BLEACH's New Peak - How Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Outdid Itself | First Time Reading BLEACH #34

Wow...hol(e)y moly.
Peak. Absolute peak. So let's get into it.
Animated Intro by GadzStudio
*NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGMENT INTENDED*

[@manuelacosta9463]

Ulquiorra's final moments in finally understanding the heart in humanity with Orihime's imput will always be a tragic moment of the saga. There's no doubt Orihime had several sleepless nights in the aftermath of Hueco Mundo.

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

It is one of the most beautiful moments of the saga. The Hollow who embodies the void they all feel the most, fading away as he finally gained a human connection…truly somber but very poetic.

[@manuelacosta9463]

@@jrgenvellesen7800 Truth. Orihime and Ulquiorra reaching out to each other shows the parallels of their states, Orihime with her humanity and Ulquiorra with his curious understanding. Ulquiorra knew humanity just as Orihime remains strong in her convictions regarding humanitarianism pacifism that enabled her to remain in the light.

[@Masterblader158]

Really she had numerous sleepless nights situations in Hueco Mundo, Ulquiorra's death is the painful sugar on top.

[@axelwinchester4220]

She probably slept like a baby when she got home yeah she felt sad for him at the end but Ulquiorra captured her and tried to break her but ended up broken himself

[@mikecash2384]

Your breakdown of Orihime's breakdown is 100% the same thing I've been saying for DECADES i never understood how people gave her shit for having an appropriate reaction to seeing Ichigo "Die" in from of her

[@seeinred]

I think it's much weaker in anime than manga. Plus, people back in the day weren't exactly "getting" Orihime, me included. It's easy to forget that she is simply human girl, young at that, in this insane fucked-up situation she's thrusted into through almost no fault of her own.

[@mikecash2384]

@seeinred Yea the anime portrayed it pretty bad opposed to the manga.. I also had a better understanding of the circumstances because I've actually seen breakdowns like that in real life. I'm from the actual hood I done seen a man get his brains blew out in front of his woman it's some traumatic shit

[@m0ckyzo185]

Honestly you can chalk up a decent bit of it to either the poor direction of the anime or just plain media illiteracy/bigotry. Fans will look at vunerable characters with real, human weaknesses and only see them for that because they only want surface level enjoyment from a series

[@mikecash2384]

@m0ckyzo185 For im like, how was she supposed to react? She be the most normal main character in the series save for her ability...

[@RadarFinsR]

the voice acting in the Anime was a little bit grating with her yelling Kurosaki-kun over and over which we'd already had to deal with a lot in the series. But this is truly one of the moment where it makes total sense.

[@spiderdude2099]

I didnt come up with this but i heard someone say before: "One of the most climactic moments in all of bleach.....is a tragedy"

[@ye4thorn]

Maybe the video by in pacifica: The Best Part of Bleach is a Tragedy

[@spiderdude2099]

@@ye4thorn yeah, that might be it

[@miguelyanezlorenzo5037]

In moments like this, I have to think back to how Kubo chose Ulquiorra's name because it souds remarkably similar to the Spanish phrase "el que llora", meaning "the one who cries". Even as he becomes more monstrous and ruthless than ever, I feel like Ulquiorra's Segunda Etapa ironically emphasizes how profoundly, existentially painful it is for him to be a hollow, to be empty. The marks under his eyes grow more pronounced and look even more like tears. Moreover, the hole in his chest grows larger and has its center placed lower, in the middle of his chest, rather than around the height of his collarbone. It also has the same mark as his eyes, as if it's seeping black blood, or like a third crying eye. And the best part is, we don't know if he has ever seen HIMSELF in a mirror. All aspects of him seem designed to convey pain and sadness, but he is unable to see it because he literally and metaphorically cannot look at himself.

[@Rose_and_Thorne]

All the espada were named after designers and architects. Ulquiorra was named after Patricia Urqiola and (potentially) Hubert Shiffer. He likely took a lot of these names and translated them to japanese, and then re-romanized them to make them seem more unique. It would be nice if Kubo thought far enough to make that line up with his naming scheme though

[@matthewkastner8151]

You cooked so fucking hard with this one and it makes me so happy. You're gonna look back on this video and be like damn I'm good.

[@Asapanguish]

Bro just straight up said “white ichigo” and white ARE ichigo and i did the meanest double take. He’s gonna love tybw

[@RadarFinsR]

bro has all the media literacy he stole it from others I think.

[@saturnhawk6115]

​@RadarFinsR between that and his breakdown of Orihime, and Ulquiorra. This guy nailed almost every point in this portion of the story.

[@quicogil4565]

"The White hollow inside him is still Ichigo" You're gonna LOVE further developments, man.

[@diablo.the.cheater]

I mean, he has Ichigo's face for a reason lol, and you can see that level of sadism and aggression on Ichigo sometimes, doesn't even need to be hollowfy or with mask either, in fact in the very first episode in the very first panels with Ichigo beating up the losers that kicked that girl flowers... I can't help myself but see "white Ichigo" in Ichigo in that moment, or when he goes to rescue Chad from the gang and calls and ambulance before beating them up and counts them. Ichigo can be a bit sadists, very aggressive and mean when he gets angry and doesn't feels threatened. Is just that "white Ichigo" is those parts of Ichigo, plus his "protectiveness" because cmmn its Ichigo but nothing more, so those traits end up more exaggerated.

[@albuspercivalwulfricbriand5363]

@@diablo.the.cheaterThere are always sides within us we wish to not acknowledge. I’ve refused to believe I was a pushover and my hidden aggression throughout my teens. These had led to a lot of problems, which only resolved, when I acknowledged myself. I can see how Ichigo won’t ever accept White, even when he’s outright told to. He will accept when he’s ready. And to be ready means to grow. And to grow means, to go out, experience things and fight.

[@sofarsogood8680]

If you read thoroughly what White has said before, he literally warned Ichigo for "to not die" which basically telling him the condition for taking over the body.

[@whichhunter7087]

Additionally creates a foreboding dread for the next time they meet

[@MrMagnetron2]

Saying Ichigo vs Ulquiorra is peak is like saying water is wet and the sky is blue. Truly deserving of being one of the most universally loved moments of Bleach

[@seeinred]

Also, i just wanna mention something - that bottom left frame at 28:38. That is hollow Ichigo literally returning to Ulquiorra his own move we've seen before. Despite Ulquiorra remarking on Hollow Ichigo that he's more like a wild beast that can't even talk - oh no, this guy is intelligent. This display of sheer vindictiveness can only be made for someone of human nature. And i LOVE it.

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

Oh yes, White is one petty asshole.

[@bleachbleachBLEACHER]

Ichigo is the master of 'getting even'.

[@rayvonvelez3129]

Also when ichigo throws ulquiorra arm back at him, and stomps on his head. It was all petty disrespectful payback. But its so justified with all bullying ulquiorra was doing before.

[@theganondorky7238]

Man I never noticed the Idea around seeing and eyes for Ulquiorra, man character design and writing is so cool, the things you can convey with such seemingly small things, MMMM.

[@nahte123456]

So one of the things I love about this is that in the end, despite everything, it's Orihime's philosophy that "won" here. Ichigo wants agency, it's a core part of his character, it's his big character poem, to have the strength to shatter fate. It's one of the first things we learn about him, that he wants to be able to help people in front of him, he even has that "not superman" speech with Uryu early on. But he won in a way he couldn't control. Uryu has his pride and he cares so very much. But neither of those things saved Ichigo, neither of them saved himself, and neither stopped Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra thinks only "matter" matters, only things you can see or hear or feel can be important. He rejects the heart, the ties that bind, and he is destroyed by Ichigo's heart manifest, his desire to protect someone he's bound too bringing in his power. Orihime though believed in her friends. Her 'heart' with them drove her to get into this, and that same heart will draw them to her. And in the end she did draw Ichigo in and give him motivation, she connected to Ulquiorra, and she worked with Uryu. It was her heart, her connections with all 3 of these characters, that made everything. And despite everything...Ulquiorra's heart is there. I don't think these 3 characters will ever forget this day, forget him and what he made them feel. Just like Kaien's heart is still with Rukia, Ulquiorra's heart is going to stay with Ichigo, Uryu, and most of all Orihime.

[@azevedo1046]

Once you finish reading this arc, I would suggest you to take a look at the Espadas "Beyond Ressurection" designs, from the BBS mobile game. They are not cannon forms so you aren't getting spoiled, and they are original designs that Tite Kubo himself helped designing.

[@sanddry738]

I would LOVE to see his thoughts on those designs! Especially the 6th Anniversary character since the design is so fascinating. Although perhaps after TYBW since some designs would be spoilers

[@lennartweinrich7381]

I love the "I will protect you" It has more than one meaning and perspective and I love both so much. You defnetly shouldnt forget this line

[@sableknight1616]

I think one of the most interesting things about the fight between Ichigo and Ulquiorra is that it somewhat changes perspectives. Ulquiorra is now the focus, and for the first time we get to see his thoughts on the page. It’s as if we’re getting the internal monologue of someone fighting a horror movie monster, and the realization that what he’s fighting isn’t remotely the man he fought before. Especially with: “He slipped right through my pesquisa…That wasn’t Shunpo. It was Sonido.”

[@dariusandreicostache6108]

This fight is definitely in the conversation for best fight in in the entire series! From its coreography, to it's character moments and revelations about both ichigo's hollow side and Ulquiora's growing humanity.

[@bleachbleachBLEACHER]

I mentioned after you finished the Grimmjow fight how Ichigo's concept of saving people didn't end until he proved to the people that threatened them that they wouldn't get away with trying it again - and his refusal to accept his hollow's defeat over Ulquiorra is even more evidence of that being true. He can't accept the way he defeated Ulquiorra because he doesn't feel like he achieved it with his own power. To him, it feels like an interruption, or something borrowed, a fluke accident that he had no control over. It is unearned - and therefore - meaningless as a victory in his eyes. Grimmjow tried to make it out like Ichigo just secretly harbored the natural instinct of wanting to fight and defeat his opponents, but in truth - Ichigo's ultimate endstate in accordance to how he really acts would be to become so powerful that he never has to fight again. To reach the point where any enemy he stands in front of will give up trying and leave him and his loved ones in peace. It is again, something I deeply admire about how Ichigo's character thinks, and there is one other point in this series where I will bring this point up again where I think it is most relevant to his character.

[@revenantronin8377]

Ichigo is my GOAT Shonen MC, no contest. Such a well written character, honestly.

[@RandomGuy-ci9nt]

He also thought that he escaped that descent into hollowdom after beating Grimmjow

[@saketmeena9581]

Ironically, it looked like he was not supposed to understand emotions so he faded away in Hueco Mundo when he started realising heart.

[@luffys_]

It can be interpretated that way too

[@AlexT7916]

15:36 Remember how White said at the end of their fight that he'd be back to take control if Ichigo ever lost? Yeah he wasn't kidding!

[@diablo.the.cheater]

"white Ichigo", not White. Different characters even if they are kind of related.

[@TealeafRogers]

It's amazing how dangerously close Agamotto's analysis is too the truth of 'Hollow Ichigo' 😂

[@noarhoxha7377]

shhhhh... 😂😂

[@revenantronin8377]

He said he's a writer, remember? Unlike us who watched the anime as kids or read the manga weekly, he is binging the series whilst also taking notes of anything he fi ds interesting. So it makes sense that things you'd normally forget after 1 year of reading week to week or how ever many weeks of watching the anime, he would remember and tie things together. Anybody who has only read or watched Bleach once doesn't understand Bleach, it's the reason why it's underrated and in some cases even disliked. You miss a LOT on just 1 read through of the story. Kubo writes like a lyrical rapper, almost every word is layered. It's really cool how Agamotto takes his time with these videos. He doesn't miss much of what Kubo tries to convey to the reader, and that's commendable.

[@KumoArt]

Murciélago also means "Great Black-Winged Demon". Explanation: In japanese there is the alphabet and the kanji. Kanji are symbols that represent an entire word, but it's really complicated as there are a lot of them. The shirakana, are transcriptions of those kanji into their alphabet, that are placed above (or beside) it, mainly for children to understand, pronounce and possibly learn the kanji. Kubo, and a lot of writers, use them to give multiple meaning to concepts, such as Ulquiorra's Resurrección. While the Shirakana for Murciélago spells bat in spanish (In their alphabet), the kanji that are used aren't related to the shirakana at all, having different meanings and pronounciation, in this case, meaning "Great Black-Winged Demon".

[@kamikazelemming1552]

Ichigo vs Ulquiorra. The fight so nice, they animated it twice.

[@sanddry738]

Ichigo’s transformation (dubbed “Vasto Lorde Ichigo” by fans) is one of the best hype moments for me. But past the craziness, I think it’s so fascinating to look at Ulquiorra’s development and final moments. Also so glad you read Masked! It gives so much more fascinating insight into Ulquiorra’s origins and his philosophy as well as Kubo’s themes on symbolism. Side note but there’s a Japanese singer that made a music video about these parts of the story and it’s so good

[@rod4309]

Link?

[@sanddry738]

@@rod4309 Rapport by Katsuya Kitane! It’s also used as a song in a TYBW MV as well. I’m having trouble pasting the link but if you look it up it’s the video with the grey buildings and channel icon is a red eye

[@rod4309]

@@sanddry738 Thanks!

[@Meepie_Playz]

Funny how Kubo said he doesn’t like this fight or something like that I forgot

[@poltergeist6742]

The whole hueco mondo arc till now was mostly about ichigo discovering aspects of himself that he doesn‘t want to accept, like with grimjow and how ichigo doesn‘t want to accept that he actually does enjoy fighting

[@NoahToledo-xo5pj]

I just realize this is Goku's arc from the Saiyan/Namek saga lmao.

[@lennartweinrich7381]

The opening sound so epic, great music choice and your tone fits perfectly

[@saketmeena9581]

23:08 that's why we can conclude that Ulquiorra was naturally born Vasto Lorde. He never evolved from normal hollow to Menos Grande and then Adjuchas. He was born in Hueco Mundo with the creation of Hueco Mundo. If he had any human history, he would have some kind of hunger. And he would also have some emotions whether it is the emotion of being aggressive or violent. Judging from his character we should not be surprised that he didn't have any increase in his power since his birth with Hueco Mundo.

[@blockclone]

One thing - Menos Grande is a category of Hollows, including Gillians, Adjucas and Vasto Lorde. Menos are not just Gillians, they are the whole kind.

[@RandomGuy-ci9nt]

He actually has a backstory

[@saketmeena9581]

@@blockclone Oh yes. My mistake. I should have written 'Gillian'.

[@saketmeena9581]

@@RandomGuy-ci9nt I meant he doesn't have human time history because he was never human to begin with.

[@ryanfrewin7722]

Bro wake up, another agamotto video

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

Bro wake the f*ck up it's the Ichigo vs Ulquiorra video

[@TheTobiasandersen95]

Louder next time please, i overslept a little 😅

[@userblue-eyes6771]

Wow, Mr. Agamotto likes watching Origime's mental breakdown? Now i want him to meet my beloved "Uncle"😊. But you need to wait a little longer

[@J_S_M1]

Are you talking about my sensei

[@revenantronin8377]

Oh sh*t, he's your uncle too?

[@sayanghosh4519]

are you talking about my cousin?

[@genjitsunokami]

Note that Ulqiorra wasn't cleansed with a Zanpakuto; he won't be reincarnated within Soul Society nor will he likely find himself in Hell. He becomes nothing; Ulqiorra attains the understanding he sought -- the intangible became perceptible -- and is subsequently freed from the cycle of rebirth which underpins Bleach. The tragedy of Ulqiorra's passing is made more poignant and beautiful with the additional framing of liberation from cosmic suffering.

[@skippi99r32]

well he was cleansed with a zanpakuto, but the important question is if a hollow wielding it can cleanse other hollows

[@Daruno]

Thats the thing, most damage was done bia the point blank Cero that resulted in his death, and he didnt die by being cut as the final attack, he just couldn't keep existing

[@maxharper3737]

I don't know what your talking it was clearly Zangetsu that killed him.

[@genjitsunokami]

@maxharper3737 no, ichigo didn't deliver the finishing blow with his Zanpakuto. Ulqiorra literally dies from his injuries -- specifically from the cero -- and even remarks to Ichigo that the battle would remain forever unfinished if Ichigo didn't kill him with his blade.

[@maxharper3737]

@@genjitsunokami Yeah from his hollow, who is Zangetsu.

[@CraigPremium]

It should also be noted that Stark moved Orihime this vast distance almost instantly. Edit: I should also point out that you see ichigo's vasto lorde form with only a partial shinigami uniform. keep this in mind for a future reference.

[@zerogoodcontent7293]

One of the greatest berserker moments I’ve seen in anime/manga

[@strayorion2031]

what if the first time ichigo says "get up" was himself saying it to himself, but the second "get up" was the hollow inside of him telling ichigo to get up, and notice how even with the hollow taking full control, he decides to take revenge for his friends, he saw what he did to uryu, so he decided that ulquiorra should lose his arm too, maybe the hollow inside ichigo isn't so bad

[@lostkin9921]

And then he stabs ishida so I don't about that

[@finel3141]

@@lostkin9921 well, maybe it was just pure instinct. Or Uryu was just annoying.

[@lostkin9921]

@@finel3141 even if it was instinct, that doesn't really justify the fact he was going to execute ishida if ulquiorra didn't stop him.

[@finel3141]

@@lostkin9921 It s massive spoilers but you do realise this isn t white ? At least full white ? White has conscience and Can communicate . This form isn t even close to the one Ichigo has when they fought for body supremacy. The mask is really different. So for me, it does attack ishida from instinct after he had beaten ulquiorra because that was the only thing that what white could do in that state ( You can further prove it by the fact that white WEAR the vasto lord's Mask in his inner World)

[@ryanwaghorn5884]

Is so beautiful how he finally began to underwear emotions in his final moments. This is 1 of the best fights in bleach hands down

[@bryandelossantos7878]

I’m happy to see that you understand Ichigo’s anguish for how the battle ended so well. So many people just don’t look deeper to understanding him in this moment.

[@Zangetsu-gaTensho]

Ulqi's second release gives espada potential such a shake up Essentially Resurrection is not Bankai equivalent, rather a Shikai equivalent Their second form is a Bankai counterpart... Remember they said before espadas started showing up that a arrancar is much stronger then a captain, they weren't lying Arrancar/Espada were fighting captains in Bankai with essentially their shikais It shows just how crazy Strong Espada at their full potential are... This hits so much harder when looking back at this in the very end

[@luciussakura5031]

Yeah, Ulquiorra is definitely one of my favourite characters in Bleach, and I love his fight with Ichigo. It's something that no one, reader or character will ever forget.

[@_Alator_]

About natural born arrancars: We know only about 2 natural born arrancars, if I remember correctly. Both of those arrancars are in Espada. One of them you know now. I hope no one will spoil you the identity of another one. You'll see

[@Charlieandp]

Some of the privaron where natural arrancars too i think just weak ones before the hyokgu got involved makin arrancars

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

A fantastic fight, with a beautiful ending. It is definetly some of Kubo’s very best work!

[@revenantronin8377]

18:25 It's the Spiderman - Venom dynamic, to tie back to your comparison of Peter and Ichigo.

[@pRopaaNS]

The heart! Mind that Ulquiorra in his final moments affirmed Kayen's theory about where the heart is. Beautiful to have his final moment a hit on a nail with that message.

[@jbarr1137]

I've been waiting for this video since I first started watching your videos. This fight was one of my favorite moments in all of Bleach. Your analysis is spot on as always! Hope you enjoyed this fight as much as I'm sure you did, and I can't wait for the finale of this war to be seen through your eyes.

[@GeraldoSepulveda]

During Ichigos mask training, remember that Hollow Ichigo told him to “try not to die…”. This is why.

[@dearls921]

i had to wait all day yesterday to get home so i could enjoy this in a proper setting. this fight was amazing and such a rollercoaster. i'm very glad you enjoyed this fight

[@myfredo898]

Thank you so much for your mature and emotive analysis. This fight has had a massive impact on ne and has inspired myself artistically greatly. Thank you!

[@roojkkjoor873]

This fight raise lots of questions and what a love about it that you will see the answers in the future all of it that’s the beauty of bleach everything is connected

[@spiderdude2099]

Woooo yeah baby, thats what I've been waiting for, that's what it's all about!

[@frddw]

a battle between a monster becoming man, and a man becoming monster

[@SunlightGwyn]

He’s not ready for the next plot twist! It’s all according to plan…

[@quicogil4565]

People still be saying Bleach peaked in Soul Society and then fell off, when in reality if you pay attention to the manga it only keeps getting better and better.

[@uraharakisuke1329]

Your understanding of Ichigo and his "hollow side" and how they interact is really great given that you haven't yet learned everything there is to know about that "hollow side".

[@yaboiwhyss3480]

thanks for the video man , great analysis, it's nice to see someone who seems to be picking up on all these ideas this early into their reading experience.

[@dylanspurlock8901]

I just want to say thank you for the video and that I really enjoy all of your bleach videos

[@spqced0ut]

holy, it's the reaction I've been waiting all this time for

[@senbonzakurakageyoshi662]

Wonderful video for a wonderful character and a wonderful story line

[@lolsnez7542]

Great video your love and understanding of orihimes makes me proud to say you understood her character

[@mjm3091]

It does make you wonder if Aizen didn't know about the second form for Ulquiorra. It sounds like something he would have been aware.

[@edoardoprevelato6577]

I've been waiting for this moment since this series started

[@Ryuu28_voidgames]

I genuinely love this series man!

[@maxmelo6050]

The community has been torn on the ulquiora rank thing but the reigning theory is that aizen knew the form because one the place has cameras, 2 ulquiora has shown deep loyalty to him and it would be out of character for both of those characters if they didn't

[@tophfan]

great video as always Agamotto

[@marcusreading3783]

Ohhh, I really cant wait to get into the Blood War and THAT revelation. When we get there and look back, its going to be so interesting to see the thoughts on it.

[@m0ckyzo185]

Ulquiorra was different in a literal sense due to him being a naturally ocurring Vasto Lorde He didnt need to "eat" as other hollows do to gain more power because hes already at the top of the food chain, so to speak. Cant find a goal to chase if you're already at the finish line

[@powerofberzerker9487]

The hollow side of Ichigo filled the hole in his heart's place, while the human side of Ulquiorra's was the piece that was missing in his body, the heart. A bit ironic but incredibly poetic.

[@sethgoolsby6324]

WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[@presticus]

I don't know if it's because you're also a writer by trade, but your analysis of Ichigo's hollow was so close that you got things right on your first viewing that it took large chunks of the fandom years and future revelations to get.

[@spiderdude2099]

This fight is INSANE in the anime

[@motdurzazbratislavy6802]

I think Ichigo was more opposed to hurting Ishida, than hurting Ulquiorra. I mean hurting Ulquiorra is not that big deal (in motivation aspect). he needed to do it anyway. But hurting his friend is against his agenda. And even if it wasn't 100% him at time, it is fail from his pow. That is why, he was distancing from whole thing, to the point he rather get mained by Uluquiorra, than accept it was him who did it at any capacity.

[@thesevendeadlysins578]

Woooo~ The weekly greatness is here!

[@FrayTheHunter]

Let it be known that through Klub Outside, which is the place where Kubo answers questions from fans, that all Arrancar have the potential to achieve Segunda Etapa with propee training and understanding of their powers.

[@Fearless_Jay]

One little heads up, Adjuchas have an innate hunger, Vasto Lordes don't. Vasto Lordes is a fully evolved point for Arrancars, they no longer have a need to evolve, or eat in order to evolve. Ulquiorra was born as a Vasto Lorde, which is why he had no hunger. Small detail I know, but figured I'd mention that.

[@Janes-f1p]

White told him. At the end of his training, he just wishes to protect Ichigo as much as possible, even if chaos being the medium

[@NEONlights-lb8um]

The top 4 espada seem to have this one thing in common: their lack of hunger for souls. What they hunger for is something more abstract than the regular hollows and Arrancars

[@TheTobiasandersen95]

Another great video Agamotto 😁 Came a bit late to it, was napping, and somehow the "wake up" comments didnt reach me in time, heh Hope you will continue into TYBW arc when the current and next arcs are over, i think you will enjoy that arc alot aswell 😁

[@blanc-2468]

6:45 slight correction, by being forbidden it's not that they are restricted to use gran ray cero or ressureciòn inside the fortress, it's that doing so will destroy the entire base from the inside. The top 4 are just that strong, the act of transforming will tear apart the massive fortress that's believed to house a pocket dimension inside.

[@aminemakraz8660]

Ichigo vs Ulquiorra was literally Emotion vs Reason or more like intuition vs instinct: it captures the journey of a human hero who feels and sees what's beyond actions, things that are Intangible like relationships, love, and basically every developed feeling human achieve by interacting with each other outside of those you're born with like fear and hunger...etc. a hero who dives into the hollow realm that leads him, in the end, to become (Vasto Lorde) a full hollow who relies only on primal instinct... in contrast we have the antagonist who's already a Vasto Lorde who came from and became the symbol of nothingness in the series, interacting with a mere human on a personal level was a never done thing before by Ulquiorra until he met orihime a normal human being, orihime was approached by ulqiorra who was appointed by aizen to get her under any circumstances. ulqiuorra approached orihime by killing her surrounding protectors and was threatened by ulquiorra. but seeing her not fazed and more than that confident in her friends was something ulquiorra was never familiar with, he only knows the relation between a master and a servant, he as for his state right now know that things like someone risking their lives for a friend is nonsense cuz why would a weak one be so sure that he's gonna be saved by others, that's beyond delusional for him but when he saw Ichigo doing what he can knowing damn sure he cant win but still holds the blade for the sake of defeating uqluiorra and saving orihime and we see that when he beautifully state "I'm not fighting because I think I can win, I'm fighting because...I must win." which literally sum ichigo's beliefs and characteristics. that hit ulquiorra differently that he being to see what's not visual things that can't be seen by eyes, things that Intangible that can only be sensed and felt things that require having a Heart. a Heart that ulqiorra only started developing while he was dying that it seemed like the more he's physically dying and the more he's emotionally living forever in everyone's heart ❤

[@javilepero]

You finally got to this point in the story, i can tell you: Yes, Ulquiorra its somehow batman in bleach universe

[@stefangirbea982]

Just an interesting ‘symbolic’ fact to note: Ulquiorra has been the only adversary so far to kill Ichigo, twice even. What makes it interesting is his number, 4. In Japanese, numbers are homophone and can be written with different characters, and depending on what reading form you use, four can be written as よん or 四, which phonetically the first translates to ‘yon’, and the second to ‘shi’. The second pronunciation is of not here, because ‘shi’ also coincides with ‘death’ (though death is written as し). This has become so widespread in Japan that superstition has become normal when it comes to the number four, to the point where in older buildings it is even sometimes omitted from apartment numbers, or floor buttons in elevators, since it’s thought to be unlucky. So there seems to be a link in the fact that the enemy which bears the number ‘4’ has been the only one so far to KILL Ichigo. Also, another fun little unrelated fact: Kubo has confirmed that if Grimmjow trains hard enough, he can achieve a Segunda Etapa like Ulquiorra.

[@pptemplar5840]

Given that I saw the 0 basically confirming you got the revelation. I can finally release this quip. That moment when you make a video about how disappointed in how wrong you are about something, and the realization that you didn't even understand how wrong you were.

[@gianluccamontechiari7662]

Black Zangetsu= Ichigo's desire to protect his loved ones from danger. This side of himself is established in The Substitute Shinigami arc, and developed further with the Soul Society arc in his desire to rescue and save Rukia from death. White Zangetsu= Ichigo's instinctual desire to destroy and dominate his enemies out of a desire for revenge. That part of him is first showcased in his fight with Grand Fisher and his first fight with Renji. Now that is being further developed in this arc. Chad's poem early on showcases Ichigo's dilema really well: "I can't protect you without holding a sword. I can't hold you while holding a sword." This fight also showed us the full potential of what the Vasto Lordes can do. Ulquiorra was a natural born Vasto Lorde who broke his mask and became an Arrancar by embracing the void of his existence. His Ressurection looks like his original Vasto Lorde form, while his Segunda Etapa (Second Stage) looks like his brothers who tried to kill him. Very emotional for someone who doesn't believe in human emotions. Ichigo on other hand fused his Shinigami powers in Bankai (Tensa Zangetsu) with the peak of his Hollow powers (Vasto Lorde).

[@Ry9022]

Man, this makes me remember the chapter titles through this part, going through the seven deadly sins before hitting The Lust 1- 4(or 5, I can never remember the total number).

[@diegovillavicencio1761]

The Ulquiorra poem it's my favorite

[@Desmortines]

Hey, first off, I really like your reactions to reading bleach, very entertaining and insightful. I've got an information that will be revealed thirty chapter from the end of the battle from Ulquiorra, It doesn't involve the plot, just a tidbit about Ichigo's Bankai that is pretty mindblowing to have in mind while reading the fight between him and Ulquiorra after he died. I'll jump some lines in the hopes to have a "plus" to hide this information, If you don't want it yet, so you could come back to have it latter. In his conversation with Unohana in the garganta, Ichigo says that his Shihakusho is part of his bankai, and, the more of his Shihakusho is missing, the more of his reiatsu is depleted. So, if we go back to his fight with Ulquiorra, while his hollow is in control, he is still in Bankai, and , he is missing more than half of his Shihakusho. In other words, he beat Ulquiorra that bad, with more than half of his reiatsu missing. That's absolutely wild to think about.

[@TbxB95]

Yeah, no doubt Ulquiorra stands out as one of the most iconic characters in the show, from the design to the impact and role in the events, miss him is legit, but a solid end that he deserved to become even more memorable. Ichigo's resolve is always a point, but what I like more about him is precisely that, despite fighting enemies this whole time, he always ends up with mixed feeling after a battle, rarely rejoicing, indeed at most the opposite, unsatisfied or pitying the opponent, it's a nice side of him. Ignoring that bad joke of Yammi, while as allways praising my goat Uryu, see you soon back with the top3 and all the rest in Fake Karakura Town 🔥

[@grahf4215]

Told you there was still more to see about the Espada numbers. So welcome to trying to figure out who's the most powerful Hollow. Is it Yammy, Starrk/LIlynette, Barragan or Ulquiorra? ...or is it someone else entirely? Maybe it's someone we've seen already. Maybe it's someone you haven't seen yet. Maybe it's all of the above. Maybe it's none of the above. ...but wait, there's STILL more to know about the Espada "rankings". Make sure you friend has all the Klub Outside information ready for you after you're done with the series and the light novels because a major curveball has been thrown by Kubo recently.

[@yorklane5930]

10:27 I want to take a minute to talk about how brilliantly Ichigo’ Vasto Lorde form was set up, as said Ulquiorra has a habit of punching holes in the chest to mimic his hollow hole and last time he did that to Ichigo Orihime really struggled to heal him, when you first read it you think that’s because of how powerful Ulquiorra is, but no it isn’t it’s because the Inner Hollow was using this to try and get out.

[@jacobcoates7987]

Gotta be in the top 3 fights. Definently the best of the arc. Orihime and uryu being there too is nice, we didnt get enough of the karakura gang in the story (especially chad)

[@rod4309]

Ulquiora hidden No. 1!

[@NunoMatias-qq7ud]

The true reason why Ulquiorra dies is cause he has no internal organs but the poetic reason is cause in his last moments he finally understood what humanity and the heart is and that goes completly against his aspect of death. It’s almost like he dies cause his very purpose for existing cannot tolerate the fact that he felt an emotion

[@skippi99r32]

your friend helping you should let you know that kubo revealed on klub outside that all arrancar have the ability to obtain a second release form

[@noarhoxha7377]

they have the ability to obtain it but ulqiorra was the first to do so

[@skippi99r32]

@@noarhoxha7377 the first that we know of

[@Meepie_Playz]

All of the Espada can achieve a second stage but only Ulquiorra decided to have one

[@skippi99r32]

@@noarhoxha7377 that we know of

[@javonscruggs8233]

This part of the arc is great. I love the battle of the scientist and the perfection speech and Kenpachi just being Kenpachi. One important thing to note about the Espada is they represent a aspect of death but I'm going to skip to the main one ulquirora and his aspect. Ulquirora aspect of death is nihilism and nothingness. He does not believe in the metaphysical aspects like the heart since in his view if he can't see well it doesn't exists. When he meets Orihime its basically just a job for him but her beliefs in her friends,emotions, and heart actually start getting to ulquirora since it is not a concept he can fully understand and from his perspective humans and other beings suffer because they hang on to such insignificant concepts to him. He also contrast well with ichigo who ulquirora more and more takes a interest in him for his sheer determination. Both ichigo and Orihime are two beings in his mind he feels he must break in order to maintain his beliefs are the right ones. Ulquirora out of any the Espada is the most hollow inside representing what it truly means to be a hollow. Though ironically enough his role with ichigo starts to reverse in the end. In the beginning stage of his and ichigo fight Ichigo comments that ulquirora movements have become easier for him ichigo at first wonders why since when they first fought he couldn't read him at all and felt like he was fighting a wall but speculates either its because he's become more like a hollow or because ulquirora has become closer to a human. This actually gets a reaction out of ulquirora who increases the pressure of his fight with ichigo. Later though Ichigo becomes a full hollow his vasto lorde state where their roles become truly reverse. Ulquirora comes across as the more human and ichigo becomes a true hollow. It's one of the reasons Uryu stops ichigo from delivering the final blow since truly then ichigo would be lost. What makes ulquirora death sad to me is right when he finally understands the heart and emotions he fades away. It's really fascinating to analyze. Also ulquirora has some cold lines especially love this line after shooting a cero at ichigo. "I'm afraid no matter how closely your power resembles a arrcancar the difference in our power will always be the difference between heaven and earth". The line literally sent shills down my spine when he first said that. Another great moment is despite how out of his depth ichigo is end he refuses to drop his sword to ulquirora confusion. Ichigo upright since he first meant he knew he was stronger but no matter how times ulquirora shows how much stronger he is ichigo states he has to win and declares he will defeat him. Ichigo is such a enjoyable main character and I really enjoy him.

[@f_Harry]

All the espada represent a certain aspect of death. Ulquiorra in this case represents the aspect of death of emptiness. Ulquiorra is emotionless with an inability to comprehend the meaning of "heart" and supports his firm belief that what his eye cannot see does not exist.

[@saketmeena9581]

Normally yes Ulquiorra considers everyone trash because considers life nothing. But from a power perspective, he genuinely judged when he came into the world of the living in order of Aizen.

[@BasedEngineer]

I appreciate that you did not see vasto lorde Ichigo as an asspull as many fans saw it when these chapters were released.

[@Meepie_Playz]

People forget white says “make sure to not die”

[@fjveca]

this fight was probably one of the most heavy parts of the arrancar arc for me, it has so much happening and it's wild that Kubo managed to put up so much in what felt a few frantic chapters, there is so much meaning and to be fair Ulquiorra was my favorite arrancar always, Grimjaw was never as interesting as Ulquiorra for me, the fact that just at the end he actually understood the meaning of the heart of a person right at the end was impeccably well done, also him being a Bat is perfect, he was literally the arrancar that saw everything and still couldn't see what was in front of him clear as day. as for Yammy yes I'm not really a fan of that twist to be honest.

[@Meepie_Playz]

Funny how Kubo said he doesn’t like this fight or something like that I forgot

[@Blackmustache870]

​@Meepie_Playz he said the fight in hell verse was more how he envisioned it, which makes sense. I checked the manga version of the fight against and the fight sort abruptly ended awkwardly after one slash across ulquiorras chest. The cero was just the finishing blow.

[@BatMan-qr3kf]

Idk if you plan on reading any of the light novels. But if you do, you'll enjoy the character pulls they do with absurd powers. There's one im thinking of that's really crazy that no one remembers.

[@RadarFinsR]

Ulquiorra's final form really does have people arguing to this day who the "real" strongest espada is.

[@davidkuykendall3778]

I truly believe this is the Best fight in the series and after Ichigo vs Ulquiorra 2 Its all downhill from here.

[@ultimateshadeofwar]

So 2 of things, something i heard, which i agree, while Ulquiorra fights Ichigo, the reason to why Ichigo doesn't kill him, but damages him to submission through his hollow, the true enemy of Ulquiorra it isn't Ichigo, the one that can be said defeats him, it's Orihime, she is the one that during the fight has doubts, Ichigo until the end doesn't have any doubt of whats happening, his chances and what he must do. While in the fight with Grimmjow, he doubts the way he fights, he doubts why he fights and it isn't until Orihime helps him, that he re-centers himself (The reason to why this is important, it will become clear in a later chapter, but in bleach battles for Shinigamis being calm and collected is *VITAL* ). In this fights, it's Orihime the one that struggles and at the end has the right words to end the idological conflict of it, which is the most important thing rather then the physical one, just like Ichigo did with Byakuya, Renji, Grimmjow, Kenpachi, etc. Finally, this isn't something im sure, so i recommend some research, but on the 4th Bleach movie, there is a small recreation of this fight, without spoiler for the movie, and supposedly, Tite Kubo said that the way is presented on that movie it's exactly how he would have liked it to draw it, but he couldn't. It's the opening, and again, this is something i heard, i couldn't find the source, this comment supposedly also speaks a bit of his feelings regarding that movie, because he was related to it's production, so when you get around to it, i recommend looking into this rumor, and obviously looking forward to that recreation, because it's amazing, ironically it's the only time i prefer a fight to the one that exist in the manga, and this includes the fights of the new anime.

[@CurtisDishman]

Another interpretation of "i will, I will protect you" can be that white is yelling that out to Ichigo and he takes over at that point.

[@spiderdude2099]

It’s important to note that Ichigo DID ACTUALLY DIE when Ulquiora donutted him. Even tho he came back from the injury, he did genuinely die. Which, at the time, was unprecedented for the big three shounen manga. The protagonist loses and dies.

[@quicogil4565]

People have been calling the transformation 'Ichigo Vasto Lorde' for years, but that's not really what it is. Hold on for Thousand Year Blood War.