Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War: A Review of Episode 5

In the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, titled "Wrath as a Lightning," the war between the Sternritters and the Soul Reapers continues to rage on. The Sternritters easily overpower the Squad Captains and Lieutenants, leaving them at a disadvantage without their Bankai. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki is trapped in an inescapable prison in the Garganta.

As the episode begins, an announcement is made that Ichigo is on his way to Soul Society to help fight against the Sternritters, but he never arrives. Instead, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper of the White Road Gate, attacks the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, controlled by one of the Sternritters.

Sternritter J continues his attack on Urahara, Inoue, and Chad, but is defeated by a mysterious figure. Captain Byakuya is overpowered by Sternritter F, whose arrows trigger their targets' deepest fears. Rukia and Renji are also shown being struck down by Sternritters.

Meanwhile, Ichigo remains trapped in The Jail, a Reishi construct that traps its target in an undetectable zone. However, his body releases streams of green light, hinting at a possible escape. Kenpachi Zaraki is shown to be an abnormally strong fighter, even among the Sternritters, and manages to hold his own against Sternritter Y.

The episode ends with the revelation that Urahara, Inoue, and Chad were not killed by Sternritter J, but were instead saved by Captain Yoruichi Shihōin. With the introduction of Captain Yoruichi and the potential for Ichigo's escape, it seems that the Soul Reapers may have a chance against the Sternritters.