Throwback #42 - What am I to you?

      In this tense and tragic moment of Bleach, Tatsuki, a friend of Ichigo's since childhood, socks her friend in the face after Ichigo refused to talk about the sudden disappearance of Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki's best friend. This is a hard scene to watch (in my opinion) because up until now ~ Ichigo has faced adversity and has conquered it. He rescued Rukia from persecution, defeated two of the strongest captains in the Gotei 13 (Byakuya & Kenpachi), survived a gruesome attack by Aizen, and the list can go on. However, for the first time ~ it seems as if Ichigo's adversity in this situation is so hard to grasp that he had no other choice but to keep quiet about Orihime's disappearance. This deeply pisses off Tatsuki considering her history with Ichigo and her knowledge of Ichigo being a Shinigami ~ how she saved him countless times, helped him in times of loneliness and anger, and to top it off ~ Ichigo's silence in this matter is seen as a betrayal of their friendship. Ichigo's silence can either be taken as a betrayal or as an act of cowardice. In this scenario, it could be seen as both ~ Tatsuki feels betrayed by Ichigo's silence and his unwillingness to give any information on Orihime's disapperance only showcases that he's in a conundrum on what to say to Tatsuki (Cowardly in the sense that he doesn't know what to do or say). However ~ it could also be seen as what I'd like to call ~ Playing things safe. This means that Ichigo doesn't want his friends to be conflicted or in harm's way about what's been going on ~ even if it means giving the silent treatment to get them to stop worrying over the matters at hand. However, as well all know ~ Ichigo will eventually conquer this adversity and settle things peacefully with his friends once again. In the time being though, sacrifices had to be made in order for further conflict to remain at bay (in this case ~ Ichigo's sacrifice in NOT telling Tatsuki of Orihime's disapperance despite knowing exactly what led to it.).

So what do you think of Ichigo in this scenario and Tatsuki's retaliation? Did Ichigo make the right decision in not telling Tatsuki? Comment below and let me know. I hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback (every Friday). Until then, you all stay classy now.