Another chapter of Bleach is out, so let's talk about it.
Spoilers and running away after the cut.
In a mere two weeks, my conception of the events leading to Bleach's finale have been totally crushed.
As stated previously, my expectation was that Ichigo would end up fighting Ishida, Haschwald, and Bach in some order.
Not only did Ichigo not fight Ishida last week, this week's chapter reveals that he won't even be fighting Haschwald either.
Really, now, what sense does that make? Ichigo looked at Ishida as something of a comrade while they got along like brothers who constantly bicker. Ishida going over to the other side had to disturb Ichigo; we saw as much when the three top Quincy went up to Reioukyuu/Wahrwelt in the first place. That kind of betrayal wouldn't be forgotten or even postponed by words.
Haschwald broke Ichigo's bankai, setting the stage for whatever the hell Ichigo is now. We still have no idea what Ichigo's powers are now that he has two swords instead of one. If Ichigo has any motivation at all, it ought to be to hand Haschwald his head.
Instead, what does Ichigo do? The same goddamn thing he's been doing for over 100 chapters: running. Now he's headed up to Bach, which is fine, I suppose, but the order is all screwed up. Not only that, I can't imagine that Ishida will be able to hold off Haschwald for any length of time, certainly not long enough for Ichigo to do anything to Bach.
Also, I have my doubts that Bach is as weak as he's been portrayed while he's "sleeping".
And now Ichigo and the rest of the team are engaged in a battle with statues. On a really long flight of stairs. Delightful. Yeah, this is much more interesting and/or epic than seeing Ichigo fight either Ishida or Haschwald.
