Following the controversial reveal of Captain Unohana’s Bankai, Bleach fans hope Ichigo’s final Bankai doesn’t face the same mixed reactions.

Bleach‘s long-awaited return after an 8-month hiatus has reignited excitement within the fandom, leaving fans thrilled for what’s to come. Immediately after Part 3 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War ended, a special preview for the fourth and final part was revealed, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Aizen arrives at the Soul Society | Credits: Studio Pierrot: Co. Ltd.

The Bleach franchise boasts countless ultra-powerful characters, though many have been killed off or phased out of the anime by now. Fans eagerly awaiting Part 4 can look forward to iconic moments, including the reveal of Kisuke Urahara and Kenpachi Zaraki’s long-awaited Bankai, Ichigo’s ultimate triumph over Yhwach, and the rescue of Soul Society from destruction.

Amid the excitement and anticipation surrounding TYBW‘s conclusion, Ichigo’s final Bankai stands as one of the most eagerly awaited moments, carrying sky-high expectations from the entire fandom.

Ichigo’s most anticipated Bleach: TYBW moment carries unmatched expectations

Bleach fans have witnessed over a dozen Bankai, each showcasing immense power, though some stand out as far more formidable than others. The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc has been a huge success thus far.

Captain Kyoraku Bnakai in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

It has already introduced some never-before-seen Bankai, and as the story continues, several more Bankai will make their debut. As the anime community eagerly awaits new Bankai debuts, the most anticipated moments for manga readers are undoubtedly Kenpachi Zaraki’s and Kisuke Urahara‘s.

In addition to those iconic moments, Part 4’s teaser of the Thousand-Year Blood War offered a glimpse of Ichigo’s Zanpakutō, hinting at the thrilling events yet to unfold.

Ichigo’s Fullbring form in Bleach. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Ichigo’s true Getsuga Tenshō, the key to his triumph over Yhwach, will undoubtedly be a blissful moment for Bleach fans, with expectations reaching new heights.

Amid all the expectations, fans can anticipate Tite Kubo making key changes to the story, or perhaps revealing Ichigo’s final form—whether it will be a triumph or a disappointment remains to be seen.

Given Kubo’s incredible manga panels, some fans are still left shocked or confused when those moments are brought to life, such as Captain Unohana’s Bankai from TYBW Part 1.

Everyone knew Captain Unohana as Retsu Unohana for many years, Squad 4’s kindly commander and Bleach’s most powerful medic.

A surprising truth about Unohana was revealed in TYBW: Yachiru Unohana was actually one of the original captains of the Gotei 13 and one of the most ruthless Shinigami in history

Shortly after Yamamoto’s death, Captain-Commander Kyoraku requested her to teach Kenpachi. Unohana lethally trained her greatest opponent to unlock his true power— but at the cost of her life.

Unohana Bankai in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Kenpachi mourned her death, but Unohana passed away peacefully. Still, it’s undeniable that her Bankai remains one of the most thrilling moments in the anime. Many fans were initially puzzled by the adaptation of Unohana’s Bankai, with some even mistaking the blood element for acid in the manga—a revelation that left many shocked.

It will be fascinating to see if Tite Kubo plans to challenge more myths with Ichigo’s final form; if it comes to fruition, it will be truly epic.

Ichigo’s VA talks about the challenges faced during Bleach: TYBW production

Owing to classic Bleach‘s immense popularity, the staff encountered several obstacles during the production of The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc. Surprisingly, Masakazu Morita once revealed his initial struggles with voicing Ichigo in TYBW Arc.

Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Morita revealed that he didn’t struggle with voicing Ichigo back in classic Bleach; however, the voice actor couldn’t cope with Kurosaki’s personality in The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.

However, all such challenges helped the voice actor grow closer to his fictional character and uncover an unexpected similarity between himself and Ichigo.

Ichigo and Orihime | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Morita addressed that Ichigo’s mental training put the voice actor under some stress to portray our beloved protagonist’s emotions on screen. Fortunately, Tite Kubo was always there to lend a helping hand to Ichigo’s voice actor, a support Morita deeply appreciated.