Affinity #89 - My Inspiration (Uryu & Soken)

A central figure that has played a pivotal role in Uryu's upbringing as a Quincy is his Grandfather, Soken Ishida. Kind and reluctant to pass on the philosophy of the Quincy to his grandson, Soken did a lot in not only building up Uryu's character, but would also change Uryu's outlook on Shinigami. Since we first met Uryu, he has harbored an animosity towards Shinigami for having killed his Grandfather and thus, his peaceful and youthful days came to a close. Even Uryu's Father, Ryuken, was unwilling to teach Uryu about the ways of the Quincy. When we find out that 12th division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was the one responsible for experimenting on the corpse of Soken Ishida, Uryu snapped and vowed to exterminate Mayuri's very existence. That evidence alone stems from the childhood attachment Uryu had alongside his mentor, teacher, friend, & grandfather ~ Soken Ishida. We see Uryu, in his youth, smile, willing to learn, and not having any grudge against Shinigami. Much like Masaki is with Ichigo, Uryu's life forever changed the moment that "one person" was taken from them. They become stronger from their passing because they know sulking over death won't change a thing. They relentlessly train day in and day out in order to fulfill the gap that was missing once their loved one was taken from them. However, both Ichigo & Uryu diverted into different groups this time around ~ Shinigami (Coalition alongside the Arrancar & Xcution) vs. the Quincy. With this, their past lives have forever changed the way they view each other and how they'll foresee this war coming. Soken is what made Uryu Uryu and with him gone, a void has been missing. Sure, Uryu managed to find some sort of sliver of hope that not all Shinigami are bad, but it doesn't change the fact that what happened happened. Though their loved ones were taken (Ichigo's Mother and Uryu's Grandfather), it will reshape their future as they step forth not as enemies, but as men who've lost something important.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity post. Look forward to Affinity posts on Tuesdays. Until then, you all stay classy now. Will be announcing a Zealot Update sometime tomorrow.