What does Ichibei's Bankai do in Bleach? Explained

Modified Aug 11, 2024 07:30 GMT

Bleach: What is Ichibei's Bankai? (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichibei is arguably the most mysterious character in all of Bleach due to his contrasting personality, which shifts from that of an easygoing monk to a conceited and menacing demeanor during fights. While he has been established as an existence present since the time of the actual Soul King, his Bankai and powers have remained a mystery within the fanbase.

Although Ichibei's Bankai appears only once in the entire series and manages to utterly defeat Yhwach, his influence over names and his status as one of the oldest Shinigami make his powers confusing when compared with others.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Bleach.

What does Ichibei's Bankai do? Explained

Ichibei activating Ichimonji (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichibei predates the emergence of the words "Bankai" and "Zanpakuto," though he uses these terms sparingly throughout the series. He primarily invokes the original words to activate the powers of his Zanpakuto, named Ichimonji.

In its unreleased state, Ichimonji takes the form of an oversized calligraphy brush that spreads ink on anything it touches. The true power lies in the ink, which cuts in half the name of anything it contacts, thereby reducing its power by half. This ability is demonstrated when Ichibei coats Yhwach's arm with his ink, reducing the name to "ar" and consequently halving Yhwach's physical strength.

Ichibei’s Bankai, "Shirafude Ichimonji," operates differently. It can rewrite and change the names of entities after they have been struck by his Shikai, which erases names. This power allows Ichibei to impart the characteristics of the new name onto the renamed entity. For example, Ichibei once gave Yhwach the name "Black Ant" after erasing his original name, rendering Yhwach as weak as an ant.

Strengths and weaknesses of Ichibei's Bankai

Ichibei as shown in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichibei’s Bankai is one of the strongest in the series, alongside Yamamoto’s, though it is not as destructive as Zanka no Tachi. The true strength of Ichibei and his Bankai lies in their ability to influence names.

This allows Ichibei to significantly reduce an opponent's power level, even if they were originally stronger than him. Shirafude Ichimonji can theoretically defeat any opponent by renaming them, ensuring Ichibei’s victory, unless the opponent possesses an even more powerful ability, such as Yhwach’s Almighty.

Although this Bankai appears overpowered on paper, it has certain conditions that must be met for it to be effective. Shirafude Ichimonji requires Ichibei to release its Shikai form and completely douse the opponent in black ink with an attack that has a considerable wind-up time, making it vulnerable to interruption by a stronger opponent.

It is unclear whether Ichimonji’s ink is actual ink or reiatsu transformed into ink, so characters like Yamamoto might be able to vaporize it, while ranged combatants can stay out of reach.

Ichibei's use of his Bankai in Bleach

Ywach after being remaned to Black Ant (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichibei only uses his Bankai once in the entire continuity of Bleach, during the Thousand Year Blood War arc against Yhwach. Upon activation, Ichibei bestows the name "Black Ant" on Yhwach, reducing his powers to the level of an ant.

Unlike other characters, who adopt a completely different fighting style after activating their Bankai, like Byakuya, Kenpachi, and Rukia, Ichibei doesn’t rely heavily on his Bankai. He primarily uses his unreleased Zanpakuto and its Shikai form to lay the foundation for changing the names of his opponents via his Bankai.

Unlike other characters, every form of Ichibei’s Zanpakuto is strong in overall power and utility. His unreleased Zanpakuto, Shikai, and Bankai act as tools used in succession, rather than as the overwhelming power-ups seen in other characters’ Bankai.