Unveiling the Mystery: Jushiro Ukitake's Bankai in Bleach

Bleach is a popular anime and manga series with a vast universe and a diverse array of characters, both in design and personality. Among these characters, Jushiro Ukitake has gained significant popularity since the release of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War.

As the Captain of the 13th Squad in the Gotei 13, Jushiro Ukitake holds a significant role in the Bleach series. Attaining the rank of Captain is a rare achievement, with only the strongest characters reaching this prestigious status.

The fanbase is curious about one thing - does Jushiro Ukitake have a Bankai in the Bleach series? The answer is yes, Jushiro Ukitake does have a Bankai in the Bleach series. Please be aware that this article may contain spoilers from the manga chapters.

Bleach: About Jushiro Ukitake

Jushiro Ukitake as seen in the anime series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Jushiro Ukitake, a tall man with white hair and black eyebrows, was afflicted with a lung disease, changing the color of his hair according to the lore in the Bleach series. As a result, he is often seen resting and recovering at Ugendo, his family’s estate. Despite this illness, he is an impressive combatant and eventually becomes the Captain of the 13th Squad.

In the anime and manga series, the weapon wielded by each Shinigami is crucial. Ukitake's Zanpakuto is named Sogyo no Kotowari, and his well-known Shikai has been witnessed by viewers during fights on numerous occasions.

The incantation for activating the Shikai is "All Ye Waves, Become My Shield. All Ye Thunder, Become My Blade." Speaking these words unleashes the power of the Shikai, dividing one sword into two, linked by a lengthy red-colored thread.

Fans have not yet seen Ukitake's Bankai in the Bleach series, even though he held the powerful position of Captain of the 13th Squad. Despite his known possession of a Bankai, its form was never disclosed as he died before he could use it. This is a common occurrence in the series, with several characters known to possess Bankai, but the specific forms remaining a mystery. These characters include Sosuke Aizen, Isshin Kurosaki, Shuehei Hisagi, Shinji Hirako, and Retsu Unohana.

As a result, fans have come up with various theories about what Ukitake's Bankai might look like. It has been revealed that his Zanpakuto transforms into two parts in its Shikai form, which has led some fans to speculate that his Bankai could divide the blade into three parts, with the third piece floating above him at all times.

u/Reina-de-Rosas commented in the inbleach discussion:

When in Shikai form, the left blade absorbs the attack and the right blade releases it back with even more power. In Bankai form, the floating blade can create a lightning discharge, increasing the strength of the attack even further.

The design would have been both beautiful and functional. Additionally, his Bankai would have functioned similarly to his Shikai but with increased power. It's worth noting that this is just a fan theory as Jushiro Ukitake's Bankai was never revealed in the manga. Keep an eye out for more anime and manga updates as 2023 continues.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am intrigued by the mystery surrounding Jushiro Ukitake's Bankai in the Bleach series. The fact that he possesses a Bankai but its form remains undisclosed adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the story. It's fascinating to speculate about what his Bankai might look like and how it would enhance his already impressive abilities.

The theories proposed by fans, such as the division of the blade into three parts and the creation of a lightning discharge, showcase the creativity and passion of the Bleach fandom. It's a testament to the series' enduring popularity that fans continue to engage with its characters and explore their potential even beyond what is explicitly revealed in the manga.