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apple-salad · 2 months

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Rose Ribbon Embroidery "Mini" Projects (for BABY NYFW) Part 2: Embroidered Bonnet

I decided semi-last minute to attend BABY's fashion show at NYFW!

BABY had mentioned in their NYFW brand description that their newest collection would be a return to their origins, as well as presenting archival items.

You have to dress to impress for NYFW, right? So of course, I had to pull out all the stops and wear my Rose Ribbon Embroidery.

Also at the last minute, I decided to make a few extra complementing items...

A matching RRE kumya JSK, and a bonnet.

What follows is more of a sew-along/journal rather than a tutorial or guide, mainly for my own memory's sake. But if you enjoy looking at my process (sometimes sloppy), I'm happy!

Also feel free to take a look at the more romantic process video I edited.

Part 1: Kumya JSK

Part 2: Bonnet (you are here)

This post will be my process pictures and notes for the bonnet, as well as a matching mask as a bonus.

I don't believe BABY released matching headwear for Rose Ribbon Embroidery, although I've seen an unknown velveteen headbow with rose lace sold with RRE before.

BABY usually coords RRE with the bunny ear bonnet since Ichigo wears it this way in Kamikaze Girls.

I do own this because I wanted to wear an Ichigo-like outfit at some point, but for this occasion I decided to do something different and make a "matching" embroidered bonnet.

I originally wanted to make a hard bonnet with a very defined brim that could show off the embroidery clearly as I don't really like soft bonnets, but when looking at existing BABY bonnets as a reference, it doesn't look like hard bonnets were a thing back in 2004 (and as it is, BABY rarely releases hard bonnets). So to keep with the oldschool theme, the bonnet is a soft one, although I later make some decisions to make it slightly more structured.

The next decision to make was full bonnet vs half bonnet. The bunny ear bonnet is a full bonnet and I think this is technically more "period accurate", but I am not a fan of how they look like a weird hood from the back so I opted for half (plus, that makes construction and patterning easier for me).

I still used my own bunny ear bonnet as a reference for approximate brim dimensions!

The kumya JSK was a little easier to carelessly sketch out and embroider since I was copying 1:1 from an existing design, but I felt I needed to do at least a bit more careful planning for the embroidery on this. I'm quite bad at creating embroidery designs from scratch, but with the mental image of the rose clusters and swags of vine, as well as referencing the embroidery from the film, I came up with this:

I wanted to emulate the embroidery style of the Momoko's (well, in reality likely the embroidery designer Onoe Megumi--unclear if she did the actual embroidery, but it's likely) embroidery, which I figured wouldn't be too difficult if I was also embroidering by hand.

For material, I am using the same velveteen I used for kumya's JSK. Not my first choice and I actually purchased some thicker looking 100% cotton velvet that I thought would be more similar to the original JSK material, but was worried it wouldn't arrive in time and wanted this project out of the way in case things went wrong/took longer than I expected (it did arrive about a week before the event, but it was totally wrong IRL so I'm glad I just went with this acceptable option). I also bought some more torchon lace, so I used that and another lace from my stash.

The colours of the embroidery in the film also seem to be quite different than BABY's dress. I'm not sure if the pink of the roses has faded over the years, but it has a slight salmon tone whereas the film's roses seem to be more of a pale cool/neutral pink (hard to tell with the yellow tint of the entire film) with some variegation. I love the colour scheme of the film's embroidery, but to keep things coordinated I try to opt for the same colours as the actual dress I have.

I only have white silk ribbon in the width I wanted, so I opted to attempt to dye it to match. Previously I have used alcohol markers to colour the embroidery afterwards, but I find the colour hard to control and it tends to bleed into the fabric. I've also tried colouring the ribbon with the marker before embroidering, but without heat setting the colour transfers onto the fabric as well (and it seems like trying to do so with the amount of ribbon I need would be a waste of ink).

I don't have a lot of experience with it, but since the ribbon is silk, acid dyeing seemed like the way to go.

Very interesting photo of ribbon in pot (the pink ribbon gets eaten up by pinwheel roses much faster than I expected so this is the second batch I had to dye--not ideal as they are definitely slightly different in colour but it's not too noticeable). In total, I think I had to dye 3 batches of ribbon and 4 for the pink ribbon as I just barely ran out near the end, and they are all slightly different colours. Thankfully the undertone is the same so it's difficult to tell unless you are really comparing up close.

I thought I would take this opportunity to use the "peach" acid dye that I bought years ago for another project, but this ended up being a mistake as the colour was totally off (maybe the red dye was too expired). I ended up using my regular fiber reactive procion dyes (with heat/acid), because I have many more colours I could mix together, and that was much better. I really should have done this from the start as I wasted perfectly good silk ribbon by making it too dark/off for my purposes (I ended up overdyeing it in pink so it's a usable colour now, but not for this project).

The silk seems to take on dye extremely fast--even just heating up the dyebath will colour it. In some cases I removed the ribbon before adding any acid at all because I felt the ribbon was already getting too dark.

I managed to get a fairly usable mossy green colour for the leaves and vines, however the pink still ended up being a little off/dark compared to whatever BABY used. It's not too bad here as one strand of ribbon, but when many layers are on top of each other in a rose it seems pretty dark. While not ideal, I think it's still okay, especially considering the embroidery colours used in kumya's JSK match nothing else (many pinks will be going on in this coord).

After dyeing and drying, the ribbon is super wrinkled so I ironed it and wound it on some spare card so it's ready to use.

And now I can start the arduous process of embroidery.

Like before, I mainly use a combination of ordinary ribbon stitches, pinwheel roses, and french knot roses. However, this time I try harder to duplicate, or at least evoke the appearance of the embroidery of the film.

It's interesting how plain and somewhat boring the roses look on their own, especially with this monotone colouring. The varied colours of the film's embroidered roses are lovely, but I decided against it here because the BABY dress has monotone ribbon roses.

The roses definitely seem to just be pinwheel style which is very easy and doable, however I am a bit more confused about the leaves. They look like a number of straight stitches in various lengths and directions that fill in a leaf-like shape. I have no idea if this technique has a name and if there is a proper method for it, because I am a silly beginner who is very uneducated in embroidery.

Anyway I do my best and hopefully I got close enough. Ribbon embroidery is really all about the texture, which is really lovely to look at. Except I have trouble looking at my own work for too long because I start nitpicking all the mistakes I made...

Adding the green and leaves really helps the embroidery come to life.

I took even fewer pictures of the embroidery process than kumya's JSK this time because it's not that interesting. I was definitely getting sick of doing the same pinwheel over and over...

I stupidly decided that aside from embroidering the front of the brim, I also wanted a little bit of embroidery on the back of the brim for interest, as well as on the side.

The designs I drafted out for these two pieces is much simpler, but still, more work....

Almost ready for construction! Hopefully a lot faster with the handwork out of the way.

I iron on some interfacing onto the back brim panel and the bonnet band for slight extra stiffness.

The bottom part of the brim is plain cotton sateen because I was worried that the part that touches the head would get dirtier more quickly it if was velveteen.

I wanted some lace gathered around the brim and an extra velveteen ruffle on the back of the band, so I prepare that now. The lace is gathered with a single gathering thread and sewn down before sandwiching between the two brim panels.

Brim sewn and topstitched (and band is ready for attachment).

The upper flowers ended up a little closer to the top of the band then I intended, but I think it's okay.

Gathering brim and attaching it to band. Because the velvet fabric is so thick, the usual "sew one line of stitching with a wide stitch length" not only made the fabric incredibly difficult to gather, but the thin polyester thread also continually broke when trying to do so. Therefore, I opted for an alternative method I think I'd remember seeing in my sewing machine manual of all things--a zigzag carefully stitched over a central gathering thread. This worked much better, although I probably should have used a thicker/extra strong thread as the central gathering thread because it did break the second time I had to gather the brim due to a mistake.

I also add a bit of lace to the inside of the brim. I think this adds some luxury and frilliness between the head and the bonnet's brim, so I wanted to add a small width. I probably could have used even more of the lace's width since it turned out very subtle when worn. But I still think it adds a small amount of interest to the innermost part of the brim and was worth adding.

Unfortunately here after sewing on both brim parts I realize that I gathered both using an incorrectly marked centre line, so I had to rip it out and do it again ;_;

Next, I can carefully align and pin the bottom of the brim to the bonnet and sew it down. I tack this down by hand because I'm not skilled/accurate enough with a sewing machine to topstitch both sides nicely at once (look closely, and my messy stitching is quite visible...)

I also fold in the raw edges and finish the sides of the brim by hand, leaving some openings for ribbon ties.

At this point I spray almost the whole bonnet with water to disperse and fade my markings. Unfortunately, some of the earlier batches of ribbon that I dyed (Can you tell the variance in the 3 dye batches I needed to do?) were probably not washed well after dying and seem to have bled into the fabric from the water...but hopefully it's not too noticeable.

Next I topstitched all around the brim and attached the ribbon ties.

I bought some double sided velvet ribbon in my last minute supplies shipment and made some bows from it. I think the material is a little thick and petersham would have worked alright as well, but the consistent velvet material feels more luxurious, doesn't it? I also think as an added benefit (?) the ribbon being plush and double sided made the bows more puffy looking.

I add some clips to the sides and a toupee clip to the top for security. I opted for a toupee clips because I think it's really the way to go if you don't want the head item to move at all, no matter how thin or slippery your hair.

Finished.

Bonus 1: rose accent pin

I was in a bit of a rush at this point as it was near the end of the week coming up to the show, so I didn't take any photos of the process here but the technique and templates I used were identical to my handmade faux rose rosettes I made for UM (and the bonus corsages). I have a post with all the details of this sitting in my drafts that I will post eventually, and I will update this post when that happens.

The brooch was just meant to add a bit of 3D faux flower accent to the bonnet, bringing in the rose motif even more. Partially inspired by the faux flowers BABY adds to their bonnets sometimes, like on Milk Tea Doll.

The fabric was "custom dyed" with the same fiber reactive dye I used for the silk. The fabric was further starched, cut out by hand, and shaped with flower iron tools before gluing together.

Bonus 2: matching embroidered mask

I wasn't sure about whether or not I wanted to wear a matching mask, but decided to do so for situations when I would want my face at least half-covered in public. I didn't really expect to be visible in fashion show pictures as someone in the back, but just in case. (I think this decision was worth it, although my makeup transferred all over the thing and in most pictures my face was even more unflattering. eh well)

I forgot to take a lot of pictures of my process for this, but it's very uninteresting and not dissimilar from every other mask sewalong from 2020. I draft out a design similar to the bonnet motifs on both of my mask panels (cotton sateen), and embroider.

I should have embroidered closer to the centre of the mask because when worn the embroidery is not very visible/covered by my hair at the sides. What can I do since the panels were already cut though...oh well!

The lining material is some Japanese CLEANSE Ex fabric I had bought previously to make masks during the pandemic. It's supposed to be antibacterial and antiviral, as well as washable, but I have no idea how well supported those claims are.

Sew together normally on both upper and lower sides, turn inside out, add a channel for nose wire and side channels for elastic.

I also have some mask elastic on hand so I use that.

And the finished outfit again with all my items~

Thank you for reading! If you ever feel inspired to take up a similar project, such as the kumya JSK, I'd love to see it!

#lolita fashion #rose ribbon embroidery #ribbon embroidery #handmade #baby the stars shine bright

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crusty-chronicles · 6 months

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hiii! i hope im not bothering youu but i really like your airheaded s/o hcs and i was wondering if you could make one with urahara from bleach!

Yessss! I love this dopey science man with my whole heart!

BONUS AIRHEADED S/O HEADCANNONS: Kisuke (Bleach)

Absolutely enamored by you.

Everything you do is just so fascinating to him

One of the few brainiacs who absolutely doesn't mind you can't formulate a thought without hurting yourself

You lost a whole shipment of new candy?

Aww, it's okay. He can always order more, so don't be upset.

You damaged your Gigai?

Clearly it wasn't strong enough. He'll just have to make better ones. Thanks for letting him know.

You broke open the shop door because you lost your keys?

Baby sweetheart, you should've just called him. Maybe wear a key around your neck next time.

It isn't physically possible for Kisuke to be mad at you.

More than anything, he likes cooing at you when you make a mistake.

You're just too precious to him.

Loves testing out inventions on you because you're so resilient.

But he's always careful the chances of it actually hurting you are low. Mostly.

He's known you from way back since he was in the Soul Society

And even back then, he was completely smitten with you.

Requesting you be a part of The Department of Research and Development just so he can keep an eye on you.

He knows you tend to be accident prone.

He used to love explaining how some of his inventions worked while you sat and nodded along.

Having no clue what he was talking about, but were just happy to be there.

Kisuke realized he loved you when you followed him to the world of the living.

Not believing for a second he was testing out hollowfication on other soul reapers.

It made him feel all warm and fuzzy to know you had so much faith in him

And ever since then he's been trying and failing to court you.

About a century and he still can't tell if you're dating or not.

He's not gonna bring it up just in case you aren't.

I mean, he's taken you out on several dates.

That has to count for something right?

This man doesn't hesitate to baby you.

In fact, he overdoes it.

To the point where even you're like, 'No, I think I can handle it from here.'

"Do you want me to carry that box for you? It's got some glass and I would be DEVASTATED if you got a paper cut. Might even close the shop so you can recover 👉👈"

He's dead serious about it too

"I can carry it just fine, but thank you."

And he's pouting in the corner, sulking because you didn't want his help.

It's all for show though, so don't feel too bad.

Mostly to embarrass Jinta and Ururu

Maybe Ichigo if he's around.

Kisuke also has the most embarrassing and outlandish nicknames for you. Also for show.

Calls you: Sugar Bear, baby, pookie, shnookums, apple of my eye, ect.

But, in a serious atmosphere, in complete privacy, he'll call you love or angel.

Jealousy?

He'll make a big deal if you're giving someone else attention

Sighing dramatically or draping his arm over your shoulder. And once again, it's mostly for show.

But does Kisuke ever actually get jealous?

Not one bit.

You followed him from the Soul Society after all.

If that doesn't prove you love him then he doesn't know what does.

Yorichi loves your presence.

She thinks you're a great match for Kisuke because you're both so easy going.

That and you're about as strong as a captain.

Taking out an espada with a single punch.

If anything, she's the one telling him he better not break you're heart.

"You've got a great thing going on with them, don't ruin it."

"I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF WE'RE TOGETHER!"

"Then figure it out or else I'll take them."

MASTERLIST

#kisuke urahara #urahara kisuke x reader #kisuke bleach #kisuke x reader #bleach #bleach x reader #bleach x y/n #x reader #x y/n #airhead s/o #stronk s/o

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reikorun · 2 months

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KlubOutside Q&A 401-500 [Translation]

Translated by @reikorun

Q401.

2022.10.24

I'd like to ask you a question about BTW! Given that "Bruno" means "bull" (*buru = bull in Japanese) and the crest which represents "The Inks" is also reminiscent of Taurus, are you perhaps using the zodiac constellations as a reference for the names of characters?

A401.

No, that's not the inspiration. I didn't even consider the "bull" in "Bruno"…. Now that you've brought it up, it does appear as though I used that as source material, LOL.

Q402.

2022.10.31

It is said that the Gotei 13 constitutes just under 3000 people, but with this many Shinigami, is it possible that this can result in Zanpakutō with the same names? Also, will it ever have the same name as a Zanpakutō that existed in the past?

A402.

No two Zanpakutō can ever hold the same name in the same era. It may, however, share the same name as a Zanpakutō from the past.

Q403.

2022.10.31

What is the name of Ryūken's mother?

A403.

I have passed on background details to anime staff so depending on the composition of the story, it may appear in the anime.

Q404.

2022.10.31

Do you have a favorite character among the Dragon Quest heroines? I like Jessica.

A404.

I guess the childhood friend from Dragon Quest 4….

Q405.

2022.11.07

I have a question. Is the horizontal line running across Hisagi's nose a tattoo or tape…? In the anime, it was drawn to look very tape-like, but the one Kubo-sensei drew in color on the cover of the novel, for instance, is expressed with the same coloring as his "69" tattoo, so personally I assumed the anime turned it into something that was tape-like for a certain reason, but is it in fact a tattoo?

A405.

Did it really end up looking like tape…? It's a tattoo.

Q406.

2022.11.07

What is your favorite traditional Japanese sweet? Alternatively maybe I can ask, do you prefer sweet or salty?

A406.

I like sweet foods more, and I like almost all traditional Japanese confectionery made with Tsubuan (*chunky sweet red bean paste).

Q407.

2022.11.07

Will Ichika's Zanpakutō turn out to be Mirokumaru, the same one owned by Senna?

A407.

That won't happen. They're two different people and Mirokumaru isn't a name I came up with.

Q408.

2022.11.14

The certificate of residence bonus was wonderful! I'm a huge fan of the actual contents of course, but the red seal which secured the envelope and the "KOS" design representing the name of this fanclub is so cool.

A408.

This was Ishino-san's design proposal. Isn't it great?

Q409.

2022.11.14

About the Shiba siblings and Ichigo, are they cousins?

A409.

That's how it is.

Q410.

2022.11.14

The Granz brothers share the same birthday, height and weight, but are they considered twins?

A410.

They are.

Q411.

2022.11.21

What kind of dog is Uni-chan?

A411.

Pomeranian.

Q412.

2022.11.21

I would like to learn more about the mechanics of Shunpo. Unlike teleportation, if you come under attack while moving, will the attack successfully land?

A412.

If it can keep up with the movement speed, the attack will land.

Q413.

2022.11.21

In volumes 15 and 32, Hitsugaya Tōshirō is seen making fun of Hinamori, calling her "bedwetter Momo", I believe this indicates that he's old enough to remember Hinamori from her early childhood. In the general overview of the Gotei 13 from "KaraBuri+", it's mentioned that his current concerns include the sluggish rate of his growth. Furthermore, in volume 26, Hinamori says "I don't need to be given advice about growing by Hitsugaya-kun!!" Judging by this, it seems that Hitsugaya has been experiencing a longer period of halted physical growth compared to others, however is it possible that he is older than Hinamori?

A413.

He's older.

Q414.

2022.11.28

I like the atmosphere of Soul Society's architecture. Are there any places you used as reference?

A414.

Other than Louis Kahn and Oscar Niemeyer which I mentioned in a previous Q&A, I like Brutalist architecture and have been aided by, or rather, influenced by the Royal National Theater in England, Corbusier's chapel in Ronchamp and the Trinity Church in Vienna to name just a few. Additionally, I also like the residence of Luis Barragán.

Q415.

2022.11.28

In chapter 302 of volume 34, "Pride on the Blade", specifically on the double page spread where Byakuya says "because you aimed your blade at my pride", Rukia is drawn pressing a sword against her own neck through Zommari's ability. However, Rukia is seen clasping Senbonzakura rather than her own sword, a fact that has no direct relevance to the contents of the main storyline. Did Kubo-sensei draw it that way because you wanted to convey something?

A415.

I commented on this at the BLEACH exhibition.

Q416.

2022.11.28

Since assuming the role of Captain, did none of Rukia's comrades tease her by calling her "Captain Abarai"? I'm curious if she's being called "Captain" in the first place, considering that the nickname "Kuchiki" has become commonplace among those around her.

A416.

Shunsui immediately began addressing her as "Captain", so calling her by the title of “Captain” very quickly caught on among everyone else. Shunsui has always been the type that would make an effort to immediately call a newly appointed Captain by their title and help them get used to the new environment quickly.

Q417.

2022.12.05

Sensei, is there a character from BLEACH that you would like to see made into a figurine, or do you have a favorite among those that already exist?

A417.

I think it would be great if a figurine of a scantily clad female character was released. If they have big boobs then anyone will do.

Q418.

2022.12.05

The following information has been recorded on Wikipedia regarding Ichigo's Zangetsu after the conclusion of the series:

"On top of being able to fight by choosing between single blade style and dual blade style while in Shikai (through changes to Reiatsu), while in Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu can be used in either a katana state (a combination of Tensa Zangetsu from the beginning and middle stages of the series), or in a large sword state (after special training with Urahara Kisuke and Hyōsube Ichibē of the Zero Division respectively)." Is this accurate?

A418.

Let's refer to official source material, not the wiki.

Q419.

2022.12.05

In the scene where Kenpachi meets Yachiru, Zaraki asks her "where did you come from?" Yachiru touches Zaraki's Zanpakutō, was this foreshadowing that Yachiru = Nozarashi?

A419.

Since I've already talked about Yachiru here, I can give you an answer: yes, you are correct.

Q420.

2022.12.12

Regarding the advertising slogans on the character cover art at the time of the Jump magazine publication, in addition to the catchphrases which accompanied the Captain & Vice-Captain cover art illustrations that were printed in the art book "All Colour But The Black" and the Jump special issues, are they created by Kubo-sensei rather than the editor? Are there also any other slogans devised by Kubo-sensei that were not included in said cases?

A420.

My editor writes all the slogans. The editor who did the work around the Captain and Vice Captain title pages, is Nakano-san who is currently the editor-in-chief of Jump.

Q421.

2022.12.12

Please tell us the gender of both Senjumaru and Nianzol.

A421.

Senjumaru is a woman and Nianzol is a man.

Q422.

2022.12.12

Where in the body is the location of the "Saketsu" and "Hakusui", often referred to as "the heart of a Shinigami"?

A422.

In the context of acupuncture points, I imagine that the Saketsu is the equivalent of "Jade Hall", and Hakusui is around the "Heavenly Pivot". ×[1]

Q423.

2022.12.19

What was the most stressful event in your life?

A423.

I guess it was when I first appeared on stage at Jump Festa. It was before the series had an anime adaptation, so there were only three of us: myself, my editor, and the female host, it was tough. I think it was at this time that I did my first ever autograph session.

Q424.

2022.12.19

If anything, it always bothered me to no end that there was a certain air about the BLEACH anime where it appears to be trying to make it look as though Ichigo and Rukia were in love with each other. How much did you tell the anime staff about your vision for the final landing spot of the original work?

A424.

I didn't tell them anything because no one asked me about it. Before the anime aired I was only told “the entirety of the Soul Society arc should be covered in one year”, so I thought "oh, the anime will end in a year." I can't remember very well whether or not the anime tried to turn Ichigo and Rukia into lovers.

Q425.

2022.12.19

Akon's skin tone is painted in a different color between the Thousand-Year Blood War arc color pages and KaraBuri, is this something intentional? I remember his complexion being quiet pale, so it caught me by surprise to see him painted with some color in his cheeks in the Thousand-Year Blood War.

A425.

At the beginning of TYBW, I used a color that gave him a bit more of a typical human complexion as it creates a contrast with Mayuri. Was the color choice really that dark…?

Q426.

2022.12.26

Has Kubo-sensei checked the lines in the English-language edition of BLEACH? Are the nuances and so on reflected in the English translation?

A426.

I like the English language, but it's not like I can read it so I don't check them.

Q427.

2022.12.26

Please tell us the intonation of the name "Kazui"!

A427.

It's the same as the intonation of "atsugi" (*Japanese for warm clothes). The same with "kabuki" (*eccentric), or "kasumi" (*haze).

Q428.

2022.12.26

Who is your favorite member among the Bambies?

A428.

I like all the Bambies.

Q429.

2023.01.02

Is Byakuya affectionate towards Ichika?

A429.

Very much so.

Q430.

2023.01.02

Is the entire 5th Division barracks overflowing with items of Hirako Shinji's leisurely pursuits?

A430.

At present, It is being extensively renovated to suit Hirako's tastes.

Q431.

2023.01.02

A question regarding Findorr. During his conversation with Hisagi, the way in which there is a repeated exchange of questions and answers, until finally Findorr makes a serious attempt at his life after an incorrect answer is given, in addition to Pinza Aguda, it reminded me of the Yōkai Kanibōzu. I was wondering if that's where sensei also developed his ideas from.

A431.

When I looked it up, it turned out there is indeed such a Yōkai! That wasn't the source of my inspiration, but I love Yōkai so I'm glad to have learned about one I had no idea existed.

Q432.

2023.01.09

I love BLEACH so much that I want a T-Point card or some other kind of point redemption card with a BLEACH design on it! Where can I ask to have my suggestion considered!?

A432.

This question was sent before the art exhibition, but I'm glad to say the cards were made available!

Q433.

2023.01.09

All four of the Seireimon Gatekeepers have gigantic bodies, but I wonder if they have increased in size naturally or if they are using a kind of enhancement drug or something in order to serve as Gatekeepers.

A433.

Being a Gatekeeper of the Seireimon is an occupation only held by those who possess a huge physique on an exceptional scale.

Q434.

2023.01.09

Ichigo's occupation was revealed to be a translator, but what languages does he translate?

A434.

He does English to Japanese translation.

Q435.

2023.01.16

If Shinigami had a driver's license, who would you say is the best driver and who is the worst?

A435.

I suppose it depends on what measure of skill we use, but if we're talking about safe driving, then it's Isane, if it's about mastery, then it's Kisuke, as for those who are bad at driving… I get the feeling that a lot of them would be quite bad…. Kenpachi would probably crash first….

Q436.

2023.01.16

I think the Espada, Nnoitra Gilga, is an Arrancar who embodies an abundance of praying mantis elements, both in terms of his Zanpakutō name and its release call, but also in terms of his personality which appears to fit the idiom "praying mantis's axe" (*courageous but doomed resistance). The other day, a program called "Amazing Insects!" featuring Kagawa Teruyuki-san was being rebroadcast on TV, and I learned about a praying mantis called "Peruvian shield mantis" which is characterized by its round thorax. Is this praying mantis the original motif for the round part of his clothes behind his head?

A436.

When I searched it up, it really did resemble Nnoitra! Interesting way of looking at things but it's just a coincidence.

Q437.

2023.01.16

It seems that Yammy's Fracción Kukkapūro was left in the spot where Yammy died, but was he safe when the Quincy launched their assault in the final arc?

A437.

He's safe. Well, to be honest, if you had asked me this before I got my dog Uni, I would probably have said that he's dead…. But now, I can no longer bear to watch any form of entertainment where an animal dies, so Kukkapūro is fine.

Q438.

2023.01.23

The 'Shop' has goods such as T-shirts and art boards, but are there any plans to add a wider variety of other merchandise in the future? (Acrylic stands, for example.) Personally, I really want Yuyu-chan merch…!

A438.

There were quite a few acrylic stands released at the exhibition…. But it's true there aren't many Yuyu goods so I'll let my editor know!

Q439.

2023.01.23

Sensei, although you draw BLEACH as a battle-themed manga, do you always bear in mind that it also has aspects of horror manga while writing it? I ask this question because I read the new one-shot and it reminded me of the consistent presence of horror elements which has been there since the beginning and that made me curious.

A439.

Wherever it was that I felt "it might be more interesting if it was slightly scary here", I would go ahead and draw it with a slight touch of eeriness. Though, I don't have any particular intention of drawing manga in a horror-like style. I'm not good with scary stuff. I can't handle scary stories or movies at all, but I'm fine with the ones I've drawn myself.

Q440.

2023.01.23

Within the story of BLEACH, multiple anesthetic drugs were presented such as Shinten, Gaten and Hōten, but are drugs like Gaten and Hōten effective even on people with high Reiatsu?

A440.

That's correct. Out of those Shinten is the weakest, followed by Gaten, then Hōten which has the strongest effect and can even come to take effect on individuals who possess a powerful Reiatsu.

Q441.

2023.01.30

Kubo-sensei, do you use BLEACH LINE stamps?

A441.

Deciding whether or not to use stamps from one's own work is a matter that varies among artists, but I'm the type who's too embarrassed to use them. My editor and my friends often use BLEACH stamps.

Q442.

2023.01.30

Did Kubo-sensei come up with the novel titles, like "The Honey Dish Rhapsody" and "Can't Fear Your Own World"? I'm especially interested in the "knot" from the title "We Do knot ALWAYS LOVE You" because it reminds me of Yumichika's line "it's much harder to tie than to untie."

A442.

"Can't ~" was suggested by Narita-san and I gave it the okay, the rest are titles I came up with. The "knot" from "We Do knot~" as you correctly pointed out, was extracted from Yumichika's line.

Q443.

2023.02.06

Sensei, does Orihime still work at the bakery? Or has she become a housewife and is occupied with raising her child?

A443.

By the time of the one-shot, Kazui has grown somewhat and Ichigo also has a job that allows him to stay at home a fair amount, so she works part-time at the bakery every now and then.

Q444.

2023.02.13

Do you have a favorite novel?

A444.

The first time I spontaneously thought "I love this~" was when I read Revolution No. 3 by Kaneshiro Kazuki.

Q445.

2023.02.20

I'd like to hear which character's lines gave you the most trouble to create so far.

A445.

I don't remember which lines gave me the most trouble because it's not the spoken lines that stand out but rather the plain explanatory narration.

Q446.

2023.02.27

What exactly did sensei do in order to improve his drawing skills? Did you do things like drawing rough construction lines, or did you try copying your favorite pictures?

A446.

Of course I tried drawing by imitating my favorite manga, but it was never something good enough to be called a 'copy'. I still don't know the proper way to draw construction lines.

Q447.

2023.02.27

When did Ichigo get his hair cut short? Was it Yuzu-chan who cut it for him at the time as well?

A447.

I haven't decided on when exactly he got it shortened, but after graduating from high school, Ichigo used to go to an ordinary hair salon. At the badgering of Yuzu who became a hairdresser, Ichigo now goes to the beauty salon where Yuzu works.

Q448.

2023.03.06

The subtitles of chapter 129 and chapter 130, which were included in volume 15 of BLEACH, were titled "Etude of Transcendent Technique" when they were published in Jump magazine. Does Hinamori Momo's theme music comprise of "glass elevator", which was unveiled on the JET special website, in addition to the fourth étude "Mazeppa"?

A448.

That is a title dedicated to Ichigo's training. When putting the chapters into a tankōbon, I thought the main focus here should be Hinamori, so I changed the title in that direction. Wow, I never would have guessed that I'd receive a question about the subtitles at the time they were being published in the magazine.

Q449.

2023.03.13

What kind of pen nib do you use when composing your manga with traditional art mediums?

A449.

A Zebra G pen. I only use this one type.

Q450.

2023.03.20

The front cover of volume 70 features Haschwalt, but why is the illustration different when the book jacket is removed? Is this something sensei intended? I was curious because the book jacket of the other volumes was the same as the inner cover illustrations. I mean, his expression on the book jacket looks like a cold stare, but when you remove it, you can see a little light in his eyes and his expression is also somewhat melancholic…. To go further, in the opening poem, his eyes are closed. When you follow that sequence, like the fluctuations in the emotional state of Haschwalt himself, you're left with an indescribable feeling. I was observing, thinking how amazing it was that the sequence of facial expressions synchronized with the opening poem!

A450.

The variations are intentional.

Q451.

2023.03.27

What day of the week is Kubo-sensei's favorite day on Love It!?

A451.

If I had to choose one, then it's probably Wednesday. (*Love it! is a variety show in Japan.)

Q452.

2023.03.27

Is the reason why Nemu's breasts have gotten so big a side effect of changes in Kubo-sensei's art style throughout the series? Or is it because Nemu has developed? Or perhaps Kubo-sensei finds it more fun to draw them bigger?

A452.

Huh, are they that different? It was always my intention to draw them large from the very beginning.

Q453.

2023.04.03

Is the necklace worn by Ricky in BAD SHIELD UNITED the same one Rachel wore?

A453.

That's correct. Huh, I get questions like this too!?

Q454.

2023.04.10

Are the settings etc. of this recent one-shot and the Hell Verse movie treated as parallel?

A454.

It's separate from the movie.

Q455.

2023.04.10

There was an event called "Bankai Battle" in the BLEACH mobile game, was Kubo-sensei involved?

A455.

I'm not involved, but I'm aware that the swimsuit illustrations were erotic, so I want a book with all the swimsuit art collected inside.

Q456.

2023.04.17

I love Kitarō as much as I love Bleach, so I get excited every time Kubo-sensei talks about it. I love Mizuki Shigeru-sensei's manga of course, but I also love the Kitarō anime, has Kubo-sensei ever watched it? I like the sense of distance between Yōkai and humans in the second season (70's).

A456.

I've only watched the third season. (It's not that I dislike the others.) In the third season, there was a guest appearance by an original character known as Yumeko-chan, so it appears to be an unconventional choice among fans, but I like her. The rendering style for Kitarō is completely different from the original work (like his hair type), but when I was in elementary school, I used to draw Kitarō in both the style of the anime and the original work.

Q457.

2023.04.24

In chapter 477, Rukia jumps out to protect Ichigo from Tsukishima, however her facial expression appears to be one of surprise, so I was considering if it was actually Riruka controlling her body. Whose intention was it truly, Rukia's or Riruka's?

A457.

It's Riruka’s.

Q458.

2023.04.24

I would like to know if there are any painters that Kubo-sensei likes or any that have influenced him. Thank you.

A458.

My favorite painter, or perhaps I should say, my favorite painting is 'Flowers In a Vase' by Édouard Manet (or more accurately, it's something like 'Carnations and Clematis in a Crystal Vase'). When I was a student, I tore out a calendar page which had that picture printed on it and pasted it to the wall of my room.

Q459.

2023.04.24

I was convinced that Ichigo would become a doctor, but I am surprised to find out that he became a translator. I would like to know what led Ichigo to becoming a translator.

A459.

It's because he had an interest in connecting two worlds.

Q460.

2023.05.01

Is Yokochin doing well? I'm worried that he may be involved in some high-priced reselling or something shady like that.

A460.

It really seems like that would be the case, huh?

Q461.

2023.05.01

Were Szayelaporro and Yylfordt actually brothers during their time as humans? I think it's an exceedingly rare occurrence for both brothers to Hollowfy after death and also become an Arrancar, but I wonder if there was some common trigger? I have been curious about the pair for a long time, so I would like it if you could tell me.

A461.

The two of them were too similar at their core, so they were met with the same fate.

Q462.

2023.05.08

This is a question regarding Yayahara Yuyu. It seems like she's obsessed with gyaru style due to Lisa's influence, but what was her appearance like before that?

A462.

She wasn't a gyaru back then, but I might draw what she used to look like someday so I'll keep quiet for now.

Q463.

2023.05.08

Where is Nelliel's Hollow hole located?

A463.

In the heart.

Q464.

2023.05.15

In the one-shot, Rukia referred to Orihime by her first name, but how does Orihime address Rukia?

A464.

She calls her "Rukia-chan".

Q465.

2023.05.15

I want to know why Yoruichi-san can take on the form of a black cat. It seems possible to interpret it as the form of Yoruichi-san being sealed into a different one, that of a black cat, however it also appears to be fundamentally different to Hadō and Bakudō. Is it a power that diverges from Kidō? Or perhaps it's some kind of technology belonging to Urahara-san?

A465.

It's the Shihōin bloodline. Sometimes, individuals who can transform into the shape of an animal emerge from within the Shihōin clan.

Q466.

2023.05.22

I frequently use LINE stamps from BLEACH and BTW! I would like BLEACH and BTW LINE themes too, are there any plans of this kind for the future?

A466.

I haven't heard about any such plans, but I'll let my editor know!

Q467.

2023.05.22

It appears that Ryūken is a surgeon, but what department has Uryū been working in since becoming a doctor?

A467.

He is currently assigned to the pediatric department because he is popular with children.

Q468.

2023.05.29

I would definitely love to see replica Zanpakutō being made into merch. Whether it's a full scale model, or around the size of a pencil, I'd like to make a collection either way. What do you think?

A468.

I feel like there were keychains out there in the past…. I'll try to pass that on to my editor.

Q469.

2023.05.29

In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, when they gathered energy as part of the world distortion repair team, and in the novel CFYOW, after the battle with Tsunayashiro and company had concluded, Hiyori came to the Soul Society in a normal manner. Does that mean the other Visoreds who remained at their base of operations are able to travel back and forth between Soul Society and the Human World like normal now? Are they opening the Senkaimon by themselves? I assume if they don't have a Hell Butterfly, they'd be sent through the Dangai…. I'm curious what their relationship with Soul Society is like after the battle with Aizen had come to an end.

A469.

At present, the Visored are being lent passes that can substitute for a Hell Butterfly.

Q470.

2023.06.05

I've always been super curious about this, but are all Shinigami's underwear loincloths? Is it different for female Shinigami, or people like Sasakibe-san who likes Western culture, or Ichigo who is a substitute Shinigami?

A470.

Excluding those who are extremely picky about it, It's a basic loincloth for both men and women.

Q471.

2023.06.05

Are Aizen-sama's glasses just for show? Personally, I thought that he wore them to make his face look gentle, but I would like to know the reason behind why he wore glasses if there is one.

A471.

You're exactly right. He wore them in order to give his face a softer look.

Q472.

2023.06.05

Just like with Isshin's Engetsu and Ichigo's Zangetsu, when there is a parent-child relationship, will the names and properties of a Zanpakutō be similar?

A472.

Not limited to parent and child, similarities can sometimes occur among blood relatives.

Q473.

2023.06.12

When Ichigo addresses members of the Gotei 13, regardless of their rank, he either drops the honorifics in their name, or attaches the polite suffix '-san', like "Byakuya" versus "Rangiku-san" for instance. Does he have some kind of criteria? I can understand dropping honorifics if it's an opponent he once fought or something, but for example, when he interacts with Tōshirō for the first time in the story (with the Hitsugaya advance party), Ichigo was already calling him just "Tōshirō!", so that got me curious.

A473.

I wonder what it is… I get the feeling that Ichigo drops honorifics for guys who, in his mind, are classed as "youngsters"….

Q474.

2023.06.12

I love the Lost Agent arc. Roughly how old is Ginjo, and how exactly did he become a substitute Shinigami?

A474.

How he became a substitute Shinigami is a secret, but his human age is 28 years old.

Q475.

2023.06.12

Gerard's Schrift is M: The Miracle, and his ability involved "the gigantification of any body part which had damage incurred upon it and then strengthening it." When Gerard was sliced in half by Zaraki Kenpachi's Bankai, something resembling a Quincy cross emerged from his head. Was that something akin to Gerard's core and if it had been destroyed, would Gerard have been defeated?

A475.

If it were destroyed, he would have been defeated. As long as something is capable of destroying it.

Q476.

2023.06.19

In the PV for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc anime, was it Kubo-sensei himself who drew the "Thousand-Year Blood War arc" lettering which appears in the logo?

A476.

It was the designer. That lettering is great, isn't it?

Q477.

2023.06.19

I have a question about the Central 46. They are said to be composed of forty sages and six judges gathered from all over Soul Society, but what is the recruitment criteria like? Is there some kind of training school, like the ones in the Human World? Also, as far as I can see from the illustrations in the manga, they appear to be wearing clothes which are similar in appearance to Shihakushō, so I wonder if they are also classified as Shinigami?

A477.

They are Shinigami.

Q478.

2023.06.19

Since Yachiru, Nemu and Unohana-san are no longer here, what happened with regard to the personnel of the Shinigami Women's Association?

A478.

When it comes to Nemu at least, Hachigō has already become a member.

Q479.

2023.06.26

If there are any recently released games that you highly recommend, please tell me about it.

A479.

By the time this is posted, I plan to be hooked on the new Zelda game.

Q480.

2023.06.26

Painted on Lilynette's mask, there is something resembling the flame insignia found in the BLEACH title logo, is there any reason why that flame mark is on Lilynette's mask?

A480.

The one on Lilynette's mask is her Estigma. ×[2]

Q481.

2023.06.26

Dokugamine Riruka from 12 years later looks so pretty. What is her current occupation?

A481.

She started up her own brand and works as a designer.

Q482.

2023.07.03

It is mentioned that Captain Unohana sensed something strange about Captain Aizen's corpse. Is it a result of the fact that she had slashed too many people in the past, that she felt something was wrong from the sensation of cutting (or perhaps slashing) during the autopsy? Also, was this one depiction that hinted at her past as Yachiru who is known for slaying an excessive amount of people?

A482.

It is because she has seen too many corpses, both in the past and present. I guess It's a hint if we can call it that?

Q483.

2023.07.03

Does the Soul King have a name?

A483.

He does. It may be revealed depending on the current flow of events in the anime.

Q484.

2023.07.03

In the anime, the color of Ukitake's eyes were brown, however in sensei's color illustrations, his eyes are painted green on several occasions. Which is correct?

A484.

They are green.

Q485.

2023.07.10

When Grand Fisher confronted Isshin in his Shinigami form, he made a statement along the lines of "Kurosaki Ichigo is a Shinketsu (*true blood)", but what exactly did he mean by "Shinketsu". My prediction is that the word refers to a being who happens to possess all the elements of "Shinigami, Quincy, Hollow and human", or perhaps a being born between a Quincy and a Shinigami.

A485.

"Shinketsu" refers to a Shinigami who was born from a Shinigami, not an individual from Rukongai who became one.

Q486.

2023.07.10

I like Hisagi and always look forward to seeing his Zanpakutō in action ever since its first appearance, but the phrase "a shape that reaps life" appealed to me so much that Kazeshini became my favorite Zanpakutō. Hisagi exudes a strong impression of a character who is often toyed with, so I recall being very happy because he was surprisingly cool. Nevertheless, it's because my mental image of Hisagi was just as the aforementioned, that I also remember being taken by surprise after seeing Kazeshini. There are some characters whom I think have a Zanpakutō that is different to their image, and some characters whom I think have a Zanpakutō which suit them perfectly. So, I'm curious whether sensei creates a character first and then thinks about their Zanpakutō, or if it's the other way around.

A486.

Off the top of my head, they come after the character. The same goes for Hisagi, of course.

Q487.

2023.07.10

I quite like Kurumadani Zennosuke, but I haven't seen much merchandise featuring him…. Even after I tried searching, I could only find one card from BLEACH Soul Card Battle… I'd like to see any kind of Zennosuke merch released even if it's just a sticker. My dream is to buy Kurumadani Zennosuke merch someday. Also, Kubo-sensei, what kind of goods do you think you can commercialize with Kurumadani Zennosuke? If you don't mind, please tell me.

A487.

It won't be profitable because you're gonna be the only one buying it, you know? Come to think of it, I feel like there wasn't any original artwork made for Kurumadani at the exhibition either….

Q488.

2023.07.17

This is a question regarding Ōetsu's line, "I know the whereabouts of every Asauchi" which appears in volume 59. I considered that perhaps this so-called "whereabouts" has three components:

1. Physical location ①

2. Physical location ②

3. Psychological & spiritual location

First of all, "1. physical location ①" is the storehouse where the Asauchi are kept, which will be distributed to those who will soon enter the Shin'ō Academy and become Shinigami or members of other organizations. Even in this case, it certainly would be surprising for Ichigo, but I don't think it's something to be that boastful about. This is because it is (most likely) a teacher from the Shin'ō Academy who takes out Asauchi from the storehouse and then distributes them, so it's not Ōetsu's privilege.

Next, "2. physical location ②" means that, similar to GPS, he can perceive the current location of all Zanpakutō which have been released from their Asauchi.

Finally, "3. Psychological & spiritual location" is the key point where Shinigami who possess Asauchi liberate their Asauchi. I believe there is a standard which dictates how far a Shinigami needs to go before they are able to release it, and I wonder if Ōetsu knows what that standard is for all Shinigami. Knowing the key point for the release criterion of all Shinigami extending from Soul Society let alone to the various locations in the Human World is truly an extraordinary feat which deserves to be called 'god-like'.

It's not the best idea to base things on personal impressions, so I would appreciate your opinion or answer regarding this analysis.

A488.

What Ōetsu meant is that he knows "who owns the Asauchi and what kind of state it is in" so no. 3 is the closest.

Q489.

2023.07.17

When Ikkaku was 3rd seat and Yumichika was 5th seat, did anyone occupy the 4th seat in Squad 11?

A489.

No one did.

Q490.

What is your favorite drink at Starbucks? (Including any limited-time items from the past.)

A490.

It's Adzuki Frappuccino.

Q491.

2023.07.24

In the story of Isshin and Masaki-san's chance encounter, we observed an injury, received from a Hollow, which had undergone treatment. But, I wonder if it involves the Kishi being treated directly, or if the soul is treated after being extracted from the Kishi, or perhaps the soul is treated directly through the Kishi? Which one is it? Since Shinigami do not harbor Kishi in the first place, they only have a method of treatment for the soul, and since the Quincy are living human beings, I think it was necessary to establish a treatment method that directly affects the soul through the Kishi.

A491.

There are Quincy who treat only the Kishi, and there are Quincy who have the ability to treat even Reishi alongside the Kishi.

Q492.

2023.07.24

The art exhibition was so amazing! I would like to know about three characters in particular who appeared in the exhibition illustrations. Is the man wearing glasses next to Ikumi-san her husband?? Is the boy in the suit next to Nelliel Shishigawara-kun?? I also want to know about the pink-haired woman to the upper left of Uryū. It took me 20 odd hours to put the puzzle together, but I finished it without incident so now it's displayed in my room!

A492.

The pink haired woman is Riruka. You are correct about the other two.

Q493.

2023.07.24

It's something I noticed when looking at the newly drawn illustrations made for the art exhibition, but has Kubo-sensei never drawn Harribel outside of her Espada look (such as in a swimsuit)? I wound up paralyzed after seeing all the different versions in Brave Souls. There are swimsuits for Nelliel and Riruka, but now that I think about it… I started to wonder about something. Is the reason why there were few opportunities to draw Harribel, because it's difficult to integrate her with other characters?

A493.

It doesn't seem like Harribel would be willing to wear a swimsuit, does it?

Q494.

2023.07.31

The back of Kisuke's haori from volumes 2 to 5 has a circle with the character "喜" (*ki from "Kisuke") within it, but it disappears from volume 6 onwards. Does this design change have any significance? Or does Kisuke wear two types of haori that he made himself?

A494.

I got rid of it because it was too tedious to draw, but maybe I should just pretend that he has two? Well, from a design perspective, I prefer for it to be simple without that particular aspect to it.

Q495.

2023.07.31

What will happen to the returned Zanpakutō of Shinigami who have left their position in the Gotei 13? Will Ōetsu turn them into Asauchi again?

A495.

After being stored for a fixed period of time, they are returned to Ōetsu and made into Asauchi again. The length of this "fixed period" depends on the owner.

Q496.

2023.07.31

Captain Hitsugaya and Vice-Captain Hinamori are childhood friends, but are these two neighbors? Or did they live in the same house?

A496.

The same neighborhood.

Q497.

2023.08.07

When a child is born among inhabitants of Soul Society, does that soul belong to someone who died in the Human World? Or, is it that inhabitants who died in the Human World are mixed together with inhabitants of Soul Society who were born and raised there?

A497.

All newly born children are inhabitants of Soul Society.

Q498.

2023.08.07

If the poison of Kamishini no Yari were to be injected into Nakk Le Vaar, without anything being injected into him beforehand, would he die? Or will he endure?

A498.

If he is injected with the poison without ever having come into contact with Gin (his Reiatsu) at all, then he will die.

Q499.

2023.08.07

Is there even the slightest possibility that Luppi could be a girl? When I first saw Luppi I thought "she's super cute"…. So I was shocked to hear a male voice actor perform the role in the anime. Up until then, I had been calling him "Luppi-chan".

A499.

Even if there isn't the slightest chance, please keep calling him "Luppi-chan".

Q500.

2023.08.14

Towards the end of Volume 55, Mayuri remarks towards the Captain Commander: "that time, 1000 years ago, you failed to kill that man", but the words "that time" suggests that Mayuri also happened to be present on that occasion. Do his words actually carry this nuance?

A500.

Mayuri found out about it in the course of researching other things. He was not actually present.

Translation Footnotes:

×1. "Jade Hall" is located on the sternum mid-line. "Heavenly Pivot" is located at the level of the navel.

×2. “Estigma” (mask crest) is a term which appears in the Masked character book, page 246: “A pattern marked on an Arrancar's face, possibly as a remnant of their mask. It is unique to each individual and can also appear when they activate Resurrección.”

69 notes · View notes

ribbonstrawberrysurprise · 4 months

Text

Possible Mia Ikumi Doujin Penname

First off, thanks to @berrychanx who found the initial doujin listing and @kuro93 who I know also looked into this and bought some of her works! Second off, warning for some suggestive doujin covers and other art, although there's nothing truly explicit.

First things first, I want to say that I sat on this information for a little bit considering if it was appropriate to speculate since Ikumi never chose to make this connection publicly. Ultimately I've decided to go through with it since imo the artstyle is instantly recognizable, so it'd come out eventually. I also found some still-up online accounts associated with this penname, and I know that's a thing the fandom has wanted to see for a long time. I'd ask that you please be respectful with this info and keep in mind it is NOT confirmed and that Mia Ikumi has passed away.

I'd also like to make clear that I'm totally uninterested in trying to figure out her birth name or track down any other personal info on her life that she didn't choose to share in doujin, her website, manga notes, interviews, etc. That feels very out of line. Finding other pennames can help us fans catalogue more of her work, but finding her real identity does nothing but violate her privacy.

So that's kind of where I'm at right now. If you feel differently about whether it's right to speculate on Ikumi's doujin works, or if you don't want to see anything even a little suggestive, please turn back now.

We know for sure that Mia Ikumi was a penname, since that was confirmed in ads for Re-Turn when she changed one of the characters.

征海美亜＊征海未亜よりペンネーム変更されました Ikumi Mia *Ikumi Mia yori penneemu henkou saremashita Mia Ikumi (征海美亜) *[Her] penname was changed/altered/revised from Mia Ikumi (征海未亜)

Prior to her return to Nakayoshi with some TMM anniversary art and then the 2020 Re-Turn short, the last work she published under that name was Koi Cupid, way back in 2005-08.

There's always been speculation as to whether she continued drawing manga under a different penname, but there was never any official word from her once her website went down, since she was not active under that name under any social media or on Pixiv. We also had no idea how her art might have evolved in the years since her last official release, so there was no guarantee we'd recognize any work of hers if we saw it. The first anyone saw of her art post-website was back in 2015 when she drew some art of Ichigo and then Ichigo, Mint, and Lettuce for the 60th anniversary of Nakayoshi.

https://hikayagami.tumblr.com/post/132481043559/more-nakayoshi-60th-anniversary-mew-mew-art-from https://hikayagami.tumblr.com/post/118704238761/ichigo-momomiya-in-her-cafe-mew-mew-uniform-drawn https://hikayagami.tumblr.com/post/130755109662/new-picture-of-ichigo-minto-retasu-drawn-by

As you can see, this art featured a pretty different art style than she'd had 2 decades back.

(Sidenote: it seems she also did some art for the 55th anniversary, back in 2010, but this is much closer to the dates when she was working under the Mia Ikumi name and has roughly the same art style as OG TMM: https://hikayagami.tumblr.com/post/151430694480/doodles-of-ichigo-and-berry-drawn-by-mia-ikumi )

Obviously, starting in 2019, she then went on to release the two-shot manga TMM 2020 Re-Turn, some miscellaneous promo art (Blu-ray bonus comic, Alice in Wonderland merch, Smewthie fanart, etc.), and finally new covers and bonus comics for most of the rereleased manga volumes before her passing. Between the works she published in the 90s-early 2000s and all of this new art, we have a pretty good sample size of her artstyle over time. So it was only a matter of time before someone stumbled on something familiar looking…

Berrychanx found a listing (https://jp.mercari.com/item/m11046282201 ) for an Idolmaster doujin called Room Fight! created as a collab between 2 doujin circles/artists: Nameless Color (ねーむれすからー) and Komomo+ (こももぷらす), published by Poco Poco in 2014. The seller specifically noted that the style looks very similar to Mia Ikumi's, and it's very hard to argue! The hands especially look the way that Ikumi has always drawn them, and the eyes, facial expressions, and hair shading is pretty much one to one for Re-Turn.

Nameless Color has some other works, but they aren't in this same artstyle at all. Therefore, the one whose style matches Mia Ikumi's is Komomo+.

https://doujinrepublic.com/product/tag_page.html?tags=85361&ref=product_page&type=rel_tag_circle

As far as I can tell, the doujin circle is named Poco Poco, and the artist's penname is Komomo Kozakura (小桜小桃) or later Komomo (小桃) or Komomo+ (written as こももぷらす). There's a lot of variation in which spelling is used across doujin sites, and sometimes Komomo is listed as the circle name rather than Poco Poco, but I'm unsure as to whether this is a change in how presumed-Ikumi branded herself or just a lack of organization in the websites. Also, the Room Fight! doujin is categorized under komomo+ (https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/ZHORE153927) and under Komomo Kozakura (https://ecs.toranoana.jp/tora/ec/item/040030276511/ ), so I’m sure they’re the same person and not just 2 people in the same circle.

Here are the titles I could find under all of these names across various websites in approximate publishing order:

https://www.suruga-ya.jp/search?category=&search_word=&ck=true&inStock=On&person_id=1051050 https://www.suruga-ya.jp/search?category=&search_word=&ck=true&inStock=On&person_id=2874482 https://www.suruga-ya.jp/search?category=&search_word=&person_id=2864627 https://ecs.toranoana.jp/tora/ec/cot/circle/LUPA2D6P8476d16Qd687/all/

The main fandoms are Idolmaster, Kantai Collection, and Strike Witches. It's immediately obvious how much they look like Ikumi's style, from small details like the faces to larger things like how she tends to pose characters on her covers. They range from 2008-2016, and you can see that earlier works look a little more like her TMM-era art while later stuff is way more Re-Turn.

So is that all the new info? Do we need to track down and buy these doujin to get any more new info on Mia Ikumi? Well, that’s definitely a thing you can do! But there’s one other avenue.

You see, the title page of Girls Fight! does lead to a now defunct webpage: pocopoco.sblo.jp

https://web.archive.org/web/20081201000000*/pocopoco.sblo.jp

The Wayback Machine has 5 captures for this website: 12/31/08, 2/25/11, 6/3/13, 4/25/16, and 3/14/23. The latest one just shows the same error page not found message as if you try and go to the site now, but the others all have blog entries ranging from 2008 to the end of 2015 (i.e., starting RIGHT after the end of Koi Cupid/Mia Ikumi's professionally published/official manga career).

https://web.archive.org/web/20090103031628/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/article/20797588.html https://web.archive.org/web/20160425011557/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/article/170290508.html

Mostly these posts are either drawings or advertisements for a new book she's selling at a con or online by mail order, so there’s a whole bunch of new art. (Warning: there's nothing outright nsfw, but some of these images are probably the most suggestive ones I link in this post, moreso than even most of the doujin covers. Use your own judgment!) The rest of the posts are personal diary entries.

(Sidenote: I am NOT going to translate this whole blog because there’s a whole bunch of text! I looked through the available pages, and the auto-translated version is fine for getting a basic understanding. If you have questions about a specific post, feel free to ask, though! Right off the bat, the text on the big image at the top of the earlier captures, the one with the green-haired catgirl in a red outfit, is just a paraphrasing of the post where she explains her categories/tags to help you navigate the site https://web.archive.org/web/20090103030651/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/article/21376253.html )

This website, crucially, also links to Komomo's pixiv account (Username: 小桃/Komomo), which is still up!

https://www.pixiv.net/users/3966440

(I was logged in when I accessed the page, so it's possible you may need an account to view it. Please do keep in mind this is not an account publicly associated with Ikumi/TMM and that the owner is likely deceased. We don't need to leave random comments and messages.)

The oldest picture is from 2012, when she created it (she posts about this), and the most recent picture is from 2018, so you can really see the artstyle shift here as well. There is no reference to TMM or Mia Ikumi anywhere.

The blog also links to her NicoNico page (Username: 小桃/Komomo), where she posted a few Vocaloid covers from 5/16/10 to 6/4/11.

https://www.nicovideo.jp/user/16890918/

She talks about uploading these covers on her blog under her utattemita/”I tried singing” tag: https://web.archive.org/web/20160425011607/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/category/907578-1.html

So, the art definitely matches with what we know of Mia Ikumi’s art, both from published works and stuff posted online to her official website, ikumimia.chu.jp (Hika posted some of the website art here and here if you aren’t familiar)

(As a tangent, that website seems to have been created at or before 5/7/07 and gone offline sometime between 7/1/10 and 7/27/11, so there was definitely a period where she was working under both identities at once…)

But is there any other info linking Komomo and Mia Ikumi?

The site doesn't give much personal detail about Komomo irl, but it does say she was born in spring, and Mia Ikumi's birthday was March 27th.

プロフィール名前小桜小桃です。一言:春生まれです。 Profile My name is Komomo Kozakura. In a word, I was born in spring.

There's also a diary entry about her getting a Scottish fold kitten for her mom in 2008 after the family cat passed away 2 years back. We know from the bonus comics in the TMM manga that Mia Ikumi had a Scottish fold.

スコティッシュフォールドという種類のキャリコなお嬢さん。 A calico lady called a Scottish fold.

https://web.archive.org/web/20081231223544/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/category/627816-1.html

Komomo also says she’s interested in gothic lolita clothing and that she dresses up at events. We know Mia Ikumi also dressed up for events, since that’s in her bio, and she drew her outfits in manga bonus page.

＊ゴスロリの部屋＊小桜小桃の趣味のページです。主に持っている服やアイテム、欲しいモノの紹介、ゴスロリに関する事とかも書いていこうと思います。 *Gothic Lolita Room* A page about Komomo Kozakura’s hobby. Mainly I’ll write about clothing items I own, stuff I want, and things related to gothic lolita fashion.

https://web.archive.org/web/20160425154652/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/category/627812-1.html

今回のコミケはカゼのため、コスとかせずに防寒重視でいったのですが Because I had a cold at this Comiket, I went without any kind of costume to focus on keeping warm

https://web.archive.org/web/20160425154658/http://pocopoco.sblo.jp/category/627816-1.html

Between the art, the timeline of when things were posed vs Ikumi's public career, and the small bits of overlapping info on the artists' lives, I'm very confident that Mia Ikumi and Komomo Kozakura are two pennames for the same artist.

As for why, we can only speculate. I will say it's pretty common for artists to use a different penname for doujin work vs professional work, although some keep it more secret than others. It's especially common if the doujin work is more risque than the professional, which is the case here. I'll also say that almost all of Ikumi's post-TMM works were fairly short. Only One Wish may have been imagined as a one-volume anthology from the start, but it seems like TMM a La Mode and Repure may have been canceled early based on rushed endings with a lack of follow-up on plot points. Comi Digi +, the magazine in which Koi Cupid was published, got discontinued in 2008, presumably ending that series early as well. Ikumi also seems pretty annoyed with her editor in the a La Mode bonus comics, so possibly she was frustrated with baggage of the Mia Ikumi identity and wanted a fresh start.

Possibly she stopped putting out work around 2018 or possibly she started working under another penname. Maybe that was when Nakayoshi got in contact with her to begin planning for ReTurn, Ole/Au Lait, New, the TMM Blu-ray, the manga re-release, etc.

In conclusion, it seems like there are many more works by the artist known as Mia Ikumi than we'd thought previously, plus slightly more of a web presence, although this seems to have ended years before the TMM 20th anniversary renaissance. It's possible there are more accounts under the Komomo/小桃 name or under another penname that might be found in the future.

#Tokyo Mew Mew #Mia Ikumi #Meta

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fangirlingpuggle · 8 months

Text

Ok so more dumb thoughts on my previous AU idea of Aizen and Ichigo time traveling after Quincy war goes bad (Link here)

Mainly just thoughts on Ichigo becoming teacher/surrogate big brother to multiple baby captains.

Like obviously Gin is first he Ichigo who is not only stronger than Aizen but also annoys Aizen so much and the man can do nothing about it and is instantly like 'Hello new favorite person other than Rangiku' ( Also realizes how death would be to easy for Aizen BUT eternal annoyance/embarrassment oh now that works and Gin is enjoying every moment of this)

Byakuya is next because he wants to beat Yoruchi and Ichigo is the only one who can beat her in speed so he demands to be taught... he's not even sure how he got surrogate adopted but totally ends up viewing Ichigo as a big brother figure as well as a teacher. He is much less stuck up and much much more likely to break all the rules. Although he still is as calm and composed as ever... but is totally an agent of chaos.

Soi Fon is the final one, one second she's doing reconnaissance because who is this mystery bastard who showed up Yoruichi-sama!... The next he's helping braid her hair... she's not to sure how it happened (Ichigo's big brother instincts are to strong) Yoruchi is of course the best but Ichigo gets second place.

Ichigo wasn't intending to adopt any future captains but now he has 3 following him around like ducklings... but well now he has, so obviously he's going to teach them everything he can because hell no you kids are totally going to know all ther ways to beat people and also how to fuck up everyone's plans now lets all of you Bankai.

Aizen is despairing because not only does he have Ichigo fucking up the time line and made planning impossible but now he has Gin, Byakuya and Soi Fon who are stupidly overpowered and also have been Ichigoified and so are now no longer predictable! HOWS HE SUPPOSE TO PLAN WITH 4 OF THEM! (His only solace is that the other 3 don't have hollow powers... but honestly he's not putting it past them to SOMEHOW get such powers)

Bonus: Byakuya ends up meeting Hisana earlier (Because Ichigo is also making sure his friends tragic backstories don't happen so he's not letting Rukia lose her sister) only he now has 2 disaster friends who want to wingman him

Gin:Byakuya come on let us help

Byakuya: If you try anything I will end you and no-one will find the body

Gin: Oh come on! It's bad enough Soi Fon won't let us help her with her crush on Yoruchi

Soi Fon: One more word and i'm helping him hide the body

Byakuya:I don't need help

Gin:With hiding my body or with the crush thing

Byakuya: Both

Gin:... Fine... guess we'll just stick to trying to helping Aizen with Shinji

Aizen:WHAT YOU DO IS NOT HELP!

In Ichigo's opinion this is a far better punishment for Aizen than his imprisonment ever was.

Bonus Bonus: If AU ever met cannon, all of them trying so hard to not call Ichigo sensei or big brother and also taking pictures cause BABY SENSEI... we can get so much blackmail material!

Also Byakuya and Soi Fon totally trash talking their canon selves and showing off how OP they are. Because these two do not stick to rules and would not get on great with their cannon selves.

#bleach #au #fic prompt #humor #bleach au #ichigo kurosaki #gin ichimaru #byakuya kuchiki #soi fon #aizen sousuke #aishin #Ichigo just adopting future captains #I am just amusing myself at this point

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zanguntsu · 2 months

Note

So is anybody else still not over how dirty Ichibei did Ichigo ??? 1. Ichibei doesn’t tell Ichigo why he has to go with Zero squad.

2. the training session that by the way the price of failing is death, also not telling him again about the true purpose of that training. (Kubo confirmed that it was to test if he could be the next soul king).

3. Ichigo during the training had his entire body melt and bubble up into pure power that’s literally dying in a way his entire body was gone at one point.

4. The anime goes into detail that Ichibei could have shot Yhwach down for the royal police but decided to let him in because well new soul king candidate so fuck the old soul king.

5. Sent Ichigo on a suicide mission knowing Yhwach would kill Ichigo, so he could use his corpse.

6. Staying out of the final battle in hopes Yhwach would kill Ichigo (Ichibei says in CFYOW that he needed Ichigo to lose to Yhwach).

7. Again in CFYOW he says that Ichigo was going to be sealed as in sealed in the crystal, as in sealed to the name Reio, as in losing his limbs and free will.

8. So you know how Yhwach was able to move fine when he became the soul king and yet Ichigo had to be dismembered and sealed like the original because Ichibei is a bitch.

In conclusion fuck Ichibei, Ichigo deserved better.

bonus separating him from zangetsu during that bull shit training.

ichibei will die in three days by my hand

#ask #anon #he needs to GET A JOBB

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catpeople-tournament-2023 · 1 year

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WELCOME TO THE CATFIGHT

This is a tournament bracket run by @softichill dedicated to catpeople characters and characters with (almost) all forms of kittycat swag!!!!

The main tournament is over, and Nepeta has won!!! However, there's a bonus round ready if you still wanna get your vote in!!!

Submissions are now closed!! The rules will stay up tho for anyone curious abt how each character was chosen

No characters that are just talking cats (so no warrior cats, Judds, or any talking cat that walks on four legs)

Can have cat ears + a tail, be dressed similarly to a cat or w/ a cat theme, or be a fully anthro/furry cat

Can't be your oc sorry :(

Also; please be nice!! I know it's fun to get excited about characters but that's no excuse to be tearing each other up. This is all just for fun

Characters that are already here are under the cut!!

Nepeta Leijon (Homestuck)

Diona (Genshin Impact) (OUT)

Neferpitou (Hunter x Hunter) (OUT)

Kitty Cheshire (Ever After High) (OUT)

Cat Noir (Miraculous Ladybug) (OUT)

Nekomura Iroha (Vocaloid) (OUT)

Captain Amelia (Treasure Planet) (OUT)

Clawroline (Kirby) (OUT)

Magolor (Kirby) (OUT)

Blaze the Cat (Sonic) (OUT)

Seam (Deltarune) (OUT)

Candy the Cat (Five Nights at Candy's) (OUT)

Valerie Oberlin (monster prom) (OUT)

Toralei Stripe (Monster High) (OUT)

Kitty Katswell (TUFF Puppy) (OUT)

Ranulf (Fire Emblem) (OUT)

Saturn (Pokemon) (OUT)

Catwoman (DC Comics) (OUT)

Neil (Dreamtale comic) (OUT)

Wild Wild Pussycats (My Hero Academia) (OUT)

Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket) (OUT)

Catra (She-Ra and the Princess of Power) (OUT)

Lady Bernkastel (Umineko) (OUT)

Nia (Xenoblade Chronicles 2) (OUT)

Black Cat (Marvel) (OUT)

Kawaii-chan (Aphmau Minecraft Diaries) (OUT)

Jake's human (warrior cats) (the only exception) (OUT)

Mad Mew Mew (Undertale) (OUT)

Che'nya (Twisted Wonderland) (OUT)

Ichigo Momomiya (Tokyo Mew Mew) (OUT)

Niko (oneshot) (OUT)

Morgana (Persona 5) (OUT)

NECO ARC

#catpeople tournament 2023 #catbracket #<- alt tag for the competition!!#bracket

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randomreadingtimewithtsuki · 2 years

Note

May I ask fave kind of kiss to receive and give for your fave Bleach characters? Thanks! (btw, wonderful mudkip)

Hello! Thank you for requesting!

I am not gonna lie, this request made smile! It was not because you complimented the mudkip, no. I am not that simple no. But mudkips are cute.

I hope this is of your liking! Please let me know what you think!

Tsuki's note: I had a hard time choosing. In the end I picked 4.

I feel like they are slightly short? Sorry about that :c I hope I could get the characters right! Even though I chose them I feel insecure

----------------------------------------------

Hitsugaya Toshiro:

Rather give kisses….

• Boy is a bit of a tsundere and a little gentleman.

• So expect forehead kisses when you are napping.

• It's so light and feather like that you hardly even feel.

• The only exception for this is if you get to be the wholesome bean you are - if manage to melt the ice of his heart for a bit - or you get awfully injured for his sake. He will give a forehead/ top of the head kiss while awake.

• Won't talk about it ever again.

• It never happened.

• No.

Rather receive kisses…

• Smooch his face.

• A sweet kiss on the cheek!

• He will turn bright red.

• Will try to play it cool but the stutter gives him away.

• May act like he is mad - and it will look like that way - but deep down he is hoping it happens again.

• He enjoys it because it feels comfortable, like no boundaries being broken? But also very sweet.

• Just don't forehead kiss him. He will see it as calling him a kid or shorty.

• Bonus: try hugging him more often and you will get a similar result.

On both cases He will be painfully awkward for a bit. But hey, he is adorable! Just got a reputation to hold on to, you know, a young captain with a heart of ice!

Kurosaki Ichigo:

Rather give kisses….

• Another forehead / top of the head kisser.

• These are soft and a bit long kisses.

• Kissing your cheek and biting it a bit? Yes.

• But only in private.

• You know it's coming because he gets the ** soft eyes **.

• Also enjoys to hug you from behind and kiss your cheeks many times.

• These kisses are a bit rough. You see he is trying to tease you!

• The more you wiggle, the more he laughs.

Rather receive kisses…

• Find utterly adorable to see you try to reach him. He is tall you know?

• In case you are as tall or taller, he will move away to watch you struggle.

• Anyway.

• He really likes to be kissed on the cheek and hands.

• Be it the palm or the knuckles.

• It passes as a cute action of caring for him, since he fights a lot. Like a kiss to make a boo boo better!

• Watch him melt if you kiss his shoulder blade.

• Immediately because ichigo mousse, yeah a pun.

• You can hear his sigh. He seems so much more relaxed.

• Probably plops on you so you can kiss his hands or shoulder.

• Bonus: I don't know why but he strikes me as someone who enjoys chin scratches. He just, closes his eyes and bask in the moment.

All in all he will be a bit awkward but that is because he is not very found of PDA. But in private you will have a melted Ichigo in your arms with simple hand kisses.

Kuchiki Rukia:

Rather give kisses….

• She loves to grab your face and kiss your nose.

• Why? Because it's cute to see you so close to her and well with a nose kiss you will close your eyes and cannot see her blush.

• She would also like to give you long, soft cheek kisses.

• You know those that seem to linger for a little too long and you just giggle?

• Yeah.

• You bet she will wake you up with a kiss on the nose.

• Your confused face makes it all more adorable!

Rather receive kisses…

• She rather get cheek kisses.

• Forehead kisses feel soft, yes, but also feels like you are treating her like a kid.

• She likes nose kisses too!

• It's soft and end up being your way with affection with each other!!

• It's simple and sweet.

• She lowkey likes it when you grab her cheeks and kiss her on the lips.

• This kind of surprise is very heart warming for her.

• It feels safe to be with her guard down around you.

• Bonus: she melts away with you snuggle on her neck/ collarbone. It feels warm and sweet!

She may be a bit sassy, but she is a little bit of a hopeless romantic when she falls in love. Watch her cuddle with you to give and get cheek kisses!

That will probably end in a giggling session, but totally worth it!

Shihoin Yoruichi:

Rather give kisses….

• Queen of teasing will not let it cheap.

• She loves kissing where you are ticklish or makes you go !!!.

• Neck, ears, belly, anywhere that will make you blush wildly or laugh like crazy.

• She adores making you weak in the knees to just… leave.

• Her kisses are very feather like, all you can feel is a light brush and she whispers too sometimes.

• She also enjoys surprise kisses. On the lips.

• Before you go out she kisses your forehead. It's a sign of " see you soon, stay safe".

• Again, she is a tease. Watch her kiss your hand while looking at you. She knows you will get shy. She knows.

Rather receive kisses…

• She adores receiving kisses on her neck and shoulders.

• She also melts away with them.

• And gets a little too comfortable. You know what I mean. She is a cat in her free time.

• Surprisingly she also likes to get forehead kisses.

• It's a reminder that she is strong, yes, but she is yours and can be vulnerable with you.

• She also loves when you playfully bite her after a kiss.

• Bonus: she loves cuddling into you. She turns into a little ball on her human form and just cuddles. She loves it because she can hear your heart beat and you can play with her hair.

She is a tough lady that likes torturing teasing you! So be ready for random kisses that make you stutter or to simply make you remember she loves how cute you are and she is going lengths to get that adorable red face.

-----------------------------------------------

I hope you enjoyed it!

Forgive me for it being short :c

Please let me know what you think!

Thank you for reading!

#bleach x reader #kurosaki ichigo x reader #kuchiki rukia x reader #shihoin yoruichi x reader #hitsugaya toshiro x reader #requests #did i get the characters right?#i feel like i didn't #bleach #kurosaki ichigo #yoruichi shihoin #kuchiki rukia #Hitsugaya Toushiro #toshiro hitsugaya

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bleachbleachbleach · 11 months

Text

5 Great Things About an Episode I Hate (7, actually!)

The Halloween episode is my least favorite episode of Bleach. It PAINS me. Viscerally. But we watched it last night as part of our rewatch—and have, for some reason, watched it as a stand-alone multiple times, on purpose?? So last night I figured I’d think productively about it and keep track of at least 5 things I like about it!

1. Ichigo Cannot Abide his Own Recap

This episode takes place in the context of the final moments of the Winter War. We’re talking like, Aizen is transforming, Ichimaru’s time on this earth is limited, Final Getsuga Tenshou, final moments of this 93-season-spanning arc. Ichigo and Aizen are about to face off and make clear what the difference is between the two of them. And then this.

But astute viewers of The Halloween Episode will find portentous spoilers here: Ichigo is about to launch into a long recap of the Arabian Nights episode… and stops himself!

This is in the immediate aftermath of Aizen having spent two entire episodes recapping the entire series. And this, friends, is the true difference between their mettles.

2. Pumpkin Ghost Orihime

ToT This requires no elaboration. She is so cute. I’m here for Pumpkin Ghost Orihime and Pumpkin Ghost Orihime only.

3. Pirate Renji

Well, that and mummified pirate Renji. LOVE HIM. We went into this episode muttering nutterishly, "just think about Renji and Orihime just think about Renji and Orihime" and look they’re stars, perfection, I survived this episode and am alive today only by their majesty.

4. Chad was spared all of this

Despite the fact that Hitsugaya and Matsumoto are Here For Some Reason (a feat I usually love for them but hate for them so, so, so, so, so, emphatically deeply in this episode), and even She Not Appearing Ever Hinamori is here(!!!), Chad is not.

I like to think it’s because he’s busy preparing an ofrenda for his grandfather and is taking an evening for himself. Self-care. 😌

5. It’s All Komamura’s Fault

The conceit of the episode is that this was all a dream of Komamura’s, similar to the Arabian Nights dream being Isane’s. Not that dream interpretation benefits from too linear an analysis ("X appears in Y way, so Komamura must think Z"), but it makes me wonder what reports Komamura was reading in bed, because there’s not really a strong reason he’d know all that much about Ishida and Orihime, or really even Ichigo. To say nothing of RYUUKEN and ISSHIN, who are also in this episode for some reason.

— Was Chad omitted because Kyouraku did not deign to submit a report after his ryoka fight?

— Did Ishida and Orihime make it in because Ishida’s a Quincy and Orihime has unusual powers/got kidnapped?

— Did Komamura visit Hinamori while she was recovering, and that’s why she skated into dreamland? If so, love that for them. So much.

— Does Ryuuken and Isshin being here mean that the Gotei has files on both of them? Kurosaki Isshin, that is, as Soul Society’s Best/Worst Kept Secret at this point?

Bonus Round: 6. Features my Favorite OP

I do not pay a lot of attention to Bleach music—though I’m more amenable to the OP/EDs than the score by far—but The Marble OP is probably my favorite one. I know it has a real name, and I know its real name, but it’s the Marble OP.

But something I wondered last night that I’d never wondered before… What is the room that the hougyoku is in here? Fake Karakura’s Fake City Hall?

Bonus Round: 7. It's followed by the Best Bleach Episode of All Time

The Hisagi Inn Episode is RIGHT AFTER THIS ONE, the most immaculate Bleach episode of our hearts. B3 loves this episode more every time we see it, and our immediate reflex after it ends—every single time—is to watch it again immediately. ALL HAIL THE INN EPISODE

#the halloween episode #bleach filler #bleach anime #komamura sajin #no brain just bleach #really into this idea of komamura hinamori bffs ngl #it's like princess mononoke except i guess not really #wow i'm so into it though #thank u for this bleach halloween ep #never speak to me again but thank you!

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berrymascarpone · 1 year

Text

Who is Urahara’s Soul Society Contact?

I’ve been reading some early chapters of Bleach, and it is clear that Urahara has some connections in Soul Society still, as he is selling standard-issue Soul Society supplies in the beginning (to who? Rogue shinigami? Fullbringer? The Visoreds?). The fact that he had a decommissioned mod soul like Kon means that he gets his product from Soul Society instead of making it himself. So, the obvious question is, who is providing him with all this Soul Society contraband?

I put forward the following candidates beneath the cut:

1) Shihouin Yoruichi

This is the most obvious answer, and it’s clear that she does travel back and forth between Soul Society and the Living World occasionally, and her cat form helps with that. However, it seems like she rarely visits Urahara these days (or at least has not visited since Ururu and Jinta started living there, since they don’t recognize her by name or by cat form), so who knows how out of date her information is. Also, I don’t see her making regular supply runs, and in any case if she took too much then they’d probably notice, so she’d be a pretty spotty source of stolen contraband product.

2) Kurotsuchi Mayuri

He is head of the Research Institute, and I can see him wanting to flex on Urahara with his latest inventions. He also has no respect for Soul Society rules, so I wouldn’t put it past him to do a little under-the-table business. Of course, he would never do it out of the kindness of his heart, so what exactly would he be getting in return? Maybe he’s flexing on Urahara, showing off all the shiny new product he’s developed in Urahara’s absence? But it seems like most of the stuff he’s sending is pretty common stuff, like gikongan dispensers aren’t exactly cutting edge, which seems a bit too boring for a flex.

3) Akon

I don’t think he is an exact extension of Mayuri the way Nemu is, so I can see him going behind his captain’s back to have some shady dealings with Urahara, perhaps in exchange for living world cigarettes because he’s the only one smoking them in Soul Society as far as I remember. Also, I definitely can see him as the lab manager type, and if anyone is making sure the biohazard and possibly radioactive waste is getting disposed of properly, it’s him. And if his way of proper disposal involves skimming some off the top and selling it to Urahara, well, he wasn’t in Maggot’s Nest for no reason. He has some points docked because he didn’t recognize the handiwork on Rukia’s gigai during his first appearance though.

And my final sleeper candidate is…

Bonus candidate) Shutara Senjumaru!

This is an unexpected one that I didn’t even consider until later, but here’s the evidence. A) We know that Urahara has seen the Soul King before, from his conversation with Aizen at the end of the Fake Karakura Town arc. This would be hard to do without meeting Squad Zero, who guards the Soul King. B) Shutara seems to be on familiar terms with Mayuri and the Research Institute, and so she must have visited the Gotei 13 either before Urahara was exiled, or sometime after (in which case she would probably know about the latest developments). C) She can clearly come and go in the research institute without much difficulty, even with whatever security measures Mayuri has set up, as seen by the way she manages to take Ichigo’s broken bankai from there easily. In any case, it wouldn’t be strange if she knew Urahara, and we know that Squad Zero is out of Gotei 13 jurisdiction, so she would be able to interact with an exiled shinigami without much issue. As for motives, perhaps she is fond of Urahara? Perhaps she does it to mess with Mayuri? Who knows. It’s a fun thought though.

#bleach #bleach meta #urahara kisuke #kurotsuchi mayuri #Akon #shihouin yoruichi #though tbh Akon is my favorite candidate #he doesn’t have to know who Urahara is to sell him the excess product under the table #Akon doesn’t get paid enough for all he has to deal with Mayuri #and he’s addicted to nicotine #and he probably has to pay off his mahjong debt too

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zabiume · 7 months

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Hi! I just wanted to say I love your fics and your bleach analysis so much!! I hope this okay for me to ask, but like. Do you know what happened (by happened I mean the narrative significance) of that bleach bonus chapter arc??? Imo it just feels rly weird and out of place to go like… oh btw every soul reaper who died is in hell xoxo -kubo, but maybe I’m missing smth? Anyway I hope you have a great day!!!

thank you! 💖

well, 'no breaths from hell' was a "one-shot" meant to celebrate bleach's 20th anniversary, but it's unclear whether it'll stay a one-shot or if it'll go on to be a full-fledged arc centered around hell – the one realm kubo has hinted about in the past but hasn't really explored in depth yet. based on some of kubo's vague answers on klub outside, it seems like he's still withholding some details (<- i.e some fans think he might be saving it because he's writing again and doesnt want to spoil anything, because what other reason would he have to withhold information, right?). maybe it's because of this and the cliff-hangery nature of the one-shot, but a lot of people are naturally very excited about what this means and i've seen a lot of interpretations and speculation about what little we learned in those 75-ish pages (i don't remember if this was the exact count).

for me, personally (and narratively), bleach has always talked a lot about how power has a consequence. think about characters like ichigo, whose vasto lorde transformation granted him the power to beat ulquiorra but cost him his humanity. or even his mugetsu form, which zangetsu warned would cost him his powers forever (even though we know he gets them back later anyway). you can also look at grimmjow's transformation as an example – he had to eat his own fracciones to evolve. aizen's experiments with the visoreds gave them hollowfication, but they could only maintain it for a few minutes at a time (and cost them their bodily autonomy, since they didn't exactly consent to that). the captains and lieutenants all aspire to attain bankai, but the technique requires years of discipline and practice (and self-actualization).

additionally, bleach's power system actually rests on the balance of power – soul society absorbs reishi back, mayuri kills a bunch of rukongai citizens to ensure stability within all the three worlds, and of course, reincarnation, which is ultimately the recycling of souls, only adds to that.

the hell lore we've received so far seems to be in line with that. most soul reapers will probably die and be reabsorbed by soul society (before ultimately entering the life cycle again), but captains and lieutenants are more powerful. their reabsorption will probably cause instability.

the fish metaphor, which had a lot of people scratching their heads when it first dropped, seems to hint vaguely at this. the bigger fish had to die, if only to ensure the world would be stable enough for all the little ones. "die" here seems to mean "go to hell." it's all pretty straightforward, actually. the soul reapers had no idea they'd been casting their captains into hell, and however good the reason, they all seem horrified by this fact.

i personally really liked this one-shot because it turns the "everyone lived happily after" around on its head and asks: but what about the people who died? which is more interesting. the events of tybw caused a MASSIVE shake-up to the fabrics of existence, stretching them, pulling them thin. there were so many deaths, so many imbalances, that the happy ending we got in 686 seems to be the calm before the storm, while something murky hid within the depths, unsuspecting. it's spooky, it's horrifying, it's full of intrigue, and knowing what we know about the former captains (like, FORMER former captains, the prehistoric ones), it opens up the possibility that the main characters will be meeting some really messed up guys (should we ever see the inside of hell). the arc seems to be asking the main characters, mainly soul society: did you really think you'd get your power and your victory without having to pay something in return?

and THIS, of course, ties into ukitake, whose entire thing with mimihagi was a loan he borrowed from and paid for with his life. it's no surprise that, from the looks of it, ukitake seems to be ruling hell (or at the very least was singled out while all this was going on).

this is how soul society gets dragged into it. meanwhile, if you've noticed the patterns in bleach so far, then you'll know that every arc begins with some personal stakes for ichigo to get involved. ichigo, by the end of bleach, has mostly made peace with his past, embraced the true nature of his powers (and his soul), overcome the despair and grief from his mother's death, and finally started a family of his own. he has a son now, a son who has been involved with hell to some capacity, though it's a little early to say what this will mean for ichigo – that you can't protect your kids from everything no matter how hard you try? that kazui's mixed bloodline will have consequences, just like it did for ichigo? who knows? we'll just have to let time pass and see if kubo will ever drop the whole thing! :D

[p.s i've actually talked about the cycle/balance of souls and what this means for captain-class shinigami and nobles before in this post, if you want to read more of my thoughts on a topic that's pretty similar to this one]

#actually went back to read it and szayel pretty explicitly says 'power has consequences' so i guess it wasnt as implicit an interpretation #as i thought😅#bleach's world-building is extremely gargantuan and has a lot of elements. hell especially showed up in the very 1st arc so it's no surpris #that it's reared its head again #from a marketing perspective ‐ given bleach's enduring popularity (even if it's considered by some to be the least popular of the big 3) +#the way the lore kind of stretches over both past and present - there will always be stories to tell within this universe #it's just a matter of whether he'll leave us hanging or actually follow up with more atp #but the actual premise of hell seems pretty consistent with the series so far. the only fear is if it'll live up to the hype #cosidering the way tybw was a middling arc with a few great moments and a lot of terrible ones #unfortunately the latter half of bleach (post-HM) hasn't always held up imo but there's still enough love and hype there #that maybe this potential arc will turn things around! who knows #anyway sorry for rambling i hope this made sense✌️#asks

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rays-of-fire-and-ice · 7 months

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Even more previews!

I think these help to me to keep writing, so here! Also, new bonus: I'm tagging who they're for!

Note: not sure if everyone remembers (even I had to go look this up before I started this fic) but a jibakurei is a Soul that's attached to a building. They refuse to move on due to a regret or attachment associated with the building. They're at risk of becoming a Hollow, but also have the potential to attract Hollows. I had to reread chapter 28 of the manga as a refresher.

@whipplefilter

Momo’s breath fogs in the musty air as the freezing cold bites into her skin. At this point she can’t tell if it’s because of Toshiro’s reiatsu permeating throughout the building, or from another source that might be creeping up on her.

Grip tightening on Tobiume, she pushes her back against the wall and sneaks a glance around the corner. The hallway is littered with glimmering glass from the broken windows and chunks of the ceiling. The sunlight has changed since they entered, now a dark orange. If the sun is setting, they’ll loose one of the few advantages they have over the Hollows.

Breathing in deeply, Momo looks the moldy ceiling. She reaches out her senses while trying to keep her reiatsu small. Toshiro is on the ground floor still, in the same wing of the building as her. To her relief, his reiatsu is stable. Surrounding him as Hollows, their presence likes holes in her senses. There’s other scattered, all varying in threat levels. There’s one on her floor, but it’s not close by.

Then she finds it.

The jibakurei, she thinks as she snaps her head in their direction. The reiatsu is like a Hollows, but it wavers and wanes, caught between this world and the one they’re avoiding.

Lifting her back from the wall, she scurries away from the hallway she checked before and continues down the corridor. She tries to avoid debris and the overgrowth in her way, not wanting to attract the attention of the Hollow on her floor. Even so, her footsteps echo all around her, smacking against the rotting floorboards. The cold hasn’t eased, and now it stings her eyes and fingertips. She briefly checks Toshiro reiatsu, and he still hasn’t has to activate his bankai. If it is him, how can he be emanating so much cold?

She shakes her head and returns her focus on jibakurei. If they’re the reason so many are gathering here, then once she’s performed the konso that should stop more Hollows from coming.

She makes a sharp turn to the right. However, she skids to a stop; it’s a dead end ahead. The jibakurei is either behind the that wall or into one of the rooms near it. She scans the rooms lining the left side of the corridor. Most are either open or the doors have been broken of their hinges.

She carefully walks by the first few rooms, and then slows to sneaking up to the fourth last room, She looks in and sees only an empty room. The next is the same, save for massive rip in the carpet.

The last room gives her pause. There’s claw marks in the walls and floor, the beginnings of a hole int ceiling, and all the furniture had been trashed, either broken in half or torn apart. Past an overturned chair, there’s a door into the room behind the corridor’s dead end.

Momo quickly walks into the room and steps over the broken furniture. She throws the chair aside and goes for the door. Before she can grab the handle, there’s a scuttling. She freezes and waits, listening. After a pause, it starts again, echoing around her. It’s joined by a low hiss that morphs into a growl. It’s far too close

Was it coming from the hallway? No, there would be other sounds accompanying it. Then that meant…

Wood breaks behind her. She swings around, Tobiume raised high. A Hollow with a centipede's body has crawled out from the hole in the ceiling.

__________________________________

@elyonholic

Ichigo looks away from the rain to the photo of Sora Inoue. He's learned a lot more about her older brother since their encounter all those years ago. The one point that stuck with him always made his heart clench.

He protected me from our parents.

He can't imagine what the two of them went through, yet she was still able to smile, just as she had with everything that happened in the Soul Society and Los Noches. At some point her smiles weren’t just an attempt to mask the sadness and pain she truly felt anymore. She smiled because she could be happy again, because she had the courage to in the face of everything that tried to take it from her.

"Here."

Ichigo blinks out of his reverie, staring down at the steaming mug of tea Orihime holds out to him.

"Thanks," he says as he takes it from her. To his surprise, she settles down next to him instead of across.

__________________________________

@canariie

“How long have you been waiting for?” Toshiro asks, his neutral tone at complete odds with the nervousness thrumming through him.

“Not long.” Momo points to a large building down the street, bustling with customers inside and outside. “That’s it right there.”

He blinks when he spots one of the lanterns swaying in a breeze. A shokudo? He calms a fraction; it’s more casual than he thought. “Well, let’s get inside if we can, it’s freezing out.”

Momo raises a brow. “You’re cold, Hitsugaya-kun?”

He’d normally correct her for not addressing him by his title, but they’re off duty, he’ll let it slide for tonight. “I’m not the one with a fire-type zanpakuto that’s sensitive to the cold.”

She giggles, holding the end of her scarf. “I’m okay, I made sure to wear extra layers.”

As they start towards the restaurant, Toshiro asks, “Why this one?”

“I’ve been meaning come here for a while,” Momo says. “Apparently the owner used to be a Shinigami but after he retired, he decided to open an shokudo inspired by the different types of restaurants in the World of the Living he went to while stationed there. I’m curious about the food, it’s supposed be different in taste and the types of dishes they offer compared to others in the area.”

Toshiro raises a brow. He was actually referring to her scarf, but he makes a mental note to ask her about it again later. “He had time to go to do that while on missions?”

#hitsuhina #ichihime #fanfiction

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black-cat-showdown · 1 year

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FAQ

When does the voting start?

Each Sundays at 20h00 CEST (i think that's 8pm) for 24 hours! This will give me enough time during the week to ready everything for the next round!

Is it too late to submit a cat?

Yes. Sorry! but theres 100+ cats in this tourney so even if your number 1 fav isn't in, your number 2 probably is anyway!! :]

What did you mean by cat must be an actual cat?

As long as the character is supposed to be an actual cat, looks enough like a cat, or can turn into one they count. For example: - Chat Noir doesn't count (litterally just a costume) but Plagg does - Ichigo counts (can turn into a cat)

Why is This Cat from This Fandom in but not this Other One?

If multiple black cats from one fandom got submitted, chances are i ran an elimination poll to get only one of them in the roster! That's why RavenPaw is in but not any of the other warrior cats Otherwise it's probably that no one submitted them. Sorry!

Do cats with white spots count?

Yes! as long as the cat is fully black, has small white patches, or is tuxedo!! black and white piebald cats and others with too many white parts or other colors unfortunately can't count, sorry! The cats can also be another color (ex: purple or blue) that's supposed to evoke a black cat as long as the same rules applies! (idc Purrloin counts)

Who's the bean?

The Bean is the cat who won the bonus IRL cat poll!

Who runs the account?

I do! @sybeez :] it's just me running this circus lmao. If you're interested i also have an art blog and a mineblr where i post art sometimes 👀

Who's the cat in the banner?

That's Penny!! She's one of my 3 cats irl and the mascot for the tournament, even if she lost the bonus preliminary poll