In the previous episodes of Bleach, we witnessed an intense battle between Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana, the captain of the 4th division. This confrontation revealed a different side of Unohana, who transformed into a cold-hearted killer. She agreed to teach Zaraki the “Way of the Sword.” As they fought, they reminisced about their past encounters, and Unohana unveiled her deadly Bankai. This battle marked the first time Zaraki was overwhelmed by an opponent, but he managed to emerge victorious by sacrificing the previous Kenpachi title holder.

Why Did Kenpachi Zaraki Kill Unohana?

The Soul Society was left devastated after the invasion by Yhwach’s Quincy Army, known as Wandenreich. With the Bankai of four captains stolen and Captain Commander Yamamoto killed, Ichigo and his allies joined forces with the Zero Division to reclaim the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, Kyoraku Shunsui, the new captain commander, chose to enhance the Gotei 13’s firepower. He assigned Unohana the task of unleashing Zaraki’s true potential to ensure victory in the war. Despite facing severe criticism, Shunsui considered this a last resort and took full responsibility for taming the untamed warrior. The final battle between Kenpachi and Unohana took place in an underground prison where their thrilling clash remained undisturbed. Though Zaraki initially held back, he soon realized that Unohana, the first-ever Kenpachi, was not an ordinary foe. She skillfully dodged his attacks and pushed him to the brink of death.

Throughout his life, Zaraki has broken his own limitations and unlocked new powers in near-death battles. Facing Unohana, he experienced a similar breakthrough. Unohana unleashed her Bankai, Minazuki, which contrasted significantly with her Shikai. The battle intensified as she continuously brought Zaraki to the edge of death and revived him. Despite being dominated, Zaraki felt invigorated after each resurrection. He knew this was the moment he had been waiting for, the ultimate battle with the only opponent who could satisfy his thirst for combat. Mutually thrilled by the intensity of the fight, Unohana acknowledged Zaraki as the only person who had ever challenged her strength. Exploiting every opening, Zaraki stabbed her in the chest, mirroring the same wound he inflicted on her in their initial encounter. This poetic end to their battle marked the moment Zaraki truly claimed the title of Kenpachi.

After her defeat, as tears rolled down her cheeks, Zaraki heard a voice. It revealed itself as Nozarashi, the Zanpakuto spirit of Zaraki’s sword, finally acknowledging his presence and declaring its constant companionship.

What is Kenpachi’s Shikai and Bankai?

In a battle against the Sternritter Gremmy Thoumeaux, a powerful opponent with the ability to turn imagination into reality, Zaraki revealed his Shikai, Nozarashi. Gremmy, who considered himself the strongest, posed a great challenge to Zaraki. However, Zaraki remained unfazed by Gremmy’s devastating powers. When Gremmy tried to obliterate the Soul Society by conjuring a meteorite, Zaraki effortlessly nullified its destructive force using his Shikai. Nozarashi transformed into a great axe, amplifying Zaraki’s power.

In another fierce battle against Gerard Valkyrie, the Heart of the Soul King and one of the strongest Sternritter, Zaraki’s Shikai alone could not secure victory. But just when all seemed lost, Zaraki’s lieutenant, Yachiru, appeared and granted him the power of Bankai. With this power surge, Zaraki overpowered Gerard Valkyrie, delivering a decisive blow. However, the immense cutting and slashing power of his Bankai proved too much for Zaraki’s own body, leading to the loss of his hand during the fight.

But what happened to Yachiru?

Zanpakuto spirits can materialize physically, as seen with Ichigo’s Bankai, which manifests as a young Yhwach from his Quincy bloodline. In a flashback, a young Kenpachi encounters baby Yachiru after his battle with Unohana. This implies that Yachiru is the physical manifestation of Kenpachi’s Zanpakuto and has always been by his side, albeit unused. Through his journey, Kenpachi learned to harness his powers with his sword, ultimately reaching the level of a true captain.

Conclusion

Unohana was tasked with unlocking Zaraki’s full potential by making him learn Bankai. Their clash showcased their immense power, and Zaraki emerged victorious after a grueling battle. His Zanpakuto, Nozarashi, paid homage to his character by possessing unparalleled cutting and slashing abilities. His Bankai transformed him into a monstrous force capable of obliterating anything he desired to touch. Although the loss of Unohana and Yachiru weighs heavily on his heart, their sacrifices contributed to the victory of the Soul Society.

If you have any thoughts on this topic or questions about alternative paths Zaraki could have taken to achieve Bankai, please share them in the comments below. Fecomic is here to deliver the latest news and insights into the world of manga and anime.

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