Since its debut in 2004, Bleach quickly became one of the legendary “Big Three” in manga and anime. However, the original anime ended before adapting the manga’s final arc, leaving many fans disappointed. It wasn’t until the production of Thousand-Year Blood War, with modern animation quality and direct involvement from creator Tite Kubo, that Ichigo and the Shinigami’s journey finally reached a complete conclusion.
After three successful parts aired, Studio Pierrot added many original scenes exclusive to the anime under Kubo’s supervision, making Thousand-Year Blood War one of the most impressive comebacks in anime history. And after 22 years, Bleach has finally delivered what fans have been waiting for most: Kisuke Urahara’s Bankai.
Kisuke Urahara’s Bankai is finally revealed
The last two episodes mainly focus on the battle between Yoruichi Shihoin, Kisuke Urahara, and Sternritter Askin Nakk Le Vaar. Askin quickly proves himself as one of the toughest opponents in the arc, continuously overpowering the two characters considered “Special Threats” by the Shinigami.
When all options seemed to fail, Bleach delivered the moment fans have awaited for years: Urahara officially unleashes his Bankai, named Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame.
This Bankai summons a giant female entity capable of “restructuring” anything within its range. Its power affects not only objects but also living bodies, healing injuries, altering structures, and even transforming opponents.
The perfect power for a strategic genius
The abilities of Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame perfectly reflect Urahara’s character. As a brilliant scientist who always finds solutions, his Bankai works similarly: analyzing, repairing, and rebuilding everything.
In the fight against Askin, Urahara uses this power to heal his damaged eyes, restore his vision, and even alter the structure of his opponent’s body.
Despite his overwhelming strength, Urahara chooses to win in his trademark style. Instead of finishing Askin directly, he carefully plans several moves ahead, allowing Grimmjow to deliver the final blow while preparing an escape plan to protect everyone from Askin’s suicidal counterattack.
Once again, Bleach proves that Urahara isn’t a character who wins through brute strength but through intelligence and superior strategy.
One of the strongest Bankai in Bleach
Upon its debut, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame was immediately recognized as one of the most powerful Bankai in all of Bleach. Its near-limitless restructuring ability gives it tremendous potential both offensively and defensively. This is also why many fans regret that Urahara didn’t use his Bankai earlier throughout the series.
Given the current developments in Thousand-Year Blood War, this may be one of the rare chances viewers get to see this Bankai on screen.
Still, the reveal after more than 20 years of anticipation fully lives up to fans’ expectations. It’s not only one of the most memorable moments of the final arc but arguably the most eagerly awaited Bankai debut in Bleach’s history.