Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 – What To Expect From The Upcoming Sequel

After delivering two thrilling parts of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Studio Pierrot is gearing up to release the much-anticipated third part of the anime in October 2024. With fans still riding high after the emotional and action-packed finale of The Separation, excitement for the next instalment is palpable. The third part, titled The Conflict, promises to continue the intense storyline, bringing fans ever closer to the ultimate showdown between Ichigo Kurosaki and the formidable villain Yhwach.

Recapping Bleach’s Triumphant Return Image Courtesy: Bleach- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

For long-time followers of Bleach, the arrival of Thousand-Year Blood War was a monumental event. When the original Bleach anime concluded in 2012, it left out the manga's final arc, leaving fans yearning for closure. However, their patience was rewarded in 2022, when the new anime adaptation finally began tackling the much-awaited Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Split into four parts, the first two have already aired, and the third, with 13 confirmed episodes, is set to premiere globally on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (internationally) from October 5, 2024.

New Trailer Hints at Epic Bankai Showdown
On July 6, 2024, at Anime Expo, fans got their first real taste of what’s to come in The Conflict. A new trailer was released, featuring key scenes that have sent anticipation levels through the roof. The trailer focuses on a pivotal clash between Squad Zero's Ichibe and Yhwach, the series’ main antagonist. Teasing a long-awaited showdown, the trailer sets the tone for more exhilarating action, high-stakes battles, and emotional moments that fans have come to expect from Bleach.

Image Courtesy: Bleach- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

Perhaps the most thrilling moment for fans was seeing Shunsui Kyoraku, the new Head Captain, use his Bankai on screen for the very first time. The heavy emphasis on Bankai throughout the trailer hints that these special abilities will take centre stage in this upcoming instalment. The introduction of the new theme song 'Without Any Words' by Six Lounge, alongside the ending theme 'Monochrome' by Suisoh, also adds to the anticipation surrounding this new chapter.

Storyline Progression: What to Expect in Part 3
Part 3 of Thousand-Year Blood War will pick up where The Separation left off. Fans were left on the edge of their seats with the apparent defeat of Yhwach’s elite soldiers by Squad Zero’s Senjumaru Shutara. However, the victory seems far from assured. Uryu Ishida, who had allied himself with the Quincy against the Soul Society, remains at large, and his ultimate fate is still unclear. Meanwhile, Yhwach is locked in a tense battle with Ichibe, who has unleashed his equivalent of Bankai to weaken the seemingly unstoppable villain.

Image Courtesy: Bleach- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

The teaser trailer reveals that Ichigo Kurosaki and his allies are racing towards the Soul King’s Palace. While it’s certain they will arrive at the palace, it’s unclear whether they’ll make it in time to assist in the defeat of Yhwach, or whether more obstacles await them. Given the anime's departure from the manga's original events, the next steps for the characters, especially Uryu and Senjumaru, remain unpredictable. Fans are eager to see how the anime will adapt and potentially expand upon the source material.

Deviations from the Manga: What Could Change?
One of the most interesting aspects of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime has been its divergence from Tite Kubo’s original manga. With Kubo working closely alongside Studio Pierrot, the anime has expanded on certain parts of the story that were either cut or rushed in the manga. The most notable example of this in The Separation was Senjumaru using her Bankai in a dramatic and unexpected scene.

This pattern of adaptation leaves room for speculation about what else could change. Fans expect the anime to further explore the fates of Yhwach’s elite soldiers, who may still have a part to play despite their apparent defeat. Meanwhile, Uryu’s role in the final confrontation with Yhwach remains one of the story's most tantalising unknowns. Viewers are curious to see how these characters will develop and whether their storylines will deviate further from the manga's original conclusion.

A Look Ahead to Part 4
While Part 3 is on the horizon, many fans are already looking beyond to Part 4. With 686 chapters in the Bleach manga and Part 2 having ended around chapter 610, it’s clear that there is still a significant portion of the story to cover. Given the deliberate pace and the added content, it seems unlikely that Part 3 will conclude the series. Most speculate that Part 4 will follow sometime in 2025, bringing the epic saga to a close.

Image Courtesy: Bleach- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account

However, Tite Kubo’s involvement suggests that the anime’s conclusion may differ from the manga’s much-criticised ending. Fans have long hoped for a more fulfilling resolution to the series, and with the creator working hand-in-hand with Studio Pierrot, many are optimistic that this new adaptation will deliver a more satisfying conclusion to the Bleach story.

The Road to October 2024
As the October 2024 release date for Thousand-Year Blood War: The Conflict draws near, fans are preparing for another round of emotionally charged and action-packed episodes. With iconic characters like Ichigo Kurosaki, Yhwach, and Shunsui Kyoraku all set to play significant roles, the excitement for Part 3 is already at a fever pitch. And as the series inches closer to its grand finale, it’s clear that the Bleach saga will remain a cornerstone of anime history for years to come.

(With AI Inputs)

GENZ News, the ultimate destination for the trend-savvy generation! Stay on top of GenZ news with India's first and the only product for GENZs.