Paired with side-A, this side story shifts to Soul Society as Rukia prepares for a month-long posting to the living world, is seen off by Ukitake, and reflects on fate as a turning millstone while Renji's promotion goes unspoken.
Summary
In the Seireitei, Rukia is startled to learn she is being posted to Karakura Town for a month, a routine solo assignment the Kotetsu siblings bicker over explaining. Captain Ukitake, rising from his sickbed against Kiyone's worries, comes in person to reassure her and offers to inform Byakuya himself, since Rukia thought the errand too minor to trouble her brother with. Nearby at the Sixth Division, Hinamori and Kira relay Renji's promotion to lieutenant, and Ikkaku prods him to finally speak with Rukia now that their ranks align, recalling their childhood together in Rukongai. Renji, however, decides to wait until she returns. As Rukia steps through the central Senkaimon, she muses that fate is a grinding wheel people imagine is steered by some flawless power, when in truth they are the ones who set it turning.
Key Events
Rukia receives a one-month assignment to the living world. Ukitake sees her off and offers to tell Byakuya. Renji is promoted to Sixth Division lieutenant. Ikkaku urges Renji to reconnect with Rukia, but Renji postpones it. Rukia departs through the Senkaimon reflecting on fate.
Notes
The "side-B" counterpart to side-A in Volume 23 (MALA SUERTE!), it mirrors Rukia's departure against Ichigo's musings and echoes the same millstone metaphor. Episodes 109 and 227 adapt it. Appearances include Rukia, the Kotetsu siblings, Ukitake, Hinamori, Kira, Renji, and Ikkaku.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bleach bonus chapter the rotator about?
The rotator is the side-B bonus story paired with side-A, shifting to Soul Society as Rukia prepares for a month-long posting to the living world. She is seen off by Ukitake and reflects on fate as a turning millstone.
What assignment does Rukia receive in the rotator?
Rukia learns she is being posted to Karakura Town for a month, a routine solo assignment. She thought the errand too minor to trouble her brother Byakuya with, so Captain Ukitake offers to inform him himself.
What happens with Renji's promotion in this chapter?
The rotator reveals that Renji has been promoted to lieutenant of the Sixth Division. Ikkaku urges him to finally speak with Rukia now that their ranks align, but Renji decides to wait until she returns.
How is the rotator connected to side-A the sand?
The rotator is the side-B counterpart to side-A in Volume 23, mirroring Rukia's departure against Ichigo's musings. Both halves echo the same millstone metaphor about fate.
Which episodes adapt the rotator?
The rotator was adapted in Episodes 109 and 227. Appearances include Rukia, the Kotetsu siblings, Ukitake, Hinamori, Kira, Renji, and Ikkaku.
Sources & Information
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