Ichigo strikes fast with the element of surprise and repeatedly fires getsuga tenshou at Aizen. No use, Aizen is unharmed. Ichigo had aimed at the back of his neck, but Aizen was well aware of his blind spot and placed proper protection.

Ichigo quickly gets out his mask and attacks again, but now that Aizen knows he’s there it’s easy to dodge. Even though Aizen claims he hasn’t used Kyokasuigetsu, Ichigo still can’t hit him. Aizen’s basic strength and speed is already far superior to Ichigo’s.

Aizen then asks why Ichigo is fighting him. None of his friends have died and Orihime is safe, so he can’t have a grudge against Aizen. He goes on and says that without hatred, Ichigo will never reach him. Unsure of himself, Komamura appears with everyone else, who can still fight, and gives him some support, and vow to protect him so that he doesn’t see Aizen’s Shikai.

The battle begins and Hitsugaya attacks first with Shunsui striking from the side. But neither gets through. Komamura thanks Ichigo for attacking so that he didn’t lunge out in a fit of rage and get killed, and then rushes off. Hirako thanks him for bringing back Retsu and heads off too. Finally, Soifon says that none of them are prepared to die, they’re all fighting for survival.

As Hitsugaya and Kyouraku continue their team attacks on Aizen, Hitsugaya and Aizen exchange a few words. Hitsugaya gets angered at the mention of Momo and releases Bankai. He admits that he swings his blade with hatred, and then screams in fury!

Seemed like a dramatic ending with Hitsugaya screaming crazily. And it’s turned into a two on one fight with Hitsugaya and Kyouraku against Aizen. I wonder why don’t they all team up and attack together, they’d stand more of a chance. But then there’d be too much going on and it’d be a mess to watch probably…

Did anyone notice the lack of animation quality in some scenes? There was one scene I remember clearly when Ichigo had his mask on and it just looked completely lopsided. It’s rare that I take note of animation quality as I usually ignore it, but it was quite bad so I thought I’d give it a mention.

I thought Ichigo was being stupid when he said ‘behind you’ when he was about to attack. I’m sure Aizen’s got pretty sensitive ears. Luckily he didn’t hear anything, or maybe he pretended as he knew Ichigo didn’t go hollow and would pose no threat. But still, Ichigo could’ve struck just a little below the back of Aizen’s neck and would’ve got him, or maybe the back of his head. That Aizen, too arrogant and calculating, if something tiny goes wrong he’ll start to sweat. Just hasn’t happened yet. And all this talk about him not seeing Aizen’s Shikai was all good until they realised that Aizen’s stronger than that. He needs no Shikai, he’s still got a Bankai waiting in the wings.

When Ichigo pulled out his new mask I noticed the obvious change in its pattern. How I didn’t know before, I don’t know.

Also another thing, when Aizen asked the question why Ichigo’s fighting I thought he had no point at all. Karakura town’s where Ichigo lives and Aizen’s trying to kill everyone in it… surely Ichigo has a reason to fight now? What nonsense is Aizen spouting?

Anyone else notice that Shunsui cracked Aizen’s left hand shield. Just proves he’s strong, thought I’d mention that.

So okay, Ichigo’s back, the main battle began, and then paused for a while whilst everyone got in, so more ‘main battle’ to come then, so I hope.