Highlights
The war between the Shinigami and the Quincies in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 escalates in the gripping third episode. Viewers are treated to the unveiling of a never-before-seen Bankai and an unexpected ambush by the Quincies.Urahara Kisuke achieves a major breakthrough in his research, uncovering the fact that Hollow reiatsu poses a toxic threat to the Quincies. In response, he invents a revolutionary device called the Shin'eiyaku, which not only has the power to restore stolen Bankai but also provides immunity against future Bankai theft.
The Quincies unleash their ultimate ability, Quincy Vollständig, revealing that the Bankai only served as obstacles and offered false optimism to the Shinigami. The episode concludes with an ominous atmosphere of impending devastation.
Spoiler alert: The information below reveals details about BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 – The Separation, Episode 3, "The Fundamental Virulence," which can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.
The second episode of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 ends with a thrilling twist, as Urahara Kisuke's research takes center stage during the ongoing ambush by the Quincies. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the third episode, reigniting the Shinigami's determination. The excitement rises even further with the introduction of a never-before-seen Bankai, adding to the anticipation. Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Ichigo continues on his irreversible path, hidden from the bloodshed. "The Fundamental Virulence" delivers yet another action-packed installment in the intense war between the Shinigami and the Quincies, showcasing exceptional direction, visuals, and soundtrack.
The Cang Du Attitude
Cang Du Apologizes – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
In Episode 2, the situation is briefly recapped, showing shots of Quincies overpowering different groups of Shinigami. The battle scenes of familiar Shinigami, such as Tetsuzaemon, Momo Hinamori, Hisagi Shūhei, Yumichika, Ikkaku, and others, are glimpsed, while Isane Kotetsu tends to the wounded. Suddenly, Sternritter I - The Iron, Cang Du, emerges to intervene as Bazz-B is about to kill Hitsugaya. Cang Du follows orders from Yhwach to have the Captains eliminated by those who stole their Bankai.
Cang Du reveals a heavily injured Matsumoto hidden under his coat and throws her to the ground before activating Hitsugaya's Bankai. Unlike his comrades, Cang Du appears less enthusiastic about the war, particularly as he explains to Hitsugaya that he intends to kill him alongside Matsumoto so they can remain together in death. Cang Du acknowledges that Hyōrinmaru will be the only remnant of Hitsugaya after his demise and offers a brief apology for his imminent actions.
The Breakthrough
Urahara Explains to Kurotsuchi – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
Urahara Kisuke contacts Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Squad regarding his discoveries on the stolen Bankai. He even knows how to protect against future incidents. Urahara believes that the Arrancar, Hollows who have gained Shinigami-like powers, hold the key to understanding the Quincies and their medallions. Unlike the stolen Bankai, no Arrancar technique, called Resurreción, has been taken. Urahara discusses this with Kurotsuchi and asks for his cooperation, explaining what he witnessed in Hueco Mundo. With Kurotsuchi's advanced laboratory, they utilize Kaizōchu Insects, insects capable of modifying equipment, to exploit Quincy technology and establish communication with the Shinigami on the ground.
The Fundamental Virulence
Shineiyaku – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
Virulence refers to the severity of damage caused by a microorganism to its host. The term originates from the Latin word "virulentus," meaning "poisoned wound." Additionally, the word "virus" was derived from it, which characterizes a type of pathogen that reproduces exclusively within the cells of another living organism. The title of the episode, "The Fundamental Virulence," carries significance as it pertains to Urahara's research and realization that Hollow reiatsu functions as a toxin to Quincies. This discovery led to the creation of the Shin'eiyaku, a gadget capable of restoring stolen Bankai and providing immunity against Bankai theft when absorbed upon contact.
Urahara explains that only a small amount of Hollow reiatsu is necessary for the pills to take effect. О̄maeda intervenes and saves Soi Fon from being used for data mining, promptly administering her dose of Shineiyaku. With her Bankai restored, Soi-Fon unleashes the powerful technique Jakuhō Raikōben, supported by her Lieutenant, and together, they defeat BG9. The medallions themselves begin reacting to the presence of Bankai, which now acts as poison to the Quincies. As a result, Hitsugaya gains the upper hand against Cang Du, encasing him in ice before succumbing to exhaustion.
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Shinji Hirako vs Bambietta Basterbine – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
The standout moment in the episode occurs when the Shinigami, Shinji Hirako, the 5th Squad Captain, unveils his Bankai, Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari, "Inverted World", effectively turning the tables on the Quincies. This Bankai, previously only seen in the BLEACH: Can't Fear Your Own World novels written by Ryohgo Narita, is rarely used by Shinji due to its unique nature of blurring the line between friend and foe. However, in this desperate situation where Shinji is outnumbered and lacks allies, he successfully unleashes his Bankai in a visually stunning sequence that includes comic-like effects.
Further effects of Shinji's Bankai are demonstrated when he encounters Bambietta Basterbine, who has just encountered her beloved dog, Komamura. By swinging his Zanpakutō like a pendulum, Shinji causes various forms of disorientation, completely disrupting Bambi's senses and turning her surroundings upside-down. As a result, even Shinji's speech becomes reversed, adding to the disorienting effect. The subtitles are also reversed, contributing to the overall experience. As a soulful soundtrack accompanies Bambi's confusion, Shinji's words eventually become incomprehensible even to the audience. Unfortunately, the Shinigami's brief moment of triumph is short-lived, as each Sternritter unleashes their true power.
True Despair
Group Quincy Vollstandig – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 3
The purpose of the Bankai plundering was not simply to end the game, but rather to extinguish the hope of the Shinigami by utilizing only a fraction of the Quincies' power. Yhwach aimed to inflict maximum despair upon the Shinigami by deceiving them with glimpses of hope during combat, such as his staged battle against the former Captain-Commander. This time, the returned Bankai served as false hope, hindering the Shinigami and preventing them from unleashing their ultimate weapon: Quincy Vollständig. As each Quincy activated their transformation, pillars of light adorned with Quincy crosses emerged, casting a brilliant light that signaled impending ruin.
