Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of Bleach TYBW Part 3 since the announcement following the end of Part 2. The anime is set to be released in 2024, but no specific release date has been revealed. In addition, some characters from the series, such as Ginjō and other Fullbringers, have not appeared in the anime since the first part, leaving fans wondering if they will make an appearance in the upcoming season.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Bleach manga.
Will Kūgo Ginjō make his return in Bleach TYBW Part 3?
Kugo Ginjo, known from the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot), is not expected to make an appearance in Bleach TYBW Part 3. It is assumed that he, along with the other Fullbringers Giriko and Tsukishima, is preparing for a battle with the Wandenreich at the Great Kūkaku Training Hall, based on their previous appearance in the anime's first part. However, they will not be involved in the fight against Yhwach or any of the Sternritters, as indicated in the manga.
Kūgo Ginjō, Shukuro Tsukishima, and Yukio Hans Vorarlberna make their next appearance in chapter 681 of the Bleach manga. With the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc ending in chapter 686, it is likely that the Fullbringers' next appearance will be near the end of the anime. Since the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War arc is set to be released in four parts, it is highly unlikely that Kūgo Ginjō will appear in Bleach TYBW Part 3.
The image above shows Ginjō, Giriko, and Tsukishima as portrayed in the anime by Studio Pierrot.
It is still possible for Kūgo Ginjō to make an appearance in Bleach TYBW Part 3 if Studio Pierrot decides to animate additional scenes featuring the Fullbringers. Another possibility would be if the studio chooses to animate the remaining arc within Bleach TYBW Part 3 itself. However, the likelihood of either scenario is low.
Why does Kūgo Ginjō appear in Bleach chapter 681?
In Bleach chapter 681, Kūgo Ginjō makes an appearance to fulfill his obligation to Kurosaki Ichigo. Following Yhwach reclaiming his powers from his "children," Ichigo is left powerless with a shattered Zanpakuto. Since Yhwach utilized his Schrift Almighty to achieve this, Inoue was unable to heal Ichigo or restore his Bankai.
Shūkurō Tsukishima as depicted in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Yukio joined Ginjō and Tsukishima at the Soul King Palace, where Tsukishima proceeded to stab the weakened Ichigo. Confused by Tsukishima's actions, Ichigo was then informed by the pair that they had come to repay their debt to him.
Using his ability "Insert Presence," Tsukishima inserted a version of the past into Ichigo's timeline where neither he nor his sword had been affected by Yhwach's Almighty. This allowed Orihime to restore Ichigo's Bankai, enabling him to reenter the battle alongside Renji Abarai.
Editor's P/S
As a dedicated Bleach fan, I am eagerly anticipating the release of Bleach TYBW Part 3. The return of Kūgo Ginjō, a captivating character from the Fullbringer arc, would undoubtedly elevate the excitement and intrigue of the upcoming season. Ginjō's complex relationship with Ichigo and his unique abilities make him a fan favorite, and his reappearance would add depth to the narrative.
While the article suggests that Ginjō's appearance in Bleach TYBW Part 3 is unlikely, I remain hopeful that Studio Pierrot may surprise us with additional scenes featuring the Fullbringers. The possibility of Ginjō and his comrades joining the fight against the Wandenreich or aiding Ichigo in some unexpected way would be a thrilling development. Regardless of whether Ginjō makes an appearance, I am confident that Bleach TYBW Part 3 will deliver an epic and satisfying conclusion to the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.