Whether Oh-Etsu’s strike was a lucky shot or a calculated move in the Thousand-Year Blood war is now a heated debate within the Bleach fandom.

SUMMARY

In the recent episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Oh-Etsu strike killed Gerard Valkyrie.
However, given Gerard’s unique ability “The Miracle”, it’s a shock how Oh-Etsu managed to kill him that easily.
Upon closer look, it’s clear that the answer lies in between luck and pure skill.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War arc has recently become a tapestry of endless debates, theories, and iconic moments that continue to captivate fans. Among these, the fight between Squad Zero and the Schutzstaffel has now become a hot topic for discussion. Given the current situation in the series, one topic has particularly divided the fandom: Oh-Etsu Nimaiya’s killing of Gerard Valkyrie; one of Yhwach’s royal guards.

Oh-Etsu against the Royal Guards | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Did Oh-Etsu Nimaiya’s strike actually kill Gerard Valkyrie, the Sternritter M known as “The Miracle”? The debate hinges on a mix of skill, luck, and the cryptic mechanics of Gerard’s abilities. Let’s delve deeper into this pivotal moment and discuss whether Oh-Etsu’s attack was indeed a lucky shot or an act of calculated precision!

Discussing the power dynamics of Oh-Etsu and Gerard in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

As a member of Yhwach’s elite Schutzstaffel, Gerard Valkyrie embodies “The Miracle”, a Schrift that gives him the power to turn damage and misery into incredible strength. His growth is fueled by injuries, which enable him to recover and get stronger with each blow. Since conventional methods of killing or incapacitating him are ineffective, this ability makes him almost invincible in the majority of battle scenarios in Bleach.

Gerard preparing to attack Oh-Etsu | Credit: Studio Pierrot

On the other hand, Oh-Etsu Nimaiya is the creator of all Zanpakuto and a master swordsman in Bleach. Known for his speed and precision, Oh-Etsu is a force to be reckoned with, even against opponents as formidable as the Schutzstaffel. His signature weapon, Sayafushi, is said to be the sharpest Zanpakuto ever created, capable of cutting through nearly anything with ease.

However, despite Oh-Etsu’s incredible abilities, Gerard’s unique power somewhat gives him an upper hand. Given Gerard’s miraculous regenerative powers and his “The Miracle” ability, many fans argue that such a feat was either a stroke of incredible luck or an overlooked aspect in Tite Kubo‘s storytelling; since Gerard’s defeat felt very abrupt and inconsistent with his established powers.

A stroke of luck or precision?

Many fans claim that Oh-Etsu’s victory was a result of sheer luck rather than calculated skill. Since we saw that Oh-Etsu’s strike slashed across Gerard’s chest, this detail aligns with the earlier revelation from Senjumaru Shutara’s attempts to incapacitate Gerard. Her actions disclosed that Gerard’s heart resides in his chest during his base form. By this logic, Oh-Etsu’s strike accidentally split Gerard’s heart in two, causing his death.

Conversely, some fans argue that Gerard’s ability doesn’t regenerate him but rather revives him. Although not explicitly stated, it could be that this unique power doesn’t really work if not activated from the beginning. So, the possible explanation could be that at the time when Oh-Etsu stabbed Gerard, his Schrift wasn’t actually activated. It was also explained by Gerard before that, in order to activate “The Miracle”, he needs to be at insurmountable odds, which was pretty much not it in this scenario.

Moreover, Oh-Etsu’s mastery of swordsmanship makes it unlikely that his strike was purely coincidental. While there is no direct evidence that Oh-Etsu knew about Gerard’s heart, his extensive combat experience might have allowed him to intuitively aim for the critical spot as per Kubo’s statement in a Q&A interview. This perspective credits Oh-Etsu’s victory to skill and instinct rather than luck.

Oh-Etsu dodging Gerard’s attack | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Ultimately, the truth could be lying somewhere in between. Oh-Etsu’s strike with Sayafushi was undoubtedly precise and devastating, showcasing his exceptional abilities. However, the fact that it coincidentally targeted Gerard’s heart also suggests an element of luck. Oh-Etsu’s mastery of combat allowed him to land the blow, but the specific outcome was likely unintentional, and it likely happened due to the shortcomings of Gerard’s own ability.

By examining the circumstances and weighing the arguments, it becomes clear that both perspectives hold merit. Oh-Etsu’s skill is undeniable, but the circumstances of Gerard’s defeat suggest a degree of serendipity in the recent Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War episode.