If you haven’t noticed, the filler is still on and we have another underwhelming episode that I will struggle to write anything positive about. Speaking to a few fans however there are mixed feelings about this filler arc. I have no doubt that it has the potential to be the best filler arc so far but it’s episodes like these that leave a lot to be desired.

This episode feels almost as if it ends where it started, we seemingly have got no further after conclusion of the episode. We are still watching the face-off between Muramasa and Ichigo (and his Hollow alter ego), while both Renji and Hisagi battle their respective Zanpakutōs.

Bleach Title Screen

It’s interesting that while this episode is entitled, Gekitotsu! Hisagi vs Kazeshini, there is very little of Hisagi or Kazeshini in it. We see long and quite frankly annoying scenes of Renji fighting his Zanpakuto, Zabimaru – which happens to be two entities joined my a massive chain – who continually fight between themselves seemingly for Pesche/Dondochakka-esque comedy value. Did I mention it’s annoying to watch? Particularly if, like myself, you want them to stop constantly switching between the three fights which serves no other purpose than to drag the storyline out for a full 20+ minutes.

Hisagi and Kazeshini

As the story unfolds we know that the Zanpakuto are now free of their Shinigami and their existence is no longer tied to them, allowing them to exterminate their former wielders without fear of death. The problem for the Shinigami is that if they kill their Zanpakuto, they may lose them forever. This seems to be the central theme of this episode as we see Renji so reluctant to face his Zanpakuto that we basically get to watch him getting beaten up for practically the whole episode. This is stark contrast to Hisagi, who from early on and in other arcs he was quite clear that he hated his Zanpakuto because it was seemingly designed to take lives. Where Renji is being held back by the fear of losing his Zanpakuto for good, Hisagi holds no reservations as he faces Kazeshini who appears to be quite powerful in his own right.

Hollow Ichigo

Meanwhile, Ichigo is still facing Muramasa in his own mind. The Hollow Ichigo has been battling with Muramasa since the last episode and has proven to be faster and more powerful than Muramasa had expected. Towards the end we see Muramasa’s special ability which is some form of manipulation and he gains control over Hollow Ichigo rendering him unable to move or break free. At the moment Ichigo steps in to save the Hollow Ichigo claiming that despite who he is, he is still a part of him.

Quite simply, little is achieved in this episode. I certainly hope the pace picks up and soon! If we have many more episodes like where nothing actually happens, with the exception of the last 2 minutes, I don’t think I’ll be watching the filler for much longer.

Why not tell me how you’ve been finding the filler so far in the comments below. Is it just me or is it utterly dire? Speak you mind below: