this drinking spree.
Shuhei, meanwhile, is someone who was there for Izuru. During the Fake Karakura Town arc they two of the Soul Reapers who are tasked to protecting the pillars protecting the Soul Society and the real Karakura Town. Shuihei also points out that Izuru can still help heal people despite his time away from Squad 4, which he has Izuru do as people were getting injured while Unohana and Isane were in Hueco Mundo. They also show up in several of the Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book segments. While not entirely canon, save for a few that appear in the Unofficial Bootleg Colorful Bleach+ book, we get more moment of these two getting along. Including time spent in the Men’s Soul Reaper Association and in their day to day lives. They were also on the same botched practice mission during their academy days. Which I feel helps give them a little history and helped set up the quartet that is Renji, Momo, Izuru, and Shuhei.
Filler episodes do help expand on both of these friendships, as do the aforementioned shorts. One of my favorites is the short during the Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc, where Shuhei discusses Wabisuke. He goes on to sympathizes with Izuru due to how Wabisuke’s ability weighs on him (literally and metaphorically) and it’s whole thing on apologizing, atonement, and repentance, and understands how such a thing could lead him to drinking. Moments like that are things that I feel does a good job of fleshing out Izuru’s friendships.
Closing Thoughts
Sometimes, all it takes is a character.
While I have gone on to enjoy other aspects of Bleach and other characters, I will always have a soft spot for Izuru for inadvertently getting me into Bleach. While there will always be that chance that I did get into it, I do attribute Izuru and volume 15 for being the catalyst. As such, he will always stay as one of my favorites.
Have you ever had something like this happen? What is/are your favorite character(s) from Bleach?
I am a bit of a sucker for Squad 3. I’d also like to see more of Izuru’s relationships with his captains. Finally finishing the anime and starting Thousand Year Blood War, I realize we don’t really get to see what kind of dynamic Izuru has with Rose. Rose was one of three Vizards who (re)claimed the title of captain, taking over for Gin who replaced him after the incident that turned the Vizards into Vizards.
And while we do see progress with Momo thanks to Shinji and Shuhei already knowing Kensei when he was a kid, we don’t really get anything with Rose and Izuru. The most we really get is Rose stating how music came naturally to him when he was around Izuru when he thought he was dead.
For the sake of discussion and speculation, I came up with a few ways that Rose and Izuru’s dynamic could be explored. Characters who could help/mediate and what kind of initiative Rose could take.
What Do We Know About Their Dynamic?
As of right now, something we do know are the fact that being in Izuru’s presence inspires Rose to create music. Which Rose expresses when he believes Izuru is dead. And while I am still making my way through some of the supplemental stuff (ex. Can’t Fear Your Own Word, Q&As, the data books, and so on), I have heard that Izuru may find Rose a bit annoying and not liking how the music Rose is inspired to make is based on how gloomy Izuru comes across. So, it’s possible that we do get a bit of context, I just might not have read it yet.
I also now that there’s a scene in one of the endings where Izuru can be seen venting about his new captain and remember hearing that it may have been Rose who suggested that Squad 3 keeps persimmon trees. Though again, I would have to verify the latter. I do know that the bootleg (Color Bleach+) does mention how they were initially grown while Gin was captain, which is his favorite food, and he would share dried persimmons with other Soul Reapers.
So there does seem to be some information on their dynamic, but not a deep dive. Hence, why I thought it’d be interesting to see what possibilities it could have.
General Connection: Good? Bad? Some Kind of Third Option?
Though we do not get to see what their dynamic is like, I do think that it’s safe to assume that they have a generally good dynamic. At the very least, there’s nothing to suggest that Rose has done anything to traumatize or frighten Izuru.
If there is a clash, it’d be more so over personality. Regardless of whether or not Izuru finds Rose’s gloomy music annoying, they two are different. Izuru is generally more reserved, whereas Rose is laid back but a bit more outgoing. So those differing personalities would be there.
However, from what what we know about Rose, i.e. how he interacts with his fellow Vizards, and his response to Izuru’s “death”, he generally cares about people he’s close to. So, while they may have their differences, I have my doubts that Rose has done anything to intimidate or harm Izuru. At least not intentionally.
With that in mind, in what ways could I see their dynamic expanded on?
Approach 1: Tetsuzaemon as a Middle Ground
In the Turn Back the Pendulum Arc, we do learn that Rose’s Lieutenant was Chikane Iba, Tetsuzaemon’s mother. Outside of this, she isn’t really acknowledged much, outside of an occasion or two from Tetsuzaemon.
Now, Tetsuzaemon does have more interactions with Ikkaku, as the, however, that doesn’t mean he exclusively interacts with Ikkaku and Squad 7. He was one of several lieutenants to appear during the Fake Karakura Town arc to preserve the pillars. They do interact during the Thousand Year Blood War before Izuru’s absence. He and Izuru also have some interactions in things like the Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book segments, in and out of the Shinigami Men’s Association bits. It’s also safe to assume that they’ve probably grabbed drinks together too, since Izuru can be seen with Yumichika in an end credit and would get drinks with characters like Shuhei, Renji, and Rangiku.
All of this to say, I could see Tetsuzaemon helping Izuru out with this transition. Seeing as how his mother was Rose’s previous lieutenant, he probably would have a few stories under his belt, possibly even having a few personal experiences thanks to his mother.
For this approach, I could easily see him have a discussion with Izuru over a few drinks. Understanding that Izuru would have that trouble trusting a captain after Gin, Tetsuzaemon would probably tell him things about Rose that he heard through his mother.
One of the first things I pictured for this was Tetsuzaemon saying how his first impression of Rose when he was younger was that he (Rose) was a “weird hippie” who could play the guitar. Another idea I had was Tetsuzaemon’s mother telling him how Rose always put his squad first. Little things like that to help give Izuru feel more comfortable with the change and so that he knows that Rose isn’t a bad guy. Eccentric perhaps, but well meaning.
Approach 2: Rangiku and/or Shuhei for Advice
Out of all the characters that could help Rose, Rangiku and Shuhei would be the best options. Both are friends with Izuru and both understand what he went through differently. Rangiku has a better understanding of who Gin is on a personal level and understands why his betrayal specifically hit hard. Shuhei, meanwhile, would understand what it feels like for a captain to go rogue since Tousen betrayed him and his squad when he defected with Aizen.
Of the two, Rangiku would probably be the best since she had been a lieutenant longer and would be able to provide insight that Shuhei wouldn’t have. While there was things that he kept from Rangiku, like the exact reason for his betrayal, she was good friends with him. So she would have a better understanding of some of his quirks. She would probably have a better understanding of Gin on a personal level and would probably be able to gauge that he may have genuinely cared about Izuru, while not defending his actions or how they affected Izuru.
Though, that’s not to say that Shuhei wouldn’t be able to help. Since he was one of the upper classman that headed the botched practice mission that Izuru, Momo, and Renji’s class were carrying out, he would be familiar with how long his admiration for his former captain was. There’s also the fact that the two are seen hanging out more frequently after Aizen, Gin, and Tousen’s betrayal both in the manga and the anime. So they have an established friendship. I also feel like Shuhei would understand that Izuru’s reactions and trauma from Gin’s betrayal are justified, even if he personally didn’t have the same responses after Tousen left.
Because of this, I could see one or both of them helping Rose. They could provide Rose feedback on what to avoid with Izuru (ex. not using Gin’s name unless absolutely necessary), ways that Rose can help him (ex. making sure he doesn’t overwork himself), and ways that he can help Izuru feel more comfortable around him (ex. taking an interest in his haikus), just to name a few ways.
Approach 3: An Alternate Take on the Shusuke Amagai Arc: Taking the Initiative and Respecting Boundaries
One of the filler arcs that we got right around the climax of Ichigo’s Heco Mundo fight with Grimmjow and Nnoitora’s entrance, was the Shusuke Amagai arc. One of the bigger plot points of it was Squad 3 getting a new captain and third seat in Shusuke Amagai and Makoto Kibune respectively. Since it takes place and unspecified amount of time after Gin’s betrayal, Amagai knows that it’s going to be an adjustment period and that the Squad may be hesitant with a new captain.
I could see something of a similar scenario with Rose. Just canon and with more of a focus on Izuru since he had the closest relationship with Gin (as his lieutenant). Because, while I am certain that Rose would try to give the entire squad his time and attention, he would have, or at least want to have, a closer relationship with Izuru. Especially since Rose has stated in the Thousand Year Blood War arc how he felt inspired to create music whenever he was in Izuru’s presence.
When I say “taking the initiative”, I mean that Rose could be forthcoming with his intentions. Having a plan that he’s up front about and his intentions with their relationship. He could state how he wants a good relationship with Izuru and has no plans to betray him like Gin did. Nor would he plan to be anything like Gin in general.
At the same time, he would understand that gaining trust wouldn’t be easy. Nor would he want to force anything. So, while he lays out the ground work for what his plan is, he would acknowledge that it’ll take time and is willing to take that time if it means that he earned Izuru’s trust.
Is There an Approach That I Feel is More Likely?
Probably a mix of the second and third option.
I do think that Tetsuzaemon could be a good option for Rose’s defense. He’s already friendly with Izuru, based on the few interactions we see, and I could him have a friendship similar to Tetsuzaemon and Ikakku’s. But instead of being a blunt, former Sqaud 11 member, who’s willing to call you out for suppressing your potential, I feel like he’s be more like a mentor or uncle/older brother kind of guy with Izuru. Someone who’s willing to give him advice while giving Izuru an ear. However, it may be a bit odd that he’ll go to bat for the man that was his mother’s captain and was most likely exiled by the time Tetsuzaemon became a lieutenant.
I just feel that Shuhei and Rangiku would be better since they would have better knowledge on Izuru’s quirks and Gin. And since Shuhei is familiar with Kensei, having met him as a child and later his lieutenant after the Vizards are welcomed back, he could go to Kensei for information on Rose and advice on how to mediate between them.
That, alongside with Rose having previous experience with Squad 3 and a general care for it, would be a driving force for Rose wanting to connect with Izuru. That plan also going towards what would lead Izuru to becoming an inspiration for Rose’s music and that fond bond Rose has for him. He just doesn’t have the same experiences with Gin since Gin wasn’t really established when the incident in Turn Back the Pendulum happened.
As such, mixing both would probably be the more reasonable approach. Or, at least, it would make a bit more sense.
In Summary
I think exploring Rose and Izuru’s dynamic could have been an interesting one. In some ways, I could see it being a canonical version of what the Shusuke Amagai arc tried to do, but a more central focus on building a relationship with Izuru. There are several characters who I feel could help with this. Including Tetsuzaemon, Rangiku, and Shuhei, who are familiar with Izuru and would be able to help bridge the gap between the “new” captain and his lieutenant. Whether that be their familiarity with Gin (Rangiku), knowing Izuru long enough as a friend to give advice (Shuhei), or being able to vouch for Rose based on what his previous lieutenant knew (Tetsuzaemon).
One of the funniest stories I like to reminisce on is the time it took me to get through Bleach. I would have been in in my final years of elementary when the manga was first being released and in high school when I started reading the manga.
Now that I’ve revisited the anime to catch up before starting the Thousand Year Blood War arc, and started collecting the manga, I thought I would recount my experience with Bleach. How I was drawn to the Big 3. How I came across the series. Keeping up with the manga until I didn’t think of jotting down where I left off. Losing rank of it for years because of this, and eventually getting around to finishing the series.
This is a condensed history of my Bleach journey.
Latching Onto Two of the Big Three
For those unaware, The Big Three is a term used for three anime that gained traction and helped popularize anime and manga. Those being Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach. While some were already making names for themselves in the west, like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Pokémon, these three series were the ones that helped sky rocket anime’s popularity in the 2000’s.
Of the three, I would definitely say that Naruto and Bleach were the ones I was drawn to the most. Naruto because of the anime and a few of the games, namely Clash of Ninjas 1 and 2. Bleach because of the manga. That’s not to say I disliked One Piece and I’m pretty neutral towards it today. It was just the one I was drawn to the least.
Getting Into the Series Part 1: It All Started with Volume 15
There are two instances where I got into a series based on a volume cover that wasn’t for the first volume. One was Fruits Basket, with volume eight, which had Haru Sohma on the cover, being my introduction to it. The other was Bleach with volume 15.
My memories of how I spotted volume fifteen is a bit foggy to me. I either saw it in either my local or school library and it caught my eye. Or I saw someone with it and it caught my curiosity. Whichever the case, I do remember volume fifteen being the first volume I picked up.
This was the volume where Yoruichi was training Ichigo to unlock Bankai in the three day timeline she gave Byakuya. It was also the volume where Gin Ichimaru broke his Lieutenant, Izuru, out of jail, with the volume ending with Izuru, Momo, and Renji’s introductory academy days.
This volume would end up being the reason I got into the series. I would also say that it was the reason Gin, and especially Izuru, are some of my favorite Bleach characters.
Getting Into the Series Part 2: The High School Years
I got into the series during my freshman and my sophomore years. I ended up reading through the already available volumes through my school library.
When I finally caught up, which was with volume 24 from what I recall, I ended up using a site to continue on. To my knowledge, the site no longer exists, but I did use it to read Bleach and Death Note up to L’s death.
I ended up getting to the Fake Karakura Ton arc at the end of sophomore year. Specifically the chapter where Soi Fon was fighting I believe Ggio Vega (though it could have been the fight with Barragan) where she activates her Bankai at the end.
Let it be known that this one scene would be the only thing I would remember when I moved the summer after my sophomore year.
A Lack of Foresight Leading to Years of Forgetting
Because I did not have the foresight to jot the chapter down, I would ultimately loose track of where I left off. And I didn’t end up going back to the site I was reading it on. Because of this, I would lose track, hoping that I could figure it out once the volumes caught up.
I did eventually figure it out, several years later, and finished through the Fake Karakura Town arc. Though I did end up setting the series down again.
This time, it had to do with a few factors.
Some of the reception at the time. Namely how some readers felt that the manga should have ended after Aizen’s defeat. Because of this I thought I would set it down once I got through that point.
I think I was also trying to focus more on catching up with Naruto’s manga at the time. I feel like Naruto was the series I gave a bit more priority to, despite how much I liked Bleach. That said, I still haven’t finished Naruto, knowing how it ends through spoilers and the like.
I lost interest in anime/manga period. My interests/fixations tend to cycle. Not in patterned time frame by any means, but I will move on from one interest to the next after a period of time. I would definitely say that anime and manga was probably one of, if not the longest fixation I had. I did move more towards manga in high school and into my twenties, but the interest was still there. All this to say, at one point I just lost interest. The factors of it being not knowing what to start, not finding a lot of titles that interested me, and shift towards an interest in Transformers and Star Wars creeping in.
Finishing In Parts
I did end up finishing Bleach, determined to finish at least one of the two completed Big 3 series. However, it did end up taking longer than I expected since motivation was all over the place.
I ended up doing it two parts: The Lost Shinigami/Fullbringer arc and the Thousand Year Blood War arc. The foyer, I got through pretty quick. Given that this was the shortest arc in the series, it isn’t to surprising. I also just wanted to get through it since it was my least favorite arc and I wanted to get to the Thousand Year Blood War.
I would put the series down for a bit after I finished this arc. However, thanks to the, then announced, anime adaptation of the Thousand Year Blood War, I used that as the motivation to continue.
Going into it, I did know that this arc was a bit controversial. Namely, that it felt rushed and some dissatisfaction with some characters arc (ex. One complaint I’ve seen was that Ukitatke didn’t get much time to shine in a battle setting, not even showing off his Bankai in Bleach’s entirety). I do think it does feel a bit rushed, but it did have some good moments too. And given the circumstances, I can understand why.
It’s a pretty well known fact that Tite Kubo’s health contributed to this, as well as wanting to get the series done on schedule. When it comes to criticizing this last arc, I haven’t seen anyone say that the issues effecting Kubo at the time was not one. He also acknowledges it and is more active in the Thousand Year Blood War anime, where additional scenes have and will be added to help expand on the arc where the manga didn’t.
In summary, I did end up finishing the series, despite my procrastination. It’s one thing I’m proud of when it comes to finishing manga. Especially when it comes to Big 3.
How Long Did it Take Me to Finish Bleach?
In total, it took me about fifteen years to finish the series. Most of that time would go to the fact that I lost track after I forgot where I left off, with another year or two going to that timeframe when I lose of interest in manga.
It has become a sort of running joke of mine. Granted, I know everyone’s journey through a series will be different, and people can put a series down for any amount of time. I just find it funny that it took me as long as it did to finish it, despite it being one of my favorite series.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’ve always enjoyed Bleach. While Naruto would have been my favorite or a time, over the years, I realize I enjoy Bleach much more. It’s the one series of the Big 3 that I feel I can and will return to. As seen with my recent anime rewatch. And while it may have taken me years to finish the series due to a lack of foresight on my part, procrastination, and a shifting interest, I am glad that I was able to finish it.
What has been your experience with Bleach? Did you consume the anime or manga more? Or was it a bit of both? What are your thoughts on it in terms of the Big 3? What thing did you enjoy about it?
Hopefully Destructive Shinigami Tales 