A review by geofroggatt
Bleach, Vol. 21: Be My Family or Not by Tite Kubo, Tite Kubo

4.0

I loved how this volume showed the aftermath of the Soul Society arc and how it showed a more peaceful Soul Society environment as the characters all recovered from the chaos of Aizen’s plan. I loved seeing all the characters now become allies and see how they all interact with each other now that they’re not enemies and on edge all the time. I loved how Rukia’s rescue resulted in her choosing to stay, and I loved how Ichigo completely respected that choice and didn’t hesitate as he had already saved her and knew she was okay and that they’d see each other again. I loved Byakuya’s backstory revealing why he treats Rukia the way he does and why he acts the way he does, and Rukia’s apology to the Shiba family was a sweet moment. I loved seeing the main cast return to the real world and how much has and hasn’t changed. I loved seeing that Tatsuki was able to see Ichigo’s new Soul Reaper badge and even able to see Ichigo clearly as a Soul Reaper. I love when the human civilian characters are beginning to catch on to the secret surrounding their friends and the spirit world. I liked the introduction of Shinji and the Arrancar hollows and how they expand the world and begin the transition into the next major arc of the series. I loved seeing Uryū and Ichigo’s fathers enter the fold and reveal themselves, and I loved how it made sense in the story and naturally fit with the narrative that’s been woven throughout the entire series so far. Easily one of my favourite volumes so far that did a great job at transitioning the story out of the previous arc and into the next one.