Another Bleach chapter is out, so let's talk about it.
Spoilers after the cut.
It starts with a contradiction and ends with another potentially destructive cliffhanger.
These chapters have seemed like quick rides lately and 619 is no exception.
Bach seemingly contradicts himself in the opening. His claim that Quincy blood is what made Ichigo attack the Soul King is a bit ludicrous, as is the all-seeing eyes junk. Earlier in the manga, Aizen claimed to be behind Ichigo's speedy evolution. And given what Aizen said last week about Seireitei post-Bach...I think we can easily conclude that the two of them were not working together.
It is possible to presume that Bach saw how events would unfold. To say that he had a hand in guiding them, aside from the avatar of Zangetsu that took a more youthful form of Bach himself, is as ludicrous as the contradiction in the opening.
Then we have the main part of the chapter, where Ishida finally reveals himself. He shoots Yoruichi in the back with an arrow (since he's a coward, this is fitting) and eventually tries to shoot Ichigo when he gets in "His Majesty's" way. Pernida [last name], one of the elite Stern Ritter that took out the Royal Guard, appears as well, using his power to distort Yoruichi's arm before Bach tosses her aside.
I think what we have here is the setup for the final battle between Ishida and Ichigo. My preference, of course, would be for Ichigo to take out Haschwald first, but it appears that he's still out to lunch. Either way, this battle has been brewing for the last ~30 chapters. I'm not sure how it'll go since it looks like Reioukyuu is going to be destroyed, but were I to put a wager on it, I'd take Ichigo by a small margin.
