RENJI'S BANKAI, Explained - A Tale of Two Kings | Bleach DISCUSSION

[@MrTommo2304]

Which of Renji's Bankai forms do you prefer? Would you have liked to see more from So'o Zabimaru? Whose Bankai should we look at next? Let me know!

[@coryseavers2932]

If you haven’t already I would like to see one talking about either ichigo’s or soifon’s

[@obrians-brown1307]

I like the fact that the bankai can change into multiple forms considering it has a straight sword and also the shikai form. The monkey arm and such (he has a stand!)

[@musalediju8142]

Question, does renji have 2 spirits like ichigo and ukitake

[@obrians-brown1307]

@@musalediju8142 they seem to be a bit different. Linked Spirit that inherit the same body in the monkey with the snake tail form

[@ByronDN]

Hey @MrTommo2304 I can’t recall or not if you’ve made a video on it or not, but I think it’d be interesting to see you do a video series on the “Names” of things throughout the Soul Society/Bleach itself or more so just like a Ichibe type of video because I’m really curious about the term “Shin’uchi”… I know that was the “original” name for Bankai I guess, but the original translations seemed to imply that Ichibe’s zanpaktou had an extra release form or something.

[@SanitysRebellion]

Zabimaru: I told him the wrong name at first as a joke but now it’s been so long, I can’t just tell him the truth. It’s awkward and he’ll be mad.

[@sageaizen6837]

Soo Zabimaru: Renji’s aim in his Shinigami career has, for nigh a hundred years, been to surpass one Byakuya Kuchiki. He is constantly reaching for such a goal, like the monkey reaching for the moon, waiting for his chance to actually grab it. But for the longest time, Renji has felt unable to actually take hold of said goals. His heart has thus shaped a weapon that can reach out at his target from a faraway position. But “reaching” is only ONE aspect of Zabimaru; in its initial release, it possesses blades that are positioned in a way that could allow him to actually pull his target towards himself, if he should ever figure out how. But he doesn’t realize it; he had spent so much time reaching that he never knew he could actually GRAB his target, so at first his fully released weapon could only utilize the “reaching” part as a giant snake incapable of constricting the way its initial release could. But that has changed. He has now reached the league of power he’d sought after, so he finally realizes he has already grabbed and taken his goal. This aspect is reflected in the completely released weapon, which can grasp and pull in the enemy for a lethal, close-range attack.

[@ryan236]

I love this explanation

[@Step43099]

Your comment is one of the best I’ve read

[@sageaizen6837]

@@Step43099 thank you , and also you have to thank kubo for creating this character

[@D-Havoc]

This is brilliant and may even be close to Kubo's train if thought about the Bankai's conception.

[@rubies200]

This explanation could represent Renji's path towards not only Kuchiki Byakuya--but also to gaining Rukia, herself.

[@corruptangel6793]

I imagine the snake tail half of Zabimaru did support Renji when he was originally training for Bankai, but the baboon half did not. Which is why his original bankai is pretty much exclusively the snake side of Zabimaru while the baboon is almost nonexistant. As for overall design, I much prefer So'o Zabimaru because of its sword and shield like nature. I thought that was really cool and it all made a lot of sense. His Bankai was ultimately only half formed and immature, very similar to the situation with Toshiro.

[@dinolover]

Thats a good theory. His zanpaktou spirit does seem like it has 2 minds so it could be that one side decided to help while the other refused.

[@GraveEnd]

Soo zabimaru is really cool in my opinion

[@hnlkaitan]

i assumed it was also being pressed for time with rukia's execution; it also looked kinda like that "big external effect" of a bankai (like mayuri's, komamura's, byakuya's, etc) that e were introduced to at the time

[@RealFirmament]

Interesting theory, but in that case, I wonder why the original Bankai's name is 'Baboon King, Snake Tail'. It's almost like the snake half got 'demoted' by supporting Renji, in that case.

[@corruptangel6793]

@@RealFirmament think of it like Zangetsu, specifically Ichigo's originalfalse Bankai. Both sides are supoosed to be in balance, equal. But one side became dominant and thus his Zanpakuto was unbalanced. Ichigo's original powers were almost all White with almost none of Old Man Zangetsu's power. Depsite Old man Zangetsu being the "core". Zabimaru could have created a similar imbalance by giving the fake name. Like a balance scale ⚖, when the balance is upset it means one side is dominant. Remember Zangetsu's speech about his relationship with Old Man Zangetsu being akin to life and death? One always above the other? Then, just as Ichigo gained two swords when learning to use his powers in harmony and thus achieved balance, Renji received the left arm of the Baboon and the sword of the Snake. Hence the change from Baboon King to Twin Kings.

[@maclunkey3153]

Renji is what Ikkaku would be if he actually fought for more than himself. Unimpressive zanpakutos, unwieldly bankai, and mediocre kido. Difference is, Renji actually embraced these weaknesses and made the most of them

[@janosd4nuke]

Talking about weaknesses and his kidou mishaps... I just realised that the grab + zaga teppo combo is actually the very same move he pulled against Szayel with the shikai tangle-bind and kamikaze shakkaho... but with his bankai mastered, focusing his hikotsu taihou energy attack into one precise bit, it only poses danger to the opponent and a big one at that.

[@cheat13]

I just discovered Bleach Heat the Soul 7 still has fans, translations,mods and tournaments online in September 2021!

[@JSKibbie129]

wait WHAT

[@Kingofchaos_]

This is a mobile game yes?

[@BaronHonk]

@@Kingofchaos_ no the heat the soul games were japanese exclusive, there are a ton of bleach games that never left japan actually

[@sohamwaghmare2801]

Link for the translation

[@GlacikingTheIceColdKing]

@@Kingofchaos_ a PSP game

[@MordiganE6]

I always considered Renji the "stealth Main character". He came a long way.

[@manuelacosta9463]

True. His antagonism in the beginning and then his begging Ichigo to save Rukia regardless made him stand out and gave us a hint of their past.

[@clemenx]

Nothing stealth about it lol. Hes in the forefront too much in the final arc imo. I don't dislike Renji but never cared about him either and his importance in the last arc came out of left field for me. I suppose Kubo decided around that time that he was going to marry Rukia so he had to tag along Rukia who was way more important until then. Him going with Ichigo to the Soul Palace never sat well with me. As well as the Mask fight that ended up making Vizard captains look like a joke were spotlights that I would have liked given to other characters.

[@souza885]

@@clemenx you must have a really bad attention span if you didn't see the óbvious tellings that Renji and Rukia would be a thing, it's not a Naruto case where characters that had almost no interaction got together, Renji and Rukia's thing has been in your face so many times, you have to be a idiot to think that it was something that he thought about doing while writting the final arc

[@Snzn_7]

@@clemenx Renji's arc in the Soul Society arc basically deals with his feelings and relationship with Rukia and will he ve willing to betray the SS rules juat for that, which even Byakuya can't commit to at that time. Also Sena's design (the character from the first movie) was a modified design of Ichika as revealed by Kubo . So yes Kubo had already thought ahead that even way before the time the movie was made that Renji and Rukia will have a kid and even drew how would she look like ahead of time.

[@Snzn_7]

I never thought as a "Stealth Main". I saw Renji as a weapon type Master like Ikaku, with them gaining unique fightimg style rooted by how their zanpakuto works and not by ability type. Which is kinda true since Ikaku did train Renji humself. They don't depend on stealth or some speed base techniques, they are about as good oon how they mastered their proficiency on how tp use their zanpakuto's.

[@j4nk0_]

Honestly Renji and his Bankai has one of my favorite designs. I can't wait to see Soo Zabimaru animated.

[@MurdererOfRaypists]

Same

[@AJ-kt5zo]

@@MurdererOfRaypists 💓

[@AzoozBg]

Oh man i just imagined that

[@BhokeHenry]

Big same that final attack is too clean

[@MonsterZeroLITE]

@@BhokeHenry SOO ZABIMARU: ZAPPA TEPPO!!

[@djphat94]

I love Soho Zabimaru but I would love to see him still use Hihio at times when more brute force is required or he wants to mess with his opponent. Like imagine he’s used Hihio to stay at a distance and gauge his opponent and acts like he’s struggling somewhat then returns to shikai and the enemy is like “what, surrendering already!?” To which Renji smirks and goes back into his Bankai again but this time he uses Soho Zabimaru

[@alexandreprodan5014]

that sounds so fcking cool

[@D-Havoc]

Well, Hihio Zabimaru is still incorporated into So'o Zabimaru. It's with his right arm and he can summon the Snake King at will without the cumbersome drawback.

[@djphat94]

@@D-Havoc yes it is but Hihio personally looks more imposing for one and for 2 as I said before he could use this as a way of gauging the enemy without showing his full hand, giving him the element of surprise

[@samedwards3186]

Yes. However, that would require Renji to get a W, which Kubo will not allow

[@ZeroX7649]

I imagine he can just use hihio while in Soho....I don't see any reason why he couldn't.

[@hassanmccraw5905]

This channel has put Bleach back in my life.

[@divijkhaitan1619]

I think Kubo did have this planned out for renji to some extent. Looking at his bankai always gave me the sense that the baboon was missing and it looked way too klunky and impractical. I originally thought this was just another it takes 10 years to master a bankai situation, but when I read tybw it made sense to me that he was using the name, especially when I went and looked at the literal translation for hihio and so'o. That's not something you can jusst shoehorn him and I give kubo props for that.

[@kitano8025]

I agree, unfortunately Tommo tends to not give Kubo the benefit of the doubt sometimes. But I guess its warranted given Kubo’s minimalist writing style.

[@ZeroX7649]

A lot of times what will happen is authors will just have ideas on the back burner that maybe they could use later if it came to it, but not entirely necessary. I wouldn't be surprised if Kubo has an archive of old discarded ideas that never got fleshed out that he can draw from if needed to.

[@OKGknife]

I always thought about how it was a snake every time he used it even though the snake was the tail of the baboon, so it made sense to me that he was missing something as the snake should be a minor part not a major part of the bankai.

[@andrescalleotero3602]

I always thought tht for the old bankai, the snake was the sword n he was the baboon king, so i never thought the baboon was missing. The baboon king was commanding the snake

[@starleaderxv4838]

Well, in panels with old Bankai you can see that his hands are monke hands, sooooo, yeah, he's the baboon

[@texcorps9432]

I always loved the idea that it's not that Zabimaru didn't respect Renji but was to fast and cocky that it didn't take enough to to heal after losing to Zangetsu and unknowingly gave renji an incomplete form of itself

[@ByronDN]

I agree with this. Imo it makes more sense for Zabimaru to be salty and pissed off that Renji would use such a quick and lazy way/method to achieve Bankai and not do it the normal “natural” way.

[@Scion141]

@@ByronDN What do you mean? Maybe I don't remember, but Renji did achieve his Bankai the natural way. He managed to manifest Zabimaru into the physical world.

[@ByronDN]

@@Scion141 you might be right, I can’t remember exactly, it’s been years since I’ve read the SS arc.

[@jkacvbhijfn]

​@@ByronDNthe other guy's right, Ichigo was the one taking the shortcut. Renji learnt the "natural" way, he just happened to at the tail end of his bankai training when he started training with Ichigo

[@Snzn_7]

Renji's bankai is essentially wild and animalistic to begin with which makes sense that it is themed in a barbarian fashion of bones and fur. So it at least to me will feel way out of place if it sudsenly will look refined and neat. The snake bite ability kinda works the same way as Yaya's Bear bite roar.

[@stephenschneekloth1535]

Renji actually didnt use it against Yhwatch, he wasn't even there. That was Aizen. Next time they show him in that fight you can see he's missing that same arm.

[@jeepdino7353]

Renji had to go get with Rukia I guess. World's ending. Might as well shoot your shot I guess 🤣

[@Bassqautch]

I think Renji evolved Banki is forwardshadow by the Byakuya scolding him for how quickly brandish his Banki with no training. Zabimaru and Zangetsu again parallel each by granting partial access to their try power because they knew both Renji and Ichigo going to move forward and want to protect them but hold them back.

[@andyzhang7890]

Kubo really loves withholding Renji’s captain promotion. At this point he might just end up doing something during his final fight in hell and get himself demoted to 3rd seat 💀

[@2centswanted113]

Kubo loves Renji. He wouldn't disrespect him

[@divijkhaitan1619]

I think he planned to make renji captain in the war, but then got essentially bullied into keeping byakuya alive

[@Artis_OTS]

Renji himself probably doesn’t care to be captain. Just to be strong to protect others

[@Snzn_7]

Renji is Byakuya's own Sasikibe. That is if Renji will be able to surpass Byakuya. Renji don't actually specifically want to become a captain. He just specifically wants to surpass Byakuya. Renji is actually had been offered a Captain position after the Aizen arc but just simply declined it. I don't know why people obsess with the captain position. Like Renji already outranks a lot of Captains by strength after the 0 division training. Byakuya got lucky he was taken there too, so he got as much of power boost as what Renji recieved.

[@bmg6229]

@@Snzn_7 I mean, as you said it Byakuya dying would have been the peak of his development, as he would inherit the position as he already surpassed him defeating one of the opponents that killed him Being Asd Nodt for Rukia and Mask for Renji

[@IveBeenChris]

To me this the best looking Bankai in this arc…. Love how they corporates the bamboo elements into his new form. Badass!!! Can not wait to see The Villain animated.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

💓

[@lorddukfoxyzeppeli7921]

the villain

[@LR_Echo-88]

Personally I preferred So’o zabimaru in both design and application. Also when you mentioned the whole baboon king snake tail thing I remember when I first saw hihio zabimaru and learned it’s translated name that took Renji to be the one to embody the baboon king and the snake tail obviously his Bankai

[@discordanceplays]

I liked the giant snake puppet as well but I get where Kubo was going for with his true bankai that I grew to love. It's also a call back to where Isshin stated to Grand Fisher "all captain-level Shinigami consciously keep their Zanpakutō in a manageable size, or else everyone would be swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers." So it showed a level of maturity and mastery by him condensing the power to a well...manageable size lol. And I understood the swerve about him not calling his bankai the right name because it's also a call back to the beginning of the series when Byakuya was scoffing at both Ichigo and Renji about how long it really takes to master a bankai. Then for it to be revealed that someone like him and Toshiro both prodigies still learning and improving on their bankais; and on the flip side a prodigy in his own right and a war power Kenpachi couldn't even handle the full power of his bankai. It goes to show Bankai is a technique that can be learned but it takes much longer than we can even imagine to master. Someone with however many thousands of years like Yamamoto or Unahona is a good time frame for mastery. So that means literally every captain in the series has potential to enhance their bankai further.

[@novaprime8918]

Idea, what if Renji could swap between his bankai? Since he has two names he could clearly visualize his original, and only use Soō if he goes all out.

[@Just_Red_]

Seems kind of pointless since bankai don't really seem to have massive drains on stamina like transformations do in other shonen

[@novaprime8918]

@@Just_Red_ I know but it was just an idea

[@iheartfriday4887]

@@Just_Red_ Some Bankai's do actually.

[@Just_Red_]

@@iheartfriday4887 cant think of any off the top of my head, which ones?

[@LTDragoonIII]

@@Just_Red_ what about the assassin captain's bankai?

[@Camcast608]

Best Bleach KZbinr around

[@plsbanhackers9031]

Can’t believe I haven’t seen this channel before. Phenomenal content!

[@c.Orange]

I love Renji as a character because he has the same hair line as I, the high widow's peak and by having always something on top of it to hide it, it really is relatable in a weird way.

[@Snzn_7]

Ichigo is a big diss to soul reapers that takes hundred of years just to make the next step to become stronger. Ichigo's wxistence itself pokes fun of Toshiro's title of being the young prodigee.

[@joelsasmad]

I mean Ichigo is a mutant quincy/soul reaper/hollow/fullbringer. It is like comparing a 15 year old martial arts prodigy to a 5 year old fusion of Hulk, Thor, and Captain America.

[@Snzn_7]

@@joelsasmad There are other entities like Ichigo but still none grew as fast as Ichigo probably thanks to Aizen setting up the right battles for Ichigo's speedrun in power growth. Like Ichigo still outclass his fellow soul king candidates mentioned in CFYOW. For Ichigo's kind, their growth depends on the circumstances they will put through. Like Ichigo can end up as weak as Ginjo if he did not went through the battles he fought. The real unfair characters to be compared with are Aizen and Ywach, since they are essentially born OP to begin with.

[@joelsasmad]

@@Snzn_7 Literally the only other being mixed of all the races like Ichigo is is the soul king. Ginjo was not a hollow or a Quincy. While he wouldn't have tapped into it without the fights but most of Ichigo's powerups are a result of unraveling his true nature as this gestalt being. Getting his shikai and bankai, later revealed to be just tapping into his Hollow/Soul Reaper Powers. Getting his mask, more Hollow power. While his final Zanpakto is a seperate thing, he can ultimately only get it after discovering and accepting his nature as a Quincy.

[@Snzn_7]

@@joelsasmad The soul king in of itself is another anomaly of itself. The Soul king Candidates like Ichigo, Hikone and Ginjo too give off the same type of Reiatsu as the Soul King by being a mixture of Shinigami, Hollow, Fullbring and Quincy but not power level wise. Though power wise Ywach manifested this as what we know as Quincy powers so Power level wise Ywach is the closest thing to the Soul King which he vasically became one by absorbing the Soul king. Aizen us also a candidate via the hogyouko to modify himself as a similar being to the Soul King. Among the Soul Candidates that are hybrids Hikone is the one who is actually manufactured to manifest this powers fully. Ginjo and Ichigo on the other hand depended on chance and life changing encounters to be able to reach that Soul king Candidate status. Ichigo may have quincy, shinigami and hollow genes but he can't unlock them without external reiatsu tapping into him. Without Rukia his shinigami powers won't awaken, and without being a shinigami he can't access his hollow reaitsu since it is his zanpakuto. Ywach said Ichigo did not register as a quincy until Kirge opi's cage depleted all pf ichigo's reiatsu to awaken his quincy powers. Ichigo can't be a fullbringer if white had not bitten Masaki to begin with. Ginjo did not have that luck in encountering the right people though. Though his reiatsu absorbing is hax too since it is not exclusive to absorbing Fullbring only as we can tell by Soi fon saying Ginjo did stole shinigami powers.

[@GraveEnd]

@@Snzn_7 ichigo can’t use his powers at will end bc he literally just got them he obviously needs training it doesn’t mean he can’t he can’t draw out whites power at will yet and can’t draw out his Quincy side bc he has no experience doing so at all no one’s taught him how to use Quincy powers yet

[@xethified]

Just realised why Renji was fighting Masque. Masque's power also come from two parts of the same whole like Zabimaru. But like the old Zabimaru, clearly one part is doing all the work while the other is a support standing on the sidelines. Renjis true potential is being able to use both aspects of his personality to his advantage where they are both "Kings" in their own right. He also correctly identified this issue in Masque and exploited it to defeat him, therefore symbolically and literally overcoming his former weakness.

[@installwizard4675]

Please forgive my lack of correct spelling, but Can we talk about how: By using an incorrect name to call his Bankai he was able to manifest a completely different transformation from Shikai? Does this mean that so long as your zanpakuto responds to whatever name you call it, you can potentially modify your bankai by using a Literal nick-name? So long as a zanpakuto responds to you: Different Names = Different Forms?

[@cylnder]

I think its less Different Names = Different Forms but more of Different Names = Different Powers since it has been explained that names give powers to things in the Bleach universe

[@ByronDN]

Hold up, so theoretically if Renji still wanted to train and use his “original” bankai as like a intermediate between his Shikai and “True” Bankai could he?

[@felipesantos-er4kk]

Yep

[@Chucklefu-ckle]

I mean yumichika can do it with his shikai so I imagine renji could do the same with his bankai

[@ByronDN]

@@Chucklefu-ckle true enough.

[@D-Havoc]

I don't think so. So'o Zabimaru was always meant to be it's final form and true potential reached. Now he has no reason to ever have that incomplete Bankai because those elements are still incorporated into So'o Zabimaru.

[@ByronDN]

@@D-Havoc uh huh. I guess that makes sense. Imo I think if he still used it as some sort of intermediate form between bankai and shikai that would be pretty neat. I mean why not train and practice with it, I’m sure it still has plenty of use in the long run.

[@glorbhadgav]

I only recently discovered this channel but I just wanted to say how impressed I’ve been with this channels consistent visual and narrative quality. I stopped keeping up with Bleach before the TYBW Arc but may finish it before the anime returns.

[@Taxafolia]

His bankai was my favourite and still my favourite to this day. It just screamed power, and I kept getting this vibe that it was still growing.

[@deer3481]

After today's episode this definitely needs an update

[@SaturnineXTS]

It's weird that Hihio Zabimaru actually used the Orochio half. I wonder if that means that if Renji calls out "Orochio Zabimaru", he'd get baboon traits only?

[@Just_Red_]

The one thing I will always disagree with you on is I absolutely love Renji's true bankai design, even more than his original I tend to like the smaller, more practical looking designs

[@joelsasmad]

I feel like the first design is practical. The large coils surrounding the user can be used as a shield to defend themselves and others nearby. I'm definitely more a fan of the grander, less busy design as well.

[@Just_Red_]

@@joelsasmad idk in what universe giant slow moving unwieldy easily avoidable whip is practical

[@joelsasmad]

@@Just_Red_ When it fires laser beams, can seperate into individual flying sections to attack with, and was way quicker than people act like. On top of protecting the user and allies like a shield from any direction. It honestly would be the weapon I would prefer over sword and floating hand.

[@Just_Red_]

@@joelsasmad "way quicker than people act like" iirc it actually hit three "major" opponents, 2 of which were at a standstill, yammy and the sand hollow, and the one fraccione who renji was atleast like 3 times more powerful than after the seal was released lol I also dont think it's durable enough to be used as a shield given it's constantly damaged, it splitting into parts was only useful because yammy was massive, a normal sized opponent would slip right through Hikotsu taiho is the best thing it really has and even that has very rarely done significant damage So yeah, don't really see the practicality I think it kind of speaks for itself anyway, Hihiou Zabimaru never really does anything in the series and renji uses it a lot, the best it really does is kill fodder hollows and oneshot a fraccione

[@mrnazaire407]

I appreciate the consistent content man!

[@manuelacosta9463]

I like it's first form, it really got the better of Mask in their clash and even before that it's reach made it quite formidable. In either case I'm sure we'll see Renji in action as hell makes it's appearance with all the dark implications.

[@djdrack4681]

Crazy but also possibly relevant theory: most zanpakuto actually change between Shikai spirit (when manifested) and bankai. The except would seem to likely be Kenpachi as we know that Yachiru has basically been forcefully manifested for something like 50yrs+. This would push the idea that snakes-tailed baboon king version in SS arc is not the same look the spirit takes after he learns bankai. In both cannon instances where we see Zabimaru he's manifested in SS Arc BEFORE Byakuya fight.

[@arnavlohe787]

Zabimaru is essentially a Nue, a Japanese chimera/yokai with the head of a monkey and a snake for a tail. I don't know much about the surrounding mythology of the Nue, but I'm wondering if there is some symbolism there that can provide insight into Renji's abilities and character.

[@Zorkii]

I always really liked the design of Renji's Bankai (Hihiō Zabimaru)and I liked how it was an evolution of his Shikai and his final attack Hikotsu Taihō is super cool looking. Just his attacks weren't so slow, makes you wonder how he hit anyone with it. I agree with almost everything MrTommo said in the video.

[@bavicampos2375]

Would love a video on Isshin his power and why people from his division never recognized him or any of that was ever brought up if he was so well known as a captain.

[@vamp567]

When we got So'o Zabimaru, I always thought that Hihiyo (probably NOT how to spell that XD) was the representation on Zabimaru's tail, with Renji's cloak making it so that he represented the Baboon. Like you mentioned, it was very disconnected until we got So'o, where Renji perfectly represents both sides of Zabimaru

[@captaindesperado13]

I always had the picture in my head that when he releases his Bankai against mask, it first came out as Hihiou and that's why he grabs the bottom of the jaw before it condenses into Souou. It's the only way it made sense to me

[@FriedGamer]

Zabimaru is funny when you consider that the blade is the snake, meaning Renji is the baboons ass

[@norajackal259]

Renji is also supposed to be a dual manifestation Zanpacto!! Like ichigo and the two old guys. He just didn't get that far at first. His power is ment to be a sheild and sword type power.

[@amesong4689]

To be honest I was kinda hoping Soifon’s bankai was the same where it gave her the wrong name. Out of all the times it’s been revealed it’s never actually finished off an opponent (BG9 survived with Vollstandig) despite its motif being death in one sting (compared to her shikai of death in two stings). If I were to redesign her bankai I’d switch the intention by instead having her summon a swarm of bees that each have the same ability as her shikai.

[@SeviathTheHumanDrago]

Or how about she uses Senbon needles? Able to project and launch them from any part of her body. Kinda like a visual representation of "Any part of you I hit is Death."

[@Jimbobalina1]

Great video as always :) I preferred Renji's original Bankai, but I must say, this video has made me appreciate its final form. Thanks

[@NanaViveirosKimie]

Hello Mr. Tommo! I'm new in this channel and I'm loving the discussions and analysis 💕 I preferred Renji's old bankai, but the new one, as you said, symbolizes his maturity and growth in power, so it really does make sense. And the power level is just insane. So, approved! 👍

[@dakotadoyle7573]

I call Bankai like Ichigo's a compression type: instead of exploding outwards they compress into a smaller and more focused form

[@SwfanredLotr]

In chapter 275 of the manga, when Renji confronted for the first time Szayelaporro, there was brief moment when the arrancar scientist told him that he studied his bankai in order to prevent its use and that he was aware of his characteristics, reishi composition aswell as its "ultimate form".

[@ATigerShark]

If I were Renji I'd still try to use the old Bankai first out of spite for Zabimaru lying to me.

[@joltx9909]

I have a weakness to some of the older design. Renji's hihio zabimaru, Rukia's anime shikai with tsukishiro and hakuren... something about the simplicity is just iconic

[@lealta1481]

I always thought that his bankai would just get smaller, faster, more nimble, and stronger as he actually mastered it. Especially since Byakuya said something about it’s size during its first appearance.

[@august6281]

well, they literally had a parallel panel *"I Swear To My Soul"*

[@rayzdays82]

Hopefully Renji's bankai is more developed in the Hell Arc.

[@derekrichardson7853]

Is it canon that Renji’s zanpakuto spirit changed to an ape woman and snake boy or is it just for the non canon zanpakuto rebellion arc? Because I will forever reject that form. His spirit will always be a white baboon with a snake as it’s tail.

[@stormeagle5050]

The designs for the the Zanpakuto spirits are canon as they were designed & drawn by Kubo himself. However, The Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc is non canon

[@Snzn_7]

@@stormeagle5050 Renji's zanpakuto's true form is still the baboon one, since the Zanpakuto Arc asked Kubo to redesign the non human Zanpakutos into a humanoid form. So that baboon woman and snake kid form is like a what if Zabimaru is humanoid. So basically the Zanpakutos that is initially human in form is represented accurately in the Zanpakuto rebellion arc like Shunshui's Zanpakuto. The non human ones are modified to look more human like Zabimaru and Hyourinmarou.

[@stormeagle5050]

@@Snzn_7 That could be the case. I hope Kubo clears up any discrepancy with the zanpakuto physical/manifested spirits

[@Snzn_7]

@@stormeagle5050 that is the case, the filler arc itself aknowledges this as Hitsugaya don't recognize Hyourinmarou when he met the the Humanoid fprm since Hyourinmarou always looked like an Ice Dragon, and Renji pokes fun pf Why Zabimaru looks like what it does in this filler arc and not the baboon with snake tail. So basically if the owner in this arc don't recognize their Zanpakuto, that just means thats not how they true form looks like. If I remember correctly Byakuya also don't recognize Zenbonsakura and so thus the other shinigamia with their own Zanpakuto.

[@stormeagle5050]

@@Snzn_7 I see where your getting at, however the Shinigamis not recognizing their Znpakuto spirits is due to the inconsistencies in the plot for filler arcs

[@Onattamato]

I'm so pumped to be able to see So'o Zabimaru animated! Renji is one of my favorite characters, so when he got the upgraded/true bankai I was ecstatic.

[@Mcruz0r]

The new form really grew on me. Now thinking about it, he looks more refined and efficient. Thinking back on the old Zabimaru, I wouldn't be as afraid because it looks clunky and slow. Renji had to think way more about fully extending because it left him defenseless. With this new form he has a jacked baboon arm for any utility purpose and then he has a quick yet deadly blade. It would be very sick if he could unlock a variant where he extendo shoots the snake and it ressembles old Zabimaru. I really like it actually.

[@KingJamesvx123]

I like Soo Zabimaru more bc the design is unique. Also it was so cool seeing him use Zaga Teppo. I also like the monkey arm. I also think it would've been weird seeing him fight Mask with his regular series bankai.

[@melonboi927]

I personally would have loved if it turned out that his original Bankai was his shikai

[@Tengu125]

What?

[@patrickedwards8303]

As getting the insight of Renji's true Bankai, his last form ace, has a similarity to Heihio's Heitatsusakung but much deadliest capability and I can't wait to see it. Of Heihio's first form, watching the seasons (season 6) of him fighting Ilfrudd Grunts, that Bankai you've gotta love it still 👍🏿

[@francisliyolo7415]

To me it always felt that renji's first bankai was incomplete. I mean the snake bones bankai only represented the tail part of the baboon/snake which left the baboon part missing.

[@AJ-kt5zo]

💙

[@bqw2094]

I’m not the only one who felt that renji original bankai “ hihio zabimaru” looked more badass right ?

[@texcorps9432]

I agree. I hope renji can still perform it or even mix it with his current bankai

[@joelsasmad]

@@texcorps9432 Most likely he can pull a yumichika and just call it by that name to use that form.

[@lolsnez7542]

Please leave and never come back pathetic bleach hater

[@joelsasmad]

@@lolsnez7542 That is a pretty big overreaction there to someone having differing taste over a single design...

[@bmg6229]

I think Renji mirrored Ichigo again here The Snake Part of his Zanpakuto developed his bankai But the other part refused, either because his goals shifted or didn´t actually respected him, as Zabimaru itself looks more like a Snake in shikai Similar to how one Zangetsu would pin and restrict Ichigo, and the fusion of the 2 parts is what makes the user one of the most powerful Its no surprise that both got incomplete bankais, and were quite restricted in power

[@ShadowShinobi2012]

I definitely prefer the Soho Zabimaru. What it reminds me of is someone gaining a new power and not being able to full control it (Hiho Zabimaru). Soho is like a condensed and mastered version of the same Bankai that shows not only a power increase but mastery with many more abilities.

[@jerod5636]

Renji in the diamond dust rebellion abridged version is my favorite thing ever.

[@nahte123456]

I know we talk about the Anime coming back a lot and what we want to see, but I genuinely really want to see this new Bankai to be animated. There's something about it that I have trouble grasping how it works and I think seeing it in motion would really help.

[@Jlavi25]

I love So-oh. I really want to see him use it more

[@SemekiIzuio]

If you think about it, Renji has 2 Bankais. That's a huge win, he can switch between them depending on the need or situation demands it.

[@Pork_Chop007]

In one of the Shinigami Cup episodes, Mayuri gave the option to Renji to choose what their Zanpakto's human form would look like.

[@OrdinaryAviator]

I tot mayuri was offering gender reassignment on the zanpakuto? Or have i heard wrong? Haha...

[@Pork_Chop007]

@@OrdinaryAviator not just the gender, but the shape of the body

[@gidgettv1591]

Ok, hea me out!!! What if: all bankai forms are like these? Ichigo and Zangetsu (Quincy rep) were always in sync in the beginning. Hence why his bankai was already at the level of being worn instead of a giant form. Same with Rukia, she and Sode no Shidaiyouki were pretty in sync with each other. We see that in the filler with the Manifestation of the Zanpakto. Toshiro was not completely in control or in sync with Horimaryu and that's why he never knew the petals were a timer for its TRUE release of bankai. SOOOO if the weilders of bankai are in true sync with their Zanpakto wear the form and become the blade itself, simliar to Ichigo's Mugetsu but without losing your power. It shows that the weilder and sword are truly one.

[@pictureperfectphotography4123]

I absolutely love So-Oh Zabimaru's design and powers, everything about it. I think it's one of Kubo's best designs hands-down. But that's just me. Renji is also probably in my top 5 favorite characters, so yeah I'm a little biased haha

[@davy9303]

i always thought Hihio Zabimaru was meh, from the first time it was revealed. I was SOO stoked when I saw Soo Zabimaru for the first time man! CANNOT wait for the TYBW anime and seeing that. It's now my second favorite bankai (design-wise only) behind Haka No Togame (see Bleach Brave Souls). It's powers and abilities are also so much better compared to the first bankai "version". It's much more versatile than, what was essentially, a big-ass whip that can shoot a laser beam.

[@zephirol4638]

his sword being stubborn totally makes sense when you consider the insult of calling someone a "baboons ass."

[@0815UserII]

For the original design, I like the idea others also brought up that the spirit has two minds and only one decided to support Renji early on. The naming is a bit strange on this though, as it's snake themed but named for the baboon half. I also like the overall final design, though a lot about it is unresolved and underused with it showing up in the final arc of the manga. For one, going by the naming, it feels like there is potential for this to be a kind of form change with an unseen Orochio Zabimaru form. This would probably mirror Hihiou Zabimaru in being named for the snake half and themed after the baboon half. Working backwards from Soo Zabimaru, a set of arms somewhat similar to Hihio could make sense, but I have a hard time to derive that from the Shikai or Hihio Zabimaru, so it could be something entirely different. This might have been cool, especially if it would have been used sooner and given Renji a sidegrade to Hihiou Zabimaru in a situation where using it wasn't possible. It would also set up Soo Zabimaru as the balanced and strongest form way sooner while still giving a power-up to Renji in the end. Not to mention that having three forms to switch between as the situation demands is a seriously powerful ability, when most people are stuck with one form. One aspect of Soo Zabimaru I don't like is how the Hihio arm is linked to Renji's own arm movements. I never liked it with Komamura, and while not as impactfull I don't like it here either. While it's a nice restriction early on, it feels like something that could be overcome with training, as familiarity could allow the independent movement of what's effectively an additional limb (or second body, in case of Komamura).

[@TNTspaz]

Feels like Ichigo and Renji effectively crippled their bankai's originally with that form of training. With Ichigo really only being powerful due to Zangetsu itself

[@kimguir303]

love this channel as a new bleach fan

[@dakotadoyle7573]

I always thought that So'o Zabimaru's shoulder armor was made of bone, not metal. It would fite the design aesthetic of it

[@racegod69]

His new Bankai makes a lot of sense for his progression and the story. I wish we knew a bit more about the nature of his Bankai/powers. Like we speculate inchigo’s ability to be fate or the ability to impact fate. What’s renji’s nature??? Perseverance? 😂

[@animegamer262447]

To be fair it is repeatedly stated that after achieving Bankai a further 10 years is required to master it. So, maybe Renji would have achieved this state eventually.

[@madmaxiemartialartsnerd485]

I always had a theory that a major part the zanpaktos had clunky huge bankais, is for zanpaktos were never designed to be used against people at least in the soul reaper case, they were made to be used against Hallows, who on their own could get quite large and massive. so having a vaccume cleaner type sword was simply more efficent when facing large numbers of big enemies.

[@Gigawolf1]

When he's lifting the gauntlet (or whatever's happening there), it looks like it's his right hand (the one that would be wearing/inside the gauntlet). I really wasn't a fan of the twist/reveal that he was using the wrong name; I'd much rather the new form be another technique of the same Bankai. Much like the Bount who used a sword and fan could enlarge one while reducing the other, I would've liked it if he could shift the balance between the two aspects as part of his Bankai. Another example of this would be Zanka no Tachi, whose abilities could each come across as their own Bankai. Another explanation that would've worked for me would be if the Royal Guard could remodel Bankai, considering Ichibei's ability to rename anything and Oetsu's role as creater of all Zanpakuto. If they decided to rework his Bankai into a more useful form, it wouldn't have been as annoying as "hey, you're calling it by the wrong name, it's been lying to you to limit your power"

[@lindapenttinen3382]

I prefear Hihio a bit more mostly because I am more familiar with it and I like its desing, the skeleton snake. But I like the true form of his bankai as well

[@glitchyfox8706]

I like the idea that zabimaro knew that Ichigo wasn't using his powers properly and in response only gave renji a part of his banki so to make renji match him

[@albertluu6849]

It seems like Renji was supposed to be a dual zanpakuto wielder since his sword manifested into two separate personalities. But the idea of him being able to use two types of Bankai, if he chooses to, since they’re two separate names upon activation seems intriguing. But I guess Kubo just likes to make things up as he goes along which impacts continuity.

[@AzoozBg]

Niiiiice new video and on renjiiii

[@saitosan876]

Soi Fong and Toshiro deserve some love from Kubo, don’t you think? They both did horrible in the TYBW arc and in Can’t Fear Your Own World. Kenpachi is my favorite captain but I do like Soi Fong, I hope she gets an upgrade or something or fight someone strong in hand to hand combat with her Wind Shunkou.

[@prpldrgnfly6520]

I think it would have been really cool if he kept the whip from hihioh while he has so-oh. Having the snake and the baboon both work together.

[@johnlocke2913]

Anyone else noticed yet how White Ichigo's first speech directly applies to Renji's zan situation, too?

[@delapharaoh3739]

Due to the fan base you have, you should start a petition or something for a bleach game 💯

[@refleckshan2467]

Looking at things now renji first bankai looks almost like a hollow/vasto lord. Can see how renji mirrors ichigo in charatcer progress. Both are cool just wished Gin had thought renji a lesson or two.

[@CJMaserflash]

Renji is so slept on and was done so dirty. Is a dope ass character and deserves more but, as always the main character has to get all the clout

[@terenzenriquez3329]

I think we are forgetting that renji rushed the process of getting his bankai. I think zabimaru is quite disappointed that renji want to gain his bankai on a short notice but since zabimaru still care for renji it still lend renji some of its power.

[@RickyUzumaki993]

That actually makes a lot of sense

[@danielisaacs3946]

After the fight with Uryu we’re going to need an update on this video. Soo Zabimaru has like 8 different abilities/techniques, but we only saw 3 of them in action vs Mask.

[@alainblandi2885]

I don't like that Kubo started making a lot of 'wearable" bankais. I think it's just very limited when there's so many options to explore. Damn, Byakuya gets surprised by Ichigo's style of bankai, and then suddenly a lot of people actually had things like that? I love Hihio Zabimaru, and, honestly, i wish it had come back upgraded instead of a completely new form.

[@Snzn_7]

The thing with Ichigo is that he only wears and tge form makes no predecense of what his bankai is essentially is, Like it seemingly changed Ichigo's outfit just cause. The other who garbs their bankai is that you can tell that the new garb is an extention of the their zanpakuto itself. Like So'o the bladw is a part of his Garb, Hyorinmarou's Bankai is simply unleashing more of its Ice ability and making a physical representation of itself by clading itself around Toshirou's body. Also Renji's Zanpakuto like Ikaku revolves around the form on which their Zanpakuto form and not the abilities they have.

[@iheartfriday4887]

@@Snzn_7 Well Ichigo's Bankai outfit represents how much reiatsu he has doesnt it? If his clothes are damaged then his reiatsu is low. If it's full then he's at full power.

[@Snzn_7]

@@iheartfriday4887 exactly his reiatsu and not much a representation of what his Bankai really is, as it mostly still lies within the blade zangetsu and not much for the clothing Ichigo gains in bankai mode. Like it make more sense with the dual blade bankai as both blades clearly coveys what they are and ichigo foes not gain a new garb in bankai state. The bankai form before really does not say anything about his bankai much since as at that point even Ichigo himself does not know what his zanpakuto really is. Like normally if a part of Bankai gets damage, it will be permanent

[@truevenom97]

I prefer the old one in aesthetics but have to admit that it is terribly ineffective. If the new bankai is still able to grow its appendages bigger in action (even more than shown) then I would be in love with the new one as well. I really believe he does have the ability to grow the snake and arm larger than before and that is what is what is happening before the smoke clears; the snake shrinks and fits on his arm and the fangs become the sword

[@stealthmonkeydc2869]

It will forever bug me that his second bankai form doesn't have two baboon arms. IMO it would have liked better if he did and the blade was instead the end of the tail. This way he gets to keep some aspect of whip style combat while also getting brute force in a separate attack. He would also look a bit like his Zanpakuto spirit which keeps in line with the Ichigo similarities.

[@Snzn_7]

It would look like Renji is not wielding a zanpakuto at that point and he will basically look like an arrancar on resurrecion form.

[@EdinMesic11]

I hate that a bankai can be permanently damaged. Makes no sense. It's mentioned once and not talked about or shown again which is great. I thought that was just the dumbest thing to include in bleach lore.

[@darkwarfare772]

It makes sense. His zanpaktou are KINGS. So unless you do something overwhelmingly to please these kings, they won't recongise you as their equal, or serve you at all. His new Bankai look makes sense. He wears what is effectively a MANTLE. A king's mantle.

[@gabrielriosorelogio5224]

Being Kubo, I would just add the giant left monkey arm when using the real name. Meaning you have the Hihio form with the monkey part of the other form that would be the sealed part that balance the weaknesses of the Hihio form. I would do something like that instead the whole change that he did

[@Grandsheba]

This was definitely planned as the interaction between renji and his zanpakto has always been in a scolding type mannarr. His zanpakto always called him weak. Also he has 2 zanpakto spirits much like ichigo as well, one of the snake and one of the baboon. Its possible that he could have 3 bankai forms and can use them as he chooses. This isnt much different from kamamora, head captain yamamoto or even his captain byakuya. As some bankai and even shikai have different forms for different abilities. For renji it seems like the one he learned is the balance use of snake and baboon, his previous version was him as the baboon and his zanpakto as the snake. Another version could be him as the snake and his zanpakto as the baboon that has far more raw power. But renjis potential is huge as he can use any form for what ever he needs at the time.

[@ditya7931]

Do a video about what would happen if starrk survived. I asked once last video and im not stoppin!

[@janosd4nuke]

I never took Renji not getting his true Bankai for the first time as Zabimaru not submitting. Back then there was a heavy emphasis on how hard it is to master a bankai, with the 10 years statement, Hihiou Zabimaru being so unwieldy and even Ichigo getting crushed by his own reiutsu against Byakuya. Hell even in TYBW, just look at Rukia and Kenpachi wrecking themselves with a fresh bankai. To me it was more like with the time crunch of saving Rukia, Renji so determined, he was not at the level where his body could handle his bankai. So Zabimaru compromised, in stead of holding back bankai further, he yielded with a watered down beta version which was already at the limit Renji could handle back then. Edit: Also I'm really interested if Brave Souls would give Renji a Beyond Bankai version similar to the ones Ukitake and Kyouraku got. If anything that would go like this: Instead of just one floaty, 2 massive baboon arms which he actually wears as sleeves. And from the sash the snake head comes of on the back as a tail and a 3rd mentally controlled extremity. Also put another Snake skull on his head as a visor for added coolness.