Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War brings back a fan-favorite character in a surprising turn of events

The return of Aizen might have been a significant moment, but it's not the only familiar face to emerge in the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, "Against The Judgement." As Yhwach inches closer to his goal of destroying the Soul King and unleashing the Quincy clan's long-awaited revenge, Ichigo and friends are on the brink of disaster. Luckily, an old ally has re-emerged to shake things up in the Soul Society, bringing with him a wave of nostalgia and a much-needed boost in the battle against the Wandenreich.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

For those who haven't caught up with the latest episode, beware of major spoilers ahead. The installment kicks off with the Soul Society reeling from Yhwach's attack on the Soul King, resulting in the birth of "eye creatures" that are wreaking havoc in the supernatural world. Shinsui, the new leader of the organization, makes the bold move of releasing Aizen – albeit confined to a chair – as a desperate ally. The once-powerful villain proves to be a game-changer, taking down the monstrous creatures and growing stronger with each passing moment. Despite this unexpected turn of events, the Shinigami are far from out of the woods, with Yhwach's relentless assault pushing them to the limit.

The Return of a Fan-Favorite

Enter Grimmjow, the Arrancar who famously fought Ichigo to a standstill in their epic showdown. The former enemy has come full circle, emerging from the shadows as an ally in the Shinigami's battle against the Wandenreich. As the common enemy brings former foes together, Grimmjow joins the fray, taking his first steps into the Royal Palace before the Shinigami arrive. The dynamic scene marks a turning point in the battle, with the Arrancar's presence electrifying the collective efforts to take down Yhwach and the Sternritter.

Grimmjow's Long-Awaited Comeback

Grimmjow's comeback is a momentous occasion, with fans waiting over a decade to see the beloved character back in action. The Arrancar's unique dynamic with Ichigo, often described as "frenemies," adds a rich layer to the story. Their rivalry-turned-respect is reminiscent of Dragon Ball's Goku and Vegeta, with a depth that has captivated fans throughout Bleach's history.

The Battle Rages On

With the third phase of Bleach's Thousand-Year Blood War in full swing, the stakes have never been higher. As Ichigo and friends fight for their lives, the stage is set for an epic showdown. Will this be the final anime adventure for the beloved characters, or will creator Tite Kubo and Studio Pierrot have a surprise up their sleeves? The manga has hinted at new developments, with the release of Bleach: No Breathes From Hell, but the future remains uncertain. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Soul Society, and get ready to join the conversation on all things comics and anime.