“Do not live bowing down. You must die standing up.”
Genryusai Yamamoto
Genryusai Yamamoto is the Head Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads. Being over 2,100 years old, Yamamoto acts as the most superior figure in the Soul Society. However, don’t let his age and appearance deceive you.
Genryusai Yamamoto wields one of the strongest fire-based Zanpakutō in Bleach, known as Ryujin Jakka. When sealed, it appears as a walking staff. To unleash his Shikai, Yamamoto utters the command “Bansho issai kaijin to nase,” which means “All things in this world, turn to ashes.”
SHIKAI (RYUJIN JAKKA)
This Shikai is so powerful that it surpasses many Bankais in Bleach. When activated, flames surround Yamamoto, and anything the fire touches disintegrates into ash. His Shikai has several powerful abilities, including:
- Jokaku Enjo in which the target is trapped in a sphere wall of flame
- Ennetsu Jigoku is also similar to his previous ability but in Ennetsu Jigoku yamamoto surrounds its targets with pillars of fire.
BANKAI (ZANKA NO TACHI)
Yamamoto’s Bankai is called Zanka no Tachi, and it is unique in having four distinct forms. When his Bankai is activated, it absorbs all the heat from his Shikai and transforms into a rusted katana. The four forms are:
East: Activated by default when Yamamoto unleashes his Bankai. It concentrates the flames of the Shikai into the tip of the blade. It doesn’t burn or explode, but anything it touches is incinerated from existence.
West: Also activated by default. It cloaks Yamamoto in heat that reaches 15 million degrees Celsius, making it impossible for enemies to approach.
North: A powerful slash attack capable of erasing anything from existence that it touches.
South: Perhaps the most terrifying ability. Yamamoto plunges the tip of his sword into the ground, summoning the corpses and ashes of those incinerated by Ryujin Jakka to fight on his behalf. He can also summon specific corpses if he desires.
However, Yamamoto’s Bankai comes with a major limitation. He himself admitted that he can only use it for a short period. Due to Zanka no Tachi immense heat, it could eventually destroy not just his enemies, but also the entire Soul Society—including his allies and even himself—if used for too long.
