Bleach Thousand Year Blood War Episode 8 “The Shooting Star Project (Zero Mix)” introduced the much-awaited Squad Zero. Squad Zero consisted of the five members who came to take Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki with them. Well, that’s not all. Squad Zero was very interested in Substitute Soul Reaper, Kurosaki Ichigo.
After Squad Zero convinced Kurosaki Ichigo to go with them to recover himself and train with them (hopefully), Soul Society has begun experiencing changes. Bleach Sennen Kessen-hen Episode 9 “The Drop” will show how Ichigo will deal with the demon Hotsprings at Kirinden with Tenjiro Kirinji.
Ichigo and Renji Abarai will visit the Zero Squad member and get special training. Who is the new head commander now that Gramps Yamaji is gone? What is the deal with the Kenpachi? What will Unohana Retsu do with Zaraki Kenpachi? Is the battle of the Kenpachi finally happening?
What’s happening in Bleach Sennen Kessen-hen Episode 9 “The Drop”?
Kurosaki Ichigo was at Kirinden getting healed. The hot spring demon/Squad Zero member Tenjiro Kirinji was in charge of Ichigo. Poor Ichigo getting underwater training was funny to see.
The scenes where Kirinji was tossing Byakuya, Renji and Kuchiki were hilarious but at least they would heal faster this way. How to check if Ichigo’s injuries were healed, pretty easy, launch a good smack and punch him senseless. Kirinji’s White Bone Hell and Blood Pond Hell did what it was meant to do.
Kirinji noticed Ichigo was completely healed as he confirmed after punching him. What he didn’t let Ichigo know was that the punch was good enough to crack Kirinji’s bones, injuring him.
Ichigo Kurosaki was ready to leave for the next place. If Ichigo is going, how can Renji be left behind?! Abarai Renji summoned his strength and was adamant that he join Ichigo as well. Guess, Renji was healed as well together they left for Kirio Hikifune’s place.
Kirinji was impressed with Ichigo’s ability to withstand this place and so did Renji left quite an impression on him. He isn’t the lieutenant of Squad 6 for nothing!
Who is the new head commander?
After Head Commander Shigekuni Yamamoto died, it was time for Soul Society to get a new replacement. It seems that gramps Yamaji already knew what was coming and addressed a letter to the new commander who would lead Squad 1. Shunsui Kyoraku became the new Head Captain.
It was good to see an interaction between Nanano and Shunshui. The appointment letter was addressed to Shunsui Jiro Sakuranosuke Kyoraku as the new Head Captain and leader of Squad 1. Shunsui requested two lieutenants. The other person was Third Seat Okikiba of Squad 1.
Does it mean Captain Kyoraku would part from Nano Ise, the lieutenant of the 8th Division? As if that would ever happen. The captains have the authority to select their Vice captains. Although the Central 46 objected, Kyoraku was determined to take Nanao with him in Division 1.
As the newly appointed Head Captain, Kyoraku intended to teach Zaraki Kenpachi the art of Zanjutsu. Oh Well, it’s no training for sure and both Unohana Retsu and Kyoraku Shunsui know that will happen.
Of course, this won’t be Central 46 if they didn’t object to Kyoraku. As always, Kyoraku has a gift of gab as he persuades these old foggies with reasoning and logic that only Zaraki Kenpachi can withstand and protect Soul Society if Wandenreich and Yhwatch attack again. Without Zaraki’s skill, Soul Society won’t stand another chance of survival in case of a second invasion.
Who is Kirio Hikifune?
As Kurosaki Ichigo and Abarai Renji head to the next place and decide midair how to survive the crash landing, the casual banter between the two was quite nostalgic. The surprising appearance of Kon to their rescue was worth a scene stealer of Bleach Thousand Year Blood War Episode 9 “The Drop.”
Oh yea, finally, the appearance of the big body builder Kon, the scene that was not cut this time! Kon to the rescue! It was hilarious how Kon appeared and was used as their body cushion for a safe landing. We will remember your service, Kon!
Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki thankfully land at the Gatonden. Kirio Hikifune manages the Gatonden. She seemed like the most friendly person in Squad Zero. A warm welcome by Hikifune sent the shinigami to their struggles.
Hikifune was busy in the Gatonden kitchen area preparing special dishes for the hungry people and both Ichigo and Renji looked confused as heck. As usual, the sceptical Ichigo has trust issues thanks to Urahara Kisuke as pointed out by Hikifune.
The woman definitely knows Urahara san like the back of her hand. Thankfully, there was no hidden deal but only delicious food for them to eat and recuperate their reishi. Well, Gatonden is a place of food. Bon Apetit!
Kirio Hikifune uses spiritual pressure to cook which is why she loses weight. The confused look on the trio’s faces was priceless. Hikifune is known as the “Grain King” and also the one who created the Artificial souls (mod souls) and Gikon (temporary souls). It was revealed that the Squad Zero members are known for creating something in Soul Society.
The next stop for the guys is Hoohden, Oh Etsu Nimaiya’s residence, the creator of Zanpaktous.
The Battle of Kenpachi | Zaraki vs Unohana (Yachiru)
The most deadly battle was here to break our hearts. As Kyroraku addressed Unohana Retsu, she was part of the original Gotei 13, captain of Squad 11, also known as the “First Kenpachi” Yachiru Unohana.
Now it makes sense why Zaraki named his vice-captain Yachiru. It’s based on the first he admired the most. At Muken (the lowest level) Zaraki Kenpachi and Unohana Retsu began the special training.
In fact, it was no training and according to customs, only one Kenpachi will remain alive. Kyoraku knew it but he wasn’t apologetic to send them to their death. Kyoraku and Unohana both want Zaraki to emerge victorious and learn to use his Bankai.
The battle began and Zaraki was constantly losing. At the brink of death, Zaraki would come back and escape Unohana’s attack.
The cold look that Unohana aka Yachiru gave was soul-crushing and jaw-dropping. We finally see the First Kenpachi in action.
Zaraki’s past is shown and how he felt true fear against Yachiru as they fought. It wasn’t just fear but the true excitement and the joy of battle that ignited the real Zaraki.
The next episode of Bleach Thousand Year Blood War would be intense and ruthless killing as the two Kenpachi fight to the death. Episode 10 “The Battle” will be the conclusion of the Battle of Kenpachi. Until next week, keep streaming Bleach Thousand Year Blood War now available on Netflix as well.
Thanks for reading!!!
