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Kenpachi Zaraki (更木 剣八, Zaraki Kenpachi) is the current captain of the 11th Division in the Gotei 13. He is the eleventh Kenpachi to hold the position.[3] His first lieutenant was Yachiru Kusajishi and his current lieutenant is Ikkaku Madarame.

Appearance[]

Zaraki is a very tall, muscular Shinigami with a wild and aggressive appearance. He has a long face with high cheekbones, enlarged canine teeth, and pronounced, hairless brow ridges. He has green eyes and stringy black hair reaching past his shoulders.[4] A noticeable trait in his appearance is a long, thin scar running down the left side of his face and across his left eye, inflicted on him by Retsu Unohana while he was still a child.

Since becoming a Shinigami, he wears the standard, black shihakushō, with the addition of white bandages across his midsection and a short-sleeved captain's haori (which he took from the previous captain after defeating him),[5] with ragged ends on the sleeves and back flap. He styles his hair into stiff strands, attaching small bells at its tips, and wears a special black eyepatch over his right eye. During his first battle with Ichigo, the eyepatch is more elegant, having a gold-like lining and a chain as one of the straps. He also wore a black choker necklace. Later, he removed the choker and gave his eyepatch normal straps.

17 months after Aizen's defeat, Zaraki's hair grew to mid-back and no longer has the bells in it. His eyepatch's design has changed again, as it is now a single piece with no straps and a grey outline.[6][7]

Personality[]

Although he is known to be a violent man who fights for his own interest, Zaraki's actions tend to be for the best. Zaraki lives for battle, and enjoys a good fight more than anything. He even holds back in an effort to make any fight last longer. He claims injury and death are nothing but the price one pays for a good fight. Despite his tendency to be brutal, Zaraki usually stops a fight if his opponent is too injured to fight back, not interested in fighting "weaklings who can't fight anymore", and he does not feel obligated to deal a death blow to anyone who cannot fight any longer. However, he will unhesitatingly kill his opponent if they refuse to stop fighting, such as during his battles with Kaname Tōsen and Nnoitra Gilga.[8][9] He also takes his title as Kenpachi seriously, telling Gremmy Thoumeaux that there is nothing the latter can create that he cannot cut because the power his title implies is not to be taken lightly.[10]

Zaraki strongly believes fun comes before working. One example is when Zaraki sends his 5th seated officer, Yumichika, to fend off the Bount in Karakura Town, as he is the only high-ranking officer who is not busy, or rather, busy having fun, as Yachiru was snacking and Ikkaku was napping. During his free time, Zaraki always takes his afternoon nap. He does not have a particularly favorite dish, but he particularly hates nattō.[2]

Zaraki regularly shows great respect to those who can push his limits or even defeat him. Ever since Ichigo Kurosaki handed him his first known loss since against Retsu Unohana, Zaraki has considered Ichigo a member of his Division. Despite Ichigo's refusal to engage in a rematch with Zaraki as he considers him an ally, Zaraki constantly expresses his desire for it every time they meet. He also aided Ichigo in his fight against the Bount, doing so as it would make Ichigo stronger for "their anticipated fight". Zaraki also holds great respect for Unohana, the only person he ever admired, as she was the first person to make him experience the thrill of battle,[11] readily acknowledging they are very much alike,[12] and is brought to tears at the thought of being unable to beat her before he dies.[13] Upon inadvertently killing Unohana, Zaraki was reduced to screaming and begging for her to not die.[14]

Zaraki sometimes contradicts his own logic in fighting. While wishing to grow stronger, he use various methods to restrain his might to make the fight longer and tougher, including fighting with only one hand. Although he thrives for battle, Zaraki is capable of showing complex emotions. Zaraki and his lieutenant, Yachiru, have been close ever since they met, and have a father-daughter-like relationship, making Yachiru one of the few people he cares for. However, he has stated if his subordinates interfere in his fights, he will "cut them up first". Aside from Yachiru, Zaraki deeply gives meaning to his name. Following his fight with Ichigo, Zaraki talks about the pain of not having a name, as he lived his early years without one. This causes him to feel guilty his sword is not acknowledged by its own name.[15] Since then, he has strived to learn its identity.[16][17]

After killing Unohana and knowing he could never cross blades with his admired foe again, Zaraki for the first time in his life felt remorse in his actions. This experience, combined with finally learning the name of his Zanpakutō, made Zaraki became somewhat calmer and more focused. Though he retains his desire to battle and is not overly interested in the details,[18] he is more willing to listen to reason, having backed down from searching for his missing lieutenant on his own when Nanao Ise explained it would be more practical to have his division conduct the search.[19] Likewise, he shows far more concern for Yachiru than previously; when he discovers she is missing, Zaraki frantically orders his men to begin looking for her.[20]

History[]

Ep376YoungKenpachiEmerges

Zaraki as a young boy, sitting on a pile of corpses.

Not having a name to go by for as long as he could remember, he eventually chose to take his surname from the district he once resided in, Zaraki, which was District 80 of the North Alley of Rukongai. District 80 was the worst, most lawless region of Rukongai, full of thieves and murderers (whereas area #1 was the most orderly and law-abiding). As a young boy living in the streets of the Rukongai, Zaraki, coming upon the dead body of a Shinigami, took his Asauchi, later imprinting his soul upon it to make his own Zanpakutō.[21] During that time, he eventually became proficient in swordsmanship, and killed numerous opponents. Sometime during this, he, coming upon Yachiru Unohana, fought with her. The fight was the first time he felt fear, and subsequently the first fight he ever enjoyed, having been bored slashing anything else. He subconsciously sealed his power to allow them to fight longer and consequently lost to her. After their fight, he began to admire her, and wanted to fight like her.[11]

Sometime later, as a young man, in the 79th district, Zaraki came upon a young girl. He named her Yachiru, in remembrance of the only person he ever admired, after she showed no fear of his sword. The name Kusajishi was chosen as it was the district she came from, where her parents were murdered, seemingly not too long before Zaraki arrived. On that day, he took on a name: Kenpachi, the title bestowed upon the strongest Shinigami in every generation, the one who has slain the most enemies and won the most battles.[22][23]

Ep119RukongaiKenpachiYachiru

Zaraki and Yachiru Kusajishi before joining the Gotei 13.

Later, he had an encounter with Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa before they entered Seireitei. Yachiru warned Ikkaku messing with Zaraki while he was in a good mood was a bad idea, though Ikkaku did not take the warning seriously. When Zaraki and Ikkaku meet face to face, the latter immediately became alarmed by the former's Reiatsu, but was happy to finally have a real challenge. Zaraki attacked with enough force to create a crater in the ground under Ikkaku, which somewhat alarmed Yumichika. Due to Zaraki's strength, Ikkaku was forced on the defensive, holding off Zaraki's relentless strikes. As the two continued to fight, Ikkaku tried to overwhelm Zaraki, though he failed in doing so, only succeeding in increasing his own wounds while his opponent remaining untouched by his blade. While Zaraki mentioned he was having fun, he decided to finish Ikkaku with one quick strike, resulting in his loss of the fight.[24]

Ikkaku became mad Zaraki would just walk away without finishing him off. Zaraki, plainly telling him he had no interest in weaklings who could not fight, noted he did not have any obligation to finish Ikkaku off. Ikkaku, thinking he was toying with him, demanded Zaraki kill him. Zaraki, losing his patience, grabbed hold of Ikkaku and asked why he was screaming for death if he loved to fight so much. Zaraki explained to him a philosophy to follow for people like them: "Don't admit defeat and seek death. Die first, then admit defeat. When you lose, but don't die, it just means you were lucky. At those times, think only about survival. Survive, and think only about killing the guy who failed to kill you". Zaraki, smiling at him, stated it was not like he went easy on him; he was just lucky to escape death. He said Ikkaku should live, come back, and try to kill him again. As Zaraki went to leave, Ikkaku, asking him his name, is told he is Kenpachi from Zaraki.[25]

Sometime later, Zaraki killed Kenpachi Kiganjō, the captain of the 11th Division, in a single blow in front of over two hundred members of the Division. As per the 3rd Captain Qualification Trial, Zaraki became the new captain of that division.[24] By killing the 11th Division captain, he became the official and uncontested holder of the title, Kenpachi, as well as becoming the 11th person to hold the title.[3]

Ep119IkkakuYumichikaAssistKenpachi

Zaraki during his first days as the Eleventh Division captain.

The following day, during Zaraki's first addressing of his division, he was greeted by Ikkaku and Yumichika, who had already become Shinigami and joined the division. Ikkaku told Zaraki he had come back just as he suggested, causing Zaraki to smile. Later, they were present at the battle of the division against a caterpillar Hollow. While initially the division lost, Ikkaku showed up to fight it, but was stopped by Zaraki, who decided to kill it himself. After the Hollow was dispatched, more came, prompting Ikkaku and Yumichika to join in the fight. Though at first he was against it, Zaraki was persuaded upon realizing the two had similar fighting traits, and, as such, would like to fight by his side. After this, Zaraki allowed them to participate in his fights.[24]

Shortly after joining the Gotei 13, Zaraki was forced by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto to learn Kendō because he had not learned any formal swordsmanship training, having bypassed those normally necessary qualifications due to the way he attained his position. Central 46 ordered Yamamoto to stop the training after one day, as they became concerned that if Zaraki realized his full potential and rebelled, he could become an unstoppable force.[26]


Plot[]

Agent of the Shinigami arc[]

Ep20GinEntrapsZaraki

Ichimaru taking Zaraki away by force.

Zaraki and Gin Ichimaru both tease Byakuya Kuchiki about his sister Rukia Kuchiki being sentenced to death, saying he is depressed, as a noble family would not stand to have a criminal as a member. Byakuya, retaliating, says lower-class people do not understand the feelings of nobles. Zaraki, admitting he does not really, says he is very bright, and since he is so bright, Byakuya should allow him to finish Rukia off before she is executed. When Byakuya states he did not know Zaraki, at his level, could actually kill people, Zaraki tells him to try him, and before the two can engage in combat, Gin, stopping Zaraki, ties him up and drags the protesting man away.[27]

Soul Society arc[]

Ep24CaptainsArguing

Zaraki arguing with Mayuri.

After Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends arrive in Soul Society, Zaraki tells Ichimaru a captain should have no problem killing a Ryoka. When Zaraki asks Yamamoto where the Ryoka are heading, an invasion alarm goes off, and Zaraki runs out of the captains' meeting.[28]

93Kenpachi interrupts

Zaraki stops Mayuri.

He begins to hunt the strongest Ryoka, but his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, guides him in the wrong direction for some time.[29] While he is lost, he, coming across the 4th Division's compound, finds and stops Mayuri from "interrogating" his 3rd Seated Officer, Ikkaku Madarame. Once Mayuri leaves, Ikkaku tells Zaraki the Ryoka he fought is getting stronger, and is fully aware of the captain. Ikkaku tells an excited and curious Zaraki that the Ryoka's name is Ichigo and what he looks like. [30]

After a while, Zaraki, having figured out where Ichigo is heading, waits there for him to arrive. While Ichigo, Ganju Shiba, and Hanatarō Yamada run through the Seireitei, they feel Zaraki's tremendous Reiatsu. As he tries to discern who among the three is the strongest, he finally realizes it is Ichigo. Introducing himself, he tells Ichigo he has come to kill him.[31] As the others, trying get away from his strong Reiatsu, cannot get far, Zaraki confronts Ichigo. Zaraki is determined to fight Ichigo no matter what the issue may be, showing himself to be unconcerned with his friends or Rukia's fate.[32] Zaraki, seeing Ichigo's battle stance, compliments him on it, though noting it has openings, and admits he likes his spiritual pressure. Zaraki, acknowledging he understands why Ikkaku lost to him, notes Ichigo is still weaker than him, so he decides to give Ichigo a fighting chance. Zaraki, baring his chest, tells Ichigo to cut him anywhere and not hold back. When Ichigo refuses to attack an unarmed opponent, Zaraki, while commending him, states it is simply a handicap, and while he appreciates the thought, Ichigo should save his sympathy for someone else. Zaraki tells him to either kill or be killed.[33]

104Ichigo fails

Zaraki takes Ichigo's attack without any injuries.

Ichigo, attacking Zaraki's exposed chest, causes no injury, much to his confusion. Zaraki, disappointed, begins to unsheathe his Zanpakutō, and, telling Ichigo it is his turn, asks him to not die too quickly.[34] When Ichigo's hand starts to bleed, Zaraki, asking him why he is surprised his sword cannot cut him, pushes Ichigo back, using his arm against his blade. Zaraki, explaining why Ichigo's sword cannot scratch him, takes out his own sword and tells Ichigo he should try, at the very least, to place a dent upon his sword.[35] Ichigo, trying to run away from Zaraki, cannot seem to shake him, and ends up running into him at every turn. Eventually, Zaraki, growing bored of chasing after him, sits down. When Ichigo confronts him, he, finally seeming happy, asks if Ichigo is preparing to die or if he is surrendering. Ichigo refuses to do either and, attacking, finally succeeds in injuring Zaraki.[36] Zaraki, extremely excited Ichigo can actually injure him, telling Ichigo to keep his spiritual pressure up and not relax, attacks Ichigo.[37]

The two clash and the battle continues, with Zaraki, while having the upper hand, happy to see Ichigo improving. When Zaraki comments on how Ichigo is using the sounds of his bells to determine his position, Ichigo asks if he is underestimating him, as he has not released his Zanpakutō. Zaraki explains his Zanpakutō has no name and, having never had a seal on it, is currently in its true form. As Ichigo, relieved to hear this, attacks once more, Zaraki, stopping him, further explains his Zanpakutō's state. He, thrusting his Zanpakutō through Ichigo's, breaking right through it, stabs Ichigo in the chest. Zaraki tells Ichigo he warned him not to relax his spiritual pressure, and it has become weak because he saw a chance to win. He, frustrated the battle was so easy and is now over, retracts his sword.[38] Eventually, much to Zaraki's surprise, Ichigo gets up, accompanied by a large burst of spiritual pressure. Ichigo, attacking Zaraki, surprising him further, deals him a serious injury to the left side from his shoulder down the side of his torso. Zaraki, deflecting Ichigo's next attack, stabs his sword into a nearby building. Zaraki, beginning to laugh, becoming extremely excited, says now the fight is just getting started, noting they should drag out the fight. He, lunging at Ichigo, lets his face get cut by the blade just to get close to Ichigo. As the battle escalates even more, Zaraki, despite his injuries, continues to fight, teaching Ichigo the drive behind his personality. [39]

Ep39KenpachiExertsReiatsu

Zaraki after removing his eyepatch.

Zaraki, realizing both he and Ichigo are evenly matched, enjoying the feeling and euphoria of the moment, takes off his eyepatch, noting he considers Ichigo a worthy opponent, so it only makes sense to fight him at full power.[40] Zaraki's spiritual power skyrockets as he removes his eyepatch, prompting Ichigo to wonder what is going on. Zaraki, explaining to him what the eyepatch does, takes out his Zanpakutō and, cutting a nearby building in half with a single slash, tells Ichigo he will use all his power to kill him.[41] When Ichigo, increasing his power, greatly impresses Zaraki, Ichigo, explaining he can do so by borrowing Zangetsu's power and fighting side by side with him, states he will never lose to someone like him, who only fights by himself. Zaraki asks if Zangetsu is Ichigo's Zanpakutō, fighting side by side with it and borrowing its power, as he finds it ridiculous. He believes Zanpakutō are just tools of war, and fighting side by side with one are words for weak losers who are afraid to fight on their own. They, both releasing their spiritual pressure, run at each other to make a final strike, releasing enough spiritual pressure to collapse all the buildings around them. The battle ends in a draw, with Ichigo falling first apologizing to his friends as Zaraki looks down on him. With blood shooting out his shoulder, Zaraki questions Ichigo's apology, calling him stupid as he gives him the victory of the fight before falling down shortly after.[42] As Yachiru calls for Retsu Unohana to heal Zaraki, Zaraki tells Yachiru he lost, but needs to pay him back. He, raising his sword, acknowledges he ignored it for a long time and wants it to communicate with it. Zaraki, not hearing it speak, faints, which scares Yachiru.[43]

Ep51ZarakiFacesGroup

Zaraki vs Komamura and Tōsen.

During Zaraki's recovery in his quarters, Yachiru and Makizō Aramaki bring back Orihime Inoue, and he tells her he will help her find Ichigo.[44] Much later on, Orihime guides Zaraki, Yachiru, Ikkaku, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Makizō to Ichigo, and finds Yasutora Sado, Uryū Ishida, and Ganju Shiba on the way, freeing them in the process.[45] As they continue to search for Ichigo, Zaraki realizes they are being followed, and Captains Kaname Tōsen and Sajin Komamura, as well as their respective Lieutenants Shūhei Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon Iba, confront them. Zaraki tells his subordinates to go ahead without him, but Ikkaku and Yumichika stay behind, eager to fight as well. Though reluctant, Zaraki accepts their help, and they fight against Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon elsewhere.[46] Zaraki, battling Captain Komamura and Captain Tōsen, easily fends them off, leading him to goad them into releasing their Bankai. Although Komamura is reluctant to do so, Tōsen obliges, revealing he always had an uneasy feeling about Zaraki since he became a captain.[47]

Ep53ZarakiDefeatsKaname

Zaraki defeats Tōsen.

When Tōsen releases his Bankai, Zaraki learns he cannot see, hear, and sense spirit energy. However, he fights off Tōsen with the sense of touch, as he can feel when the blade makes contact with his body. However, Zaraki, becoming frustrated with this style of fighting, lets Tōsen impale him with his sword. Zaraki, grabbing hold of Suzumushi's hilt, figures out only by grabbing Suzumushi can he see and hear Tōsen. Before Tōsen can attack him, Zaraki, grabbing Suzumushi once more, gravely wounds Tōsen, which dispels his Bankai.[48]

Ep61KenpachiLearnsBetrayal

Zaraki learns of Aizen's betrayal.

As Tōsen tries to retaliate, Komamura blocks a slash from Zaraki, which shatters his helmet. Zaraki, revealing he never cared what Komamura looked like (though he was curious), proceeds to fight against him once he releases his Bankai. However, the battle doesn't last long; Komamura, sensing Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto fighting, abandons his fight with Zaraki.[49] Later, Yumichika tells Zaraki the result of his battle. Zaraki, in turn, tells him Komamura ran off. Zaraki, surprised to see Yumichika with no signs of injury after fighting against Hisagi, begins to question him, but, much to his annoyance, Yumichika begins to talk about beauty.[50] While they do receive Isane Kotetsu's message about Aizen's betrayal, they do not accompany the other captains to Sōkyoku Hill.[51]

A week after the incident with Aizen, Zaraki finds Ichigo training with Ikkaku on his division's grounds. Seeing his wounds healed completely, Zaraki tries to fight him again, but Ichigo runs off, and Zaraki cannot find him.[52] He does not see Ichigo and his friends when they leave Soul Society, telling Yachiru he and Ichigo will certainly meet again because they are the only ones who are what they seem to be.[53]


Arrancar arc[]

When Yamamoto calls him and the other captains for an emergency meeting, Zaraki complains.[54]

After Orihime is taken to Hueco Mundo, Zaraki arrives with Byakuya Kuchiki to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's group and bring them back to Soul Society.[55]

Hueco Mundo arc[]

297Kenpachi saves

Zaraki rescues Ichigo.

Zaraki arrives, alongside Captains Byakuya Kuchiki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Retsu Unohana, in Las Noches after the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Zaraki comes to Ichigo's aid as he blocks an attack by the Arrancar Tesra Lindocruz. As the Arrancar tries to attack again, Zaraki deals a fatal slash wound down his chest. Finished with Tesra, Zaraki looks to Nnoitra Gilga to be his next opponent. When Ichigo asks what Zaraki is doing in Hueco Mundo, he responds by kicking Ichigo, stating he is in the way of the field of battle. Zaraki reveals Kisuke Urahara was asked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to send them to Hueco Mundo in preparation for the upcoming battle in Karakura Town.[56] Nnoitra, finally deciding to attack, is blocked, though still impressing Zaraki with his strike. When Nnoitra asks Zaraki his name, both men give their name and rank.[57]

199Kenpachi vs

Zaraki fights Nnoitra Gilga.

As the two opponents continue to fight, Zaraki, getting close to dealing a fatal blow to Nnoitra, cannot cut through the Espada's skin with his sword. Nnoitra, cutting Zaraki on his left shoulder, laughs, telling him his Hierro is unsurpassed by any current and former Espada. He tells Zaraki his blade will never cut him.[58] Zaraki, undeterred, continues to fight Nnoitra with even more ferocity, much to the Espada's surprise. After Nnoitra dodges an attack, Zaraki deduces it must have been dangerous for him to dodge it. Dismissing it as a reflex, Nnoitra continues the battle until Zaraki, saying he has never met an opponent whose eyes and neck cannot be cut, stabs Nnoitra in the eye hidden by his eyepatch. However, Nnoitra, unaffected, reveals the remains of his Hollow mask and hole hidden under his eye patch. The Espada, moving closer, stabs Zaraki in the chest.[59] After the two argue over Nnoitra's inability to be cut, Zaraki keeps trying to slice up his opponent. Eventually, Zaraki cuts Nnoitra, and, fighting fiercer than before, cuts him again, this time cutting off a part of Nnoitra's Zanpakutō. Zaraki states he has finally gotten use to the strength of Nnoitra's Hierro. The battle carries on until Zaraki's eye patch is knocked off. [60]

Ep201KenpachiVsNnoitra

Nnoitra vs. Zaraki.

After Zaraki explains the nature of his eye patch, Nnoitra, in a rage, releases. When Nnoitra asks how it feels to see an Espada release their Zanpakutō for the first time, all he gets in response to his question is a smile from Zaraki, who tells him he has nice Reiatsu, and it is like the Reiatsu itself is sharpening his blade. Zaraki, wasting no time, goes on the offensive, but he, surprised when his attacks are blocked, is dealt a grievous wound across his chest. Nnoitra sends Zaraki flying away from him as he mocks him.[61] Noticing there is no movement from an unresponsive Zaraki, Nnoitra sets his sights on Yachiru, but Zaraki, recovering, cuts off one of his arms. When Nnoitra comments on Zaraki playing dead, Zaraki says since Nnoitra will just block his attacks with his many arms, he just has to cut them off. However, Nnoitra, mocking Zaraki, regenerates his arm. Zaraki, grabbing Nnoitra, slams him into the ground, prompting Nnoitra, reveal his two hidden arms, to stab Zaraki in the chest. [62]

Ep202KenpachiKillsNnoitra

Zaraki using Kendō to kill Nnoitra Gilga.

Nnoitra, generating two more scythe weapons, tells Zaraki it is over. However, Zaraki, laughing hysterically, keeps fighting, only to be injured several times. He reluctantly decides to use Kendō, though he admits it has been quite some time since he has used it. When Nnoitra becomes confused, Zaraki reveals the Captain-Commander made him learn it when he first joined the Gotei 13, but he never liked it. When he asks Nnoitra if he knows a sword is far more powerful when you use two hands instead of one, Nnoitra, becoming bored with the conversation, charges at Zaraki, who, gripping his sword with both hands, swings it down. Zaraki lands a very powerful blow, dealing Nnoitra a lethal wound to his chest, severing a few of his limbs, and almost cutting him in half. Surprised the Espada is still alive, he turns to walk away. When Nnoitra yells at him, asking where he is going as the fight is not over, Zaraki explains he does not know what he is talking about, as the blow finished him and he is not about to be bothered with finishing someone off who cannot fight back. Undeterred, Nnoitra, getting up, tells him the fight is not over, taunting him to come back and continue fighting. As Nnoitra moves to attack him, Zaraki, giving in, lands another blow to his chest, and Nnoitra falls to the ground.[63] Zaraki, standing over Nnoitra's corpse, victorious, thanks him for the good fight.[64]

Zaraki, asking Ichigo what he is, reminds him he, as a Substitute Shinigami, must protect Karakura Town. He tells Ichigo to take Orihime and return, as he is no longer needed in Hueco Mundo. He, telling Ichigo to get his sword, yells for Orihime to come over and heal him. However, Coyote Starrk, arriving, recaptures her, narrowly avoiding both Zaraki's and Ichigo's attack in the process.[65] When Ichigo hears from Aizen he plans to destroy Karakura Town, he proceeds to run off. Zaraki, telling him not to be so hasty, reveals everything is planned, and Urahara not only sent the captains to Hueco Mundo, but made it possible to wage war in Karakura Town.[66] When Ichigo notices Ulquiorra near Orihime, he, reminding Zaraki of their earlier conversation, informs him he is wrong. Telling Zaraki his job is not to protect Karakura Town, but instead to protect his friends, Ichigo takes off, leaving Zaraki behind.[67]


Fake Karakura Town arc[]

Ep286KenpachiByakuyaArrive

Byakuya and Zaraki arrive to help Ichigo.

Later, Zaraki, alongside Byakuya Kuchiki, arrives at the battle between Yammy Llargo and Ichigo. After Byakuya attacks Yammy with Sōkatsui, Zaraki cuts off one of Yammy's legs, making him fall over. He, berating Byakuya for "stealing" the first blow, tells him to get away from the battle area. Byakuya, calmly calling his statement nonsense, since he was the first to arrive, states Zaraki should learn his place. Zaraki, ignoring Byakuya, tells him not to complain if he get sliced into pieces alongside Yammy.[68]

Yammy punches Kenpachi

While trying to attack Ichigo, Zaraki is punched by Yammy.

As Zaraki tells Ichigo he is a disgrace, as he seems to get "beat to hell" everywhere they go, he tells him to move out of the way. When Ichigo, confused, stares at him, Zaraki goes to strike at him, but Ichigo, dodging, screams at him, saying he could have killed him. As Zaraki charges at Ichigo, he, slapped away by Yammy, is sent flying into a nearby structure. As Yammy rants and raves, Zaraki kicks a large piece of rock at him, but the Espada crushes it to rubble before it can make contact. Zaraki, stating he is surprised Yammy can throw a decent punch when he wants to, as he barely felt it when he hit him, tells Yammy even though he must think he is a big fly, if he is going to punch him, he better put some effort into it. Yammy, enraged, attacks Zaraki.[69]

Ep289KenpachiByakuyaVsYammy

Zaraki is challenged by Byakuya.

As Yammy tries to punch him, Zaraki cuts off three of his fingers. Yammy, screaming in pain, holding his injured hand, notices Zaraki on his arm, which he runs up to strike at his head.[70] Zaraki cuts off another of Yammy's legs, causing the Espada to fall down. Zaraki, admitting he is a tough one, is disappointed as Yammy lies unconscious, prompting him to call Byakuya to finish the Espada off. When Byakuya asks him what he is talking about, Zaraki states he figures Byakuya must be bored standing around, so he figures he would at least allow him to finish the Espada off. When Byakuya, deducing Zaraki expects him to clean up his mess, asks who he thinks he is talking to, Zaraki states he does not like to kill weaklings. When Byakuya states he will not, as a savage like him is better suited to the task, Zaraki takes offense, but before he can do anything about it, Yammy, making his presence known by confirming he is not down for the count yet, slams his large hand down in between the two. The two captains look up at Yammy as he prepares to fire a Cero at them. As the large blast is fired, they both dodge the attack, prompting Byakuya to state he cannot believe Zaraki thought he could finish off the Espada the way he did, pitying his poor judgment. Zaraki, brushing the comment off, states to him, Yammy is ready to be finished off, but the Espada is obviously too much for Byakuya. Byakuya, releasing his Bankai, tells Zaraki if Yammy is not too much for him, he should prove it. Zaraki, liking this idea, states he has always wanted to compete against Byakuya. As the two captains move toward each other, they turn toward Yammy, stating he is in the way, and lash out, hitting the Espada in his face.[71]

383Yammy's Second Form

Zaraki witnessing Yammy's rage-induced transformation.

Yammy's huge form is knocked off balance by the powerful attack from the two captains, but he, surviving, gets back up, injured and infuriated. Zaraki states he is surprised Yammy survived, believing he has lost his mind. As the Cero Espada becomes frustrated with the two captains, his Resurrección changes form. After transforming, he warns the captains making him angrier is the last thing they want to do, since his release, Ira, increases in strength the angrier he becomes. He, taunting Byakuya and Zaraki, says if they make him even angrier, he will make sure their deaths are humiliating and painful.[72]

Ep310KenpachiByakuyaReturn

Zaraki and Byakuya returning from Hueco Mundo.

Later, after defeating Yammy, Zaraki is accompanied by Byakuya as they exit a Garganta. He is greeted by a few of the 11th Division. The 4th Division, immediately responding to their arrival, note while both are standing, they are horribly injured. When asked by his men how the battle was, Zaraki states it was boring.[73] After having his injuries treated, Zaraki, along with Byakuya and Shunsui, is called to meet with Yamamoto, who scolds them for losing their captain haori. When each of them are indifferent to the matter, Zaraki saying his was a bother, Yamamoto grows even angrier.[74]


The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc[]

Ep361ShinigamiArrive

Zaraki, Ikkaku, Hitsugaya, Byakuya, and Renji arrive on the scene.

After Rukia stabs Ichigo with Urahara's specially designed sword, Kūgo Ginjō states he has already taken all of Ichigo's powers, and her power isn't enough to restore them. However, Renji, interrupting him, reveals himself and other Shinigami, including Zaraki, who all continue to watch the situation. Renji reveals they all, including Zaraki, donated their Reiatsu to Urahara's sword to ensure Ichigo's powers were restored to him.[75]

463Kenpachi kills Giriko

Giriko bifurcated by Zaraki.

As Yukio brings each of the duels into different chat rooms, Zaraki asks Byakuya to wait and trade with him, since his opponent, Shūkurō Tsukishima, looks stronger, but he cannot. When Giriko Kutsuzawa questions him, saying Zaraki must think he is weaker, Zaraki, telling him to stop talking, says it is boring to kill small fry. Giriko, calling him an imbecile, says he will teach Zaraki with brute force. As Giriko transforms into a larger, muscular form, he states his Fullbring allows him to do this. He, explaining his Fullbring as a contract with the gods of time, states the simpler the clause of this contract, the stronger he becomes. As he, saying his current contract allows him more power than ever before, claims he is unmatched, he is interrupted by Zaraki, who, cutting Giriko in half, says it was boring.[76]

Having defeated Giriko, Zaraki looks around to see if anyone else is done with their match yet. Seeing no one is, he, getting bored, decides to go back home. However, Yachiru Kusajishi, popping up, smacks him, saying they all came together and promised to go home together, so if they leave, Yamamoto will have their heads. She continues to pull on his ears as he walks.[77] When Zaraki greets Ikkaku as the dimension he was in disappears, Ikkaku is surprised Zaraki is out of his dimension so early, only for him to say Ikkaku is late. Zaraki, Yachiru, and Ikkaku notice Renji coming out of some bushes. When Ikkaku scolds Renji for his condition, Renji reveals he got out of his dimension a while ago, but could not move for a while, which surprises Zaraki. When Zaraki asks how Ikkaku did, Ikkaku says he lectured him for a bit and took off. Zaraki, frustrated to hear this, scolds his subordinate.[78] He, along with the other captains, looks on as Ichigo breaks apart the last pocket dimension with his Bankai.[79]

As Zaraki and the others turn to leave, when Byakuya reminds Rukia they were only tasked with observing Ichigo and his decision, Zaraki, interjecting, states he only came because he was bored.[80] Later, when Ichigo, seeking the return of Kūgo's body, goes to Soul Society, Zaraki, informed of his arrival, is among the captains present to hear Ichigo's request.[81]

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc[]

Ep371KenpachiArrives

Zaraki slaughtering several Wandenreich members.

Zaraki attends a captain meeting, where he is informed about the Wandenreich's infiltration, and is ordered to prepare for war alongside other captains.[82] After the Wandenreich invade Seireitei, Zaraki is told by Rangiku Matsumoto the enemy has the ability to steal Bankai.[83]

Later, Rin Tsubokura, via transmitter swords, informs Zaraki, along with the other captains and lieutenants, Ichigo is currently heading to Soul Society.[84] Later, Zaraki, after defeating three Sternritter, faces Jugram Haschwalth and Yhwach, asking the latter if he is the boss of the Wandenreich.[85] When Haschwalth asks how he defeated three Sternritter so easily, Zaraki casually explains each situation while referring to the three as trash. Dismissing them from his mind, Zaraki, charging forward, attacks Yhwach, who blocks the sword attack with his arm, resulting in an enormous shockwave destroying the area surrounding them.[86]

Ep371RoydDefeatsKenpachi

Zaraki is defeated by "Yhwach".

Soon after, Zaraki is easily defeated by Yhwach, who holds up the bloodied captain by his throat. Stating he had considered the captain to be one of their five special war potentials, he concludes he has overestimated Zaraki, proclaiming him to be weak. As Yhwach declares Soul Society on the brink of collapse, Zaraki is saved from further punishment by the arrival of the Captain-Commander,[87] who snatches Zaraki from Yhwach's grasp.[88] After the battle for Soul Society ends, Zaraki is reported to have narrowly escaped death, despite being left in a comatose state.[89]

Days later, after somewhat recovering from his injuries, Zaraki is led to the lowest level of the Central Great Underground Prison by Retsu Unohana under the orders of the new Captain-Commander, Shunsui Kyōraku, in order to train him to become strong enough to combat the Wandenreich. Revealed to have scarred each other's bodies in the past, the captains, finally putting their long-kept contempt for each other into actions, begin their battle to the death.[90]

Ep375KenpachiCries

Zaraki's sole tear over the thought of dying to Unohana.

Zaraki, fighting Unohana, finds himself on the losing side, with the former using her free hand and legs to keep him from landing any blows on her. Praising him for removing his eyepatch at the start of their fight, Unohana cannot help, but note this also means he is fighting at his limits by doing so. She, continuing to wound Zaraki with a hidden knife, calls him weak, saying those who only fight with one hand, without using the other for anything else, do not look like they enjoy fighting to her. Zaraki, degrading her for using tricks she had not used in their last fight, states she has changed from the time he used to look up to her. Knocking Zaraki's sword from his hand and pinning him against the wall, Unohana tells him she did not change; he just had not given her the chance to use those tricks when they fought each other last.[91]

Ep375UnohanaImpalesKenpachi

Zaraki being severely wounded by Unohana.

Reaffirming he had looked up to her, Zaraki reveals he had never felt fear until he fought Unohana, enjoying fighting for the first time in his life, and it was then he decided he wanted to fight like her. As Zaraki realizes he might be about to die without ever having defeated her, Unohana pierces him through the throat. When he temporarily loses consciousness, something catches Zaraki's attention and wakes him. Unohana, noticing this, asks him what happened, as it looked like he lost consciousness for a moment. Disregarding her question and whatever had caught his attention, Zaraki continues the fight against her.[92]

As the fight continues, Zaraki is continually injured and knocked out. As Unohana repeatedly heals him, he eventually wounds her. He realizes he was previously only reacting to her sword, but is now doing so reflexively. He further notes every time he regains consciousness, it feels as if he has been reborn, unaware the unconscious limits he placed on himself in their original battle are being released. Recovering from Unohana's onslaught, he delivers a powerful vertical slash.[93]

Ep376UnohanaFatallyWounded

Zaraki impales Unohana.

Despite having been dealt a critical blow, Unohana, pushing Zaraki back, heals herself and activates her Bankai. As the battle continues to intensify, Zaraki, greatly enjoying himself, laughs madly. Thinking to himself this is real fighting, he becomes grateful to Unohana. Zaraki, gradually overwhelming Unohana, stabs her through the chest.[94] As Unohana congratulates Zaraki while dying in his arms, Zaraki pulls back his sword and drops it, realizing that this will be his final time fighting her. Begging her not to die, Zaraki screams out in rage as his opponent loses consciousness and dies. Suddenly, he hears a voice calling out to him, and as he turns, he realizes the voice came from his Zanpakutō.[95]

573Kenpachi arrives

Zaraki returns to the battle.

Later, during the Wandenreich's second attack, Zaraki feels Yachiru's Reiatsu weakening and goes to her location. Breaking through a nearby wall, he expresses his disappointment to find that Gremmy Thoumeaux is the one causing trouble. [96] Being asked by Isane Kotetsu where Unohana is, Zaraki answers he has killed her and confirms that he has inherited her name. Gremmy raises the ground, thus setting up a stage for their battle. After Gremmy reveals his epithet, Zaraki charges at him, but his blade is stopped. Hearing Gremmy explain how he can stop it by imagining his skin is resistant enough, Zaraki proceeds to cut him and declare he can cut through anything Gremmy can imagine. [97]

Ep386KenpachiVsGremmy

Zaraki begins his fight with Gremmy Thoumeaux.

As Zaraki notes the noise made by his subordinates, Gremmy reveals he's healed and then begins attacking Zaraki through imagining lava. Stating Gremmy's power is illogical, Zaraki says he doesn't dislike illogical things and then charges, cutting away the lava and telling Yachiru to get away. After hearing Gremmy revealing what Yachiru's bones are now made of, Zaraki asks what a cookie is and, hearing the answer, again attacks. Zaraki is surrounded by water and falls down a fissure in the ground which then closes. He breaks free and, carrying Yachiru, again tries to cut Gremmy, but he is blocked. Noting that Gremmy's power doesn't seem to work on Yachiru anymore, Zaraki speculates that it is because he shifted his attention away from her. [98]

After cutting through the beam blocking his sword,[99] Zaraki tells Yachiru to have Isane heal her arm. As Yachiru gleefully scurries down the side of the structure, Gremmy notes Zaraki figured out how to disable his power. Confirming this, Zaraki asks Gremmy if he wants to fight and reminds him of his claim of being the strongest Quincy. Zaraki reasons that Gremmy would want to destroy the strongest fighter out there because of this status before proclaiming this will not be a fight if Gremmy is distracted so easily by things that aren't his opponent. As Zaraki lunges forward, Gremmy surrounds him with dozens of rectangular columns, which he easily cuts through. Eventually, a joyous Gremmy creates several dozen sub-machine guns around himself and has all of them fire at Zaraki, who emerges with only minor injuries and notes his sword is finally beginning to enjoy himself.[100]

Ep386GremmyCreatesHand

A giant hand appears above Zaraki to crush him.

Zaraki continues to attack Gremmy, each time taking advantage of Gremmy's lack of reaction to slash him again and again while cutting through his constructs as well. After slashing Gremmy in several areas, a confused Zaraki asks him if he is imagining his own death. Healing his wounds, Gremmy thanks Zaraki for pointing this out to him and state he will reveal his strongest technique before creating a clone of himself. When Zaraki attacks the clone, Gremmy reveals they will not die and points out a huge meteorite hurtling toward the Seireitei. As Gremmy proclaims this attack will obliterate Zaraki and the entire Seireitei, Zaraki tells his sword that it is great to find something he has not slashed yet and refers to it as Nozarashi.[101]

When Gremmy explains to him that he cannot destroy the meteorite because it is already in existence, Zaraki claims that Gremmy is the one who cannot do anything and leaps toward the meteorite. Releasing the true form of Nozarashi, Zaraki destroys the meteorite, causing chunks to rain down around him as he stands with his Shikai.[102]

Ep386GremmyCreatesSpace

Gremmy's clones envelop Zaraki in a pocket of space.

Gremmy calls him a monster for being able to destroy a meteorite with a single attack, prompting Zaraki to state he can simply cut through anything. Surrounding Zaraki with more clones of himself, Gremmy proclaims this means he will simply have to kill Zaraki with something that has no form and encloses him in a large pocket of space. Zaraki begins to spew liquid from his mouth and eye and screams in pain as Gremmy explains how he will die a slow and painful death in the vacuum of space, but he bifurcates one of Gremmy's clones, cutting himself out of the void in the process. As the other clones grab onto him, Zaraki is engulfed in an enormous explosion, which he survives with a moderately burned and scratched body. Noting this as proof of Zaraki's monstrosity, Gremmy proclaims he shall simply become stronger than Zaraki and rushes toward him as his veins pop out, only for his body to begin tearing itself apart in midair due to his muscles and tendons growing too quickly for it to contain. As Gremmy falls to the ground below, Zaraki criticizes him for imagining Zaraki to be a monster and losing because of it.[103]

Ep387KenpachiAttacksCandice

Zaraki attacks Candice.

Heavily injured, Zaraki approaches the defeated Sternritter. Hearing Gremmy's explanation of his own loss and his real body, a surprised Zaraki watches as the Quincy dissolves and perishes. After the stage collapses, Zaraki calls out to Yachiru and notices her empty clothes on the ground. When his subordinates arrive, he orders them to search for her. He is soon surprised when the low-ranking 11th division members are struck by thunder. He then sees Candice Catnipp, Meninas McAllon, Giselle Gewelle and Liltotto Lamperd approaching.[104] Noticing Candice electrocuting members of his division, Zaraki attempts to attack her, but Candice dodges and electrocutes him as Meninas punches him into the ground with tremendous force. As the four Sternritter slaughter dozens of 11th Division members around him and wonder how they should kill him, Zaraki notes he cannot move and wonders if this is the end as an explosion occurs overhead.[105] When Ichigo arrives and moves to him, Zaraki asks him what he is doing here, prompting Ichigo to proclaim he is here to save him.[106] When Ichigo asks him if he can stand, Zaraki laughs and tells Ichigo to look out for himself instead of worrying about him.[107]

613Nanao confronts

Nanao confronts Zaraki over ignoring his duties to search for Yachiru.

Later, Zaraki is brought to Kisuke Urahara's laboratory, where Jūshirō Ukitake heals him. When Ukitake claims that he will not be able to move for a while, Zaraki emerges from the medical room while asking him whom he is referring to, prompting Ukitake to express surprise. Zaraki asks Urahara where Yachiru is, and upon learning that his division is currently looking for her, he attempts to leave despite Urahara asking him to stay. When Urahara stops him with a Kidō barrier, an angry Zaraki begins moving toward him, only for Nanao Ise to confront him and point out how he has a duty to do here. After a minute or two, Zaraki admits that she is right and backs off, prompting Urahara to give him a sphere to charge with his Reiatsu.[108]

Later, Zaraki asks Urahara if charging the spheres will make them fly, prompting Urahara to explain how they will be creating doors to the Soul King Palace. When Urahara admits that there may not be a way back, Zaraki states that he is only interested in killing the Wandenreich members currently in the palace.[109]

635Kenpachi's arm is damaged

Zaraki's arm is mangled by Pernida Parnkgjas.

As the Seireitei starts falling apart, Zaraki is shocked by Urahara's statement that the Soul King must have died. [110] Zaraki then watches as Ukitake uses the power of Mimihagi to replace the Soul King. [111] Zaraki arrives in the newly transformed Royal Realm alongside Nemu and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, much to the surprise and annoyance of the latter.[112] The three soon encounter Pernida Parnkgjas. Zaraki decides to kill it and slashes it across the head, which draws blood despite it slashing his arm in return. However, Pernida starts growing, much to his shock.[113]

636Kenpachi rips

Zaraki rips his arm off.

After expressing surprise that Mayuri finds Pernida creepy, Zaraki notices his arm being warped even further and immediately rips it off to prevent the rest of his body from being damaged, prompting Mayuri to commend him for doing so. As Nemu tends to his wound, Zaraki wonders how he can attack Pernida without getting close before rushing forward and slashing partway through Pernida, only to have his legs warped. However, in order to save him, Mayuri stabs Zaraki through the chest with Ashisogi Jizō before using Fear Factor 4, causing Zaraki to collapse.[114] However, Zaraki retains the ability to move his eyes even after being paralyzed, causing Mayuri to call him a monster.[115] Soon afterward, Ikkaku carries Zaraki away from the battlefield when Mayuri activates his Bankai.[116]

667Kenpachi and Gerard clash

Zaraki clashes with Gerard.

After Pernida is killed, Ikkaku and Yumichika place Zaraki in one of Mayuri's capsules to rehabilitate.[117] Some time afterward, Zaraki's missing arm is restored and breaks out of the capsule.[118] He then arrives at Gerard Valkyrie's fight with Hitsugaya and Byakuya, where he cuts off the giant Gerard's forearm before mocking his fellow captains for acting so chummy.[119] After learning of Gerard's ability to regenerate from injuries and grow even stronger, Zaraki decides to see what will happen if he dices him up and attacks, only to be intercepted by Hitsugaya, who berates him for not thinking about what will happen if Gerard falls down to the Seireitei below. When Gerard stomps on them, Zaraki merely grabs his foot and throws him back before attacking him once more, prompting Gerard to repel him with a blow from his shield before drawing his own sword, Hoffnung. Releasing his Zanpakutō, Zaraki clashes with Gerard and manages to push him back before leaping into the air, only to be surprised when he suffers a large cut to his chest due to leaving a small nick in the blade of Hoffnung.[120]

668Gerard overwhelms

Gerard overwhelms Zaraki.

As blood spurts from his wound, Zaraki wonders what just happened, prompting Gerard to claim that The Miracle gives form to the desires and emotions of the masses, which is what increased his size and made Hoffnung unbreakable. Zaraki ridicules Gerard for acting like a cliched villain, only for Gerard to ridicule him in turn for not yet having realized the gap between them. As a stunned Hitsugaya states that the two seemed made for each other as opponents, Zaraki and Gerard begin clashing, with the two of them complimenting each other's speed and reflexes. Hitsugaya attempts to intervene, but Zaraki smashes him to the ground below and tells him to stay out of this, with Byakuya agreeing, prompting Hitsugaya to point out how Zaraki considers Gerard enough of a threat to have already taken off his eyepatch. As Zaraki and Gerard continue clashing, with Zaraki slowly but surely being overwhelmed, Gerard points out the waning power behind his strikes before smashing him into the ground. Suddenly, Nozarashi appears before Zaraki and tells him that the fun has only just started. As energy begins flowing down Zaraki's arm from where she touched him, Nozarashi notes that Zaraki would be able to cut down anyone if he used her properly before revealing this is the power known as Bankai.[121]

669Kenpachi slashes

Zaraki effortlessly overpowers Gerard while in his Bankai.

A massive wave of energy erupts outward from Zaraki, startling Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Gerard, before clearing to reveal that he has gained red skin and a differently shaped sword. Disappointed by Zaraki's Bankai, Gerard attempts to punch him, who responds by biting down on Gerard's knuckle and rip the whole arm off. Gerard reminds Zaraki that cutting off his arms will accomplish nothing, but Zaraki merely leaps into the air before slashing at Gerard, who has his left forearm cut off along with half of his shield when he attempts to block the strike. Zaraki punches Gerard in the chin, sending him flying back off the edge of Wahrwelt as he wonders what this power is. As Gerard activates his Quincy: Vollständig and flies toward him while proclaiming he is foolish for not retreating, Zaraki swiftly cuts him in half vertically.[122]

670Kenpachi loses his arm

Zaraki loses his arm due to the power of his Bankai.

Landing on the ground, Zaraki suddenly roars and leaps back as Gerard reforms and activates his Quincy: Vollständig, Aschetonig. Zaraki attempts to resume his battle, but his right arm suddenly shatters and breaks as Nozarashi notes that she released more of his power than his body could handle, prompting Gerard to slash Zaraki into the ground.[123] Hitsugaya confronts Gerard and is overwhelmed, but Zaraki manages to flip Gerard over and mutilate his feet.[124]

Zaraki survives the battle and ten years after the defeat of Yhwach, with Yachiru now gone, he heads to the promotion ceremony of the new 13th Division captain with his lieutenant, Ikkaku, and Yumichika, who disputes the assertion that the event is at the 13th Division's barracks. Zaraki insists that Yachiru was responsible for his bad sense of direction and heads there anyway. The three eventually turn up at the correct location where they are berated by Suì-Fēng for being late.[125]


Echoing Jaws of Hell arc[]

NBFHCaptains notice

Zaraki and the other captains notice Jigoku no Rinki around Ukitake's grave.

On the day of Ukitake's Konsō Reisai, Zaraki gathers with the other captains around Ukitake's grave and is confused to see Jigoku no Rinki floating through the air, only to be astonished when Shunsui reveals that the true purpose of the Konsō Reisai is to cast deceased captains into Hell.[126]

Equipment[]

113Kenpachi's eyepatch

Zaraki's special eyepatch.

Eyepatch Power Seal: While unneeded, Zaraki wears an eyepatch he requested the Shinigami Research and Development Institute to create. In addition to reducing his depth perception and range of vision,[127] it also seals the bulk of his Reiryoku. He wears this because he loves fighting so much that he cannot fight most opponents at full strength and enjoy it, as he would defeat them too quickly, to which he is still at least on par with most opponents while wearing it.[128][129]

Reiatsu Bells: In order to further give the enemy an advantage, Zaraki wears bells on each spike of his hair. These bells can only be heard by enemies whose Reiatsu is concentrated to the point where it can actually defeat Zaraki.[127] Sometime after Aizen's defeat, Zaraki stopped wearing them.[130]

Powers & Abilities[]

Ep376KenpachiUnohanaClash

Zaraki's battle prowess continuously increases while battling Retsu Unohana.

Specialized Combatant: Zaraki did not attend the Shin'ō Academy, and thus has a limited skillset, especially for a Gotei 13 Captain. Despite that and even before accessing any of his Zanpakutō's power, he more than made up for this fault with his sheer might, resilience, and ingenuity. Training himself into a masterful combatant, he uses basic and direct, but effective methods to overwhelm his opponent. Fighting solely on instinct, reflexes, and present observation, he has no set pattern of attacks and likewise steadily improves with each exchange.[131] From this, he can instantly change his approach and tactics, making it almost impossible for his opponents to anticipate him. Against Tōsen's Bankai, which left him with only a sense of touch, he was able to adapt and dodge Tōsen's attacks at the moment the latter's blade touches him to avoid serious injury and counter-attack with increasing accuracy.[132] These traits, combined with his monstrous power, easily make him one of the strongest Shinigami in the Gotei 13's history.[1] His immense fighting prowess is the reason why Zaraki was recognized as one of the 5 Special War Powers by the Wandenreich,[133] proving himself as such by having easily defeated three Sternritters back-to-back, who are said to possess above-Captain level might, early in their first invasion.[134]

Master Swordsman: Due to the lawlessness of the Zaraki district, Zaraki's sword-fighting skills were strengthened to essentially a masterful level, letting him strike multiple times with changes of attack type (from slash to pierce) without any difficulty. While still a child, he single-handedly kill hundreds of adult fighters and wound Retsu Unohana, the 1st Kenpachi, in battle.[135] His unpolished skill, but immense might with his sword allows him to always fight with one hand free, only using both hands against opponents he feels will beat him otherwise, such as with Nnoitra and momentarily Ichigo.[136] Likewise, he has equal might with either hand.[137] As the captain of the 11th Division, which specializes in sword fighting, he is among the most, if not the most, proficient swordsmen in all of Soul Society.

  • Zaraki possesses some knowledge and skill in Shinigami Zanjutsu, which Yamamoto forced him to learn before officially joining the Gotei 13. He is particularly advanced in Kendō, able to defeat several Shinigami at once with it.[138] However, the training only lasted a day out of Central 46's fear that Zaraki would become too powerful of a threat to the Seireitei if he ever rebelled while having fully completed and mastered his training.[26] Also, Zaraki despises using skills and techniques learned from another source, only using his formal training as a last resort.[139]
  • Ryōdan (両断, Bisection): A technique which Zaraki uses when he is gripping his sword with two hands. It allows one to split an opponent down the middle, even being able to overcome the powerful Hierro of the fifth Espada.[140][141]

Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: While preferring to use his blade in battle, Zaraki has proven several times to be very dangerous while barehanded, showing considerably effective brawling prowess. He can easily catch an opponent's attack with a single hand, perform powerful punches and kicks, and easily subdue opponents with throws and take-downs.[142]

113Kenpachi exerts

Zaraki exerts his monstrous Reiatsu.

Immeasurable Spiritual Power: Even by a captain's standards, Zaraki's Reiryoku is monstrous.[143] Even as he subconsciously suppressed the majority of his true power for centuries,[144] his spiritual power was of such a degree that his fighting prowess is never noticeably hindered even with his energy-sealing eyepatch, as Zaraki could challenge two captain-level and Bankai-wielding opponents in succession. Ganju Shiba estimated his sealed power to be close to or at the same level as Byakuya Kuchiki's Reiatsu.[145] Retsu Unohana, one of the most powerful captains of the Gotei 13, stated she was weaker than him even while he was still a child.[146] During the Invasion of Hueco Mundo, he defeated the Fifth Espada, Nnoitra Gilga,[147] and could overpower Yammy Llargo, the strongest of the Espada.[148] After defeating Unohana and removing his mental limits, Zaraki becomes powerful enough to fight on par with and defeat Gremmy Thoumeaux without taking off his eyepatch,[149] and pressure Gerard Valkyrie while the Sternritter was vastly empowered by The Miracle and previously defeated several Shinigami in a single attack.[150] When unleashing a strong enough surge of energy, it becomes visible and yellow in color, sometimes appearing as a skull.[151]

Unruly Reiatsu Control: By his own admission, Zaraki has poor control of his spiritual energy as it constantly remains very potent, forcing him to rely on his eyepatch to keep it at a more manageable level. Despite this, he is able to make liberal use of it in a variety of ways. It can affect large areas, spanning miles, and cause others within that area to enter a state of paralysis and confusion.[152] When exerting his energy, the sheer magnitude of Zaraki's energy can cause considerable damage, destroying the area around him and launching away weaker opponents. Likewise, this can repel or disrupt most enemy attacks and abilities.[153] After defeating Unohana, Zaraki gains considerable control over his Reiatsu; prior to fighting Gremmy, Shinigami in the nearby area were completely unable to detect his Reiatsu.[154] He can also use his Reiryoku for more basic feats, such as standing in midair like other Shinigami.[155]
105Ichigo fails

Zaraki's spiritual aura protects him while unguarded.

  • Damage Resistance: The intensity of Zaraki's Reiryoku also acts as a sort of armor, making it impossible for him to be harmed by anyone not at least at his level of power. This is first demonstrated when he faced Ichigo. At the start of the fight, Zaraki allows Ichigo to strike him, yet despite leaving himself completely unguarded and not resisting, not only did Ichigo fail to cut him, but Ichigo's hands started to bleed because of the recoil from the attempt.[156]

Highly Perceptive Combatant: Despite his seeming disregard for any strategy and self-admitted aversion to thinking, Zaraki has regularly displayed a surprisingly keen understanding of various situations. Even Byakuya was impressed by Zaraki's ability to understand things he has no personal experience with.[157] He is likewise able to quickly see through his opponents' attack patterns and battle methods, finding and exploiting weaknesses in his opponents' techniques, and likewise quickly adjust and alter his own methods to better counter them. Against Gremmy Thoumeaux, Zaraki correctly deduced that Gremmy Thoumeaux's The Visionary was limited by concentration and can have its effects removed if his attention is diverted.[158] He is also insightful to people's nature, able to notice subtle traits in people and see what drives a person's actions; he correctly singled out Kaname Tōsen and Gin Ichimaru as the only captains who are afraid to die.[159] He possesses sharp intuition towards incoming danger, which allowed him to repeatedly dodge Tōsen's assault while still affected by his Bankai.

667Kenpachi withstands

Zaraki holds back a stomp from the enormous Gerard Valkyrie.

Immense Strength: Zaraki possesses an extreme degree of physical strength, most commonly displayed by his ability to push back his opponent's attacks with a single arm, even if the opponent's weapons and attacks are gigantic in size.[160] When Pernida Parnkgjas began warping and damaging his arm, Zaraki ripped it off effortlessly.[161]

He can launch full-grown men through buildings with a kick, as well as grab Ichigo's large sword to reel him in for an attack.[162] He can also ram clear through a solid wall unscathed.[163] He blocked the stomp of an enormous Gerard Valkyrie and throw him back a tremendous distance,[164] and even succeeded in tripping Gerard with just one arm when the Quincy was even larger.[165] With just his bare hand, Zaraki grabbed and deflected Nnoitra's Cero.[166]

His attack strength allows him to launch opponents back during a weapons clash[167] and slice apart a skyscraper with a mere flick of his wrist. He can easily cut through an Arrancar's Hierro, which is harder than steel, including Yammy's while he was in his released form, where Zaraki cut off his leg and knocked the enormous Espada off his feet in a single strike.[168] Against Gremmy's imagination powers, Zaraki claims that the Quincy's powers cannot come up with anything that he cannot cut, proving so by slicing through Gremmy's hardened body.[169]

Shunpo Practitioner: Though Zaraki originally possessed no known skill in Shunpo, after his battle with Unohana he developed it to some degree. Most notably, after recovering from the injuries inflicted by The Compulsory, Zaraki managed to instantly appear in another part of the Wahrwelt city and attack Gerard Valkyrie before the Sternritter could even defend himself, with Ikkaku and Yumichika shocked that Zaraki arrived before they did.[170][171]

Immense Speed: Prior to learning how to perform basic Shunpo, Zaraki displayed deceptively fast physical speed for his size and build. Thanks to the tremendous raw strength in his legs, Zaraki's natural acceleration more than made up for his lack of Shunpo, allowing him to move fast enough to instantly close a huge gap of space between him and his opponent,[172] and even seemingly disappear from sight. In battle, he can strike with incredible speed in rapid succession, making it highly difficult for his opponents to find an opening and counterattack. During his short battle with Byakuya, Zaraki manages to keep up with his opponent's incredibly fast Shunpo, a feat which shocked and impressed Byakuya.[173]

147Kenpachi regains

Zaraki easily survives a stabbing from Kaname Tōsen to grab him for a counterattack.

Immense Endurance: His physical prowess is equally displayed by his resilience. Zaraki often ignores most of the injuries he sustains in battle, not suffering any debilitation despite having multiple slash and puncture wounds on his body and rarely any signs of pain much like a berserker. While battling Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen, he took a hit from Komamura's Tenken and stabbed by the projectiles of Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō and shrugged it off, claiming it wasn't even enough to wake him up. He allowed himself to be stabbed by Tōsen just to grab Tōsen's sword to dispel his Bankai's effect. During his first battle with Nnoitra, he suffered numerous slash wounds, was even impaled and almost beheaded with no visual impairment of his fighting performance; Nnoitra noting most people would have already been dead by then.[174][175] Even after receiving grievous injuries which left him in a comatose state, he healed enough to return to training only days later, showing a high recovery rate as well.[176] Even after Zaraki suffered severe organ damage from his battle with Gremmy, it took the combined effort of four Sternritter to finally defeat him, rendered immobile from his injuries but still fully conscious.[177] Despite having his arm mangled by Pernida's The Compulsory, Zaraki still managed to nonchalantly hold his sword with that arm.[178]

Immense Durability: As resilient as Zaraki is, he is just as hard to damage. During his battle against Yammy, as Zaraki was focusing his attention on Ichigo, Yammy delivered a powerful blow with his massive fist, launching Zaraki several meters and smashing him into a large pillar. Despite the impact, Zaraki quickly emerged unfazed, unimpressed by the "decent punch" Yammy threw at him.[179] During his battle with Gremmy, Zaraki remained unharmed after being fired upon by dozens of firearms and having missiles thrown at him,[180] and later withstood the cold vacuum of space and having several clones of Gremmy self-destruct at point-blank range with only moderate injuries.[181]

Zanpakutō[]

Nozarashi redirects here. For the manifested spirit see Nozarashi (Zanpakutō spirit).

Ep39KenpachiZanpakuto

Nozarashi in its sealed form.

Nozarashi (野晒, Weather-Beaten One; Viz "Weather Beaten"):[182] As a young boy living in the Rukongai, Zaraki came upon a dead Shinigami. He took the Asauchi, imprinting his soul upon it to become his own Zanpakutō.[183][184] While still a wanderer, he would carry the sword across his back by a rope, over his right shoulder and at the left of his waist under his sash while a Shinigami. The blade is much longer than most Zanpakutō, roughly the size of a nodachi, with a relatively narrow, but long tsuba shaped like a serrated, eliptical bicone. The hilt and braid are both white, though they are mostly wrapped in white bandages, as is his sword's brown saya.[185]

Originally, Zaraki was the only captain in the history of the Gotei 13 to not know the name of his Zanpakutō, nor could he perform either of his blade's releases. Zangetsu noted Zaraki's disharmony with his sword caused the two to damage each other's powers; consequently, Zaraki could not hear the cry of his sword. Their disharmony left it with little spiritual energy and easier to damage; the blade is chipped and worn-down upon its edge. Despite this, Nozarashi can easily cut through most targets: Zaraki stabs straight through Ichigo's Zanpakutō, and later slices a building in half with no apparent effort after removing his eyepatch. After his fight with Ichigo, Zaraki wished to learn more about his Zanpakutō because he wanted to become stronger and could identify with the pain of not having a name. Later, upon defeating Retsu Unohana in battle and awakening his true strength, Zaraki finally heard his Zanpakutō's voice.[186]

577Kenpachi's Shikai, Nozarashi

Nozarashi in its Shikai form.

  • Shikai: Before Zaraki knew its name, Soul Society believed that Zaraki's overwhelming Reiatsu was forcing Nozarashi into a constantly released state due to its more elaborate design.[187] Its release command is Drink (呑め, nome).[188] Upon release, Nozarashi takes on the form of a great axe/war cleaver hybrid with a long, cloth-wrapped handle. The top of the blade has a brass cover with a green tassel attached to the backside.[189]
Shikai Special Ability: In its released state, Nozarashi possesses tremendous additional attack power, easily destroying a huge meteorite with a single attack.[190][191] Its cutting power is also greatly enhanced, able to effortlessly cut even through space itself.[192]
669Kenpachi's Bankai

Zaraki's unnamed Bankai.

  • Bankai: Unnamed: Upon activation, Zaraki's Bankai releases a huge wave of energy powerful enough to level nearby buildings. In this form, Zaraki's skin turns red, and he gains multiple black markings across his face and horns on his forehead, causing him to resemble an oni. His blade becomes an altered version of its Shikai state, with a shorter, more jagged blade resembling a rough cleaver.[193]
Bankai Special Ability: Zaraki's Bankai grants him a tremendous increase in physical strength and cutting power, allowing him to effortlessly topple a gigantic Gerard Valkyrie with a single blow,[194] rip off his arm in a single motion,[195] and cut him completely in half from a considerable distance.[196]


Weaknesses[]

Combat[]

Kidō: Zaraki has no skill or interest in the use of Kidō, leaving him only with direct-attack methods for battle.

Reiatsu Mental Limiters (Formerly): As noted by Unohana, because of Zaraki's strong desire for a challenging fight, but possessing such overwhelming power that quickly defeats most opponents, he subconsciously began limiting his Reiatsu, even without his eyepatch. Against foes of high power, his power will instinctively be just slightly above said foe. The longer he fights a foe that pressures him, the more he subconsciously removes his limits, steadily increasing his Reiatsu. Zaraki's subconscious limit was the reason he lost his fight with Ichigo, as he could not adjust to Ichigo's increase in power in time.[197] After his death-battle against Unohana, Zaraki's subconscious barriers were permanently removed, granting him constant and instant access to his full power (when not wearing his eyepatch).

Zanpakutō[]

Range: While his Zanpakutō possesses extreme cutting power, it is limited to close-quarters combat.

Melee Only: While powerful in melee combat, his Zanpakutō has no known special abilities.

Power Overload (Bankai): If Zaraki's Bankai releases more power than his body can handle, his body will start breaking under the pressure, as demonstrated when his right arm was tearing itself to pieces after he started attacking Gerard for a fourth time.[198]

Berserker state (Bankai): While Zaraki uses his Bankai, he becomes a mindless berserker that is unable to differentiate between friend and foe and fights with no regards for his own wellbeing. After cutting Gerard in half, he attempted to attack Hitsugaya and Byakuya without any warning.[199]

Appearances in Other Media[]

Video Game Appearances
Blade Battlers
Blade Battlers 2nd
The Blade of Fate
Bleach: Dark Souls
The 3rd Phantom
Flame Bringer
Tasogare ni Mamieru Shinigami
Shattered Blade
Versus Crusade
Heat the Soul
Heat the Soul 2
Heat the Soul 3
Heat the Soul 4
Heat the Soul 5
Heat the Soul 6
Heat the Soul 7
Soul Carnival
Soul Carnival 2
Hanatareshi Yabou
Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society
Erabareshi Tamashii
Soul Resurrección
J-Stars Victory Vs
Brave Souls
Paradise Lost
Jump Force
Movie Appearances
Memories of Nobody
The DiamondDust Rebellion
Fade to Black
The Hell Verse
Live-Action Film
BURN THE WITCH
Novel Appearances
Letters From The Other Side
The Honey Dish Rhapsody
Spirits Are Forever With You
The Death Save The Strawberry
WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Can't Fear Your Own World


Video Games[]

  • Zaraki appears in most of the Bleach video games. He is very powerful in the Bleach DS series, where his strongest attack is a big shockwave (his full spiritual power after removing his eyepatch), and Heat the Soul (including Soul Carnival) for PSP.[200]
  • Contrary to the series, Zaraki can freely use Shunpo any time like other Shinigami in Bleach: The Blade of Fate, Bleach: Dark Souls, Bleach: Soul Resurrección, and Bleach: Brave Souls (although in the last instance he only has half as many Shunpo as most characters).[201]
  • In some Bleach games, Zaraki's Zanpakutō leaves a trail of black dimensional matter every time he swings it (such as in both Blade Battlers games). Anyone who walks into it suffers damage.[202]
  • Notably to allude to his height, Dark Souls had his character sprite radically altered.[203]
BBSKenpachiThousandYearBloodWarArc

Promotional artwork of Zaraki wielding his Shikai in Bleach: Brave Souls.

  • In Brave Souls, Zaraki is the first character to have Flurry, an Awakening skill where normal attack hits are doubled. Additionally, in Brave Souls, his Shikai and Bankai appear for the first time outside of the manga as part of his Thousand-Year Blood War Form. In this form, Zaraki is a melee character with the "Mind" Attribute and the "Arrancar Killer" ability. His unlockable skills are "Bruiser +20%", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +1", "Long Reach +20%", and "Poise", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Damage +20%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Recharge Time -7%" and "Spiritual Pressure +45", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Zaraki's special is "That Power is Bankai!" (その力の名前は「卍解」, Sono chikara no namae wa 「Bankai」), where Zaraki activates his Bankai and inflicts immense damage on the opponent. He stays transformed after the animation ends for a short period of time and can only vocalize in screams.[201]
BBSBeyond Bankai Kenpachi

Zaraki after gaining a power beyond Bankai.

  • Zaraki is also playable as an alternate-universe version of himself introduced as part of the Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You tie-in event who gained a power beyond Bankai, causing him to gain jagged white armor on his left arm with light blue energy glowing through cracks on his bicep and tricep, a large white sword in his left hand with a jagged cutlass-like handle and spikes of varying length on the flat edge of the blade with a thin hollow section running beneath it that is pierced by two thin pillars and the sharp edge of the blade extending to nearly reach the guard, yellow fur covering his left arm and a long crimson-brown hide wrapped around his bicep and tricep to trail behind him, and a large cleaver-like sword with a flat wooden handle in his right hand, as well as pale blue streaks in his lengthened hair.
  • In this form, Zaraki's left side notably resembles Boney (後獣 (ホネホネ), Hone Hone; Japanese for "Rear Beast"), while his right side notably resembles Lumpy (前獣 (モコモコ), Moko Moko; Japanese for "Front Beast").
  • In this form, Zaraki is a melee normal attack character with the "Mind" Attribute and the "Captain Killer" ability. He has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Paralysis Duration -100%", "Weaken Duration -100%", and "Guard Break", and his unlockable skills are "Brave Battles Only Prevent Last-Ditch Survival +1", "Berserker +60%", "Brave Battle Counter +20%", "Flurry +2", "Ignore Brave Battle Invincibility +1", "Last-Ditch Survival 100%", "Poise", "Sprinter +1", and "Start Barrier +10", while his Soul Trait is "Damage Taken -16%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Normal Attack Damage +13%" and "Attack +45", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Normal Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Normal Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Zaraki's special is Twin Blade Apotheosis (二刀心髄, Nitō Shinzui; Japanese for "Double Blade Quintessence"), where he unleashes a ferocious attack with both blades that inflicts immense damage and has a very small chance to instantly kill.
BBSArena Kenpachi

Zaraki's Arena form.

  • Additionally, Zaraki is playable in a form specifically tailored for the Arena mode of Brave Souls, drawing from the conclusion of his fight against Nnoitra. In this form, Zaraki is a melee normal attack character with the "Speed" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability. He has two Innate Abilities built in at ★5: "Drain Duration -100%" and "Decreased Soul Reaper Damage Taken -20%". His unlockable skills are "Berserker +50%", "Bruiser +40%", "Damage inflicted at low STA +30%", "Devastation +40%", "Flurry +1", "Last-Ditch Survival 100%", "Poise", "Sprinter +1", and "Weaken Defense", while his Soul Trait is "Normal Attack Damage +20%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Damage Taken -10%" and "Attack +90", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Flurry +1" at level 2, "Long Stride" at level 5, and "Normal Attack Damage +30%" at level 10. Zaraki's special is The Way of the Sword (剣の道, Ken no Michi), where he takes a two-handed stance and attacks with all his might, inflicting immense damage.
BBSSAFWYKenpachi

Zaraki as he appears in Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You.

  • A special form of Zaraki was also released as part of the Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You tie-in event. In this form, Zaraki is a melee strong attack character with the "Power" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack. He has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Full Stamina Only Increased Strong Attack Damage +40%", "Weaken Duration -100%", and "Sprinter +1", and his unlockable skills are "Ailment Reversal", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +2", "Havoc +20%", "Marauder", "Melee Damage +10%/+30% in Co-Op Quests", and "Poise", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%". Meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Focus +30". His Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Zaraki's special is Gleeful Onslaught (兇笑の一振り, Kyōshō no Hitofuri; Japanese for "Cackling Sword"), where he laughs maniacally and unleashes a brutal attack that inflicts immense damage and weaken.
BBSCFYOWKenpachi

Zaraki as he appears in Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World.

  • Additionally, a special form of Zaraki was released as part of the Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World tie-in event. In this form, Zaraki is a melee normal attack character with the "Technique" Attribute and the "Arrancar Killer" ability. His unlockable skills are "Inheritance Zones Only Speed Link Slot Potions +5", "Berserker +50%", "Bruiser +40%", "Devastation +40%", "Flurry", "Paralysis Duration -100%", "Poise", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Trait is "Damage Taken -16%". Zaraki's special is That Is Good News! (そいつぁ何よりだ!, Soitsa Naniyori da!), where his overflowing Reiatsu surrounds him as he mows down his foes with Nozarashi, inflicting immense damage.

Movies[]

DDRKenpachiDestroysKusakaMidsection

Zaraki attacks Kusaka in The DiamondDust Rebellion.

  • Zaraki briefly appears in Bleach: Memories of Nobody, making sport of one of the Dark Ones.[204]
  • He also appears in the second movie, Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion, charging in and attacking Sōjirō Kusaka's ice dragon form, and later helping out in the final battle.[205]
  • In the third movie, Bleach: Fade to Black, he appears in Mayuri's lab to stop Mayuri's mad rampage. After being pushed back by Mayuri's Bankai, he is frozen by Mayuri's weapon, but later wakes up to fight the monster created by Mayuri's technology with the rest of the Shinigami.[206]
  • He has a minor role in the second Bleach OVA, where he vacations in the Human World with Yachiru.[207]

Music[]

  • Zaraki appears in the second session of Bleach Beat Collection. Fumihiko Tachiki performs two tracks as Zaraki: "COME to LIKE it This FIGHT Now" and "We," a quartet with Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika.
  • Zaraki features in the second volume of Bleach "B" Station's first season, as well as the fifth season's fifth volume.
  • BuriCon - Bleach Concept Covers features Zaraki performing "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight."
  • He appears in four of the Rock Musical Bleach performances: Dark of the Bleeding Moon, No Clouds in the Blue Heavens, The All, and Live Bankai Show Code 002. He is portrayed by Shōgo Suzuki.

Censorship[]

  • Zaraki wasn't bleeding from the first slash wound Ichigo has inflicted upon him in the anime compared to the manga.[208][209]
  • Zaraki's slash wounds, inflicted by Ichigo, weren't as severe in the anime compared to the manga.[210][211]
  • After Zaraki was hit by Kaname Tōsen's Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō, he was less injured in the anime compared to the manga.[212][213]
  • When Tōsen impaled Zaraki, and when Zaraki managed to slash Tosen, twice, there was less blood shown in the anime compared to the manga,[214][215][216] and Tōsen's slash wound isn't as visible in the anime either.[217]
  • In the anime, during a flashback to when Ikkaku first met Zaraki and was defeated by the latter, Ikkaku wasn't shown bleeding profusely from his grevious wounds[218] as he was in the manga.[219] Instead Ikkaku has fewer wounds on his body in the anime.

Trivia[]

BKBKenpachi's Battle Chart

Zaraki's Battle Data from SOULs, clockwise. Top: Offense (100), Top Right: Defense (80), Bottom Right: Mobility (60), Bottom: Kidō/Reiatsu (0), Bottom Left: Intelligence (50), Top Left: Physical Strength (100). Total: 390/600.[2]

  • "Consume everything, demon of the blood-thirsty sword." - Tite Kubo[2]
  • Despite Kenpachi Zaraki being referred to as the "11th Kenpachi"[3] and having bested the 10th Kenpachi in battle, it is eventually revealed that the 1st Kenpachi was never actually killed in a duel until she fought Zaraki, putting his actual position and the legitimacy of all his other predecessors' titles of Kenpachi into question.
  • His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is Massive Attack's "Superpredators."
  • Zaraki ranked 15th in the fourth character popularity poll after ranking 27th in the second and 9th in the third; however, in the fifth, he ranked 5th.[220] He rose again in the tenth, ranking 4th.[221]
  • Nozarashi ranked 29th in the first Zanpakutō poll while unnamed; in the second, it ranked 11th.[222]
  • In the first best bout poll, Zaraki's fight with Nnoitra Gilga ranked 10th;[223] in the second, it ranked 14th, while his fight with Retsu Unohana ranked 6th, his fight with Gremmy Thoumeaux ranked 17th, his fight with Byakuya Kuchiki ranked 37th, his fight with Kaname Tōsen ranked 53rd, and his fights with Ikkaku Madarame and Yhwach ranked 83rd.[224]
  • Zaraki's unique hairstyle is partly due to his habit of taking a bath every day before going to sleep, which is a necessity to him due to his strong perspiration. During these baths, he usually washes his hair with soap, making it stiff. He does so to make it easier to set his hairstyle.
    • He once tried a hair treatment recommended by Chōjirō Sasakibe, but his hair became too silky to set for a while. Zaraki has since greatly disliked the lieutenant.[2]
    • Zaraki attaches the bells to his hair himself. Despite taking him several hours, he refuses help as he thinks it is weird for someone else to style his hair.[225]
  • He has a very poor sense of direction, at times asking Yachiru for help (even though her sense of direction is just as bad).


Quotes[]

  • (To his sword) "I'd forgotten it for a long time...the pain of not having a name. Those other guys had names that others called them, but I didn't. So, that kinda feelin'..."[226]
  • "I want to get stronger. I've finally found a worthy opponent. I can get stronger. I want to fight. I want to get stronger. It sure has been a while. To feel this desire again. I want to get stronger."[228]
  • (To Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen) "You are shameless to sneak around like that, guys. Cowardly hiding spiritual pressure and stalking others isn't something that captains should do."[229]
  • (To Sajin Komamura, Kaname Tōsen, Tetsuzaemon Iba, and Shūhei Hisagi) "Blah blah blah! You're noisy! Just come on and fight already. It's best if all four of you come together. If you four surround me and attack at once, maybe one of you will actually wound me."[230]
  • (To Kaname Tōsen) "Sanity? Worthless things like that, I never had them for as long as I can remember!"[231]
  • "This Reiatsu... Even though I don't know who it's from, they seem to be deep in the heat of battle. Not bad. It sure makes your blood boil, doesn't it?"[233]
  • (To Ikkaku Madarame) "Never admit defeat and ask for a quick death! Die first, then admit defeat! If you are defeated but didn't die, it just means you were lucky! At those times, think only about survival! Survive and think only about killing the one who failed to kill you!"[234]
  • (To Ikkaku Madarame) "Sorry but I'm not interested in weaklings who can't fight any more. Besides, I don't have any obligation to finish you off."[235]
  • (To Retsu Unohana) "Not criminals? That's rich, coming from you. You know damn well that if we weren't so damn powerful, petty criminals is all the both of us would be!"[12]
  • (To Gremmy Thoumeaux) "What’s that face for? Did you 'imagine' I wouldn’t be able to cut you? Just so you know, there ain't a damn thing your little brain can come up with that I won't be able to slice through. I'm the Kenpachi."[236]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 140
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Bleach Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 108
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bleach Official Character Book 2: MASKED
  4. Bleach manga; Volume 13 cover
  5. Bleach anime; Episode 75
  6. Bleach manga; Chapter 460, page 11
  7. Bleach manga; Chapter 469, pages 2-3
  8. Bleach manga; Chapter 148, pages 12-13
  9. Bleach manga; Chapter 312
  10. Bleach manga; Chapter 573, pages 16-18
  11. 11.0 11.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 13
  12. 12.0 12.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 12
  13. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 14
  14. Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 4-5
  15. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 12
  16. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 8-9
  17. Bleach manga; Chapter 307, page 7
  18. Bleach manga; Chapter 614, page 8
  19. Bleach manga; Chapter 613, pages 6-9
  20. Bleach manga; Chapter 579, pages 14-15
  21. Bleach manga; Chapter 529, page 5
  22. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 11
  23. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 15
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 Bleach anime; Episode 119, This only takes place in the anime as additional material.
  25. Bleach manga; Chapter 206, pages 12-17
  26. 26.0 26.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 520, page 14
  27. Bleach manga; Chapter 65, pages 9-13
  28. Bleach manga; Chapters 82-83
  29. Bleach manga; Chapter 89, page 21
  30. Bleach manga; Chapter 93, pages 11-15
  31. Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 6-19
  32. Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 1-11
  33. Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 13-17
  34. Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 20-22
  35. Bleach manga; Chapter 105, pages 1-8
  36. Bleach manga; Chapter 108, pages 13-27
  37. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 1-5
  38. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 11-19
  39. Bleach manga; Chapter 112, pages 5-15
  40. Bleach manga; Chapter 112, pages 18-19
  41. Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-7
  42. Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 10-18
  43. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 1-18
  44. Bleach manga; Chapter 128, pages 16-18
  45. Bleach manga; Chapter 137, pages 5-12
  46. Bleach manga; Chapters 138-139
  47. Bleach manga; Chapters 139 & 143
  48. Bleach manga; Chapters 146-148
  49. Bleach manga; Chapters 148-149
  50. Bleach manga; Chapter 156, pages 1-2
  51. Bleach manga; Chapter 172, page 10
  52. Bleach manga; Chapter 180, pages 11-12
  53. Bleach anime; Episode 63
  54. Bleach manga; Chapter 188, pages 17 and 19
  55. Bleach manga; Chapter 238, pages 16-17
  56. Bleach manga; Chapter 298, pages 1-13
  57. Bleach manga; Chapter 298, pages 21-22
  58. Bleach manga; Chapter 306, pages 17-19
  59. Bleach manga; Chapter 307, pages 9-20
  60. Bleach manga; Chapter 308
  61. Bleach manga; Chapter 309
  62. Bleach manga; Chapter 310
  63. Bleach manga; Chapters 311-312
  64. Bleach manga; Chapter 313, pages 8-9
  65. Bleach manga; Chapter 313, pages 13-18
  66. Bleach manga; Chapter 314, pages 16-18
  67. Bleach manga; Chapter 315, pages 17-18
  68. Bleach manga; Chapter 379, pages 20-23
  69. Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 1-11
  70. Bleach manga; Chapter 381, pages 9-12
  71. Bleach manga; Chapter 382, pages 8-19
  72. Bleach manga; Chapter 383, pages 1-9
  73. Bleach manga; Chapter 422, pages 6-7
  74. Bleach manga; Chapter 423, pages 4-5
  75. Bleach manga; Chapter 460, pages 9-12
  76. Bleach manga; Chapter 463, pages 16-19
  77. Bleach manga; Chapter 464, pages 1-3
  78. Bleach manga; Chapter 473, pages 5-6
  79. Bleach manga; Chapter 475, pages 1-4
  80. Bleach manga; Chapter 476, pages 6-8
  81. Bleach manga; Chapter 479, pages 6-8
  82. Bleach manga; Chapter 488, pages 10-14
  83. Bleach manga; Chapter 497, page 6
  84. Bleach manga; Chapter 500, page 4
  85. Bleach manga; Chapter 502, pages 16-17
  86. Bleach manga; Chapter 503, pages 4-7
  87. Bleach manga; Chapter 505, pages 15-16
  88. Bleach anime; Episode 372
  89. Bleach manga; Chapter 515, page 13
  90. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 9-15 & 17
  91. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 4-12
  92. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 13-17
  93. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 1-17
  94. Bleach manga; Chapter 526, pages 1-13 and 16-17
  95. Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 1-9
  96. Bleach manga; Chapter 572, pages 16-17
  97. Bleach manga; Chapter 573, pages 1-16
  98. Bleach manga; Chapter 574, pages 3-17
  99. Bleach manga; Chapter 575, page 1
  100. Bleach manga; Chapter 575, pages 5-17
  101. Bleach manga; Chapter 576, pages 4-18
  102. Bleach manga; Chapter 577, pages 7-17
  103. Bleach manga; Chapter 578, pages 2-17
  104. Bleach manga; Chapter 579, pages 2-17
  105. Bleach manga; Chapter 580, pages 2-17
  106. Bleach manga; Chapter 581, pages 15-17
  107. Bleach manga; Chapter 582, page 1
  108. Bleach manga; Chapter 613, pages 5-10
  109. Bleach manga; Chapter 614, pages 5-8
  110. Bleach manga; Chapter 615, page 12
  111. Bleach manga; Chapter 616, pages 8-10
  112. Bleach manga; Chapter 629, pages 7-10
  113. Bleach manga; Chapter 635, pages 13-17
  114. Bleach manga; Chapter 636, pages 2 & 4-14
  115. Bleach manga; Chapter 637, pages 1-2
  116. Bleach manga; Chapter 639, page 12
  117. Bleach manga; Chapter 644, page 6
  118. Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 1-2
  119. Bleach manga; Chapter 666, pages 16-17
  120. Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 6-17
  121. Bleach manga; Chapter 668, pages 1-17
  122. Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 2-17
  123. Bleach manga; Chapter 670, pages 1, 4 & 11-13
  124. Bleach manga; Chapter 671, pages 13-14
  125. Bleach manga; Chapter 685, pages 9-10 & 15-16
  126. Bleach manga; NO BREATHES FROM HELL, pages 60-64
  127. 127.0 127.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 109, page 15
  128. Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-7
  129. Bleach manga; Chapter 309, page 4
  130. Bleach manga; Volume 53, the sketch between Chapters 463 and 464
  131. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, page 11
  132. Bleach manga; Chapters 146-148
  133. Bleach manga; Chapter 662, page 9
  134. Bleach manga; Chapter 502, page 16
  135. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 5-7
  136. Bleach manga; Chapter 112, page 9
  137. Bleach manga; Chapter 636, page 10
  138. Bleach anime; Episodes 202
  139. Bleach manga; Chapter 311, pages 17-18
  140. Bleach manga; Chapters 312, pages 1-4
  141. Bleach anime; Episode 98
  142. Bleach manga; Chapter 145, pages 17-18
  143. Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 8-9
  144. Bleach anime; Episode 376
  145. Bleach manga; Chapter 116, page 8
  146. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, page 12
  147. Bleach manga; Chapters 307-312
  148. Bleach manga; Chapter 382, page 11-12
  149. Bleach manga; Chapters 573-578
  150. Bleach manga; Chapters 666-671
  151. Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-4 & 12
  152. Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 15-16
  153. Bleach anime; Episodes 245
  154. Bleach manga; Chapter 574, pages 5-6
  155. Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 3
  156. Bleach manga; Chapter 105, page 7
  157. Bleach manga; Chapter 65, pages 9-13
  158. Bleach manga; Chapter 574, page 19
  159. Bleach manga; Chapter 65, page 9
  160. Bleach anime: Episode 249
  161. Bleach manga; Chapter 636, page 5
  162. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 11-12
  163. Bleach manga; Chapter 108, page 18
  164. Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 8-10
  165. Bleach manga; Chapter 671, pages 13-14
  166. Bleach manga; Chapter 308, pages 18-19
  167. Bleach manga; Chapter 307, pages 6-7
  168. Bleach anime; Episode 288
  169. Bleach manga; Chapter 572, pages 15-17
  170. Bleach manga; Chapter 666, pages 16-17
  171. Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 1-3
  172. Bleach anime; Episode 199
  173. Bleach anime; Episode 244
  174. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 15-16
  175. Bleach manga; Chapters 306-312
  176. Bleach manga; Chapter 515, page 13 & Chapter 523, page 9
  177. Bleach manga; Chapter 580, pages 16
  178. Bleach manga; Chapter 635, pages 13-17
  179. Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 7-10
  180. Bleach manga; Chapter 575, pages 14-16
  181. Bleach manga; Chapter 578, pages 6-13
  182. Bleach manga; Chapter 576, page 18
  183. Bleach manga; Chapter 529, page 5
  184. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, page 6
  185. Bleach manga; Chapter 120, page 9
  186. Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 5-9
  187. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, page 17
  188. Bleach manga; Chapter 577, page 11
  189. Bleach manga; Chapter 577, pages 16-17
  190. Bleach manga; Chapter 577, page 15
  191. Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 1
  192. Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 9
  193. Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 2-5
  194. Bleach manga; Chapter 669, page 13
  195. Bleach manga; Chapter 669, page 10
  196. Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 16-17
  197. Bleach chapter 525, page 11-15
  198. Bleach manga; Chapter 670, page 12
  199. Bleach manga; Chapter 670, page 4
  200. Bleach video game; Bleach: Soul Carnival
  201. 201.0 201.1 Bleach video game; Brave Souls
  202. Bleach video game; Bleach:Blade Battlers
  203. Bleach video game; Bleach: Dark Souls
  204. Bleach movie; Bleach: Memories of Nobody
  205. Bleach movie; Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion
  206. Bleach movie; Bleach: Fade to Black
  207. Bleach OVA; Bleach: The Sealed Sword Frenzy
  208. Bleach anime; Episode 38
  209. Bleach manga; Chapter 108, page 27
  210. Bleach anime; Episode 39
  211. Bleach manga; Chapter 112, page 11
  212. Bleach anime; Episode 51
  213. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 16-17
  214. Bleach anime; Episode 53
  215. Bleach manga; Chapter 147, pages 16 & 18
  216. Bleach manga; Chapter 148, page 11
  217. Bleach manga; Chapter 147, page 3
  218. Bleach anime; Episode 119
  219. Bleach manga; Chapter 206, page 7
  220. 13 BLADEs., page 252
  221. https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/bleach-popularity-poll-results-sept-2022?wpsrc=Twitter&utm_campaign=CAR_BleachOctPollResultsTwitterLinkclick_vizwebsite&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social
  222. 13 BLADEs., page 254
  223. Bleach manga; Chapter 392, page 1
  224. 13 BLADEs., page 255
  225. Bleach anime; Episode 71, Shinigami Cup Golden
  226. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 10-11
  227. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 11
  228. Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 13-14
  229. Bleach manga; Chapter 138, page 17
  230. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 2
  231. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 4
  232. Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 8
  233. Bleach manga; Chapter 143, pages 3-4
  234. Bleach manga; Chapter 206, pages 8-9
  235. Bleach manga; Chapter 206, page 7
  236. Bleach manga; Chapter 573, pages 16-18

Titles[]

Preceded by
Kenpachi Kiganjō
Captain of the 11th Division
? - Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent


Preceded by
Kenpachi Kiganjō
Kenpachi
? - Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent


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