One Gotei 13 Captain in Bleach Never Bothered Unleashing His Final Bankai Form After Fighting Ichigo

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is concluding its Fall 2024 episodes, with fans getting an exciting preview of Part 3’s grand finale. Bleach‘s return after an 8-month hiatus has been nothing but exciting for the fandom. Since its return, Bleach has dominated the internet, with each sequel outshining the last, with fans eagerly anticipating the Part 4 release window.

At long last, TYBW reveals another Bankai, this time from Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, a long-awaited moment for manga readers to finally see adapted. As the new Captain Commander after Yamamoto’s death, this moment solidifies his key role in the story.

Captain Shunsui Kyoraku Bankai in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Over the years, Tite Kubo’s Bleach has made a lasting impact, with Bankai becoming a global phenomenon beloved by fans worldwide.

While fans still await iconic Bankai moments from characters like Kenpachi Zaraki and Kisuke Urahara, one Soul Reaper Captain possesses a powerful Bankai that remains unrevealed in TYBW, despite showcasing its tremendous strength against Ichigo back in the Big Three era.

The strongest Bankai from classic Bleach still awaits its return in TYBW

Every Soul Reaper has a katana called a Zanpakutō, and each one possesses a Shikai release. Bankai refers to a Zanpakutō’s second release, and it can usually only be achieved by Captain-level Soul Reapers.

Rukia’s Bankai in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Bleach fans have witnessed over a dozen Bankai, each showcasing immense power, though some stand out as far more formidable than others. The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc has been a huge success thus far. It has already introduced some never-before-seen Bankai, and as the story continues, several more Bankai will make their debut.

With the anime community eagerly anticipating new Bankai debuts, one character still hasn’t unveiled their true Bankai form in TYBW, despite leaving many awestruck in classic Bleach.

Byakuya Kuchiki is one of the most skilled combatants among all the Gotei 13 Captains.

Byakuya Kuchiki | Credits: Studio Pierrot

When it comes to utilizing a Zanpaktuo to full effect, not many captains can do it quite as well as Byakuya and his beloved Senbonzakura. Though he started off as a villain, Byakuya has undergone a remarkable redemption arc throughout the series.

Unfortunately, with the influx of new characters in TYBW, Bleach fans can see Byakuya being sidelined and not playing as central a role as he once did.

Byakuya’s Bankai remains shrouded in mystery throughout the TYBW series, leaving fans eager for a glimpse of the devastating form that once pushed Ichigo to his limits during the Big Three era.

Byakuya’s Bankai produces an almost limitless amount of offensive potential. Upon activation, he summons thousands of large blades that break apart into countless smaller blades, resembling cherry blossoms.

Fully under Byakuya’s control, these blades can encircle his opponent, forming what is regarded as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi’s ultimate attack. Byakuya defines true mastery over his Zanpakuto through his exceptional skill, discipline, and nobility.

Byakuya Kuchiki Bankai in TYBW | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Byakuya’s Bankai lets him shred enemies or shield himself with countless blades, which he controls mentally. Its final form condenses all blades into a single, ethereal white sword.

Senbonzakura Kageyoshi was first used against Renji, defeating him in one strike. Ichigo later faced its full power on Sokyoku Hill but overcame it with his speed and Hollowfication. Despite Byakuya’s Senbonzakura Kageyoshi being a fan-favorite Bankai, fans are eager for its return in TYBW, hoping that Part 4 will finally grant their wish.

Why Bleach needs a Quincy Blood War Spin-Off

Yamamoto wasn’t just the leader of the Soul Society, but one of its founders as he helped to strengthen the organization as a part of the Gotei 13. As the oldest captain in the Gotei 13, his character was often overlooked, especially since the original Bleach rarely gave him the spotlight.

Genryuusai Yamamoto’s Death | Credits: Studio Pierrot

While Yamamoto might have been an elderly Soul Reaper, he demonstrates a glimpse of his terrifying Bankai in TYBW Part 1. With his Bankai’s apocalyptic fire-based powers, Yamamoto won, only to realize that his enemy was another Sternritter merely posing as Yhwach.

Though Yamamoto fell victim to Yhwach’s cheap tricks, the terrifying power of his Bankai left fans amazed, fueling speculation about his prime days.

Genryuusai Yamamoto’s Bankai | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Yamamoto’s death marked the end of a thousand years of Soul Society history. Tricked, stripped of his power, and killed in a humiliating manner, his peace had made him vulnerable. This has sparked fans’ hopes for a Bleach spin-off exploring his prime during the Quincy Blood War.

Bleach and Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3 are available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.