The forty-first volume's fourth chapter closes the duel between Ichigo and Ulquiorra on a quiet, mournful note, as the fallen Espada spends his last moments reaching toward Orihime and grasping, too late, the meaning of the heart he once dismissed.
Summary
The feedback from the Hollow's Cero shatters the mask covering Ichigo Kurosaki, who crumples to the ground as Orihime Inoue rushes to him and Ulquiorra Cifer looks on without a word. Inwardly, Ulquiorra notes that his limbs are knitting back together yet the organs the Hollow destroyed cannot be replaced. A sudden vortex of spiritual energy gathers at the cavity in Ichigo's chest and seals it shut, an act Ulquiorra identifies as high-speed regeneration. Startled, Ichigo comes to and clutches the spot where the wound had been.
Key Events
Ichigo checks on Orihime, then spots Uryū Ishida slumped nearby with Zangetsu buried in his abdomen. Uryū manages a smile, relieved that his friend has finally returned to himself. Horrified at what he may have done, Ichigo is cut off by Ulquiorra, who wrenches the sword free and throws it back to him, demanding they settle the fight. Ichigo insists that if the Espada took his arm and leg and struck down Uryū, then Ulquiorra should maim himself the same way so the two can meet as equals.
Notes
Before any final blow can land, Ulquiorra's wing begins crumbling into ash, signaling that his time is up. He urges Ichigo to finish him quickly, but Ichigo refuses, unwilling to claim a hollow victory. Turning at last to Orihime, Ulquiorra admits he has come to find these humans faintly interesting and asks whether she fears him; she answers that she does not. As the two reach toward one another, he dissolves completely into ash before their hands can meet. The chapter was adapted in Episode 272, Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Conclusion!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Bleach chapter 353 The Ash?
The Ash closes the duel between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer, as the fallen Espada spends his final moments reaching toward Orihime Inoue and grasping the meaning of the heart he once dismissed. Before their hands can meet, Ulquiorra dissolves completely into ash.
How does Ulquiorra die in The Ash?
In The Ash, Ulquiorra Cifer's wing begins crumbling into ash, signaling that his time is up. Turning to Orihime Inoue, he admits he has come to find these humans faintly interesting, and as the two reach toward one another he dissolves entirely into ash before their hands can touch.
What is the high-speed regeneration in The Ash?
In The Ash, a sudden vortex of spiritual energy gathers at the cavity in Ichigo Kurosaki's chest and seals the wound shut. Ulquiorra Cifer identifies this act as high-speed regeneration, and a startled Ichigo comes to and clutches the spot where the wound had been.
Why does Ichigo refuse to finish Ulquiorra?
In The Ash, Ichigo Kurosaki refuses to strike down Ulquiorra Cifer as the Espada crumbles because he is unwilling to claim a hollow victory. He insists that if Ulquiorra took his arm and leg and struck down Uryu, the Espada should maim himself the same way so the two can meet as equals.
Which episode adapts The Ash?
The Ash was adapted in Episode 272 of the anime, titled Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra, Conclusion! The chapter is the fourth chapter of the forty-first volume, HEART.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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