Throwback #4 - Ichigo vs. Renji (Round 1)

So I was thinking back on Ichigo's many fights and I figured Hey, what about his first fight with a Shinigami? And then it hit me - Ichigo vs. Renji w/the result of Rukia going with Renji and Byakuya to the Soul Society & Ichigo gettin' his hand handed to him with Zabimaru! Yes, our orange-haired hero got his ass pwned by Renji's Zabimaru because Ichigo's strength wasn't at its peak nor was Zangetsu even around at the time, leaving Ichigo vulnerable, inexperienced, and it being the first time Ichigo is fighting a Shinigami -  he clearly is outmatched in every aspect. Ichigo now only has no clear form of his Zanpaktou, but didn't even know that Zanpaktou had names or that there was a Shikai form. With Renji's Zabimaru, Ichigo was both outmatched and outclassed due to Renji's experience. Zabimaru proved too much for Ichigo and although Ichigo's spiritual energy was a bit impressive, he was still no match for Renji. This proved to be a great loss for Ichigo because he was unable to save Rukia from turning herself in for her crimes and Rukia, greatly upset with Ichigo attempting to save her, had no regrets when she departed form the Human World.

Ichigo now must save Rukia which then turns out become the central arc for Ichigo and his team (Yoruichi, Orihime, Chad, & Uryuu). This loss would be not just a wake-up to Ichigo, but this proved to be the perfect timing to train himself with Urahara to find out about his Zanpaktou, get his Shikai (form, shape, & power), and learn a technique that could be useful when fighting off other Shinigami in Gotei 13 since he clearly is starting war by doing so. To rescue Rukia, he must start a war. That war would go through its ups and downs, but nonetheless his first loss to Renji would become the birthplace for Ichigo gaining power. This would become the defining moment for Ichigo that would shape and mold his powers into that of the Ichigo we know and love - Badass, Kickass, and a complete Beast!

Look for more Throwbacks every Sunday. Post your opinions if you'd like me to talk about a particular subject. Feel free to leave comment and suggestions for future posts.