Black Clover Chapter 371’s Bleach Reference Turns Mereoleona into Yamamoto

Ever since its inception, the Black Clover manga has been heavily influenced by Tite Kubo’s Bleach series, a fact that creator Yuki Tabata has openly expressed. In an unexpected turn, the upcoming chapter 371 of Black Clover will feature a reference to Bleach as Mereoleona Vermillion transforms into Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

Based on the rumored spoilers, Black Clover chapter 371 will primarily center on the ongoing battle between Mereoleona and Moris. In their previous encounter, it appeared that Mereoleona was at a significant disadvantage after losing her arm. However, it seems that Mereoleona is about to change the tide of the fight, reminiscent of a scene from Bleach.

Please be aware that this article includes spoilers from the Black Clover manga.

Black Clover Chapter 371: Mereoleona’s Transformation into Bleach’s Yamamoto

The latest spoilers for Black Clover chapter 371 revealed that Mereoleona had mastered a new spell. Despite being initially overpowered by Paladin Moris Libadirt, the manga’s flashback sequence revealed the origins of Mereoleona’s strength. In the past, she had believed in developing her own strength, but when faced with a desperate situation, she sought assistance from her subordinates.

Thankfully, not long after, Mereoleona gained a new spell in her grimoire, called Ultimate Flame Magic: Excelitius Leonum. This powerful spell enabled Mereoleona to summon the spirits of her fallen comrades onto the battlefield, providing her with additional support in her fight against her enemy.

Mereoleona Vermillion as seen in the Black Clover anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

During that time, Mereoleona was consumed by flames, appearing to have transformed into mana. This ability allowed her to outsmart Moris’ powers of regeneration and decay. Before long, Paladin Moris Libardirt was defeated by Mereoleona.

Despite the positive reception of Mereoleona’s new magic spell, anime fans had previously seen a fire user summon the spirits of the deceased to aid them. In Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni had utilized his Zanka no Tachi, Minami: Kaka Jūmanokushi Daisōjin technique, showcasing a similar ability.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni as seen in Bleach TYBW (Image via Studio Pierrot)

By utilizing this technique, Yamamoto was able to summon the corpses and ashes of those who had perished from his flames, commanding them to fight on his behalf. The burnt remains would rise from the earth and act as Yamamoto’s appendages, enabling him to strike down his enemies without having to physically move.

By using this technique, Yamamoto is also able to summon a specific soul, resulting in a psychological advantage over his opponent.

Yamamoto's hometown of Tachi, Minami: Kaka Jūmanokushi Daisōjin (Image via Studio Pierrot) — Yamamoto’s hometown of Tachi, Minami: Kaka Jūmanokushi Daisōjin (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite their similarities, there is one major distinction between the techniques. Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni is only able to summon the corpses of those whom his flames have burned, whereas Mereoleoana’s technique allows for the summoning of spirits as an optional choice. This is demonstrated by her ability to summon the departed spirits of her subordinates.

It is likely that Mereoleona’s technique only enables her to summon spirits that hold her in high regard. She stated that her Ultimate Flame Magic: Excelitius Leonum allows her to maintain control over her subordinates even after they have passed away. This suggests that the spell may involve a strong bond between the user and their summoned beings.