Could Bleach's Yachiru Kusajishi Actually Have a Game-Changing Bankai?

Ah, Bankai. That single word in the world of Bleach ignites imaginations, rouses fan theories, and fuels endless debates. Yet today, we’re not talking about the Bankais you’ve already seen in action or the ones that are shrouded in lore. We’re unraveling the puzzle of Yachiru Kusajishi’s Bankai. If you’re a hardcore Bleach aficionado, you already know Yachiru isn’t your garden-variety Shinigami. So let’s dive into one of the most hotly debated topics for fans: can Yachiru have a Bankai, and what would it look like?

Quick heads up, spoiler alert! You’ve been warned.

Two Monsters and a Blade: Yachiru’s Shikai, Sanpo Kenjū

Let’s warm up by revisiting Yachiru‘s famed battle against Guenael Lee and Gremmy Thoumeaux, where she showcased her jaw-dropping Shikai, Sanpo Kenjū. Unlike typical Zanpakutos that morph into an enhanced form, Yachiru’s Shikai goes off the beaten path by summoning two fascinating monsters: Boney, the hollow-like beast, and Lumpy, a chubby furball. These monsters not only make her a formidable opponent, but they also give her an element of unpredictability that makes her fights absolutely thrilling to watch.

As Isane Kotetsu astutely pointed out, Yachiru’s Shikai is one-of-a-kind, capable of summoning these sidekicks while her blade remains unchanged. That’s unheard of, folks. “This was unheard of in Soul Society,” said Isane, underlining Yachiru’s exceptional nature.

The Tie That Binds: Yachiru and Nozarashi

To fully comprehend Yachiru’s potential for Bankai, we need to delve into her true essence. She’s not just another character; she’s a Zanpakuto spirit, or at least a partial one. Yup, that’s right! Yachiru is the manifested spirit of Kenpachi’s Zanpakuto, Nozarashi. And according to creator Tite Kubo, Nozarashi is actually a grown woman, and Yachiru is a partial manifestation of her full powers. This isn’t merely intriguing—it’s the Rosetta Stone to understanding Yachiru’s capabilities, including her potential Bankai.

Yachiru Kusajishi pic.twitter.com/b2cxLMiPDW

— BLEACH (@BleachJet) August 24, 2023

Could Yachiru Unleash a Bankai? The Nitty-Gritty

Alright, the million-dollar question—can Yachiru have a Bankai? The short and sweet answer is, yes, she could. Remember Hollow Ichigo? He could use both Shikai and Bankai, and that means Yachiru isn’t restricted either. However, this begs a tantalizing question: what would her Bankai look like? Given the uniqueness of her Shikai, it’s safe to say that her Bankai would be a far cry from Nozarashi’s.

Most Bankais enhance the core competencies of their respective Shikais. Take Byakuya Kuchiki’s Bankai, for instance, or Toshiro Hitsugaya’s. These aren’t just souped-up versions of their Shikai—they’re poetic tributes to their inner beings.

Yachiru’s Bankai would most likely be a heightened version of her Shikai. Imagine an army of monsters or perhaps stronger, more lethal versions of Boney and Lumpy. That’s not just a battle—it’s a spectacle waiting to happen.

Speculating the Unseen: The Might-Have-Beens of Yachiru’s Bankai

Here’s where the art of speculation becomes a delightful playground. Yachiru never activated her Bankai in the series, so conjectures abound. One enthralling idea is that her monsters could fight autonomously, making it a three-on-one clash and giving Yachiru an unprecedented advantage. Let that sink in for a moment. Imagine the visuals, the storyline twists, the shockwaves that could ripple through the Bleach universe.

To Bankai or Not to Bankai: The Final Word

In essence, Yachiru could indeed have had a Bankai, but destiny or plot didn’t allow her to reach that coveted skill level. While we might never get to see this mysterious Bankai in action, the sheer possibilities it represents are enough to send any Bleach fan’s imagination into overdrive. And sometimes, the untold and the unseen only add to the allure, don’t you think?

So there you have it—a comprehensive analysis of what Yachiru Kusajishi’s Bankai might look like if the stars had aligned. For now, we’re left to our own devices, crafting what-ifs and dreaming of a Bleach world where Yachiru showcases her Bankai, turning the tide of battle and leaving us all speechless. Ah, the things that could have been!