If you were like me, did you have Number One playing in the background while reading this chapter?

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This was one of those chapters where it accurately conveyed the same feelings the highest points of the anime gave off. There is just something about the moment when our favorite hero arrives on the scene. The explosion of the last chapter yielded Ichigo Kurosaki arriving in Soul Society and dashing to meet with his trusted companions in Soul Society.

Byakuya was his first destination. He was swiftly filled in on the details regarding their circumstances. Then most surprisingly, Byakuya gave his death wish, his final plea to Ichigo. I was a bit disappointed at this. Byakuya has often been one of the stronger characters who prided on relying on himself and dishing out responsibilities to his subordinates. To see him humble himself to the point of needing help, desperately relying on Ichigo, was painful. 

Ichigo boldly accepted the task of Soul Society. His targets? The Sternritter. Juha Bach attempted to run away before Ichigo arrived but he wasn’t fast enough. The moment the Zanpaktou struck the ground splitting it, much excitement was had. Finally, it seemed we reached the point where this arc would truly shine. There is full faith that Ichigo will not meet a tragic end like Captain Commander, or be desperately pleading for help from some entity like Byakuya. But Ichigo would stand on his own and unleash his key attacks to make Juha Bach pay for all the lives he has taken. 

The chapter met expectations. Ichigo arrived, minimal words were shared, and we received an epic cool pose. Kubo knew what his readers wanted and he delivered. To add icing to the cake, we even received a glimpse of Juha Bach looking somewhat scared. Although this may have pushed the 0 Squads reveal away, Ichigo made this more exciting then it could have been. Good chapter.

GO Rating: 4/5

[mangastream]