#one person in the chat said he's basically reliving the events in the mines as he stays in the manor. because he believes he'll win big

[jils-things]

the immense rage i felt while watching this entire scene go down was so strong. the gall to find joy in someone's misery, misery that cant even be stopped by them even if they wanted to change it. i feel so sad for him seeing this go down

if u need like... a brief explanation on what happened, heres how it went

these two miners probably knew that he gets so excitable when he sees money, so one of them throws a coin to catch his attention which he does, and nor.ton desperately tries to catch it. the coin lands on one miner and they step on the coin and they laugh at him as he tries to lift his foot up and then they continue to toss the coin around until they were done with him :((((((((((( he keeps the coin but you can already understand how hes feeling there :(

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Kiro’s Treasure Date (Eng Translation)

��� Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

Note: A bullet-point summary, but important scenes have detailed translations!

I think @kudoriee will enjoy this :>

The birthday event basically talks about how KEY likes leaving Kiro puzzles. On one particular day, Kiro solves a pretty tough puzzle which leads him to the amusement park

At first, he thinks he solved the puzzle wrongly because he doesn’t see KEY around, but the amusement park starts blasting birthday music

KEY literally hacked into the system

He appears, and the two of them have wholesome fun

Kiro asks why KEY played birthday music

Baby Kiro doesn’t know when his birthday is...

He literally asks, “Why is it my birthday today?”

And KEY says that since Kiro had so much fun today, they might as well consider it Kiro’s birthday (T口T)

KEY: Kiro, you must definitely remember this date. I might not spend every 9 April with you, but I hope that when this day arrives each year, you will spend it next to someone you like, and who likes you.

Kiro: A person I like and who likes me... will they always be by my side?

KEY: Of course. Because Kiro is the most amazing and most adorable kid in the world.

Kiro: Mm! Oh, when little kids have birthdays, they eat cake and make wishes.

KEY: Pff, you really only know how to eat. Come, let’s go have a birthday cake. 

For his school homework, Kiro is supposed to draw his idea of a home. He draws it (further details will be in the date), but feels that something is missing

He draws a small white bunny next to his name.

Even though he has never owned a rabbit, he knows that there’s a little rabbit waiting for him in a corner of the world.

He repeats the same wish he made the day before.

“Welcome to my home,” Kiro says softly.

The actual date begins with MC in the office, with Kiki wondering what she’s doing there since she was supposed to be celebrating Kiro’s birthday

Turns out Kiro gave her a map with a set of hints to find clues, and the first stop is the office

Kiro gives her a phone call and helps her find the clue, which leads her to a department store

She retrieves a hotel card from a locker in the department store

At the hotel, she sees Savin stationed downstairs because Kiro was afraid MC wouldn’t be able to find the location

Kiro is in the hotel room preparing for a live broadcast

MC gives him his birthday gift, but he decides to wait till after the live broadcast before opening it together with her

In her hotel room next door, she finds her favourite tidbits on the table, and a set of sleeping attire (a pink rabbit pyjama set).

There’s also a note at the side which reads: “The treasure hunt has been tough on you! Miss Chips, have something to eat and have a nice bath, then rest for a while (° ▽ °*) ”

She watches the livestream in her room

The livestream has a candle-blowing segment, wish-making segment, and Kiro even sings a few songs for his fans

MC leaves a comment, asking if Kiro had any memorable birthdays in his childhood

Surprisingly, Kiro catches the comment

Kiro: When I was young, I had a very cool “boss”, who was also my guardian. He liked giving me all types of puzzles to solve.

Kiro: You’re wondering what kind of prizes I'd get after solving them? Back then, it was sweets and biscuits of course.

Kiro: However, there was one extremely difficult puzzle! I thought about it for a very long time before finding the answer in music. 

He plucks at the strings and plays a short, lively tune. 

Kiro: You should have all heard this before. It was the background music of an amusement park near my house when I was younger. This incredibly cute song was like a signal between me and my boss.

Kiro: As expected, when I ran to the amusement park, he was there waiting for me. And that day... was also my birthday. Reliving happy memories while solving puzzles is something my boss taught me.

Kiro: After spending an extremely~ happy day in the amusement park, I still remembered to finish my homework the next day!

Kiro: The homework was a drawing, and I drew the home in my heart. In my home, there’s a flower field. Within it, there are people who like me, and whom I like, all surrounding me, listening to me sing. This is what I think of as my happiest and most blessed thing. 

Seeing the screen filled with “What an interesting birthday!” “Childhood Kiro was a small genius too!”, I bite my lower lip.

I retrieve the stack of neat maps from my pocket, a tightening sensation in my chest. 

I know that what he said about puzzles and signals was meant for the person across the wall - me. 

He gave me a puzzle on his birthday. The important thing wasn’t the answer, but the key to memories. Every location on this map hides precious memories that Kiro and I shared. 

The livestream ends and she heads to Kiro’s room

Kiro: Miss Ch-

Before he finishes speaking, I have already opened my arms, lunging into his chest. 

MC: Happy birthday, Kiro!

Kiro: Didn’t you already say it once when you gave me the present just now?

MC: As long as it’s your birthday, I can say it an unlimited number of times!  

Kiro: Okay, when it comes to your birthday, I’ll say it an unlimited number of times too!

While speaking, he lifts me up in a hug and swirls me around. We fall onto the soft bed.

The fluffy feather pillows and balloons bounce lightly in response to our weight, and fall to our sides. 

Kiro: I didn’t think you’d really change into the bunny pyjamas!

 MC: Eh? Weren’t you the one who prepared it for me? 

Kiro: Of course it was! Oh right, wait for me... just a while!

HE RETURNS, WEARING A BEAR ONESIE

Kiro: Deng deng deng! The birthday party is over, now the pyjama party shall begin!

MC: Eh... how is this a pyjama party. It’s clearly a zoo party!

Kiro: If it’s a zoo, so be it. Little animals are so cute!

He sits beside me, and is about to say something when his phone rings. 

The person on the call is a silver-haired woman - a singer called Saidel Eva - who wishes him a happy birthday. Eva comments that she knows who MC is, because he mentioned that MC is his muse. While she’s stunned, Kiro holds her hand.

Kiro: Mm, she’s not only my artistic muse, but also the most important person in my life. 

MC: [blushing] I’m not... not as amazing as he says...

Right after I finish speaking, the hand on mine slowly entwines with my fingers.

The warmth emanating from his palm causes my heart to calm down.

MC: However... since he has already put it that way, I’ll work hard to become his muse. Because Kiro... is also the most important person to me. 

Eva: Ah, what a cute lady.

She lets out a light huff and turns her eyes back to Kiro, blue orbs filled with approval. 

Eva: I’m guessing your wish has already been fulfilled, am I right? 

Kiro: Yes. 

Eva: I wish the both of you happiness, and enjoyment in life. 

Kiro: Definitely, madam.

He finally opens the gift - it’s a black necklace with a black round pendant surrounded by a few gold coloured small stars. In the middle, there’s an engraved word “KIRO”

It’s a one-in-the-world necklace designed by MC

The necklace is made of siderite from a meteor, and the gold portions are made from star fragments (I’m not entirely sure about the names because I’m not familiar with minerals)

MC notes that it was only after breaking through the atmosphere that these minerals could come to earth

Just as these minerals are ‘gifts’ to the earth, Kiro is a gift to MC

After wearing it for a while, he puts it back into the box, and realises there’s something inside the necklace

 MC tells him not to open it yet, and tries snatching it away from him

She falls into his arms instead <3

So she angrily throws a pillow at him

He stuffs the necklace into his pocket and they engage in a pillow fight

SO CUTE

Kiro declares himself the winner

MC says he cannot open the watch until she's gone

Since he’s in a good mood, Kiro agrees 

They lie together on the bed to chat, exhausted from the pillow fight

MC: Come to think of it, the boss you were talking about during the livestream - was he KEY?

Kiro: Mm, he taught me a lot of things. 

MC: So the reason why you gave me the map, and let me solve the puzzles, was because you wanted to have a signal with me? 

Kiro: That’s one of the reasons, but more importantly... 

While he speaks, he slowly hooks onto my fingertips.

Kiro: Miss Chips and I don’t get to meet often because of all sorts of things, and I know that waiting is a painful process. 

He mutters his response, fastening his fingers tightly with mine, his face half-sinking into the mattress as he reveals a faint smile. 

Kiro: Which is why I don’t want you to feel bored while waiting for me. I hope each time we meet would be a step closer in our journey towards happiness.

MC: Kiro...

Kiro: Now that I think about it, KEY has really taught me a lot. Whether it’s knowledge related to hacking, or in understanding this world. 

MC: Understanding this world? 

Kiro: Mm. It’s that phrase, “you may be in darkness, but your heart is turned towards the light.”

Kiro: When I was still in chaos, these words were my direction. I believe that someday in the future, I will fulfil my dream, and do what I want to do, which includes... meeting the person I’ve been waiting a long time for.

With this, he looks at me quietly, his blue eyes hiding the bright starry sky.

Almost as if telling one not to look away.

My voice becomes incredibly soft, as though it’s floating in the universe. 

MC: You are also... the person I’ve been waiting a long time for.

Sleepiness overtakes my senses in the midst of his tender voice and gaze, but I can still remember to emphasise once more:

MC: Happy birthday, Kiro. Whether or not it’s your birthday, whether it’s today, or tomorrow, or any day in the future, you will always be incredibly happy. 

Kiro: Mm. With you around, I’ll definitely be incredibly happy.

Hearing these words, which sound like a promise, I peacefully and slowly close my eyes. 

In the haziness, I seem to feel a small feather falling on my eyelid.

It is tender and warm, as though it can breathe. 

Kiro: Goodnight. 

The kiss doesn’t disturb the girl’s light slumber. Kiro laughs lightly, and takes out the necklace from his pocket. 

Twisting the switch, the siderite cracks apart to reveal a hidden note.

The note reads - “Oh no, you’ve found the Easter egg > <”

On the other side is a link to a website. 

Thinking about the girl’s sly thoughts when designing such a gift, Kiro laughs again.

He retrieves his notebook computer from the bedside, inserts the link, and finds a downloadable voice pack.

He puts on his earphones and taps on the first voice recording.

MC: Heheh, you didn’t think this would be the second part of your birthday present right? We always have to part temporarily because of all sorts of things. In order for you not to miss me too much, I decided- dang dang! To present you with an MC alarm clock! 

MC: It’s time to wake up! If you don't get out of bed soon, Savin’s anger is going to fill to the brim~

MC: Has Kiro eaten his meals today?

MC: When you’re engrossed in work, don’t forget to protect your eyesight. One, two, three, four, the eye exercises shall begin!

MC: Before saying goodnight, remember to send me updates!

MC: Kiro, welcome home!

Every voice recording, no matter how long or short, is filled with the concern she has for him. 

Hearing the girl’s voice in his hear, Kiro’s lips curl upwards. 

Both of them always think of their own ways to fill in the blank spaces of time, painting them in colours belonging to each other. 

Kiro: Miss Chips...

Kiro leans down to stare at her sleeping face. He speaks in a way that only the two of them can hear clearly.

Kiro: The picture I mentioned in the livestream... I hid a small secret in it that only I know of. I want to share it with you. I drew a small rabbit. She’s my favourite, favourite new friend.

Kiro: Miss Chips, welcome to my home.  

—

Phone call: here

Video call: here

[recurring-polynya]

I think it’s pretty evident by now that I am something of a connoisseur of Bleach filler. Like greatness, this is not a thing I have chosen for myself, it is just a thing that has been thrust upon me. And to that end, I need you to know that Bleach #147-149 is the template on which all other filler should be built. I love it. It’s perfect.

I’ve chosen to group it in with the Advance Team Filler, even though it really takes place during the early Hueco Mundo arc. There’s more HM filler much, much later, but it’s after the Cap’n Amagai filler arc, and I feel like this fits more thematically with the Advance Team filler. Also, all the other members of the Advance Team got their own episode and these are Rukia’s.

These episodes are everything I wanted #136-137 to be. One thing that I always want in filler is shitty bad guys who are way below our heroes’ usual standard. I get enough of Ichigo training and tapping into his inner strength during the canon parts. When I’m watching filler, I only want to see him whale on some throwaway villains. The Fullbringer Arc is not actually filler, but it has Big Filler Energy, and Zaraki killing that butler dude in half a second is the most gratifying part of it. 

So, let’s jump in:

We’re in Hueco Mundo, Rukia and Renji have just showed up in their sweet capes, everyone is riding around on Bawabawa. Runuganga, the huge sand dude they defeated last episode, shows up again (he’s made of sand, so he can never die, I guess?) Rukia tries to Second Dance him, but she’s standing on Bawabawa during the part of the attack where the blades go down into the ground, they go into poor Bawabawa instead and he freaks out (and then Renji scolds her, it’s beautiful). Runuganga then makes a sand whirlpool and the process of falling into it, Rukia falls off Bawabawa and gets separated from everyone else as they fall down into the ::Forest::of::the::Menos:: (end reverb)

Everyone in this filler is extremely stupid, but it’s okay, because it doesn’t matter, in fact, it is charming and hilarious. There’s some physical comedy of the Great Desert Brothers falling on Ichigo’s head, Ishida holds forth on Hueco Mundo flora, and literally like 10 minutes pass before Renji notices Rukia is gone and everyone’s like “Whaaaaaa? Rukia, whaaaaat?” They go looking for her, and once again, I cannot emphasize enough that Ichigo and Renji are just Jason-from-the-Good-Place level morons in this episode. Ichigo theorizes that perhaps Rukia is so light that she has been blown away and Renji is all aboard his idiot train.

So, where is Rukia, anyway? She lands somewhere else and immediately gets attacked by Hollows. She’s not really having any trouble holding them off when this dude in a stinky cape covered in Hollow skulls shows up and “saves” her. It’s like this guy saw Renji’s bankai capelet, and said, “this, but cocktail length with extra skulls.” He takes Rukia back to his bachelor cave, where he has cubbies full of mushrooms and a sweet kidou lamp he made himself. Rukia realizes he is a shinigami and yells “WHAT’S YOUR SQUAD?” at him a bunch. He takes off his mask to reveal that he is in fact, dreamy. His name is Ashido and he is Extremely Rukia’s Type, by which I mean he is tall, has spikey hair, and is not very bright.

We get a flashback of Ashido’s sad origin story: he and a bunch of his squad members followed some Hollows back through a Garganta and got stuck in Hueco Mundo. He figures that he can do more good exterminating Hollows where they live rather than trying to get home, so they stay there and fight Hollows until all his friends are dead. Oops. The very sexy Hollow Zorak skull he wears as a mask was in fact, the head of the Hollow who killed his last friend. He uses Hollow skulls to deflect ceros which seems… useful? And sort of made up? As he’s telling this story, the camera pans out and there are a bunch of graves? And he’s like, “I wanted to tell you this story in front of my friends so they could hear the voice of a shinigami again.” Rukia, of course, is like “Ahhhh cool cool cool cool cool cool, no doubt, no doubt” as if she doesn’t also have a hill of friend graves that she likes to pose in front of. He asks Rukia if they have noticed a decrease in Hollows in the Living World due to his efforts and Rukia refuses to answer or to make eye contact. He then observes that some weird crap has been going on lately, did something happen in Soul Society? and Rukia is like “So many things happen in Soul Society, it’s basically unknowable.” Rukia is my queen and president, I love her.

Asido then observes that some morons with too much reiatsu seems to be fighting nearby and attracting every Hollow in the vicinity. Rukia is like, yeah, they’re mine. As they head off in that direction, they get attacked by Hollows and Ashido relives his entire flashback again, but in negative colors. Baller move, Filler Episode.

Some other stuff has happened-- Chad and Ishida rode Bawabawa up a tree? Nel and her Fraccion got kidnapped by the Hollows whom Aizen has allegedly put in charge of the Forest of Menos? I feel like Aizen just said that to get rid of them, these guys are more like some over-enthusiastic Steelers fans you accidentally sat next to at the bar than actual villains. All this is slightly boring, except for two things:

1. Everyone has started treating Bawabawa like Lassie, where he goes “BAWABAWAWAWABAWA” and someone will reply to him like he’s a person, “Nel has been kidnapped? She’s stuck in the old abandoned well?” I love Bawabawa so much, I love yelling “BAWABAWA”, and I never once got sick of this gag, not even for a second.

2. As you might expect, the Forest of Menos is full of Menos. Hundreds of Menos. Pantsloads of Menos. You may remember a million episodes ago, when Ichigo still had Rukia’s powers, and he had to tie his sword to Ishida’s head in order to defeat a Menos. Those days are over. Menos are bowling pins now. Ichigo and the gang are just annihilating Menos. Menos corpses everywhere. Chad punches a Menos in the foot and it dies. I’m pretty sure Renji deflects a cero with his bare arm and then kills like 30 Menos who are standing in a line, which makes them very convenient to run over with Hihiou Zabimaru. Ashido has been down here for *hundreds of years* trying to reduce the number of Hollows, and it’s clear that the Karakura Kids + Renji could clear this place out in an afternoon and still have the energy to go Cosmic Bowling afterwards.

Meanwhile, Rukia and Ashido run into Ashido’s old nemesis, the Boss Hollow of the Forest. Ashido fights him dramatically for a while, and then he makes a bad deflection and the guy is about to hit Rukia, “RUUUUUKIIAAAAA NOOOOOOO!”, mantis skull flashback *again.*  And here is where this episode becomes next level, because Rukia goes to shikai and just goes ham on the guy, and you realize that she has been slumming this entire time. Ashido is a joke. He doesn’t even have shikai. Rukia is so much better than him and the only explanation for this is that she’s been letting him look cool because she wants to tap that. Ashido just accepts this, and I assume this is the point where they have mediocre Hueco Mundo sex.

We go back to the boys, who have defeated all the Hollows they could find and found the exit, and are fretting because they still don’t know where Rukia is. Then Rukia just walks up, “Hey guys, what’s going on in this thread?” They all start to leave when one of the Hollows from earlier comes back (you had ONE JOB, Ichigo, everyone else killed their Hollow) with 50 Menos. Keep in mind, based on earlier events, this would take Ishida like 6 seconds to take care of, but Ashido has to dramatically face them himself. There’s a hilarious bit where he turns back to fight the Hollow and Ichigo and Renji run right past him. He can’t even run fast. He’s terrible. Anyway, some rocks start falling and Ichigo and Renji get entranced by them (shiny!) and Ashido jumps past the rockslide to fight the Hollows and is therefore trapped and they have to leave him behind.

Back on the surface, Rukia takes a knee and makes a dramatic speech while Ichigo and Renji stand behind her like good wingmen and press F in chat. It ends with this:

I cannot see this without thinking about that part in Shrek 2 where Shrek says “I promise I shall repay you, unless I can’t find you, or I forget!” Especially because Rukia 100% forgets that Ashido exists and we never see him again.

Advance Team Filler Masterpost