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ファイト／ステイナイト 
January 20, 2005 | 
25 Comments
OMG!!! A Bleach episode without the requisite crappy washed-out filter? Sign me in!! I'll be happy if this is the end of that stupid effect on this show. Having said that, it looks like the next episode is the start of the 'Soul Society' arc and I'm not exactly a fan of this arc. It actually started out really good but once the arc gets into the endless battle scenes, it feels a bit repetitive to me. Maybe I just don't like this kind of routine fight scenes since I also have the same problem with the current Sasuke vs Naruto arc. Anyway, this episode seems to function as a bridge between the previous 'Quincy Archer' arc and 'Soul Society' arc. I actually like this because it makes the transition less abrupt in comparison to the manga version.
The episode itself begins with Rukia worrying that Ichigo's last Hollow exterminating effort may have rang the Soul Society's alarm bell. The next day, Kon is heard screaming at Ichigo because he's been pretty-fied by Yuzu. The main problem seems to be a little flower that Yuzu has glued into one of Kon's ears. Ichigo tries to pull it off but it seems he'll have more luck ripping off Kon's ear than taking the flower off the poor mod-soul's ear. Ichigo, however, can't care less and decides to leave Kon to deal with the problem on his own. Frustrated by Ichigo's lack of concern, Kon swears that he's had enough of the abuse and wants to find a better place to live. So he begins his quest starting with Ichigo's two female friends whose name I can never bother to remember.
Kon pretends to be a discarded toy, hoping that the girls will think that he's cute. Well, one of them does think that way. But unfortunately, the other doesn't and proceeds to step on Kon, causing him to scream. The girls are surprised to hear Kon's voice and Kon, who realised that he's been caught red-handed, decides to flee the scene but he ends up being chased by one of the girls who is an ace in running competition. Meanwhile, Rukia gets to talk to Orihime on her way to the school. Orihime asks Rukia if she has any plan for the upcoming Summer vacation. When Rukia informs Orihime that she doesn't have a particular plan, Orihime invites her to come and see a firework display with her friends and possibly Ichigo as well.
The conversation then leads to that time when Ichigo and friends visit Kanonji's show. Orihime thinks that Ichigo was kind for willing to come to the show for the sake of his family despite his dislike of Kanonji. Anyway, eventually Orihime asks Rukia again to come to the firework display but Rukia, who now looks angsty, can only tell Orihime that she'll think about it. Cue in Life is Like a Boat. Oh, all right, so the song wasn't playing but I wish it did. I kind of missed it. Meanwhile in other part of the city, a black cat is seen jumping from the top of a bridge and yet manages to land safely into the ground. Back to the school, Kon has now set his eyes on Orihime, imagining that he'll be happier if he can get into Orihime's comfy-looking 'pillows'
Unfortunately, just as Kon about to run into Orihime, Tatsuki appears with a soccerball and unknowingly kicked the ball along with Kon into Orihime, who then proceeds to hit both items with a baseball bat. Yeah, this is one of those weird games that Orihime likes to play. I don't even know what to call this? Baseccer? (Why did I even bother trying to say it in English? The original name, Yakka, sounds better. Thx to Nathan below for reminding me about this) Meanwhile, Ichigo panics when two of his silly male friends begin to talk about Ishida's absence. However, much to his relief, Ishida appears with bandaged arm, telling the teacher that he fell from the stairs. Ichigo is dumbfounded at the lame excuse and is especially unhappy when Rukia pointed out that Ishida's injury is his mistake. Never the less, during the lunch time he decided to invite Ishida to come with him and his two male friends.
Meanwhile, Ururu informs Urahara that a cat has arrived to see him. Urahara immediately becomes excited and begins to greet the cat as Yoruichi-san. Back at Ichigo, he and his friends are having a rather gloomy lunch due to the presence of Ishida. Thankfully Chad later on arrives and lifts the mood a little bit. At the same time, Rukia is invited by Orihime and the other girls to have lunch with them. During lunch, one of the girls asks Rukia if she likes Ichigo. After spewing her milk in reaction to the question, Rukia tells them that Ichigo is just a friend. Orihime, however, thinks that is unfortunate because if Rukia and the other girls like Ichigo then they'd have an all-girl team to attack Ichigo. Yeah, Orihime definitely has lost the plot as usual.
Meanwhile Kon continues his journey to be abused by other people whose name is not Ichigo or Rukia. This time it's Jinta and Ururu's turn. Back at the school, Rukia tries to catch up with Ichigo on the way back home. Ichigo wonders if there is a Hollow but it turns out that Rukia just wants to know if he's okay and not suffering from any injury. This out of character 'kindness' confuses Ichigo who thinks that she's been behaving strangely today so he asks Rukia what's on her mind. But thankfully, Kon then arrives and interrupt their conversation. It seems that Kon has had enough and now believes that he had it better with Ichigo and Rukia. Anyway, later on Ichigo baits Ishida to fix Kon. Unfortunately for Kon, Ishida seems to be in the mood for a Rozen Maiden doll.
Back at Urahara's store, Yoruichi, who strangely sounds like an old guy, tells Urahara that 'those guys' are coming. That night, Ichigo comes back to his room to bring a food for Rukia. Strangely, Rukia is nowhere in sight. Ichigo, however, fails to notice that there is a letter from Rukia located on top of the desk. Rukia herself is now seen outside the Kurosaki's clinic/house looking angsty then begins to run away from the house. Unknown to her, her movement has been observed by a guy with high-tech glasses. Anyway, everyone who have read the manga would have known by now that *spoiler starts* the guy is none other than Abarai Renji who has come to accompany Kuchiki Byakuya, Rukia's older 'brother'. *spoiler ends*.
Impression:
Sheesh. I can't believe I ended up writing long summary for this episode. I guess that means I really like this one. I can do without some of the Ichigo/Rukia schmoop though. I'm sorry to say this but I'm not a big fan of the pairing and think that the two don't have a romantic chemistry. Sibling-like chemistry definitely but not a romantic one. I also think that the pairing seems to come out of nowhere. Sure the anime tries to add in scenes where Ichigo and Rukia's friends say that the two look like a couple. But IMO, the show fails to show me that the two do act like a couple in a romantic kind of sense. Combine this with the fact that I prefer Ichigo/Orihime and Rukia/Renji and you'll have one disgruntled viewer/reader. Anyway, I'm keen to know what other people think about this one. But I definitely am not keen to see more angsty Rukia longing for Ichigo.
Great summary Garten. I really enjoyed this episode and I'm especially looking forward to the Soul Society arc. I like the shounen style battles, especially those in the bleach manga since alot of the characters are hilarious and its always interesting to see the true forms of their soul cutters and ban kai. **spoiler** Plus, I can't wait to see Ishida in a shingami outfit ~ squeals in fan-girl delight ~ **end spoiler**
As for the Ichigo/Rukia pairing, like you, I can't see them romantically linked. Even 15+ volumes in I still get the good friend vibe. **spoiler - kind of** Although, ch164 gives us some interesting insight about their relationship **end spoiler** But who knows where KT will take it. I just hope that with limited amount of eps left they won't try to rush it and make it into some cheesey ending.
If I read it right, the sport they were playing was titled Yakka. ??'s ? and the ?? from ???.
I also like how the integrated the Kon side story at this point to soften the transition. I had been bemoaning it's absence earlier. I also missed Chizuru's part where the two girls are walking and bookworm stepped on Kon.
Thx for the info, Kat. Ch.164 is the latest chapter, isn't it? As for episode count, I wonder if they can finish the entire series in 26 episodes? I'm wondering about this lately because judging from the way they rushed through the first half of the series, that seems to be the intention. Especially when a high-episode anime series like Naruto try to stretch the manga story as much as possible.
Nathan, I don't have the episode in front of me right now but I thought the words were 野球 - Yakyuu (the Kanji for Baseball) and サッカ - Sakka (the Katakana for Soccer). That's why I said 'Baseccer'. Yeah, I know it's a lame combination. :)
Oh wait, now I get what you mean by 'Yakka'. Yakyuu+Sakka=Yakka.
I honestly don't like Orihime with Ichigo. I know Orihime's perceptive and I like her as a character, but she's a bit too goofy. I think Ichigo needs a more level headed woman like Rukia, though I see what you mean about them lacking a kind of chemistry. At least, I don't see it as much as it could be, especially considering the fact that she lives in his closet. Lol!
Orihime's a bit too goofy, eh? Maybe, but as the story prgresses, she gets more serious. I personally believe that her goofiness came about after her brother's death. I mean, having to go through the trauma of losing her brother and then suddenly finding herself alone, that isn't something that can be easily accepted. There was also the fact that she was constantly teased as well. She was still quite young when all this happened, so it's possible, that her personality changed much like Ichigo's did when his mother was killed.
Anyway, I found the episode to be fun! I felt it was a nice reliever after the whole hollow battle. I also believe that Ichigo and Rukia have no romantic chemistry. I really don't like how the anime keeps on slapping the idea of it that on there too. Though, the romantic atmosphere isn't present much in the anime, they still kinda set it up to make you think that something is going on between them. *shrugs* I could be biased since I'm all for Orihime and Ichigo. *laughs*
Great summaries as usual! ^^
Fair enough. I've only seen the anime, so I can't speak to what's been revealed character-wise in the manga. But I do know what you mean about Orihime's background. Normally, her kind of character annoys me in an anime (big chested and air headed), but I've made an exception for her because she's actually much more deep and complex than she lets on, and has an intriguing past. I still don't think she's right for Ichigo, lol.
Hehe, I'm with the IchigoxOrihime club too. I'm really disappointed that the anime adaptation did not include Orihime's crush on Ichigo, and Ichigo also showed a bit of interest in the manga as I recall.
I tend to agree with Garten that the RukiaxIchigo pairing came out of nowhere. I suppose that the flashbacks in the recent chapters tried to spark some romantic vibe but I just can't buy it.
I dont know anything about ep count but on animesuki, in their forums, they have implemented block ep discussions for bleach, b/c they think ep count will be high.( over 26)
shinku's long lost sister.... best caption!!
lol, SHINKU!!!!!!!
But i just realized another thing --- have you thought about how strong Orihime is? Hitting a homerun using a soccer ball! What's more a soccer ball kicked by Tatsuki~!
I love all the characters and cannot really choose on pairing. In truth, I don't see any serious pairing of any character at the moment, especially the anime (just started on manga, so I donno). Most shounen mangas rarely develop love relationships too much. The main focus between characters are usually comradeship. Given that the manga has been going for awhile, that may be the case for the anime.
You know, the kind where it doesn't really explain everything, just that they are happy and shall continue their journey, or something like that. This is what happens when animes finish before mangas *cries for the wonderful mangas that never fully develop in anime*.
Episode wise, I guess it could be 26 for now given how they have rushed the arcs and such. They seemed to be planning a movie on the TV-Tokyo site, but nothing has been annouced (the movie section is unclickable). If anything else, they may produce a second season or something. Need more anime.
I'm a IchigoxRukia fan. I've been getting a feeling since the start for some reason...whatever though, hehe
WristBandMan got a point. Orihime is just A W S O M E . but that just brought tatsuki down..... awwwwwww...... and tatsuki is the one that always protects orihime............ and orihime is yet so strong?!
*spoiler starts*
IchigoxRukia is pretty much "possible", judging from chapter 162 or something in manga. But I think Ichigo's true motivation of saving Rukia was to thank her, not love her. AND HOPE IT IS A LIE!
..... Rukia's faux body is a special one. I guess Rukia can stay on earth and to live with Ichigo is POSSIBLE.
another thing..... I think Ishida "has intrest" in Orihime, you do see it, right? (I will never said that word, "has interest" is good enough)
*spoiler ends*
hey..this this episode in the middle of the show there is this guitar solo music...what is it called???because i really love their music thems...and also the ending of this anime have this great song...what is it called as well???i would love to download it...please help me..
@Duster from what I read in the manga, I'm seeing it too that IshidaxOrihime thing or that Ishida etooo *has interest* in Orhime...and from here is unleashed the IshidaxOrihime fangirl -_-;;; I can't control it hahahah.
Funny how it's mentioned that Ichigo and Rukia have more of a sibling relationship in some people's eyes, I see that more in Rukia and Renji however *ducks from flying objects*
@Marvin that ending song is called "Thank You!!"by a group called Home Made (now having suuuuch a generic title and group name makes it a *itch and a half to google)
@Thank You Sinjun....but do u have aany idea about the guitar solo song??..and thx for the ending song info ^^
I really like this episode as this is the episode where we are given a hint that Rukia might have some feelings towards Ichigo.
I believe Renjis role is to create emotional tension, perhaps some sort of love triangle amongst rukia, ichigo and renji.
Kon is funny ! yeah.
Garten, Kat, Fyna, and Ten....I love you guys. I am SO thankful you guys see Ichigo and Rukia as siblings/friends too. It annoys me to death that there are so many people who like the Ichigo x Rukia pairing when they so do not seem right for each other (what's even worse is that people have gone so far as to say that Ichigo is only saving Rukia because he loves her. If he didn't love her, he would never go after her. Riiiight...because you wouldn't go after your friend if they were to be condemned to death, right?). It also annoys me that the anime keeps hinting of a Ichigo x Rukia relationship when, God knows why, the manga doesn't even show signs of this until the later chapters (even then, I still don't see it...I just feel their bond have gotten closer, but not in the romantic sense). As for the Uryuu x Orihime...they do not look right for each other because they are too completely opposite from each other that it just doesn't "feel" right. But, whatever Taito-sensei decides to do is up to him, but if he originally intended to have Orihime pair up with Ichigo, let's just hope he sticks with that instead of changing his plot drastically to a Ichigo x Rukia pairing only because a majority of people feel that and he wants to keep his audiences to keep the cash flowing.
@anyone
did anyone find out the name of the background guitar riff? it is absolutely beautiful. please e-mail me if you know who it's by :)
One thing about relation ships in anime is ppl look too hard for character pairs, even when love isnt the goal of the anime at all..
* People who don't like Rukia x Ichigo*
"It annoys me to death that there are so many people who like the Ichigo x Rukia pairing when they so do not seem right for each other (what's even worse is that people have gone so far as to say that Ichigo is only saving Rukia because he loves her. If he didn't love her, he would never go after her. Riiiight...because you wouldn't go after your friend if they were to be condemned to death, right?). It also annoys me that the anime keeps hinting of a Ichigo x Rukia relationship when, God knows why, the manga doesn't even show signs of this until the later chapters (even then, I still don't see it...I just feel their bond have gotten closer, but not in the romantic sense). "
But we are talking about the anime here. This is an anime review site, right? Not a manga one. But I do see the point you are trying to make, but I don't see anywhere in Orihime x Ichigo.
1. It's a one-sided love.
2. Orihime is too cute for Ichigo, IMO. She should be with Ishida, but I think he's in love with himself o.O
3. Their personality don't fit. Ichigo may think of Orihime as annoying.
And why Ichigo and Rukia? If anybody sees them as siblings/friends, they are half right. But in the anime, *spoilers starts*
when Rukia first started running from Ichigo's hosue only to be captured by Byakuya and Renji, she thought about her friends, family, and love. Her friends would definitely refer to Ichigo, Oirhime and the rest of the girls.Family might be referring to Kon in some sense, Byakuya and Ichigo, but what about love? *spoilers end*
As for the anime part, the writer can do what he likes. Most people supoorting Rukia x Ichigo does not think that 'Right, I love you and I am gonna save you' way. Most of us just notice the possible potential.
Anyway, in conclusion, Ichigo and Rukia might go further in their relationship, but I still think they fit each other whether if it's looks, personalities or whatever.
A slight note, the writer (can't remeber his name man...) says he love to work in the Ying Yang style, opposites attract. Sure Orihime and Ichigo are opposite, one being so goofy while the other being a bit... scary? However, Ichigo and Rukia are more 'opposite' than Ichigo and Orihime. If you look closely, Orihime doesn't really fit Ishida, but they are opposites too, a slight narcassist
(Come on, no body can beat that guy in 11th Division in loving oneself), aloof and smart guy, and a cute, goofy girl. In animanga, the main characters often have hidden feelings towards each other. Often, take note.
Some may have biased opinions against Rukia and Ichigo because they support Ichigo and Orihime, but any anime newbie may just take one look at the episodes and thought Rukia and Ichigo are in love. In fact, many of my classmates who doesn't wacth anime have been really hitting on Rukia and Ichigo.
*Someone* What we are discussing here concerns the anime. If you look closely the anime hints on romance too, just less ecchi than the manga...
But he/she has a point too. We have no ultimate right to bash other pairings.
Well, in conclusion, maybe we can just sue Ishida x Ishida? Just kidding. But seriously, anybody thought of the (forgets name again) narsassist of 11th Division x Orihime? He mgith consider Orihime as beau-ti-ful. Lol, just a random thought, don't take it seriously.
*Spoiler ALERT* Bleach has 109 episodes up till now , why didnt any one upload it? Anyway the Soul Society arc is up till about 60+ ,then it will be replaced by a long filler arc about Bounto ( Check it out yourself dont ask me ) The main story goes back on episode 110 which will be released this week. *END*
I hate it people think that ichigo and rukia are something like an item they just don't look right for each other, I mean com'on it not right. I really wish rukia had her powers back. Rukia zanpakuto's name is sode no shirayuki I love this review was great for all the bleach fans out there
i like rukia, she's cute, neat and smart. Inoue? i like her too, she's beautiful, sexy but sometimes a little ditzy but loving.
but orihime is hot
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