I never really liked Soi Fon anyway...

Warning: This post contains spoilers! Read at your own risk!

It’s time for another review of Bleach’s 181st episode. It’s the best one yet, for a couple of reasons. 1) The filler arc is coming close to ending, and 2) we get to see some of Soul Society’s finest in action. That last episode with the fake hollow sightings wasn’t enough, but this episode makes up for it.

Ichigo, Rukia, Kenyruu, and Enryuu heads to Soul Society hoping to save Princess (Hime-sama / 姫様) Lurichiyo Kasumi-Ooji from getting married to the clone (personality wise) of Hanatarou. If she gets married, old man Kumoi will take advantage of her, the wealth of the Kasumi-Ouji clan, and Soul Society. Arriving at her wedding, Ichigo and company (sans Chad, Uryuu and Orihime) are stopped in their tracks from none other than Squad Two Captain Soi Fon, Vice Captain Omaeda, and her soldiers!

Rukia explains to Soi Fon that the wedding isn’t real, but refuses to believe her. Ichigo tells Lurichiyo that him and the others will protect her. Of course, from the looks of her eyes, she’s brain washed and gets upset—and later stabs Ichigo. Imposter!

To confuse the guards, Enryuu unleashes his Bankai, (which looks a lot Chad’s move), and makes a getaway. Rukia gets into a battle with Soi Fon as she convinces her that Lurichiyo is in danger. Again, Soi Fon doesn’t listen..; I never liked Soi Fon anyway. Rukia gets knocked back, and Ichigo steps in. Later in the battle, Soi Fon attempts to use her Bankai, Suzumebachi. Before Ichigo gets hit, Rukia makes a speedy recovery and uses her own Bankai against Soi Fon. Ichigo and Rukia, along with Lurichiyo’s fiancee, Shuu Kannogi, get away–but Ken ‘n Enryuu are captured.

Meanwhile, Soi Fon is told by Kumoi that a search through the Kasumi-Ooji manor isn’t necessary, but they search the grounds outside the manor anyway. She returns to alerts the other captains, prompting an emergency meeting. Squad Three Captain Amagai volunteers to back up the other squads. Kira informs Captain Amagai that there’s something up with 3rd Seat Kifune. He has doubts about the situation involving Kifune, but acknowledges it anyway; putting both situations together may lead to some clues…

Well, at least the fillers are getting somewhere. When the arc started, I had a lot of hopes, but now it’s just pointless. If there’s more captains in action, it would surely make it exciting again. Oh yeah, there’s also some interaction between Shuu, Ichigo and Rukia towards the end, but Shuu irritates me that it’s better left unexplained. On to the next episode!

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