What's the Deal With Ichigo's 'VASTO LORDE' Hollow Form? | Bleach Discussion

[@MrTommo2304]

Hey everyone! It's taken a while, but there's a new video on my second channel - if you enjoy God of War at all (and maybe even if you don't), I'd appreciate you checking it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3XMhoxpfa-XjZY Thank you! As for the video, what do you think this form of Ichigo's is? What does it represent? And how strong do you think it is? Let me know!

[@DenizenoftheAges]

I see it in a new light now that we have the June Truth revelations. (Anime only, never read the manga) I think this was a full, proper White as he would have been if Aizen had manufactured him better. Of course, it's too bad we don't see Ichigo go full-hollow again after gaining his Asaiuchi.

[@gregoriusrex1855]

The battle in Los Noches is darker than the TYBW is. Wow that's crazy, but true

[@draco_nyxieX]

If i were to rank vasto lorde ichigo/white zangestu id put him at high stern Ritter level because i think this power would be enough to overwhelm someone like hashwalth and askin especially with the speed and the explosive cero

[@Saetanigera]

This is actually somewhat mirrored in the final fight where Ichigo's bankai is broken but reforms just as the hollow blade for the final blow. (the mindlessness is copied by Kenpachi when his body can't cope with the power; his mind couldn't either)

[@jasonalexander5674]

and this form is and you can say his real form look at how the manga ended the look he had ws similar

[@jrgenvellesen7800]

This form is definitely one of the coolest and most iconic designs in all of Bleach.

[@ngud_gaming267]

*all of fiction

[@ngud_gaming267]

Bleach hands down has the best character designs. Nothing touches mugestsu

[@LukeDpinecone]

It is 100% most certainly one of the designs of all time.

[@flisboac]

it IS the coolest! Wish it could be brought back (without implications).

[@maxdubs222]

It’s kinda lame that the fight vs ulquiorra and the hell verse movie that’s all we really get with that form

[@dinolover]

Simple. Since Ichigo is a hybrid, this version of him is simply Ichigo without the influence of Quincy Zangetsu and he's unconscious. If you remember Ichigo's zanpaktou spirit has the basis core of a hollow so its essentially a dog off the leash. His zanpaktou spirit instinctively kicked in to protect him, but since they are rooted in the being off a hollow, it came as a violent transformation as a last ditch to keep Ichigo alive. It's kinda like kid buu, remove all the limiters and thinking and you get a mindless killing machine akin to how White was when Aizen created him.

[@modhteal360]

Based comment.

[@НиколайВърбанов-в7н]

Also a hollow attacking a quincy (Ishida) as "You dare suppress me? Your granduncle tried to and now he's all spent so take a seat, young Ishida. Here's a sword to help you keep still"

[@Chronoflation]

This actually might explain why he really attacked Ishida. Zangetsu was pissed at being restrained by a Quincy to the point where Ichigo virtually died

[@Shirouya]

​@@Chronoflation actually no, hollow ichigo as white said, he is instinct Ishida tried hollow ichigo from what he doing which made hollow ichigo who only have one though to do and is attacking any person to protect orihime. White doesn't really have any bad feelings toward old man zangetsu because they basically the same, a power of ichigo or why do you think he willing to help old man zangetsu? The key word here is instinct. Hollow Ichigo is A Mindless Ichigo Who act on his instinct and the trigger for this is orihime, in story you can see ichigo care about orihime even protective that's he not willing to sit and see her stay on enemy place and combine this with all events happened in haco mondo this all. Become trigger for hollow ichigo awakening after his death, the hollow needed the trigger to awaken and ichigo desire triggerd it however, as I said he mindless so the only thought he have at that's point is protecting orihime without care toward others

[@Elzzaw]

If Ichigo dies to a Zanpakuto in soul form... would he go to Soul Society?

[@Jerome616]

This may have been an instance where his Quincy powers could no longer hold back his soul reaper powers. Ichigo has always had a “clad type” Bankai. And here it could be argued is what his true Bankai would look like. The Bankai we get later in TYBW is both his powers combined instead. Dangai form is once again both his powers combined. This is likely an instance of his pure SR power.

[@thrilla72]

Yes, the Hollowification IS his bankai

[@bwill887]

I would say this a little differently. I think all forms are a fusion of Ichigo's full powers with both Zangetsus being present. The hollow form is a fusion with White taking the lead, the Dangai form is a version where Quincy Zangetsu takes the lead, and the final form is both being balance, neither taking the lead and having full access to all abilities. Given Ichigo's general dislike of the hollow form, the hollow form is slightly weaker, as well as being more driven by instincts than the smarter Dangai version.

[@fedoraex4773]

I was gonna type the same thing till I saw your comment. I feel like it's ichigos true shikai/bankai trying to come out with his quincy holding him back as much as possible. This is as close to a true bankai ichigo could get before the TYBW arc.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Yeah that sounds about right.

[@Jerome616]

@McBama oooooo, that’s so true!

[@Fatbuffdude]

You'd have to admit that this form was both terrifying and powerful.

[@manuelacosta9463]

Indeed. It's a stark lesson on what happens when there's a loss of control and other circumstances. Aizen would become familiar with such a thing not long there after.

[@Rizingfz08]

It's terrifying for the enemies, for me It's just hype and really cool.

[@danteshollowedgrounds]

Fr Fr Ong.

[@frozensaber7630]

I like the theory. Considering Ichigo's Bankai is him wearing Zangetsu, it's actually quite poetic to look at this state as Zangetsu essentially wearing Ichigo

[@SylvisNuvara]

brings back the talk about a king and a horse- when ichigo is in control, when he's the king, he wears zangetsu. when ichigo is no longer in control, when he needs to be saved, zangetsu takes the role of the king, and wears ichigo.

[@asellape9270]

I've always wondered if Zangetsu specifically attacked Uryu because Uyru was a Quincy and Zangetsu knew that Quincies destroy Hollow souls, so he was afraid that Uryu might actually destroy him. Edit: I made dumb grammar mistakes. Apologies. Or because Zangetsu knew that Ichigo's Quincy power was suppressing him, so he targeted Uryu as a Quincy to avoid being suppressed.

[@0eyes]

What?

[@asellape9270]

@@0eyes Sorry, made a careless grammar mistake.

[@0eyes]

@@asellape9270 Zangetsu attacked Uryu because Uryu tried to stop him from killing Ulquiorra.

[@asellape9270]

@@0eyes I mean, yeah. I just wondered if maybe there was a more personal motivation, in a way. If Zangetsu- a hollow-shinigami set of powers- is trying to protect Ichigo, and Uyru is there as a Quincy, maybe Zangetsu viewed that as a threat to himself. I'm just thinking to myself, I guess.

[@skyreapery2n164]

He was just irritated that Uryu interrupted him from finishing Ulquiorra

[@tylerhall2369]

I've always thought this transformation was Zangestu at its purest form and that it came forward due to Ichigo's innate desire to protect everyone.

[@obrians-brown1307]

Yes

[@Jackraiden500]

everyone except Uryu apparently 🤣

[@tylerhall2369]

@@Jackraiden500 Lmao true but he is a Quincy 🤣

[@remedyboii4583]

@@Jackraiden500 i presume his hollow side took it to heart cuz uryu is a quincy lol

[@obrians-brown1307]

@@remedyboii4583 y'all had to go there 🤣

[@CaptainKotetsu]

I’m split on the treatment of this form. On one hand, I understand why we only saw it once from a narrative standpoint. On the other hand, I absolutely love this form and wish we could’ve seen it again. This transformation always makes me think of Goku’s first SSJ transformation on Namek; both were incredible power ups that the hero needed to finally stand up to a seemingly unbeatable foe. Goku was a golden warrior for peace, while hollow Ichigo is a beast of pure wrath.

[@sanddry738]

Yeah it’s why I really liked seeing it again in the Bleach: Hellverse movie even though I don’t think it’s cannon. We get another glimpse of the absolute monster.

[@ahwhatever4660]

I always saw this form as ichigo's resurrection, i mean we saw tosen use one and im pretty sure kubo confirmed that the vizards could also achieve it so it just makes sense to me, specially because this was before ichigo fully "Fused" his powers in the tybw arc, also he is LITERALLY RESURRECTED.

[@1234andrewjacksmith]

yep Kubo was asked if Ichigo and Vizarrd could do Resurrection and bankai like Tosen and he said Yes which makes a lot of sense since as we see with fulbring(a hollow base power) it naturally merges with soulreaper power if you have both into one thing in the same way Tosen uses his zanpakuto for Resurrection and it shared the naming scheme of Suzumushi Also there is White appearance in the Dangai and what Tensa says Oh yeah you have never seen this form in person this is what beast Ulguiorra and what you are afraid of and so became unable to do Hollowfication and so just like how Zangetsu changes form to Tensa Zangetsu for Shikai and Bankai then Hollowfication and Resurrection would also have separate forms

[@TheFireStarter1215]

It would have been great to see this design come back fully. Maybe this could have been Ichigo's permanent bankai form there after, would have been fun to see this form go up against the Quincy and would add to his war potential since his bankai is now essentially straight Hollow power which would be dangerous to steal. Of course he can get his upgraded power at the end of series like it was, but I just really miss this design.

[@gammafrost]

Have you read the manga because it does return in some way. I won’t spoil it if you haven’t

[@TheFireStarter1215]

@@gammafrost I have! I know White appears in a flashback and Ichigo gets the horn on one side of his face. I guess what I would have liked to have seen would have been Ichigo return to that exact state of being, being stoic and savage while retaining the ability to choose who he tries to destroy. Almost like piloting his bankai rather than he himself using it? I dunno, wishful thinking.

[@flisboac]

You're not alone, @Alex Leon. I wish the same could happen.

[@babaG819]

He can use this form but it's basically unnecessary because horn of salvation is probably stronger anyway. And he's not good at using it or his quincy powers alone. Blending them is best.

[@flisboac]

@@babaG819 Okay, you're right, but we're advocating for that specific Vasto Lorde design to be back! That one-horn thing looks kinda awkward. In fact, any one-only thing (horns, wings, etc) looks kinda odd; maybe because it's not symmetric, and humans like symmetry (when observing other humans, at least).

[@michealokocha9356]

I think White attacked Uryu because he was a Quincy who stepped out of line and tested his patience, not actually because the form was blindly attacking everyone.

[@andrewcannon3323]

Tomato, Tomatoe. If he lost his patience against Uryuu because he was Quincy it’s close enough to blindly attacking everyone but Orihime. Uryuu is also Ichigos good friend. If White didn’t care about this, it’s as close to blindly attacking as anything else. What I mean is, there is then no moral conscious or intelligent restraint to this being when in battle. To me that fits the definition of blind rage.

[@michealokocha9356]

@@andrewcannon3323 Quincy are literally the bane of a Hollow's existence tho and like White said, he was running on pure Instinct. Since Quincy can't even stand Hollow Reiatsu and Hollows are pretty much the prey of Quincy, the reaction is pretty normal. Seems like he knew Uryu was a friend but was just looking for an excuse to f*ck a Quincy up. Turns out interrupting his kill seemed to do the trick. Then there's out there theories that being connected to Old Man Zangetsu who's technically Yhwach, White knew that Uryu survived Aushwalen and would later be picked by his majesty and so wanted to kill him to prevent that🤣

[@andrewcannon3323]

@@michealokocha9356 idk about the theory that White knew Ishida survived Aushwalen. It’s an interesting idea and if there’s evidence in the manga itself to support it I think it’d be very interesting. But it sounds a bit out there like you said. As for White attacking Ishida because he wanted an excuse to fuck him up. I’d get behind that. But not with the idea that he’d see him as a friend. Whether it’s White or Zangetsu, neither of them see Ishida as a friend. And if White/Zangetsu wanted to just fuck up a Quincy just cuz, that’s still blind violence. Maybe it’s both. Maybe him being a Quincy was the reason he attacked him. But it didn’t look like a whole lotta thought went into it. You know what I mean? That’s why I said Tomato, Tomatoe. It’s basically the same thing.

[@michealokocha9356]

@@andrewcannon3323 I'd like to imagine if it was Orihime who held ichigo's hand, would White have actively tried to kill her as well?

[@Chronoflation]

I like the idea that White hates quincies so much because he was restrained Ichigo's entire life by one. So, when he materializes, he fights off Ichigo's enemies and White's enemies, ie Quincy. If anything, this may have been him showing patience towards Uryu to have not attacked him instantly out of a courtesy towards Ichigo's friendship with him, though that didn't last when Uryu, like Ichigo's quincy powers, tried to restrain him from going all out. Probably set him off, hence his attacking Uryu. Same thing he wanted to do to the old man "Zangetsu" all along for holding him back, lol

[@Rhapsodos_X]

The personification of letting your ambition become your obsession. Vasto Lorde is analogous to what happens when, in a moment of true life and death, you give in to that concept of instinct, the monster inside, the other self, the id. Juxtaposed by the Quincy in him, Ichigo's growth starts with him consulting exclusively with his Yhwach, this superego. Misguiding himself to the point where he is alienated from his hollow, his id. From there we see development in the form of how this power tends to bail him out, no matter how much he casts it aside, how much distain or mistrust he has for it, it keeps coming back and while destructive, it always brings about results. You see it when he dons the mask, when he fights Ulquiorra, and culminating to the line of "I've always protected YOU." The very basis of the id, preservation. From there Ichigo just needed to wrap his head around that. It's part and parcel to why I love the concept of The Blade Is Me. Ichigo is unique and so his zanpakuto is as well. Assigning others' values and standards of measurement don't work (Vasto Lorde, Shikai, etc.). Everyone is unique, their own individual, and to fully understand that and master your blade is to accept that you, in your entirety, are your own strength.

[@SinHurr]

Keep it in your pants, Anno. I kid, good post.

[@BeemaSteama]

I believe it is a resurrection because it so closely resembles the hollow White. White is the hollow inside if ichigo so resembling him and completely repairing his wounds does sound quite a bit like a resurrection. And the massive boost in power would be consistent with it as well, multiplying ichigo’s bankai power by a multitude of 10 or more based on the description of resurrection by urahara.

[@phoenixiandeathroe]

I remember this form of Ichigo repeating a good portion of the attacks that ulquiora did to him, kind of classifying this form as an equal power difference before Ichigo was transformed

[@musalediju8142]

It’s funny that ichigo full hollow form is called vasto lord because people thought this is a real vasto lord power.

[@theredscum4202]

Actually it's called Vasto Lorde because Aizen literally refers to it as such

[@89ludeawakening1]

@@theredscum4202 no he doesn't. Not once is he called a Vasto Lorde in the source material.

[@0eyes]

@@89ludeawakening1People say absolutely anything.

[@YharoTorres]

​@@theredscum4202vasto lorde is a pure hollow concept It shouldnt apply to vizards like ichigo since they were hybrids from the start Itd be like calling a strong hollow a 2nd lieutenant arrancar. Its wierd combining ranks from different species

[@shaqatwinters3180]

Itchigo is my son and I gave him that name after I orged

[@ryanwilliams6221]

Ichigo calling his Zanpakuto back to him is such a small, but insanely awesome and unique moment. Ulquiorra was obviously surprised, but overall pretty unfazed by Ichigo basically coming back from the dead right before his eyes, yet the second Zangetsu flew back to Ichigo seemingly on its own he immediately looked shocked and knew something wasn’t right.

[@HateSonneillon]

I had figured after rewatching the series that the hollows strongest trait is their ability to constantly evolve as they get stronger. Thats why whenever a hollow returns in the series after a long period of time they have a different appearance. Its also why Ichigo's mask changes over time as does his hollow form. So I figured the form he takes on against Ulquiorra was just his hollow's recent change after he defeated a bunch of strong enemies in Hueco Mundo. His hollow form and mask never seems to revert to a previous form so it has to be a continuous one directional change which is the same process as other hollows.

[@shilohlee4332]

Don't know how true it is, but I remember seeing Cero mentioned as a hallmark of a Menos or atleast Menos-Class. Ichigo's Hollow was made from many Souls, had an identity/personality, like an Adjuchas, and changed forms as it&he became more powerful. Ichigo might not have needed to consume souls to further evolve like a true Hollow, his own Living Soul might have been enough, with its constant growth (that I remember being remarked upon), to achieve these evolutions. The first time we really see a completely Hollow Ichigo is after he's become a Captain-Class Shinigami, which is getting into the upper end of where Adjuchas seem to fall, and the changing of his Hollow Mask as he continues to use it in Hueco Mundo might not (just) be a sign of his Mastery over that power, but it's Evolution.

[@neora5]

I've always seen the original bulky hollow form as Shikai, and the horned form as Bankai. Every time the bulky form is used (Visored training and two filler arcs), Ichigo's in Shikai. Whenever the horned form has been used (Ulquiorra fight and The Hell Verse movie), Ichigo was always in Bankai. As I've just pointed out, this distinction is consistent both in canon and filler/movie content. Furthermore, during Ichigo's Dangai training, we see the Old Man in Bankai (teenaged appearance), and when the Hollow appears, he's in the horned form (Bankai). All of this makes even more sense when it's revealed that the Hollow is actually Zangetsu. Perhaps, this horned form is actually Ichigo's full Bankai at that point in the story. Normally, the Old Man suppresses much of the Hollow's power, but here, the Hollow breaks through, granting Ichigo the full power of Zangetsu (including its hollow nature).

[@ironmike5539]

This make sense

[@JuliusLeachmanIII]

This makes SOO much sense! Good theory...

[@UltimateDude10]

The bulky form was first used while Ichigo was in Bankai. So, this theory doesn't work.

[@neora5]

@@UltimateDude10 I see... :/

[@willfrei8592]

One detail I loved about this fight is that the hollow displays a sense of pride over ichigos body. Ulqiorra grabs ichigo prior to the transformation by the head and drags his face along the wall in an effort to display how much more powerful he is. Once hollowfied zangetsu/ichigo does the exact same thing back to ulqiorra. This implies that zangetsu is aware of what occurs to ichigo physically and emotionally and it seemed zangetsu wanted to make ulqiorra experience and feel as hopeless as ichigo did as if to prove he was superior in the same way ulqiorra did it felt poetic. Also I think the scene where zangetsu is able to force summon "himself"/ zangetsu proves that it is indeed zangetsu in control as ichigo never again was able to do that.

[@leonardom8935]

For me, it's simple: This form might be the purest hollow power that ichigo can achieve. In others words, it's simple White becoming a full vasto lorde and completely giving it's power to Ichigo

[@gammafrost]

I’m convinced in the hell arc we will see a new hollow form of ichigo in the form of a resurrection. Kubo did say he and the rest of the vizards are capable of doing it just like tosen

[@darknesswave100]

If that was his resurrection but with a few upgrades that would be sick

[@AJ-kt5zo]

​​​@@darknesswave100 Fair point. It was stated by outside ( A.K.A kubo ) that he and the other vizards can and are capable of resurrection because it would be sweet if the beings and denizens of are hollows or evolved ghouls can do resurrections or the jailers or wardens have mask or 🇺🇬 have mastered upgraded resurrection s.

[@kevinbell5674]

I always imagined that if Ichigo learned Resurrection then the first one would like the form he took during his Hollowfication training and his Segunda Etapa would look like his "Vasto Lorde" form.

[@realifeHD]

Ichigo’s not a Vizored

[@karnage9685]

I always thought horn of salvation was a partial transformation and he would eventually learn how to use resureccion (like kaname) to become fully hollowfied again but it looks like we'll never see that form again. Sadge 😞

[@gammafrost]

I wouldn’t be so sure about that dude. We haven’t seen the last of that form. The hell arc will definitely be continued. Kubo said ichigo and the vizards could learn resurrection and ichigo during his final fight with ywach stated he hasn’t mastered his new powers and that’s why he needed ywach’s energy to awaken it

[@GraveEnd]

Horn of salvation is the controlled form of full hollow ichigo it’s apart of his body bc he no longer has to wear his powers bc his power is apart of him

[@GraveEnd]

@@gammafrost ppl definitely speculated that horn of salvation is ichigos unmastered resurrection I hope we get a form similar to full hollow and 5th anniversary ichigo from brave souls and horn of salvation

[@umziwoxolodlodlo285]

Isn't it funny that Ichigo turned into a hollow because he fully opened his heart to his zanpaku to? Weirdly enough that's how he ended up getting consumed by his hollow (his true zanpaku to) and he became a very powerful montster. It took him the whole Arrancar Arc to start to understand and master his hollow powers by balancing them with his Old Man Zangetsu (Quincy) powers. Also, Ichigo merging his powers is always how he upgrades and masters his powers. He already had his shinigami and hollow powers merged in the beginning. He began to understand his merging of his Zangetsus inthe dangai before the final Aizen fight. He merged his fullbring with his powers at the end of the Fullbring Arc. He fully merged his powers together in the TYBW arc when his sword was reforged (he did it again!). This explains why he never calls out his hollow through a ressurection, or why he never called out his fullbring with a name. He even doesn't call out his zanpaku to when he changes to a shinigami. To Ichigo, all his powers are one and the same.

[@gammafrost]

I have a feeling we will know the release command for zangetsu in the hell arc because when we see him in that, the blade is like the original single blade but kubo states in an interview that ichigo can choose to dual wield at will if he feels like it

[@AJ-kt5zo]

​​@@gammafrost Fair point. Always love duel wielding no matter the medium.

[@andrewsharkas9240]

Zangetsu: I am zangetsu Ichigo: nuh uh Ulq: who are you? Zangetsu immediately calls the blade to himself.

[@PrinceTrunx]

The reason this fight was so tight in both the manga and anime. Ichigo when he transforms does the same exact stuff to Ulquiorra that he did to him. Starting with the face palm through the pillar.

[@permeus2nd]

3:51 so we have never seen what the hollow looked like before Aizen fused it with a soul reaper, the first time we see white was in the fight with Isshin and Masaki and by them its already been tampered with by Aizen so who knows what it looked like before that time?

[@DanniDunnit]

Ywach basically acknowledging 'James' and not Mask, i think is really significant. I think that finally confirms alot of peoples suspicions that James the fan, is actually the sternritters true form, and Mask is just the embodiment of his power.

[@randallsavage2658]

I thought about calling this form “New King” since White and Ichigo switched roles

[@Failed_Kings]

I always viewed the form as a form of bankai for the hollow mask, and with the further context given in TYBW I believe it's just his full bankai at that point. I'll specifically point to when when Ichigo communes with Tensa Zangetsu and White Ichigo is there in that form.

[@TonimationMusic]

When thinking of awesome Bleachtubers who'd be good to see review Bleach's legendary music, Mr. Tommo comes to mind. Always such well-informed, very honest and unbiased introspectives one can enjoy a cup of tea to. ☕️

[@brentgrisier1738]

You could look at each arc as a part of ichigos powers. The Soul society arc is him learning about his shinigami powers The arrancar arc is his hollow powers And the thousand year blood war is his quincy powers

[@Dragon66898]

I think the reason they refer this form as Vasto Lorde Ichigo is the fact that White was able to fight Isshin was a captain when he fought it and it was matching his power which was stated that Vasto Lorde Hollows are equivalent to captain class Shinigamis. Then there’s the fact that of all the Vasto Lorde Hollows we seen tend to share visual cues with each other and this form, about average human height and portions with some form of monstrous appearance. In the end I do believe that if Ichigo’s powers where only Hollow and Shinigami based that this would be the apex of his strength and would be the perfect combination of the two.

[@michaeldoukas4444]

I just figured that Ichigo was so wounded or dead, that it gave White the chance to fully take over his body for the fight. Beyond just a mask. Then, when the fight was over, White retreated back into Ichiho. It is a greet design.

[@skyrogue1977]

This is what Aizen wanted to do battle with, but was instead met with a greater Ichigo.

[@toshiro-kano]

Aizen didn't know this would happen. He expected Ichigo to fight and somehow get another ass pull/power boost like he always has, but this time against Ulquiorras first release and win. Aizen didn't know about segunda etapa and didn't know this form would happen by result.

[@jdougs1117]

Ever noticed that White's hollow mask looks very similar to the face of Aizen's final transcendant form?

[@funkydinosaur]

This was such an impressive breakdown! I'd missed so much of this nuance - thanks Tommo!

[@cloudyven39]

This is basically White going "Mama Bear Mode" after her "cub" got hurt.

[@3456halo]

This has to be the best analysis video of the Vasto Lorde form.. Cheers!!

[@willthomas4516]

Appreciate the video , the transformation was an incredible moment , but it always felt weird. It also leads to Ichigo changing his perspective and relationship with his hollow powers.

[@wendigo7176]

I believe this form is pure 100% Zangetsu, overpowering Yhwach seal and unleashing 100% of White powers combined with Ichigo Shinigami powers. Its like Hollowfication lvl MAX if you want

[@Mr1991bbk]

Some sort of Resurreccion seems to be a pretty fair fit. It’s pretty obvious that Ichigo’s inner hollow isn’t what he looked like during his Vizard training. White is obviously his inner hollow, the form is essentially White. Now, the Zanpakuto being used. Funnily enough, this is again explained by White. This is due to the fact that it was a hollow, not an Arrancar, that had a Zanpakuto. All in all, I think that’s the closest we’ll ever get without making up something new.

[@seriodenoyarohi7403]

As we saw when Ichigo tried to learn the Final Getsuga Tenshou, the spirit of a Zanpaktou looks different while the wielder is in Bankai. Since his Hollow and his Shinigami-Powers are fused being in Bankai would also affect his hollofication.

[@Yukeake]

Moreover, Bankai is the "true release". Since White's remnant served the role of an Asauchi within his soul, accepting an imprint of Ichigo's soul to become a zanpakuto, it makes sense that its "true" form would be that of White crossed with Ichigo.

[@nonyabizz9390]

Here's an odd thought: As White is actually Zangetsu, maybe Hollow Ichigo is actually.... a different form of a complete Bankai?

[@nonyabizz9390]

Or, maybe, materialization? If the zanpakto is part of the shinigami soul, and Zangetsu, being a hollow, took over Ichigo's body at his moment closest to death, it could be argued his zanpakto spirit took control of his body. Ichigo is simply so beastial because his zanpakto spirit is (or is melded with) white. This leads to interesting questions about whether other bankai users, with a strong enough connection to their zanpakto, could also be overwhelmed and taken over by their zanpakto, in a similar in basis, but different in result, style transformation. That the spirit of the zanpakto materialized, but instead of in an outside form, did so in their wielder's body instead.

[@PhantomNull13]

I had a similar thought. We only see this form twice, once against Ulquorria and again during Ichigo's Dangai Training. Both times, he is in Bankai. So I don't think it's too big a stretch to say this form is the true form of Tensa Zangetsu. The earlier hollow form was just the hollow in Shikai, as Ichigo hadn't used his Bankai prior to being knocked out by the Vizards. As to whether other Zanpakuto could do the same, maybe. Spoilers for the TYBW, but if you look at this form as just another stage of Tensa Zangetsu, it's easier to see a parallel with a certain Bankai that gets used towards the end of the series. Don't want to get more specific so as not to spoil the anime-onlys, but you can probably guess which one I'm referring to.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

​@@PhantomNull13 💙

[@manuelacosta9463]

Ichigo's Hollow rampage was absolutely terrifying especially since it dangerously affected his friends both physically and clearly emotionally with Orihime. His inner monster unleashed by the dangers of that world only to become THE danger himself. Ulquiorra got more than he bargained for in the end, no doubt seeing the love of her life become a monstrous killing machine and Ulquiorra's death before her led to quite a few sleepless nights for Orihime in the aftermath. Who can blame her?

[@GFG2gifted]

Not to mention it was ichigos strongest form.

[@ZShenlong1]

​@@GFG2gifted Until Dangai/Mugetsu Ichigo appeared.

[@Dave-gk6si]

@@ZShenlong1The Vasto Lorde form is stronger.

[@ZShenlong1]

@Dave-gk6si How is 50% of his power stronger than 100%? In other words, how is his hollow powers by itself greater than his quincy and hollow powers combined?

[@Dave-gk6si]

@@ZShenlong1 You got it all mixed up my friend.

[@sanddry738]

This form was one of the best terrifying power ups in anime period. From the roar in both Eng and Japanese to just the absolute beat down and power difference. It really shows how when the captains said just a few Vasto Lorde could take out the Soul Society. Seeing the form again in the non cannon Bleach: Hellverse film along with a quick recreation of this fight was amazing as well. The story of Zanpaktos, Hollows, and humans are woven so well together and how powerful each creature can be.

[@auronapi]

This was completely Zangetsu without a Quincy limiter...

[@cloudman1145]

What I also like about Ichigo's hollow form, is that there's an "alternative" version of it that appears in the Zanpakuto rebellion arc and the Reigai arc. For me this form is probably due to Ichigo transforming into a hollow while in Shikai, while "Vasto Lorde" Ichigo is released in Bankai, but then again this is a theory. Overtime I realized that this form actually appears while Ichigo is training with the vizards. Very nice video, MrTommo!

[@brandondiotte2104]

Basically on board that this form would be what Ichigo's Bankai would normally be if not being limited by Old Man Zangestu. Of course the form would not have a gapping chest wound and Ichigo would retain control over his actions, eventually. Even if Ichigo wasn't on deaths door and Old Man Zangestu allowed Ichigo his full Hollow and Shinigami powers I doubt he would be able to control them and go on a similar rampage, much like the overwhelming power released by Kenpachi's Nozarashi Bankai form did to him. Of course as Ichigo mastered his Bankai he would learn to control his killer instinct. As for how powerful this form is I personally would place it around Kenpachi Bankai form as Kenpachi and Ichigo have always been comparable and neither unleashed their full power while in these forms, Ichigo being at around one third to one half power and Kenpachi clearly being no where near his limit as Nozarashi was still attempting to limit his power to what his body could withstand, without mastery. Also I wonder if it was any other friend of Ichigo's other than Uryū if this form of Ichigo would have attacked them as I suspect that after being quashed and controlled by Quincy powers for so long that the presence of a Quincy was immediately perceived as a threat.

[@619Shippo]

Would have been nice to mention how Tensa Zangetsu said he never learned to fully hollowfy, or the theory(?) that the end of Tensa Zangetsu's chain is connected to his hollow hole.

[@CorvusTheNerd]

It might just be the design of it but for some reason I feel like Horn of Salvation is almost like an Arrancar version of Vasto Lorde. (I'm talking about how Ichigo only has one Horn in HoS but the rest of the mask is gone. Similar to how Arrancar have some fragments of their masks on their bodies.)

[@tonyg196]

Ichigo's sword actually reminds me of Ywach's sword as well.

[@Yukeake]

Post-Fullbring, pre-forging, his Shikai has the shape of Yhwach's sword without the hilt/crossguard, and his Bankai is in the shape of White's armblade. In this state, neither Hichigo/Zangetsu or Old Man Zangetsu make any contact with him whatsoever. I suspect this is because in this state, he's still suffering from the aftereffects of FGT, which not only "burnt out" his powers, but his spirits as well. Even though his reiatsu "engine" has been re-activated, his Zanpakuto spirit(s) haven't been restored. So what he's wielding are his soul's *memories*, not his "real" zanpakuto. This also explains why it was so easily broken by Haschwald. We don't see/hear either spirit until the forging, where Ichigo makes a new "imprint" on a proper Asauchi. Then, and only then, do OMZ and Hichigo/Zangetsu reappear (though the latter is still silent, perhaps due to being imprinted on an Asauchi rather than the seemingly more willful Asauchi-like White that Aizen created).

[@muriok2474]

One of the coolest transformations on anime/manga in my opinion, never fails to get me hyped when I see it, only wish we got to see it one more time

[@tnuhenaj3752]

Back when the hollow told ichigo about his little poetic explanation of how when life rules the body the appearance of the body is flesh but when death rules the body the appearance is bones. It's basically just a flowery way of saying you become a skeleton when you're dead and when you're alive you have skin and stuff. But in the same sense when ichigo's own mind rules the body he has his normal appearance, when the quincy zangetsu rules, the appearance of ichigo's sword is as we saw for most of the series and the old man is the form zangetsu takes. When the hollow rules the white ichigo is the form zangetsu takes and when the hollow rules ichigo's body he hollowfies. Because ichigo was practically dead he basically had no dominion over his own body at that point so there was nothing but the hollow. He was essentially completely hollow. Brave souls classifies him as a soul reaper/hollow hybrid but really he should just be a hollow. It's not the case with the "vasto lorde" form but his first full hollowfication did resemble a lizard or some kind of reptile. Many of the arrancar had powers based on animals but none i think were a reptile of that kind. So if it were a resurreccion and it had a name i imagine it would be the spanish word for some reptilian species. On a side note you can say this about any of ichigo's forms but it is so incredibly disappointing we never see this again other than hell verse. Ichigo's powers were a complete flop as far as i am concerned. Kubo handled them so badly. Not from a plot perspective. It doesn't really detract from the story or writing. But from a satisfaction standpoint, by god everybody would've loved to see more of this, the final getsuga tensho and most of the other appearances ichigo has donned throughout the series. I really don't understand why kubo kept making them a one and done deal regardless of whether people think they came out of nowhere or not. I genuinely think kubo is the most underrated writer in shonen jump. But reader satisfaction is far more important when it comes to maintaining popularity. And he did not make the decisions that would've kept people invested.

[@Mr1991bbk]

It would be cool and make a fair bit of sense if his “Vasto Lorde” form is actually a partial combination of both Zangetsus. Quincy’s have various anti-death abilities. So, what if the body was being held together by Quincy Zangetsu and controlled by hollow/shinigami Zangetsu. That is why so much gets out and then never again. Quincy Zangetsu has never had to do the same again, meaning that hollow/shinigami Zangetsu couldn’t break the bonds again. This being partially due to the fact that Ichigo accepted the true Zangetsu as well.

[@nerfer200]

I recall Zangetsu's speach about the king and the horse and how he warns him not to die. In this case, I think Hollow Ichigo is pure instinct.

[@kamishin7135]

I'd say it is his Ressurection, or at least the Ressurection of Zangetsu/White. Back than when White transferred his powers to Masaki, he looked just like the Vasto Lorde Form. Also like a Bankai, you cannot repair a Ressurection just like that. When Ichigo lost one of his horn, he never regrew it in his Horn of Salvation Form

[@in-craig-ible6160]

I think I remember reading somewhere that one of the data books called this form "Perfect Hollowfication." You seem to have a lot of the data books Tommo, maybe you can check and see what it says? I don't know which one it was though.

[@cookieflip3182]

This form makes me think of ichigo’s bankai, but with the thought of ‘old man zangetsu’ saying he held as much of ichigos power as he could, and with ichigo being dead, his true (at that time) zanpakuto

[@Athenus0]

I remember reading that chapter at like 3am couldn't wait for the release, it was just incredible

[@arielgonzalez3375]

The name Resurrección could still technically apply drive he died or was on the brink of death then came back to life

[@Caribguy758]

I literally saw a poll on what Ichigo's best form is and saw this video first in my search. I'm subscribed so idk why I don't get your updates

[@zentaperc]

4:03 but ulquiorra still look human when he was in resurrection

[@alemirdikson]

I always figured this to be Ichigo's Resurreccion. It seems similar to the same ability of the Arrancar, and with the later reveal that Ichigo's inner hollow is formed from the residual reiatsu of a proto-arrancar, that reinforced this theory in my mind all the firmer. When I started getting involved with the online community and saw people call it "Vasto Lordes" that never made sense to me.

[@alemirdikson]

Alternatively, it may indeed be White's Resurreccion, not Ichigo's. When Ichigo is severely injured, White/Zangetsu is capable of taking control of Ichigo's body. Fighting Byakuya, White simply used Zangetsu's shikai, but against Ulquiorra, a much deadlier encounter, White takes control and releases its own hollow powers. A bit weird for a zanpakuto to have a release of its own, but it's also a bit weird for a zanpakuto to be a hollow in the first place, let alone an Arrancar.

[@Mr1991bbk]

It’s kind of interesting how you this could also be the combination of White and Isshin’s powers that were passed down. That is why it has that one and only instinct to protect Orihime as she is Ichigo’s Masaki

[@jayhh2540]

i love this video so much. been waiting for you to upload!!!!

[@RagingCoolCat]

Just as how ichigo's bankai basically turns him into Old man zangetsu (his shihaksho & techniques) this is like if his quincy powers were never there to suppress his hollow/shinigami powers and he went into bankai (ichigo was always in bankai here) Basically it shows zangetsu's true ability, to merge with Ichigo

[@mikailtrevino7082]

I'm just half way in the vid while typing this and I came to the conclusion that this version if Ichigo is just him attaining Ultra Instinct, hearing Instinct being mentioned so much and then when he said that "Instinct is driving this walking corpse " made me just accept that he is using a more feral version of UI, I know UI doesn't exist in the universe but if it did , I'd say this is the closest he has gotten to using it

[@furiousdestroyah9999]

My theory about VL/FH Ichigo has always been that the form is what Aizen wanted from Ichigo, as he said, he was disappointed when he saw him and that he expected Ichigo to have attained higher power, well that would be this VL Ichigo form, a form worthy of being Aizen's adversary, even a Hogyoku-fused Aizen. I'd find it strange to consider Aizen talking about later in the series Ichigo, since he already got his ass handed to him by Dangai/Mugetsu, while the later forms should be a lot stronger than those ones (I'm assuming so, I'm just an anime-only with some manga spoilers), so if my logic is correct, then VL would have been around fused Aizen level, who takes a hot dump on all captains, at the same time more or less (though there's also Kyoka to factor in I suppose, but if we didn't then Ulquiorra would be significantly weaker than an Aizen that dumps on all captains at the same time, thus easily being above the other espada, including Starkk and Baragan). I'm probably wrong but oh well, feel free to go ahead and correct away XD

[@vanguardplays3418]

a theory I have about this form is what if it's Ichigo's original full Bankai without any Quincy powers or suppression from old man Zangetsu.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

Fair assumption . After all his zanpebuto white \ hollow aside from the shinigami / Quincy is his natural 🔋 power's mingling.

[@F__kWitMeh]

I know I'm off topic but I believe with your great explanation of a Manga you should do a what if even on a separate page I'll subscribe 💯🤝 but a suggestion for a first video of what if all the old guys of amine from dbz Master roshi and so on I believe you'll break it down perfectly even though it's hard given circumstances but I believe in ya G 💯

[@AndrewHahaLee]

One of the most iconic appearances in Bleach. His inner instinct and destructive power is further amplified in the Hellverse anime.

[@skyreapery2n164]

Hello great video bro... Would it be possible if you did a video series about the various techniques about the different races in bleach.... Like zanjutsu, shunpo, sonido, ceros, second releases..and so on.. Much love from Botswana Africa

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

If Kubo wanted he could have definitely made him get up and distortedly say " Bankai Zangetsu" and make everyone think that the Hollow form is his true Bankai release from that point on. It would have been funny for sure but different than saying Tensa Zangetsu and still would have forshadowed his true Zanpakuto. But still the massive power difference in letting the Hollow take over vs the Quincy is insane to the point if he let Zangetsu fully take over Ichigo might have been able to one shot Soul Society Arc Aizen

[@Skillissue3993]

I think the visard training form of his hollow was incomplete. I also believe his "vast lorde" transformation looks so different is because ichigos soul wasn't born as a hollow, it was like 2 souls twisted together, and the "vasto lorde" is like that because it's resembling the hollows original form- White.

[@zeridoz4464]

This form is also the form that zangetsu took during the mugetsu thing so it may be the true form of the hollow bankai but when combined with his Quincy and shinigami power it creates the horn of salvation form.

[@kitkat6959]

With Ichigo being 'dead' it makes sense his human and quincy powers are not present and only the hollow and shinigami powers are left in control

[@mukuro8033]

His demonic/primal scream when he transformed was my ring tone and alarm tone for the good portion of my elem/hs days. It always gives me so much dopamine boost.

[@windhelmguard5295]

i feel it being his resurrecion would still make a lot of sense. first off it resembles the hollow white, which is the true origin of ichigos hollow powers, so a resurrecion taking him back to this form, makes perfect sense to me. the form ichigo took during his training with the visored makes sense, simply because at that point ichigo was alive and trying to contain the hollow powers, rather than being dead or at least unconscious like in hueco mundo or embracing the hollow powers as he would later on, so that form being different and a whole lot weaker checks out too.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

❤

[@iReiGNxx]

This is a bit of a tangent, but something you said made me think. What _does_ Engetsu look like? We literally have no idea because we can’t assume anything based on Zangetsu. Ichigo had a hollow influence or basically overtake his would-be spirit. If we knew what form Engetsu takes, it might give us an idea what Ichigo’s might have looked like.

[@dallascaulder905]

It would’ve been so cool if his Bankai is this. Kinda like how he wore his Bankai in the beginning. It would show how white is his true zampakuto

[@Spooky_Spookerson]

One of my favorite moments in the series and still my favorite fight in the entire series. White Ichigo was absolutely brutal and terrifying, really wish we got to see more of this form it was so damn cool.

[@thedarkblitz]

It is obviously his "resurreccion" or resurrection but probably a "segunda etapa", just like Ulquiorra on his "primera etapa" looks more like a bat Shiro(White or Ichigos hollow) on his "primera etapa" looks more like a lizard/dinosaur. All vasto lorde must have a resurrection even those that are vizard(visored). it is also the manifestation of Ichigo that wanted to protect his friends but was unable to do so at that moment meaning Shiro, his inner hollow, is fully unleashed and taking almost full control of his body. To me it is very obvious and there is no place for doubts.

[@gammafrost]

It’s not a resurrection. Kubo confirmed in an interview ichigo and the vizards have the potential to learn resurrection. Also notice how the blade disappears when a resurrection is activated. That doesn’t happen with ichigo

[@thedarkblitz]

@@gammafrost Well the ways of the vizards are not the same as for pure hollows, to me this transformation looks more like a "resurreccion" than anything else, maybe with some small differences but still to me looks like that.

[@lewycraft]

What i always liked about this form, is that it is full extand of Ichigo's Shinigami and Hollow powers manifested. There is no influence of old man Zangetsu anywhere, his Quincy powers have been pushed back fully. And it is quite nicely depicted by a simple fact, that this form, NEVER uses Getsuga Tenshou. It uses fake Zangetsu as a simple cutting tool, not using the Quincy powers, that were manifested originally, as a Getsuga Tenshou.

[@nicolosantone7965]

As you said ichigo's hollow and shinigami powers are linked, so what i think is that this is a version of those powers non influenced by the quincy part, and in a bankai form, we saw that when ichigo is in shikai his hollow form is different, and in bankai it's this one. As easy as that.

[@mrsejd3446]

I always thought that Ichigo's hollow form changed because before it was on the level of Adjuchas (the one during training with Vizards) and it later grew to Vasto Lorde level.

[@kohzhideng2716]

it would be cool if zanpakuto has some kind of self preservation method but this is probably only unique to ichigo. Not even the vizard has access to this kind of ability. None of the shinigami's zanpakuto has this ability even though zanpakuto has a soul-like being with a unique personalities, most prominent with Renji's and Yumichika's. Only example I can find is in the Zanpakuto Rebellion filler arc, where Byakuya's zanpakuto activated itself to save it's owner.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

That's point overlooked to the zanpakuto did a sedu self=preservation or save my owner \ wielder.

[@joelsasmad]

I figured that it was the equivalent of the Ressurecion forms used by the arrancar.arranger. His stored hollow power exploding out and causing him to assume a more monstrous form.

[@gammafrost]

Ichigo is capable of actually learning resurrection and I have a feeling when he does, the blade would be completely gone like the arrancar

[@AJ-kt5zo]

​​@@gammafrost Fair point. Like when he became Zangustu it's self just aura as a blade.

[@marccrookedarm5020]

Personally I do think of this as a Resurrecion- mainly just because Ichigo’s hole in his chest resembled a hollow hole which I felt like was a symbolic note not to be missed.

[@motivatedstorm3816]

An official name for this form is Fully-Hollowfied from Bleach Brave Souls

[@havocisomegathegigaddiappl9560]

Love the channel mate ... cheers

[@matthewmendezftw]

I always assumed that the hollow that lived within Ichigo (white) was akin to a Meno's or something similar in a way because it was created through the layering of shinigami souls (ie shinigami souls being forced to devour one another) like how a Meno's is created. Like in a similar way to the natural creation, just different and man made due to aizen.

[@Raniko2020]

When I first saw Vasto Lorde Ichigo episode back in the day, I was blown away with amazement.

[@charlieturner5831]

Will you do a video series on the noble clans of soul society and their history?

[@spiderdude2099]

My personal pick for the coolest moment of the series. The design has never been surpassed.

[@dragonsuper6195]

Actually tensa zangetsu has a elongated chain, but its connect to ichigo alone and cannot interact with anyone/thing other than ichigo, noted by the end of his dangai training, with the chain wrapping around the end of his arm

[@JanjoZone]

You should do a video on Vasto Lorde Ichigo vs Aizen.

[@zeridoz4464]

It is possible that it is what ichigos bankai would have been without the Quincy or shinigami influence

[@collinsobonyo8764]

It came, it conquered, it left.🔥 My favourite ichigo transformation.