KYORAKU SHUNSUI & NANAO ISE vs LILLE BARRO - Bleach Battle ANALYSIS | The Final Game

[@MrTommo2304]

It's here - a breakdown of one of Bleach's biggest fights. Was the ending as controversial as I remembered? Let's find out - grab a drink or a snack and settle in!

[@DFTNSHEXGRM]

Love your content. Just wanted to say I’m pretty sure Lille’s name is pronounced “Lee-yeah”.. Lee-yeah Barro / Lille Barro. You mostly got it right in this vid but ngl it’s been driving me crazy all these years when you kept calling him Lil’ Barro 😂 Keep up the great work. October is soon upon us!

[@km2460]

@@DFTNSHEXGRM honestly I got used to Lil Barro and now “Lee Yeah” sounds weird to me lol

[@km2460]

I have a paper to complete and your video is helping me to not fall asleep while writing it. Love your content Tommo!😁😁😁

[@Rizingfz08]

@@DFTNSHEXGRM It's not ,why you think LE should sound as "yeah"? You can pronounced "LiLi its the same thing.

[@DFTNSHEXGRM]

@@Rizingfz08 Because often in many languages, two “L’s” are pronounced with a “y” articulation rather than a hard L. So Lille is most likely pronounced “Li-yeh”. Combined with his last name, Lille Barro - to me, it sounds like that’s what Kubo had intended because it rolls off the tongue rather than Lil Barro or Lili Barro. I’m not saying this is absolutely how it’s pronounced, just that it’s most likely pronounced this way. We’ll know soon enough once the anime eventually gets to this point.

[@SpookyStu]

How is it that I'm hesitant to commit time to a movie, but will gladly watch an hour and a half of this?

[@GzzGtu20]

That's the same for me .-.

[@philipcarey3213]

It's Bleach and MrTommo is the one covering it🗿

[@D-Skotes]

Because you know this will be entertaining and good. A movie is hit or miss

[@psachickennugget8617]

It’s not about time commitment, it’s about the feeling of the content you want and when you want that feeling.

[@dantheman5607]

I know this comment is made in jest but these types of videos you can listen to while performing a mundane/everyday task. Whereas movies you cant really do that.

[@therecombinant6215]

Kyaraku’s Shikai and Bankai are different definitions of “play”. I’m ashamed I didn’t see it when the chapters released all those years ago. Now I understand themes of his Bankai. Child’s play to stage play, a child growing up into an adult.

[@M31416]

It is nice that Kyaraku’s Shikai and Bankai, both can be described as "play", but this description depends on lagnuage. This description does work in the English language, but does it translate to Japanese? I do not know Japanese, but I know languages that do not use the same word for 'theatre' and 'games'. I simply want to state that I would not cling to a word, because it can be non-translatable. The idea, the concept, the archetype are something we should be thinking of.

[@grmancool]

also works in Japanese?

[@babaG819]

@@M31416 it was written in Japanese and translated to English so yes

[@johanhaltia3344]

It has been years since I saw this description, but I have the impression from somewhere that essentially Kyoraku's zanpakutou (or its spirit) wants to be entertained, and the two releases serve to achieve this: simple ideas for shikai and complex ideas for bankai. In that sense the specific language and names used isn't necessarily important.

[@euomu]

@@grmancool no, it doesn't

[@D-Skotes]

Why dose Shunsui always get stuck fighting the guys with guns.

[@mickieramirez5807]

Because he's the embodiment of the samurai representing the east along with honor and the gunslinger represents the western world and dishonor? I'm taking a guess at this point. 😆 I had another train of thought but I lost it mid text 😂

[@lewisaino]

So he can clap them

[@Twix44]

@@lewisaino unfortunately he didn't clap lille💀

[@Xjesus14X]

Cause he has two swords

[@Loveiseternal181]

@@Twix44 Kyoraku > lillie without immortality.

[@Prushinthespirit]

Honestly, my most anticipated battle for anime adaptation. It's a great fight that gives even more depth to Kyoraku and brings a character like Nanao from the seemingly eternal backstage into the spotlight. Some people say that her inclusion ruined the fight but I disagree: Lille Barro wasn't meant to be faced alone. And Nanao, by helping Shunsui, didn't let him repeat Yamamoto's mistake by trying to carry the fate of Gotei on his shoulders alone. Otherwise, Lille would've easily wiped out the rest of shinigami forces.

[@km2460]

I think people were upset with this fight because technically, shunsui lost. And perhaps the first big fight for the new captain commander should have been a win….especially because this was the first time we saw his bankai. My major problem with this fight was the convenience of Nanaos God-killing blade not the fact she helped shunsui win.

[@Prushinthespirit]

@@km2460 to me Shinsui's bankai failing to kill Lille is about at the same level as Dangai Ichigo failing to kill Aizen. This is the first time we saw that form and an ability that's Mugetsu and it's his ultimate move that makes him lose all of his powers - of course he should kill Aizen with this, right? And Urahara, creating a new kido to seal Aizen was also a pretty convenient way to put an end to the villain. Like, before that plot twist readers had no idea that new kido could be created artificially, instead of being a certain amount of spells explored and mastered by shinigami at some point. Shunsui, like Ichigo, was able to push his opponent to the limit and make him act cocky and possess a destructive potential to the point of completely throwing the caution out of the window. His first Volstandig form, if it's power was reflected back, would probably not be enough to kill Lille. Shunsui still managed to destroy Lille's first form that was supposed to be untouchable. Which implies that any foe weaker than him would've died the moment his head was sliced open. It's about Lille being overinfused with Soul King's power and not Shunsui being weak. And Nanao's sword isn't the worst plot device. Her never showing her sword would make you wonder why it's that way. Either she's not good with it, or for some reason she isn't allowed to use it, or it's just not good for common scenario of fighting. And in reality the answer is the combination of all three.

[@km2460]

@@Prushinthespirit Ichigo would have lost to Aizen had Urahara not been there to seal him with Kido. Aizen could have kept on fighting and ichigo had lost all his soul reaper powers. So this scenario and that scenario with Ichigo are similar to me. I would have preferred to see Shunsui win with his bankai but like I said previously it’s Nanaos random sword that was the issue. It was just as random as the final getsuga tenshou. Perhaps if it can be foreshadowed before this fight it would solve this issue.

[@randyneves9701]

Ywach should have "revived" Lille to his Owl stage and remark how strong Kyoraku's bankai is

[@sukuna716]

@@km2460 tbh the only thing random is the name because its basically a getsuga with all your spirit energy being thrown at your opponent at once

[@8bitbreadbox]

In my opinion, the best way to foreshadow Shinken Hakkyoken would have been after we learn about Mimihage. Someone asks Kyoraku how the right arm of the Soul King became it's own entity, to which he explains that there was this sword that can disperse the power of a god, but it's been lost. Through in a brief reaction from Nanao and you got yourself some foreshadowing

[@Crunchysopa52]

that would be excellent tbh, someone should show Kubo your idea lol

[@ZafoolTV]

We might get something like this since the anime will do more than the manga. Mimihagi woild indeed be perfect for that and so would Pernida. You can't explain Reio's origins without spoiling CFYOW. Naruto animated all its novels so fingers crossed.

[@corruptangel6793]

I would have prefered Oetsu or Ichibe mention it. Mention the sword as it would have been perfect for dealing with Yhwach, but it vanished a hundred odd years ago and no-one has seen it since. Or, better yet, have Yhwach mention it when facing the Soul King and trying to turn Ichigo to his side. He could even get into a kind of argument with Yoruichi about the Soul King being used the way he was by the Soul Reaper ancestors. Something like that, either or both would have been great. I don't think Shunsui would have revealed anything more than absolutely necessary about the Soul King to even other Captains. It's clear that almost no-one knows the current state of the Soul King and so confirming that Mimihagi is a piece of the Soul King and that apparently some weapon dispersed his power...I just don't see him saying that. Especially after Aizen's rebellion and the current Quincy situation, that's just not the kind of attention he would want put on the Soul King.

[@imp4ktth]

the sooner it's introduced, the better.

[@Pqihtyieojn12]

That's literally telling the truth about the soul king

[@talhaansari62]

35:54 Kyoraku being immobile is a reference to the rare occasion of an angel summoning in front of a human. It is said to believe that people would become immobile due to fear of a sudden spiritual apparition and that's why angels would start by saying "Fear not". Also Angels being spiritual beings and not physical is the reason imo people like Lille, ywach, or SK are not killed in an orthodox manner. They are reduced to the most fundamental form possible but never killed in a normal fashion.

[@stankolo1788]

Awesome comment 🎉

[@Sheikh_Speare]

Another this is when an Angel in the Bible tells you "do not be afraid" , it's because it's appearance is extremely odd and scary to us on earth. Look up biblically accurate Angels here on KZbin and you'll see what I mean.

[@chickenmonger123]

Huh. Good point. If that was the intention of the event, that is a good one.

[@leezus7875]

I feel like if we got Kyoraku’s backstory and history with the Ise family earlier, maybe when he gets his promotion to Head Captain, the reveal of Nanao’s Zanpakuto would’ve felt less like a Dues Ex Machina.

[@CaptainKotetsu]

The power of Nanao’s sword is so hilariously convenient that it hurts.

[@Crunchysopa52]

unfortunately ya lol

[@Elvisnotpresley97]

I just realized Jushiro’s Shikai would’ve helped too

[@Dartkitten]

@@Elvisnotpresley97 yeah, i wish we got a thought bubble with shunsui/nanao or both realizing that ukitake being dead puts the gotei at more of a disadvantage then was actually talked about.

[@Ty17V]

In a series where Mayuri exists? It's honestly not even the most Dues Ex Machina thing we've seen in the series. I think even Kubo understood the point that Mayuri just has the cheat codes to everything after his fight with Uryu.

[@JT-km6th]

Oda would've foreshadowed it on chapter 30 or somethin

[@eivinkringen4725]

Lille Barrow’s Design After getting his head cut off is quite possibly one of my favourite transformations in the entirety of Bleach!

[@drointhewind480]

Its ridiculously awesome. He turns into a giant dragon chicken angel thing

[@eivinkringen4725]

@@drointhewind480 exactly

[@Blad3sofWaR]

He looks EXACTLY like a Biblical Angel (Seraphim) not some Plump looking like Cupid with wings (but then again, Pepe was also disgusting as well)

[@NoLimitSquad]

Lille suffers the "badass black characters in bleach" curse 🤣 Tosen=cricket Zommari=pumpkin Lille=owl Still enjoyable tho! I feel like I'm missing one though

[@ZeroX7649]

@@Blad3sofWaR When I was reading these, I found Lille and his dialogue so ridiculous, I started reading his lines with emphasis on the wrong words. Don't know why but it just felt right to me. Kinda made him more horrifying and fun.

[@legendaryvicius]

I always saw Lille's personality change a side effect of: 1- His frustration at not being able to one shot Kyoraku like everyone else despite how strong Lille is. 2- His excessive power and pride on being "The Master piece Quincy" of his majesty and his mind not being able to quite control all that power.

[@Ty17V]

Totally. I feel like this is also part of the aspect of being "limited" in his powers. Like, he probably knows not even he should have all that power, so he intentionally tries to limit himself from using it by keeping one eye closed, but if he ever felt he was in danger of dying then that's the only time he would rely on power that makes him, in a sense, lose sight of himself...and maybe not get it back.

[@AbAlMu]

@@Ty17V I just thought he became sort of crazy because his head exploded and with it his personnality and his very being where actually killed by Kyoraku thus the animalistic and godly form his regeneration took

[@diamonshade7484]

Don't forget brain damage

[@qwirkt]

It’s accurate, people who are too serious and calm and collected on the outside are usually judging everyone on the inside

[@fawnatrix]

I noticed a small error at 1:07:49 that I thought I'd mention. It's the 'Kyōraku' family, not the 'Shunsui' family, because Shunsui is the character's given name, and Kyōraku is his last name. Just thought it was something to point out, in case anybody got confused :)

[@bcxdjsmoove2081]

I caught that too

[@lewisaino]

But shouldn't Nanao have the last Kyoraku?

[@n1pah132]

I really love Nanao's reaction to being in a fight. It's a nice reality check in a series where everyone has some form of fighting instinct or trained composure. And where the characters sometimes aren't at all bothered by what should be fatal wounds.

[@corruptangel6793]

The simple acknowledgement of pain was something I really liked.

[@yoursonisold8743]

If any vice-captain was like this it has to be Nanao too. She is a kido expert with no sword fighting experience who only ever played the support role of a very overprotective captain at that. While she certainly should be trained in all aspects of battle like all vice-captains, she mostly just relied on the theroretical or on ranged kido before. Being forced to fight a godlike being that not even the captain commander of the Gotei 13 could beat with just a sword is insanity and it is only fair that she would feel inadequate and scared.

[@Reqviemus]

The epilogue felt incrtedibly extraneous but thematically Kira finally killing Lille fits perfectly. As you mentioned Lille was this godlike being who has became filled with hubris and that was the reason he fell (kinda, thematically at least) so after his fall he is greeted with his penance for his sin. Kiras' sword is The Penitent One after all.

[@aftermath028]

that's actually pretty cool, never put lille's fall from grace and kira's sword name together, makes this ending feel much better

[@TheArchit3cture]

That's what sold the fight for me, I thought it brought it full circle

[@EvilM0nkeyRules]

I feel like Lily Barro's personality shift makes sense. As he releases more power he becomes more fanatic and zelout like because he starts to buy into his "divinity"

[@quillaja]

Yes, I've seen this trope so many times.

[@dreworyan5652]

He pulled an Aizen lol

[@maliikwright1666]

The fact that shunsui fought barro by himself while the while gotei 13 fought gerald speaks volumes on how powerful he is compared to the rest of the gotei

[@Csdabest89]

Yes and No. Gerard was getting Obliterated and just kept coming back to get Obliterated again. Gerard only Saving Grace was his Miracle power.

[@DerricsRevenge]

To be fair Gerard had the B shrift for Broken

[@anthonyclark9591]

@@DerricsRevenge More like A for Asspull

[@DerricsRevenge]

@@anthonyclark9591 I meannnnn

[@rylace]

Not really. Bankai Kenpachi shits on Shunshui, and Gerard would also shit on Lille Barro.

[@MahoganyBlack]

I love Shunsui’s powers. It’s so unique and makes battles so interesting. He’s so cool!

[@grimlockbragi127]

An idea a friend of mine and I came up with to ‘fix’ this fight, was to make two small, but very major changes. The first, would be to make it so that Lille is/has a part of the Soul King, like Gerard or Pernidas. The second, would be to establish that the Shinken Hakkyoken is the sword that the Five Great Noble Clans used to cut the Soul King to pieces originally. This then perfectly explains why the Noble Ise family is in possession of a sword with such capabilities, establishes that the sword hasn’t just effectively appeared out of nowhere and actually has a history, and you could have Lille react, some part of him recognizing the threat the sword holds to him in particular.

[@anthonytimms2336]

Your idea makes a lot sense and it fits perfect with the story.

[@dakotadoyle7573]

But what part of the Soul King would he be... The Eyes?

[@Turnpost2552]

@@dakotadoyle7573 Eyes makes sense lok

[@stefangirbea982]

That’s actually a really good way of fixing this fight, I doubt it will happen, but I hope that the anime will fix this by establishing Lille as a part of the Soul King and Shinken Hakkyoken as the tool that split him (or them, it???). It wouldn’t be massive change, seeing as how there are other Sternritter that were parts of the Soul King other than the Schutzstaffel, like Gremmy.

[@odgarig8601]

Wait, isn't it canon that sword is the one that dismembered the soul king?

[@thesoccman8026]

I am honestly surprised that people find Shunsui’s Bankai controversial, I feel that it is one if the best in the series.

[@yeager1234]

Agree. They probably don't understand his bankai that's why.

[@JT-km6th]

They want his Bankai to summon meteors or break mountains. Themed bankais don't go down well

[@colorblindmusic1]

I think the most controversial thing about it was essentially being rendered moot by Lille's survival via that crazy dragon owl head shit and the Magic-Plot-Armor-Sword-of-Holy-Convenience - both which came with zero, yet so desperately needed, any semblance of foreshadowing

[@JT-km6th]

@@colorblindmusic1 people must hate Gin's bankai because the poison was instantly negged by the Hogyoku. Or hate Ikkaku's because it got negged, or Hitsogaya's for a long time, or even Yamamoto's because he didn't win the fight he used his bankai in. That's not it, people want big powerful bankais like all the new ones introduced. Shunsui is the only character to be introduced with a very nuanced bankai

[@Cliffy1616]

@J T Maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places. But I rarely see people complaining about Shunsui’s Bankai. The complaints are always as the other guy mentioned that Lille was made too strong and Kubo wrote himself into a corner + Nanao’s convenient Zanpakuto being basically exactly what they needed out of nowhere. Again the issue isn’t Shunsui’s Bankai itself just how poorly written the end of that fight was.

[@shvrberi]

Lille’s first transformation is clearly designed to evoke what they call “biblically accurate angels”, even before his head is cut off. Check them out, it really helps in appreciating the form.

[@chewy_bucca]

One of my favourite moments was from Kyoraku was when after taking multiple shots and trying to rest, he dodges Lil's shots using shunpo and says, sometimes it's annoying being this strong. Knowing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and showing how badass he is love it

[@DerricsRevenge]

Nice parallel to Stark complaining about fighting someone that strong too

[@Bob-wr4vg]

I always wondered why the soul society never wanted to use Orihime for anything. She could've possibly restored Ikkaku's bankai and Kyoraku's eye with ease

[@m.niggington3229]

Ikkaku kept his Bankai a secret from them. Shunsui’s unexplained but maybe he kept it that way as a reminder of what happened last time he didn’t take a fight seriously.

[@lewisaino]

​@@m.niggington3229Maybe this new eye represents how he needs to be as great as Yama -san

[@HUEMOB]

@@m.niggington3229 orihime and chad were still in hueco mundo when he got his eye shot and when they finally came back it was when they were all about to storm the reio palace

[@jeepdino7353]

Am I the only one that's really freaked out by the Flamingos of Doom? I always assumed the Ise Sword was the thing used to lop off the Soul King's limbs? Nanao never had a Zanpakuto on screen that I remember, no shikai or anything so even if she did it could've been a basic sword, so it's not COMPLETELY out of nowhere for her sword to turn up like this. There HAS to be something special about it and a reason for it to be kept away, and another reason that Kyoraku gravitated toward Nanao, and why he was unwilling to let her be removed from the Lieutenant rank, as that would distance them. I just think Kubo never drew attention to it, and honestly there was never a reason to. I don't think it's an asspull. I just think we didn't get the full story. I assume that, if the manga had continued and we got the full lore of the Soul Society's history, we would've seen the Ise sword and how it has been instrumental in shaping the world we know in the main series. I don't see the blade as the payoff to the foreshadowing. I see the sword AS the Foreshadowing. We just didn't make it to that point. I think it works on Lille, because Lille, being born from Juha, who is himself born from the Soul King, shares the fundamental vulnerability to the sword created to harm the Soul King. This reveal also brings to our attention, the idea of a FAMILY Zanpakuto. Was it ever confirmed if Yoruichi's family has the same kind of situation? Either way, the fact that this fight happened within a few weeks, I refuse to believe that Kubo wrote himself into a corner that quickly and willingly. I think it's wrong to assume that Kubo made Lille too strong, and so he had to create this sword to get rid of him. I think it's more likely that Kubo made Lille so strong, SPECIFICALLY to give a reason to show us this blade, because it IS important to the Soul King's lore and the existence of the world. Also, it's made very clear to me that Nanao, even WITH the godslayer sword, wasn't enough to beat Lille. Nanao was necessary, because it's her zanpakuto, but she needed Kyoraku's battle prowess and confidence to put it to use. This a recurring theme through ALL of the Elite Quincy battles, that a single captain isn't enough. To beat Askin, it takes Urahara, Yoruichi, Grimmjow, Yoruichi's brother, and Nel. Some of them revealing abilities we hadn't seen. To beat Gerard, it takes most of the Gotei, but notably, Toshiro, Kenpachi, and Byakuya. Most of them revealing new abilities we hadn't seen. And to beat Pernida, it took Kenpachi, Mayuri, and Nemu, two of which revealed new abilities we hadn't seen. It makes sense to me that Lille should follow suit. Kyoraku uses Bankai, and Nanao needs to help him. All of these Sternritter are proven to be almost impossible to kill. All of these battles revealed more to us about the relationships and abilities of those that took part. All of Mayuri's and Nemu's relationship is finally put into a perspective that makes all of their previous interactions make sense, and Nemu ends up taking over the fight for a short while, until she's killed and Mayuri edges it out in the end. I see Kyoraku and Nanao in basically the same way. If all the Captains just revealed Bankai and immediately overpowered all of the Elite Quincy, we would be complaining that the quincy have no threat level and were inconsequential. This video actually made me appreciate this battle more. I think Kubo was in complete control of this entire exchange and did exactly what he meant to do. I think when the Anime comes out, people will love this segment of the series. Hopefully they even manage to come full circle and explain Nanao's Zanpakuto's involvement in the History of SS.

[@masterprick1]

Totally agree, also of note is that Nanao was rushing to help in the battle way before Lille turn into an owl making it obvious that her participation in the battle was set since the beginning. One thing of note is that the Ise Grand Shrine in real world Japan is the place where Amaterasu's mirror is held and Bleach takes a lot of inspiration from Shinto mythology meaning Nanao's sword is no accident.

[@naotecurto]

When he became bird-like he became creepy as hell. The design is quite disturbing. I like the design. Much more than Aizen's final forms.

[@rylace]

To beat Gerard, it took Yhwach teamkilling him with a hax power removing instakill.

[@jeepdino7353]

@@rylace not my point, but yeah

[@brandonmiotke]

Yup, was looking for this explanation because this shows you actually understand the context of the lore and the nuances of Kubo’s writing. I thought this was completely telegraphed, especially with how the soul king’s limbs are cut off and the instrument that was used to do it must have still been within the soul society. This wasn’t a deus ex machina nor did Kubo write himself into a corner. This was just good writing to people who actually paid attention to every fight and the “filler” that was comedic relief with Shunsui and Nanao within the anime. People like to say things don’t make sense just because they don’t understand it. This makes complete sense, but these people just don’t have the full picture.

[@elementallobsterx]

I think Lille Barro is the COOLEST sternritter of all time. In his human form, his demeanor is cold and professional, and his design rocks. Say what you will about his bird form; I think it's epic. It's the coolest angel I've ever seen in fiction, with elements of cherubs, seraphs, and of course, a bird/owl.

[@uraharakisuke1329]

This is the content that makes the wait for October that much easier. Talking, discussing and listening to thoughts about Bleach is just one of the best things to do.

[@corvin9205]

I have always thought the presence of his Bankai spirit coming to him, specifically in this phase of the “preformance”, is meant i be like a comfort like she is there to help with his resolve in this stage.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

Fair point.

[@m.niggington3229]

I just wish Nanao’s zanpakuto and family history was foreshadowed better. Felt too out of nowhere but I love Shunsui’s fights and Nanao getting spotlight.

[@gammafrost]

Ultimately that’s what it all came down to; the foreshadowing. I like many was not a fan of the way Nanao defeated Lille

[@jdizzle1779]

It legit came out of nowhere and was super convenient so read like an a$$ pull which is a shame

[@lopaa9]

This video must of taken so much hard work. I so appreciate all the effort you put in to make these truly awesome videos.

[@uncabob214]

You know what I think would have helped this fight? If it was shown that Lille did in fact die from Kyoraku's Bankai and afterwards we see the angelic being emerge from his corpse, revealing that it is the X-axis Schrift itself. I think the separation of the stoic Lille and the berserk Schrift and the comparisons to Zanpakuto spirits would be fun.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

💖

[@dannyvista6541]

Wow. This would make everything better. Lille actually being dead like ichigo vs Ulquirro . But instead Vasto lord asleep gets blitzed. I love it

[@diamantemrobinson]

I think his transformation makes the most sense out of all Quincies alongside Qualige. Qualige is a messenger so has the typical angel look while Lillie is of the highest order pretty much a Sepharim.

[@FandomFeliciano]

One thing we must remember is that the TYBW was rushed due to the Tite Kubo's health. However, he will likely be directly involved in the animation process now that his health has been recovered and we'll see many gaps filled in as well based off of his interview with VIZ.

[@scottvgamer1163]

@@ryl99 in that specific interview, but he has confirmed elsewhere that other things will be explained more, such as who attacked Rukia in the first invasion, and possibly even how Uryu survived the auswahlen. And if the light novels get adapted, that more or less fills in most of the gaps within the story itself.

[@jdizzle1779]

Should of done a hxh and gone on hiatus if he couldn't put out good work and put in good writing imo

[@cosmictraveler1146]

@@jdizzle1779 he literally couldn’t though they told him to end it

[@Pyrobob4]

I've really love the backstory we get for Kyoraku and Nanao. I think it holds up on its own, which actually makes me wonder if Lille wasn't entirely designed just to tell that story. You've mentioned before how many sternritter lack depth and development, and just feel like backdrops for other characters development. What if Kubo had a story he wanted to tell with Kyoraku and Nanao, but needed an excuse to tell it? So Lille is an insane character because that's what Kubo needed for that story. Im not saying that situation couldn't have been handled better, but as always, I think Kubo did his best given the circumstances of the end of the manga. At the very least, framing it from this perspective makes the hinken hakkyoken less of a deus ex machina.

[@manuelacosta9463]

Shunsui and Nanao displayed a great dynamic here. It was Captain and subordinate in battle, family fighting to protect and win.

[@TailKlub]

I think Lille's angelic form is consistent with what "real" angels look like. They're not anything necessarily beautiful, and quite downright terrifying. Some angel depictions are pure nightmare fuel. And while there's not a correlation to his humanoid form, we can, only in the abstract, asssume what the mechanics of an angels abilities really are.

[@Leon-mq6mp]

Now this is worth spending 1.5 hours, the last complete battle of the last arc, hope seeing it in the anime with nothing changed or added actually

[@francofirpo1309]

Angels most powerful orders (Thronos Seraphines and Cherubins) are depicted like horrifying mosterns in the Bible, they are supposed to look like the the Angels from Evangelion. Kubo knew exactly what he was doing with Lille. I think you weren't able to understand the character at all. He's amazing.

[@psachickennugget8617]

The biblically accurate Angel aesthetic is super underrated IMO as I think it’s such a cool looking aesthetic.

[@zerobarge718]

Something everyone needs to keep in mind when it comes to his personality change is that the more desperate, irritated, and stressed a person gets the more their true personality comes to light. Lille is probably deep down a very religious, perfection chasing person. He's probably always screaming out of irritation on the inside about sinners and such.

[@robertlee9602]

Easily one of the top fights in the entire series.

[@dec2567]

I agree

[@ordinaryadonis8711]

Don’t apologize for a long vid my dude. Really enjoyed it.

[@jasonhagan3562]

You're forgetting the serpent look of Lille in his final form. An angel that is also represented by the serpent. Those 2 mixed together make up one of the 3 kings of hell in religious iconography. Or the fact that everything about him is light. After he falls into darkness he became this serpent angel that is made of and brings light

[@zack01598]

Tommo, you are absolutely amazing. I appreciate and respect you as a person, as a content creator and as a fellow bleach nerd. As crazy as it may sound, nobody in my friend group really watched bleach so I can't talk to anyone about it, much less go into detail and geek out. So the fact that you make videos and you're always well researched, you always know the ins and outs and you also enjoy what you do makes me really happy. Thank you, Tommo!!

[@LittleRed1999]

Honestly at 1:02:40 of Nanao screaming for him to wake up is one of my favorite panels in the whole series, like top 10 for me (not including bankai page spreads). It feels so desperate and pleading, and the lack of a background here, which of course is quite common with Kubo, adds more to the feeling of “ it’s only us alone and we’re in trouble” it honestly just hits my heart here and I love it

[@brandondiotte2104]

Personally have always believed that the Ise's blade was either the sword or a reforged part of the sword used to remove the limbs from the Soul King. The Ise curse would then be a result of the Soul King's wrath infused into the blade and seeping out to effect the blade's caretaker. I also agree that there should have been better foreshadowing, but instead of coming from Shunsui I feel it should of come from Yhwach. When Yhwach finally makes it to his father he could could look at the limbless body and reminisce about the shinigami which did this to him and mention that the blade which did this would be a threat if it was not lost. Also because the blade absorbed to so much of the Soul Kings energy not even Yhwach's "The Almighty" can locate it and see the blades future. This I feel works because given the attention he was placing on Ichigo and the visions he has had about a potential defeat we could be led to believe that Yhwach may think Ichigo has inherited the power of this blade only to discover that the Nanao is the one to truly inherit the sword.

[@exodosthesoulbanish]

I've got a greater appreciation for the new captain commander and that his bankai reflects the bond between his brother and sister in law's tragedy in some way is very poetic.

[@LupercalRising]

Honestly if only Ukitake got a fight as good as this, we were robbed

[@ABlackGuyAdept]

With time we'll see Ukitake in the Hell arc.

[@sethkunkel4250]

I like how every opponent Kyuraku fights has guns. Lille, Robert, Stark, and of course Chad is always showing off the guns lol.

[@MenosWulf]

😂

[@xru55]

For me Lille Barro is literally what a biblical accurate angel would looks like!

[@HOLDENPOPE]

This is one of my favorite battles in the series!

[@HOLDENPOPE]

Also, I think that The X-Axis is spatial manipulation, Lille has the ability to control space, be it piercing, phasing, teleporting or using a form of telekinesis, that would explain how he held Shunsui in place.

[@sternritternovad]

Honestly I love this fight no offense to any Shounens but usually characters with guns but especially Snipers usually have very boring fighting style, but Lillie Baro was such a nice change of pace he preferred long range but could adapt to melee range combat, combine that with the fact Kyoraku basically crippled Nanao by denying her battle experience and for me it was a flawed but great fight.

[@gavinwest7417]

This fight has grown on me with time. I think it also contrasts Kyoraku’s leadership style with yamamoto’s. When it mattered most yama always relied on his own strength, but kyoraku relies on bringing out strength in others. That makes him a better leader. Or at least that’s a layer I didn’t get reading it weekly

[@gjtrue]

Lille Barro and Yhwach are very good examples of Tite Kubo creating characters that are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too overpowered lol. I love 'em both but it really felt like he wrote himself into a corner with how to defeat them. That, and Kubo running out of time to finish the manga was certainly another factor unfortunately. . .

[@Spicystachegamer]

I think it was mostly a time constraint thing. Gremmy for example seems like he'd be overpowered just with his ability alone. But even he can be beaten if despite having limitless ways to beat his opponent in theory. Thats because gremmy despite his power is limited by the knowledge he is aware of.

[@JT-km6th]

Kubo wanted to make it clear that the elite Sternritter are individually stronger than their adversaries in the Gotei 13, Ichigo and co. All the elite guards were killed with help and hax. Pernida, Gerard, Askin, and Lille.

[@tartopomme8946]

Lille, Pernida and Gerard are so broken nobody could have defeated them without the deus ex machinas and bullshit weapons stupidly convenient. Askins death was really stupid too. Urahara's bankai has a quite small range (even urahara himself tell something about it), then 2min later we can see him using it on hundreds of meters to lead Grimmjow toward them...

[@Nether2342]

Kyoraku vs Lille Barro is one of my favorite fights in the entire series, and my favorite fight in the arc.

[@qwirkt]

I absolutely love the distorting owl form lol

[@kylejoly577]

I think Lille's eye thing is supposed to read as - "The third time i'm in danger both eyes will be allowed to open." That's why the first two instances we can tell from his expression he senses danger, but his left eye remains closed.

[@officersquarehead]

This video is really well put together! Excellent job explaining this battle and I look forward to more of your videos!

[@qwirkt]

I like this fight… the bankai IS pretty overpowered, it only “failed” because the enemy was a god. And the bankai existed to set up the story of Kyouraku and Nanao’s past.

[@qwirkt]

And plus, Kyouraku as a commander supporting his underlings to get the kill makes more character-dev sense than just him being overpowered

[@antoj.5119]

One hour and a half videos? Keep them coming please! Congrats on an outstanding work!!

[@umbradomini]

I agree it's a bit of a shame to sacrifice a rare bankai reveal but, for the lore drop in flashbacks, it was worth it to me. Love these longer videos and always appreciate the passion you put into them.

[@Xjesus14X]

The way Shunsui calls himself the head captain is a call back to when he introduced himself to Chad as captain of squad 8 albeit not as sinister as now lol i love it.

[@mskain4896]

I was always frustrated by the TYBW arc because of characters like Lille--and the problem is that it's 'characters like Lille'. Specifically, that there are NUMEROUS Stern Ritter (plus their boss Yhwach) who are utterly unkillable. Certainly, these are more dangerous foes which adds more tension after it seemed nothing could kill the good guys for the first several hundred chapters no matter how close they get to death; but seeing all these immortal villains being literally impossible to defeat or kill is bonkers and a major flaw to my eyes. Seriously, we had: - Z the Zombie, who is unkillable because Zombie, and according to post-manga LN lore STILL alive; - C the Compulsory who was the Arm of the Soul King and would constantly just evolve and reform itself and MULTIPLY the more it was shredded to pieces, who also died only by eating a tiny brain with a massive mouth but having a small portion of it removed before it could finish; - D the Deathdealing, who had a trait he himself detested that he just 'wouldn't die'; Askin had the most 'realistic' immortality, and was, no surprise, the most compelling of all these immortal characters, and he was finally killed by having his heart removed (although he still was able to add several pages of dialogue even after), hence being the most 'realistic'; - M the Miracle, who would endlessly regenerate and grow in power and size every time he was killed, no-sell multiple Bankai and maximum-power captains and such, and eventually only be killed by Yhwach himself using Auswhallen; - B the Balance, who could constantly 'Balance the Scales' to erase his wounds, transfer them to his opponent, or move them onto his shield, so he was also effectively immortal, again only dying by Yhwach's Auswhallen; - X the X-Axis, as expressed in this video, another invincible foe whose immortality is without apparent limit and even after being 'defeated' by this Deus Ex Machina weapon, STILL survived and according to post-manga Lore rampaged around the Seireitei before escaping the city. - And, of course, Yhwach himself, who at least was the Big Bad of all these Big Bads. Was the Shinken Hakkyouken a Deus Ex Machina? To a degree; but all of these characters (except Askin, who again was the most interesting character with the best fight) are stupidly unkillable and were killed by worse Deus Ex Machina. Seriously, even Mayuri and Pernidas is outright ridiculous, because this GIANT MOUTH eats a brain but leaves ENOUGH OUTSIDE ITS MOUTH for Mayuri to seize and free the necessary fragment that prevented Nemu's necessary cell regeneration in check, allowing that trait to sabotage and kill the otherwise unkillable super monster. THAT is Deus Ex Machina. And two more were just killed by Yhwach himself because he was finished with everyone but himself, a rather literal case of Deus Ex Machina considering Yhwach's status at this point. With that and all these ridiculous immortal powers in mind, I'm fully accepting of the abruptness of Nanao's 'zanpaku-to'. At the very least it was partially foreshadowed (the one artistic spread aside, Nanao's complete lack of a zanpaku-to was shown throughout the series), it was accompanied by a very cool lore-dump/flashback sequence that did so much more for Shunsui, Nanao, and their relationship, and it allowed them to at least defeat one of these immortal enemies, something that was ridiculously unaccomplished by the heroes overall. It would have been nice if Shunsui's Bankai had been able to accomplish something, but compared with the field, it was great. Edit: And I even forgot one immortal Stern Ritter: V the Vision, who could imagine anything including infinite healing (and infinite copies) for himself and only die because his imagination wasn’t strong enough to imagine a body capable of containing Kenpachi’s power

[@km2460]

Another deux ex machina a lot of people didn’t catch is uryus A “antithesis” power. It came out of no where and was a perfect counter to Jugram’s Balance shrift. Uryu is technically unkillable/immortal too. I don’t think Kubo knew what power to give Uryu or how to give Jugram a fight where he couldn’t simply just decimate someone by reflecting their power back at them.

[@mskain4896]

@@km2460 Agreed, I only didn't mention it because Uryu wasn't one of the villains. Their 'battle' became a brief little spate of 'no, you' and 'UNO Reverse Card!' shenanigans, extremely disappointing especially considering this was Uryu's only real battle in the entire arc.

[@gammafrost]

@@mskain4896 I agree with you. I feel kubo dropped the ball with showing uryu’s true abilities in such a big arc focused on the quinces. He should have had several fights early on to show how powerful he truly was but we never get that. The crazy thing is some fans actually think Uryu could defeat ichigo easily with his ability which makes no sense.

[@bookimatt]

@@gammafrost ​ The issue with Uryu is that Kubo didn’t really build up the Quincy over the course of the series. Uryu had little moments here and there, but his feats were *nothing* compared to what Ichigo and other Captains were doing. The easiest solution was to give him some busted ability and stash him away until he was needed (i.e. The Final Battle).

[@mryoung2381]

@@bookimatt Well at least he's not Chad lol, no reflection ,given schrift letter or Deus Ex Machina could have saved Chad's development...smh Chad literally had steel beams bending against his body on the first few chapters and just seemed to still be around at the end of the series...hell Uryu feels like Piccolo, there's huge potential for a awesome, well rounded fully explained, well defined supporting character showcased throughout the series...it just must exist in a different timeline. Unfortunately same underused protagonist cliché w/Orihime's Shun Shun Rika power set, not only is she unique throughout all the shown characters in the series... Orihime also has incredible hax healing and plot armor shields at her disposal its just like everyone that didn't seem to receive the Goku/Vegeta fan approval Shonen trope upgrades, it seems many extraordinary ideas were incredibly under utilized/poorly constructed clichés

[@fredwolfcosplay]

Freaking amazing breakdown! Well done, man

[@jonatassilva2605]

This is for me, the best fight in the arc. The end is kinda of weak, but mostly because Nanao's Zampakuto wasn't foreshadowed earlier. If it was, imo, it would be perfect. And hell, most of the other elite Quincy vs Shinigamis are amazing. This one is better, for me, because of how focused it is.

[@mrcoachdevaughn8925]

I think when he requested that she stays with him is some form of foreshadowing

[@jonatassilva2605]

@@mrcoachdevaughn8925 not enough. Especially since a reason wasn't hinted at. Besides, there is a way of doing that early on, like say in the karakura War arc, explainong why she isn't there due to "tye problem with her Zampakuto". Just an exemple thou

[@brandonmiotke]

@@jonatassilva2605no, that’s still foreshadowing. It’s nuanced foreshadowing, but foreshadowing nonetheless. Also that the soul king’s limbs are all cut off its body eludes to a weapon that is capable of taking down a god which would have to be within the soul society. Even though there weren’t explicit hint drops doesn’t mean it wasn’t foreshadowed. And we vaguely knew that Shunsui had some sort of familial connection to Nanao, so it makes more sense why he would keep her close and that she wasn’t really involved in any battles. Also, she was running to Shunsui as he was activating his bankai. I don’t know how that isn’t foreshadowing enough that she will be the answer to this fight when Lille came back in his angelic form after getting his head cut off. It was good contextual writing by Kubo tbh based on the lore of Bleach.

[@dylangibbs8901]

Tommo, I absolutely loved this video. I'm a new follower of your content, and I love the passion, effort, and attention to detail on your work. Thank you for inspiring me to revisit the art and philosophy of Kubo. Even amidst widespread negativity surrounding the end of Bleach, you give it your all to show love and real thought to all of the characters and concepts. Art isn't meant to be perfect, it's meant to make us feel. You've helped me remember that.

[@rizalkhafidin1471]

That flat head form of Lille actually represent AWACS aircraft, a gigantic radar that can fly. Back to the concept of Lille represent modern warfare, he used it to track down Kyoraku

[@michaelmyers2556]

The eye is called the third time eye ....and he says that's three....that's the reason it didn't open the two prior times....he had to be in danger or injured 3 times for the eye to open....

[@Miguel_Noether]

Kyoraku deserves this and so much more in depth analysis 😌

[@grantm1221]

Very complete analysis! Some additional thoughts: You touched on the Lille's theme being modern war and I believe his transformations are closely tied to this theme, most notably US military history starting in WWII. His first form keeps its distance (isolationism) and transforms when threatened (post Pearl Harbor). The appearance and abilities of his second form resemble a prop bomber such as those sent over Japan (the holes may represent either bullet holes in the hull or the bomb craters it creates). Much of his humanity/appearance/vulnerability is stripped away as war becomes less personal and more destructive. His third form represents the nuclear age, where we are dealing with powers akin to that of a God and the hubris that goes along with it. I believe this is why he opted to make it so holy, but also alien and disgusting. The head shape and malleability I believe represents the shifting smoke of a mushroom cloud and the eyes represent the wide array of sensors used in modern warfare that are so difficult to hide from. When he is forced to look at himself, I believe this represents the nuclear disarmament movement in the US (and elsewhere) that pushed for a reduction in nuclear weapons. When the power is dispersed and rains down, this invasion from the sky is shown to be mortal/beatable. This could represent either more recent US conflicts in Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc. or potentially even the development of tactical (small) nuclear weapons. Kyoraku to me represents the perfect character for this fight. He is one of the most human commanders and it is clear that he has dealt with loss and is experienced in the games of love. This is reinforced by the cherry blossoms often associated with Kyoraku. The cherry blossoms and his decision to sacrifice himself for the Gotei also align him with warriors and values from Japanese military history. For further evidence you could point to his first strike and its similarities to Pearl Harbor: he surprised his enemy and went for a decisive blow immediately, but in the end had to settle with crippling the enemies weapon (which was replaced surprisingly rapidly). In this particular black vs white fight, it seems to me that black represents humanity and white represents the absence of it. Lille gets more and more white and wants to remove any shadow from the battlefield, while Kyoraku uses it to hide, regroup, and protect his fellow soldiers. Finally, I believe the curse on the Ise family represents war more generally. The men specifically die as in war (obviously an untrue generalization, but one likely chosen to help convey the symbolism) and even if you join another family (or country), you cannot escape it. His statement with the reflective sword from that family is that the experiences and true cost of war are ultimately the only thing that can stop war from growing ever more monstrous and devoid of humanity.

[@nikoladrca5324]

It is one of my favorite fights in Bleach and I can't wait to see how they animate it! I don't think I've ever seen a shonen where the secondary antagonists in an arc are almost as broken and ridiculously powerful as their boss is, as is the case with the Schutzstaffel and Jugram. I guess the Royal Guard from HxH is like that. And I actually like how unhinged Lille becomes as the fight goes on, showing how he is uncomfortable with an enemy going toe-to-toe with him like that. I guess that's how he really is.

[@fer3glockboy167]

Definitely one of my favorite fights in the series can't wait to see how its done in the anime.. an absolute great battle analysis like always hyped for the next one, mayuri being in my top 3 fav captains

[@km2460]

This fight is going to be INSANE in the anime🔥🔥🔥🔥😩 and imagine if they added things too

[@Rith9789]

Another fantastic video. One of your best for sure.

[@evendrag6302]

Lille turns into an Evangelion Angel, which will be dope in the anime because Shiro Sagisu makes the music for both

[@Camcast608]

My man put in some TIME for this one! Let’s go

[@q851230]

One small detail in this fight I really like is Katenkyoukotsu call Kyoraku "総蔵佐Sozosa", She's the only person ever call him by that name. Kyoraku's full name is 京楽（Kyoraku きょうらく）次郎（Jiro じろう）総蔵佐（Sozosa そうぞうさ）春水（Shunsuiしゅんすい ）,次郎 (Jiro) is to show he's the secon son of his parent ,and 総蔵佐Sozosa is most likely his petname(the name use in his family when he was a child),their dynamic become more intimate just by Katen calling him this name.

[@zzgun288hay5]

I consider this by far your best video ever?

[@kanoreese1253]

If Shunsui knew about Lille's Heligenschein(halo)being the source of his intangibility and immortality, he would've beaten Lille by himself. He could've destroyed Lille's halo with his bankai's reiatsu thread but he didn't know about it.

[@Jonas-jx3kw]

kyoraku fanboy

[@kanoreese1253]

@@Jonas-jx3kw Not at all. Just posting easily provable facts. My favorite character is Zaraki hands down!

[@Jonas-jx3kw]

@@kanoreese1253 kyoraku is weaker than lille deal with it

[@kanoreese1253]

@@Jonas-jx3kw That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. 👍

[@Jonas-jx3kw]

@@kanoreese1253 that is a fact his halo was only destroyed by his own power

[@aurorialgaming1935]

One thing I like about the holy form. It feels to me, and now I might just be looking at this wierdly, but like a demon thats trying to guess what an angel would look like.

[@francisyuweh706]

THat transformation to a holy form is simply beyond and a perfect opponent for the new gotei 13 commander

[@depa1621]

Mr tommo, i watch your videos all day driving on the road and i love your insights!

[@vaiyt]

The Ise situation is just another instance of something that happened a lot in Bleach - fights contrived so that a character's special ability is the one specific counter to their opponent. Byakuya got to fight against two different people who gave him lots of targets to hit at once with Senbonzakura.

[@lemonlupinreuben5362]

Overwhelming type power v. Absolutely devious multitude of abilities. Always loved this fight

[@MelissaJetzt]

Amazing analysis here! I'd definitely love to see a thorough backstory video on this; possibly after we see how it plays through in the anime adaptation (in case we get more info). I personally liked Nanao's part in this. To me it felt like she was finally reaching the potential Shunsui saw in her all along.

[@jems7341]

bless you for making this video on my fav character in the show Lille😭🙏🏾

[@ren0552]

In my opinion, things could've gone WAY better if the flow of events were simply swapped : 1). Nanao defeats Lille (still including those emotional moments with Kyouraku) 2). Lille Resurrects 3). Kyouraku gets a cool "Leave it to me" moment 4). Kyouraku actually kills Lille with his Bankai. I bet that it would've been one of the best (and epic) moment on the entirety of Bleach

[@brandonmiotke]

Nanao would have been too close in proximity and would have gotten caught up in Shunsui’s bankai if that was the case. We knew Shunsui’s bankai wasn’t one to be used around allies.

[@Platinum2168]

love the videos you really got me obsessed with bleach rn

[@vileluca]

Damn it Tommo be dropping full length movies now xD

[@LeoLikesLamb]

Your videos butter my biscuits thank you

[@ehrerik3786]

You know what should have allowed to deflect lile god light back at him ? Ukitake's Bankai ! You know, the dude infused with one of god's limbs that has a shikai about absorbing stuff and shooting it back.

[@mirozkapeluszem]

Look at it from this perspective: Kubo didn’t create the story for the characters. He created the lore and then put the characters in the Bleach world. The first war against Quincy and the story of the Soul King (both not covered much in the manga) is a proof of that. The fight is not about showcasing Nanao, it’s about explaining the lore and introducing Shinken Hakkyōken. It seems to be a Deus Ex Machina but a weapon like that doesn’t only make sense but is essential to the story. This is the artefact that was used to seal of the Soul King. Having Lille scattered by the blade is a parallel to how the Souls King was scattered to multiple parts. His personality change and “fall from heaven” shows how destructive for an individual pride and “playing god” is. A concept of a whole family tree resigning from having their personal Zanpaktou and redirecting their reiatsu to maintain Shinken Hakkyōken is intriguing. The flashback wasn’t something Kubo thought off on the spot - you can tell it was planned out and integrated Kyorakus character, perhaps from the early chapters of Bleach. Furthermore the situation shows what kind of leader Kyoraku is. He is not Yamamoto who demanded his troops to dominate the battlefield, expecting them to be a monstrous powerhouses like he was. Kyoraku is someone who supports his underlings. Despite his ruthless schemes he is gentle and gives people space to shine, or even outshine him. Tommo is right thou, a foreshadowing 1:24:05 should have happened.

[@inshaalmalik550]

You are right man I always say to people that if kubo didn't want to make Nanao fight in the TYBW he would have just sidelined her like Isane,Momo and Rangiku e.t.c. He definitely did had a plan for Nanao. He couldn't just execute it properly.

[@RickyUzumaki993]

I agree 100%, my friend

[@RickyUzumaki993]

@@inshaalmalik550 Agreed

[@esmile101]

Lille's transformations were def inspired by old testament angels I feel like, otherworldly but still oddly angelic

[@NOTCOLEADA]

18:13 Tosen: “Am I a joke to you?”

[@shihabsinha5497]

"It doesn't matter who is getting back at whom, once war breaks out everyone becomes evil". - Captain Kyoraku Shunsui (Ep. 283)

[@drosc1]

Watching these again after watching TYBW arc, I was slowly nodding the whole time during your idea for foreshadowing and the divine blade--I hope some people on their production team see ideas like these for next year!! Love the content man!

[@lilyminer9164]

I’m a huge fan of the concept of a biblically accurate angel, I find them and those kind of otherworldly traits fascinating. So it’s hard for me to hate Lille’s later transformations, if nothing else it is so interesting to look at.

[@danielcyprian8946]

Great video. Cant wait for the next one.

[@treyhunter25]

I love how it’s like Yamamoto bankai where it has four different parts and instead of everyone getting overheated and hot everyone gets cold when he activates his. I personally loved his bankai

[@-Banoffee]

I can't speak for others, but the biggest issue with Nanao when I read it wasn't that she was afraid of Lille, of course she would be. Most captains should be. He's a terrifying opponent. Kubo should've left it at fear of Lille, but he didn't. What's an issue is that she's somehow so unfamiliar with battle. Being a vice-captain means you're in-line to be a captain. That requires battle competence. Even the fourth division isn't exempt from this. No seated officer in the series, at any point, has ever been shown to (not only be unfamiliar with battle) be an incompetent fighter (barring stupid tics like talking too much). Even Isane and Yachiru II, who of all vice captains, have the most excuse to be unable to fight, are shown to be comfortable enough on the battlefield to throw down despite not even needing a proper battle to showcase that (and then also note that medics belong on the battlefield and Yachiru II's division lives on the frontline). This woman was Kyouraku's vice captain. How does she not know what a battle is? How's she gone that long without ever taking part in a battle in a society where battle is such a core component of the culture? It doesn't matter she's a bookworm; she's a vice-captain of the Gotei 13. It's weird and there's no explanation Kubo could give that could sell the moment.

[@mra3076]

It’s kinda upsetting because Nanao’s Zanpakuto didn’t have to be a deus ex machina. Had they kept Ukitake alive and just said that those abilities are apart of his Bankai it would’ve been so cool. His Shikai has the ability to absorb attacks and fire them back with varying speeds and strength. The power of the Ise’s sword has the power to take the power of a god and reflect it however many ways or something.

[@jdizzle1779]

This would have been so much better and having ukitake and kyo fight together again and making their bankais work together somehow would have been epic.

[@brandonmiotke]

Kubo literally couldn’t keep Ukitake alive because Ukitake really wasn’t even alive anymore. He was just a shell that Mimihagi was in at that point, and you can see that when he’s doing the ritual before Mimihagi goes and grabs the soul king after it gets cut.

[@JohnA...]

A video of the history of Kyoraku and Nanao would be great, hope that is put on the list for sure.