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Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 featured one of the biggest moments in the series, with Sosuke Aizen's return. The God of Reiatsu was serving his sentence in Muken until Shunsui Kyoraku approached him and released some of his seals.
The new Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 knew Sosuke Aizen and the Soul Society shared a common interest in saving the Soul Society and the other realms from Yhwach and the Quincies. Even though he had committed the grave act of treason, Shunsui knew that the Soul Society needed Aizen to stand a chance against Yhwach.
Sosuke Aizen's appearance in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 was one of the most anticipated moments for fans. After being shown briefly in the series' first installment, many fans wanted to see more of the antagonist. Now, the Soul Reaper has joined hands with the Gotei 13 to go up against a common enemy.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3
Exploring Sosuke Aizen's scene with Shunsui Kyoraku in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3
While Ichigo Kurosaki was engaged in a battle against Yhwach in the Royal Palace and the other Soul Reapers were monitoring the situation at the Seireitei, Shunsui Kyoraku headed to the Central Great Underground Prison's deepest level, Muken, in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3.
The newly appointed Captain Commander wanted to meet Sosuke Aizen and use him as the Soul Society's trump card against Yhwach and the Quincies. Notably, Muken was reserved for the most notorious criminals in the Soul Society.
Sosuke Aizen was sealed in Muken due to his act of treason against the Soul Society to assume the position of Godhood. Since he was infused with the Hogyoku, the Soul Society's higher officials put several seals on him to keep his powers in check.
After entering Muken in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3, Shunsui Kyoraku felt tremors from above and thought the end was drawing near. With the vast darkness outstretched in front, Shunsui wondered whether Aizen could hear him. He couldn't go beyond because innocents weren't allowed to step into Muken's darkness.
Since Aizen gave no response, Shunsui mocked him, wondering whether he couldn't even communicate via Spiritual Pressure. After that, the Captain Commander brought out three keys to Aizen's seals, which the higher-ups permitted him to use.
Yet, as soon as Shunsui Kyoraku unsealed Aizen's mouth, the Soul Reaper released the rest of his seals alone. Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 then showed the emphatic return of Sosuke Aizen, emerging from Muken's darkness.
Aizen's feats shocked Shunsui, who quickly used the remaining two keys to release the Soul Reaper's left eye and ankles. The duo then engaged in a conversation, where Shunsui asked Aizen whether he would like to get out of Muken.
Moreover, it was revealed that the Captain Commander buried the key to Muken in his heart. According to Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3, this was one of the prerequisites for his entry into Muken and his ability to release three of Aizen's bindings.
The Central 46 ensured Sosuke Aizen couldn't kill Shunsui and leave because if he did, the gate to Muken would forever be lost. Shunsui replied to Aizen that it was only understandable, as the higher-ups didn't want to take any chances.
Following that, the Captain Commander asked Aizen to sit on a specially made chair so that they could take him up. He felt Aizen would love to get the taste of Soul Society's fresh air. At that moment, one of the Central 46's Soul Reapers approached Aizen to restrain him.
However, as he got closer, his fingers were gravely wounded. Aizen sighed at the Soul Reaper's carelessness. He revealed that his bindings couldn't eliminate his Spiritual Pressure but only confine it to the space around him.
Aizen then asked Shunsui whether he thought he would use his powers for the Soul Society's sake. Shunsui assured Aizen that he never felt that way. Rather, he thought their interests weren't so different at all. In other words, Shunsui knew that Sosuke Aizen's personality wouldn't let him serve under anyone.
As such, if Yhwach were to become a Godlike being and rule over everything, it would go against Aizen's will. Likewise, the Soul Society wanted to ensure the three realms continued their current existence. Aizen understood Shunsui's words in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 and seemingly accepted his condition.
Conclusion
Sosuke Aizen's return in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 episode 3 marked one of the most significant moments in the narrative. The episode captured the fan-favorite antagonist's aura in the most graceful way possible. His exchange with Shunsui was certainly one of the highlights of the episodes.
Also read:
- Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 complete release schedule
- Bleach: How Aizen breaks one of shonen's biggest tropes, explained
- What is Shunsui Kyoraku's Bankai in Bleach? Abilities explored
