How powerful is Nelliel in Bleach? Powers and abilities, explored

Bleach rarely takes a misstep when it comes to characters. Since the series began, fans have been introduced to a litany of characters, from the noble Byakuya to the manipulative Aizen. There have also been characters who have swung between good and evil, like Grimmjow and Kisuke Urahara, and there is Nelliel, a good-natured Arrancar born on the wrong side.

Ever since Nelliel’s first appearance, she has been loved by fans. Now, in Bleach: A Thousand Year Blood War, she is an important ally to Ichigo, ready to fight for him regardless of the situation. Nelliel is a powerful character who plays an important role in the upcoming battles.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s opinion and might contain spoilers.

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Abilities of Nelliel in Bleach

Nelliel using her Resureccion ability (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Nelliel is a former Tres Espada, making her an extremely powerful character in the series. The Espada are a group of Arrancars handpicked by Aizen to fight in his army.

Like most Arrancars, Nelliel is blessed with Super speed, enhanced regeneration, and strength. Nelliel has used these abilities at various points in Bleach, and her most notable moment came when she transported a badly hurt Ichigo to safety.

Due to her being an Espada, she can also use the Cero technique even though it comes with a twist. Nelliel can absorb an incoming Cero and return it with twice the power. This technique is called the Cero Doble, and it was used by Nelliel in her battle against Nnoitra.

She can also use Hierro, an ability all Arrancars in Bleach can use. Hierro hardens the skin of any Arrancar using it, making them impervious to any attack. Hierro uses this ability in her fight against Nnoitra, where she blocks his Cero with a kick.

Nelliel is a master swordsman, and in her prime, not many Espadas could trade swords without getting cut. She fights with so much elegance that she hardly puts in any effort. She is adept at hand-to-hand combat and can fight without unsheathing her sword.

When she uses Resurrection, she transforms into a Centaur and shows improved strength and speed. In this form, she can use Lanzador Verde to cause serious damage, as was shown in her battle with Nnoitra, where she broke his Zanpakuto.

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Nelliel’s weaknesses

Nelliel is one of Ichigo’s greatest allies (Image via Studio Pierrot)

At her peak, Nelliel was an exceptional fighter and among the top ten Espadas. Nnoitra, a weaker Arrancar, constantly had fights with Nelliel because he couldn’t stomach the idea of a woman being above him.

Eventually, Nelliel is ambushed by Nnoitra and Szayel Apporo Granz. Part of her mask is broken, and she loses a lot of her spiritual pressure. This incident turns her into an amnesiac child without many of her Espada abilities.

In the Thousand Year Blood War arc, Kisuke invented a device that allows Nelliel to become an adult and use her Espada abilities. If there is any issue with the device, Nelliel will be stuck in a child’s form that can’t defend itself.

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Final thoughts

Nelliel is one of Bleach’s most intriguing characters. Her character serves as a gateway for viewers to understand Hollows and Arrancars better.

Her fall from grace is proof of the unfairness of the series’ world. Nelliel is unfairly treated by Nnoitra because she is a woman. With all this, she still retains her kindness. If Nelliel’s abilities return fully in a Thousand Year Blood War, Ichigo would have the power of one of the strongest Espadas at his back.

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