9/05/2013

Recollection #9 (Episodes 17-18)

Ichigo Dies! (17) - As we left off in the last episode, Ichigo meets his match when Shinigami Renji Abarai & Captain Byakuya Kuchiki come to Karakura Town to take Rukia back to the Soul Society for her crimes. This angers Ichigo, but Ichigo is powerless against these two Captain-class Shinigami. Ichigo has been fighting hollows, but Shinigami was a whole other level apart from Ichigo's expectations. Rukia doesn't want Ichigo to die, but also doesn't want him to rescue her either. The aftermath of this ends with Ichigo gravely wounded by both Shinigami, Ichigo doing minimal damage to Renji, Rukia pissed at Ichigo for attacking her brother, Byakuya, and Ichigo's failure in stopping Rukia's escape. I personally like this episode because it develops Ichigo's character as he is willing to train with Urahara in just 10 days, enter the Soul Society, and get Rukia back. Ichigo's life changed because of Rukia just as Rukia's life is changed because of Ichigo - meaning that they value each other's lives, but due to Rukia's upbringing in the Kuchiki Clan and Ichigo's personality, it didn't quite last long considering Rukia's prolonged stay in Karakura Town was likely to end in trouble. Rukia's powers being given to Ichigo is the crime and Rukia has to pay for it, but Ichigo is willing to step his game up, beat all the Shinigami, and rescue Rukia before things turn for the worst. So this is Ichigo's world - inspired and changed by Rukia.

Reclaim! The Power of the Shinigami (18) - Ichigo's training begins, but it isn't what you'd call a walk in the park. Urahara and his ragtag team of assistants do everything in their path to ensure that Ichigo's training is unforgiving, relentless, and a pain. By severing Ichigo's chain of fate, Ichigo is likelt to turn in a hollow - meaning it's a test for Ichigo to overcome this obstacle or he truly will be killed by Urahara and his team. This puts pressure on Ichigo considering how he is weak compared to other Shinigami, but at the same time it just means that it'll be worth it once he overcomes the chain of fate's devouring of itself. Meanwhile, Orihime & Chad have plans on their own in recruiting Uryu to help assist in Ichigo's plan to rescue Rukia Kuchiki. However, Uryu doesn't wish to get alongside someone who he sees as an enemy - it's both an insult to one's self and of one's pride. Rukia is also seen in jail, but takes her stay behind bars quite comically as she teases her friend and kidnapper Renji. Ichigo's steps in training just prove Urahara is willing to go to ensure Ichigo will become stronger - even if it means endangering Ichigo's very being. The first step was just the beginning, but with the chain of fate severed - Ichigo has hours before he completely turns into a hollow and is done for. Yoruichi, a cat who works alongside Urahara, helps Orihime & Chad develop their potential, but with everyone training in their own right - Ichigo w/ Urahara, Orihime & chad w/Yoruichi, and Uryu by himself - will team Ichigo prevail? Personally this episode is once again developing Ichigo's potential, but it isn't as easy as it seems. He is struggling, but willing. He is tired, but can't rest. He is angry, but knows this is what's best. As for the rest they have to ponder about on their next move - helping Ichigo is their priority, but are they strong enough for what's to come?

I hope you enjoyed this week's Recollection post. Until then, you all stay classy now!

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