Unleashing the Future: Yhwach's Heir Revealed in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2

In the second part of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, Episode 1 titled "The Last 9 Days," which is now available for streaming on Disney+, major plot developments were introduced. This episode focuses on the Shinigami's preparations for the imminent war against the Vandenreich, who have returned after a thousand years. Additionally, the Quincy King is depicted making efforts to maintain the subjugation of non-Quincies, especially the Shinigami, in the BLEACH universe.

With this first episode, Ichigo begins a new training program that promises to enhance his power to an extent where he becomes unable to return to the realm of the living. However, in spite of this significant advancement, it is not the most noteworthy aspect of the initial episode BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 – The Separation. The most important development lies in the confirmation of Uryū Ishida's complete abandonment of the Shinigami side of the war and the underlying reasons for his betrayal.

The Event

Selections – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 1

In the opening 90 seconds of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2's first episode, we witness the evolution of a mysterious entity from conception to birth. Initially, the scene exudes a tranquil yet unsettling ambiance, until the fully-developed infant is lifted high by countless shadowy hands. The camera pans in and out, revealing the array of hands, each emitting a pale blue glow from their palms. Much like Rafiki raising Simba at the start of The Lion King, this baby is presented to be observed by its future subjects, cradled by the multitude of shadowy hands. Meanwhile, the repetitive chanting of "Yu~Ha~Ba~Ha" fills the air. Gradually, the pale blue lights intensify, illuminating the dismal darkness with a radiant glow. However, in the blink of an eye, this gentle radiance transforms into an eerie red hue as numerous red (umbilical) cords materialize, connecting the floating infant to the masses below.

As these connections persist, the infant undergoes rapid growth, transitioning into childhood, until eventually the actual manifestation of Tensa Zangetsu emerges from that young child. In a moment of transformation, the child's eyes open, revealing a penetrating gaze that transitions from the youthful "Tensa Zangetsu" to the very embodiment of Yhwach himself. This initial 90 seconds serves as a portrayal of the Auswahlen event, a pivotal moment in history where the Quincy King, once devoid of any ability or power as a baby, reclaims the blessings he bestowed upon his people en masse. Every touch bestowed upon baby Yhwach would bestow upon others powers and abilities, compensating for their deficiencies; however, upon their demise, this strength would be reclaimed by him. The incantation heard in this scene eventually becomes Yhwach's own name, even though it was originally used to worship the deity held sacred by those around him. Notably, the four syllables of "Yhwach" as pronounced in Japanese correspond to the tetragrammaton, the four Hebrew letters invoked to ascertain the true name of God.

The Successor

Uryu Ishida Revealed as Yhwach's Successor – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 1

In order to fully join Yhwach's forces, Uryu must undergo a ritual where he consumes the blood of the Quincy King. This allows him to acquire a Schrift, which acts as the foundation of his role and abilities as a Sternritter. Before proceeding, Uryu questions why he was chosen over others, and the explanation lies in his unique survival of the Auswahlen, a feat no other Quincy in history has achieved. Uryu's decision to betray Ichigo and the Shinigami is influenced by his grandfather's diary, Soken Ishida. Through the insights within, Uryu concluded that Shinigami and Quincy can never coexist harmoniously. With his determination set, Uryu drinks Yhwach's blood and is bestowed with the schrift "A", the same as Yhwach himself.

Yhwach's choice to name Uryu as his successor is based on Uryu's survival during the event that deprived many Quincies of their powers and even their lives. When he announces this decision to his soldiers, their reactions display a range of emotions, but the majority are visibly enraged. Notable Quincies such as Bazz-B and Bambietta Basterbine struggle to accept this news, as they believed Yhwach's right-hand man, Jugram Haschwalth, was the intended successor and he appears unaffected by the situation. Meanwhile, as the Shinigami prepare for the impending Quincy invasion in nine days, Yhwach seems to have gathered all the necessary elements to guarantee his victory.