Spoilers ahead for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Episode #19
In episode #19 of Thousand-Year Blood War titled "The White Haze," Rukia, an often overlooked character in Bleach, finally takes center stage. This episode showcases Rukia, the vice-Captain of the Shinigami, unveiling her Bankai for the first time. Fans had high expectations, and Rukia certainly meets them with a grand and breathtaking display.
Throughout the Thousand-Year Blood War, Rukia has faced numerous challenges. She was swiftly defeated during the initial Quincy attack and, along with Renji, her brother Byakuya, and Ichigo, suffered severe injuries that required extensive healing from Squad Zero. However, Rukia's time spent training with Squad Zero proved invaluable. Her efforts paid off when she returned to the battlefield in episode #19. Tasked with confronting Äs Nödt, the Quincy responsible for defeating her brother, Rukia wastes no time in unveiling her newest and most powerful weapon – her awe-inspiring Bankai.
Rukia's Bankai is One of the Strongest In Bleach
Only a few characters in Bleach possess Bankai, and Rukia was not one of them until this episode. Similar to Renji's experience at the Soul King's Palace, Rukia must have had a realization that allowed her to unlock her Zanpakuto's ultimate state. Despite Äs attempting to infect her with fear, Rukia managed to lower her body temperature below zero, halting his attack. However, her Bankai proved to be even more potent, as it could reach absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius) for a brief moment.
With her Bankai, Hakka no Togame, Rukia completely freezes Äs, even when he had released his Vollstandig ability. The range of her power is vast, but Byakuya warns her that if she isn't careful, it could potentially harm her as well. It's refreshing to see Rukia develop such a formidable ability and effectively utilize it in a real battle, especially considering her previous losses and period without any powers. Rukia's talents as a Soul Reaper are often mentioned, but she rarely had the chance to demonstrate her skills in the original series, making it a delight for her fans to witness her prowess now.
Rukia Is No Longer Bleach's Damsel In Distress
Rukia's Bankai draws inspiration from the Yuki-onna, a Japanese yokai known as the snow lady. This monstrous entity, resembling a woman, resides in areas prone to blizzards, enticing men towards their doom. Rukia proves herself just as deadly as this legendary creature, her frozen state radiating an ethereal beauty. While initially vital in catalyzing Ichigo's shinigami abilities, Rukia is later sidelined and reduced to a plot device in the Soul Society arc. However, fans of Bleach can finally rejoice as Rukia's long-awaited Bankai reveal exceeds all expectations, showcasing her triumph in a way that satisfies devotees of the series.
