Ranking Ichigo's Closest Companions in Bleach

Highlights

Bleach is beloved for its impressive character designs, action scenes, and intriguing power systems, making it one of the most successful anime and manga series of all time.

Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist, wields Soul Reaper, Hollow, and Quincy abilities, while his closest companions possess diverse spiritual powers.

Several of Ichigo's allies initially served as adversaries, but gradually transformed into his loyal friends, adding depth and distinct dynamics to the narrative.

As one of the Big Three, Bleach stands as one of the most successful anime and manga series of all time. Fans are drawn to Bleach for its captivating character designs, dynamic power systems, and thrilling action sequences. The protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, begins his journey as an ordinary human, but as the series progresses, he becomes the wielder of Soul Reaper, Hollow, and Quincy powers.

Similar to many Shonen protagonists, Ichigo surrounds himself with a network of loyal friends. Each of Ichigo's closest companions possesses some form of spiritual power, and a few of them are individuals he grew up with as humans. Among his friends are Soul Reapers, supernatural beings responsible for battling and guarding against Hollows, as well as guiding souls towards the afterlife. Interestingly, some of these friends initially started off as adversaries, but regardless, their presence adds depth and richness to the overall storyline.

10 Nelliel

Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, the former 3rd Espada, is amongst the most powerful Hollows in Bleach. Her child-like appearance is a result of Nnoitora Gilga inflicting a serious head injury on her, causing her spiritual power to escape. During their journey to Las Noches, Nel and her companions unexpectedly encountered Ichigo and his friends.

Though Nel holds a belief that Soul Reapers are malevolent, she quickly develops a fondness for Ichigo upon their first meeting. In her child form, she regards Ichigo as an older brother figure. However, when she transforms into her adult form, she assumes the role of a devoted and diligent warrior, all while maintaining her cheerful and affectionate nature towards Ichigo.

9 Kenpachi Zaraki

Kenpachi Zaraki, the Captain of Squad 11, first encountered Ichigo in a deadly battle. Luckily, both survived the encounter. At the time, Ichigo and his friends were trespassers, and Kenpachi sought out Ichigo specifically because he desired a match against the strongest adversary.

Centuries had passed since Kenpachi faced defeat, and Ichigo became the first individual to triumph over him. Since then, Kenpachi has esteemed Ichigo as a member of his squad. Each time they cross paths, Kenpachi expresses his longing for a rematch. This sentiment led him to personally rescue Ichigo from Nnoitora in Hueco Mundo.

8 Renji

Renji, the Lieutenant of Squad 6, is renowned for his arrogance and unwavering determination in battles. Initially, Ichigo and Renji found themselves on opposing sides, engaging in a fierce and brutal confrontation within the Soul Society. However, their mutual goal of rescuing Rukia led them to put their differences aside, and it was only when Aizen's treachery was exposed that they truly became friends.

Despite occasional clashes, Ichigo and Renji consistently offer aid and support to one another. An evident display of their camaraderie was observed when both Renji and Rukia, without official permission, ventured into Hueco Mundo to assist Ichigo in his mission to rescue Orihime from Aizen and the Espada.

7 Keigo

Known for his goofy and hyperactive nature, Keigo has a tendency to be overly dramatic. Though he can be a bit lazy, he is ultimately a good-natured teenager. However, upon learning that he would be attending the same high school as Ichigo and Chad, he became stressed, mistakenly thinking they were involved in illegal activities such as gambling or drug dealing. This misconception led him to experience a near nervous breakdown when he discovered they would be in the same class.

When Keigo found himself being targeted by real bullies, Ichigo and Chad came to his rescue, proving their true nature as good individuals. During this time, Captain Commander Shunsui Kyoraku arrives in Karakura Town to inform Ichigo's friends about his impending departure. Keigo is present and becomes infuriated with Kyoraku for involving Ichigo in yet another conflict with Soul Society.

6 Mizuiro

Mizuiro, with his resourcefulness and calm demeanor, managed to stay composed in the presence of Sosuke Aizen. It was on his first day of high school when he encountered Ichigo and Chad. Initially, he held some reservations about them due to rumors of their involvement in bullying and thuggery.

Despite this, Mizuiro took the initiative to introduce himself. However, the true bullies targeted him and Keigo instead. Fortunately, Ichigo and Chad stepped in to fend them off, and Mizuiro commended Keigo for his bravery. Impressed, Ichigo recognized Mizuiro's talent for coming up with excuses and enlisted his help in preventing their potential suspension. Since then, they have remained close friends.

5 Uryu

Upon their initial encounter, Uryu held a deep disdain for Soul Reapers, causing him to harbor animosity towards Ichigo. However, in an attempt to showcase their prowess in defeating Hollows, Uryu proposed a challenge, inadvertently leading to the emergence of a formidable Menos Grande in Karakura Town. Recognizing the dire situation, the two formed an alliance and successfully halted the impending threat. This pivotal event served as a catalyst for their friendship, resulting in Ichigo extending an invitation to Uryu to join their circle of companions for future lunch gatherings.

From that point forward, their bond grew stronger. Uryu proved instrumental in the rescue of both Rukia and Orihime. Furthermore, he valiantly attempted to aid Ichigo when he was overwhelmed by his Hollow form. Facing adversity together, Uryu and Ichigo confronted Kugo as a united front. During the momentous Thousand-Year Blood War, Uryu feigned allegiance to Yhwach in order to lend a hand to his comrades. Ultimately, he demonstrated his loyalty by saving Ichigo from a formidable opponent, Haschwalth, who had been imbued with enhanced powers.

4 Chad

Chad, one of Ichigo's closest friends, unfairly receives limited screen time despite his significance. Upon returning to Japan, Chad aids Ichigo when he is attacked by thugs. During another encounter, Ichigo defends Chad and discovers his difficult upbringing, as well as the sentimental value of Chad's coin from his deceased grandfather.

As Chad is abducted by the thugs, one of them threatens to destroy his precious coin. However, Ichigo once again steps in, endangering his own life to protect Chad and the cherished memento. After the fight concludes, a bond is formed between them as they solemnly pledge to always assist and safeguard each other.

3 Orihime

Orihime Inoue, known for her independence and caring nature, supports Ichigo in his mission to save Rukia when she is taken to Soul Society for execution. In a daring act, Ichigo risks his life to rescue Orihime from Aizen in Hueco Mundo, highlighting their strong bond. Orihime's voice is what ultimately brings Ichigo back to life after Ulquiorra's devastating attack. Despite having a crush on him, their romantic relationship comes after a strong friendship that was built throughout the series. Ultimately, they marry each other.

2 Rukia

Rukia and Ichigo were greatly admired by many Bleach fans who wished for them to be in a romantic relationship. However, they remain nothing more than close companions. Their fateful meeting occurred in the inaugural episode when Rukia selflessly shared her Soul Reaper powers with Ichigo after he was wounded by a Hollow. As the series progressed, their friendship deepened, facing countless Hollow battles together and attending school side-by-side. Rukia even became a valued member of Ichigo's human friend circle.

Although they occasionally engage in comedic banter that can grate on each other's nerves, their connection is unbreakable. Ichigo's unwavering determination to confront and protect the Soul Society merely to rescue Rukia is a testament to their extraordinary bond. Likewise, Rukia has proven to be an invaluable ally, providing invaluable assistance to Ichigo whenever he was in need.

1 Tatsuki

Tatsuki, being Orihime's closest companion, also happens to be Ichigo's childhood friend. Their paths crossed at a karate dojo when they were merely four years old, and she takes pride in claiming that she was the first person to bring him to tears with a solid hit. This incident marked the beginning of their friendship, establishing Tatsuki as Ichigo's long-standing companion.

For a consecutive two years, Tatsuki continued to outperform Ichigo in karate. However, when Ichigo finally triumphed over her, they mutually agreed to cease their practice bouts. When Ichigo's mother passed away at the tender age of nine, Tatsuki diligently sought him out when he started missing school. In addition to this, they also formed a bond as karaoke partners.