What's the Deal With KENPACHI'S BANKAI? The NAMELESS DEMON! | Bleach TYBW Discussion

Check out the newest video on my games channel, MrTommoTalksGames: • XBOX + STARFIELD SHOWC...
Support me on Patreon - / mrtommo2304
Beware manga spoilers in this video!
Kenpachi Zaraki's Bankai transforms him into a monstrous, horned demon with incredible power - but is that all it does? And how does the Bankai represent Zaraki's soul? Let's take a deeper look at the 11th Kenpachi's true power, that he achieved thanks to Yachiru in The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc of Bleach!
#bleach #bleachanime #bleachmanga #bankai #bleachdiscussion #sternritter #aizen #bleachtybw #anime #yamamotovsyhwach #kenpachi #kenpachizaraki
Support my new channel, MrTommoTalksGames - / @mrtommotalksgames
__________________
Welcome to my channel! If you're a Bleach fan, you're already in the right place for:
Bleach manga videos
Bleach discussions
Bleach Brave Souls summons and reactions
TYBW anime episode reviews
Rankings
Burn the Witch reviews and discussions
...and much more!
Get involved in the community:
Become a channel member: / @mrtommo2304
Follow me on Twitter - / mrtommo2304yt
Join our Brave Souls Guilds! Competitive - Wahrwelt23, Casual - Giftball23
Chat about Bleach on our Discord - / discord
Make sure to hit subscribe, explore the channel, and get involved in the discussion!
Subscribe animation credit - MrNumber112
For business enquiries: [e-mail]

[@MrTommo2304]

What did you think of Kenpachi's Bankai? How can he possibly improve it from here? Let me know your thoughts!

[@Dragonpuncher123]

In terms of the manga alone, I was kinda dissapointed actually. It looks amazing, but we see so little of it and it basically does nothing since it just leads to another death and reanimation for Gerald. I’m hoping they extent it a lot in the anime.

[@CaptainKotetsu]

Making sure his arm doesn’t fly off again would be a good improvement.

[@the_intolerance]

I don't think he was immediately going for the kill. It's a new power and he seems to have no ability to "reason" or "understand" anything, so just like cutting the Shield and damaging it, I think him slicing Gerard in half was "accidental". I think it was one of those anime tropes where the character has no clue how strong their power-up made them. sort of how Ichigo didn't realize him swinging his sword around was making mountains disappear when he fought Aizen. but if you do want to aruge that he was going for the kill, then I think we have to accept that he has some way of thinking and processing information and making a conscious decision. so if that's the case I think he was going for the kill because he must have had a hunch that there was more to Gerard, or that maybe if Gerard was truly a very powerful being he would have some way to counter a one-hit kill attack. basically if that's true then I think it's arguable he's probably one of the first characters who gets better fight IQ with a power-up. like usually characters just get stronger, but he would be the first one that would also get smarter.

[@EmpireArcadia]

I left a comment in your previous video regarding Valkyrie Gerard and Kenpachi, and I just want to say, in his Bankai mode, "There is nothing Kenpachi can not cut through". It's more about if his body can maintain the ability to do so. If his arm did not break, Valkyrie and his cross would be done.

[@SamsarasArt]

The design is amazing with it transforming him into a literal demon. But it's a blink and you miss it moment. He goes ham but goes so ham he bodies himself and that's about it.

[@dansmith4766]

God I love these videos. Kept bleach alive for me in the long dark that was the tybw to cfyow/anime return and now keeps us fed between anime parts as well as all the reviews and reactions to the anime itself. Just sensational work.

[@MrTommo2304]

Thank you so much :)

[@animanco6833]

Me too. Because of the flop and rushed ending, It seemed like bleach was completely forgotten. Like no one talks about it anymore. But Tomo manages to keep it alive.

[@bkgocrazy6607]

Couldn’t have said it any better👏🏾👏🏾

[@coronbrown9238]

This man deserves all his flowers

[@rennenb]

For real he’s the GOAT

[@Daalio]

I always viewed Kenpachi and Yachiru as resemblance to Starrk and Lilynette. Both so powerful they split their soul and powers into separate beings and when they combine, the true power unlocks.

[@SinHurr]

The fact that Yachiru was strong enough to have her own damned Zanpakuto with a shikai is still the most radical thing in Bleach.

[@Secik844]

and lilinette had her own sword too which was part of her body but it means it was part of her power too

[@Secik844]

@@SinHurr and yet makes sense because it was never said that zanpakto cant have its own zanpakto.. yachiru case i interesting because she was materialized for so long that she could have achive her own shikai because all you need is "empty" blade (i forgot the name for nameless zanpakto) and "put" her soul in it by using it or just keeping with her

[@lelouchvibritannia7647]

@@Secik844 Asuichi? Is that the name?

[@Secik844]

@@lelouchvibritannia7647 ye, thanks

[@animanco6833]

I think we can all agree that the bankai Kenpachi achieved near the end of the series was completely unmastered. If Hell arc happens, I hope we get to see just how much stronger his bankai is since then

[@Dragonpuncher123]

I wouldn’t be surprised if it has some connection to hell. He does become a litteral demon after all.

[@okapops]

I wouldn't say unmastered, I agree with Tommo, I think is just a matter of his body becoming a lot tougher to withstand all the absurd power.

[@SinHurr]

@@okapops Kinda funny that after Gremmy KO'd himself because he couldn't imagine anyone being as strong as Kenpachi, Kenny gets an upgrade that _he himself_ isn't physically strong enough to handle.

[@Reapz8888]

Most definitely. Even Yachiru goes on to say she released too much of his power which is why his body couldn’t handle it, which also implies that there’s even more power to be had. If he were to master this form and be able to control it completely, I don’t think anything could stop him.

[@Rizingfz08]

Yeah because It was literally the first time he used Bankai and only Yachiru could make it happen, she never activated or did it before because he never needed it. She is probably all Zaraki's power in shinigami form, his power is so huge that he created another soul with conscience that follows him.

[@oghaze9318]

In regards to Yachiru, she first appears as a baby but later appears as a child. This implies that she will continue to grow and when Zaraki fully matures as a warrior she will likely have the appearance of an adult.

[@maliknmalikah5637]

Interesting take, very unique.

[@Jacobb..]

this would be beautiful to see ngl . very Interesting

[@nerfer200]

Kubo has said that Nozarashi was in the form of an adult woman, so it makes sense.

[@howardhavardramberg333]

I also love how Zaraki’s shikai and bankai mimics Ichigo’s, in that the latter’s shikai is enormous too, but his bankai is comparatively small, just as Zaraki’s bankai reveals a smaller version of a previously giant blade.

[@sladew9788]

There's even more of similarity. Zaraki's bankai is the very same as ichigo's VL/FH transformation against ulquiorra. Ichigo's FH form is basically his bankai in uncontrolled form (because tensa zangetsu had always been his zanpakto's bankai name prior to the fusion). In both cases, the zanpakto spirit broke the "master-servant" (or as zangetsu says "king-horse") relationship, and the servant/horse has taken over the body. Adding on, these are the only 2 times when the zanpakto spirit has taken over the shinigami, and this is the only 2 scenes where shinigami has lost all semblance of consciousness and has become a raging demon.

[@gammafrost]

@@sladew9788I definitely feel like by the time of the hell arc, kenpachi will be able to retain his sense of reason just like ichigo did with his hollow form against ywach

[@philipcarey3213]

I've been saying that Kenpachi is an Oni. In mythology a human doesn't have to die and be sent to Hell in order to become a Oni, if he/hers heart/soul is wicked enought they can become an Oni on earth/whatever realm they're from. Kenny is pretty damn wicked as just a kid he mindlessly killed people till meeting Unohana who kinda gave him spirit, as in gave him something to love which was fighting, being in a hard & fun thrilling battle rather than just wandering aimlessly. The Bankai reflects the users & Zanpakuto true nature... Kenny's skin becomes oddly colored(red)with tattoos/markings, horns & wields a giant cleaver like weapon... ... During Shriekers defeat he is cast into Hell as the gates form behind him and a giant ODDLY COLORED CREATURE, with MARKINGS & a GIANT cleaver reaches through that door 👀... Get what I'm saying?

[@philipcarey3213]

Refer to chapter 12 and then go compare that creature to Kenpachi's Bankai form. Think of the way he acts and what people have called him throughout Bleach(Tosen referring to him as a demon that would ruin SS, others calling him a monster & how Central 46 tried barring him from getting stronger due to their fear of him). Kubo is very subtle with foreshadowing as show with Unohana for example(chapter 114 Kenny names his Zanpakuto spirit Yachiru, someone he admires and wants to become=Kenpachi. The way people were cautious of her throughout the series and then the reason for her braid 🔥). Let me know if I'm spitting tho🤔.

[@Lil_Sketch]

Ok yeah that thing indeed does look like bankai kenny 😅didn't shunsui have to force central to let him awaken kenny too?

[@philipcarey3213]

​@@Lil_Sketch yeah Shunsui gave them a reality dose that either they can deal with Kenpachi later or get clapped by the Sternritter now 💀.

[@alphagatorstudio]

Agreed.

[@zero69kage]

Him being an oni honestly makes it my favorite Bankai. He's literally shedding his humanity and all of the restaurants that come with it. Becoming the purest expression of a monster. 👹

[@nom6758]

Zaraki is such a god tier battler, his "instinct" is UI in Bankai form. Its not that he "made the right choice", he literally KNEW it was the right choice. Hes completely in the zone, utilizing all aspects of his being to allow himself to fight at his greatest.

[@sh4d0wfl4re]

I personally like the idea that Yachiru had tried to pump Zarachi with enough power to shatter the Heart of the Soul King. Basically that she saw how much power Zarachi would need to shatter a “perfect hogyoko” filled with the Soul King’s reitsu, not however many form Gerrard would have thrown his direction

[@CaptainKotetsu]

You know a Bankai is busted when its owner’s body starts to break apart while using it the first time.

[@SinHurr]

_Laughs in Rukia_ Though much less so, naturally. Because she was perfectly still.

[@Reapz8888]

Zaraki is no doubt a freak of nature. He is quite literally the monster everyone has compared him to throughout the series. I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually has connections to hell considering his Bankai turns him into a demon. I think he truly fits the name Kenpachi and if he were to master his immense power, there’s probably nothing that can stop him.

[@phillystevesteak6982]

personally i think no matter how physically strong he becomes (even becoming stronger than any being in the universe), raw power alone will never be the most op ability in the bleach universe.

[@Manusia.satu1]

​@@phillystevesteak6982He already the most op character in Bleach using muscle alone

[@phillystevesteak6982]

@@Manusia.satu1 aizen and yhwach would like a word

[@Manusia.satu1]

@@phillystevesteak6982 Zaraki strength alone is already at the same level as them. You need to read light novel. No one in Bleach beat Zaraki in strength. Yhwach and Aizen might win because of crazy power, not muscle strength

[@phillystevesteak6982]

@@Manusia.satu1 thats what im saying. i know hes physically the strongest. but thats not the most op ability in the bleach universe to be physically strong.

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

The visual of Kenpachi, a Oni, fighting Gerard, a warrior angel, is some of the coolest imagery in all of Bleach. Really fits the theme of the TYBW being the "Final Holy War" within the Bleach story.

[@rob-p9k]

That part towards the end about his bankai already knowing him without him needing to make her submit was freaking beautiful man!! Well done.

[@antoinejunior3353]

I think out of all the bleach channels I’ve watched you bring a special swag to it. I don’t know. I think it’s the accent, your knowledge, and how you pay attention to details from connecting previous arcs and call backs to current ones. Keep winning boss. Enjoy your content.

[@BlackForest147]

my thought was always that kenpachi wasn't actually fighting with his instincts, he was listening to yachiru the whole time like how he was in the soul society arc, just following yachiru directions. and thats why we only see her at the end, it's the only time we see zarakis prospective of the fight the rest is gerard, toshiro and byakuyas.

[@pieoverlord]

Bingo, exactly my interpretation as well. Yachiru rides on his back and gives him direction, from start to finish.

[@kevenblackworks1906]

Ima go on a little bit of the rails theory. What if Zaraki is has 2 bankais? How? Simple. Yachiru is Nozarashi, but only a part of her. Yachiru has her own Zanpakuto, making her, in a way, her own thing. What if Yachiru essentially hands over, her own version of her bankai to Zaraki. This would explain why the blade shortens. Essentially what happens is, that Zarakis blade essentially gains 2 names. One is Nozarashi, which is the big blade, whose bankai is still unknown, and the other is Yachiru, who's shikai we have already seen, which is Sanpo Kenjū, and the unamed one, which is the one that turns Zaraki into his Oni form. This would mean that technically we still havent seen Nozarashis Bankai release, nor the fused version of both pieces of it.

[@aronkalacska8695]

I hope we will see him and his bankai again in the hell arc, a mastered bankai or at least a matured bankai, where he can use it in full control, he was already stated as the strongest soul reaper in the CFYOW and had brutal feats imagine him 10 years later

[@dominquebanton9758]

I would still like him to be super animalistic but be able handle all the power this time

[@FairyFarron]

Yeah considering he's the secret weapon for soul society in CFYOW I'd like to imagine his bankai is either perfected or vastly improved since I believe only Ichigo and aizen were compared to him in that novel

[@sipenarekbecha7193]

​@@FairyFarron where to read those novels ? 🤔

[@tomasmisek5598]

I mean thats simple. It'd actually do what it says on the tin. "If you use me properly, you will be able to cut anything" Take a guess what that means, considering while using Nozarashi improperly and with his eyepatch on, he was able to cut through literally space

[@undeade.t7044]

Ive always thought the reason yachiru this playful little girl is the spirit of his bankai is because kenpachi views battle with a child like sense of wonder and enjoyment like a child excited to play a game i still want to know what the spirit of nozarashi looks like since Kubo went out of his way to say his zanpakto is made up of 2 spirits

[@Secik844]

make sense

[@mikemudd2993]

Just got the chance yesterday to meet the legendary English dub voice actor for Aizen tried to ask him if he had any knowledge of extensions for the upcoming arch and he said and I quote “I like to be suprised” but I didn’t know he voiced escanor and gohan but I’m glad I was one of the people at the expo who was there as a long time bleach supporter really hoped I would have something to share with you guys but thought I’d share my excitement. Long live the bleach family 💪🍺

[@mikemudd2993]

He said he starts doing voice overs next month

[@OG_DSB]

Great video as always. I love that he looks like an Oni because it fits him so well due to his love for battle and his monstrous power. I didn’t realize Nozarashi was actually broken almost to represent either his demon like appearance and power or that he hadn’t completely mastered the power of his Bankai (I hope it’s the latter). I like the comparison you made between Zaraki and Gremmy not being able to control the magnitude of potential power they can wield and thus their body’s rupturing because of it.

[@TheStrongeStThereIs]

man it will be a severe understatement to say I guess i am not the only one hyped to see this fight animated- hopefully with every single detail missed in the manga. Hope we get even more fighting overall especially in epic clash. I hope we get something like a two-handed slash bankai from zaraki -> something giga epic.

[@misterninja911]

Your videos make me realise the beauty of bleach everytime. keep up the great work .

[@Zaphkiel101]

amazing video as per usual 😄

[@thealmighty700]

Kenpachi releasing his bankai in the hell arc would be poetic.

[@KipC-Sway]

Could you do a video about the different Kido spells? Maybe about the characters most proficient in it like Kiskue and Yamamoto.

[@mugiwara1956]

Good thing is that there is a high chance we will get the name of his Bankai by Kubo in the upcoming parts of the TYBW Anime.

[@DarthMalgusSith_Lord]

i think his bankai name is also Nozarashi but with difference Kanji or difference meaning, similar to Unohana's Zanpakuto, her bankai and shikai have the same name but difference Kanji and difference meaning.

[@Kevinblake223]

​@@DarthMalgusSith_Lordnozarashi is name of zanpakuto not bankai

[@purerage7963]

@@Kevinblake223 Ye he's saying it's possible Zaraki's bankai is named Nozarashi just like his shikai, similar to Unohana's shikai and bankai.

[@tenks5]

Kenpachi getting hurt from his Bankai's power reminded me of when Ichigo fought Byakuya with Bankai the first time and his body was not able to endure the power from it.

[@trehubb6144]

Can't wait till the anime gets here probably in the 3rd cour.. They did a beautiful job with showcasing the relationship between Unohana and Zaraki so I can't wait till the Yachiru parts come.

[@randallellison6421]

I always got the feeling that Kenpachi seemed to go out of his way (at least in the anime) to protect Yachiru (and vise versa) and that you virtually never see them separated. This video is a great explanation as to why, well done Tommo!

[@adensmith8553]

In the anime Yachiru runs around without Kenpachi multiple times.

[@spiderdude2099]

Your videos are always a treat. Excited for this upcoming cour

[@lucasegberto3691]

What I love most about anime content creators in youtube is at some point every anime have at least one specialized content creator. That guy we trust in and hear his thoughts about the anime. When we are talking about Bleach this guy is definitely YOU! Also the community you created here is S Tier.

[@fatman80000]

When I first heard about Nozarashi, I searched the web for context of the name. Apparently, Nozarashi is connected to a field of bones, or a worn out piece of cloth. I feel that that crossed bones hair clip on Yachiru means something.

[@gstvntt]

Just as azashiro manifested his bankai spirit, zaraki did Azashiro manifested his bankai in the form of his sister, something that he lost Zaraki manifested his innocence

[@Rizingfz08]

His innocence? Doesn't make sense, she is the manifestation of his power, he has so much sipitural strenth that Yachicu was created, Starkk split his soul in two and that second soul is a litle girl, It's a similar exemple.

[@porobob5894]

I like that in the frame where yachiru says, "this power is called bankai" the light reflecting in her eyes looks like the jagged blade she represents

[@manuelacosta9463]

It's jarring yet interesting how Kenpachi becomes more demonic and uncontrollable the more he unleashes his power, even damaging his own body. Oh yes, he will give hell's monsters a run for their money,.

[@Isiel42]

I'm sure the anime will not only expand this fight, but further clarify Yachiru's relationship with Zaraki. Personally, I'm hoping that there'll be a soft retcon in that she's a sort of amalgamation of Nozarashi and his bankai spirit instead of simply being his bankai spirit. It doesn't really make sense to me that such a spirit would manifest well before shikai was attained.

[@darkerdaemon7794]

She manifested the same day Zaraki found his sword. The asauchi are actually like blank canvases of people anyway so it doesn't make sense for his shikai to have a different form from the spirit itself. Ichigo only had different iterations because he was a hybrid of shinigami, hollow, and Quincy, and could do fullbring. Yet none of his inner spirits were specifically his shikai. If they did that retcon it would mess up the existing lore because no one has a shikai spirit that isn't the actual spirit.

[@Isiel42]

@@darkerdaemon7794 My thoughts as well. If anything, I'm thinking her real voice is a little deeper maybe and she's faking a cute voice or something, similar to Bernkastel from the When they Cry series. Though the reverse of that is possible as well, I suppose.

[@rennenb]

I love your videos watching your content convinced me to Read the TYBW and now that we have the anime it’s amazing to join in on these discussions, you’re so passionate about the series and I feel every Bleach fan should check out a few of your videos

[@buckashisensei]

Im vsry stingey with my subscriptions on youtube for some reason , but you made the cut! Well done boy now you must feed me content

[@kanoreese1253]

I can see Zaraki's named bankai giving him demonic oversized wings and his blade mirroring Yachiru's shikai where two monsters give him a before and after swing giving his bankai a triple hit affect.

[@bqw2094]

I remember how happy the fans were , kenpachi going bankai was believed to be something that would only exist in fanfiction, hell kenpachi bankai is probably one of the most popular of bleach fanfics . But that happiness very quickly turned into rage when kenpachi's banaki victory is LITERALLY stomped on and replaced with toshiro's new bankai . I actually like toshiro more than kenpachi , but even I'm sittting there thinking " no kubo , no , you should not have done that ."

[@lolsnez7542]

You are not a bleach fan so it doesnt matter what you think

[@tylermorrison9775]

Something I really Love about Nozarashi is it's release command and how it relates to Kenpachi's character arc. Nozarashi translates to "The Weather-Beaten One", and if you look at how the sword in it's sealed state appears, this name takes on a very interesting meaning. Kenpachi's Zanpakuto is very damaged by his use, and this beaten appearence is very reflective of Kenpachi's early mindset of shackling his own power and taking unnecessary damage, simply to prolong his fights. Believing that this denial is making him stronger, but in truth, as seen by Unohana, this shackling has actually made him much weaker over time. Once Kenpachi understands this, and begins fighting to win, both he and Nozarashi can finally let go and "Drink", an act which replenishes the both of them, casting off the broken blade for a more clean, ornate shikai form. I think this is also why Yachiru returns to the blade after this, because now that Kenapchi has unshackled himself, she can take over as the appropriate power regulator in the Zanpakuto/Shinigami relationship. Similar to how Zangetsu would over take Ichigo to push out more power in times of self preservation, I think giving Kenpachi access to the Bankai early was a similar idea on yachiru's part.

[@gerdanbombales]

Others: Bankai Kenpachi: AAAAGGGGHHHHHH!

[@trollenluis]

I really want to start seeing new content from you Mr Tommo. I love Bleach just as much as everybody here but I think few can agree with me that there are plenty of characters worth looking into rather than the usual Kenpachi - Hitsugaya - Izen - Ichigo convo. I’d love to get a deep dive on other characters

[@adnaanasura2067]

Zaraki being calm like Dangai Ichigo when he master his bankai would be a cool twist

[@brandonjohnson3606]

I came up with a name for zaraki's bankai : Nozarashi chi no akuma(devil of the exposed land)

[@sender1996]

Personally i have always loved his zanpakuto, and just the fact that it is the only zanpakuto that we see that is constantly manifested into their world 24/7 but it also has its own zanpakuto too. and normally when we saw a zanpakuto manifested they are in their base for like zangetsu and zabimaru but nozarashi is just chilling in her bankai form. i truly believe that nozarashi has the potential to be the strongest ever assuming zaraki can handle her to the full extend.

[@TymeTraveling777]

Everybody tough until they run into Kenpachi crazy ass

[@jusstinbarber]

I think Kenpachi's Zanpakuto focuses on a theme of "infinite" between its Shikai and its Bankai. Nozarashi's ability is simply to cut through anything, including a comet or even the void of space, as long as its not a hacked ability such as Gerrard's "holy" shield. Its Bankai focuses on unleashing limitless power. Yachiru is on Kenpachi's back in bankai form, and can literally unleash as much power as is necessary... subject to limitations such as wether Kenpachi's physical body can handle it etc.

[@FJUVHJDSR]

Gerard's shield was probably indestructible and unbreakable, as he said "it was impossible to cut it"... But Zaraki's shikai ability was the ability to cut anything even space itself So it's only logical that he's bankai would enable him to cut what it impossible to cut, something indestructible

[@truthspreader1996]

His shikai doesn't have an ability per sa. He just gets additional attack power.

[@ZzigZaG00NIN]

I hope we see it for longer in the anime His opponent would have to be something crazy for him to use bankai again. The characters in Hell can definitely be that crazy.

[@WOLFKILLS]

Just so you know thats hes first release 😅 imagine what he's final stage would look like

[@torksauce]

Tommo needs to make sure his back is fine, he’s been carrying bleach youtube for too long.

[@13lueBomber]

*@Tommo,* 💥 To be completely honest here… I wish Kubo *DIDN’T* give Kenpachi a bankai. Zaraki was legitimately a brutal, badass, vicious, and an *unstoppable* force *WITHOUT* one. Plus, that’s *exactly* what makes Kenpachi Zaraki… Kenpachi Zaraki! Perhaps my opinion isn’t very favorable with the community. 🗿

[@mohamedabdelaal1694]

Heey MrTommo hope u're having a good day, I know it will be a great video before i even watch keep the good work , when ever you can , can you please make a video about the strongest captain including the ones are not captains anymore like ( urahara , etc.. )

[@mfgreen10]

My head cannon: since he had all the mental blocks set up preventing him from being as strong as he was when he was a kid, when his bankai would be all of the power he would have gained after each battle over the years. Something like having multiple zenkai boost all at once or having having all of his potential unlocked like in dragonball

[@GMD023]

Same

[@GMD023]

Or since his shikai command is drink, maybe it absorbs attacks and rietsu while in shikai form and then adds that power to the next release of bankai

[@scoshrimp1671]

Another great video, keep up the good work dude!

[@moonlight2870]

I wish Kubo was more like Oda. A bit of spoilers for one piece: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Often times Oda will make fights against powerful foes be a bit disappointing or anti climactic, but in return making the main characters look bad ass. One example were the fights agains the tobiropo in Wano. Imagine if Zaraki had actually finished off Gerard here? That would have been amazing.

[@loganburntitus6948]

its kinda simple. the fans really wanted to know what his bankai was. the story had little time or room to somehow keep him around. so it was forced and quickly gotten rid of. Zaraki became so unexpectedly popular that the writers had to keep finding ways to keep him in the series.

[@demetriussinclair4952]

Even ichibe says a bankai isn't a bankai unless the owner says the word bankai along with the release name. For zaraki's case,yachiru touched him and he got a sample of Bankai. I can say it's most definitely incomplete with incalculable potential

[@vine1313]

The Cap on his sword almost reminds me of his eye patch. Holding the full power in check, keeping the "Wild Power" contained.

[@jonnylawless6797]

Ol boy was such a badass his Zanpakuto just gave him Bankai. She respected his power so much she didn’t make him work for Bankai.

[@Ultimoe1]

You asked how Yachiru is a reflection of the animal instinct Zaraki now displays. Yachiru attacked an enemy she could not see nor even knew existed on instinct. Yachiru had an awful sense of direction but based it on instinct.

[@anhishere]

She's such a good foil for Kenpachi! You know she can slay, but she would rather be a joyful little kid instead.

[@JohnGlow2]

I think Kenpachi’s bankai was kinda symbolic, and tbh I don’t see it being something he likes using unless at some point he becomes able to retain his consciousness while using it. But remember every zanpakuto has a weakness that can never be fully eliminated, only managed and mitigated. Zaraki’s bankai is ironic because in exchange for unrivaled strength, strength he has always sought, it turns him into a mindless demon and robs him from the very joy of the thrill of battle he loves so much, and instead focuses solely on the desire to win. Curious to see its development down the line.

[@jasonn3246]

If you remember Byakuya's explanation of Ichigo's first banki it was his spiritual pressure condensed into his blade so i feel same applies to Kenpachi's banki where his shikai blade was huge then on release condensed into his blade

[@bastionsea2829]

My best guess for why Zaraki Bankai went straight for the victory is that activating bankai at all is a 'final' push to defeat the opponent while in other forms he thinks he has enough of an advantage to drag the battle out while still being on top

[@jlogan2228]

I can totally see once kenpachi begins to master his bankai the special ability is basically like an ultra ego where the longer he fights and more damage he takes the stronger he gets as well as more berserk. Bc that also feeds i to his nature and the mastery is him learning to control that side of him and not get lost in the battle

[@Rizingfz08]

Yachiru is similar to Lilynete (the other half of Starkk's soul) Starkk had so much massive power that when he divided his soul she became a conscious being, in Zaraki's case it's almost the same thing but Yachiru was born automatically because Zaraki had insane spiritual strenght.

[@User5hdbh]

13:59 this also similar to ichigo's case when fight against byakuya, both of them lose to their own power and end up lose.

[@SleepyKurisu]

Zaraki has a great bankai being one that affects physical appearance like ichigos and seeing how Unohana had her bankai expanded upon then yea I think it's safe to say we'll learn more about zaraki's bankai from the anime and probably kubo himself too

[@capulet5580]

To me, Kenpachi’s bankai reminds me of the Oni, more specifically Shūten Dōji, a Japanese demon lord of greed, power, etc. Perhaps that’s something worth looking into? It could link back to this, at least somewhat. This could also be a coincidence, but the whole “Drink” thing with Nozarashi, it gives me gluttony vibes. Shūten was also known for being a drunkard, I believe. It’s been many years since I last read the story though, so the above could be inaccurate

[@Secik844]

best thing about zaraki in tybw is the fact that no once could sense him except moments of activation shikai and bankai or when they saw him

[@goatkiller666]

I interpret the shattered ground around his new form as being more indented, like he's suddenly heavy. Much heavier, and has crushed the earth around him, because he's so much MORE.

[@xivaKenpachi]

Ichigo was the first to be on something when he asked yachiru "what are you?"

[@TheVoulenterilyMad]

From memory Yachiru loves watching Kenpachi fight. Perhaps that's what she represents, a blade that lives to let her wielder go all out.

[@philippdesanto8804]

Yachiru Unohana, the first Kenpachi. It makes sense that she was the one to help Zaraki to hear his Zanpakutou's voice. Yachiru (the pink haired one) who is always and always be by Zaraki's side, cheering him on and telling others to butt out, it makes sense that she's the one to help him achieve Bankai. "Stay back, he's going to go all out". Mind you I'm of the opinion that Zaraki and Yachiru are the Shinigami equivalent of Stark and Lilynette

[@pizza9634]

mrtommo, if you can in the future please explain what Haschwalth saw when he got the almighty and the quincy that survived in cfyow. you make things sound so much easier and this really confused me. great video btw

[@SocknGamers]

I hope we get an extension to his Bankai. Not by a ton, but I would adore if we got more of the Angel vs Demon thematic that exists for all of one panel after Gerard is revived.

[@iReiGNxx]

The juxtaposition of Yachiru’s innocence and cuteness vs Zaraki’s demonic appearance and viciousness in Bankai is pretty great. It gives the same impression as when we first met the two of them. You have this macho lunatic who loves to fight and kill, and he is best friends with this little girl who shows no animosity to people unless they get in the way of Ken’s happiness.

[@Innominate_1]

Kenpachi about to go crazyy in the Hell Arc

[@КатюшкаДзидзан]

Thanks you very good, Mr. Tommo, interesting watching and listened your analyses characters "Bleach", your content great) Good day

[@xxcagedriotxx]

His bankai rupturing his body reminds me of when Ichigo first learned bankai. The power was breaking all the bones in his body.

[@Bwakel]

Zaraki always was a fascinating captain. Despite being the second captain Ichigo fights. At one point he even tried to speak to his zanpaktou, only to dismiss the idea. He never needed his shikai, so a bankai was also unnecessary. Only now that such things are necessary is he allowed to have such power.

[@mitchwhalen2320]

You’re the man tommo! Couple more weeks

[@dungeonmaster3464]

This might be a bit of a hot take, but i don't like Kenpachi's bankai. It feels more like a Resurrection or a Voltstandig, because no bankai apart from Ichigo's has ever altered the user's body. Bankai is a physical manifestation of a zanpakuto's true power, usually either as a construct, a space, or a compact weapon or outfit. Ichigo's true bankai changes his body, and thats because Zagetsu is his hollow power too. Kenpachi's bankai doesn't work like a bankai, and we don't get any explanation for why his power is so different.

[@SinHurr]

Rukia's bankai basically turns her into an ice cube, and gives her a new outfit! Renji gets new clothes too during his bankai, though he himself doesn't much change. Then, yes, Ichigo's fancy new coat. It's definitely rare, but _some_ bankai do come with physical changes to the user.

[@dungeonmaster3464]

@@SinHurr There are plenty of bankai that change the users outfit, but altering the users body isn't normal for a reaper. Even Rukia's bankai doesn't actually change her body. She's coated in intense cold, but her skin, flesh, blood, and organs are all unchanged, which is what makes it dangerous for her. Her pale skin and white hair are a byproduct of that intense cold. Granted, by that logic you can also say Kenpachi's red skin is byproduct of his blood flow and muscles going into overdrive. The horns and changed facial features are what get me about this design.

[@Rizingfz08]

Because he is just brutal strength and for cutting everything, so his Bankai is a manifestation of that but in the most powerful way, he never learned a special abilitie like the other captains, would be weird if was different than that.

[@dungeonmaster3464]

@@Rizingfz08 I'm not saying Kenpachi's bankai should've given him a new ability. His bankai could've been a new sword or a suit of armor and I wouldn't complain.

[@CardinalSinOfCake]

One of the things I love about Zaraki using his teeth, fists, and anything else he could use is what he said to Unohana during their fight. How her using any other weapon than her sword was a "cheap trick." It feels like him using anything he could against Gerard was almost a callback and a tribute to the person he respected most. Maybe I'm overanalyzing, but that's just what came to mind during those moments.

[@Scrubtile]

I feel that Kenpachi’s Bankai is named Yachiru. He does say her name before activating it, and she’s quite literally a part of him. Also, seeing as she “gives him too much power” it seems like she directly controls the power

[@supernoodles908]

Look at 14:12 she has kenpachi's based zampakto in her eyes. She IS the sword

[@Rizingfz08]

No, Yachiru is a name for the strongest female shinigami, it was a name given to her by Zaraki, she is the manifestation of his full power, it doesn't make sense for his Bankai be called Yachiru because is a female name.

[@Scrubtile]

@@Rizingfz08 his zanpakuto spirit is an adult woman…it’d make sense that he’d have a female spirit(yachiru) due to Unohana’s impact on his life. Not to mention his shikai is gigantic and his bankai snaps in half more like Yachiru’s smaller size

[@Rizingfz08]

​@@Scrubtile Is a adult woman in Nozarashi form, his Shikai, while in Bankai Yachiru is in her normal size but inside him because she is his power.

[@jhakehienrich]

Yeah i think Nozarashi Yachiru

[@markdevries2961]

“Ever since you killed the previous captain of the 11th division I have had an uneasy feeling about your presence. This man must be a demon, he fights to feed on the blood of the fallen, he is a being completely different from us.” -Tosen , chapter 146

[@charliekelly1435]

Your comment about if he just goes off instinct then that must mean “his animal instinct told him that this time he’s strong enough to break the shield” doesn’t really make sense. That’s the kind of thing that takes actual thought and calculation, pure animal instincts would mean he’s just tryna get at your neck through whatever way is easiest even if that’s going through a shield.

[@philbuttler3427]

I really hope they go nuts animating Gerard and making all these badass power ups and techniques everybody does to him along with his regeneration look really good. I feel like the limitations of manga as a medium really holds back that fight and if they get across how incredibly destructive what they're doing to Gerard is.

[@Cihanxoxo]

Zaraki's shikai reminds me of Ikkaku's bankai. Comically large and adorned with decorations..

[@KingExecutor]

So wait at 7:39 and 8:24 Gerrard actually has fingernails... Zaraki not only broke all limits with his bankai but also broke my favourite theory that Gerrard was indeed some sort of a guardian golem with the soul king's heart implanted in him

[@Kalanin399]

On the bit about the Jerod's shield, it's interesting to note that just before giving him Bankai, Yachiru states that "If you just used me in the right way, there's nobody you couldn't cut". I always took this as an implicit meaning behind his Zanpatou's specific ability, which while never explained may be one of the simpliest abilities in the series: That is, the ability to cut through anything, regardless of the ability the target has. Zaraki's been noted to cut through things that don't really make sense, such as the pocket space that Gremmy tosses him into. What if such is not simply just Zaraki's immense power but an indication of her Zanpantou's ability. Zaraki never hit the shield with his Shikai so we don't actually know if the "unbreakable" effect would've applied to his shikai or not. The theory i always had with Zaraki's Shikai and Bankai was that Zaraki's Shikai allows him to cut and "wound" things, regardless of the enchantment or protection the target has. His Shikai giving him a massive power boost is pretty much purely to allow for this but we see this both when he damages the supposedly near unbreakable Hoffnung and when he cuts his way out of space, a sort of concept. One could argue this is just part of how Bleach's normal rules around extremely strong characters being able to ignore abilities of weaker opponents but i wasn't exactly sure of that in Gremmy's case. His Bankai then, would simply be an extended part of this, allowing Zaraki to cleave through anything regardless of the protections it has. If this theory were true it would allow him to cut things that he would otherwise physically be unable to, and could be an answer to even fighting someone as crazy as Lille Barro. But I feel like this is what Kubo was trying to portray in the bankai.

[@warrmachine1]

you forget that one of Zaraki bankai power is telegraphing his sword attacks from great distances chopping Gerard with out his sword actually touching him like what Yahciru was doing to the vanisher. also, interesting enough, Yachiru and Urahara are similarly very mysterious in that they have a very sinister and ominous feeling behind their apparent cheerful and happy surface characteristics...Although Yachiru seeming playful, has those monsters as her shikai and a killer instinct as an innocent kid persona. You are not sure if she is here to play with you or to kill you all the same. Urahara although appears very ready to help, you are just not sure what he's after, it could be to kill you all the same.

[@LiliumCruorem]

Keeping my crack like hunger for Bleach sated for now… thank you

[@GealuGalu]

its almost like a reverse bankai yachiru takes over? instead of wielding zanpakuto, it wields kenpachi?

[@Rizingfz08]

She is his power, besically in the Bankai she controls the amount of power for him.

[@deaththesoul8]

Even though simplicity is Kenpachi "second name" sort of speak, and his Bankai as it is now it fits him pretty well, I can see it becoming a bit more complex with more abilities and "haxes". The stronger the bond a Shinigami has with it's zanpakuto the stronger their became and more skills are "created". So it won't be "THAT" weird to see Ken in the future using the after attacks that Yachirus Shikai is based on. The only issue is their communication, while they understands themself, Yachiru is kinda whimsical, as she does things on her own, without asking or without prior "warning", so Ken has to kinda "predict" what she's gonna do or go with the flow and improvise. (Or at least that's how I remember her, might be wrong).

[@D-Havoc]

Kenpachi's body getting damaged from the stress his newly obtained Bankai had on him is similar to two other characters: Ichigo and Toshiro. Ichigo's bones were breaking under the weight of Tensa Zangetsu's reiatsu as what White Ichigo told him during their fight against Byakuya. Toshiro's body ruptured with blood after going beyond the tine limit the petals of Daiguren Hyorinmaru after defeating Shawlong. One thing you can give Kubo on is consistency on a theme. All three of these characters obtained their Bankai very quickly and not too long after awakening Shikai. Kubo revealed in his earlier Klub Outside that Toshiro obtained Bankai before even joining the Gotei 13! As for "Yachiru Kusajishi", I think her young appearance reflects the current maturity of his Bankai itself or the maturity of its "personality".

[@SatoshiSosuke]

Genuinely, I remember being extremely hype when Yachiru said bankai and Kenpachi just unlocks it then and there proceeding to absolutely demolish Gerard. I think, aside from increasing all physical attributes beyond comprehension, it also cranks up his instincts and maybe that's why he went for the kill. He might have sensed that Gerard couldn't stay alive and just immediately went in for the kill when able. Regardless, if we get Hell Arc stuff, we'll probably see the demon Kenpachi with a proper name for his bankai since it's been 10 years and that's the apparent time it takes to master a bankai. I hope it incorporates Yachiru's name in it since both Yachiru herself and Unohana are so important and integral to Kenpachi.

[@man.506]

i didnt even care for the information, i just wanted to hear someone talk about the bankai more

[@Frost_Byte_Tech]

This is very similar to Ichigo's Zangetsu and his resurrection transformation. When a Zanpakuto takes over a user, they become brutish fighters