Bleach has begun teasing a certain date, although just what to expect from this tease is anyone's guess. There are some likely explanations at this point, but no one is 100% sure of what it is.

On March 14, 2025, Bleach creator Tite Kubo sent out a message on X (formerly Twitter) containing a smoky image of what appeared to be Ichigo's Substitute Soul Reaper badge, with the date March 21, 2025, as the only text. This was followed up by a countdown, with another image of the badge at 5 days, and then again at 4 days. While he has yet to continue the countdown, it seems likely that Kubo will continue marking off the days until the 21st. There are a few theories, including some pretty likely ones, but Kubo's vagueness has excited certain fans hoping for big news.

What Could Kubo's Countdown Be Hinting At?

Fans Debate What Could Happen on the 21st

Excited fans in the replies and on other social media immediately began speculating as to exactly what the countdown might be related to. Some fans are hoping for news on the "Hell arc," the story which Kubo began in his 2021 anniversary one-shot, while others were clamoring for a remake of the series in the style of Thousand-Year Blood War. By far the most likely explanation is also the most boring, though: that Kubo is simply counting down the days to the release of the game, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, which is set for release on the 21st of March.

Fans should definitely temper their expectations about this countdown, lest it lead to some massive disappointment. That said, it isn't impossible that there could be some additional information, and not just the launch of Rebirth of Souls; it just can't be said for sure at this point. The "Hell arc" has been highly anticipated by Bleach fans since their first taste of it a few years ago, so one can't really blame them for immediately jumping on the hype train in the hopes of finally learning more about this story. Kubo has even stated in the past that he is working on manga, although he's never said exactly what.

Is There Any Hope of an Announcement?

Bleach Fans Pray for News on the Franchise's Future

The only realistic possibility besides Rebirth of Souls might be a Thousand-Year Blood War trailer for part 4, although even that seems relatively unlikely. The countdown is simply too well aligned to the release of the game to be completely unrelated, and it makes sense that Kubo might want to help to give the game a good launch, since it's the first new Bleach game in a while. Fans should try not to let their imaginations run too wild with the countdown, as that's a certain recipe for disappointment. Bleach will reveal its future plans in time, and for now, all fans can do is be patient.