Bleach Club

[Xeim]

Ah, well, first off I bring news. Whether its good, bad, or just...there, is up for you to decide.

First off, on August 1, the Alones single was released in japan. What does that do for us? Well, the full version of the current japanese opening of bleach is now available for download/purchase. I got mine from bleach exile, but there's most likely tons sites out there that have it.

The other bit of news is one touched upon slightly earlier on in the club. A while back, Japan got a bleach fighter game for the wii. Well, that game is finally making it to U.S. shores. I'm afraid I know nothing of when it's making it to Europe, but I can give a little info about the game nonetheless.

"Wii-Safe Bleach"

This fall, two bleach titles are making their way to US shores. One is for the DS, the other for Wii. Each are fighting games, "but don't write them off as mere cash-in titles just yet," says Ninteno Power's Drew. The Wii game is developed by Polygon Magic, and "has the cel-shaded looks of the anime, scads of unlockable content, and 32 (!) playable characters."

The DS title was developed by the "legendary game studio Treasure." It's a 2-D combat game, of course.

All quotes were taken directly from the Nintendo Power magazine.

As for current discussions:

Yes, it is unfortunate that we've hit filler, but there's nothing we can do about it. All we can hope is that the next couple episodes will be the end of the filler so we can move into the Hueco Mundo arc.

Um, I don't know what else to touch on at the moment. ^^

Yay for bleach and TFF being back up!

--Xeimy--

[Andromeda]

I can post ^^. Well I'll catch up on last weeks Bleach, since I was not able to post about it yet. It was the Mayuri and Uryu fight, finally. I got to see more of Mayuri and how he really see. He is surprisingly gruesome about what he does. I guess all he does is sit in his labs and test and experiment repeatedly. It was just interesting to see the full amount. He talks about number of times of days doing mechanical tests and other tests. And grinding up bones and bodies and such for examining. Just wow, the guy really knows no bounds. Makes me wonder how Urihara approached it all and if he did things any better.

And of course they made sure to give Uryu a reason to be fighting Mayuri. There is always some sort of coincidence that gets things moving into a full fight. The fact that he experimented on his grandfather, I'm not too surprised that they pulled that card. But I guess fighting for no reason other than to protect does not give enough motivation. Oh well, it does not matter too much.

Got to see Uryu really fight and do his thing. Though Mayuri pretty much took him down in one strike. Which ended all of the fighting almost. It was a little disappointing that there was not really much more to that. And then it was just all talk talk talk. And Uryu feeling bad for the Vice-Captain. But it does show how devious Mayuri is to use his own Vice-Captain to attack Uryu. Though it probably would have been a longer drawn out fight if that had not happened. And now Uryu is all pumped up to fight Mayuri all out now, I guess.

I can't wait to see Ichigo starting on his Bankai along with Renji. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with that. And the coming tensions in the Soul Society with you know who and all that happens around him.

And I was reading a little about the Bleach game for the Wii, as they said it has all of the characters in the game. They go all the way up to the Arrancar Arc and so there are Arrancar and Vizards I am assuming in the game. So it will not make a lot of since or spoil things for those that have not seen that part of the show yet. But it should be interesting to see how the game turns out.

Oh I remember us talking about other things to do for activities. And I figured that I would bring up the Shinigami Cup thing again. I don't know if you wanted to wait until we were actually Shinigami before we played around with that. But I didn't want it to be for gotten.

And in the RP OoC thread you said that Sandman is on permanent departure. I'm not looking at the main page, but wasn't he a captain? Someone is going to need to replace him as Captain I would imagine if my memory serves me. But you probably were already thinking about that anyway.

[Victoria]

Uhm.. No... Sandman wasn't a captain..

Sandman was a regular character like the rest of us.. o_O

I don't know where you got the idea that he was a captain or something with his character. Why would he be a captain and not everyone else be whatever they want to be? >.> Kind of unfair, don't you think? lol

But anyway, I'm assuming the bleach games will be pretty bad. I haven't really seen an anime game be very good except for Kenichi, but eh.

[Andromeda]

In the club, not the RP. I'm not talking about his character. He is captain of squad three here in the club. I just check as I figured was the case. Which means that if it is gone it'll be captainless. But that is a matter for Xeim to sort out.

While I was on the main post page I noticed that you did in fact impliment the reserve corps or whatever you want to call them. Seeing that I noticed that there are a lot of really empty squads now because of that. There are some that are just a captain and a 3rd seated member. Then there are others that are mostly full. You going to merge squads or just fill them out with new members as they come in?

There is always hope that there will be a good anime game some time. Some are not as bad as others, but then again that is like saying one heinious crime is not so bad as another one. Oh well, it'll be interesting on the Wii providing it is not gimmicky.

Bleach during the week is up to Kenpachi now. He just said hello in the last episode with his spiritual pressure. I ignored the filler episode with Don and the children. But I got to see Renji and Ichigo fight again and the episode with Rukia and Renji. And there was that brief flashback of when Momo and Renji were training with their Zanpuktos while in the academy. Just trying to get more feeling for the academy with the whole focus on it right now in the RP.

[CLOUD]

Indeed, i haven't seen Sandman for some time, but i don't know what's with him.

About the games, there have been quite a few Bleach games released in the past, on PS2, Gamecube, DS and PSP ( at least 3 of them for the PSP). Only in Japan OF COURSE, what can you do....Well, even if i don't remember that much about them, i do remember seeing a video on Youtube about the Wii Bleach game. It did look great in the beginning, but i'm not so sure it's gonna turn out to be good. The graphics were ok ( they also had Japs swinging around the Wii controlers every now & then ) but i think that the game won't be running that well. There was this fight, Yoruichi VS Soi Fon. They performed the same moves 4-5 times in a row. When you do that, the camera changes- sort of like a cut scene. That sure messes up the game a bit. if it's the same game ( it wasn't released yet then ), then i doubt it's gonna be that good. Personnally, i doubt it's gonna be out in Europe, so....


While 2 dudes where fighting, i witnessed something rare; the one using Inoue defeated the other one, who was using Chad. Whoa!

[Xeim]

Well, first I'll attack the subject of Sandman and the Division members. I'm not going to merge divisions at this time, but fill them out with members as they come in. I'll probably transfer people from certain divisions into others to even it out a bit though. And for Sandman as captain, I suppose you're right that I should move him for the time being. Though, when he says he's leaving, he always has a tendancy to pop back up eventually. But, seeing as that probably won't be for a while, I will have him step down as captain, and will even have him moved to the reserve squad. I think I know who will replace him as captain too, and I'll announce it as soon as I've talked to that person (if they agree to it). If they don't, then I will probably be forced to just close the third division and drop the number of divisions to four.

As for the shinigami cups, I do want to wait for us to become shinigami. Don't worry though, I haven't forgotten, and don't plan on forgetting anytime soon. ^^ We will be using that idea. xD

And, my opinion on the game, I hope that it'll turn out well. I'll probably rent it when it comes out, just to try it out, rather then spend all that money only to find out its terrible. Nintendo Power gives me hope for a good game, but I usually tend to disagree with gaming magazines. We'll just have to see I suppose. I know I definately won't be looking into the DS one though. Heh.

[Evangel]

Er...? "Shinigami cup"? Is that those little shorts at the end of the Japanese episodes?

As for the games, I don't think I'll play them at all. I don't have a Wii or a DS, although a DS would be nice... Bleach on the Wii? That has to be amazing though. Making swordstrokes with the controller like you're an actual Soul Reaper? Sweet.

If the were to make a Bleach game for... say.. the PS2? I'd play it then. The only anime based game I have is Eureka Seven Vol.1.

[Andromeda]

Yeah, I figured that you would want to wait until we were shinigami. It does make since to be shinigami when doing that. As I said just bringing it up.

That aside, it was another night of Bleach with the battle of Mayuri and Uryu wrapping up, though from the the ending of the last episode it looks like it is just getting started. But you know what I mean. We got to see a lot of nice tricks that the Quincy have up their sleeve. It is a little surprising everything that they are capable of doing. They can actually use the energy to repair their bodies, which is very nice the effects.

And then he becomes a Super Quincy or whatever you want to call it by removing the glove. I didn't realize that he was never allowed to take it off once he put it on. That is interesting that he is forced to wear it. It would be a little strange to be wearing it during class I would imagine. Though that would not be a problem now since it gone for him. It does mean that he is going end up losing all that which he was though. But it was worth it I can imagine.

But now I know where the clothes in the season 3 opening that he was wearing came from now. I thought it was some sort of bandage since he had hurt himself or something. But now to see that it was actually the Quincy uniform or whatever, that does explain a lot. But watching the Bankai of Mayuri's in action was amazing. I thought that it was just a large baby or something weird, but it is even weirder than that as it has a catipillar's body behind it. That was very weird and the swords popping out. I had only seen pictures, so I didn't know how it was going to work. But it is pretty cool, even if Uryu did utterly destroy it a moment later. He split it in half and put a nice hole through Mayuri, which I would think would kill someone. But I guess he's done so much to himself that it would take a lot, short of putting an arrow through his head, as the Vice-Captain said. Would kill him.

And thenn only to run into Tosen right afterwards being completely exhausted and spent from that fight. I can only imagine that Uryu will be sounded defeated. He really does not have a lot left in him. Oh well, at least I'll get to see what Tosen's Shikai does. I know what his Bankai does.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Ichigo's Bankai training is like. All of the good stuff is starting to happen now. I can't wait for each new episode.

[CLOUD]

The fight between Mayuri & Uryu is a good one. Not too boring, not too fast. After he takes the glove off, Ishida looks super cool. Back then, i was confused about Mayuri; i couldn't tell what kind of being he was. Later on i saw that he's "human", at least like the rest. To think that he'd do all those things to his body...he's one sick dude that one. After he took the shot of that arrow he managed to escape, showing that he's one level above most other captains, mostly because of the abilities he's gained by experimenting on himself ( & others of course; he's not stupid ).

Spoiler: The irony is that Ishida broke the glove & in the end lost his powers, while he didn't really have to. When training with his father to regain his powers, his father says that he could have easily beaten his enemy by using Sacred Bite, rather than by using Quintaple Binding Frames. I'm not sure what that means, but i can understand that he didn't need to break his glove & lose his powers.

I'll look it up.

One other thing. Xeim has asked me to take Sandman's place as the 3rd Division's Captain; at least for the time being, so.....yea, i'm gonna be the 3rd's Squad's captain; temporarily i guess.

[Xeim]

Haha, no it's not temporary, unless you decide you want to step down. If sandman comes back, he will become captain of another division.

Um, as for the Mayuri/Ishida fight, it wasn't one that I particularly enjoyed. I've always hated Mayuri. Just the way he treats his vice-captain is enough to make one barf. And all the experiments he's preformed on himself and others...just top it off. >.> If Urahara was like him, then lord help us. I really like Urahara, and it's hard to believe that he and someone as despicable as Mayuri were ever in the same position.

Though, I believe that Mayuri's zanpukto is modeled after a bodhisattva, hence the baby head. The bodhisattva was said to resemble a baby dressed as a buddist monk. Now, wouldn't it be strange if this bodhisattva ended up being his "zanpukto avatar"? It would really make me wonder about him...such a despicable guy having such a...what would you say...pure? zanpukto.

--Xeimy--

[Andromeda]

Yeah, Mayuri is creepy (one might even say creepsville) and fights a very unique fashion. It is just weird pulling a weapon out of your head or whatever and using it. Plus it is attached to him still and he just crushes it to put it back in his head. The number of experiments he has done on his body must be distrubing. Have to wonder why someone so immoral is a captain, but then again he is can use his Bankai. So that would make him powerful enough to be recognized even if he doesn't have morals.

Plus Mayuri knows that he will probably be killed about Yamamato if he did anything that would anger him. Always helps to know that your boss can kick your butt if you get out of line. Probably the only way things are kept in order around the Seireitei. There are so many people just doing whatever they want to and getting away with it. The place is so corrupt some times even though there are good people in there trying to keep the place from being completely horrible. And the Rukongai does not always have a good opinion of the shinigami. But that is only increased because so many of the shinigami are immoral as well. They probably are drunk off their own power being the fact that everyone in the Rukongai could not do much against the shinigami.

At least there are still people like Hitsugaya around to keep things good. Even though there are people like Gin and Aizen. And all of those creepy non seated and seated shinigami that are doing one thing or another.

[Itachi Uchiha]

As Xeim well knows, I would like to apply for membership within this club. Currently with Bleach I am upto episode 68 so I have finished the Soul Society Arc which was rather enjoyable to watch. Although I am still only watching the Bounty arc (which is probably the area I know the least about in this anime), I do know other informatiom from future arc's like the Arrancar but I have yet to watch them. So I'll wait until approval or dismissal until I say anything else.

[Xeim]

Erm...Approved? xD Well, of course I'll let you in! Um, well, since you've finished the Sould Society arc, I suppose I should alert you of the rule that anything past where Adult swim is should be encased in spoiler tags. It will be pretty easy to tell where they are as Andromeda gives us a weekly update. Of course, you may talk about the end of Soul Society arc, and the bounto arc, and those of us who've watched it will respond to what you say.

I'll stick you in one of the divisions...how about first division? Then the next member who joins will go into second...and so on. Hehe.

Also, I should really update the ranks soon, so I'll try to get to that as soon as I get a spare moment, and will post them up within my next few posts.

[Itachi Uchiha]

The first division sounds fine with me. Also since the current topic under discussion is on Mayrui, I might as well carry it on in this post. I agree that he is immoral but I doubt any of the other shinigami could do anything about it. Firstly since he was made a captain through the usual setup. Whether or not he is immoral, he still passed the three tests in order to become a captain so he will remain one until he is beaten by an applicant. Secondly since he is captain class and knows Bankai, Mayrui is a formidable fighter. So those under him would not reject his orders under fear of death as its shown with his vice-captain. Mayrui attacked her since she couldn't complete the order he gave her due to the injuries she sustained.

Carrying on with Mayrui, after his fight with Ishida we see him turn into water and escape. After he regains phyiscal form, we see him without that strange mask or those attachments to his head that he previously had as weapons. So what I'm currently wondering about him is with the transformation into a liquid, did some of his experiments revert. After all that weapon on his head was clearly attached to it as we can see with the muscle.

[Andromeda]

Ah welcome to the Itachi, shall you be joining the RP or keeping out of it? Just wondering if we are getting another member in there or not.

And something that I forgot to mention the last few times I posted, but there is a new Bleach movie coming out this December. Its called DiamondDust Rebellion. The summary of what the movie is about that I found on Wikipedia is below.

When an artifact known as the "King's Seal" is stolen during transport from Soul Society, Tōshirō Hitsugaya is assigned to retrieve it. Tōshirō goes missing after a battle with the thieves, leading Seireitei to suspect him of treachery. They order his immediate capture and execution. Unwilling to believe him capable of such a crime, Ichigo Kurosaki, Rangiku Matsumoto, Rukia Kuchiki, and Renji Abarai set out to find Tōshirō and clear his name.
Meanwhile, Tōshirō is still searching for the thieves, and stumbles upon a dark secret involving a shinigami long since dead.

It is pretty cool that it is going to be about Hitsugaya, maybe some background for him as well. But I think someone mentioned that they focus a lot of characters because of popularity. So the fact that Hitsugaya is starring in the movie could just be to milk on his popularity. But it should still be fun. I wonder if Tite actually did the story for it or if it was just original work. And from what I saw Hitsugaya and Ichigo cross blades in a screenshot I saw, so they might be fighting at some point.

And yeah I do give a Bleach update on Adult Swim each week. ^^; It serves several purposes, like the one Xeim mentioned as knowing where things are no longer spoilers and such. Plus it gives us topics of discussion like creepy Mayuri. I haven't seen the episode where he reforms himself, but that is interesting that he does not have all of the things that made him up before. The mask I can understand, since that is just clothes more or less. But that weapon from the side of his head is a different case. It could be there in a different manner though.

[Itachi Uchiha]

Ah, I'm just wondering now where the Adult Swim episodes are upto since I should have put some of my information in spoilers considering what you have just said. So for that I apolgize. Also I will not be joining the RP. I've seen bits and pieces of it while looking through the RP section. Still I won't be joining since it looks as if your well into it and it would prove difficult for me to just pop into the story like that.

Onto the new Bleach movie, I don't think I've ever seen an anime movie released in this country at a cinema with the exception of the first Pokemon film. Also finding a suitable download site for my is a rather hard task. I'm sure I'll stumble upon some anime films soon though although with my search in a near by city (Manchester), I have only been able to find the anime episodes on video or DVD.

I'd also like to bring up a topic since I myself have not been able to find an actual answer for it. It concerns shinigami and their zanpukto. In the acadamy we see in flash backs that katana are used in training exercises in the real world. Now we know that the zanpukto is the shinigami's spirit power made into a sword. So what I'm wondering is how does a shinigami obtain their zanpukto. I've come up with two poissible theories with the first being that once they leave the acadamy, they under go a ritual of some sort at their graduation. This forces the shinigami powers into the form of a sword and they then learn about their zanpukto. The second is that once their powers have grown to a certain degree, it manifests in the form of a zanpukto. So what are others opinion on this?

[Xeim]

Yeah, that's a problem that was focused on greatly in the OOC, as we're going to have to make up some reasonable explaination. We do know that it isn't after they graduate. To gradute from the academy, you HAVE to, HAVE to, know you're zanpukto's name. Therefore, we think it's something more like your second idea. But, I don't think trhe zanpukto just "pops" out. It probably takes a lot of work. The person would probably have to focus all ther spirit energy into a certain spot within their body, and then attempt to draw it out into their hand in the form of a katana. It's not something that's going to happen on your first try.

Now, I know I shot down this subject in the OOC, but this is the club thread, and we wouldn't be talking about this for the sake of the RP, but rather for the sake of something to talk about. So, I've put in my bit, I think that's most of what we covered in the OOC, but we can theorize a bit more here. ^^

About the movie: Yeah, I heard about it, but was unsure whether I wanted to mention seeing that it happens after the arrancar arc (I think). But, since its been brought up, then I guess there was no need to worry. xD

Anywho, I'm really excited about it. The first bleach movie never got a sub, I don't think there was ever a TV or DVD version of it in Japan. Just the big screen. So, I hope this one is different. Everyone knows I'm a Hitsugaya fan, so this is like my dream movie. xD I do hope that it was written by Tite, it would make it a helluva lot better. ^^ Now, I do find it weird that Hitsugaya of all shinigami would be suspected of treachery....but hey, I guess we'll all just have to wait for a sub and download it (or stream it or whatever). It'll probably be a couple years before it's released in the US, (as they'd have to finish the arrancar arc) or anywhere else besides Japan for that matter. I plan on downloading it from Dattebayo immediately, if they sub it. If not I'll cry for a while and then find it somewhere else. xD

[Master_of_FPS]

hi everyone, i'm new to TFF. i was wondering if i could join the bleach club

[Andromeda]

Seeing as Xeim has a policy of requiring members to have 200 posts and you only have 1, it is unlikely. But that is for Xeim to decide, so I'll leave it at that.

And Xeim I can make you that Hitsugaya banner if you want.

Moving on, the Zanpukto was a very heated debate topic in the OoC thread. I know we went on for a while, even after it was settled by you, Xeim. Tite does not clearly outline it in his work, so people are left to piece things together from the little scraps that he provides through dialogue. Which is obviously subject to suspicion before you can get too far, because everyone has differing views in the Soul Society and will go on arrogantly about something. So you may not be able to trust what they say out of exaggeration alone.

About the only thing that seems to be agreed upon right now is that graduates must learn the name of their Zanpukto to graduate and becoming a Shinigami. However, there are exceptions to that, as Rukia was invited by a noble family and became a shinigami immediately. Unless Rukia had her Zanpukto already and knew the name, which may or may not be likely. It is unknown how far into the academy they were. Renji was saying something about passing the second exam I think. Which makes me think it was like a year or two in, maybe three at the most. Meaning it is probably unlikely that Rukia had their Zanpukto or even its name at that point. Which leaves her to learn it and get it while already being a shinigami. Which seems a little funny, but hey its the way the system works for the nobles.

I am of the belief and agree that you gain it during your time in the academy. I figure that there is probably an exam or test that you have to pass and what you have to do is simply have your Zanpukto, either materialize on the spot for them or find it on your own time. Either way, I would believe that is the most likely and then from there you move on and begin real training. And to be a shinigami you have to learn your Zanpukto's name. Sort of a final test. It is then up to you to learn what it can do on your own time.

I find it very unlikely that they would simply hand out katanas to be your Zanpukto. Though a possibility to make that theory work logically, would be that the katana is just a vessel. So they give you a sword and then you must channel your spirit energy and life force into the sword thus creating the Zanpukto out of an empty sword and being unique to you. It is not really possible to hand out unique Zanpuktos and make it seem real in the context of the Bleach universe.

The Zanpukto is an extension of the shinigami as they have said quote often. Especially when they comment on Ichigo and his claymore of a Zanpukto, which is a mirror of the massive about of life force and energy that he contains. In a bare bones fight against any shinigami without training, Ichigo would beat them all. He just have mass amounts of raw power and talent, Kenpachi would probably be the other. The reason Ichigo loses fights against people like Renji is because they have experience, years of it. So they can channel more into their sword and focus more.

But as I was saying, its a reflection of the life force and energy. They even have names and avatars. They are alive and can regenerate themselves when broken. So they are more than mere swords, but connected to the one that wields it. And possibly an outward manifestation of their soul. So it only makes sense given all that the Zanpukto would be more of a creation that you search and make rather than handed to you. I could even see it being a ritual that you go through a process of extracting or focusing using some special item that helps to draw it out through the shinigami powers.

[CLOUD]

I am of the belief and agree that you gain it during your time in the academy. I figure that there is probably an exam or test that you have to pass and what you have to do is simply have your Zanpukto, either materialize on the spot for them or find it on your own time. Either way, I would believe that is the most likely and then from there you move on and begin real training. And to be a shinigami you have to learn your Zanpukto's name. Sort of a final test. It is then up to you to learn what it can do on your own time.

I find it very unlikely that they would simply hand out katanas to be your Zanpukto. Though a possibility to make that theory work logically, would be that the katana is just a vessel. So they give you a sword and then you must channel your spirit energy and life force into the sword thus creating the Zanpukto out of an empty sword and being unique to you. It is not really possible to hand out unique Zanpuktos and make it seem real in the context of the Bleach universe.

The Zanpukto is an extension of the shinigami as they have said quote often. Especially when they comment on Ichigo and his claymore of a Zanpukto, which is a mirror of the massive about of life force and energy that he contains. In a bare bones fight against any shinigami without training, Ichigo would beat them all. He just have mass amounts of raw power and talent, Kenpachi would probably be the other. The reason Ichigo loses fights against people like Renji is because they have experience, years of it. So they can channel more into their sword and focus more.

But as I was saying, its a reflection of the life force and energy. They even have names and avatars. They are alive and can regenerate themselves when broken. So they are more than mere swords, but connected to the one that wields it. And possibly an outward manifestation of their soul. So it only makes sense given all that the Zanpukto would be more of a creation that you search and make rather than handed to you. I could even see it being a ritual that you go through a process of extracting or focusing using some special item that helps to draw it out through the shinigami powers.

I find it more possible for Shinigami to be given katanas & then after learning their Zanpuktos' names, somehow infusing the souls to the swords.

I remember the episode when Renji, Hinamori & Kira were at the academy & fought some huge Hollows during training; the time when Aizen & Gin killed them all. They had Zanpuktos back then, but since they weren't shinigami, they didn't know the sword's names. It's like Ichigo. He used Rukia's blade; his sword didn't come out of nowhere. When their swords break, they can't simply be put together by themselves. They probably are exchanged with different katanas & the souls are put back in them while healing.

I don't agree with Ichigo beating any Shinigami without training. The fact that his sword is that big at first doesn't mean he's stronger than the rest. His father said that

Spoiler: Shinigami of captain class control trhe size of their Zanpukto, otherwise, they'd all have to swing around a Zanpukto the size of skyscrapers.

I think that the same happens with the rest. Sooner or later. Otherwise, Ichigo is stronger than all Shinigami in Soul Society....

Besides, Shinigami that have trained in the academy have all, at least the basic knowledge of kidou, while Ichigo doesn't. No matter what their level at using it is, they sure can do damage. For instance, use a Binding art, Ichigo can break it, but not in an instant; while trying, use something like the White Lightning & open a whole through his forehead. Bye Ichigo....

That could have happened countless times, but since he's the main character, they don't let him die like that. Byakuya could have killed him like that, but they made him aim for his shoulder.

[Itachi Uchiha]

I find it more possible for Shinigami to be given katanas & then after learning their Zanpuktos' names, somehow infusing the souls to the swords.

I remember the episode when Renji, Hinamori & Kira were at the academy & fought some huge Hollows during training; the time when Aizen & Gin killed them all. They had Zanpuktos back then, but since they weren't shinigami, they didn't know the sword's names. It's like Ichigo. He used Rukia's blade; his sword didn't come out of nowhere. When their swords break, they can't simply be put together by themselves. They probably are exchanged with different katanas & the souls are put back in them while healing.

I'm not sure about the whole katan enfused with a soul thing but I do know that zanpukto's do repair themselves over time. After all when

Spoiler: Renji gets thrown in a cell with his zanpukto shatter, it repairs itself and the spirit manifests to contact Renji as well. This is probably why he could achieve Bankai later on.

Also how would a shinigami contact its zanpukto through what your saying? A shinigami would have the power within them but the spirit would not have taken a shape. The zanpukto I believe is the connection between shinigami and the spirit within it. So it would need to become a zanpukto inorder to tell its user its name. Also with Ichigo, although he was using Rukia's blade it was not her zanpukto's spirit. His had entered the blade but he was deaf to it as Urahara explains.

I'm also in agreement with Cloud about Ichigo's fighting. The only thing he is good at is swinging his oversized sword around while other shinigami have been trained in all aspects of combat. Like Cloud said, Byukuya would have killed Ichigo if he didn't aim for his shoulder. But the reason he did that was Byukuya said he was going to kill him with his sword. So if he didn't do that, Ichigo would have been killed. Still the stratergy of using a binding spell followed with some powerful kidou or a zanpukto's ability seems quite effective. It just proves Ichigo isn't as good as people think.

[Andromeda]

One thing I remind you of is that I said untrained. If everyone was fresh never attended the academy, just plopped down as a shinigami like Ichigo. Then Ichigo would probably be the strongest. Alone without training he was already powerful and skillful with a sword enough to kill hollows. He's not perfect, but he can fight and win. While most of the others would not have use raw talent available. I can only imagine Kenpachi being comparable in raw talent and fighting skill. That is all I am saying.

And using a sword to focus your soul into is about a possible as anything else. Because the theory would be that once it enters the sword it no longer is a sword, but a Zanpukto. It would change and altered to reflect the shinigami. All the sword would be is a medium to direct the initial energy into until the spirit takes possession. After that it would be alive and subject to the rules of the Zanpukto, so it would take on all of those properties.

But all I am doing is making a theory to fit with the Bleach universe. Don't know if it is how it works or not. In the end it does not really matter as only Tite knows the truth. All we can do is discuss and speculate about what could be.

The Zanpukto is a strange and curious weapon that is connected to the owner. There is just so many different ways it could be done. I'm more in favor of a ritual or something, since it seems to fit with the way the shinigami are. Making a Zanpukto out of nothing on your own seems a little difficult for a novice to be attempting. I mean if you did that it would seem like you would be a lot more powerful if you can summon your Zanpukto to physical form. But that is just me, doing that is just as likely and possible.

[Xeim]

Master of FPS: As Andromeda says, you need 150 posts to join. If you don't even read the first post before asking to join, I doubt I'd let you in anyway. O_o

Now, all I have some news. I was contacted by Grimmjaw earlier today, and he said that he lost interest in the club for various reasons. We've gone over these reasons, and, in short, the ranking system is going to get a make-over.

First off: The post count is going to turn into points. Based on the quality and information contained within your posts, you'll get more points. The rest of the system will work the same way it always has. Depending on how many points you have, you'll move up and down within your division. Vice-captains are appointed after obtaining a certain amount of points. I'm also dropping the post count of the RP, as not only was it becoming too complicated, but it's unfair to those who don't participte in the RP.

Alternate methods of earning points can be come up with, so expect the system to expand.

Now, that's not the only change. Instead of being thrown into a division upon joining, new members will either take a quiz or write a response to a bleach related situation, depending on what they would rather do. Depending on how rthey preform in this, they are placed within a new division that I'm opening up, and will then compete against each other for the top spot. The one who obtains it will then have to earn a certain amount of points to move into a division. The member will be able to pick the division. If the top spot in the division is taken by another member before the first member can reach the correct amount of points, they won't have to start over. They'll keep the points they have, but the points they earn while trying to get the top spot won't count toward division placement. This new division is kind of like a shinigami academy.

Now, this ranking system would change things quite a bit. Those with captain/vice captain ranks would stay where you were, so no worries. But, my one question to the club is: would you want to keep your post counts and have each post worth one point, giving you a base and keeping you where you are now, or would you want to start over at zero? Starting over would be a good idea, but it would cause the rest of your posts to just...be there. xD I'm leaning towards not starting over, but I wanted to get everyone's feedback first. Though, with the inactivity oif our club members, I doubt I'll get much feedback.

As a side note: the reserve force would still exist.

As for the counting and rating of posts, me and one other captain/vice captain would be rating the posts, though we can't rate people from our divisions. Also, we will rotate, unless one of you says you don't want to help count these up. Right now, it would go back and forth between CLOUD and Andromeda. The other captains are inactive in the club, and I know Rasler's taking a leave of the forums for a little while. Unless this leave becomes long, I don't plan on replacing him.

I think the maximum amount of points per post should be around five. So, posts can be worth from about 0-5 points.

I'll now open things up for the club to discuss. Rejection, discussion, questions?

Also, don't let this keep you from club discussion, I'm not posting about it now however, as I don't want this information to be ignored.

And Andro: I'm going for a death note theme right now, but I don't want to turn down the offer for a Hitsu banner. xD If I find myself in need of one I'll ask you to make one.

[Andromeda]

I think it is a good idea. I would say still keep the base being one point. So if you post will get one point default, from there you are judged on the quality of the post. If it is spam, you lose a point and the post is worthless, because its spam. So you really can only go up, unless you spam. And I think it is good that you reward people for posting more and being thorough about what they write. All posts are not equal and so being weighted on quality as well will go a ways to balancing things out.

My only concern, in spite of me agreeing, it is a nightmare to think about going through every post and reading them even scanning to know how much it should be worth. I would almost say that we would have to score them as the posts are made, because the helpfulness of the post and quality could be lost over time. Plus hundreds of posts to grade, is a lot for anyone. It is not that bad tallying posts, because you can do blaze through quickly removing the spam from the count. Its a little tedious, but grading on quality takes it to a new level.

I think people should be rewarded for posting in the RP. It is an activity of the club. They are make a conscious decision not to take part in the activity. So it is only their fault that they cannot earn more. I would almost say that RP posts should start at two points, because its extra and then be graded more strictly from there. Because a long post in a RP is normal, and would not be the same five as it would be in the club.

The new members thing with the points and being in their own division is curious. So they would be left to be separate division until they prove themselves to be active to join the ranks. That is my take on what this is meant to do. Keep out those that will not remain with the club. It sounds like a good idea. About all that would need to be figured out is what the point requirements are for it.

And I would be inclined to say that you either keep the points and start up from there. Or you go back to the beginning and grade everyone all over by the new system. Though going back is a lot of work to do.

[Xeim]

My only concern, in spite of me agreeing, it is a nightmare to think about going through every post and reading them even scanning to know how much it should be worth. I would almost say that we would have to score them as the posts are made, because the helpfulness of the post and quality could be lost over time.

Aye, they would be graded as they're posted. The captain/vice-captain helping me at the time and I would grade the post as we're reading it for the first time. I'd be in touch with them often, as they'd rate the post the way they think it should be and I'd rate it my way, and then every couple days we'd compare the statistics, debate over any that don't match up, etc. And, even the captains' and vice-captain's posts would be counted, just so they can see where they stand. I know I can get in touch with CLOUD on MSN, and I do have AIM, Andromeda, if you decide you'd like to help keep score, but as for Rasler when he returns...I don't know if he has anything like that. I suppose it could be done through PM, but it just seems easier to do it on an IM program.

So, you think they should still be rewarded in the RP...I suppose that could work, I just hope I made a note of the last post I counted in it. If I didn't....we'll just have to make a guess based on the day I last counted up the posts. And I guess it is true that it's their decision, though someone like Itachi isn't joining because of how far into it we are. It isn't his fault he didn't feel comfortable enough to join the club until we're this far in. Then again, it would be simple to just throw your character into the academy, even if it gets a little confusing...

And yes, the point requirements are being worked out. My thought is that the points you earn while not on the "top spot" go to where you'll rank when you get into the divisions, while the points you earn while in the top spot, only go to getting you out and disappear after you have. After conversing with GrimmJaw and Toph about this, we came to an agreement that the amount of points needed to "graduate" should be within the twenties. I picked a nice even 20, and said that if it gets to be too simple to get out, then we could always move it up later.

But yes, with the amount of members joining an leaving, and messing up the gotai, I thought this would be a good way to make them prove themselves. And, if they "die," its the reserve force for them, and one less competitor for the other new members.

And, thanks for you input on starting over or not. I am inclined to agree with you, and think most other probably would as well, and I'm really not about to re-count 654 posts. However, this new system will start off where the old one left off, and I will give the "last post counted" figures to the captain/vice-captain that decides to help me first.

[Andromeda]

I'll address Itachi first, since I'll go in a long time about the rating. What Itachi can do is wait the week out until people move on. I'm planning on having my character get held back anyway, so he can join me then. And then he can just be a new recruit and I'll be held back. That way it is not weird and he'll have someone to interact with. And then he'll move on and I'll get failed again probably. I think that would work out nicely, but it is up to him.

As for the rating, I have AIM as you mentioned and if you want me to help I will. As you said it is much easier to debate over a post via AIM than a PM. You can find mine in the profile, so it'll be easy enough to get a hold of me. I'm usually available when you are posting in evening anyway.

Yeah, for 20 sounds good, though if they make 4 great five point posts it will get them in quickly. But I guess if they can do that then they earn the right. And if they do not then, it will take them longer. You still deciding on a number for the vice-captain?

If they do not take part in the RP, then it is decision. But as you said with it already started and going deeper into its story. It will probably be difficult to join at times. If there enough people interested in a RP, you could always make a second one. You don't necessarily have to post in it per say, just monitor it so that nothing bad happens in it. That way people that want to RP can still do so. But we can always just have it where people join the divisions as shinigami out of the academy once we are shinigami ourselves. Until then they can just join the academy and jump up ahead to meet us or follow their own track. They can meet us in the halls and things. I would imagine that as we get more divided in the positions in the academy all we can do is meet outside of classes.

They are still options for people to take. We just have to be there to make it possible for them. That way people do not feel they are not allowed to join. I've joined an RP 100 posts in, and it all worked out fine. So it can work when done correctly.

Are you going to have some sort of negative system in place for people that are say inactive for long periods of time. Like they do not post for two weeks or they do not post for like 20 posts. Both are not necessarily fair. Because there was once when I was the last to post and no one else did for like a week, but I don't know if I would necessarily need to be penalized for that. And then there are days when we post ten times, and people that do not should not just because they were not there for six hours. It would need to be a mesh of the two. But for people that are on extended unexcused or announced absences should be losing points if you are going on a points system from a post system.

If related to the ranking system in the Gotai, I would imagine that they fight for their rankings. If you grow weaker or absent I would imagine that you fall faster than just someone stronger moving through. But that is up to you if you want to do something like that. It would be a little more subjective requiring a number of things to occur. But that is something that you can decide.

[Xeim]

Well, I don't have my AIM in my profile, but if you want I can PM it to you, or you can get it from Toph. I've added you now, so next time we're both on, we can talk. Heh.

And, as for the Rp...that makes sense. I like the idea of starting a second one as well, though I definately wouldn't be in it myself. Options...I guess everyone needs those.

So, Itachi can either choose to take the offer Andromeda gave him, or he can decide to join another way, or to not join at all...

Also, if the idea of a second RP gets some interest, I'm willing to start one. I know some of the members of the first fell inactive for a while, and when they came back they felt too far behind to catch up. A second Rp would be a good idea for them, we can't have half the Rp jump in with Steph. xD It'd make the idea feel...overused.

As for the vice captain requirements, I am still working that out. In the original system, it was 30 posts, but obviously with a point system, that's far too easy. I'd proably be at least doubled, kicked somewhere up around 60. I'll try to have an exact number figured out soon.

As for a negative system, that may become too complicated. If someone falls inactive, then they'll be moved to the reserve force. They'll keep their points, I'll probably have a chart saved to my computer, and if they come back, they'll be placed back in a division appropriately. Obviously, since they've become inactive for so long, their rank will most likely be below where they were before.

As for fighting for ranks, the academy portion will be slligtly competitive, but as for the rest of the ranks, they'll move up and down as they always have. If someone gets more points than you, you move up. So, there is a bit of a competitive air there, people want to make better posts, and lots of them. It encourages active discussion from those we....can actually get to post. xD

[Andromeda]

Well I doubt that there is a lot of people clamoring to join the RP at the moment. So it probably will not be too overcrowded if they joined Steph. But if it does then we could just begin another. And Steph will not be around at the bottom forever, just a while. So they will not always have the chance to join with me. They can just join in alone, or become one of the classmate in the academy that was until recently ignored. There are a lot of possibilities.

Either way it works out. Knocking people to the reserve group sounds good. But what would become of their points, you voiding it if they return and forced to start anew. Or you going to drop them back into the division with all of it intact?

For AIM, no worries about that. You'll find me when you want to talk to me. I'm usually around, so it shouldn't be too hard to find me.

Now for the fun stuff, Bleach. New episode last night, of course, so I go over the episode as usual. It was back to Ichigo's Bankai training, though very little of that is actually seen. But I figured that much, since it is going to be going on for a while. However, explaining the natural way of gaining the Bankai is going to be helpful for the RP. Since we are going to be doing that at some point and I'll need to understand the process. Though I don't know if we are going to cheat like Ichigo did and force the manifestation of our avatar. But unlike the last time, it seems that the manifestation is visible to everyone, as Yuroichi is talking to Zangetsu. So it should be interesting to see Renji's Bamboo Snake avatar physically manifest itself. I bet that Ichigo is going to laugh at him.

Either way, it is very interesting that you have to bring your avatar out into physical form and then fight it into submission. Which seems that the method is different for everyone. I will be very curious to see Renji's ordeal as it will give me more insight into the variety of method. It will give me some ideas on how I will need to approach it, as Steph is a very unique case for a shinigami. And will probably be very unorthodox in method.

And we get to see Renji breaking out of cell. I guess that they do not expect shinigami to break out, so they did not bind his powers like they did with the others. It seems a little careless to be doing something like that. But Renji is free and going to be getting his Bankai training start soon whenever he finds Ichigo. (Yes, I've spoiled much of what happens in the arc for myself already. Not that it is some great mystery that Renji is going to get his Bankai.)

And then we get to see Gin Ichimaru and Izuru meeting. Ichimaru is his usual mysterious, charming, creepy self that makes him so attractive at times. Its quite funny the way that works. Though his wide grin is just so long its like the Joker, but more subtle. You can tell that the Joker means to do no good, its obvious. However, Ichimaru remains slightly creepy like he is thinking about doing something, but you don't know what it is. You are pretty sure he means to do no good, but you are just not sure. He is chaotic.

Then more squad 11 fun with Kenpachi and Orihime. And if Kenpachi didn't look scary enough being a huge brute of a man with spiky hair and a deep voice to shatter wood. He is carrying a massive sword and a face that knows he enjoys killing. Now he is all bandaged up with one around his nose and face. While it makes him look weak it also adds to his aura of just being insanely strong. And well Orihime looks better in the shinigami shihakusho than her other clothes. It was pretty cool to see Uryu in them too, he doesn't look too bad either in them. Though the Quincy uniform is more suited to him. The wing coming off his back was pretty cool, though reminencent of Sephiroth.

And then there is Uryu, who pretty much passed out once Tousen released his Shikai. Hardly much of a fight, not really even a fight. He just collapsed, I don't think that the Shikai did anything to him. And he ends up in cell with Gonju and Chad, with their spiritual energy sealed away with the bindings. Not much there other than to say that they are all still alive and well. Considering Gonju got sliced up being Senbon Zakura it is a little surprising that he is still alive.

And there is the third seat shinigami of Squad Four who talks to him out loud. He just complaining about the Ryoka getting admitted to their treatment. And Hanataro gets judgment passed on him. Finally there is a voice for the Vice-Captain as well, who I thought for a while was just an effeminate man, but is actually woman. I'm not sure if the voice suits her, but at least you know it is a woman.

We end up back with Ichigo realizing that all of the swords are a reflection of his weakness. And realizing that it is going to be a lot harder to find his sword and battle Zangetsu then he thought. I think he went through 19 swords so far. But it does make sense now all of the swords in the opening, they are the ones that are part of Ichigo's training. Or at least allude to that.

Then it ends with Momo looking very determined about something. But next week's episode is another flashback to the time when they were in the academy. It should be more incite into what goes on during then. More material for me to gain a concept of what to expect in the future. I'm looking forward to it.

[Xeim]

Either way it works out. Knocking people to the reserve group sounds good. But what would become of their points, you voiding it if they return and forced to start anew. Or you going to drop them back into the division with all of it intact?

They'll be dropped with all points intact. If they start posting again, they'll hopefully be placed underneath where they were, as people should be posting more than them. Ideally…that's what would happen. But we really only have a few active members. It would be great if this boosts activity rate, but I doubt it. Hopefully though, it'll attract new club members.

Since I'm so behind on counting up posts though, I'm going to count up posts the old way one final time, and then from now on we'll be using the new method. I believe CLOUD told me that he wanted to get more of a feel for the system before he helped out, so Andromeda, that would put you up first. I also believe the Rasler's back, so hopefully next time he posts he'll tell us what he thinks of the system and if he'd like to help out.

So, basically, every post after this one will be rated by Andromeda and myself. Neither of us will rank ourselves, but, since this is a new system, if Andromeda wants to rate my posts, he may.

Here's the standings. I'll say it again. This is the last time posts are rated like this. From now on, a post will be rated once it's posted by a captain/vice-captain and myself, and after about a week, the standings will be recorded in the club thread.

1st Division

Jenova33:13
Lady Rika: 5
Slanzar de Fanel: 4
Itachi Uchiha: 4

2nd Division

Oathkeeper13: 26
Captain Fishie: 11
Yuuki: 4


3rd Division

Captain CLOUD: 24
Toph Bei Fong: 15
WaterPrince: 1


4th Division

Vice Captain Andromeda: 101
Captain abarai Renji: 50
Jecht: 24
Suzu Kitamura: 6
DarkWolf: 4


5th Division

Captain Rasler: 34
Kuradic: 5 (only RP posts)
GrimmJaw: 2
Emoloz: 0


Top Three Posters

Andromeda with 101 posts
Abarai Renji with 50 posts
Rasler with 34 posts

Last RP post counted: post 67 on page 5
Last Club post counted: post 658 on page 44

Now, onto Bleach talk.

So, if this week's episode is a flashback to the academy, then that would mean it was the one on Hisugaya and Momo? I found that episode very entertaining (*still a Hitsugaya fangirl*), and it did give you a little insight into the academy if I remember correctly. Though I may be completely wrong and it could be about someone else. ^^;

The bankai training. I do wish that they had explained the “real” method more, as it would be very helpful information, but I suppose Tite thought that Ichigo's method was the only of importance at the time. Perhaps someday they'll dive into one of the normal captain's life to give us more insight into the bankai. I think it would be very interesting if a book/manga was released detailing the different methods of doing it. It'd become our little BLEACH bible…thing. Hehe. But, alas, that probably won't happen, so we'll have to stick to guessing and inferring from the little tidbits they do give us. It does give us some thing to talk about, after all. ^^;

[Andromeda]

Ok, I will take up the task and review the posts. Though it should be you I would imagine to review my posts, since I can't do my own. I figure that 5 will be rare enough, with only a few handed out in a month time if that. We can talk more about it through AIM if you want.

This week is definitely about Momo, I didn't know if Hitsugaya is in it, but I figure that he is in it. I know that Renji, Izuru and I think Ichimaru as well. So it should be very interesting to watch. I'm hoping for some more insight to the academy days, but I will have to wait to find out.

The Bankai does seem to be a mystery. But at least the training that Ichigo and Renji goes through does fill into the blanks a little. I would imagine that the method of getting the Bankai varies from shinigami to shinigami. Though it is the same result, you have to defeat and place your Zanpukto into submission. And you have to be able to physically manifest your Zanpukto. The manifestation part is the most difficult I would imagine. Though the time for fighting your Zanpukto probably is not exclusive to three days like with Ichigo.

I would imagine that you have some limited time, but you can retry as many times as you want. Ichigo couldn't because of his time restriction and the urgency. But I need to see Renji's Bankai trying to understand more about it. I hope that they show enough of it. But it sounds like you are still uncertain, but that is only because they cheated. We haven't seen the real way most get it, as you said.