‘Nobody else says it, not even Chad or Orihime’: The Exact Moment Byakuya Became Bleach’s MVP Is Impossible to Debate

One of the glaring similarities between Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado is their popularity among fans. Other than that, both side characters are Full Bringers who play a pivotal role in the story.

They were also one of the highest-rated characters in terms of their popularity from Tite Kubo’s series. This, however, didn’t last long with another fan-favorite character dethroning both of them.

Orihime in a still from the Thousand-Year Blood War anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

From his flawed sense of justice to his aiding Rukia’s execution, Byakuya was hated by the fandom. His willingness to sacrifice his sister for his warped concepts was deemed loathsome by many fans.

Lately, however, several fans point to his coldest line in the series that overturned their hate towards the character. This also ties well with Kubo’s layering of complexities in his conception of well-written characters.

Not Orihime but Byakuya takes the cake with his coldest line

Aside from being the captain of the 6th Division of Gotei 13, Byakuya Kuchiki is also the head of the Kuchiki Clan. As a member of one of the four noble families in Seireitei, his character embodies nobility, pride, and elegance.

This also ties well with his ability in the series. The Senbonzakura, for example, is the epitome of grace and precision. And though it is designed to kill, it does so elegantly. But there’s more to his character and persona than meets the eye.

Tsukishima and Byakuya in a still fromt he anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Barring his noble disposition in the series, his attitude towards his sister’s execution garnered general disdain from most fans. His cold persona coupled with his willingness to throw her under the bus makes him loathsome.

Despite that, Tite Kubo did a 180 with the character’s redemption in the future arcs. While this was a sight to behold, it gave him a sense of edginess to his character. In particular, his coldest line is the highlight of the series that most fans vouch for.

Most Redditors noted that his line in the Fullbringer Arc was essential in highlighting his growth as a character.

While some may deem this as fangirl behavior, his loyalty towards Ichigo was a turning point in the story. From a cold and duty-bound captain to a loving brother, his redemption is done brilliantly. In this regard, Tite Kubo often doesn’t get enough praise for layering the complexities with the characters.

The layering of complexities in Bleach characters

What truly sets Bleach apart from its contemporaries is the characters. While it may not have a rich worldbuilding, it tops the charts in terms of its well-written characters. Kubo does a great job, in this case, to amplify the flawed morality and justice in this series.

His characters are isolated from the binaries of good and evil. This is especially true for his writing of Gin Ichimaru’s story in his manga. Aside from that, he leaves no stone unturned in highlighting a spectrum of persona with his characters.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi in a still from Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Be it Mayuri Kurotsuchi or Gin Ichimaru, the characters embody depth and gravitas in most aspects. They are far-fetched from cliche portrayals of shonen antagonists. Rather, there are undertones of ambiguity and mystery to their character.

Gin’s betrayal of Aizen, underlines his conflict and need to carry out justice. On the other hand, Mayuri’s pursuits and goals are tied to his personification of the mad scientist stereotype. His actions have proved fruitful for the Seireitei on several occasions nonetheless.

By and by, Tite Kubo went the extra mile with his conception of his characters. Notably, his writing of the 6th Division’s captain stands undisputed for the most part.

Bleach is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.