Bleach:10 Strongest Bankai, Ranked

In the world of Bleach, becoming a formidable swordsman is paramount for survival. Those who lag behind in their swordsmanship skills often meet their demise at the hands of terrifying enemies that periodically emerge. The Soul Reapers, entrusted with the duty of protecting the spiritual realm, rely on their Zanpakuto, special swords that can serve as their saviors. However, it is the ultimate manifestation of their swords, known as Bankai, that truly showcases their power.

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Only a select few Soul Reapers possess the ability to unleash their Zanpakuto’s Bankai, reserving it as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. With each Bankai release unique and distinct from the others, the question arises: among the multitude of Soul Reapers capable of wielding Bankai, which of them possesses the strongest and most awe-inspiring abilities?

10 Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo

One of the most formidable Bankai in Bleach belongs to Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the captain of the 12th Division of the Soul Society. Upon its release, the butterfly-like creature transforms into a monstrous caterpillar, engulfing the battlefield in a deadly poison. Just a single breath of this toxic mist can spell doom for any normal human, while even the mightiest of Soul Reapers struggle to withstand its paralyzing effects.

As his opponents succumb to the poison’s grasp, Mayuri Kurotsuchi takes advantage of their helplessness, employing cunning tactics and subjecting them to his twisted scientific experiments. With Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo, Mayuri showcases his mastery of manipulation and his willingness to resort to ruthless tactics.

9 Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame

What sets Urahara apart is his remarkable achievement of mastering Bankai within a mere three days of training, a feat that typically takes Soul Reapers a decade to accomplish. Kisuke Urahara’s Bankai, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame, remains as intimidating as his enigmatic appearance throughout the series.

This Bankai unveils a magnificent transformation, manifesting as a towering feminine figure that exudes power and grace. With its extraordinary reach, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame proves to be both an offensive and defensive powerhouse. With its extraordinary reach, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame effortlessly cuts through any obstacle, no matter its size or strength.

8 Minazuki

When it comes to the Gotei 13 captains, Retsu Unohana is often regarded as the sweetest of them all. However, as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (TYBW) unfolds, viewers come to realize that she is far from what she appears to be. Unohana’s true nature is unveiled, revealing her as a terrifying being and a notorious criminal from the past.

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In this revelation, Unohana’s deadly Bankai, named Minazuki, takes center stage. To activate Minazuki, Unohana cuts her hand, causing her sword to transform into the blood. This blood then unleashes relentless attacks that leave enemies with little chance to evade. Unohana’s raw power is so formidable that she nearly takes down even the mighty Kenpachi.

7 Senbonzakura Kageyoshi

Byakuya Kuchiki, a proud and skilled warrior of great honor, possesses a fearsome Bankai called Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. When his pride is at stake, Byakuya unleashes this devastating technique as a last resort. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, adorned with a mesmerizing display of countless flower petals, conceals millions of razor-sharp blades that can swiftly strike from all directions at Byakuya’s command.

Throughout the series, Byakuya’s Bankai demonstrates remarkable versatility, and every time we see its release, it feels like watching it for the first time. Its ability to effortlessly cut down Hollows, Arrancars, and other opponents never fails to leave a lasting impression, solidifying Senbonzakura Kageyoshi as one of the strongest Bankai in the series.

6 Katen Kyokotsu

Shunsui Kyoraku is a character known for his lazy and laid-back nature. No matter the situation, he prefers to avoid fighting. Even if forced to fight, he tries his best never to rely on his Bankai. Despite his reluctance, when Shunsui unleashes his Bankai, Katen Kyokotsu, it guarantees nothing but death for his enemies.

This Bankai holds untapped potential beyond what has been shown to us so far. Shunsui’s sword releases multiple acts, with each taking a deadly toll on his enemy. From wound sharing to incurable disease, drowning in the abyss, and finally executing the enemy, Katen Kyokotsu weaves a tale of pain and suffering for the opponent until their demise.

5 Shirafude Ichimonji

Zero Division in Bleach was introduced recently in Bleach TYBW. They are not summoned unless the threat is so grave that Yamamoto and the Gotei 13 squad can’t handle it, and the return of Yhwach is one such threat. Ichibe Hyosube is the captain of Zero Division and one of the most powerful beings in the Bleach universe with one of the strongest Bankai.

We are yet to see the disastrous effect caused by his Bankai; however, it will be a noteworthy moment in the series when Ichibe uses his Bankai. Shirafude Ichimonji can imprint a kanji on the body of his enemies, after which their previous powers and abilities are rendered useless, and they, in turn, get the strength and powers of the kanji that Ichibe gives them.

4 Mukojochu Muramasa

Used by Koga Kuchiki, Muramasa was introduced in the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales arc. This Zanpakuto alone was able to cause turmoil in the whole of Soul Society, popularly known as the Zanpakuto Rebellion. Muramasa had the ability to talk to other Zanpakuto and bring their darkest hatred to the surface, which caused other swords to leave their masters. And this was not even Muramasa’s Bankai form.

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Upon the Bankai release, Koga was able to summon Muramasa in the real world, making it the only Zanpakuro to be able to do so. Once summoned, Koga and Muramasa could battle their opponents separately and attack them by controlling their Zanputo spirits. However, both Koga and Muramasa met their fate as the arc concluded.

3 Nozarashi

Kenpachi Zaraki is known for his incredible strength, capable of overpowering even the most formidable opponents without relying on Bankai or other supernatural abilities. He remained oblivious to the true form of his Zanpakuto’s Bankai for a long time. Kenpachi despised relying on its power and preferred to confront his enemies using his raw strength alone.

However, when he finally unveils his Bankai, named Nozarashi, it surpasses the potency of most Bankai seen in the series. Nozarashi is as straightforward and uncomplicated as Kenpachi himself, granting him immense power to slice through anything and anyone, allowing him to triumph over any enemy he battles against.

2 Zanka No Tachi

Genryusai Yamamoto, the long-standing captain of Gotei 13 for over a thousand years, commands immense respect due to his unparalleled power. He is regarded as the strongest among all the captains, and his Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, stands as the epitome of strength. Upon its release, the flames previously emitted by Yamamoto’s sword are drawn back, intensifying the blade’s heat to match the sun’s scorching temperatures.

With a single strike, Zanka no Tachi can effortlessly cleave through anything or anyone. However, the sheer magnitude of its power limits its duration, as the Bankai has the potential to engulf all of Soul Society, leaving nothing but ash in its wake while depleting the surrounding area of water and air.

1 Tensa Zangetsu

Before Bleach TYBW, fans had seen Ichigo using his Bankai several times, and no doubt it is not to be taken lightly. However, TYBW revealed that Ichigo has not been using his true Bankai till now as he wasn’t aware of it himself. However, in the Bleach TYBW arc, Ichigo discovers his true Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, in which he uses two swords instead of one.

His newly discovered Bankai allows Ichigo to unleash a massively powerful golden-colored Getsuga Tensho, capable of dealing immense damage. The full extent of Tensa Zangetsu’s power is yet to be seen, but its potential is evident by the fact that Yhwach couldn’t steal it and tries everything in his power to somehow break Ichigo’s Bankai.

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