|
Unohana finally about to fight. excited to see what about her scares the rest of the captains.
http://vis-ph.com/2012/02/02/the-final-bleach-arc/
A little after ten years and BLEACH is nearing the end of its story.
According to Kubo Titecreator of the much beloved manga seriesthe next arc, presumably dubbed the Ice Palace Arc is the last arc in the bleach manga series.
Fans are pretty miffed about it. After all, BLEACH is one of the Big Three manga series featured in Shounen Jump. Rumors are already flying abound in the world wide web concerning this final arc. Some are saying that the arc is going to last ten years (after all, the Arrancar Arc lasted a total of four years), some are saying it would be around four years as well. If it does last that long, you can bet that we are all going to be in one hell of a ride.
Then again, Kubo has pretty much confirmed that this arc will be the last and was meant to tie up loose ends (one of them being the relationship between Ichigo and Kaiens appearance).
Here are some things about this final leg in the wonderful series that is BLEACH, translated from the special interview chapters:
Bleach Pre-Publication Journal
Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia before publication!!
Before publication, Kubo-sensei drew Ichigo and Rukia in his journal. Looking back, Sensei says Ichigo with glasses looked like a young intellectual. Along with a scythe-wielding Rukia, they are truly different from the characters as they are today!!
Secret Theme Agent of the Shinigami and Soul Society Arcs (the volume on Rukia)
With the status of a Substitute Shinigami, stepping into battles to protect the living world!! In order to protect his family, friends, and Karakura Town, Ichigo became a Shinigami. In Rukias place, he fought and confronted the hollow responsible for his mothers death. one day, emissaries from another world appeared.
Tite Kubos Comment: Each arc has its own theme. The Soul Society arc was about saving Rukia. The Arrancar arc was about saving Orihime. The Lost Agent arc was connected to Chad. The new arc will be about
Title is
Snipe.
Tite Kubos Comment: The original advertisement was titled Snipe. But I decided that it didnt feel right, so I changed it.
Tite Kubos Idea Note: Senseis secret notes contain sketches of some familiar characters. This is one portion. They all look different from how they are now. We can guess that during the planning stages, Sensei had already drawn out his main characters.
Rescue Rukia from execution!!
Because she gave Shinigami powers to Ichigo, Rukia was sentenced to death. In order to save his own savior, Ichigo and friends went to Soul Society. Ichigo fought several deadly battles with the Shinigami protecting Seireitei, and succeeded in saving Rukia. At this time, Aizens deception was revealed
Secret Theme Arrancar Arc (the volume on Orihime)
A new power enters the stage, Shinigami enter full-on battle!!
After returning to the living world from Soul Society, Ichigo took up the duties of Substitute Shinigami again. At this time, before him appeared two new powers, the Vizards and the Arrancar. The Shinigami begin battling against the Arrancar under Aizens leadership
Both current and previous members of the Gotei 13 fight against the traitor Shinigami and the hollows under their command!!!
The Idea Note: Hirako, whose character was planned out pre-publication, finally enters the scene!! Hirako was drawn on the very first color spread in the first chapter.
Tite Kubos Comment: I originally wanted to draw stories about Ichigos classmates, so I drew Hirako as one. Gradually disappearing, Rukias existence
Secret Theme The Lost Agent Arc (the volume on Chad)
Time passess, although 17 months later all is well
Aizen created disorder never seen before. In order to defeat him, Ichigo lost his Shinigami powers. He got the normal student life that hed hoped for, but also became restless as he couldnt protect his friends. At this time, a group of people with mysterious powers appeared. The fullbringers began a battle against Ichigo and the other Shinigami at Karakura Town.
Receiving new powers, Ichigo continues his development
Ichigos new look from The Lost Agent Arc!!
Before the Lost Agent Arc began, Kubo-sensei sent this sketch of Ichigo 17 months later to his editor. The armor around his arms and neck represented the mixture of his Shinigami and fullbring powers. How will he continue to change in the new arc!?
Tagline: The two people hidden by the tear revealed for the first time!! To find their true identity!!
The Gotei 13 Reborn: What happened during those missing 17 months!!?
Captain of the First Division Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni: A softer Captain Commander Yamamoto. Commander of the entire Gotei 13, lost his arm due to the sacrificial kido
but did he also change inside!?
Tite Interview:
Q: What about Genryuusais left arm?
Kubo: He only has his right arm now.
Q: Is that all thats changed?
Kubo: I think Genryuusai wouldnt change much from his current state if he trained. Wouldnt it be strange for someone whos lived for over two thousand years to change over a period of 17 months? However, he does have unseen, inner changes.
Captain of the Second Division Soi Fon: Following the deadly battles with Aizen and the Espadas, Soi Fon changed her hair during the 17 month period. Perhaps because the Second Division prizes quickness, her hair is now shorter. Losing her left hand during the battle with Barragan. The Second Division Captain, whose duty is assassination, lost her left hand during the battles at Karakura Town. Thanks to the top healing skills of the Gotei, it has now been restored.
Tite Interview:
Q: What happened to the hand lost to aging?
Kubo: Soi Fons left hand has been healed.
Q: What about her change in appearance?
Kubo: Her hair has changed a little. Speaking of changes, I also wanted to change Yoruichi, but her current look really suits her, so its difficult for me.
Captain of the Third Division Otoribashi Rojuro: Rojuro has returned to his same position from a hundred years ago. Same as TBTP, his look is modeled on that of a western gentleman. His hair has also become more refined. Kira remains the lieutenant of the Third Division. How well does he compliment his new captain!!?
Tite Interview:
Q: Rojuro has rejoined the Gotei 13:
Kubo: Rojuro and Izuro suit each other very well, so I decided to put Rojuro into the Third Division. I should add that Shinji returned to the Fifth Division, and Kensei returned to the ninth.
Captain of the Fourth Division Unohana Retsu: Unohana, who will finally turn her zanpakuto against the enemy and enter the battle. The Captain of the Fourth Division, who has the special duty of healing and is the most senior captain next to Captain Commander, will finally enter battle, and release her reiatsu and zanpakuto in the new arc.
Tite Interview:
Q: Unohana will finally fight?
Kubo: In the next arc, Ive decided that Unohana will enter the battlefield. Her zanpakutos true form will be revealed. I can also add that when Unohana fights, she unravels her large braid.
Captain of the Fifth Division Hirako Shinji: The changes in Hirako, who has returned to the Fifth Division. Hirako has changed his bangs during the 17 months after battling with Aizen and returning to Fifth Division. Also, same as when he was part of the Vizards in the living world, and perhaps because he likes to pay attention to his appearance, he also wears a tie.
Tite Interview:
Q: What happened to Hirakos hair?
Kubo: Since his hair cant grow all that much over 17 months, only his bangs changed a little bit. And one day, Id like to draw how Hinamori, who was heartbroken after losing Aizen, developed a good trusting relationship with Hirako.
Captain of the Sixth Division Kuchiki Byakuya: Expensive personal ornaments. Byakuya, who previously declared that the Captains haori is cheap, has changed his appearance somewhat. Details of what Kubo-sensei has noted is not kenseikan, as well as the finely crafted Captains haori.
Lieutenant of the Sixth Division Abarai Renji: Becoming even more wild and rough over the 17 months. With a towel wrapped around his wrist, and a specially made, not store bought ornament in his hair.
Tite Interview:
Q: Renji trained hard to become stronger?
Kubo: Yes.
Q: Other people trained as well?
Kubo: Yes.
Q: So they wouldnt be troubled by even Aizen-level opponents?
Kubo: Theyre not quite at that level. What can I say, theyve become stronger. But even so, they havent gotten to the point where theyre not worried about Aizen-level opponents.
Q: Will they display new abilities of techniques in this new arc?
Kubo: That will be revealed. Renjis bankai has already changed.
Captain of the Seventh Division Komamura Sajin: Armor-like shoulder adornments extended to his neck, forearm and feet. Komamura who lost his close friend, Tousen, a distressing moment. 17 months after the battle, his clothing has changed. Inside where it usually covers by shihakuhou, wore an armor-like adornment.
Captain of the Eight Division Shunsui Kyoraku: The origin of the colorful haori: Shunsui, who releases shikai during the battle against Stark, the colorful haori that he wore hides a history, the truth will be revealed in the next arc!!?
Tite Interview:
Q: The senior captains doesnt change their appearance much, so Kyouraku did not change either?
Kubo: Yes. Captains who hold the position for a very long period will not change a lot. Thats because theyve undergone numerous pitched battles in the past. However, we will witness the difference and new sides in the future battles. I guess Shinsui will go bankai. Also the haori that he wore contains some history/background.
Captain of the Ninth Division Murguruma Kensei: The reunion of fate of 9th Division: Hisagis savior, Kensei is back to the 9th Division, the division where Hisagi became a vice captain to take on the captain spot. Theyre also responsible for business editing for the 9th divisions task.
Lieutenant of the Ninth Division Hisagi Shuuhei: Hisagi still wears sleaveless haori to inherit Kensei from hundred years ago. With Murguruma 6″, Kensei leading the ninth (9) division. Hisagi who inherits the number 69″ became his saviors subordinate.
The places that have seen innumerable battles:
Naruki City - The place where Ichigos friend Keigo lives. The battlefield for the Lost Agent arc. The base for Xcution.
Seireitei - In the center of the Soul Society, where the shinigami live. Soul Society itself already has 1 million years of history.
Rukongai Located outside of Seireitei, separated into 320 districts.
Karakura Town A town located near central Tokyo. Also a center of spiritual activity.
Hueco Mundo A place that is largely desert. Barragans city is also located here.
Tite Kubos Comment: The new arc is located neither in Karakura Town or Soul Society. Although it is a new location, but its also underneath somewhere and unexpectedly close.
The Location of the New Arc Is Here!!
Partial Sketch: Two pillars immediately catch the eye in this rough sketch of the new arcs battlefield. Behind them, there is a palace of ice. Perhaps the new enemies are hiding in there.
Partial Sketch: Like tall cliffs and precipices. Everything is covered with ice, and what is that at the very end resembling a large waterfall
The palace is on top of all this?
Tite Kubos Comment: In the new arc, I want to draw a place like a palace of ice. It will be colored white, with blues and silvers as well.
Tite Kubo Confesses! The Arrancar are also in his plans!!
Tite Interview:
Q: In the new arc, the Shinigami will of course be represented, but will other characters from the past also appear?
Kubo: Yes. If the Arrancar appear, I think they will stand with the Shinigami.
Q: Will there be characters that appear in the role of a friend?
Kubo: Ulquiorra has already turned into ash. Grimmjow might become a friend. Also, what about Harribel, who is still alive? But, I wonder how Id bring them out of Hueco Mundo. I think Harribel would not leave Hueco Mundo.
Q: Was the idea of Arrancars becoming friends in your plans before this break? Or was it just a feeling that they might return?
Kubo: They might appear. Or it could be that they might not appear. Even if they did appear, it wouldnt be individually, but as a group.
Q: What about Nel?
Kubo: I think I will let Nel appear.
Q: Id really like to see her interactions with Kon.
Kubo: Kon did not appear in the Lost Agent arc. But to tell the truth, he has rarely appeared since the end of the Soul Society arc, roughly five years ago. People who only recently started reading might not know that he exists.
Q: It cant be that youve forgotten him?
Kubo: *laughs*
Will the Espada return in the new arc? The editor makes a courageous prediction!!
0. Yami X
1. Stark Extremely unlikely
2. Barragan X
3. Harribel Unlikely
4. Ulquiorra X
5. Nnoitora Extremely unlikely
6. Grimmjow Very likely
7. Zommari Extremely unlikely
8. Syazel X
9. Aaroniero X
Previous No. 3. Nel Very likely
<--- Big Baller World Order
|
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
Pass The Popcorn 
, Kuinshī; lit. "Monk of Destruction") are a line of spiritually aware Human warriors. They use their ability to absorb and manipulate Reiryoku to create bows and arrows from spiritual energy. These arrows and their related techniques are dangerous to spiritual beings. The majority of them were killed more than 200 years ago. 
