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Bleach #18

Bleach 18

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Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts, he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow (a malevolent lost soul) Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. Find out why Tite Kubo's Bleach has become an international manga smash-hit!

Library Binding

First published August 4, 2005

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5 stars
5,752 (56%)
4 stars
2,726 (26%)
3 stars
1,336 (13%)
2 stars
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1 star
104 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Profile Image for Jeremiah.
93 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2023
We’re finally getting to see Captain Yamamoto, Ukitake, and Kyoraku in action! Also Yamamoto’s Zanpakutō is insane. We got Ichigo fighting Byakuya and we also got to see Yoruichi in action. Now things are really about to get exciting.
Profile Image for Sana⁷ (Sawamura Version).
399 reviews181 followers
June 12, 2024
"Quit telling me to leave you alone and go home. I told you, I'm rejecting your protests! This is my second try. And this time I'm going to save you, Rukia." [Ichigo]

I'M IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 🥰❤️ (I already was before picking up the manga, but it feels like I'm falling in love once again)

If I could get more than five stars to Volume 18, I could do so in a heartbeat. All of Bleach is a masterpiece, no question about it, but Volume 18 has some of the best parts of the story, so it's an immediate five star rating for me!

The Sôkyoku is released which means that Rukia will die in any moment. None of her friends show up at the place of her execution - there are only a couple of captains standing there and watching her. It seems like there is no hope, that she will die, but Rukia feels at peace.

I am not afraid. I've had a good life. Renji befriended me. My brother took me in. Lieutenant Kaien guided me. And... And Ichigo tried to save me. I feel no pain. No sorrow. I have no regrets. My heart... will go on. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Goodbye.

It's time. The enormous firebird, Kikô-Oh, shows up. Rukia closes her eyes. That's it. That's the end.

Or is it?

"Yo."

*SIRI, PLAY "NUMBER ONE" BY SAGISU SHIRO*

THE ICHIGO ARRIVAL SCENE AT THE PLACE OF THE EXECUTION WILL NEVER STOP BEING ICONIC. Since I watched the anime, I knew what will happen, so I should've been prepared, but I still screamed like crazy when I saw the Ichigo image stopping Firebird King's flames. I don't think I have to point out how hot he looks in Yoruichi's Tentôken outfit, but HE DOES LOOK HOT. It's such a shame that he didn't wore it ever again, but hey, we got what we got! Also I have to say that I LOVE to see Ichigo being confident and powerful (the scene of him waving the sword in the air is EVERYTHING TO ME). After all the beating he had received until now, he truly deserves to be the one at the top. Besides, he didn't gain power for himself. All he always wanted was to protect the people he cared for.

"You're not the only one I have to save. There's Inoue and Ishida. And Chad. And Ganju, and Hanataro. Everybody who helped me. I'm gonna save them all and get out of here."

I bet that he takes some kind of pleasure to see fear in his opponents' faces, but all he's doing is doing for his family and his friends. Now it's the time to save Rukia, then gather everybody and come back home. Looks easy, right?

"Ichigo... What do you plan to do now? You're hopelessly outnumbered, you can't just disappear."
"Run away."
"That's absurd! There are captains down there! There is no way you can..."
"Then I'll beat them up and run away."


Ichigo is hot when serious, but incredibly funny most of the time and this is one of these times 😂 The Ichigo/Rukia second reunion scene in the Soul Society was as emotional for me as it was when I watched the anime. Her voice full of worry and a tearful face and his fond eyes and smile tell you everything you need to know about how important these two are for each other. They bicker a lot, but they would also jump into flames for each other. It was obvious that Ichigo WILL come to save her, no matter what. I can't explain how precious these two are for me. The need to hug them and never let go is incredibly strong 🥹

"You think too much. You always did. No one thinks badly of you, Rukia. Stop taking all onto yourself. You're not strong enough to bear that burden yet. Divide it up. Let Ichigo and me lighten your load until you get your strength back. That's the whole reason that he and I made ourselves stronger. Rukia... believe in him."
"Sorry, Renji."
"This is no time for apologies."
"Thank you."
"Shut up. It's no time for that, either."


First of all, GET A MAN LIKE RENJI, GIRLS (and a man like Ichigo)! Second of all, I LOVE the silent agreement between Ichigo and Renji when it comes to Rukia's safety. They were enemies, they still should be enemies, but they both have someone they need to protect, so they became allies (and friends later on) to make it happen. Third of all, I love how often Renji mentioned Ichigo in his speech to Rukia. Fourth of all, the close up of Renji's hand tightening on Rukia's robe is EVERYTHING. Fifth (and last) of all, HOW CAN THEY BE SO FUNNY IN SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS TRULY BEYOND ME 😂


Rukia is now under Renji's protection, but she's still far from being safe. The captains have chosen their sides and the fights started. Ichigo needs to defeat Byakuya - after all his training, will he win or will he lose again?


Some other things I need to talk about:

~ Rukia feeling GRATEFUL for her brother showing his back to her was so sad. She thought that she was shamefully clinging to life. Girl, what? You didn't do anything wrong. And your brother should do anything in his power to save you, but all he's doing is actively trying to kill you!
~ THE VISUALS IN THIS VOLUME ARE INSANE. The Firebird King and Unohana's Minazuki, Ichigo's arrival, the fights, everything is crazy!
~ Rukia's image of saying goodbye to her friends (in her head) with a tearful face was as heartbreaking as it was beautiful.
~ Everyone when Ichigo arrived to the execution place: "WHO IS HE?!"
Me with a grin on my face: YOUR FUTURE SAVIOR!
~ "Hey, Renji! Catch! 🤣
~ Ichigo easily beating down the lieutenants - CHEF'S KISS ✨
~ Byakuya needs to be put in his place. It's coming. I cannot wait for this to happen!
~ I DO NOT LIKE SOI FON 🙄
~ About Renji: "It was an Assistant Captain who took the prisoner. He's easily expendable." - Genryuusai, when I catch you... 👊
~ YORUICHI IS SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL, IT'S NOT FUNNY YOU ALL 😳
~ Jidanbou and Kukaku comeback! Yay!
~ I had no idea that Ukitake has 5 brothers and 2 sisters! How cute! Also, also, I found out that he is fond of Toshiro, because their names sounds similar and he always offers him food when he sees him 🥹
~ Kyoraku is drinking buddies with Matsumoto. Of course they are 😂
Profile Image for Lashaan Balasingam.
1,524 reviews4,621 followers
February 2, 2020
Rukia's execution is on as she accepts her fate but things aren't over just yet as a dramatic and heroic surprise beautifully changes the game.

While more captains pursue their goals to stop a weapon from being used for the wrong reasons, the civil war explodes as more battles occur around the execution site, including the long-awaited encounter between leaders (actual and ex-) of the assassination squad.

The story arc is very action-oriented and allows mangaka Tite Kubo to demonstrate his incredible talents.

Yours truly,

Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Profile Image for Blake the Book Eater.
1,287 reviews411 followers
October 17, 2022
Rukia’s execution is here! The race to save her is thrilling and the payoff is wonderful. Bleach continues to have extremely satisfying fights!
Profile Image for Subham.
3,080 reviews105 followers
December 4, 2020
I one of the coolest panels ever when it seems like Rukia will be executed, Ichigo comes to the rescue and he destroys the execution stand while others there are stand shooked by what happened. He even defeated that fire bird and that was just wow. And when he throws Rukia at Renji its so funny. And then he fights Byakuya in what is one of the coolest scenes but then enter: Soi Fon! She and Yoruichi go way past as she used to be mentor to Soi Fon and their battle is epic, poison darts and new spiritual techniques! Meanwhile two captains battle Genryuu aka commander and it seems like it will be big! The book has started showing some faults as there are many chapters where Ichigo is not there and it slows down the pace massively!
Profile Image for India♡.
792 reviews
July 7, 2022
The chills I got when Ichigo appeared in front of Rukia though!! She and Renji's conversation was really sweet. Shiba makes an appearance! I've missed her and Kon. Yoruichi is challenged by Soifon and things begin to heat up! I hope Rukia is saved in the next volume because I just miss the crew going to school and defeating Hollows.
Profile Image for James DeSantis.
Author 17 books1,211 followers
October 8, 2020
Rukia is about to be executed but her boy said "F That" and saved her ass again. Now he must face off against her brother to keep her alive once more.

On top of that you get the Samurai woman lover and the good hearted guy facing off against the old man. yes I don't know names. But their stance and fight was very samurai like so it was a lot of fun to watch.

The only thing I didn't care for was the Cat lady and her fight but it was kind of cool to see her sexy ass in action.

Overall, fun Shonen fighting. A 4 out of 5.
Profile Image for lana.
218 reviews44 followers
December 26, 2025
Your shadow stealthily
leaves nothing of where you go, like a poisoned needle
that sews together my footsteps.
Your light pliantly
strikes the water tower, like a lightning bolt
that severs the source of my life.


I loved this volume so much, especially the fight between Yoruichi and Soi-Fon and the moment between Rukia and Renji!
Profile Image for Blue.
1,787 reviews138 followers
March 10, 2019
So bloody intense and wonderful
Profile Image for Sarah (menace mode).
645 reviews38 followers
June 18, 2021
every part of the Soul Society arc is 10/10 but our queen Yoruichi do be hard carrying it
Profile Image for Ronald.
1,485 reviews16 followers
January 25, 2025
It is good. Ichigo blocks the execution thing that has more power than one million soul reaper swords and destroys the execution place. Rukia is pissed!! But despite all this power Ichigo is about to get his but kicked by Byakuya.

The captains of the Soul Society are just the dumbest idiots. Not one seems to realise all the bad choices the are making. But that gets lamely explained later. It is all part of the Soul Society has become stagnant and corrupt.

We do get the General (leader) of the Soul Society draw his sword, cool I guess. Just goes to show a lot of this group is just being murder hobos. I do enjoy Ukitake & Kyoraku take on this madness with a shrug and I guess we might die to stand for what is right.

Yoruichi & Soi Fon fight, as with the Captains fight I mention above it looked better in my memory of the TV show. This fight especially is very talking while they fight.
Profile Image for Geoffrey.
663 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2022
This volume opens with Rukia’s execution being interrupted by Ichigo, which I loved, but it also brings up a constant gripe that I have with this series. Despite being a substitute Soul Reaper (with latent Soul Reaper powers of his own) and only training a couple of times, Ichigo manages to stop a sword that has the power of a million Zanpakutō. As epic as that should have been, it didn’t feel earned to me, and while the idea of Ichigo’s heart being able to give him strength enough to defeat Captain class Soul Reapers multiple times is sweet, moments like this make me question some of the writing and narrative choices surrounding this character. I love the character, I just wish his powers and strength was explained and expanded upon more in a way that felt earned narratively. Despite this gripe, I loved this volume as it features the start of one of my favourite fights in this series, Yoruichi vs. Soi Fon. I love their backstory and rivalry, and I love how these characters interact with one another. They are easily one of my favourite dynamics in Bleach. Overall, I loved how this volume portrayed the intervention of Rukia’s execution and I loved how it transitioned into several different fight scenes as Renji helps Rukia escape.
Profile Image for Colin Mcclusick.
389 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2021
Heck yeah big fights. Love to see it. Action packed

Summary:
Rukia's execution begins and the Sword that is to kill her transforms into a Firebird. As it goes to strike Rukia, Ichego stops it. Captains Shunsui and Jushiro stop the bird from its second strike and destroys it. Ichego frees Rukia from her bonds. Ichego throws Rukia to Renji then stops 3 assistant captains from chasing them without even using his sword. Then he takes on Byakuya. Yoruichi fights Soifon. The Captain General fights the two captains that destroyed the firebird.

Kenpachi won his fight because the two captains fled. The captain general and Shunsui and Jushiro all release the second forms of their swords and begin to fight. Soifon says she was just holding back and starts to beat Yoruichi using her special power the hornet sting, get hit in the same spot twice and you die. Yoruichi reavels she has a secret move of her own and the volume ends.
Profile Image for Mel.
886 reviews32 followers
March 19, 2025
Things are amping up in the volume! We see Old man Yamamoto's Zanpakutō which is literally insane, Ichigo and Rukia's brother are going head to head, and Yoruichi is also out here fighting one of the captains. It's an all out war to rescue Rukia!
Profile Image for DonutKnow.
3,515 reviews48 followers
April 2, 2019
Okay, Renji is favourite right now ❤️ So brave and strong- a bit impulsive, but he’s just so awesome! ✊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Agnese Rosengren.
426 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2023
Sono iniziati così tanti scontri che non riesco nemmeno a dire quale sia il mio preferito AAA
Profile Image for William Bainbridge.
269 reviews
March 13, 2025
Ichigo returns in unbelievable style holy moly. Yammato, dog. Shunsui, dog. Kenny, dog. Renji, dog. Yoruichi, dog. Love this arc so much man.
Profile Image for Omar Villafane.
1,075 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2023
It’s always wise to stay prepared so if anything arises you can triumph 💫🗻
Profile Image for Denny B..
183 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2024
“Sono venuto a salvarti, Rukia”

E questa volta per davvero: Ichigo interrompe la sua esecuzione e affida a Renji il compito di allontanarla perché il combattimento con Byakuya non può più attendere.

Inizia lo scontro tra Yoruichi e Soi Fon mentre Tite Kubo ci mostra quanto sia forte Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto, che finisce nella lunga lista di personaggi anziani che aprirebbero in due un palazzo intero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews