Ragix said:
It's either Byakuya is REALLY dead or he is in a near death state to the point where he can't give off any signs of his presence anymore. As controversial as it may be I think that this could be one of the best characters to die holding a major impact like Shuda says on Renji and Rukia not to mention others like Ichigo. This will play a huge role in their development if he actually did die.
But man Kepachi being a badass going straight for the boss and it seems like he got an even more epic eyepatch and even got rid of his bells. Aw man I can't wait to see this fight. I certainly hope we find out who exactly Urahara saw though soon.
Definitely Ichigo too, yeah. I swear I mentioned him, guess not.
Ichigo: "How could this happen..? It was Byakuya, the Byakuya I knew couldn't possibly.. It was Byakuya!!!!!" (looks at his friends, in a state of shock)
Renji: (Despair, tears and Rage in his eyes, losing control while shaking, gripping his sword cursing himself for being so weak)
Rukia: (Crying madly while Ichigo stares at her helplessly... beginning to blame himself for not making it in time)
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Not to mention, what Ishida Uryuu is going to think of all this. Could he be banished by the renmants? What role will he play now that there has been a major casualty?
If Kubo plays his cards right, he can have some very powerful scenes.
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Also, Kenpachi isn't dying lol. It just wouldn't make sense. Gets owned, maybe? Maybe after he cuts down the sidekick and is offered recruitment by Gold Roger and refuses. I can't imagine an emotional scene over Kenpachi lol. Perhaps just Ikkaku/Yumechika saying this is what it means to be in the battle squad or something, but they've been shelved already, sadly. Ichigo would probably drop the same line too, "it was Kenpachi though!"