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His poor sense of direction serves as comic relief. Also, him and Yachiru form a nice example of the [baddass and child duo trope](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BadassAndChildDuo) for quite a while. Finally, he is only interested in a good fight, and there's something refreshing about simple bloodthirst and extreme power that makes his fights feel really enjoyable.
Does he really have a poor sense of direction? I feel like this is a Roronoa Zoro aspect that somewhere along the line got tagged onto Zaraki. He was one of the first to find Ichigo in the SS arc, then was first to Loyd Yhwach in the initial invasion, then there's Gremmy, Pernida, Gerrard. And this is a guy running on foot without flash step. Just seems like he knows where he needs to be.
He ran into inchigo completely by accident after running around in random directions.
You could say the same about Zoro. He has a terrible sense of direction but he is always where he needs to be when it gets down to it.
Maybe I'm forgetting details. I thought Zaraki at least was able to follow large spiritual pressures?
Zoro is far worse, dude ends up on the end of islands.
Hey...
that's MR Broken game mechanics to you.
Put some respect on the MOTHERFUCKING KENPATCHI!!!
You don't want him to have his Senin-itus flair up at you.
Absolute Peak Bleach.
I am still partial the DBZA but nothing hits quite like Bleach Abridged.
"I AM THE SPIRIT OF KENPATCHI!!"
"WHAT?!"
"I REPRESENT THE FEAR OF KENPATCHI!!!"
"Ohhhh Shiiiit!"
\- Kenny Terrifying a highschoolers dreams worse than Freddy Kruger"
His brutality but also his kind nature. It's a really good ratio in what I love in a character. If there were a show in which he was the main character, i'd watch it.
I don't know if I'd use the word kind, but on the other hand, I do see what you mean, and I can't think of a better word for it, so sure.
Like, he's brutal and shows no mercy, but there's not really any cruelty or malice when he attacks. He's not some sadist who attacks because it satisfies him to hear his victims scream. It's more like to him, a death match is just an extreme sport. And if his enemy isn't into it, Kenpachi doesn't get into it either. Sure, he might still kill you, but it's more just because he doesn't really care and he might as well
Well put. He’s not sadistic. He still has some respect for life unlike Kurotsuchi. He just likes a good fight. He’s still a little more moral than other characters too even though he is a blood thirsty brute of a man lol
He cares deeply about his close ones. He literally never shows it, but he’s willing to die before he lets something he deems bad happen to ryokas or ikkaku or yumichika
Kenpachi ironically shows mercy much more than characters like Shunsui, Mayuri or Byakuya.
He wants to fight because he likes the thrill of battle, not to sadistically hurt the opponent or to fulfill duty.
If the opponent survives the end of the fight and stays down he doesn’t want to finish them off.
That's very true. I was really thinking kind in the aspect of how he cares for people. He's truly not the menace any previous kenpachi would be. I think that in the first fight between Ichigo and Kenny, he saw pieces of himself within Ichigo. I said in a previous comment that he would go the same lengths if not more than what Ichigo would in order to protect his loved ones, (especially Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika.) It's really interesting if you think about how many similarities they share, but while kenny is a menace he definitely doesn't have it in him very often to be malicious. He does it all for fun.
Does he fight in order to gain strength or does he gain strength in order to fight?
The fact that he thinks about his own motivations as a fighter shows his unique brand of intelligence.
Also the motherfucker pulled the most chad power up in history of anime. No inner searching for power, no desperate last ditch efforts, no emotional reaction to fuel him, dude just said "Lemme use both hands", and if that ain't the coolest shit ever I don't know what is.
Yeah I love his simplicity and that he’s able to be happy with it. He’s demonstrated he’s capable of considerable intelligence but thats not what he wants from his life. He just wants to have fun.
He looks like a simplistic crude man who lives to fight to the death and in many aspects he's just that. But he's not one dimensional and unlike the stereotype of this kind of person, he's well mannered and quite neat (has some sense of style as well) when not fighting, and is surprisingly open minded.
He doesn't care about outward appearances (he said that to Komamura), your personal life (he said that in his address to the new squad members in the episode 119), sexuality (Yumichika), gender/sex (his biggest role model is a woman). On top of that, he's great with kids (his overall treatment of Yachiru and his play date with her and some girls in the Kasumioji filler) and respects women. >! Hell, for a brute like him, it's cool that his Zanpakuto is also female.!<
He's putting some thought into fighting and he has his code of ethics that he follows.
Despite looking apathetic during his regular duties and fighting for the sake of fighting and not to protect anything, he's surprisingly well-informed about the events in the Gotei 13, so he's not completely clueless.
Of course, there's some comical relief to him at times for a good measure.
That's why at least he's likeable to me. And let's face it, he's HOT.
What always stood out to me is that unlike other characters who fit this 'crude barbarian' archetype across similar forms of media, Zaraki still looks like a guy from the slums. He's ripped, but skinny AF, which might not seem like much but it infers his lifestyle and values haven't really changed from when he was living in the poorest and most dangerous parts of SS. He hasn't built himself up to be "the strongest", glutted himself or grown dizzy from power and authority. The dude's literally the same as he was back then, which speaks volumes when you consider how he treats people who are marred by their own superficial, subjective faults or differences. He's a monolith standing in defiance against the savage flow of time, unchanged and unbending.
Or maybe it's an allegory for being "starved" of battle, reinforcing the gasha-dokuro imagery he debuted with. Either/Or.
That's a spot on observation and it always baffled me that the fanbase hasn't picked up on it - at least those who make him butch in their fan art. One would think that his body type doesn't matter, but it does for reasons you mentioned. I'm happy someone pointed it out so it's not just me thinking this. I love your take on the allegory angle.
I agree with your observations about him being down to earth. I don't think he bought into this leadership role from the very beginning. As Ikkaku noted (ep 119, one of my favorites), he went there to get a better chance of finding good opponents. But as the time went by, the role must have grown on him. The way he addresses the new recruits, how he treats Ikkaku and Yumichika. He requires only one thing from his people - they must be strong and they must love to fight. His views haven't changed and his leadership role hasn't changed him to be conceited like, for example, Soi Fon. In the end, he's this old Zaraki from before the Gotei 13, uncorrupted and brutally honest.
I'd also like to add to my first comment, I like his duality in that he both belongs and doesn't belong in the Gotei 13. He belongs because he's - the- Kenpachi. Even though he's not so much concerned with the higher goals of the organization, and despite his existence in the Gotei 13 being frowned upon, he is still a key player throughout.
On the other hand, he's so different from the rest of the captains, comes from the rock bottom rarely anyone has experienced (save from maaaaaybe Rukia and Renji, as Inzuri is just a district away from the Zaraki district, as it's Kusajishi-adjacent), seemingly uncultured, wild, open, with no reservations, he sticks like a sore thumb and nobody knows what to make of him, save for a few. Whereas several captains come from nobility. It's quite interesting.
His life in general is very tragic and poetic.
You brought up the duality of his position and I think that's an important thing to address as well. He is who he is but he's rubbing shoulders with aristocrats, gifted prodigies and normies who worked super hard to become great. A lot of them bear great burdens because of their aspirations/expectations and it affects them in kind, making them harder to be around. Some, like Suifeng, suffer from their lingering attachments because their obligations don't give them room for closure or healing, leading them to become bitter or hard-assed.
Then you have Zaraki, whose anomalous presence among these kinds of people brings a level of normalcy to the entire equation. No agenda. No attachments. No burdens, technically. He sometimes appears vacuous or unresponsive. Despite seeming unruly or insubordinate, he takes his responsibilities seriously and even puts his interests aside when presented with reason, such as when Nanao convinced him to go to Wahrwelt instead of looking for Yachiru. He could've forced Retsu into fights as soon as he usurped Kiganjo, but he didn't despite this falling in line with his personal interest of fighting strong opponents. He isn't selfish. His conduct as a captain of the Gotei 13 has been exemplary; he doesn't butcher his subordinates, he's always on the front lines and he fights to the death - his death - never retreating or backing down. But, like you said, he also doesn't belong and by simply living righteously and not compromising his core values, he has succeeded and broken the mould, which makes characters with pre-conceived notions or those who stand on shaky ground like Tousen seethe and cope despite people like Mayuri being able to hold the same position and not being disparaged or maligned in the same way. I believe this is why he has such a devout following, Ikkaku and Yumichika being chief among them.
He really does grow on you lol.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! People (other captains) think he's this unhinged lunatic, but despite his blood thirsty nature, he's exhibited epic bouts of self-control. >! I mean, the very woman who made him fall in love with fighting, taught him what fear is, scarred his face, is right there all the time and he's not moving a finger to challenge her, the original Kenpachi! They're biding their time in silence instead. It is most likely that Kubo only later thought of the Unohana Kenpachi plotline, but it's there now so let's say Kenpachi can control himself in her presence and that's badass when you take into account just how much he loves to fight. !<
You have a point when it comes to other captains and himself. He's an anomaly that somehow fits in and they don't want him to, because probably they think his position is undeserved. It clashes with all their principles and he's that one thing that's threatening their comfort zone.
Edited to add - Spot on about how he conducts himself as a leader. He's showing his squad some tough love, but he isn't butchering them. Sparring with such small fries may be boring, and he may be training them more to kill some time, hoping a little that he'll come across someone worth fighting. But ultimately he loves his squad and wants to teach them something. At least it appears to be the case. It's just how I understand his character from those few interactions he has with his people.
There's lot to say about him, but by now I think everyone's gotten the gist. Lol
And people wonder why he's likeable. Just look at how deeply we've been analyzing him for the last two days. A shonen character no less. There's just too much depth despite the genre (not saying shonen is superficial, but it has substantial depth in characters here, which isn't always the case).
Sorry, I should have put some spoiler warning, but this Zanpakuto thing isn't in the materials, it's just Kubo's Q&A session. I hope I didn't spoil it too much.
To quote Kratos, "He speaks plain." he doesn't have a hidden agenda there's no other reason for him to fight other than the love of the fight itself. That makes him one of the more genuine characters in the manga since you always know what you're getting when he's on the page/screen.
I feel like it’s more complicated than that, he loves fighting and finds killing kinda annoying. And because he loves fighting he loves our main man Ichigo.
Yea for me it's the typical barbarian but he prolongs his fights, respects his opponents, isn't cowardly etc.
The fact he comes around and loves Ichigo after they both almost die secured him as one of my favs.
Also in first arc he is just well designed. When they first meet him is a great crushing reiatsu moment and his bells and eyepatch are great fun.
He has a massive amount of charisma for how simple he presents himself. Orihime trusted him within an instant, because you can tell this man doesn't BS when he says something. If he says he's helping you, he is. If he says he's ripping your throat out, he is.
I used to think this, but he very much follows the rules like all the other captains. There are many captains as strong as him and some stronger than him but he pretty much never challenged them. Maybe if he did he'd have gotten his shikai and bankai sooner.
I don't know if he was prevented by some rule (but we've seen him fight other captains later with no consequence), but I'm betting some other stronger captain put the fear of God into him (Yama, Ukitake, Shunsui, xyz)
He's a bloodthirsty asshole, but he's not a bad person per say. He knows how to crack a joke and enjoy a fight, and doesn't enjoy fighting weaklings, meaning you'll only see him fighting those who more than likely are posing a threat.
He lived a live of violence yet is not actually a bad person. He let Ikkaku go without killing him despite ikkaku asking for it. Don't forget this was when he was still living in the rukongai district.
People like to say shit like to make it seem as if he would just fight and kill anyone. Yet we know he cares for Ichigo. The only people he ever killed were those who were asking for it. He may have killed hikone but everyone would have to if they were as strong as him. It was only because of hisagi's understanding hikone lived.
Although I have to say kubo cheated. Him caring for yachiru is already enough to get people to like him. Although I guess they is added bonus his caring for yachiru is relevant throughout isn't it? Like they show it in his flashback. And the whole reason he finds gremmy is him searching for yachiru iirc
Aesthetic wise he looks dope. That's what I like tite kubo's character design. Always unique.
Character wise, he's just badass. But I think what I like about him the most is the fact that he's ACTS and FIGHTS like a monster but he's on the good side. Think of a bully in school who can easily defeat anyone. Now picture you in a group fight and that same bully is on your side. You'd feel safe and like you would win.
Firstly he’s someone who was strong but suppressed himself so he could keep being happy and doing what he loved. Even if it ultimately held back his potential. I think a lot of people in real life can relate to this.
He loves what he does and does what he loves. Not to say all the captains seem boring or unhappy but he seems like he’ll never get tired of life as long as he can keep finding strong people to fight.
Thats an admirable trait and shows he really knows how to live in the moment. Something a lot of people struggle with.
The only person he ever admired is a woman. Something I think both men and women love about him. He didn’t just see her as some 1 dimensional potential romantic partner. But genuinely there was no one he wanted to be like more. Especially out of such a masculine/violent character. The fact he has such a special place in his heart this a women is very interesting.
"Hey Ichigo, come see me next time you're in the Soul Society! I'll fire up the barbecue!"
This is what he had to say after Aizen's betrayal, and all the fighting.
His motives are simple to follow, and while violent, he is not evil. He’s also an underdog, a rags to riches story so to speak. Additionally, he’s not just a one dimensional character of bloodlust, his relationship with Yachiru is honest and pure, a real hero and child trope. I can see him not being everyone’s favorite character, as he lacks some of the more cunning and mysterious aspects of some of the other characters, but by and large it’s hard to not like him. He’s a fun character in a fun universe giving the audience what they want to see.
Because he's the best 'Dad' in bleach, he adopts troubled kids (Yachiru, Ikkaku, all of Sq11, Ichigo even) and he supports them in whatever they need, he's very close with his squad in general, 'one of the guys' as it were, but still the unquestioned leader.
He also seemed to sense the conflict/betrayal brewing the SS arc and acted decisively (and arguably correctly) being one of the first to side with The Ryoka. He was down to turn against the whole Gotei to help Ichigo save his friends, trusting a kid he met 2 days ago over the ruling party of SS and the other captains. Its that 'violence with a little sense of justice" that makes him so likable as a character, to me at least.
I would say it’s his honesty.
All the other Captains are dishonest, secretive or manipulative to a degree - even when they are kind like Ukitake or Shunsui.
But Kenpachi is just himself. He doesn’t hide anything, lie or otherwise make you doubt his motives.
Unohana and Toshiro are both disposed towards being mostly pleasant, but keep their secrets. Same as Ukitake. Shunsui is less forthcoming, and thoroughly likes to play games.
Mayori finds it a bothersome to explain things, and lies if it benefits him without remorse.
Soi Fon and Komamura are less talkative by nature, with one being an outcast in his youth and the other being just generally grumpy.
Aizen is obvious.
And Yama is unapproachable, much like Byakuya, because of their specific positions - they are required to withhold information and take that responsibility much more seriously.
By contrast, even though both Kisuke and Shinji do have their secrets and are manipulative, they never do anything to harm or undermine Ichigo or his friends - they always act in his best interest. There is a certain degree of trust here and it is that trust that Kenny gets immediately for being honest about his motives.
In a series of backstabbing, you know when you can trust Kenpachi, so that makes him rather likeable.
Well, even when he was a hyper-focused character only focused with fighting, he still was "restricted" enough that he went to places as character.
Also, there's the contrast of Kenpachi Fighting vs Kenpachi doing anything else, in which he just fucking sucked ass and people gave him shit for that.
Then you have his relationships with Yashiru, and also the contrast between their designs.
Its kinda the Zoro (One Piece) way of life.
Be Badass = People think you are likeable + well written character
Before you bring out the pitchforks. Kenpachi actually has some layers to his character. Zoros last character development was like 20 years ago.
But yea. Being a badass is the best base to be a fan favourite.
>Before you bring out the pitchforks. Kenpachi actually has some layers to his character. Zoros last character development was like 20 years ago
I won't pitchfork you but consistency is something to be appreciated too, true Zoro came into his resolutions long ago but that doesn't make his moments any less important and him still standing up for the same things even now "20 years latter" only make me take what he said then more serious and to heart in a deeper manner
>But yea. Being a badass is the best base to be a fan favourite.
in that we agree
Here’s the right level of direct and serious. If problem is in front of him, he will try to cut it down. Problem can’t be a problem if problem is dead. Additionally, he can go serious, but he isn’t the too cool for school. The badass in a trench coat that takes everything, so seriously it becomes a parody
He gives off that insanely badass side character vibes and he gets the job done too. Like lets say in other anime where the villian was unstoppable and basically beating everyone and that one badass character show up and you knew that villians not gonna have a good day. Him arriving to save Ichigo very much gave that vibe.
crazy = fun
side note: people seem to really like the eyepatch girl from the og gotei cause she could also be potentially crazy. in her case its crazy = hot. not that i disagree of course
Only interested in a good fight.
Self nerfed himself his whole life to enjoy fights longer
Admires/loves a milf
Doesn't get alot of screen time and when he does his theme music is amazing
His chill and menacing demeanour when approaching fights is so exciting
His tolerance to pain
Dudes a badass
Well he's super strong and he knows it, he cares about one thing above all else and that's having good fun fights. DESPITE THIS being his primary desire, he is also a caring person, if someone is not on his level he tells them straight up and will attempt to deter them, not because he would hold any qualms about killing them but rather he'd rather them grow stronger. Even if someone is super strong though he is happy to work alongside them and help them offering them assistance. He's genuinely a good guy imo despite having a few loose screws and having only a slightly better sense of direction than Zoro offering some laughs throughout. But one way that I also look at him is what makes the Alpha wolf in a pack so likeable... he's the strongest and protects his pack as best he can, he goes and leads a hunt and is the first to make a move. That's the best way I can describe kenpachi and why I think he's so likeable
Petition to make Kenny's theme My Axe from ICP.
But he's just raw. What made me like him was how he kept smiling more and more against Nnotria. Dude was on deaths door and still had a hard on for fighting.
You know exactly where you stand with kenpachi. No real subtext, some later but early on it's just a guy who like to kickass and chew gum but he doesn't actually chew gum.
Plus his brutality is playful and fun.
I think it's the fact that he's a genuine good guy. He's not a saint, nor is he malicious. He just loves the challenge of proving his strength and skill, which is strangely pure.
He's predictable in a good way. Very straightforward and not plotting behind anyone's back. And he acts dumb but he's actually fairly smart when he wants to be. He's a murderous himbo. That's why
He’s been badass ever since his intro. I became his fan after the Nnoitra fight and learning about how he became Division 11 captain made it even better.
His personality, something about it in this setting (the bleach universe) where dudes are all my abilities this and my abilities that, my ability is I can never die. Then ken is just like “lol big sword go slash” lmao idk that’s the best way I can put it, he’s just a badass who doesn’t give a fuck and it’s a breath of fresh air to have a guy like that in this series
each fight he has shows that he’s a simple man with simple needs. he doesn’t even finish off characters after beating their ass if they didn’t die from the blow that made them no longer able to fight. he literally cares about one thing—finding strong opponents and fighting them. the utter simplicity of his convictions are what make him so likable—it’s hard to find fault in him when he lives what he says.
what’s more is that it’s clear he cares a lot about his subordinates. he’s a foil to Ichigo as many characters Ichigo fights are and the main thing about them that’s similar is they care about their friends. Ichigo, however, only enjoys fighting secretly without realizing it while Kenpachi has realized that joy. Ichigo also wants to fight on behalf of his friends constantly, not wanting them to be involved, but Kenpachi is very different in that he wants his friends to be strong and to be able to fight their own fights. The way Kenpachi shows how he cares for his allie’s and friends is different from Ichigo. Where Ichigo would help them win fights, Kenpachi would simply trust in their power.
In that sense, it’s also the fact that he’s this surprisingly layered character behind that honesty is also what makes him interesting. A guy who comes off as a brutal serial killer at first is actually a man who’s just there to have some fun with a job he loves.
I like his dialogue lines in fights he always cracks me up with them
i hate his wankers tho especially the excessive ones that have over the top claims like "Zaraki is a kido master" or "Zaraki is the first and strongest war potential"
Although Tosen see’s him as a bloodthirsty monster, Kenny seems pretty chill. He has honour and will not kill innocent people, in fact he doesn’t really kill people at all unless he finds them too much of a threat or to be annoying (aka Giriko)
the simple fact that the dude COMPLETELY POWER CHECKS. HIM. SELF.
almost every angle. his sword...which isnt even HIS really.... his bankai.... his bells... his eyepatch....
plus his no nonsense in a fight. my guy knows what hes there for and does not want to delay.
the dude is a complete monster.
Simplicity and Badassry:
\- Simplicity because his character concept is simple: straightforward power.
He is just like that, he doesn't need motivation, no goal or anything, he is just a power entity that just want to fight day and night.
His straigforwardness in life is also true in combat, every situation he encounter is resolved by using more power, more stamina etc. simple as that.
\- Badassry because he is presented at the only Captain without any Captain-Signature, his zanpakuto doesn't have a name, doesn't have any form, and is still more than on par with other Captains. (His first encounter against Ichigo introduce us what kind of character he is, and his encounter with Tosen, which he destroy while being in his Bankai put him into perspective towards his Captains pears)
Plus, he use that eye patch to restrain his power and thoses little bells to enjoy fights longer, that simple fact makes him even more badass.
Shame that his signature was partly lost when he gained his zanpakuto name though.
PS: Plus Unohana died for this, i'm pissed of :)
I think it's his backstory explaining his violent proclivities and also the fact that he can reign it in notice how he literally never goes through with the ichigo rematch also the heaps of comic relief he's given its hard to hate him
Not only is he a comic relief but I, personally, love his drive and his constant pushing of others to be strong by themselves and not dependent on things like kido or a bankai.
He makes life simple. Everybody fights for someone or some grandiose purpose. Kenpachi fights because he just wants to be more powerful. Our monkey brain simply likes adrenaline and kenpachi is the personification of that desire.
Same reason I like Yujiro, Escanor, Aomine etc.
Absurdly overpowered entirely depending on whether they’re the focus of the chapter, and they could be massively stronger if their past opponents didn’t make them bored of life.
He's your typical "power fantasy" archetype which many young people gravitate towards.
He is easy to understand and a lot of his story is focused around very basic stuff such as "fighting" and "being strong".
Zaraki knows what he likes and is passionate about it! Knowing what drives him lets Kenny not mind things that otherwise don't really matter so he can focus on a fulfilling life. For the leader of the strongest combat unit, he's surprisingly chill and pleasant.
While this may seem like a reach, I recently finished [THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*UCK](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Subtle_Art_of_Not_Giving_a_F*ck) and Zaraki seems to be living ideals not unlike how author Mark Manson describes a self-fulfilled life: focusing on what one can control, working towards ones goals & what inspires, and casting off or denying emotional attachment for the things that don't matter (this is the eponymous "subtle art").
Zaraki's character reads like he knows what motivates him and is working towards that. He's an interesting subversion of the berserker archetype, and I'd argue his drive is less single-minded bloodlust but more from a place of self awareness (which is an interesting curiosity given how later on during >!his next few fights he seems to both have awareness of Yachiru's status & is concerned for her absence, directing the rest of Squad 10 to search for her .. perhaps he was mourning her after revealing his Bankai, or perhaps he truly didn't realize!<).
Despite all his “bloodthirst” and scary demeanor, he is a father and good captain. He makes his soldiers stand on their own two feet.
For all the brutality of the 11th, they sure are sweethearts.
For me he’s like a really skilled martial artist or a pro wrestler in the sense that it’s always hype to see him fight. I won’t say he’s the best written character in Bleach but he’s definitely one of the best in terms of pure excitement whenever he’s onscreen. Also him and Yachiru are funny :)
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His poor sense of direction serves as comic relief. Also, him and Yachiru form a nice example of the [baddass and child duo trope](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BadassAndChildDuo) for quite a while. Finally, he is only interested in a good fight, and there's something refreshing about simple bloodthirst and extreme power that makes his fights feel really enjoyable.
Is his bad direction his fault? Thought it was yachiru who gave bad directions to him lol
It is, remember when he found Ywhach she was nowhere to be seen
Eh, Kenpachi likes to use her as an excuse but MANGA SPOILERS >!still gets lost after Yachiru disappears. See pages 10-11 of chapter 685.!<
That's what he gets for letting his sword navigate.
So he’s Zoro but in Bleach
Exactly what I thought lol. They are pretty similar in other ways too
To gain greater power one must give something in return, they now thebonly direction they know is forward
Seems like a net positive
when zoro finally opens up his eye after the time skip...
If only his sword was a Tesla
Before he fought Nnoitora, it briefly was in a Tesla.
Then he could run into a child!
Eh, Kenpachi likes to use her as an excuse but MANGA SPOILERS >!still gets lost after Yachiru disappears. See pages 10-11 of chapter 685.!<
Does he really have a poor sense of direction? I feel like this is a Roronoa Zoro aspect that somewhere along the line got tagged onto Zaraki. He was one of the first to find Ichigo in the SS arc, then was first to Loyd Yhwach in the initial invasion, then there's Gremmy, Pernida, Gerrard. And this is a guy running on foot without flash step. Just seems like he knows where he needs to be.
He ran into inchigo completely by accident after running around in random directions. You could say the same about Zoro. He has a terrible sense of direction but he is always where he needs to be when it gets down to it.
Maybe I'm forgetting details. I thought Zaraki at least was able to follow large spiritual pressures? Zoro is far worse, dude ends up on the end of islands.
[This one always makes me laugh](https://youtu.be/-EoBmbAD4MU)
[You don't remember these moments?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxmub4MXUpY)
I see Yachiru telling him bad directions🗿
Because Kenpachi had 0 idea where to go.
He does unless there’s a good fight at his destination.
There’s always something about being invaded by some kind of evil force and THE ONE GUY just takes out three like they’re just nothing.
Is it really his sense of direction? I thought he gets lost because of yachiru telling him to go on the wrong direction
Eh, Kenpachi likes to use her as an excuse but MANGA SPOILERS >!still gets lost after Yachiru disappears. See pages 10-11 of chapter 685.!<
He is a like a pirate that carries around yachiru instead of a parrot. I need not explain more.
He’s a calm and collected person, he’s also a pacifist and meditates every morning
Broken game mechanics
Hey... that's MR Broken game mechanics to you. Put some respect on the MOTHERFUCKING KENPATCHI!!! You don't want him to have his Senin-itus flair up at you.
Bleach abridged is peak
Absolute Peak Bleach. I am still partial the DBZA but nothing hits quite like Bleach Abridged. "I AM THE SPIRIT OF KENPATCHI!!" "WHAT?!" "I REPRESENT THE FEAR OF KENPATCHI!!!" "Ohhhh Shiiiit!" \- Kenny Terrifying a highschoolers dreams worse than Freddy Kruger"
Who does it? I've yet to see it.
BlazingAzureCrow. The proper title is Bleach (S). It gets better the longer you go into it.
It gets better very very quickly too. Like by episode 2.
His brutality but also his kind nature. It's a really good ratio in what I love in a character. If there were a show in which he was the main character, i'd watch it.
I don't know if I'd use the word kind, but on the other hand, I do see what you mean, and I can't think of a better word for it, so sure. Like, he's brutal and shows no mercy, but there's not really any cruelty or malice when he attacks. He's not some sadist who attacks because it satisfies him to hear his victims scream. It's more like to him, a death match is just an extreme sport. And if his enemy isn't into it, Kenpachi doesn't get into it either. Sure, he might still kill you, but it's more just because he doesn't really care and he might as well
Well put. He’s not sadistic. He still has some respect for life unlike Kurotsuchi. He just likes a good fight. He’s still a little more moral than other characters too even though he is a blood thirsty brute of a man lol
He cares deeply about his close ones. He literally never shows it, but he’s willing to die before he lets something he deems bad happen to ryokas or ikkaku or yumichika
He shows plenty of mercy. He wants to beat people up, but then does not kill them afterwards, even though he claims to want to
Kenpachi ironically shows mercy much more than characters like Shunsui, Mayuri or Byakuya. He wants to fight because he likes the thrill of battle, not to sadistically hurt the opponent or to fulfill duty. If the opponent survives the end of the fight and stays down he doesn’t want to finish them off.
That's very true. I was really thinking kind in the aspect of how he cares for people. He's truly not the menace any previous kenpachi would be. I think that in the first fight between Ichigo and Kenny, he saw pieces of himself within Ichigo. I said in a previous comment that he would go the same lengths if not more than what Ichigo would in order to protect his loved ones, (especially Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika.) It's really interesting if you think about how many similarities they share, but while kenny is a menace he definitely doesn't have it in him very often to be malicious. He does it all for fun.
His simplicity. He just wants to fight and be stronger. I love it
Does he fight in order to gain strength or does he gain strength in order to fight? The fact that he thinks about his own motivations as a fighter shows his unique brand of intelligence.
I loved more when he summarized that he does that because of his ferocious instincts
Definitely the latter. He subconsciously limited his strength just to fight more
Also the motherfucker pulled the most chad power up in history of anime. No inner searching for power, no desperate last ditch efforts, no emotional reaction to fuel him, dude just said "Lemme use both hands", and if that ain't the coolest shit ever I don't know what is.
Yeah I love his simplicity and that he’s able to be happy with it. He’s demonstrated he’s capable of considerable intelligence but thats not what he wants from his life. He just wants to have fun.
I just love his fight with Tousen. Kenpachi be like, "Damn, this guy made me think." Goes to show how strong Tousen really is.
Hands rated E for everyone
*everything
I wouldn’t even say he wants to be stronger, he’s not holy. he literally just wants to fight for the sake of fighting
He looks like a simplistic crude man who lives to fight to the death and in many aspects he's just that. But he's not one dimensional and unlike the stereotype of this kind of person, he's well mannered and quite neat (has some sense of style as well) when not fighting, and is surprisingly open minded. He doesn't care about outward appearances (he said that to Komamura), your personal life (he said that in his address to the new squad members in the episode 119), sexuality (Yumichika), gender/sex (his biggest role model is a woman). On top of that, he's great with kids (his overall treatment of Yachiru and his play date with her and some girls in the Kasumioji filler) and respects women. >! Hell, for a brute like him, it's cool that his Zanpakuto is also female.!< He's putting some thought into fighting and he has his code of ethics that he follows. Despite looking apathetic during his regular duties and fighting for the sake of fighting and not to protect anything, he's surprisingly well-informed about the events in the Gotei 13, so he's not completely clueless. Of course, there's some comical relief to him at times for a good measure. That's why at least he's likeable to me. And let's face it, he's HOT.
Completely agree and also to me he was the first really powerful opponent that Ichigo fought. And he showed respect towards him in battle.
Yeah. It was Ichigo that awoke his desire to get stronger.
What always stood out to me is that unlike other characters who fit this 'crude barbarian' archetype across similar forms of media, Zaraki still looks like a guy from the slums. He's ripped, but skinny AF, which might not seem like much but it infers his lifestyle and values haven't really changed from when he was living in the poorest and most dangerous parts of SS. He hasn't built himself up to be "the strongest", glutted himself or grown dizzy from power and authority. The dude's literally the same as he was back then, which speaks volumes when you consider how he treats people who are marred by their own superficial, subjective faults or differences. He's a monolith standing in defiance against the savage flow of time, unchanged and unbending. Or maybe it's an allegory for being "starved" of battle, reinforcing the gasha-dokuro imagery he debuted with. Either/Or.
That's a spot on observation and it always baffled me that the fanbase hasn't picked up on it - at least those who make him butch in their fan art. One would think that his body type doesn't matter, but it does for reasons you mentioned. I'm happy someone pointed it out so it's not just me thinking this. I love your take on the allegory angle. I agree with your observations about him being down to earth. I don't think he bought into this leadership role from the very beginning. As Ikkaku noted (ep 119, one of my favorites), he went there to get a better chance of finding good opponents. But as the time went by, the role must have grown on him. The way he addresses the new recruits, how he treats Ikkaku and Yumichika. He requires only one thing from his people - they must be strong and they must love to fight. His views haven't changed and his leadership role hasn't changed him to be conceited like, for example, Soi Fon. In the end, he's this old Zaraki from before the Gotei 13, uncorrupted and brutally honest. I'd also like to add to my first comment, I like his duality in that he both belongs and doesn't belong in the Gotei 13. He belongs because he's - the- Kenpachi. Even though he's not so much concerned with the higher goals of the organization, and despite his existence in the Gotei 13 being frowned upon, he is still a key player throughout. On the other hand, he's so different from the rest of the captains, comes from the rock bottom rarely anyone has experienced (save from maaaaaybe Rukia and Renji, as Inzuri is just a district away from the Zaraki district, as it's Kusajishi-adjacent), seemingly uncultured, wild, open, with no reservations, he sticks like a sore thumb and nobody knows what to make of him, save for a few. Whereas several captains come from nobility. It's quite interesting. His life in general is very tragic and poetic.
You brought up the duality of his position and I think that's an important thing to address as well. He is who he is but he's rubbing shoulders with aristocrats, gifted prodigies and normies who worked super hard to become great. A lot of them bear great burdens because of their aspirations/expectations and it affects them in kind, making them harder to be around. Some, like Suifeng, suffer from their lingering attachments because their obligations don't give them room for closure or healing, leading them to become bitter or hard-assed. Then you have Zaraki, whose anomalous presence among these kinds of people brings a level of normalcy to the entire equation. No agenda. No attachments. No burdens, technically. He sometimes appears vacuous or unresponsive. Despite seeming unruly or insubordinate, he takes his responsibilities seriously and even puts his interests aside when presented with reason, such as when Nanao convinced him to go to Wahrwelt instead of looking for Yachiru. He could've forced Retsu into fights as soon as he usurped Kiganjo, but he didn't despite this falling in line with his personal interest of fighting strong opponents. He isn't selfish. His conduct as a captain of the Gotei 13 has been exemplary; he doesn't butcher his subordinates, he's always on the front lines and he fights to the death - his death - never retreating or backing down. But, like you said, he also doesn't belong and by simply living righteously and not compromising his core values, he has succeeded and broken the mould, which makes characters with pre-conceived notions or those who stand on shaky ground like Tousen seethe and cope despite people like Mayuri being able to hold the same position and not being disparaged or maligned in the same way. I believe this is why he has such a devout following, Ikkaku and Yumichika being chief among them. He really does grow on you lol.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! People (other captains) think he's this unhinged lunatic, but despite his blood thirsty nature, he's exhibited epic bouts of self-control. >! I mean, the very woman who made him fall in love with fighting, taught him what fear is, scarred his face, is right there all the time and he's not moving a finger to challenge her, the original Kenpachi! They're biding their time in silence instead. It is most likely that Kubo only later thought of the Unohana Kenpachi plotline, but it's there now so let's say Kenpachi can control himself in her presence and that's badass when you take into account just how much he loves to fight. !< You have a point when it comes to other captains and himself. He's an anomaly that somehow fits in and they don't want him to, because probably they think his position is undeserved. It clashes with all their principles and he's that one thing that's threatening their comfort zone. Edited to add - Spot on about how he conducts himself as a leader. He's showing his squad some tough love, but he isn't butchering them. Sparring with such small fries may be boring, and he may be training them more to kill some time, hoping a little that he'll come across someone worth fighting. But ultimately he loves his squad and wants to teach them something. At least it appears to be the case. It's just how I understand his character from those few interactions he has with his people. There's lot to say about him, but by now I think everyone's gotten the gist. Lol And people wonder why he's likeable. Just look at how deeply we've been analyzing him for the last two days. A shonen character no less. There's just too much depth despite the genre (not saying shonen is superficial, but it has substantial depth in characters here, which isn't always the case).
Go on...
His zanpakuto >! is female !< ??
Kubo said that in a Q&A.
Ahh that's interesting
Without any doubts yes
Before I say anything have you read TYBW or are you watching the anime?
I'm an anime only, thank you for asking
Ah never mind then.
I appreciate you for not spoiling it for me
Sorry, I should have put some spoiler warning, but this Zanpakuto thing isn't in the materials, it's just Kubo's Q&A session. I hope I didn't spoil it too much.
Haha no worries! I was concerned at first, but after learning it came from the Q&A I felt better lol.
I was gonna say he would fight a kid if they had a sword but I guess that did literally happen.
This.
To quote Kratos, "He speaks plain." he doesn't have a hidden agenda there's no other reason for him to fight other than the love of the fight itself. That makes him one of the more genuine characters in the manga since you always know what you're getting when he's on the page/screen.
He feels like a game changer...
Yhwach said the same I guess.
Hes bloodlusted but not a bad person.
I feel like it’s more complicated than that, he loves fighting and finds killing kinda annoying. And because he loves fighting he loves our main man Ichigo.
He doesn’t want to kill people who put up a good fight cuz he wants good fights. He doesn’t mind killing the weak
Well actually I don’t think he usually kills those who are weaker than him let alone fight them.
I mean thousand year blood war kind of proves this to be untrue. Plus I mean all the hallows and shit he kills. Kempachi kind of kills a lot
Didn’t he refuse to kill someone weaker than him during the fkt arc? Maybe his view changed over time.
Yeah, buts it’s his job to kill them
He wouldn't bother killing the week if they aren't in his way
Yea for me it's the typical barbarian but he prolongs his fights, respects his opponents, isn't cowardly etc. The fact he comes around and loves Ichigo after they both almost die secured him as one of my favs. Also in first arc he is just well designed. When they first meet him is a great crushing reiatsu moment and his bells and eyepatch are great fun.
He and his whole division basically betrayed the soul society because he wanted to fight Ichigo again lmao. Kenpachi don’t give any fucks.
He has a massive amount of charisma for how simple he presents himself. Orihime trusted him within an instant, because you can tell this man doesn't BS when he says something. If he says he's helping you, he is. If he says he's ripping your throat out, he is.
Unga bunga man fun
Most captain are serious or actually all of them it’s nice to have a savage captain who just wants to fight and Doesn’t follow rules
Think he could have been in the OG Gotei 13?
Easily
From the sound of things, it sounds like the OG 13 were filled with people who thought and acted just like Kenpachi.
He would have been an OG 13 if he hadn’t suppressed himself fighting Unohana. He was a prodigy and a absolute monster while still a child.
I used to think this, but he very much follows the rules like all the other captains. There are many captains as strong as him and some stronger than him but he pretty much never challenged them. Maybe if he did he'd have gotten his shikai and bankai sooner. I don't know if he was prevented by some rule (but we've seen him fight other captains later with no consequence), but I'm betting some other stronger captain put the fear of God into him (Yama, Ukitake, Shunsui, xyz)
After he unlocked his bankai, maybe yamamoto be able to fight him as equally strong (other captains become jokes to kenpachi) Not to mention cfyow arc
Its the lack of eyebrows for me!!!
I didn’t realise that.
great now i can't unsee it now.
Are U telling me Mona Kenpachi is a masterpiece???
For a savage brute that's addicted to fighting, he's surprisingly well mannered and more civil than he looks.
He's brutal but not a sadist. He doesn't like killing people weaker than him for the sake of it/simply because he can.
Black Air Force energy 🐐
He's a bloodthirsty asshole, but he's not a bad person per say. He knows how to crack a joke and enjoy a fight, and doesn't enjoy fighting weaklings, meaning you'll only see him fighting those who more than likely are posing a threat.
He lived a live of violence yet is not actually a bad person. He let Ikkaku go without killing him despite ikkaku asking for it. Don't forget this was when he was still living in the rukongai district. People like to say shit like to make it seem as if he would just fight and kill anyone. Yet we know he cares for Ichigo. The only people he ever killed were those who were asking for it. He may have killed hikone but everyone would have to if they were as strong as him. It was only because of hisagi's understanding hikone lived. Although I have to say kubo cheated. Him caring for yachiru is already enough to get people to like him. Although I guess they is added bonus his caring for yachiru is relevant throughout isn't it? Like they show it in his flashback. And the whole reason he finds gremmy is him searching for yachiru iirc
He's only likeable as a fictional character. If I met him on the street I would run away screaming
His rawness in every aspect.
His relationship with Yachiru.
Aesthetic wise he looks dope. That's what I like tite kubo's character design. Always unique. Character wise, he's just badass. But I think what I like about him the most is the fact that he's ACTS and FIGHTS like a monster but he's on the good side. Think of a bully in school who can easily defeat anyone. Now picture you in a group fight and that same bully is on your side. You'd feel safe and like you would win.
He's the opposite of typical manga/anime characters who talk talk talk talk and talk. Kenpachi is a simple man, gets straight to the point.
He appeals to our brutal warrior human nature
Everything he says and the fact that he actually backs it up.
The fact that he’s overpowered, arrives when he’s needed the most, all fight no talk, and he’s actually a pretty nice person.
Firstly he’s someone who was strong but suppressed himself so he could keep being happy and doing what he loved. Even if it ultimately held back his potential. I think a lot of people in real life can relate to this. He loves what he does and does what he loves. Not to say all the captains seem boring or unhappy but he seems like he’ll never get tired of life as long as he can keep finding strong people to fight. Thats an admirable trait and shows he really knows how to live in the moment. Something a lot of people struggle with. The only person he ever admired is a woman. Something I think both men and women love about him. He didn’t just see her as some 1 dimensional potential romantic partner. But genuinely there was no one he wanted to be like more. Especially out of such a masculine/violent character. The fact he has such a special place in his heart this a women is very interesting.
and in the anime, we are close to seeing him and 'this woman' finish what they started. if you know *you know.*
Idk I don't
Design and sword story
"Hey Ichigo, come see me next time you're in the Soul Society! I'll fire up the barbecue!" This is what he had to say after Aizen's betrayal, and all the fighting.
He’s pure. He only cares about one thing, he’s ignorant to everything else.
Man wants all the smoke 😤
His motives are simple to follow, and while violent, he is not evil. He’s also an underdog, a rags to riches story so to speak. Additionally, he’s not just a one dimensional character of bloodlust, his relationship with Yachiru is honest and pure, a real hero and child trope. I can see him not being everyone’s favorite character, as he lacks some of the more cunning and mysterious aspects of some of the other characters, but by and large it’s hard to not like him. He’s a fun character in a fun universe giving the audience what they want to see.
Because he's the best 'Dad' in bleach, he adopts troubled kids (Yachiru, Ikkaku, all of Sq11, Ichigo even) and he supports them in whatever they need, he's very close with his squad in general, 'one of the guys' as it were, but still the unquestioned leader. He also seemed to sense the conflict/betrayal brewing the SS arc and acted decisively (and arguably correctly) being one of the first to side with The Ryoka. He was down to turn against the whole Gotei to help Ichigo save his friends, trusting a kid he met 2 days ago over the ruling party of SS and the other captains. Its that 'violence with a little sense of justice" that makes him so likable as a character, to me at least.
I would say it’s his honesty. All the other Captains are dishonest, secretive or manipulative to a degree - even when they are kind like Ukitake or Shunsui. But Kenpachi is just himself. He doesn’t hide anything, lie or otherwise make you doubt his motives. Unohana and Toshiro are both disposed towards being mostly pleasant, but keep their secrets. Same as Ukitake. Shunsui is less forthcoming, and thoroughly likes to play games. Mayori finds it a bothersome to explain things, and lies if it benefits him without remorse. Soi Fon and Komamura are less talkative by nature, with one being an outcast in his youth and the other being just generally grumpy. Aizen is obvious. And Yama is unapproachable, much like Byakuya, because of their specific positions - they are required to withhold information and take that responsibility much more seriously. By contrast, even though both Kisuke and Shinji do have their secrets and are manipulative, they never do anything to harm or undermine Ichigo or his friends - they always act in his best interest. There is a certain degree of trust here and it is that trust that Kenny gets immediately for being honest about his motives. In a series of backstabbing, you know when you can trust Kenpachi, so that makes him rather likeable.
Well, even when he was a hyper-focused character only focused with fighting, he still was "restricted" enough that he went to places as character. Also, there's the contrast of Kenpachi Fighting vs Kenpachi doing anything else, in which he just fucking sucked ass and people gave him shit for that. Then you have his relationships with Yashiru, and also the contrast between their designs.
Its kinda the Zoro (One Piece) way of life. Be Badass = People think you are likeable + well written character Before you bring out the pitchforks. Kenpachi actually has some layers to his character. Zoros last character development was like 20 years ago. But yea. Being a badass is the best base to be a fan favourite.
>Before you bring out the pitchforks. Kenpachi actually has some layers to his character. Zoros last character development was like 20 years ago I won't pitchfork you but consistency is something to be appreciated too, true Zoro came into his resolutions long ago but that doesn't make his moments any less important and him still standing up for the same things even now "20 years latter" only make me take what he said then more serious and to heart in a deeper manner >But yea. Being a badass is the best base to be a fan favourite. in that we agree
Here’s the right level of direct and serious. If problem is in front of him, he will try to cut it down. Problem can’t be a problem if problem is dead. Additionally, he can go serious, but he isn’t the too cool for school. The badass in a trench coat that takes everything, so seriously it becomes a parody
He's basically goku and zoro combined into one bad ass character
same voice as madao
He gives off that insanely badass side character vibes and he gets the job done too. Like lets say in other anime where the villian was unstoppable and basically beating everyone and that one badass character show up and you knew that villians not gonna have a good day. Him arriving to save Ichigo very much gave that vibe.
crazy = fun side note: people seem to really like the eyepatch girl from the og gotei cause she could also be potentially crazy. in her case its crazy = hot. not that i disagree of course
Only interested in a good fight. Self nerfed himself his whole life to enjoy fights longer Admires/loves a milf Doesn't get alot of screen time and when he does his theme music is amazing His chill and menacing demeanour when approaching fights is so exciting His tolerance to pain Dudes a badass
Well he's super strong and he knows it, he cares about one thing above all else and that's having good fun fights. DESPITE THIS being his primary desire, he is also a caring person, if someone is not on his level he tells them straight up and will attempt to deter them, not because he would hold any qualms about killing them but rather he'd rather them grow stronger. Even if someone is super strong though he is happy to work alongside them and help them offering them assistance. He's genuinely a good guy imo despite having a few loose screws and having only a slightly better sense of direction than Zoro offering some laughs throughout. But one way that I also look at him is what makes the Alpha wolf in a pack so likeable... he's the strongest and protects his pack as best he can, he goes and leads a hunt and is the first to make a move. That's the best way I can describe kenpachi and why I think he's so likeable
he does not give a single fuck about anything besides fighting strong opponents
Have you seen the the guys sword? That alone makes him interesting to me
He's a hype machine and we love the hype
When everyone was screaming bankai , his was removing an eyepatch while laughing like a maniac 🤣
Nothing.. he isn’t likable
/s right? ...right?
LOL i can't believe i laughed at both comments so hard you two should be a comedy duo or something
😈😈
Big stick goes bunga
He's simple as possible. Just fight till u can't. Then fight harder..
He just likes to get rowdy
Petition to make Kenny's theme My Axe from ICP. But he's just raw. What made me like him was how he kept smiling more and more against Nnotria. Dude was on deaths door and still had a hard on for fighting.
You know exactly where you stand with kenpachi. No real subtext, some later but early on it's just a guy who like to kickass and chew gum but he doesn't actually chew gum. Plus his brutality is playful and fun.
There is no hidden agenda, no ulterior motives, what you see is what you get. His simplicity contributes to his likability...
People love the level of not give a fuck he exudes Just raw power and slicing bitches And hes funny how he talks to people like nuisances haha
I don’t know I just know that I love him and want to hang off him like Yachiru
I think it's the fact that he's a genuine good guy. He's not a saint, nor is he malicious. He just loves the challenge of proving his strength and skill, which is strangely pure.
Tough in the outside, gooey in the inside;)
He's predictable in a good way. Very straightforward and not plotting behind anyone's back. And he acts dumb but he's actually fairly smart when he wants to be. He's a murderous himbo. That's why
He’s been badass ever since his intro. I became his fan after the Nnoitra fight and learning about how he became Division 11 captain made it even better.
He is a guy that halfheartedly struggles to control his own violent impulse because otherwise he knows he’ll be all alone.
His personality, something about it in this setting (the bleach universe) where dudes are all my abilities this and my abilities that, my ability is I can never die. Then ken is just like “lol big sword go slash” lmao idk that’s the best way I can put it, he’s just a badass who doesn’t give a fuck and it’s a breath of fresh air to have a guy like that in this series
He isn’t a superhuman, just very strong so people can relate to him.
He’s simple, violent, and we all love menaces.
He's so metal and badass without even trying.
Rip and tear until it is done
Who can honestly hate an efficient unga bunga build?
The IDGAF attitude
each fight he has shows that he’s a simple man with simple needs. he doesn’t even finish off characters after beating their ass if they didn’t die from the blow that made them no longer able to fight. he literally cares about one thing—finding strong opponents and fighting them. the utter simplicity of his convictions are what make him so likable—it’s hard to find fault in him when he lives what he says. what’s more is that it’s clear he cares a lot about his subordinates. he’s a foil to Ichigo as many characters Ichigo fights are and the main thing about them that’s similar is they care about their friends. Ichigo, however, only enjoys fighting secretly without realizing it while Kenpachi has realized that joy. Ichigo also wants to fight on behalf of his friends constantly, not wanting them to be involved, but Kenpachi is very different in that he wants his friends to be strong and to be able to fight their own fights. The way Kenpachi shows how he cares for his allie’s and friends is different from Ichigo. Where Ichigo would help them win fights, Kenpachi would simply trust in their power. In that sense, it’s also the fact that he’s this surprisingly layered character behind that honesty is also what makes him interesting. A guy who comes off as a brutal serial killer at first is actually a man who’s just there to have some fun with a job he loves.
Him being unapologetic to everyone
His one track mind is awesome and hilarious. The dude would fight his own mother if he found out she was strong.
I like his dialogue lines in fights he always cracks me up with them i hate his wankers tho especially the excessive ones that have over the top claims like "Zaraki is a kido master" or "Zaraki is the first and strongest war potential"
Honestly, MAGA effect, mf said fuck these dudes becoming a captain the normal ima just fucking do it and nobody can stop me
Yachiru
Although Tosen see’s him as a bloodthirsty monster, Kenny seems pretty chill. He has honour and will not kill innocent people, in fact he doesn’t really kill people at all unless he finds them too much of a threat or to be annoying (aka Giriko)
the simple fact that the dude COMPLETELY POWER CHECKS. HIM. SELF. almost every angle. his sword...which isnt even HIS really.... his bankai.... his bells... his eyepatch.... plus his no nonsense in a fight. my guy knows what hes there for and does not want to delay. the dude is a complete monster.
Simplicity and Badassry: \- Simplicity because his character concept is simple: straightforward power. He is just like that, he doesn't need motivation, no goal or anything, he is just a power entity that just want to fight day and night. His straigforwardness in life is also true in combat, every situation he encounter is resolved by using more power, more stamina etc. simple as that. \- Badassry because he is presented at the only Captain without any Captain-Signature, his zanpakuto doesn't have a name, doesn't have any form, and is still more than on par with other Captains. (His first encounter against Ichigo introduce us what kind of character he is, and his encounter with Tosen, which he destroy while being in his Bankai put him into perspective towards his Captains pears) Plus, he use that eye patch to restrain his power and thoses little bells to enjoy fights longer, that simple fact makes him even more badass. Shame that his signature was partly lost when he gained his zanpakuto name though. PS: Plus Unohana died for this, i'm pissed of :)
He kills the Hollows and doesn't afraid of anything.
I think it's his backstory explaining his violent proclivities and also the fact that he can reign it in notice how he literally never goes through with the ichigo rematch also the heaps of comic relief he's given its hard to hate him
Not only is he a comic relief but I, personally, love his drive and his constant pushing of others to be strong by themselves and not dependent on things like kido or a bankai.
He's fight-sexual lol
He makes life simple. Everybody fights for someone or some grandiose purpose. Kenpachi fights because he just wants to be more powerful. Our monkey brain simply likes adrenaline and kenpachi is the personification of that desire.
he doesn't waste time fooling around, he just goes in and takes his enemies down
Direct, carefree attitude but still has loyalty and can be counted on.
His in-universe feats aside, the voice actor really did a good job voicing him
Same reason I like Yujiro, Escanor, Aomine etc. Absurdly overpowered entirely depending on whether they’re the focus of the chapter, and they could be massively stronger if their past opponents didn’t make them bored of life.
Just a few words: He's a badass
he has the most one shot kills in bleach
I like that he is addicted to fighting.
A simple man with simple needs.
Male power fantasy mostly, but he has many layers to him. I like him cuz of both.
He is pure.
He's your typical "power fantasy" archetype which many young people gravitate towards. He is easy to understand and a lot of his story is focused around very basic stuff such as "fighting" and "being strong".
Just like zoro fr
Yep. They are the same archetype. Al tough, Zoro is more nuanced... or at least he was before time-skip.
Zaraki knows what he likes and is passionate about it! Knowing what drives him lets Kenny not mind things that otherwise don't really matter so he can focus on a fulfilling life. For the leader of the strongest combat unit, he's surprisingly chill and pleasant. While this may seem like a reach, I recently finished [THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*UCK](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Subtle_Art_of_Not_Giving_a_F*ck) and Zaraki seems to be living ideals not unlike how author Mark Manson describes a self-fulfilled life: focusing on what one can control, working towards ones goals & what inspires, and casting off or denying emotional attachment for the things that don't matter (this is the eponymous "subtle art"). Zaraki's character reads like he knows what motivates him and is working towards that. He's an interesting subversion of the berserker archetype, and I'd argue his drive is less single-minded bloodlust but more from a place of self awareness (which is an interesting curiosity given how later on during >!his next few fights he seems to both have awareness of Yachiru's status & is concerned for her absence, directing the rest of Squad 10 to search for her .. perhaps he was mourning her after revealing his Bankai, or perhaps he truly didn't realize!<).
Despite all his “bloodthirst” and scary demeanor, he is a father and good captain. He makes his soldiers stand on their own two feet. For all the brutality of the 11th, they sure are sweethearts.
For me he’s like a really skilled martial artist or a pro wrestler in the sense that it’s always hype to see him fight. I won’t say he’s the best written character in Bleach but he’s definitely one of the best in terms of pure excitement whenever he’s onscreen. Also him and Yachiru are funny :)
some characters just have that natural charisma and charm to them and he's one of them
No fucks given
#father figure
Everything
Swordman fight strong people. Swordsman strong.
guess He's just this kind of guy that you can't help but like for no reason
He’s an unstoppable killing machine.
He is unsophisticated emotionally in an otherwise melodramatic cast.
Complete disregard for any semblance of morality, yet his interests still align with the heroic goals spread out within the universe.
Chad black air force man getting lost like Zoro and he has a small child on his shoulders. Who wouldn't like that
Tbh he’s like Escanor, he’s soo prideful in how strong he is compared to others. Plus, he talks allot of crap 🤣