Bleach TYBW Episode 28 Review: Ichigo Battles Yhwach in the Royal Palace and the Soul King’s Shocking Fate Unfolds

Bleach TYBW episode 28, named “Kill the King,”premiered on October 12, 2024, on TV Tokyo and its associated networks in Japan. This episode captivated viewers with an intense confrontation between Ichigo Kurosaki and Yhwach set against the backdrop of the Royal Palace. The substitute Soul Reapers exerted all their might in an attempt to prevent the Quincy King from executing the Soul King.

Ultimately, Ichigo fell victim to Yhwach’s elaborate scheme, resulting in the Soul King’s demise at his own hands. Episode 28 of Bleach TYBW introduced several unique anime-original moments, shedding light on the intricate lore surrounding the Soul King’s history. Additionally, the animation quality throughout the episode showcased the exceptional work of Pierrot Films.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW episode 28.

Bleach TYBW Episode 28: Ichigo Kurosaki Battles Yhwach in the Royal Palace

Yhwach, as seen in the flashback (Image via Pierrot Films)

The episode kicks off with a flashback, revealing a young Yhwach observing his father, the Soul King, creating three separate realms, ultimately sacrificing himself as the anchor for those worlds. The scene transitions as Yhwach is portrayed as an infant, accompanied by the echo of anguished voices in the background.

As Ichigo Kurosaki approaches the Soul King’s Palace, he grapples with these haunting images. Meanwhile, Yhwach’s assault on the Soul King sends shockwaves across the Seireitei, Hueco Mundo, and the Human World, affecting all three realms. Ichigo arrives just in time at the main entrance of the palace, determined to confront Yhwach.

Ichigo vs. Yhwach in Bleach TYBW episode 28 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Following the opening credits, episode 28 showcases Ichigo’s second clash with Yhwach, brought to life through stunning animation. Armed with dual blades, Ichigo charges at the Quincy King, who counters his assault with overwhelming Spiritual Pressure.

The fight transitions outside the entrance of the palace, where Ichigo successfully executes a Getsugatensho on Yhwach, who skillfully counters and is subsequently pinned to the ground. Employing his Quincy Blutvene, Yhwach halts Ichigo’s blade from breaking through.

In response, Yhwach retaliates with a Sankt Bogen attack. Despite the devastation it causes, Ichigo manages to counter with his own Getsugatensho. Yhwach praises Ichigo’s unique strategy, ready to unleash his full Quincy potential.

Ichigo's Getsuga Jujisho (Image via Pierrot Films) — Ichigo’s Getsuga Jujisho (Image via Pierrot Films)

The Quincy King employs Qualkreis to release a flurry of arrows infused with reishi targeting Ichigo; however, Ichigo demonstrates his prowess by slicing through them seamlessly. The episode further highlights a breathtaking moment as Ichigo unleashes Getsuga Jujisho against Yhwach’s Sankt Zwinger.

Yhwach acknowledges Ichigo’s strength, realizing the training he underwent at the Royal Palace has significantly enhanced his abilities. He suspects Ichigo’s recent empowerment stems from his entry into the Irazusando under the tutelage of the Zero Squad.

Yhwach corners Ichigo (Image via Pierrot Films)

Ichigo is taken aback upon hearing the name Irazusando from Yhwach. Nevertheless, Yhwach dismisses the idea of Ichigo being a threat, believing he has yet to fully utilize his Almight eyes against him. The scene escalates as Yhwach unveils his newly acquired power, awakening his Almighty vision.

With his newfound ability to foresee the future, Ichigo’s attacks fall short, and despite his relentless efforts, he fails to land a blow on Yhwach.

Bleach TYBW Episode 28: Yhwach Manipulates Ichigo for His Ultimate Goal

Rukia and Renji (Image via Pierrot Films)

The storyline then transitions to the Seireitei, where Rukia informs Renji that they need to visit the R&D Department to investigate the cause of the seismic disturbances indicated by Kisuke Urahara. Similarly, other characters, including Soifon, Omaeda, Momo, and Shinji, react to the tremors.

Meanwhile, Jushiro Ukitake is shown caring for Zaraki Kenpachi’s injuries, ensuring that the 11th Division Captain remains alive. At the research facility, Nanao expresses confusion about why the Quincies targeted the Royal Palace rather than annihilating the Soul Reapers.

Yhwach, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Back to Yhwach, he reflects on how Adyneus (the Soul King), possessing the capacity to reshape the world, envisioned a tragic outcome for the Quincies yet chose to forsake them. This betrayal fuels Yhwach’s desire to eliminate his father and forge a new reality.

At the same time, Ichigo stands resolute, determined to thwart Yhwach and safeguard the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the World of the Living. Yhwach, however, taunts Ichigo, stating that the Quincy blood coursing through him will forever resent the Soul King.

Ichibe Hyosube, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

In another scene, Ichibe Hyosube grimly asserts that humanity can never claim victory over Yhwach. Yet he considers this outcome appropriate, as it embodies the essence of peace. The plot shifts back to the Seireitei, where Renji, Rukia, Shinji, and others make their way into Kisuke Urahara’s laboratory. Kisuke surmises that the recent quakes are linked to the Soul King’s peril.

The narrative once again transitions to the Soul King’s Palace, intensifying Ichigo Kurosaki’s face-off with Yhwach. While Ichigo attempts to restrain Yhwach with his blade, Yoruichi employs Tenshiheisho Hissakikumoi to bind the Quincy King. However, Yhwach’s reishi easily disrupts the threads and veil surrounding the Soul King’s sanctum.

Yoruichi and Yhwach (Image via Pierrot Films)

Ichigo and his allies are horrified to witness the Soul King’s crystallized form, impaled by Yhwach’s blade. Yoruichi notes that the venerated figure is still alive. At that moment, Ichigo bravely rushes past Yhwach to extract the blade from the Soul King.

However, upon drawing the sword, Ichigo’s Quincy lineage takes control of him, pushing him to sever the Soul King in two. Yhwach applauds his efforts, leaving Ichigo emotionally shattered.

Yhwach reveals that utilizing Ichigo to eliminate the Soul King was an integral part of his scheme, as only a being with the combined powers of a Soul Reaper, Hollow, Human, Fullbringer, and Quincy could succeed in this task. Yhwach simply needed Ichigo to grasp the blade embedded with his Spiritual Pressure.

Ichigo cuts Soul King in half (Image via Pierrot Films) — Ichigo cuts the Soul King in half (Image via Pierrot Films)

As Ichigo’s Quincy blood responded to the Spiritual Pressure, it instinctively rejected the Soul King, similar to any other Quincy. Yhwach exacerbates Ichigo’s anguish, reminding him that his very purpose as a Soul Reaper was ultimately to extinguish the Soul King’s life.

The instant the Soul King’s figure splits apart, tremors escalate across the three realms. Kisuke Urahara expresses concern that the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the World of the Living are on the brink of annihilation. The episode concludes with Yhwach inviting Ichigo to observe the impending destruction of the Soul Society.

Conclusion

Bleach TYBW episode 28 delivered striking battles and captivating revelations derived from Tite Kubo’s manga, masterfully adapted into animated form. The unique combat sequence between Ichigo and Yhwach stood as one of the most significant highlights of the episode, exemplifying the peak of Pierrot Films’ animation skills.

Moreover, the episode intricately weaved in compelling lore regarding the Soul King, effectively setting the stage for the narrative to unfold in the upcoming installment.

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