Unleashing Unrivaled Power: Unveiling the Supreme Bankai in Bleach's Thousand Year Blood War

The long-awaited anime adaptation of Bleach's final arc, The Thousand-Year Blood War, has finally arrived, much to the excitement of fans. With its debut, fans can expect a plethora of new Bankai, the ultimate forms of the Soul Reapers' Zanpakuto swords. Although the manga ended in 2016, leaving some fans dissatisfied, the anime adaptation aims to address those concerns and expand on the original story. One of the highlights of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc is the unveiling of numerous Bankai, both by new characters and long-awaited reveals. Notably, the anime is introducing entirely new Bankai that were absent in the manga, leaving fans curious as to why they were previously omitted. To fuel the anticipation, here are the top 10 Bankai that fans are most excited to see in The Thousand-Year Blood War anime.

10 Renji Abarai - Sōō Zabimaru

9 Ichibei Hyōsube - Shirafude Ichimonji

Renji, a cherished character in Bleach, held a special place in the hearts of fans as one of the first to unleash his Bankai in the anime. As the lieutenant of the 6th squad, he showcased his impressive prowess by unleashing the ultimate form of his Zanpakuto, Zabimaru, during his early battle against Byakuya. However, it wasn't until the final arc that Renji fully unveiled the true potential of his Sōō Zabimaru, in a fierce clash with the Quincy Mask De Masculine. Astonishingly, it was revealed that Renji's Bankai had been incomplete in all its previous manifestations. In its perfected form, it bore a striking similarity, yet with a significant enhancement - the pelt that previously adorned his shoulder had transformed into a formidable gorilla arm, empowering him to unleash devastating assaults at close quarters.

Ichibei, a member of the Royal Guard and known as Squad Zero in Bleach, is a prominent character introduced in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Referred to as the Monk Manako Oshō or "Oshō" for short, he was bestowed this title by the Soul King, signifying his role as the revealer of true identities. Ichibei's significance lies in his ability to bestow names upon Zanpakuto, as well as their Shikai and Bankai releases, encompassing all aspects within the Soul Society. His Bankai is recognized as one of the most formidable in the entire Bleach universe, to the extent that he came close to ending the final battle single-handedly. By utilizing his Shikai, Ichibei can apply ink marks on his adversaries, enabling him to manipulate any attribute of his opponent in his Bankai state, often leading him to emerge victorious with a single uttered word.

8 Retsu Unohana - Minazuki

The Captain of Squad 2 remained a profound enigma until the Thousand-Year Blood War. While her Shikai version of the Zanpakuto manifested as a colossal airborne manta ray with the ability to restore life, her Bankai remained a source of curiosity for fans. Unohana's chance to unveil it didn't surface until the concluding arc of Bleach, during her ultimate confrontation with Kenpachi Zaraki. It is then disclosed that Unohana held the illustrious title of the previous Kenpachi, representing the Soul Society's most merciless combatants. Diverging from the healing properties of her Shikai, Unohana's Zanpakuto, Minazuki, undergoes a transformation, generating a blood-like substance that envelops her and takes on the form of a reduced-size katana fit for battle. This blood can be manipulated for both offensive and defensive purposes, rendering it remarkably potent.

7 Shunsui Kyōraku - Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū

Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, a beloved and enigmatic character in Bleach, proved his worth as the leader of the eighth division, despite his relaxed demeanor. What makes him even more fascinating is the stark contrast between his Bankai and the Shikai form of his Zanpakuto, Katen Kyokotsu. Initially, his Shikai form consists of two massive blades that he skillfully wields in each hand. However, his Bankai form portrays a menacing shadow-like sword, capable of instilling despair in anyone it touches. This immense power comes at a price, as Captain Kyoraku must refrain from using it when allies are present. This explains the prolonged secrecy surrounding the revelation of his Bankai.

6 Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi - Kinshara Butōdan

5 Rukia Kuchiki - Hakka No Togame

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi held the esteemed position of Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads a century ago but was later banished after transforming into a Visored. Following the intense battle against Sousuke Aizen, he was reinstated as captain of the 3rd Squad, taking over from Gin Ichimaru. Affectionately known as Rose, he showcased his Bankai, called the Kinshara Butōdan, during The Thousand-Year Blood War in his confrontation against Mask De Masculine. This unique ability enables Rose to assume the role of a supernatural conductor, represented by two striking golden hands holding a baton that emerge from his being. These hands command dancers adorned with petal-shaped features on their faces, who execute attacks as Rose dictates. Employing his Bankai, Rose can also fabricate tangible illusions, skillfully activated by the articulated movements of the dancers.

Rukia, a character from Bleach, undergoes significant growth throughout the series. Initially lacking any powers and assisting Ichigo in his journey to become a Soul Reaper, Rukia proves to be quite vulnerable in the early arcs. However, it is only in Hueco Mundo that she reveals her impressive ice abilities. During the Thousand-Year Blood War, she unleashes her Bankai in a fierce battle against Äs Nödt, the one who had defeated her brother, Byakuya. This transformation, known as Hakka No Togame, turns Rukia into an actual ice princess, granting her the power to freeze everything in her surroundings. In fact, she is even capable of reducing temperatures to absolute zero, making her an incredibly formidable opponent.

4 Kisuke Urahara - Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame

The former captain of the 12th Squad, Kisuke Urahara, was one of the last Soul Reapers to unveil his Bankai. Benihime, his Zanpakuto, was an intriguing weapon due to its possession by a male Soul Reaper and its unique female spirit. In a desperate move, Urahara unleashed his Bankai, known as Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame, during his battle against Askin Nakk Le Vaar. This incredible Bankai takes the form of a colossal woman and grants Urahara the power to manipulate and reshape anything it touches. It has the ability to cleave objects within its reach and even offer healing to those nearby, making it an exceptionally formidable Bankai.

3 Shinji Hirako - Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari

Shinji Hirako, a Visored, currently serves as the Captain of Squad 5 in the Soul Society. Although his Bankai remained undisclosed in the manga, the Thousand-Year Blood War anime rectified this omission by fully showcasing it. Known as Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari, Shinji's Bankai possesses the remarkable ability to disorient a multitude of adversaries, blurring the lines between friend and foe. Consequently, those affected unwittingly turn against one another, sparing Shinji from direct involvement. The revelation of his Bankai, seven years after the manga's conclusion, took many by surprise and rapidly emerged as one of the anime's standout moments.

2 Zaraki Kenpachi - Unnamed

Kenpachi Zaraki is a highly popular character among fans due to his relentless obsession with battle. Since his very first appearance, there has been much speculation about the extent of his power. The true name of Zaraki's Zanpakuto remains a mystery throughout the series, adding to the intrigue surrounding its actual capabilities. Even Zaraki himself was initially unaware of its true potential. However, after his intense duel with Unohana, he gains a profound understanding of his Zanpakuto, enabling him to unleash its Shikai and eventually his Bankai. Reflecting his personality perfectly, Zaraki's Zanpakuto takes the form of a colossal shattered sword, and his energy reaches unimaginable heights, causing a transformative and almost demonic metamorphosis in his appearance.

1 Ichigo Kurosaki - (True) Tensa Zangetsu

Ichigo Kurosaki is widely regarded as one of the most dominant characters in the realm of anime. Not only did he achieve the ability to wield his Shikai at an astonishing speed, but he even surpassed many seasoned Soul Reapers by unlocking his Bankai. Furthermore, Ichigo possessed the remarkable ability to transform into a hollow, augmenting his already formidable power. Little did he know, his inner Hollow was the very essence of his Zanpakuto, and only through acknowledging its existence could Ichigo truly harness the might of his Zanpakuto. It is not until the climactic ending of the series that Ichigo's true Bankai comes to light, as he engages in a momentous clash against the malevolent Yhwach to determine the fate of the world.

The Thousand-Year Blood War, serving as a significant conflict, provided the ideal platform for numerous Captains to unveil their Bankai abilities, a prime opportunity they had not previously encountered. Fan expectations ran high for some, while others pleasantly caught enthusiasts off guard. A Soul Reaper's Bankai serves as an authentic reflection of a facet of their soul, allowing fans to gain a deeper understanding of the characters. As Bleach draws to a close, The Thousand-Year Blood War acted as a final opportunity to showcase these abilities, and now, the anime presents one last chance for their display.