User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch 649 - The Theatre Suicide SCENE 3/@comment-27133783-20151029083211

This ranks as one of my favorite and best Bleach chapters in terms of art and writing. This chapter felt like it was set up like an actual stage play as it delivered the highs and lows. The shock value of actually seeing Shunsui’s zanpaktou manifested behind him and the interaction between the two (I’m glad Kubo didn’t forget that). The sheer joy of seeing the X-axis seemingly get defeated poetically alongside Shunsui’s smooth soliloquy through it all before he capped it off with a lethal and equally stunning attack. The tender moment I enjoyed between Shunsui and Ohana as she embraced him in their victory. Then the horror of seeing it ripped asunder by the look of disbelief on both of their faces as the X-axis blasted Shunsui through the chest; and coming back stronger than before. Although I wanted Shunsui to win easily (like I thought had happened) due to his bankai being hyped so much I can still appreciate the route he took with this chapter. I have never stared at so many panels in disbelief and made as many faces, hand gestures, gasps, and looks for a Bleach chapter before this one and it reminded me why this is my favorite series.

As for the future, I like Nanao but I hope Shunsui wins this fight without her interference (which looks like the road we’re on since this 2nd chapter in row we haven’t seen her). We just had that with Mayuri and Nemu and by power standards I feel it would validate Shunsui being the commander without help of his lieutenant or anybody else by taking out an elite on his own.