Affinity #86 - BFFs (Hitsugaya & Sojiro)

I will openly admit that my favorite Bleach movie is Diamond Dust Rebellion and that one of my favorite all-time Bleach characters is the 10th division prodigal Captain himself, Toshiro Hitsugaya. Don't get me wrong, I also liked the other 3 Bleach movies, but to put it in order from best-to-worst, it'd be: Diamond Dust Rebellion, Fade to Black, Memories of Nobody, & Hell Chapter. Agree/Disagree, but that's my standing on my Favorite Bleach movies (2, 3, 1, & 4). But, I digress. This week's Affinity focuses on Toshiro Hitsugaya's relationship with an old friend/rival who also possessed the renowned Ice Zanpaktou Hyorinmaru, Sojiro Kusaka. They met at Shin'o Academy and the two were quick to become acquainted. Sojiro highly regarded Hitsugaya and wished the best for him as well striving to be better. As they worked day after day in trying to uncover their true potential as Shinigami, the two came to a realization that both possessed the same exact power of Hyorinmaru; the overjoyed miracle of this happening only deepened their friendship. However, the Central 46 was very much concerned with this and concluded that their can only be one wielder of the renowed Hyorinmaru. It wasn't permissible for two Shinigami to possess one Zanpaktou and so they called forth the two comrades to handle it "Highlander Style." When I say "Highlander Style," I meant they'd have to duke it out and one would be the true wielder of Hyornmaru. Of course it hurts their chances of retaining their friendship, but this was the only sound way to ensure that they can find out the true wielder of the Zanpaktou. In the end, Hitsugaya won, but deeply hurt Sojiro who then was thought of to be dead. Well, turns out Sojiro is very much alive and began his new life in Hueco Mundo (where it's assumed he'd met Yin & Yang). Hitsugaya, upon discovering the identity of the enemy, took it upon himself to 'defect' from the Soul Society so as to settle things once and for all. The Gotei 13 took this as an act of war and ordered the capture of Toshiro Hitsugaya, unaware of his true intentions and the history Hitsugaya & Sojiro shared. When obtaining the power of the Oin w/his Zanpaktou, Sojiro took on the form of an Ice Dragon and did battle with the Gotei 13. Hitsugaya, having realized that his friend was no longer willing to listen to reason or surrender, took it upon himself to once again deliver the finishing blow (with the help of encouragement from Ichigo). In the end, their friendship sustained great damage and because of their intertwining destinies, it was fate that they'd have to face each other in battle to see who truly is the wielder of Hyorinmaru. To Hitsugaya, their friendship, despite their quarrels, would last till the end of time. Even in death, Hitsugaya would never forget Sojiro for he was his one & only friend/brethren.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity post. Look forward to Affinity posts on Tuesdays. Until then, you all stay classy now.