What If scenarios also make me curious sometimes. Your look at what could have happened between Ryuuken and Uryuu here is very interesting.

It was a very difficult decision to make for Uryuu. The problem with this AU scenario is that without his powers he wouldnt be able to fight with his friends any more. It could even still be true today (at least to some degree) that Uryuu believes he is part of Ichigos group because of his powers. Without them he would lose their friendship. Without them he hasnt got anything worth living for.

Therefore it made more sense to agree to Ryuukens terms. His powers are part of who and what Uryuu is, a Quincy. At least he would still have that.

Moving past that, it is indeed an interesting question why Soken would give Uryuu the Sanrei Glove, knowing that it will kill him.

This AU version shows more than the canon version that Ryuuken cared. The way he pleaded with his son was touching to read.

As I said, it was interesting but definitely AU.

"People don't die for lack of love."

In a way, they do. But somehow it seems that Ryuuken can't see what has happened to him, and what is happening with his son. A part of someone is killed inside when they have no one to care for them back. Pity he could never quite face that.

Why do I get the feeling I know who that other boy might be, even if you gave no description?

In any case, you showed the bitterness here very well.

I enjoyed reading about the beautiful bond between baby Uryuu and his mother. Reading this chapter made me wonder again who Uryuus mother really was and why she has never been mentioned in the manga.

This chapter reflects so very well how close Isshin and Ryuuken are but also that Masaki meant a lot to Ryuuken as well. He looks at her body and the first thing that comes to his mind is that she is still beautiful. Interesting is that his thoughts do not only reflect Masakis physical beauty but also her beauty as a person, as a spirit.

But that beautiful, special spirit is gone and what is left is an empty shell starting to smell of decay and the smell of the being who took her away, who killed her - a Hollow.

I can see that now, just after her death, Isshin is also numb with pain but the difference is, he is talking about it. Even now, Ryuuken is not sharing what is going on inside him.

I can see that Ryuuken wanted to be with his friend. But he didnt want Ichigo to join in. He doesnt want to be reminded of Uryuu right now and how much he looks like his dead mother - I think.

Great chapter! :)

I also have been wondering about that pendant. Maybe I have a valid theory why Ryuuken took it - it became the symbol of the last Quincy. Maybe Ryuuken took it as a symol for his commitment that he will indeed be the last wearer of it but no matter how Ryuukens relationship with his father was, even if he was not really aware of it himself, Ryuuken also did it because Soken was his father.

I love this chapter

very nice

i like this chapter

It is bad enough that Ryuuken is not giving his young son love but at the very least his child should feel safe with him, I very much agree with that.

At least he is getting what his father is not giving him from his grandfather. Otherwise Ryuuken would have destroyed his son in time, I am sure of that, instead of damaging him.

I definitely thought this chapter was wonderfully penned.

Uryuus first attempt at hirenkyaku is very interesting. I would see it the other way round - what he achieved here is remarkable. After reading the descriptions, with the first try Uryuu is taking off, focuses and channels his energies instinctively in the right way. Yes, he needs fine tuning and practise but he unterstood the principle behind hirenkyaku amazingly fast!

Yes, indeed - if Uryuu would have had a teacher it would make a huge difference! I always admired Uryuu for it that he got so far mostly on his own. With proper training and guidance I am sure he would have come even much further.

Entropy also has some lighter chapters but I see what you mean. :)

My daughter was quite a bit older than three-year-old Uryuu when she used the train for the first time but she reacted the same way. Your chapter brought back fond memories. :)

I like this chapter very much. When Uryuu reached one of the lowest points in his life Orihime arrives, coming to help. It made me smile because this is so typical for her! The trouble and determination she went through to be able to find him, it is very touching. :)

I like this conversation. Sometimes Orihime can be surprisingly serious and also this time I felt the connection between them. Her visit definitely helped.

This chapter also shows some of what Orihime and Uryuu have in common. I very much agree with your observations.

Great chapter!

I AM SO GLAD FOR THIS

I was following Entropy for a really long time and... things just haven't been the same since I stopped constantly checking for updates :)