——Who is your favorite character in "BLEACH"?

Hiramatsu:
I love Kenpachi Zaraki and Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Zaraki has overwhelming power and finds pure joy in battle, while Mayuri surpasses his enemies with his intelligence and technology. It's hard to imagine either of them losing. They operate purely on their own terms and always come out victorious in the end. The way their personalities override logic is so exhilarating. However, hearing Senjumaru's line in Episode 27, "Do not worry, unlike Mayuri, I have no hobby of meddling with dead bodies," made me remember Mayuri's harsh actions when he first appeared, and I wondered if it's okay to say I like him (laughs). Still, I find Mayuri's behavior fascinating, and I like how he speaks assertively even to Yamamoto and doesn't try to cozy up to anyone.

——Could you tell us about a line from "BLEACH" that has impressed you?

Hiramatsu:
I really love Kaien's lines. Especially "The heart isn't inside your body. It is created when you think about something or someone." and "We leave our hearts in the hands of our comrades." (Volume 30, Chapter 268). These lines capture the essence of what 'BLEACH' is about, and they are truly amazing. Every time I reread them, I am reminded of Mr. Kubo's incredible skill in choosing words, creating situations to make those words shine, and depicting the characters' expressions.

——In line with the subtitle "Conflict Arc," is there anything conflicting within yourself currently?

Hiramatsu:
I enjoy writing scripts, but at the same time, I always feel pressured about whether I am writing something worthy of the great original work. It's rewarding when my scripts are well-received, but there's a struggle there too. When faithfully adapting the original dialogues and storylines for the anime, even if it's praised as "good," the credit should go to the original work and the creators. I always wonder whether I can write something that deserves recognition when it's my original scenario, and whether I can create new characters and stories without simply borrowing the charm of the source material. The gap between received praise and my self-evaluation, the mix of joy and self-doubt, is always in conflict within me. Despite these conflicting feelings, I still enjoy working on the script.

——Finally, do you have a message for the fans visiting the official anime website?

Hiramatsu:
First of all, please look forward to the upcoming Episode 33. We will also be adding plenty of original anime-exclusive scenes. From scenes that weren’t depicted in the manga to supplementary scenes for manga moments, there will be surprises each week that even those familiar with the manga might find intriguing. So, don’t let your guard down, and make sure to see this fierce battle through to the end.

Source : ORICON NEWS