Bleach TYBW Part 3 Strongly Indicates the Arrival of the Hell Arc

The recent installment of *Bleach TYBW Part 3*, titled *The Dark Arm*, has subtly hinted at an upcoming Hell arc, especially through the poignant exchange between Jushiro Ukitake and Retsu Unohara (previously known as Yachiru Unohana). Following the demise of Genryusai Yamamoto, Shunsui Kyoraku entrusted Retsu with the task of teaching Zaraki Kenpachi the skills of Zanjitsu.

Retsu understood that awakening Zaraki’s latent abilities would require her own life as a sacrifice. Conversely, Jushiro Ukitake chose to undergo the Kamikake ritual, which involved giving up his life to the deity Mimihagi, thereby becoming the Right Arm of the Soul King.

Both characters were aware they were embarking on a mission from which there would be no return. Yet, before parting ways, Jushiro assured Retsu in *Bleach TYBW Part 3* that they would reunite. Retsu appeared to grasp the deeper meaning behind Jushiro’s words.

Notably, those familiar with Tite Kubo’s one-shot titled *No Breath from the Jaws of Hell* would understand the weight of this dialogue. This brief exchange strongly suggests that Jushiro is destined to encounter Retsu in Hell.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers from the one-shot *Howls from the Jaws of Hell* and the *Thousand-Year Blood War* arc.

The Significance of Jushiro Ukitake’s Exchange with Retsu Unohana in Bleach TYBW Part 3

In episode three of *Bleach TYBW Part 3*, Jushiro and Retsu shared a final moment before embarking on their respective perilous missions. Jushiro prepared himself for the Kamikake ritual, even if it meant losing his life, while Retsu committed to awakening Zaraki’s potential, ultimately sacrificing herself.

As their destinies unfolded, Retsu bid farewell to Jushiro. Intriguingly, the white-haired Soul Reaper captain responded with words of reassurance, claiming they would soon meet again. This raises the question: why would Jushiro make such a statement when they both understood the gravity of their situations?

This alludes to Kubo’s earlier one-shot, *No Breath from The Jaws of Hell*, which reveals that when a Soul Reaper with significant Spiritual Pressure dies (especially those at the Captain level), they are sent to Hell rather than being reincarnated.

Jushiro and Retsu in Bleach TYBW Part 3 episode 3 (Image via Pierrot Films) — Jushiro and Retsu in *Bleach TYBW Part 3* episode 3 (Image via Pierrot Films)

This phenomenon is not exclusive to Soul Reapers; it also applies to Espadas and other beings with high Spiritual Pressure. The one-shot further clarified that Jushiro Ukitake’s soul was sent to Hell following his sacrifice during the *Thousand-Year Blood War* arc.

Although Retsu’s fate is not explicitly shown, her status as a Soul Reaper captain implies she too would be sent to Hell, as would Genryusai Yamamoto and other high-ranking Shinigami or Espadas. Interestingly, Shunsui Kyoraku seemed to be aware of this fate.

In the latest episode of *Bleach TYBW Part 3*, it became evident that both Jushiro and Retsu were conscious of their forthcoming destinies. If not, Jushiro likely wouldn’t have claimed they would reunite, nor would Retsu have responded with such understanding.

Conclusion

The newest episode of *Bleach TYBW* certainly opens up various narrative possibilities. With the implications of Jushiro and Retsu’s scene nearly confirming the concept of Hell and solidifying the one-shot’s canon status, fans are left wondering if Tite Kubo will delve into the Hell Arc in the future.

Previously, a fan inquired in Kubo’s *Klub Outside* blog about the potential continuation of the series with the Hell Arc. Kubo responded that he would only illustrate when he felt inspired to do so.

Nonetheless, considering the positive reception of the *Thousand-Year Blood War* arc’s anime adaptation, it’s not far-fetched to anticipate that Kubo may eventually explore the Hell Arc.

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