Recollection #8 (Episodes 15-16)

Kon's Great Plan (15) - There's nothing like a filler to fill in the episode after Ichigo and Uryu's battle against the horde of Hollows. Ichigo and Uryu end on neutral terms, but it doesn't necessarily mean that both are friends either. So this episode is all about Kon as he tries to run away from the Kurosaki clinic. Being stuck in a stuffed teddy bear, it's no wonder Kon is bullied by pretty much everyone. Well, he's had it and as such, shenanigans ensue. This leaves Bleach to have its fair share of filler episodes, but to me - it doesn't progress the episode or arc much. The only fulfilling scene in this episode was Rukia's departure, knowing it's too risky to continue staying in Karakura town. That's pretty much it. There's some comedy revolving around Kon's departure, Uryu has lunch with Ichigo much to his friend's confusion, and Rukia leaving behind a note of her departure. I am not a big fan of filler episodes and the only part I liked was the end, symbolizing Rukia's halcyon days are about to come to an end. It awaits Ichigo's biggest threat and what will become the stepping stones for Ichigo's growth as a character.

The Encounter, Abarai Renji (16) - This is where I can start saying Bleach is making a turn for the AWESOME! Rukia's over-welcomed stay in Karakura Town causs the 6th division captain & older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, and his lieutenant & Rukia's old friend, Renji Abarai, to take back Rukia for her sentencing. Ichigo, knowing this, tries to save Rukia, despite Rukia's note warning him to stay away. Kon, having known this, breaks the news to Ichigo, but in the meantime - Uryu encounters these Shinigami and tries to save Rukia, but to no avail. It wouldn't be long before Ichigo figures it out and encounters these two. These weren't what you'd call normal enemies. They were bent on taking Rukia back to the Soul Society for her crimes, but Ichigo didn't like that one bit. Ichigo and Renji battle it out, but Renji's Zanpaktou proved too much for Ichigo's experience and inability to call his Zanpaktou. The episode ends in a cliffhanger, where Renji did a number on Ichigo. This episode showcases Ichigo's over-estimation of his opponent and how he will have to step his game up if he wants to save Rukia and prevent the Shinigami from taking her back to the Soul Society. What will happen to our hero now that he's battling two other Shinigami who are bent on taking Rukia back to be punished for her stay in Karakura Town? Tune in next week to find out.

I hope you enjoyed my recent Recollection post and until then, you all stay classy.