"It's been so long that I forgot the pain of not having a name. Everyone had a name that friends use to call them, but I didn't. That pain." |
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
Kenpachi is a tall, muscular Shinigami with a wild and aggressive appearance, which fits his personality. He has a long face with pronounced cheekbones, and pronounced, hairless brow ridges. He has green eyes and long, stringy black hair.[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.
In addition to the standard Shinigami uniform, he wears white bandages across his midsection and a sleeveless captain's haori (which belonged to the previous captain and was taken after his defeat), which has a ragged look to it.[5] He styles his hair into stiff strands during his baths, 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, Kenpachi's hair has grown out past his shoulders. He no longer has the bells in his hair. His eyepatch's design has changed again, as it is now a single piece covering his right eye.[6] The eyepatch is black with a grey outline.[7]
Personality
Although he is known to be a violent fighter, Kenpachi's actions tend to be for the best. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi usually stops a fight if his opponent is too injured to fight back, claiming he is 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 end their fight, 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]
Kenpachi'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 enjoys doing so because it is easy for him to set his hair to his preferred style. He once tried a hair treatment recommended by 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe, but his hair became too silky and was impossible to set for a while. Since then, Kenpachi has greatly disliked the lieutenant.[2] Kenpachi attaches the bells to his hair himself, which takes a while to accomplish. The highest bell in particular takes him several hours to attach, as the tip of his hair is just beyond his reach. He refuses to get help as he thinks it is weird for someone else to style his hair.[11]
On multiple occasions, Kenpachi has shown great respect to those who can defeat him in a fight and those who can push him to his limit. Ever since Ichigo Kurosaki handed him his first known loss since against Retsu Unohana (though Ichigo considers their fight a loss for him), Kenpachi has considered the latter a member of his Division. Despite Ichigo's refusal to engage in a rematch with Kenpachi as he considers him an ally, Kenpachi 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". Kenpachi 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.[12] He readily acknowledges that the two of them are very much alike,[13] and is brought to tears at the thought of being unable to beat her before he dies.[14] Upon inadvertently killing Unohana, Kenpachi was reduced to screaming and begging for her to not die.[15]
Kenpachi sometimes contradicts his own logic in fighting. On the one hand, Kenpachi wishes to increase his own personal power. On the other hand, he conceals his strength to enjoy a fight for as long as possible. Although he thrives for battle, Kenpachi does have emotions. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi deeply gives meaning to his name. Following his fight with Ichigo, Kenpachi 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.[16] Since then, he has strived to learn its identity.[17][18]
Kenpachi strongly believes fun comes before working. One example is when Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi always takes his afternoon nap. He does not have a particularly favorite dish, but he particularly hates nattō.[2]
After killing Unohana and finally learning the name of his Zanpakutō, though he retains his desire to battle and is not overly interested in the details,[19] Kenpachi became somewhat calmer and more focused. 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.[20] Likewise, he shows far more concern for Yachiru than previously; when he discovers she is missing, Kenpachi frantically orders his men to begin looking for her.[21]
History
  Kenpachi 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.[22] 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.[12] Sometime later, as a young man, Zaraki, coming upon a young girl, named her Yachiru, in remembrance of the only person he ever admired, after she showed no fear of his sword. Yachiru came from District 79, Kusajishi, where her parents were murdered, seemingly not too long before Kenpachi 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.[23][24]   Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi while he was in a good mood was a bad idea, though Ikkaku did not take the warning seriously. When Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi attacked with enough force to create a crater in the ground under Ikkaku, which somewhat alarmed Yumichika. Due to Kenpachi's strength, Ikkaku was forced on the defensive, holding off Kenpachi's relentless strikes. As the two continued to fight, Ikkaku tried to overwhelm Kenpachi, though he failed in doing so, only succeeding in increasing his own wounds while his opponent remaining untouched by his blade. While Kenpachi mentioned he was having fun, he decided to finish Ikkaku with one quick strike, resulting in his loss of the fight.[25] Ikkaku became mad Kenpachi would just walk away without finishing him off. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi kill him. Kenpachi, losing his patience, grabbed hold of Ikkaku and asked why he was screaming for death if he loved to fight so much. Kenpachi 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". Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi went to leave, Ikkaku, asking him his name, is told he is Kenpachi from Zaraki.[26] Sometime later, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi became the new captain of that division.[25] 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]   Kenpachi during his first days as the 11th Division captain. The following day, during Kenpachi's first addressing of his division, he was greeted by Ikkaku and Yumichika, who had already become Shinigami and joined the division. Ikkaku told Kenpachi he had come back just as he suggested, causing Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, 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, Kenpachi was persuaded upon realizing the two had similar fighting traits, and, as such, would like to fight by his side. After this, Kenpachi allowed them to participate in his fights.[25] Shortly after joining the Gotei 13, Kenpachi 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.[27] Kenpachi hated using Kendō because his battles would end too quickly with it, so he only used it if his own life was in danger.[28] |
Plot
Agent of the Shinigami arc
Ichimaru taking Kenpachi away by force.
Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi, at his level, could actually kill people, Kenpachi tells him to try him, and before the two can engage in combat, Gin, stopping Kenpachi, ties him up and drags him away.[29]
Soul Society arc
  Kenpachi arguing with Mayuri. After Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends arrive in Soul Society, Kenpachi tells Ichimaru a captain should have no problem killing a Ryoka. When Kenpachi asks Yamamoto where the Ryoka are heading, an invasion alarm goes off, and Kenpachi runs out of the captains' meeting.[30]   Kenpachi stops Mayuri. He begins to hunt the strongest Ryoka, but his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, guides him in the wrong direction for some time.[31] 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 Kenpachi the Ryoka he fought is getting stronger, and is fully aware of the captain. Ikkaku tells an excited and curious Kenpachi that the Ryoka's name is Ichigo and what he looks like. [32] After a while, Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi'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.[33] As the others, trying get away from his strong Reiatsu, cannot get far, Kenpachi confronts Ichigo. Kenpachi is determined to fight Ichigo no matter what the issue may be, showing himself to be unconcerned with his friends or Rukia's fate.[34] Kenpachi, seeing Ichigo's battle stance, compliments him on it, though noting it has openings, and admits he likes his spiritual pressure. Kenpachi, acknowledging he understands why Ikkaku lost to him, notes Ichigo is still weaker than him, so he decides to give Ichigo a fighting chance. Kenpachi, baring his chest, tells Ichigo to cut him anywhere and not hold back. When Ichigo refuses to attack an unarmed opponent, Kenpachi, while commending him, states it is simply a handicap, and while he appreciates the thought, Ichigo should save his sympathy for someone else. Kenpachi tells him to either kill or be killed.[35] Ichigo, attacking Kenpachi's exposed chest, causes no injury, much to his confusion. Kenpachi, disappointed, begins to unsheathe his Zanpakutō, and, telling Ichigo it is his turn, asks him to not die too quickly.[36] When Ichigo's hand starts to bleed, Kenpachi, asking him why he is surprised his sword cannot cut him, pushes Ichigo back, using his arm against his blade. Kenpachi, 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.[37] Ichigo, trying to run away from Kenpachi, cannot seem to shake him, and ends up running into him at every turn. Eventually, Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi.[38] Kenpachi, extremely excited Ichigo can actually injure him, telling Ichigo to keep his spiritual pressure up and not relax, attacks Ichigo.[39]   Kenpachi pierces Ichigo. The two clash and the battle continues, with Kenpachi, while having the upper hand, happy to see Ichigo improving. When Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi, stopping him, further explains his Zanpakutō's state. He, thrusting his Zanpakutō through Ichigo's, breaking right through it, stabs Ichigo in the chest. Kenpachi 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.[40] Eventually, much to Kenpachi's surprise, Ichigo gets up, accompanied by a large burst of spiritual pressure. Ichigo, attacking Kenpachi, surprising him further, deals him a serious injury to the left side from his shoulder down the side of his torso. Kenpachi, deflecting Ichigo's next attack, stabs his sword into a nearby building. Kenpachi, 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, Kenpachi, despite his injuries, continues to fight, teaching Ichigo the drive behind his personality. [41]   Kenpachi after removing his eyepatch. Kenpachi, 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.[42] Kenpachi's spiritual power skyrockets as he removes his eyepatch, prompting Ichigo to wonder what is going on. Kenpachi, 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.[43] When Ichigo, increasing his power, greatly impresses Kenpachi, 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. Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi looks down on him. With blood shooting out his shoulder, Kenpachi questions Ichigo's apology, calling him stupid as he gives him the victory of the fight before falling down shortly after.[44] As Yachiru calls for Retsu Unohana to heal Kenpachi, Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi, not hearing it speak, faints, which scares Yachiru.[45]   Kenpachi vs Komamura and Tōsen. During Kenpachi's recovery in his quarters, Yachiru and Makizō Aramaki bring back Orihime Inoue, and he tells her he will help her find Ichigo.[46] Much later on, Orihime guides Kenpachi, 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.[47] As they continue to search for Ichigo, Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi tells his subordinates to go ahead without him, but Ikkaku and Yumichika stay behind, eager to fight as well. Though reluctant, Kenpachi accepts their help, and they fight against Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon elsewhere.[48] Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi since he became a captain.[49]   Kenpachi defeats Tōsen. When Tōsen releases his Bankai, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi, becoming frustrated with this style of fighting, lets Tōsen impale him with his sword. Kenpachi, grabbing hold of Suzumushi's hilt, figures out only by grabbing Suzumushi can he see and hear Tōsen. Before Tōsen can attack him, Kenpachi, grabbing Suzumushi once more, gravely wounds Tōsen, which dispels his Bankai.[50]   Kenpachi learns of Aizen's betrayal. As Tōsen tries to retaliate, Komamura blocks a slash from Kenpachi, which shatters his helmet. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi.[51] Later, Yumichika tells Kenpachi the result of his battle. Kenpachi, in turn, tells him Komamura ran off. Kenpachi, 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.[52] While they do receive Isane Kotetsu's message about Aizen's betrayal, they do not accompany the other captains to Sōkyoku Hill.[53] A week after the incident with Aizen, Kenpachi finds Ichigo training with Ikkaku on his division's grounds. Seeing his wounds healed completely, Kenpachi tries to fight him again, but Ichigo runs off, and Kenpachi cannot find him.[54] 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.[55] |
Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Kenpachi easily blocks Maki Ichinose's attack.
When Kenpachi and his squad feel the presence of an old member of the 11th Division, Maki Ichinose, he tells everyone to ignore him.[56]
He attends a meeting, called by Mayuri, in regard to the missing data from his division's archives. Kenpachi tells Yachiru he is aware of this because it could be Maki who is responsible for the deed.[57]
Kenpachi helps fight off the Bount Invasion in Soul Society. At first, he refuses to help, but after hearing the 10th Division spotted Maki, he sets off to find him, arriving in time to stop him from attacking Chad. Kenpachi asks Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Ichigo to let him fight Maki. As Kenpachi fights Maki, he is generally unimpressed by the former officer's strength. Maki, tricking Kenpachi, traps him within his Saigyoku Nijigasumi ability, but Kenpachi, briefly removing his eyepatch, breaks through it, and congratulates Maki for forcing him into removing his eyepatch, despite having done so for just a second. Maki, realizing the battle has turned against him, attacks Kenpachi frantically, asking why he has so much power yet has no just reason in using it. Kenpachi, silencing him, tells him he should fight on his own accord instead of being dependent on others. After Maki realizes the meaning of Kenpachi's words, the two charge at each other with full power, and Kenpachi, claiming victory, greatly wounds Maki, breaking the latter's sword in the process. The fight with Maki having ended, Kenpachi, taking Yachiru, heads back towards the Seireitei.[58]
Arrancar arc
When Yamamoto calls him and the other captains for an emergency meeting, Kenpachi complains.[59]
Kenpachi appears to Ichigo as his instinct and desire to win, explaining to him they are both the type of people who lived to fight battle after battle. After Orihime is taken to Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi arrives with Byakuya Kuchiki to retrieve Hitsugaya's group and bring them back to Soul Society.[60]
The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Kenpachi apprehending the assassin.
After Kenpachi had to fight the new 3rd Division captain,[61] Shūsuke Amagai made a request to Captain-Commander Yamamoto to start inter-division training sessions so the Gotei 13 could better coordinate its divisions. The idea was initially unpopular among most other captains, particularly Kenpachi, who did not believe he should be concerned with other divisions' problems.[62] He proceeds to go after Ichigo after finding out he was in Soul Society, but both Ichigo and Kenpachi end up protecting princess Rurichiyo from assassins. Kenpachi finds Rukia, who tells him to keep the incident a secret, however, he does not even know what is going on.[63] Later, when Yamamoto orders Ichigo's capture, he, like most Shinigami, is reluctant to go after him, saying he "is not in the mood".[64]
Hueco Mundo arc
  Kenpachi rescues Ichigo. Kenpachi arrives, alongside Captains Byakuya Kuchiki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Retsu Unohana, in Las Noches after the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Kenpachi comes to Ichigo's aid as he blocks an attack by the Arrancar Tesra Lindocruz. As the Arrancar tries to attack again, Kenpachi deals a fatal slash wound down his chest. Finished with Tesra, Kenpachi looks to Nnoitra Gilga to be his next opponent. When Ichigo asks what Kenpachi is doing in Hueco Mundo, he responds by kicking Ichigo, stating he is in the way of the field of battle. Kenpachi reveals Kisuke Urahara was asked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to send them to Hueco Mundo in preparation for the upcoming battle in Karakura Town.[65] Nnoitra, finally deciding to attack, is blocked, though still impressing Kenpachi with his strike. When Nnoitra asks Kenpachi his name, both men give their name and rank.[66]   Kenpachi fights Nnoitra Gilga. As the two opponents continue to fight, Kenpachi, getting close to dealing a fatal blow to Nnoitra, cannot cut through the Espada's skin with his sword. Nnoitra, cutting Kenpachi on his left shoulder, laughs, telling him his Hierro is unsurpassed by any current and former Espada. He tells Kenpachi his blade will never cut him.[67] Kenpachi, undeterred, continues to fight Nnoitra with even more ferocity, much to the Espada's surprise. After Nnoitra dodges an attack, Kenpachi deduces it must have been dangerous for him to dodge it. Dismissing it as a reflex, Nnoitra continues the battle until Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi in the chest.[68] After the two argue over Nnoitra's inability to be cut, Kenpachi keeps trying to slice up his opponent. Eventually, Kenpachi cuts Nnoitra, and, fighting fiercer than before, cuts him again, this time cutting off a part of Nnoitra's Zanpakutō. Kenpachi states he has finally gotten use to the strength of Nnoitra's Hierro. The battle carries on until Kenpachi's eye patch is knocked off. [69]   Nnoitra vs. Kenpachi. After Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, who tells him he has nice Reiatsu, and it is like the Reiatsu itself is sharpening his blade. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi flying away from him as he mocks him.[70] Noticing there is no movement from an unresponsive Kenpachi, Nnoitra sets his sights on Yachiru, but Kenpachi, recovering, cuts off one of his arms. When Nnoitra comments on Kenpachi playing dead, Kenpachi says since Nnoitra will just block his attacks with his many arms, he just has to cut them off. However, Nnoitra, mocking Kenpachi, regenerates his arm. Kenpachi, grabbing Nnoitra, slams him into the ground, prompting Nnoitra, reveal his two hidden arms, to stab Kenpachi in the chest. [71]   Kenpachi using Kendō to kill Nnoitra Gilga. Nnoitra, generating two more scythe weapons, tells Kenpachi it is over. However, Kenpachi, 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, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, who, gripping his sword with both hands, swings it down. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi, giving in, lands another blow to his chest, and Nnoitra falls to the ground.[72] Kenpachi, standing over Nnoitra's corpse, victorious, thanks him for the good fight.[73] Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi's and Ichigo's attack in the process.[74] When Ichigo hears from Aizen he plans to destroy Karakura Town, he proceeds to run off. Kenpachi, 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.[75] When Ichigo notices Ulquiorra near Orihime, he, reminding Kenpachi of their earlier conversation, informs him he is wrong. Telling Kenpachi his job is not to protect Karakura Town, but instead to protect his friends, Ichigo takes off, leaving Kenpachi behind.[76] |
Fake Karakura Town arc
  Byakuya and Kenpachi arrive to help Ichigo. Later, Kenpachi, alongside Byakuya Kuchiki, arrives at the battle between Yammy Llargo and Ichigo. After Byakuya attacks Yammy with Sōkatsui, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi should learn his place. Kenpachi, ignoring Byakuya, tells him not to complain if he get sliced into pieces alongside Yammy.[77]   While trying to attack Ichigo, Kenpachi is punched by Yammy. As Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi goes to strike at him, but Ichigo, dodging, screams at him, saying he could have killed him. As Kenpachi charges at Ichigo, he, slapped away by Yammy, is sent flying into a nearby structure. As Yammy rants and raves, Kenpachi kicks a large piece of rock at him, but the Espada crushes it to rubble before it can make contact. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi.[78]   Kenpachi is challenged by Byakuya. As Yammy tries to punch him, Kenpachi cuts off three of his fingers. Yammy, screaming in pain, holding his injured hand, notices Kenpachi on his arm, which he runs up to strike at his head.[79] Kenpachi cuts off another of Yammy's legs, causing the Espada to fall down. Kenpachi, 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, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi expects him to clean up his mess, asks who he thinks he is talking to, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi thought he could finish off the Espada the way he did, pitying his poor judgment. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi if Yammy is not too much for him, he should prove it. Kenpachi, 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.[80]   Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, says if they make him even angrier, he will make sure their deaths are humiliating and painful.[81]   Kenpachi and Byakuya returning from Hueco Mundo. Later, after defeating Yammy, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi states it was boring.[82] After having his injuries treated, Kenpachi, 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, Kenpachi saying his was a bother, Yamamoto grows even angrier.[83] |
Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
When Captain Shunsui Kyōraku asks if Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa are representing their captain, Ikkaku tells them Kenpachi and Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi are out, and as such, they are the only ones who can attend a meeting.[84]
Wabisuke, attacking Kenpachi from behind, cannot cut him.
As the Zanpakutō launch an all out attack, just as the Shinigami are losing ground, Kenpachi makes a dramatic appearance.[85] Ichigo is relieved to see him, but Captain Suì-Fēng, questioning the need for all the theatrics, mentions he is late. As Kenpachi, telling her he got there as soon as he could so he could fight before they took out everyone, gazes among the spirits, he asks if there is someone left to fight. Kenpachi is attacked from behind by Wabisuke, but its blade, striking Kenpachi, has no effect, much to Wabisuke's surprise. Kenpachi, grabbing the sword, asks the spirit if it was trying to cut him with such a dull blade. He, yanking the sword from its hand, cuts Wabisuke down, causing him to, reverting back to his sealed form, break into two pieces.[86]
Rukia and Renji are surprised at Kenpachi's power, having effortlessly taken down a Zanpakutō Spirit, but the Zanpakutō Spirits are not surprised by his Reiatsu. When Gonryōmaru asks him where has he been all this time, Yachiru reveals they were late because they got lost on their way back from fighting Hollows in Rukongai. After she tells the story, Kenpachi tells her to get down, as he wants to fight. He, looking over all the possible combatants, sets his sights on Byakuya Kuchiki, as he has always had a strong desire to face the 6th Division captain in battle. Senbonzakura, stepping in, tells Byakuya he will handle things and he should leave. As he releases his Bankai, Kenpachi, unimpressed, removes his eyepatch, telling the Zanpakutō Spirits they all should get out of his way. As his Reiatsu builds at a devastating rate, Senbonzakura's Bankai, coming into contact with it, is easily dissipated, much to the Zanpakutō Spirit's surprise. As his Reiatsu, further increasing, overwhelms everyone in the vicinity, Kenpachi, appearing in front of Senbonzakura, strikes at him, creating a huge explosion of Reiatsu which, expanding outwards like a bomb, decimates buildings and sends everyone besides Byakuya (seemingly the only one who can stand the increased Reiatsu) flying away from the battlefield.[86]
Kenpachi vs. Byakuya.
When Byakuya states he just blew everyone away, Kenpachi plainly tells him he has no intention of fighting any of them anyway. The two begin to battle, though Byakuya is not really interested in doing so. When they cross swords, Byakuya releases his Shikai, though Kenpachi effortlessly deflects it. Feeling disappointed, Kenpachi, increasing his Reiatsu, sends it at Byakuya, who, blocking it, proceeds to use Senka. Much to Byakuya's surprise, Kenpachi effortlessly blocks the attack, asking if Byakuya actually thought he could not follow his Shunpo. Byakuya counters, asking Kenpachi if he thought his sluggish speed could catch him. As Kenpachi goes on the offense, Byakuya uses Shunpo to move out of the way, prompting Kenpachi to state it looks like Byakuya's speed is only good enough to dodge him. When Byakuya appears behind Kenpachi, the latter can only react by placing his arm up, causing his forearm to be slashed by Byakuya's attack.[86]
When Byakuya tells him he cannot be caught by Kenpachi, he, taking the statement as a challenge, lunges at Byakuya, who, dodging the two attacks, is surprised when Kenpachi catches his blade with his bare hands on the third attempt. Kenpachi, stating he caught him, slashes him, but Byakuya moves enough so the wound is not fatal. When Byakuya asks why he had taken such a risk, Kenpachi states if he had not, he would not take the fight seriously. Byakuya, using his Shikai again, tires out Kenpachi, who seemingly deflects it again. Byakuya tells Kenpachi to leave him be, or, in his next attack, he will truly kill him. Kenpachi, laughing at the notion, tells Byakuya to try, as he always wanted to fight with him in a battle to the death. Once Byakuya resolves to continue the fight, the two face off.[86]
Kenpachi grabs the Zanpakutō spirit Ashisogi Jizō shortly before it self-destructs.
Before the two can continue their fight, they are interrupted by Ashisogi Jizō in its Bankai form. It, filling the area with its deadly poison, allows Byakuya to escape. After repelling Ashisogi Jizō's poison with his Reiatsu, Kenpachi takes his anger out on the rogue Zanpakutō Spirit, capturing him after he is chased by Yachiru. Before he can do anything, Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, arriving, causes his Zanpakutō to self-destruct. Before Kenpachi can leave to find Byakuya so they can finish their fight, Yoruichi arrives with news of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's location.[87]
The Shinigami, upon arriving at the rogue Zanpakutō hideout, are hesitant to enter without a strategy, but Kenpachi, eager to find another good fight, enters. Later, Kenpachi, finding himself lost and unsure of where to go next, is ambushed by Tenken and Gonryōmaru. Soon, seeing the two Zanpakutō Spirits are only fighting to stall for time, Kenpachi becomes determined to make the Zanpakutō Spirits fight him seriously.[88] Kenpachi, defeating Gonryōmaru, tells Tenken, who had been holding back while Gonryōmaru was there, to attack him with all of his power. Tenken, transforming into his Bankai form, attacks Kenpachi.[89]
Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Kenpachi accompanies Mayuri into the Dangai.
Kenpachi is present for a captains meeting, called by Yamamoto, regarding disappearances in the Dangai. After hearing Mayuri's report of a time gap in the Dangai and his request to conduct a study to identify the cause, Yamamoto assigns Kenpachi as Mayuri's bodyguard.[90] Later, Kenpachi, along with other members of the Gotei 13, arriving after escaping from the Dangai, confronts Kagerōza Inaba.[91] After fending off Inaba and forcing him to retreat, Kenpachi joins other members of the Gotei 13 as they hold a meeting in Ichigo's room.[92] Later, Kenpachi joins three other captains in the Urahara Shop, where they attempt to enter Soul Society. After they, minus Sajin Komamura, arrive, Kenpachi, splitting up from the group, faces off against his Reigai counterpart.[93][94] While slightly outmatched at first, Kenpachi finds great delight in this, comparing it to the time he faced Ichigo. Eventually, Kenpachi defeats the Reigai through with Kendō. Later, Kenpachi encounters the Onmitsukidō, who are under the control of Reigai-Suì-Fēng. After Kenpachi defeats all of the Onmitsukidō, he, preparing to fight the Reigai, is stopped by Komamura, who emerges unscathed. Kenpachi walks off, leaving Komamura to face off against Reigai-Suì-Fēng.[95]
Kenpachi's attack is recorded by Inaba.
Later, Kenpachi, alongside Tōshirō Hitsugaya, arrives at Inaba's lair, where Inaba approaches them. Kenpachi, rushing in headfirst, clashes with the 7th Seat. When Inaba reveals his Shikai's ability to control space, though Hitsugaya keeps his distance, Kenpachi proceeds to attack Inaba, prompting him to record Kenpachi's attack and cuts him down with it.[96]
Kenpachi and the others subdued by the Reigai.
When the other Shinigami arrive, Kenpachi proceeds to attack alongside them. As Inaba recreates Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng's joint Shunkō attack, Kenpachi informs them he can copy any ability. Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng, negating Inaba's Shunkō with Hanki, create an opening for Hitsugaya and Kenpachi to cut Inaba down. However, this Inaba turns out to be a fake, as the real Inaba, lunging down from the ceiling, cuts Kenpachi and the others down. As he prepares to finish him off, Mayuri Kurotsuchi stabs him in the back.[96] As Mayuri fights and talks with Inaba, Kenpachi listens with the others. When Inaba releases the full power of the Reigai and more of the Reigai appear, Kenpachi states it is becoming interesting. Kenpachi, avoiding an attack from Reigai-Ikkaku, is attacked by Reigai-Matsumoto and Reigai-Ōmaeda.[97] Eventually, Kenpachi and the other captains are forced to retreat.[98]
Kenpachi faces off against his clone.
Later, they return in time to help Ichigo and Urahara against their Reigai pursuers.[99] Eager for another match, Kenpachi attacks his Reigai counterpart. The two begin slashing each other up, delighting in the intense fight.[98] As they continue fighting, with neither side having an advantage, Reigai-Kenpachi grows even more violent, striking down whomever he sees. As Kenpachi becomes annoyed by these interferences, the lieutenants arrive to aid their captains. When Ikkaku and Yumichika offer to fight with Kenpachi, he tells them to keep the "small fries" out of his way.[100] Later, Byakuya realizes the truth behind the Reigai's battle style: they value self-preservation the most, and will not attack first in fear of being outnumbered. Seeing this, Ikkaku and Yumichika join Kenpachi, this time determined to aid their captain. While not entirely liking the idea, Kenpachi admits it might be nice to have someone have his back once in a while.[101]
Later, the resurrected Ōko Yushima, beginning his endgame, uses his Renzan: Hajokuri technique to begin destroying the Soul Society. Before the Shinigami can act, the Reigai, stepping forward, say they will stop their fellow Mod-Soul's chaotic plan, as their goal has always been to protect the Soul Society in their own way. The Reigai destroy the technique at the cost of their own lives.[102]
The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc
Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi, who all continue to watch the situation. Renji reveals they all, including Kenpachi, donated their Reiatsu to Urahara's sword to ensure Ichigo's powers were restored to him.[103]
Giriko bifurcated by Kenpachi.
As Yukio brings each of the duels into different chat rooms, Kenpachi asks Byakuya to wait and trade with him, since his opponent, Shūkurō Tsukishima, looks stronger, but he cannot. When Giriko Kutsuzawa questions him, saying Kenpachi must think he is weaker, Kenpachi, telling him to stop talking, says it is boring to kill small fry. Giriko, calling him an imbecile, says he will teach Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, who, cutting Giriko in half, says it was boring.[104]
Having defeated Giriko, Kenpachi 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.[105] When Kenpachi greets Ikkaku as the dimension he was in disappears, Ikkaku is surprised Kenpachi is out of his dimension so early, only for him to say Ikkaku is late. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi. When Kenpachi asks how Ikkaku did, Ikkaku says he lectured him for a bit and took off. Kenpachi, frustrated to hear this, scolds his subordinate.[106] He, along with the other captains, looks on as Ichigo breaks apart the last pocket dimension with his Bankai.[107]
As Kenpachi and the others turn to leave, when Byakuya reminds Rukia they were only tasked with observing Ichigo and his decision, Kenpachi, interjecting, states he only came because he was bored.[108] Later, when Ichigo, seeking the return of Kūgo's body, goes to Soul Society, Kenpachi, informed of his arrival, is among the captains present to hear Ichigo's request.[109]
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc
  Kenpachi slaughtering several Wandenreich members. Kenpachi attends a captain meeting, where he is informed about the Wandenreich's infiltration, and is ordered to prepare for war alongside other captains.[110] After the Wandenreich invade Seireitei, Kenpachi is told by Rangiku Matsumoto the enemy has the ability to steal Bankai.[111] Later, Rin Tsubokura, via transmitter swords, informs Kenpachi, along with the other captains and lieutenants, Ichigo is currently heading to Soul Society.[112] Later, Kenpachi, after defeating three Sternritter, faces Jugram Haschwalth and Yhwach, asking the latter if he is the boss of the Wandenreich.[113] When Haschwalth asks how he defeated three Sternritter so easily, Kenpachi casually explains each situation while referring to the three as trash. Dismissing them from his mind, Kenpachi, charging forward, attacks Yhwach, who blocks the sword attack with his arm, resulting in an enormous shockwave destroying the area surrounding them.[114]   Kenpachi is defeated by "Yhwach". Soon after, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, proclaiming him to be weak. As Yhwach declares Soul Society on the brink of collapse, Kenpachi is saved from further punishment by the arrival of the Captain-Commander.[115] After the battle for Soul Society ends, Kenpachi is reported to have narrowly escaped death, despite being left in a comatose state.[116] Days later, after somewhat recovering from his injuries, Kenpachi 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.[117]   Kenpachi's sole tear over the thought of dying to Unohana. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi, 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 Kenpachi'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.[118]   Kenpachi being severely wounded by Unohana. Reaffirming he had looked up to her, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi realizes he might be about to die without ever have defeating her, Unohana pierces him through the throat. When he temporarily loses consciousness, something catches Kenpachi'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, Kenpachi continues the fight against her.[119] As the fight continues, Kenpachi 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.[120]   Kenpachi impales Unohana. Despite having been dealt a critical blow, Unohana, pushing Kenpachi back, heals herself and activates her Bankai. As the battle continues to intensify, Kenpachi, greatly enjoying himself, laughs madly. Thinking to himself this is real fighting, he becomes grateful to Unohana. Kenpachi, gradually overwhelming Unohana, stabs her through the chest.[121] As Unohana congratulates Kenpachi while dying in his arms, Kenpachi pulls back his sword and drops it, realizing that this will be the final time fighting her. Begging her not to die, Kenpachi screams out in rage as his opponent fades away. Suddenly, he hears a voice calling out to him, and as he turns, he realizes the voice came from his Zanpakutō.[122]   Kenpachi returns to the battle. Later, during the Wandenreich's second attack, Kenpachi 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. [123] Being asked by Isane Kotetsu where Unohana is, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi charges at him, but his blade is stopped. Hearing Gremmy explain how he can stop it by imagining his skin is resistant enough, Kenpachi proceeds to cut him and declare he can cut through anything Gremmy can imagine. [124]   Kenpachi begins his fight with Gremmy Thoumeaux. As Kenpachi notes the noise made by his subordinates, Gremmy reveals he's healed and then begins attacking Kenpachi through imagining lava. Stating Gremmy's power is illogical, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi asks what a cookie is and, hearing the answer, again attacks. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi speculates that it is because he shifted his attention away from her. [125] After cutting through the beam blocking his sword,[126] Kenpachi tells Yachiru to have Isane heal her arm. As Yachiru gleefully scurries down the side of the structure, Gremmy notes Kenpachi figured out how to disable his power. Confirming this, Kenpachi asks Gremmy if he wants to fight and reminds him of his claim of being the strongest Quincy. Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi. As Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi, who emerges with only minor injuries and notes his sword is finally beginning to enjoy himself.[127]   A giant hand appears above Kenpachi to crush him. Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi asks him if he is imagining his own death. Healing his wounds, Gremmy thanks Kenpachi for pointing this out to him and state he will reveal his strongest technique before creating a clone of himself. When Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi and the entire Seireitei, Kenpachi tells his sword that it is great to find something he has not slashed yet and refers to it as Nozarashi.[128] When Gremmy explains to him that he cannot destroy the meteorite because it is already in existence, Kenpachi claims that Gremmy is the one who cannot do anything and leaps toward the meteorite. Releasing the true form of Nozarashi, Kenpachi destroys the meteorite, causing chunks to rain down around him as he stands with his Shikai.[129]   Gremmy's clones envelop Kenpachi in a pocket of space. Gremmy calls him a monster for being able to destroy a meteorite with a single attack, prompting Kenpachi to state he can simply cut through anything. Surrounding Kenpachi with more clones of himself, Gremmy proclaims this means he will simply have to kill Kenpachi with something that has no form and encloses him in a large pocket of space. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi is engulfed in an enormous explosion, which he survives with a moderately burned and scratched body. Noting this as proof of Kenpachi's monstrosity, Gremmy proclaims he shall simply become stronger than Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi criticizes him for imagining Kenpachi to be a monster and losing because of it.[130]   Kenpachi attacks Candice. Heavily injured, Kenpachi approaches the defeated Sternritter. Hearing Gremmy's explanation of his own loss and his real body, a surprised Kenpachi watches as the Quincy dissolves and perishes. After the stage collapses, Kenpachi 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.[131] Noticing Candice electrocuting members of his division, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi notes he cannot move and wonders if this is the end as an explosion occurs overhead.[132] When Ichigo arrives and moves to him, Kenpachi asks him what he is doing here, prompting Ichigo to proclaim he is here to save him.[133] When Ichigo asks him if he can stand, Kenpachi laughs and tells Ichigo to look out for himself instead of worrying about him.[134]   Nanao confronts Kenpachi over ignoring his duties to search for Yachiru. Later, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi emerges from the medical room while asking him whom he is referring to, prompting Ukitake to express surprise. Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi admits that she is right and backs off, prompting Urahara to give him a sphere to charge with his Reiatsu.[135] Later, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi states that he is only interested in killing the Wandenreich members currently in the palace.[136]   Kenpachi's arm is mangled by Pernida Parnkgjas. As the Seireitei starts falling apart, Kenpachi is shocked by Urahara's statement that the Soul King must have died. [137] Kenpachi then watches as Ukitake uses the power of Mimihagi to replace the Soul King. [138] Kenpachi arrives in the newly transformed Royal Realm alongside Nemu and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, much to the surprise and annoyance of the latter.[139] The three soon encounter Pernida Parnkgjas. Kenpachi 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.[140]   Kenpachi rips his arm off. After expressing surprise that Mayuri finds Pernida creepy, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi through the chest with Ashisogi Jizō before using Fear Factor 4, causing Kenpachi to collapse.[141] However, Kenpachi retains the ability to move his eyes even after being paralyzed, causing Mayuri to call him a monster.[142] Soon afterward, Ikkaku carries Kenpachi away from the battlefield when Mayuri activates his Bankai.[143]   Kenpachi clashes with Gerard. After Pernida is killed, Ikkaku and Yumichika place Kenpachi in one of Mayuri's capsules to rehabilitate.[144] Some time afterward, Kenpachi's missing arm is restored and breaks out of the capsule.[145] 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.[146] After learning of Gerard's ability to regenerate from injuries and grow even stronger, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi 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.[147]   Gerard overwhelms Kenpachi. As blood spurts from his wound, Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi and Gerard begin clashing, with the two of them complimenting each other's speed and reflexes. Hitsugaya attempts to intervene, but Kenpachi smashes him to the ground below and tells him to stay out of this, with Byakuya agreeing, prompting Hitsugaya to point out how Kenpachi considers Gerard enough of a threat to have already taken off his eyepatch. As Kenpachi and Gerard continue clashing, with Kenpachi slowly but surely being overwhelmed, Gerard points out the waning power behind his strikes before smashing him into the ground. Suddenly, Yachiru appears before Kenpachi and tells him that the fun has only just started. As energy begins flowing down Kenpachi's arm from where she touched him, Yachiru notes that Kenpachi would be able to cut down anyone if he used her properly before revealing this is the power known as Bankai.[148]   Kenpachi effortlessly overpowers Gerard while in his Bankai. A massive wave of energy erupts outward from Kenpachi, startling Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Gerard, before clearing to reveal that he has gained red skin and a differently shaped sword. Disappointed by Kenpachi's Bankai, Gerard attempts to punch him, who responds by biting down on Gerard's knuckle and rip the whole arm off. Gerard reminds Kenpachi that cutting off his arms will accomplish nothing, but Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi 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, Kenpachi swiftly cuts him in half vertically.[149]   Kenpachi loses his arm due to the power of his Bankai. Landing on the ground, Kenpachi suddenly roars and leaps back as Gerard reforms and activates his Quincy: Vollständig, Aschetonig. Kenpachi attempts to resume his battle, but his right arm suddenly shatters and breaks as Yachiru notes that she released more of his power than his body could handle, prompting Gerard to slash Kenpachi into the ground.[150] Hitsugaya confronts Gerard and is overwhelmed, but Kenpachi manages to flip Gerard over and mutilate his feet.[151] Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi 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.[152] |
Equipment
Kenpachi removes his eyepatch.
Eyepatch Power Seal: While unneeded, Kenpachi wears an eyepatch, created by the Shinigami Research and Development Institute just for him. In addition to reducing his depth perception and range of vision,[153] 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.[154][155]
Reiatsu Bells: In order to further give the enemy an advantage, Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi.[153] Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Kenpachi reveals he does not wear the bells anymore.[156]
Powers & Abilities
Kenpachi's Battle Data, 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]
Master Swordsman: Due to the lawlessness of the Zaraki district, Kenpachi's skill with his sword has been honed 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, his prowess was great enough to single-handedly kill hundreds of adult fighters and wound Retsu Unohana, the 1st Kenpachi, in battle.[157] His unpolished skills, but immense might with his sword allow him to always fight with one hand free, only using both hands when facing opponents he feels will beat him otherwise, such as with Nnoitra and momentarily Ichigo.[158] 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.
- Kendō: Kenpachi possesses some knowledge and skill in Kendō, which Yamamoto forced him to learn before officially joining the Gotei 13, though the training only lasted a day out of fear that Zaraki would become too powerful.[27] However, Kenpachi, who despises using skills and techniques learned from another source, only uses Kendō as a last resort.
Kenpachi displays his hand-to-hand skills.
Hand-to-Hand Combat Expert: While preferring to use his blade in battle, Kenpachi 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. Kenpachi easily overwhelmed several members of the Onmitsukidō, a corp of Hakuda-specialists, despite being battle-worn.[95]
Kenpachi exerts his spiritual energy in a single strike.
Immense Spiritual Power: Even by a captain's standards, Zaraki's Reiryoku is monstrous. He has so much that even while wearing his energy-sealing eyepatch, his prowess is not noticeably hindered as he is still able to fight two captain-level opponents at once who were both using their Bankai.[161] Ganju Shiba estimated his sealed power to be close to or at the same level as Byakuya Kuchiki's Reiatsu.[162] 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.[163] After defeating Unohana and releasing himself from his self-imposed limits, he becomes powerful enough to fight on par with and defeat the likes of Gremmy Thoumeaux without taking off his eyepatch.[164] Similar to Ichigo, when unleashing a strong enough surge of energy, it becomes visible and yellow in color, sometimes with the appearance of a skull.[165]
- Unruly Reiatsu Control: By his own admission, Kenpachi 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.[166] When exerting his energy, the sheer magnitude of Kenpachi'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.[87] After his battle with Unohana, Kenpachi gains considerable control over his Reiatsu; prior to Gremmy Thoumeaux creating a structure for he and Kenpachi to fight on, Shinigami in the nearby area were completely unable to detect his Reiatsu.[167] He can also use his Reiryoku for more basic feats, such as standing in midair like other Shinigami.[168]
- Damage Resistance: The intensity of Kenpachi'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, Kenpachi 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.[169]
Kenpachi launches an energy wave.
- Shock Wave: He possesses enough control to focus and unleash his spiritual pressure in the form of a powerful shock wave. When using both hands, his shock wave can have a huge radius of destruction.
- Energy Wave: By striking at the ground, Kenpachi can create an overflowing wave of yellow spiritual energy, which surges forward before crashing into Kenpachi's target.[170]
Specialized Combatant: Kenpachi did not attend the Shin'ō Academy, and has no apparent skill (or interest) in Kidō and Shunpo. Despite that and even before achieving either of his Zanpakutō's released forms, he more than made up for his faults as a captain with his sheer power, resilience, and ingenuity. These traits easily making him one of the strongest Shinigami in the Gotei 13.[1] His immense fighting prowess is the reason why Kenpachi was recognized as one of the 5 Special War Powers by the Wandenreich.[171]
Highly Perceptive Combatant: Despite his seeming disregard for any strategy and his self-admitted aversion to thinking, Kenpachi has regularly displayed more understanding than one would expect. Even Byakuya was impressed by Kenpachi's ability to understand things he has no personal experience with.[172] He is very adept at finding and exploiting weaknesses in his opponents' techniques, and likewise at adjusting to his opponent's attack patterns and battle methods to better counter them. This was demonstrated when he was subdued by Kaname Tōsen's Bankai, leaving him with only his blade and sense of touch, which prompted him to let Tōsen strike him simply so he could catch his opponent.[173] He is also deceptively insightful, 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.[174] He possesses sharp intuition towards incoming danger, which allowed him to repeatedly dodge Tōsen's assault while still affected by his Bankai. While claiming not to have any common sense, Kenpachi can still theorize, as he deduced that Gremmy Thoumeaux's The Visionary only works on one target at a time and all effects on a previous target will disappear.[175]
Kenpachi displays his massive strength by holding back a stomp from an enormous Gerard Valkyrie.
Supernatural Strength: Kenpachi possesses a very large 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.[176] He can carry three full-grown human corpses on his shoulders without any apparent effort.[177] When Pernida Parnkgjas began warping and damaging his arm, Kenpachi ripped it off effortlessly.[178]
- In his various battles, he has performed superhuman physical feats, such as launching full-grown men through buildings with a kick and slamming his opponents over his shoulder, as well as grabbing Ichigo's large sword to reel him in for an attack.[179] He can also ram clear through a solid wall[180] and launch his opponents back during a weapons clash.[181][182] He also managed to block the stomp of an enormous Gerard Valkyrie and throw him back a tremendous distance,[183] and even succeeded in tripping up Gerard with just one arm when the Quincy was even larger.[184] With just his bare hand, Kenpachi grabbed and deflected the Cero of the fifth Espada, Nnoitra Gilga.[185]
- His sword attacks can easily cut through an Arrancar's Hierro, which is harder than steel, including Yammy Llargo's while he was in his released form, where Kenpachi cut off his leg and knocked the enormous Espada off his feet in a single strike.[186] His extreme cutting strength is also evident from how he sliced apart a skyscraper with a mere flick of his wrist. Against Gremmy's imagination powers, Kenpachi claims that the Quincy's powers cannot come up with anything that he cannot cut, proving so by slicing through Gremmy's self-proclaimed harder-than-steel body.[187]
Enhanced Speed: While he possesses no known skill in Shunpo, Kenpachi is deceptively fast for his size and build. Thanks to the tremendous raw strength in his legs, Kenpachi's natural acceleration more than make 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,[188] 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, Kenpachi manages to keep up with his opponent's incredibly fast Shunpo, a feat which shocked and impressed Byakuya.[189]
Supernatural Endurance: His physical prowess is equally shown by his resilience. Kenpachi often ignores most of the injuries he sustains in battle, not suffering any debilitation despite having multiple slash wounds in his body and rarely any signs of pain (much like a berserker). He allowed himself to be stabbed during his fight with Tōsen just to grab Tōsen's blade to dispel his Bankai's effect. During his battle with Nnoitra, he suffered numerous slash wounds, even impaled and almost beheaded with no visual impairment of his fighting performance; Nnoitra noting most people would have already been dead by then.[190][191] 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.[192] Despite having his arm mangled by Pernida's The Compulsory, Kenpachi still managed to nonchalantly hold his sword with that arm. [193]
Supernatural Durability: As resilient as Kenpachi is, he is just as hard to damage. During his battle against Yammy, while Kenpachi was focusing his attention on Ichigo, Yammy delivered a powerful blow with his massive fist, launching Kenpachi several meters and smashing him into a large pillar. Despite the impact, Kenpachi quickly emerged unfazed, claiming it was only a "decent punch" but was still unimpressed.[194] During his battle with Gremmy, Kenpachi remained unharmed after being fired upon by dozens of firearms and having missiles thrown at him,[195] and later withstood the cold vacuum of space and having several clones of Gremmy self-destruct at point-blank range with only moderate injuries.[196] Even after Kenpachi suffered severe organ damage from these attacks, it took the combined effort of four Sternritter to finally take him out of the battle.[197]
Zanpakutō
Nozarashi.
Nozarashi (野晒, Weather-Beaten One; Viz "Weather Beaten"):[198] Kenpachi was able to imprint onto his Zanpakutō while still an untrained child.[199] The blade is much longer than a standard Zanpakutō's, roughly the size of a nodachi, with a long guard which extends inward from its center, similar to a shinai. The hilt is white, though most of it is wrapped in bandages, as is his sword's sheath.[200] Originally, Kenpachi was the only person in the history of the Gotei 13 who did not know the name of his Zanpakutō before becoming a captain, nor could he perform either of his blade's released states. After his fight with Ichigo, Kenpachi wished to learn more about his Zanpakutō because he wanted to become stronger and he could identify with the pain of not having a name. Zangetsu noted Kenpachi's disharmony with his sword caused the two to damage each other's powers; consequently, Kenpachi could not hear the cry of his sword. Their disharmony left Nozarashi with little spiritual energy and became easier to damage; it is a chipped and seemingly worn-down blade upon its edge. Despite its appearance, Nozarashi can easily cut through most objects: with it, Kenpachi stabs straight through Ichigo's Zanpakutō, and later slices a building in half with no apparent effort after releasing his full power. Later, upon defeating Retsu Unohana in battle and awakening his true strength, Kenpachi finally was able to hear his Zanpakutō's voice.[201]
Nozarashi in its Shikai form.
- Shikai: Before Kenpachi knew its name, it was believed by Soul Society that Kenpachi's overwhelming Reiatsu was forcing Nozarashi into a constantly released state due to its more elaborate design.[202] Its release command is Drink (呑め, nome).[203] Upon release, Nozarashi takes on the form of a great axe/war cleaver hybrid with a long, cloth-wrapped handle and a green tassel attached to the top.[204]
- Shikai Special Ability: In its released state, Nozarashi possesses tremendous attack power, easily destroying a huge meteorite with a single attack.[205][206] Its cutting power is also greatly enhanced, allowing Kenpachi to effortlessly cut through the bodies of his opponents and even through space itself.[207]
Kenpachi's unnamed Bankai.
- Bankai: Unnamed: Upon activation, Kenpachi's Bankai releases a huge wave of energy powerful enough to level nearby buildings. In this form, Kenpachi'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.[208]
- Bankai Special Ability: Kenpachi's Bankai grants him tremendous physical strength and cutting power, allowing him to effortlessly topple a gigantic Gerard Valkyrie with a single blow,[209] rip off his arm in a single motion,[210] and cut him completely in half from a considerable distance.[211] While in his Bankai, Kenpachi becomes a mindless berserker, acting without consciousness and regard for his own life.[212]
Weaknesses
Combat
- Kidō: Zaraki has no skill or interest in the use of Kidō, leaving him only with direct-attack methods for battle.
- Shunpo: Zaraki has no skill in Shunpo, relying exclusively on his naturally enhanced speed.
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 Kenpachi's Bankai releases more power than his body can handle, his body will start breaking under the pressure.[213]
- Berserker state (Bankai): While Kenpachi 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 well-being. [214]
Appearances in Other Media
| Video Game Appearances | |||||
| Movie Appearances | |||||
| Novel Appearances | |||||
Video Games
- Kenpachi 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.[215]
- Contrary to the series, Kenpachi can freely use Shunpo any time like other Shinigami in The Blade of Fate, Dark Souls, Soul Resurrección, and Brave Souls (although in the last instance he only has half as many Shunpo as most characters).[216]
- In some Bleach games, Kenpachi'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.[217]
- Notably to allude to his height, Dark Souls had his character sprite radically altered.[218]
Kenpachi wielding his Shikai in Bleach: Brave Souls.
- In Brave Souls, Kenpachi is known for being the first character to have Flurry (except for his TYBW form), an Awakening skill in normal attack hits are doubled. Additionally, in Brave Souls, his Shikai and Bankai appear for the first time outside of the manga in the Thousand Year Blood War Arc summons, alongside certain other units.[216]
- His special technique is "That Power is Bankai!", in which Kenpachi transforms into his Bankai, inflicting immense damage on the opponent. He stays transformed after the animation ends for a short period of time.[216]
Movies
Kenpachi attacks Kusaka in The DiamondDust Rebellion.
- Kenpachi briefly appears in Bleach: Memories of Nobody, making sport of one of the Dark Ones.[219]
- He also appears in the second movie, Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion, charging in and attacking Sōjirō's new dragon form, and later helping out in the final battle.[220]
- 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.[221]
- He has a minor role in the second Bleach OVA, where he vacations in the Human World with Yachiru.[222]
Music
- Kenpachi appears in the second session of Bleach Beat Collection. Fumihiko Tachiki performs two tracks as Kenpachi: "COME to LIKE it This FIGHT Now" and "We," a quartet with Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika.
- Kenpachi 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 Kenpachi 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
- Kenpachi wasn't bleeding from the first slash wound Ichigo has inflicted upon him in the anime compared to the manga.[223][224]
- Kenpachi's slash wounds, inflicted by Ichigo, weren't as severe in the anime compared to the manga.[225][226]
- After Kenpachi was hit by Kaname Tōsen's Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō, he was less injured in the anime compared to the manga.[227][228]
- When Tōsen impaled Kenpachi, and when Kenpachi managed to slash Tosen, twice, there was less blood shown in the anime compared to the manga,[229][230][231] and Tōsen's slash wound isn't as visible in the anime either.[232]
- In the anime, during a flashback to when Ikkaku first met Kenpachi and was defeated by the latter, Ikkaku wasn't shown bleeding profusely from his grevious wounds[233]as he was in the manga.[234] Instead Ikkaku has fewer wounds on his body in the anime.
Trivia
- "Consume everything, demon of the blood-thirsty sword." - Tite Kubo[1]
- His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is Massive Attack's "Superpredators."
- In the latest popularity poll, Kenpachi came 15th (in previous ones he came 27th and 9th), and in the Zanpakutō poll, his unnamed Zanpakutō came 29th.
- He has a very poor sense of direction, at times asking Yachiru for help (even though her sense of direction is just as bad).
- In the Bleach best bout poll, Kenpachi's fight with Nnoitra came in tenth place.[235]
Quotes
- (To his sword) "It's been so long that I forgot the pain of not having a name. Everyone had a name that friends use to call them, but I didn't. That pain."[236]
- (To Yachiru Kusajishi) "I named you Yachiru, in memory of the only person I ever admired."[237]
- "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."[238]
- (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."[239]
- (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."[240]
- (To Kaname Tōsen) "Sanity? Worthless things like that, I never had them for as long as I can remember!"[241]
- (To Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa) "So you want to fight too? Fine, you can have them, but fight elsewhere. If you get in my way, I'll chop you up first."[242]
- "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?"[243]
- (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!"[244]
- (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."[245]
- (To Maki Ichinose) "Loyalty to someone is different from depending on them. It isn't even interesting fighting against someone who doesn't have his own goals."[58]
- (To Maki Ichinose) "If you really wanted to help that Kariya reach his goals, then you would have taken care of Ichigo first. But you chose to come after me. Wasn't that a display of your own will? The power that you have gained was all in order to defeat me. That power comes from your own grudge! Why not try giving all your strength to that end?"[58]
- (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!"[13]
- (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."[246]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 140
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bleach Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 108
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bleach Official Character Book 2: MASKED
- ↑ Bleach manga; Volume 13 cover
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 75
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 460, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 469, pages 2-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 148, pages 12-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 312
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 573, pages 16-18
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 71, Shinigami Cup Golden
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 13
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 307, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 614, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 613, pages 6-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 579, pages 14-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 529, page 5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 15
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Bleach anime; Episode 119, This only takes place in the anime as additional material.
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 206, pages 12-17
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 520, page 14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 311, pages 17-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 65, pages 9-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 82-83
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 89, page 21
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 93, pages 11-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 6-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 1-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 104, pages 20-22
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 105, pages 1-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 108, pages 13-27
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 1-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 11-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 112, pages 5-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 112, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 10-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 1-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 128, pages 16-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 137, pages 5-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 138-139
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 139 & 143
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 146-148
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 148-149
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 156, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 172, page 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 180, pages 11-12
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 63
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 74
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episodes 74-75
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 Bleach anime; Episode 98
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 188, pages 17 and 19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 238, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 168
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 179
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 173
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 181
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 298, pages 1-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 298, pages 21-22
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 306, pages 17-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 307, pages 9-20
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 308
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 309
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 310
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 311-312
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 313, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 313, pages 13-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 314, pages 16-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 315, pages 17-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 379, pages 20-23
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 1-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 381, pages 9-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 382, pages 8-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 383, pages 1-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 422, pages 6-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 423, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 230
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 243
- ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 86.3 Bleach anime; Episode 244
- ↑ 87.0 87.1 Bleach anime; Episode 245
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 247
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 253
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 317
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 319
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 320
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 324
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 325
- ↑ 95.0 95.1 Bleach anime; Episode 326
- ↑ 96.0 96.1 Bleach anime; Episode 328
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 329
- ↑ 98.0 98.1 Bleach anime; Episode 337
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 336
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 339
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 340
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 341
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 460, pages 9-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 463, pages 16-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 464, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 473, pages 5-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 475, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 476, pages 6-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 479, pages 6-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 488, pages 10-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 497, page 6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 500, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 502, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 503, pages 4-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 505, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 515, page 13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 9-15 & 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 4-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 1-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 526, pages 1-13 and 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 1-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 572, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 573, pages 1-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 574, pages 3-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 575, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 575, pages 5-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 576, pages 4-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 577, pages 7-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 578, pages 2-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 579, pages 2-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 580, pages 2-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 581, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 582, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 613, pages 5-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 614, pages 5-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 615, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 616, pages 8-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 629, pages 7-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 635, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 636, pages 2 & 4-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 637, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 639, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 644, page 6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 666, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 6-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 668, pages 1-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 2-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 670, pages 1, 4 & 11-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 671, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 685, pages 9-10 & 15-16
- ↑ 153.0 153.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 109, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 309, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Volume 53, the sketch between Chapters 463 and 464
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 5-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 112, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 108-113
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episodes 200-202
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 116, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 525, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 573-578
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 113, pages 3-4 & 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 103, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 574, pages 5-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 105, page 7
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 244, only displayed in the anime
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 662, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 65, pages 9-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 146-148
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 65, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 574, page 19
- ↑ Bleach anime: Episode 249
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 502, page 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 636, page 5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 11-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 108, page 18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 307, pages 6-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 667, pages 8-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 671, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 308, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 288
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 572, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 199
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 244
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 306-312
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 515, page 13 & Chapter 523, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 635, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 7-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 575, pages 14-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 578, pages 6-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 580, pages 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 576, page 18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 525, page 6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 120, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 5-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 109, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 577, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 577, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 577, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 578, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 2-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 669, page 13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 669, page 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 669, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 670, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 670, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 670, page 4
- ↑ Bleach video game; Bleach: Soul Carnival
- ↑ 216.0 216.1 216.2 Bleach video game; Brave Souls
- ↑ Bleach video game; Bleach:Blade Battlers
- ↑ Bleach video game; Bleach: Dark Souls
- ↑ Bleach movie; Bleach: Memories of Nobody
- ↑ Bleach movie; Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion
- ↑ Bleach movie; Bleach: Fade to Black
- ↑ Bleach OVA; Bleach: The Sealed Sword Frenzy
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 38
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 108, page 27
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 39
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 112, page 11
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 51
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 53
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 147, pages 16 & 18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 148, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 147, page 3
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 119
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 206, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 392, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 10-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 114, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 138, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 139, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 143, pages 3-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 206, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 206, page 7
- ↑ 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 | ||
