The latest episode of the anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, titled "THE DARK ARM," aired on October 19th, sending waves across social media as Captain Jūshirō Ukitake's selfless actions became a focal point. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) couldn't stop talking about Ukitake and "Mimihagi-sama," propelling both terms into the platform's trending section.

The End of an Era: BLEACH’s Final Arc

Originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 2001 to 2016, BLEACH captured the imaginations of fans with its story of Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after meeting Rukia Kuchiki. The series' massive popularity led to over 130 million manga volumes sold worldwide, adaptations into games, and even a live-action film in 2018, starring Sōta Fukushi. The anime, which ran from 2004 to 2012, returned in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus to adapt the final arc, "Thousand-Year Blood War."

Episode 29: "THE DARK ARM" – Ukitake’s Last Stand

In this gripping episode, Ichigo Kurosaki attempts to save the Soul King by pulling out a sword embedded in him. However, led by the Quincy blood flowing through him, Ichigo unintentionally strikes the Soul King, sending shockwaves across all three realms. The gravity of the situation leaves Urahara Kisuke and the others scrambling for solutions.

Amid the chaos, Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, one of the series' most respected and selfless characters, steps up to take on the immense responsibility of becoming the "substitute" for the Soul King. In doing so, he invokes the power of Mimihagi, a mysterious entity representing the right hand of the Soul King, whom Ukitake has long harbored within himself.

The Role of Mimihagi-sama and Ukitake’s Sacrifice

As Ukitake calls upon the power of Mimihagi-sama, fans were quick to react. The revelation that Ukitake had been fated to take the place of the Soul King shocked many, leading to an outpouring of admiration and sadness for the character. Ukitake, long depicted as a kind-hearted yet terminally ill captain, finally reveals the true purpose behind his existence. His decision to offer himself in place of the Soul King marks one of the most tragic and heroic moments in the series.

This episode also brought focus to the significance of Mimihagi, an entity that had been teased earlier in the series. Mimihagi, believed to be a god-like figure capable of staving off death, plays a pivotal role in Ukitake’s ultimate fate, and the lore surrounding the Soul King deepens with this revelation.

A Fan-Favorite Hero

Captain Ukitake’s fate in this episode left a significant impact on fans. Trending hashtags like "#Ukitake" and "#MimihagiSama" showed how deeply this moment resonated with the audience, especially considering Ukitake’s long history in the series as one of the most beloved captains of the Gotei 13.

His final sacrifice serves as a climactic point in the "Thousand-Year Blood War" arc, further pushing the storyline towards its epic conclusion. With the third cour of the final season currently airing, fans are eagerly awaiting how the rest of the saga will unfold, especially with major characters like Ukitake stepping up in such dramatic ways.

Conclusion

As the BLEACH anime races towards its finale, the story continues to deliver emotional moments that captivate long-time fans. Captain Ukitake’s sacrifice and the emergence of Mimihagi-sama mark yet another high point in this climactic arc. Episode 29 not only showcased Ukitake’s heroism but also delved deeper into the mythology surrounding the Soul King, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Streaming Platforms

Distributor: Hulu
Streaming Start Date: Oct 5
Update Date: Every Saturday
Please note that availability may vary by region. Check official sources for details.

Anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict Official Web SIte

Source : ORICON NEWS