Why did Shunsui call his Zanpakuto Ohana in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War? Their relationship, explored

In the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War, titled Don't Chase a Shadow, Shunsui Kyoraku activated his Bankai, Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju, for the first time against Lille Barro. During the third act of his Bankai, Shunsui's Zanpakuto spirit, Katen, manifested and embraced the Captain Commander from behind.

During their reunion, Shunsui Kyoraku referred to Katen as Ohana. The Zanpakuto spirit was pleasantly surprised at being called Ohana. She felt Shunsui had some nerve calling her by that name, especially when he came to play with her once in a while. The scene may have puzzled many fans, leaving them wondering, why Shunsui Kyoraku called his Zanpakuto Spirit Ohana in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War.

They would like to know that Ohana is Katen's nickname. While Ohana (お花) means Flower/Beautiful, Katen (花天) refers to "Heavenly Flower." Ohana is a shortened term for Katen, with Ka being the Oniyomi for Flower. Shunsui called Katen as Ohana as a term of endearment. It shows the strong bond between Shunsui and his Zanpakuto spirit.

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Exploring Shunsui Kyoraku's bond with his Zanpakuto spirit Katen/Ohana in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War

A Zanpakuto's spirit is inextricably linked to its user's soul, sharing their personalities and character traits. The stronger the bond a user has with their Zanpakuto, the stronger the powers will be. Shunsui Kyoraku isn't an exception to this hard fact.

In Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War, the Captain Commander was forced to activate his Bankai, Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju, against the Schutzstaffel leader, Lille Barro. When the Sternritter opened his both eyes, Shunsui realized that normal sword attacks or kido blades wouldn't work on him.

Pushed into a corner, Shunsui demonstrated his Bankai, themed after the Theater of Suicide. Since a Bankai is the manifestation of the Zanpakuto spirit, Shunsui's Katen appeared beside him, first during the activation, and finally during the third act of the Bankai.

Shunsui activates his Bankai (Image via Pierrot Films)

Katen embraced Shunsui, calling him Sakuranosuke. In response, Shunsui Kyoraku called Katen Ohana, a shortened term of Katen, meaning "Flower" or "Beautiful." As explained, Ohana was surprised. She said Shunsui had some nerve calling her by that name, especially when he seldom played with her, or rather, activated his Bankai rarely.

Shunsui calling Katen Ohana is special because it depicts the close bond they share. As seen in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War arc, names play a huge role in the series. Renji Abarai wasn't able to demonstrate his true Bankai, and could only do so when he learned its full name from Ichibe Hyosube.

Likewise, Yumichika hid the actual power of his Shikai by calling it a different name. While Shunsui doesn't change the name of the Bankai, he calls Katen Ohana which certainly proves they share a special connection. The narrative subtly implies that Shunsui has a romantic relationship with Ohana.

Shunsui and Ohana in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War (Image via Pierrot Films)

She even gave birth to Kyokotsu (Shunsui calls her Okyou) to hide the Ise clan's prized possession. Moreover, their conversation in the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War gave the impression of them being a couple. Ohana wasn't fond of Shunsui getting a Kimono from another girl.

When Shunsui called her mean, Ohana reminded her that she was still her Sword. The moment Shunsui accepted her for better or worse, they swore to die together. Moreover, after the Captain Commander performed his Bankai's final act (Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue) and finished off Lille Barro, he coughed up blood and fell on Ohana's lap.

Ohana, as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot Films)

Ohana also tried to jab Shunsui's eye when he acted perverted toward her. During that scene, Shunsui and Ohana shared a casual banter, akin to how lovers usually behave. The Zanpakuto Spirit was glad Shunsui won, as she let him rest on her lap.

Notably, it's not uncommon for a Zanpakuto spirit and a Soul Reaper to be in a relationship. In the Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War arc, Nimaiya Oh-Etsu slightly hinted at it, when he said that it's disgusting for a Soul Reaper to treat their Zanpakuto as tools, subordinates, partners, or even as lovers. Therefore, Shunsui and Ohana being lovers isn't a farfetched idea.

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Conclusion

Although Tite Kubo hasn't explicitly revealed whether Shunsui Kyoraku and Ohana are lovers in Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War, their exchanges and behavior toward each other subtly imply their close bond. Shunsui calling Katen Ohana, a term of endearment, further proves it.

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