Bleach: The Strongest Characters Ichigo Can Defeat, Ranked

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Throughout the series, Bleach‘s main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, steadily grew stronger, eventually becoming one of the most powerful fighters in the anime. He’s evolved significantly since he first relied on Rukia’s help to defeat simple Hollows in Karakura Town. Now, Ichigo has learned to control the Hollow within himself, becoming a uniquely powerful hero, and his abilities are almost unparalleled in the world of Bleach.

Even at his strongest, Ichigo from Bleach isn’t unbeatable. A handful of characters possess abilities so powerful – like The Almighty or The Miracle – that they could defeat him. However, most of the Bleach universe’s fighters would lose to Ichigo in a straight fight, even some incredibly strong opponents. While a few might give him a tough battle, it’s unlikely anyone could actually defeat this determined hero.

7. Tier Harribel’s Aquatic Attacks Can’t Match Ichigo’s Offensive Power

Sharks Don’t Stand a Chance Against Dual Zangetsu

Image via Pierrot.

Throughout the battle against the Arrancar, it wasn’t clear if Ichigo could win against all of Aizen’s elite fighters, the Espadas. He barely managed to win against Grimmjow, the 6th Espada, and couldn’t even defeat Nnoitra. To overcome Ulquiorra, the 4th Espada, Ichigo had to unlock his incredibly powerful Vasto Lorde form. Even after that, three Espadas were still ranked higher than Ulquiorra, making his ultimate victory seem impossible.

Harribel was a powerful Espada, ranked #3, known for her composure, large sword, and unique cero attacks. While she once fought evenly with Captain Hitsugaya, both he and Ichigo have become much stronger since then, meaning Harribel would likely lose to either of them now. Her true power comes from a shark-like form that focuses on brute strength and water-based attacks, but current versions of Ichigo are powerful enough to easily overcome her abilities.

6. Baraggan Luisenbairn Won’t Have Time to Rot Ichigo Away in Their Duel

Respira is Too Slow to Handle Ichigo’s Mobility

Image via Pierrot.

Baraggan Luisenbairn, the 2nd Espada, proved to be a formidable opponent, overwhelming Captain Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omaeda. He withstood two attacks from Sui-Feng’s powerful bankai, and Marechiyo couldn’t even land a hit. His ability to rapidly decay anything, combined with his resilience, made him nearly invincible until Hachigen managed to destroy him from within. Later on, Ichigo grew strong enough to defeat Baraggan, even without being able to counter the Espada’s decaying power.

Ultimately, this fight comes down to Ichigo’s raw power. Even if he can’t completely counter Baraggan’s aura, he’s strong enough to overcome it and win. It highlights how much Ichigo has grown as a classic shonen hero – he now consistently wins by being faster, more skilled, and simply stronger than his opponents in Bleach. He can move quickly enough to avoid the effects of Baraggan’s decaying power and defeat him with a few powerful attacks, even at close range.

5. Coyote Starrk is Fast and Tough, But Not Enough to Defeat Ichigo

Starrk is Also Too Lazy to Fight at 100%

Image via Pierrot.

Coyote Starrk, the first Espada, doesn’t like to unleash his full strength. He’s incredibly fast thanks to his Sonido ability, and remarkably durable – he can withstand a lot of punishment from powerful Captains like Ukitake and Kyoraku and still keep fighting. This allowed him to live up to his reputation as the strongest Arrancar during the Fake Karakura Town arc, adding to his already dangerous attacks. While Ichigo needs to respect Starrk’s power as the series nears its conclusion, it ultimately shouldn’t intimidate him.

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Ichigo truly shines in battles of strength and speed. He’s become even more powerful since gaining his Final Zangetsu, originally allowing him to fight Starrk, and now in the current arc. With his current hybrid Hollow form and dual swords, Ichigo could easily defeat the 1st Espada, proving they weren’t as strong as people thought. If he can keep up with the strongest Sternritter, he’ll be just as fast as Starrk.

4. Bazz-B’s Fiery Assault is Lukewarm Compared to Ichigo’s Hybrid Form

No Amount of Burner Fingers Will Take Ichigo Down

Image via Pierrot.

Most of the Sternritter wouldn’t stand a chance against Ichigo at his full power with both of his Zangetsu swords, though a couple might survive. Gerard Valkyrie, with his unique ability The Miracle, could potentially win or at least last a while as a powerful warrior. Lille Barro, being a divine being, also has a good chance of survival. However, Sternritter like H Bazz-B wouldn’t fare well. While he initially seemed formidable, easily overpowering some of the strongest members of Squad 10 with his fire attacks, he ultimately lost to Jugram and couldn’t defeat Ichigo.

Bazz-B relies on brute force, while his opponent uses more strategic and unusual attacks like The Miracle, The Visionary, and The Almighty. This fight takes place on Ichigo’s terms, and Bazz-B has no way to win here. He can’t steal Ichigo’s power because his special ability doesn’t work against Ichigo’s Bankai. If they just fight directly, Ichigo will definitely defeat The Heat.

3. Jugram Haschwalth Needs More Time to Balance His Fortunes Against Ichigo

Jugram Favors Slower Fights

While Jugram Haschwalth isn’t the most powerful Quincy in Bleach, he’s likely the strongest one Ichigo could realistically defeat. Luckily for Ichigo, Jugram fights in a way that suits Ichigo’s strengths—Jugram unusually uses a large sword, and Ichigo is incredibly skilled in close combat with a blade, especially in his strongest form.

Jugram has abilities like The Balance that can shift a fight in his favor, but they’re too slow to be effective against Ichigo. While The Balance helped him against Uryu Ishida, Ichigo is much faster and won’t allow Jugram to use it. Jugram needs time to prepare and redirect misfortune, and Ichigo’s relentless attacks won’t give him that chance. Even a limited version of Jugram’s powers isn’t enough to overcome Ichigo’s speed and strength.

2. Shunsui Kyoraku Won’t Win if He Cannot Use His Bankai in Time

Ichigo Won’t Let Shunsui’s Terrifying Bankai Enter the Picture

Image via Pierrot.

Throughout much of the Bleach series, Ichigo looked up to experienced Soul Reapers like Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, who had centuries of fighting under his belt and a uniquely powerful sword. Luckily, Shunsui was never an enemy to Ichigo, and now that difference in skill is less important. While Shunsui remains a strong fighter, Ichigo has recently become the more powerful Soul Reaper.

Shunsui’s powerful Bankai is supposed to defeat opponents by beheading them after recounting a sad love story, but it failed against Lille Barro. Ichigo wouldn’t even let him try it, as he always attacks immediately. Shunsui’s complex abilities are too slow to keep up with Ichigo’s speed and strength. While Shunsui is a veteran warrior from centuries past, it wouldn’t be enough against Ichigo’s overwhelming power. Ultimately, Shunsui would likely acknowledge Ichigo’s victory and congratulate him on winning their fight.

1. Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto Can Burn Down Worlds But Can’t Stop Ichigo

Ichigo’s Power Scaling Left the Captain Commander in the Dust

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Captain Yamamoto was an incredibly powerful and experienced Soul Reaper, arguably the strongest of all time. Even as an old man, he possessed immense strength, especially when using his ultimate attack, Bankai – Zanka no Tachi. This attack was so destructive he considered himself a monster capable of leveling the entire Soul Society. However, despite its incredible power, Zanka no Tachi wasn’t enough to defeat Ichigo in their final battle.

Yamamoto is arguably the strongest character in Bleach, but endgame Ichigo has the potential to defeat him through a combination of skill, kido mastery, and sheer power. While Yamamoto is incredibly dangerous, Ichigo could win even without Yamamoto using his bankai. Even with his bankai, Zanka no Tachi – which is immensely powerful – Ichigo has a chance if he can avoid its attacks. Ultimately, Ichigo’s unique combination of Soul Reaper and Hollow abilities gives him the edge, even against the strongest fire-based zanpakuto.

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2026-02-09 23:07