Bleach Fantasy II Round 22: Yhwach vs. Promathia

Welcome back to another installment of Bleach Fantasy II where MechG & I once again collaborate on pitting the world of Bleach & the various installments of the Final Fantasy franchise. On Wednesday, FF took another victory against Bleach (FF still leads 13-8 against Bleach), but many things can happen. Like MechG said, Bleach Fantasy II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. My daily schedule of Watch-list, WBCR, & Throwback posts will be the same as always (if delayed, posts will be on weekends). Without further ado, let's get started on Bleach Fantasy II Round 22 ~ Yhwach vs. Promathia. Take into account that Storyline and Powers/Abilities are the deciding factors. MechG & I will switch-off ever 3 rounds in giving the verdict. Let's jam!

Storyline (Yhwach)

Yhwach is the Father of the Quincy (also referred to as Your Majesty) and current major antagonist in Bleach's Thousand Year Blood War Arc. As a child, he could not hear, speak, or even move. Knowing this, Yhwach was fearless and never cried. Those around Yhwach treated him with reverence because upon who touched Yhwach gradually found something that they lacked beforehand. This only happened because Yhwach possessed the power to share out of his soul. Thus, anyone who came in contact with him shared a part of his soul and was able to heal their wounds (that person's own soul could have never done that). Treating him as a special being, Yhwach was always met with people and as he continuously shared out his soul unto everyone - Yhwach's own body became to function. He was able to harness his senses and as a result, he learned of the name people chanted to him - YHWACH. He realized that the very name people gave him is the name of the God that the people worshipped. As said above, he is the Quincy - the founder, creator, and King. His very blood flows unto every living Quincy. 1000 years ago, Yhwach and a man named Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto (Aka the former 1st Head Captain of the Gotei 13) met face-to-face and Yamamoto was unable to deliver the finishing blow unto Yhwach. He is the first person to bear witness to Yamamoto's Bankai - Zanka no Tachi and thus has a thorough understanding of how his Bankai works. Supposedly after the two fought, Yhwach lost his powers. Quincy Folklore suggested that "The Sealed King," after 900 years, would regain consciousness, after 90 ~ regain intellect, and after 9 ~ absorb the power of every "impure" Quincy to make their abilities his very own. As a result of what is known as Auswahlen, Ichigo & Uryu's Mothers died and lost their powers. This leaves Uryu as being the last "impure" Quincy alive. Yhwach reveals that this song (the absorption of "impure" Quincy) is known as Kaiser Gesang (Praise-Song of the Sacred Emperor in Japanese) and has another verse stating that the "Sealed King" will have the world after 9 days. During As Nodt's recovery in the hospital, Yhwach visited him and gave him power and sometime during the 17-month after Aizen's defeat, The Wandenreich conquered Hueco Mundo and currently hold Tier Harribel as hostage ~ using Hueco Mundo as another stepping stone to invading the Soul Society. It is also revealed that Yhwach intends to hire the assistance of former antagonist, Aizen Sousuke, but he turned down the offer. As of now: Ichigo Kurosaki, Kenpachi Zaraki, & Aizen Sousuke are known as the special war potentials. It is also revealed that the manifestation of Zangetsu that Ichigo saw was, in fact, Yhwach 1000 years ago. 

As two Arrancar(s) by the names Luder Friegen & Asuguiaro Ebern served under Yhwach and reported to the Wandenreich base, they were instantly killed for getting into a disagreement and for Asuguiaro failing to detain Ichigo Kurosaki. It is revealed that the Arrancars' deaths will not do any potential damage to the Wandenreich and that their deaths serve more as a stepping stone for the invasion of the Soul Society. While Ichigo is currently fighting Quilge Opie, Yhwach & the Wandenreich take this opportunity to invade the Gotei 13 and reveal a stunning ability - stealing Bankai. As Soul Society is plunged into war, it seems as if the Wandenreich have the upper hand as they stole most of the Captain's Bankai(s) and all that was missing was Captain Yamamoto's. Royd Lloyd, a former Sternritter that has the ability to mimic Yhwach in his entirety, fought and tired out Captain Yamamoto up until his death. With the Head Captain tired and drained after revealing his Bankai, the real Yhwach shows up, steals Captain Yamamoto's Bankai, and mercilessly cuts him down until he is nothing more than ash. Just as Yhwach kills Captain Yamamoto, Ichigo shows up from behind and tries to stop only ~ only for Yhwach to figure out that Ichigo used Blut Vene and stopping the fight from going any further. Aizen Sousuke, the former antagonist, was able to distort Yhwach's senses just a little after their little meeting. Yhwach & the Wandenreich soon retreat while the Gotei 13 recover from their injuries and the huge loss of the Head Captain. As Yhwach summons the Sternritter together, he reveals his successor and also given the letter "A" to be Uryu Ishida. This angers and confuses the Sternritter, but Yhwach still stands by his decision. As the Wandenreich invade the Soul Society again, Yhwach watches as his Sternritter fight the Shinigami (he witnesses both Mask De Masculine & Gremmy's loss). Yhwach managed to overcome the 0 division & now is currently the Soul King after murdering him. 

Storyline (Promathia)

Long ago, the Twilight god Promathia condemned the Zilart, the only inhabitants in the world of Vana’diel at the time, for attempting to open up the Gates of Paradise. He made sure that the race was completely eradicated by calling upon Bahamut to destroy Al’Taieu, a city the Zilart made as a gate to the gods. With Promathia supposedly eradicating the Zilart, Altana, the Dawn Goddess who represents the good counterpart of him, cried five divine tears that created the five races that would rule present-day Vana’diel (Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Mithra, Galka). To ensure that none of the races open up the Gates of Paradise, Promathia created creatures called the beastmen to ensure eternal conflict with the five nations representing each race and cursed each race to have one negative trait. In order to complete his reign, Promathia sought to enact his own resurrection as the “Keeper of the Apocalypse” and his death that would cause every soul in Vana’diel to return to him.

Though the story of Promathia has been passed on by the cathedral teachings for many years since the creation of the five races, further discovery about the Twilight God’s purpose has suggested that most of the story was not completely true. For example, Promathia’s will aka “the emptiness” was a manifestation of complete death and destruction. It was also revealed that Promathia’s existence continued through the actions of Altana’s creation of the five races. Rather than weeping “divine tears,” Altana kept Promathia’s existence alive by stealing the energy of the mothercrystals and using the creation of the races as its vessels. In a sense, this undoubtedly made Promathia the father of the five races. In the Chains of Promathia expansion pack, Promathia’s resurrection and his presence were manifested when Nag’molada, the Kuluu diplomat, broke the seal on the Keeper of the Apocalypse in order to seek more information on the origins of Vana’diel and its races. Promathia absorbed Nag’molada and his knowledge after Nag’molada found out the five races were his children. From there, Promathia set out to bring forth the Apocalypse by destroying the last mothercrystal. However, Promathia’s efforts would be stopped short once Prishe, Selh’teus, the Adventurer, and a united front of the five races entered the Empyreal Paradox to battle the Twilight God. Promathia’s defenses were weakened once Prishe executed her Nullifying Dropkick ability. During the battle’s winding moments, Altana appears through a burst of light shooting upon Promathia; his existence and his rage towards the world vanquished. Though that is pretty much the normal ending, if the add-on scenarios of Abyssea were to be completed in XI, an alternate world is unlocked in which Promathia annihilated all the races of Vana’diel and evolved into the Wyrm God, Shinryu, leaving Prishe as the sole survivor of his onslaught.

Powers/Abilities (Yhwach)

Being the Creator & Leader of a group of species known as the Quincy, Yhwach's very spiritual power SURPASSES that of an Espada (as seen when Tier Harribel is held hostage as she utterly lost to him) and he is the only one able to wield Captain Yamamoto's Bankai. He is also a expert swordsman, being able to repel a Captain in combat and, as said above, is known for his soul distribution ~ having others share a part of his soul, drink his blood, and in doing so - gets stronger and lives longer. If, however, he does not do this ~ then of course he becomes weakened. Like any other Quincy, he is also able to absorb and solidify reishi just from everything in the Soul Society, use Blut Vene (a defense mechanism that repels attacks when skin is under attack), Hirenkyaku (Quincy's version of Sonido or Shunpo to move incredibly fast), has enhanced strength/durability/agility, & is a hand-to-hand combatant that was able to repel Ichigo's attacks and escape unscathed. With any Quincy, Yhwach is able to fire arrows without the use of an actual bow or weapon that was able to kill Captain Yamamoto and his very own reishi broadsword that was enough to cut Captain Yamamoto in two.

Powers/Abilities (Promathia)

Being a god, specifically being the Twilight God Promathia possesses immeasurable, omnipotent abilities. He is a giant compared to the likes of any Hume, Elvaan, Tarutary, Mithra, or Galka. Describing his powers/abilities can be difficult. I can’t describe them in detail no matter how many times I’ve seen gameplay of the boss battle. Promathia’s notable abilities come from his defense as he is able to shield himself from both physical and magic attacks. He surrounds himself with two shields: the Bastion of Twilight defends against magic attacks and the Wheel of Impregnability defends against physical attacks. Most of Promathia’s offensive powers/abilities emphasize on dispelling stat buffers and inflicting devastating ailments. His Empty of Salvation ability deals Area of Effect (AOE, affects multiple targets within a certain area) damage and can dispel at most 3 stat buffers. The ailment-related abilities are as follows: Infernal Deliverance (AOE damage) inflicts stun, Malevolent Blessing inflicts curse (makes opponents weaker than normal strength), Pestilent Penance (AOE damage) inflicts plague, Seal of Quiescence (AOE damage) inflicts mute or silence, and Winds of Oblivion (AOE damage) inflicts amnesia. In addition Promathia has a series of specified attacks called Chains in which it inflicts terror/fear on opponents, making them unable to execute attacks for an indefinite period of time. Each Chain represents the negative trait each race has from when Promathia cursed them in the process of their creation: Apathy (Hume), Arrogance (Elvaan), Cowardice (Tarutaru), Envy (Mithra), and Rage (Galka).

Verdict
And the winner is...

Omnipotence, God-like, & The Almighty are big words. Often you refer to them as beings that transcend immeasurability and insurmountability. You can argue that transcending is never-ending, that knowledge alone is an endless wasteland. However, one thing is for certain ~ they are on a whole other level in comparison to us mere mortals. Now this match-up boiled down to the full, half, and empty plate categories. I will openly admit that Promathia's plate alone, from what I've read, is full whereas Yhwach is at half. Both are immensely powerful, are considered on another level of power, and have a balance of offense and defense when in combat. However, no bias aside, I want to know more of Yhwach and since overcoming the Soul King, the central that keeps all worlds together, he is just a HUGE obstacle for the Soul Society & Hueco Mundo. Sure, people may argue that perhaps Promathia can mop the floor with Yhwach anytime and anywhere. However, I see potential in Yhwach since we have yet to see the full extent of what he can do. Even before becoming Soul King, he pretty much created selective-extinction all his fellow Quincy, was able to successfully kill Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, literally plunge Soul Society into darkness, and make Hueco Mundo his bitch. Even as a child you knew he was legit and posed a huge threat. With Promathia, in the normal ending, its defenses were weakened by Prishe. Yhwach has yet to show any sign of weakness. The only one who was able to somewhat intimidate him was Aizen, but other than that, I think he's on a whole other level. Yhwach accomplished himself as a villain to be feared and murdering the Soul King is his biggest achievement. He alone now is on top of the world and watches with his many eyes. Promathia, I won't argue, Promathia is unbelievably strong and is a God, but with Yhwach, there's much more to build on his character and I can't wait to see how Ichigo will overcome him. Sorry Promathia, but Yhwach takes the win.

So who do you think won this matchup? Yhwach from Bleach or Promathia from Final Fantasy XI? Comment below and let us know. Reiterating again, Bleach Fantasy Round II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays w/MechG & I interchanging every 3rd matchups on giving the verdict. Bleach Fantasy Round II standings (13-9):

1) Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Prishe ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
2) Uryu Ishida vs. Hope Estheim ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
3) As Nodt vs. Vincent Valentine ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
4) Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Jecht ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
5) Shunsui Kyoraku vs. Auron ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
6) Sui-Feng vs. Tifa Lockhart ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic) 
7) Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Barthandelus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
8) Sajin Komamura vs. Sin ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)

9) Toshiro Hitsugaya vs. Kuja ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
10) Tia Harribel vs. Tidus ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
11) Bambietta Basterbine vs. Rinoa Heartilly ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
12) Riruka Dokugamine vs. Ultimecia ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
13) Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Exdeath ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
14) Ginjo Kugo vs. Caius Ballad ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
15) Coyote Starrk vs. Cloud Strife ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
16) Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck vs. Kefka Palazzo ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
17) Shinji Hirako vs. Emperor Mateus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
18) Orihime Inoue vs. Yuna ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
19) Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
20) Renji Abarai vs. Squall Leonhart ~ Bleach  (Verdict by MechG)
21) Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez vs. Sephiroth ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
22) Yhwach vs. Promathia ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)

Throwback Post is posted below. 

Throwback #94 - Food for Thought?

Anime, as with any Television broadcast, is toned down or other words, censored. Sometimes the scene may be too violent, grotesque, or even outright disturbing and that's why Warnings & Parental Advisories were put into effect. Adult Swim is a channel that broadcasts Anime on Saturdays and I've begun to notice some censorship. One prime example of Kill La Kill. Yes, the fan-service in the show is too much for some viewers, but when you deliberately cut off a scene that progresses the story, then why the f*ck are you putting it out there? It could do one of two things ~ lower our expectations of that scene or outright not matter one bit. To me, censorship can go both ways and seeing censorship in my favorite Anime didn't really grind my gears too much because I've already seen it. Viewers who haven't seen Kill La Kill might not know the difference, but at least I know what's up when a scene is either cut or toned down. Bleach has had a few censorship issues and the prime example that I know if is Tier Harribel. If you see her, she's nearly naked. So what did they do? They covered the bottom half of her BEEWBZ and that solves the problem. Another case that I wanted to explicate in terms of censorship in Bleach is the scene where Szayelaporro Granz began eating his fraccion in order to replenish his power & health back at 100%. In the Manga, this was not censored. You see him, with one bite, eat his own henchman like he was some sort of fruit. In the Anime rendition, he converts his Fraccion into a purple orb and begins chowing down on it. Was this scene really that grotesque that they felt the need to tone it down? Apparently so. I watched the Anime rendition of this scene so I didn't think about it too much. When I read the Manga, I was thinking to myself "That looks so much more fearful than him turning his henchman into a orb." I mean the Espada are supposed to be intimidating as f*ck and eating his own is like saying "Hey, don't f*ck with me." Maybe they were scared that it was promoting cannibalism or perhaps it truly is too violent for the minds of 14-15 years. Who knows. All I know is that this scene in the Manga is cooler than the Anime. Like I've said, censorship can go both ways.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback. Throwbacks will continue for 6 more weeks. Stay classy as always. BF II post is posted above. 

Watchlist #43 - Nagasarete Airantou

So what's a man to do when he's stranded on an Island mainly consisting of females & animals who can talk? Does he go insane, try to call for help, or just adapt to it because #YOLO? Well, if I were in his shoes, of course I'd be interested to know if the Island was inhabited. Thankfully, it isn't cursed and the most relieving part of it is the atmosphere surrounding the characters. Now I won't stay this is a groundbreaking Anime, it's your stereotypical Harem Anime with a central male protagonist and various females on the Island that, you know, want some of that D. This Anime premiered in 2007, that was 8 years ago. The Manga started in 2002, that was 13 years ago and I was just entering a 2nd Grade (Yeah, I feel old folks). I remember reading the Manga for this and stumbling across the Anime rendition of it. Of course the Anime rendition (26 episodes) is condensed whereas the Manga is still being translated....slowly. I was in love with this Harem, but the updates for the Manga were like a snail vs a turtle race ~ it takes forever. My interest in it since has diminished, but once in awhile whenever I see that there's a chapter, I'll take a gander at it for its "fan-service." It's gotten to the point of Harem Manga that it's not even about the plot, it's about the "plot." If you haven't guessed by now, the fan-service is the thing many folks take away from Harem/Ecchi Anime & Manga. Sometimes the Fan-service is nice, but of course I want to invest my time into getting to know the characters & why he's on the Island. The character centers around a teen names Ikuto Tohoin. He runs away from home because he's at odds with his father and he wants to search for his mother on a cruise-liner. A storm hit, he became adrift, and was saved by a girl named Suzu who gave him CPR. Since Ikuto is the only male to surface on the Island, it's no wonder he's the center of attention. All the ladies want to know more about him and so, Ikuto is turned into a prize for the ladies ~ catch him and make him you husband (hubby). It's quite obvious that throughout his adventures and mishaps on the Island that the ladies would fall for him. Ikuto had to readjust his lifestyle and wouldn't you know it, reality became but a dream to him. IT seems like the plot of being stranded on an Island with beautiful women is a man's dream come true, but in this case, the punchline of the story is ~ he's the only man on the Island. Sure there are male animals, but they're perceived as construction workers & business owners. Overall, the show, for its time, has some appeal and merit to behold as a Harem Anime/Manga, but in comparison to other Harem(s) I've come across, it's definitely one of the weaker ones. Sure the story is simple enough to follow, but to me, I need more. Yes the man adapts and yes we kind of see that there's a struggle between going back home or staying on the Island. The Island has become his home and yet, he somewhat misses what could've been his lifestyle. Now, his lifestyle if filled with tons of adventures & mishaps that just don't appeal to me as much as before. Maybe it's a matter of when I got into it (which was long ago) or when the Anime was released, but I will admit ~ its an OK Harem to Read/Watch. I just couldn't wouldn't go and call it the "Best of the Best." Sorry if it sounds like I'm a downer in this Watch-list post because I really wanted to love it like in the past, but it's 2015 and I only see Nagasarete Airantou as a standard low-brow Harem. Some Harem(s) work out for the best  (EX: Tenchi Muyo, Haganai, & To-Love-Ru) and others digress into another direction that I just wasn't feeling it (Negima, Tayutama, & Tenchi in Tokyo). For Nagasarete Airantou, it was good when it started, but then it just became...Okay.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Watch-list post. Look forward to Watch-list posts on Thursdays. Until then, you stay classy as always. WBCR is already posted below. BF II post, & Throwback will be up tomorrow. Don't forget to check out the other Watch-list posts (in order):

1) Tenchi Muyo

2) Cowboy Bebop

3) Trigun

4) Dragonball Z

5) School Rumble 

6) Is This A Zombie?

7) Fairy Tail

8) Omamori Himari

9) FLCL

10) Gurren Lagann 

11) Shin-Chan 

12) Tenchi Muyo GXP

13) Tenchi Muyo In Tokyo

14) Power Puff Girls Z

15) Kirby!

16) Samurai Champloo 

17) Hanaukyo Maid Team 

18) True Tears 

19) Zombie Powder (Manga)

20) Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai 

21) Teen Titans
22) Yu-Gi-Oh
23) Rosario+Vampire
24) Death Note
25) Pokemon
26) Digimon
27) Big-O
28) X-Men (Anime Version)
29) D-Frag
30) Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
31) Akame Ga Kill
32) Invaders of the Rokujyōma!?
33) OniAi
34) Ben-To
35) Testament of a Sister New Devil
36) Minamoto-kun Monogatari (Manga)
37) My Love Story (Ore Monogatari!)
38) Space Dandy
39) Wanna be the strongest in the world
40) When Marnie Was There (Film ~ Studio Ghibli)
41) The Garden of Words (Film ~ Makoto Shinkai)
42) Song of the Sea (Film ~ Tomm Moore)  
43) Nagasarete Airantou 

WBCR - A Mad Scientist's Hard-on (Grade: C)

Kenpachi is disposed of at the moment, but we get to the see true identity of Pernida. It's...It's...It's...The Soul King's Left Hand. Hmm, quite an unusual creature hiding underneath that cloak, but nonetheless, Mayuri has the hugest hard-on right now for Pernida. I mean, the entire chapter he's smiling creepily because he hasn't seen anything like it and its abilities are just piquing Mayuri's interests even more. The arm towers over Ikkaku & Yumichika, but Mayuri ensures that he'll handle Pernida...slowly. Mayuri throughout this chapter is in awe ~ How is the Arm making sound effects? How is deemed inferior by Yhwach? Why is it even in-line with the Sternritter? The chapter concludes with Pernida saying its name Angrily and it seems like the next chapter he'll unleash his wrath upon Mayuro. This was a relatively short read and I'm disappointed in it to be honest. I liked the "chemistry" between Mayuri & Kenpachi, but then it brings up a point ~ What the F was the point of Kenpachi's training if he can't even manage Mayuri's Zanpaktou? So for probably 5-10 chapters, we're going to see Mayuri's excitement as he wants to know more and more about Pernida. Kenpachi....hope you can get back up because Mayuri's hard-on is so great that it feels as if he's jerking off to the Left Arm. Kenpachi has a way of lighting up the atmosphere, but with Mayuri ~ he's all talk talk talk and only wants to conduct his research on Pernida. A mad scientist indeed knows no bounds. I'm going to give it a C, it's still set-up, but it needs to speed the F up.

What did you think of the chapter? Did it satisfy and deliver or just outright sucked and disappointed? Comment below and let me know. Look forward to WBCRs whenever chapter's out (if delayed, post will be up on Weekends). Until then, you stay classy as always.

Bleach Fantasy II Round 21: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez vs. Sephiroth

Welcome back to another installment of Bleach Fantasy II where MechG & I once again collaborate on pitting the world of Bleach & the various installments of the Final Fantasy franchise. Monday, Bleach took another victory against FF (FF still leads 12-8 against Bleach), but many things can happen. Like MechG said, Bleach Fantasy II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. My daily schedule of Watch-list, WBCR, & Throwback posts will be the same as always (if delayed, posts will be on weekends). Without further ado, let's get started on Bleach Fantasy II Round 21 ~ Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez vs. Sephiroth. Take into account that Storyline and Powers/Abilities are the deciding factors. MechG & I will switch-off ever 3 rounds in giving the verdict. Let's jam!

Storyline (Grimmjow)

Before Grimmjow had any affiliation towards Aizen, he was an Adjuchas-class Menos. Roaming about the land of Hueco Mundo, he attacked and ate just about anything that stood in his path in pursuit of power and wanting to become a Vasto Lorde-class Menos. It wasn't long before he became affiliated with what would become his Fraccion - Shawlong Koufang, Edrad Liones, Yylfordt Granz, Nakeem Grindina, and Di Roy Rinker. These then Adjuchas-class Menos were in awe of Grimmjow's abilities and just like Grimmjow, wanted to become Vasto Lorde-class Menos in pursuit of power. However, it would be awhile for all of them combined to go through such lengths for power and it seemed as if the the 5 Adjuchas-class Menos were about to give up. That is, however, until they asked Grimmjow to devour them so that he could become a Vasto Lorde. Grimmjow called them cowards, but reluctantly ate a portion of the 5 who then would become his Fraccion later on.

Grimmjow is first introduced in his Vasto Lorde form when the 4th and 0 Espada, Ulquiorra Cifer & Yammy Llargo, came back to inform Aizen of the events that took place in Karakura town against Ichigo, Kisuke, Yoruichi, and especially Orihime. Grimmjow and his Fraccion commented that leaving Ichigo & the group alive is a sign of weakness and if it were him, Grimmjow would've mopped the floor with them. However, Ulquiorra states that it was sort of a test to see if Ichigo truly was a threat to Aizen and it seemed like Ichigo wasn't "yet" at the peak of his performance. Grimmjow, angered by this, set out towards Karakura town in hopes to do collateral damage on the enemy side - only to lose his Fraccion and be summoned by Kaname to Aizen for his disobedience and recklessness in losing his Fraccion and attacking Ichigo without permission. Grimmjow was stripped of his title and temporarily replaced by Luppi Antenor. Luppi, Yammy, Wonderweiss, & Grimmjow set out again on order to Karakura Town. Ichigo was beaten badly by Grimmjow, but it wouldn't be long before Grimmjow fights him once more only to lose again because Ichigo's Mask broke and thus he lost the momentum. However, Grimmjow & co were bait for Aizen's true purpose - Orihime. Grimmjow's arm is healed by Orihime (upon Ulquiorra retrieving her) and he kills Luppi and earns back his title as 6th Espada. So far Grimmjow has beaten Ichigo twice and came to a draw with Shinji, but he fights Ichigo once more and this time, it seems as if Ichigo will prevail this time around. But before Grimmjow could fight Ichigo a 3rd time, Ulquiorra interrupted because of Grimmjow's rescuing of Rukia and hurting Loly & Menoly for his amusement. Grimmjow temporarily traps Ulquiorra and in the meantime, he has his final battle with Ichigo ~ finally releasing his Resurrecion. However, Grimmjow was beaten badly and just as Ichigo was telling Grimmjow to not fight anymore, Nnoitra attacks Grimmjow out of nowhere and that is (as of now) the last we see of Grimmjow. BUT - some speculate that Grimmjow was the one who saved Kisuke in the current Arc. He shows up as a supposed ally alongside Nelliel, ready to fight once more against their new enemy ~ the Wandenreich. However, acting recklessly, Grimmjow was poisoned by Askin and his status is unknown. 

Storyline (Sephiroth)

When Sephiroth was born, he was born in an experiment with the Jenova Project to Professor Hojo and Lucrecia Crescent after Hojo infused cells from the omnipotent alien being, Jenova with Lucrecia's fetus containing the unborn baby. The majority of his lifetime, Sephiroth was raised by scientists of the Shinra Corporation where they used him as a super soldier in which he uses it to his advantage developing inhuman strength, endurance, agility, and combat reflexes (not to mention he developed to be a crafty and skilled swordsman) and became a prestigious 1st class member of Shinra's SOLDIER program. He battled among the greats and the other swordsmen who were close to matching him in terms of skill were Angeal and Genesis and he managed to best them both. He became a well-known and respected war hero due to his efforts in the Wutai War. Everybody wanted to be like Sephy now. In the background story of FFVII and further elaborated in Crisis Core, Sephiroth, upon reaching a Mako Reactor near Nibelheim, the hometown of arch nemesis, Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockheart, discovers a pod chamber of a monster containing the name, "JENOVA." As a result, Sephiroth goes crazy, mistakenly referring to the monster as his "mother" and proceeds to burn the town of Nibelheim to the ground and killing Tifa's dad in the process with his longsword, the Masamune before recovering the pod containing Jenova.  Prior to recovering the Jenova pod, he was challenged by Zack Fair and later Cloud and as a result, he beats Zack, but Cloud beats him out of shear anger. After the Nibelheim incident, Sephiroth spends his time residing in the Lifestream, the essence and spiritual energy of the Planet and plotted to control it to become a god. His physical body is then encased in the Northern Cave, but he is able to control Jenova’s cells so he can take on multiple forms.

During the time of FF7, Sephiroth has been classified as “deceased.” However, he enacts on a plan to call a reunion to the Sephiroth Clones. When Jenova was transported to the main Shinra HQ, Sephiroth was able to manifest it to break out and kill Shinra soldiers guarding the HQ and President Shinra himself; with that, he also breaks Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aeris, and Red XIII out of imprisonment and he left his Masamune standing on the dead President Shinra, marking that he was present and galvanized Cloud to set out to find him and kill him once and for all. Sephy’s role throughout the majority of FF7 was just to play mind games with Cloud and his party. He encounters them again during Shinra’s voyage to Costa del Sol and leaves behind a Jenova monster, in which Cloud and his party defeated and later back in Nibelheim where he reveals about the reunion. The full extent of his plans was revealed in the Temple of the Ancients where he would use Black Materia to summon Meteor to deal massive damage to the Planet, allowing the Lifestream to appear and heal it. Sephiroth wants to be in the center of that impact zone, so he can merge with the Lifestream, thus achieving his goal to become a god. In one of the most tragic cinematics in FF, his manifestation descended from above and stabbed Aeris behind after she used her White Magic powers as a Cetra to awaken Holy to prevent Meteor. After a battle, he starts messing with Cloud’s mind yet again, forcing him to hand the Black Materia. After Cloud rediscovers his past, he and his party prepare for one final battle with Sephy, at the Planet’s core. They take care of him physically in various forms, but Cloud ultimately seals the deal, defeating him metaphysically. After defeat, Sephy dissolves into the Lifestream and Meteor’s impact towards the Planet was averted due to Holy. In Advent Children, he still makes his presence felt within the Lifestream through the disease of Geostigma, manifested by Jenova’s consciousness, majority affecting children. He takes form in three humans: Loz, Yazoo, and Kadaj. After a battle with Cloud, he disappears into the Lifestream again, echoing the words: “I will never be a memory.” 

Powers/Abilities (Grimmjow)

When first seeing Grimmjow's fight with Ichigo, he is seen being an expert hand-to-hand combat and Sonido as he blocked all of Ichigo's attacks and did a number on his face. As an Espada, he possesses incredible Spiritual energy, enhanced strength, hierro (Steel Skin), and is perceptive in his fight against as Ichigo as he was able to easily discern Ichigo's movements just from observation. With any Espada, he is capable of two things - Cero & Resurrecion. However, Grimmjow showcases an even upgraded version of Cero called Gran Ray Cero - a attack that is forbidden in Hueco Mundo because of the damage it could do to Las Noches. Grimmjow's true power lies in his Resurrecion - Pantera. Taking on the form of a Pantera-like being, Grimmjow's agility, hierro, and strength are greatly amplified. Grimmjow's attacks include firing bomb-like projectiles and his trademark Desgarron (Panther King's Claw) - his claws composed of Reishi representing a blade that can hurled at a maximum of 10 at a time. This attack acts as a ranged claw attack pretty much. 

Powers/Abilities (Sephiroth)

You can’t deny that Sephiroth is one of the most iconic villains in the FF franchise. Aside from being a master swordsman and a great intellect, he has the ability to take on different forms whether it's in the form of a monster or in the form of a human (Loz, Yazoo, and Kadaj in Advent Children) and when his physical form is gone he can still get into someone's mind like how he did with Cloud and his deceased best friend, Zack Fair, another 1st class SOLDIER member when Hojo injected both of them with Sephiroth clone cells. He can also summon a meteor through the use of Black Materia and can direct its course to a planet's destruction as he so pleases. In FF7 he is fought three times: in two forms using Jenova’s cells and in the metaphysical mind. His two forms are: Bizarro-Sephiroth and Safer-Sephiroth. The Bizarro form is kinda his dumb down form, but it can cast the highest levels of fire, ice, bolt (lightning), quake, and can weaken a party’s stats. In Sephiroth’s Safer form, that form is his god form and he has an 8 cycle attack sequence. Out of the 8, two of his most powerful attacks include: Super Nova and Heartless Angel, in which both can deal massive damage. In conclusion, Sephiroth is inhumanly powerful, a mastermind in mind games, and he defies death. He's just that damn impossible to kill off for good.

Verdict (By MechG)

And the winner is...

When declaring this matchup, my mind was already up made that there is absolutely, positively no way in H-E-L-L that I could possibly make Sephiroth fall to 0-3 overall in Fight Night posts after facing Bleach’s top-tier villains in Aizen and Yhwach in the past. Yeah Grimmjow may have a sad upbringing in terms of story, but I could care less about that. Sephiroth’s upbringing is a prime example of a tragic hero turned villain. He was well respected by many of his peers in SOLDIER that everybody wanted to be like Sephy. Then JENOVA happened and that drove Sephiroth into madness. “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” The late Heath Ledger once said that in his masterful role as the Joker and Sephiroth’s character development from a hero to a villain fits that criterion. First he was admired and respected and then later everybody wants him dead for the terror he has caused throughout the Planet. Hmmm, that character development reminds me of someone who Grimmjow is serving under or served under considering that arc was way yesterday. I can’t wrap my head around the name Grimmjow served under. Oh yeah, he was mentioned on top, Aizen! Grimmjow was Aizen’s b!tch as Stillmattic said before. This transitions into the powers/abilities section, Grimmjow may have two forms, may be a fast, furious, wild, and free fighter, but Sephiroth’s great intellect and discipline will be too much for Grimmjow aggressive style and not to mention, Sephiroth’s hard to kill off since he possesses the Lifestream. In a sense, it’s like Grimmjow is messing with a poor man’s Aizen. Not only can Sephiroth attack anybody physically with his two forms, but he can attack anybody in their minds. Can Grimmjow do that? I don’t think so. Sorry Bleach fans, but Sephiroth was due for a victory here.

So who do you think won this matchup? Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez from Bleach or Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII? Comment below and let us know. Reiterating again, Bleach Fantasy Round II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays w/MechG & I interchanging every 3rd matchups on giving the verdict. Bleach Fantasy Round II standings (13-8):

1) Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Prishe ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
2) Uryu Ishida vs. Hope Estheim ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
3) As Nodt vs. Vincent Valentine ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
4) Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Jecht ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
5) Shunsui Kyoraku vs. Auron ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
6) Sui-Feng vs. Tifa Lockhart ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic) 
7) Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Barthandelus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
8) Sajin Komamura vs. Sin ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)

9) Toshiro Hitsugaya vs. Kuja ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
10) Tia Harribel vs. Tidus ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
11) Bambietta Basterbine vs. Rinoa Heartilly ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
12) Riruka Dokugamine vs. Ultimecia ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
13) Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Exdeath ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
14) Ginjo Kugo vs. Caius Ballad ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
15) Coyote Starrk vs. Cloud Strife ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
16) Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck vs. Kefka Palazzo ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
17) Shinji Hirako vs. Emperor Mateus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
18) Orihime Inoue vs. Yuna ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
19) Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
20) Renji Abarai vs. Squall Leonhart ~ Bleach  (Verdict by MechG)
21) Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez vs. Sephiroth ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)

Affinity #100 - Strawberry Contact 4 (The Kurosaki FamBam) ~ The FINAL AFFINITY!

Welcome to the final Affinity post ladies and gentlemen! For the past 2 years, I've explicated the importance of friendships & relationships of all kinds throughout Bleach. Friends, Enemies, Love Interests, and above all else ~ Interactions. Interactions of all kinds have had some profound influence on Bleach characters. Like I've reiterated, there'd be no Bleach if Ichigo & Rukia never met. Through his countless battles, Ichigo has made friends, enemies, & notably rivals. Renji Abarai, Byakuya Kuchiki, Ikkaku Madarame, Kenpachi Zaraki, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, and Ulquiorra Cifer are some of the names Ichigo has faced, met, and battled against. Now, we've come to the pinnacle, where it all began. For the longest time, many have questioned on how our Hero can see Spirits. It's become quite clearer now that he's not an ordinary child. His sisters also possess this gift, but don't utilize it as much as our Hero does. One is able to fight and combat Hollows, but the threat is far more sinister than just that. Mastermind Aizen Sousuke & Yhwach pose an even bigger threat to Ichigo, but he's not someone to be easily defeated. It is because of this that Ichigo has gotten stronger whenever he's on the brink of death ~ a hybrid child of a Shinigami & of a Quincy. These two species were at each other's throats, but that didn't stop Masaki Kurosaki & Isshin Shiba to fall in love and give birth to 3 children ~ Ichigo, Karin, & Yuzu. The fact that two species can forget about their differences and fall in love is just a set-up for a classic "fall in love at first sight" stories. Both goofballs, it's no wonder they fell in love. Optimistic and wanting to know each other each and every time they were together, their friendship fostered into love. Of course no love story is complete without a tragedy. Masaki lost her life and at this time, Isshin was unable to save her because his Shinigami powers were limite. Ichigo growing up without a mother-figure was difficult ~ he was a supposed delinquent at school that often got into fights because of the color of his hair. However, Ichigo's world would change for the better once he met Rukia Kuchiki. It is through his meeting with her that he's able to explore new worlds (The Soul Society & Hueco Mundo), fight off against the various forces of evil (Aizen, Ginjo, & Yhwach), and make friends (Renji, Ikkaku, & Hitsugaya). Ichigo's family ~ Isshin being a Shinigami, Masaki being a Quincy, and Karin wanting to aid Ichigo ~ all this because of Ichigo's upbringing, knowing the full story behind his parents' meeting, and realizing he was a Shinigami/Quincy mix. That's why Ichigo's heritage is so something else ~ he possesses Shinigami, Hollow, AND Quincy abilities. He truly is a special war potential and his upcoming battle against Yhwach won't soon be forgotten. His mother will always have a profound influence on the family and the Dad, now regaining his strength, is doing everything in his power to aid Ichigo against the forces of evil. I wonder how Karin & Yuzu will be, but all we know is ~ the Kurosaki Family truly is one badass, loving, caring, & unique family. It's sad that their mother died, but knowing of Yhwach's involvement ~ Ichigo & the rest of friends won't stop until evil is thwarted. Masaki will always be remembered as the Quincy who broke free from the rivalry and wedded a Shinigami. Love knows no boundaries and thus gave birth to the man named Strawberry. Their memories together will never be forgotten.

Thank you so much for keeping up with the Affinity posts on Tuesdays. All things must come to an end sooner or later. My daily schedule of WBCRs, Fight Nights, Watch-Lists, & Throwbacks (also will be concluding soon) will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. Until then, you stay classy as always!

Bleach Fantasy II Round 20: Renji Abarai vs. Squall Leonhart

Welcome back to another installment of Bleach Fantasy II where MechG & I once again collaborate on pitting the world of Bleach & the various installments of the Final Fantasy franchise. Last Friday, Bleach took a victory against FF (FF still leads 12-7 against Bleach), but many things can happen. Like MechG said, Bleach Fantasy II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. My daily schedule of Affinity, Watch-list, WBCR, & Throwback posts will be the same as always (if delayed, posts will be on weekends). Without further ado, let's get started on Bleach Fantasy II Round 20 ~ Renji Abarai vs. Squall Leonhart. Take into account that Storyline and Powers/Abilities are the deciding factors. MechG & I will switch-off ever 3 rounds in giving the verdict. Let's jam!

Storyline (Renji)

Prior to joining the Gotei 13, Renji, along with his friends, grew up in the 78th District of Rukongai, Inzuri. Ravaging for food and entertainment, Renji & his pals were unable to afford anything and thus resorted to stealing. However, despite their bad reputation, Renji & his friends were like a family since it's unknown on the circumstances surrounding their families. It wouldn't be long before Renji & his pals become acquainted with a young Rukia Kuchiki, who saved them from a storekeeper who saw Renji steal a jug of water. Welcoming another member into their family, the group stood together despite Rukia & Renji being the only ones of the group that had spiritual power. Soon after their friends all died, Renji & Rukia vowed to enlist in the Gotei 13 where they'll soon meet future Shinigami Kira Izuru, Hisagi Shuhei, & Momo Hinamori. Already being gifted, the two studied, trained, and relentlessly night and day improved their spiritual prowess up until Rukia was adopted into the Kuchiki family, leaving Renji alone and without family for the first time. Angered by this, Renji continued onward in hopes to enlist under the 6th division to challenge the one and only Byakuya Kuchiki, the very man who took Rukia away from Renji's life. During his time in the Gotei 13 ~ he served under the 5th and 11th divisions later to finally settle in as Lieutenant of the 6th division. 

Renji is one of the two Shinigami Ichigo met in the Human World, but it wasn't a warm welcome ~ Renji and his Captain, Byakuya, were sent to the Human World to retrieve Rukia Kuchiki; her staying in Karakura town as well as relinquishing her powers to an unknown stranger are forbidden and thus there was a warrant for her arrest. Ichigo tried to thwart their plans to take away Rukia, but Renji and Byakuya easily dealt with Ichigo since he was inexperienced with fighting Shinigami. During the Rescue arc, Team Ichigo's priority was to save Rukia, but Renji couldn't stop idly by and watch as his friend and only family is to be taken away again; he'd rather have Rukia be sentenced to death than allow her to escape with Ichigo. Renji challenged Ichigo in Round 2 and, due to Kisuke's training, Ichigo overcame Renji and he came to the realization ~ Ichigo wasn't the enemy and Renji lost track of his main objective ~ overcoming and beating the very person who took everything from him ~ Byakuya Kuchiki. Renji entrusted Ichigo to save Rukia and, from then on, was now an enemy of the Gotei 13 as he challenged Byakuya with his newly formed Bankai (thanks to his training with Yoruichi), but lost due to not being able to comprehend his own's Captain Bankai. Recuperating in hopes to fight again, Renji shows up in time to save Rukia and run away, but was stopped by Aizen & Tosen who wanted Rukia for the Hogyoku implanted within her. Renji, unable to comprehend Aizen's scheme in this, was unable to save Rukia as he was left powerless before Aizen's superior abilities. Sometime after Aizen's defection, Renji, alongside Rukia, Hitsugaya, Rangiku, Ikkaku, & Yumichika, were sent to the Human World to thwart Aizen's newly formed Arrancar army. It is during this time that Renji fought against one of Grimmjow's fraccion and eventually won, but was forced to return to the Soul Society under orders from Captain Yamamoto in not aiding in Ichigo's attempts to save Orihime from Aizen's grasp. Renji and Rukia would disobey orders and tag alongside Ichigo to save Orihime where he challenged 8th Espada, Szayelaporro, and it came to a draw. In round 2 against the Espada, Renji was unable to comprehend Szayelaporro's abilities and Mayuri, the 12th division Captain, steps in to aid Renji & Uryu in fighting the Espada. Being completely healed after his previous fight with Szayelaporro, Renji fought against the 0 Espada, Yammy Llargo and was defeated easily. After Aizen's imprisonment, Renji shows u briefly to deal with Ginjo's fullbringers and was successful in defeating Jackie thanks to his training after Aizen's imprisonment. Following the end of the Fullbringer Arc, a new threat titled the Wandenreich invade the Soul Society and the Shinigami are left powerless and unable to comprehend why their Bankai(s) are being stolen or why the enemy is stronger. Renji is ambushed by Mask De Masculine and, after this loss, was forced to recuperate and train in the Royal Palace where he learned his True Bankai's form ~ Soo Zabimaru. Returning once more, Renji easily defeats Mask De Masculine and now, alongside everyone, is planning an-all out attack against the Wandrenreich. 

Storyline (Squall)

Squall’s mother, Raine, died shortly after he was born and his biological father, Laguna never knew that Raine was pregnant with Squall as he was saving their adopted daughter, Ellone from Sorceress Adel (talk about a tragic lose-lose situation for Squall’s early life). As soon as Ellone was rescued, Laguna sent her back to Winhill, where the couple was residing when Squall was born, and both her and Squall were sent to Edea’s Orphanage on the Cetra continent. When Squall grew up in the Orphanage, he didn’t make a lot of friends as he only grew close to Ellone and viewed her as an older sister though he wasn’t aware that Ellone is actually his adopted sister. When Ellone developed the ability to send a person’s consciousness back in time, she was moved away to avoid danger, leaving Squall all alone and feeling as if he needs to move on without anybody being a part of his life. When Squall attempted to find Ellone’s whereabouts, a teenage version of him traveled in time to meet with Edea, who would become one of the founders of the anti-sorceress force in SeeD. After that encounter, Edea foresees that Squall would grow up and kill an evil sorceress, thus establishing SeeD along with her husband, Cid. By the time Squall was six, he was admitted into the Balamb Garden to start training as a SeeD and trained with the most difficult weapon, the gunblade. During his training, Squall found a worthy rival named Seifer who mirrors him in terms of skills and knowledge of the gunblade. 

Eleven years since his training, Squall has been regarded among peers as well as his superior, Quistis, as a “lone wolf” because though Squall has a lot of talent, he can be at times, a head case due to his loneliness state of mind. Because Squall mastered the use of the Guardian Force (FF8 term for summon), his memories of being abandoned by Ellone is there, but he can’t remember her face. His rivalry with Seifer was the top-tier rivalry within the Balamb Garden. During Squall’s duel with Seifer during a field exam, the two put permanent scars on each other’s faces. While recovering in infirmary, Squall encounters a blurry figure who remembers him, but she leaves before Squall can get a clear vision. Squall manages to recover and was given a new Guardian Force by Quistis and placed in Seifer’s squad for a field exam in Dollet. During the exam, Seifer defies direct orders and abandons the team, leaving Squall as the temporary leader to ensure that his team evacuates Dollet successfully, which they did and back in the Garden, Squall graduates along with his fellow SeeD comrades, Selphie, Zell, and Nida. In the inauguration ball, Squall meets Rinoa, who forces him to dance with her (one of the most memorable cutscenes in FF8). Squall is sent on a mission to Timber to assist the Forest Owls to free the area from Galbadia control by kidnapping the President, Vinzer Deling. The plan was eventually foiled when a rogue Seifer captures the president, causing a little friction between SeeD and the Forest Owls and the relationship between Squall and Rinoa goes off to a rocky start once Rinoa starts questioning his cold-hearted personality. Squall’s next mission was to assassinate the sorceress revealed by the president as the ambassador for Galbadia. There, during the mission, Squall encounters his former caretaker Edea and his rival after Edea killed the president, but Squall gets knocked unconscious from Edea’s sorceress powers. After a couple events, including the Battle of the Gardens between the Galbadia and Balamb Gardens, Squall manages to defeat Edea and Seifer and Edea reveals she was possessed by another sorceress in Ultimecia and tells all she knows about the evil sorceress. However during Squall’s battle, Rinoa fell into a coma and Squall starts sharing concern that he starts to seek out his adopted sister again to use her ability to see what happened. Squall takes Rinoa to the continent of Esthar to a space station where he finally meets Ellone after a long time and requests her to use her abilities to save Rinoa. Basically in that time frame, Squall tries to free Rinoa from her comatose, but Ultimecia possesses her body to revive sorceress Adel in the Lunar Base and Squall eventually saves Rinoa from drifting into space and eventually rescuing her again after Esthar wanted to put her into cryosleep because they were afraid of her sorceress abilities that she obtained from Edea. After meeting his biological father Laguna and enacting a plan to stop Ultimecia, Squall, along with his friends, travel to the Lunatic Pandora, he frees Ellone, defeats Seifer, defeats Adel, and confronts Ultimecia in the future. Squall manages to defeat Ultimecia and reunites with Rinoa and the rest of his SeeD friends in the Balamb Garden. 

Powers/Abilities (Renji)

Being a Lieutenant-level Shinigami, Renji possess incredible power that was able to surpass Ichigo in the very beginning and rival him in their 2nd Round (Now Renji doesn't even stand a chance against Ichigo). He is a skilled swordsman, has enhanced strength, very durable, and, like certain characters in Bleach ~ has a Bankai. He is one of the few characters in Bleach that is not good at Kido or even proficient in Shunpo, but is able to attempt it. Renji's true power lies in his Zanpaktou ~ Zabimaru. In its Shikai state, Zabimaru is able to disconnect into broken segments and attack (Higa Zekko). In swordmanship, Zabimaru is able to stretch and expand to attack his foes. (much like a whip). The new form of his Bankai, Soo Zabimaru, is able to transform into a Large skeletal arm that follows Renji's movements that are able to crush bones and, when his Bankai bites down on his opponents, is able to completely close down on the enemy as well as firing a blast of spiritual energy that was enough to disintegrate Mask De Masculine. Prior to learning of Zabimaru's true form, his Zanpaktou had various abilities and formerly went with the name Hihio Zabimaru (still was underdeveloped, but Soo Zabimaru is the fully developed Bankai). 

Powers/Abilities (Squall)

As mentioned, Squall is a proficient user with the gunblade due to his time spent training to use the complicated weapon and he has the ability to use a Guardian Force. His highest stats are in Strength, Vitality, and Magic. Going back to the gunblade, regardless of model has high accuracy, which makes Squall the most proficient melee fighter out of the whole party. His Limit Break, the Renzokuken delivers multiple damage and wrapped up with a finisher and there are four finishers: Rough Divide, slicing an enemy vertically releasing an explosion, Fated Circle, jumping in the air, charging energy into his gunblade, spinning and unleashing a shockwave, Blasting Zone, charging up the gunblade with energy and slamming it to the ground to release it, and Lion Heart, his most devastating finisher that strikes an opponent several times dealing great damage. 

Verdict (By MechG)

And the winner is...

Well I knew this is going to be hard to choose from the get go. These two represent 100% bad@$$ery in their own right in terms of going out there in battle and getting sh*t done. It’s true that Squall has the upper hand in terms of depth within his storyline, but Renji possesses a whole lot more interesting backstory considering the long history between him and Rukia and his motivation to kick it up a notch when he sees Byakuya’s face for taking Rukia away from him. In terms of rivalries behind both characters; storylines, Squall had a damn good one in battling Seifer and Renji with Ichigo and what those two have in common is that both are equal to each other in terms of strength and skills. But once Seifer was revealed to be one of the antagonists serving Ultimecia, it didn’t feel interesting anymore because it was now a good guy vs. bad guy cookie cutter in my opinion. It also doesn't help that Seifer was obviously a second rate antagonist. With Renji vs. Ichigo, it was not a good guy vs. bad guy cookie cutter rivalry. Albeit short, it was about seeing who the better man was and just two grown men pushing each other to be better. In terms of powers/abilities, it is just a mismatch. Renji’s zanpakto excels in both short range and long range combat. Whereas Squall’s sword may be called a gunblade, but in reality, it doesn’t work like a gun, so long range is out of the picture. The gunblade would be perfected and live up to its actual name when FFXIII and Lightning came along, but that’s for another topic. In terms of a slight edge in story because of a more interesting backstory and powers/abilities, Renji racks up a point for Bleach here.

So who do you think won this matchup? Renji Abarai from Bleach or Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy VIII? Comment below and let us know. Reiterating again, Bleach Fantasy Round II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays w/MechG & I interchanging every 3rd matchups on giving the verdict. Bleach Fantasy Round II standings (12-8):

1) Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Prishe ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
2) Uryu Ishida vs. Hope Estheim ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
3) As Nodt vs. Vincent Valentine ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
4) Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Jecht ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
5) Shunsui Kyoraku vs. Auron ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
6) Sui-Feng vs. Tifa Lockhart ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic) 
7) Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Barthandelus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
8) Sajin Komamura vs. Sin ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)

9) Toshiro Hitsugaya vs. Kuja ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
10) Tia Harribel vs. Tidus ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
11) Bambietta Basterbine vs. Rinoa Heartilly ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
12) Riruka Dokugamine vs. Ultimecia ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
13) Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Exdeath ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
14) Ginjo Kugo vs. Caius Ballad ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
15) Coyote Starrk vs. Cloud Strife ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
16) Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck vs. Kefka Palazzo ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
17) Shinji Hirako vs. Emperor Mateus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
18) Orihime Inoue vs. Yuna ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
19) Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
20) Renji Abarai vs. Squall Leonhart ~ Bleach  (Verdict by MechG)

Bleach Fantasy II Round 19: Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado

Welcome back to another installment of Bleach Fantasy II where MechG & I once again collaborate on pitting the world of Bleach & the various installments of the Final Fantasy franchise. On Wednesday, FF once again snatched another victory against Bleach (FF still leads 12-6 against Bleach), but many things can happen. Like MechG said, Bleach Fantasy II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. My daily schedule of Affinity, Watch-list, WBCR, & Throwback posts will be the same as always (if delayed, posts will be on weekends). Without further ado, let's get started on Bleach Fantasy II Round 19 ~ Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado. Take into account that Storyline and Powers/Abilities are the deciding factors. MechG & I will switch-off ever 3 rounds in giving the verdict. Let's jam!

Storyline (Kisuke)

Kisuke Urahara grew up in the Shihoin household alongside his childhood friends Yoruichi Shihoin and Tessai Tsukabishi. Around the time Yoruichi joined the Gotei 13 as the 2nd Division Captain/Commander of the Stealth Force, Kisuke soon followed and became 3rd seat under Yoruichi's division. Kisuke, being a member of the 2nd Division's Stealth Force, was the head of the Stealth Force's Detention Unit. 110 years ago, the former 12th Division Captain was promoted to the Royal Guard and Kisuke was then made the new Captain (recommended also by Yoruichi); starting the Shinigami Research & Development Institute alongside then subordinates: Hiyori Sarugaki (Lieutenant) and Mayuri Kurotsuchi (found in the Maggot's Nest ~ prison). During this time frame, Aizen began his hollowification experiments and various Shinigami, notably Captains Shinji Hirako, Love Aikawa, Kensei Muguruma, & Rojuro "Rose" Otoribashi, Vice- Captains Lisa Yadomaru, Mashiro Kuna, & Hiyori Sarugaki, and Kido Corps Lieutenant Hachigen Ushoda were affected and were on the brink of persecutiob. Kisuke, alongside Tessai uncovered Aizen's plan and tried in vain to stop him, but Aizen gracefully escaped. With his friends hollowified, Kisuke & Tessai did everything in their power to figure out a way to reverse the hollowification process ~ The Hogyoku is a key figure in dissolving the boundary between Hollows & Shinigami. As a result, Kisuke, Tessai, & Yoruichi were forced into hiding since Central 46 implemented in killing the Visored experimented by Aizen, but putting the blame on Kisuke. Sometime later, Kisuke became acquainted with Isshin Shiba, 10th Division Captain, and helped him save Masaki from hollowification. He then lived out his life in the Human World ~ starting a shop alongside Tessai and helping Isshin in his new life.

When Rukia's powers were nearly taken by Ichigo, Kisuke offered her a Gigai. However, that Gigai contained the renowned Hogyoku ~ the power to diverge Hollows & Shinigami. Kisuke became Ichigo's teacher (as well as Chad & Orihime's) in his steps to becoming a Shinigami and mercilessly taught him everything he knew. With Rukia's life in danger due to her long stay in Karakura Town & giving her powers to a stranger, Kisuke aided Team Ichigo and opened up the Senkaimon so as to save her. Kisuke gave Rukia the Gigai with the Hogyoku so as to cover all traces of its existences and in hopes to protect it from Aizen, who then figured a way to create his very own. Sometime later, Kisuke aids Ichigo in the newly made Arrancar under Aizen's tutelage. He learns of their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses so as to figure a way to prevent any more casualties of Humans & Shinigami + for research. Much like w/saving Rukia, Kisuke opened up the Gargants so that Team Ichigo can save Orihime and thwart Aizen's plan. Upon Aizen's ascension into power, Kisuke came to the aid once more to stop him once and for all alongside Ichigo, Yoruichi, & Isshin. Though Ichigo was the one who put up a good fight against Aizen, Kisuke was the one responsible for sealing Aizen rather than killing him. When Ichigo lost his powers, Kisuke aided Karin (who wants to lend a helping hand to Ichigo) and, alongside various Shinigami, manifested a sword that gave Ichigo back his powers when Rukia impaled him (much like how Ichigo impaled himself with Rukia's blade). Later during the Wandenreich invasion, Kisuke enters Hueco Mundo and begins researching and analyzing ways to prevent Bankai from being stolen.  He figured a way to aid the Captains and now is aiding Ichigo in helping out the Royal Palace from being overrun by Yhwach. 

Storyline (Seymour)

Born to the Maester of Yevon, Jyscal Guado and an unknown human mother, Seymour’s birth was originally a means to establish an even stronger relationship between the Guado and the humans. However his existence made the tension between them even more intense and he became a source of pure hatred for both. As a result of this, Jyscal asked his retainer’s wife to take Seymour and his human wife out of Guadosalam and bring them to the Baaj Island to live in exile. In childhood, Seymour went to Zanarkand with his mother so that her mother could become part of the fayth and Seymour could use her Aeon incarnate, Anima as means to defeat Sin and bring the Calm so he can win the hearts of Spira. However, Seymour was overcome with grief after losing her mother once she became one with the fayth, refusing to accept company of people and spent the rest of his life in isolation. By the time Seymour grew up, his exile was revoked and he was brought back to Guadosalam and killed his father to become leader of the Guado and become the next Maester of Yevon and he vowed to become Sin to release Spira from the suffering of existence.

Seymour first encountered Yuna and her guardians by secretly enacting a fiend attack in Luca, interrupting the blitzball tournament and used it as means to win respect by summoning Anima to vanquish them. During the conclusion of Operation Mi’ihen, Seymour protects Yuna from the Sinspawn Gui before killing it with the aid of her help and Auron’s help. Seymour then gives Yuna a little lecture that to be a summoner is to be a beacon of strength to the people of Spira. Seymour grew intrigued by Yuna’s potential and offers her to let him be her beacon. While Yuna and her guardians stayed in Guadosalam, Seymour shows a sphere of Zanarkand before its ruins and Lady Yunalesca. After, Seymour asks Yuna if he could marry him as justification that Spira needs something to celebrate in the midst of the cycle of Sin. Departing to the Macalania Temple, he notices Auron’s unsent state and said that the Guado like scent of the Farplane. As Yuna entered the Farplane to perform the sending of Jyscal, she finds out that Jyscal’s murderer was Seymour himself and Yuna accepted Seymour’s marriage proposal. As soon as Seymour and Yuna ended their Cloister of Trials in the Macalania Temple, Yuna’s guardians confronted him and killed him and defeated his Aeon, Anima. Although Seymour dies, his strong ties to Spira and Yuna’s refusal to perform the sending made Seymour an unsent. During the wedding in Bevelle, when Yuna’s guardians crashed the ceremony, Seymour labeled them as traitors to Yevon and put them on trial to the rest of the Maesters. Yuna successfully convinces the Maesters that Seymour was the one who murdered his father. Seymour then starts revealing his true intentions, killing Maester Kinoc and explaining that is goal was to use Yuna and become the next Sin to kill everyone to save Spira. Seymour transforms into Seymour Natus after absorbing nearby pyreflies of dead souls and eventually was defeated. As Yuna and her guardians ventured on in the pilgrimage, Seymour encounters again in Mt. Gagazet and overhearing about Tidus’ father, Jecht being the current incarnation, Seymour extends his offer to Tidus by freeing his father and transforms into Seymour Flux, but he’s eventually defeated and vanishes again. During the final battle against Sin, Seymour reappears again inside the beast in hopes to control it from the inside and eventually he is defeated once and for all in his Seymour Omnis form and Yuna finally sends his soul off to the Farplane.

Powers/Abilities (Kisuke)

Having found the Research & Development Institute, Kisuke is a key figure in the creation of various items such as the Hogyoku, Gigai Technology, Soul-Object Integration, Reiatsu Concealing Cloak, Tenshintai (Divine Transfer Body), Anti-Hierro Armor, Communicators, Healing Hot Springs, & the Shin'eiyaku (Shadow-Raiding Drugs). Being a former member of the 2nd Division, Kisuke is an expert  in swordsmanship, Hakuda (hand-to-hand), Shunpo, Kido, and, much like any Captain, possesses great Spiritual Pressure. Being a genius, Kisuke is always 1-2 steps ahead of his enemies as he was able to deduce Yammy's movements, figure a way to have the Shinigami retain their Bankai(s) from being stolen by the Wandenreich's amulets, and sealing Aizen before he could do anymore damage. He possesses enhanced strength, agility, durability, and, before, was a master assassin. Kisuke's true power lies in his Zanpaktou - Benihime (Crimson Princess). The Shikai abilities allow Benihime to perform Crimson-colored energy techniques such as: firing Crimson Blasts, forming a Crimson Shield, create a Crimson net that explodes upon coming in contact with something, and flinging his sword to fire Crimson attacks. His Bankai hasn't been revealed yet, but it is said to be too dangerous for training OR for helping others. 

Powers/Abilities (Seymour)

Seymour is a unique FF character because he is a temporary playable party member as well as serving as one of the main antagonists in the game. As a temporary playable character , he knows a handful of low level white magic and black magic spells and his weapon, the Seymour Staff, has the piercing ability to deal heavy damage against defensive-minded foes. His Overdrive attack, Requiem, deals some heavy non-elemental damage. As one of the main antagonist, he is fought in four forms: his mortal form, as Seymour Natus, Seymour Flux, and Seymour Omnis. As he goes from one form to another, his white/black magic spells increase in every for. His attributes/abilities add on from the previous form to the next such as having the ability to eject Yuna’s Aeons from the battlefield when summoned, and he becomes more immune to certain physical and magic attacks as well as casting deadly status ailments like Zombie in which a character is affected that using healing spells will kill him/her. In his mortal form, his Aeon, Anima fights alongside him and Anima’s most effective attack is Pain, causing instant death to a party member regardless if HP is at full strength or near depletion. 

Verdict (By MechG) 

And the winner is...

Despite Seymour’s role as one of the primary villains in in the FFX story arc, Kisuke defines a character as a man shrouded in mystery, but you just never know what he’ll bring to the table. He can sit back provide team Ichigo with enemy intel or become involved in a battle and use his genius intellect to his advantage. Not to mention when it comes to gaining their respective titles, Kisuke worked his way up in the ranks to become a respectable member of the Gotei 13 whereas Seymour killed his own father to gain the respective position as the Maester of Yevon. Gee, I wonder which person worked harder the most to get to where he is at in terms of status and/or title? Don’t get me wrong, the buildup of Seymour’s status as one of the main villains of FFX was solid. You thought he would become a main party member once being inserted as a guest character, but once his role as an antagonist became clear, he just played more like a stalker role to the main party in FFX and that’s when his plate became full from there on out. He didn’t have too many cunning or deceptive methods to show for in order to toy around with Tidus, Yuna, and the rest of the party during their quest to defeat Sin once and for all. Seymour may have four forms and a whole plethora of destructive powers/abilities as well as being a cheap @$$ boss in one of his forms, but sometimes the pen is mightier than the sword and Kisuke’s intellect in terms of strategy and tactics is just above head and shoulders and that intellect equals that of Bleach’s most notorious villain, Aizen. The guy even helped seal Aizen up to bring him back prisoner and end his reign of terror on the Soul Society for the time being. Kisuke Urahara takes the cake here. 

So who do you think won this matchup? Kisuke Urahara from Bleach or Seymour Guado from Final Fantasy X? Comment below and let us know. Reiterating again, Bleach Fantasy Round II posts will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays w/MechG & I interchanging every 3rd matchups on giving the verdict. Bleach Fantasy Round II standings (12-7):

1) Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Prishe ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
2) Uryu Ishida vs. Hope Estheim ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
3) As Nodt vs. Vincent Valentine ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
4) Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Jecht ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
5) Shunsui Kyoraku vs. Auron ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
6) Sui-Feng vs. Tifa Lockhart ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic) 
7) Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Barthandelus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
8) Sajin Komamura vs. Sin ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)

9) Toshiro Hitsugaya vs. Kuja ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
10) Tia Harribel vs. Tidus ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
11) Bambietta Basterbine vs. Rinoa Heartilly ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
12) Riruka Dokugamine vs. Ultimecia ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
13) Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Exdeath ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
14) Ginjo Kugo vs. Caius Ballad ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by MechG)
15) Coyote Starrk vs. Cloud Strife ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)
16) Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck vs. Kefka Palazzo ~ Bleach (Verdict by Stillmattic)
17) Shinji Hirako vs. Emperor Mateus ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
18) Orihime Inoue vs. Yuna ~ Final Fantasy (Verdict by Stillmattic)
19) Kisuke Urahara vs. Seymour Guado ~ Bleach (Verdict by MechG)

WBCR & Throwback are posted below.