So, where does all this leave us? Well, when we last saw our heroes, they had both been cut down by Zaraki Kenpachi, who has to date never killed any character with both name and backstory. Neither downed character disintegrates, despite that being the norm for dead Hollows. They are presumably not dead. Dying, perhaps, but not dead yet. Moreover, focusing on the presumed body tends to mean the character will be seen again in the near future. Witness Zaraki’s revival after Nnoitra cut him down for a prime example.

Their current status is still unknown as the story has not yet returned to that part of Las Noches. We do however have a few small things from Kubo to poke at that might provide a hint as to what’s going on with them.

The first is the end of chapter sketches from 313 and 314:

313 sketch 314 sketch

The 313 one reads “the end is near” and the 314 one reads “the end is far”. The usual context for the end being near means someone is near death, which matches the image with the light fading to a narrow strip in the blackness. The only characters near death at this chapter are our couple. “The end is far” means exactly what it sounds like, that the end (or death) is far away. This sketch is one of a wide vista of light. Death is not the end, after all, and love is stronger than death.

The two images taken together have the appearance of a door or gate opening to a new realm. This coincides with the key image from the 313 chapter cover since a key would unlock such a door. We know that Nnoitra’s poem spoke of looking higher than the moon, when the heavens are traditionally the realm of kings and other rulers. The title of 297 (“King of the Kill”) refers to Tesra as being a king. With Aizen’s plan to create the King’s Key, I can’t help but wonder if this pertains to the Royal Realm in some way. Only time will tell, however.

The second is an omake sketch from one of the 2010 calendars:

February 2010

This is rather on the shippy side with the idea that Nnoitra wants to connect his heart to Tesra’s, don’t you think? After everything regarding Hollows regaining their hearts, it doesn’t seem likely that Kubo would draw such a thing lightly.

Additionally, it’s been promised that we will get further information on Szayelaporro’s research, and that the research is one of the keys to the story. The only flashback in which we see Szayelaporro doing anything is the one dealing with Neliel’s attack.

I think we can be at least slightly hopeful about seeing them again under those circumstances. Their primary issue seems to have been resolved, but they still have things to discuss. Their story is unfinished, in my opinion. Since this is a shounen, characters who are taught a lesson normally have a chance to show that they’ve learned from their mistakes. A hard beating such as they’ve had here should reinforce the lesson learned, should Kubo see fit to give them a chance to do better.

Additionally, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the concept of Hollows who regain their hearts. Any Hollow who succeeds should be granted automatic redemption — and we know they wanted redemption.

We have two characters who not only bring out the best in each other, but completely fall apart without each other. It’s only when they’re together that they can function and remain human. I would like to see how they work together now that their issues are resolved; they would make a fantastic team in battle. Together, they can be the strongest because of the strength of their heart.

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