Bleach: The Redemption of Squad 0 in the Anime Series

Essential Insights

Led by Ichibe Hyosube, Squad 0 comprises formidable Shinigami who initially did not live up to expectations in the Bleach manga.
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc in the anime revitalized Squad 0’s reputation with stunning confrontations against the Quincy.
Senjumaru Shutara’s impressive Bankai and Squad 0’s recent battles showcased their significant strength and relevance, shedding their previous disappointments.

Occupying a prestigious position in the Soul Society, above the renowned Gotei 13, is Squad 0. This elite team consists of five extraordinary Shinigami tasked with defending the Soul King. Each member was selected for their crucial contributions to the Soul Society’s legacy. At the helm is Ichibe Hyosube, also referred to as Manako Osho, known as “He Who Speaks the True Name.” Renowned as the oldest Shinigami alive, Ichibe witnessed the ascension of Adnyeus as Soul King and possesses the unique ability to name all elements within the Soul Society.

Initially portrayed as the pinnacle of Shinigami power, Squad 0 faced significant setbacks in the original Bleach manga. During their confrontation with Yhwach and the Schutzstaffel to protect the Soul King, they suffered considerable humiliation, leaving them with little evidence to support their stature. However, this narrative dramatically shifted with the debut of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime.

Squad 0 in the Manga

The Humiliation of Bleach

Senjumaru Shutara facing Yhwach in the Bleach manga

Squad 0 was first introduced in the Turn Back the Pendulum arc, where the Gotei 13 captains revealed that former Squad 12 captain Kirio Hikifune was promoted to Squad 0, which prompted her lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki to become a Vizored. Following this development, Kisuke Urahara took command of Squad 12, transforming it into a hub of research and innovation. Promotion to Squad 0 is rare among the Gotei, as demonstrated by the necessity of making significant contributions to the Soul Society. Hikifune’s notable invention of Mod Souls, including Kon, Ichigo’s companion residing within a stuffed lion, represented such contributions.

Eventually, Squad 0 made their formal entrance following the initial Quincy invasion. They traveled to the Seireitei to communicate with the Gotei 13 captains and transport some injured members, including Ichigo Kurosaki, Renji Abarai, and the Kuchiki siblings, Byakuya and Rukia, to the Royal Palace, as the Soul King expressed particular interest in Ichigo. Contrary to prior depictions, Squad 0 exhibited a lighthearted demeanor, proving to be rather playful.

After treating the injuries of the four and training them, Squad 0 facilitated their transformation into significantly stronger warriors. Rukia achieved her Bankai, Renji unlocked Zabimaru’s true name and true Bankai, while Byakuya deepened his connection with Senbonzakura, enhancing his powers. Moreover, Ichigo came to comprehend the depths of his own identity and Zangetsu. These events underscored Squad 0’s pivotal role, showcasing how essential they are meant to be. Yet, events unfolded dramatically when Yhwach and the Schutzstaffel launched their attack.

Upon the Schutzstaffel’s arrival at the Royal Palace, they encountered Senjumaru Shutara. After swiftly defeating Sternritter W – Nianzol Weizol, she was unexpectedly shot in the head by the formidable Lille Barro. Following the revelation of her fabric illusions, the real conflict began. O-Etsu Nimaiya, Tenjiro Kirinji, and Kirio Hikifune engaged with the Schutzstaffel, while Ichibe Hyosube faced Yhwach.

The battle between Ichibe and Yhwach was a colossal encounter, illustrating Ichibe’s Bankai and formidable techniques against Yhwach’s overwhelming power, The Almighty. Ultimately, Yhwach triumphed after his power awakened, and it was revealed that Squad 0 had already succumbed to the Schutzstaffel. All four members were eliminated off-screen, reducing the mightiest Shinigami to mere background figures.

This left Squad 0 as a profound disappointment to the fandom over the years. With great buildup and initial promise, they fell from grace without the acknowledgment they deserved, despite being integral to the Shinigami hierarchy.

Squad 0 in the Anime

A Much-Needed Redemption

As anticipation grew for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc anime, Tite Kubo’s active involvement became evident, with new scenes around Uryuu Ishida delighting fans. This revealed his intent to elevate the story in ways he hadn’t been able to due to health issues. This led to speculation: Could Squad 0 be given the redemption they deserved?

The first part of the anime adapted their scenes from the manga, but the second part introduced unique plotlines, including Ichigo being sent to a mysterious shrine called Irazu Sando for evaluation by Ichibe as a candidate for the Soul King. This highlighted Ichibe’s darker motives and deepened the connection between Ichigo and the Soul King, which had been subtly indicated before.

Then came the pivotal battles against the Schutzstaffel, significantly altering the Squad 0 narrative. Unlike earlier portrayals, viewers witnessed the four members engage in combat against the Schutzstaffel when Senjumaru revealed her illusions. Tenjiro, Kirio, and Senjumaru unleashed their Shikai, battling Haschwalth, Pernida, Askin, and Gerard. Oh-Etsu squared off with Lille Barro, showcasing remarkable choreography and emotive music throughout their fights. Squad 0 finally had the opportunity to display their true power.

Following their initial setback against the Quincy, Oh-Etsu became serious and entrusted Senjumaru with the responsibility to vanquish their foes. In a stunning turn, Tenjiro, Kirio, and Oh-Etsu sacrificed themselves, activating Senjumaru’s full potential, which was intricately linked to her teammates. The sheer magnitude of her power caused tremors across the Three Worlds as she activated her Bankai.

Admired for her unique design and captivating personality, Senjumaru Shutara left a lasting impression on fans. She was historically pivotal to the plot, and Tite Kubo’s excitement about her new Bankai, Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami No Tsuji, emphasized her significance in the narrative.

Senjumaru trapped the Schutzstaffel, including Jugram Haschwalth and Uryuu Ishida, swiftly defeating them. After years of being viewed as a disappointment, Squad 0 finally engaged in a thrilling battle against the Quincy Royal Guard, showcasing their skill sets and combat styles. Most importantly, Senjumaru unveiled a new, magnificent Bankai, solidifying her status as a fan favorite.

Although Senjumaru ultimately faced defeat at the hands of Uryuu, this did not detract from their redemption; in fact, it also enriched Uryuu’s character development, which had needed the expansion afforded by the anime. Squad 0 has shed its former reputation as a source of ridicule and is now recognized for the powerhouse they were always intended to be.

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