Bleach, Vol. 16

Tite Kubo, Bleach: Night of Wijnruit (ViZ, 2001) Wow. Kubo reprises the best volume in the series Memories in the Rain, this time to tell us the real story behind Rukia's involvement with the death of Kaien Shiba. While it sounds like a rather silly conceit (and, really, how often is a sequel as good as the original?), it works here. In doing so, it gives us a great deal of insight into some of the more mysterious parts of Rukia's character (read: why she's never wanted to be saved). Now, if only Ichigo can figure it out... ****

My teen loved this book and completed it in one afternoon. It's also a great read over.

In this 16th volume of Bleach Tite Kubo finally treats us to the story of Rukia's past in which she claims to have killed Ganju's older brother Kaein. It's a rather tragic story for which I feel she's being to over dramatic. True he did die at her hands but is she really to blame? Also the similarities between Kaein and Ichigo dont just stop at their appearances, which Captain Ukitake cant be blamed for thinking the two of them somehow connected, the two guys also have similar behaviors that Rukia seems to be drawn to. Also in this volume we finally find out what was in Captain Aizen's letter to his adjutant. It's a rather shocking revelation that leaves your head spinning as to who is telling the truth and who on earth is lying. I mean do the dead tell lies or what? And no big shocker Rukia's execution date is moved yet again though she doesnt seem to be to bothered by it having already accepted her fate. Though for the most part the volume has a rather serious and suspenseful tone it also has that lovable humor that makes the series so great, mainly due to Kenpachi and crew looking for Ichigo. Yachiru is truly adorable in my opinion. She doesnt know the difference between left and right but Kenpachi is always listening to her for some crazy reason. All in all it's a good vloume. If you're a fan of the series you wont be dissapointed at all since there are a few things that are revealed that had been left as loose ends in previous volumes plus it ends on a wicked cliffhanger. My only complaint is that there was no Radio-Kon. I sure do love those things.

I'm going to spare the hardcore details here and get right down to business. Ichigo is training with Yoruichi in an attempt to master a powerful technique crucial in defeating Byakuya and saving Rukia. Chad, Uryu, Ganju are still in locked up within the Soul Society, while Orihime's whereabouts are unknown. The Soul Society is still on high alert while tensions between Gin Ichimaru and Captain of 10th Company increase. While I didn't feel there was any real "filler" here it does continue to move at a rather slow pace. (Much like Volume 15). It still has all of the trademark comedy and even moving slow we still learn a number of new things. The ending leads me to believe 17 will not wrap this story arc up, but if you're a Bleach fan at this point in the series you'll know what to expect. The series overall is highly recommended(it's what got me into manga initially) and even giving the pacing manages to deliver, albeit rather grudgingly.