Tite Kubo’s Bleach is one of the Big Three of anime. Even though it went on a hiatus for a decade, the anime returned in 2022 with the Thousand Year Blood War arc. Bleach was pretty underrated, considering it had a top-tier anime. There are several beautifully crafted moments in Kubo sensei’s magnum opus. The anime follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, who was forced to become a shinigami during a dire situation.
As the story progressed, the more powerful characters appeared. The protagonist befriended a few, while others turned out to be the villains. Bleach’s coolest moments are often surrounded by the reveal of new Bankai’s. Bankai is like a second awakening of a shinigami’s Zanpakuto. Recently, one of the fans wanted to know the coolest Bankai in Bleach. Most of the answers were ‘Ikkaku,’ Madarame’s Ryumon Hozukimaru.
Ikkaku Madarame’s Bankai Got Special Recognition Due To Tite Kubo’s Designing
Ikkaku Madarame is the 3rd Seat of the 11th Division in Gotei 13. He is one of the trusted allies of Ichigo Kurosaki. The bald shinigami has a hunger for strong opponents like his Division captain. His Zanpakuto, Hozukimaru, is shaped like a spear. The stick can be broken to give it a nun-chucks vibe. According to Reddit users, his Bankai is the coolest one in the entire Bleach, even though it has one of the simplest designs.
Comment
byu/Far_Grade_4574 from discussion
inbleach
More than the Bankai, the moment of revelation made it more popular than the likes of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi and Tensa Zangetsu. During his battle with Edrad Liones in the Arrancar arc, they were both equally matched. After Edrad used his Resurreccion, he started to pound Ikkaku. The latter somehow managed to block the final blow. It was at that moment that a bloodied Ikkaku revealed his Bankai. Tite Kubo chose the perfect moment to introduce it.
Ikkaku Madarame’s Bankai is called Ryumon Hozukimaru. The shinigami called his Bankai lazy since it takes time to reach its full potential. He held two massive axed-shaped blades with a third one floating behind him. Through battle, or spinning his Zanpakuto is the only way for Ryumon Hozukimaru to reach his full potential. It is not something fancy, yet it packs a punch. He kept it secret from the Gotei 13.
Tite Kubo’s clever idea made him use his Bankai when there was absolutely no way for him to escape. He could have used it against Ichigo, but the latter did not go for the kill. So, there was no need to reveal it. But Edrad Liones was different. Ikkaku could have died if Kubo sensei did not pick up the most iconic moment for Ryumon Hozukimaru. Also, the stance had some aura around it that made the fans feel the energy.
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc Has Become A Massive Hit
After airing 366 episodes, Tite Kubo’s magnum opus suddenly went on a hiatus. The fans hoped that it could come back soon. But years passed by, and there was no hope left. Then, after a decade, Bleach’s return was officially announced. But they were not sure whether the anime would get back its glory days. After Thousand Year Blood War aired, it instantly became a massive hit. Once again, Kubo sensei’s perfect timing won over the fans.
It is the last arc in his magnum opus. Since it is a big arc, it has been divided into parts. Two parts have been released, and the fans are eagerly waiting for the third part. It is supposed to be released before the end of 2024. Yhwach shook the Soul Society after killing Genryusai Yamamoto. It is up to Ichigo and his friends to bring back peace. Maybe the fans will get to see Ryumon Hozukimaru again.
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War can be streamed on Hulu.
