Throwback #30 - Am I like them?

 At the very beginning of this arc, Ichigo has been informed of a new breed of enemies: The Arrancar, high-class hollows that are just as strong as Captain-level Shinigami. 2 members of the Espada (Ulquiorra & Yammy) show up and these guys aren't f'ing around, being able to kick Ichigo and his friends' asses with ease or without having to unsheathe their Zanpaktou. Ichigo, at first, though they were like Shinji, dawning the age of where humans and hollows have become one entity. However, Ichigo was wrong - Shinji is a member of the Visored, Shinigami who've obtained Arrancar powers, and the 2 Espada are Arrancars (Vasto Lorde to be exact), Hollows who've removed their masks to obtain Shinigami powers. Ichigo's newfound Visored powers are just manifesting, but to Ichigo, it is the phenomenon in which the hollow within Ichigo can just as easily take over and hurt his friends and family. Upon fighting Yammy, Ichigo's hollow wishes to take over, but Ichigo won't submit. As a result, Ichigo was beaten to a pulp by Yammy and Urahara & Yoruichi had to step in to ensure Ichigo, Orihime, or Chad don't die. You see Ichigo's inner demons trying to get the best of him, but Ichigo knows that that's not who he is. He is a man that protect, cares, and fends for his family, friends, and the living. However, the hollow wants to corrupt Ichigo, turn him into a maniac that thrives on fighting, bloodshed, and mercilessly taking what's rightfully his by force. Ichigo is in deep trouble when getting savagely beaten by Yammy, but he'd rather get beaten than let the hollow take over and corrupt his mind. This is where Ichigo learns of the many obstacles that stand before him - the Visored, the Arrancar, and Aizen's newfound plan to turn Karakura Town & Gotei 13 into a graveyard. But can Ichigo conqueror himself before he has a chance to stand toe-to-toe with this new breed of enemies and stop Aizen's plan from coming into fruition?

I hope you enjoyed this week's 30th Throwback and as always, you all stay classy now.