Bleach: The Jaw-Dropping Escape of the Quincies in Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2
Unveiling the secrets of the Quincies' survival and their path to power in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2's Episode 2 How did they manage to evade death and grow in strength? Discover the untold story behind their survival
BLEACH fans, be aware that the second episode of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, titled "Peace From Shadows," is now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+. In this episode, part of the ongoing second cours of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 – The Separation, the Quincies orchestrate their second surprise attack on the Seireitei. The Sternritters, who previously stole the Shinigami Captains' Bankai, resurface to carry out Yhwach's command: annihilate every last soul.
The Fundamental Difference
: The reemergence of the Quincies brings significance to the second episode titled "Peace From Shadows," as it sheds light on their survival strategies against the extermination executed by the Shinigami.
From the Shinigami's perspective, the primary cause of conflict with the Quincies lies in their disruption of the fundamental mechanism of the BLEACH reality – the journey of souls. As explained by Rukia to Ichigo in the series' inaugural episode, the Shinigami act as psychopomps, guiding departed souls from the World of the Living to the afterlife: Soul Society. One of their important duties entails eliminating Hollows – wayward souls that have lost their humanity and transformed into malevolent beings that feed on other souls. By utilizing their Zanpakutō, the Shinigami cleanse these Hollows, purifying their corrupted essence and facilitating their secure passage to Soul Society for rebirth and residence before eventual reincarnation. This intricate system, resembling a Medici-esque matrix, necessitates equilibrium on both fronts – the World of the Living and the afterlife. Conversely, the Quincy method of combating Hollows involves completely obliterating those souls, thus shattering this delicate balance.
Enemies Closer
The title "BLEACH" draws inspiration from the cleansing process performed by Shinigami on Hollows, known as "harai." This process is symbolically connected to the eponymous cleaning product. Despite this association with purification, Shinigami, who embody Death, remain predominantly associated with darkness and the color black due to their distinctive attire known as "shihakushō" or "Garment of Dead Souls." Contrarily, Quincies also evoke the imagery of bleach, but they may emphasize its corrosive qualities rather than its cleansing abilities. These contrasting viewpoints are two sides of the same coin. The white attire worn by Quincies serves as a visual representation of their opposition to the Shinigami, similar to the Espada. Throughout BLEACH, black and white colors are paradoxically invoked. While typically associated with light and the color white, the Quincies find strength in the shadows. Interestingly, the Hollow known as White, responsible for attacking Masaki Kurosaki, was actually black in color.
In BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 1, Yhwach Haschwalth and Uryu Ishida take center stage. Yhwach, the sealed King of the Quincy, has a plan that spans centuries. He aims to regain his heartbeat over 900 years, his intellect over 90 years, and his power over 9 years. Finally, in just 9 days, he seeks to recover the entire world. Together, Uryu and Haschwalth will face this cataclysmic challenge, with these 9 days marking the looming end of our world.
The Wandenreich, also known as "The Invisible Empire," is a secret kingdom established within the boundaries of the Seireitei after the Shinigami defeated the Quincies a millennium before the series' events. The Quincies sought refuge in the Seireitei, believing it to be the least guarded place, and utilized Reishi to construct an entire empire hidden within the shadows of the Soul Society. This newly formed realm, known as the Schatten Bereich or "Shadow Area," housed Silbern, the Wandenreich's main headquarters during the war. Drawing power from the abundant Reishi in the Soul Society, the Quincies gradually strengthened their forces in preparation for their revenge against the Shinigami. According to Quincy legend, it would take the King of the Quincies 900 years to regain his heartbeat, 90 years to regain his rationality, and 9 years to regain his power – a process that triggered the Auswählen. Finally, within the last nine days, he would reclaim the world.
The Quincy forces didn't have to breach the outer wall because the Schatten Bereich was already located within the Seireitei. In BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, the current course has an eerie atmosphere with its bright red skies and icy architecture. This is the result of the Quincies launching a second ambush and temporarily overlapping the Seireitei with the Wandenreich. It's important to note that time moves differently in the Schatten Bereich, as emphasized by the flipping dominoes in the opening sequence. Both Nakk Le Vaar and Haschwalth made it clear to their opponents that everything is part of Yhwach's plan, regardless of any surprises they may have.
