Damen und Herren, ließen uns anfangen! Let’s begin our German lesson (you’ll be seeing a lot of it in this volume)!

Ein! As in one mysterious stranger appears on Ichigo’s bed…

Kurosaki Clinic receives a visit from Ebern, a man decked out in an Arrancar mask and holding an amulet that looks suspiciously like a Quincy's. While not the most competent of henchmen, he gets Ichigo to unleash his bankai, his main reason for goading him into battle. Arrancar or not, Ebern’s moves are something Ichigo’s never seen before, and his motives remain unclear as he flees from battle as quickly as he appeared. 

Sieben maskierte Männer—

While Ichigo puzzles over Ebern, the Soul Society receives its own unwanted visit. Captain General Genryusai is threatened by seven mysterious masked figures. Their visit lasts less than ten minutes, yet in that time they inflict utter destruction and strike a traumatizing blow to the Soul Reapers. If they can rile up Genryusai, we know they’re serious trouble (and not the Taylor Swift kind).

Invasion… (It's the same in German as it is in English!)

We find out that Ichigo’s been targeted by these new rapscallions as a “special talent,” and they’ve got their eyes on him—in fact, everyone does, friend and foe alike! In a surprising reappearance, a distressed Nel finds Ichigo and drags him and the gang to Hueco Mundo to take on the hunters of the nefarious new group. In Hueco Mundo they've become an invading army rounding up Arrancars like cattle. Their cold brutality is witnessed as they ruthlessly cut down both friend and foe.  

A chilling challenge is decreed against the Soul Society. The invading army possesses a terrifying ability that gives them the upper hand against Soul Reapers, and they’re making their presence known in both Karakura Town and Hueco Mundo. If you thought Aizen was bad, just wait until you see these German spouting scoundrels. Jawohl!

This is the beginning of the end for Bleach! Kubo's final arc is set up in this volume, and we get introduced to an awesome new group of villains. The German is a great touch: How do you make a bad guy even worse? Have him threaten you in Deutsch! Frightening! It was also great seeing Genryusai in action- his strength is illustrated flawlessly as he remains fearless while being threatened, outnumbered and caught by surprise. Ichigo's come a long way, and this volume really shows how others have come to rely on his strength and courage. 

Does Ichigo stand a chance against these new villians? Dive into Bleach volume 55 to find out!

by Cat Rechsteiner