Ichigo makes peace with both halves of his power, embracing his Quincy source and inner Hollow as one, and draws his reforged blade from the furnace. He emerges wielding two swords that are truly his own, while in Silbern Yhwach gathers the Wandenreich to deliver an announcement.
Summary
Reflecting inwardly, Ichigo accepts that neither version of Zangetsu ever lied to him. He remembers the Quincy Shadow used to reach him, the Blut that stopped his bleeding, and the power lent when he was outmatched, and leaping across the collapsing towers of his inner world he declares that both his Quincy powers and his inner Hollow are Zangetsu to him, a truth he hopes they can share.
In Nimaiya's forge at the Soul King Palace, Ichigo seizes the still-glowing Asauchi straight from the furnace. Hasuka protests, but Nimaiya had expected exactly this, certain the weapon would be finished by Ichigo pouring his own soul into it. Ichigo wrenches the blade free in a blast that boils away every drop of water in the bay. When the smith replaces his glasses and asks whether Ichigo can handle those Zangetsus, Ichigo stands holding two separate swords, one long with a hollowed center and one short and solid. Both are real, Nimaiya confirms, as his bodyguards marvel at the paired blades. Ichigo promises the Quincy Zangetsu that he will ask for power no more, the Hollow Zangetsu that he will push it away no more, and both that they need not fight beside him because he will fight on his own, for they are him.
Far away, in the cathedral of Silbern, the massed Sternritter and Soldat salute with their Quincy Crosses as Yhwach steps onto the stage to share news with them all.
Key Events
Ichigo embraces both his Quincy powers and his inner Hollow as parts of himself, then draws his reforged Zanpakutō from the furnace, evaporating the surrounding waters. He emerges wielding two distinct blades and vows to fight on his own. In Silbern, Yhwach assembles the Wandenreich to make an announcement.
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Notes
Collected in Volume 61, THE LAST 9DAYS, this chapter completes Ichigo's transformation midway through the Thousand-Year Blood War arc and grants him his signature dual-bladed Shikai. Its events were adapted across Episode 379, THE BLADE IS ME, and Episode 380, THE LAST 9DAYS. The closing scene sets up Yhwach's public naming of his successor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does THE BLADE IS ME mean in Bleach?
In chapter 542, THE BLADE IS ME, the title reflects Ichigo Kurosaki accepting that both his Quincy powers and his inner Hollow are Zangetsu and parts of himself; he vows to fight on his own because the two blades he now wields are him.
What Bleach chapter is THE BLADE IS ME?
THE BLADE IS ME is chapter 542 of the Bleach manga, collected in Volume 61, THE LAST 9DAYS, during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
In what episode does the THE BLADE IS ME story happen?
The events of chapter 542, THE BLADE IS ME, were adapted across Episode 379, titled THE BLADE IS ME, and Episode 380, THE LAST 9DAYS, of the anime.
How many swords does Ichigo get in chapter 542?
In chapter 542, Ichigo draws his reforged Zanpakutō from Nimaiya's furnace and emerges wielding two distinct blades, one long with a hollowed center and one short and solid, both confirmed to be truly his own.
What does Ichigo promise his two Zangetsus?
In chapter 542, Ichigo promises the Quincy Zangetsu that he will ask for power no more and the Hollow Zangetsu that he will push it away no more, telling both they need not fight beside him because they are him.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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