Unveiling the Enigma: Oh-Etsu Nimaiya Revealed in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War!

Highlights

Oh-Etsu Nimaiya, also known as the "Sword God," is the inventor of Zanpakutō and responsible for forging every single Zanpakutō in existence.

Nimaiya wields the flawless Zanpakutō, Sayafushi, which never chips or dulls, rendering it impossible to sheath. Despite being a remarkable combatant who swiftly adapts and executes lethal strikes, Nimaiya sustains severe injuries while battling an energized Lille Barro.

Oh-Etsu Nimaiya, also known as a member of the Zero Squad in the Gotei 13 or the Royal Guard, has played a significant role in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. He recently demonstrated his ruthless combat skills during a confrontation with the Royal Guard of Yhwach, showcasing his suitability as one of the Soul King's direct guardians. Despite his eccentric personality, Nimaiya's powerful influence on the ongoing story of Soul Society and the Seireitei is unmistakable. So, who is Oh-Etsu Nimaiya, truly?

Masamune

Oh-Etsu Nimaiya, also known as 刀神 "Tōshin" or "Sword God," holds the position of Third Officer in the Zero Division, representing the West cardinal direction. As the inventor of the Zanpakutō, he is referred to as the "Number One Zanpakutō Creator" and takes great pride in his role. When a Shinigami joins the Gotei 13, they receive an Asauchi, a blank soul that gradually takes on the characteristics and personality of its wielder, ultimately becoming their unique Zanpakutō. The relationship between a Shinigami and their Zanpakutō allows them to harness immense power through their Shikai and Bankai forms. During Ichigo and Renji's training with Nimaiya, they are surprised to discover that the accompanying women are actually Zanpakutō, indistinguishable from Shinigami or human souls.

Nimaiya has the exceptional ability to forge swords that possess their own will and consciousness, capable of taking on various forms. Furthermore, he is the sole individual capable of repairing broken Zanpakutō and possesses extensive knowledge of the whereabouts of all the Zanpakutō he creates. The two-tone appearance of Zanpakutō in their Shikai form may be reminiscent of the temper lines or hamon seen on real-life katana, resulting from the quenching process. This process involves applying clay to specific areas of the blade, causing the spine to cool more slowly than the cutting edge. Notably, the most renowned swordsmith in Japanese history, Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, who lived during the 13th century, was said to have perfected the art of forging blades of exceptional beauty and quality. He incorporated crystals of martensite, an incredibly hard form of steel, into his blades, giving them a distinctive shimmering appearance. This connection becomes evident when considering the Zanpakutō wielded by Nimaiya in combat. However, he considers his own blade a failure due to its exceptional sharpness and smoothness, making it difficult to sheathe.

Suffering From Success

Oh-Etsu Nimaiya Enters – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 11

Nimaiya's Zanpakutō, Sayafushi, is translated as "Sheath Dodger" and is characterized by its flawlessness, which is seen as a weakness by its creator. The blade is incredibly sharp and smooth, never chipping or wearing down. When not in use, Nimaiya suspends the sword in a vat of jelly. When swung, the sword emits a zooming noise reminiscent of a lightsaber, thanks to its clean cutting ability. However, due to its inability to be sheathed, Nimaiya considers Sayafushi a failure, as he believes a sword should be able to be sheathed.

Each Zanpakutō has a unique guard that reveals a lot about the character and the sword. For example, Sajin Komamura's guard depicts a Vajra, a symbol of Indra, while Byakuya's guard consists of uniform squares. Ichigo's Tensa Zangetsu features the Manji kanji, which contributes to its "Bankai" status. In comparison, Nimaiya's Zanpakutō lacks any distinctive design and simply has a smooth, oval shape for the guard. This design still conveys the sword's defining traits, such as its unparalleled sharpness and smoothness that prevent wear and keep it perpetually clean, as any substances effortlessly slide off its frictionless surface.

The Blade is He

Oh-Etsu Nimaiya vs Yhwach Elite Guard – BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 Episode 11

Nimaiya, a member of the Royal Guard, is described by fellow guard member Kirio Hikifune as unpredictable, quick-witted, and resolute. In a critical moment during "The Master," when Nimaiya's blood became toxic due to Askin Nakk Le Vaar's Deathdealing, he demonstrated his determination by slitting his own throat and having Kirinji replace his blood. Nimaiya's adaptability and straightforwardness make him an exceptional fighter. In recent episodes of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2, especially in "Too Early To Win, Too Late to Know," Nimaiya effortlessly delivers what appears to be fatal blows to multiple enemies in Yhwach's Elite Guard.

Despite Nakk Le Vaar minimizing the damage of the initial attack, Nimaiya and Sayafushi were unrelenting in their pursuit. However, after Yhwach's Auswählen restores the strength of the defeated Quincy and Yhwach himself, the battle once again becomes skewed in favor of the Quincies. Nimaiya sustains severe injuries in his attempt to defeat an empowered Lille Barro. Throughout this ordeal, Nimaiya remains unwavering and maintains his usual cheerful demeanor, which may be attributed to the nature of his sword, Sayafushi, and their connection.

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 2 – The Separation is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.