An entire week had finally passed.
For many, it didn't seem like much time. But for those following Bleach, they were long days-marked by endless theories, obsessive debates, and an anxiety that not even the summer heat could ease.
Until, at last, the two newest episodes were released.
As the series' protagonist, Mark decided to turn the premiere into a small event. He invited the younger actors from Aurora Entertainment-colleagues who had joined after him-to the restaurant he managed. He reserved a private room, closed the doors, and prepared the setting as if this were more than just "watching a show."
And, in a way, it was.
Although Aurora was no longer in its most glorious era, it would be unfair to say it had completely lost its instincts. Sabrina, who oversaw casting, still knew how to choose faces that worked on camera.
Perhaps none of those young actors would reach the heights Mark or Emily had achieved in their prime, but every single one of them was visually striking. Attractive, charismatic, easy to sell to the public.
Mark watched them as they settled in.
Among them were Terry, Sam, and young Talita-names already familiar, even if it was unlikely that any of them would become a true pillar of the industry.
Maybe only Talita, with a face that seemed to exist solely for the camera, had a real chance of reaching the top of the second tier.
- Finally - murmured Bruce Walts, Mark's longtime friend, rubbing his hands together with an impatient grin. - I thought this day would never come.
- You're talking like this is a global premiere - Emily teased, resting her chin on her hand. - It's just a series… and you practically summoned the entire company.
Mark laughed, a little embarrassed.
He chose not to explain that these episodes were precisely the moments when his character shone the most.
Not every kind of pride needs to be spoken aloud.
- Let's watch - he said simply.
The opening ended.
On screen, Ichigo Kurosaki, portrayed by Mark, pushed deeper into Seireitei with his group. The atmosphere grew more oppressive with every step, and soon the characters split up to search for Rukia Kuchiki, played by Samantha Burnes.
After a hard-fought victory against Renji Abarai, Ichigo encountered something different.
A real weight.
His first truly terrifying enemy.
The captain of the Eleventh Division.
Kenpachi Zaraki.
…
…
For Alex, that fight had always required caution.
Kenpachi wasn't just strong-he was a monster, even among the captains of the Gotei 13. Defeating him directly, with a protagonist still inexperienced and lacking mastery over Bankai, simply wouldn't work.
So the conclusion was adjusted with precision.
Upon sensing Ichigo's potential, Kenpachi eases his final strike. Not out of weakness, but by choice. And it is in that instant that Ichigo wins.
The impact is silent, yet profound.
The fight isn't only about strength, but philosophy.
Ichigo fights alongside his Zanpakutō, Zangetsu, as a partner.
Kenpachi, on the other hand, relies solely on himself, treating his sword as an extension of his own will.
Without unnecessary speeches, the message establishes itself.
After the clash, Kenpachi decides to help the group.
And at the same time, something begins to move behind the scenes of Seireitei.
Captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake realize that something is deeply wrong. Rukia's execution should not happen.
Episode six then drives the story toward its second great climax.
An internal rupture.
The Gotei 13 turns its blades against itself.
Ichigo manages to rescue Rukia and hands her over to Renji, still recovering from his injuries.
He stays behind.
To face the one who represents the greatest obstacle of all.
Byakuya Kuchiki, portrayed by Jasper Quin.
But the chaos is not limited to a single confrontation.
The battlefield fractures:
Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Byakuya Kuchiki.
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Kaname Tōsen and Sajin Komamura.
Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake vs. Yamamoto Genryūsai.
Yoruichi Shihoin, portrayed by Yasmim Banner, vs. Soi Fon.
The moment this formation appears on screen, the reaction is immediate.
Inside the private room, Terry, Bruce Walts, and the others feel a chill run through their bodies.
Even Emily and Talita fall silent, eyes locked on the television.
The atmosphere is dense. Almost solemn.
Then-
BAM.
The ground trembles.
On screen, the Supreme Commander lands heavily.
Yamamoto Genryūsai, portrayed by Jack Creed, leans on his cane, body hunched, eyes half-lidded.
- One who neglects justice… will not be forgiven by me.
The voice is low. The presence, overwhelming.
- It was you who taught us to follow our own justice - Kyōraku replies calmly.
- Master… it is precisely because of your teachings that we made this choice - Ukitake adds.
Yamamoto's eyes slowly open.
The wooden cane cracks apart, revealing an ancient-looking Zanpakutō.
- Words will resolve nothing now. The conversation ends here.
He releases the cane.
With a calm motion, he opens the upper part of his shihakushō.
When Jack Creed's defined muscles appear on screen, the silence in the room becomes absolute.
Bruce Walts and Terry exchange glances, visibly unsettled.
- …Isn't he over sixty?
Mark clears his throat, slightly awkward.
- They say he trained hard for this role - he comments. - Took it very seriously.
At that very moment, before the stunned gaze of millions of viewers, Yamamoto raises his Zanpakutō.
Fire ignites.
Flames wrap around the blade-and around the old man himself.
When the sword is drawn-
WHOOSH-
An explosion of fire fills the entire screen.
- Everything in this world… is reduced to ashes.
Jack Creed's voice echoes, deep and absolute.
- Ryūjin Jakka.
The inferno spreads like a hellish deluge, threatening to swallow all of Seireitei.
At the center of the flames, the old man stands unmoving, sword in hand.
Not as a man.
But as something that has long surpassed that definition.
- My God… - someone murmurs.
And in that instant, not only in that room, but in front of screens across the entire country, thousands of viewers think the exact same thing:
This old man…
He's far too elegant to be real.