Original artwork, not a still
Admiration is the state furthest from understanding.
— Bleach · 2004
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Aizen's reveal does not just betray his friends, it blames them for being fooled. To admire someone, he says, is to refuse to look at them, so everyone who looked up to him never saw him at all. It is a villain's sneer, and it also challenges the audience, who have trusted the kindly captain for dozens of episodes, which is why it became his signature line.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for BleachShow the scene
On execution day in the Soul Society, the plan to save Rukia takes a turn no one expected: Captain Aizen, believed murdered, turns out to be alive, and his treachery is exposed at the Sokyoku Hill compound. His lieutenant Hinamori has been struck down, and Hitsugaya confronts him over it. Aizen replies that he requested her for his division because she was so easy to manipulate, then tells Hitsugaya to remember that "admiration is the state furthest from understanding". Hitsugaya answers by shattering his restraints and unleashing his bankai. The scene is manga chapter 170.
Sources (2)
- Bleach Wiki: Conspiracy Revealed: End GameBetrayalReference checked
- Bleach Wiki: Sousuke AizenPersonalityReference checked
Context reviewed
