Summary
- The battles in Bleach are intense, unpredictable, and showcase characters unleashing their strongest abilities.
- The showdowns between Ichigo and Aizen, Rukia vs. As Nodt, and Mayuri and Nemu vs. Pernida Parnkgjas were standout moments.
- Kenpachi vs. Unohana, Yhwach vs. Genryusai, and Squad 0 vs. Stern Ritters were other notable battles with explosive outcomes.
Bleach has many intense battles as the Zanapakutos of the Soul Reapers clash against tough adversaries. Ichigo faces many strong opponents, including Aizen and Ulquiorra. His other allies, including Rukia, Kyoraku and Genryusai, also had their breakthroughs through combat in the anime.
These battles will keep you on the edge of your seats as they are often unpredictable at times. You also get to see many characters unleashing their strongest abilities in intense fights. The Bankais of some Soul Reapers only happen once in the anime against specific opponents and its exciting to witness it.
This list only consists of battles in the The Thousand-Year Blood War anime, so read at your discretion to avoid spoilers. It does not contain fights from the unadapted manga chapters.
8
Ichigo Vs. Aizen
The Showdown between Ichigo and Aizen was greatly anticipated; however, it was slightly a letdown as Aizen was defeated too quickly as Ichigo used his Final Getsuga Tenshou. Still, it was a hyped moment in the anime due to all the events that built up to it. Ichigo was training for a long time to unleash this powerful attack.
During this battle, both of these characters revealed their prime forms. This caused an intense clash between the two of them. The battle ended with Aizen being completely powerless while Ichigo chants his final move Mugetsu. This lead to Aizen finally being imprisoned for his crimes and the lives he took.
7
Rukia Vs. As Nodt
As Nodt was a fearsome character who got the better of Byakuya Kuchiki’s emotions and stole his Bankai. Through this battle, Rukia took revenge for this brother while also vanquishing one Stern Ritter member for the sake of Soul Society.
As Nodt’s ability, attacked an opponent’s deepest fears making them powerless. However, Rukia stood up against him with her strength of mind. She also reveals her Bankai which changed her form and also freezing everything around her.
6
Mayuri And Nemu Vs. Pernida Parnkgjas
Pernida Parnkgjas was revealed to be the Soul King’s left hand during this battle who was aiding this Quincy. Mayuri alone took charge to defeat him. The battle showed Mayuri’s ability to change and evolve his Bankai so it adapts to defeat a specific opponent.
While he thought he defeated Pernida, the hand is revealed to be greatly unscathed. This leads to Nemu stepping in to support her Captain. The battle showed the caring and emotional side of Mayuri, who barely ever expressed it due to his obsession with his experiments.
Nemu is an artifical soul created by Mayuri and was among his proudest achievements.
5
Kenpachi Zaraki Vs. Unohana
Unohana’s identity as a Kenpachi was not revealed in the anime until her showdown with Kenpachi Zaraki. While she is shown to be a calmer character, Unhona’s twisted side fueled with Bloodlust displays her true capabilities that go beyond healing.
Kenpachi is a physically strong character in Bleach, who has been winning his battle without unleashing his Zanpakuto’s abilities, However, after this battle, he finally learned the name of his sword.
4
Yhwach Vs. Genryusai
Genryusai Yamamoto barely appeared in battle. However, as he was the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, it was always anticipated that he possessed great strength. During the battle with Yhwach, he finally reveals his Bankai, which almost defeated the Quincy Leader.
The fight had great animation quality, and Yamamoto’s powers to summon the dead Quincy soldiers were depicted well. Yhwach also makes a great entry as an antagonist, as he reveals himself to be cunning. He tricked Genryusai which caused his death after an intense battle.
3
Squad 0 Vs. Stern Ritters
Squad 0 garnered the interest of many as they are a special group of Soul Reapers who only handled real emergencies. When Stern Ritters invaded the Soul King palace, they took it as their duty to stop them from advancing into the sacred area.
Ichibe Hyosube and Senjumaru Shutara of the Squad fought notably in this battle, and showing their every ability. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to defeat the Quincies. Their capabilities exceeded their expectations leading to a one-sided battle at the end.
2
Kyoraku And Nanao Vs. Lille Baro
Kyoraku’s Bankai was stuck in the manga version of Bleach for more than a decade, and it finally getting animated led to one of the greatest fights in the anime. His Bankai is rarely used as it can damage people caught in its surroundings.
Unfortunately, Kyoraku’s Bankai was not enough to beat Lille. This is where Kyoraku’s subordinate Nanao’s time to shine arrived. She finally received her true Zanpakuto and with her captain’s support, defeated one of the strongest Stern Ritters.
1
Ichigo Vs. Ulquiorra
Ulquiorra immediately grabbed the attention of many fans with his charismatic personality, and while he barely showed his powers when he was introduced, he still became a favorite. Unlike other Espadas, Ulquiorra had two resurrection forms when he released his sword, resulting in a long battle with Ichigo.
The battle is quite intense as Ulquiorra uses his powerful abilities to badly damage Ichigo and almost kill him. This brought out Ichigo’s complete Hollow form, which defeated Ulquiorra. The battle ends emotionally with Ulquiorra finally realizing the meaning of a heart.
Back when Bleach aired, the battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra was one of the most anticipated fights in Bleach, considering how the anime had a filler arc that delayed it.
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