Bleach TYBW episode 29, entitled “The Dark Arm,”premiered on October 19, 2024, on TV Tokyo and associated networks throughout Japan. This episode highlighted Jushiro Ukitake performing the Kamikake ritual, an act aimed at replacing the Soul King. By offering his own body to the deity Mimihagi, Jushiro temporarily averted the imminent collapse of the three realms.
In addition to this pivotal moment, Bleach TYBW episode 29 delved into Jushiro Ukitake’s rich backstory, revealing how he was saved by Mimihagi. The episode also showcased Shunsui Kyoraku as he lifted some of Aizen’s seals to harness his combat strength against Yhwach and the Quincies.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW episode 29.
Bleach TYBW episode 29: The Unfolding of Jushiro’s Past as He Steps Forward to Replace the Soul King
Continuing from the events of the last episode, Bleach TYBW episode 29 opens with Jushiro Ukitake arriving at the Research Lab. The Captain of the 13th Division calmly announces his intention to replace the Soul King while a dark aura emanates from his back.
Removing his Captain’s uniform, Jushiro engages in the ritual, invoking the powers of Mimihagi that reside within him. The chanting leads into a flashback that explores his backstory deeply.
Within the context of Bleach TYBW episode 29, it is revealed that Jushiro Ukitake was born with a rare lung condition that placed his life in jeopardy. Desperate, his parents took him to the shrine of the local deity, Mimihagi, praying for his survival in exchange for his organs.
Eventually, the deity responded to their pleas. Tears fell from Mimihagi’s eyes, enveloping Jushiro in a mystical embrace. The boy found himself in a surreal landscape, standing before the Divine Right Hand of the Soul King. Observing the tears in Mimihagi’s eyes, he approached, harvested them, and drank them. This transformative act revitalized him, effectively saving his life.
The episode then shifts to display Jushiro’s earlier days, where he grapples with another boy, leading to his admission into the Soul Reaper Academy. Despite his ongoing illness, he aspired to become a Soul Reaper.
In a flashback, Bleach TYBW episode 29 returns to the present to show Shunsui Kyoraku arriving at Muken, concerned about Jushiro’s ambitious plans.
Following swiftly, the episode transitions to another past event where Jushiro engages in a friendly spar with Shunsui, under the watchful eyes of Genryusai Yamamoto and Retsu Unohana.
Their sparring match concludes in a tie, leading to a mutual respect and a strong friendship. Jushiro even requests the delicious Monaka sweets from Shunsui’s family garden and later brings him to the shrine of Mimihagi.
During a conversation in Bleach TYBW episode 29, it is revealed that Mimihagi is indeed the Right Arm of the Soul King. Shunsui reflects on a local proverb stating that the left hand of the Soul King signifies progress, while the right symbolizes stillness.
Jushiro informs Shunsui of his debt to Mimihagi for saving his life, although he admits his illness continues to plague him. The storyline then weaves forward as Jushiro persuades Central 46 to refrain from appointing a new lieutenant, believing no one could take Kaien’s place.
Afterward, Jushiro, Shunsui, and Retsu Unohana honor their fallen Commander, Genryusai Yamamoto. They express their sorrow over their leader’s passing. Shunsui, now the new Captain Commander, reflects on how dismal the weight of command feels.
The episode continues flashbacks, specifically capturing a farewell between Retsu Unohana and Jushiro, with Jushiro promising they would meet again one day.
Bleach TYBW episode 29: Jushiro Ukitake Becomes the Right Arm of the Soul King
As the episode progresses beyond the substantial flashbacks, it again focuses on Jushiro’s ritual. A dark, reiatsu-like arm emerges from his back, while he coughs up blood.
Jushiro explains that he used the Kamikake ritual to extend Mimihagi’s powers throughout his body, sacrificing his organs to embody the Soul King’s Right Arm.
Despite the sacrifice costing his life, Jushiro expresses that he considers it an honor as a Soul Reaper. Rukia Kuchiki, witnessing his final moments, struggles to accept his fate. Jushiro reminds her that there are two forms of battle.
The scene cuts to Shunsui Kyoraku in Muken, who echoes Jushiro’s sentiment about the dual nature of battles—one for protecting life and another for upholding honor—as he prepares to engage Aizen.
Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 29: Jushiro’s Sacrifice Temporarily Stabilizes the Destruction of the Realms, Shunsui Breaches Aizen’s Seals
The storyline then shifts to the Royal Palace, spotlighting Ichigo Kurosaki who confronts Yhwach. The Quincy King emphasizes that without the Soul King as their anchor, none of the realms would survive.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi Shihoin, Ganju, and Chad struggle against Yhwach, proving ineffective. Orihime Inoue attempts to heal the Soul King during the fight, but her efforts are in vain as Yhwach asserts that the Soul King cannot be revived despite any human capabilities.
In a powerful visual, Bleach TYBW episode 29 depicts dark reiatsu issuing from Jushiro’s body. A massive black arm equipped with an eye reaches for the severed Soul King, surprisingly unnoticed by Yhwach’s Almighty vision.
Once the Right Arm grasps the Soul King, tremors across the realms cease. Soifon expresses a belief that this stability might only endure as long as Ukitake lives. She consults Kisuke about what measures should be taken. While Kisuke does not have the solution, he acknowledges the urgency of finding a way to maintain stability while Jushiro holds the position of the Soul King.
The scene transitions back to Muken where Shunsui Kyoraku retrieves keys to release three of Aizen’s seals. As he removes one, Aizen autonomously breaks free from the remaining seals. Shunsui follows suit, releasing Aizen’s ankles.
Shunsui poses a question to Aizen about his desire to exit, revealing that his heart bears the engraving of Muken’s gate—implying that if he were to die, the location would be lost forever. He then suggests that Aizen take a seat in a specially crafted chair.
In the climax of Bleach TYBW episode 29, a Central 46 member attempts to constrain Aizen, but the latter’s overwhelming Spiritual Pressure easily obliterates their grip. Aizen questions whether Shunsui genuinely expects him to lend his strength for the welfare of the Soul Society.
Shunsui contends that he is not soliciting Aizen to fight for the Soul Society’s advantage but acknowledges their shared interests regarding the current crisis. Aizen finds Shunsui’s demeanor rather amusing as the episode draws to a close with Aizen pondering if he must endure in the crumbling Soul Society at Yhwach’s hands.
Conclusion
A standout aspect of Bleach TYBW episode 29 was its exceptional cinematic production. Pierrot Films enriched the narrative with numerous anime-original scenes that illuminate Jushiro’s past and other significant details. Collectively, the episode transcended the original source material, offering numerous enhancements.
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