Bleach Episode 221 is out. In the previous episode, we saw Pow get beaten down by Shinigami Captain Komamaru. For this episode, the battle lines are drawn more clearly and we’re given a preview of all the upcoming battles that will happen in Karakura town. Review after the break.

Bleach 221 Plot Synopsis and Review
After a few exchange of words, the Shinigami make their move. Each captain and his/her respective team takes on a group of Arrancar/Espada. Here’s the general list for your reference:

- Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake take on Espada Stark and his Arrancar sidekick.
- Soifon is challenged by Barragan’s Fraccion – Ggio Vega. Omaeda faces Parduoc.
- Hitsugaya Toushiro attacks Espada Halibel.
- Matsumoto faces three Arrancar – Mila Rose, Sunsun, Apache

There’s no real action in the ep except for Matsumoto’s initial attack against the three Arrancar. She uses her released Zanpaktou, covering all three with ashes and begins to attack them. However, the Arrancar are able to break free from the attack using their combined Ceros.

The last battle scene is with Soifon and Vega. Soifon skillfully deflects and counterattacks, sending Vega crashing into a wall. She follows-up the attack with a binding Kidou before she releases her Zanpaktou to finish the job. The episode ends at this point.

Next few episodes will be focused more on Soifon, Omaeda, and Matsumoto. I’ve already read the manga and I’m pretty psyched up to see how this will turn out in animation.