This episode was nice, I enjoyed it. Like I said before Zaraki being killed by Ichinose was but a faint dream. I knew that he wouldn't dissappoint, that damn sikey haired bastard.

Ichinose did have his moment in the sun and it was about time that moment ended. I must say I understand his reasoning but I dispised his character, he was selfish and a spoiled child. A misguided child, ready to be someone else's tool that forge his own way of living. He even denied his true identity (shinigami) and sort to be something else. He was weak, not only in strength but also in will power. I do feel for him, his master/ idol being killed infront of his eyes and all. But I dislike the fact that he made a mockery of what his master was a part off by trying to destroy it. What a fool.

This episode re-enforced my views of Zaraki. He is just so damn cool. He is what he is and nothing more, and he has more of a brain that you give him credit for, and alot more compassionate. Not to mention that he is just so damn powerful, I can't wait to see what he would be like when he can actually become one with his sword, that would be just so damn cool. The blood lust and purity of battle that is reflected in his character is admirable. He is one of my favorite characters in the show after all.

Episode 98 really have shown us how weak Ichigo has become or rather unfocused and weak willed. I hope the old Ichigo shows up sometime soon. As far as Urahara being lazy and teaching Ichigo nothing, that is just a load of bull. What he has taught Ichigo is resolve and experience in battle. Ichigo was lacking in both. Lets face it, Ichigo is nothing more that a brut with a good heart and instincts, ( this is over simplifying it, but I think it serves the intended purpose) teaching him the use of spells (kudo (sp)) would be a waste of time. Lets not forget that Ichigo cannot control his spirit energy which is required in the use of spells, until he can do that I think spells his beyond his reach. But it would be cool to see what would happened if he tried.

With all that being said, this episode was awsome, and a filler it indeed was. I am glad that they didn't draw this out more that they had too, that would taking alot of impact out of it. Even the momentary comedic pause was really entertaining. Yachiru and Orihime, just priceless.