Bleach 604: Revitalize

Zach Goodier

http://www.mangapanda.com/bleach/604

Back in the Soul Society, the surviving Sternritter are bitter about the loss of their powers, and Head Captain Kyoraku quickly realizes that the Palace is in terrible danger.  The Sternlichter are back, and stronger than ever.  Niyama quickly suffers several major wounds from Sternlichter "X," whose attacks are now unblockable.  The "Cage of Life" containing the Quincy is also broken, allowing Juha Bach to escape to face Ichibee Hyousube, "The Monk."  The tables are starting to turn against Squad 0, and it is unclear if they will be able to face the reborn Sternlichter.

The unlocked abilities of the Sternlichter definitely make them feel more like the badasses they're meant to be; however, we still haven't seen the full extent of those abilities for the other members. Squad 0 might be on the defensive, but they are still in this fight at the moment, albeit at a growing disadvantage.  It is unclear if Niyama will be able to contribute after his seemingly fatal chest and shoulder wounds, but I would imagine even if he doesn't die, he will have a hard time keeping up with his injuries.  The absence of Senjumaru in the last several chapters makes me wonder what her next play is.  She seems to be most adept at deception and misdirection, so perhaps she has a few more tricks up her sleeve to try to turn the tide of this battle back in their favor.

Bleach 603: What the Hell

Zach Goodier

http://www.mangapanda.com/bleach/603

Juha Bach steps forward, forcing Niyama to pause and question what abilities he is faced with, beyond what he already knows of from the previous battles with Yamamoto.  However, it is quickly revealed that what Juha Bach is doing is not stepping forward to fight, but culling the power of his Sternritter back to him.  This doesn't bode well for the Quincy still battling down in the Soul Society, but it also doesn't bode well for Squad 0, as Juha Bach uses his power to resurrect his fallen guards, seemingly more powerful than ever.  

I was either expecting Juha Bach to roll over Squad 0, or pull some other ace from up his sleeve, otherwise Ichigo wouldn't even be needed in this fight.  It is unclear if Squad 0 will be able to maintain the edge over the Sternlichter, or if Ichigo's friends will have to assist in these battles.  Still, if things continue to bode ill for Squad 0, Ichigo and his friends may be the last hope to stop the Vanden

reich.

Bleach 601: Verge on Vermillion

Zach Goodier

http://www.mangapanda.com/bleach/601

Niyama, the "#1 Zanpakuto Creator" has drawn his sword, and stepped up to challenge the entirety of Juha Bach's elite guards.  Despite their confidence, the Sternlichter quickly realize the true power of Squad 0 is not to be dismissed so easily.  However, despite Niyama's seemingly effortless dispatching of the Sternlichter, at least one is still holding on.  Does this mean trouble for Squad 0, or is this just a minor stepping stone in Niyama's path of carnage as he dispatches the invaders?

I'm loving that this chapter finally picked up the pace a bit, and brushed aside a lot of the newcomers.  There is also the issue of Sternlichter "D," who's powers are starting to reveal themselves.  I'm not sure if this just means that he is unable to be cut down, or if this is just the tip of the iceberg, and he'll have more to show in the coming chapters.  However, I'm still expecting some cheap trick to restore the Guards, so they can all use their full power and take on the entirety of Squad 0.