Does the Squad Zero return to life in Bleach TYBW? Explained

Modified Oct 28, 2024 21:30 GMT

Does the Squad Zero return to life in Bleach TYBW? Explained (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Bleach TYBW, the powerful Squad Zero, the elite guards of the Soul King, confronts Yhwach and his forces in a climactic showdown that tests their ultimate resolve. To empower Senjumaru Shutara to unleash her Bankai, three members—Oetsu Nimaiya, Tenjiro Kirinji, and Kirio Hikifune—sacrifice themselves, bound by a blood oath that limits their powers and ties them to a shared fate.

However, unlike typical Shinigami, Squad Zero possesses a unique form of immortality tied to the Soul King Palace itself. Ichibe Hyosube was brought back to life after Ichigo called out his name after he was killed by Yhwach.

Similarly, through Hyosube’s resurrection ability, the remaining Squad Zero members hold the potential to return, ensuring their mission remains unbroken. However, they weren't resurrected in Bleach TYBW. Instead, Ichibei resurrects his fallen comrades after the events of the TYBW arc.

The members of Squad Zero sacrificed themselves so Senjamaru could unleash her Bankai in Bleach TYBW

Members of Squad Zero except for Ichibei (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Royal Guard is composed of five extraordinarily powerful Shinigami, each possessing unique abilities and entrusted with safeguarding the Soul King and the balance of worlds. During the climactic TYBW arc, Yhwach’s invasion of the Soul King Palace forces Squad Zero into an intense confrontation with his elite forces.

This battle ultimately culminates in the deaths of several Squad Zero members. Specifically, Oetsu Nimaiya, Tenjiro Kirinji, and Kirio Hikifune make a critical sacrifice to empower Senjumaru Shutara, one of their fellow Royal Guard members. Their selfless act allows Senjumaru to unleash her Bankai, which is necessary to confront Yhwach and his overwhelming power.

The Squad Zero members break the Blood Oath seal in Bleach TYBW (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The sacrifice is tied to a blood oath pact that the Royal Guard members formed in order to control their powers. According to this pact, only one member of Squad Zero can fully access their abilities at any given time, a safeguard intended to prevent their overwhelming powers from destabilizing the balance they were created to protect.

This pact, however, also binds them to a shared fate, limiting the Royal Guard members in life and death alike. Through their oath-bound sacrifice, the three Squad Zero members grant Senjumaru the strength to continue fighting, reinforcing the importance of the Royal Guard’s mission and dedication.

Bleach TYBW: The members of Squad Zero are immortal and hence can be ressurected

Ichibe Hyosube as shown in Bleach TYBW (Image via Studio Pierrot)

A unique aspect of Squad Zero’s fate is that, unlike other Shinigami, they possess a pathway to resurrection through Ichibe Hyosube, the leader of the Royal Guard. Ichibe's body was destroyed by Yhwach during their fight. However, he returned to life after Ichigo called his name.

Senjumaru Shutara (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, a canonical light novel that takes place after the TYBW arc, Ichibe reveals his plans to revive the fallen members of Squad Zero. He explains that, given their bones’ connection to the palace through the Oken, they cannot die easily and retain the potential for resurrection.

While this process underscores the resilience and immortality inherent to the Royal Guard, it is also evident that Ichibe sees this revival as more than a mere act of power. He believes that their mission to protect the Soul King and maintain universal balance is far from over, and as long as the Soul King Palace stands, he will not allow them to perish permanently.

Final thoughts

Kirio Hikifune (Image via Studio Pierrot)

While Squad Zero members sacrifice themselves to unleash Senjumaru’s Bankai, they possess the unique potential for resurrection through Ichibe’s power and the Oken connection to the Soul King Palace. This resurrection underscores Squad Zero's role as eternal protectors, dedicated to preserving balance as long as the palace endures.