Bleach Vol 22

[meganbmoore]

It's interesting reading this volume in the context of the arc currently underway in the latest scans releases, as the current arc is explaining all the things introduced here.  The fact that the current arc has made me like the vaizards apparently impacts my liking them here, because they didn't annoy me reading the hardcopy the way they did when I read the scans a few months back.  I did notice a few things that tie into the current arc, but I'll make a separate post for that, to avoid spoilers here.  (Please no future spoilers in this post...I think there are a few on the f-list who haven't read ahead.)

In list form:

1.  Isshin is aware of Urahara's plans.  I'm wondering HOW aware, and if it's tied into why he left the Soul Society.  I doubt he's let Urahara keep him out of much, as it involves his son.

2.  When I read the scans, I was mildly annoyed that, after putting the smackdown on the Arrancar, Yoruichi was all "here, give me the medicine and I'll go take care of Orihime" when, of the two, she's the one who's built up as the major fighter.  Rereading it here, though, I realize that she did that because taking him on in hand-to-hand combat the way she was doing would have probably broken every bvone in her body.  She probably would have won(actually, probably no probably...) but the amount of force against his skin would have basically made it a hollow victory.  It's still "guy saves girl" in a way, but in a way that doesn't annoy me.  (As this girl should never need rescuing in the first place...)

3.  Since the last hard copy of Bleach that I read(I think)  I've watched the first season, with early Orihime, and read tons of recent scans, where the events here seem to directly lead to her decisions there.  It's interesting seeing her at the halfway point, as this is probably the major moment that makes her determined not to have to be rescued again.  

4.  I love the Soul Reapers showing up at Ichigo's school, and Rukia's version of tough love.  I have to wonder at Ichigo's glancing at Renji while Rukia was beating him up, though.  I wonder if that was "aren't you going to save me?"  or "or, *bleep*, I can't escape!"

5.  I have possibly reread Matsumoto's killer reflexes multiple times.  She has stronger magnets in those things than Orihime does.  No wonder Hitsugaya came along to keep everyone under control.

6.  I love all the  expressions in the open-shirt fanservice spread.  Ichigo:  "Uh...why am I standing here like this, again?"  Renji:  "Fanservice?  Gotcha?  Want me to pull the pants down a bit more?"  Ikkaku:  "Fanservice?  Fine by m-hey, what's with all the totally not compensating swords blocking me?" Kenpachi:  "So, how shall I pose?"  Byakuya:  "I do not know what is going on, but I shall stand here and look pretty."  Hitsugaya:  "I am NOT turning around."