Urahara's Decision, Orihime's Thoughts

Urahara's Decision, Orihime's Thoughts is the one-hundred-twenty-seventh episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: May 30, 2007
 * English Airdate: June 20, 2009
 * Opening Song: Alones
 * Ending Song: Tsumasaki
 * Manga Chapters: Chapter 227, Chapter 228, Chapter 229 (to page 6).
 * Kanji: 浦原の決断、織姫の想い
 * Romaji: "Urahara no ketsudan, Orihime no omoi"
 * Arc: The Arrancar arc

Summary
Rangiku Matsumoto arrives at Keigo Asano’s home to find Ikkaku Madarame wearing a very uncharacteristic shirt that he is putting up with because he is getting free room and board. She tells them about the King's Key, but first she has to handle Keigo coming after her. Over at the Urahara Shop, Yoruichi Shihōin brings Orihime Inoue to the training area where Sado Yasutora and Renji Abarai are fighting. Having been informed about the key by Rangiku already, Kisuke Urahara thinks that there will be many casualties when the time comes, and they will need more fighters than ever before. Inoue wants to get stronger too, but to her surprise, Urahara asks her to stay out of this. He cites one of the reasons to be Tsubaki, the offensive spirit of Inoue's Shun Shun Rikka that was completely destroyed by Yammy Riyalgo. Sado objects to this because Inoue fought with them when they were in Soul Society and because she has healing abilities, but Urahara thinks the Fourth Division are better suited to that role. When Urahara states that a soldiers who has lost his power would just get in the way, Inoue excuses herself and runs out. She unexpectedly encounters Rukia Kuchiki on her way out and breaks down in tears. After listening to Inoue’s story, Rukia takes her side even though Inoue now seems resigned to the fact that she is too weak. Rukia feels that it is unfair for Inoue to be excluded now, but Inoue sees the situation differently.

Inoue knows that she would be lonely if she were unable to fight with everyone, however she hates getting in people’s way even more, so she is okay with being lonely. Rukia responds that it is not the people who do not have strength that get in the way during a battle, but rather those who lack determination. She feels that there must be something Inoue can do and proposes that they find out what together. Their conversation is interrupted by Hiyori Sarugaki jumps between them and carries Inoue off because Hachigen Ushōda wanted to talk with her. Hiyori brings Inoue back to the Vizard training area where Hachigen introduces himself and examines her hairpins. He thinks that Orihime's hairpins are similar to a Zanpakutō and offers to heal it for her since they have similar types of abilities.

Hachi succeeds in restoring Tsubaki, and Inoue is overjoyed. However, Hachigen also suggests that Inoue not fight because their abilities are not fit for battle. When Inoue still wants to fight, Hachi advises her that what is important is not how she should but rather how she wants to. With these words in mind, Inoue steps out of the warehouse and finds Rukia waiting for her. Rukia does not require an explanation from Inoue because she can feel Ichigo’s spiritual pressure here and is content knowing that he is safe. As she leaves with Rukia, Inoue thinks to herself that she is going to move forward without looking back. When she meets Ichigo again, she hopes she will be able to fight without hiding behind him.

Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra Cifer visits Yammy, who is having his arm reattached. Yammy is not happy with it, but Ulquiorra reminds him that at least they were able to bring it back and have it reattached, unlike Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez who's arm was completely destroyed. Grimmjow had been stripped of his Espada status as a result. Yammy's Espada tattoo, the number 10, is revealed on his left shoulder. To test out his arm, Yammy immediately smacks the Arrancar nurse who healed him into the nearby wall, and still he complains about it. Sōsuke Aizen meanwhile is watching video of Inoue from the previous battle with Ulquiorra and Yammy and is intrigued by her powers.