Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Episode 3 Features the Return of Sosuke Aizen

The latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 delivered a monumental twist with the much-anticipated return of Sosuke Aizen. Previously confined in Muken, Aizen was released from his restraints when Shunsui Kyoraku sought him out for assistance.

As the new Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, Shunsui recognized a mutual interest between Aizen and the Soul Society: the need to protect themselves and other realms from the menace posed by Yhwach and the Quincies. Despite Aizen’s history of betrayal, Shunsui understood that enlisting Aizen’s help was crucial for their survival against such a formidable foe.

Aizen’s reappearance in this episode has been a highlight for fans who were eager to see more of this iconic character following his brief appearance in the series’ earlier parts. Now aligned with the Gotei 13, Aizen is ready to confront a shared adversary.

Disclaimer: Spoilers for Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 ahead

A Deep Dive into Aizen and Shunsui’s Encounter in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War Part 3 Episode 3

While Ichigo Kurosaki fought Yhwach within the Royal Palace and other Soul Reapers maintained watch in Seireitei, Shunsui Kyoraku descended to the depths of the Central Great Underground Prison, known as Muken, in this episode.

In seeking Aizen, the newly appointed Captain Commander hoped to utilize him as a secret weapon against Yhwach and the Quincies. Muken was notorious for housing only the most dangerous criminals within the Soul Society.

Aizen had been imprisoned in Muken following his act of treason aimed at achieving divinity. To contain his powers, the Soul Society had placed numerous restraints on him, especially because he was bonded to the Hogyoku.

Shunsui Kyoraku in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Upon entering Muken, Shunsui sensed ominous tremors reverberating from above, leading him to contemplate the impending doom. Shrouded in darkness, he questioned if Aizen could even sense his arrival, as the innocent were not permitted to tread into the profound shadows of Muken.

Receiving no reply from Aizen, Shunsui resorted to mocking his inability to communicate through Spiritual Pressure. He then revealed three keys, authorized by the Soul Society’s higher authorities, meant to unlock Aizen’s seals.

Sosuke Aizen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Once Shunsui unsealed Aizen’s mouth, the Soul Reaper astonishingly unleashed the remaining seals himself, marking a dramatic and powerful resurgence from Muken’s shadows.

Aizen’s transformation astonished Shunsui, who unfastened the last two restraints to free Aizen’s left eye and ankles. They then engaged in discussion, with Shunsui inquiring if Aizen was eager to leave Muken.

Interestingly, it was disclosed that the key to Muken was etched in Shunsui’s heart, a requirement for him to access Muken and remove three of Aizen’s bindings.

Shunsui shows Aizen where the key to Muken is engraved (Image via Pierrot Films)

The Central 46 had ensured that Aizen could not harm Shunsui nor escape; otherwise, the gate to Muken would be forever sealed. Shunsui empathized with Aizen’s predicament, acknowledging the higher authorities’ cautiousness.

Then, Shunsui invited Aizen to sit on a specially crafted throne, hoping to allow him to experience the fresh air of the Soul Society once again. Just as this was happening, one of the Soul Reaper guards approached Aizen with plans to force him into the chair.

However, as the guard approached, he was violently erased from existence with a flick of Aizen’s hand. Aizen sighed, chastising the Soul Reaper for his foolishness, explaining that the restraints aimed to confine his power to a limited range but could not diminish his Spiritual Pressure.

Aizen's Spiritual Pressure wounds a Soul Reaper (Image via Pierrot Films) — Aizen’s Spiritual Pressure wounds a Soul Reaper (Image via Pierrot Films)

Subsequently, Aizen questioned Shunsui’s faith in him utilizing his abilities for the Soul Society’s benefit. Shunsui clarified that he never intended to rely on Aizen for altruism; rather, he recognized their goals were not so dissimilar. Essentially, Shunsui understood that Aizen’s nature disallowed him from following anyone’s orders.

This sentiment further reinforced, as it was evident that if Yhwach aimed to ascend as a god ruling over all, it would counteract Aizen’s ambitions. Similarly, the Soul Society was steadfast in maintaining the balance of the three realms. Aizen grasped Shunsui’s logic and ultimately agreed to his conditions in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3.

Conclusion

The reemergence of Sosuke Aizen in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 signifies a pivotal point in the storyline. The episode has beautifully encapsulated the essence of this beloved antagonist, with the dynamic exchange between him and Shunsui standing as a memorable highlight.

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