There's another Bleach chapter out, so let's talk about it.
Spoilers and general disappointment after the cut.
Ichigo arrives, the Seireitei is ready to mobilize, and Bach has "reshaped" Reioukyuu to his liking.
The problem is that none of the above makes for an interesting read. Nor has the story moved in the last few chapters.
Bleach has never been a manga that moves with exceptional speed. But the current glacial pace we see currently (and have seen on a few different occasions over the last 12-18 months) has really derailed any sense of momentum that the manga may have had.
Can you think of the last "incredible" chapter? I know there was one fairly recently, but it's been so long and the subsequent releases in its wake have been underwhelming. The manga right now is so underwhelming that I just find myself disappointed with the result.
Most of this chapter revolves around a rather pointless conversation between Ganju and one of the Fullbringers that allowed Ichigo's group to get back to Reioukyuu. The shinigami down in Seireitei are (finally) ready to go up to Reioukyuu, which would be great...if there was anything they could do to stop Bach. I don't believe that there's a point in the shinigami going up to Reioukyuu, other than having yet another battle to show off their (allegedly) superior abilities.
And Bach has reshaped Reioukyuu, which thwarts Yoruichi's plan. Great, so there's yet another delaying tactic to keep the plot in stasis.
My opinion has been that the manga won't conclude until it reaches chapter 700. I've been fairly secure in that opinion since before chapter 600 was released and every chapter I've read since has convinced me that I'm right unless there is a massive shift coming. If there is such a shift coming, it ought to surprise the hell out of everyone, because there's no evidence that it'll happen. As for the manga going on until 700...well, godspeed, I guess. It isn't the most entertaining ride, that's for sure.
