Kenpachi

"There is only one Kenpachi every era. That is a rule, and also an unavoidable destiny." — Retsu Unohana in "THE BATTLE"

Kenpachi (剣八, Sword-Eight) is the title that is only given to the strongest Shinigami. According to Hanatarō Yamada, the name "Kenpachi" signifies one who loves to fight, who has slain more than any other Shinigami, and that one will never fall no matter how many times he is cut. It is an ironclad rule that there can be only one Kenpachi per generation, meaning that the predecessor must die for the killer to succeed the title. To inherit this title, the candidate must kill the current Kenpachi in battle.

The title is traditionally held within the 11th Division of the Gotei 13. There have been a total of 11 holders of this title. Claimants include:

• Yachiru Unohana, the 1st Kenpachi and the former 4th Division and 11th Division Captain.
• Kenpachi Kiganjō, the 10th Kenpachi and the former 11th Division Captain.
• Kenpachi Zaraki, the 11th Kenpachi and the current 11th Division Captain.

Appearances in Other Media

Ryōgo Narita's novels, Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You, feature a number of original characters, which include two former Kenpachi, and made mention of a third:

• Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, the 7th Kenpachi and a former 11th Division Captain.
• Sōya Azashiro, the 8th Kenpachi and a former 11th Division Captain.
• The 9th Kenpachi, a former 11th Division Lieutenant, received the title as a means to keep it alive after Azashiro was imprisoned in Muken undefeated.

Trivia

• Despite the fact there are 11 holders of the name Kenpachi, it is revealed that the first Kenpachi was never killed in a duel until she and the 11th faced off in Muken, bringing into question the legitimacy of the 2nd to 10th holders of the name.