Ichibe Hyosube's cryptic words in Bleach TYBW part 3 hint at his sinister plan with Ichigo Kurosaki

In Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 2, Ichibe Hyosube's premonition of Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends' failure against Yhwach has become an interesting topic of discussion. While the substitute Soul Reaper was engaged in a duel against the Quincy King, the Manako Osho apologized to humans, as he felt they wouldn't be able to defeat Yhwach.

However, he thought it was nothing to worry about because that's what peace is all about. So, what did Ichibe mean by peace? Interestingly, neither the manga nor the anime has provided an explicit answer to Ichibe Hyosube's cryptic words.

Yet, when we read Ryogo Narita's Can't Fear Your Own World light novels, which reveals the aftermath of the Thousand-year Blood War arc's events from the manga, we learn about Ichibe's true motive, and how Ichigo Kurosaki was the key to that. Ichibe's cryptic words about peace in Bleach TYBW part 3 could be connected to his original plan, referenced in Ryogo Narita's light novel.

Disclaimer: This article is speculative in nature and contains the author's own opinions. Additionally, the article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW and Can't Fear Your Own World light novels.

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Bleach TYBW part 3: Exploring Ichibe Hyosube's puzzling words and his backup plan involving Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichibe Hyosube has existed within the realms of the Soul Society for years, ensuring the safety of the Soul King's crystalized body. The Manako Osho knows that without the Soul King, all three realms would perish. So, why would he knowingly send Ichigo to protect the Soul King from Yhwach, despite knowing the boy wouldn't be able to defeat the Quincy King?

Although Bleach TYBW part 3 doesn't directly answer this, it's possible that Manako Osho genuinely rested all hope on Ichigo's shoulders. However, the first volume of Ryogo Narita's Can't Fear Your Own World light novels series explains that Ichibe had a backup plan in his mind, which perhaps acts as a reference to his puzzling words in the latest episode.

According to the light novel, Ichibe Hyosube wanted to turn Ichigo Kurosaki into the next Soul King, in case the current one died. Ichigo possesses the powers of five unique races in the Bleach universe, i.e., the Soul Reapers, Quincies, Hollows, Fullbringers, and the Humans, and is the ideal Soul King candidate.

Yhwach feels Ichigo will be defeated in Bleach TYBW part 3. (Image via Pierrot Films)

That's why, the Manako Osho had Ichigo run through the Irazusando trial in part 2, to turn him into the Soul King's vessel, a ritual necessary to become the next lynchpin of the realms. However, never for once did Ichibe disclose his plans to Ichigo.

Yet, he appeared awfully quiet and sure about his next plans in Bleach TYBW part 3, when he realized Ichigo would lose to Yhwach. So, while Ichigo was combating the Quincy King, the Manako Osho observed the substitute Soul Reaper would be defeated. Yet, he wanted to make peace with it.

Ichibe's cryptic words in Bleach TYBW part 3 gain clarity when Yhwach rouses Ichigo's Quincy Blood to have him sever the Soul King in half. The Quincy King told Ichigo that only Ichigo, who had powers of five races within him could sever the Soul King.

Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach TYBW part 3 (Image via Pierrot Films)

In other words, had Ichigo been absent, Yhwach wouldn't have had a way to eliminate his father than creating a similar being from scratch, like Hikone.

So, Ichibe Hyosube remained calm and collected because he planned to make Ichigo the next Soul King. If he had enshrined the substitute Soul Reaper within the Soul King's throne, Yhwach wouldn't have anybody else to break the seal and kill the new Soul King.

Instead, Yhwach could demonstrate his fearsome powers to destroy everything in all realms and end all life forms. However, if he were to do that, Yhwach wouldn't have been able to seek his revenge. In other words, his sole objective to create a new world would have remained incomplete.

Yhwach, as seen in Bleach TYBW part 3 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Then Yhwach's plan would have been to find another Soul King's vessel to do his bidding. Perhaps, Ichibe wanted to make peace with the necessary evil. Even though he wouldn't have the power to stop Yhwach, at least he would have spoiled the Quincy King's grand plan.

Even if Yhwach retaliated and killed everyone, Ichibe would rest in peace, knowing the realms would be safe, with the Soul King being enshrined.

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Conclusion

Ichibe Hyosube's words in Bleach TYBW part 3 certainly added further enigma to his character. His plans, when explored in the Can't Fear Your Own World light novel series, prove he only cares about the world. In some ways, Ichibe is no less than an antagonist, who is ready to sacrifice a human, for the greater good.

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