Link to chapter: http://mangastream.com/read/bleach/38504462/1
*Usual **SPOILERS** ahead*This week, we see the conclusion to the battle against the mysterious hollow in the world of the living. Despite the apparent failure of this creature to Kaname, Aizen sees this is a fortunate accident. Obviously, Aizen has already anticipated roughly how events are potentially going to unfold, and decides to take a step back and let things play out. With this part of the past unveiled, we now understand a lot more about how Aizen knew of Ichigo's existence for so long, and why Aizen was particularly interested in Ichigo's development and power. Also, with this part of the past revealed, we can expect that Ichigo will have to move ahead, realizing that at least some of what Aizen explained to him was true. There still are a few gaps to fill, so that likely means that this story arc will likely continue for another couple weeks, at least. This arc has been enlightening, and provided some essential backstory and character development for both Isshin and Masaki, two very important characters to the current story. I am rather interested to see how events unfold, but I am also eager to return to the present so that we can see what this revelation does to Ichigo. I expect that Ichigo will eventually develop into a true transcendent being, like Aizen was hoping to become. All the pieces have been falling into place: Soul Reaper, Hollow, Fullbring, and Quincy. Ichigo has elements of every natural form of spiritual power woven into his being, and now we just have to see how they will all fall into place, or if they even will at all. The ever looming thought in my mind is how the Soul King is tied into things; Aizen's final words when fighting Ichigo are still ringing in my ears when it comes to the story, and I hope that overlooking this ominously foreboding thought won't lead to disaster for Ichigo and his friends.
Until next week, all we can do is speculate, and hopefully you are all just as eager for the next chapter as I am. Come back next week where hopefully we can start to answer some questions relating to this compelling story.
