Ichigo and Renji are fed by Kirio Hikifune, she becomes thin, gives one plot point, then sends the boys on their merry way. That's pretty much all that happened.
The Good
There are some sight gags, lots of shonen-style eating, and large breasts. That sums up about 90% of the chapter's content. Other than that, it was nice to finally learn what qualifies all these Zero Squad members for this prestigious position. Seems they all contributed something incredible and unique to the Soul Society. In Kirio Hikifune's case, she was the original mind behind the Artificial Mod Souls. I thought this was going to lead to a deeper understanding of Kon, but it went nowhere.
The Bad
I was astounded by how utterly pointless so much of this chapter felt. Ichigo and Renji have this ridiculous landing from their previous stay with Tenjirou Kirinji. It's just a set up for a pointless sight gag of using Kon as a cushion. Basically, all that happens is that Kirio makes them an impossibly large meal, they eat, get their reiatsu back, she becomes remarkably thin, tells them she made mods souls, then she sends them to go get their zanpakuto repaired. Is Kubo even trying, or is he just trying to draw out this final arc?
This does raise one question for me. Anyone who has had a big Thanksgiving Day dinner knows the side effect of such a carb heavy meal can have. Carbohydrates are basically processed like sugars, and that's why you get the crash later in the day. I have to wonder what sort of side effect reiatsu filled meals would have along with all the empty carbs these guys just stuffed down?
Is it her reiatsu in the food, or does she just use up so much while cooking these special meals? Wouldn't you feel kind of grossed out that much of her body's mass is what's in the food you were eating?
Verdict 2/5
This sort of chapter is why I always felt that BLEACH reads better collected in volumes than by individual chapters. So much of this is just an extended gag about a fat woman suddenly becoming thin, but her breasts seem to retain their size. I'm not against some of Kubo's breasts humor. I thought some of his Matsumoto and Yoruichi scenes can be really funny, but they were just a part of the chapter and not what the entire plot is built around. This was such a disappointment after that bombshell they dropped last chapter.
Next week is the Christmas break. I'm not sure there will be a review up. On that same note, I'm also not even sure there will be a SHONEN JUMP published next week. That would make a review not only pointless but impossible. Happy Holidays, everyone.
-Kristoffer Remmell ( FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek.- Follow for news updates: @FoxxFireArt
So Tenjirou Kirinji pulling a Alvida (wish I can lose weight like that)
Now, I'm wondering why didn't Urahara get promoted to Zero Division? He created the Hōgyoku, Tenshintai and Tenkai Kecchu. Those was a lot better then making a hot spring or candy souls (I'm so mad)
@Destinyheroknight: You can't promote exiled Shinigami to the zero division.
@Acura_Max:
I was talking about before he got exiled, he created both the Hōgyoku and Tenshintai before the exile. (and those was better then soul candy and the hot spring)
I don't think it is worth questioning Kubo's intentions with Bleach anymore. You're either in or you're out
Kirio Hikifune being skinny; saw that coming miles away (at least Ichigo and Renji's reaction did make me lol) but creepy sunglasses dude being the man behind the Zanpaktou....now that I didn't see coming !