“Bleach” is also one of the most well-loved animes of all time. Based on a manga series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo, the anime follows the adventures of a teenager named Ichigo Kurosaki, who receives the superpowers of a Soul Reaper – a character somewhat similar to the Grim Reaper – from Rukia Kuchiki, another Soul Reaper. These superpowers allow him to defend humankind from evil spirits and guide departed souls to the afterlife, not to mention allowing him to embark on journeys to different ghostly realms of existence.
However, aside from the main episodes of “Bleach” based on the manga, the anime also has some filler episodes. Fillers are episodes in animes that are not found in the manga – and “Bleach” has many of these significant parts.
With “Bleach” spanning over 300 episodes and 163 filler episodes, it’s gonna be hard to pick a winner, you guys, if you are after the best of the best. But don’t worry because, in this piece, we’ll introduce you to the winning filler episodes of “Bleach,” starting off with the Gotei 13 Invasion Arc.
Unveiling The Winning Filler Episodes In ‘Bleach’
The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc
The Gotei 13 Invasion Arc is a filler arc that takes place after Deicide Arc. It starts on episode 317. This filler episode has Kurosaki and the Gotei 13 resting after the battle with Sōsuke Aizen. Then, imposters of the Squad members slip into the ranks of the Gotei 13, thereby attacking their original counterparts.
These originals, then, find themselves on guard, unable to determine who friends are and who foes are, as they attempt to find the culprit. In the middle of all these, Kon finds a strange girl who is shown to have a connection with the attacks. Kurosaki, on the other hand, wanting to help, finds his powers gradually fading.
Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc
Another winning filler episode in “Bleach” is the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc, which spans from the 230th to the 265th episodes. Here, Kurosaki defeats Muramasa, and the Zanpakutō Spirits return to their original forms.
Many avid fans of the anime say it’s somewhat predictable. But, despite this disadvantage, this episode still deserves praise for presenting the story with flying colors.
The New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc
Meanwhile, the New Captain Shusuke Amagai Arc is a filler arc that aired right amidst the Heuco Mundo Arc, making it hard for the viewers to identify where precisely this arc takes place in “Bleach’s” story.
Nonetheless, this filler episode follows Squad 3 gaining a new captain, in the persona of Shusuke Amagai, and seeking to enhance their teamwork. But he, along with the rest of the Gotei 13, ends up caught in a conspiracy that involves a young noblegirl and an unscrupulous plot to usurp her position by her evil, villainous retainer. Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Kurosaki gets involved as well.
Stolen Hogyoku Arc
The following winning filler episode in “Bleach” is the Stolen Hogyoku Arc. This episode offers a blend of one-off episodes and an exploration of the dissatisfaction of Arrancar with Aizen’s leadership. Sure, it is intriguing, but avid fans believe the arc needs better pacing and synergy with the main storyline. But, we cannot blame the production. Filler episodes are stories not part of the original manga.
One standout aspect of this arc is the presence of Tōshirō Hitsugaya, allowing his character to shine bright. His involvement is definitely a highlight, capturing the attention and admiration of the viewers.
The Bount Arc
Another winning filler episode in the anime is the Bount Arc. This filler arc transpires after the Soul Society Arc. The story goes like this. Not long after returning home, Kurosaki and his friends find themselves confronted by three strangers who want to “play games” with them. However, the trio turns out to be a big threat, part of a group of beings known as the Bounts, which are an artificial race that feeds on living souls. You better be catching this episode to see the whole excitement.
Forest Of The Menos Arc
Meanwhile, the Forest of the Menos Arc is a short arc, only spanning three episodes. But, without a doubt, it is one of the best because of this length. It may not have overstayed as the other arcs did, but it tells a tale centered upon Ashido Kano, whose entire squad gets killed by the Menos of the forest.
With a sense of anger and punishment for remaining alive, Kano stays in the forest, hunting hollows while donning one of their masks. Then, eventually, he gets a fantastic send-off by letting Kuchiki escape the woods as he runs headlong into battling the Adjuchas. Thrilling, right?
Beast Swords Arc
The Beast Swords Arc is another short filler arc and a direct sequel to the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales Arc. This filler episode explores a unique moment wherein the Zanpakutō spirits, just liberated from the control of Muramasa, begin turning into animal-like beings called Tōjū, which do not have a master to control them.
Thus, these Tōjū begin wreaking havoc, which has led to exciting battles as the Soul Reapers collaborate with their Zanpakutō spirits to subdue the Tōjū. This arc, therefore, tells about the relationships of the Soul Reapers with their Zanpakutō and their teamwork.
Conclusion
Those are the winning filler arcs in “Bleach.” True, some people may not like the idea of watching filler episodes, as their stories are not based on the phenomenal manga. Still, fans who wish to spend some more time with the anime’s most beloved characters will come to love these short stories that do an amazing job of rediscovering the dynamics between the series’ many characters.
