Bleach -- Ishida Uryuu x Inoue Orihime
Title: The Geek Gets the Girl -- Ishida Uryuu x Inoue Orihime
Fandom: Bleach
Author: electra_torch
Spoilers: Mild spoilers up to chapter 61 and any chapter between 61 and 186. Heavy spoilers for chapter 91-92; 120-130ish; 180-183. Heavy Ishida-centric spoilers for chapter 184-186
Notes:
- Names are written Family Name, Given Name
- Even though I call Orihime by her first name... I always call Ishida by his last name. I tried to break habit and call him Uryuu for this... it just didn't work out.
- Quotes taken from scanlations so they may not be exactly the same as the VIZ version.
- I am sorry for the latness. It slipped my mind.
- This was proofread twice around midnight so there may be a fe errors here and there. Sorry.
The Geek Gets the Girl -- Ishida Uryuu x Inoue Orihime
Things to Know:
Bleach - Created by Kubo Tite, Bleach is the story of high school student turned Shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo. The manga has been running in Shounen Jump Japan for well over three years now. The manga has also been adapted into an anime, which premiered on October 5, 2004. The manga has been licensed by VIZ and is running in Shounen Jump USA. Seven volumes of the manga have been released by VIZ with the eighth coming in August. The anime is currently unlicensed in the US.
Shinigami (Soul Reaper) - Black-clad, spiritual beings that help souls cross to the other side.
Soul Society - The place were all spirits go when they cross over. All souls and Shinigami live in Soul Society. Normal souls live in the Rukongai while the Shinigami live in the Seireitei. A large wall, four gatekeepers, and a barrier that keeps spiritual energy from entering it protect the Seireitei.
Gotei 13 - The military like organization that Shinigami work for.
Zanpaktou (Soul Slayer/Cutter) - The swords that the Shinigami carry. It is used to purify Hollows and assist souls in crossing to Soul Society.) Every sword has a name and special ability. They have two levels of release the standard release happens when the sword’s name is called. The ban release happens is the second level of release and is a requirement to become a captain in the Gotei 13. Can increase the Shinigami’s strength 5-10 times its current state.)
Hollow - Hollows are “fallen souls” that attack both the living and the dead and consume them. Hollows are formed when a soul’s heart becomes empty. They consume to ease their pain and suffering. Shinigami purify Hollows and allow them to cross peacefully into Soul Society.
Quincy - The Quincy are a group of humans who were related to magic hunters that specialized in destroying Hollows. The Quincy sought to completely destroy the Hollow instead of purifying them. Two hundred years ago, after numerous of appeals from the Shinigami to Quincy, in order to preserve the balance of the human world and the spirit world the Shinigami made the decision to wipe out the Quincy.
Shun Shun Rikka - The Shield of Six Dancing Flowers is the name given to Orihime’s spiritual powers. The Shun Shun Rikka is made up of six tiny, fairy-like people who form shields in order to defend, heal, and fight in order to protect Orihime. When the Shun Shun Rikka is not in use they spend their time as Orihime’s hairpins.
Abilities of the Shun Shun Rikka: (activated by calling the name of the shield and saying “I repel thee”)
Santen Kesshun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly Trio) - The Outer Shield formed by Hinagiku, Baigon, and Lily; Raised between Orihime and the enemy, it repels the attacks she receives.
Santen Kishun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly Duo) - The Inner Shield formed by Shonou and Ayame; Placed inside an limited area and reverts it to it’s state before damage.
Santen Zanshun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly One) - Formed by Tsubaki; Has the ability to repel both sides of the shield. It enters the enemy and forms a shield inside it thus splitting the enemy in two.
The Princess and the Archer [Just the Facts]
Inoue Orihime
- Born September 3
- Her brother, Sora, died three years ago. It is unknown if her parents are still alive.
- Best friend is Tatsuki.
- Member of the Karakura High School Handicrafts Club with Ishida
- Has a crush on Ichigo.
- Signature markings include two silver hairpins.
Orihime is genuinely happy girl. She zones out from time to time, but she has a pretty good understanding of her friends and the things that go on around her. Orihime knows her faults but doesn’t let them get her down. She’s loyal to her friends and there when they need her to be. Her brother died three years ago in a car accident. Shortly after Ichigo became a Shinigami her brother returned as a Hollow and set out to kill her to ease his loneliness. Orihime used her love and kindness and reach out to her brother and allowed him break free of the darkness within him. A few weeks later during the frenzy caused by Ishida releasing Hollow bait, Orihime’s spiritual powers that were awakened by contact with Ichigo were released with full force to defend Tatsuki from a Hollow.
Ishida Uryuu
- Born on November 11
- His grandfather died while he was still a child. His father currently works as a doctor and dislikes the Quincy lifestyle. His mother’s status in unknown.
- Member of the Karakura High School Handicrafts Club with Orihime.
- His mid-term exam tied for first among freshmen at Karakura High. His final exam scores placed him in first.
- Hates buttons
- Signature markings include glasses.
Ishida is a dork in disguise. On the surface he tries to act cool and reserved but on the inside he’s a total dork. Ishida has a tendency to spaz out over things. He also tends to pass his actions off as “nothing.” His grandfather taught him everything he knows about the Quincy and still highly respects his teachings. A Hollow killed Ishida’s grandfather when the Shinigami who were supposed to arrive to handle it arrived late. Ishida blamed the Shinigami and wanted to prove himself to them but soon realized his own faults and accepted them.
Enter the Soul Society [Rukia Rescue Team: Assemble!]
Rukia has been arrested and taken back to Soul Society. She’s been scheduled for execution in thirty days.
Everyone in the human world has forgotten that Kuchiki Rukia ever existed.
Ichigo has lost his Shinigami powers. After being left for dead in street Urahara finds and offers to train him to go to Soul Society to rescue Rukia.
Yoruichi offers to train Chad and Orihime so that they can hone their powers and accompany Ichigo to Soul Society.
After accepting Yoruichi’s offer, Orihime and Chad decide that if they’re going to train they might as well ask Ishida to join them. They find him secluded in the woods and make their offer. Even though Orihime makes a nice offer to train together so they can all save Rukia, Ishida declines. He admits that he wants to train on his own and never thought of saving Rukia, he just can’t forgive himself for losing to a Shinigami. (The reader however knows that Ishida is lying. He told Urahara to treat the wounds Byakuya inflicted on Ichigo because Ichigo is the only one who can save Rukia.) Yoruichi tells them that Ishida has no will to go to Soul Society and leave him be. Orihime seems to see something underneath that no one else does though and thus the pairing gets its first moment.
Orihime: Ishida-kun… if you ever change your mind, tell me any time, okay? I’ll be waiting for you.
[She leaves]
Ishida: Inoue-san… I’m sorry… however this training cannot be allowed to be seen by anyone.
(Chapter 61)
And so our four young heroes set off on ten days of intense training in preparation of heading to Soul Society.
Once all preparations have been made nearly a month after Rukia’s arrest, Urahara calls the group to his shop so they can depart. Orihime and Ichigo run into each other on the way and they find Chad waiting for them when they arrive. Ichigo inquires about whether or not Ishida will show up and go with them. Orihime tells them to wait but Chad thinks that it would be better if Ishida doesn’t show up because he feels he’s the weakest link in the group. This upsets Orihime a bit but Ishida shows up ready to prove his strength to everyone. Orihime beams and thanks him for coming but Ishida assures her that he’s coming for his own reasons - not because he wants to save Rukia. Urahara then takes them under his shop and bids them farewell as Yoruichi leads the four to Soul Society.
Tattoos on the Sky [Breaking the Barrier]
The gang encounters a few setbacks once they arrive in Soul Society. First they run into a giant gate, which separates the Rukongai from the Seireitei, and it’s giant gatekeeper, Jidanbou, who battles with Ichigo. Ichigo defeats him and Jidanbou agrees to open the gate, but the gang finds a nasty surprise waiting for them. Ichimaru Gin, captain of the third division of the Gotei 13, arrives and slices off Jidanbou’s arm. He informs the gatekeeper that he isn’t allowed to decide who enters the gate. Ichigo’s temper gets the best of him and he rushes Gin. Gin easily holds off him and blasts him backwards into Jidanbou and the gates closes in front of them. The villagers see Ichigo defending Jidanbou and take in the group for the night. Orihime takes on the task of using her inner shield to reattach the big man’s arm while Chad is reunited with an old friend. That night Yoruichi tells them the new plan - if they can’t use the gate to in then won’t use it. Everyone is a little worried about this but Ganjyu, the self-proclaimed number one hater of Shinigami in the West Alley, shows up and picks a fight with Ichigo before running off at the stroke of nine. The next morning Ichigo refuses to leave because he’s waiting to finish his fight with Ganjyu, but after being clawed into shape by Yoruichi they all set off to find the person called Shiba Kuukaku.
The gang ventures to an almost deserted part of the alley and arrive as Shiba Kuukaku’s very flashy house. Ishida notices a giant chimney rising out of the back of the house but two guards interrupt his thoughts. They recognize Yoruichi and grant them entrance into the Shiba home. They meet Kuukaku (who much to everyone’s shock is a very attractive, very aggressive woman) who agrees to help the group if she can send of her men along with them. Yoruichi agrees and Kuukaku calls for her younger brother who is none other than Ganjyu. The fight restarts but Kuukaku quickly puts an end to it. She then explains how she plans to send the gang into the Seireitei. By using the giant cannon (known as the Kuukaku Cannon) behind her house she plans to send them up like fireworks and into the Seireitei. (She is the first class fireworks master.) Kuukaku gives them a Reisyukaku and explains that when they push their spiritual energy into it will create a hard shell around them so they can break though the barrier surrounding the Seireitei and sends them off to train. Everyone picks it up easily except for Ichigo who is failing miserably. The group is given a dinner break and Ichigo tells them to go one with him. Orihime wants to stay behind with Ichigo but he asks her nicely and she leaves with Ishida and Chad. The three have a nice dinner but Ishida notices that Orihime barely touched her food. Orihime assures him she’s totally full even though her stomach is growling and she confesses she wants to save some for Ichigo. They’re interrupted by Ichigo’s immense spirit energy that he’s pouring into the Reisyukaku.
The group and Ganjyu are ready to go as Kuukaku prepares the cannon. The gang enters the cannon and prepare their cannonball. At the break of dawn the cannon fires and the group is launched into the sky. The cannonball crashes into the barrier around the Seireitei and dissolves. A large tornado and Yoruichi tells them to hang on to the person closest to them. Ichigo and Ganjyu end up together with Yoruichi on Ichigo’s shoulder. Chad catches Orihime and reaches out for Ishida but just misses him. Chad tosses Orihime behind him and reaches Ishida. He then launches Ishida toward Orihime and falls too far away for anyone to reach him. Ichigo holds Ganjyu and Orihime holds Ishida as they reach out for each other but don’t connect as they split off in four directions. Orihime uses her outer shield to soften the landing as the group lands down in the Seireitei.
First Aid and First Conflict - First Signs of Romance? [Quincy vs. Shinigami Redux]
Ishida and Orihime have landed in Soul Society and Orihime is having a nice little dream about Ichigo when she suddenly moves and notices her sore shoulder. (Note: In the anime this scene between them is a bit cuter as Orihime gets up and slams her head into Ishida’s face.) Orihime notices Ishida and he apologizes for not being Ichigo. Orihime’s shoulder has been bandage and Ishida tells her she landed on it and he was only able to bandage it with his first aid kit but he didn’t bring painkillers. Ishida feels bad because Orihime was injured protecting him but Orihime makes him feel better.
Ishida: I’m sorry… you got hurt because you were trying to protect me. If you were alone, you probably wouldn’t have gotten hurt…
Orihime: Really? I’m kind of clumsy so I think I would have gotten hurt either way. Plus if Ishida-kun wasn’t with me, nobody would have taken care of my wound! I would’ve gotten anemia from the lost of blood and would’ve been unable to move!
(Chapter 86)
They then decide to move on.
The two keep moving and duck for cover from one of the captains. Ishida is unsure on which way to go but Orihime sees a tower and someone else sees Orihime as a target. A Shinigami named Ziroubou attacks Orihime but Ishida moves quickly and pulls Orihime to safety. Orihime thanks Ishida and tells him she’s fine. Her thoughts about him ring out…
Orihime (thinking): Thought so… Ishida’s expression is totally different than before. The move just now is not to be underestimated. Suddenly Ishida was out of my eyesight… when I found out, he already saved me. He has changed so much even when facing a Shinigami. Just like Yoruichi-san said. Ishida is a Quincy. To him, right now, Shinigami are probably enemies.
(Chapter 91)
Ziroubou is ready to attack again and Orihime calls out Tsubaki, but the little guy is swatted down. Concerned, Orihime checks on Tsubaki but Ziroubou uses this moment to approach Orihime from behind and attempt another attack on her however a bolt comes from beside them as Ishida strikes his sword away from her. Orihime notices that Ishida’s Quincy bow has changed and comments on his training alone and Ziroubou recognizes Ishida as a Quincy. Ziroubou releases his Zanpaktou and it creates dozens of small spinning blades. Ishida wastes no time shoot them all down. Ziroubou attempts to sheath his sword in order to regain his blades but Ishida stops him. Orihime marvels at Ishida’s gain in strength as Ziroubou once again attempts to attack Orihime once again. Ishida quickly stands between them and fires a shot directly into him ending the fight. Orihime thanks Ishida but he responds in the normal fashion.
Orihime: Thank you… Ishida-kun.
Ishida: It-it was nothing. No need to thank me…
Orihime: I think you did great!
(Chapter 92)
Orihime inquires if Ziroubou is dead and Ishida tells her he’s cut off all his spirit energy. Orihime’s thoughts sound out once again.
Orihime (thinking):Yoruichi-san once said “A Quincy fights by gathering the spiritual energy from their surroundings.” So the glove that he uses must greatly his ability to gather spirit energy from his surroundings. If that artifact is too strong and he couldn’t control it… we might have gotten affected, too. That’s why Ishida-kun trained alone. He has learned to control it so perfectly in just ten days training by himself. Ishida-kun is so strong. What have I been doing these in those ten days? I don’t feel any stronger at all…
(Chapter 92)
In the anime an extra scene was added to Orihime’s thoughts. While Orihime is thinking about Ishida she is watching him walk in front of her. In the anime she stumbles and starts to fall. Ishida, very smoothly, reaches his hand out and catches her as he keeps her from falling over. She thanks him but Ishida just brushes it off as he does everything else. Orihime continues her thoughts and Ishida notices her serious face. He stops and spaz dances in front of her as he asks her if she was injured during the fight. Orihime does a spaz dance of her own and assures him she’s fine.
The anime also adds a scene during the Ichigo and Renji rematch in which Ishida and Orihime overhear a group of Shinigami mention that Renji has encountered one of the drifters. Ishida goes into thought as he remembers his own defeat at the hands of Renji during Rukia’s arrest. Ishida’s thoughts are interrupted by Shonou and Ayame (who form Orihime’s inner shield) and ask if he’s okay. Orihime is mistakes his deep concentration face for his a look of pain and offers to heal wounds he might have gotten from his fight with Ziroubou.
Let’s All Join the Gotei 13! [Don’t Mess with the ‘Hime]
We don’t see Ishida and Orihime in the story for a while as the storyline spends a bit of time focusing on Ichigo and Rukia, but the dorky twosome reappear in chapter 119 with a few more hints and a wardrobe change.
A group of Shinigami are looking still looking for the intruders when they encounter the two newest members of the Gotei 13 - Ishida Uryuu and Inoue Orihime? One of the Shinigami in the group decides to hit on Orihime but Ishida stands between them and suggests that the seated officer should stick to his duty. The seated officer is then called to by the group and runs off yelling at Ishida about feeling his wrath. Orihime thanks Ishida and he once again brushes it off but he seems to be just a bit embarrassed this time.
Orihime then congratulates herself on her brilliant idea. (And Ishida gives her quite the look as the flashback starts.) It seems that Orihime noticed that the only difference between the Shinigami and the two of them are their clothes so the only thing to do it knock out two Shinigami and “borrow” their clothes. Orihime easily handles the Shinigami and casually mentions that she took a few karate lessons from Tatsuki who ranked her at the Shyodon level. (First level black belt.)
With clothing in hand Orihime sets to changing… right in front of Ishida. Ishida stops her before anything can be completely removed and Orihime realizes her flub. She mentions that she thought she was with Tatsuki and builds Ishida a makeshift changing room. Ishida changes behind the screen while Orihime is out there for all of Soul Society to see. Ishida is still a bit shaken by the memory.
Orihime then whips out her notebook and adds to her information on Rukia’s whereabouts. Her thoughts drift to Ichigo however and she asks Ishida if he thinks Ichigo got there okay. Ishida seems to understand Orihime’s feelings toward Ichigo and helps to ease her mind.
Orihime: Kurosaki-kun… he probably got there safely already right?
Ishida: … Yeah… We better hurry up. Kurosaki will probably mess up everything if he rushes in alone. We have to get there and lend him a hand.
Orihime: (bright smile) Mn!
(Chapter 119)
As the two of them walk away trying to decide what division they’ll pretend to be a member of… a very creepy figure emerges from a wall near them.
Can’t Let Her See [Quincy vs. Shinigami: Level Three Release]
Ishida and Orihime are still running around trying to get to the tower where Rukia being held. Ishida inquires about the state of Tsubaki and Orihime tells him it’s hard to heal the little guy than she thought. Orihime apologizes for being useless. Ishida tries to reassure her and his thought sound out.
Orihime: Sorry… I’m so useless…
Ishida: Wh.. What are you saying? Inoue can still use shield and healing! Those are very helpful already!!
Orihime: (weak smile) Thanks…
Ishida (thinking): This may actually be a good thing. If Inoue-san can only defend and heal her chance of being attacked directly is significantly lower. After being with her these few days, I know her very well now… she is completely unsuited for battle! She doesn’t want to hurt anybody… even if it’s the enemy… Someone like that should never be in a battle… She will only become a burden to her comrades and end up hurting herself and her allies.
(Chapter 120)
A slightly drunk Shinigami named Aramaki interrupts Ishida’s thoughts. He asks which division Orihime and Ishida are from and they answer that they’re from the eleventh. Aramaki says he’s from the eleventh division too. Ishida beings to worry as Aramaki grabs Orihime by her robes and points out the twelfth division symbol inside her robes. Ishida prepares for battle but a group of Shinigami knock Aramaki out from behind. They ask Orihime if she’s okay and mention that they’re from the twelfth division as well. This raises Ishida’s suspicions of them. If they’re in the twelfth division… shouldn’t they know that Ishida and Orihime aren’t? Ishida snaps into action yelling for Orihime to get away from them just as an explosion occurs.
The members of the twelfth division that came to their aid are being blown up. One of the Shinigami calls to captain (Kurotsuchi Mayuri) to explain and he coldly tells him that bombs don’t come back. Orihime and Ishida are fine though. Orihime was able to get her shield up just in time. Orihime is obviously shaken as she thanks Ishida for warning her. Ishida tells her that they’re okay thanks to her extra training. She’s now able to call her shield without incantations. Orihime asks about the other three Shinigami and Ishida makes a stand her shield crumbles.
Orihime: What about… the other three?
Ishida: Dead. But Inoue shouldn’t be sad…
[Shield breaks]
Ishida (to Mayuri): The one who should be sad… is you!
(Chapter 121)
Mayuri is very interested in Orihime’s shield. He asks Orihime if she’d like to be his research subject. Ishida tells him they aren’t answering any questions. Orihime still continues to kneel with her head down. Aramaki notices that she’s crying. He wonders if she’s scared but comments that if she were scared she wouldn’t have risked her life by moving from behind the shield to save him. Mayuri is still making offers to Orihime about becoming his research subject so Ishida has no other choice but to take action. He prepares his bow and points it at Mayuri. Mayuri notices that he’s a Quincy and says that he’s finished studying them and has no interest in Ishida.
Ishida tells Orihime to run but Orihime wants to stay and fight. Ishida then tells Aramaki to take Orihime and run or he’ll shoot him. Aramaki doesn’t want to be shot so he grabs Orihime and runs off with her. Mayuri asks them who said they could run away and shoots his arm out to catch them. Ishida severs the extended arm and asks who said he could chase them. Aramaki is still running with Orihime while she struggles to get away. She needs to go and save Ishida. Aramaki won’t let her go though even when she bites into his shoulder. He knows he doesn’t want to get involved with Mayuri or get shot by Ishida so he knock Orihime out but he’s not sure where to go with her.
Ishida then enters an amazing battle with Mayuri. I won’t ruin it by trying to describe it, as I believe it is the best battle of the Soul Society arc and of Bleach in general. I’ll just hit the high points. Nothing I could say could do this battle justice. You should really check it out in the manga. (I say manga because anime isn’t there yet.)
Mayuri just wants to hunt down Orihime and study her so he decides to make quick work of Ishida. He releases his Zanpaktou. Ishida decides not to take the time to figure out its abilities and prepares a shot, but at the last moment Mayuri’s companion (a quiet female Shinigami named Nemu) moves in front of him. Ishida struggles with Nemu when he sees Mayuri line up his shot. Mayuri stabs through Nemu and into Ishida. Ishida is baffled that Mayuri would sacrifice his companion. Nemu is then revealed to be the daughter that Mayuri created as he puts Nemu through some rough family bonding in front of Ishida.
Ishida tries to move to stop Mayuri but he notices that he can’t move his arms. Mayuri tells him that his Zanpaktou’s ability is to create a poison that stops the neural connections that transfer mobility to a person’s arms and legs but it doesn’t affect their ability to feel pain. He then proceeds to stab Ishida in the arm causing his to cry in out in extreme pain. Mayuri once again turns to Nemu and attempts to hurt her but Ishida cries out for him to stop. Mayuri asks him if defend a female if part of the “Quincy Pride.” Mayuri then admits that he did extensive study on the Quincy with horrific torture and that all the Quincy muttered about the “Quincy Pride” until they died.
Mayuri then tells Ishida that he had to bride Shinigami to be late rescuing them so that he could study all of the Quincy. He mentions that the last Quincy he received was a “dirty old man that kept screaming for his grandson or his student” and that it was disgusting. He then shows Ishida a picture of the old man after he finished studying him. A horrific image is reflected in Ishida’s eyes and the pieces fall into place for him. Mayuri mentions that he couldn’t remember the name the man called but Ishida quickly reminds him. Even though there is a poison in his body Ishida stands brimming with anger as he prepares to take down Mayuri.
Ishida: Thankfully Inoue-san isn’t here… because I can’t let her see this fight… I swear on the Pride of the Quincy… I will kill you.
(Chapter 123)
I’ll stop there because the climax of the battle can’t be put into words. Plus… this isn’t just about Ishida.
Intuition Kicks In [Understanding and Saying Goodbye]
After the amazing Ishida and Mayuri battle the story shifts again as other characters get more focus. Ishida was seriously wounded after his battle with Mayuri and rendered powerless as his spirit energy was stripped during the fight. He was captured and taken to the fourth division, healed, and put in prison where he was reunited with Chad and Ganjyu. Aramaki was unsure of what to do with Orihime so he took her to his captain, Zaraki Kenpachi, who decided to help Orihime because she was a friend of Ichigo. (Ichigo beat the unbeatable Kenpachi earlier in the story and now all Kenpachi wants is a rematch.) Kenpachi helped Orihime bust Ishida and the others out of prison. Meanwhile Ichigo has managed to stop Rukia’s execution and passed her off to Renji who left to take her to safety. All of the captains are caught up in their own scuffles and Ichigo and Byakuya are left to battle on the hill. Ishida, Orihime, Chad, and Ganjyu attempt to climb the hill only to find it blocked off. The immense spirit energy from Byakuya and Ichigo threaten to blast them back down the hill. Ishida suggest that maybe they should back up but Orihime won’t budge. Ishida’s thoughts ring out as he comes to understand Orihime.
Ishida: It’s better if we stay away Inoue-san. Even if we stay here, we…
Orihime: Thank you, Ishida-kun, but sorry… I want to stay here.
Ishida (thinking): She understands. Even though she wants to help Kurosaki, she’ll only hinder him and even if there’s something she can do to help Kurosaki will not want that. She understands all of this, but she’s holding her body steady despite this deathly atmosphere and waits. Just praying for your safety. Just believing in your victory. Don’t lose, Kurosaki. Because if you lose… I will never forgive you.
(Chapter 164)
Following the events of Rukia’s execution and the revelation of betrayal and conspiracy, Rukia was given a pardon and drifters were allowed to freely move within Soul Society while their wounds healed. Ishida used the time to make clothes for everyone. He remakes all of the clothing everyone was wearing when they entered Soul Society with a few Quincy-like modifications. He also makes a cute dress for Rukia so she’ll have something to wear when she returns with them. Orihime offers to deliver the dress to Rukia and along the way her “woman’s intuition” kicks in. She concludes that because Ishida was able to make such a cute dress for Rukia (even though he took the time so sew lace onto her shirt) means that he has a secret crush on her. However the box in the panel with her tells us she’s way off. However Rukia decides not to return with them. Before they depart Orihime pushes the dress into Rukia’s hands and tells her it’s a gift from Ishida and she should take care of it. Rukia is slightly confused but agrees. And with a round of goodbyes Ishida, Orihime, Ichigo, and Chad return to the human world.
School Days [Powerless Future?]
The gang returns to the human world and are picked up by Urahara. After some apologizing he takes them to their homes. Ishida is the first to get off and Ichigo tells him goodbye and that he’ll contact him if something comes up. Ishida tells him that they’re still enemies and departs. Ichigo is annoyed but Orihime understands.
Orihime: He’s not honest with himself.
Ichigo: Yeah, seriously!
Orihime: Well, that’s a good trait of Ishida-kun’s.
Ichigo: You think so?
(Chapter 182)
School resumes soon after and things slowly start to return to normal. Orihime is still bright and cheerful and Ishida is still short and snippy with Ichigo, but now the four of them are hanging out together (much to the utter confusion of Ichigo’s friend Keigo.) During class Ichigo gets the call to deal with a Hollow and rushes out of class with Chad and Orihime on their heels. While they’re on the street Ichigo inquires on Ishida’s whereabouts. Orihime tells them that he hasn’t been feeling well.
Orihime: Ishida-kun… hasn’t been feeling well.
Ichigo: What? Really?
Orihime: Yeah. For a while, even before coming back from Soul Society…
Ichigo (to Chad): Did you notice?
Chad: …No…
Orihime: Maybe he didn’t want you guys to notice… Ishida-kun is probably… he doesn’t like those things to be known by other people…
(Chapter 183)
Currently Ishida has lost all of his Quincy powers. He was able to conserve some of his powers using Quincy methods, which he demonstrated during a fight with a Hollow in chapter 185. However Ishida was saved by his father, Ryuuken, and belittled for losing his powers. Ryuuken told Ishida that he wasn’t meant for the Quincy, but he had a way to return his power to him on one condition - never get involved with Shinigami again. We still haven’t went back to Ishida and his father but if Ishida does take his father’s offer Ishida will most likely distance himself from Ichigo and everyone once again.
You Get Me [Why They Work]
I feel that out of all the Bleach pairings that are out there… Ishida and Orihime have the best chance of success. They just fit together. Ishida is this tightly wound ball of dork. He’s constantly on guard to keep up his cool image and several times in both the manga and the anime Orihime is able to surprise him with just her normal actions. Orihime is able to see under that layer of cool to his real thoughts. She knew he was lying about not wanting to save Rukia and she knows that every time he blows off his actions as “nothing” that he doesn’t mean it. During the time they spent in Soul Society both of them evolved and came back changed people.
They also have quite a lot in common. Both are members of the handicrafts club and both are quite intelligent. (Orihime ranked third in the freshman class on her final exam while Ishida came in first.) She also shares something with Ishida that she feels connects her to Ichigo - the loss of their number one person. Orihime was taken by her brother from their abusive home when she just a baby. He raised her until his death. Ishida’s father is very distant and therefore he spent a lot of time with his grandfather learning the way of the Quincy. Both lost their number one person when they were young. Both carried some amount of guilt over the death. (Orihime fought with her brother the night before and didn’t tell him goodbye when he departed for work on the morning he died and Ishida didn’t step in to help his grandfather when Hollows attacked him.)
Basically… they just fit together.
Dorks Love is a Beautiful Thing [Why I Love IshiHime]
The Ishida/Orihime pairing was one that grew on me. I wasn’t a big fan of Ishida when he was introduced in the story, but somewhere around the time he defended Orihime from Ziroubou I really started liking his character. I thought “wouldn’t it be cute if they got together?” From there I was more open to the pairing but I didn’t fall head over heels for them until the costume change into Shinigami clothing. There was just something about seeing Ishida stand between Orihime and the overly friendly Shinigami that made me love them as a pairing. Ishida and Orihime is just a great example of “the geek gets the girl.” Even though Orihime still has feelings for Ichigo there is definitely some kind of strong feeling for Ishida. I think that once she moves on from Ichigo she’ll find the feelings for Ishida underneath.
More IshiHime? [The Fandom]
Links:
ishihime
Chemical Romance -- Official fanlisting
Fanfiction: (pulled from my memories because I'm way behind on fanfics)
Flour In Her Hair
Sky Arching and Shooting the Sky with Flowers; Day and Night
Sitting Downwind From Flowers
Fandom: Bleach
Author: electra_torch
Spoilers: Mild spoilers up to chapter 61 and any chapter between 61 and 186. Heavy spoilers for chapter 91-92; 120-130ish; 180-183. Heavy Ishida-centric spoilers for chapter 184-186
Notes:
- Names are written Family Name, Given Name
- Even though I call Orihime by her first name... I always call Ishida by his last name. I tried to break habit and call him Uryuu for this... it just didn't work out.
- Quotes taken from scanlations so they may not be exactly the same as the VIZ version.
- I am sorry for the latness. It slipped my mind.
- This was proofread twice around midnight so there may be a fe errors here and there. Sorry.
The Geek Gets the Girl -- Ishida Uryuu x Inoue Orihime
Things to Know:
Bleach - Created by Kubo Tite, Bleach is the story of high school student turned Shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo. The manga has been running in Shounen Jump Japan for well over three years now. The manga has also been adapted into an anime, which premiered on October 5, 2004. The manga has been licensed by VIZ and is running in Shounen Jump USA. Seven volumes of the manga have been released by VIZ with the eighth coming in August. The anime is currently unlicensed in the US.
Shinigami (Soul Reaper) - Black-clad, spiritual beings that help souls cross to the other side.
Soul Society - The place were all spirits go when they cross over. All souls and Shinigami live in Soul Society. Normal souls live in the Rukongai while the Shinigami live in the Seireitei. A large wall, four gatekeepers, and a barrier that keeps spiritual energy from entering it protect the Seireitei.
Gotei 13 - The military like organization that Shinigami work for.
Zanpaktou (Soul Slayer/Cutter) - The swords that the Shinigami carry. It is used to purify Hollows and assist souls in crossing to Soul Society.) Every sword has a name and special ability. They have two levels of release the standard release happens when the sword’s name is called. The ban release happens is the second level of release and is a requirement to become a captain in the Gotei 13. Can increase the Shinigami’s strength 5-10 times its current state.)
Hollow - Hollows are “fallen souls” that attack both the living and the dead and consume them. Hollows are formed when a soul’s heart becomes empty. They consume to ease their pain and suffering. Shinigami purify Hollows and allow them to cross peacefully into Soul Society.
Quincy - The Quincy are a group of humans who were related to magic hunters that specialized in destroying Hollows. The Quincy sought to completely destroy the Hollow instead of purifying them. Two hundred years ago, after numerous of appeals from the Shinigami to Quincy, in order to preserve the balance of the human world and the spirit world the Shinigami made the decision to wipe out the Quincy.
Shun Shun Rikka - The Shield of Six Dancing Flowers is the name given to Orihime’s spiritual powers. The Shun Shun Rikka is made up of six tiny, fairy-like people who form shields in order to defend, heal, and fight in order to protect Orihime. When the Shun Shun Rikka is not in use they spend their time as Orihime’s hairpins.
Abilities of the Shun Shun Rikka: (activated by calling the name of the shield and saying “I repel thee”)
Santen Kesshun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly Trio) - The Outer Shield formed by Hinagiku, Baigon, and Lily; Raised between Orihime and the enemy, it repels the attacks she receives.
Santen Kishun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly Duo) - The Inner Shield formed by Shonou and Ayame; Placed inside an limited area and reverts it to it’s state before damage.
Santen Zanshun (Combined Shield of the Heavenly One) - Formed by Tsubaki; Has the ability to repel both sides of the shield. It enters the enemy and forms a shield inside it thus splitting the enemy in two.
The Princess and the Archer [Just the Facts]
Inoue Orihime
- Born September 3
- Her brother, Sora, died three years ago. It is unknown if her parents are still alive.
- Best friend is Tatsuki.
- Member of the Karakura High School Handicrafts Club with Ishida
- Has a crush on Ichigo.
- Signature markings include two silver hairpins.
Orihime is genuinely happy girl. She zones out from time to time, but she has a pretty good understanding of her friends and the things that go on around her. Orihime knows her faults but doesn’t let them get her down. She’s loyal to her friends and there when they need her to be. Her brother died three years ago in a car accident. Shortly after Ichigo became a Shinigami her brother returned as a Hollow and set out to kill her to ease his loneliness. Orihime used her love and kindness and reach out to her brother and allowed him break free of the darkness within him. A few weeks later during the frenzy caused by Ishida releasing Hollow bait, Orihime’s spiritual powers that were awakened by contact with Ichigo were released with full force to defend Tatsuki from a Hollow.
Ishida Uryuu
- Born on November 11
- His grandfather died while he was still a child. His father currently works as a doctor and dislikes the Quincy lifestyle. His mother’s status in unknown.
- Member of the Karakura High School Handicrafts Club with Orihime.
- His mid-term exam tied for first among freshmen at Karakura High. His final exam scores placed him in first.
- Hates buttons
- Signature markings include glasses.
Ishida is a dork in disguise. On the surface he tries to act cool and reserved but on the inside he’s a total dork. Ishida has a tendency to spaz out over things. He also tends to pass his actions off as “nothing.” His grandfather taught him everything he knows about the Quincy and still highly respects his teachings. A Hollow killed Ishida’s grandfather when the Shinigami who were supposed to arrive to handle it arrived late. Ishida blamed the Shinigami and wanted to prove himself to them but soon realized his own faults and accepted them.
Enter the Soul Society [Rukia Rescue Team: Assemble!]
Rukia has been arrested and taken back to Soul Society. She’s been scheduled for execution in thirty days.
Everyone in the human world has forgotten that Kuchiki Rukia ever existed.
Ichigo has lost his Shinigami powers. After being left for dead in street Urahara finds and offers to train him to go to Soul Society to rescue Rukia.
Yoruichi offers to train Chad and Orihime so that they can hone their powers and accompany Ichigo to Soul Society.
After accepting Yoruichi’s offer, Orihime and Chad decide that if they’re going to train they might as well ask Ishida to join them. They find him secluded in the woods and make their offer. Even though Orihime makes a nice offer to train together so they can all save Rukia, Ishida declines. He admits that he wants to train on his own and never thought of saving Rukia, he just can’t forgive himself for losing to a Shinigami. (The reader however knows that Ishida is lying. He told Urahara to treat the wounds Byakuya inflicted on Ichigo because Ichigo is the only one who can save Rukia.) Yoruichi tells them that Ishida has no will to go to Soul Society and leave him be. Orihime seems to see something underneath that no one else does though and thus the pairing gets its first moment.
Orihime: Ishida-kun… if you ever change your mind, tell me any time, okay? I’ll be waiting for you.
[She leaves]
Ishida: Inoue-san… I’m sorry… however this training cannot be allowed to be seen by anyone.
(Chapter 61)
And so our four young heroes set off on ten days of intense training in preparation of heading to Soul Society.
Once all preparations have been made nearly a month after Rukia’s arrest, Urahara calls the group to his shop so they can depart. Orihime and Ichigo run into each other on the way and they find Chad waiting for them when they arrive. Ichigo inquires about whether or not Ishida will show up and go with them. Orihime tells them to wait but Chad thinks that it would be better if Ishida doesn’t show up because he feels he’s the weakest link in the group. This upsets Orihime a bit but Ishida shows up ready to prove his strength to everyone. Orihime beams and thanks him for coming but Ishida assures her that he’s coming for his own reasons - not because he wants to save Rukia. Urahara then takes them under his shop and bids them farewell as Yoruichi leads the four to Soul Society.
Tattoos on the Sky [Breaking the Barrier]
The gang encounters a few setbacks once they arrive in Soul Society. First they run into a giant gate, which separates the Rukongai from the Seireitei, and it’s giant gatekeeper, Jidanbou, who battles with Ichigo. Ichigo defeats him and Jidanbou agrees to open the gate, but the gang finds a nasty surprise waiting for them. Ichimaru Gin, captain of the third division of the Gotei 13, arrives and slices off Jidanbou’s arm. He informs the gatekeeper that he isn’t allowed to decide who enters the gate. Ichigo’s temper gets the best of him and he rushes Gin. Gin easily holds off him and blasts him backwards into Jidanbou and the gates closes in front of them. The villagers see Ichigo defending Jidanbou and take in the group for the night. Orihime takes on the task of using her inner shield to reattach the big man’s arm while Chad is reunited with an old friend. That night Yoruichi tells them the new plan - if they can’t use the gate to in then won’t use it. Everyone is a little worried about this but Ganjyu, the self-proclaimed number one hater of Shinigami in the West Alley, shows up and picks a fight with Ichigo before running off at the stroke of nine. The next morning Ichigo refuses to leave because he’s waiting to finish his fight with Ganjyu, but after being clawed into shape by Yoruichi they all set off to find the person called Shiba Kuukaku.
The gang ventures to an almost deserted part of the alley and arrive as Shiba Kuukaku’s very flashy house. Ishida notices a giant chimney rising out of the back of the house but two guards interrupt his thoughts. They recognize Yoruichi and grant them entrance into the Shiba home. They meet Kuukaku (who much to everyone’s shock is a very attractive, very aggressive woman) who agrees to help the group if she can send of her men along with them. Yoruichi agrees and Kuukaku calls for her younger brother who is none other than Ganjyu. The fight restarts but Kuukaku quickly puts an end to it. She then explains how she plans to send the gang into the Seireitei. By using the giant cannon (known as the Kuukaku Cannon) behind her house she plans to send them up like fireworks and into the Seireitei. (She is the first class fireworks master.) Kuukaku gives them a Reisyukaku and explains that when they push their spiritual energy into it will create a hard shell around them so they can break though the barrier surrounding the Seireitei and sends them off to train. Everyone picks it up easily except for Ichigo who is failing miserably. The group is given a dinner break and Ichigo tells them to go one with him. Orihime wants to stay behind with Ichigo but he asks her nicely and she leaves with Ishida and Chad. The three have a nice dinner but Ishida notices that Orihime barely touched her food. Orihime assures him she’s totally full even though her stomach is growling and she confesses she wants to save some for Ichigo. They’re interrupted by Ichigo’s immense spirit energy that he’s pouring into the Reisyukaku.
The group and Ganjyu are ready to go as Kuukaku prepares the cannon. The gang enters the cannon and prepare their cannonball. At the break of dawn the cannon fires and the group is launched into the sky. The cannonball crashes into the barrier around the Seireitei and dissolves. A large tornado and Yoruichi tells them to hang on to the person closest to them. Ichigo and Ganjyu end up together with Yoruichi on Ichigo’s shoulder. Chad catches Orihime and reaches out for Ishida but just misses him. Chad tosses Orihime behind him and reaches Ishida. He then launches Ishida toward Orihime and falls too far away for anyone to reach him. Ichigo holds Ganjyu and Orihime holds Ishida as they reach out for each other but don’t connect as they split off in four directions. Orihime uses her outer shield to soften the landing as the group lands down in the Seireitei.
First Aid and First Conflict - First Signs of Romance? [Quincy vs. Shinigami Redux]
Ishida and Orihime have landed in Soul Society and Orihime is having a nice little dream about Ichigo when she suddenly moves and notices her sore shoulder. (Note: In the anime this scene between them is a bit cuter as Orihime gets up and slams her head into Ishida’s face.) Orihime notices Ishida and he apologizes for not being Ichigo. Orihime’s shoulder has been bandage and Ishida tells her she landed on it and he was only able to bandage it with his first aid kit but he didn’t bring painkillers. Ishida feels bad because Orihime was injured protecting him but Orihime makes him feel better.
Ishida: I’m sorry… you got hurt because you were trying to protect me. If you were alone, you probably wouldn’t have gotten hurt…
Orihime: Really? I’m kind of clumsy so I think I would have gotten hurt either way. Plus if Ishida-kun wasn’t with me, nobody would have taken care of my wound! I would’ve gotten anemia from the lost of blood and would’ve been unable to move!
(Chapter 86)
They then decide to move on.
The two keep moving and duck for cover from one of the captains. Ishida is unsure on which way to go but Orihime sees a tower and someone else sees Orihime as a target. A Shinigami named Ziroubou attacks Orihime but Ishida moves quickly and pulls Orihime to safety. Orihime thanks Ishida and tells him she’s fine. Her thoughts about him ring out…
Orihime (thinking): Thought so… Ishida’s expression is totally different than before. The move just now is not to be underestimated. Suddenly Ishida was out of my eyesight… when I found out, he already saved me. He has changed so much even when facing a Shinigami. Just like Yoruichi-san said. Ishida is a Quincy. To him, right now, Shinigami are probably enemies.
(Chapter 91)
Ziroubou is ready to attack again and Orihime calls out Tsubaki, but the little guy is swatted down. Concerned, Orihime checks on Tsubaki but Ziroubou uses this moment to approach Orihime from behind and attempt another attack on her however a bolt comes from beside them as Ishida strikes his sword away from her. Orihime notices that Ishida’s Quincy bow has changed and comments on his training alone and Ziroubou recognizes Ishida as a Quincy. Ziroubou releases his Zanpaktou and it creates dozens of small spinning blades. Ishida wastes no time shoot them all down. Ziroubou attempts to sheath his sword in order to regain his blades but Ishida stops him. Orihime marvels at Ishida’s gain in strength as Ziroubou once again attempts to attack Orihime once again. Ishida quickly stands between them and fires a shot directly into him ending the fight. Orihime thanks Ishida but he responds in the normal fashion.
Orihime: Thank you… Ishida-kun.
Ishida: It-it was nothing. No need to thank me…
Orihime: I think you did great!
(Chapter 92)
Orihime inquires if Ziroubou is dead and Ishida tells her he’s cut off all his spirit energy. Orihime’s thoughts sound out once again.
Orihime (thinking):Yoruichi-san once said “A Quincy fights by gathering the spiritual energy from their surroundings.” So the glove that he uses must greatly his ability to gather spirit energy from his surroundings. If that artifact is too strong and he couldn’t control it… we might have gotten affected, too. That’s why Ishida-kun trained alone. He has learned to control it so perfectly in just ten days training by himself. Ishida-kun is so strong. What have I been doing these in those ten days? I don’t feel any stronger at all…
(Chapter 92)
In the anime an extra scene was added to Orihime’s thoughts. While Orihime is thinking about Ishida she is watching him walk in front of her. In the anime she stumbles and starts to fall. Ishida, very smoothly, reaches his hand out and catches her as he keeps her from falling over. She thanks him but Ishida just brushes it off as he does everything else. Orihime continues her thoughts and Ishida notices her serious face. He stops and spaz dances in front of her as he asks her if she was injured during the fight. Orihime does a spaz dance of her own and assures him she’s fine.
The anime also adds a scene during the Ichigo and Renji rematch in which Ishida and Orihime overhear a group of Shinigami mention that Renji has encountered one of the drifters. Ishida goes into thought as he remembers his own defeat at the hands of Renji during Rukia’s arrest. Ishida’s thoughts are interrupted by Shonou and Ayame (who form Orihime’s inner shield) and ask if he’s okay. Orihime is mistakes his deep concentration face for his a look of pain and offers to heal wounds he might have gotten from his fight with Ziroubou.
Let’s All Join the Gotei 13! [Don’t Mess with the ‘Hime]
We don’t see Ishida and Orihime in the story for a while as the storyline spends a bit of time focusing on Ichigo and Rukia, but the dorky twosome reappear in chapter 119 with a few more hints and a wardrobe change.
A group of Shinigami are looking still looking for the intruders when they encounter the two newest members of the Gotei 13 - Ishida Uryuu and Inoue Orihime? One of the Shinigami in the group decides to hit on Orihime but Ishida stands between them and suggests that the seated officer should stick to his duty. The seated officer is then called to by the group and runs off yelling at Ishida about feeling his wrath. Orihime thanks Ishida and he once again brushes it off but he seems to be just a bit embarrassed this time.
Orihime then congratulates herself on her brilliant idea. (And Ishida gives her quite the look as the flashback starts.) It seems that Orihime noticed that the only difference between the Shinigami and the two of them are their clothes so the only thing to do it knock out two Shinigami and “borrow” their clothes. Orihime easily handles the Shinigami and casually mentions that she took a few karate lessons from Tatsuki who ranked her at the Shyodon level. (First level black belt.)
With clothing in hand Orihime sets to changing… right in front of Ishida. Ishida stops her before anything can be completely removed and Orihime realizes her flub. She mentions that she thought she was with Tatsuki and builds Ishida a makeshift changing room. Ishida changes behind the screen while Orihime is out there for all of Soul Society to see. Ishida is still a bit shaken by the memory.
Orihime then whips out her notebook and adds to her information on Rukia’s whereabouts. Her thoughts drift to Ichigo however and she asks Ishida if he thinks Ichigo got there okay. Ishida seems to understand Orihime’s feelings toward Ichigo and helps to ease her mind.
Orihime: Kurosaki-kun… he probably got there safely already right?
Ishida: … Yeah… We better hurry up. Kurosaki will probably mess up everything if he rushes in alone. We have to get there and lend him a hand.
Orihime: (bright smile) Mn!
(Chapter 119)
As the two of them walk away trying to decide what division they’ll pretend to be a member of… a very creepy figure emerges from a wall near them.
Can’t Let Her See [Quincy vs. Shinigami: Level Three Release]
Ishida and Orihime are still running around trying to get to the tower where Rukia being held. Ishida inquires about the state of Tsubaki and Orihime tells him it’s hard to heal the little guy than she thought. Orihime apologizes for being useless. Ishida tries to reassure her and his thought sound out.
Orihime: Sorry… I’m so useless…
Ishida: Wh.. What are you saying? Inoue can still use shield and healing! Those are very helpful already!!
Orihime: (weak smile) Thanks…
Ishida (thinking): This may actually be a good thing. If Inoue-san can only defend and heal her chance of being attacked directly is significantly lower. After being with her these few days, I know her very well now… she is completely unsuited for battle! She doesn’t want to hurt anybody… even if it’s the enemy… Someone like that should never be in a battle… She will only become a burden to her comrades and end up hurting herself and her allies.
(Chapter 120)
A slightly drunk Shinigami named Aramaki interrupts Ishida’s thoughts. He asks which division Orihime and Ishida are from and they answer that they’re from the eleventh. Aramaki says he’s from the eleventh division too. Ishida beings to worry as Aramaki grabs Orihime by her robes and points out the twelfth division symbol inside her robes. Ishida prepares for battle but a group of Shinigami knock Aramaki out from behind. They ask Orihime if she’s okay and mention that they’re from the twelfth division as well. This raises Ishida’s suspicions of them. If they’re in the twelfth division… shouldn’t they know that Ishida and Orihime aren’t? Ishida snaps into action yelling for Orihime to get away from them just as an explosion occurs.
The members of the twelfth division that came to their aid are being blown up. One of the Shinigami calls to captain (Kurotsuchi Mayuri) to explain and he coldly tells him that bombs don’t come back. Orihime and Ishida are fine though. Orihime was able to get her shield up just in time. Orihime is obviously shaken as she thanks Ishida for warning her. Ishida tells her that they’re okay thanks to her extra training. She’s now able to call her shield without incantations. Orihime asks about the other three Shinigami and Ishida makes a stand her shield crumbles.
Orihime: What about… the other three?
Ishida: Dead. But Inoue shouldn’t be sad…
[Shield breaks]
Ishida (to Mayuri): The one who should be sad… is you!
(Chapter 121)
Mayuri is very interested in Orihime’s shield. He asks Orihime if she’d like to be his research subject. Ishida tells him they aren’t answering any questions. Orihime still continues to kneel with her head down. Aramaki notices that she’s crying. He wonders if she’s scared but comments that if she were scared she wouldn’t have risked her life by moving from behind the shield to save him. Mayuri is still making offers to Orihime about becoming his research subject so Ishida has no other choice but to take action. He prepares his bow and points it at Mayuri. Mayuri notices that he’s a Quincy and says that he’s finished studying them and has no interest in Ishida.
Ishida tells Orihime to run but Orihime wants to stay and fight. Ishida then tells Aramaki to take Orihime and run or he’ll shoot him. Aramaki doesn’t want to be shot so he grabs Orihime and runs off with her. Mayuri asks them who said they could run away and shoots his arm out to catch them. Ishida severs the extended arm and asks who said he could chase them. Aramaki is still running with Orihime while she struggles to get away. She needs to go and save Ishida. Aramaki won’t let her go though even when she bites into his shoulder. He knows he doesn’t want to get involved with Mayuri or get shot by Ishida so he knock Orihime out but he’s not sure where to go with her.
Ishida then enters an amazing battle with Mayuri. I won’t ruin it by trying to describe it, as I believe it is the best battle of the Soul Society arc and of Bleach in general. I’ll just hit the high points. Nothing I could say could do this battle justice. You should really check it out in the manga. (I say manga because anime isn’t there yet.)
Mayuri just wants to hunt down Orihime and study her so he decides to make quick work of Ishida. He releases his Zanpaktou. Ishida decides not to take the time to figure out its abilities and prepares a shot, but at the last moment Mayuri’s companion (a quiet female Shinigami named Nemu) moves in front of him. Ishida struggles with Nemu when he sees Mayuri line up his shot. Mayuri stabs through Nemu and into Ishida. Ishida is baffled that Mayuri would sacrifice his companion. Nemu is then revealed to be the daughter that Mayuri created as he puts Nemu through some rough family bonding in front of Ishida.
Ishida tries to move to stop Mayuri but he notices that he can’t move his arms. Mayuri tells him that his Zanpaktou’s ability is to create a poison that stops the neural connections that transfer mobility to a person’s arms and legs but it doesn’t affect their ability to feel pain. He then proceeds to stab Ishida in the arm causing his to cry in out in extreme pain. Mayuri once again turns to Nemu and attempts to hurt her but Ishida cries out for him to stop. Mayuri asks him if defend a female if part of the “Quincy Pride.” Mayuri then admits that he did extensive study on the Quincy with horrific torture and that all the Quincy muttered about the “Quincy Pride” until they died.
Mayuri then tells Ishida that he had to bride Shinigami to be late rescuing them so that he could study all of the Quincy. He mentions that the last Quincy he received was a “dirty old man that kept screaming for his grandson or his student” and that it was disgusting. He then shows Ishida a picture of the old man after he finished studying him. A horrific image is reflected in Ishida’s eyes and the pieces fall into place for him. Mayuri mentions that he couldn’t remember the name the man called but Ishida quickly reminds him. Even though there is a poison in his body Ishida stands brimming with anger as he prepares to take down Mayuri.
Ishida: Thankfully Inoue-san isn’t here… because I can’t let her see this fight… I swear on the Pride of the Quincy… I will kill you.
(Chapter 123)
I’ll stop there because the climax of the battle can’t be put into words. Plus… this isn’t just about Ishida.
Intuition Kicks In [Understanding and Saying Goodbye]
After the amazing Ishida and Mayuri battle the story shifts again as other characters get more focus. Ishida was seriously wounded after his battle with Mayuri and rendered powerless as his spirit energy was stripped during the fight. He was captured and taken to the fourth division, healed, and put in prison where he was reunited with Chad and Ganjyu. Aramaki was unsure of what to do with Orihime so he took her to his captain, Zaraki Kenpachi, who decided to help Orihime because she was a friend of Ichigo. (Ichigo beat the unbeatable Kenpachi earlier in the story and now all Kenpachi wants is a rematch.) Kenpachi helped Orihime bust Ishida and the others out of prison. Meanwhile Ichigo has managed to stop Rukia’s execution and passed her off to Renji who left to take her to safety. All of the captains are caught up in their own scuffles and Ichigo and Byakuya are left to battle on the hill. Ishida, Orihime, Chad, and Ganjyu attempt to climb the hill only to find it blocked off. The immense spirit energy from Byakuya and Ichigo threaten to blast them back down the hill. Ishida suggest that maybe they should back up but Orihime won’t budge. Ishida’s thoughts ring out as he comes to understand Orihime.
Ishida: It’s better if we stay away Inoue-san. Even if we stay here, we…
Orihime: Thank you, Ishida-kun, but sorry… I want to stay here.
Ishida (thinking): She understands. Even though she wants to help Kurosaki, she’ll only hinder him and even if there’s something she can do to help Kurosaki will not want that. She understands all of this, but she’s holding her body steady despite this deathly atmosphere and waits. Just praying for your safety. Just believing in your victory. Don’t lose, Kurosaki. Because if you lose… I will never forgive you.
(Chapter 164)
Following the events of Rukia’s execution and the revelation of betrayal and conspiracy, Rukia was given a pardon and drifters were allowed to freely move within Soul Society while their wounds healed. Ishida used the time to make clothes for everyone. He remakes all of the clothing everyone was wearing when they entered Soul Society with a few Quincy-like modifications. He also makes a cute dress for Rukia so she’ll have something to wear when she returns with them. Orihime offers to deliver the dress to Rukia and along the way her “woman’s intuition” kicks in. She concludes that because Ishida was able to make such a cute dress for Rukia (even though he took the time so sew lace onto her shirt) means that he has a secret crush on her. However the box in the panel with her tells us she’s way off. However Rukia decides not to return with them. Before they depart Orihime pushes the dress into Rukia’s hands and tells her it’s a gift from Ishida and she should take care of it. Rukia is slightly confused but agrees. And with a round of goodbyes Ishida, Orihime, Ichigo, and Chad return to the human world.
School Days [Powerless Future?]
The gang returns to the human world and are picked up by Urahara. After some apologizing he takes them to their homes. Ishida is the first to get off and Ichigo tells him goodbye and that he’ll contact him if something comes up. Ishida tells him that they’re still enemies and departs. Ichigo is annoyed but Orihime understands.
Orihime: He’s not honest with himself.
Ichigo: Yeah, seriously!
Orihime: Well, that’s a good trait of Ishida-kun’s.
Ichigo: You think so?
(Chapter 182)
School resumes soon after and things slowly start to return to normal. Orihime is still bright and cheerful and Ishida is still short and snippy with Ichigo, but now the four of them are hanging out together (much to the utter confusion of Ichigo’s friend Keigo.) During class Ichigo gets the call to deal with a Hollow and rushes out of class with Chad and Orihime on their heels. While they’re on the street Ichigo inquires on Ishida’s whereabouts. Orihime tells them that he hasn’t been feeling well.
Orihime: Ishida-kun… hasn’t been feeling well.
Ichigo: What? Really?
Orihime: Yeah. For a while, even before coming back from Soul Society…
Ichigo (to Chad): Did you notice?
Chad: …No…
Orihime: Maybe he didn’t want you guys to notice… Ishida-kun is probably… he doesn’t like those things to be known by other people…
(Chapter 183)
Currently Ishida has lost all of his Quincy powers. He was able to conserve some of his powers using Quincy methods, which he demonstrated during a fight with a Hollow in chapter 185. However Ishida was saved by his father, Ryuuken, and belittled for losing his powers. Ryuuken told Ishida that he wasn’t meant for the Quincy, but he had a way to return his power to him on one condition - never get involved with Shinigami again. We still haven’t went back to Ishida and his father but if Ishida does take his father’s offer Ishida will most likely distance himself from Ichigo and everyone once again.
You Get Me [Why They Work]
I feel that out of all the Bleach pairings that are out there… Ishida and Orihime have the best chance of success. They just fit together. Ishida is this tightly wound ball of dork. He’s constantly on guard to keep up his cool image and several times in both the manga and the anime Orihime is able to surprise him with just her normal actions. Orihime is able to see under that layer of cool to his real thoughts. She knew he was lying about not wanting to save Rukia and she knows that every time he blows off his actions as “nothing” that he doesn’t mean it. During the time they spent in Soul Society both of them evolved and came back changed people.
They also have quite a lot in common. Both are members of the handicrafts club and both are quite intelligent. (Orihime ranked third in the freshman class on her final exam while Ishida came in first.) She also shares something with Ishida that she feels connects her to Ichigo - the loss of their number one person. Orihime was taken by her brother from their abusive home when she just a baby. He raised her until his death. Ishida’s father is very distant and therefore he spent a lot of time with his grandfather learning the way of the Quincy. Both lost their number one person when they were young. Both carried some amount of guilt over the death. (Orihime fought with her brother the night before and didn’t tell him goodbye when he departed for work on the morning he died and Ishida didn’t step in to help his grandfather when Hollows attacked him.)
Basically… they just fit together.
Dorks Love is a Beautiful Thing [Why I Love IshiHime]
The Ishida/Orihime pairing was one that grew on me. I wasn’t a big fan of Ishida when he was introduced in the story, but somewhere around the time he defended Orihime from Ziroubou I really started liking his character. I thought “wouldn’t it be cute if they got together?” From there I was more open to the pairing but I didn’t fall head over heels for them until the costume change into Shinigami clothing. There was just something about seeing Ishida stand between Orihime and the overly friendly Shinigami that made me love them as a pairing. Ishida and Orihime is just a great example of “the geek gets the girl.” Even though Orihime still has feelings for Ichigo there is definitely some kind of strong feeling for Ishida. I think that once she moves on from Ichigo she’ll find the feelings for Ishida underneath.
More IshiHime? [The Fandom]
Links:
ishihime
Chemical Romance -- Official fanlisting
Fanfiction: (pulled from my memories because I'm way behind on fanfics)
Flour In Her Hair
Sky Arching and Shooting the Sky with Flowers; Day and Night
Sitting Downwind From Flowers