Another chapter of Bleach is out, so let's talk about it.
Spoilers and an early end to flashbacks after the cut.
I figured the flashbacks would go on a little longer.
As of right now, it doesn't look like they'll keep going. With Haschwald cutting down Bazz-B (most likely incapacitating him, rather than killing; we all know the drill by now, don't we?) the flashbacks really serve no further purpose.
After all, the current flashback was little more than an underpinning of the fight that has mostly taken place off-screen.
Still, it was interesting to see how the past lives of Bach, Bazz-B, and Haschwald were and are tied together. It does seem a bit disrespectful of Bach to treat Bazz-B as he did; as one of the few surviving Stern Ritter of that time (that we know of right now), Bazz-B is obviously one of the strongest bastards regardless of affiliation.
What we saw in the flashback this week is the turning point in Haschwald's friendship with Bazz-B. By defending Bach from the desperate attack, Haschwald's character has essentially solidified.
Why is he the way he is? Well, now we know.
And it is readily apparent that little has changed between the two of them. Or in Haschwald himself, despite the great power he wields.
Since Bazz-B has been cut down, I expect that the action will return to the battles between the Gotei 13/Ichigo's team on one side and the four elite Stern Ritter (plus Ishida) on the other.
I hold out hope that we'll get to see more of the first group of Stern Ritter and how they fared against the Gotei 13 of that time. My appetite has certainly been whetted for it.
