Kenpachi Zaraki

Lore & Background

Kenpachi originated in District 80, the most lawless area surrounding Soul Society, where he mastered swordsmanship and adopted the name 'Zaraki.' He took a Zanpakutō still in its 'Asauchi' state from a corpse but could not hear its spiritual embodiment. Though begrudgingly forced to learn Kendo, he rejected using both arms in battle, believing a one-handed grip prolongs the fight. His eyepatch, lined with strange creature mouths, consumes his spirit pressure so battles last longer; removing it unleashes his full power. In an interview, Tite Kubo noted a desire to explore Zaraki's depth further.

In Their Own Story

During Ichigo Kurosaki's arrival in Soul Society, Kenpachi hunted for the strongest fighter, eventually facing Ichigo. After stabbing him and seemingly killing him, Ichigo healed via Zangetsu and challenged Kenpachi. The fight ended in a draw after Kenpachi removed his eyepatch to release his power, though his sword broke against Ichigo's hollow mask. Later, he defeated Tōsen and fought Sajin Komamura before helping free his division. In the Arrancar arc, he aided Ichigo against Nnoitra's Fracción Tesla, dealing a mortal blow before engaging Nnoitra himself. After his eyepatch was cut off during this battle, Kenpachi killed Nnoitra with a two-handed strike learned from Kendo training, declaring the fight 'a blast.' He later helped defeat Yammy and, seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, sliced Giriko Kutsuzawa in half. During the Wandenreich invasion, he defeated Berenice Gabrielli, Jerome Quizbatt, and Loyd Lloyd before losing to Royd Lloyd (Yhwach). In a final duel with Unohana, Kenpachi was brought to the brink of death multiple times before cutting her down, finally hearing his Zanpakutō's name: Nozarashi. He later used Nozarashi's ax-like Shikai against Gremmy Thoumeaux and manifested its Bankai during the fight with Gerard, sacrificing Yachiru to awaken full power.

Reader's Guide

Kenpachi Zaraki is the Captain of the 11th Division, known for his love of battle above all else. He typically fights one-handed or uses a special eyepatch to suppress his strength, ensuring opponents last long enough for him to savor the fight. If an opponent cannot continue, he usually stops unless they refuse to yield, as seen with Tōsen and Nnoitra. His history involves rising from District 80, where he killed many to earn the name 'Kenpachi,' and forming a bond with Yachiru Kusajishi, who followed him everywhere. He eventually defeated the previous captain to take his seat. In battle, he values fun over rules but maintains a code of ethics within his squad. Key moments include drawing first blood against Ichigo, defeating Nnoitra after his eyepatch was removed, and finally unlocking Nozarashi's Bankai during the war with Unohana. Ten years after the final war, he is seen more composed with Ikkaku as his new vice-captain.

Did You Know?

• Kenpachi styles his hair into liberty spikes with bells at the tips, which creator Tite Kubo noted is one of the most difficult hairstyles to draw in the series.
• The eyepatch on Kenpachi's right eye was created by the 12th Division and features strange creature mouths; it absorbs the bulk of his power to prolong battles.
• Kenpachi named his lieutenant 'Yachiru' after Retsu Unohana, while adopting the title 'Kenpachi' himself, which is associated with one who has killed many.
• During his fight with Nnoitra, Kenpachi used a two-handed sword grip learned from Kendo training to deliver an incapacitating blow after his eyepatch was cut off.