Bleach fans have been playing around with theories since the series first began. They dive into the intricacies of the series, and some have been proven correct while others remain a mystery.
These theories often revolve around key elements such as character abilities, origins, and the underlying mechanics of the Bleach universe. From speculations about the nature of Orihime's powers to Ichigo's Hollow form, these theories contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bleach's rich lore and storytelling.
10 Orihime Is a Fullbringer
The seemingly clumsy Orihime is actually quite powerful and some Bleach fans claim that she is actually a Fullbringer. Fullbringers have the ability to draw power from objects that have sentimental value. For example, Riruka draws power from a dollhouse that mirrors her childhood home. For Orihime, her powers, which reject fate and repair anything, are centered on the hairpins given to her by her late brother.
While the anime emphasizes her bond with her brother, suggesting the hairpins hold the key to her powers, the manga prioritizes the Hogyoku's potential role. The manga's ambiguity regarding the true source – awakened Fullbring or Hogyoku gift – keeps the debate alive.
9 Chair-sama Is Made of the Soul King's Remains
This throne may be more than just furniture. Fans theorize Aizen's throne, Chair-sama, which he is chained to while imprisoned, was actually made of the Soul King's remnants. This theory hinges on Chair-sama's elaborate design, hinting at a connection to the Soul King's role as ruler, and Aizen's inability to escape despite his immense power.
The Soul King's later weakened state further fuels speculation. Also, since the chair was constructed by the eccentric Mayuri, it wouldn't be a surprise that this scientist used parts of the Soul King to make it. While the manga offers no concrete proof, Chair-sama's symbolism as a seat of power and its ability to restrain Aizen suggest a deeper origin – perhaps a fragment of the Soul King himself, imbued with his immense power.
8 Fullbring Could Rival Soul Reaper Powers
Bleach's Fullbring system, where power flows through cherished objects, is introduced after Ichigo loses his Soul Reaper powers. However, despite having an entire arc dedicated to it, Fullbring powers, and its system as a whole, are yet to be expanded on with fans believing there may actually be more to it.
This theory argues Fullbring could rival Soul Reaper powers if they were developed more. There is great potential for Fullbring's diverse abilities based on emotional connections to surpass the structured Zanpakuto system. The unexplored mechanics and Ginjo's challenge to Ichigo with Fullbring hint at this immense potential.
7 Yamamoto and Unohana Are in Hell
Bleach fans are still patiently waiting for a potential Hell Arc, hoping that it will succeed the ongoing Thousand-Year Blood War arc. If it does come to fruition, Captains Yamamoto and Unohana may make a comeback.
In the 2020 one-shot manga, No Breath from the Jaws of Hell, it is established that beings with high spiritual power go to Hell when they die; the powerful Espada, Szayelaporro Granz, is shown emerging from Hell, for example. This system suggests fallen Soul Society captains like Yamamoto and Unohana might also reside there. With these plot threads dangling, a potential Hell Arc could reunite fans with Yamamoto, Unohana, and other powerful deceased characters.
6 Bounts Are Connected to Quincy
Bounts are artificial beings who wield doll weapons and can become immortal by consuming souls. Though they don't appear outside the filler Bount arc, some fans theorize they may be deeply linked to Quincy. This stems from their similar tools and energy absorption, though Bounts can't fight Hollows like Quincy.
It is speculated that Bounts, who had a tumultuous history with Quincy, were a hidden Quincy faction with unique techniques, or their Dolls are an evolution of Quincy tools. This theory, while unconfirmed, adds depth to the Quincy lore and suggests a potential connection waiting to be explored.
5 The Hogyoku Is a Fragment of the Soul King's Power
Bleach's enigmatic Hogyoku is believed by some to be a fragment of the Soul King himself. The origins of the Hogyoku or its true nature have never been explained, but this theory connects its unexplained creation and power to the Soul King's role as ruler. The Hogyoku's ability to grant immense power and its unknown origin hint at a potential link to a higher being.
Both the Hogyoku and the Soul King manipulate reality and maintain balance. Some fans believe the Hyogoku is a piece of the Soul King fractured or separated, explaining its chaotic abilities, or that it's a creation injected with the Soul King's power. The theory deepens the Hogyoku's mystery and its possible connections.
4 Soul Reapers Are Prevented From Using Their Bankai for Too Long
Bankai, the Soul Reaper's ultimate technique, comes at a cost – exhaustion after extended use. This theory suggests it's not just a drawback, but a safety valve. The immense power of a released Zanpakuto, if uncontrolled, could disrupt the delicate balance between Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the Human World.
Captains like Soi Fon, who had a near-death experience, and Ichigo, who had struggled to maintain his Bankai, exemplify the strain. By causing exhaustion, Bankai use discourages Soul Reapers from wielding it for too long, preventing them from accidentally unleashing chaos. This theory transforms Bankai from a power-up to a tool requiring respect, hinting at a deeper link between Soul Reaper powers and the Bleach universe's stability.
3 Aizen's Bankai Is Too Powerful to Control
Bleach fans are buzzing about Aizen's missing Bankai. Despite his immense power and strategic mind, Aizen never unleashed it, even when facing powerful opponents. Fans theorize that Aizen refuses to use his Bankai because it may be too much for him to handle. His reliance on his Shikai against Bankai users like Yamamoto and Ichigo, and his elaborate prison cell, hint at a potential uncontrollable force within him.
Others also believe that Aizen never achieved Bankai, though this is debatable as Aizen himself has stated that he achieved everything that a Soul Reaper is capable of. A few theories further propose Aizen might have used an illusionary Bankai with his Shikai's power, keeping his true Bankai hidden. This mystery continues to intrigue fans.
2 Aizen Knew of Ulquiorra's Secondary Form
Despite his immense power, Ulquiorra was ranked fourth among the Espada. However, he was proven to be more powerful than thought when he unleashed his second evolutionary form during his battle with Ichigo. Ulquiorra claims that Aizen was unaware of this form, but some fans beg to differ.
Aizen, known for strategic planning, might have suspected Ulquiorra held a hidden power that justified his true strength. When confronted by Ichigo about leaving Ulquiorra behind to fight him, Aizen simply states there are three Espada above Ulquiorra – referring to ranking, not necessarily strength. Aizen also likely had methods to monitor his Espada's actions and might have observed Ulquiorra's power fluctuations or even witnessed him in this form.
1 Ichigo's Full Hollow Form Is a Resurreccion
It is speculated that Ichigo's Vasto Lorde form (or full Hollow form) is a special kind of Resurreccion. Both involve a Hollow's inner power manifesting as a transformation with enhanced abilities, like Tousen's darkness control with Suzumushi. The Vasto Lorde reflects Ichigo's inner Hollow's influence and retains a mask fragment, mirroring Resurreccion traits.
Some see this form as the peak of Ichigo's inner Hollow's influence, similar to a Resurreccion, but with the key difference of his initial lack of control. This theory blurs the lines between established power systems in Bleach, leaving the true nature of Vasto Lorde up for interpretation.
