As part of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three” alongside One Piece and Naruto, Bleach was a major Japanese franchise. Sadly, its popularity waned due to haphazard storytelling and filler arcs, leading to its abrupt unofficial cancellation in 2012.

Fortunately, Bleach made its highly anticipated return to the airwaves in October 2022, bringing the iconic Big Three anime franchise back into the spotlight. Excitement is at an all-time high, as fans eagerly await Part 4’s release window and Ichigo’s long-awaited rescue of the Soul Society from destruction.

Kenpachi Zaraki Vs Ichigo in the manga | Credits: Viz Media

Indeed, the Thousand Year Blood War‘s return after an 8-month hiatus has been nothing but exciting for the fandom. Alongside improved animations and thrilling action scenes, Tite Kubo introduced fresh faces and intriguing new villains, including a powerful foe who easily overpowered Kenpachi Zaraki, only to lose due to plot armor.

Bleach TYBW’s most overpowered villain—Only to be defeated by plot armor

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3 has returned for the Fall 2024 anime season and is making a huge buzz online. TYBW focuses on the conflict between the Soul Society and the Wandenreich, a hidden Quincy faction.

TYBW – 26 Sternritters [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

In addition to the return of fan-favorite characters, TYBW also introduced the third and arguably the strongest villain group—the 26 Sternritters, each with unique powers.

Although Yhwach’s Almighty stole the spotlight, Gremmy Thoumeaux, the Sternritter with the Schrift V, still managed to maintain relevance and gain fans’ attention due to his overpowered abilities.

The Visionary is a Schrift with limitless possibilities, allowing its user, Gremmy Thoumeaux, to turn his imagination into reality. With his ability, Gremmy can create substances from nothing, alter existing structures, and even create new life.

Gremmy Thoumeaux from TYBW | Credit: Studio Pierrot

He can also clone himself, amplifying the power of his imagination. Gremmy’s abilities were so overwhelming that even Kenpachi Zaraki’s survival didn’t seem promising in their battle.

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Kenpachi Zaraki still holds the spotlight in the eyes of many fans. As the strongest Soul Reaper of his era, Zaraki has consistently proven his unmatched strength through incredible feats.

Kenpachi Zaraki in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Kenpachi is the title that is only given to the strongest Shinigami. Currently, Captain Zaraki of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13 holds the title of the Kenpachi. Captain Zaraki lives in battle and enjoys a good fight more than anything.

Kenpachi vs Gremmy was one of the standout battles in the Thousand-Year Blood War, showcasing their imaginative powers and indomitable will.

Kenpachi VS Gremmy in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

At one point, Gremmy imagines Kenpachi’s body tearing apart from the inside, but Kenpachi’s resolve is so strong that he even survives this.

The fight underscores Kenpachi’s incredible strength and unyielding spirit while also highlighting the limits of Gremmy’s powers, showing that imagination alone is no match for someone like Kenpachi.

A 20th anniversary ‘BLEACH’ video has been released with reanimated scenes in TYBW style. pic.twitter.com/YO10lN6f0d— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 5, 2024

Gremmy’s V has its own set of weaknesses, as he cannot imagine things he does not know about or cannot visualize. His imagination can also harm him if he does not exercise enough conscious control.

Kenpachi VS Gremmy in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Although Zaraki is considered the strongest Soul Reaper of his era, it’s debatable that he only won against Gremmy due to plot armor, as the Visionary abilities were overwhelmingly powerful for him to handle.

Why Yhwach is the strongest antagonist in Bleach

Yhwach is the primary antagonist of the TYBW arc and one of the most terrifying villains in the Bleach storyline. Yhwach’s Almighty is arguably the most overpowered ability, turning the tide against Ichigo and his allies and plunging the world into chaos. 

Yhwach stabs the Soul King in Bleach. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Yhwach devastated the Soul Society, defeating the strongest captain and Gotei 13 leader, Genryūsai Yamamoto and even killing the Soul King for his plans to plunge the world into chaos.

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Yhwach stands as the ultimate force, having defeated every opponent and effortlessly pushing Ichigo to his limits, leaving him with no real chance of victory. All of this is possible thanks to his Almighty ability, which allows Yhwach to reshape any part of reality to his will without limits.

Yhwach uses The Almighty in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. [Credit: Shueisha]

This power lets him set traps, strike before his enemies can react, and create strategies to counter his opponents’ defenses. The Almighty’s greatest power is undoing Yhwach’s death, letting him rewrite events and revive himself, making him nearly invincible.

Bleach and Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3 are available to stream on Hulu and Disney Plus.
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