Who is the new Head Captain in Bleach after Yamamoto's death? Explained

Modified May 22, 2024 03:09 GMT

Who is the new Head Captain in Bleach after Yamamoto's death? Explained (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The topmost authority in the Soul Society in the Bleach series is the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, who commands all the Shinigami forces. For many years, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto held this powerful role.

During Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Yamamoto met a shocking end. With his passing, the Soul Society needed a new leader with great strength, wisdom, and vision to guide them through this dark conflict with the Wandenreich.

The Shinigami chosen for this crucial duty was Shunsui Kyōraku, the former captain of the 8th Division. Shunsui took on immense responsibility as Head Captain during the war's most dire moments. He drew on his centuries of experience and keen intellect to rally the Gotei 13 against the Quincy army.

Bleach: Yamamoto's death, explained

Yhwach slashes Yamamoto (Image via Shueisha)

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the strongest Shinigami in Bleach, met his demise in the Thousand Year Blood War arc. Yamamoto, who was determined to confront Yhwach, engaged in a fierce battle against the Quincy King. Initially, Yamamoto unleashed his Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, showcasing its overwhelming destructive power.

However, unbeknownst to him, the Yhwach he was fighting against was actually Royd Lloyd, a Sternritter with the ability to imitate others' appearances. The real Yhwach then appeared behind Yamamoto, stole his Bankai, and effortlessly cut him down, killing the legendary Shinigami.

This unexpected turn of events was met with disappointment from fans, who felt that Yamamoto's death was underwhelming and lacked the dramatic impact that his character deserved.

Why is Shunsui chosen as the new Head Captain in Bleach? Explained

Kyoraku Shunsui uses his Bankai (Image via Shueisha)

After Yamamoto Genryusai's death, all the captains of the Gotei 13 agreed Shunsui Kyōraku should become the new Head Captain after Yamamoto. Shunsui was a respected Shinigami with over 100 years of service as captain of the 8th Division. He had proven his skills repeatedly, emerging victorious from many fierce battles.

In addition, Shunsui deeply understood the Gotei 13 system's strengths and weaknesses after witnessing its evolution. He was a pragmatic, level-headed leader willing to make tough choices for the greater good, even if they went against traditional Shinigami honor codes. This pragmatism would prove invaluable against the formidable Wandenreich powers, requiring unconventional tactics.

Kyoraku Shunsui as the head of the Gotei 13 (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Shunsui's Zanpakutō, Katen Kyōkotsu, also showed his suitability as Head Captain. Its ability to manipulate reality itself demonstrated Shunsui's mastery of the metaphysical aspects of Shinigami powers - crucial for combating Quincy's abilities.

Bleach: What Shunsui does after becoming the new Head Captain?

As the fresh Head Captain, Shunsui swiftly took firm moves to make the Gotei 13 prepared for the looming Wandenreich invasion. One of his primary acts involved asking Retsu Unohana, the former 4th Division leader, to train the battle-hungry Kenpachi Zaraki. Realizing Zaraki's immense raw power, Shunsui knew unveiling his true abilities would prove crucial in the upcoming clash.

Shunsui also took a debatable step of partially freeing the former 5th Division captain, Sōsuke Aizen, imprisoned in Muken's deepest realms. Shunsui acknowledged Aizen's brilliance and strategic mind. He reasoned that the once-traitorous figure's role in the upcoming battle could prove invaluable in formulating tactics to counter the Wandenreich's formidable powers.

This bold move highlighted Shunsui's pragmatic approach, putting aside personal grudges for the greater good of defeating their common enemy.

Final thoughts

Kyoraku Shunsui as shown in Bleach TYBW (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Gotei 13 had a major leadership change when Genryūsai Yamamoto stepped down and Shunsui Kyōraku took over as the new Head Captain. Losing Yamamoto was very sad, but the other captains knew Shunsui was the best choice to lead them during the difficult Thousand-Year Blood War.

Shunsui was good at thinking ahead, making wise plans, and was totally committed to protecting the Soul Society. This helped the Gotei 13 eventually defeat the Wandenreich. Even though he wasn't as powerful as Yamamoto, Shunsui deeply understood how the Shinigami system worked. He also made tough choices when needed, making him the ideal leader during those challenging times.