There's a new Bleach chapter out. Might as well talk about it, right?
Spoilers after the cut.
Thankfully, chapter 626 only follows two of the story threads that we've been seeing develop over the last few weeks.
Ichigo and co. are on their way back to Reioukyuu in a black box. That is totally not weird. In the midst of the journey from wherever they ended up back to the Palace itself, one of the Fullbringers yells at Orihime and Grimmjow subtly (okay, maybe not) threatens Ichigo. Typical stuff.
Then the bulk of the chapter focuses on Bach and his transformation after absorbing the power of the Soul King.
It's a bit creepy, to say the least. The elite Stern Ritter that are with him certainly seem freaked out by Bach's appearance. Ishida seems to be taking it in stride, or isn't shown freaking out about it like Nakk le Varr. Haschwald, on the other hand, accepts it as a normal and commonplace occurrence.
Goal #1 after absorbing the Soul King's power is rebuilding a country for the Quincy. So rather than living in the shadows of Seireitei as they had for many years prior, they'll now be in the Royal Realm, I suppose.
I don't quite see how getting rid of the Soul King was a necessity. Not yet.
As of now, Bach hasn't done anything to justify (or explain) his motives. My guess is that we'll be kept waiting as Ichigo and co. rejoin the battle; the battle will then be elevated in importance over figuring out why Bach is doing what he has been since he regained his power.
