Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War finally explains how Senjumaru Shutara’s Shikai and Bankai work

Modified Oct 10, 2024 20:30 GMT

Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War finally explains how Senjumaru Shutara’s Shikai and Bankai work (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, the mysterious powers of Senjumaru Shutara, a key member of the Royal Special Forces Zero Squad, are finally revealed in full detail. As the "Great Weaver," Senjumaru’s Zanpakuto, Shigarami, showcases her unique abilities in its Shikai and Bankai forms.

Her Shikai manifests as a needle with threads of reishi that control opponents. At the same time, her Bankai, Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji, transforms into an enormous loom that unleashes deadly, adaptive cloth patterns against enemies. This long-awaited explanation of Senjumaru’s formidable techniques deepens her role in the series' climactic conflict.

Exploring Senjumaru Shutara's Shikai and Bankai powers in Bleach

Bleach: Senjumaru's Zanpakuto, Shigarami

Shutara Senjumaru, a prominent Royal Special Forces Zero Squad member, wields a powerful Zanpakuto that embodies her title as the "Great Weaver." In its Shikai form, her Zanpakuto, Shigarami, takes the shape of a needle. From this needle, threads composed of reishi (spiritual particles) extend infinitely, allowing Shutara to manipulate and control the target she sews.

These threads adapt in number and characteristics depending on the number of opponents or their abilities, making Shutara's Shikai a versatile and formidable tool in battle. This ability enables her to adjust to any situation, seamlessly weaving her enemies into submission.

Shutara Senjumaru (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Her proficiency with the needle and thread is unparalleled, reflecting her deep connection to the art of weaving. This Shikai form is not merely about physical restraint but also reflects Shutara's skill in controlling the battlefield.

The threads act as both offense and defense, subduing and restraining her enemies while she controls the flow of combat. This makes her an invaluable asset to protecting the Soul King and the Soul King Palace.

Bleach: Senjumaru's Bankai, Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji

Senjumaru's Bankai Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In its Bankai form, Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami no Tsuji, Shutara's Zanpakuto transforms into a vast, intricate loom. Upon activation, a massive loom appears, surrounded by small gates with countless threads hanging down, forming a forest-like structure.

From these gates, rolls of cloth unfurl, creating an oval-shaped space where the true power of Shutara's Bankai manifests. Each cloth roll embodies a unique characteristic, specifically woven to counter and defeat her enemies. The patterns of the cloth and the number of rolls adjust dynamically based on the strength and number of enemies present, making her Bankai not only highly adaptive but also devastatingly precise in its attacks.

The Quincies as shown in the anime (Image via Shueisha)

While defending the Soul King Palace, Shutara demonstrated the power of her Bankai by using the technique "Death Six-Colored Floating Pattern Machine" against six Quincy foes. The attack unleashed a devastating array of woven patterns, overwhelming her enemies with intricately designed, deadly assaults.

Furthermore, Shutara and the other four Zero Squad members, Kirinji Tenjiro, Hikifune Kiryu, Nimaiya Oetsu, and herself, made a blood oath, limiting the activation of their Bankai due to the immense influence their powers have on the Three Realms.

Final thoughts

Senjumaru was killed by Ishida Uryu in Bleach TYBW (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Senjumaru Shutara’s Shikai and Bankai powers are finally revealed, showcasing her unparalleled mastery of reishi manipulation. With her Zanpakuto, Shigarami, she seamlessly controls the battlefield, weaving complex patterns that adapt to any enemy, solidifying her role as a protector of the Soul King.