: The arc begins with a devastating invasion of the Seireitei. The Quincy utilize "Medallions" to steal the Bankai of high-ranking Captains, leaving the Soul Reapers defenseless and leading to significant casualties.

: For the first time, the Royal Guard (Squad Zero) descends from the Soul King Palace to intervene, training Ichigo and other survivors for the final counter-offensive. Production and Impact

Unlike the original series, the Thousand-Year Blood War is produced as a seasonal anime with significantly higher production values. It features: