Episode 38 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 – The Conflict, titled “Friend,” delves into the complex relationship between Bazz-B and Jugram Haschwalth. Airing on December 21, 2024, this episode provides a crucial backstory, revealing the origins of their bond and the reasons behind their current conflict. The episode adapts content from chapters 630 to 634 of the manga, and it offers a deeper understanding of the motivations that drive these two powerful Quincies.
A Friendship Forged in Fire
The episode opens with a flashback, depicting a young Bazz-B and Jugram, or Bazz and Jugo, as they were known then. It showcases their initial meeting and how they became friends, united by their ambition to become the strongest Quincies. Young Bazz, voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi, is portrayed as hot-headed and energetic, while young Jugram, voiced by Marina Inoue, is depicted as more reserved but equally determined. The flashback explores their shared training and their early aspirations before their paths diverged. We see the duo striving together, their camaraderie apparent as they push each other towards their goal.
Their origin story provides insight into their individual character traits. Bazz’s relentless drive is obvious while Jugram’s quiet intensity is also displayed. The episode highlights how Jugram’s unique power was recognized by Yhwach. However, it’s Bazz who initially sees Jugram’s work ethic. Bazz acknowledges that, despite not possessing typical Quincy talent, Jugram’s hard work is what made him keep Jugram around.
The Rift Between Friends
The core of the episode explores what caused the rift between Bazz-B and Jugram. Their shared dream of becoming the strongest Quincies was not enough to sustain their friendship, as the two found themselves on different paths as the series progressed. The episode highlights the differences in their outlooks and how those differences would inevitably lead to the confrontation viewers witness in the present day. It becomes apparent that their friendship was strained, with Bazz harboring bitterness toward Jugram, who seemingly abandoned their shared goal to follow Yhwach.
The episode strongly implies that Bazz feels betrayed. His dialogue and actions suggest that he sees Jugram’s loyalty to Yhwach as a personal affront, a rejection of their past bond. This element of “bitter ex-boyfriend-ism,” as some viewers have described it, adds emotional depth to the narrative and elevates the weight of their conflict.
Battle of Ideologies
The episode features a gorgeously animated fight between Bazz-B and Jugram in the present, set within Wahrwelt, the True World Castle. The clash isn’t just a physical one, it also represents the conflict of ideologies. Bazz-B, now injured and having lost his Vollständig, fights with a burning passion, seeking to break through Jugram’s cold demeanor. The animation during the fight is a testament to the series’ quality, with the fire attacks and Jugram’s movements especially well-executed.
While the fight isn’t as flashy as some others in the series, it’s no less impactful. The animation team, including chief animation director Se Kumatsubara and key animators like Yuki Sato, Katuhiro Takagi and Kira Tamoto, is commended for their work on this episode. The inclusion of talented Chinese animators such as Sein Yao and Guanju Wu also contributes to the episode’s visual appeal. The episode masterfully balances action with the emotional weight of the characters’ history.
A Story of Loyalty and Recognition
The episode suggests that Jugram’s loyalty to Yhwach stems from a deep need for recognition of his skill. There is an unspoken sense that Jugram not only desired skill but also acknowledgment of that skill, which Yhwach provided. This contrasts with Bazz-B’s view, who valued Jugram’s work ethic and dedication. Despite the divergent paths, the episode makes it evident that there is a bond that connects these two characters. This connection is highlighted in the way they look at each other in the heat of battle.
The episode ends with what is perceived as Bazz-B’s death, however, some fans remain skeptical about the finality of it. This leaves viewers questioning what role Jugram will play and if Bazz-B’s story is truly finished.
Technical and Production Aspects
Episode 38 is noted for its extended runtime, clocking in at approximately 26 minutes and 20 seconds, making it the longest episode in the Thousand-Year Blood War anime to date. The episode expands on the manga content with new scenes, further enriching the storyline. This expansion of the flashback adds depth and emotion, which is appreciated by many fans.
The episode is praised for its visual effects, sound design, and voice acting, solidifying its place as a standout episode. The storyboarding is helmed by the seasoned animator Toshhio, who came out of retirement to work on the episode, showcasing the commitment of the staff to quality animation.
Conclusion
“Friend” is a well-rounded episode that delivers on multiple fronts, seamlessly blending action with emotional depth and lore. The episode successfully delves into the backstory of Bazz-B and Jugram, providing a clear picture of the complex dynamic between these two characters. It sets the stage for the upcoming one-hour finale, comprised of episodes 39 and 40, which will air on December 28, 2024.
The episode highlights the themes of friendship, betrayal, and the search for recognition. It also emphasizes that these characters are not simply driven by a desire for power, but by their personal histories, experiences, and individual needs. The episode sets a high bar for the remaining episodes, demonstrating the series’ ability to seamlessly integrate emotional character-driven stories within the overarching narrative. The strong animation and production quality have made this episode not only a key plot point but an enjoyable experience for Bleach fans.
The episode was released on December 21, 2024 and can be streamed on Hulu in the USA, Disney+ internationally, and other services in selected regions.
