Bleach: Episode 40

The Kenpachi-Ichigo face off ends in a draw. It is a wonder why the captain insists that he lost. Although I suspect, he means that he lost to himself. This little encounter with Ichigo sparks a bout of soul-searching resulting to an overwhelming urge to grow stronger. And I do want to see Kenpachi leveling up. What’s the use of a shounen fighting anime without massive power-ups? ;p

The mortally wounded captain is hauled off by his ever-faithful follower. She effortlessly carries the leader to a safer place, awaiting for medics to arrive. I like this pink-haired vice-captain. A capable fighter, a mascot, and a lollicon poster child rolled into one tiny cute package. Ordinarily, I’d be annoyed (and slightly creeped out) with the uber-cuteness but she’s too plain adorable not to love. It helps that she’s extremely loyal to “her Ken-chan”. Plus, she is capable of exuding a frightening aura at will. Yachiro is definitely okay in my book.

Meanwhile, Ganjuu and the klutzy-but-lovable Hanatarou sneaks in the Rukia’s prison. As soon as the gate was opened, Ganjuu realizes his mistake. The woman he is about to save is the one who admitted killing his brother. The unfolding drama is cut short when the famous Byakyuya arrives. A few passionate words from Hanatarou convince Ganjuu to fight for the same person he despises. Then cut to the catchy but increasingly annoying ED theme.

The legendary Kaien is finally mentioned. (Or if it was mentioned before, it completely went over my head.) It’s shame really. Instead of, err, substantial thoughts, the first thing that popped in my head when Rukia and Ganjuu were having a discussion was pity for Ganjuu. For someone who has a totally hawt sister and an uber-hawt brother, how come he ended up looking like that? The wonders of DNA, perhaps?