BLEACH Gives Me Answers: Turn Back the Pendulum | First Time Reading BLEACH #30

[@Ry9022]

Okay, the Aizen Jazz thing was not something I expected, but man, it fits.

[@Klahwoo_]

Aizen is 100% a classical guy, every piano key of those hour-long sonatas wrote down and/or committed to memory.

[@kenkong007]

​@@Klahwoo_ Kubo likes giving musical themes to characters and he gave 2 to Aizen, with one of them indeed being classical unless I'm just that bad at figuring out music genres. Those character themes are one of my favorite things about Bleach and it's so underrated.

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

This video was part of Aizen's plan

[@Jimbobluejay]

Since the beginning

[@agamotto5354]

@@Jimbobluejay since he was in the womb

[@cnflxx]

Since YOU were in the womb ​@@agamotto5354😂

[@spiderdude2099]

You commenting this was part of Aizen’s plan

[@lust-sama3920]

*You have NO idea.*

[@ichigobankai3591]

My favorite line was when Aizen said : The betrayal you can see coming is trivial the truly terrifying thing is the betrayal you cannot see coming

[@agamotto5354]

I loved that too. The worst betrayals are the ones that you would never believe were possible.

[@ichigobankai3591]

@@agamotto5354 True like getting betrayed from a loved one hurts so much more than getting betrayed from people you hate

[@patrickzantomaster]

What I also like about the jazz scene is that Aizen was not only completely honest with Shinji but also that being carefree is an alien concept to Aizen. He feels like someone with a mental disorder, being very analytical and planning, but emotionally stunted, not because he chose to be, but because he can’t help it but also doesn’t try to engage with it. Whatever it was that pushed Aizen to become the man he is today, was someone who had to learn the hard way that he was different, not only was he smarter snd stronger than most of his peers, but he also couldn’t relate to them on an emotional level.

[@sanddry738]

We rarely see Aizen doing anything that isn’t planning or being a powerhouse but in data books and other stuff it’s stated he taught a calligraphy class every week and some very minor details like favorite food is tofu and disliked food is boiled eggs (he truly is a monster) So I think the concept isn’t totally alien but yeah he doesn’t make an effort to truly interact which makes sense later on.

[@patrickzantomaster]

@@sanddry738 I mean we could also just infer that he teaches those classes to have a cover up. He never shows doing or laments not being able to do calligraphy in hueco mundo. Only Drinking tea. By that point he already had everything planned out.

[@DarrielOni]

They may have locked Mayuri up in a cell, but at least they allowed him to apply his make up

[@TheTobiasandersen95]

Might be why he has so many different "designs" for his getup - dude gots to be mad bored in that cell :D

[@chat-shire8836]

The Jazz comment is absolutely genius, just as u brought it up it clicked and made sense Bravo

[@agamotto5354]

Sorry for the technical difficulties and slight delay on the upload. Hopefully, this will work! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

[@caseyhart4999]

Hey man in my eyes you never need to apologize. Life happens and that’s cool. I’m grateful to be able to share in the experience of your first time through the series. It truly brings me joy.

[@UnEv3n]

Shit even the sidemen had difficulties keeping the schedule at the start. Don't sweat it, just keep doing what you do!

[@Honest_Mids_Masher]

I may be repeating myself like a broken record but man your analysis's on Bleach are on a whole other level I'm not aure if anyone has actually caught onto that part where Aizen is unable to understand Jazz and this is your first time reading which just makes this even more amazing.

[@saruidol]

That Aizen-Jazz think piece blew my mind, wow.

[@Archaoen0]

the events of turn Back the Pendulum are as important to the future as much as the present in Bleach.

[@Enviosss]

Potential spoilers.. Bro, i just wanna say that your take on Aizen not understanding Jazz at all is phenomenal, its something i've never heard anyone saying but makes SO much sense. Im telling you right now, when you see a certain scene much later in the story, you will remember that

[@yahyawihamza4064]

Can u explain ???

[@Enviosss]

@@yahyawihamza4064 spoilers (again) When Masaki and Isshin appeared in the past, in TYBW, Aizen didnt predict that "White" would go for her and infect the quincy, but even so he let that happen just so he could see what would come out of it. Meaning that he, in one way or another, started to adapt and appreciate more of the "unknown" factors that his pursuit would go against, to some extent. (Sorry if my comment wasnt properly written, im still learning english lol)

[@MilleniumKage]

@@Enviosssspoilers It’s cool to see this slowly integrate into Aizen’s character and ultimately his downfall, as his penchant for adapting to scenarios subtly showcases the madman he truly is, as when Tosen is the one to want to exterminate Masaki I believe, but Aizen surprisingly wants it to continue for his own amusement. Again when he allows Tosen to cut Grimmjows arm, even called out on this by Gin. And we all know how he allowed Ichigo to keep evolving to satisfy his own self interests, that one careless element to such a articulate scheming man makes him all the more fuller as a character

[@Enviosss]

@@MilleniumKage Precisely bro, that one bit about Grimmjow's arm was on point too.

[@brentberryhill7885]

Another cool thing about the Aizen Jazz scene is that it ties into the later revelation that Shinji never tried to get to know Aizen. Aizen doesn't just say "I don't like it." or "This music is bad". He says "I'm not sure I understand it." That's an invitation for Shinji to get to know Aizen better. What does Shinji like about Jazz? What about it makes it hard for Aizen to understand? It makes you imagine all the other opportunities Shinji had to get to know Aizen throughout their time together.

[@sanddry738]

That’s a really interesting thing to consider as well! I genuinely wonder if Aizen would’ve been honest about the topic or if he would’ve just said whatever

[@mrxstatik7904]

Urahara actually doesn't capture or search for the people in the Maggot's Nest. He's just the warden. Kubobactually revealed recently in his Klub Outside that the last unnamed division of the stealth force is the one responsible for tracking down people.

[@thetempest3116]

When you mentioned the “since you were in your mothers womb” line coming full circle made me think of similar but slightly different line that is said later in the series that makes me think of Kubo purposely wrote that as subtle foreshadowing

[@kewpiesensei]

wait remind me

[@skotiaH2O]

How the tables turn...

[@thetempest3116]

@@kewpiesensei I don’t wanna spoil it for Agamotto but it’s during the later part of fake karakura town

[@IyadAbouziab]

​@@kewpiesenseiI'm sure agamotto will catch it when it shows up again soon 😉

[@ozdaartist3106]

Wow when I was reading/watching Bleach I didn’t catch that jazz bit. That’s interesting definitely a good catch on your part, it makes total sense that Aizen wouldn’t understand something as chaotic as jazz when he’s so articulate and straightforward.

[@drofasroyal3900]

It's very strange that you didn't mention the moment with Kioraku, who looked at the "illusory Aizen" with maximum suspicion when he was walking at night. He even says, like, "maybe I'm thinking too much..." For a second, this is the only manga character who did not interact with Aizen (unlike Unohana, who personally examined Aizen's body and Hirako, who was constantly next to the main villain) and literally felt something "wrong" from a distance.

[@lennartweinrich7381]

He is my goat

[@manuelacosta9463]

This was the 'wham episode' of the saga. Aizen seemingly being legitimately surprised is quite unusual, either he was faking to maintain his facade or he was truly stumped for a moment. In either case him getting one over on Kisuke really helped set events into motion. Can imagine how this would play out if he decided to actually play for keeps and slew Kisuke that night....

[@achmedschachbrett772]

35 Minutes about TBTP (imo top 3 Arcs in Bleach) ABSOLUTE CINEMA 🗣️

[@iluvmybleach]

I didn't remember the jazz line and it makes it even better because all of Shinji's songs in the anime have jazz elements.

[@luciussakura5031]

Yeah, Turn Back the Pendulum is one of my favourite mini-arcs in the whole series. And it is definitely one of the longer flashbacks in Bleach.

[@no_nameyouknow]

Yes, I totally felt the same way about this arc. It's so cool how they take this seemingly random faction of Masked Soul Reapers and tie them directly into the story. On a side note, your videos are getting better and better, keep at it my dude!

[@sanddry738]

Holy shit your analysis is fucking 10/10. That Jazz line is something I NEVER considered! I love how TBTP drops you with the bomb that Aizen is a lieutenant and Shinji is his captain. You realize immediately where things are going to end and only can watch a beautiful tragedy forming. Also the 0 division stuff was interesting for sure. You’re also right with how ruthless the Soul Society is that they didn’t bother looking deeper and would just dispose of the hollowfied people

[@TbxB95]

Urahara the puppet master, huh? 💀 TBTP provides a great background and many puzzle pieces, but you will get more things addressed later in EBTR, another long flashback as good as this one. For now stay hyped about the rest of the war against Aizen and the Arrancars 🔥

[@yeonbibi191]

I really really love your contextualization of the Jazz and Aizen. I don't think anyone has yet to notice the connection you put out, and it makes perfect sense

[@SuperShinigami3]

bleach gives u so many answers only to create more questions out of them ,i just love the world and its characters

[@albertmendoza4823]

Hope you keep long Videos specially for some Story bits that are coming soon keep up the pace

[@agamotto5354]

I wish all my videos could be this length but it definitely takes a lot putting it together. Maybe someday!

[@fjveca]

that Aizen Jazz dissertation was incredible, and yes, seeing how the vizard incident happened was really interesting, one of the things that's really curious to me specially about soul society is how the justice system feels completely messed up, yeah we know Aizen is a master manipulator, but at the same time it feels wrong that central 46 is incapable of even contemplating that a captain of the Gotei 13 might be right, it kind of sets up how easy was for Aizen to supplant Central 46 on the soul society arc even sentencing Rukia to die without anybody else even raising an eyebrow.

[@UltimateRed-bj7mo]

I've watch Bleach in its entirety twice, and read through most of the manga once. I've never picked up on the Aizen and jazz bit. I love picking up on more and more subtext the more I get older and revisit the story.

[@umarabdaziz]

That Aizen and Jazz thing is so much more impressive when we find out what he did in TYBW arc. Maybe his interaction with Shinji is what drove him to let his plan "derails" a little bit from its original objective.

[@dariusandreicostache6108]

This arc is so good because Bleach does not do many flashbacks in general. But when it does it is really special and memorable as compared to the oversaturation of flashbacks that some anime are guilty of.

[@roseredthorns]

turn back the pendulum is my favorite arc of any anime ever. its perfect. its a masterclass of brilliance

[@draco_nyxieX]

That Aizen jazz thing is spot on and is the most unique take I've ever heard on Aizen And it sorta makes him more understandable as a character

[@spunkytheozinho]

A subtle hint that I like is to think that the Vizards could be ANY loved captain. Imagine if that occurred to any other captain? It’s so cool to see the background for the vizards

[@grizzlyv2.076]

12:50 I believe Kaien already answered that question in the flashback we got in Rukia vs Aaroniero!

[@bobbytonson5890]

Hell yeah.

[@lancelovecraft5913]

Shinji is definitely the coolest guy especially after you find out he likes jazz. I wish turn back the pendulum was a few chapters as some things wrapped up too quick in my opinion

[@jetdragoon7001]

I love the long videos

[@natty1115]

IT'S HERE!!!

[@mathewdowning4751]

"Where do they go when they die?" 😓

[@yoruichi_feet_lover]

I need the chapters 🙏🙏

[@Alulucard]

I hope you document more of your firsts after bleach, absolutely love this type of deep dive first impression type stuff. Plus as a fan it is an interesting think piece.

[@yeonbibi191]

An interesting reminder, that 110 years of history is just a 1/10 of the history Yamamoto went through

[@jeandzwieleski8151]

We are here!

[@RaffiPrima23]

The Scene when kensei and his team get hurt by tosen is because tosen use his Bankai and lock all of their sense except touching and make them weaker. That the explanation because they don't explain it in the story'.

[@sofarsogood8680]

You can see the clash between conservative of SS and Uruhara as reformist. He planting a seed which is Mayuri , to continue the reform work if he doesn't around anymore eventhough it's very high risk to put trust on that guy. Based from Kubo's Q&A , Mayuri was an assistant from unofficial research squad lead by one of zero squad members. So in this mini flashback, mayuri actually has lose his confidence as he knew without SS's authority , he can't do nothing.

[@tophfan]

I love this flashback arc it adds so much context to vizards! Great commentary and reading on your part!

[@chairwolf5446]

I love Urahara so much. I love the look on his face when the Central 46 are handing down their judgment. The way he is in the current story, I wonder if this moment had a significant effect on his personality and what he felt the need to prepare for.

[@MAGA-CH4OZ]

Bro dropping bangers every week, love your content bro 🎉

[@spiderdude2099]

Tousen with that mask goes SO HARD

[@ZeroOne101]

life long bleach fan here and just subbed! i love all your reviews and insight. your perspective is a breathe of fresh air and i cant wait for you to see where the story goes :)

[@Charlieandp]

I just wanted to say that this series is amazing. You approach the series with respect, consideration and passion.

[@slayerscorpmurichirobest-wq6fn]

Ts wasn’t showing but we here !!!!

[@KheranSmith]

Yet again this was great breakdown 😎👍

[@metal87power]

At the end, the Gotei's leader come to human world to personally reconcile with Ichigo's school friends!!! Impossible thing to imagine for the entire history of the universe. Of course, Shusui's always was very socialable person and Yamamoto wouldn't stop him - and probably he would agree to do this after he let captains to share their power.

[@spicynoodle8870]

this is my second favorite flashback, and its so so great.

[@samcilxix160]

So fun personal theory, the reason why Aizen's tricks or illusions didn't work on Shinji is because Shinji himself is sort of an illusionist but in a different way. As you continue to read you'll see what his zanpaktou does

[@elainasjournal5734]

One small interesting details is that Kyoraku on that night came to check on Aizen since he probably picked up those minor differences in habit between the real Aizen and fake Aizen. Sadly he wasn’t aware of Aizen’s ability so he didn’t see through the fake Aizen that night.

[@zerogoodcontent7293]

Great video can’t wait for you too see the events to come, you will see some truely amazing moments in this war

[@FuukaPol]

FINALLY. Excited for this vid.

[@ARandomEliatrope]

I still love how much Young Byakuya reminds me of Rukia

[@nahte123456]

Small but interesting thing. In this flashback we see Aizen talk about people vanishing with Shinji...the thing he is doing. And back in SS he spoke to Renji about how weird Rukia's execution was...the thing he was doing. Rather interesting, that Aizen talks to the people around him into looking into the things he's trying to keep secret. Even more specifically Renji, who is one of the first to turn against SS, and Shinji who outright says he doesn't trust Aizen. Is he just that cocky? Does he want the challenge? Was there other plans, traps even, that they never sprung by not listening to him? Is this some kind of self sabotage?

[@ultimateshadeofwar]

FINALLY!!! TURN BACK THE PENDULUM!!! I been waiting for your reaction to this one, and it was everything i hoped for.

[@yeonbibi191]

It makes you really think on how far can Urahara go, with how morally grey he is, you don't know how much he can sacrifice, and how willing is he to manipulate the people around him. We already have a glimpse of how he handled the situation of Ichigo and his friends going to the Soul Society to save Rukia. Using the situation to help him with the problem of the Hogyoukou and Aizen

[@Jud.design]

I just saw you posted the video and I am so pumped, lovely little treat to watch while having my breakfast!

[@Dom-kp6ur]

blessed with the early upload

[@Agemus6139]

I remember when these chapters first came out I was excited about seeing them later in the anime. My brother didn’t read the manga so it was a big deal to him to watch on tv. It’s strange looking back, that the end of this flashback almost marked the middle point of the story.

[@Jack-The-Gamer-]

"And where do they go when they die" 😁😁😁

[@metal87power]

It was so much easier for Aizen to manipulate everything because of Soul Society's stagnant and conservative structure. They had customs and strict laws that prevented or discouraged people from socialising with each other. Except for shinigami who had previous alliances, and friendships, the rest were disconnected. Having a feudal social structure (noble clans and their central government) didn't help either. SS needed revolution or external influence to gradually change, which came in the form of Ichigo Kurosaki. His presence enable very different shinigami to confront each other and get to know each other better. Real Traitors were exposed, misunderstood individuals became less intimidating. Aizen's threat, Arrancar, and Quincy helped too. And it's not unethical to note that removing Central 46 helped immensely.

[@varsoonhks3211]

Think about how this recolors all the training with Urahara and Ichigo. Urahara has Tessai intentionally cut Ichigo's Soul Chain. Urahara strengthens Ichigo's Konpaku considerably. Urahara then puts Ichigo into the Shattered Shaft--knowing full well about Hollowfication and how it works as well as the power the Visored have. Urahara also clearly knows about Isshin, so you have to ask--how long has Urahara had an eye on Ichigo? Probably since he was in the womb.

[@dessnikoss]

We learned 3 important things today 1 : Jazz is important to understand people 2 : Since that time, Aizen kept a close look on pregnant women so he could deliver his line to their children. 3 : Yes, there is a uneasiness with clothes left behind. As we know people dont usually go naked out of nowhere, having missing people while finding their clothes would make us understand that something really dangerous is happening.

[@powerofberzerker9487]

Great vid friend, you're awesome.

[@JakeMatthews-OnLo]

Wow I never noticed the detail that Urahara failed at his job for never noticing Aiden as threat, also I loved these chapters it almost felt like Kisuke was the MC, nothing against my boy Ichigo but focusing on the perspective and story of someone else is always nice.

[@saketmeena9581]

You can see the trust of Yoruichi on Urahara. Yoruichi had a big role in the Soul Society. She gave up all for her best childhood friends.

[@fivesismyfav8395]

I can't wait for when you read the war, love hearing your perspective, keep up the great work!

[@რატი.ალანია]

and I cant wait for your next video loved this one like always

[@spicynoodle8870]

Tessai having the ability to freeze time is still crazy to me.

[@ChromaticEagle]

Everyone is commenting on Aizen and jazz, but your explanation explains a lot about Shinji too.

[@roojkkjoor873]

23:14 that’s the reason why aizen try to kill him😂😂😂😂😂

[@Dragonpuncher123]

Just a quick note on the jazz thing, it is actually a bit of an anachronism in the story, since TBTP takes place around 1890’s in our time and jazz didn’t really exist before the 1910’s. With the word first being recorded in 1912 and the first musical recording of Jazz taking place in 1917. But I assume Kubo just really wanted Shinji to listen to jazz here. I think the choice of music was definitely far from random.

[@almightygod2144]

The discussion about the "Shinigami afterlife" is always fun. If you haven't already, you will get an answer in the manga -- whether you'll catch it or not is another matter, it's crazy to me how many people don't.

[@RaffiPrima23]

Shinji is more even impressive because He still fighting tosen and win when he still have the hollow mask already inflicting toward him.

[@metal87power]

Aizen's conspirancy would stand little chance in post-Kurosaki's SS. :D Those guys are transparent as they possibly can. They share battle experiences, griefs, and they act like colleagues. In this regard, Shinji was born too early. He was very socially aware, friendly, and progressive person, but he lacked guts to break the rules like Ichigo. Ichigo was obviously very powerful. It wasn't Talk No Jutsu. it was Slash, slash and then talk no jutsu. xD

[@BladeZlayer]

When i say that Bleach is the best anime/manga i have seen or read i mean that. It's so special and unik from everything else. Kubo isn't called the king for no reason, he really is the king.

[@insertname5371]

Let’s go!!!!

[@IdkIdk-vm4dm]

Seeing mini Akon and Hisagi was adorable. Also Maggpy's Nest sucks. Loved seeing all the Visoreds and how Shinji was a jazz fan.

[@thefreewheelindude]

great video, love it!!

[@micheal5973]

Turn back the pendulum blows his mind. Will he survive everything but the rain?

[@gigey]

Just wanna say I love your videos so much

[@deondrebrown2466]

26:39 I have two theories on how they got infected. My first is that Tōsen infected them when he attacked them with is bankai. Second would be them getting infected by contact with one who's already hollowfied perhaps like when Hiyori struck Shinji. Would also explain how she got infected as well before the others arrived.

[@saturnhawk6115]

Wooo. First here. 24 seconds after post.

[@spiderdude2099]

We eatin good this Friday boys 👌👌👌

[@mrunoreversecardiamimmune8335]

Bro im so sorry for the shocks you're about to get

[@bhyde88]

The maggots nest wasn't shown to show Urahara's dark side. It was shown to show Urahara's strength and Soul Society's dark side.

[@BrunoKrost]

Now, Mr agamoto, do you realize how strong Ichigo always was? He broken the bakudo 99 from Tesai, the kido capitan while Ichigo was only a human yet

[@yeonbibi191]

Man, I love Kaien

[@zackgardner6517]

Amazing arc

[@soulslvr9562]

Imagine if this whole time Aizen turned against soul society because Shinji liked Jazz

[@uziwurm]

I really didnt know shinji said the quote "since you were in your mothers womb"

[@iamcoachmark8327]

I can feel ur intusiasm of kubo turn back the pendulum chapter, but once u get on tybw flash back chapter u will love it morethan ever. About urahara shady character there are people who theorize that he might be the final villain of bleach.☝

[@darktheg.o.d5541]

Welp gotta watch this whenever i get off work😢

[@theboy3940]

Although no concrete answer on how soul reapers age, kubo stated in a QnA that hollows age based on mentality and a change of desires/goal, if we apply this to soul reapers and such, this would mean that very old people have had enough time to change ideology's or mentality's while the younger looking people have stayed with the same mentality for however long they live. Its something fun