![one shot sword command one shot sword command](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3f/c2/ce/3fc2cefe6e4e909e81437ff41086f01e.jpg)
The idea of the Konso Reisai, although completely new, also sits nicely into the lore of Bleach. I had my expectation low to save myself disappointment from expecting too much, but I can’t imagine many would feel underwhelmed by what actually followed. If that was all this was I would have been satisfied. When I heard about this anniversary one-shot I was expecting it to be much like this: a lot of familiar faces just enjoying a peaceful life, being funny and silly. It was quite surreal actually seeing all the captains and lieutenants interacting within manga panels after resigning myself to never seeing it happen again, but Kubo has given us this gift and I couldn’t be happier! The fan in me loved seeing everyone pop up and give their bit, bantering with others and reminding why I like them all so much. I loved how Mayuri was used in this chapter, both for his humour in his new invention, but also how it served as a nice way to get a glimpse of most of the Gotei 13 and their division barracks (something we didn’t see from many of them in the series). While he may be the most morally bankrupt ‘good guy’ in the series, he’s up there as the most entertaining and acts as a good outlet for Kubo to go wild with his fashion and whatever scientific concepts he wants without limits. If any of you remember my posts from when the Bleach manga was running in its final years, you would know Mayuri is my absolute favourite character. It isn’t Bleach if Mayuri hasn’t had a sensational outfit change. Time has passed but the characters are still doing their thing, and I love to see it. Not only her, but every returning character in this chapter feels correct, like they’re exactly where they should be, doing what we expect they would. Ichika, on the other hand, isn’t quite as pivotal to the overarching story here, but the way she fits like a glove into the world of Bleach is nice to see. Now I’m just imagining him sneaking out at night, travelling to the depths of Hell and chilling with shinigami and twisted hollows of distant past, not thinking twice about the ramifications of his actions. Only two years before this one-shot he stuck his hand in a hole in the wall and eradicated the last of an almighty genocidal god, and now he’s transporting innocent souls to the depths of Hell, which he promises is fine because “everyone’s in there”.
![one shot sword command one shot sword command](https://gamewith-en.akamaized.net/article/thumbnail/rectangle/8164.jpg)
It does appear Kazui is an important individual in the universe of Bleach already, but what more can you expect of the child of Ichigo and Orihime, two of the most broken characters in this world? From what we see of him, he seems cute, cheerful, and is fantastic at sticking his nose where it probably shouldn’t. Kazui and Ichika get their fair share of screentime, as you’d expect, but they’re not the main characters of this story – this is still about Ichigo and Soul Society and everyone else as well. Of course, there’s the timeskip and the status quo has changed forever, but this still feels Bleach and not Bleach: Next Generations or even a sequel, per say.
ONE SHOT SWORD COMMAND SERIES
What once was the definite end to the series now feels like the end of one chapter, and this the beginning of the next. What stood out after reading the first few pages was just how naturally this continues from the ‘final’ chapter of 686. That’s cute, he’s opening a roaring mouth to the underworld. In all seriousness, this opening page actually served as a good reflection of the main theme being explored here (which has always existed in Bleach): balance – the balance of power, and of what happens when the powerful vanishes and the weak overtakes and becomes stronger and the roles reverse, and the consequences that come from that shift. I never thought I’d see the day or say the words, but there’s a new Bleach chapter this week! It’s been five years since the controversial and sudden ending to my favourite manga, and like many I hadn’t ever thought it possible that Tite Kubo would return to this story beyond the occasional artwork and a season of Burn the Witch (which is also a lot of fun and I’d highly recommend if you haven’t tried it already) but what a gift to receive on the 20th anniversary, and in very Kubo-fashion it begins with a monologue about dying goldfish.