Bleach Chapter 616: The Gravest Secret of Jushiro Ukitake

Despite being released quite a while back, the significance of Bleach chapter 616 in the overall story cannot be ignored. As the anime adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc prepares to air its third installment in 2024, which will depict the events following chapter 609, fans are eagerly anticipating the animated portrayal of one of the manga’s most epic moments.

Therefore, what is the reason behind the attention surrounding Bleach 616? Readers who have delved into the chapter are aware that it uncovers the biggest secret of Jushiro Ukitake, the captain of the 13th division, and its significance in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.

The chapter delves into Jushiro’s relationship with the ancient deity Mimihagi, who is revealed to be the right arm of the Soul King. Without a doubt, Bleach chapter 616 sheds light on Ukitake’s true role as a Soul Reaper, despite its tragic nature.

This article includes spoilers from Bleach manga.

Bleach Chapter 616: Jushiro Ukitake’s Sacrifice to Become the Right Arm of the Soul King

The focus of Bleach chapter 616, titled “Mimihagi,”is on Jushiro Ukitake’s troubled past and his involvement with an ancient deity known as Mimihagi. The captain of the 13th Division also discloses his plan to take the place of the Soul King, following his discovery of Yhwach’s murder of the current ruler.

In Bleach chapter 616, after the passing of the Soul King, the three realms (Hueco Mundo, the Human World, and the Soul Society) start to experience turbulence. In this critical moment, Kisuke Urahara, Renji Abarai, and other individuals observe a dark substance emanating from the body of Jushiro Ukitake.

In Bleach 616, the captain steps forward and reveals his strategy to succeed the fallen Soul King. Jushiro had predicted Yhwach’s intentions to overthrow the Soul King during his initial attack on the Seireitei. As a result, he chose to focus on the sacred Kamikake ritual instead of engaging in battle at the frontlines as the captain of the 13th Division.

Jushiro preparing for the Kamikake ritual (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Based on the manga, only a Soul Reaper possesses the ability to perform the Kamikake ritual, during which they offer a part of their body to the deity Mimihagi.

During this procedure, a Soul Reaper offers up their remaining physical form and life energy in return for becoming a conduit for the deity and taking on the duties of the Right Arm of the Soul King. In an intriguing turn of events, Bleach chapter 616 uncovers Jushiro’s qualification for this ceremony.

According to Bleach chapter 616, Jushiro Ukitake was born with a rare and terminal lung disease that caused his hair to turn white. However, his life was saved by Mimihagi, a local deity.

Mimihagi as seen in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War (Image via Pierrot)

The 13th Division captain reveals in Bleach 616 that the citizens of Sakahone, a district in Rukongai’s 76th sector, worshiped an ancient deity known as Mimihagi. According to legend, this deity bestows blessings upon those who make offerings to it, as long as it is not an eye since it already possesses one.

Despite this, there is much more to the narrative than what meets the eye. Legend has it that Mimihagi descended from the heavens in ancient times and protected the Right Arm of the Soul King within its shrine. Jushiro Ukitake’s grandmother was a deeply superstitious woman, and she brought the dying Soul Reaper to Mimihagi’s shrine in Sakahone to perform a sacred ritual.

In Bleach chapter 616, Jushiro discloses that his grandmother had sacrificed her own lungs to Mimihagi-sama in order to receive blessings for him. This allowed Jushiro to survive and eventually become a Captain in the Gotei 13. As Mimihagi had already claimed his lungs, Jushiro was the ideal candidate for the sacred ritual.

Does Jushiro Ukitake pass away after using Kamikake in Bleach chapter 616?

Following his revelation in Bleach chapter 616, Jushiro proceeds to carry out the Kamikake Ritual and beseeches Mimihagi-sama to accept him as a vessel for the deity. The ominous shadows of Mimihagi engulf his form and then reach upwards, forming a colossal hand with a single eye.

As the painful ritual nears its end, Mimihagi’s shadow seeps out of Jushiro’s openings and takes the form of a hand. This is how the 13th Division Captain becomes a conduit for Mimihagi, also known as the Right Arm of the Soul King. However, according to Bleach 616, this is only a temporary state.

Jushiro, as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

After the user’s death, the effects of the Kamikake ritual will wear off. Sadly, Jushiro was unable to escape his tragic destiny.

Following the completion of the Kamikake ritual, the Soul Reaper Captain’s life force is extinguished. He meets a heroic end, sacrificing himself in a final attempt to safeguard all those around him.