Bleach: 6 Characters Who Could Lead Their Own Series

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While Ichigo Kurosaki is the clear star of Bleach, many of the supporting characters have the potential to carry their own stories. We’ve seen glimpses of this with characters like Shuhei Hisagi in Can’t Fear Your Own World, but several others could even make more compelling leads.

Strong protagonists generally take charge of their own narratives and inspire others with their goals and personality. While some Bleach characters, like Hiryoi Sarugaki and Marechiyo Omaeda, don’t quite fit that mold, others would be perfect for leading their own stories. In fact, six characters from Tite Kubo’s Bleach universe could easily carry a spinoff, prequel, or other related project.

Rukia Kuchiki Was Bleach’s Star Before Ichigo Ever Was

Bleach Was Designed With Rukia in Mind

Image via Pierrot.

Most Bleach fans know Ichigo as the main character, but he wasn’t the original focus. Creator Tite Kubo actually started with Rukia Kuchiki, initially envisioning her as a dark-clad Shinigami, which sparked the whole concept for the Soul Reapers in Bleach. In fact, Rukia was the very first character Kubo created, appearing in early designs before Ichigo was even conceived.

I always thought Rukia stood out as more than just a strong character in Bleach – she was one of the best. She’s a really compelling mix of strength, intelligence, and vulnerability, and she’s often genuinely funny too. Those qualities are exactly what you look for in a lead character in a shonen series. Plus, she has a lot of personal struggles and a backstory that really draws you in. We got glimpses of that in flashbacks during the show, but I think a side story could really flesh out her already amazing journey and fill in some of the missing pieces.

Uryu Ishida Overcame Prejudice to Become a Quincy Hero

Uryu Also Has a Cuddly Side as a Gentle Friend

I’ve noticed a lot of side characters in popular anime seem ready to take the lead themselves, and we’re already seeing that happen with characters like Kakashi and Ace. When I think about Bleach, though, Uryu Ishida really stands out. He quickly became Ichigo’s rival, matching him in bravery but also bringing a sharper mind and honestly, just more impressive abilities to the table.

Uryu is a perfect candidate to headline any Bleach spin-off story, and that’s just considering what we see on the surface. His complex emotional journey – dealing with loss, seeking revenge, learning to forgive, and building friendships with the Soul Reapers – would make a compelling side story. A spin-off could also give fans a glimpse into his everyday life.

Kisuke Urahara is Already the Star of Bleach’s Best Flashback Sequence

Smart, Funny Characters Like Kisuke Make Great Protagonists

Image via Pierrot.

Kisuke Urahara is a great character for side stories, even as a fully developed hero. While he doesn’t go through the same kind of personal growth as characters like Ichigo or Chad, his incredible power doesn’t make him boring. He’s essentially the original Satoru Gojo – a funny yet immensely powerful mentor who’s interesting to watch, even when he’s not actively training someone like Ichigo or Yuji.

The Arrancar arc of Bleach featured a great flashback focusing on Kisuke Urahara and Sosuke Aizen. Now, it’s time for Bleach to give Kisuke his own dedicated storyline. He deserves to be the central focus, showcasing his intelligence, humor, and fighting skills. A new story would also be a perfect opportunity to highlight his often-overlooked ability to build strong friendships and his talent as an inventor.

Renji Abarai Has the Guts and Power of Friendship Needed to Be a Hero

Renji is One of Ichigo’s Best Soul Reaper Friends

Image via Pierrot.

Renji Abarai, much like Rukia and Uryu in Bleach, has a compelling story arc that makes him perfect for a spin-off or side project. Similar to Uryu, he moved past initial conflict with Ichigo to become a valuable friend and ally. He also shares Rukia’s history of overcoming a difficult past as an orphan to become a powerful Soul Reaper.

While Renji had flashbacks during the Soul Society arc, they largely revolved around Rukia and didn’t fully explore his personal story. It would be great to see a dedicated arc that delves into his past and explains how he earned his place alongside Byakuya. Alternatively, the story could show us what Renji is like after the war, as Rukia’s husband and the father of their lively daughter, Ichika.

Yoruichi Shihoin Delighted Bleach Fans With Her Cat-Ninja Antics

Yoruichi Needs More Screen Time Than She Got

Image via Pierrot.

I absolutely love Yoruichi Shihoin, and that’s why I think she’d be perfect for a spin-off! Unlike some characters who need a lot of development, Yoruichi is already amazing. A side story wouldn’t need to focus on her overcoming struggles – it could just showcase how awesome she already is! Seriously, she’s the best ninja in Bleach, and watching her mentor Ichigo and Sui-Feng is just fantastic. It would be all about the action and her skills, and I’m here for it!

A spin-off story focusing on Yoruichi would be interesting because she’s a consistently powerful and influential character who affects others more than she’s affected herself. Since she’s already established as strong and capable, the story could explore challenges she faces in the outside world. For instance, leaving Soul Society and living in Karakura Town likely presented difficulties, but she has Kisuke and Tessai for support. This story could also feature Yoruichi taking on a new student or mentoring an original character.

Toshiro Hitsugaya Ranks Among the Most Compelling and Exciting Captains

Toshiro is Strong But Still Has More Room to Grow as a Hero

Image via Pierrot.

Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya had a brief backstory exploring his childhood with Momo Hinamori and how he first met Rangiku Matsumoto, which also revealed the beginnings of his powers. While enjoyable, this story wasn’t long enough to fully develop Toshiro’s character. Fans of Bleach are hoping to see significant development for him, as his later appearance in the manga doesn’t feel like genuine growth.

Toshiro, much like Rukia, is a compelling character – he presents a tough exterior but is secretly kindhearted. However, his history isn’t explored as deeply as Rukia’s, making a prequel story for him particularly valuable. Alternatively, Bleach could focus on Toshiro’s growth after the war, showcasing him as a vital and increasingly important leader within the Soul Reaper forces.

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2026-01-15 22:36