Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2 reveals why Yhwach needed Ichigo to kill the Soul King

One of the massive moments of Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2 was Yhwach using Ichigo Kurosaki to kill the Soul King at the Royal Palace. After witnessing the Quincy King's blade pierce through the Crystalized figure of the Soul King, Ichigo tried to pull out the blade and save the revered being.

However, it was exactly what Yhwach envisioned. He channeled his Spiritual Pressure into Ichigo's Quincy Blood, which took control of the boy's limbs and severed the Soul King in half. After that, in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2, Yhwach revealed why he needed specifically Ichigo to break the Soul King's seal completely.

According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2, Ichigo Kurosaki's unique origin was the key to ending the Soul King from his position as the lynchpin. Interestingly, the same events in the manga didn't reveal this fact. As such, Tite Kubo, who is heavily involved in the series' production, had probably decided to include the essential information in the episode.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2.

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Exploring why Yhwach required Ichigo Kurosaki to kill the Soul King in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2

Ichigo Kurosaki after killing the Soul King (Image via Pierrot Films)

According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2, Yhwach needed Ichigo Kurosaki to kill the Soul King and break his seal because the boy met the criteria of having the powers of Quincies, humans, Soul Reapers, Fullbringers, and the Hollows.

In other words, it was practically impossible for Yhwach to eliminate the Soul King from his position as the three worlds' lynchpin without Ichigo, who had the powers of all five beings. That's why Yhwach stabbed the Soul King and left the blade for Ichigo to pull out, as he knew the boy would try to save the world's keystone.

The sword, which had the Quincy King's Spiritual Pressure, called out to the Quincy Blood running through Ichigo's veins. Yhwach revealed that every Quincy would want to see the demise of the Soul King since the revered being didn't do anything to prevent their race's near extinction in the future.

Yhwach, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

As such, it was only logical for Ichigo's Quincy Blood to react to Yhwach, who shared the consciousness of every Quincy as their King. Yet, since Yhwach couldn't commit the did alone, he chalked out the perfect plan of using Ichigo to do his bidding.

As mentioned earlier, Tite Kubo doesn't reveal why Yhwach needs Ichigo to kill the Soul King in the manga. Therefore, the latest episode's revelation has added a layer of complexity to the narrative and Ichigo Kurosaki's character.

At the same time, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2 actualized one of the greatest nightmares of Ichigo, who killed the Soul King with his own hands, even though he was forced to do so. He was also stunned into silence after learning that his entire existence and gaining the actual powers were part of a plan Yhwach.

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Conclusion

The Soul King, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

The production of Pierrot Films for Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2 allowed Tite Kubo to add something new to the narrative, which he couldn't in the manga. It only makes sense that a being as powerful as Soul King (even though he's in a crystalized or sealed state) required a special means to die.

Only Ichigo Kurosaki, who met the criteria of having the powers of the five beings, i.e., the Quincies, Humans, Soul Reapers, Full Bringers, and Hollows, could commit the deed. This very fact also makes Yhwach a standout antagonist in the series since he framed his plan to take down the Soul King using Ichigo.

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