7 anime characters who can defeat Bleach's Genryusai Yamamoto

Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto from the Bleach anime and manga series is no doubt one of the most powerful characters in his universe. There are only a few characters in the Bleach universe that can rival his strength. Yamamoto Genryusai possesses one of the most powerful Zanpakuto, Ryujin Jakka. His Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, is said to be so powerful that it can even consume the Soul Society in flames if left active for too long.

However, with all the above powers, the former Captain-Commander of the Soul Society was finished off by the Quincy King during the Quincy Invasion in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War arc. This begs the question of whether Yamamoto can hold his own against some of the most powerful anime characters in the history of anime.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinions and is subjective.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Shigekuni from Bleach won't stand a chance against these 7 anime characters

1) Goku (Dragon Ball)

Despite Yamamoto's impressive fire-wielding Zanpakuto in the Bleach series, Goku's raw power from Dragon Ball might be too much to handle. Goku's ability to sense Ki and his incredible speed would help counter Yamamoto's attacks. While Yamamoto's Bankai's flames are immensely hot, Goku has endured scorching temperatures before.

Goku's signature Kamehameha or Instant Transmission technique could overwhelm Yamamoto's defenses. Based on the above, it is easy to conclude that Goku's superior strength and adaptability make him the victor.

2) God (One Punch Man)

God resting in another dimension (Image via Shonen Jump/Yusuke Murata)

God is a powerful entity in the One Punch Man series who secretly pulls the strings behind all monster activities and holds a hatred for humankind. He orchestrated the events during the Monster Association arc and gave powers to Psykos, Homeless Emperor, Empty Void, and others. He even Garou with monster-like powers that ultimately resulted in the Ominous Future.

God is a multidimensional being who can manipulate time and space at his will. He also possesses telepathic and mind-control abilities. His presence itself is a threat to the world and even Saitama wouldn't emerge unscathed from a battle with him. Hence, Yamamoto would be easily obliterated in a fight against him.

3) Zeno (Dragon Ball)

Zeno's first appearance in Dragon Ball Super (Image via Toei Animation)

Zeno, better known as Omni-King or the King of All, is undoubtedly the strongest character in the whole Dragon Ball universe. While his appearance might not look intimidating, the power he possesses makes other Gods cower in his presence. He is the only known user of Erase, an ability that allows him to erase anyone or anything out of existence.

Zeno has used this power to erase universes and even immortals like Infinite Zamasu. He is also unkillable; when Goku Black and Infinite Zamasu went on a rampage killing all Gods, Zeno still wasn't defeated. With a daunting opponent like him, Yamamoto even with Bankai unleashed won't stand a chance of harming him, let alone defeating him.

4) Saiki (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)

Saiki has excellent psychic abilities and can use a variety of them to suit his techniques. He can also rewind time, which he uses to rewind his life to one year earlier to save everyone from the volcanic eruption. He can also use astral projection to separate his spirit from his body. This would mean he can fight Yamamoto on an even level. Should Saiki decide to let go of his limiter, his powers would be so uncontrollable he could end up destroying Yamamoto and the whole Soul Society.

Also read: 10 best anime to watch if you like The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

5) Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Rimuru Tempest has a wide variety of skills that would allow them to defeat Yamamoto Genryusai. Their skills Predation and Gluttony could potentially nullify and absorb Yamamoto's flames and spiritual power. Now, if Yamamoto succeeds in landing a blow, Rimuru's near-instantaneous regeneration from Infinite Regeneration ability makes taking them down a daunting task.

If Rimuru gains the upper hand and corners Yamamoto Genryusai, they can potentially seal him with Infinity Prison or even devour his soul with Soul Consumption, securing a decisive victory.

6) Saitama (One Punch Man)

Saitama's unmatched strength and lightning speed would allow him to close the distance before Yamamoto's immensely hot Bankai could become a factor. All it would take is a single, well-placed punch, even a casual one by Saitama's standards, to overpower Yamamoto's defenses.

While Yamamoto's Bankai and Shikai abilities are impressive, it's unlikely to be a deciding factor against Saitama's raw power. The fight depends entirely on Saitama's speed. If he reaches Yamamoto first, the scorching flames of Zanka no Tachi and even Yamamoto's immense spiritual pressure might not be enough to overcome the hero's overwhelming strength.

7) Ichibe (Bleach)

Ichibe with Ichigo (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichibe is the commanding officer of the Royal Guard in Bleach, the group which canonically surpasses the Gotei 13 in terms of power. Only Yamamoto comes close to them but he would still be defeated by Ichibe. Ichibe easily outclasses Yamamoto in terms of spiritual power, Kido, and Zanpakuto's abilities.

Yamamoto could stand a fighting chance if he starts using Bankai from the beginning of the fight. However, with Ichibe's Magnificent Death Mausoleum technique unique to his Zanpakuto Ichimonji, there would be no escape for Yamamoto. Additionally, if he manages to get his ink on the Gotei 13 commander before he can unleash his Bankai, he will effortlessly steal his name and power and give him a crushing defeat.

Final thoughts

The protagonists mentioned above from the anime universe give a clear-cut idea of how Yamamoto Genryusai would be helpless in a battle against them. His Bankai and Shikai abilities may be powerful in the Bleach world, but each of these protagonists has a counter to Yamamoto's attacks, rendering them useless in a fight.