5160 replies to this topic

[Gravenimage]

Please let's not compare Orihime to Hinata that's like comparing Vanilla to Chocolate. Unlike Hinata Orihime isn't that shy and insecure she's braver, more caring and she obviously shows her concern and affection for Ichigo way more than Hinata's towards Naruto. She doesn't faint and blushes whenever she sees Ichigo and she almost go through with it with kissing him on the lips almost . Hinata will definitely faint if she ever gets that close to kissing Naruto they are not similar.

Also Orihime has a bigger role in the manga than Hinata it's so darn obvious she has had way more panel time than Hinata in addition that she's prettier and her bust is better than Hinata's sorry I had to say it.

[Miss Soupy]

And can someone clear this thought in my head up? Why do I see so many Ulqorria x Orohime pics and stuff -.- did they have a thing?!?!? Disgusting... it reminds me of leonard and kaname in full metal panic, I hate people like leonard and ulquorria, freakin creepers -.- Well from what I remember of Bleach, it wasn't very romantic at all -.-

This just tells me you really don't get Ulquiorra at all, calling him a creeper. He achieves more depth than a lot of characters do, really. Too bad people are quick to judge. ;P

I used to be an IchiHime shipper. I loved her confession. But after the arrancar arc the pairing really went no where for me. Orihime simply doesn't reach the same status as Rukia. Rukia is the one who changed Ichigo's world, after all. I don't ship IchiRuki, but it is obvious to me. Similarly, Orihime was the one to change Ulquiorra's world, to the point where he 'desired her entirety'. Whereas Orihime was unable to save her true love, Ichigo, she was able to save the lonely soul of Ulquiorra and give him a heart by sharing her own. What's not to love

[alexander]

This just tells me you really don't get Ulquiorra at all, calling him a creeper. He achieves more depth than a lot of characters do, really. Too bad people are quick to judge. ;P

I used to be an IchiHime shipper. I loved her confession. But after the arrancar arc the pairing really went no where for me. Orihime simply doesn't reach the same status as Rukia. Rukia is the one who changed Ichigo's world, after all. I don't ship IchiRuki, but it is obvious to me. Similarly, Orihime was the one to change Ulquiorra's world, to the point where he 'desired her entirety'. Whereas Orihime was unable to save her true love, Ichigo, she was able to save the lonely soul of Ulquiorra and give him a heart by sharing her own. What's not to love

One thing I don't understand about this whole Orihime/Ulquiorra ship is why there is so many fans even tough the guy is dead. I suppose this is one of those ships that stay in your heart even if it never happens?

[Miss Soupy]

One thing I don't understand about this whole Orihime/Ulquiorra ship is why there is so many fans even tough the guy is dead. I suppose this is one of those ships that stay in your heart even if it never happens?

Because there is always the chance that he returns. There is support for and support against this. The reality is, though, that it isn't impossible. And, it always helps that Kubo didn't out-right confirm his death when asked.

[Super Boom]

This just tells me you really don't get Ulquiorra at all, calling him a creeper. He achieves more depth than a lot of characters do, really. Too bad people are quick to judge. ;P

I used to be an IchiHime shipper. I loved her confession. But after the arrancar arc the pairing really went no where for me. Orihime simply doesn't reach the same status as Rukia. Rukia is the one who changed Ichigo's world, after all. I don't ship IchiRuki, but it is obvious to me. Similarly, Orihime was the one to change Ulquiorra's world, to the point where he 'desired her entirety'. Whereas Orihime was unable to save her true love, Ichigo, she was able to save the lonely soul of Ulquiorra and give him a heart by sharing her own. What's not to love

I don't really think IchiRuki is obvious, but I suppose she did change his world by making him a Substitute Shinigami. The main problem I have with IchiRuki is that most arguments I see regarding their relationship can be applied towards Ichigo/Tatsuki or Renji/Rukia. Although we don't see interactions among those couples as much, the dynamic is essentially the same. I really doubt Ichigo understands Rukia better than Renji does, I mean the two did grow up together. As far as Rukia understanding Ichigo, she knows him well, but most of this is from one arc, which is probably probably a month or two in manga time. Which seems odd to me, since she seems to have this "I understand you better than anyone" status right at the beginning of the Arrancar Entry Arc.

I did like IchiRuki during the Soul Society Entry Arc (I don't know the official arc names as you can tell). I thought, "Wow, Ichigo's really devoted to saving Rukia, there must be something there. I doubt he'd be this devoted for any other girl!" Well, Kubo proved me wrong, pretty much the exact same thing happened a few arcs after they saved Rukia. Only instead of Rukia, it's Orihime, instead of the Soul Society, it's Hueco Mundo, instead of the Gotei 13, it's the Espada, etc.

I do admit that the IchiOri has pretty gone nowhere since her confession (I think in the anime they held hands after the Grimmjow fight, but I don't know if that happened in the manga or not). But I don't really think IchiRuki's really gone anywhere romantically either since their interaction at the beginning of the Arrancar Entry Arc. The bottom line is that the series really doesn't have that apparent of a romantic subplot, so unless Ichigo and Rukia get some actual romantic development I feel like IchiOri is the easiest ending for Kubo to end the series with. It's just that being a Bangsian Fantasy, some pairings just aren't that realistic in the long run. But we'll see what happens, I'm not really putting my money on any Bleach pairing yet.

Because there is always the chance that he returns. There is support for and support against this. The reality is, though, that it isn't impossible. And, it always helps that Kubo didn't out-right confirm his death when asked.

I guess I never heard that interview that mentioned how Ulquiorra might be alive. Maybe reincarnation as a human soul? I don't know, but as a Grimmjow fanboy, I'll be ticked if it turns out Ulquiorra is alive but Grimmjow just died off-panel .

Edited by Boom...Winning, 10 June 2011 - 02:23 AM.

[Derock]

Ah, Orihime... who cannot love the girl? These people... She's the ditzy girl (I'm still laughing at the chapter where she's about to fall out the window while screaming hello to Ichigo )

Please let's not compare Orihime to Hinata that's like comparing Vanilla to Chocolate. Unlike Hinata Orihime isn't that shy and insecure she's braver, more caring and she obviously shows her concern and affection for Ichigo way more than Hinata's towards Naruto. She doesn't faint and blushes whenever she sees Ichigo and she almost go through with it with kissing him on the lips almost . Hinata will definitely faint if she ever gets that close to kissing Naruto they are not similar.

Also Orihime has a bigger role in the manga than Hinata it's so darn obvious she has had way more panel time than Hinata in addition that she's prettier and her bust is better than Hinata's sorry I had to say it.

Agree. And she's much awesomer and tolerable to like, unlike Hinata!

And I'm IchiHime shipper but I don't care whoever Ichigo hook up with, whatever it is Rukia, Orihime, Yuroichi or even Neliel! The shipping isn't that serious like Naruto because I did remember Kubo saying he is not focusing on romance in this series.

[Miss Soupy]

I don't really think IchiRuki is obvious, but I suppose she did change his world by making him a Substitute Shinigami. The main problem I have with IchiRuki is that most arguments I see regarding their relationship can be applied towards Ichigo/Tatsuki or Renji/Rukia. Although we don't see interactions among those couples as much, the dynamic is essentially the same. I really doubt Ichigo understands Rukia better than Renji does, I mean the two did grow up together. As far as Rukia understanding Ichigo, she knows him well, but most of this is from one arc, which is probably probably a month or two in manga time. Which seems odd to me, since she seems to have this "I understand you better than anyone" status right at the beginning of the Arrancar Entry Arc.

When I say obvious, I am mostly meaning that their relationship is the strongest for both characters. Since romance isn't very obvious in bleach, I am judging it via strength of relationship/importance of relationship rather than looking for lovey dovey moments. There is just so much more symbolism surrounding the IchiRuki relationship (the sun and moon aspects, for example). Just look at how he draws their good bye scene in both arcs. They were beautiful, there was so much attention made to both of them. Even though the second rescue arc was about Orihime, it came full circle to Ichigo and Rukia saying good bye in a heart felt way instead. It's a special bond, and I don't think Orihime can top it.

Renji might know more about Rukia's past, but his relationship is always showed so one-sided. He just seems to be representing unrequited love. And it doesn't exactly bring his character down in any way because the romance isn't much of a focus.

As far as IchiTat, I'm fine with it. I think it would be interesting, but once again, I don't think Tatsuki shares the same importance that Rukia does so I don't see it happening.

I did like IchiRuki during the Soul Society Entry Arc (I don't know the official arc names as you can tell). I thought, "Wow, Ichigo's really devoted to saving Rukia, there must be something there. I doubt he'd be this devoted for any other girl!" Well, Kubo proved me wrong, pretty much the exact same thing happened a few arcs after they saved Rukia. Only instead of Rukia, it's Orihime, instead of the Soul Society, it's Hueco Mundo, instead of the Gotei 13, it's the Espada, etc.

Ichigo would do the same for any of his nakama, it's true. But the way Ichigo tries to explain why he was in Soul Society saving her coming full circle to the end where he admits she dried up the rain in his life...it simply had no comparison in the arrancar arc with Orihime. For Rukia, it was about saving the one who changed his world. For Orihime, it was saving his nakama.

I do admit that the IchiOri has pretty gone nowhere since her confession (I think in the anime they held hands after the Grimmjow fight, but I don't know if that happened in the manga or not). But I don't really think IchiRuki's really gone anywhere romantically either since their interaction at the beginning of the Arrancar Entry Arc. The bottom line is that the series really doesn't have that apparent of a romantic subplot, so unless Ichigo and Rukia get some actual romantic development I feel like IchiOri is the easiest ending for Kubo to end the series with. It's just that being a Bangsian Fantasy, some pairings just aren't that realistic in the long run. But we'll see what happens, I'm not really putting my money on any Bleach pairing yet.

They didn't hold hands in the manga. Their only physical contact was Ichigo swinging her over his shoulders.

And once again, I don't think in terms of lovey dovey romance as proof of a pairing in bleach. It is more along the lines of emphasis on a bond. Their bond simply has more weight and therefore would be easier to develop into romance. Ichigo does care for Orihime, just not in an out-standing way, imo.

I guess I never heard that interview that mentioned how Ulquiorra might be alive. Maybe reincarnation as a human soul? I don't know, but as a Grimmjow fanboy, I'll be ticked if it turns out Ulquiorra is alive but Grimmjow just died off-panel .

I have always thought both Grimmjow and Ulquiorra would return to the story. Grimmjow has never been confirmed without-a-doubt dead either.

Kubo basically ho-hummed around confirming Ulquiorra dead at jump festa one year. Sorta in the same way Kishi did over Kakashi who came back to life the following year. And thus, our hope lives on! :3

[Yoshimoya]

This just tells me you really don't get Ulquiorra at all, calling him a creeper. He achieves more depth than a lot of characters do, really. Too bad people are quick to judge. ;P

I used to be an IchiHime shipper. I loved her confession. But after the arrancar arc the pairing really went no where for me. Orihime simply doesn't reach the same status as Rukia. Rukia is the one who changed Ichigo's world, after all. I don't ship IchiRuki, but it is obvious to me. Similarly, Orihime was the one to change Ulquiorra's world, to the point where he 'desired her entirety'. Whereas Orihime was unable to save her true love, Ichigo, she was able to save the lonely soul of Ulquiorra and give him a heart by sharing her own. What's not to love

Sorry to judge Ulquiorra, I haven't kept up with the anime/manga so I had no right brush him off as a creeper, it seems he has some good development ^.^ However, he's still a creeper to me, any guy who keeps a girl imprisoned serves to be PUNISHED >:] in my eyes. I don't like seeing that, especially when I saw it in FULL METAL PANIC with Kaname, so sorry that I was quick to judge it was probably because of that earlier frustration.

[Super Boom]

Ichigo would do the same for any of his nakama, it's true. But the way Ichigo tries to explain why he was in Soul Society saving her coming full circle to the end where he admits she dried up the rain in his life...it simply had no comparison in the arrancar arc with Orihime. For Rukia, it was about saving the one who changed his world. For Orihime, it was saving his nakama.

And once again, I don't think in terms of lovey dovey romance as proof of a pairing in bleach. It is more along the lines of emphasis on a bond. Their bond simply has more weight and therefore would be easier to develop into romance. Ichigo does care for Orihime, just not in an out-standing way, imo.

Hmm, when you state it like that, I guess IchiRuki does have more weight. I guess, maybe because I'm a guy, some of these romantic subtleties don't seem too obvious to me. To be honest, I didn't really take NaruSaku seriously as a pairing until the POAL, and didn't think it had a chance of happening until Yamato's unfinished sentence. Now it seems like the most obvious pairing to me.
I'm still a little skeptical about IchiRuki though, as far as becoming an couple goes. I mean I'm sure Kubo can find a way to make them hook up, it just seems weird unless Rukia foregoes being a Shinigami and becomes human somehow, or Ichigo becomes an actual Shinigami and retains his memories. Or they just start over. *shrug* The two have chemistry, no doubt, but certain issues do spring up in terms of a happy ending. But then again, I personally see the most likely ending as everyone walking together into the sunset happily with none of the romantic issues resolved.

I have always thought both Grimmjow and Ulquiorra would return to the story. Grimmjow has never been confirmed without-a-doubt dead either.

Kubo basically ho-hummed around confirming Ulquiorra dead at jump festa one year. Sorta in the same way Kishi did over Kakashi who came back to life the following year. And thus, our hope lives on! :3

Hee hee, let's hope so. I'd love to see Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and Neliel get special Arrancar gigai from Urahara, then go to Karakura High. Ichigo's reaction would be priceless, LOL.

[Yuna]

I don't think that Ichigo 'likes' anyone of the female characters in a romantic way. He loves his family. B-but because I'm a hardcore Ichi/Hime fan, I do hope that Kubo will make it an otp.
I do like Rukia, but I don't ship Ichi/Ruki: they're just a very good friends, who's always there for each other. Rukia liked Kaien-dono, and Ichigo reminds her of him. Renji/Rui makes more sense.. and I root for this pairing.

[Miss Soupy]

Sorry to judge Ulquiorra, I haven't kept up with the anime/manga so I had no right brush him off as a creeper, it seems he has some good development ^.^ However, he's still a creeper to me, any guy who keeps a girl imprisoned serves to be PUNISHED >:] in my eyes. I don't like seeing that, especially when I saw it in FULL METAL PANIC with Kaname, so sorry that I was quick to judge it was probably because of that earlier frustration.

Sorry, didn't watch Full Metal Panic. But Ulquiorra was not the mastermind behind holding Orihime hostage by any means. If you want someone to be mad about over that, be mad at Aizen. Beyond that, Ulquiorra is a hollow. He isn't expected to operate the same way a human or shinigami would, and even the shinigami aren't the most innocent people in the world.

Oh, I love your set by the way XD

Hmm, when you state it like that, I guess IchiRuki does have more weight. I guess, maybe because I'm a guy, some of these romantic subtleties don't seem too obvious to me. To be honest, I didn't really take NaruSaku seriously as a pairing until the POAL, and didn't think it had a chance of happening until Yamato's unfinished sentence. Now it seems like the most obvious pairing to me.

No worries. Kubo just doesn't do in-your-face romance in the same way Kishi does, I think.

I'm still a little skeptical about IchiRuki though, as far as becoming an couple goes. I mean I'm sure Kubo can find a way to make them hook up, it just seems weird unless Rukia foregoes being a Shinigami and becomes human somehow, or Ichigo becomes an actual Shinigami and retains his memories. Or they just start over. *shrug* The two have chemistry, no doubt, but certain issues do spring up in terms of a happy ending. But then again, I personally see the most likely ending as everyone walking together into the sunset happily with none of the romantic issues resolved.

Since I'm not really a IchiRuki fan, I haven't really put a lot of thought on how they could end up together romantically. But seeing as how Ichigo's own father is a shinigami and his mother, as far as we know, wasn't, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

Hee hee, let's hope so. I'd love to see Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and Neliel get special Arrancar gigai from Urahara, then go to Karakura High. Ichigo's reaction would be priceless, LOL.

Oh me too XD that would be hilarious! I could see Kubo doing just that too


Has everyone here heard of the stuff revealed in the UNMASKED databook? The big tidbits were:
-A novel co-written by Kubo about Yammy's puppycar. It also shows how Harribel and her fraccion survived, healed by Orihime
-Kubo wrote a comic about Ulquiorra dreaming of his past. It includes showing his vasto lorde form before becoming an arrancar. It is pretty interesting as it details him questing for what he thought happiness was, complete emptiness. He wakes to find Orihime watching him sleep :333 She called him Ulquiorra-kun~ >3<


More details here: Bleach Asylum

[Super Boom]

Since I'm not really a IchiRuki fan, I haven't really put a lot of thought on how they could end up together romantically. But seeing as how Ichigo's own father is a shinigami and his mother, as far as we know, wasn't, it doesn't seem to be a problem.

Hmm, I never actually thought about that. For some reason I assumed he was also a Substitute Shinigami, but he wears a partial captain's haori, so it makes more sense that he used to be an actual Shinigami but lost his powers. I wonder if that makes him a human now, or if he's using some sort of gigai. Maybe that's been addressed already, and I'm just forgetful. If it's the latter, his relationship with Masaki could be similar to Van Hohenheim's with Trisha in FMA. I wonder if Masaki knew he was a Shinigami. Arrgh, so many unanswered questions, it's no wonder the plot continued after Aizen.

Oh me too XD that would be hilarious! I could see Kubo doing just that too

Haha, I can see Keigo hitting on Neliel like he did to Rangiku, Grimmjow kicking down the door to go outside, and Ulquiorra quietly doing homework in the corner. And Ichigo just yelling, "WTH??!!! WHY ARE YOU DOING HOMEWORK????"

Has everyone here heard of the stuff revealed in the UNMASKED databook? The big tidbits were:
-A novel co-written by Kubo about Yammy's puppycar. It also shows how Harribel and her fraccion survived, healed by Orihime
-Kubo wrote a comic about Ulquiorra dreaming of his past. It includes showing his vasto lorde form before becoming an arrancar. It is pretty interesting as it details him questing for what he thought happiness was, complete emptiness. He wakes to find Orihime watching him sleep :333 She called him Ulquiorra-kun~ >3<


More details here: Bleach Asylum

I'll have to check that out, it sounds interesting. Are the novel/comic written as a sort of fan-service (sort of like Kishi does in databooks from time to time), or are they like 'lost chapters' he just didn't include in the manga? I'd like to see some more Grimmjow history, in between his joining with his fraccion and becoming an Arrancar. I'm also curious if it's possible for an Adjuchas-turned-Arrancar to become a Vasto Lorde after evolving. It could be an interesting development if Grimmjow re-enters the plot.

[catsi563]

Orihime and Hinata may be dofferent characters but they are the same type of character.

Most Shonen style stories do have a character of that type the classic shy/reserved girl who has a crush of admiration on the main character and uses it as a motivation to get stronger.

The characters all share similar personality and character quirks. Shy or reserved around the main character, more outgoing or open around others, possessed of a hidden strength that blossoms for the main character or when protecting others. is in denial of feelings for the main character almost to a point of incredulity and lastly has a confession for the main character of those repressed feelings at a critical moment.

the confession usually almost always results in the characters lessening of presence in the story. the character is either killed or dies in some heroic fashion, or is relegated to a minor or lesser supporting role.

while character traits may vary from character to character they end result is that they all are painted with relatively the same brush.

look at tsunderes as an example both Rukia and Sakura are Tsundere no doubt, yet the characters are wholey different Rukia is far more confident and sure of herself at the beginning and when faced with her death goes willingly to protect her precious people.

Sakura on the other hand has to grow into that strength and confidence but is equally as willing to kill or die to protect her precious people as needed.

[Miss Soupy]

I'll have to check that out, it sounds interesting. Are the novel/comic written as a sort of fan-service (sort of like Kishi does in databooks from time to time), or are they like 'lost chapters' he just didn't include in the manga? I'd like to see some more Grimmjow history, in between his joining with his fraccion and becoming an Arrancar. I'm also curious if it's possible for an Adjuchas-turned-Arrancar to become a Vasto Lorde after evolving. It could be an interesting development if Grimmjow re-enters the plot.

Well, the novel, since it is co-written, might be just an interesting side-story. Though Harribel and fraccion being alive can be taken as canon. The comic was written by Kubo so it is completely canon. It is similar to the extra chapter Hitsugaya got about his past.

look at tsunderes as an example both Rukia and Sakura are Tsundere no doubt, yet the characters are wholey different Rukia is far more confident and sure of herself at the beginning and when faced with her death goes willingly to protect her precious people.

Sakura on the other hand has to grow into that strength and confidence but is equally as willing to kill or die to protect her precious people as needed.

I don't think 'tsundere' should be all there is to defining a character and neither should 'crush on the hero'.

Sakura and Orihime are both the 'normal girls' of their respective stories. They are prone to more mistakes, haven't a strong background to fall on, and generally have image issues. Sakura can be loud in order to mask her emotions and Orihime can be overly bubbly. Both tend to use a fake smile rather than admitting how they feel. If you want to compare Orihime to a character, there is just so much more match-up with Sakura than Hinata.

Edited by Miss Soupy, 11 June 2011 - 07:01 PM.

[Super Boom]

I don't think 'tsundere' should be all there is to defining a character and neither should 'crush on the hero'.

Sakura and Orihime are both the 'normal girls' of their respective stories. They are prone to more mistakes, haven't a strong background to fall on, and generally have image issues. Sakura can be loud in order to mask her emotions and Orihime can be overly bubbly. Both tend to use a fake smile rather than admitting how they feel. If you want to compare Orihime to a character, there is just so much more match-up with Sakura than Hinata.

My thoughts exactly. Other than the similarities you stated in the first line, and maybe similar physical attributes to Hinata in Part II, I feel like a comparison between Orihime and Hinata is pretty strained. I suppose you could mention how they have the same VA in the English dubs, but I think that's more just because Viz Media dubs both and there're limited VA's out there. They both have a crush on the hero, but they definitely don't act the same around him. Unless yelling, "HI ICHIGO!" and falling out a window equates to shyness and fainting somehow. And Sakura and Rukia are both tsunderes, to an extent, but I don't recall ever seeing Rukia tell off Ichigo the same way Sakura did to Naruto at the beginning of Part II.

And am I only one who doesn't think Orihime's been relegated to the background since her confession? To me, I feel like her character really took off after that scene. I'd almost argue that she's had more appearances than Rukia since then. Especially in the new arc. *shrug*

Edited by Boom...Winning, 11 June 2011 - 07:36 PM.

[Yoshimoya]

Sorry, didn't watch Full Metal Panic. But Ulquiorra was not the mastermind behind holding Orihime hostage by any means. If you want someone to be mad about over that, be mad at Aizen. Beyond that, Ulquiorra is a hollow. He isn't expected to operate the same way a human or shinigami would, and even the shinigami aren't the most innocent people in the world.

Oh, I love your set by the way XD

Thanks xD. Btw, loving your input regarding IchiRukia. Even though you aren't really a shipper of them, it seems you really know what's going on with their relationship and Kubo's supposed plan for them. You named everything I thought about those two. I would say they definitely have the strongest bond in the whole show, and naming it as "friendship" would be a little too vague -.- Perhaps Kubo will just end with no pairings at all, or he just isn't good at romance? But, I'd really like to see IchiRukia happen since it seems very mutual. RukiaRenji, whom have known each other for a while now, haven't gone any further with their relationship and Kubo hasn't shown that he plans to extend their relationship further beyond friendship? I just really think the main/female character would really end up with eachother... IchiRuki!

[Miss Soupy]

And am I only one who doesn't think Orihime's been relegated to the background since her confession? To me, I feel like her character really took off after that scene. I'd almost argue that she's had more appearances than Rukia since then. Especially in the new arc. *shrug*

Oh I definitely think Orihime's importance didn't diminish after her confession. She was frequently part of the All Stars in the volumes during the Arrancar Arc, which makes her one of the more important characters in the volume. Even during the current arc she hasn't lost her importance, mostly because the human nakama have a lot more room for character growth compared to some of the shinigami.

Thanks xD. Btw, loving your input regarding IchiRukia. Even though you aren't really a shipper of them, it seems you really know what's going on with their relationship and Kubo's supposed plan for them. You named everything I thought about those two. I would say they definitely have the strongest bond in the whole show, and naming it as "friendship" would be a little too vague -.- Perhaps Kubo will just end with no pairings at all, or he just isn't good at romance? But, I'd really like to see IchiRukia happen since it seems very mutual. RukiaRenji, whom have known each other for a while now, haven't gone any further with their relationship and Kubo hasn't shown that he plans to extend their relationship further beyond friendship? I just really think the main/female character would really end up with eachother... IchiRuki!

I agree, 'friendship' isn't really a strong enough word to describe the IchiRuki relationship. It just seems more destined than that, the way it is referred to. But it could also be an open ended with pairings too, who knows?

As far as Kubo being good or bad with romance, I think he is actually very good at it. I like the subtle way he shows the different couples. GinRan for example. He sacrificed himself for her honor. I mean, that is extremely romantic but in a more subtle way. They didn't kiss, they didn't exchange any words of love. It was his actions that showed his devotion. It's sad things had to end that way for them.

It is almost as if Kubo enjoys writing this more angsty romance. The amount of times Ichigo and Rukia have to say their good byes. Ulquiorra finally understanding a heart but disappears before Orihime can reach him, Ishida's silent care for Orihime. Ugh. Such tragedy! But it makes it all the more beautiful, I think...

I'm really interested to find out if perhaps Riruka and Tsukishima were romantically involved, or perhaps had some sort of important relationship with one another. She did use some sort of love gun on him...

[Yoshimoya]

Oh I definitely think Orihime's importance didn't diminish after her confession. She was frequently part of the All Stars in the volumes during the Arrancar Arc, which makes her one of the more important characters in the volume. Even during the current arc she hasn't lost her importance, mostly because the human nakama have a lot more room for character growth compared to some of the shinigami.


I agree, 'friendship' isn't really a strong enough word to describe the IchiRuki relationship. It just seems more destined than that, the way it is referred to. But it could also be an open ended with pairings too, who knows?

As far as Kubo being good or bad with romance, I think he is actually very good at it. I like the subtle way he shows the different couples. GinRan for example. He sacrificed himself for her honor. I mean, that is extremely romantic but in a more subtle way. They didn't kiss, they didn't exchange any words of love. It was his actions that showed his devotion. It's sad things had to end that way for them.

It is almost as if Kubo enjoys writing this more angsty romance. The amount of times Ichigo and Rukia have to say their good byes. Ulquiorra finally understanding a heart but disappears before Orihime can reach him, Ishida's silent care for Orihime. Ugh. Such tragedy! But it makes it all the more beautiful, I think...

I'm really interested to find out if perhaps Riruka and Tsukishima were romantically involved, or perhaps had some sort of important relationship with one another. She did use some sort of love gun on him...

Dang! Sounds good ^.^ There's a lot for me to catch up to and Imma have to do that during the summer... but have you noticed any romantic subtle evidence/hints with yuroichi, hitsuyaga, and matsumoto?

[Temari]

Well I think that IchHime makes more sense: Rukia is a spirit, right? So in order to be with her Ichigo has to die and go to the Soul Society? 'Cause... he's still a living human. But then, hey... His father was a shinigami that lost his powers, right? So his body is a gigai, yes? Or when shinigami loses their power they obtain human body or something? I'm a bit confused... hehe

[Chivalrysae]

Just because Rukia "changed" his world doesn't justify who Ichigo should have feelings for her. And technically, after the last ARC, you learn that it was really Aizen that changed his world, not Rukia. And let's just hope and pray he doesn't fall for Aizen.

I actually started out as a IchiRukia shipper, but after the Rukia rescue arc, the emotional bond just doesn't quite seem to be there as much. You don't get that feeling from Rukia as much, it just seems more platonic since that rescue arc. But you can tell throughout the series how much Orihime cares for Ichigo. So now I'm more of a IchiHime shipper. What makes it harder is Ichigo's emotions seem the same in the Rukia rescue arc as he did in the Orihime rescue arc. With Rukia, he cared about her and he owed her a debt for helping him save his family. With Orihime he also cared about her and was protecting a friend. So in both situations you can't really tell if it was completely platonic or if there was something there. Sometimes you get glimpses of "hey, something might happen between these two" but you never really know for sure. Also, Ichigo reminds Rukia of Kein-dono who she was very fond of. With Orihime Ichigo reminded her of her older brother, who she was also fond of. So right now, I'd say it's a pretty even split between the two.

I just prefer Orihime because I like her character a lot more as a romantic compliment. Plus, she's human so it works out a little better from a technical standpoint. She is trying so hard to become stronger to help protect him can't be left out either. I like the fact that she's grown more as a character. Before she wanted to keep him from fighting so he wouldn't get hurt. Now, she wants to become stronger so she can protect and help him in his battle. There is a depth to her feelings for Ichigo that I think surpasses Rukia. Plus, she cracks me up.

And for those that think Orihime is the equivalent of Hinata, I would agree that both or a little more passive, however there is more depth to Orihime's character. She has changed and grown a lot through the series and is a major player in the series. Not only has she supported, saved, and watched over Ichigo (kind of like his guardian angel) she has always openly showed her affection for him (not while hiding and inthe shadows and fainting). For some reason, I guess the fainting thing was funny the first few times, but after that, it got really, really annoying to me.

Edited by Chivalrysae, 14 June 2011 - 02:33 PM.