Why Ichigo vs Aizen is the BEST Bleach Fight - A Thematic Breakdown

Oh yeah, baby! A video covering my three favorite characters in Bleach! Zangetsu, Ichigo, and Aizen. I think some of the more interesting details regarding how Zangetsu fits into the final battle of the Arrancar saga are usually missed. I hope everyone who watches this thinks at least one of my observations was cool. Like and subscribe if you enjoyed!
Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Join my Discord! It's free! It's located in the about me section of my Patreon page!
#bleach #thousandyearbloodwar #analysis

[@skyrogue1977]

Both were born to be powerful, the difference being that one happened naturally, while the other was manufactured.

[@gralegambino1433]

It’s crazy cuz ichigo technically is the manufactured one

[@Cosmos_vib4e]

Difference is that one used it for good and the other one used to top the entirety.

[@benwelsh5265]

Oh cool you're tackling Bleach as well, another favourite series of mine. Great thematic breakdown of battle and character within the story. Ichigo's inner struggles and faults laid bare as he gradually learns to overcome them and accepts the truth of himself is indeed one of if not the most compelling part of Bleach.

[@daddy_1453]

Both Cell and Aizen goad their enemy into getting stronger so they can have a more fun fight. In both instances, they fail to get a fight and just get a massacre.

[@S3aCa1mRa1n]

They got cocky

[@aspect3000]

There’s something about the way that you go about these breakdowns that’s just so interesting to watch. It’s like as the video goes on, you go deeper into the analysis and I’m enticed to see just how far you’ll go. Keep it up

[@melancholicfool792]

Something I only recently discovered was that Aizen's attempts to assess and explain Ichigo's powers is just what he had lectured Ichigo on earlier: “Since the inoculation of this world, neither truth nor lies have existed. Only authoritative reality. Regardless, every being in this world lives misrecognizing only convenient “facts” as truth. This is because they have no other way to live. However, for the powerless who make up the majority of this world, the inconvenient “facts” they affirm through themselves is entirely the truth.”

[@tabkg5802]

Amazing essay, but a little detail. Aizen didn't "discard" his subordinates. If he wanted to he could've cut Harribel in half with that 1 swing. The reason why he injured her is the same as him killing Tousen. It's comes not from pride, but from trying to protect their pride and what they believe in. He explicitly says so in CFYOW novel if anyone asks for a source

[@Jiggonomics]

You always take these fights that a lot of people view as overrated or over hyped and highlight the details that make them so cool. You see the beauty in them. That's why I'm gonna stay subbed, because your perspective is so interesting!

[@RandomPerson-le6xc]

very interesting insight on ichigo's progression in the arrancar saga. Hope you make more bleach videos like these!

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

Pure gold. I've been only watching Bleach analysis for a weeks on KZbin. I've watched some more than once. This video was something I knew about. But I realized it was a take I saw but didnt comprehend

[@justinpachi3707]

Actually as for Tousen, it’s revealed that Aizen killing him was a mercy kill. Tousen specifically asked Aizen to kill him should he get turned back over to the Shinigami’s side.

[@otish-b4512]

how does this hold any relevance to what is said in this video?

[@justinpachi3707]

@@otish-b4512 Aizen killing Tousen wasn’t the same as him disposing of someone like Harribel. Aizen actually told his plans to Tousen who was his most loyal subordinate.

[@HotBoySpicy]

@@justinpachi3707 The light novel actually reinforces what I say in this video. In the scene where aizen recollects on Tousen, there’s no emotional weight behind his words. It’s all a matter of fact. So much so that it sounds taunting. Aizen admired tousens purity, but he never says anything that alludes to him viewing tousen as a peer. He admired tousen, did what tousen himself wished, and swiftly moved on. This was NOT the case with gin. So again, the question still remains, why the distinction? The “mercy kill” is irrelevant to the specific point I’m making in my video

[@michaeldorsey9231]

Any chance we could get a comparative analysis between Ichigo vs Kenpachi and Zoro vs Mr. 1? Thinking it over the two not only share similar battle mechanics but near identical themes. A protagonist (Ichigo and Zoro) faces an opponent they cannot cut (Kenpachi and Mr 1), but during the fight their thoughts drift to their friends (Ichigo senses Chad and worries for his life while Zoro ponders the struggles his crew is going through) which strengthens their resolve, and allows them to awaken inner strength that allows them to prevail (Old man Zangetsu and breathing) while also serving as foreshadowing for their later development (Ichigo’s Quincy powers/heritage durin the Blood war and Zoro’s Haki in Wano). It’s also worth noting the protagonists value their swords as extensions of themselves, as partners even, while the antagonists in these encounters are thematically opposed to this in some way.

[@HotBoySpicy]

While they definitely parallel each other in sequence, they lead to much different destinations. I'm not sure what resolution I could reach in how they are holistically thematically congruent. I have touched on zoro vs. mr 1 in two separate one piece videos before as well. Basically said all I need to say about that fight already.

[@government1476]

Could you make more bleach videos this was a great one

[@HotBoySpicy]

Definitely!

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

This was a really great analysis of the themes of the Arrancar Saga, and Bleach as a whole. To be whole, you must both see and accept yourself. Both your strengths and your flaws, for they are all the pieces that make you who you are. Though, regarding Aizen relationship with Gin and Tosen, the CFYOW novels, shows us that Tosen was actually the one Aizen saw as his true confidant. He might have seen himself in Gin (a prodigy whose goal was to kill a God) but the one person who couldn't see the illusions he created, both with his sword and his acting, was therefore the one who was able to see some of his true self. Adding to that is that both Gin and Tosen share the same motivation (avenging the wrongs done to the person they cared for the most) and that lead them both to Aizen. Gin willingly kept his eyes closed, so he wouldn't fall under Aizen’s spell, while Tosen saw what others couldn't (the sins of the Soul Society and the man behind the Mask of the God). That said, I really enjoyed how you broke down how the differences between how Aizen and Ichigo ascended to Godhood, and why their battle then turned out like it did. The fact that the two of them, were both essential in the defeat of Yhwach, and that they had to fight side-by-side, is a really great touch by Kubo. Wonderful video! Hope you make more videos on the themes of Bleach!

[@HotBoySpicy]

I’ve never read the novel, but I’m a little shocked there’s a revelation like that. Everything you said doesn’t negate any of my take imo, being that aizen’s seemingly apathetic reaction is still the main contributor to my stance on the matter. If what you are saying is true, the question would be why did aizen have a visceral response to gins betrayal and not “his true confidant”. Would it simply be because he expected tousan’s inevitable switch? But if that’s the case, wouldn’t Gin be the only candidate left to be aizen’s comrade? I feel like my stance still definitely holds.

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

To answer your question, yes. Aizen did know that Tōsen's death was inevitable. In the novel, there is a scene where Aizen and Tōsen talk: Aizen tells Tōsen he would fulfill any wish the latter had in order to show his gratitude to his most loyal follower. As Tōsen admits there is something he desires, Aizen is intrigued when the blind Shinigami asks for Aizen to kill him should the need arise. Tōsen explains that, should he ever find peace and forgive the Shinigami, he wants Aizen to erase him and his memory from the very world. While a curious Aizen assures Tōsen that the Shinigami might forgive him in turn if Tōsen decides to repent and turn away from Aizen's plans, Tōsen replies that should the time come he were to accept the world of the Shinigami, his "justice" will cease to be justice and become mere murder, and because he already betrayed his friend once by turning against her beliefs for peace, he cannot bear the thought of doing that for naught. Continuing, Tōsen asks that should he ever lose himself in the nonexistent goodness of the world, he wants Aizen to show him mercy and kill him. Respecting Tōsen's wishes, Aizen asks him what would happen should Aizen succeed in remaking the world instead, leading Tōsen to answer that a vengeful being such as himself does not deserve to exist in such a world, therefore he would kill himself should this come to pass. As Aizen notes that, regardless of what happens, he will lose his most trusted confidant, Tōsen attempts to apologize. However, Aizen interrupts him and reveals that he knows Tōsen's words came from the depths of his heart. Asserting that knowing one's weaknesses is necessary to ascend, Aizen contemplates his actions while staring at the Hōgyoku and mutters that fear is also necessary to ascend. Aizen turns back to Tōsen and vows to kill him should he ever find forgiveness in his enemies. So yeah, Aizen knew that, regardless of what happened, he would lose his true confidant. Which adds to the theme of Aizen feeling isolated and subconsciously wanting to find someone he could consider an equal. I feels it makes his seemingly apathetic reaction to killing Tōsen, a much more somber moment and helps add more layers to Aizen as a character, imo.

[@HotBoySpicy]

@@jrgenvellesen7800 I would agree if not for the scene where aizen recollects on tousen. I read that section of the light novel. Aizen has no emotional weight behind his words. It’s all a matter of fact. So much so that it almost taunts his memory to people like hisagi. There’s no trace of lamentation.

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

@@HotBoySpicy Well, that is certainly one way of interpreting that moment. The way I see it, the fact that Tōsen is repeatedly referred to as Aizen's confidant, rather then his servant/follower, does imply that Aizen had some genuine fondness for Tōsen (or at the very least, respected his commitment to his beliefs). And, while it is very subtle, the fact that Aizen starts talking about how 'fear is necessary for evolution' right after learning that Tosen would die even if Aizen accomplished his goal, could be seen Aizen realizing that Fear is necessary (a nod to his speech about how without fear, there wouldn't be room for courage). As well as Aizen realizing his own fears; Dying before accomplishing his goal, and having no one he could relate to. The latter of which he refused to acknowledge, even though it was actually the thing he wished for even more then becoming the one sitting upon the throne of Heaven. And the fact that, Aizen believes that a part of Tōsen still lives on through Hisagi, and that he will one day face that legacy, yet he still looks forward to it, does hint at Aizen genuinely does have some kind of respect for Tōsen. But that is just my take on it! I just like to imagine that, through becoming a God, Aizen finally started to actually value humanity, when he shunned it while he himself was a human.

[@HotBoySpicy]

@@jrgenvellesen7800 Id personally draw a distinction between aizen having respect for tousens “purity” and being someone who could walk with him. Tousen being referred to as his “confidant” seems irrelevant, though. Pragmatically speaking, that’s what you would call both tousen and gin given their allegiances during the arrancar arc. I’m sorry, but nothing I’ve read screams aizen saw more in tousen than a man who’s pure ambition he could admire. Aizen saw something completely different in his journey. And I think the point is aizen thought gin had the potential to see it too

[@trulytobi6464]

I'm literally analyzing Ulquiorra and you come with this video 💀💀

[@Starmag99]

There's a scene at the start of CFYOW. It's after the battle against Yhwach as Aizen is being resealed. When Kyoraku asks him if he has any last words, Aizen says nobody there is worthy of them, and bemoans that Ichigo isn't there for him to talk to instead. After everything, he sees Ichigo as someone who is worthy, someone who is capable of understanding him, which we know Ichigo is from when he determines the real reason Aizen lost control of the hogyoku. But, also, Aizen is wrong in this scene. He does have stuff to say. When Kyoraku is talking to him, Aizen responds honestly and long-windedly. When Hisagi (who is also there) yells at Aizen, Aizen corrects him, and engages him in quite a lengthy conversation, about Tousen mostly. While he says he doesn't care to say anything to any of them, he really does want to talk to them. Most importantly, from the way he talks, it feels as if he wants to be understood by them, for them to see or even consider his way of thinking. Conversely, he really does try to understand others. He remembers and internalized what Hitsugaya said in Fake Karakura, and he understands what Hisagi is feeling. An excerpt, since I think it's important: _Aizen, whose body had been restrained in the chair, tilted his head slightly as he turned his gaze toward Hisagi. “‘Swinging a sword for duty alone is what a captain does. To swing a sword out of hatred is just violence.’ Toshiro Hitsugaya once spoke those words to me.”_ _“Urk...” Hisagi could only be silent. It felt like Aizen was telling him that he was far from captain material, which was something he himself thought. But he could only turn his eyes down and grind his teeth instead of arguing._ _Aizen didn’t even allow Hisagi the luxury of frustration. “Don’t worry about it. What you feel isn’t hate. It’s just sentimentality for Kaname Tosen and what he left behind.”_ _“What did you say?”_ _“You would do well to remember this: Regardless of how firm your resolve is, you can’t defeat the strong with sentimentality alone.”_ Kyoraku interrupts them at this point since it's time to lock the guy up again, but Aizen gives departing words. He talks even more, giving the gang more advice, with them concluding "although he lies for sport, Aizen isn't one to say things without a purpose." It's a lot of parting words for someone who claimed them to be unworthy of any, and a lot of understanding and trying to be understood by someone who is supposedly an existence above those soul reapers. In my opinion, because he really does just want to be a simple soul reaper, understood by peers, just as Ichigo said.

[@squidnationtv1527]

Great video! There were some similarities to Craftsdwarf's aizen video but it was also very different.

[@yuunoaboi21]

No matter how many times i read bleach THERE'S ALWAYS SO MANY GOD DAMNED LAYERS THIS IS AN AMAZING TAKE HOLY SHIT

[@LUKA_911]

Such an amazing dive into the dichotomy between these two characters! The way you speak is so poetic, its a pleasure to listen to

[@gregorio1580]

I must say the way you explained it was absolutely amazing, really got me listening 🎧 I usually get bored whenever people make videos like these but wow so smooth lol

[@aaronok1]

I always believe with each video that this is your best one yet and this video is no exception. Excellent analysis, editing, flow and commentary with very interesting nuances and use of language! Consider me impressed!

[@timeflier5457]

Dang, videos like these really deserve to hit the algorithm.

[@danielstarr9037]

Still your number 1 fan. Fantastic analysis as always dude! Hope the book stuff is trucking along well too!

[@brandonb.6799]

This was such an immaculate video and take on Ichigo and Aizen. You've earned my subscription and I can't wait to watch your other videos.

[@arakakishinigamich.8859]

you are a godsend my sir, a godsend

[@beepbeeplettuce_6943]

The final part with 'Here to Stay' playing in the background is very well done. It really shows the tragedy of Aizen.

[@GamingXCentre]

It will be interesting to hear your views on the Full Bring arc

[@luffys_]

Sad we never got more bleach content on this channel😢

[@rodneylane952]

Oh shit, Bleach vids are incoming now? This was phenomenal

[@xblade149]

Awesome video dude there's this channel that's does good character analysis on bleach character

[@yeonbibi191]

Aizen became blind by how lonely he felt among the adversaries and workers he is surrounded with. It was a bitter process actually be on his shoes.

[@yushaare]

You and Mikeyuubi are the channels I look most forward uploading

[@a.razakabilagbo7409]

Watched this twice. More please!! 🔥

[@tab-xp8fb]

I always thought that most of bleach and its themes could be well explained by volume 5 and 8's poems, and this video put it into words. Kudos

[@Starkk-ic9cj]

Ima need another bleach video amazing 🤟

[@oyamampendu9467]

Ah yeah a good bleach vid about the 3 best parts of bleach. Concept, ideas and philosophy.

[@otish-b4512]

i disliked this comment

[@Jiggonomics]

@@otish-b4512 okay 😃

[@bbraxtonn]

Early ash another good video

[@shadowmomochiuchiha6839]

My favorite fight is aizen vs the gotei 13 but W opinion

[@sedlyholmes3722]

I love when ichigo finally fights aizen because it wasn't cliche like hero vs villain, this fight the hero completely dominates the villian

[@ricardomoreno6571]

Always great !

[@wolfbloodedgamer]

Need more bleach analysis please, this one was very good

[@RapThorX4]

Amazing analysis

[@vegetas_conscious]

fire video keep up the awesome work

[@Drawingsagespaz]

We need a bleach storm game now.

[@TheMak2001]

Rewatching this video again. Fantastic analysis, but now i’m left wondering if you are waiting for the TYBW arc to come out/finish before making another analysis on Bleach

[@HotBoySpicy]

I’m going hard on concluding my Naruto project right now. Afterward, I have more in store for bleach

[@Nadid_Dhrabb]

Bleach content lesgoo

[@SageyyXP]

Good stuff 🔥

[@kingsushi1280]

Thematic breakdown of Kenpachi’s subconscious & conscious nerfs suggestion

[@SABNISTANMAY]

Great video bro, looking forward to more Bleach content from you.

[@kingsushi1280]

Banger🔥🔥

[@lordfartward1513]

I love your videos so much man

[@billykotsos4642]

Btw Orihime responding to Uluquiras attack is one of the biggest wtfs. Kubo was high while drawing that.

[@mausentertainment8454]

Awesome video man

[@Chillchildren999]

I agree A lot of people call the Ichigo bs Aizen fight was a disappointment but Trunks vs Friza was the same way and no body’s talking trash on that fight

[@niggardosenpai]

Difference is that Trunks was a NEW character (at the time) so that fight was supposed to be an introduction, nothing more, which is why ppl like it. Aizen was built up as the "BIG BAD" of the series all this while, and Ichigo, whose journey we've been following for so long, was tasked to beat him, so when he absolutely DOMINATES him now it just feels cheap.

[@IchigosBestFriend]

Oh man this was gooood

[@worldy8089]

good shit bro

[@scottvgamer1163]

Don’t know if I’d say it’s the absolute best, but I understand it. People seem to only care about the fight itself, in which case is not THAT good compared to most in the series. But there’s so much more to it beyond the action.

[@hokagehaynes5645]

I might have to read bleach now

[@greyworld6242]

Great video! Do you know aizen’s motivation from the novels?

[@aurkorouth3388]

nice!

[@Hamza.i.q]

Please make one for Ichigo vs Ginjo too.

[@azure8696]

Bleach is life

[@Zerz0]

Maybe you could do an analysis on the lost agent arc next? or maybe cfyow instead of tybw since it's currently airing rn. Great video anyways

[@HotBoySpicy]

I plan to do videos on both tybw and lost agent in the future!

[@mannythegrandfather2291]

When is the Naruto analysis content coming out? 😭😭

[@HotBoySpicy]

There was Naruto analysis just last upload... LOL. But as I say in the outro of this video, new big Naruto video coming next.

[@Crunchysopa52]

Well done! Whew lol

[@305thief8]

You should use more manga panels that's all great vid!!!

[@muhisxv]

More bleach philosophical analysis

[@sageaizen6837]

Can you do an analysis on the fullbring arc ? I think you can do it justice

[@HotBoySpicy]

I'll probably eventually do it!

[@blickman5090]

We need a baki one, a bebop one, a champloo one, a trigun one, and a ton more.... be blessed❤

[@M3rtyville]

I think that was a garbage fight. Choreography may be good but anything else, terrible: - Aizen was holding back the whole time: No shikai, no Bankai - Ichigo immediately went for his most powerful technique despite being significantly stronger than Aizen - Ichigo losing his powers was meaningless because he can get them back whenever the plot wants too. That also means that the Fullbring arc was just pointless filler. - Aizen was rejected by the Hougyoku, but he will end up being billions of times stronger than that time - Aizen stopped being smart because "he doesn't need to" to the point it is unrealistic for his character. He was carefully planning every step and you mean to tell me that someone like that can leave himself open to attacks like that and be beaten this easy? - Ichigo got a power up surpassing Aizen's decades of battle experience and godly powers he receive in 4 month. Sounds like Dragon Ball Super level garbage writing. Btw, Ichigo was still only accessing a fraction of his power making the whole thing even worse retro actively speaking

[@Mrfact-yi6db]

I really wanna answer u but I can't because I'm weak in English . If u can speak arabic, I will give u an awesome explanation

[@sageaizen6837]

@@Mrfact-yi6db answer him and i will translste it bro am arab too

[@marcomilillo2001]

I liked that fight but honestly could have been a lot way better The whole Arrancar arc could have been better

[@otish-b4512]

SECOND

[@otish-b4512]

GRRRR

[@nathangardner6423]

Aizen did nothing wrong

[@stevenward413]

Ichigo is the worst written protagonist in big 3… lol okay