Zanpakutō

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"Shikai" redirects here. For the Chinese politician, see Yuan Shikai.

A zanpakutō (斬魄刀 lit. soul-cutting sword?) is a fictional type of weapon in the Bleach series wielded by those with shinigami powers. The art of using a zanpakutō is called zanjutsu (swordsmanship). The English manga uses the term Soul Slayer in place of zanpakutō, while the anime uses the untranslated term.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Ichigo with the spirit of Zangetsu while wielding his zanpakutō.
Ichigo with the spirit of Zangetsu while wielding his zanpakutō.

Ordinarily, most zanpakutō look like a like regular katana, with slight variations between them as one would expect between different swords. Under this ordinary exterior, however, lies a sentient spirit. This spirit gives a zanpakutō the power to purify hollows, send souls to the afterlife, and even transform the sword itself into more elaborate and powerful forms. While seemingly similar on the outside, all zanpakutō have unique (though sometimes similar) abilities that usually match their owner's personality.

Zanpakutō, being sentient beings, are a shinigami's partner in battle and cannot be replaced. Because they are alive, a zanpakutō will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to such regeneration (a vaporized zanpakutō would not regenerate, for example). As a shinigami gains power, their zanpakutō can change form by allowing the inner being to manifest itself to a greater degree in the outside world. The sword and the inner being are synonymous to each other.

[edit] Forms

Beyond their standard sealed state, zanpakutō can manifest themselves in two additional forms, the use of which is dependent upon the shinigami's ability to communicate with and control the zanpakutō's spirit. These two forms, known as the initial release and the final release, are akin to "upgrades" for the zanpakutō, giving it abilities far beyond that of its simple use as a sword. Shinigami usually carry their zanpakutō in the sealed state and activate the released forms as necessary; however, certain shinigami, namely Ichigo Kurosaki and Kenpachi Zaraki,[1] are unable to seal their zanpakutō and therefore carry them in released form constantly.

In addition to the upgraded forms, the sealed form of a zanpakutō can also be radically altered, though such alterations are purely cosmetic and usually don't offer any significant advantage in battle. For example, shinigami who are unable to control their own spiritual power have larger sealed zanpakutō, as Ichigo Kurosaki did when he first became a shinigami. Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father, explains at one point that high-level shinigami must be capable of maintaining and suppressing the size of their sword. Otherwise, they would end up swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers.[2] Zanpakutō can also be disguised as other objects, though such objects seem to need to be of similar proportions to the sword itself. Both Kisuke Urahara and General Yamamoto, for example, disguise their zanpakutō as canes.

[edit] Initial release

Hōzukimaru, Ikkaku Madarame's zanpakutō in its initial release
Hōzukimaru, Ikkaku Madarame's zanpakutō in its initial release

The initial release (始解 shikai?) is the first "upgraded" form available to a zanpakutō. To activate it, the shinigami needs to learn the name of their zanpakutō. This is not as simple as simply picking a name, as the living spirit of the zanpakutō chooses its own name. Therefore, the shinigami must be able to communicate with their zanpakutō effectively. Achievement of the initial release is a mark of expert control of a zanpakutō, and it appears to be a requirement for advancement within the shinigami ranks, as most seated officers and presumably all lieutenants are capable of the initial release.

After first learning the zanpakutō's name, the initial release can be performed at will simply by speaking a command followed by the zanpakutō's name. The command phrase varies between users and often relates to the zanpakutō's signature ability, or hints at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert shinigami, usually those who are at least approaching discovery of their final release. In rare cases, a zanpakutō, once released, will remain in that state and will not have a sealed state. Such zanpakutō are described as a full-time released form type.

Once the initial release is activated, the zanpakutō will change form to access whatever special abilities it is capable of. They usually remain in the form of a sword, but the type of sword differs radically among various zanpakutō. The special abilities of the zanpakutō, like the zanpakutō itself, have specific names that usually must be announced to fully activate the effect. As Ichigo's zanpakutō, Zangetsu, explains, knowing the name of an attack and not knowing it makes a difference in the amount of power that attack has.

[edit] Final release

Hihiō Zabimaru, Renji Abarai's zanpakutō in its final release.
Hihiō Zabimaru, Renji Abarai's zanpakutō in its final release.

The final release (卍解 bankai?) is the second and final form of a zanpakutō. To perform it, a shinigami must be able to materialize their zanpakutō's spirit in the real world and subjugate it, giving the shinigami full reign over the zanpakutō's power. Because such an act usually takes hundreds of years of combat experience to achieve, it is rare amongst shinigami and almost exclusively limited to the thirteen shinigami captains in the Gotei 13. Byakuya Kuchiki claims that among the four noble houses of Soul Society, only one person in several generations will be born with the spiritual power necessary to achieve it.[3] Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara are exceptions to this fact. Using a special device created by Kisuke, which forcibly materializes a zanpakutō spirit (thus bypassing the experience portion of the training), they were able to achieve the same result in three days.

After a shinigami is able to materialize and subjugate their zanpakutō's spirit, the zanpakutō can assume its final and most powerful form. Unlike the initial release, there is no command phrase to activate the final release, though the user will usually say "final release" beforehand. A zanpakutō's final release is often a manifestation of the spirit itself, usually creating a massive creature or effect to aid the user in battle (Ichigo's final release is an exception, doing almost the exact opposite). Certain shinigami also change with their zanpakutō, gaining different clothing to fit with the form. Most zanpakutō will also gain additional special abilities. Like with the initial release, most of these abilities have an associated name. Maintaining the final release is taxing for the wielder, and cannot be held for long periods of time.

[edit] Arrancar release

Arrancar, which are hollows that have removed their masks and gained shinigami powers, have zanpakutō and can perform something similar to a shinigami's initial release called resurrección (Spanish for resurrection). Unlike shinigami zanpakutō, however, an arrancar's zanpakutō doesn't have a true spirit. Rather, it is simply the arrancar's hollow powers sealed into sword form. By releasing their zanpakutō in the same manner as a shinigami, an arrancar can release their hollow powers. Additionally, this seems to be the limit of such a release, as no arrancar has demonstrated any sort of final release form.

Because their powers are sealed in their zanpakutō, an arrancar's release will usually transform some or all of their body back into whatever their original hollow forms were, allowing them to use their original abilities. Arrancar can only return to their human form when they reseal their hollow powers; not doing so results in a loss of power comparable to losing a limb. The reason arrancar go through such trouble to seal their power is twofold: it allows them to maintain human form (though it's somewhat obvious that they are part hollow) and conserve their power in times of inactivity.

[edit] Types

There are several types of zanpakutō, classed by the main purpose or effect of their special abilities. For example, Ichigo Kurosaki's zanpakutō is a melee-type zanpakutō, since it is primarily designed for close-combat. Yumichika Ayasegawa's zanpakutō, on the other hand, is a kidō-type zanpakutō, since it's designed around its special ability rather than its close combat potential.

Zanpakutō are also classified by element. For instance, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rukia Kuchiki possess ice-type zanpakutō, while Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai controls a fire-elemental one, and Kaien Shiba's holds water-based abilities.

[edit] Zanpakutō by character

[edit] Shinigami

Ichigo Kurosaki
  • Name: Zangetsu (斬月, lit. Moon Cutter)[4]; the spirit takes the form of a middle-aged man wearing tinted glasses and a black coat.
  • Initital release: Zangetsu takes the form of a large and elegant cleaver as tall as Ichigo is. It has no command phrase as it is always active.
  • Final release: Named Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, lit. Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter), Zangetsu takes the form of a nodachi with a black blade and a manji crossguard. When Ichigo uses Zangetsu's final release, he is wearing a coat identical to the spirit's. In this form, Ichigo's speed is greatly increased, exceeding the velocity of flash steps.
  • Abilities: Getsuga tenshō (月牙天衝, lit. moon sky-piercing fang), an energy attack that fires blue-colored blasts of spiritual power in the shape of a crescent. When used with the final release form, these blasts are black and red and their path can be controlled.
Kisuke Urahara
  • Name: Benihime (紅姫, lit. Crimson Princess)[5]
  • Initial release: Benihime's blade becomes a bit wider than that of an unsealed zanpakutō and the hilt curves, adding a crimson ribbon and other elaborate decorations around it. It is activated by the command "awake" (起きろ okiro?).
  • Abilities: Benihime can fire energy blasts of considerable strength and can also create a blood-mist shield to protect Urahara, both of which are triggered by the command "sing" (啼け nake?, "Scream" in the English dub and manga).
Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai - 1st Division captain
  • Name: Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火, lit. Flowing Blade like Flame)[6]
  • Initial release: Ryūjin Jakka is consumed in flame. It is activated by the command "reduce the whole of creation to smoldering ashes" (万象一切灰燼と為せ banshō issai kaijin to nase?).
  • Abilities: Ryūjin Jakka creates flames so hot that the aura alone can disintegrate anything Yamamoto waves the sword at. The area surrounding Yamamoto is also consumed in flame.
Chōjirō Sasakibe - 1st Division lieutenant
  • Name: Gonryōmaru (厳霊丸, lit. Stern Spirit)[7]
  • Initial release: Gonryōmaru transforms into a rapier. It is activated by the command "pierce" (穿て ugate?).
  • Abilities: Unknown
Soifon - 2nd Division captain
  • Name: Suzumebachi (雀蜂, lit. Hornet)[8]
  • Initial release: Suzumebachi transforms into a stinger worn on the middle finger of Soifon's right hand. It is activated by the command "sting all enemies to death" (尽敵螫殺 jinteki shakusetsu?).
  • Abilities: When Soifon stabs someone with Suzumebachi, a butterfly symbol called a hornet's crest (蜂紋華 hōmonka?) spreads from the point of contact. A second stab in the same place means death.
Marechiyo Ōmaeda - 2nd Division lieutenant
  • Name: Gegetsuburi (五形頭, lit. Five-form Head)[7]
  • Initial release: Gegetsuburi transforms into an oversized spiked ball and chain. It is activated by the command "smash" (打っ潰せ buttsubuse?).
  • Abilities: Unknown
Gin Ichimaru - (Former) 3rd Division captain
  • Name: Shinsō (神鎗, lit. Divine Spear)[9]
  • Initial release: Shinsō's blade extends at great speeds to impale Gin's opponents from a distance. The sword carries the full impact when blocked. Gin can maintain the extension and swing Shinsō in wide arcs. It is activated by the command "shoot him dead" (射殺せ ikorose?); in the anime, this was slightly changed to ikorosu.
  • Abilities: In various Bleach console games, Gin fires Shinsō into the sky, causing similar swords to rain all around him.
Izuru Kira - 3rd Division lieutenant
  • Name: Wabisuke (侘助, lit. miserable man, but can also be translated as apology)[10]
  • Initial release: Wabisuke's blade bends into a square hook. It is activated by the command "raise your head" (面を上げろ omote o agero?).
  • Abilities: Wabisuke doubles the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each strike exponentially increases the weight of the target.
Retsu Unohana - 4th Division captain
  • Name: Minazuki (肉雫唼)[11]
  • Initial release: Unknown
  • Final release: Unknown
  • Abilities: Creates a giant, flying, one-eyed manta-ray that can heal people in its stomach. It is unclear if this is her initial release or final release ability.
Isane Kotetsu - 4th Division lieutenant
  • Name: Itegumo (凍雲, lit. Frozen Cloud)[7]
  • Initial release: Itegumo splits into three blades resembling an open scissor katar with a normal katana hilt. It is activated by the command "sprint" (奔れ hashire?).
  • Ability: Unknown
Hanatarō Yamada - 4th Division 7th Seat
  • Name: Hisagomaru (瓠丸, lit. gourd)[12]
  • Initial release: Hisagomaru gains a red gauge on its hilt and heals opponents instead of harming them. It is activated by the command "fulfill" (満たせ mitase?).[13]
  • Ability: As it heals wounds, the gauge on up Hisagomaru's hilt fills up. When full, Hisagomaru transforms into Akeiro Hisagomaru (朱色瓠丸, lit. crimson-coloured gourd). In this form, Hanatarō can return every wound Hisagomaru has absorbed in a single attack. Subsequent attacks also have the healing restriction lifted.[13]
Sōsuke Aizen - (Former) 5th Division captain
  • Name: Kyōka Suigetsu (鏡花水月, lit. Mirror Flower Water Moon)[14]
  • Initial release: Anyone who witnesses the initial release will be placed in a state of complete hypnosis from that point on. It is activated by the command "shatter" (砕けろ kudakero?).
  • Abilities: Kyōka Suigetsu's complete hypnosis is a permanent effect that allows Aizen to create perfect illusions in the minds of those under its power. Anyone who is under Kyōka Suigetsu's complete hypnosis can't dispel it, even if they are aware of the fact.
Momo Hinamori - 5th Division lieutenant
  • Name: Tobiume (飛梅, lit. Flying Ume Tree)[15]
  • Initial release: Tobiume's blade straightens and produces several, jitte-like prongs along its length. It is activated by the command "snap" (弾け hajike?).
  • Abilities: Tobiume acts as a focus for Hinamori's spiritual power, concentrating it into pink-colored energy bursts capable of cratering floors and holing walls. Hinamori can also compress her power into a single massive energy ball.
Byakuya Kuchiki - 6th Division captain
  • Name: Senbonzakura (千本桜, lit. A Thousand Cherry Blossoms)[16]
  • Initial release: Senbonzakura's blade scatters into thousands of tiny blades ("petals") controlled by Byakuya. It is activated by the command "scatter" (散れ chire?).
  • Final release: Named Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, lit. Vibrant Display of the Thousand Cherry Blossoms), Byakuya drops Senbonzakura, causing it to disappear into the ground. Two rows of swords then appear to either side of Byakuya and dissolve into millions of tiny blades controlled by Byakuya.
  • Abilities: In its final release, Senbonzakura has two abilities. The first compresses Senbonzakura's blades into four rows of swords around Byakuya and his opponent, which is triggered by the command "scene of a massacre" (殲景 senkei?). The second compresses every blade into a single sword and gives Byakuya a pair of white wings, which is triggered by the command "final scene: white imperial sword" (終景: 白帝剣 shūkei: hakuteiken?).
Renji Abarai - 6th Division lieutenant
  • Name: Zabimaru (蛇尾丸, lit. Snake Tail);[17] the spirit takes the form of a nue (Japanese chimera), with the head and body of a baboon and a snake's head at the end of its tail.[18]
  • Initial release: Zabimaru transforms into a segmented blade with a pick-like protrusion on each segment. The segments are connected by a stretchable band, allowing Zabimaru to be used as a whip. It is activated by the command "roar" (咆えろ hoero?, lit. "howl"; "roar" in the English dub).
  • Final release: Named Hihiō Zabimaru (狒狒王蛇尾丸, lit. Baboon King Snake Tail), Zabimaru transforms into a massive version of its initial release resembling a skeletal snake, complete with a snake-like head. The segments are connected by Renji's spiritual power instead of thread, allowing him to disconnect and reconnect them at will. Every piece need not be intact for it to function properly.
  • Abilities: When used as a whip, Zabimaru can be swung a maximum of three times before returning to sword form. The segments can be separated and controlled by Renji's spiritual power, allowing him to execute a one-shot omnidirectional attack called higa zekkō (狒牙絶咬 lit. broken baboon's fang), but it is damaging to Zabimaru and leaves Renji defenseless. In its final release, Zabimaru gains a special technique known as Baboon Bone Cannon (狒骨大砲 hikō taihō?) that fires a dense blast of spiritual energy from Zabimaru's mouth.
Sajin Komamura - 7th Division captain
  • Name: Tenken (天譴, lit. Heaven's Punishment)
  • Initial release: Tenken creates various body parts of a giant to copy whatever body part Komamura moves; for example, should Komamura swing his sword, a gigantic disembodied arm wielding a sword appears and does the same thing. It is activated by the command "roar" (轟け todoroke?).
  • Final release: Named Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō (黒縄天譴明王, lit. Heavenly Punishment of Kokujō's King), Tenken produces the entire giant (a black-armored warrior), which also copies Komamura's movements.
  • Abilities: Apart from its automatic effects, unknown
Jirōbō Ikkanzaka - 7th Division 4th seat
  • Name: Tsunzakigarasu (劈烏, lit. Splitting Crow)
  • Initial release: Tsunzakigarasu transforms into a number of double-edged shuriken that dance around Jirōbō. If destroyed, he can sheath the sword again to summon more. It is activated by the command "flap away" (羽搏きなさい habatakinasai?, "spread your wings" in the Viz translation).
  • Abilities: Apart from its released state, unknown
Shunsui Kyōraku - 8th Division captain
  • Name: Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨, lit. Flower Heaven, Crazy Bone)
  • Initial release: Katen Kyōkotsu transforms into two large scimitars or falchions. It is activated by the command "flowers are disturbed, god of flowers weeps, winds of Heaven are disturbed, demon of Heaven laughs" (花風紊れて花神啼き天風紊れて天魔嗤う hana kaze midarete, kashin naki, tenpū midarete, tenma warau?).
  • Abilities: Unknown, but depicted as being able to control wind in various Bleach games.
Tatsufusa Enjōji - 8th Division 3rd seat
  • Name: Hōzan (崩山, lit. Avalanche)
  • Initial release: Hōzan takes the form of a saw during its released state. It is activated by the command "dance madly" (乱舞せよ ranbuseyo?).
  • Abilities: Unknown
Kaname Tōsen - (Former) 9th Division captain
  • Name: Suzumushi (清虫, lit. Pure Insects, Bell Bug in the Viz translation)
  • Initial release: Dependent on the command used.
  • Final release: Named Enma Kōrogi (閻魔蟋蟀, lit. Enma cricket), Suzumushi creates a large black dome anchored to the ground with ten rings. Anything within loses every sense except for touch.
  • Abilities: If triggered by the command "chime" (鳴け nake?), Suzumushi projects a high-pitched tone over a wide area, overloading the hearing of anyone in range and knocking them unconscious. If triggered by the command "smash his limbs" (四肢を潰すよ shishi wo tsubusu yo?), Suzumushi becomes Benihikō (紅飛蝗, lit. Crimson Flying Locusts) and creates a group of blades that rain on opponents.
Tōshirō Hitsugaya - 10th Division captain
  • Name: Hyōrinmaru (氷輪丸, lit. Ice Ring)
  • Initial release: Hyōrinmaru gains a crescent-shaped blade attached to the hilt by a a chain. It is activated by the command "set upon the frozen heavens" (霜天に坐せ sōten ni zase?, "Reign over the frozen heavens" in the Viz translation).
  • Final release: Named Daiguren Hyōrinmaru (大紅蓮氷輪丸, lit. Great Crimson Lotus Ice Ring), Ice flows onto Tōshirō's back in the form of wings and a tail. Ice claws also appear on his feet and left hand and a dragon's head encases his sword hand. Finally, three "flowers" of ice are also created behind Hitsugaya with four petals each. The petals disappear as Tōshirō uses his techniques.
  • Abilities: Hyōrinmaru has control over the weather, specifically wind and ice. In its initial release, the blade creates an ice dragon when swung (controlled by Hitsugaya) and the crescent blade freezes anything it wraps around. In its final release, Hyōrinmaru gains two techniques: "dragon hail frame" (竜霰架 ryūsenka?) and "thousand years ice prison" (千年氷牢 sennen hyōrō?). The first freezes and shatters an opponent that Tōshirō stabs. The second creates pillars of ice which envelop the enemy.[19]
Rangiku Matsumoto - 10th Division lieutenant
  • Name: Haineko (灰猫, lit. Ash Cat)
  • Initial release: Haineko dissolves into ash which Rangiku controls. It is activated by the command "growl" (唸れ unare?).
  • Abilities: The ash from Haineko's blade cuts through objects as easily as a sword would, as seen in the anime's Bount arc. In Bleach Heat The Soul 3, the ash that Haineko produces can form together into a cat or leopard-like animal.
Ikkaku Madarame - 11th Division 3rd seat
  • Name: Hōzukimaru (鬼灯丸, lit. Demon Light, Winter Cherry in the Viz translation)
  • Initial release: Hōzukimaru transforms into a naginata that can split into a three-section staff (三節棍 sansetsukon?) with the command "split" (裂けろ sakero?, "break" in the Viz translation). It is activated by the command "grow" (延びろ nobiro?, "Extend" in the Viz translation), followed by Ikkaku slamming the zanpakutō's hilt into its sheath.
  • Final release: Named Ryūmon Hōzukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸, lit. Dragon Crest Demon Light), Hōzukimaru transforms into an oversized Chinese Monk Spade and an equally large Dadao, each connected by a large chain to an oversized Halberd blade with a parallel handle forged into the blunt end and a dragon crest on one side of the blade.
  • Abilities: While it has no special abilities, Hōzukimaru in its final release becomes increasingly more powerful as time passes. Its power level is indicated by the dragon crest, which fills with red dye as Hōzukimaru's power increases. When the design is completely filled, the full destructive force of Ikkaku's final release surfaces. However, the force of unleashing so much power can leave his zanpakutō's edge brittle.[20]
Yumichika Ayasegawa - 11th Division 5th seat
  • Name: Fuji Kujaku (藤孔雀, lit. Wisteria Peacock)
  • Initial release: Fuji Kujaku transforms into a fan of four scythe-like blades, connected at the hilt by a hinge. It is activated by the command "bloom" (咲け sake?).
  • Abilities: With the command sakikurue (裂き狂え), Fuji Kujaku can absorb an opponent's spiritual energy, leaving them unable to fight.
Maki Ichinose - Former 11th Division member
  • Name: Nijigasumi (虹霞, lit. Rainbow Haze)
  • Initial release: Nijigasumi's blade disappears. It is activated by the command "shine brightly" (光華閃け kōka hirameke?).
  • Abilities: Nijigasumi's blade generates a blinding light which cuts whatever it comes into contact with. The manipulation of light also serves to confuse the enemy of the actual direction Ichinose will swing Nijigasumi. It can also generate a large pulse of light and fire many blades of light at an opponent. When used in its Saigyoku Nijigasumi (Swallowing Orb of Rainbow Mist) form, it creates an orb of light that compresses around an opponent, crushing them.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi - 12th Division captain
  • Name: Ashisogi Jizō (疋殺地蔵, lit. Ksitigarbha's Killer Head, though it can be interpreted other ways)
  • Initial release: Ashisogi Jizō transforms into a deformed trident. It is activated by the command "rip" (掻き毟れ kakimushire?).
  • Final release: Named Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō (金色疋殺地蔵, lit. Golden Ashisogi Jizō), Ashisogi Jizō returns to its sealed state and produces a giant caterpillar with a grotesque baby's head and a silver halo.
  • Abilities: In its initial release, Ashisogi Jizō paralyzes opponents by cutting off the brain's signals to the arms and legs. This paralysis can't be healed and still allows the opponent to feel pain. In its final release, the monster released by Ashisogi Jizō breathes a poisonous derivative of Mayuri's blood which is lethal to anyone who breathes it. Several blades can also extend from its chest, allowing it to run through and skewer opponents. If Mayuri stabs himself with his zanpakutō, he turns into liquid and cannot attack or be attacked (used as an escape method). He returns to human form after a few days.
Jūshirō Ukitake - 13th Division captain
  • Name: Sōgyo no Kotowari (双魚の理 or 双魚理, lit. Truth of Pisces)
  • Initial release: Sōgyo no Kotowari transforms into two thin swords resembling fishing javelins with a reversed jitte-like prong on the back of each blade. The swords are connected by a cord, which is lined with several small charms. It is activated by the command "every wave be my shield, every thunder become my blade" (波悉く我が盾となれ雷悉く我が刃となれ nami kotogotoku waga tate to nare, ikazuchi kotogotoku waga yaiba to nare?).
  • Ability: Unknown, but various Bleach console games depict it as having control over varying combinations of water and lightning.
Kaien Shiba - Former 13th Division lieutenant
Rukia Kuchiki - 13th Division
  • Name: Sode no Shirayuki (袖の白雪 or 袖白雪, roughly Sleeve of White Snow)[21]
  • Initial release: Sode no Shirayuki becomes completely white and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. It is activated by the command "dance" (舞え mae?).
  • Abilities: Sode no Shirayuki has three techniques: "first dance, white moon" (初の舞, 月白 some no mai, tsukishiro?), "next dance, white ripple" (次の舞, 白漣 tsugi no mai, hakuren?), and "third dance, white sword" (参の舞, 白刀 san no mai, shirafune?). The first technique creates a circle of influence around Rukia's target and freezes everything within the circle from the ground upwards until it reaches the sky. The second technique is a directed version of the first attack, creating a massive wave of ice a considerable distance in front of Rukia. The third technique is used if her zanpakutō breaks, and restores the form of her sword with ice, even through an object or opponent.
Zennosuke Kurumadani
  • Name: Tsuchinamazu (土鯰, lit. Soil Catfish)
  • Initial release: As revealed in Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society, Tsuchinamazu transforms into a small, incomplete iron circle with an exterior laminated border. The missing part of the circle is replaced by a wooden handle with a long purple ribbon attached. It is activated by the command "good morning" (おはよう O-hayō?).
  • Abilities: Unknown.
Senna - Bleach: Memories of Nobody
  • Name: Mirokumaru (弥勒丸, lit. Maitreya circle)
  • Initial release: Mirokumaru takes the form of a staff during its released state. It is activated by the command "bring twilight" (夕闇に誘え yūyami niizanae?).
  • Abilities: Mirokumaru can create tornadoes, which Senna can then control to attack.

[edit] Arrancar

Luppi - Former 6th Espada
  • Name: Trepadora (蔦嬢, lit. Ivy Girl, but read in Spanish as Climber)
  • Initial release: Eight tendrils sprout from a carapace mounted on Luppi's back, which Luppi can freely control. It is activated by the command "strangle" (縊れ kubire?).
  • Ability: Luppi's tentacles can be used in a number of ways. They can be rapidly spun like helicopter blades, used to deliver crushing blows or constrict opponents, and can also sprout a cache of sharp thorns from their ends.
Aaroniero Arleri - 9th Espada
  • Name: Glotonería (喰虚, lit. Eating Hollow, but read in Spanish as Gluttony)
  • Initial release: Aaroniero rides on an enormous octopus-like creature with several large mouths on its body. It is activated by the command "devour" (喰い尽くせ kuitsukuse?).
  • Ability: Once Aaroniero released his zanpakutō he could call forth the powers of the hollows he has consumed all at once, and the creature's tentacles are used for melee combat.
Shawlong Qufang - 11th arrancar
  • Name: Tijereta (五鋏蟲, lit. Five Scissor Insect, but read in Spanish as Earwig)
  • Initial release: Scissor-like claws appear on Shawlong's hands and he grows a tail with claws. It is activated by the command "sever" (截て tate?).
  • Abilities: Shawlong's claws are used for melee combat.
Edorad Leones - 13th arrancar
  • Name: Volcanica (火山獣, lit. Volcanic Beast, but read in Spanish as Volcanica)
  • Initial release: Armor is generated on each of Edorad's arms with an exhaust spout at the shoulder. It is activated by the command "awake" (起きろ okiro?).
  • Abilities: Edorad can fire massive bursts of flame from his fists to engulf his opponents.
Ilfort Grantz - 15th arrancar
  • Name: Del Toro (蒼角王子, lit. Pale Horn Prince, but read in Spanish as "of the bull")
  • Initial release: Armor is generated around Ilfort, transforming him into a creature resembling a long-horned bull. He even walks on four legs. It is activated by the command "skewer" (突き砕け tsukikudake?).
  • Abilities: Ilfort uses his huge horns to as his primary means of attack, charging and skewering opponents as a bull would.
Dordonii Alessandro Del Socacchio - 103rd arrancar
  • Name: Giralda (暴風男爵, lit. Windstorm Baron, but read in Spanish as Giralda)
  • Initial release: Dordonii grows large horns on his shoulders and armor that starts at his feet, wraps around his calfs, then juts out at his waist with two more horns. Two enormous cyclones come from the armor in Dordonii's legs, allowing him to hover. It is activated by the command "rotate" (旋れ maware?).
  • Abilities: Dordonii can control two bird-like wind elemental beasts, which are created from the cyclones.
Cirucci Thunderwitch - 105th arrancar
  • Name: Golondrina (車輪鉄燕, lit. Car Wheel Iron Swallow, but read in Spanish as Swallow)
  • Initial release: Cirucci sprouts large wings with blades in place of feathers. Her arms become long and her fingers become sharp claws. Her mask grows into 'feathers' going down her back with two similar feather-like structures growing from her legs. It is activated by the command "rip off" (掻っ切れ kakkire?).
  • Abilities: Cirucci's wing-blades can be used as projectiles which she can summon back at will. Her released form uses a large amount of spiritual energy, but Cirucci can shed her wings and claws to bypass the weakness, instead concentrating the energy in her mask. The change is permanent, however.
Gantebein Mosqueda - 107th arrancar
  • Name: Dragra (龍拳, lit. Dragon Fist)
  • Initial release: Gantebein gains dome-shaped plates across both arms and down his back into a tail, giving him the appearance of an armadillo. His punching daggers also come to resemble dragons.
  • Abilities: Gantebein's tail emits energy that he gathers in his hands and shoots forward in one powerful blast. Before doing so, he says, "Dios, ruego nos perdone", meaning, "May God forgive us".

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bleach Official Character Book SOULs; page 258.
  2. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 187, page 17 - Isshin comments on how captain-level shinigami must control the size of their zanpakutō.
  3. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 162, page 13.
  4. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 66, page 19.
  5. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 65, page 19.
  6. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 155, page 23.
  7. ^ a b c Bleach manga; chapter 152, page 13.
  8. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 157, page 16.
  9. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 75, page 15.
  10. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 101, page 13.
  11. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 154, page 2.
  12. ^ Bleach Official Character Book SOULs; page 119.
  13. ^ a b Mentioned in sketches in Bleach volume 22.
  14. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 171, page 9.
  15. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 101, page 10.
  16. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 116, page 36.
  17. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 54, page 16-17.
  18. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 118, page 2.
  19. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 234, page 18.
  20. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 205, page 18.
  21. ^ Bleach manga; chapter 201, page 16.

[edit] External links

Bleach
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Races: Arrancar • Bount • Hollow • Quincy • Shinigami • Vizard
Lists: Bounts • Hollows • Other
Combat: Kidō • Zanpakutō
Locations: Hueco Mundo • Karakura Town • Soul Society
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