Bleach: Will the Anime Feature a Vice-Captain’s Bankai Reveal?

Bleach: Will the Anime Feature a Vice-Captain’s Bankai Reveal?

Overview

  • The upcoming part 4 of the anime adaptation of Bleach is expected to reveal Shūhei Hisagi’s Bankai for the first time, adding to the richness of the story beyond the manga.
  • This new season has already introduced unique abilities and Bankai that weren’t part of the original manga, providing deeper character exploration.
  • With creative input drawn from a light novel, there is heightened anticipation surrounding the inclusion of Hisagi’s Bankai in the series’ next installment.

Quick Navigation

Manga Introduction

Chapter 72: “The Superchunk”

Anime Introduction

Episode 21: “Enter! The World of the Shinigami”

Bleach Thousand Year Blood War part four is set to debut soon, with creator Tite Kubo promising an unprecedented infusion of original anime content. Fans have already experienced numerous previously unseen scenes and battles, which have garnered widespread acclaim. Expectations are high for part four to resolve longstanding inconsistencies and enhance the originally published storyline.

One of the notable inclusions on the horizon is Shūhei Hisagi’s Bankai, a power that has yet to be depicted in the anime but is hinted at through a popular light novel. Let’s delve into the likelihood of this exciting feature making its way to the small screen.

Anime Original Enhancements So Far

Enhancing the Legacy

Uryu Ishida
Senjumaru Shutara in action
Shinji in action

The Thousand Year Blood War anime has successfully addressed several inconsistencies present in the manga by integrating new scenes that deepen character arcs and enhance the narrative. Audiences have responded positively to these changes, indicating a strong desire for further improvements in upcoming episodes. Notably, part one showcased additional moments for Uryuu Ishida, giving context to his betrayal and deepening his character’s emotional journey.

Additionally, a compelling flashback was introduced that detailed the first generation of the 13 Court Guard Squads as they battled the Quincy threat a millennium ago. A critical conversation between Kensei Muguruma and Shūhei Hisagi was also added, where the captain encourages Hisagi about the quest for his Bankai. This dialogue, absent from the original manga, teases the potential exploration of Hisagi’s powers in part four.

Part two further enriched the story with the reveal of Shinji Hirako’s Bankai: Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari, a power that manipulates friend and foe alike, driving them into chaotic conflict. This particular Bankai was sourced from the light novel Bleach: Can’t Fear Your Own World, emphasizing the anime’s commitment to expanding its universe beyond the original material. Notably, the conclusion of part two dramatically reimagined the clash between Squad Zero and the Quincy Royal Guard, adding previously unseen powers, including Senjumaru Shutara’s Bankai: Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji, which was entirely fresh to anime viewers.

The Significance of Shūhei Hisagi’s Bankai

Animating “Can’t Fear Your Own World”

Shuhei Hisagi
Hisagi in action
Bleach: Brave Souls featuring Hisagi

The anime’s demonstration of Shinji Hirako’s Bankai, drawn from the light novel Can’t Fear Your Own World, implies that the anime may harmonize closer with the expanded universe than previously assumed. This is evident in the presentation of other characters’ Bankais, including those of Shinji, Senjumaru, Sasakibe, and Unohana, illustrating the show’s ambition to unveil more of their capabilities than was initially depicted in the manga.

Moreover, Hisagi’s recent dialogues hinting at his Bankai signify a compelling narrative strategy; following the principle of Chekhov’s Gun, it suggests that the anime creators might genuinely aim to reveal this lesser-known ability soon. If Tite Kubo’s vision holds true, viewers are in for an expansive conclusion to the Thousand Year Blood War, providing ample opportunities to integrate new, captivating elements similar to past enhancements.

As Hisagi himself poignantly reflects:

He who fears not the blade he wields has no right to wield that blade.

Hisagi’s Bankai, known as Fushi no Kōjō, binds him and his opponent together via Kazeshini’s chains, allowing any damage they inflict on each other to be reciprocated from a shared spiritual energy pool. This ability perfectly balances the battlefield, enabling Hisagi to confront formidable foes effectively. Given the overwhelming positive reception of this power in the manga, anticipation is mounting for its introduction in the anime, echoing the successful incorporation of other Bankai in the series.

Source & Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *