Ichigo is often considered a passive protagonist by Bleach fans. He does not have overarching ambition and has never expressed his will to become the strongest one in existence. Ichigo has always overcome obstacles as they presented themselves rather than trying to go on a search for them.
Thus, Ichigo is said to be different than other Shonen protagonists. He is considered to be someone who is not itching for fights. But is that really true? A fan theory suggests that Ichigo’s deepest secret is actually his bloodlust.
Ichigo Never Accepted His Bloodlust in Bleach
Despite popular opinion of him, Ichigo often shows cracks in his character. And from these cracks leak out his ill-hidden violence and bloodlust. Ichigo has always been good at battles and is physically more adept at them than other teens his age. Since the beginning of Bleach, he has shown a gradual increase in his strength.
However, separating excitement from battles is next to impossible. Ichigo is not ready to accept the excitement he feels while he is battling. However, the expression on his face when he is sure of a hit, or about to destroy an enemy, gives away his true nature.
There have been multiple occasions during which Ichigo’s inner bloodlust has revealed itself in the form of his smile. In his battles against Renji and Kenpachi, he often loses himself. Both Zangetsu White and Grimmjow knew his and have mentioned his tendencies, but at the time they could not be believed. Admittedly, Ichigo likes to protect his friends as well as any innocent who needs his help. But that does not mean he doesn’t like fighting, in fact protecting others presents Ichigo with the perfect opportunity to let out his love for violence.
The Gotei 13 Captain Who Always Knew Ichigo’s True Nature
The first person who ever noticed Ichigo’s bloodlust is a captain among the Gotei 13. Kenpachi Zaraki, the captain of the 11th Division, battled Ichigo on his entrance to the Soul Society. In this battle, the captain rudely points out that Ichigo is delusional if he thinks he does not love fighting. According to Zaraki, one has to revel in the death and pain of battles, as they are the final rewards.
Kenpachi’s speech in his battle against Ichigo is remarkable as it highlights how Ichigo desires power. Kenpachi pointed out to Ichigo that people like them are born in a certain way, which enables them to battle. The captain even admits that Ichigo’s instincts will keep leading him to battles. Ultimately, Kenpachi is proven true when Ichigo falls into one trouble after another.
You want a reason for…fighting? Why don’t you just accept it already, Ichigo?! You seek out fights. You desire power. Isn’t that right, Ichigo? Everyone who searches for power, without exception searches for battle!
Other than Kenpachi, another character who noticed the hypocrisy in Ichigo is Grimmjow. When Ichigo tried to rescue Orihime, Grimmjow pointed out that he didn’t actually try very hard to rescue her. Instead, he healed Grimmjow and set out to battle him again. This indicates that rather than protecting Orihime, Ichigo was searching for his next battle partner.
You can read Bleach on Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
