Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 Review: Uryu Vs Ichigo

This episode from Bleach TYBW Part 3/ Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict was again a banger, where we see Uryu go head to head with Ichigo. Let’s see how this episode turned out.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 3 Recap

Often sidelined, this episode gives us an intimate look at Ukitake’s history, showing a side of the soft-spoken, white-haired captain we seldom get to see. From childhood, he has struggled with frailty, and his family’s devout prayers to the deity Mimihagi Sama eventually saved him, even though his illness never fully left. His survival came at a cost, binding him deeply to this god and foreshadowing the future responsibility he would carry, a consequence of a life saved by divine intervention.

The episode also revisits Ukitake’s formative years and his close bond with Kyoraku, who had some knowledge about the lore surrounding Mimihagi Sama. According to legend, part of the Soul King’s divine essence fell from the heavens, manifesting as Mimihagi, a right hand representing the Soul King’s power over stillness. Ukitake has likely long realized that if the Soul King ever required the power of his right hand again, he would be called upon to answer.

But the story doesn’t end with Ukitake. With the Soul Society in grave danger, Captain Kyoraku persuades the Central 46 to consider turning to Aizen himself for help.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 Review And Recap

Today’s episode was breathtakingly thrilling, and it showed us some pretty interesting developments. From the previous episode, we know that the Soul King has been restored thanks to Ukitake. However, that is definitely not enough to stop Yhwach from trying to destroy Mimihagi from achieving his goals. Both Yoruichi and Ichigo try their best to contain Yhwach and protect the Soul King’s almost alive existence, but the arrival of additional Quincies does not help them at all.

We see the appearance of a friend who has turned into a foe now, Ishida. Not only him but Gerard, Pernida, Askin and Barro also come forward to fight against Orihime, Chad and Ganju. However, from here on, the clash that takes place between Ichigo and Ishida is one of the best fights of this season. You can literally feel the intensity between them as Ichigo gives his whole attention to Ishida and confronts him about his betrayal. But the only answer that Ichigo gets from him is the fact that he is a Quincy now, and he will thus support Yhwach rather than side with his friends.

Perhaps his betrayal comes from ideological differences, as we witness him lamenting the loss of all the Quincies over the years. He understands that Yhwach wants to destroy all three worlds and create a new world. Hence, Ishida claims that he will help Yhwach become the new king where no other Quincy will be executed ever again. But things are not that easy, Ukitake, who has now merged with Mimihagi, also tries his best, even at death’s door, to fight with Yhwach in his distorted form.

This episode had everything from great animation to brilliant soundtracks that completely complement its surrounding environment. The ongoing fight was definitely a highlight of this episode, where every frame looked gorgeous. The ending does not give us hope for a better future but reminds us of the impending doom that is to come.

Verdict

I absolutely loved this episode, and I’m surprised at how nicely the creators are maintaining the quality of this show. The pacing is also great, and it adds to a seamless viewing experience that makes you crave more.

Also Read: Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 3 Review: Alliance With A Devil