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Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki(黒崎 一護,Kurosaki Ichigo) is a human who serves as aSubstitute Shinigami. He is the son ofIsshinandMasaki Kurosaki, and the older brother ofKarinandYuzu Kurosaki. Ichigo is also married toOrihime Inoue, with whom he has a son,Kazui Kurosaki.

It’s Meaningless To Just Live, It’s Meaningless To Just Fight. I Want To Win!
— Ichigo Kurosaki

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Ichigo’s new Shinigami uniform.

Ichigo Kurosaki’s most distinguishing feature is his spiky orange hair, a trait that has made him the subject of ridicule for many years. He is a fairly tall, lean-built young man with peach-colored skin and brown eyes. Ichigo prefers slim-fitting clothes and frequently wears shirts with the number 15, a reference to his name being a homonym for the number. Since becoming a Shinigami, he has noticeably gained muscle, as observed by his sister Karin.

In his spiritual form, Ichigo wears the standard Shinigami shihakushō, with the addition of a strap across his chest. Initially, this strap was a thick brown belt to hold his Zanpakutō sheath, but after awakening his own Shinigami powers, it became a red, rosary-like strap shaped like a kite with flat top and bottom edges. Several characters, including Jūshirō Ukitake, have noted Ichigo’s resemblance to Kaien Shiba, the former lieutenant of the 13th Division.

After his training in the Dangai, Ichigo’s hair grows significantly longer, and he becomes noticeably taller, as pointed out by his friends. However, after losing his Shinigami powers, his appearance reverts to how it was before his Dangai training.

Seventeen months after his battle with Aizen, Ichigo’s physical appearance remains mostly unchanged, though he becomes taller and develops sideburns. Upon regaining his powers, partially due to residual energy from his Fullbring, Ichigo’s Shinigami attire includes a thicker strap across his chest, along with four black vertical lines on his forearms and black, tattoo-like bands across his chest, wrists, and ankles. Additional bands with white ends appear around his neck, resembling collars.

Following his training at the Soul King Palace, Ichigo’s appearance in his Shinigami form changes once again. He dons his standard black shihakushō, with two white shoulder plates crossing his chest in an X shape that secure his Shikai blades. The left shoulder plate has three sections adorned with red scales, while the right plate has matching sections on his waist. He also wears a white cloak with black markings, tied around his waist.

    Personality

    As a child, Ichigo Kurosaki was deeply attached to his mother, Masaki, viewing her as the center of his world. He would always smile when with her and held her hand regularly. Although Ichigo would cry when losing in matches at his dojo, his mood immediately lifted upon seeing Masaki when she came to pick him up. At a young age, Ichigo overheard his father explaining that his name means “to protect one thing,” which inspired him to protect his mother. After his sisters, Karin and Yuzu, were born, Ichigo began attending the dojo to protect them, and as he grew older, the number of people he felt compelled to protect increased. This strong sense of responsibility drives Ichigo to risk his life for both loved ones and strangers.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Annoyed Ichigo.

    As a teenager, Ichigo is characterized by his stubbornness, short temper, strong will, and impulsive nature. Though he claims not to care about others’ opinions, he often attempts to project a detached and “cool” demeanor. His facial expression is often serious, with his brows furrowed into a scowl. Ichigo is aware of his outspoken and hot-headed behavior, and if provoked, he finds it difficult to avoid a fight. He shows little respect for authority, referring to his teachers as “instructors” and addressing many of the Shinigami captains by their given names without using honorifics.

    Despite his brash exterior, Ichigo is compassionate and empathetic. He has been known to comfort others in distress and makes promises to fulfill the wishes of spirits. Though he often displays a tough exterior, Ichigo is also shy and uncomfortable around immodestly dressed women, a fact that Yoruichi Shihōin and Rangiku Matsumoto tease him about.

    Ichigo is an intelligent and capable student, ranking 23rd in his year at school. He studies regularly, determined to overcome the misconceptions people form about him based on his distinctive orange hair and tendency to get into fights. Ichigo dislikes fortune-telling, horoscopes, and anything involving the supernatural for profit. He also struggles with remembering faces and names, although he can recall the names of significant individuals even when not directly introduced.

    In battle, Ichigo exhibits a strong sense of honor, often seeking revenge against opponents who have wronged him or his friends. He is known to taunt his enemies and sometimes strikes without warning. Despite his desire to win, Ichigo values fair combat and has been reluctant to rely on his inner Hollow, even when it would grant him an advantage. His resolve in battle can sometimes waver, leading to moments of self-doubt and depression, particularly after significant defeats or perceived failures to protect others.

    Ichigo despises individuals who mistreat their allies, regardless of whether they are his enemies. He showed disgust toward Yammy Llargo for demeaning Ulquiorra Cifer, Nnoitra Gilga, and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, calling them “trash.”

    Background

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo as a child.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    ichigo risks his life to protect Sado’s coin.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo puts his life on the line to safeguard Sado’s coin.

    Ichigo Kurosaki was born on July 15th to Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki, 15 years before he became a Shinigami. His younger sisters, Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki, were born a few years later. At the age of four, Ichigo joined a karate dojo, where he met Tatsuki Arisawa. Although Tatsuki consistently defeated Ichigo in their matches, she often protected him from bullies and cheered him up when he was upset.

    From a young age, Ichigo could see Pluses (spirits of the deceased), though he could not distinguish between the living and the dead. This caused him to appear as though he was staring into empty spaces and talking to himself, leading others to believe he could see ghosts. Despite these rumors, Ichigo denied his ability when Tatsuki asked him about it.

    On June 17th, when Ichigo was nine years old, he and Masaki were walking near a swollen river in Karakura Town after heavy rainfall. Ichigo spotted what appeared to be a girl about to jump into the river. Unaware that the girl was a lure created by the Hollow Grand Fisher, Ichigo ran toward her, ignoring Masaki’s warnings. He lost consciousness after failing to grab the girl, and when he awoke, he found Masaki lying over him, dead and covered in blood. This event left a deep emotional scar on Ichigo. For days afterward, he would skip school and spend time at the riverbank, wandering aimlessly as if searching for his mother.

    When Ichigo was twelve, before the Kurosaki Clinic opened, he answered the door to find Orihime Inoue with her injured brother, who had been in a car accident. Despite their best efforts, Orihime’s brother died before they could transfer him to Karakura Hospital. Ichigo later learned who Orihime was and developed a sense of responsibility toward her.

    During his time at Mashiba Junior High School, Ichigo finally defeated Tatsuki in a karate match, which marked the end of their regular sparring. Ichigo often got into fights due to his distinctive orange hair, and during one such altercation, he met Yasutora “Chad” Sado, who helped him fend off bullies. Ichigo later returned the favor by rescuing Chad from two gang members. After this, the two formed a strong bond, vowing to protect and fight for each other.

    Before becoming a Shinigami, Ichigo and Chad began attending Karakura High School, where their reputations as tough fighters followed them. During a confrontation with a gang led by Reiichi Ōshima, Ichigo and Chad met Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima, saving Keigo in the process. Although Keigo was initially intimidated by Ichigo and Chad, he eventually became friends with both of them.

    Six weeks after Kurapika’s departure, the Kurta Clan was massacred by the Phantom Troupe, a notorious group of thieves. All 128 members of the clan were killed, and their Scarlet Eyes were gouged out and sold on the black market. Upon hearing the news, Kurapika, the sole survivor of his clan, vowed to recover the stolen eyes of his people and to capture or eliminate all members of the Phantom Troupe.

    Equipment

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo’s Substitute Shinigami Badge.

    Substitute Shinigami Badge(代行証 死神代行,Daikōshō Shinigami Daikō):
    Ichigo received this badge fromJūshirō Ukitakebefore leavingSoul Societyfor the first time. The badge signifies his position as aSubstitute Shinigami, allowing him to remain active in the Human World. It provides several functionalities:

    • Allows Ichigo to separate his soul from his body to enter his Shinigami form.
    • Alerts him to the presence ofHollowsinKarakura Town.
    • Built-in protection makes it invisible to normal humans.
      After Ichigo lost his powers, these functions became unavailable.Kūgo Ginjōlater revealed the badge’s true purpose:
    • A device used bySoul Societyto observe and restrict the owner.
    • Absorbs, analyzes, and controls the user’sReiatsu.
    • Functions as a communication device, allowing Ichigo to hearRukia’s voice through it.
      The badge absorbed Ichigo’s Reiatsu and acted as the focus for hisFullbring.

    Protective Charm:
    ThisKidō-based charm was given to Ichigo by his father,Isshin Kurosaki. The charm automatically forms a barrier when the owner is attacked by hostile forces. It was activated whenKon, inhabiting Ichigo’s body, was attacked by theArrancarGrand Fisher. Ichigo was unaware of the charm’s defensive abilities at the time.

    Ōken Clothing:
    After training with theRoyal Guard, Ichigo donned specialŌkenclothing, created from the bones and hair of Royal Guard members. These clothes possess immense defensive power, protecting the wearer as they pass through the 72 barriers betweenSoul Societyand theSoul King Palacewithout injury.
    Yhwachnoted that no Shinigami could wear greater garb. Ichigo’sŌkenclothing includes:

    • A white cloak with black markings.
    • A floral-patterned bandanna.
    • A black cloth covering the top of his head.
    • Large, black-outlined weights on his shoulders.
    • A long, double-breasted white cloak, a black sash, and white pants.
      The cloak, bandanna, and black cloth were destroyed duringCandice Catnipp’sGalvano Blastattack.

    Abilities & Powers

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo’s Reiatsu after unlocking his true power.

    Natural Abilities

    Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant:
    Physically, Ichigo’s human body is in top form due to his early martial arts training, both professionally and from his father. He has demonstrated great agility, coordination, and strength in combat, excelling in strikes, counterattacks, takedowns, and body locks. Ichigo has effortlessly overpowered multiple opponents, often defeating bullies and gangsters with ease. His skill surpasses that ofTatsuki Arisawa, his childhood friend and martial arts partner. Combined with his speed, Ichigo once knocked out threeLieutenantsin rapid succession with a single strike each. Although he no longer trains formally, constant sparring with his father and fights with bullies keep his skills sharp.
    Enhanced Strength:
    Even without his Shinigami form, Ichigo possesses tremendous physical strength. He once smashed a man’s head through a concrete road with a single kick and later sentAsguiaro Ebernflying from his bedroom into the street without sustaining injury from theArrancar’s Hierro.

    Enhanced Speed & Reflexes:
    Ichigo is a highly fast and agile fighter, able to take down three high-level opponents and pick up hisZanpakutōbefore they hit the ground. His reflexes allow him to dodge attacks effortlessly and immediately launch counterattacks. Ichigo’s speed enables him to analyze and follow the movements of faster opponents, blocking fatal strikes with ease. Even against surprise attacks fromTenjirō Kirinji, Ichigo managed to counterattack without being noticed by others.

    Enhanced Durability:
    Despite being a teenage human, Ichigo is extremely resilient. He can break free fromKidōspells, withstand assaults from large Hollows, and continue fighting after sustaining injuries. His physical endurance allows him to endure powerful blows that would incapacitate ordinary humans or Shinigami.

    Advanced Growth Rate:
    Ichigo’s most remarkable trait is his rapid growth rate. He can learn advanced techniques within days, a feat that would take other Shinigami years to master. Shortly after gaining his Shinigami powers, Ichigo instinctively learned how to sense spiritual energy. While most Shinigami take over a decade to achieveBankai, Ichigo achieved it in just 2.5 days, with the assistance ofUrahara’sspecial training method. He quickly developed proficiency inShunpounderYoruichi Shihōin’sguidance. Throughout his battles, Ichigo significantly increased his ability to maintain hisHollow mask, going from only a few seconds to much longer durations. His ability to adapt and improve was recognized by theWandenreich, who classified him as one of the 5 Special War Powers, deeming him the most dangerous afterKenpachi Zaraki’sdefeat againstRoyd Lloyd. After training at theSoul King Palace, Ichigo’s growth rate allowed him to fight multiple Sternritter in their fully poweredVollständigform using only hisShikai, and later develop a new Hollow form that could inflict damage on aSoul King-empoweredYhwach.

    Keen Intellect:
    Despite his brash demeanor, Ichigo is analytical and perceptive in battle. He ranks near the top of his class academically, despite his responsibilities as a Substitute Shinigami. Ichigo often quickly determines his opponent’s strategy and forms an effective counterattack, displaying strong deductive reasoning in combat.

    Immeasurable Spiritual Power:
    Ichigo is noted to possess vast amounts of spiritual energy, far exceeding that of most Shinigami. HisReiatsuis constantly at Captain-level strength, even when significantly weakened. Ichigo’s spiritual power is so immense that he was able to stop theSōkyoku, a weapon with the combined destructive force of one millionZanpakutō, using only his own Zanpakutō. Before his training in the Dangai, Ichigo’s Reiatsu was strong enough to senseAizen’sadvanced spiritual energy during his Second Fusion with theHōgyoku, something the former Captains could not achieve. His Reiatsu manifests as a golden-yellow aura, and after his training at theSoul King Palace, he overwhelmed four Sternritter simultaneously, even when they were in their Vollständig form.

    Novice Reiatsu Control:
    Initially, Ichigo had difficulty controlling his massive spiritual energy, causing it to leak out and fluctuate wildly, making it impossible to conceal his presence from spiritually aware beings. Over time, he learned to focus and harden his Reiatsu, strengthening his attacks and using it as a barrier to reduce damage. He has demonstrated the ability to destroy powerful objects, such as theSōkyoku, with his spiritual energy. Following his training with the Royal Guard, Ichigo gained greater control over his fluctuating Reiatsu, and it is now powerful enough to be visible when he prepares for battle.

    Spiritual Awareness:
    Since childhood, Ichigo has had a natural ability to sense spiritual beings and their presence. After becoming a Shinigami, his spiritual sensing abilities improved dramatically, allowing him to track down spiritual beings by theirspirit ribbons. Even from great distances, Ichigo can detect the condition of beings with spiritual power.

    Shinigami Powers & Abilities

    Shunpo Expert:
    While not the most advanced Shunpo user, Ichigo is proficient enough to keep up with high-level opponents.Byakuya Kuchikiacknowledged Ichigo’s growing mastery of the technique. After training at theSoul King Palace, Ichigo further refined his Shunpo skills, allowing him to move several miles in a single leap and bypass the perception of multiple Sternritter.

    Master Swordsman:
    Ichigo’s swordsmanship has developed through battle rather than formal training. He has become a highly skilled swordsman, capable of fighting on par with masters likeByakuya KuchikiandKenpachi Zaraki. While typically wielding his sword with his right hand, Ichigo is ambidextrous, able to switch between hands during battle. After gaining his trueZangetsu, he demonstrated the ability to wield both of his blades simultaneously without difficulty.

    Zanpakutō

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Zangetsu’s true Shikai form.

    Zangetsu (斬月, Slaying Moon)

  • Shikai
  • After Ichigo’sBankaiwas shattered, he learned that he did not possess a trueZanpakutōbut wielded one created from his fusion of Shinigami and Hollow powers. Later,Ōetsu Nimaiyareforged Ichigo’s true Zanpakutō using anAsauchi. Upon accepting his heritage and powers, Ichigo gained access to his true Zanpakutō in his inner world.

    His true Zanpakutō takes the form of two separate black blades:

    • Larger Blade:Similar in shape to his previous sword, a khyber knife, with the grip at the base of the blade and a handle extending back to the length of Ichigo’s forearm. This blade represents Ichigo’s inner Hollow, symbolizing his Shinigami and Hollow powers.
    • Smaller Blade:Roughly the size of Ichigo’s arm, this blade resembles a trench knife, with an enclosed handle acting as a hand guard. It represents “the old man” and Ichigo’s Quincy powers.
    • After receiving these blades, Ichigo wraps their hilts in cloth and carries the larger one on his back and the smaller one on his right hip.

    • Shikai Special Ability
      • Getsuga Tenshō(月牙天衝,Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer):
        This technique releases highly condensed spiritual energy at the tip of Zangetsu’s blade, magnifying the power of Ichigo’s slash. The attack takes the form of a crescent moon or a wave, capable of causing massive destruction. While Ichigo used the ability instinctively before knowing its name, after mastering it during his Bankai training, the attack’s power increased dramatically.
        Getsuga Tenshō can be used in different ways: Ichigo can create omnidirectional blasts to repel incoming attacks or strike the ground to upturn and crush everything in his path. After regaining his Shinigami powers, Ichigo’sGetsuga Tenshōbecame much larger and stronger than before, capable of severing the top ofTsukishima’smansion and dispersing a rainstorm. With his true Zanpakutō, Ichigo can fireGetsuga Tenshōfrom his smaller sword with a simple slash and from his larger sword with a powerful, black version of the attack, strong enough to blast a hole in theSoul King Palaceand knock backYhwach.

      • Getsuga Jūjishō(月牙十字衝,Moon Fang Cross-Shaped Piercer):
        By firing aGetsuga Tenshōfrom both of his blades, Ichigo can combine them into a powerful cross-shaped blast of energy. This attack was strong enough to disperseCandice Catnipp’sElectrocution technique and destroy her left arm on contact.

      Bankai: Tensa Zangetsu(天鎖斬月,Heaven Chain Slaying Moon)

      To activate hisBankai, Ichigo places the two blades of hisShikaiside by side, causing a surge of energy to engulf him and the swords.Tensa Zangetsutakes the form of a khyber knife, with the smaller black blade forming the inner part of the sword. The handle resembles a katana hilt with black wrapping, and the sword has a slanted base with a guard that juts out from the underside. A chain loops from the base to just before the tip of the blade. During his final battle withYhwach, the outer white portion of Ichigo’s sword broke off, revealing a blade that resembled the original form of hisShikai.

      • Bankai Special Ability:
        The full power ofTensa Zangetsuremains unknown. However, during their battle,Yhwach, empowered by theSoul King, deemed it dangerous enough to break immediately upon activation.

      • Enhanced Getsuga Tenshō:
        In hisBankaiform, Ichigo can fire a golden-coloredGetsuga Tenshōwith immense power. This technique was strong enough to bifurcate aSoul King-empowered Yhwach, although Yhwach survived by using hisAlmightyability to reverse his own death.

    Hollowfication

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo’s merged Hollow form.

    Merged Hollow Form:
    After understanding the true nature of his powers, Ichigo can merge with his inner Hollow when exposed to large amounts of Quincy Reiatsu. In this form, the left side of Ichigo’s face and neck transforms, gaining a long, forward-pointing horn. This transformation significantly boosts his combat abilities and spiritual power, allowing him to use techniques such as a combinedGran Rey CeroandGetsuga Tenshō.


    Quincy Powers & Abilities

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ichigo’s Blut Vene blocks Yhwach’s blade.

    Blut Vene (静血装ブルート・ヴェーネ, Blood Vein):
    Ichigo awakened this defensive Quincy ability after being exposed toQuilge Opie’sReiatsu.Blut Veneenhances Ichigo’s durability, allowing him to survive fatal attacks and stop critical blood loss from severe wounds.


    Weaknesses

    • Injury Transfer:
      Any injuries Ichigo sustains while in his Shinigami form are transferred to his human body when he returns to it. Healing is required to prevent or rectify the damage.

    • Defenseless Body:
      Whenever Ichigo leaves his human body to enter his Shinigami form without usingKonto animate it, his physical body remains lifeless and defenseless until he reenters it.

    • Damaging Reiatsu (Formerly):
      Early in his Shinigami career, Ichigo had difficulty controlling his immense spiritual energy. This lack of control risked harm to himself and those around him when he overexerted hisReiatsu.

    • Close-Quarters Disadvantage (Formerly):
      When wielding his originalZanpakutō, Ichigo often struggled in tight or confined spaces. The large size of his blade risked getting stuck in nearby surfaces, hindering his movements in cramped areas like building hallways.

    • Mask Time Limit (Formerly):
      As aVisored, Ichigo could only summon hisHollow maskfor a limited time before it would shatter or he would intentionally disperse it. Initially, his time limit was only four seconds, which increased to eleven seconds after training with the Visored. During his third battle withGrimmjow, Ichigo was able to maintain his mask for most of the fight. The reason for this improvement was speculated to be a subconscious need, as his mask remained active for longer when he gained resolve.

    • Fear (Formerly):
      Ichigo’s ability to summon his Hollow mask was severely affected by fear. After his battle withUlquiorra Cifer, Ichigo developed a fear of his Hollow form, which prevented him from Hollowfying properly. This fear caused his new mask to feel heavier, andTensa Zangetsulater revealed that Ichigo’s fear stemmed from the overwhelming power of the Hollow form he used to defeat Ulquiorra.

    Trivia

    • Name Meaning:Ichigo’s name (一護) can be interpreted as “one who protects,” reflecting his deep desire to protect those around him, a central theme throughout his character’s development.

    • Hair Color:Ichigo’s distinctive bright orange hair is one of his most recognizable features, and it often made him a target for bullies as a child. His hair color was inherited from his mother,Masaki Kurosaki.

    • Number 15:Ichigo frequently wears shirts featuring the number 15 because his name can be read as a homophone for the number in Japanese (一 = “ichi,” 五 = “go”).

    • Rank in School:Despite his busy life as a Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo consistently ranks near the top of his class atKarakura High School, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to his studies.

    • Multiple Forms:Ichigo is one of the few characters inBleachto possess multiple unique forms, including his Shinigami, Hollow, Quincy, and Fullbring abilities, making him one of the most versatile and powerful characters in the series.

    • Special War Power:In theQuincy Blood War Arc, Ichigo was designated as one of the “5 Special War Powers” by theWandenreich, considered to be one of the most dangerous individuals due to his immense latent abilities.

    • Vast Reiatsu:Ichigo’s spiritual power is so immense that, early in his training, he struggled to control it. This vastReiatsumade him a formidable force even before he fully mastered his abilities.

    • Tensa Zangetsu’s Appearance:Ichigo’s inner world and the appearance ofTensa Zangetsu—a character who looks like an older version of him—are heavily influenced by the manifestation of his Quincy powers, which were inherited from his mother.

    • Ichigo’s Birthday:Ichigo’s birthday is July 15, which aligns with his frequent association with the number 15 in his personal style.

    • Fear of Ghosts:Ironically, despite being a Substitute Shinigami and constantly interacting with spiritual beings, Ichigo initially showed a fear of ghosts during his childhood, a fact that adds humor to his otherwise serious role.