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"Loyalty to someone is different from depending on them. It isn't even interesting fighting against someone who doesn't have his own goals." |
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 lieutenant is Yachiru Kusajishi.
Plot[]
Bount arc (anime only)[]
Zaraki easily blocks Ichinose's attack.
When Zaraki and his squad feel the presence of an old member of the 11th Division, Maki Ichinose, he tells everyone to ignore him.[4]
He attends a meeting, called by Mayuri, in regard to the missing data from his division's archives. Zaraki tells Yachiru he is aware of this because it could be Ichinose who is responsible for the deed.[5]
Zaraki helps fight off the Bount Invasion in Soul Society. At first, he refuses to help, but after hearing the 10th Division spotted Ichinose, he sets off to find him, arriving in time to stop him from attacking Chad. Zaraki asks Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Ichigo to let him fight Ichinose. As Zaraki fights Ichinose, he is generally unimpressed by the former officer's strength. Ichinose, tricking Zaraki, traps him within his Saigyoku Nijigasumi ability, but Zaraki, briefly removing his eyepatch, breaks through it, and congratulates Ichinose for forcing him into removing his eyepatch, despite having done so for just a second. Ichinose, realizing the battle has turned against him, attacks Zaraki frantically, asking why he has so much power yet has no just reason in using it. Zaraki, silencing him, tells him he should fight on his own accord instead of being dependent on others. After Ichinose realizes the meaning of Zaraki's words, the two charge at each other with full power, and Zaraki, claiming victory, greatly wounds Ichinose, breaking the latter's sword in the process. The fight with Ichinose having ended, Zaraki, taking Yachiru, heads back towards the Seireitei.[6]
The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)[]
Zaraki apprehending the assassin.
After Zaraki had to fight the new 3rd Division captain,[7] 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 Zaraki, who did not believe he should be concerned with other divisions' problems.[8] He proceeds to go after Ichigo after finding out he was in Soul Society, but both Ichigo and Zaraki end up protecting princess Rurichiyo from assassins. Zaraki finds Rukia, who tells him to keep the incident a secret, however, he does not even know what is going on.[9] Later, when Yamamoto orders Ichigo's capture, he, like most Shinigami, is reluctant to go after him, saying he "is not in the mood".[10]
Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)[]
When Captain Shunsui Kyōraku asks if Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa are representing their captain, Ikkaku tells them Zaraki and Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi are out, and as such, they are the only ones who can attend a meeting.[11]
Wabisuke, attacking Zaraki from behind, cannot cut him.
As the Zanpakutō launch an all out attack, just as the Shinigami are losing ground, Zaraki makes a dramatic appearance.[12] Ichigo is relieved to see him, but Captain Suì-Fēng, questioning the need for all the theatrics, mentions he is late. As Zaraki, 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. Zaraki is attacked from behind by Wabisuke, but its blade, striking Zaraki, has no effect, much to Wabisuke's surprise. Zaraki, 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.[13]
Rukia and Renji are surprised at Zaraki'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, Zaraki 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, Zaraki, 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, Zaraki, 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.[13]
Zaraki vs. Byakuya.
When Byakuya states he just blew everyone away, Zaraki 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 Zaraki effortlessly deflects it. Feeling disappointed, Zaraki, increasing his Reiatsu, sends it at Byakuya, who, blocking it, proceeds to use Senka. Much to Byakuya's surprise, Zaraki effortlessly blocks the attack, asking if Byakuya actually thought he could not follow his Shunpo. Byakuya counters, asking Zaraki if he thought his sluggish speed could catch him. As Zaraki goes on the offense, Byakuya uses Shunpo to move out of the way, prompting Zaraki to state it looks like Byakuya's speed is only good enough to dodge him. When Byakuya appears behind Zaraki, the latter can only react by placing his arm up, causing his forearm to be slashed by Byakuya's attack.[13]
When Byakuya tells him he cannot be caught by Zaraki, he, taking the statement as a challenge, lunges at Byakuya, who, dodging the two attacks, is surprised when Zaraki catches his blade with his bare hands on the third attempt. Zaraki, 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, Zaraki states if he had not, he would not take the fight seriously. Byakuya, using his Shikai again, tires out Zaraki, who seemingly deflects it again. Byakuya tells Zaraki to leave him be, or, in his next attack, he will truly kill him. Zaraki, 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.[13]
Zaraki 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, Zaraki 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 Zaraki can leave to find Byakuya so they can finish their fight, Yoruichi arrives with news of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's location.[14]
The Shinigami, upon arriving at the rogue Zanpakutō hideout, are hesitant to enter without a strategy, but Zaraki, eager to find another good fight, enters. Later, Zaraki, 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, Zaraki becomes determined to make the Zanpakutō Spirits fight him seriously.[15] Zaraki, 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 Zaraki.[16]
Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)[]
Zaraki accompanies Mayuri into the Dangai.
Zaraki 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 Zaraki as Mayuri's bodyguard.[17] Later, Zaraki, along with other members of the Gotei 13, arriving after escaping from the Dangai, confronts Kagerōza Inaba.[18] After fending off Inaba and forcing him to retreat, Zaraki joins other members of the Gotei 13 as they hold a meeting in Ichigo's room.[19] Later, Zaraki joins three other captains in the Urahara Shop, where they attempt to enter Soul Society. After they, minus Sajin Komamura, arrive, Zaraki, splitting up from the group, faces off against his Reigai counterpart.[20][21] While slightly outmatched at first, Zaraki finds great delight in this, comparing it to the time he faced Ichigo. Eventually, Zaraki defeats the Reigai through with Kendō. Later, Zaraki encounters the Onmitsukidō, who are under the control of Reigai-Suì-Fēng. After Zaraki defeats all of the Onmitsukidō, he, preparing to fight the Reigai, is stopped by Komamura, who emerges unscathed. Zaraki walks off, leaving Komamura to face off against Reigai-Suì-Fēng.[22]
Zaraki's attack is recorded by Inaba.
Later, Zaraki, alongside Tōshirō Hitsugaya, arrives at Inaba's lair, where Inaba approaches them. Zaraki, rushing in headfirst, clashes with the 7th Seat. When Inaba reveals his Shikai's ability to control space, though Hitsugaya keeps his distance, Zaraki proceeds to attack Inaba, prompting him to record Zaraki's attack and cuts him down with it.[23]
Zaraki and the others subdued by the Reigai.
When the other Shinigami arrive, Zaraki proceeds to attack alongside them. As Inaba recreates Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng's joint Shunkō attack, Zaraki informs them he can copy any ability. Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng, negating Inaba's Shunkō with Hanki, create an opening for Hitsugaya and Zaraki to cut Inaba down. However, this Inaba turns out to be a fake, as the real Inaba, lunging down from the ceiling, cuts Zaraki and the others down. As he prepares to finish him off, Mayuri Kurotsuchi stabs him in the back.[23] As Mayuri fights and talks with Inaba, Zaraki listens with the others. When Inaba releases the full power of the Reigai and more of the Reigai appear, Zaraki states it is becoming interesting. Zaraki, avoiding an attack from Reigai-Ikkaku, is attacked by Reigai-Matsumoto and Reigai-Ōmaeda.[24] Eventually, Zaraki and the other captains are forced to retreat.[25]
Zaraki faces off against his clone.
Later, they return in time to help Ichigo and Urahara against their Reigai pursuers.[26] Eager for another match, Zaraki attacks his Reigai counterpart. The two begin slashing each other up, delighting in the intense fight.[25] As they continue fighting, with neither side having an advantage, Reigai-Zaraki grows even more violent, striking down whomever he sees. As Zaraki becomes annoyed by these interferences, the lieutenants arrive to aid their captains. When Ikkaku and Yumichika offer to fight with Zaraki, he tells them to keep the "small fries" out of his way.[27] 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 Zaraki, this time determined to aid their captain. While not entirely liking the idea, Zaraki admits it might be nice to have someone have his back once in a while.[28]
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.[29]
Powers & Abilities[]
Zaraki displays his hand-to-hand skills.
Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: While preferring to use his blade in battle, Zaraki has proven several times to be very dangerous while barehanded, showing considerably effective brawling prowess. He can easily catch an opponent's attack with a single hand, perform powerful punches and kicks, and easily subdue opponents with throws and take-downs. Zaraki easily overwhelmed several members of the Onmitsukidō, a corp of Hakuda-specialists, despite being battle-worn.[22]
Zaraki launches an energy wave.
Shock Wave: Zaraki 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, Zaraki can create an overflowing wave of yellow spiritual energy, which surges forward before crashing into Zaraki's target.[30]
Quotes[]
- (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."[6]
- (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?"[6]
References[]
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 140
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bleach Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 108
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book 2: MASKED
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 74
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episodes 74-75
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Bleach anime; Episode 98
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 168
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 179
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 173
- ↑ Bleachanime; Episode 181
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 230
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 243
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Bleach anime; Episode 244
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Bleach anime; Episode 326
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Bleach anime; Episode 328
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 329
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Bleach anime; Episode 337
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 336
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 339
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 340
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 341
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 244, only displayed in the anime