So, like, remember when Shinji was asking Hiyori for a “favor” over the phone when this arc began?

Well, her appearance in the scene above indicates that Shinji didn’t expect her, meaning her presence in this arc is for a totally different reason than the one Shinji requested way back when.

So, whatever favor Shinji called in from Hiyori was never fulfilled, making that scene pointless. It basically never happened because it had no consequences in this arc at all.



That isn’t the only story line Kubo set in motion and ignored to see through to fruition. Let’s not forget that the Fullbringers’ training from Ganju was unused in this arc as well as the roles of the two shinigami children, Ryunosuke and Shino.

Now that the fighting in Soul Society has moved to the royal palace and the only able participants are already on their way, the story no longer requires the Fullbringers’ or the young soul reapers’ contributions to the war effort. Even if there is an opportunity for Team Urahara to expand (and I suspect there will be since it’s been made pretty clear that the remaining Quincies in Soul Society have a bone to pick with Ywach), where were they when the fighting broke out? Surely they were needed when the shit hit the fan as the Quincies wrought havoc with the captains’ bankais?



There’s really no reason for them to appear anymore since they’re no longer necessary for the plot to advance, not to mention it wouldn’t make any sense for them to.



Kubo is a pretty diligent writer, so I doubt he just forgot about it. I’m sure his editors wouldn’t let him anyway. Contrary to the “loose ends” people criticize Bleach for carrying out, these are actually segments of the story that have been, so far, totally ignored.

Could it be the rumors that Shounen Jump is pushing an early end to Bleach be true? An expedited story would force Kubo to cut some literary corners and events seem to moving faster and faster with more pressure being placed on the eminence of a final showdown.

Anyone else think this is kind of… like… fucking awkward?

