As the group works its way towards the tower where Rukia is being held, they are as scattered as ever. Chad continues his solo assault, blasting walls and whole divisions of Soul Reapers (as well as a few overzealous Lieutenants) with relative ease. Just as he is about to make it closer to the tower, he encounters Shunshi Kyoraku, the 8th Division Captain, who begins to question Chad's motives for rescuing Rukia. Although Chad admits that he doesn't know Rukia all that well, he tells Shunshi that he's doing this out of loyalty to Ichigo - setting off a short flashback detailing Chad's childhood and the start of his friendship with Ichigo.
As Chad and Shunshi begin their fight, the action shifts back to Ichigo, who is still fleeing Kenpachi. Although terrified by a foe he can't cut, Ichigo finds his resolve and manages to sharpen his spirit energy enough that he is able to cut Kenpachi. A series of blows allow Ichigo to become overconfident, allowing Kenpachi to shatter Ichigo's sword and stab him in the chest. Although the blow is enough to kill Ichigo, he is saved by Zangetsu, the spirit living within his sword who offers to give Ichigo his power.
Revived and back on equal footing, Ichigo and Kenpachi re-enter combat. After the fight, Yoruichi retrieves Ichigo while Kenpachi's pint-sized Lieutenant begins to reflect on her history with Kenpachi, leading to what is perhaps one of the more philosophical episodes in the series so far. Meanwhile, Ganju and Hanataro manage to free Rukia, only to be stopped by Byakuya.
Volume 10 is, like past volumes, a great adventure. Although four of the five episodes focus on two fights, they still manage to push the story along enough that it never feels like it is just stalling for time (somthing I like to call Dragonball Z pacing). Both flashbacks add a slightly more reflective tone to the show; Chad's thoughts on his friendship with Ichigo bring up a few interesting questions on loyalty while the latter two, which involve Kenpachi and Zangetsu, bring up the theme of identity. It's never heavy enough that the show begins to feel like a philosophical discussion, but it's a little more thoughtful that other shows.
As always, Bleach 10: The Entry ships with a collection of stickers, clean ending and a sketch book and is recommended for any Bleach fan.
