Forum:Ichigo Kurosaki

This thread is for discussing Ichigo Kurosaki. For Hollow Ichigo, see also this thread: Forum:Hollow Ichigo. Threads about Ichigo posted outside of here are liable to be merged in here if they are unlikely to attract many responses. -- Yyp  (Talk)  22:52, December 30, 2009 (UTC)

Getsuga Tensho
It occurred to me that at this point in the story, it could be questionable that Getsuga is even Zangetsu's special ability. Given that Isshin is capable of using it, and even knows more about it that Ichigo, means that it isn't exactly as exclusive as the other zanpakuto abilities we've seen thus far. Probably too early to speculate, but Getsuga Tenshou itself seems just to be a technique that simply channels the users reiryoku in their blade tip, and then as the blade is swung, releases said energy in a blast of reiatsu; the user determining the power of the attack. Isshin's and Ichigo's are obviously very powerful, and Ichigo's Bankai Getsuga Tenshou isn't technically "enhanced"; just his reiatsu, which changes texture, color, and power with the use of his Bankai, which changes the attack itself. That is, assuming that my theory is actually correct. Assuming that, this new Getsuga Tenshou must make some use of a different reiatsu or whatnot.--Ulquiorra Wannabe128 16:59, June 12, 2010 (UTC)

If you read from here http://www.onemanga.com/Bleach/161/05/ onto a few more pages Ichigo talks about how GT works and that he properly learnt to use it whilst training with Zangetsu. He says that although Uruhara could only teach him preparation that Zangetsu was the only one who could teach him to use Zangetsu.

This is evidence enough as things stand that Getsuga Tenshou is Zangetsu's attack until we learn more. Wolfwood (Shoot)  17:41, June 12, 2010 (UTC)

Has the hollow always been there?
I recently re-watched episode 17, and noticed something about Ichigo. After Renji whoops on him, he stands up with his head down, like his body is possesed. Then he gets a huge surge of power that continuously rises. And if you look at his eyes/smile, he looks like he does when the hollow takes over. His speed and strength increase a lot and he even says that he 'dont know the reason, but [he] feels great" and that his "wound doesnt hurt anymore" and he is really loud and cocky too, like the hollow is. I have also looked at the manga chapter 55 to double check this information (since the show sometimes changes details), and its there. Now im not saying that the hollow took over or anything, but just wondering if anyone else thinks that he influenced Ichigo a little?Truest eyes 23:47, May 22, 2010 (UTC)Truest_eyes


 * That's Ichigo's own power coming to the fore (Zangetsu). This was explained during the Shattered Shaft. Ichigo was born with his own powers, which began awakening due to Ichigo having Rukia's powers. They came to the surface during the fight with the Menos Grande and again when fighting Renji. Yyp  (Talk) 08:45, May 23, 2010 (UTC)

New Hollow Ichigo: Arrancar?
Ichigo is killed by Ulquiorra and he revives as a hollow. Does this mean Ichigo is an Arrancar.

No, it doesn't. That was just Ichigo's inner hollow taking control to prevent Ichigo (and himself) from dying, using Ichigo's desperate want to save Orihime as a way to take control. Just like his battle with Renji and Byakuya, Hollow Ichigo saved Ichigo to keep himself from being killed. I'm guessing that the reason for the new form it took is because of all the times Ichigo has draw on his hollow powers by using his mask. Really, I don't know what that was, but it doesn't make him an Arrancar.--Black Artist 00:51, January 2, 2010 (UTC)

I think the principle is same as in naruto where the kyuubi lends naruto chakra whenever naruto is in danger of dying. Kishen1912 13:13, January 2, 2010 (UTC)

I really could not even begin to understand how you came to the theory of Ichigo becoming an Arrancar. First, do you know the definition of an Arrancar? Arrancar are Hollows that have had their masks almost completely removed and—through this process—gained the powers of a Soul Reaper, a more humanoid appearance, as well as strength, speed, and intelligence beyond the level of a normal Hollow. The hollow within Ichigo merely came out to keep him alive. It is just as Kishen1912 spoke about above. It is an example of the Kyuubi lending naruto chakra so that he does not die.HellBlade 04:45, January 3, 2010 (UTC)

If Ichigo dies....wouldnt he just turn into a shinigami?
i just think that everyone is getting too worried about ichigo if it turned out that if he dies he will become immortal also his human friends can pretty much see spirits so if he was a shinigami he can still stay in touch.....well what do you think? MoneyInTheBankai 18:08, December 23, 2009 (UTC)

Yes, he most likely would I believe, but also we're unsure if when you die you retain your age and memories upon arrival to Seireitei. Most of the people we have seen in flashbacks have been kids or teenage. You could easily have to restart as a baby and regrow over the hundreds of years. -Advacora

Zangetsu Pronunciation
I was wondering, the pronunciation "Zangetsu(ザンゲツ)" is the Katakana way to pronounce it. In that case, what is the pronunciation in Hiragana? I know 月 is pronounced as "tsuki(つき)" but what of 斬? Onemanga gives "Kitsuki" but I'm not exactly willing to follow it right away. Can someone please give me an answer? :(His Wrath falls from the Heavens. :Starshade) 09:41, 6 March 2009 (UTC)

Zangetsu's Shikai Release Command
Well, I don't know if anyone else has noticed this but, according to episode 20 of the anime when Ichigo first releases Zangetsu into its Shikai form, as well as during episode 233 of the anime(Zanpakutou Unknown Tales arc, which Kubo Tite is said to be involved in writing) when Muramasa extracted Zangetsu from Ichigo, the possible Shikai release command for Zangetsu could be:

"Abandon your fear, look forward. Retreat and you will age, hesitate and you will die. Zangetsu."

Possible slightly different translations and dialogue between two different subbers, but these four core lines were identical in the Japanese dialogue. Anyone else think? Ntan90 17:32, September 4, 2009 (UTC)

The problem is that its in constant release from its generation so what reason would it have for a release command if it was never sealed in the first place to be released. These are both world apart in seeing as they have only been mentioned twice in the entire series and there is nothing to confirm it which would be odd for the main protagonist of the storyline who fights constantly with it.Salubri 18:29, September 4, 2009 (UTC)

Not really, it WAS sealed (and got broken down until the hilt was left) until Ichigo learned its name and first released Shikai (with Zangetsu reciting the possible command before Ichigo shouted ZANGETSU!). Well it may be that the only reason the command exists was to release it into Shikai for the first time probably. Sure, if it was mentioned only once it may just be Zangetsu telling Ichigo not to fear and all but since it was mentioned twice, and identical, who knows. Not uncommon for long commands to sound this way either i.e. Ryuujinjakka, Katen Kyoukotsu Ntan90 18:44, September 4, 2009 (UTC)

Whoa you might be somewhat confused the sword he had previous was as a result of Rukia's power that he took not his. It was his vast spiritual energy bloated up into the shape of a sword it had no power behind it really, hence its destruction so easily, stated by Urahara. It wasn't until gaining his own powers that he got zangetsu and it happened after what was left of that previous piece of sword was fully destroyed by urahara and ichigo had nothing to fight with. That is when the sword manifested about the time you stated the supposed release was used. Also when he got the shinigami powers it was the same in the inner world he pulled zangetsu out of a box. Both instances the sword was in constant release, it never was sealed hence having no release command. constant release works in the way that the spiritual power is so great and uncontrolled that the sword is automatically in shikai there was never a sealed form.Salubri 19:10, September 4, 2009 (UTC)


 * firstly that sentence was said not by ichigo but by zangetsu to ichigo, and secondly the first sword ichigo got was rukias power forming the sword but after he regained his powers it still had the same shape till it was released into it's shikai state Fawcettp 05:20, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

Thats not what happened either he took rukias power but it made that first sword, he still had that piece of sword when he awakened his power but prior to pulling out zangetsu there was nothing left of the previous sword except the handle (which bares no resemblance at all to his current swords handle which is equally part of the sword).Salubri 05:43, September 5, 2009 (UTC)


 * it was said (in the anime atleast) that his powers were awakened due to the power rukia gave him and when her step-brother beat him they hid at the center of his soul for protection, this would indicate that it was infact his sword/power he was using to battle and what rukias step-brother sealed was in fact the powers rukia gave him Fawcettp 07:23, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

This is why people should stick to the manga which is written and drawn by Kubo himself while the anime is done by other people. What happens is Rukia means to give him half her power but he ends up taking it all the reason being is the high level of his own spiritual power in the first place, in doing this he awakens his own spiritual power. When Byakuya comes the senka technique he uses destroys the power that rukia gave him. His own spiritual power hid deep within him so as not to be destroyed it then was reawakened with Urahara's help and thats when he used his own power for the first time. This is why Byakuya was later surprised that ichigo had powers as he destroyed what he took from rukia, he is not even sure how Ichigo has gotten Shingimai powers again. This all explained and if i recall it should have been in the anime as well. Its also stated that the first sword was a result of Rukia's power that the spiritual energy he took from her caused the creation of something unsolid to bloat up into the shape of a sword but had no real power behind it. Thus the reason why it was destroyed so easily. It wasn't until the awakening of his own power that he got his true zanpakuto which was the constant-release zangetsu we currently see.Salubri 10:38, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

So what about that hilt [that looked EXACTLY the same as that of the "bloated sword"] Ichigo pulled out from the "box" containing his shinigami's powers? Zangetsu said pull ME out. Ntan90 12:07, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

Ok you make your argument the problem is your talkin about a handle you didnt see him pull the sword out and when he does its the one we all know of and its even more of a surprise cause no one expected it. This is a issue because this is becoming more of something that belongs on the forum. The talk pages are for conversation on content and maintenance of a page and this conversation is hardly about content cause your position on this release cant be proven and it wont be featured on the page otherwise its false information the series up to 372 chapters now and this release command was not mentioned once not even given itself over to be one the time it is said also its not a question of zangetsu being a constant release that was explained by Yoruichi later on. Some im not sure at this point what your trying to get at because the first sword was stated not a reflection of his actual power. That being said read the manga when this whole thing went down the sword never had a sealed form all of the issues surrounding it is explained by Urahara and even zangetsu himself.Salubri 12:21, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

Ichigo's New Mask
Note: Do not read if you have not read the latest chapter.

What does this new mask of Ichigo's mean? It seems he has grown even stronger, but how did he get it? Was it another occasion like the second time he confronted his Hollow, where he needed to defeat him if he wanted more power? Discuss.Gold3263301 22:49, October 15, 2009 (UTC)

I think it may have something to do with his latest transformation. Also, I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but unlike the previous times he donned his mask, the sclera in his eyes remained white. Either way though, this does mean something's different besides just the mask design (which, IMO, is inferior to his previous mask in design). Arrancar109 06:35, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

It's pretty simple really: evolution Kaihedgie 06:49, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

if u haven't noticed his new mask is the same as his 2nd hollow form's mask,i think his speed is even than before, he was so fast that yammy can't see him (not sure if it due it his size). his Tensa Zangetsu seem to have goten stronger even with out the chargeing and flip tha big yammy up side down. but i think he might need to go back to his innner world and beat his hollow-self to master his new mask. sold it be that vizard's hollow forms are like Arrancar's Resurrecciónnew. and vizard getting a new masks are like the Arrancar getting a 2nd Resurrecciónnew. what do u think of my idea...?

i wrote the stuff on top and forgot to say it i wrote it....--Ace 08:29, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

Ichigo got an upgrade. we dont know what Ichigo is now capable of. he might get to use cero now we dont know. time will tell. Darkgoku 08:57, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

Have you guys noticed that his Getsuga Tensho is smaller than when he used it in his originally hollow mask?? Maybe its more compressed just like his Bankai.

It seems that almost every time he uses his mask, it's different from what it was the last time he used it. For example (not saying that this has huge relevance or anything as it was in a filler) when Ichigo last used his mask in the anime, during the current arc, it was almost completely red on one half with a few bits of white left over. I think of his mask, not only as an augmentation of his power, but also somewhat a scale to which we can see his development. Nick4444 18:55, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

I'm not sure about the mask, but its got to be related to this last transformation, since its the same as when he changed while fighting Ulquiorra. As far as the Getsuga Tensho i've noticed it is often a different size. Minato88 19:23, October 16, 2009 (UTC)

Its really not as simple as you might think because shirosaki (hollow ichigo) says that he is not a hollow that they are disgusting that honestly he doesnt know what he is so it leads me to believe that ichigo is not really a soul reaper either because if shirosaki is not a hollow then he and ichigo must be some other kind of being similar to the vizored so his new mask is most likely not some kind of evolution or whatever but maybe its like shirosaki said and the changing of the mask has to do with shirosaki slowly gaining more control. BleachTheLifeGiver 13:44, october 23, 2009 (UTC)

Well I remember that at least in anime right after Ichigo beat hichigo in his inner world hichigo told Ichigo not to die before he shows again if he really wants to master his power or something among those lines. If this line was in manga too then I am pretty sure that it's connected to Ichigos new mask. Ergroilnin 19:29, October 23, 2009 (UTC)

So we know now that vizards can have a resurrection, so who thinks that ichigo's new form was a result of this through some accident with his innerhollow taking control. I am thinking when ichigo leaves the garganta urahara is going to help him with it, although I don't know why he would be able to I feel that is how it will go down. or there may be a new black and white some time soon, maybe in the middle of a battle who knows. or perhaps ichigo is smart enough to try and enter his inner world and get the answers for himself. that would be nice.Shillagan 23:49, December 10, 2009 (UTC)

I think his new mask is going to be detrimental rather than useful. if you think about it although he was admittedly low on spiritual pressure his Getsuga Tenshou barely di any damage at all to Yammy whereas Zaraki diced him up like butter. I think this new mask him harm his powers and he will need to learn to bring back the other mask for it to be effective again. Nick D Wolfwood 14:39, December 16, 2009 (UTC)

Although it does not completely explain why his mask has changed, I beleive he obtained in resurreccion when he was fighting Ulquiorra 2nd resurreccion, (because thats when the markings on the mask first showed up). So maybe thats the effect reaching resurreccion has on a vizard's mask.BleachNerd Dec.16th 9:50 pm GMT 8:00(pacific Time Zone)

We will just have to wait and see. After watching the PSP game clip of the fight I realized that there was no miniacle laughing. It may have been cut out, but if there is no laughing in the anime then perhaps Hollow Ichigo is not in control. Lazychubb 12:17, January 20, 2009 (moutain time zone)

I notice that people on several sites like youtube and such refer to this new mask as his 2nd, in this discussion Ace says this, not to say they are wrong as it is the 2nd mask he can use, but wouldn't it be his third mask. The first being the one that he cant use, only has two stripes, and that saved him a couple times, the second being the first one he could use that has the entire pattern, and this new one being the third. If anybody wants to argue for or against this statement I would like to see what others think and what explanations they have on their decision. Lazychubb

Does Ichigo's new mask have anything to do with his inner Hollow resurfacing, stronger than ever (Calls to mind Hollow Ichigo's final words)? I was wondering if Hollow Ichigo's coming back, slowly but surely, to gain influence over ichigo like before...maybe the transformation was the slip up he was referring to in his last words?

Ichigo's Mask Limit
Ichigo has been in Hueco Mundo for a while, correct? Isn't that why he can now maintain his mask for so long? We might mention that on the trivia section thing, to make it fair to the other Vizards.


 * Being hollow in nature, the hollow home probably had a benifitical effect on him, allowing him to grow and addapt into his new hollow powers and thus use them for much longer periods of time quicker than the ammount of control he would gain through training with the vizards. This is similar to how Chad's arms quickly ajusted to their true potential due to being in Hueco Mundo.--CloudHiro 01:43, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

It's possible but it hasn't been stated, so it's speculation. It's hard to say whether the hollow's strength or his shinigami strength determines length of time with it on ZeroSD 09:33, September 3, 2009 (UTC)

Ugh, I hope that he doesn't get stronger than the other eight Vizards -____- I'm tired with the protagonists always getting hella strong real fast Animeluvr92 19:20, September 4, 2009 (UTC)

You know what I'm wondering is if he'll go back to 11 seconds once he's out of hueco mundo I doubt it but is it possible? Zeroruler645 03:36, September 5, 2009 (UTC)

Well his mask changes in Hueco Mundo, so that doesn't mean that it'll last 11 seconds, he may have to start at square one, or the mask will last longer once he leaves. Lazychubb 11:21 January 21 2010

Ichigo's New Hollowfication
Now I know there's been a lot of discussion on this topic already, but I still feel like things have not been properly addressed in concerns to Kurosaki's changed appearance in both his mask and Hollow form. I wouldn't go to say that it is a new release or second form, due to the fact that he used THAT mask again when he was fighting Yammy Riyalgo. Now, we all know how Ichigo is; ignorant. He is a good fighter with a good heart who's determined to do what it takes to win but he never figures things out himself. Everything is spelled out for him. Having said that, it is safe to say that Ichigo is not the type of fighter who could figure out how to use a new power or tactic without having Urahara, Yoruichi or Zangetsu teach him something in a "controlled" environment. That, or mimicking his inner Hallow altogether.

So let's throw out the idea of HIM obtaining a new power for now. So what's the theory, you might ask? I firmly believe due to the inability to control his new mask as long, the fact that he was DYING while fighting Ulquiorra (which is something that Hollow Ichigo has already made clear he has a problem with), and he even went as far as to attack Ishida that this was 100% Hallow Ichigo. The only reason I wanted to make that point is that I've seen countless posts of speculation over this topic, and although NOBODY knows besides Kubo, exactly what is going to happen next, I think that Kubo would appreciate more logical theories than Ichigo gained control over a new power. This is a poor statement because of the very fact that his mask shattered during his encounter with Riyalgo.

Let's look at it like this- We all know that every encounter Ichigo has with his inner Hallow ends with Hallow Ichigo making a comment as to how he better not become weak, or that "all this" would be his someday. We can also assume that he progresses at the same rate as Ichigo does. Also, we don't know how being in Hueco Mundo affects him. The question people need to be asking, is this: Has Ichigo's constant battling, fast increase in strength, and exposure to many high level Espada WHILE in Hueco Mundo, allowed his inner hallow to undergo some type of transformation?

If you look at it, his complete hallow transformation has gone from appearing like an Adjuchas to appearing more like Ulquiorra, being skinnier yet having more power.

It's the only reason I could think that Ichigo's appearance could change so quick, yet none of the Vizard's masks have changed since their original Hallowfication. That, and none of them have ever been to Hueco Mundo.

So let me know what you think, and please stay on Topic.

Hey, I'm new here, but I think the most obvious trigger for Ichigo's new transformation may have been looked over (unless I missed it, in which case, forgive me): Ulquiorra blasted a hole in Ichigo... right where a hollow's hole would most likely be. Obviously, the marking's on Ichigo's mask have changed a bit over time, which I believe was in relation to Ichigo gaining control over the mask. But when Ulquiorra blew such a conveniently placed hole in him with his Cero Oscuras, nonetheless, I think that in conjunction with Orihime's screams triggered his inner hollow's opportunity to emerge. Since we now know that a Vizard can achieve a Resurrección, via Tousen's most recent exploits, I believe Ichigo's newest transformation was the inner hollow starting to Resurrect. We know from Tousen that it creates a hollow hole, so I think it was just happenstance that Ulquiorra happened to do it for Ichigo. Since we know that when Ichigo is near death and in trouble, his inner hollow has come out before, and Ichigo was most definitely dying from that chest wound, I think his inner hollow may have gained full control and kept it, for some reason, because of the hole. Obviously, his inner hollow wouldn't care about Ishida. Also, Ichigo, in his new form, called Zangetsu to him. We've seen evidence that Zangetsu and the inner Ichigo (hollow or not) are intrinsically connected; therefore, easily can be seen as inner Ichigo being in control. K, done blathering. Thoughts? --Liamxblazeneyes 10:24, December 19, 2009 (UTC)

New Mask
I was wondering why it said ichigo is completely uninfluenced by his new hollow mask in his left eye although his iris is clearly yellow. (vizard section new mask picture) Wheesnaw 04:41, January 6, 2010 (UTC)


 * I think they mean that the sclera isn't black, but you do have a great point. ~ NOTASTAFF Ryun Uchiha (Ten Tailed Fox, Getsueikirite-taichou) (talk) 02:12, January 15, 2010 (UTC)

The above was moved from Ichigo's talk page. Once again, talk pages are not forums and this conversation is clearly turning into a speculative discussion. Tinni  (Talk)  02:32, January 15, 2010 (UTC)

Ichigo's further training?
Does anyone think that Ichigo will recieve any further training in the different arts? (since there will be another long arc after Aizen is dead). I just had the thought that Kubo may want to think about powering up the main hero of the story in order to have him defeat stronger enemies. Cause this whole "I will protect my friends" thing is getting kinda old. -Captain of squad 0-

Well, that would be interesting. I would personally like to see how Ichigo would do in terms of Kido spells. I'd also like to see Ichigo find out about his dad being a former shinigami captain, and recieve training from him.--Kagi mizu -Seeya  'round ~ 23:39, February 4, 2010 (UTC)

bankai duration
How long has ichigo been in bankai? Has it been released since his fight with grimmjow? I know that his bankai is compressed and that he's been healed multiple times but eventually his body has to give out. He could have easily rested and dissengaged his bankai during the kenpachi/nnoitra fight. It's beyond ridiculous how long it's been used.Renshiro zaraki 07:25, March 12, 2010 (UTC)

The equivalent of two to three hours or so. Made possible by the compression of his zanpakuto, making it a smaller then normal bankai therefore allowing him to use it longer then others in the series.Salubri (Talk)  08:24, March 12, 2010 (UTC)

When Will Ichigo Have A Resurrección?
This is a question that has been on my mind since the Arrancar have appeared in Karakura Town. I mean, we've seen him lose control and turn into a hollow a few times now, I think it's only fair that he too (like Kaname Tosen) should have a Resurrección. Rahllo666 05:38, April 1, 2010 (UTC)

Against Ulquiorra, he went into a secondary hollow stage. I think that might be his resurreccion... and since ichigo's control over his hollow is not too great, he is not able to use his resurreccion at will. just thoughts.. Kishen1912 15:31, April 9, 2010 (UTC)

By definition it is impossible for Ichigo to obtain a resurreccion release, as he is a Shinigami and not an Arrancar. If you remember correctly, resurreccion is the zanpakutuo release for Arrancar, where they release the power that they sealed away in their Zanpakutuo. The ONLY possible way for Ichigo to obtain this type of release would be if he were exposed to the power of the Hōgyoku and received power akin to what Tousen had. From what we know so far though, Tousen is the only Shinigami to ever have a resurreccion, and this was only due to the fact that Aizen had used the Hōgyoku on him, and also considering the fact that Resurreccion is an Arrancar power, I don't see this applying to Ichigo.  GokuSS400 00:55, June 13, 2010 (UTC)

Ichigo's Bankai
I think ichigo's Bankai kinda sucks. And this is a discussion page so lets discussSethgrrr 04:20, April 6, 2010 (UTC)

It kind of suck that it only have one form or trick which is just a energy blast/wave,Kuroi Getsuga,compare to others peoples bankais which have many...

the only good thing about his bankai is that it give him,'''Hyper-Speed Combat,'Enhanced Strength,'Enhanced Spiritual Power. '''which make him a better fighter. and the best thing is that his bankai could last forever. so he can stay in bankai longer that anyone have. but if u could picture kenny with ichigo's Bankai that would be more gg... Ace 09:33, April 6, 2010 (UTC)

Well I wouldn't say it sucks. To be honest i kinda like his bankai, I mean think about it, a brolic/massive bankai wouldn't fit his character. And as far as his Getsuga Tensho, it does get boring seeing that move being used over and over again. Although I must Say It's Kinda hard to picture him using any other techniques. besides, does he really need any? KidRah 16:53, April 9, 2010 (UTC)

Ichigo vs Gin
If aizen is telling the truth and all of ichigo's battles have been influenced by him, and he hasn't won battles by virtue of his own efforts, then how can ichigo beat gin. Aizen wouldn't help ichigo in this battle since Gin is the only subordinate he has left. This is the first fight where ichigo is on his own.

There is a chance that aizen is demented enough to help ichigo kill Gin for reason's as yet unknown but I don't see it happening. Your thoughts? Renshiro zaraki 23:34, April 8, 2010 (UTC)

I think what Aizen meant isn't that he rigged the fight, he just made sure that he ran into the right people for the right fights. Like making sure he ran into Renji instead of momo, or running into Kenpachi instead of the 12th captain which would have not been a proper measurement or expansion of his power. Ichigo won all this fights on his own power (Hollow ichigo being put aside) but Aizen just made sure it was the right fight. For all we know, Gin is around to drag out Ichigo power again, which is why Aizen kept him out of most of the fighting until now. --Kulash05 00:27, April 9, 2010 (UTC)

Any one here thinking that Gin is also hollowfied like Tousen or does he have anymore hidden weapons... because after taking a direct hit from ichigo's getsuga tenshou, all he has is a wound on his forehead.. Kishen1912 15:28, April 9, 2010 (UTC)

I think Aizen meant that Ichigo has reached his current level of strength thanks to all the battles he's had so far, battles that Aizen made sure Ichigo fought. So Aizen didn't direclty make sure Ichigo won the battles, but most likely made sure he fought strong fighters and fought the right people to grow in the right way. Anomoly-64

Gin and Aizenare both stronger than Tosen, so I can't see them having hollow powers. Plus, Gin has numerous bruises as well as a forehead woung, and part of his cloaks have been ripped. But this fight wasn't meant for Ichigo to win, though Aizen won't step in. Hitsugaya will likely takeover, leaving Ichigo with nobody to fight but Aizen.

I think Aizen's role has been more about scaffolding Ichigo's development. Educational scaffolding is an incremental process in which new understandings or skills are build upon older ones. For Ichigo, this would apply to fighting. Each of his opponents is only slightly stronger than the previous. This allows Ichigo to progressively increase his strength. This was shown best in the Hueco Mundo invasion. Ichigo didn't follow the carefully laid path, bypassing Grimmjow and going straight to the stronger Ulquiorra. If it weren't for Grimmjow bringing Orihime to heal Ichigo...the story would have been over right there.NS317453 07:02, June 16, 2010 (UTC)