Does Riruka appear in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32? Explained

Riruka, as seen in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32 (Image via Pierrot Films)

After 12 years of agonizing wait, Riruka Dokugamine has finally appeared in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32. The latest episode saw the fan favorite Fullbringer come to Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends' aid along with Yukio. She played a key role in ensuring Ichigo and others could safely travel to the Soul King's Palace.

Undoubtedly, Riruka's return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32 was marked by incredible production. Pierrot has done an exceptional job of portraying the Fullbringer's moments from the manga in the anime format. From capturing her tsundere personality to endowing her expressions with fluid animation, the esteemed studio truly did justice to the character.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32.

Exploring Riruka's return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32

Riruka, as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32 marked the return of Riruka Dokugamine, one of the most beloved characters who last appeared in the Lost Agent Arc's final episode on November 2, 2014. Although her appearance was briefly teased in part 2 of the Thousand-year Blood War arc's anime adaptation a year ago, it wasn't until the latest episode that she truly returned to the narrative.

In the latest installment, titled Holy New Born, Riruka Dokugamine appeared alongside Yukio, Grimmjow, and Neliel. After Grimmjow kickstarted a fight with Ichigo and Neliel, Riruka emerged from the Garganta and reminded them of their purpose.

She told them to hurry up and get inside a Black Box in Garganta, prepared by Yukio. According to Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32, Riruka and Yukio played a massive role in creating a passage to travel to the Soul King's Palace. As Yoruichi explained, the World of the Living and the Soul Society is connected by Dangai or the Precipice World.

Riruka listens to Yoruichi's explanation (Image via Pierrot Films)

Scattered around the Dangai are areas of various sizes, known as Kyougoku or the Valley of Screams. The empty spaces around are filled by Garganta. Interestingly, Spiritual Pressure becomes unstable while inside the Garganta, and a traveler must constantly use Spiritual Pressure to create a foothold.

However, the Kyougoku or the Valley of Screams is an exception, as it can exist inside a Reishi Space due to its different structure. Kisuke Urahara wanted to use that to their advantage and create a means of travel. That's why, Yoruichi and Kisuke found Riruka and Yukio and bought them back.

According to Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32, Riruka possessed the ability to move a target in and out of her favorite objects, while Yukio could use electricity to create a space at will. Riruka Dokugamine used her Fullbring power to carry a small Valley of Screams in a box, which Yukio modified into a room with rails using his ability.

Riruka and Orihime, as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot Films)

That's how Riruka and Yukio created a space that could safely travel within the Garganta. However, it wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Yoruichi who placed two stakes at each end (one in the Soul King's Palace and another below). The transport device allowed Ichigo and others to break into the Soul King's Palace without giving off their Reiatsu.

Besides her resourcefulness, Riruka Dokugamine returned in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32 and formed an intriguing chemistry with Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime, and others. When Orihime appeared morose about not asking Ichibe Hyosube about Yhwach's powers, Riruka uplifted her mood and told her not to cry over spilled milk.

Riruka's unconventional words of encouragement helped Orihime overcome her worries. Likewise, she had a moment with Ichigo, where the substitute Soul Reaper requested her to stay back with Yukio, even though she wanted to fight alongside them.

Ichigo's words overwhelm Riruka (Image via Pierrot Films)

Ichigo told her that her abilities wouldn't be enough to survive the battle. Yet, he acknowledged Riruka's efforts, knowing fully well that she couldn't put anything but cute things in her box.

The fact that she could put something as frightening as Valley of Screams in her box made Ichigo feel that Riruka went out of her way to help them. Ichigo Kurosaki's words of encouragement touched Riruka's heart, as she blushed. Undoubtedly, a Riruka fan would agree that the scene brought out an adorable side of the character.

Conclusion

Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War episode 32 did justice to Riruka Dokugamine, ensuring her return was met with beautiful animation and voice acting. Although she didn't confront any enemies and showcased her powers, she helped Ichigo and others in her own unique way.