After the main story of Bleach, the focus changes to the epilogue chapters, which offer a revelation to the futures of beloved characters. These epilogue chapters, set ten years later in 2013, give fans insight into what happens to Ichigo, Rukia, and others after the intense battles of the Thousand-Year Blood War.
The chapters provide closure on the final chapters of the series, addressing lingering questions about the fate of major characters. The opening of the epilogue takes place in the Soul Society, where Shunsui visits the grave of Ukitake.
Rukia’s surprising promotion marks a new chapter in the Soul Society’s leadership (Photo: Bleach/Studio Pierrot)The chapter transitions into a special ceremony meant to promote a new captain. To everyone’s surprise, Rukia Kuchiki is appointed as the new captain of Squad 13. However, the ceremony is interrupted by an energy signal that resembles Yhwach’s presence, sending captains into a frenzy to investigate.
Rukia and Renji decide to head to the World of the Living to see Ichigo. Among the Living, it’s revealed that Ichigo is married to Orihime and living at the Kurosaki clinic. The family gathers to watch Chad’s boxing match, as he has become a world-famous boxer.
Meanwhile, Uryu watches the match on his phone while working as a doctor in a hospital. Ichigo then brings up their son, Kazui, revealing that he has a child, and Rukia and Renji also confirm they have begun a relationship and have a child as well.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Kazui investigates a mysterious black object that vanishes as he touches it. This action causes the energy signal in the Soul Society to disappear, effectively ending Yhwach’s influence.
The story closes with a new twist, where Kazui meets a black orb that takes the form of Ichika Abarai, a Soul Reaper cadet. Kazui introduces himself as a Soul Reaper too, surprising Ichika, and the chapter ends with him in Soul Reaper attire, signaling the continuation of the next generation’s adventures.
Bleach’s Special Anniversary One-Shot Revealed More of Ichigo’s Fate
Ichigo’s Last Adventure (For Now?)
In August 2021, Bleach fans were treated to a special one-shot chapter celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary. This chapter is set two years after the epilogue, in 2015, and centers around a special ceremony held 12 years after the death of a captain.
Kazui, Ichigo’s son, sneaks out of the Kurosaki household to fulfill a promise to a spirit he is helping cross over to the Soul Society. Renji and Rukia invite Ichigo to the ceremony, and he agrees to attend.
Ichigo’s family life with Orihime and their son brings a sense of closure to a long journey (Photo: Bleach/Studio Pierrot)Mayuri’s message to the captains and lieutenants summons them to the World of the Living for the event, and Ichika decides to follow her parents to see what is happening. Once among the Living, Ichigo joins Renji and the others.
The ceremony involves capturing a Hollow, and Ichigo reveals that he’s now working as a translator while also being a stay-at-home father to Kazui. Ichika, however, notices a creature looming over the ceremony, which no one else can see. She warns her father, who reacts just in time as the monster strikes.
What follows is a battle with these creatures, which turn out to be far from ordinary Hollows. Renji is soon haunted by the image of Szayelaporro Granz, a foe from his past. Szayelaporro threatens to harm Ichika, prompting Renji to protect his daughter.
Ichigo intervenes, allowing Renji to retreat with Ichika. Szayelaporro reveals himself as the “Warden of Hell” and explains that Hollows are transformed by the environment of Hell.
As will-o-wisps from Hell also appear in the Soul Society, Shunsui explains that the ceremony’s true purpose is to send dead captains to Hell to control their immense spiritual pressure.
Szayelaporro further clarifies that powerful captains like Yamamoto, Unohana, and Ukitake are already in Hell, and sending so many spirits there opens the gate, allowing Szayelaporro to appear. However, he is pierced by a blade and pulled back into Hell, ending his attack.
Hell Butterflies and Soul Reapers
The chapter leaves readers with a mysterious question about the Hell Butterflies that Soul Reapers carry, hinting at unresolved secrets. The one-shot raises the possibility of continuing this storyline, although when this will happen remains uncertain.
It offers fans a deeper look at the characters’ lives after the series’ main arc, including a hint of a possible romantic connection between Kazui and Ichika. While Ichigo leads a normal life with his family, it’s clear he still possesses the strength to protect those he loves.
The chapter keeps the door open for future Bleach adventures, but for now, the characters have found their happy endings.
