Yumichika called for a funeral because he didn't think Ikakku would use his bankai

I really like how Ikkaku's goal turned from defeating Zaraki to fighting under him and dying. From rivalry to absolute loyalty.

Any episode that has a Kenny scene will always be a top tier episode in my book

2:06 Kenpachi is 6ft 7.5in, dude is massive. I love Kenpachi's worldview, Believe what you want, just be strong lol I love how Ikkaku went from wanting to surpass Kenpachi to respecting him so much that he only wants to fight under him until he dies.

I actually liked this episode. Really showed how underrated Ikkaku is and that if he actually pushed himself, he’d definitely be Squad 11’s captain if it wasn’t for Zaraki.

Yo, you should 1000% watch the Bleach movies alongside the anime. They fit pretty loosely into the watch order, nothing *too* strict. As a big fan: I LOVE those movies.

The OST is named Soundscape to Ardor. Hollywood Undead also sampled it for their song S.C.A.V.A. which is well worth a listen too.

Note: This episode is adapted entirely from Chapter 206 and that chapter alone. === Zaraki just casually claiming to be the Kenpachi before he even officially obtains the title from the 10th Kenpachi. Admittedly the 10th Kenpachi can't have been much if a self-crippled Zaraki, without the ability to use Shikai or Bankai, was able to kill him. === Ikkaku would definitely be lieutenant if something happened to Yachiru but I don't know if he could ever become a Captain. He actively hides his Bankai to avoid promotion and potentially being transferred to another division and never bothered to master it. === Fun Ikkaku Facts: -Hōzukimaru ranked 13th in the first Zanpakutō poll and its Bankai, Ryūmon Hōzukimaru, ranked 27th; in the second, it ranked 16th. -In the second best bout poll, Ikkaku's fight with Edrad Liones ranked 20th. -According to Q&A #526 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Ikkaku comes from a prestigious family while his friend Yumichika was an abandoned child from the streets of Rukongai. -Personal Note: I can only assume Ikkaku was just such a fight junky that he didn't care for his noble heritage so he would go out into the Rukongai and live as a common thug who fights everyone. It explains how he got a Zanpakuto despite not being a member of the Gotei 13 until after his fight with Zaraki. === I really don't understand Yumichika's or Squad 11's aversion to Kido considering that I know for a fact that the first Kenpachi was a hybrid Kido/Melee fighter and the 8th Kenpachi was a Kido Master with a Kido-type Zanpakuto.