Does Nemu die in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10? Explored

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 witnessed a shocking development in the narrative, raising questions regarding Nemu Kurotsuchi's fate in the series. The 12th Division lieutenant intervened in the battle against Pernida, who obliterated Mayuri's modified Bankai.

Since Pernida continuously evolved during the battle, Nemu chose to protect Mayuri without caring about her own life. She shaved 6% of her Konpaku (Soul) to land a decisive blow to Pernida. However, the obliterated parts gained sentience and demonstrated Compulsory on Nemu.

After seeping its nerves into Nemu's body, Pernida blew her to pieces. Undoubtedly, the scene may have shocked many fans who haven't read the manga. So, does Nemu Kurotsuchi die in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10?

Yes, Nemu (Nemuri Nanago), as fans know her, dies in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10. However, Mayuri Kurotsuchi secured her cerebrum, the trickiest component in his Artificial Soul Reaper, aka Nemuri Project. Mayuri later used the cerebrum to create Nemuri Hachigo, his next masterpiece.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10.

Exploring Nemu's fate in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10

Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 witnessed one of the most tragic moments in the series, with Nemu's death. Nemu, whose real name is Nemuri Nanago, intervened in the battle against Pernida and saved Mayuri from Heilig Pfiel (a Quincy Arrow). She grabbed the arrow aimed at Mayuri and cut off her arm to ensure Pernida's nerves didn't reach her body.

Undoubtedly, Nemu's action shocked Mayuri, who lashed at her, demanding why she acted against his orders. While Nemu admitted she didn't know why she acted that way, she felt she needed to protect her master. As the battle progressed, Mayuri decided to use Nemu to initiate his next plan against Pernida.

While combating Pernida and its clones, Mayuri dodged dozens of Quincy Arrows and contacted Nemu. He informed her about his plan to stop the Quincy by injecting it with a coagulating agent, which will render its blood vessels immobile, causing its eventual death.

Nemu in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Nemu followed Mayuri's instructions in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10, and injected one of the Heilig Pfeil (Quincy Arrow) with the agent. The plan seemingly worked since the arrow was connected to Pernida's nerves. However, Mayuri quickly realizes Pernida's true nature.

According to Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10, Pernida Parnkgjas could evolve by taking information from the objects, both living and non-living, its nerves touched. Since the Left Arm of the Soul King touched Kenpachi, Mayuri realized Nemu's speed wouldn't be enough to overtake Pernida.

Nemu charges at Pernida in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Additionally, Pernida shrugged off the coagulating agent's effect by emulating the modified Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo's multi-layered nerve ability. Nemu witnessed Pernida's growth and sensed Mayuri was in danger. As seen in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10, Nemu leaped toward Mayuri, grabbed him, and burst through Pernida's arm.

The impact blew apart the Left Arm of the Soul King. Mayuri Kurostuchi was shocked to see such a rise in Nemu's power. The 12th Division Lieutenant explained she increased her body's agility at the cost of decomposition rate. However, Mayuri was fuming at Nemu's choice. He reminded her that her mission was to grow.

Nemu's Gikon Jurinju (Image via Pierrot Films)

Nemu replied she could show the best result of her evolution through combat. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 saw Nemuri Nanago, Mayuri Kurostuchi's seventh attempt at creating the perfect Artifical Shinigami, charging at Pernida. She shaved 6% of her Soul to demonstrate that Gikon Jurichu blew apart Pernida.

As Nemu fell from the sky, gravely fatigued from casing her previous attack, she witnessed eyes appearing on Pernida's remains. The bits and pieces of Soul King's Left Arm gained sentience, and they seeped their nerves into Nemu's body before tearing her to shreds.

Nemuri's death scene in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Mayuri Kurostuchi was shocked beyond the core to witness such a tragic scene. Just then, in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10, the phantom of Szayelaporro Grantz appeared in Mayuri's consciousness, reminding him about his own speech he delivered at the Hueco Mundo.

Szayelaporro's words cleared Mayuri's doubts. Deep inside, he realized Nemu had more room to grow. Burdened with a scientist's curse, Mayuri approached Pernida, who had begun to devour Nemu's remains in Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10. Mayuri didn't disturb it but secured Nemu's cerebrum.

Mayuri secured Nemu's cerebrum (Image via Pierrot Films)

After devouring, Pernida's body began to collapse. Mayuri informed Pernida it was because he devoured Nemu's pituitary gland, which initiated a forced accelerated regeneration in his body, which led to its self-destruction. In other words, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 10 saw Nemu sacrifice her life to kill Pernida and save her master, Mayuri Kurostuchi.

Yet, even though Nemuri Nanago was killed, Mayuri securing the cerebrum meant he could continue his Project Nemuri without starting from scratch. Following the Thousand-year Blood War events, it was revealed that Mayuri used Nemuri Nanago's cerebrum to create a new Nemu (she's shown to be a child), Nemuri Hachigo. Just as the name implies (Hachi means Eight), she's Mayuri's eighth artificial Shinigami.

Conclusion

Nemu Kurostuchi, who fans now know as Nemuri Nanago was Mayuri Kurostuchi's greatest masterpiece. She was more than a daughter to him. Every moment she had lived filled Mayuri with an unbridled joy, even though she never showcased it. That's why Nemu's death shocked her.

Having said that, his approach to life as a scientist reminded her there was more room for growth. That's why Mayuri kept the cerebrum and ensured his project/daughter would remain alive, even if it's not as Nemuri Nanago.