"I'm begging you, Ichi! That kid... Save that kid, please!" [Karin]
In Volume 2 we see the progress of the relationship and the teamwork between Ichigo and Rukia, but the actual focus of most of the story is put on the character of Chad (Sado Yasutora), one of Ichigo's classmates. Chad gets involved into a dangerous situation after meeting a talking parakeet with a child's soul stuck in it. Since I watched the anime, I knew the story already, but, to be honest, this storyline portrayed in the manga made me much more tear up than in the anime (I did not think it will be possible, but here I am). I cannot imagine the horror that the poor child had to get through, just for entertainment of a sick man (hollow). I admire Chad so much for his behavior in this volume. He knew that he's getting into danger with every second he kept the bird close, but he stubbornly didn't let go of it, trying to keep the animal safe. Yes, I know that Chad is stronger than an average human, so he could survive more than everyone else, but still, he didn't have to be the animal's guard. It was purely his choice.
I also have to say that it pains me that the boy never met his mother again. He went through so much just to see her and it never happened :(
"He was created for the convenience of your Soul Society and he'll be killed for Soul Society's convenience too...? [Ichigo to Rukia]
In the second part of Vol 2, the smaller part, we got an introduction to Kon, a mod-soul, and his story. To be completely honest, I was never a big fan of this character (mostly because of his obsession with women), but I couldn't help, but sympathize with him while reading his chapters. He was created by scientists for a specific purpose and when his assistance was no longer needed, he was casted out like his existence didn't matter in the slightest (I bet it's all Mayuri's fault!!). So no wonder that when he got a new body (and with it a new chance of life), he got along with it. I'm so glad that both Ichigo and Rukia sympathized with him and decided to keep him. He's annoying, I admit that, but he has a good heart and truly cares about both Ichigo and Rukia.
P.S. the fact that Kon decided to not stomp on the ants is just amazing. It's a small moment, barely relevant, but it says much about Kon's character (it also ties up to his past).
P.P.S. the other small scene that I really loved in Vol 2 is the one between Urahara and Ururu. "Why are you crying? We're a team, right?" He was so gentle with her, it was such a cute scene.
Oh, and also I don't know how the others who read the manga feel about it, but for me Urahara seems more handsome in the manga than in the anime!
Oh, and also I wouldn't want to have either Karin or Tatsuki as an enemy. They become true demons when they get angry! :D