RBT #19 - HUH!?

   A random yet funny moment in Bleach is a mere 9 seconds long where Hachi questions Shinji on placing a barrier. Shinji's response, I believe, is pretty damn funny - over-exaggerating Huh (or in this case Ehhhh). Like in any franchise, there'll always be those moments where it's just random + funny = comedy. And Bleach is no exception. Shinji, you funny!

WBCR - Imagination's Downfall (Grade C)

To be perfectly honest, this was the least thrilling Kenpachi Zaraki fight I've ever seen. I mean we've seen him go toe-to-toe against the likes of Ichigo Kurosaki, Nnoitra Gilga, Byakuya Kuchiki (filler), and the renowned first Kenpachi title holder - Yachiru Unohana. Although the fight against Yammy was off-screen and fighting Giriko took a mere 10-15 seconds, they at least showcased Kenpachi's badassery when Kenpachi & Byakuya teamed up and Kenpachi doing a "1 shot, 1 kill" fatality. However, with this fight - the downfall of it all was, with any cliche, the enemy's arrogance getting the better of them. The chapter, though short, has some good & some bad. The chapter can be summed up like this:

1) Gremmy summons Galaxy Room thinking Kenpachi cannot cut anything that has no form.

2) Kenpachi is tiring out Gremmy

3) Gremmy ended up killing himself because he believed Kenpachi to be an unbelievable monster.

As much as Gremmy's power is thought-provoking, it doesn't change the fact that he got way way way way too cocky and thought that by becoming an even more unimaginable monster than Kenpachi, he may have the advantage. Nope - Gremmy died realizing that it was a mistake and to add more insult to injury, it had to be around the time where Kenpachi releases his Zanpaktou. Now we may never know what his Zanpaktou can do. All we know is that it's trigger word (that's what I call it anyways is Drink - Nozarashi. We all know Kenpachi is a badass, but when you introduce a major component of the badassery - you just don't leave it left in the dark for audiences. It needs to be made aware - his power, his ferocity, and if he has (at all) a Bankai. It's like a middle finger to us - we can make theories surrounding what Kenpachi's Zanpaktou can do, but it's only a gamble if one of our assumptions is deemed accurate. C'mon Tite Kubo, tell us already! Overall, this chapter was only good because Kenpachi managed to survive the Galaxy Room & showcase that he still has a lot of fight left in him. The downfall, however, was Gremmy. Much like Mask De F****** Masculine, the fight is dragging on way too along. When you alienate the audience to just 1 fight for several chapters, you're alienating them from the story altogether and thus they either begin to lose interest or like me, want to see something different because, as I said, it's draaaaaaaaaaaging. It's like a loading screen on those old consoles - when the hell will it start or finish? So I'm going to give this week's chapter a C - it was convenient for Kenpachi, but not for Gremmy.

So what did you think of this week's chapter? Did you like it? Did you not like it? Do you think it's dragging? Do you think we should see another fight? Do you think Tite Kubo should tell us Kenpachi's true Zanpaktou abilities? Comment below and let me know. As always, look forward to WBCRs every Wednesday (unless author/series is on hiatus). Until then, you all stay classy now.

Affinity #34 - Estranged Sisters (The Kuchiki)

One of the most tragic affinities in all of Bleach is the sisterhood of the Kuchiki - Hisana & Rukia. When Rukia was just a baby, Hisana, the elder sister, abandoned her. Hisana felt guilty for leaving Rukia all alone and didn't deserve to be called "Nee-San." We don't clearly know what prompted Hisana to abandon her only family, but we do know that it inspired Byakuya to look for Rukia after Hisana's passing. What we truly will never know is Hisana & Rukia's birthparents. Another question that boggles my mind is Rukia's true surname and remember she was adopted into the Kuchiki - so what is Hisana & Rukia's surname? so many questions boggle my mind on this like - Who took care of Rukia after Hisana left her? Did Rukia live alone all this time, but if so - how did she learn to speak, feel emotion, or having spiritual awareness? All we know about the sisters is that they were born in the 78th district of Rugonkai - Inuzuri. Hisana's ability to care for Rukia may/may not stem from her deteriorating health or perhaps her inability to be a parental figure for Rukia or perhaps Hisana herself was too scared and believed running away would not only save her life, but perhaps give Rukia a chance to live a life without worrying over who she is or where she came from. I can only assume that Hisana & Rukia's parents were bad, Hisana & Rukia ran away from home, and fearing for the worst - Hisana abandoned Rukia so as to escape being found out by their birthparents. That is one explanation, but there are many theories on this. All in all, I believe that despite not knowing each other and bearing a strong resemblance to another - I think both don't deny what happened and if they could meet - they'd make up and start again. To this day, Rukia will live on as a Shinigami - carrying the Kuchiki family name and having much respect to Hisana's husband, Byakuya.

I hope you enjoyed this heartfelt and tragic Affinity that could've been. Comment below and let me know me know on what your theories are on the Estranged Sisters parting. Until then, you all stay classy now.

Bleach Fantasy Round 4: Byakuya Kuchiki vs. Auron (The Skilled, Noble, & Quiet Swordsman)

VS.

This is quite a matchup we got here. Two badasses wielding a badass blade in the name of badassery - all while staying composed, adrift, and often are notable in the words they say in Bleach & FF X. Without further ado, let us start off Monday right with Bleach's very own Byakuya Kuchiki & Final Fantasy X's very own Auron. This matchup will be judged by none other than MechG2994. The following will be compared: Backstory/Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, & Final Verdict. FF currently leads 2-1 against Bleach. Note: MechG2994's portion will be denoted in Purple (LA Lakers) & mine in Blue (Golden State Warriors). 

Backstory/Role in Story (Byakuya Kuchiki)

Sometime before his tenor as Head of the Kuchiki Clan & 6th Division Captain in the Gotei 13, he was training under the tutelage of his grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki, in hopes to strive for excellence as a bright young man capable of fostering the power and responsibility of leading the Kuchiki after his stead. During his youth 110 years ago, he had yet to adopt the aristocratic and was easily irritated as seen when former Captain of the 2nd Division, Yoruichi Shihoin, came over just to play with him. However, a part of Byakuya that is both memorable and tragic is his marriage to Hisana Kuchiki, Rukia's elder sister. As soon as Hisana fell ill and passed away, she left Byakuya with the task of finding the wherabouts of Rukia. It wouldn't be long before Byakya adopts Rukia and taker her under his care ~ changing Rukia's fate and greatly angering a one hot-headed Renji Abarai. Things became difficult when Rukia's commission in Karakura became a crime (her duration is strictly forbidden as well as adopting a Gigai body) and her own adoptive sister was to be executed. This left Byakuya at a standstill - let Justice befall upon Rukia's actions or to save the life of his dear beloved sister even if it mean going against his own name & pride. Byakuya, much like everyone else in Bleach, changed thanks to his meeting and one-on-one fight with Ichigo Kurosaki.

Byakuya and Renji first appeared in Karakura town to arrest Rukia. It was clear that Byakuya, as a Shinigami, surpassed Ichigo in all aspects as he stole Ichigo's blade & inflicted heavy damage on him. He soon took Rukia to the Gotei 13 to be trialed & executed while keeping Ichigo's team at bay from doing any further damage to Rukia or the Soul Society as a whole. Ichigo's arrival prompted several Shinigami to temporarily defect to save Rukia (the 13th & 8th Division & Renji from the 6th). Byakuya, incredibly angry with Ichigo, fights him one-on-one and tells him eventually (the fight went to Ichigo) of why he left Rukia to be executed. After a heartfelt persuasion from Ichigo, Byakuya abandoned all hopes of trying to do away with her sister. It wouldn't be long before Rukia was in trouble once more because of the Hogyoku that was implanted within her from Urahara's Gigai body. Aizen, prompting to end the Shinigami's life, was stopped when Byakuya took the initial damage from Gin's blade. Byakuya, after Aizen's defection, told Rukia of the truth behind her adoption and of her estranged and deceased elder sister, Hisana. Byakuya, from then on, would become a valuable asset to Team Ichigo - fighting 2 Espada (Zommari & Yammy), defeating Tsukishima, and become a lot stronger in his training with the 0 Division as he embarks on a journey to thwart the Wandenreich's plans. 

Powers/Abilities (Byakuya Kuchiki)

What makes Byakuya such a formidable foe is his Zanpaktou - Senbonzakura. A sword that separates into tiny segments - used as both a offensive and defensive. By swinging his Zanpaktou's hilt, he is able to control the segments floating about and inflict heavy damage on his opponents (EX: Renji, Ichigo, & Zommari). However, it is noted that Byakuya has a better understanding of his Zanpaktou after his stay with the Zero Division. His Bankai pretty much is an expansion of his Shikai's ability - obliterating anyone when his blade is split into thousands upon thousands of segments. However, in this state, a thousand blades crowd above and below Byakuya's vision as he can focus everything simply on offensive while also trying to keep his opponents at bay. He is also proficient in Shunpo & Kido ` a skill that most Captains of the Gotei 13 possess. Pretty much Byakuya's blade can be summed up from my previous and short explanation from the BH post (Hiei vs. Byakuya):

Byakuya's Zanpaktou is considered both fast and elegant, capable of doing considerable damage. Look at Renji. He lost to Byakuya in his Bankai form and survived. Same as Ichigo. Senbonzakura has done considerable damage to all of Byakuya's opponents. Not only that Byakuya is a Kido practitioner and a pretty good one at that as well as a Shunpo Expert. A combination of a deadly Shikai/Bankai ability, Kido Expert, and Shunpo Master - Byakuya mixes the elements of cool and fast. Not only that, he can foresee his opponents next move, always remains calm during a fight, and he isn't hesitant to abide by a set of rules and regulations to ensure the peace and prosperity of the Soul Society. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Auron) 

Not a lot is emphasized on Auron’s childhood and teenage years. In his adult years, he was a devoted warrior monk in Bevelle and was well-respected by the high clergy of Yevon. However, when Auron was arranged to marry a high priest’s daughter, in which he refused, he immediately fell out of favor by the clergy and the promotion among Yevon’s elite was handed down to one of his friends. Although Auron’s career turned upside-down ever since that incident, he was eventually called in by Summoner Braska as his guardian for the pilgrimage to Zanarkand to defeat Sin. Braska’s high noble character helped Auron turn back to the right way of respectability because he had so much admiration to Braska and pledged undying loyalty to him. When Braska recruited Jecht, Auron reverted back as he thought Jecht was not fit to be a guardian, but Braska proceeded to add Jecht because to Braska, it would be a unique way to defeat Sin with a bunch of misfits and polar opposites. Eventually, Auron would grow even closer to Jecht. With Braska and Jecht’s sacrifice to defeat Sin with the Final Summon, Auron was tasked with two things: to bring Braska’s daughter, Yuna, to Besaid and to be the caretaker of Jecht’s son, Tidus in Jecht’s Dream Zanarkand. Auron eventually went back to Bevelle to fulfill Braska’s request, but he was mortally wounded by Lady Yunalesca and died a slow death, but before he “died”, he passed on Braska’s request to Kimahri to take Yuna to Besaid and take care her.

Though Auron’s physical body died before the start of Final Fantasy X, his soul did not get sent off into the Farplane because he barely fulfilled Braska’s task and still has yet to fulfill Jecht’s request so he remained in Spira as an unsent soul. After the Calm (a peaceful period of Spira) since Sin’s defeat by Braska using Jecht as the Final Aeon to defeat it, Jecht becomes the new Sin, beginning a new cycle for Spira and Auron, now with a new body constructed by soul pyreflies, rode off with Sin to Dream Zanarkand to meet Tidus. With Sin destroying the Dream Zanarkand, Auron rescues Tidus and brings him out of the Dream to the real world of Spira. Auron re-appears again in Luca where Tidus was journeying along with his newfound party were tagging along Yuna’s pilgrimage. Auron eventually reunited with them during a fiend outbreak during a Blitzball tournament in Luca , but he hid his unsent state. After defeating Lady Yunalesca in Zanarkand, Auron eventually reveals his true, undead state to Tidus. After battling Sin, Seymour, Jecht, and finally Yu Yevon, Auron’s unsent state is eventually revealed to everyone as pyreflies started flowing away from him. Though his state demoralized Yuna the most, Auron tells her to continue on now that his spirit can finally have eternal rest since he fulfilled every promise, joining Braska and Jecht into the Farplane and taking Tidus with him now that the Fayth can stop dreaming Tidus with Sin was defeated.

Powers/Abilities (Auron)

Without a doubt, Auron is one of the strongest characters in the main party of Final Fantasy X and he is a badass in his own right; the shades, the mini scar on his right eye leaving it shut, and the way he carries his katana on the back of his shoulders. Most of his abilities emphasize on weakening the enemy’s normal stats and with his Sentinel ability, he can (at any random time) defend a party member whom the enemy intends its attack on. Possessing high strength, defense, and HP stats, Auron can take on stronger enemies, but he also has low speed and accuracy leaving him against faster and more versatile enemies. His katana has the Piercing ability where it can weaken more defensive-minded foes and his Overdrive special attack is Bushido and it takes on four different skills: Dragon Fang, where he jumps into the air, unleashing an explosion with his blade that inflicts damage on all enemies, Shooting Star, swiftly attacking one opponent with a heavy blow, Banishing Blade, using his alcohol on his blade, lighting it up and unleashing a powerful blow, and the Tornado, devastating twister spawning from his blade and throwing his alcohol bottle to set it ablaze. Even though he is the quietest of the group, he serves as the main party’s mentor, that particular source of veteran leadership, not to mention, he’s already dead (Fist of the North Star reference).

Verdict (By MechG2994)

And the winner is...

MechG2994 here once again to give you the verdict for round 4. There is no doubt that both characters are calm, collected, and sometimes both can be a pain in the @$$ to the hotheads in their respective universes. But all in all, the verdict was conflicting, but after further review of both, there’s no doubt in my mind that Byakuya is the victor of this fight. I really find a lot of similarities between both Auron and Byakuya, aforementioned, they’re calm in battle, both are loyal to what they firmly believe in, and both are caretakers: Auron to Tidus and Yuna and Byakuya to Rukia. Now it is true that Auron possesses what Byakuya doesn’t have: using veteran leadership towards his young party to fight on as evident in the battle with Lady Yunalesca in Zanarkand, but since this is one on one, Auron is in a lot of trouble. In terms of powers and abilities, Byakuya absolutely destroys Auron in that category for a couple reasons: Byakuya is more accurate and precise when attacking with his Zanpakto, he’s a crafty tactician, and he’s fast and agile. Like I said in Auron’s powers and abilities section, he has strength and defense, but he lacks speed and accuracy. As people would say “speed kills” and Auron would have a tough time keeping up with Byakuya, he’s going to be even deader (a satire towards Auron’s dead state). Not to mention, the thing that caught my eye about Byakuya the most is that he gets injured in one battle after another, but even if he’s injured, he still has the will to fight on, that is the mark of a true warrior! He’s on that Kobe Bryant s***, playing through the pain and injuries, win or lose and that is why Byakuya Kuchiki is the victor in my opinion (sorry FFX fans if you have to see two of your prominent characters get their @$$es handed on a silver platter for two straight BF posts, look on the bright side though, there’s still one more prominent FFX character left on my board).

So who do you think won? Byakuya Kuchiki from Bleach or Auron from Final Fantasy X? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 9am-11:59pm. As always, you all stay classy now. FF currently is tied 2-2 against Bleach. 

Bleach Fantasy Round 3: Rukia Kuchiki vs. Yuna (The Strong-willed Women)

VS.

What else can be said about these two beauties? Strong-willed, kind, loyal, confident, and have had a influence on Ichigo & Tidus. These two women will fight for what they believe in because, after all, these 2 are complete badasses. Without further ado, let's start off Friday right with Bleach's very own Rukua Kuchiki and Final Fantasy X/X-2's very own Yuna (Judged by yours truly). The following will be compared: Backstory/Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, & Final Verdict. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Rukia Kuchiki) 

150 years prior to the storyline, Rukia's older sister, Hisana, were brought up together in the 78 District of Rukongai, Inuzuri. Unable to take care of her sister, Hisana abandoned her and so a majority of Rukia's life was spent alone up until she met Renji. Rukia's chance meeting Renji & his friends flourished into a dynamic relationship ~ creating a little family, but things went downhill for the two when Rukia was adopted into the Kuchiki clan by Byakuya, later found out to be Rukia's adoptive brother & Hisana's husband. Rukia enrolled in Shin'o Academy in order to become a Shinigami alongide Renji & other Lieutenants and eventually found herself in the 13th division under Captain Jushiro Ukitake (she was admitted into the 13th division without taking an entrance exam). From here on, she developed a little crush on her lieutenant and admirer, Kaien Shiba. When Kaien Shiba became under the control of a Hollow, Kaien asked Rukia to do the unthinkable - Kill him. Following his lieutenant's request, Rukia killed both Kaien & Hollow controlling him and up until the rescue arc, had to live with the idea that she was Kaien Shiba's killer. Her relationship with Kaien is much like her relationship with Ichigo - Dynamic in the sense that both encouraged one another and have gotten stronger in terms of utilizing their Zanpaktou & becoming incredibly strong Shinigami.

During her stay and commission in Karakura Town, she met with Ichigo (who could see spirits and thus kicked Rukia). Her meeting with Ichigo, as said above, is much like Kaien Shiba's. However, her stay in Karakura Town with helping out Ichigo in fighting hollows & her Gigai body, were in jeopardy as the 6th Division Captain & Lieutenant, Renji (childhood friend) & Byakuya (older brother), took her in for her stay in the Human World. It wouldn't be until later where she learned that her Gigai body that Kisuke Urahara gave her was only a shell to hide Aizen's target - The Hogyoku. Rukia was eventually saved by Ichigo & his friends and though she's grateful for life being saved, she was ready to face execution without any regrets. After Ichigo & Byakuya's intense and badass one-on-one battle, Byakuya explained to Rukia the origins of her past - him being Rukia's adoptive older brother & of Hisana's fate. Soon after, Rukia would play a pivotal role in Bleach as Ichigo's right-hand. During the Arrancar Arc, she showcases her Zanpaktou for the first time - Sode no Shirayuki against D-roy (but was no match for 6th Espada, Grimmjow) and beating the 9th Espada, Aaroniero (who utilized Kaien's Zanpaktou and kept appearance from hollow). She helped out in Hueco Mundo by fighting Rudborrn & Yammy, but later would be saved by Ichigo's friends, Byakuya, & Kenpachi. After Ichigo loses his powers, Rukia is last seen disappearing from Ichigo's sight (this indicates that Ichigo can no longer see spirits). However, it wouldn't be long before Rukia reappears once more when Rukia restores Ichigo's power with a sword imbedded with the reiatsu of the Shinigami from the Gotei 13. She plays a more pivotal role during the bloody war between the Shinigami & Sternritter as she finally achieved Bankai ~ defeating As Nodt in the process as a result of her stay with the 0 Division & training intensely to help out Ichigo & his allies. 

Powers/Abilities (Rukia Kuchiki) 

Rukia's Zanpaktou, Sode No Shirayuki, is a ice-based Zanpaktou allows her to bring her body temperature to temperatures below zero and anything her sword comes in contact with freezes. She is able to temporarily fight in a "Dead" state due to her Zanpaktou abilities. Her Zanpaktou has a variety of attacks relating to ice called "Dances" and each has different and unique abilities such as freezing someone within her field of vision or firing ice directly at her opponents. She also has Bankai (Hakka no Togame), which allows her to reach temperatures below zero and everything around her is covered in ice (As Nodt's demise). She is also seen being proficient in Kido, Shunpo, & has gotten exceptionally stronger - going from a lower seat in the 13th Division to eventual Lieutenant. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Yuna)

Born in Bevelle to Braska and an unnamed Al Bhed mother (hence why Rikku is a distant cousin), Yuna didn’t get to know that much about both her mother and father in person. When Yuna was just four years old, her mother journeyed on a ship back to the Al Bhed Home to make amends with her older brother Cid, but tragically, the ship was attacked by the whale-like behemoth, Sin, who is believed to be created by Spira’s ancestors as punishment for relying too much on machina technology, a practice that is heavily against the teachings of Yevon. When Yuna was seven, her father, Braska, became a summoner as a result of the mother’s death and he left Yuna behind in Bevelle for the pilgrimage to Zanarkand along with his guardians, Auron and Jecht (Tidus’ father) in the quest to defeat Sin. Braska eventually defeats Sin, but sacrifices his own life and Jecht’s life in the process. On one final request, Braska asked Auron to bring Yuna to Besaid Island to spend the rest of her life living there in which Auron agreed to do but upon returning to Bevelle, he was attacked by Lady Yunalesca, a strict enforcer on the teachings of Yevon. Auron passed on Braska’s request to Kimahri. Kimahri then successfully took Yuna to Besaid where Yuna was raised in the island’s temple and grew up under the care of Kimahri, Wakka, Lulu, and Wakka’s brother, Chappu.

Okay considering Yuna’s major role as a supporting character in Final Fantasy X and as the main heroine in X-2, this is going to be quite long. So by the time, she’s all grown up, Yuna decided to be a summoner just like her father. In the Besaid temple, she, along Kimahri and Lulu, solved the temple’s Cloister of Trials, to get into the Chamber of the Fayth. In the chamber alone, she stayed there for one day in prayer to the Fayth and voila, she becomes a summoner. To show that she is indeed a summoner, Yuna showed off her first Aeon, Valefor much to the awe of the other Besaid villagers. Then along with Wakka, Kimahri, Lulu, and Tidus, Yuna departed for her pilgrimage journeying to Kilika via ship. There, Yuna performed her first sending, a dance rite for the deceased to guide the souls to rest in the Farplane mainly because a resurfaced Sin terrorized the Kilika village and almost wrecked the ship Yuna and her guardians were on, but they were lucky enough to repel the attack. Basically throughout her journey, she’s doing the sending, collecting new Aeons as well meeting with rival summoners and then her role becomes relevant again storyline-wise when she reunites with Auron in Luca, establishes a connection with Tidus, getting “kidnapped” by the Al Bhed (meeting her distant cousin Rikku), and her encounter with Seymour (yeah that’s is a lot of sh*t to cover). Particularly, after the event with the forced marriage with Seymour is where Yuna starts to question Yevon’s beliefs, which helps her relationship with Tidus grow because Tidus taught her just to believe in herself. She ultimately decides to carry on with her pilgrimage with her guardians and in a sequence of order, they fought Seymour many times, breaking the Final Summoning rite by defeating Lady Yunalesca in Zanarkand, fought Sin and traveled inside the beast, defeating Seymour a final time, defeating Jecht in the form of Braska’s Final Aeon, and finally defeating Yu Yevon all inside Sin (the amount of primary antagonists in FFX is TOO DAMN HIGH), ending Spira’s cycle of death at the hands of Sin, giving her the title as High Summoner, but losing the Fayth, Aeons, Auron, and Tidus. As the main heroine in X-2, she is a spherehunter along with Rikku and Paine collecting spheres around Spira after seeing a Tidus look-a-like in Shuyin in a sphere movie. After uncovering so many spheres, she finds out about Shuyin’s love interest in Lenne. During the battle against the ancient machina weapon, Vegnagun, Yuna channels Lenne’s spirit to ease Shuyin’s soul, in which she successfully does after besting Shuyin in battle. Then there’s the alternate ending after beating X-2 100% where Yuna reunites with Tidus in Besaid and they venture off into the Zanarkand ruins wondering if Tidus is still a dream (cue Inception bwaaaaah).

Powers/Abilities (Yuna)

In FFX, Yuna wields a rod and in X-2, she wields two guns, still looking at that, it still boggles my mind how a transition like that happens so here, I’m going to emphasize on her abilities in FFX more. In X, she has one of the highest Magic and Agility stats in the game. Well duh she’s a summoner and summoners are said to be perfectionists in the art of magic and most of her magic abilities emphasize on weakening and derailing an enemy’s full strength and magical abilities for a short period of time. As she progresses throughout her pilgrimage, she obtains Aeons (summons that resemble the Fayth to establish a deep connection with the summoner through the summoner’s prayer) under her wing to summon and there’s a total of 8 Aeons: Valefor, Ixion Bahamut, Ifrit, Yojimbo (personally my favorite Aeon because of the way you pay him up just for him to kick some serious @$$), Shiva, Magus Sisters, and Anima and all have unique powers and abilities. Her Overdrive special attack is the “Grand Summon” where she depends on her Aeons at a full Overdrive gauge to unleash a devastating attack on her opponents.

Verdict (by Stillmattic)
And the winner is...

So after evaluating these two lovely ladies, it is clear that they're backstories are quite tragic and they progressively gotten stronger over the course of their journey. Yuna's mother died and father left Yuna to embark on a quest whereas Rukia's sister abandoned her and she was later adopted into the Kuchiki clan. So why then would I go and choose Rukia as the clear winner? First off, I think Rukia's upbringing is more tragic ~ she found Renji's gang and called it the closest thing to a family, but soon everyone in Renji's gang would die ~ leaving Rukia & Renji to embark on their journey to becoming Shinigami. However, even knowing that her only family (Renji) was still out there training his @$$ off, it doesn't change the fact that her adoption into the Kuchiki clan changed her. This began Renji's hatred for his Captain, Byakuya, for taking away his only family (Rukia). With Yuna, she was eventually under the care and tutelage of Kimahri, Wakka, Lulu, and Wakka’s brother, Chappu, but with Rukia ~ all her childhood friends (except Renji) are now dead. She grew up with something she could call a family and now that they're gone ~ Rukia's purpose in life now had a void in it. And as soon as she was adopted into the Kuchiki clan, Rukia's purpose changed once more - uncovering the truth behind her sudden change in fate. This gives Rukia the advantage ~ her upbringing made her into who she was, but her fate constantly was changed - her adoption into the Kuchiki family and her meeting with Ichigo Kurosaki. With Yuna, I felt as if her life is drawn-out to the point where it's a clear path, but with Rukia ~ it was never a clear path. It was evident that Yuna's upbringing was tragic, but I found Rukia's to be downright depressing. Secondly, there powers. It's no mystery that Rukia takes the cakes on this one for one reason ~ Rukia can fight in a dead-like state. In her Shikai & Bankai form, Rukia can automatically freeze her body temperature to a point where she won't be able to feel pain and she can imbed anything in ice as she pleases (whether it's a person or just the atmosphere in general. I will admit Yuna's summonings sound badass, but what's the point of a summon if Rukia can just about freeze anything and everything? (Just saying). As much as I like Yuna's journey and summons, I will have to choose Rukia on this (sorry if I offended any Yuna fans out there). FF currently leads 2-1 against Bleach.

So who do you think won? Rukia Kuchiki from Bleach or Yuna from Final Fantasy X/X-2? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 10am-10pm. As always, you all stay classy now.

Throwback #36 - You still can't catch me, Little Byakuya

 Prior to Byakuya becoming 6th Division Captain & Head of the Kuchiki Clan, Yoruichi, the 2nd Division Captain prior to the storyline, was often teasing him. Byakuya was a hothead and lost his temper whenever the playful Yoruichi came about. However, years passed and Byakuya, being head of the Kuchiki house & being a Captain-class Shinigami, acts dignified, noble, and professionally. So this fated meeting should come to no surprise as Yoruichi comments that Byakuya has grown and isn't as playful or rash as he once was in the past. Yoruichi's Shunpo is still incredibly legendary amongst the Shinigami, but so has Byakuya's. However, Byakuya wasn't able to catch up to Yoruichi's speed as she sped off with Ichigo to train him in achieving Bankai. In the years they've known each or how one has matured, it doesn't change the fact that Yoruichi's Shunpo is still faster than Byakuya's.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback (sorry again for not posting last week's). Today's Bleach Fantasy post will be up sometime later & will be judged by yours truly. Until then, you all stay classy now Bleach fans.

RBT #18 - Tensions (Kisuke Urahara & Sui-Feng)

  In the Bount Arc of Bleach, we see a rare opportunity meeting with Kisuke Urahara, former 12th division Captain, and Sui-Feng, current 2nd division Captain. And let me tell ya, Sui-feng HATES Urahara's guts. As we all know Sui-Feng harbors a hate for Urahara because he took Yoruichi away from her during the whole Visored fiasco. You all know that Sui-Feng has the hots for Yoruichi and a man (Urahara) getting in her way ~ that's the last straw right there. So it's quite funny to see something add fuel to the fire - Sui-Feng actually having to talk to Urahara. She even went so far as threatening him if something were to happen Yoruichi, but we all know deep down - Urahara can handle whatever Sui-Feng has up her sleeve. It's a one-sided love triangle - Sui-Feng loves Yoruichi & Yoruichi and Urahara are childhood friends.

I hope you enjoyed this week's RBT. Look forward to tomorrow's Throwback + BF Post. Until then, you all stay classy now.

WBCR - Bye Bye Meteorite! (Grade A)

A huge @$$ meteorite is plunging towards Soul Society. Both allies and enemies are fearful for their lives. Who can possibly save the day and be a badass at the same time? Who better than to call the Demon himself - Kenpachi Zaraki. At the start of the chapter, both the Shinigami & Sternritter are wondering what the hell Gremmy is doing, but it wouldn't be long before our hero & badass, Kenpachi, releases his Zanpaktou. Drink - Nozarashi is the name of Kenpachi's Zanpaktou and as seen in the last couple pages, the Meteorite is no more. This is where Bleach fans are speculating what his Zanpaktou can do. Does it allow him to absorb anything? Does it destroy anything & condense it into reishi for Kenpachi to absorb? OR is it perhaps a big @$$ mother****** blade that can cut through anything while his sword strengthens? Those are my speculations anyways and I do hope Tite Kubo expands on what his sword can do. 50/50 one of the many Bleach fans out there are probably spot-on on their speculation of what Kenpachi's sword can do, but in the meantime - it's a sight to see. That big @$$ sword is the size of Love's Tengumaru (in Shikai) & it's quite something to be expected from the Demon himself. He's like an executioner - destroying anything in its path so long as the job's done. Near the end the chapter, Kenpachi & Yachiru's time together is depicted ~ showcasing that neither had names in the beginning. The chapter can be summed up in 3 components:

1) Shinigami & Sternritters are fearful of Gremmy's imagining of a Meteorite plunging towards Soul Society (which destroys the Shakonmaku) that pretty much can do considerable damage on both sides - ally or enemy.

2) Drink - Nozarashi

3) Bye Bye Meteorite

That sums up the chapter pretty much. What will Gremmy do now? Do the Sternritter doubt leaving Gremmy in the hands of Kenpachi Zaraki? What does Kenpachi's sword REALLY do!? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on Kenpachi's Zanpaktou abilities + overall thoughts on chapter. Anyways, I dug this chapter because it finally showcases Kenpachi's Zanpaktou and that the destructive imaginary powers of Gremmy are too much for the Shinigami and even the Sternritters to comprehend. I saw no problems whatsoever with thsi chapter ~ probably because Kenpachi is such a badass. I give this week's Chapter an A. As always, look forward to WBCR every Wednesday (unless no chapter) and you all stay classy now.

Affinity #33 - 8 masks, 1 family

In Bleach, you could say that they're a lot of species - Human, Shinigami, Quincy, Mod Soul, Bount (filler), Zanpaktou Manifestations (filler), and Hybrids (of Shinigami & Quincy). However, there is one group of people I want to talk about because they had a profound influence on our main hero ~ The Visored. These masked fighters showed up after Aizen's defection, forewarning Ichigo of the Hogyoku, the Arrancars under Aizen's command, and wanting to help Ichigo suppress the inner hollow within him. The Visored in one word are a family - there's the bickering younger sisters (Mashiro & Hiyori), the responsible older sister (Lisa), the bickering brothers (Love & Rose), and the responsible brothers (Shinji, Kensei, & Hachigen). These 8 combined create a formidable force of epic proportions - having powers that are on par with Arrancars. When it came to meeting Ichigo, it was like a new addition to the family was added ~ the little bickering troublesome brother of the Visored. I like this family because through thick and thin ~ they always stood together as 1, protecting each other, caring for one another, and ensuring that no one fights alone. That is what the Visored encompass (in my opinion) ~ A united family full of responsibility, fun, and togetherness. Even after escaping persecution from Central 46, they still found a way to stick together, control their inner Hollow, and later partake in their revenge against Aizen. They're neither friend nor enemy, but rather are on Ichigo's side because, after all, that's their little brother who'll save the day. Visored ~ 8 masks, 1 family. Well, with Ichigo ~ let's make it 9 masks, 1 family.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity & my apologies for not posting last week's Throwback. Every Friday, there'll be 2 posts - Friday's weekly Throwback & a Bleach Fantasy post. As always, you all stay classy now and look forward to Affinities every Tuesday.

Bleach Fantasy Round 2: Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Kefka Palazzo (The Clowns)

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Hope you've been following up on MechG2994 and I's collaboration on Bleach Fantasy Royal Rumble Smack-down Slamma-Jamma Bonanza (Bleach Fantasy for short). So far FF current leads 1-0 against Bleach. However, there are more BF posts to come every Monday & Friday all throughout April-May (posted between 10am-10pm). So today's BF matchup is the clownish appearances of FF's Kefka Palazzo & Bleach's Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Destructive, flamboyant, and bursting with cruelty - these 2 clowns put the F*ck in "Oh F*ck, not clowns!" So without further ado, let's start off Monday with the Clowns ~ Backstory/Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, & Verdict (by MechG2994)

Backstory/Role in Story (Mayuri Kurotsuchi)

Not much is emphasized on Mayuri's upbringing, but we do know that he wasn't the original 12th Division Captain. 110 years ago, Mayuri was locked away in the Maggot's Nest - an underground prison (although it's unconfirmed on why he is in the Maggot's Nest, it is assumed he is enough of a threat to be locked away). There'll be that fateful day where he meets face-to-face with Kisuke Urahara, the-then Captain of the 12th Division who wanted to create the Research & Development Institute. His meeting with Kisuke to join his side allowed him to be free from prison, but if something were to happen to Kisuke ~ Mayuri would assume command of the 12th division. 9 years later, Mayuri, alongside Kisuke (12th Division Captain) & Hiyori (Lieutenant) would become the 3 leading heads of the 12th division. It wouldn't be long before the Visored (Hollowfication of Shinigami) took place and Kisuke, Tessai, Yoruichi, & the Visored experiments (Hiyori, Shinji, Kensei, Love, Rose, Lisa, Mashiro, & Hachigen) were banished from the Soul Society to escape persecution by Central 46. Years later, Isshin Shiba (Ichigo's father) was being questioned (notably the Head Captain & Mayuri himself) on the sudden appearance of a mysterious Hollow, reporting that it was unexpected while at the same time hiding the fact that Isshin met with a Quincy. Mayuri also conducted experiments on Soken Ishida, Uryu Ishida's grandfather/mentor.

During the Rescue Arc, Mayuri is seen alongside the other Captains in determining what to do with the Ryoka (Ichigo, Orihime, Uryu, Chad, & Ganju). Mayuri, curious to fight and conduct experiments on any of the Ryoka, fought against Uryu where he told him of his experimentation on Soken and his disinterest in the Quincy. This greatly outraged Uryu as he angrily fought Captain Mayuri and found himself to be in a touch situation where Mayuri's Zanpaktou was puncturing Uryu's nerves & was poisoning/weakening him. However, after over-extending his Quincy powers, Uryu managed to do a number on Mayuri, but it wasn't enough to do away with him completely as Mayuri liquified his body to escape Uryu's attacks. During his recovery from his fight with Uryu, Mayuri overheard of Aizen's defection from the Soul Society as well as his intentions from the start, but this didn't interest Mayuri one bit. Way way way later in Bleach, Mayuri shows up in Hueco Mundo to assist Uryu & Renji in fighting the 8th Espada in Aizen's army, Szayelapporo Granz. Mayuri, deceiving Szayelapporo Granz into thinking he was getting overwelmed by the Espada's abilities, eventually defeated the Espada by implanting  him with the Superhuman drug, slowing down a person's perception of time (it can make 1 second look like 100 years), After defeating the Espada, Mayuri & his artificial daughter/lieutenant, Nemu, opened up the Garganta in Hueco Mundo to assist the Captains & Ichigo in finding their way back to the Soul Society & Karakura Town. Sometime after Aizen's defeat and imprisonment, a new enemy known as the Wandenreich show up to start war against the Shinigami. Mayuri began analyzing and gathering information on the Wandenreich as well as informing Ichigo that a broken Bankai can no longer be considered a Zanpaktou. He is seen working alongside Nemu on an unknown experiment (probably a weapon/weakness against the Wandenreich) and is met by his former superior, Kisuke Urahara. 

Powers/Abilities (Mayuri Kurotsuchi)

An innovative captain, Mayuri has plenty of tricks up his sleeves. He has created drugs (both antidotes and lethal substances), sensors/monitors, can repair just about anything, traps (EX: a landmine Uryu used), and is adept in chemistry and strategy. What makes Mayuri a scary person to confront is his ability to discern an opponent and instilling fear just by analyzing them thoroughly. His Zanpaktou, Ashisogi Jizo, is capable of severing brain signals from the neural impulses and its Bankai form produces a poisonous gas that is lethal when inhaled. Out of all the Captains in the Gotei 13, Mayuri is the most creepiest one of all and you can't really tell if he's ready to be your ally or your friend. As a Captain, he is neither enemy nor friend - but a madman. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Kefka Palazzo)

Nearly sixteen years before the official plot setting of Final Fantasy VI, Kefka was a test subject for an experiment to develop the first ever Magitek Knight. It was a risky experiment at first because nobody knew how successful it would be. What if the experiment goes wrong and something happens? That’s always a question to ask. Nonetheless, the experiment went on to be performed on Kefka and it proved somewhat to be a successful. Although he did gain great magical powers and abilities, he lost his sanity in the process. Serving as the right hand man of Gestahlian Emperor, Gestahl in the World of Balance, Kefka showed that he was more than just a mere clown and court jester for the Empire. He was a cruel, ruthless, and destructive madman; anybody who speaks against him or the empire itself, will surely fall into his ruthless and deceptive acts. Along with General Leo Christophe, Kefka became one of the spearheads of the Gestahlian military, boosting himself as one of the Empire’s most powerful figures. Kefka was also had a knack for testing things as he used a control device called the Slave Crown and placed it on Terra Branford, the game’s renowned protagonist and used her successfully to kill nearly fifty imperial soldiers.

When Kefka sent Terra to the location of Narshe to acquire a frozen esper (a mystical figure when a human comes in contact with magic), that esper awakened and destroyed the Slave Crown on Terra, freeing her from Kefka’s control. When Kefka heard this, he enacted a relentless search and pursuit to reclaim his “toy doll.” In Kefka’s first search point of Figaro Castle, the castle’s ruler, King Edgar, concealed Terra’s whereabouts, but little did Kefka know he was keeping her in hiding with members of the Returners (the rebellion group against the Gestahlian Empire). As a result, Kefka saw through Edgar’s lies and had the castle burned down, but Edgar escaped with Terra and the Returners and Kefka was livid. During the invasion of the Kingdom of Doma, we see Kefka fully display his ruthless behavior as well as the power struggle between him and General Leo for control of the Gestahlian army. Leo wanted to take down the kingdom with no casualties; Kefka wanted the whole population to die by poisoning the waters. When Leo was called in to report to Emperor Gestahl, Kefka ordered the imperial troops to dump the poison and it was successfully dumped, spelling disaster. Kefka then lead the forces back to Narsche to claim the once frozen esper, roaming the location, but his plan was successfully repealed by Terra and the Returners, but he wasn’t done yet. Busy torturing espers, hearing stories about activating the Warring Triad (three mythical statues representing magical gods) and using dead espers’ magicite to restore it, Kefka grew even more insane and ambitious. He finally kills General Leo, assuming full control of the imperial army and as him and Emperor Gestahl reached the Warring Triad on the Floating Continent, he used the Triads to kill off his former master and Kefka stood alone, gaining the power as a magic god, destroying the World of Balance, and creating a towering structure over the world filled with monsters. Though the world ended, Terra and the Returners still found a sense of hope. As they reached the tower, both tried to restore Kefka’s sanity in vain, but they eventually defeat him, restoring a world now able to thrive without magic.

Powers/Abilities (Kefka Palazzo)

“What a clown, what a freak, this guy’s a fool.” Yeah try saying that to Kefka in front of his face, he will find you and kill everybody in sight to no end just to reach you…and kill you. Aside from his lovable insanity, Kefka may look weak and easily vulnerable. He can feel pain, but that pain easily gets him pissed off even more. As the game progresses however, his power increases and he grows even stronger. He knows a handful of powerful magical spells due to the fact that he is a Magitek Knight experiment.  When he gains power of the espers, his already given powerful magical spells grow stronger and he learns new spells like creating illusions and disabling the powers of the espers due to his immunity as he absorbs their abilities. In controlling the Warring Triad, Kefka becomes an almighty god of magic, his clown face becomes demonic, his body becomes muscular, and he has both angelic and demonic wings. In god form, he can manipulate reality, performing things like elemental, power, and magical manipulation and absorption as well as using the Light of Judgment, a devastating celestial beam that can destroy a whole lot of towns that defy his authority. Overall, Kefka is a cold motherf***** who has no regard for any kind of life.

Verdict (by MechG2994)
And the winner is...

MechG2994 here. Alright, after evaluating these two freaks (in a good way), they both demonstrated why they’re the creepiest and the maddest characters in the respective Bleach and Final Fantasy universes. However, there can only be one, and it was a no brainer that Kefka wins this matchup in my opinion. I think the fact that Kefka was an experiment subject will be used to Mayuri’s advantage, but everything else that Kefka will do, would prove to be too much for Bleach’s mad scientist. There’s no denying that Mayuri is deceptive and a really intellectual Shinigami capable of pulling off over-the-top antics, tricks, and traps, not to mention, he’s a mad scientist/chemist, but what can science, research, and cheap tricks perform on a magic god? Clearly, Mayuri is neither enemy nor friend, which makes him hard to trust, however Kefka, as we all know, is 100% evil and has no remorse on the meaning of life. He poisoned a whole population’s water and he destroyed a whole world, HE DESTROYED A WHOLE WORLD! He did something that most FF villains tried to do but failed, destroy a whole freakin’ world before the heroes could come in and save the day! I’ve seen a lot of articles debating whether or not Kefka or Sephiroth is the best FF villain of all time and I can see why a case is made for Kefka. The dude puts the fear of clowns and jesters to a whole new level; he is the Joker of Final Fantasy with magical and godly powers just wanting to see the world burn. Not putting down Mayuri’s abilities and impact as a character in Bleach or in Anime as a whole, but Kefka’s character is the pure embodiment of chaos, insanity, destruction, and downright creepiness and that is why FF6’s Kefka Palazzo is the clear victor in my verdict.

So who do you think won? Mayuri Kurotsuchi from Bleach or Kefka Palazzo from Final Fantasy VI? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 10am-10pm. As always, you all stay classy now. Friday's BF post will be judged accordingly by yours truly. FF is currently leading 2-0 against Bleach. 

Bleach Fantasy Round 1: Uryu Ishida vs. Zack Fair (Bow vs. Sword)

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Welcome everybody to Stillmattic & MechG2994's first ever Bleach Fantasy Post. If you haven't been notified, Bleach Fantasy is a collaboration Fight Night Rumble between Bleach & Final Fantasy (from most titles). Much like Bleach Hakusho month, Bleach Fantasy will go for 2 months between April-May. However, the fights are scheduled on Mondays & Fridays and are posted when convenient for MechG2994 & myself. So the aim is to post Bleach Fantasy posts between 10am-10pm. However, the main difference between BF (Bleach Fantasy) & BH (Bleach Hakusho) is that the fights are chosen at random. This means that the 32 names listed will be chosen by MechG2994 & myself and every Monday & Friday (unless specified) ~ we'll take turns deciding the victor of the fight. For example, this is our first Bleach Fantasy post and I will decide who'll win between Bleach's Uryu Ishida & FF's Zack Fair. On Monday, MechG2994 will choose between the Bleach + FF Character AND he decides the victor. So we're pretty much judging each fight, picking up Bleach + FF characters at random, and every other Monday & Friday one of us will decide the fate of who'd win in a fight - Bleach or FF. The following will always be posted on the fights: Backstory, Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, & the Verdict. Without further ado, let us start our first Bleach Fantasy Royal Rumble Slamma-Jamma Tournament!

Backstory/Role in Story (Uryu Ishida)

Uryu Ishida is/was considered the title "The Last Quincy" for being a rare breed, an enemy of the Shinigami. This dates back to his father, who had a fond loathing of Shinigami (EX: Isshin) as well as his Grandfather, Soken, who was killed by hollows and dissected by Mayuri Kurotsuchi because the reinforcements from the Shinigami came too later (under orders from Mayuri). Since then, Uryu has harbored a specific hatred for Shinigami and wants to prove that the Quincy are a superior race unbeknownst to him of the origins of the Shinigami & Quincy (later would be told). Uryu attends the same school as Ichigo and since learning of his Shinigami powers (from Rukia), Uryu treats him coldly and believes he is a nuisance, disgrace, and a mockery of Shinigami. It wouldn't be long before Uryu befriends Ichigo, but still they bicker over disputes amongst each kind. Uryu's hatred for Shinigami is personified in his merciless killing of hollows, but later - Uryu warms up to the Shinigami as not all are bad. He soon joins Ichigo alongside Chad, Orihime, Rukia, & Renji in fighting off various enemies before embarking on his own, alongside Yhwach, in eliminating the Shinigami for unclear purposes. Apart from being part of Team Ichigo, Uryu is notable as being the 2nd strongest member of their team and as a Quincy, is knowledgable and calculative when it comes to fighting his opponents. 

Powers/Abilities (Uryu Ishida)

Uryu, when it comes to his bow and arrows, is precise, much like a marksman. He is able to stand on par with Captain class Shinigami Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Espada Yammy, and Bount Yoshi. Next to Ichigo, Uryu is the 2nd strongest member of Ichigo's group. What makes Uryu such a formidable opponent is his ability to discern, much like Kurama, opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Prime examples was figuring on former Espada Cirucci Sanderwicci's attack patterns when in her Resurreccion, Bount Yoshi's abilities in her Doll, or planning ahead a booby trap for Espada Yammy. Uryu was at his strongest when he fought Mayuri, but since then, he's grown stronger, mastering Reishi absorption, Hirenkyaku (speed), Ginto (similar to Kido), and is versatile in the utilization of his bows and arrows. Uryu, however, has had his fair share of losses - Kaname Tosen & the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra. As a proud Quincy, Uryu prides himself in his abilities and it clearly showcases that he isn't someone to underestimate, considering he holds the highest title in the Sternritter. 

Backstory/Role in Story (Zack Fair) 

Throughout his early life, Zack had aspiring dreams of joining the ranks of SOLDIER and become a 1^st class member. When he was around thirteen years old, he secretly left his home town of Gongaga without informing his parents that he was going to live out his dreams of being part of Shinra’s prestige military force. Who wouldn’t? In enlisting in SOLDIER, Zack was under the guidance of a 1^st class member, Angeal Hewley, who trained and fought with Sephiroth and Genesis (we all know Sephiroth was skillfully good in his early years as a 1^st class SOLDIER member, but Angeal and Genesis were just as good, but not better). Under Angeal’s guidance, Zack managed to move up the ranks of 2^nd class easily. Angeal played a really influential figure in Zack’s life due to the fact that Angeal represented a real sense wisdom and honor and Zack grew inspired and wanted to be just like him (later in Crisis Core, Angeal would hand over his prestigious Buster Sword to Zack). Placed under Lazard Deusericus in the 49^th floor of Shinra HQ, Zack makes a couple of friends with SOLDIER members, including fellow 2^nd class member, Kunsel, who taught him the basic foundations and principles of Shinra.

Though Zack did not play a prominent role in Final Fantasy VII, he was still an essential figure in Cloud’s character development because Cloud, in the majority of FF7, had Zack’s memories and persona and Cloud was struggling to find himself. In Crisis Core, we know more about Zack’s character and upbringing to the ranks of SOLDIER. He was sent to Wutai for his first mission to search for Genesis and that mission continued on into Midgar. While at Midgar, Zack meets Aeris in the Sector 5 church and the two became acquainted with one another (don’t cry Cloud X Aeris lovers). After Midgar, Zack headed to Modeoheim where he met Cloud for the first time as an infantryman and a prominent bromance started. He then fought his mentor in the form of an experimented monster and manages to defeat him. Aforementioned, Zack receives the Buster Sword, eventually becomes a first 1^st class SOLDIER member, and everybody starts to look up to him because he was the last of his class. He becomes a key witness to the burning of Nibelheim after Sephiroth went mad after finding out about his “mother” Jenova in Mt. Nibel’s Mako Reactor. Zack did challenge Sephiroth, but Sephy’s inhuman strength overpowers him. After, both Zack and Cloud were captured by Hojo and held captive for four whole years in the Shinra Mansion for Hojo’s experiment to create a Sephiroth clone. Zack was unaffected by the experiment and escaped with a Mako poisoned Cloud and the two went into hiding. While hiding, Zack finds and fights Genesis, defeating him and helping him regain his pacified state. Four years went by, Aeris has been sending a bunch of letters, Zack quickly ventures with Cloud to Midgar to see her. However, before reaching Midgar, the two were ambushed by Shinra soldiers and Zack sacrificed himself to save Cloud’s life. Near death, Zack passed down the Buster Sword to Cloud and proceeded his way into the Lifestream.

Powers/Abilities (Zack Fair) 

During his training as a SOLDIER 2^nd class member, it’s already that Zack had the natural physique and abilities that were expected of a SOLDIER member. As his training went on and he was prompted to 1^st class, he became a master swordsman in his own right, well it’s almost a given that the most notable SOLDIER members are master swordsmen. He has fought Sephiroth, Genesis, and his own mentor, Angeal, and as mentioned, those three were the most skillful 1^st class members and great swordsmen in their own right and it’s also mentioned that Zack took on an entire division of the Shinra army, quite a formidable resume right there. Aside from his mark as a great swordsman, wielding a regular SOLDIER sword then later, the Buster Sword, Zack is very knowledgeable in the use of Materia (you know casting elements like ice, fire, lightning, casting summons) and the art of Materia Fusion and he’s pretty much a sure shot marksman due to his expertise in using the sniper rifle. A rare feat of Zack is that he can copy Limit Breaks of characters he meets along the way in Crisis Core (examples: Healing Wave is a duplicate of Aeris’ Healing Wind, Meteor Shots is a duplicate of Cloud’s Meteorain, Eight Sword Flash is a duplicate of Sephiroth’s Octaslash, etc.) as well as having a limit break of his own called the Chain Slash, a deadly five hit sword attack combo.

Verdict (by Stillmattic)

And the winner is...

After evaluating both characters, I can quickly say that Zack Fair, in terms of character development, powers/abilities, and his noble sacrifice in saving Cloud - is the clear winner. For Uryu, some can argue that he's a unique character where others can say he is, what I'd like to call, a "card-board cutout." What I mean by this is Uryu, despite being a pivotal character in Bleach, is dull, predictable, and his hatred for Shinigami stems from the stereotype that Shinigami are @$$holes, but that is not the case. I didn't find Uryu to be all that interesting and, this is not me being bias, but he is pretty much a Sasuke Wannabe (A Naruto character for those of you who don't know). Uryu may be a genius, but when it came to his fights - I wasn't a big fan. You could argue that Uryu is the 2nd strongest of Ichigo's group, but it doesn't change the fact that his character offers very little until just now in his appearance alongside the Wandenreich, With Zack Fair, I found not only his journey to be more worthwhile than Uryu (since Uryu does follow Ichigo and is therefore not the central point of Bleach) - but he's more of a liable character and this only stems from the fact that he fought the best of the best- fighting off 1st Class Members AND even took down an army. HE TOOK DOWN AN ARMY, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? AND HE CHALLENGED THE RENOWNED SEPHIROTH, ZACK FAIR IS A BADASS! Can Uryu do that? No. Can Uryu challenge the best of the best and win? No. Can Uryu match wits with Ichigo? No. Can Uryu's Bow do considerable damage? Yes, but in my personal opinion with no bias whatsoever - Sword beat Bow anyday. Zack Fair pursued forward and reached the top up until his noble sacrifice for Cloud - THAT is the definition of a real hero. With Uryu, nope - he's a follower and a wannabe smartass. Sorry Bleach fans, but as much as I like a lot of characters in Bleach - Uryu doesn't cut it in this fight against the clear victor - badass swordsman, loyal friend, and protagonist in FF: Crisis Core - Zack Fair. 

So who do you think won? Uryu Ishida from Bleach or Zack Fair from Final Fantasy Crisis Core? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to Bleach Fantasy posts every Monday & Friday (unless specified) around 10am-10pm. As always, you all stay classy now. Monday's BF post will be judged accordingly by MechG2994.