Tite Kubo has introduced some amazing concepts in Bleach, which has boggled the minds of fans for decades. But of course, one of the most amazing reveals was Ichigo realizing the truth about his zanpakuto. This reveal shook the entire fandom and led to the rise of many theories.
Unfortunately, fan theories will always remain so and can never be confirmed by the original author. Still, some of them are cool enough to keep pondering on them for a while. One such theory aims to debunk the relationship between zanpakuto and hollows.
Zanpakuto Spirits are Actually Reincarnated Hollows
According to a fan theory, Zanpakuto Spirits are actually hollows. While this could be a surprising theory for most, it also has some level of truth mixed into it. For example, White was an artificially created hollow and was created with the same material as Asauchi. These particular hollows can enter a Shinigami’s soul and fuse with their powers. After the fusion, they form a new Zanpakuto spirit, which has the ability of both a shinigami and a hollow.
The theory further explains that the hollows that become zanpakuto spirits are actually those who are Vasto Lorde. The Vasto Lorde are the smallest hollows which reach the ultimate form of evolution. While the process of their creation is unknown, Grimmjow theorized that Adjuchas could become Vasto Lorde by devouring thousands of hollows.
The theory further states that it was Aizen, the overarching villain of Bleach‘s first part, who would stop the Vasto Lordes from dying, and then he would change or modify their souls to become Arrancars. The growth of the hollows is then judged, and the most superior ones are picked to become a zanpakuto spirit.
Soul Reapers in Bleach are Strengthening Themselves with the Help of Hollows
According to the theory, Soul Reapers are harvesting hollows to create zanpakuto spirits for themselves, to create their weapons. The theory further explains that the Soul Reapers are thus brutally using such hollows for their own betterment without paying heed to their individuality.
This makes the Soul Reapers and anyone who uses a zanpakuto, a natural enemy to Quincies. In chapter 552 of Bleach, it was explained that it was not hollow blood that was actually poisonous to Quincies; it was actually the hollow reiatsu. If the reiatsu of hollows are toxic to Quincies, then the zanpakuto formed by them will be naturally more effective against the lot.
In the case of Ichigo, his zanpakuto is actually the manifested spirit of his sword as well as his inner hollow. During battles, if Ichigo loses consciousness due to the strain of it, Zangetsu takes over his body, and a hollow mask is formed on the left side of his face, indicating the residing hollow in him. When Zangetsu takes full possession of his body, he undergoes a transformation to look like a complete hollow. However, unlike normal hollows, this form can actually be used as a weapon and enhances all of Ichigo’s powers.
Once again, this is just a fan theory that is extremely interesting to ponder upon, despite the fact that most of it has been proven to be untrue. So, look back on it the next time you zone out and take it with a grain of salt.
You can read Bleach on Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War anime can be streamed on Disney+.
