5 ways Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 can Fail (& 5 ways it can become Legendary)

Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 is highly anticipated by fans as it will focus on the climax of author Tite Kubo’s most beloved story. This installment will cover significant plot points from the final arcs, which were rushed in the manga due to a combination of editorial and health reasons.

As a result, there is a high level of anticipation among fans for Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 to address the major flaws of the manga. This is especially promising since series author Kubo has been actively involved in making changes to the anime adaptation of the final arc, resulting in positive outcomes. However, it is important to keep in mind that perfection cannot be guaranteed, thus here are five potential ways this season could fall short and five ways it could exceed expectations.

Please note that this article includes spoilers for both the third part of the Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War and the entire series.

5 potential pitfalls for Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3

1) Neglecting to Prepare the Silver Arrowhead

Ryuken Ishida is essential in the final portion of the story (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The Silver Arrowhead’s role in the Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 storyline is an element that cannot be overlooked or left unchanged from its depiction in the manga. Many devoted fans of the series have expressed strong disapproval towards its sudden appearance in the story’s climax and its pivotal role in Yhwach’s defeat, deeming it as an excessive deus ex machina.

It was previously mentioned that due to various reasons, Kubo had to rush the final portion of the manga. As a result, certain plot points were not given enough development, particularly the significance of the Silver Arrowhead which ultimately led to the defeat of the main antagonist. This aspect is closely tied to the character of Uryu’s father, Ryuken Ishida, who dedicated years to researching a way to defeat Yhwach.

The concept of Ryuken creating a weapon to avenge his wife’s death, as well as the death of Ichigo Kurosaki’s mother Masaki, is highly impactful and ties in with the “Everything But The Rain”flashback from earlier in the arc. However, the idea of the Silver Arrowhead could benefit from further refinement and exploration, allowing for more depth and exploration of Ryuken’s character and even Ichigo’s father, Isshin, who is frequently seen with the Quincy doctor throughout the arc.

2) Omitting the Jugram and Bazz-B subplot

Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 needs more of this suplot (Image via Studio Pierrot).

As previously stated, the third part of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War will most likely focus on the climax of the final arc, which will involve resolving the majority of the Quincy army’s role in the story. In this context, if there is a subplot that requires further development, it would be that of Jugram Haschwalt and Bazz-B.

Despite having unique designs and abilities, the majority of the Quincy army in Kubo’s writing lacked the individuality that other groups in the series possessed. However, there were two exceptions – Jugram and Bazz-B. These childhood friends grew apart as Jugram was chosen to be Yhwach’s right-hand man while Bazz-B sought to take the life of the Quincy leader.

Despite being two of the most well-developed characters among the antagonists in this arc, their conflict was still rushed in the manga. As such, it is important to avoid rushing their resolution once again so that fans can experience the best version of this storyline.

3) Neglecting the development of Uryu Ishida’s character

Ishida should be very important in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Despite appearing as a significant character on paper, Uryu Ishida’s role in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 is expected to be even more prominent, particularly in the beginning. This is due to the fact that the previous cour ended in the midst of his intense battle with Senjumaru, which has been newly added to the anime adaptation. With the inclusion of Senjumaru’s Bankai, it is crucial for Studio Pierrot to execute this pivotal moment without any errors.

Additionally, it is logical for the arc focusing on the Quincy to heavily feature the most notable member of their race in the series. While Uryu’s role may not have been significant in the manga, the anime has already added new scenes involving him. Therefore, this cour should place a great emphasis on his character.

It is highly anticipated that Uryu will finally reveal his true intentions to the Quincy army in the upcoming Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3. Additionally, clashes with both Ichigo Kurosaki and Jugram Haschwalt are expected, although for different reasons. As a result, this cour must prioritize giving Uryu the attention and development he deserves.

4) Keeping the original defeat of Gerard Valkyrie

Incredibly enough, one of the most controversial characters in the series (Image via Shueisha).

It may be difficult for those who have not read the Bleach manga to accept, but Gerard Valkyrie, a member of Yhwach’s elite Quincy guard known as the Schutzstaffel, has sparked controversy as one of the series’ most polarizing antagonists. This is not due to his character or actions, but rather the manner in which he was defeated, which some consider to be a convenient resolution by Kubo in the final chapters of the manga.

As the heart of the Soul King, Gerard Valkyrie possesses The Miracle – a powerful ability that allows him to make seemingly impossible events occur. This was demonstrated in his intense fight against Zaraki Kenpachi, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Toshiro Hitsugaya, where they repeatedly killed the Schutzstaffel member, only for him to miraculously return to life.

It is worth noting that after receiving healing from the Zero Division, Byakuya emerged with newfound power, while Hitsugaya utilized his Bankai in his adult form and Zaraki unleashed his own Bankai for the first time. Despite the strength of these three Shinigami, they were unable to defeat Valkyrie, ultimately leading to his death as Yhwach absorbed him. This decision by Kubo seemed like a copout, as he was unable to find a way for the protagonists to overcome Gerard.

5) Neglecting Rukia’s character development and potential

Rukia deserves a greater role in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 (Image via Studio Pierrot).

If Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 is going to stay true to the manga, it can be expected that Rukia Kuchiki will have one of the most unfavorable storylines in the upcoming episodes, especially when compared to her significant role throughout the series. Given her crucial contributions and popularity among fans, it would be unfair to portray her character in a negative light.

Despite Rukia’s first-ever Bankai display against As Nodt being one of the most memorable moments of the arc and a defining moment for her character, she unfortunately has a diminished role in the rest of the story. It would be a disservice to the plot if she continues to be sidelined during the majority of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3.

Despite the challenges, it is uncertain how Rukia’s involvement in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 could increase. This will ultimately depend on Kubo’s willingness to alter the final portion of the story. However, as a crucial member of the main cast and the catalyst for Ichigo’s journey, it would be unwise to neglect her character.

5 potential ways Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 could span multiple generations

1) The Origins of Yhwach and the Soul King

Possibly one of the most interesting elements of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 (Image via Shueisha).

The third part of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War presents an opportunity to further explore Yhwach’s character and the intricate lore surrounding the Soul King, which are closely intertwined. The majority of fans of the series believe that the flashback featuring Ichibe Hyosube and Yhwach, revealing further details about the mutilation of the Soul King and the motivations of the Quincy leader, greatly enhanced the arc. Therefore, it would be wise to incorporate more of these elements in the upcoming cour.

Including additional information about the betrayal of the Soul King, the motivations behind it, and its impact on Yhwach’s desire for revenge against the Shinigami would greatly enhance the storytelling of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3. The novels authorized by Kubo have already delved deeper into the event known as the Original Sin, making it a compelling addition to this upcoming season.

2) Aizen’s Return

The winning card of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Despite there being many popular characters in the franchise, Aizen stands out as the most beloved by fans. It is highly probable that he will play a crucial role in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3, as his entertainment value and charismatic presence add depth to the story. For those who have read the manga, it is well-known that Aizen chose to aid the Shinigami in their battle against Yhwach, showcasing a significant growth in his character. It is understandable that fans would eagerly anticipate seeing more of this development.

While it may be premature to expect Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 to reveal Aizen’s Bankai, given that the project will have a fourth cour, it would certainly be intriguing to delve deeper into his motivations for assisting the Shinigami in this battle. Additionally, gaining a better understanding of Aizen’s contempt for the Soul King and the circumstances of his disfigurement could provide valuable insight into his psyche.

3) Further Adventures of the Hollow Trio

One of the biggest manga fumbles that Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 needs to address (Image via Shueisha and YouTuber DBZimran).

Throughout the majority of the series, the Hollows served as the main antagonists, but they were largely sidelined in the final arc. This was evident when Grimmjow and Nelliel, two of the remaining Espada, appeared to assist Ichigo and the others in the battle against the Quincy, but had minimal involvement. It is hoped that Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 will address this issue and give the Hollows a more prominent role in the story.

It is crucial for Tier Harribel, the former third Espada in the Arrancar and eventual ruler of Hueco Mundo, to have a more significant presence in the story. During the final arc, she was defeated and captured by the Quincy, prompting Grimmjow and Nelliel to plan a rescue mission. However, this event was not shown in the manga, making it an important aspect that Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 must address – Harribel’s current location and well-being.

It would be logical for Grimmjow, one of Ichigo’s greatest adversaries and a beloved character in the series, Nel, who formed strong bonds with the main characters, and Harribel, who rose to power in a world under attack by the Quincy, to play a more significant role.

4) Advanced Bankai Techniques

Another hype machine for Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 (Image via Shueisha).

Undoubtedly, Bankai remains one of the most beloved aspects of the series, making it a prime opportunity for Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 to capitalize on. With the potential to generate widespread excitement, both Studio Pierrot and Kubo himself may be eager to showcase this fan-favorite element on a global scale. However, while it may be too early to witness Aizen’s Bankai, as his inevitable clash with Yhwach is expected to take place in the fourth cour, there are still other possibilities to be explored.

Despite Isshin Kurosaki being known as a formidable Shinigami, it remains intriguing to witness his Bankai in action. Although Jushiro Ukitake is a beloved character among fans and a former apprentice of Yamamoto, his deteriorating health prevented him from revealing his Bankai. It will be interesting to see how the anime will address this aspect.

Additionally, the series has yet to reveal Yoruichi Shihouin’s Zanpakuto, which could add an intriguing element to the story given her widespread appeal. However, if the current arc shows Ichigo and Orihime’s confrontation with Yhwach, showcasing the true power of the protagonist’s Bankai, only for Yhwach to nullify it with the Almighty, could prove to be a significant turning point in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3.

5) Ichibe’s betrayal and plan to eliminate Ichigo

Another major change from the manga (Image via Studio Pierrot).

In comparison to the manga, Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War part 3 has the potential to explore a significant distinction – Ichigo’s newfound understanding of the Original Sin and the Soul King’s mutilation. Previously, he was unaware of the truth behind the creator of the three worlds and Yhwach’s desire to annihilate Soul Society, making this an intriguing direction for Ichigo’s character development in this arc.

Similarly, it should be noted that Ichibe had been preparing Ichigo to take over as the new Soul King because of his unique combination of being human, Hollow, Fullbringer, Shinigami, and Quincy. As such, the third part of the series could delve into this revelation from the novels and intensify the stakes for the main character.

Concluding Remarks

The third part of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War holds great significance in determining whether the anime will have a satisfying ending or not. This arc is where many viewers felt the plot started to falter and certain aspects became rushed. It is our hope that the anime will enhance the source material and rectify any errors.

Will Aizen’s Bankai be revealed in Bleach TYBW Part 3? Explored.

The release of Bleach TYBW part 3 presents an excellent opportunity for Kubo to finally unveil Jushiro’s Bankai.

“Looking to catch up on the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War storyline before the third cour airs? Here’s a guide on where to begin reading the manga.”

The third part of Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War was unveiled in a new trailer at Jump Festa 2024.

Tite Kubo’s recent post suggests that there may be a slower pace in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3.