Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 reveals the true power of Renji's Bankai

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 has dazzled fans with the anime-original battle scene, featuring Renji Abari and Uryu Ishida. The 10-minute-long battle witnessed the Soul Reaper go head-to-head against the Quincy using his true Bankai, So-oh Zabimaru.

Renji, who had less attachment to Uryu than Ichigo, could go full throttle and showcase his Bankai's wide range of abilities. While the anime had already shown Renji's Bankai during his fight against Mask de Masculine, the Soul Reaper only used two to three of its abilities to overwhelm the Sternritter.

However, in the latest battle, which is supervised by Tite Kubo, the original author of the series, Renji Abari could show the true extent of his So-oh Zabimaru Bankai. Although Uryu had answers to his attacks, the Soul Reaper's skills were truly the major highlight of Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7.

Exploring the actual power of Renji's Bankai in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7

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Under the supervision of Tite Kubo, Pierrot Films showcased an anime original fight scene between Renji Abari and Uryu Ishida in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7. After entering the Wahrwelt, the Soul Reapers charged toward the main castle to confront Yhwach.

Renji Abari was with Shunsui, Rukia, and others when Lille Barro sniped a few Soul Reapers. Since Lille had hidden his presence, Shunsui told his comrades to charge ahead. Renji obeyed Shunsui's orders and moved toward the castle. Suddenly, a few arrows stopped him from going further.

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 saw Uryu Ishida confront Renji. Unlike Ichigo Kurosaki, Renji didn't have much soft feelings for Uryu. Yet, he asked him a few questions to be sure that he was an enemy he could confront. He realized Uryu had completely sided with Yhwach.

Renji's Orochi-oh (Image via Pierrot Films)

That's when, he decided to get serious and showcase his Bankai, So-oh Zabimaru's power. As mentioned, Renji's Bankai was already shown in the manga and the anime, when he fought Mask de Masculine. However, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 revealed more of its abilities and proved why Renji can be considered a Captain-level Soul Reaper.

As the battle began, Renji demonstrated Zazekka, which extended the blade from his right arm to catch Uryu off-guard. However, the Quincy easily anticipated the move and dodged it. That's when Renji countered with Orochi-Oh, an extension of Zazekka. The blade incinerated a few buildings with sheer force.

Renji's Hihi-oh protects him (Image via Pierrot Films)

Uryu evaded the attack and leaped in the air to cast Licht Reign, a barrage of Reishi arrows at Renji. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 then saw Renji Abari use the defensive ability of his So-oh Zabimaru, called Hihi-oh, to protect himself from Uryu's Licht Reign.

Uryu was visibly annoyed to see Renji surviving his attack. The Soul Reaper then extended his Orochi-oh to follow Uryu's movements and catch him. He punched him with his right left arm to send him afar. Following that, Renji quickly moved and blocked Uryu's movements to demonstrate So-oh Zabimaru: Zaga Teppo, at point-blank range.

Renji Abari uses Zaga Teppo (Image via Pierrot Films)

However, Uryu Ishida survived the attack using Blutvene. The real battle between Renji and Uryu in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 began when Uryu activated his Vollstandig. The Quincy sends a barrage of Reishi feathers at Renji to cut off his fur.

However, the episode revealed that Renji's furr in his Bankai form had powers of its own. As Uryu stepped on those furs, he activated Hihitensho to summon multiple Hihi-Oh to trap Uryu. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 then revealed the secret to Renji's Bankai. Apparently, he needed 20 seconds to unleash So-oh Zabimaru's true strength.

Renji uses Hihitensho in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Just then, the episode went into a flashback and showed Ichibe Hyosube telling Renji that he needed to pour his Spiritual Pressure for at least 20 seconds to maintain his true Bankai form and bring out its full potential. Renji followed Ichibe's advice and swirled his extended Bankai in the air to demonstrate a fearsome attack called Zagaizekko.

Renji's Orochi-ou was infused with his Spiritual Pressure and became a vortex of fire, which disintegrated everything surrounding him. The attack left Uryu gravely wounded until the Quincy used Sklave Rai to absorb Reishi from the surroundings and regenerate his wounds.

Renji demonstrates Zagaizekko (Image via Pierrot Films)

Uryu Ishida then demonstrated his own new technique called Feder Zwinger to trap Renji within a domain. The Quincy's Feder Zwinger extracted Spiritual Pressure from Renji to deprive him of his Shikai and Bankai forms. Yet, Renji tried to use Bankai again and demonstrated Hikotsu Taiho, a move from his imperfect Bankai.

However, Uryu's single arrow ran through Hikotsu Taiho and pierced Renji Abari's chest. Even though Renji lost the battle against Uryu, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 showed the actual strength of his true Bankai. He could have won if he hadn't held back when Uryu was down.

Conclusion

Uryu defeats Renji in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Tite Kubo and Pierrot Films graced fans with another anime original content, and this time Renji Abari received the grand treatment. Since the manga had briefly shown Renji's Bankai, Tite Kubo decided to add more to it and reveal its true strength.

As Uryu explained at the end, Renji could have won but he was unconsciously trying not to kill him. Although he didn't have any strong connections with Uryu, perhaps the fact that Uryu was Ichigo's friend was in the back of his mind. Otherwise, Renji's new Bankai was potent enough to eliminate Uryu.