Does Grimmjow appear in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31? Explained

Does Grimmjow appear in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Grimmjow's return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 marks an incredible turnaround in the series. The Espada, who many thought to be dead, returns when the Soul Society needs his strength the most.

Like the Soul Reapers and Humans, whose existence is on the brink of collapse, the Hollows, Adjucas, and the remaining Espadas in Hueco Mundo await a similar fate, with Yhwach wanting to destroy the Three Worlds and revert the world to its primordial state.

Since the Hollows and the Soul Reapers share a common interest, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, the former number Six Espada, arrives at the Royal Palace through Garganta in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31.

Although he still harbors animosity toward Ichigo and wants a rematch, the Espada seeks revenge against Yhwach and the Quincies, who brought calamity to Hueco Mundo.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31.

Grimmjow returns in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 in all his glory

Grimmjow in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 (Image via Pierrot Films)

After losing the battle against Uryu Ishida at the Soul King's Palace, Ichigo Kurosaki regroups with Orihime, Yoruichi, Chad, and others at one of the floating tray towns in the Royal Palace.

While planning their next counterattack, Yoruichi tells Ichigo and others that the town may not hold much longer, so they have to figure out how they can get back to the Soul King's Palace.

Although it's a long distance, Ichigo feels he can manage by making Reiatsu footholds. Likewise, he thinks others can use Orihime's Santen Kesshun's to shoot upward. Yoruichi then tells Ichigo Kurosaki that he doesn't have to worry about returning to the palace.

Grimmjow arrives at the Royal Palace (Image via Pierrot Films)

Just then in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31, a Garganta space opens, from where Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez arrives at the Royal Palace and leaves Ichigo Kurosaki shocked.

Grimmjow appears in a new ensemble and has the wound mark that Ichigo Kurosaki left him in their previous encounter. With his characteristic smile, the former Espada greets Ichigo after a long time.

Undoubtedly, Grimmjow's return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31's ending scene was on the cards. Fans who have minutely followed the series would know that Grimmjow was bound to join the Soul Reapers sooner or later.

Grimmjow points his blade at Kisuke in part 1 (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Up until this moment in the Thousand-year Blood War arc, the narrative dexterously teased Grimmjow's return. For example, he delivered the finishing blow to Quilge Opie to kill him and save Kisuke Urahara, Chad, Orihime, and Nel in the Hueco Mundo.

He immediately turned his blade to Kisuke. Although neither the anime nor the manga showcased Grimmjow's appearance then, the narrative and the panels made it obvious that it was the former Sixth Espada. Later, Kisuke Urahara and Grimmjow come to a mutual agreement.

Yoruichi plants a device to invite Grimmjow (Image via Pierrot Films)

A few moments later in the narrative, when Kisuke contacted Ichigo and the Gotei 13, Grimmjow (he was still off-screened) demanded to see Ichigo. Kisuke had no other choice but to tell Orihime and Chad to keep him away. The anime adaptation further made it obvious that it was Grimmjow, with the voice reveal and a slight tease to his appearance.

Now, Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 has finally revealed Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, who joins the Soul Reapers to fight against Yhwach and his Quincy troops. He was invited in by Yoruichi Shihoin, who crafted a master plan with Kisuke Urahara to infiltrate the enemy's base.

Conclusion

Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 31 has brought fans joy, with Grimmjow's return to the narrative. The Espada's arrival has added a layer of complexity and strength to the Soul Society's resistance against Yhwach.

With the world's future at stake, Grimmjow had no choice but to lend his strength and mettle to the Soul Reapers. Although she still longed for a rematch with Ichigo, the Espada knew he had a much more important job to do: Defeat the Quincies.