Bleach: The True Identity of the First Zangetsu, Revealed
Early on in Bleach, Ichigo encountered Zangetsu, a bearded ghost who instructed him in the use of a sword. Zangetsu, however, is much more than meets the eye.
The main character of the popular shonen anime Bleach is Ichigo Kurosaki, a kind-hearted punk kid with the ability to sense ghosts. He turned into a Soul Reaper one tragic night when Rukia Kuchiki gave him access to her abilities so they could take down a formidable Hollow, but there’s a lot more to it than that. In his inner realm, Ichigo subsequently encountered a ghost by the name of Zangetsu.
Zangetsu was one of Ichigo’s early instructors and coaches in the Bleach series, and for a while the protagonist believed the black-robed Zangetsu was his genuine zanpakuto spirit, however he was mistaken. The Hollow Zangetsu is Ichigo’s genuine zanpakuto spirit, while the original Zangetsu represents Ichigo’s Quincy ancestry. In truth, Zangetsu is one of two spirits with that name who exist in Ichigo’s inner universe.
Who Is Zangetsu on Bleach?
While both Zangetsu from the Bleach series are present in Ichigo’s spirit world and both are essential to his training and growth as a shonen hero, their backgrounds and personalities are quite different. The first Zangetsu in particular, being the final indication of Masaki Kurosaki’s affection for her son, was inherited from Ichigo’s parents. Masaki may have perished to Grand Fisher as a pure-blooded Quincy who had lost all of her powers, but her protective mother instincts and Quincy ancestry are still present in her son, Zangetsu.
The black-robed Zangetsu is fiercely protective of Ichigo, even if he won’t admit it, which gives him a weird type of tsundere persona. Even though he uses tough training techniques and seldom communicates with much affection, he really cares for Ichigo. Zangetsu might be seen as the physical manifestation of Masaki’s maternal instincts for her son, which are strengthened by his Quincy personality.
At first, Ichigo was unaware that the black-robed Zangetsu was an avatar of the main character’s maternal Quincy ancestry; in fact, Zangetsu physically resembled king Yhwach, the ruler of all Quincy. It wasn’t until Yhwach himself made an appearance in Bleach’s “Thousand-Year Blood War” arc that this became clear, but once Bleach’s narrative made that link, it was difficult for fans to ignore.
The second Zangetsu, the Hollow counterpart of Ichigo, on the other hand, is a relic of the Hollow known as White that previously poisoned Masaki and has no connection with Quincy households or Yhwach. Masaki was saved from that Hollow’s lethal force by Captain Shiba Ishin and Kisuke, and it subsequently changed into Ichigo’s real Zangetsu. In the Bleach tale, the two Zangetsus don’t always get along, and one finally won out over the other.
Quincy Zangetsu’s True Form on Bleach
Early in Bleach, Quincy Zangetsu established himself as Ichigo’s main guardian and major tutor. He often made crucial appearances, such when Ichigo came perilously close to losing against Captain Zaraki midway through the “Soul Society” arc. But every time Ichigo wanted to really learn about and strengthen his zanpakuto, he invariably discovered Hollow Ichigo, who also claimed to be Zangetsu. He first appeared to a perplexed Ichigo when he was practising with the top Visoreds, but it was until later that he discovered the real truth: he has two Zangetsus in him and must choose one.
The Quincy Zangetsu eventually confessed that he had always wanted to shield Ichigo from harm by taking the place of the other Zangetsu and guide the boy away from a life of violence and conflict, maybe spurred on by Masaki’s maternal protective instincts. But at that time Ichigo needed more strength, and Quincy Zangetsu was unable or unable to provide it to him so he could engage in more lethal combat. He declared the Hollow Zangetsu to be his only source of power after being forced to make a decision.
The Quincy Zangetsu said as he passed away that he was very pleased of what Ichigo had done, almost like a proud parent. Quincy Zangetsu elegantly showed himself out as he and his protecting skills were no longer required as Ichigo reached a new stage of his protagonist career. Even though the original Zangetsu is no longer with us, Ichigo will always be grateful for all he done for him on behalf of his mother Masaki.
Bleach: The True Identity of the First Zangetsu, Revealed
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