A new chapter of Bleach is out, so let's talk about it.
Spoilers and unbelievably stupid choices after the cut.
While there have been many interesting developments (and a couple good fights) in the so-called "final" arc, the latest to occur in chapter 660 has dimmed my enthusiasm somewhat.
The major confrontations I expected were a mere three, once the elite Stern Ritter get taken out. Those battles were to be: Ichigo vs. Ishida, Ichigo vs. Haschwald, and Ichigo vs. Bach (presumably to end the manga).
Instead of the first of those battles, we've been treated to a dull and lackluster "oh, Ishida was a traitor this whole time!" angle.
Seriously? GTFO.
Thus, chapter 660, which by all rights ought to have been one of the best chapters of the manga, is one of the ten worst chapters instead.
I have no patience for this sort of crappy storytelling, especially when the correct route was right there within reach: just tell the story through the final three battles.
Haschwald (with Bach's power, currently) knows exactly what is going on and there's no way that Ishida (lame as he usually is) can trick him.
But yes, let's continue with this stupid sham to its even more stupid conclusion.
Because why not? Ruining the manga is just as valid a choice as going along the route it should have taken.
