Another Bleach chapter is out, so we may as well talk about it. Put down your forks and/or presents!
Spoilers after the cut.
Bach's plan has been utterly successful. He made it up to Reioukyuu, took out the Royal Guard, and has advanced on the Soul King himself.
Whether or not the Soul King is actually dead...I'll wager we'll find out next chapter. At least, it looks like Bach has successfully stabbed him.
Ichigo and the rest of his party finally landed in Reioukyuu, although it looks like it's too late to save the Royal Guard. Hyousube managed to revive himself thanks to having Ichigo call his name.
The big revelation from this chapter occurs right at the end (as usual). Bach calls the Soul King "my father". Whether this is merely symbolic or actually true is unknown at this point. If it is true, then there is a clear (and short) line of descent from the Soul King to all Quincy.
And if that's the case, there's a fairly high chance that everything we understand about the manga is about to be turned on its head.
