Bleach: Bankai and Zanpakuto, Explained
What is a Zanpakuto, what does Bankai do, and why does it matter? A clear explainer of Bleach's core power system.
BLEACH
Cover: via AniList · © Studio Pierrot
Ichigo Kurosaki is a rather normal high school student apart from the fact he has the ability to see ghosts. This ability never impacted his life in a major way until the day he encounters the Shinigami Kuchiki Rukia, who saves him and his family's lives from a Hollow, a corrupt spirit that devours human souls. Wounded during the fight against the Hollow, Rukia chooses the only option available to defeat the monster and passes her Shinigami powers to Ichigo. Now forced to act as a substitute until Rukia recovers, Ichigo hunts down the Hollows that plague his town.
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Uryuu Ishida
Renji Abarai
Yasutora Sado
Mayuri Kurotsuchi
Kisuke Urahara
Byakuya Kuchiki
Rangiku Matsumoto
Kuukaku Shiba
Ganju Shiba
Yachiru Kusajishi
Zangetsu
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
Ulquiorra Cifer
Hachigen Ushouda
Momo Hinamori
Shinji Hirako
Kon
Jirou Souzousa Shunsui Kyouraku
Sousuke Aizen
Gin Ichimaru
Tatsuki Arisawa
Shuuhei Hisagi
Luppi Antenor
Hiyori Sarugaki
Nakeem Greendina
Yammy Llargo
Hanatarou Yamada
Lisa Yadoumaru
Roujuuro Otoribashi
Kensei Muguruma
Ichigo Kurosaki
Rukia Kuchiki
Yoruichi Shihouin
Ilforte Grantz
Orihime Inoue
Toushirou Hitsugaya
Love Aikawa
Soi Fon
Kenpachi Zaraki
Ryuuken Ishida
Edrad Liones
Wonderweiss Margela
Yuzu Kurosaki
D-Roy Rinker
Mashiro Kuna
Kaname Tousen
Izuru Kira
Ikkaku Madarame
Kaien Shiba
Shawlong Qu Fong
What is a Zanpakuto, what does Bankai do, and why does it matter? A clear explainer of Bleach's core power system.
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