Bleach: Unveiling the Astounding Bankai of Hirako Shinji in the Thousand-Year Blood War!
Discover a mind-bending surprise in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, episode 3 as Hirako Shinji's mysterious Bankai is unveiled, leaving fans in awe An unprecedented twist awaits, defying all expectations and adding a new layer of excitement to the series
Highlights
The recent episodes of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 revealed the never-before-seen Bankai of Shinji Hirako, the leader of the Visored.
Hirako's Bankai, known as Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari, possesses a perilous power to reverse the perception of allies and enemies, unleashing catastrophic consequences.
The nomenclature and symbolism intertwined within Hirako's Bankai encapsulate a realm of anarchy, malevolence, and disharmony, manifesting a metaphorical inferno that obstructs the journey towards emancipation.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for the latest episode of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, "The Fundamental Virulence", now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
A significant development in recent episodes of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 – The Separation is the introduction of a never-before-seen Bankai in the third episode, titled "The Fundamental Virulence". Shinji Hirako, previously introduced as the leader of the Visored, a group of former high-ranking officers forced to defect due to Sosuke Aizen's Hollowfication experiments, finally unveils the full extent of his abilities, which have not been revealed in either the manga or the original anime up until now.
Initial Anarchy
In the BLEACH: Can't Fear Your Own World novels, written by Ryohgo Narita, the author of Durarara!!, Kubo introduces and describes Hirako's Bankai. However, this powerful technique remains unseen in the original timeline of events. Despite its absence in the series, the depiction of Hirako's Bankai in the novels adds a captivating element of suspense and significance. Notably, this Bankai is so perilous that it has been prohibited for use in Soul Society. Now, let's delve into the mysterious workings of this forbidden technique.
In BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3, Hirako utilizes the Sakanade against Bambietta Basterbine. This Zanpakutо̄ takes the form of a regular katana when unreleased. Upon activating its Shikai with the command "Collapse, Sakanade" ("Taotero"), the pommel transforms into a large ring, allowing Hirako to wield the sword without gripping the handle. The blade, long and slanted with a razor-like edge, features five holes along its length, resembling a letter opener or, more accurately, the pin of a grenade. The Zanpakutо̄'s unique shape gives way to its special ability, "Sakasama no Sekai" ("Inverted World"). By releasing a pink mist that emits a pleasant fragrance, the sword creates an illusion that completely reverses one's sense of direction. This includes perceiving up as down, left as right, and even experiencing attacks inflicted by the opponent in reverse.
Hirako can also choose which aspect he wishes to invert, further disorienting the adversary. This ability proves effective against opponents of varying power levels, as it becomes impossible to adapt one's learned fighting style and instincts to the rules of a topsy-turvy world. When Sternritter E – The Explode, Bambietta Basterbine, experiences the effects of Sakanade, even Hirako's speech becomes reversed, and her sense of direction becomes so severely distorted that her vision spirals and becomes incoherent.
Path of the Cornered
Shinji Hirako Surrounded – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
In BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, episode 3, "The Fundamental Virulence," Hirako's Bankai, Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari ("Reversed Evil Eight Treasure Blockade"), is a stunning sight. As he activates it, the sword undergoes a slight transformation, with a sharp ring appearing at the tip. Hirako himself stands on a pedestal, surrounded by what seems to be a golden lotus flower that envelops him. The pink mist, previously released by Sakanade's Shikai, now emanates from the flower itself. The effects of this mist are truly devastating, and Hirako expresses his gratitude towards the Quincy enemies who had surrounded him at that moment, as their presence eliminated the risk of friendly-fire.
Upon activation,
Upside-Down, Downside-Up
exhibits an all-encompassing impact by reversing individuals' perception of friend and foe, thereby resulting in the indiscriminate targeting of allies and enemies alike. As depicted in episode 3 of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, Hirako finds himself surrounded by a group of Quincy Soldat who, driven by this effect, assist each other in swiftly meeting their demise. He elucidates that the Bankai's utilization becomes impractical in any other scenario due to the complex distinctions between adversaries and allies within the Seireitei itself.
The battle between Shinji and Bambietta Basterbine in BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3 showcases the power of Shinji's Bankai, "Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari." The name "Sakanade" is derived from the kanji for "reverse" and "stroke" or "caress" (逆撫). The complexity of Shinji's Bankai lies in its abilities and the concept it embodies. While "sakasama" is often translated as "upside-down," it holds a much weightier meaning when applied to the Bankai. In this context, "sakasama" refers to the upside-down island of "sakashima" (逆様), which would be represented by the kanji 倒. This connection becomes significant due to the Shikai activation phrase, "Taorero" (倒れろ), which is translated as "Collapse" in English. This phrase is not simply a command for Sakanade to fall, but rather a directive to bring about the downfall and overthrow of Shinji's opponent.
Confused Damnation
In context, the kanji is pronounced "Sakashima"; however, the Bankai itself is written as "sakasama" – meaning "upside-down". This deliberate pronunciation choice is in rhythmic connection with the following kanji, "yokoshima", which means "evil" or "wickedness". The term "jama" meaning "hindrance" is invoked alongside the "ma-" kanji for "demon". "Sakashima Yokoshima" also combines the concept of "saka" (reverse) with "yoko" meaning "sideways". Together, "sakasama, yokosama" describes physical direction in relation to the observer, while "-shima" suggests the word "island". "Sakashima" refers to the upside-down island, symbolizing the maligning of an entire populace by turning their island upside-down, either literally or metaphorically. "Yokoshima" represents the island of evil and wickedness. Both concepts portray a state of malignancy, where the destruction of order and hierarchy is likely an overthrowing, resulting in anarchy.
The BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3 showcases the Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari Perspective.
In Hirako's Zanpakuto's Bankai form, the two rings visually represent the disorientation it causes. However, the true significance lies in understanding the meaning of "Happōfusagari". The "Happō", written as 八宝, represents the Eight Treasures of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, also known as Ashtamangala. These treasures include the Endless Knot, Lotus, Victory Banner, Dharmachakra (or Fly-Whisk), Bumpa (ritual vase), Parasol, Golden Fish, and Conch. They symbolize the sacred offerings to Buddha by the gods upon attaining enlightenment and transcending cyclic existence (samsara).
The treasures vary depending on the tradition, including the Eight Treasures seen in Chinese art. These treasures align with the Noble Eightfold Paths, which are a summary of Buddhist practices that bring liberation from samsara and lead to Nirvana. "Fusagari" means "blocking off" or "sealing". When all the parts are considered, the term "Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari" describes a state of chaos and discord marked by evil and wickedness that can disrupt order and cause collapse. It represents being cut off from the eight paths that lead to freedom from suffering. Essentially, it depicts a kind of Hell.
