Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9 reveals Shunsui's Bankai for the first time

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9 marked a significant moment in the series, as it revealed Shunsui's Bankai for the first time. The new Captain Commander was forced to use his Bankai because no other attacks would have worked on his foe, Lille Barro.

The anime community had been waiting to see Shunsui's Bankai animated, ever since Tite Kubo penned and illustrated it in his manga. Undoubtedly, Pierrot Films did a fascinating job in bringing to life Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju, one of the most fearsome Bankai of all time in the series.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9.

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Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9 showcases Shunsui's Bankai, Katen Kyokotsu Karamatsu Shinju, in all its glory

The narrative of Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9 was all about Shunsui, the new Captain Commander of the Gotei 13. Having witnessed his comrades in peril, Shunsui decided to make his move. Lille Barro, who was surveying the field from afar, seemingly shot Shunsui in the chest. Yet, suddenly, he heard a technique being chanted near him.

Just then, Shunsui Kyoraku appeared behind him and used his technique, Daruma-san ga Koronda to slice off Lille's rifle. As their battle progressed, Lille Barro awakened his other eye, which allowed him to use the true essence of his X-Axis.

Lille Barro activates Vollstandig (Image via Pierrot Films)

In that state, Shunsui's sword passed through his body, rendering the former's physical attacks as well as the Zanpakuto's rules meaningless. Soon after that, Lille activated his Vollstandig mode, Jilliel. Shunsui couldn't comprehend the spike in Lille Barro's power, as he retreated to a building farther away.

Having sustained massive injuries, Shunsui realized he had no option but to demonstrate his trump card. He felt his comrades should be far away and apologized to Nanao in case she got caught up in his mess. Just then in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9, Shunsui Kyoraku activated his Banaki, Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju.

Shunsui Kyoraku activates his Bankai (Image via Pierrot Films)

As soon as Shunsui activated his Bankai in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9, black root-like tendrils spread from his blades, and his Zanpakuto's Spirit, Katen Kyokotsu, appeared behind him. The Captain Commander's Bankai changed the atmosphere, turning the environment morbid and melancholic.

Elsewhere, Ichigo, Chad, and even Askin Nakk le Var felt a chill down their spine as their perception surrounding the environment changed, even though they weren't under the Bankai's range.

The first act of Shunsui's Bankai (Image via Pierrot Films)

Shunsui then confronted Lille Barro and asked whether the world around him appeared murky and bleak. However, the Schutzstaffel leader proclaimed that a messenger of God didn't feel any despair. He blasted Shunsui with a barrage of Reishi bullets.

However, Shunsui emerged unscathed from the attack and activated the first level or Act of his Bankai, Tameraikizu no Wakachiai, causing Lille Barro's body to get wounds matching his own. According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9, Shunsui's Bankai is based on the concept of theatre.

Shunsui Kyoraku in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

The first level/act of Shunsui's Bankai told the tale of a man who suffered the same wound as his partner, but they wouldn't die from it. After rattling Lille Barro with his Bankai's first act, Shunsui switched to the next act called, Zanki no Shitone (The Pillow of Shame).

Dark spots appeared on Lille Barro's body, causing him to profusely bleed. According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9, the second act of Shunsui's Bankai was about a man, who regretted wounding his adversary. Thus, he fell to the floor from shame and suffered an incurable disease.

Shunsui and Ohana (Image via Pierrot Films)

Lille Barro had no answer to the successive acts of Shunsui's Bankai in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9. The third act, Dangyo no Fuchi (The Severing Abyss), further changed the atmosphere and engulfed both Shunsui and Lille Barro in deep waters. The Captain Commander revealed they would remain in the water until one of them ran out of their Reiatsu and drowned in the depths of the abyss.

Shunsui added it's a tale of two characters of his story, who jumped into gushing waters. The Captain Commander concluded the melancholic tale of his Bankai with the final act, Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue. In the final act, Shunsui's Zanpakuto spirit, Katen, whom he referred to as Ohana, appeared behind him.

The final act of Shunsui's Bankai (Image via Pierrot Films)

She embraced the Captain Commander, and said he had the nerve to call him "Ohana." Following that in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9, Shunsui continued the tale, and wind a white thread around Lille Barro's throat multiple times before pulling it.

The act left Lille with a deep cut in his throat, which then expanded and blew up his head. Shunsui's grand finale was about the regretful man's partner, who mercilessly sheared his throat for ignoring her pleas. After performing all his acts, Shunsui Kyoraku coughed up blood and fell to the ground, only to be held by his Zanpakuto spirit, Ohana, who was glad he won.

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Conclusion

Pierrot Films masterfully depicted Shunsui Kyoraku's Bankai in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 9. The Captain Commander's Bankai was a spectacle, infused with sublimity and fear. The production choice to change the atmosphere into a jaundiced yellow was a masterstroke, as it captured the Bankai's morbid vibe.

Pierrot Films also added stunning visuals and apt OSTs to suit the mood of Shunsui's Bankai in the episode. Overall, the studio did justice to the Captain Commander's Bankai, which has finally been revealed.

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