Why Yoruichi didn't use her Zanpakuto against Askin in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale, explored

One of the major highlights of Bleach TYBW part 3 finale was Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Askin Nakk le Vaar. The Soul Reaper demonstrated her new move, Shunko: Raijin Senkei, to rain down thunder on Askin. Although the Sternritter survived the attack, the move set the stage for an epic battle.

Undoubtedly, Yoruichi showcased her efficiency in her Hakuda abilities against Askin and proved why she's considered one of the strongest Soul Reapers. Many fans may wonder why Yoruichi didn't use her Zanpakuto against Askin. Being a former Soul Reaper captain of Gotei 13, Yoruichi does possess a Zanpakuto.

However, neither the manga nor the spin-off light novels have shown her using her blade. According to Can't Fear Your Own World light novels, Yoruichi never uses her Zanpakuto because she feels stronger when using Shunko. Since Yoruichi's capabilities in Hakuda techniques endow her with more strength, she didn't feel it necessary to use her Zanpakuto against Askin in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale.

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Exploring why Yoruichi Shihoin didn't showcase her Zanpakuto against Askin Nakk le Vaar in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale

With Pierrot Films, under the supervision of Tite Kubo, introducing many enticing original scenes, some fans hoped to see Yoruichi Shihoin showcase her Zanpakuto against Askin Nakk le Vaar in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale. However, the episode dashed all hope as the narrative stuck to the manga.

In Bleach TYBW part 3 finale, Yoruichi arrived at the battlefield once Askin defeated Ichigo and afflicted Chad and Orihime with Spiritual Poisoning. Yoruichi Shihoin wasted no time in cloaking herself with Shunko. The Soul Reaper's Shunko, based on the lighting element, was a mesmerizing sight in the episode.

Yoruichi used a new move called Shunko: Raijin Senkei against Askin. The attack unleashed a bolt of lightning on Askin, who had no way to evade it. Yoruichi's move would have eliminated many Quincies and might have gravely injured some Sternritters. However, Askin withstood the attack with his endurance.

Yoruichi's Shunko in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale (Image via Pierrot Films)

This begs the question: Why didn't Yoruichi use her Zanpakuto against Askin in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale? As mentioned, Yoruichi possesses a Zanpakuto. She used to carry it with her when she was a Soul Reaper captain of the Gotei 13.

Moreover, per the selection rule for a Soul Reaper captain, Yoruichi had to learn a Bankai. Since she has a Shikai and Bankai release, normally it would have made sense for her to use her Zanpakuto against a formidable opponent like Askin. However, Yoruichi has never used her Zanpakuto because she's stronger using her Hakuda abilities.

It's akin to Might Guy or Rock Lee from Naruto, who don't rely on Ninjutsu but have mastered the art of Taijutsu. Likewise, Yoruichi Shihoin has mastered Shunko, an advanced battle technique that combines Hakuda with Kido. Yoruichi's lightning-based Shunko endows her with unparalleled power.

Yoruichi Shihoin, as seen in the episode (Image via Pierrot Films)

Interestingly, Ryogo Narita's Can't Fear Your Own World light novels (considered a spin-off to the Thousand-Year Blood War arc's events) reveal more about Yoruichi's Zanpakuto. According to the novels, Yoruichi has manifested her Zanpakuto spirit and therefore possesses both Shikai and Bankai.

However, she's stronger when using her Shunko. The novels further state that Yoruichi's refusal to rely on her Zanpakuto upsets the blade's spirit. As such, Yoruichi has to comfort her Zanpakuto spirit every day. Now, Kubo hasn't revealed what Yoruichi's Zanpakuto does in the series.

Askin Nakk le Vaar, as seen in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale (Image via Pierrot Films)

Hence, many fans believed Bleach TYBW part 3 was the ideal situation for the series to reveal Yoruichi's Zanpakuto. Even though there's no concrete information available on Yoruichi's Zanpakuto, fans haven't stopped coming up with theories.

Some fans feel Yoruichi's Zanpakuto is linked to her Cat Transformation ability. Others feel it restricts her free-flowing movements. Yet, no matter what, Yoruichi had the best chance to combat Askin Nakk le Vaar using her Shunko, not her Zanpakuto. If she were to rely on her Zanpakuto, she could have used it against Sosuke Aizen back in the Fake Karakura Town Arc.

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Conclusion

Every Soul Reaper has their own way of fighting, and Yoruichi isn't an exception. Although a Zanpakuto is normally considered the major weapon of a Soul Reaper, for Yoruichi, it's almost like a burden.

Rather, she's at most ease using her Shunko abilities, which she has mastered. Therefore, it's not surprising for her to resort to Shunko against Askin Nakk le Vaar in Bleach TYBW part 3 finale.

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