Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 reveals Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken in all its glory

One of the major highlights of Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 was Nanao Ise demonstrating the Ise Clan's ancestral sword, Shinken Hakkyoken, against Lille Barro. The co-lieutenant of the 1st Division of Gotei 13 reflected Lille's Godly powers to disintegrate him from existence.

When Nanao found it difficult to hold herself steady in the battle, Shunsui Kyoraku, who happened to be not only her Captain but uncle, guided her to ensure she could demonstrate Shinken Hakkyoken's powers.

Undoubtedly, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 showcased Nanao in a new light and revealed interesting facts concerning her mother and her relationship with Shunsui.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 and the manga.

Exploring Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken and its history as revealed in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11

Lille Barro, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 witnessed one of the spectacular moments in the series, as Nanao Ise wielded her clan's ancestral Zanpakuto, Shinken Hakkyoken to confront the near-invincible Lille Barro. After Shunsui performed his Bankai, it seemed as if Lille Barro had died.

However, the latest episode revealed the Schuzstaffel leader resurrected himself and reformed into a terrifying being. Lille Barro's second form endowed him with complete intangibility. In other words, no physical or Spiritual Pressure-based powers could have worked on him, except Godly powers.

Shunsui reveals the truth about the blade to Nanao (Image via Pierrot Films)

Shunsui used his last ounce of strength to escape from Lille Barro's Divine Judgement. His Zanpakuto, Ohana, realized they stood no chance since Karamatsu Shinju didn't work. She urged Shunsui to escape. The Captain Commander seemed to realize the same, as he rested his eyes. However, that's when Nanao Ise appeared and asked for her Zanpakuto.

Shunsui was taken aback after realizing Nanao knew about the sword. According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11, Nanao's mother had entrusted her Clan's prized possession, an ancestral Zanpakuto named Shinken Hakkyoken, to Shunsui to hide.

Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 revealed that the Ise Clan is matrilineal. There have been only female births reported as per the records. That's why, Ise Clan members always brought men from other families into their family as son-in-laws. However, the men who joined the Ise clan would die shortly due to the Ise Curse.

Although many believed the Curse was false, Nanao's mother wasn't one of them. Resolved to end the Ise bloodline, she married into another family, who happened to be Shunsui's elder brother. However, as fate would have it, Nanao's mother couldn't resist her fate; Shunsui's brother passed away shortly after their marriage.

Nanao's mother in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Unable to escape the curse, Nanao's mother returned to the Ise clan. She speculated the reason behind the curse might have been their clan's ancestral sword, Shinken Hakkyoken, which was passed on from one generation to another. Nanano's mother was desperate to save her yet-to-be-born daughter from the cursed fate.

Hence, she stole the blade from her clan and handed it over to Shunsui. The Captain Commander's Zanpakuto, Ohana, then gave birth to Kyokotsu to hide the plan. According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11, Kyokotsu loved to play hide-and-seek. Thus, Shunsui Kyoraku gave her the blade to ensure its secrecy.

Nanao's mother entrusts the sword to Shunsui (Image via Pierrot Films)

However, Nanao's mother's act was deemed a criminal offense by Central 46, so she was executed. Before her death, she assured Shunsui that no harm would befall him simply by possessing the blade. Shinken Hakkyoken could only affect the Ise clan members.

Nanao knew everything. She eavesdropped on her mother and Shunsui's conversation. Yet, despite knowing the harsh truth, she chose to embrace the curse to protect the person she admired the most. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 witnessed Nanao unsheathing the Shinken Hakkyoken.

Nanao charges at Lille Barro (Image via Pierrot Films)

According to the episode, Shinken Hakkyoken is a ceremonial sword with no edge. Hence it can't kill. However, the legend said the sword can oppose Gods by absorbing their power and scattering it far and wide. The blade dazzled Lille Barro's eyes in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11, reflecting his Divine light.

Nanao pounced on the opportunity to charge at Lille Barro, who sensed danger and guarded himself. As the blade cut off Lille Barro's arm, the Schutzstaffel felt it was an unforgivable act. He began to absorb Reishi from the surroundings and create a gigantic ball of light.

Shunsui and Nanao in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Nanao Ise was in despair, unable to think straight. That's when Shunsui Kyoraku assisted her from behind. He held Nanao's shaky arms and guided her. Nanao was finally at ease, as she could feel Shunsui's kindness seeping through her body.

Even though she was scared to hold a blade against a formidable opponent and was hurting from a wound she sustained, Shunsui's guidance helped Nanao transcend her limits. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 saw Nanao Ise use Shinken Hakkyoken to reflect Lille Barro's Trompete at him. The move disintegrated the Schutzstaffel.

Does Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken kill Lille Barro in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11?

Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken repels Lille Barro's attack in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 (Image via Pierrot Films)

While Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 ended with Nanao Ise reflecting Lillie Barro's trompete to obliterate him to smithereens, the attack didn't kill him. Rather, Nanao's stance eradicated the Halo above Lille Barro's head, depriving him of his Godly strength.

The remnants of Lille Barro eventually fell to the Seireitei and reformed into several flamingo-like creatures. According to the manga, many Soul Reapers perished while fighting against the monsters. That's when Izuru Kira arrived at the scene.

Lille Barro's Trompete in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

He appeared as an "undead," with a gaping hole on the right side of his chest. Izuru demonstrated his Wabisuke's powers to subjugate Lille's clones. Later, Ryogo Narita's Can't Fear Your Own World novel reveals the Soul Reapers successfully killed the remnants of Lille Barro's clones.

Nevertheless, Lille's fate doesn't take away anything from Nanao. He was able to repel a God's light and render its halo useless. Undoubtedly, Nanao achieved a feat that many Soul Reapers could only dream.

Conclusion

Nanao, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 11 has finally showcased Nanao Ise's full potential. The Soul Reaper, who never held a blade before, wielded the greatest curse to save the man who meant the world to her. Nanao Ise was willing to sacrifice her happiness to ensure Shunsui lived. It's remarkable how she took down the Messenger of God with sheer resolve.