IchiKuya II - The Match of 2008
In the December issue of Anime Insider, the people unamiously named IchiKuya II the anime match of the year 2008. Ichigo fought for the sake of Rukia, while Byakuya fought for the pride of the Soul Society.
Ichigo went into the match realizing that the sword alone will beat Byakuya, while Byakuya went in the battle fighting for the integrity of the Soul Society and his 11 colleauges, who were insulted physically and mentally at the hands of Ichigo’s posse. It was a match, although it was made better in the anime. Using his now-found Hollow powers, Ichigo claimed he won the fight, while in reailty it was a draw. Byakuya still harbors deep distain towards Ichigo for three reasons. #1, because he didn’t beat him straight-up; #2, because he continued to say that he beat him; and #3, Ichikia. All of these factors made IchiKuya II the match of the year.
