BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – Unveiling the Dark Arm Saga

Essential Insights

Jūshirо̄ Ukitake’s monumental sacrifice highlights his divine connection with Mimihagi, the Right Arm of the Soul King.
Captain Shunsui Kyо̄raku’s decision to release Aizen is pivotal in combating the Quincies, which also delves into the theme of duality.
Ukitake’s selfless act provides stability to the universe, emphasizing his significant contribution.

Warning: Spoilers for BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3, Episode 3, “The Dark Arm,”now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

In the latest episode of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 – The Conflict, we witness a pivotal moment for the 13th Squad Captain, Jūshirо̄ Ukitake. The narrative unveils the true cause behind his frail health and ongoing illness. It transpires that Ukitake was inhabited by Mimihagi, a revered embodiment known as the Right Arm of the Soul King, a deity in the 76th District of Rukongai. This divine possession allowed him to lead a life that, while intermittently marked by a life-threatening lung condition from his early years, ultimately led him to make a fateful decision to sacrifice his borrowed life to preserve the universe.

As his friend makes the ultimate sacrifice, Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyо̄raku confronts a tough choice: freeing Sōsuke Aizen to garner his aid against the Quincies.

“I have lived my life knowing that this day might arrive. My life was spared—if its return can aid the Gotei 13, it is a sacrifice I will gladly make.”

Ukitake Takes Action

Exploring the Captain’s Past and Divine Connection

Ukitake Jushiro Encounters Mimihagi – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Episode 3

Staying true to the essence of Thousand-Year Blood War, we delve into Captain Ukitake’s formative years. He hails from a struggling family in Sakahone, part of the 76th District of Rukongai, and his chronic lung ailment nearly claimed his life by the age of three. In a desperate plea, his parents invoked the assistance of Mimihagi—the fallen Right Arm of the Soul King—who took residence in Ukitake’s body, effectively saving him. This unique sequence illustrates a vision reminiscent of the primordial waters seen in Yhwach’s reflections on the realms’ creation. Although Ukitake remained unwell from his lung condition, the divine influence provided him with a chance at life he otherwise would not have experienced.

He ultimately thrived, becoming one of the inaugural students of Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni at the Shin’о̄ Academy, designed for training aspiring Shinigami that are assigned into the ranks of the Gotei 13. Despite Central 46’s skepticism regarding his capacity due to his illness, he ascended to become the Captain of the 13th Squad. It was at Shin’о̄ where Ukitake formed a bond with Kyо̄raku, who shared the notion that a deity within Rukongai was one of the Soul King’s severed limbs. The left arm fosters progress, while the right arm, known by Ukitake, symbolizes Stillness. In the 12th Squad’s facility, Kyо̄raku performs the Kamikake ritual (“Divine Possession”), continuing from the events depicted in the initial course of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War.

Duality as a Central Theme

A Journey into Shadows

”
There are two kinds of combats: the struggle for existence and…the battle for honor!

– If you want Jūshirō

As this episode unfolds, the focus on duality becomes increasingly apparent. Both Ukitake and Kyо̄raku are renowned for wielding dual Zanpakutо̄, a rare achievement among even the most esteemed Shinigami. This recurring theme of pairing emerges prominently during Ukitake’s youth, spotlighting a sparring session with Kyо̄raku, overseen by Unohana and Genryūsai. The possession of Mimihagi over Ukitake evokes a striking image: the solitary eye on the fist of the Right Arm stands in contrast to Ukitake’s gaze fixed on the mysterious entity before him. After their encounter, the episode underscores the notion of pairing—contrasting Ukitake’s deteriorating health with the encounter with Mimihagi; their shared dual-wielding proficiency; the bond formed during their tenure as Yamamoto’s protégés; discussions regarding Mimihagi as students at Shin’о̄; and the persistent recommendation from Central 46 for Ukitake to select a new lieutenant to succeed Kaien Shiba. All of these elements highlight the pronounced theme of duality within the episode.

Ukitake’s Zanpakutо̄, Sōgyо no Kotowari (“Truth of Pisces”), epitomizes this motif, which is further elaborated in the Can’t Fear Your Own World novels by Ryohgo Narita, where Kyо̄raku notes that the duality of Sōgyо no Kotowari directly stems from Mimihagi’s presence within Ukitake. This is an indication that duality among Zanpakutо̄s in BLEACH is not a natural development. The most striking instance of this motif arises from the necessity for both Ukitake and Kyо̄raku to confront a menacing and unpredictable darkness to safeguard what they treasure. Ukitake prepares to offer back the life bestowed on him by divine means, while Kyо̄raku ventures into the Muken to negotiate with none other than Sōsuke Aizen.

A Profound Examination of a Heroic Life

Ensuring Ukitake’s Legacy Shines Bright

Mimihagi Reunites with the Soul King – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Episode 3

Following Ukitake’s profound sacrifice, a dark arm emerges, rejoining the severed halves of the Soul King—a scenario unanticipated even by Yhwach, who wields the terrifying powers of The Almighty. While Ukitake’s act brings a sense of balance to the fractured universe, Urahara suggests that it is merely a temporary measure, one that will only endure as long as Ukitake’s waning vitality holds out. Although this episode is less action-oriented, it masterfully delves into Ukitake’s lore, culminating in a significant discussion about his commitment to perform the Kamikake alongside Unohana, which serves as a thoughtful reference to their partnership in the No Breaths From Hell one-shot, set twelve years post-Thousand-Year Blood War. The true essence of Part 3 now unfolds, showcasing a compelling start over its first three installments.

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