Highlights
- Old Man Zangetsu’s true identity as Ichigo’s Quincy side was constantly hinted at throughout the series.
- White Zangetsu always protected Ichigo and was the source of his Hollow powers, not the Old Man.
- The merger of both spirits created White Tensa Zangetsu, giving Ichigo the power to use Mugetsu.
As a long-time fan of Bleach, I find it fascinating how the creators have skillfully woven this intricate tale of Ichigo Kurosaki and his Zanpakutō, White Tensa Zangetsu. The series has always been full of surprises, but this twist about the true identity of Zangetsu takes the cake.
In Part 1’s climactic finale of “Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War”, a pivotal and cherished scene for fans unfolded as “The Blade is Me”. After Ichigo gains insight into his origins from his father, Isshin, the character O-Etsu Nimaiya crafts a fresh Zanpakutou for Ichigo. The revelation that Ichigo’s Asauchi mirrors his Hollow aspect sets the stage for Bleach’s most significant surprise. It was later discovered that “Old Man Zangetsu”, whom Ichigo had viewed as the source of his power, was in fact a manifestation of his Quincy heritage, appearing as a younger Yhwach. His true Zanpakutou was none other than the Hollow, White, now recognized as “White Zangetsu”.
The usual reaction to this revelation proves how well Tite Kubo wrote this twist. Most fans accept it immediately, realizing the resemblance between Old Man Zangetsu and Yhwach, thinking back to those moments when the Hollow saved Ichigo. The Blade is Me was hinted at much more than fans think.
Meeting the Old Man Zangetsu
An Impostor and yet, an ally
In his quest to unleash his true Soul Reaper abilities, Ichigo ventures into an inner realm for the first time and encounters a mysterious, elderly figure wearing sunglasses. This enigmatic character reveals a name that Ichigo cannot comprehend. Eventually, Ichigo accepts this being as Zangetsu, the embodiment of his Zanpakutou spirit. However, it was the enigmatic Ichibe Hyousube who concealed Zangetsu’s original name – Yhwach – using his Zanpakutou, effectively expunging it from existence. Initially, Zangetsu attempted to share his true name with Ichigo, but it was erased by the actions of Ichibe.
Ichigo… I hate the rain
In his inner realm, Ichigo usually sparred with White Zangetsu, who helped him grow stronger. However, there was one occasion when he trained with the Old Man, but it wasn’t your typical training session; instead, they faced off against a Hollow. During this unusual encounter, the Old Man was guiding Ichigo through Bankai training in Soul Society. It was later disclosed that Tensa Zangetsu’s Bankai form during this session was deceptive, meaning the Old Man essentially gave Ichigo a false Bankai.
For the initial clash with Zaraki Kenpachio, Elderly Zangetsu momentarily augmented Ichigo’s abilities. In this enhanced state, Ichigo’s eyes sparkled blue, much like Uryuu Ishida‘s do when employing Letzt Stil. But as he prepared to assault Kenpachi, an aura materialized around him, taking the form of his Hollow mask.
Zangetsu, The Violent Protector
The Hollow was Always the Real One
In the heat of the Soul Society arc’s battles, my injuries mysteriously healed at an astonishing rate. And when I took some serious hits, a Hollow mask seemed to materialize over those spots. Turns out, ol’ Zangetsu was leveraging his Hollow abilities to shield me. Seems High-level Hollows have this nifty trick called High-Speed Regeneration that helps them bounce back from most damages swiftly. Given that Zangetsu hails from a Vasto Lorde-like Hollow named White, he’s got some potent tricks up his sleeve.
What’s the difference between a horse and the king?… Instinct!
When Ichigo first awoke his true Soul Reaper powers thanks to Kisuke Urahara, he rose from the pit wearing his Hollow mask. This was much before he learned how to use it in the Arrancar Arc. The moment Ichigo manifested his powers, they were already linked to his Hollow side.
During his Visored training, Ichigo battled Zangetsu in his inner world, and when he asked for the Old Man, the Hollow replied “I am Zangetsu”. Back then, most fans assumed he was lying, considering Zangetsu’s usual antagonizing demeanor. But Zangetsu was telling him the truth right there, yet Ichigo refused to believe him. During that same training, Zangetsu used Bankai just like Ichigo. This was yet another hint at him being the real Zanpakutou, as the Old Man never used Zanpakutou’s abilities. Ichigo’s kimono changes shape completely when he enters Bankai. This is uncommon for a Soul Reaper, as their clothing isn’t related to their powers. An Espada’s clothes and body change when they enter Resurreccion. When Ichigo battled Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in Las Noches, Tier Harribel questioned whether Ichigo was truly a Soul Reaper. She commented that the battle felt more like it was between two Espada.
Whenever Ichigo found himself on the brink of defeat – against Byakuya Kuchiki, Hiyori, Yammy, or Ulquiorra Cifer – it wasn’t the old man who came to his rescue, instead, it was Zangetsu that took control and saved Ichigo.
White Tensa Zangetsu, One and the Same
Ichigo’s Truth, Right in Front of Him
During his training at Dangai for the confrontation with Aizen, Ichigo encountered a fresh face – a young man introducing himself as Tensa Zangetsu. This was actually the Bankai form of the old man known as Zangetsu. He subsequently extracted White Zangetsu from Ichigo’s physique. Later on, Tensa Zangetsu materialized in the form he had used against Ulquiorra. Tensa Zangetsu explained to Ichigo that they were essentially one and the same entity, representing Ichigo’s power. The two entities combined to create White Tensa Zangetsu, which granted Ichigo the ability to utilize Mugetsu. This fusion of spirits proved crucial for Ichigo to master his ultimate technique.
Just as White Zangetsu previously revealed, White Tensa directly discloses to Ichigo that they are both his powers and essentially, two aspects of Zangetsu. However, despite this revelation, Ichigo persists in ignoring them. Time and time again, Zangetsu has been attempting to help Ichigo comprehend the truth about his abilities, but due to his apprehension and perplexity, Ichigo finds it hard to comprehend the reality.
What you want to protect is not the same thing I want to protect
Throughout the story, it was subtly suggested that Zangetsu, the Hollow inside Ichigo, represented his primary power, while the Old Man symbolized his smaller Quincy side. Attentive viewers even started referring to White as Zangetsu before “The Blade is Me.” Though not everyone immediately grasped the twist, it was always within plain sight. The puzzle had been almost solved, all that remained was the final piece: Ichigo himself.
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2024-08-22 20:03