Bleach ep.19

February 16, 2005 | 8 Comments

This seems to be a precursor episode that will explore the origin of Ichigo's Shinigami power. As a result, the episode contains more than enough mystery to keep everyone's attention glued to the story. In my opinion, however, the best part of the episode belongs to some of the comic moments involving Orihime and Chad. At this point in the story, I think I simply appreciate any kind of comic relief that I can get. I just realised not too long ago how much I missed Kon and his silly antics. It's unfortunate that he doesn't have a permanent body that he can use to accompany Ichigo and his friends. Although considering Ichigo's destination, Kon is probably happier to remain at Ichigo's house, away from Soul Society.

Anyway, the episode itself begins with Renji looking surprised when he hears Byakuya announcing to both him and Rukia that Rukia will be sentenced to death in 25 days. Renji doesn't seem to believe Byakuya's words but Byakuya looks as emotionless as a cold fish and Rukia knows really well that her brother means every single word that he's said. It's interesting to note that throughout the entire conversation, Byakuya talks to Rukia as if she's a stranger instead of his step sister. It feels as if he doesn't feel sorry or even hatred towards her. He just doesn't care. Anyway, meanwhile inside the 'Shattered Shaft', Ichigo is not impressed by Urahara's latest 'lesson' and promises the guy that he'll kill Urahara if he manages to get away from the shaft.

At the same time, Orihime and Chad are seen trying to unleash their power under the guidance of Yoruichi. Unfortunately, the two ends up looking like two idiots who are very constipated instead. Because of this Yoruichi tells them that unless they find their power, there is not point of going to Soul Society. The cat then tells the two to remember why their power were awakened to begin with. Who were they're trying to protect. Orihime immediately remembers that she was trying to protect Tatsuki while Chad remembers that she wanted to protect Ichigo's little sister. But his thought then got carried away and he ends up coming up with a rather horrifying imagination.

Orihime seems to have more luck since her recollection of the event that activated her power reawakens her power, causing the fairies to appear. Unfortunately for Orihime, Tsubaki is unhappy to be summoned when she's not in danger so he decides to bully her. Back at the 'Shattered Shaft', Ichigo realises that there are phases when his corrotion stops. Because of this, he decides to use the phase to climb out of the shaft but ends up failing miserably. Upon seeing this, Jinta decides to give him some 'helpful info' by telling him that if he's hungry, then it's a sign that he's close to becoming a Hollow. However, if Ichigo's only thirsty, then Ichigo can drink his and Ururu's drool. How nice of them. >_<

Ichigo, however, has a more pressing issues on his mind. The corrotion has now started again and is more stronger than ever. It doesn't take long before the chain begins to eat deep into Ichigo's heart creating a hollow in his chest. Ichigo then convulses as strange white power surrounding him. He then falls unconscious and finds himself awake on top of a highrise building. Within the world, a scruffy-looking man is seen observing him. Ichigo decides to ask about the guy's identity but when the guy tries to tell his name, Ichigo can't seem to hear it. To make matters worse, Ichigo suddenly falls from the highrise, unable to grapple into anything to safe himself.

The mysterious guy tells Ichigo that when he was a Shinigami, there must be a time when he was able to hover in the air. He also tells Ichigo that in order to destroy Byakuya's Shinigami power, he must use the Shinigami power that he got from Rukia. Byakuya destroyed the power that Rukia gave her but he didn't know that Ichigo has his own power. So the mysterious guy tells Ichigo to find his own power from the falling boxes before the entire world starts to decay. At first Ichigo doesn't know what to do but then he remembers that Ishida once said that the color of Shinigami's spiritual power is red. Upon remembering this, Ichigo pulls out a red thread and reveals his new sword, Soul Cutter.

The mysterious guy then tells Ichigo that maybe now Ichigo can hear his name. Ichigo seems to recognise the guy but before he can mentioned the name, the guy tells him to hurry and pulls the sword. Unfortunately, in the real world, Ichigo's own head has now been completely enveloped by Hollow's mask. Upon seeing this, Tessai tells Urahara that he has no choice now but to exterminate Ichigo. However, before he manages to do so, a powerful explosion comes out of the shaft. Once the dust settles, a Shinigami figure with a Hollow mask is seen taking away its mask, revealing himself as Ichigo. Ichigo then tells Urahara that he now intends to make Urahara suffer for the hell that the guy put him through. In exchange, Urahara tells Ichigo to do it in 5 minutes if he can.

Impression:

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any kind of explanation as to why being able to locate one's own Shinigami power will stop the Hollow-fication of a soul. Having said that, this episode seems to suggest that if an ordinary person is about to become a Hollow and he/she does not have a Shinigami power in him/her, then they'll become a Hollow regardless of their effort. In this sense, Ichigo is the usual shounen hero character who for some reason is lucky enough to own a power that ordinary people do not have. There does seem to be an explanation why Ichigo is blessed with the power. During his time in the dream world, it seems that Ichigo actually knows the mysterious man who helps him to find his spiritual power. Unfortunately, it seems it'll be a while before his identity is revealed in the series.

© memento 2003