What happened to Kensei in Bleach? Explained

Many fans of Bleach are left questioning the fate of Kensei in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, as it can be quite perplexing. Gremmy Thoumeaux seemingly killed him, only for Giselle Gewelle to then turn him into a zombie. This has led to speculation about whether he ultimately met his demise or returned in some altered state.

Despite the initial confusion surrounding Kensei’s fate in Bleach due to Tite Kubo’s writing style, the 2021 No Breath from the Jaws of Hell one-shot clarifies his current state and role as a Gotei 13 Captain in Soul Society. Despite facing challenges during the Thousand-Year Blood arc, Kensei ultimately survives and returns to a normal state.

Please note: This article reveals key plot points for the series.

Explaining Kensei’s Ultimate Fate in Bleach

Despite surviving the Thousand-Year Blood War, Kensei Muguruma was no longer a zombie. Ten years later, he continued to fulfill his duties as the Captain of the 9th Division in the Gotei 13. Three hours before Rukia Kuchiki’s inauguration as the Captain of the 13th Division, he playfully mocked his lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi for his struggles with mastering his Bankai.

Kensei also makes an appearance in the 2021 one-shot, No Breath from the Jaws of Hell, which takes place after the conclusion of the original manga. As one of the Gotei 13 Captains, Kensei participates in a ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers of the Thousand-Year Blood War. However, it should be noted that he does not play a significant role and remains mostly in the background.

What happens to Kensei in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc?

Kensei, Shinji, and Rose as seen in the new anime (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Despite not having a prominent role, Kensei plays a crucial part during the Quincy’s initial invasion of Soul Society in Bleach, mainly working behind the scenes. He has a significant moment when he trains Shuhei Hisagi to perfect his Bankai, showcasing the tension between them caused by the betrayal of their former subordinate and captain, Kaname Tousen.

During the second invasion, viewers are able to witness Kensei’s fighting skills as he takes on Mask de Masculine, a Sternritter who had previously defeated Hisagi. Though Kensei is ultimately defeated and knocked unconscious by the Quincy, he is rescued by Isane Kotetsu. Unfortunately, he meets his ultimate demise at the hands of another Sternritter, Gremmy Thoumeaux.

Upon discovering Kensei’s lifeless body, the Sternritter Giselle Gewelle transforms both him and Rose into zombies. Utilizing their blood, 2nd Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi successfully takes control of the two and injures Giselle. However, Kensei falls under the control of PePe Waccabrada’s powers and attacks Byakuya Kuchiki.

How Kensei is Saved From His Zombie Fate?

Mayuri Kurotsuchi as seen in the new anime (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Mayuri Kurotsuchi was the one who caused the events that unfolded for Kensei during the final battle in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc of Bleach. Through manipulating a blood sample, he was able to gain control over Kensei’s zombified body and ultimately outwit Giselle.

Despite his return to his regular form after the time-skip, author Tite Kubo does not explicitly explain how Kensei returned to normal. This lack of explanation could be seen as a plot hole, as the story does not address his resurrection. While some fans have speculated that Gremmy’s imagined death was reversed during his fight with Zaraki Kenpachi, this remains unconfirmed.

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