I feel that Inoue Orihime, though very obviously important to the story of Bleach, is neglected by readers as nothing more than another useless female character. Her only powers are that of healing and she doesn’t play a major role in terms of attack, and one of the longest arcs in the entirety of Bleach and arguably in Weekly Shonen Jump is predicated upon her rescue. As such, the label of “useless” seems to follow her around…but is that really the truth? Is that all that she is or is there more to the character than anybody seems to understand? Is she nothing more than a useless damsel in distress, or is she possibly one of the most vital characters to the core of not just Bleach but also the development of Kurosaki Ichigo who is changing the world of this story with his very actions?
This is Inoue Orihime, a girl who is more important and stronger than you think.
Bleach was once one of the most popular and regarded anime series of all time. It was a member of the prestigious Big 3 Shounen Jump series and was talked about by everyone in the community. Many of us grew up with Bleach, but as the series ended in 2017, many of us also fell out of it. I was one of those people. But, thinking back on it, I realized how important Bleach was to me, how it led me into the world of anime and how it changed my life.
So I wanted to tell everyone why I’ll NEVER stop Loving Bleach.
When I first watched Nisekoi, the series that ended up becoming my all-time favorite manga, the first thing I thought was honestly how great all of the girls are. They all were so amazing and enjoyable to watch in their own way, but of all of them, only one struck a chord with me.
Only one was who I considered best girl.
She’s nice, caring, clumsy, modest, and in general just a joy to watch. From the moment she enters the scene and every moment that she’s in, there’s something about her that draws my attention towards her, and it seems it’s not just me. Even in-universe, Onodera is referred to as the goddess of the class, so pure and innocent that everyone who sees her desires her yet also wants to protect her. She’s shy yet willing to do whatever she can to help a friend and tries as hard as she can when put to the test. She’s possibly, and most likely intentionally, presented to us as the perfect waifu…and that’s the problem.
And in Nisekoi, this story of girls fighting to grab the heart of the one they love by challenging that which holds them back, Onodera Kosaki’s story is that of a girl who was given a role to fulfill, a role that she has to learn to break out of.
Does Uraraka from Boku no Hero Academia do something different from the rest of the Shounen crowd? No, but I might as well tell you why.
In the world of Bleach, there is much meaning to be found in a name.The protectors of the balance in this world are known as “Shinigami”, meaning “death god”, and thus is a name that is earned through strength and bloodshed. Amongst these Shinigami, there is a name that stands above all others. A name that, even amongst those who call themselves gods of death, is feared. It’s a name that is power and violence incarnate, it’s the name that belongs to the one who has earned the right to call themselves the strongest Shinigami. In Soul Society, there is only one who can claim this name.
There is only one Kenpachi.
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