Summary
It’s no secret that thecaptains of the Gotei 13are beings that possess unfathomable power, and going up against one is nothing less than a martyr operation. However, asBleachprogresses, fans are acquainted with the power disparity that exists among the rank of captain, with some possessing power that far exceeds regular Soul Reaper capabilities. Gin Ichimaru is one character that defied the limits of power-scaling, as he turned into a monstrous powerhouse within the 100 years he stayed in the Seireitei.
Gin’s unrivaled strength is often discredited due to his swift demise at the hands of Aizen. However, Gin had proven his exceptional abilities multiple times throughoutBleach’srun. His Zanpakuto also remains rather unique, as its Bankai was the only one that kept its original appearance. While the Bankai’s lack of grandiosity may have disappointed fans, it makes up for it in terms of sheer strength and raw power.
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Psychological Warfare
Be it his early graduation or rise to captaincy, Gin Ichimaru has been deemed a genius on multiple occasions. Many would assume that his genius translates to combat proficiency andmastery over his Zanpakuto, yet there’s another facet to his genius that often goes unnoticed – psychological warfare. With his cunning nature and manipulative disposition, Gin is capable of toying with his opponents psychologically, leaving them in a mentally incapacitated state.
Deception is also a major part of his overall fighting style, hiding the actual threat with a calm facade. His calm personage on the battlefield also makes it rather arduous for opponents to read his moves.Gin’s snake-like personalitycomplements his manipulative fighting style quite well, allowing him to easily slither into the minds of his opponents and debilitate them from within.
A Cunning Swordsman
Gin Ichimaru employs the very same mind games in his swordsmanship, intimidating his opponents with his calm demeanor and lack of concern. His one-handed sword stance further aids his cunning fighting style as it portrays his lack of effort against the opponent. Gin is a highly gifted swordsman capable of taking multiple opponents head on. His superior ability in wielding a blade was cemented the moment he killed the former 5th Seat of the 5th Division.
Hisbattle against Toshiro Hitsugayafurther proved his exceptional capabilities compared to other captains of the Gotei 13. The fact that he was able to overpower Toshiro so effortlessly showcases how well he fares against other captains. His immense speed and calm composure are a lethal combination for any opponent, resulting in Gin coming out on top every single time.
Gin Ichimaru’s Shikai
Gin’s Zanpakuto ‘Shinso’ is a simple Wakizashi sword, a traditional Japanese blade in essence. Its Shikai form isn’t any different from its regular appearance, though the magnitude of its power is greatly accentuated in this state. Shinso’s Shikai is triggered by the words “Shoot to Kill,” turning into a slightly different variant of its original form.
Shinso’s special ability in Shikaiform is the power to rapidly extend its own blade and impaling opponents from large distances. The blade is sharp enough to impale through multiple Hollows at once, and even break a Zanpakuto of an opponent with a weaker spiritual pressure. In this extended form, Gin can rapidly swing Shinso in a large area, extending its devastating effects in a wide AoE. The sword can also bend, albeit only when it’s being retracted to its original form.
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The force of Shinso’s extension has shown to be great enough to push Jidanbo the giant through the gates of the Seireitei, despite the gate’s immense pressure keeping him firmly in place. The extension of Gin’s Zanpakuto can go up to a hundred times the original length,earning Shinso the titleof Hyapponzashi or Hundred Swords.
Gin Ichimaru’s Bankai
Gin’s Bankai is called Kamishini no Yari, translating to the menacing name of God-Killing Spear. The Zanpakuto does not change its appearance, remaining in its small Wakizashi form. However, being fooled by its frail size can be lethal as Kamishini no Yari’s abilities are greatly amplified, capable of cutting an entire town in half with one slash. Gin has claimed that his Bakai can extend at a rate 500 times faster than the speed of sound, and its length can go up to 13 kilometers.
While most of Gin’s Bankai’s techniques are merely amplified versions of the Shikai form, Korose Kamishini no Yari is the only ability truly unique to Kamishini no Yari. For a brief moment, the Zanpakuto turns to dust as it expands, leaving behind a trace of itself inside the opponent. The blade bears a deadly poison capable of dissolving the target’s body at a cellular level.
Once the poison is placed inside to target, Gin simply has to place his hand on the target’s body and state the technique’s name, resulting in immediate dissolution. Korose Kamishini no Yari is Gin’s trump card and arguably the strongest ability in the entirety ofBleach, a feat that showcases his unrivaled and otherworldly strength.
