Klub Outside is a website exclusive to Japan that was created by Bleach author Tite Kubo to explore topics that he was not able to fully address in the manga. The website utilizes a question-and-answer structure, allowing fans to ask Kubo questions that provide them with a deeper understanding of specific subjects.
The mangaka, in his response, often discloses undisclosed information and resolves ambiguous matters related to the chosen topic. On certain occasions, Kubo utilizes Klub Outside as a platform to make announcements. His latest use of the website was to announce his increased involvement in the production of Bleach TYBW Cour 3 compared to his involvement in Cour 1 and 2.
With the vast amount of characters and subplots in Bleach, it is evident that Klub Outside serves as a platform for Kubo to delve into topics that may otherwise be perplexing or obscure. In this sense, Klub Outside can be likened to One Piece’s renowned SBS column. This piece will examine ten subjects that Tite Kubo has shed light on through his personal website.
The most important information disclosed in Bleach’s Klub Outside Q&A
1) Did Hitsugaya and Matsumoto Notice?
Kubo confirmed that Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku were aware of Ichigo’s true identity as Isshin Shiba’s son when asked about it.
“Did Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku notice that Ichigo was Isshin Shiba’s son when they came to the living world?”one fan asked
His answer was given by Kubo.
“Both of them noticed.”
As a result of Masaki’s Hollowfication, Isshin Kurosaki departed from Gotei 13 and settled in the Human World. Prior to his departure, Isshin served as the Captain of the Tenth Division, with Rangiku Matsumoto as his Lieutenant and Toshiro Hitsugaya as his Third Seat.
Several years down the line, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto were part of the group of Shinigami who were sent to the Human World to protect Karakura Town from the threat of the Arrancar. During their time there, they stayed at Ichigo’s house. Although it wasn’t directly mentioned in the manga, Kubo confirmed that both of them recognized Ichigo as the former captain’s son.
Are the Bleach Novels Canon?
Answer: Can you rephrase the following paragraph without changing its meaning?
“Are the contents and lore of the “BLEACH WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU”and “BLEACH Can’t Fear Your Own World”novels largely decided on by you?”
The response provided by Kubo:
“I came up with and shared the contents and lore with the two writers, but left the portrayal to them. Whenever there was something they didn’t understand along the way they would come to consult with me.”
Bleach’s story world also includes a number of novels, including “WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU”and “Can’t Fear Your Own World”. The former explores the evolving romance between Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki, leading up to their eventual marriage. In the latter, Tokinada Tsunayashiro’s plans to replace the Soul King are detailed.
Kubo was asked about the canon significance of the two novels and he clarified that he had outlined the general plot. He entrusted the specific portrayal to the authors, Makoto Matsubara and Ryogo Narita, who completed their respective stories. They consulted Kubo for guidance and clarification whenever necessary.
Can Other Arrancar Access Second Stage Besides Ulquiorra?
Inquiry:
“If Grimmjow trains, could he eventually unlock Segunda Etapa?”
Kubo provided the following response:
“Yes.”
Resurreciòn is the Arrancar’s equivalent of a Shinigami’s Bankai. When an Arrancar activates their Resurreciòn, they unleash their full power and reveal their true form as Hollows, which they had previously sealed in the form of a sword. So far, Ulquiorra Cifer is the only Arrancar known to have achieved Segunda Etapa, a second form of Resurreciòn.
Kubo states that Grimmjow Jaegerjacquez has the potential to achieve his own Segunda Etapa through sufficient training. This is likely due to Grimmjow’s impressive control over his Resurreciòn. In Bleach TYBW, he demonstrated that he can partially transform his body without fully activating his Resurreciòn, setting him apart from other Arrancar.
4) The Greatest Hero of Bleach
What is the purpose of this project?
“l’d like to know more about the relationship between Mask de Masculine and James. Going off of Yhwach’s comment about James having died, would it be correct to assume that James is the real body whereas Masculine is just a fictitious form of his?”a fan said.
The meaning remains the same.
“James is the real one while Masculine is the embodiment of his ideal hero.”
During the recent war between the Shinigami and Quincy, Sternritter S “The Superstar” Mask De Masculine caused chaos among the Gotei 13. He was able to defeat Ikkaku, Yumichika, Hisagi, Kensei, and Rose, but was eventually defeated by Renji.
After completing his specialized training with the Royal Guard, Renji confidently displayed his newfound strength by overpowering Mask. Despite the latter’s attempts to turn the tide with his Vollstandig, Renji easily blocked and endured his attacks. Ultimately, Renji emerged victorious by unleashing his Bankai So’o Zabimaru, completely wiping out Mask.
The Schrift “The Superstar”establishes a connection between James and Mask, allowing for James to be continuously revived as long as Mask is alive. Additionally, when James encourages Mask, he is able to convert that support into a powerful boost.
Surprisingly, Kubo revealed that the true bearer of the title Sternritter S “The Superstar”is not Mask, but rather James, the small, bald man who accompanies him. Mask serves as a representation of James’ idolized figure in his dreams.
Can the Bankai and Resurreciòn be Combined?
The paragraph below contains a question:
Can you please change the following paragraph to keep its original meaning?
“I believe Tosen can use Hollowfication and enter what would be his Resurreciòn. Can Ichigo and the other Vizards do this as well? Is it possible that they could use both Bankai and Resurreciòn while Hollowfied?”
The response given by Kubo:
“It is possible.”
As is commonly known, Bankai and Resurreciòn are the most powerful forms of Shinigami and Arrancar, respectively. Additionally, there exists a faction of Shinigami known as the Vizards, who have obtained Hollow abilities and are able to utilize them while retaining full control.
The Vizards are able to tap into their Hollow abilities by donning a Hollow mask, similar to the way Ichigo Kurosaki used to. In contrast to the main character’s initial volatile change, the Vizards can engage in battle while keeping their Hollow masks activated without losing control.
Despite not being officially part of the Vizards, Kaname Tosen possesses identical powers and is able to wield them concurrently. In a recent confirmation, Kubo revealed that Ichigo and the Vizards are also capable of this, combining their Bankai with their Resurreciòn and utilizing the Hollowfication boost.
6) What are Ururu and Jinta?
The paragraph is being rewritten to maintain the same meaning.
“Please tell us the secret behind Ururu and Jinta. Just what are they?”
The response provided by Kubo:
“Both of them are Modified Souls created by Kisuke.”
Ururu Tsumugiya and Jinta Hanakari are both employees at Kisuke Urahara’s shop, and are well-known among Bleach fans for their roles in the first half of the story. Despite their youthful appearances, both Ururu and Jinta are actually Modified Souls.
Tite Kubo, the author of Bleach, shared on his Klub Outside website that the two assistants of Urahara possess the same artificially created souls as Kon. This clarifies the reason for their extraordinary physical abilities, which far surpass those of an average human being.
The reason behind the Quincy’s inability to steal Ichigo’s Bankai
The paragraph in question should be revised while still conveying the same message.
“Was Ichigo’s Bankai unable to be stolen by the medallion due to it being mixed with Hollow power?”
The response provided by Kubo:
“Yes.”
One of the central events in the Thousand-Year Blood War was the Quincy’s ability to steal the Shinigami’s Bankai and seal it into a medallion. As a result, the Gotei 13 captains were left defenseless against the powerful Strernritters who had also taken away their strongest abilities. However, this was only a temporary setback as Urahara created the Shin’eiyaku, special pills that allowed the Bankai users to undergo temporary Hollowfication and regain their powers.
Despite their powerful abilities, Quincy are unable to interact with Hollow-type Reiatsu. This is because exposure to it would result in their physical bodies disintegrating and their souls being eradicated. As a result, any Quincy who have been Hollowfied will find that the stolen Bankai they possess is extremely harmful to them.
Kubo clarified that this was also the reason why Ichigo’s Bankai could not be taken. Due to the inseparable fusion of Ichigo’s Shinigami and Hollow powers, the Quincy were unable to absorb his Bankai.
8) Kubo’s Insane Foreshadowing
Can you rephrase the following paragraph while keeping the same meaning?
“As Aizen said “No one ever stood atop the heavens before”, he then looks at Ukitake and continues “Not you, or I, or the Gods”. Was that “you”bit supposed to imply the relationship between Ukitake and the Soul King?”
The response provided by Kubo:
“Yes.”
In Bleach, Tite Kubo cleverly incorporated numerous subtle hints about the future of the story. One notable instance of Kubo’s foreshadowing can be seen in chapter 178, where Sosuke Aizen departs from the Soul Society. As he ascends into the sky, shrouded in an impenetrable light, Jushiro Ukitake poses a question to him.
The Thirteenth Division’s Captain inquired of Aizen the reason behind his corruption, to which the deceitful villain stated his ambition to rule over the world. Aizen further commented that not even Ukitake had managed to ascend to the position of the gods, reigning over the heavens.
Upon the revelation that Ukitake was the vessel for a god, fans were astounded and saw it as foreshadowing from Kubo. As it turns out, Ukitake’s body housed Mimihagi, a god that acted as the Right Arm of the Soul King.
In a response given during his appearance on Klub Outside, Kubo clarified that Aizen’s statements were not arbitrary. He specifically mentioned Ukitake because he knew that Ukitake was inhabited by a powerful deity.
9) The Remarkable Talent of Hitsugaya
Inquiry:
“Back when Isshin was a Captain, Rangiku was the Vice Captain while Hitsugaya was the Third Seat. Why did Rangiku not advance to the position of Captain?”
The response provided by Kubo:
“That’s because Hitsugaya was more suited for the position of Captain and also because he had already achieved Bankai. By the way, by the time Hitsugaya had joined the Gotei 13 he had already achieved Bankai.”
Toshiro Hitsugaya, the owner of the powerful ice-type Zanpakuto Hyorinmaru, currently serves as the Captain of the Tenth Division. However, several years prior, when Isshin was the Division’s leader, Hitsugaya held the rank of Third Seat and Rangiku Matsumoto served as the Vice Captain.
Despite being asked by fans why Matsumoto did not take on the role of Captain after Isshin’s departure from the Gotei 13, Kubo explained that she did not possess the same level of skill and potential as Hitsugaya. Despite his young age, Hitsugaya had already mastered Bankai, a feat that Matsumoto had yet to achieve.
Even before joining the Gotei 13, Hitsugaya had a natural talent that allowed him to achieve Bankai. It comes as no surprise then, that he holds the record for being the youngest Shinigami to ever attain the Captain rank in the history of Soul Society.
The truth about Zangetsu
Inquiry:
“Back when Old Man Zangetsu tried to tell his name to Ichigo inside his spiritual world, it was covered in black ink and couldn’t be seen. Was that the doing of Ichibei Hyosube?”
Kubo responded with the following answer:
“That is correct.”
It was believed by fans for a considerable amount of time that the elderly figure guiding Ichigo Kurosaki within his inner world was the embodiment of his Shinigami abilities, and therefore his Zanpakuto. However, it was later revealed that this entity, known as “Old Man Zangetsu,”was actually the manifestation of Ichigo’s Quincy powers, taking on the appearance of a youthful Yhwach.
Old Man Zangetsu had been posing as Ichigo’s Shinigami abilities for many years, appearing to act in accordance with Masaki Kurosaki’s desires. Zangetsu was devoted to safeguarding Ichigo, which involved suppressing his full potential in order to prevent him from becoming a Shinigami.
Zangetsu was on the verge of disclosing Ichigo’s true identity as Yhwach, but right before he could speak the name, the speech bubble suddenly turned black. It was later revealed that Ichibei Hyosube’s abilities had obscured the name.
Ichibei, the one responsible for naming everything in Soul Society, also possessed the power to erase names and existence. This ability was demonstrated when he covered Yhwach’s name with black ink, preventing Ichigo from learning it. Kubo’s confirmation not only supported a popular fan theory, but also highlighted Ichibei’s ambiguous nature once again.
- Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War confirmed to reveal Soul King’s past in cour 3 and 4
- New Bleach TYBW part 3 director promises more CGI and high quality animation
- 100 strongest Bleach characters, ranked
- All Bleach openings, ranked from worst to best
- Are the Bleach movies worth watching? Explored
Leave a Reply