WBCR - Return of the X-Axis (Grade: A)

As Mayuri walks away from an explosion looking like a bad@SS, he notices that Pernida's nerves managed to latch onto his legs and Mayuri was unable to walk. He noticed that both Ikkaku & Yumichika were glaring at him and went on to praise that they didn't get involved in the fight as well as being in a similar position like Kenpachi Zaraki. Mayuri also informed them that he was able to reverse the zombification of Captain Hitsugaya & Lieutenant Matsumoto. Although it took awhile, the one downside that the process shortens their lifespan, but the fact of the matter still remains ~ they are alive now and are thankful for being given a 2nd chance Ikkaku & Yumichika put both Zaraki & Mayuri in the containers Nemu left behind and thanked him wholeheartedly for having saved their Captain's life. As Mayuri's container closed, he remarked at how far he's gone and how he was able to successfully create a Konpaku (made from rudimentary scraps) that is able to evolve on its own. He wished for a day that he'd finally step out of Kisuke Urahara's shadow and all he wants to do is relish in Urahara's possible reaction to this. The question that now boggles my mind is ~ did Mayuri Kurotsuchi die? The captions say (on the side of the page): "The Father, Knowing the growth of his daughter, begins to slip into an endless dream of self-satisfaction." That quote hints that he is either recovering and it'll take time or he's so drained/wounded from his fight that he is dying in peace from his accomplishments. We see a bare-naked Nemu (very nice btw) floating above as he sleeps. I hope he'll recover because recently, Mayuri has been showing more humanity to his character. If he were to die, then it isn't necessarily a bad way to go, but he's a very pivotal character when it comes to strategies and creations that'll benefit the Gotei 13 against any threat that may arise.

Next, we see Kisuke Urahara & Captain Shunsui Kyoraku alongside Renji, Rukia, Nanao, & Shinji running around looking for possible enemy encounters. From the distance we see Sternritter "X" Lille Barro about to snipe any incoming threat that may come his way. He goes on to explain that their are lunatics, idiots, or both that just decide to charge without a moment's hesitation that it could potentially be a setup. He shoots Kyoraku and goes on to explain that he actually held Shinigami to a high standard. However, turns out that the Kyoraku that Lille shot was a fake and the real one showed up and disarmed his weapon. Now, it's a battle between Kyoraku & Barro. That concludes the chapter.

In all honesty, I dug this chapter. I loved Mayuri's quick-thinking and how much more role he's been given. People think he's just a madman, but underneath that is a man who cares for his daughter despite the fact that he'll never emit any sort of emotion indicating otherwise. It's hinted at, but never pictures on his face. Now, it seems that he & Nemu will recover or both died....who knows. If he lives, then that's good news & we get to see him come up with more tricks up his sleeve, but if he does ~ then it's a sad departure from what could've been. And finally, another fight shows up ~ Kyoraku & Barro is going to be epic (I hope). Also, it's nice to see Hitsugaya & Rangiku up again ready to kick @$$. Ikkaku & Yumichika thanking Mayuri fo saving Zaraki's life is an indicator that Mayuri has garnered much more respect after having reversed the zombification process. I give this week's chapter an A.

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 on Thursdays (when chapter's released) Until then, you stay classy as always.