Throwback #11 - Ichigo vs. Renji (Round 2)

On June 2nd, 2013, I posted Throwback #4 entitled "Ichigo vs. Renji (Round 1)." This was Ichigo's first battle with a Shinigami and as it ended, Ichigo was pretty beaten up. Rukia was ticked off at Ichigo's actions towards her brother that she would never forgive Ichigo if he went after her. Ignoring her as always, Ichigo and his friends go off to the Soul Society to rescue the fragile Rukia from execution. However, let's step back a moment and evaluate Ichigo's first encounter with Renji Abarai, Lieutenant of the 6th Division under Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia's older brother and captain of the 6th Division. In the human world, Renji's power is limited to what he can do from the Soul Society, giving him a slight disadvantage. However, that didn't stop him from doing much damage to Ichigo. Ichigo, unaware that Zanpaktou had names, was overpowered by the Lieutenant's strength that he was no match. Zabimaru inflicted damage to Ichigo and Byakuya, moving incredibly fast, had a piece of Ichigo's sword in his hands - leaving Ichigo vulnerable of attack by the 6th Division Captain & Lieutenant. Leaving the badly beaten Ichigo behind, he swore that he would rescue Rukia and with his ragtag team of friends (Orihime, Chad, Uryu, Ganju, & Hanatarou) - it was possible.

Flash forward to Ichigo's encounters in the Soul Society. His major fights included: Ikkaku Madarame, Renji Abarai, Kenpachi Zaraki, and Byakuya Kuchiki. Overpowered in all his fights, Ichigo manages to somehow find a way to turn the odds against him as he beats them all one by one, unaware of the strength a Shinigami possesses in the Soul Society. Ichigo trained and tired out his body in hopes that he could stand on par with Lieutenant/Captain class Shinigami and it just so happens, he did prove to stand toe-to-toe against them all, giving him a slight edge over all his opponents. Now Ichigo's fight with Renji in the Soul Society shaped Ichigo's resolve. Flashbacks of Ichigo's training with Urahara Kisuke, former 12th Captain of the Gotei 13, proved that Ichigo has learned a trick or two on facing Lieutenant/Captain-class Shinigami. The conjuration of power manifesting into Ichigo's sword, his power grows when raising his Zanpaktou, Zangetsu, above his shoulders. Renji, however, was unaware that Ichigo's unshaken resolve would turn the tide of victory in his favor as Renji is forced to rely on Ichigo's promise to rescue Rukia from her inevitable demise. With Urahara's help in mastering this technique, Ichigo's resolve proved to overpower Renji's strength and Ichigo's newly formed Zangetsu and power proved too much for Renji to comprehend. Nostalgia running through Renji's head as Renji remembers his meeting with Rukia and departure from his childhood upon Byakuya's adoption of his one true friend.

At first, Renji seemed to have the upper hand, his power amplified 10x when in the Soul Society compared to the Human World. He goes on to add that just because Ichigo's sword has taken on a new form, it wasn't enough to change the tides of victory. However, Ichigo proved Renji wrong when, as I said above, Ichigo's resolve was shown. His resolve in saving his friend is what drives Ichigo to become stronger than Renji's determination to prevent Ichigo's meddling into Shinigami affairs. Renji was afraid and yet he did all he could to muster up the courage to face this man, head-on and steadfast without a thought of Ichigo's potential growing. Ichigo learned of Renji's tactics and apart from his spiritual pressure spiraling out of control in the Human World, Ichigo's spiritual pressure was in control in the Soul Society. During his final attack on Renji, Ichigo repeats the same lessons Urahara taught him

When you counter, don't let them cut you
When you protect someone, don't let them die
When you attack, Kill! 

With Renji defeated and relying on Ichigo to save Rukia, Renji has places his trust on Ichigo despite being enemies. However, Renji was wrong the entire time, believing Ichigo was the one who caused Rukia's execution. Renji has comparing himself to Byakuya and rose up to his ranks in order to one day defeat him for taking away Rukia. He put the blame on Ichigo when he in actuality, he blamed Byakuya, his own captain, all along. Anyways, Ichigo's growth as a Shinigami is developing strongly and as always, Ichigo's fights will test his resolve more and more, pushing him until he can endure the hardships of it all.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed my lengthy Throwback on Ichigo vs. Renji Round 2. This was one of my favorite fights in Bleach and overall, began the friendship/bickering of Ichigo & Renji. Look forward for more Throwbacks every Sunday. Note that all pictures are courteous of its owners and publishers online. Until then, you all stay classy and see you Monday for Fight Night Mondays.