Kyoraku and Ukitake connection explained

Key conclusions

• Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake are two powerful and wise captains of the Gotei 13 who share a deep bond.
• The duo disagreed with Rukia's execution, clashed with Chief Captain Yamamoto, and aided Ichigo Kurosaki in battles.
• Kyoraku and Ukitake are the last remnants of Soul Society's old history, known for their close friendship and strength.

Among the ranks of the Gotei of the 13th century Bleachthe two captains have stood the test of time as pillars of the organization. Two of Chief Captain Yamamoto's apprentices who stand above most other Shinigami; Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake. Captains of Squads 1 and 13 respectively, Kyoraku and Ukitake have been best friends and two halves of a powerful duo for centuries.

They are not only the two oldest members of the squad, but also the two strongest. Only they were Shinigami with dual Zanpakuto throughout Soul Society history until Ichigo Kurosaki got his true Zangetsu. Shunsui and Juushirou represent the best of Gotei 13 in Bleach. Let's delve into the strong, centuries-old bond between these powerful Sinigs.

Shunsui and Jushiro, two young students

The first captain graduates

Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake were students in the early stages of Shinigami Shin'Ou Reijutsu Academy. There they trained directly under Shigekuni Genryuusai Yamamoto. They first met during training, where Captain Retsu Unohana immediately recognized their potential. After their matches were tied, Jushiro asked Shunsui to show him a sweet shop that he was a regular at. He brought candy to his five younger siblings. Since then, they have become close friends. One day, Jushiro revealed the secret of his illness to Shunsui: he is the vessel of the deity Mimihaga, the severed limb of the Soul King Adneus. There, Shunsui told his friend that he would not let him die young.

I was proud of you as my own sons. I thought that even if the characters are different, it's good if they follow the same path.

Both eventually graduated with honors and soon became captains of the Gotei 13. Shunsui was assigned to Squad 8 and Jushiro was the captain of Squad 13. Along with Yamamoto and Unohana, they were the most senior members of the organization by a wide margin. Both were particularly powerful and noted by their peers due to the fact that they had a dual Zanpakutou. Katen Kyokotsu Shunsui and Sogyo no Kotowari Juushirou are Zanpakutou that manifest as two identical blades. It is believed that this is a sign of their extraordinary strength. The only other two handed Zanpakutou is Ichigo's Zangetsu, each blade representing his Hollow and Quincy sides.

Kyoraku and Ukitake, two relentless captains

Pillars of Goteus 13

As soon as the conflict of the Soul Society arc began, Kyoraku and Ukitake were among the captains who noticed something was wrong. Both of them disagreed with the execution of Rukia Kuchika. Not only did they think she was innocent, but she was also a member of the Ukitake squad. So he felt personally responsible for her. Also, Ichigo Kurosaki, the man Rukia gave her powers to, reminded Ukitake of someone: Kayen Shiba. The moment Ukitake saw the boy, he noticed a striking resemblance to his late vice-captain, convincing him to help Rukia. He was supported by Kyoraku, who also believed that the death penalty was unjust.

Both confront their mentor and father, Chief Captain Yamamoto. They fought him, trying to convince him to stop the execution. Yamamoto states that he considers them his sons. This has led the fandom to often refer to the two captains as “brothers”, as their bond is one of the strongest in the series. The later two fight Primera Espada Coyote Starrk during the Fake Karakura Town arc.

Kyoraku and Ukitake often drank together, talking about their thoughts on every conflict they faced together, and often about their new ally, Ichigo. It was Ukitake who gave the boy the official Shinigami Replacement badge. Both captains always believed in and cared for Ichigo and his friends, seeing them as true allies and friends of the Soul Society.

Shunsui Kyoraku and Jushiro Ukitake share a deep bond that makes them a powerful duo as well as the wise pillars of the Gotei 13. They are also the protagonists of the events of the series. Thanks to Ukitake Ichigo is officially recognized by Soul Society. And it is thanks to Kyoraku that Ichigo's human friends have access to the Seireitei in case Ichigo is unable to return to the World of the Living. Both are the last remaining members of the older side of the Soul Society's history, and just like last episode, only Kyoraku remains.

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  Based on the Shounen fighting manga by Tite Kubo, Bleach centers on Ichigo, a high school student drawn into the world of Soul Reapers. The original anime ended in 2012, but it was revived in 2022.

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  Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War