Just finished re-reading chapter -99 “Turn Back the Pendulum” of Bleach last night and I think I have to revise my opinions now. You know, I spent a good amount of time thinking of Aizen Sousuke (Bleach) as a gray villain, but after this latest chapter in the manga I just think he’s an out and out bastard.

Of course, since we now know that Tessai and Urahara made it to the scene in time to see what had happened, I have to wonder what the hell Soul Society was thinking. We know the Vizard will be seen by all of Soul Society as “shinigami who have crossed into Hollow territory and illegally obtained Hollow powers” and that Urahara will be sent into exile, with (obviously) Shihouin Yoruichi and Tessai following him of their own accord. But why? How could this have happened and Soul Society not be clued into who Aizen really is? He destroyed so many lives, you can’t even begin to count the sheer number of lives that were shattered, affected, or lost because of him.

Of course, my estimation of Shinji rose tremendously though. He alone saw Aizen for who he was and vowed to keep a close eye on him. It’s sad though, that because he didn’t trust Aizen that that opening was granted to Aizen. Poor Shinji, it’s clear that he blames himself for the fate that befell him and the Vizard. He kept Aizen close because he and he alone did not trust Aizen, but in the end, even he couldn’t see everything that was bound to happen.

I’m also convinced that the bond between Hiyori and Shinji is very strong indeed. She had already has her complete Hollow mask on, a stage when all others are lost to their Hollow side, and she still managed to recognize Shinji and tried to rise to his defense.

I must say though, my opinion of Soul Society has really dropped now. All this happens right under their noses and we know that, for another century, Aizen will not be suspected and will have the chance to play Soul Society for the fools they are. He’ll be made captain, his latest recruit, Ichimaru Gin, will become his Vice-Captain and then will become a Captain of his own division, and his loyal servant Kaname Tousen will also rise to become a Captain.

Soul Society is clearly blinded by their own “superiority” and “duties”.