Being a human who can assume the substitute Shinigami form, this unique ability makes Ichigo Kurosaki the protagonist of Tite Kubo’s Bleach. Ichigo’s challenging journey to get his Bankai involved a rigorous training before his epic confrontation with Byakuya Kuchiki, the Captain of the 6th Division. Amidst the battle, Ichigo unleashed his Bankai abilities, which established him as an immensely powerful character within the series.
Kurosaki’s Bankai journey in Bleach unfolded with Yoruichi revealing her true form as a Shinigami and driving Ichigo to gain more strength. The latter insisted on Bankai training to save Rukia, to which Ichigo complied. When the protagonist finally faced Byakuya, he unveiled his true Bankai. Tensa Zangetsu, as his Bankai is known, is unique owing to its unconventionally compact size and the ability to allow unmatched speed and strength to its wielder, Ichigo.
Tensa Zangetsu also enhances Ichigo’s power and durability. It is under the category of clad-type Zanpakuto that enables him to boost his traits, which was evident in arcs such as the Fullbring arc. The Bankai also allows him to harness Getsuga Tenshou with immense force, thereby causing fatal ranged attacks.
How powerful is Ichigo’s Bankai?
The upgraded form of his Bankai showcases its versatile nature. So much so that an unrevealed form of the Bankai can disintegrate mountains and cut through Kido spells. Moreover, it helped Ichigo dodge Aizen’s deadly attacks. His Bankai also enables access to Mugetsu, who is the ultimate Getsuga Tenshou. Hence, it can break through any defense, which was evident in defeating Aizen.
Even Yhwach, one of the most formidable villains in the Bleach-verse, called the mysterious Tensa Zangetsu immensely dangerous despite having the powers of the Soul King. The Bankai’s Getsuga Tenshou had the potential to destroy Yhwach, but due to his “The Almighty,” he managed to dodge this unfortunate fate.
All in all, Ichigo’s powerful Bankai is potent and unique, granting him immense speed and the ability to resize and reshape his sword. He can fire the blade after putting his spiritual energy into it and absorb others’ spiritual energy. Finally, his true Bankai power enables him to release his formidable hollow sword, making Ichigo one of the strongest characters in Bleach.
