The Role of Mimihagi in Ukitake’s Storyline in Bleach TYBW Explained

Bleach TYBW raises an intriguing question regarding Ukitake’s association with Mimihagi, a plot point that illuminates pivotal aspects of this narrative arc and profoundly impacts the trajectory of Ukitake’s character throughout the series. Mimihagi plays a crucial role in enriching the lore of the franchise, given its identity as the right hand of the Soul King, governing tranquility, which connects directly to Jushiro Ukitake.

Throughout Bleach TYBW, it is disclosed that as a child, Ukitake forged a significant bond with Mimihagi while battling a grave illness. The entity merged with him to preserve his life, which accounts for his extraordinarily high Reiatsu and lengthy survival, peaking during this arc as Yhwach orchestrates a series of events leading Ichigo Kurosaki to slay the Soul King.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Ukitake’s Beginnings in Bleach TYBW

Mimihagi and a young Jushiro Ukitake in a flashback (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Jushiro Ukitake’s journey commenced in the Eastern Rukongai of Soul Society, where he wrestled with a severe illness from an early age. Unable to find a cure, his parents sought the help of Mimihagi, a deity from their region, later revealed to be the right arm of the Soul King, whose power was compromised due to the Original Sin.

The pact formed between Mimihagi and Ukitake saw them merge, with Ukitake gaining a new lease on life while providing Mimihagi with a corporeal form. While the Soul King’s arm facilitated Ukitake’s survival, it didn’t cure his ailment, merely stabilizing it. This peculiar relationship eventually led Jushiro to the ranks of the Gotei 13, where he distinguished himself as a formidable Captain due to his impressive combat prowess.

The Fate of Ukitake and Mimihagi

Mimihagi reaching the Soul Palace (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Many fans have speculated about Ukitake’s relationship with Mimihagi, a significant twist revealed in Bleach TYBW, which Studio Pierrot has further explored in subsequent episodes. These episodes provide deeper insights into Ukitake’s and his parents’ initial connection with Mimihagi, adding layers to their narratives.

As the story unfolds, the orchestrations of Yhwach lead to chaos as he manipulates Ichigo Kurosaki to terminate the Soul King. This drastic action causes a collapse of the three worlds. To counteract this, Ukitake chooses to undergo the Kamikake ritual, which permits Mimihagi to assume full control of his body, positioning itself as the stabilizing force for the three worlds. However, the ritual concludes upon the user’s demise.

Regrettably, Yhwach and his followers succeed in displacing Mimihagi, who is subsequently absorbed by the Quincy King, along with what fragments of the Soul King remained. This sequence of events culminates in Yhwach’s ascension to dominion over the three worlds, at the cost of Ukitake’s life, prompting many fans to lament that his selfless sacrifice bore no significant progression for the storyline.

Conclusion

As Bleach TYBW continues to explore these themes, it is natural for viewers to ponder the significance of Ukitake’s bond with Mimihagi. This aspect of the lore stands out within the broader narrative and emphasizes the complexities surrounding the Soul King’s power.

Source