To think it only took Tite Kubo 530 chapters to finally pen a relatively enjoyable love story.

How can Masaki be saved?

While the characters took things slow, a new mystery was brewing under the surface. How did they deal with it?

Masaki’s split-second design making came just in time. But was this the start of a new love-at-first-sight romance?

Aizen is on the scene while Isshin struggles against the hole-filled hollow hybrid, can he survive?

Isshin vs. Unknown Hollow: Who would win?

Isshin Shiba, who would have thought that connection existed?

Kawaii Hitsugaya definitely makes up for the many weeks without him!

Don’t forget to cast your vote for today’s First Round match-up —  Rikka Takanashi (Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs. Misaki Ayuzawa (Kaichou wa Maid-sama!) vs. Retsu Unohana (Bleach) — before the poll closes tomorrow at 8 am PT.

Every little vote counts, so please help do your part to send (or prevent from sending) the first female otaku character into the Sweet 16!

Click here to vote now!

The tournament’s third otaku battle is one of a kind — it features the only all-female match-up of the First Round.

At first glance, these ladies may seem harmless, innocent, submissive and weak, but they’re more than meets the eye. That is especially true for the eye-patched Rikka Takanashi (see what I did there?), whose chuunibyou provides her with the ability to banish unsuspecting (and non-believing) opponents from this world. Misaki Ayuzawa may have the reputation as an aggressive boy-hater, but she’ll have no problem showing the other girls her demonic side. And underneath the kind and respectful personality of Retsu Unohana, lays a master swordsman who thirsts for violence and bloodshed.

Who will be the first female to advance in the Otaku Bracket? Help decide by voting after the break!

Breaking news at 11, folks: Ichigo’s mother is… 

The moment of truth has arrived: Will Zaraki or Unohana die?

Will Zaraki win and kill Unohana?!

Zaraki Kenpachi is back in action and ready to strike back. Can he defeat Unohana?

It’s Zaraki’s time to shine!