Bleach: 8 Soul Reapers who could have been ideal in Squad Zero

In Bleach, Squad Zero acts as the superior force responsible for protecting the Soul King and maintaining the universe's balance. This elite group consists of Soul Reapers who have significantly impacted the Soul Society through their deeds, making membership in Squad Zero an exceptional honor.

While the squad is composed of beings of great power, the series also features other Soul Reapers whose attributes could qualify them for the squad. These eight formidable Shinigami possess brilliant minds and are highly powerful and influential beings in the series, making them well-suited for the distinguished Squad Zero.

Bleach: Sosuke Aizen and 7 other Soul Reapers who have the potential to be a part of Squad Zero

1) Sosuke Aizen

Sosuke Aizen's potential for Squad Zero membership stems from his immense power, intellect, and unique abilities. His zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu, manipulates opponents' senses, rendering them unable to perceive reality, which could incapacitate even Squad Zero members.

Aizen's cunning, long-term strategies, and combat abilities including speed and strength, make him a formidable adversary. His overwhelming spiritual pressure rivals or surpasses top-tier Shinigami, and his classification as a "Special War Threat" underscores the danger he poses to the Soul Society. Together, these traits make Aizen a viable candidate for Squad Zero under different circumstances.

2) Soya Azashiro

Soya Azashiro, a survivor of the noble Azashiro Clan, became the 8th Kenpachi by defeating his predecessor. His Zanpakuto, which is always in its Bankai form, Urozakuro, grants him the ability to merge with his surroundings, creating invisible blades and manipulating the environment, making him a highly versatile fighter.

He led a rebellion within the Soul Society, with his strategic mind and influence. These qualities, along with his noble heritage, make him a strong candidate for Squad Zero, the elite protectors of the Soul King.

3) Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, founder of the Gotei 13 and Shinigami Academy, is one of Bleach’s strongest Soul Reapers. His unmatched combat skills, mastery of Kido, and wielding of the powerful fire-type zanpakuto, Ryūjin Jakka, highlight his immense power. His Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, showcases his devastating abilities in battle.

Yamamoto’s leadership during crises, especially against Yhwach’s Quincy invasion, depicts his tactical acumen. Despite being strong enough for Squad Zero, he chose to remain in the Gotei 13 to ensure the Soul Society's protection. His legacy endures through his teachings, influence, and contributions to Soul Society.

4) Kurosaki Ichigo

Kurosaki Ichigo (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo Kurosaki's potential to be a part of Squad Zero in Bleach is substantiated by his extraordinary combat skills, which include mastery of his Zanpakuto and Bankai, as he has triumphed over powerful foes like Aizen and Yhwach. His spiritual powers, which are a combination of Shinigami, Quincy, Fullbringer, and Hollow, augment his strength and versatility.

The attributes that characterize Ichigo, such as his resilience, adaptability in battle, and leadership qualities, make him a natural fit for the elite squad. Moreover, his connection to the Soul King as a potential candidate accentuates his suitability for protecting the Soul Society and preserving balance, which is the purpose of Squad Zero.

5) Mayuri Kurostsuchi

Mayuri Kurostsuchi (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The impressive combination of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's intelligence, and research knowledge indicates he deserves a spot in Squad Zero in Bleach. As the Captain of the 12th Division and head of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, he has shown tactical genius in designing innovations like countermeasures against the Quincy.

His Zanpakuto's capabilities, such as paralysis and adaptability, grant him an overwhelming edge in combat. Mayuri's tactical thinking, his role in decisive battles, and his connections with influential figures, including members of Squad Zero, further prove his worth. His unusual combination of combat ability and scientific refinement makes him key to saving the Soul Society from danger.

6) Zaraki Kenpachi

Zaraki Kenpachi (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kenpachi Zaraki is a powerhouse in Bleach, whose innate combat skill, strength, and resilience make him a prime candidate for Squad Zero. Despite lacking formal training, his natural talent allows him to outfight Captain-level opponents like Tosen and Nnoitra. His stamina and ability to withstand grievous injuries, seen in battles against Ichigo and Gremmy, highlight his endurance.

Mastering his Zanpakuto, Nozarashi, with its Shikai and Bankai transformations, further amplifies his devastating power. Kenpachi’s love for battle and fearless spirit drives him to constantly seek stronger foes, embodying the qualities required for Squad Zero membership.

7) Unohana Retsu

Unohana Retsu (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Unohana Retsu, also known as Yachiru Unohana, was the first Kenpachi, feared for her combat skills and bloodlust. Initially a ruthless killer, she became captain of Squad 4, mastering both healing and combat arts. Her unmatched healing abilities, taught by Squad Zero’s Tenjiro Kirinji, and her dual role as a healer and fighter, make her invaluable.

Unohana also trained Zaraki Kenpachi to enhance his battle prowess. Her complex transformation from killer to healer and her role in Soul Society’s history positions her as a formidable figure, even though she's not an innovator with the potential for a return to combat.

8) Kisuke Urahara

Kisuke Urahara (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kisuke Urahara's potential for Squad Zero lies in his combat prowess, genius intellect, and vital contributions to Soul Society. He's a master of Kido, excels with his versatile Zanpakuto Benihime, and has an extraordinary Bankai, which can restructure anything it touches.

Urahara's strategic mind is unrivaled; he invented the Hogyoku and quickly mastered Bankai. His role in training Ichigo, devising tactics against powerful foes like Yhwach, and creating innovations like Bankai-countering pills, display his brilliance. Respected by both allies and enemies, Urahara is a key figure in battle and strategy.

Final thoughts

The potential of these eight Soul Reapers: Sosuke Aizen, Soya Azashiro, Genryusai Yamamoto, Kurosaki Ichigo, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Kenpachi Zaraki, Unohana Retsu, and Kisuke Urahara, highlights their unmatched combat skills, intellect, and strategic contributions, making them exemplary candidates for Squad Zero's elite ranks in Bleach.