Bleach Club

[Xeim]

I suppose it is hard to pin what's Bleachy and what isn't. But you know, Bleach doesn't have to lend to a certain style of music. A bleachy song would be a song you listen to and say, "Hey! That reminds me of Ichigo!" Or "That's reminds me of when Rukia and Ichigo fought over that one thing!" Or you know, anything else that you feel connects you to the show.

Well, if you download episodes you'd probably want to find the raw. I know of a couple sites you could possibly find it if we get any interest. I however, don't have the software to makes videos, so I won't be able to partake. I'll make a note of it in the first post though, in case people still read it. xD

Well, if we do go with the Hel idea, we'd have to come up with a reason to go there. xD I mean, someone could steal one of Ichigo's sisters and drag her down there (not like she'd go there on her own), or we could get away from the whole saving someone thing and do something slightly less used. Obviously can't be cannon, so not informaton gathering. Well, I suppose we could have an bunch of demons get out of Hel and invade the real world. They could even team up with the hollows and eat away at the barrier between the real world and Soul Society.

[Andromeda]

Yeah, I would like to avoid the kidnapping scenario again since Bleach like to use it frequently enough. It is hard to call Rukia's going back to the Soul Society a kidnapping, but they did end up going to the Soul Society to rescue her and bring her back. Which they proceed to with again and again down the road. But maybe that is Bleachy. ^^;

If you went with the kidnapping angle, I think Yuzu would probably be the better one to kidnap. You can play on the different hints that she might have some ability to see ghosts as well. But that she is different some how and makes her important to kidnap. Maybe they need something for her to do and that way they have a reason to take her. It sounds all too familiar, but it works.

I'm a little interested in seeing the human aspect. All of those students at Ichigo's high school have been exposed to a great number of spirit energies and presences. The main one being Ichigo, since his spirit energy over flows to the point that it affects and influences others. A great number of hollows and shinigami have paid visits to his friends and classmates. You could have some fun with that. There is a bound to be plenty of opportunities to play around with them. Maybe with all of the high hollow activity in Karakura Town those students start taking matters into their own hands, akin to the Quincy. And well the Shinigami are not going to be pleased by this since it would mean the apocalypse again. So they end up issuing death orders or what not against the humans. And of course Ichigo will not stand for that as well as Orihime and Chad and Uryu probably as well, he actually sided with the Shinigami so it is uncertain where he would fall. But he would probably end up with Ichigo and company as well. It would be another battle of Shinigami against Ichigo. So who knows how that would work.

[Sinister]

Privaron Espada.

Spoiler: Like Nel?

You mean the members of the Espada that were replaced?


I, too, wouldn't mind seeing Benehime. But I have a picture of her in my mind. Besides we all know that Kisuke-San's Bankai is going to be the greatest thing in Bleach.

Also if you need samples of writing like you said or anything, let me know and they shall be provided for your consideration.

-Sin

[Xeim]

Correct. That gets you the base 1 point. I'll add you into the Member List.

Well a writing asignment was one of the entry tests. Since I gave you the question you don't need to worry about giving me a writing sample. Now that you're officially a member of the club, you're welcome to join the RP "Memories of a Shinigami." It's kind of slow right now, but it's inching surely. =P It'd be nice to have another talented writer on the RP team, but that's totally up to you.

Welcome to the Bleach club, Sinister.

On the filler arc:

It is true that that Ichigo's schoolfriends should have some more attention. I'd love to incorporate thme somehow. Haha, we could have some demon cast a spell that reverses people's roles (for an alternate universe). So Ichi's school friends become shinigami and the shinigami become the schoolgoers. xD

[Rasler]

Some recent eps have had golden filler arc material.

I speak of the Menos Forest mini-arc.

I personally wouldn't have minded them extending that arc just a bit. Because of the relatively short length, some of the powerful enemies, Menos Grandes and Adjuchas were toned sown and weakened.

Anyways, in this hypothetical filler arc we are creating, for the sake of drama, let's say that Yamamoto temporarily instated Renji as a captain. Renji's terrible at Kido, and I imagine his leadership ability being even worse.


Seriously? This is like the longest amount of time there has not been a full roster of captains in the Bleach universe. Hurry up and select new ones, Yamamoto.

[Andromeda]

That sounds too much like fan fiction Xeim. Even if you aren't be serious that would be a little too silly for a filler arc for Bleach. It would need to be something a little more within the realms of possibilities without sounding completely ridiculous that Tite would never do it. Not that we need to be exactly like Tite, but staying truer to the source material makes for a better filler arc. Though that is not to say we cannot explore different areas, but within the realm of possibilities.

And the RP will hopefully be moving along again. There are about a 3 or people needing to post now that we have a new day. But once that all happens, things should start moving along I think. Oh and Xeim I have more of that thing we were talking about sorted out. It is a little clearer in my mind now. So if you want to listen again when you have time I'm around.

[Sinister]

I'm grateful you allowed me membership. Bleach is something I like to discuss and hear discussed.

That is indeed generous of you to allow me to the RP so quickly, but I would be too afraid I would intrude and cause problems explaining the sudden appearance of yet another character. I would never think about it unless you were sure I would not disturb the plot.

And if you still choose to allow me access, I would be very careful not speak for other characters or such godmodding and would respect any guidlines or rules you would apply.

I, against my own judgement, did create a character that ran parallel to your guidelines in case you acquiesce to me joining in. I assure you he fits in quite well with Bleach standards of characters and would fit in the Bleach universe well.

Respectfully,
-Sin

[Andromeda]

The RP is actually set at a point where would be easy enough for you to be joining in. It had been discussed a while back that since I'm going to be making my character fail the test anyway. That any one that wanted to join would be able to go through the test along with my character. It was a simple way to allow more people to join in since I was going to be doing the test anyway. Though I don't know how many of those people that were thought to be joining in at that time are still interested.

Naturally, Xeim has the say in things, but I doubt there would be an issue with it especially since she already invited you.

[Sinister]

Very kind of you Andro. With Xeim's extra permission and assurance that I won't spoil the ointment, then, I would post my character and then you can tell me how the introduction would work. It's always fun to brush elbows with great writers, especially over shared passions.

Anyway, I won't muck up the club thread with my silly posts. Once again, thanks for allowing me membership.


-Sin

[Evangel]

On the filler arc topic, I would like to see more attention on the Human World and Hell. We know that quite a few humans can gain spiritual abilites by being exposed to high levels of spirit energy.

Bringing up an idea presented a while ago in the RP OOC, what if a human organization found away to do just that. Perhaps there could be in the present storyline and have Aien helping them. It could also introduce the shcoolgoers to possibilities of their own spiritual powers.

And on a side note, kudos to you Sinister for making it in the club. I hope you find it warm and welcoming.

[Xeim]

Sin: Your presence in the RP would be very much enjoyed. I'll now expand on what Andromeda mentioned in his above post.

Right now in the RP, we're at a test day. I set up the Shinigami Academy so that we go through a basic testing section for a week (but we only did one day and then time skipped to the last one) and then take a test based upon what we learned that will place us in real classes.

Andro's character Steph, as mentioned, is staying behind in basic training while most of the rest of us move on. After we finish test day, which I'd like to try to do in a reasonable amount of time, the RP is open to accepting new members, or members that fell behind as without messing up the plot. It will be almost as if the RP is starting over. =P I am not sure how many people who have fallen behind are going to go through with this offer, so it may just be you and Andro for a while. Go ahead and post the character you made at any time though.

With that said, let's try not to drag out the test day. If everyone can condense it into 2-4 longer posts, that'd be great. I'd really like to get things moving more so that we can get to some of the more fun aspects of the RP.

Andro: I'd love to hear more on that subject. I'll try to log into AIM as soon as I can. I'm on my real computer now! No using a weird version! Yay! =D

Evan/filler arc: Since I plan on using the human organization as one of the arcs for the RP, I don't want to use it as part of this filler arc. Though, we could introduce a Helbeast or Hollow that found a way to raise the spiritual awareness of Karakura residents, and Ichigo has to stop it before too many people notice the number of strange monsters running around...

But that in itself is a little farfetched. And a bit cannonish since it'd be hard to erase so many people's memories.

So we've narrowed ideas down to something to do with the school characters or something to do with Hel. We've still got a ways to go. =P

[Sinister]

Profile posted. It's rough draft work seeing we've got some time to spare before my character makes his appearance. So if you have feedback I'd feel better if you'd leave it. Tell me if you have any suggestions that might be helpful for me to fit in the RP better. As far as activity. Don't worry. So long as I'm on TFF I'll keep posting. It'd be awesome if we could fully complete the RP so it could be sealed away in that illustrious forum "Cleft of Dimensions". So if I can help at all I'll help as much as I can and try to keep up.


-Sin

[Rasler]

Episode 152 has an avert for the second movie instead of the usual omake goofiness at the end.

As per usual with new openings or scenes of interest, I have Megaupload-ed it for your convenience and pleasure. Also, as with all of my contributed videos, I have sacrificed none of the quality.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QZU8WZ1P (4.26 MB)


On the filler arc topic, each of the 6 realms has their own dominant race or class.

• Heaven - Unknown. Depends if it is a Japanese-religion-based Heaven or Christianity-based Heaven. In fact, I don't recall the term "Heaven" ever having been said in the Bleach universe. However, there has been references to another dimension or relam where the king of Soul Society resides. That might be Bleach's equivalent of Heaven. At this time, there's just not quite enough info to make any conclusive ...conclusions.
• Soul Society - Shinigami
• Living realm - Humans
• Hueco Mundo - Hollows (Natural Arrancar were the dominant force before Aizen's influence. The original Espada are implied to have been natural, or self-created.)
• Hell - unknown, but likely to be demons. Remember the hands that came out of the Hell Gate and grabbed that one hollow early on in the series?
• That void-y place between realms - Blanks. This race is seen only in the movie Memories of Nobody.

Hybrids do exist, though.
Ichigo is part human/hollow/shinigami.
Vizards are part shinigami/hollow.
Chad is part human/hollow. (Speculation. His powers are confirmed hollow-type, at least).
Arrancar are part Hollow/Shinigami.

Shinigami hybrids in Hell are more likely than Hell-aligned Shinigami.

The existence of demons might also explain Captain Komomura's unusual appearance and the unusual size of Jidanbo and the other Seireitei gate guards.

[Rasler]

Double Post For Great Justice!

Yet more advertising for the 2nd movie. I'm actually starting to get a little irritated at this point...

Instead of Tite Kubo supplying manga chapter 304 this week, he has released Bleach manga chapter -15. Yes, that's negative 15. It's a quick glimpse into Hitsugaya's pre-shinigami life. It shows Hitsugaya's initial encounter with Rangiku and Houyinmaru's (!) inner spirit.

One might reasonably assume that Tite will be supplying chapters -14 through 0 later on.

Chapter -15 is available for free viewing at http://manga.bleachexile.com/bleach-chapter-304.html

Remember that discussion we had a while back about zanpakuto avatars? The confirmation of Houyinmaru leaves the list of confirmed avatars like this:

• Ichigo - Zangetsu: Brooding man in tattered cloak / Inner hollow(only during possession by inner hollow). Appearance becomes similar to avatar during bankai.
• Hitsugaya - Houyimaru: Ice dragon. Appearance during bankai is influenced by avatar.
• Renji - Zabimaru: Baboon with a snake for a tail. Appearance is modified slightly with elements from avatar during bankai.

Nearly confirmed zanpakuto avatars:

• Ikkaku - Hōzukimaru: Serpentine dragon. As represented by a symbol on his bankai. In bankai, it's known as Ryūmon Hōzukimaru, translated as "Dragon Crest Demon Light"
• Yumichika - Fuji Kujaku: Peacock. Peacock-like feathers during (kido) shikai ability. Zanpakuto name translated means "Wisteria Peacock."
• Soifon - Suzumebachi: Hornet or similar stinging insect. Physical form and poisonous nature of shikai. Yoruichi refers to Soifon as a bee during a flashback scene.
• Rangiku - Haineko: cat. Haineko translated means "ash cat." In the game Bleach: Heat the Soul 3, Haineko's shikai can form a panther-like being. Haineko is also noted to be lazy and moody, much like a cat.

Apparently, when a person's soul is strong enough, it forms an avatar, a sort of representation of itself. This avatar is the soul of the Zanpakuto. Initially, a person is unaware of it. The avatar attempts to communicate and teach its owner its name through dreams. Once the individual learns the name, and it is spoken aloud, the zanpakuto will manifest, like Ichigo's did when he learned Zangetsu's name. (His original oversized unreleased zanpakuto was actually Rukia's, not his.)

Similarities between Ichigo and Hitsugaya:

• Both achieved great power in a short amount of time.
• Both leak great amounts of power. (Only 3 characters unconciously and uncontrollably leak power, Hitsugaya[learns to control], Kenpachi, and Ichigo.)
• Both have the "limit break." When they are extremely resolved, their aura and eyes turn violent and blue.
• Both avatars influence appearance during bankai.

One of my previous similarities between Ichigo and Hitsugaya is incorrect. Hitsugaya does not have a permanent shikai zanpakuto like Ichigo does. While Hitsugaya's sword itself does not make any physical changes, it does grow a long chain during shikai.

[abarai renji]

Hello everybody. I've been busy with a lot of stuff, and haven't had very much time to do anything. But now I've got some time, so I'll be on occasionally. Mostly just on weekends, but I'll try to get on during weekdays.

Also, is it possible for me to slip back into the RP or did I miss the deadline?

[Victoria]

Do what I did and make a long ass post to catch up. And you can also do what Xeim discussed and do the basic classes along with Andro's character.

[Angantyr]

Perhaps it is time I join here, perhaps not I dunno but I may as well.

I have only recently in the past week started watching it, I am up to Episode 70 so I still have a fair bit to catch up on but I believe 64 - 110 is mostly filler, which I may skip though I hear its not as bad as the Naruto fillers. I may take a break for a little while hence my hesitation though I figure why not.

Anyway if there is anything I have to do to join then just ask. I'm not really interested in joining the RP at this point as I still have a bit to absorb about the series unless of course you want me to which I can make an exception for.

[Victoria]

Actually the filler doesn't start till the 80s I believe. When you start hearing about Bounto, that's the filler arc. Then after the Bounto arc ends, it's not filler. =P

Just like Xeim said earlier, you'll have to either ask a question or do a small scenario. I'll let Xeim handle that. ^_^

[Sinister]

Just to initiate some discussion I pose a question: Has anyone ever caught themselves looking like a character from the series in a picture, and if not, which character would you say you most resemble?


As for me well...I don't mean to brag but...http://www.thefinalfantasy.net/media...ngImages/3.jpg

-Sin

[CLOUD]

Just to initiate some discussion I pose a question: Has anyone ever caught themselves looking like a character from the series in a picture, and if not, which character would you say you most resemble?


As for me well...I don't mean to brag but...http://www.thefinalfantasy.net/media...ngImages/3.jpg

-Sin

Lol, man that's amazing... the color is almost like Urahara's, so is the look on your face. The Harry Potter book you're holding is a bit off, but whatever.

Those are your pj's???


As for me, a while ago, before shaving my head, I kinda looked like Sado, with the brownish hair covering most of my face- not straight, not too fizzy. That's all though; my skin color is not as dark as when I was younger & while Chad is almost 2m tall, i'm about 25cm shorter & as for the muscles, no comment.

The thing is that most have weird hair styles, colors, etc, so it's not easy to resemble one of them.

[Sinister]

Hah! You do kinda look like Sado! Cool! If you had his full head of hair you would look just like him.


As for me...I wasn't really trying to look like Urahara...lol but I had just woke up and they had handed me my copy of Deathly Hallows and my sister said she had to take a picture of me. I used to always wear that hat btw. It's torn to pieces now, sadly.

And...yea...those are my pjs ><! lol It's actually a silk Chinese suit...but I use them for Pjs.

[Angantyr]

I hope you don't mind me posting.

Piro: Actually Im on episode 70 and its already showing the Bount stuff, I think I may watch but not right now as it does seem semi-interesting. I just checked on Wikipedia and it does seem that 64 - 110 are filler.

Sinister: Funny you mention that because I was just talking about Cosplay. I do look a little like Old Man Zengetsu but I'm not quite as skinny as him. However I mostly look like Shunsui Kyōraku, not only that but in a way we have a similar personality except I am not as flamboyant as him and I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that pink haori thing he wears.

http://content.answers.com/main/cont...%C5%8Draku.jpg

[Andromeda]

I meant to post yesterday and look what happens, activity suddenly jumps. Even have someone new and someone old returning. Well Xeim will handle everything when she arrives Angantyr, which will probably be sometime today. But she will probably ask you to join the RP, you don't have to but the option will be there I'd imagine. I'm only watching Bleach on AS, so I'm much further behind than you and I am in the RP.

And get to see you Renji and Cloud, it has been a while since I've seen the two of you around here. I hope you stay around for a while. On the subject of looking like a Bleach character, I don't know. I cannot really think of anyone, but I wear glasses so that limits to like Uryu, I think. I can't think of anyone else that actually wears glass. And I don't look like Uryu, my hair is too long for Uryu. There is that girl Shinigami in the Bleach movie, I think we got about the same length hair, though she doesn't have glasses. Oh well.

Now for Hitsugaya. I'm glad to see Tite finally giving background for some of the captains and main characters that are Shinigami. They all have so much background and past that you know there is plenty to play around with. I read the manga chapter, Rangiku has such short hair it was weird. Though she does in the flashbacks she has too if I call, but they lasted more than like two seconds. And her chest is still barely being kept in her uniform. It is funny how so many people were shinigami before Hitsugaya, but he is captain now.

The making your avatar makes sense. That will help us when we are getting further into the academy. The zanpukto part of the process was still a little hazy, but this gives us something clear. So that will be good to have. And yeah, it was a little strange to me how Ichigo's hilt and guard looked just like Rukia's. The guard especially was identical to Rukia's, so it had me a little confused. But that makes me wonder what Ichigo's unreleased Zanpukto would look like since he has always been using Rukia's until his Shikai.

Since the Zanpukto is released to Shikai when you shout its name, along with some other words at times. Would that mean that when it originally manifests itself it would be in Shikai and then it would be sealed to its unreleased state afterwards. Or it would just be a normal sealed Zanpukto. I would think it would be just sealed, but I think there is the possibility like with Ichigo of it coming out in the Shikai release. Though don't you need to also show your Shikai to graduate the academy.

I found it equally interesting that Hitsugaya does leak spiritual energy like Ichigo. Though the effects of his leak actually was hurting someone rather than giving them unusual powers. It is definitely interesting to see how much Hitsugaya is like Ichigo. It makes me wonder how young of a captain he really is in terms of how long he has been a shinigami. He has obviously been around for a while to master his bankai and such, but it seems pretty recent. He entered after Rukia, Renji, Momo and that other guy did and became a captain. And Rukia and Renji have only been around for like hundred years or something like that.

And the RP, anyone that does want to join when the new week of train starts after the test we are having right now. You will be going through it with my character as was said. I'm going to holding my character back a couple times, so there will be a few opportunities.

[CLOUD]

And get to see you Renji and Cloud, it has been a while since I've seen the two of you around here. I hope you stay around for a while. On the subject of looking like a Bleach character, I don't know. I cannot really think of anyone, but I wear glasses so that limits to like Uryu, I think. I can't think of anyone else that actually wears glass. And I don't look like Uryu, my hair is too long for Uryu. There is that girl Shinigami in the Bleach movie, I think we got about the same length hair, though she doesn't have glasses. Oh well.

I don't really remember when I last saw a post made by Renji, but as for myself, I was quite busy after I came back to Greece, mostly work for school. The thing is that when I did have time to spend on the forum, the discussions in the club were at a point that it wouldn't be that easy for me to add something.

Another reason why it's hard to add to the various discussions since I haven't watched most of the post 140 episodes, my downloading sources are pretty much limited now, but I do try to watch episodes on youtube...

The last thing I know about the series is something I didn't expect, the "evolution" on Nell- another super hot girl for Bleach, yay!
It was a really funny scene, the meeting of Nell & Itsygo, which doesn't happen that much lately in Bleach.

About Uryu's hair, I did some thinking about it some time ago. I think it's just like the hair style a large number of greek scene kids have; longer in the front & over the ears- short in the back. After picturing someone with that actual hair style, it seems pretty pathetic.

The girl in the movie is called Sena, or at least that's what I think. I have only watched part of the movie subbed, so I don't know much. I didn't like the ending, when she faded away though. She would be an interesting new member for Ichigo's bunch; plus, she's better than Rukia in many aspects. Well, what can you do...

[Xeim]

Oh my. I have a lot to catch up on here. ^^;

Firstly, Renji. It's great to see you around again. As mentioned above me, it is not too late to re-join. You're welcome to make a long post to catch up, but that would severely limit you as you would not be able to interact with any characters. You're welcome to do that, but I'd reccommend you holding off a little until we finish testing day. Then you'll be staying back in basic training with Sinister and Andro, and anyone else who decides to hop back in. It'll be nice to have you back in. ^^

Winter: Great to see you in here. Like Toph mentioned, you need to choose to either to answer a bleach related question or write a short 'RPish post' for a bleach related scenario. The choice is yours, neither one is hard, and it merely determines what point value you recieve as your base in our ranking system.

As Andro said, I am going to invite you to join the RP, Memories of a Shinigami. I know you've said you do not wish to join, but I thought I'd present the option anyway. The Rp doesn't rely on the main storyline at all, as it takes place 10 years after Aizen's whole thiong against Soul Society. We may make references to it (the storyline) later....but you'll be more than caught up by then (if that's possible). But, the choice is yours. I don't want to push it on you.

The Bounto filler arc is actually some pretty great filler. They even trick you into thinking it's cannon later by making some references to it. I found it rather enjoyable, though the episode that wraps it up is a little boring and repetitive...109 I think?

Rasler: Wow. Thank you so much for letting us know about that Hitsu one-shot. It made my day. xD *hugs Hitsu* It was nice to see his avatar, though it wasn't all that surprising. Matsumoto kind of scared me...I mean, her boobs took up an entire panel. O_O It actually took me a while to figure out what they were...then I was like...Holy Bejesus!!!! O_O;; Anyway, Hitsugaya joined 5 years after Momo. I believe at one point they said Byakuya had been a captain for about 100 years, and that Gin had become a captain around then....and then obviously Momo became Aizen's vie captain after she graduated which wasn't too long after Gin became captain, seeing as he was Aizen's vice captain while Momo was in school....So, if my knowledge does not fail me Hitsugaya's actually not that old. xD If that means ANYTHING at all. >_>

I liked the narration of the chapter. How Hitsugaya was talking about hearing Hyourinmaru's voice. I do wonder what he meant by the fact that he dies on a plain of ice. Is he being metaphorical there? And like Andro said, it was nice to get a feel for how you encounter your zanpukto. It still doesn't answer all of our questions, but it seems the movie may. It's supposed to have quite a few flashbacks to Hitsu's academy days. I just hope it doesn't do the same thing as the first one and come out on video six months after its initial release...

On the subject of zanpukto avatars, there was a shinigami cup a few weeks back that mentioned something about them. Aparently, Mayuri has found a way to artificially alter their appearance. When someone broke their zanpukto, they asked for it to be fixed. Mayuri offered them a catalog of different appearances that they could get in additon to having the blade fixed. I found this rather odd, as zanpuktou's are supposed to be reflections of your souls...not some....eye candy. They're what you are....not what you want.

On Sin's discussion: Oh geez. That picture made me crack up for some reason. xD You look just like Urahara!! But really, that's amazing. Too bad about the hat being all beaten up now, though. It's a great hat. ^^;;

Cloud, I can see you looking like Sado. Maybe not exactly though, as Sado's skin's too dark...but I could still see it.

Me, personally....I don't look like anyone. It's something that's always frustrated me about my appearance. I don't look like any anime character at all, bleach or not. My hair's kind of like Rukia's....but it's cooler. =P And not black. >_<

If I've forgotten to comment on anything, forgive me.

I have a lot of updating to do to the first post...I shall do so after making this one. I am going to add in the possibility of a 'make an opening' contest. We'll have to see if that gets any interest...

[Andromeda]

Thank you for reminding about that Xeim. I had meant to say something more about Rangiku, but I forgot. I did not even know what hit Hitsugaya until after the page turned and realized that it was her. Then I realized and laughed that they were continuing the running gag with her chest and Hitsugaya. The poor kid seems to have her dropping them on his head a couple times. Though in this chapter they are huge, larger than his head. I didn't think that they were that large. It was naturally over-exaggerated for the effect, but as you said. They are huge. Its a good thing she is dead, those things would give her so much back trouble, maybe that is why she died in the first place. >.>

But Byakuya has only been a captain for a 100 years. I'm a little surprised by that, though I'm a little surprised to imagine him as a lowly officer or normal shinigami. Though some how being in a rich noble family I doubt he was ever a normal shinigami. He probably ended up with similar treatment that Rukia had, though Byakuya is difficult to approach as a human being, so that probably would not have helped his case any. Byakuya got a soft side in there, he just buries it very deep.

If that math is correct then Hitsugaya must be the youngest captain as I have a feeling that the rest have been captains for a while. That or Kenpachi, as all Kenpachi had to do was defeat the other captain, which happened at an undetermined period so far. So I guess either of them have the fewest years as Captain.. Which would definitely make them very much like Ichigo in a number of a ways, as has been mentioned.

When the Zanpukto breaks though, it is up to the shinigami to repair it. At least, that is what I was figuring. It is difficult to know how it happens as the only time we have seen a Zanpukto reform itself after being destroyed or broken is Renji's. And I think even that was a little out of shot. When Ichigo's Zanpukto repaired itself both times it was never seen it just happened. In the case of the shikai it just sort of transformed, but when Kenpachi broke it. The sword is just back to normal after the dream world fight. There is no explanation and Kenpachi never asks. But it is just assumed that shinigami can repair their own swords through sheer effort or rest. I guess it depends, it is also the case of the avatar itself to repair it as times when the shinigami is too exhausted like with Renji after the fight with Ichigo.

I can see Mayuri having a way to fix them, but it just seems like something that the shinigami should be doing anyway. As for the altering its appearance, I would imagine if the person's soul changed in some fashion the avatar and zanpukto would reflect those changes. Though getting a different look from Mayuri is not going to change the way the weapon works. I would imagine if anything it might weaken its over all strength as you are distancing yourself from who you truly are by covering it up.

Oh and Xeim, I haven't heard from you yet. But just poke me in AIM when that a free moment to do so.

[Storm]

Hmm... surprised I haven't asked to join here sooner since I have been randomly looking at this club for a while now. Anyway, I have seen all episodes of the anime sofar (152 as of writing this), am on book 7 of the manga, and will be buying the DS game when it comes out.

As you can probably tell, my favorite character is Uryu due to his personality and his interesting story. I also really like Yumichika, and will be cosplaying as him sometime in the new year once I have the costume compiled. I think his appearance is really unique, and prancing around flamboyantly, praising myself and insulting others does sound fun. I think I can pull off his personality really well! I have the shinigami costume on order at the moment, and am going to see if a relative can knit the collar, strap and armwarmer since I cannot knit for shit (I'm good at sewing though). As for looking like a character, I don't look like any of them.

Winter, I think you should watch the Bounto stuff, since although it is a filler it is still interesting and does reveal some stuff on Soul Society. I didn't even know it was filler until reading the previous posts, so for a filler it can't be bad.

[Angantyr]

A question should be fine.

I think I may watch the Bount arc though probably put it off for a bit now because of my bandwidth limit. I may eventually buy the DVDs however the problem is New Zealand is so far behind, I haven't watched AS in a while but I went to check the place where I normally buy and they only have 6 out so far all seperate... I'd rather just wait till they sell it all together in a box. Speaking of which where is the dubbed version in the USA up to? I presume somewhere in the middle of the Soul Society arc?

- Below may contain spoilers if you haven't seen most of the Soul Society Arc -

I am kind of undecided on my overall favourite character though it'll either be Kenpachi or Hitsugaya for the following reasons: Kenpachi obviously for being a Captain even though he can't us Bankai or even gave his sword a name. Also cause his whole attitude is asuming, plus the thing with Yachiru is so typical but works quite well. You can probably tell why I like Hitsugaya being his Zankpakuto is an Ice Dragon (Ice being my favourite Element). Plus he is possibly one of the youngest Captains in the Gotei 13 judging from the Flashbacks, small and powerful.

[Rasler]

If the DS game you're talking about is "The Blade of Fate," then it's been out for ages. In the US, that is. I'm not sure about release dates wherever else.

On the topic of Bleach videogames, I have played both "Bleach: The Shattered Blade" for the Wii and own "Bleach: The Blade of Fate" for the DS.

As far as gameplay goes, the DS game is very arcade-y. I think the maximum amount of characters that can be involved in a single battle is 6. It covers the series up until the end of the Soul Society arc. Each character has his or her own campaign mode.
Some interesting info:

• All the battles in Yamamoto's campaign are 3-on-1.
• Reveals more info on the zanpakuto capabilities of Ichimaru, Shunsui, Ukitake, and Yamamoto.

The Wii game has simple, easy controls. It has at least Gamecube graphics. There are some spoilers for anyone who hasn't at least reached the arrancar arc. One of my friends, when we accidentally unlocked Ulquiorra, had no idea who the character was. Certain characters, particularly Aizen, Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, and especially Ikkaku are overpowered. I also don't agree with the decision to make Hanataro a playable character, much less required to beat the game with him to unlock characters.

The storyline of the game is non-canon and a side-story. It involves a 2000 year old natural arrancar named Arturo Plateado. He was sealed under the Sokyoku, the execution device that was destroyed to save Rukia. When it was destroyed, he was unsealed. He has a doppelganger ability, allowing him to look and sound like anyone. He seeks to gain the fragments of the Sokyoku, which are still immensely powerful, and destroy those who imprisoned him. The events leading up to his imprisonment are not revealed. The only person in the game to personally recognise Arturo is Yamamoto. Soifon recognises him from her family's ancient scrolls. Although the story is non-canon, Arturo was designed by Bleach creator Tite Kubo, and therefore at least fits into the timeline. We can reasonably infer from this game that all captains other than Yamamoto have been in office for less than 2000 years.

Spoiler: Natural arrancar are weaker than Aizen's hougyoku arrancar. Natural arrancar are an evolving race, whereas Aizen is experimenting with arrancar, creating continually more perfect and powerful arrancar.

Renji became a leiutenant 1 month before the beginning of the series. This is revealed in an omake page from one of the earlier manga chapters

[Andromeda]

It seems like Tite works with the anime producers and whoever quite a lot in works that are made. I would not be surprised if he did not make up some of the character designs for the Bount arc and some of the story. The level of interaction he has with them is quite high from what I understand. It is probably due to that even the filler episodes can still retain a high level of quality when compared against the canon works.

I do still have to wonder how much they make up for things like the game where there are additional attacks and abilities added to less fleshed out characters. While they might seem like they are possible, they are not canon unless Tite confirms them to be true. So we cannot really say for certain that the things that they give the zanpukto is accurate.

In the US Adult Swim stopped airing episodes at 52, it was Renji versus Byakuya. In terms of DVDs, I think we are around 6 or 7 on volumes and 22 in the manga if I remember correctly. My manga of Bleach only goes to 15 right now, since I had to halt my purchasing of manga for the moment. And all of the good things about to happen in Bleach we are on hold until they start airing new episodes again. I'm hoping when Blood+ ends around March that Bleach will replace it and we will have new episodes once again. I can't stand being cut off in the middle of the arc when everything is about to get so exciting.