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Even though the Espada each possesses zanpakuto of their own, they are incapable of releasing a Shikai or Bankai (opting for Resurrección transformations instead) and will therefore be excluded from this list. The article will also discuss some details from the Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc without revealing too many spoilers. Certain crucial plot points will remain unmentioned so as not to ruin all the epic surprises.
7 Senbonzakura: Byakuya Kuchiki
English: “Thousand cherry blossoms”
The most beautiful zanpakuto in Bleach belongs to the Captain of the 6th Division, and Senbonzakura knows it and often displays a similar elitist attitude as his wielder. This Spirit may be argumentative; however, he respects Byakuya’s authority greatly, especially since the shinigami saved him from Muramasa’s trickery.
Shikai: “Scatter”
The zanpakuto disintegrates into thousands of lethal pink cherry blossom petal-shaped blades which proceed to disperse and soar through the air, overwhelming their target. Byakuya maintains control of their movements with the hilt of the sword.
Bankai: “Senbonzakura Kageyoshi”
As Byakuya appears to stab the ground with his zanpakuto, two neat rows form beside him, consisting of thousands of pink replicas of his sword. His Shikai essentially becomes supercharged as each sword can transform into billions of floral blades, with both offense and defense capabilities.
6 Hyorinmaru: Toshiro Hitsugaya
English: “Ice Ring”
Hyorinmaru is considered to be the strongest ice-powered zanpakuto around and, similarly to Tier Harribel, it does not require access to water to be effective. Much like its wielder, Hyōrinmaru is essentially still in its infancy and has only just begun to scratch the surface of its power potential.
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Shikai: “Sit Upon the Frozen Heavens”
In this form, Hyorinmaru gains a chain-like extension that can be controlled by Hitsugaya, and a Chinese-styled aqua-fueled dragon is summoned to take charge. The 10th Division Captain can subsequently manipulate the weather with Tensō Jūrin and create formidable walls of ice to incapacitate his foes.
Bankai: “Daiguren Hyōrinmaru”
This child prodigy goes through a Resurrección-type transformation, receiving frosty wings and appendages, which subsequently create a wyvern-inspired form. Hyōrinmaru’s freezing capabilities intensify greatly, and the boy has access to multiple overpowered abilities, including assembling ice-puppet replicas of Hitsugaya to fight alongside him.
5 Ashisogi Jizō: Mayuri Kurotsuchi
English: “The Leg-Cutting Guardian”
The most peculiar shinigami simply cannot have a normal zanpakuto, and Ashisogi Jizo certainly lives up to expectations! This humanoid insect-hybrid has a misleading baby face, butterfly wings, and a halo, but, much like Mayuri, the cute Spirit has a rather sadistic side and a love for poison.
Shikai: “Rip”
Ashisogi Jizō transforms into a trident of sorts that will incapacitate anyone in its stabs. Its venomous prongs cause a peculiar paralysis without nullifying the pain receptors or nerve endings, and the Spirit’s bloodcurdling screams will also have the same debilitating effect.
Bankai: “Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō”
Mayuri’s strange familiar undergoes a reversed metamorphosis as it transforms from a butterfly-like creature into a gigantic, voluptuous, infantile caterpillar. The sunkissed critter can disperse a potent noxious gas and even comes with its own set of blades, extruding from Ashisogi Jizō’s chest.
4 Zangetsu: Kurosaki Ichigo
English: “Slaying Moon”
Zangetsu is a conglomeration of Ichigo’s zanpakuto Spirit, his Hollow White personae, and his Quincy powers, creating a distinctive fighting style as a result. While Zangetsu may protect his wielder, its Hollow form dreams of permanently possessing Ichigo one day, fueling an unnatural internal battle within the substitute Shinigami.
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Shikai: No release command
This zanpakuto is strangely always in its Shikai form; however, the oversized blade can enhance its firepower with the help of Getsuga Tenshō. This ability condenses Zangetsu’s energy, releasing a crescent-shaped Reiatsu-powered blast concurrently with Ichigo’s attack.
Bankai: “Tensa Zangetsu”
Finally, Ichigo’s blade shrinks down into a more logically-sized daitō and assimilates the Shikai’s abilities, but with greater potency, of course! Ichigo’s subsequent Reiatsu level is overwhelming enough to incapacitate humans, and the substitute shinigami receives a significant boost to his speed, stamina, and endurance, making him capable of wielding his Bankai for longer than most.
3 Minazuki: Retsu (Yachiru) Unohana
English: “Flesh-Drops’ Gorge”
While most Bleach anime fans may consider Unohana to be a supporting character, Manga readers know better than to underestimate this sweet-natured shinigami. By displaying the greatest differences between its Shikai and Bankai abilities (and purpose), Minazuki essentially represents the yin and yang of all zanpakuto.
Shikai: Unknown release command
Minazuki initially presents itself in a green, gaseous form before shaping itself into an oversized, flying manta ray. Those seeking medical attention can catch a free, revitalizing ride in the sea devil’s stomach, emerging healed once the mystical stomach acid has worked its magic.
Bankai: “Minazuki”
The full extent of Minazuki’s powers are only revealed in the Thousand Year Blood War Arc, where Unohana puts Avatar’s Bloodbenders to shame with insane skills. Essentially acting as the polar opposite of the Shikai’s function, Minuzaki’s bloodsoaked Bankai inflicts unfathomable suffering upon its victims.
2 Kyōka Suigetsu: Sōsuke Aizen
English: “Mirror Flower, Water Moon”
In this unique case, shinigami and zanpakuto have become estranged, as Kyōka Suigetsu was essentially replaced by the mystical Hōgyoku. Before becoming an independent entity, this Spirit had an aversion to unnecessary bloodshed and held idealistic views about the world, but the pain of separation and solitude made Kyōka bitter.
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Shikai: “Shatter”
Those unfortunate enough to witness Kanzen Saimin being released first-hand will immediately fall under its hypnotic control and can be recalled to service (and lose their own free will) at any time in the foreseeable future. Kyōka Suigetsu’s mindbending illusions can be shattered at Aizen’s command, and this skill is still effective after the Hōgyoku removes his zanpakuto from the equation.
Bankai: Undetermined
1 Ryūjin Jakka: Genryusai Yamamoto
English: “Flowing Blade-like Flame”
It’s not often that viewers get to see Yamamoto in action; however, when they do, it is rarely a disappointment. The Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 generally relies on his subordinates before unleashing the devastating power of Ryūjin Jakka, and at his age, who could blame him?
Shikai: “Reduce All Creation to Ash”
If the intense Reiatsu that is emitted once the Shikai is released doesn’t wipe the opponents out, the inferno of flames will! The neverending supply of fire can span immense distances and can be manipulated at Yamamoto’s will to achieve the desired result.
Bankai: “Zanka no Tachi”
This battered and scorched katana is more lethal than it appears, as Ryūjin Jakka’s full fire force is concentrated onto the tip of the blade, capable of obliterating anything it touches. It can absorb all available moisture from the air, form an invisible heat barrier, and summon its ashen victims to fight in his stead (and more!)
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