With Barragan out the way, the Primera Espada takes centre stage for this chapter. We see Starrk has begun his fight against former Captain, now Visored/Vizard, Love Aikawa while Rōjūrō Otoribashi (commonly referred to as Rose) watches from the sidelines, seemingly so as to not get in the way of the impressive destructive power of Love and his Zanpakutō Tengumaru.

Starrk Fan Art

This is one of those intermittent chapters that really sets the stage for things to come, particular as we begin to see what Aikawa is really capable of in terms of his sheer brute strength even without his Hollow mask. We are also finally introduced to his Zanpukto, Tengumaru — which seems to be where the inspiration for the title of this chapter is derived, as a Cludgel is simply a term for a club that is used as a weapon. I certainly didn’t know that but could have guessed at the link in the title.

Love’s club, Tengumaru, is gigantic and he appears to swing it with great swiftness and ease that cause the Primera Espada some trouble that he soon ends up on the floor, seemingly defeated.

Aikawa Love Fan Art

It is at this point that we gain a little more insight into the Primera Espada, Starrk. We have already seen that his personality is one that can quite easily be described as  nonchalant. He cares little for battle and fighting in general and in many ways is similar to Shunsui Kyōraku in disposition.

After the death of Barragan, he explicitly stated that he did not care for vengeance because he was not that way inclined and he portrayed a sense of emotional distance from his fellow comrades.

This chapter seems to suggest that he was only putting on a facade and actually dislikes to fight because it means his friends will die and is the reason he is despondent and ready to give up after being beaten to the ground by Love. However, after some encouragement from Lilynette/Ririnetto, (his only Fraccion who joins with Starrk as part of his Resurrección form), tells  Starrk that he should act like the Primera and he must fight in order to save his comrades, dare we translate it as ‘friends’, from being killed off.

Starrk Fan Art by FEE_MUH

Have we misjudged the Primera? Does he actually care more than we really know? It definately seems to be more than he has portrayed thus far. At the end of the chapter, with his new resolve, we see the next stage of Starrks power as a horde of unknown ghost-like and wolf-like creatures appear behind him as the battle really starts!

Is this Starrk, the Primera Espada getting serious? We hope so! Next week can either be great or a disappointment. I will predict they will switch back to the Tres Espadas (Tia Harribel) fight next week to keep us guessing about whats about to take place between Starrk and Love, either way it’s going to be a massive battle.

What did you think of this chapter? What do you think those creatures where behind Starrk and what will Love do? Add your thoughts below.