Chapter was very nice. Though this fight wasn't that great since it went from one curbstomp to another curbstomp, it was an interesting observation of hollow/humans and how Ichigo and Ulquiorra both experienced the opposing species sentiments.
The ending was well done. I don't think anyone can deny the Ulquihime sub tones. It's quite a tragic pair as if humans and hollows will never be able to get together. Just as Kubo said
everything divides us. The reaching out for the hands and then turning into ash. Wow what a shoujish moment. Kubo's done it before with the 5 lifetimes confession and again he pulls it off with this chapter. I'm more inclined to believe now that Ulquiorra's last act in breaking Ichigo's horn was to protect Ishida/Inoue from getting hurt by his cero. I mean he knew he was already dead from the inside, so with his last resort he decided to save the two of em. A last act of redemption? I'm sure he'd deny it, but I think that was what was being implemented. The symbolism of ash and Ash Wedsneday (I know it was on Febuary this year, but WSJ comes out on Wednesday, and I just feel that Kubo purposely used Christian sub tones during this fight--even with Ichigo's hollow mask) could possibly correlate to repentance on his part.
The reaching out for one another hands..I would says its a two part attraction and repulsion; both of the characters personalities and dynamic are completely different from each others that it seemed to mystify their interaction, and there's always an element of fascination in mystery that fans are to wonder "what if they really could end up together?" and Kubo leaves it up for them to decide with this ending. That curiosity is what drove this pair to be one of the most popular in Bleach.
Of course Ichigo will be the one to break this (since he's the main character) and become the perfect hybrid of hollow/shinigami/human. Also, I hope we get more clarification on his transformation as well as his regeneration. If he becomes Hichigo when he dies..then well hes more powerful then his regular form.
And poor Ishida...the guy's had his hand cut off and a sword stuck through him and yanked out. Looks like he'll have to patch himself up. Ah well just a compliment to the chivalrous white knight.
The thing that bothered me was the whole "cut my arm and leg off too!" deal. It's not like he could grow them back after the fight (or could he?!!!). lol. I'd be more like, I'll fight you with an arm tied behind my back and on one leg, but I want to keep them.
That's always been Ichigo's attitude. He likes to have a fair even fight without handicaps. When his hollow took over during the Byakuya fight, he apologized for the interference. His final fight with Grimmjow he had Orihime heal his arm. It's just his lust for battle that's similar to Kenpachi who forcefully puts handicaps on himself, while Ichigo refuses for his opponents to give him handicaps.
I'm hoping we get a flashback of Ulquiorra next chapter as well as a broader definition on whats up with Ichigo's fluctuating power level.
Ulquiorra's character portrayed that of complete despair. Someone shuddered in darkness lacking a heart. When Orihime came into his life, she was that ray of light that seemed to shine upon him. Even if he refused to acknowledge it, there was an impact and a lasting impression upon him. Their dynamic showcases the connection that hollows and humans have with one another. Can they ever truly understand one another? Coexist with one another? Break this black and white image of good and evil? That was the portrayal of their relationship and something that will have to be concluded in Bleach.
