The following contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, "The Fire," now streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.

In Episode 6 of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, the aftermath of Kenpachi Zaraki’s challenge to the leader of the Wandenreich, Yhwach, is unveiled. Within the fiery avalanche of Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto’s overwhelming power, the 11th Division Captain is bested, badly beaten and unconscious. His challenge to the supposed King of the Quincy was in vain, seemingly unable to even pose more than a brief tickle against the might of Yhwach. Similar to Byakuya Kuchiki, his expected plot protection did not keep him safe.

Since Kenpachi’s bout with Ichigo Kurosaki and his only defeat in the "Soul Society" arc, the captain has repeatedly shown his prowess in combat and why he handily earned the title of the Strongest Soul Reaper, as custom for the Captain of the 11th Division. No matter what foe he faced, he simply grew his own power to match. This is even commented on in Episode 5 when Kenpachi faced Loyd Lloyd, who had the power to mimic his opponent. Kenpachi simply needed to 'get stronger' to win. However, the unfathomable growth Kenpachi can achieve was nothing compared to Yhwach’s power. The fight between them could end no other way than it did, and even more so off-screen.

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Why Kenpachi Needed to Fall Against Yhwach

Kenpachi being manhandled by Yuha

Kenpachi has always been a character who held such strength that it defied logic, even within the laws of the Bleach universe. His power fluctuated, appearing rather inconsistent during the progression of the story. However, this has been explained by his lust for a prolonged battle, manipulating the level of spiritual power he utilizes depending on the strength of his opponent. Because of this, Kenpachi has held the role of a clutch captain, and the very idea of him being defeated seemed almost impossible -- even more so without the audience even witnessing how it came to be.

By having Kenpachi easily dispatch three Sternritter, it reminded audiences just how much of a powerhouse Kenpachi is. It made logical sense for Kenpachi to overcome those who stole Bankai to ensure their advantage over the Soul Reapers. Kenpachi’s natural state is equivalent to a Bankai, so defeating arrogant Sternritter would be little challenge. The brilliant use of Kenpachi came when he challenged Yhwach and his defeat was so swift that it wasn't even given time on the screen. This act showed that the standard rules audiences expect from the Bleach of the past no longer apply, and a character who has been repeatedly used by Tite Kubo as a force of nature can no longer be relied upon as a saving grace.

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The Foreshadowing of Kenpachi's Defeat

Zaraki Kenpachi Flexing on Yuha Bleach

The fall of Kenpachi sets one thing in stone: he needs to get stronger. For such a regularly used and important captain within the Bleach story, there can only be one way forward for him. Kenpachi has always increased his strength through sheer force of will during conflict, but not since he lost to Ichigo did he truly understand the importance of obtaining a new level of power through reflection. This second and far more one-sided defeat contrasts with his original loss and likely his understanding of his own weakness. Kenpachi saw his weakness once but continued as he was; it is unlikely that he has ever been so disappointingly defeated.

With Yamamoto in dire straits against Yhwach at the end of the episode and hope appearing fleeting, the true powers of the Gotei 13 are falling or in peril. As Byakuya Kuchiki was defeated, the next to fall could only be another, and perhaps second most, popular Captain in Kenpachi. Two characters who have stood tall since the "Soul Society" arc are now portraying the complete shift in narrative style of Bleach -- everything fans have come to know about their favorite captains saving the day is being dashed against the wall. With the rules of the game dismantled, anything can happen.