Bleach: How the Anime Redeemed Squad 0

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Bleach: How the Anime Redeemed Squad 0

Key Takeaways

  • Squad 0, led by Ichibe Hyosube, are powerful Shinigami who were initially a disappointment in the Bleach manga.
  • In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc anime, Squad 0’s redemption was showcased through epic battles against the Quincy.
  • Senjumaru Shutara’s powerful Bankai and Squad 0’s new battles highlighted their true strength and importance, no longer a disappointment.

As a long-time Bleach fanatic who has followed the series since its early days, I must say that the recent developments in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc have truly revived my spirit! The way Tite Kubo’s vision has been brought to life in this anime adaptation is nothing short of magnificent.

Above the well-known Gotei 13 from the anime Bleach, atop the Soul Society, stands Squad 0. This elite group of five powerful Shinigami safeguard the Soul King. Each member was elevated to this squad due to their significant contributions to the history of the Soul Society. The squad’s leader is Ichibe Hyosube, also known as Manako Osho. He bears the title “He Who Speaks the True Name”. Among all Shinigamis, Ichibe is the oldest and was present when Adnyeus became the Soul King. With his control over names, he bestowed a name to every item in the Soul Society.

Initially, Squad Zero was portrayed as the epitome of Shinigami, renowned for their wisdom and invincibility. However, in the original Bleach manga, when they encountered Yhwach and the Schutztaffel to safeguard the Soul King, they suffered a significant defeat, failing to display their full strength and importance. Yet, this perception was altered with the debut of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime.

Squad 0 in the Manga

Bleach’s Biggest Embarrassment

Bleach: How the Anime Redeemed Squad 0

In the storyline “Turn Back the Pendulum,” Squad 0 was initially introduced. The commanders of the Gotei 13 announced that Kirio Hikifune, a previous captain from Squad 12, had been elevated to Squad 0, leaving her lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, poised to become a Vizored. This event marked Kisuke Urahara as the new captain of the squad, transforming it into the research and development unit it is known for today. The commanders noted that it’s uncommon for a member of the Gotei to be promoted to Squad 0, and later, we discover why. To join Squad 0, one must have made a significant impact on Soul Society. Hikifune’s achievement was the creation of Mod Souls, one of which became Ichigo’s friend living within a lion plushie (Kon).

Later on, after the initial Quincy attack, Squad Zero presented themselves officially. They descended towards Seireitei for discussions with the captains and carried some of the injured to the Royal Palace. Among them were Byakuya and Rukia Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, Ichigo Kurosaki along with his damaged Tensa Zangetsu. This was due to the Soul King reportedly being particularly intrigued by Ichigo. Contrary to previous claims, Squad Zero appeared to be quite lively individuals, occasionally displaying a touch of humor.

As a gamer, I’d say: “My Squad 0 empowers these four, healing them and boosting their abilities significantly. Rukia unlocks her Bankai, Renji discovers Zabimaru’s true identity, gaining his true Bankai, and Byakuya enhances his connection with Senbonzakura, becoming far more potent. Ichigo reaches the pinnacle of his journey, understanding the truth about himself and Zangetsu. My Squad 0 plays a crucial role in the development of our main characters, rapidly establishing their importance. However, Yhwach and the Schutztaffel launch an attack.

Upon arrival at the Royal Palace, the Schutztaffel encounter Senjumaru Shutara. In a swift move, she slays Sternritter W – Nianzol Weizol, but is herself fatally struck by the formidable Lille Barro. The scene then shifts as Senjumaru removes her fabric-crafted illusion, setting the stage for what could be considered the beginning of the real fight. O-Etsu Nimaiya, Tenjiro Kirinji, and Kirio Hikifune jump into the fray against the Schutztaffel, while Yhwach squares off against Ichibe Hyosube.

In a breathtaking confrontation, Yhwach and Ichibe engage in an unforgettable clash. This battle highlights Ichibe’s formidable Bankai, Futen Taisatsuryo, and his immense power. Yhwach, the Almighty Quincy King, demonstrates his true might. Despite Ichibe’s valiant efforts, Yhwach emerges victorious, thanks to his awakened abilities. The scene then shifts to reveal that Squad 0 has already been vanquished, their fate cruelly hidden off-screen at the hands of the Schutztaffel. Even the strongest Shinigami suffered their demise off-screen in this silent tragedy.

For quite some time, Squad 0 was a significant letdown for fans. Despite promising beginnings and high expectations, they ultimately failed to meet them, with minimal recognition or fanfare. They were anticipated as the epitome of Shinigami power, yet they ended up being treated like ordinary non-seated officers.

Squad 0 in the Anime

Redeemed at Last

Prior to the premiere of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc anime, it became known that author Tite Kubo would play a significant role in its production. This was substantiated when viewers saw fresh scenes featuring Uryuu Ishida, implying that Kubo was not just a consultant but was actively collaborating with the team to elaborate on the original manga’s narrative. Essentially, he was writing the arc according to his vision, which he couldn’t fully realize due to health issues. This led fans to speculate: could Squad 0 possibly be redeemed?

In Part 1, the anime typically followed Squad 0’s scenes as expected. However, Part 2 introduced a fresh storyline centering around Ichigo called Irazu Sando. Herein, Ichibe initiates Ichigo into an enigmatic shrine, testing him as a possible contender for the Soul King. This development deepened the understanding of Ichibe’s hidden sinister motives and further emphasized the strong connection between Ichigo and the Soul King that was subtly foreshadowed earlier on.

Subsequently, Senjumaru’s revelation of her illusion led her teammates to join forces, creating a thrilling spectacle for fans everywhere. Instead of immediately switching to Yhwach and Ichibe, the quartet of Squad 0 faced off against the Schutztaffel. Tenjiro, Kirio, and Senjumaru each wielded their Shikai, engaging in a fierce battle with Haschwalth, Pernida, Askin, and Gerard. Oh-Etsu’s exceptional swordsmanship was matched against Lille Barro, the gunslinger. The fight unfolded across various stages, highlighting each character’s unique abilities through stunning animation and music. Squad 0 seized their moment in the spotlight.

After being knocked down by the Quincy, Oh-Etsu grows serious and chooses Senjumaru to vanquish the enemy. As Tenjiro, Kirio, and Oh-Etsu end their lives, this triggers Senjumaru’s full potential, demonstrating their interconnectedness. This connection is then explained. The Three Worlds start quaking under her immense power, and Senjumaru unleashes her Bankai.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but feel honored whenever I’m mentioned in the same breath as Senjumaru Shutara. This character has an extraordinary and one-of-a-kind design, a commanding and alluring personality that leaves you spellbound, and powers that stand out like no other female characters in Bleach. It was none other than director Tomohisa Taguchi who came up with the brilliant idea of casting Senjumaru in this role, which got Tite Kubo so pumped up, he couldn’t wait to create something entirely fresh for her: her mind-blowing Bankai – Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami No Tsuji.

In a thrilling turn of events, Senjumaru captures the four members of the Schutztaffel along with Jugram Haschwalth and Uryuu Ishida in a swift manner. After long-standing criticism for underperforming, Squad 0 finally gets an engaging clash with the Quincy Royal Guard, demonstrating their abilities and combat style. Notably, Senjumaru, who is widely loved by fans, receives a fresh, breathtaking Bankai.

Although Senjumaru was finally vanquished by Uryuu, this didn’t negate their redemption, as it also served to develop Uryuu, a character who benefited greatly from the anime’s expansion. What once was a ridiculed Squad 0 has now earned recognition as the formidable force they were destined to be.

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2024-10-21 22:34