Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto just demonstrated the most dangerous and powerful Bankai yet, in the Bleach TYBW anime in episode 6 of Bleach: TYBW. Zanka No Tachi is the name given to this destructive technique and is unlike any other Bankai shown in the series. The technique showcased by Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto has made it crystal clear why he has been leading the Gotei 13 for over a thousand years.
Yamamoto wields the Ryujin Jakka in Bleach-Thousand Year Blood War. It is the most ancient Zanpakuto of the fire element. When the Shikai form is released, it creates massively powerful flames all around the blade. However, when upgraded to its Bankai form, Yamamoto absorbs all the power of fire into the blade itself, hence making it destructive.
The Power of ‘Zanka no Tachi
Although the Zanka No Tachi has no flames which are visible to the naked eye, it is said to disperse massive heat energy in its surroundings and even makes Yamamoto as hot as the sun itself from both the blade and the body, making him invincible.
Here are some of the most distinctive features of the Zanka No Tachi:
- Higashi: Kyokujitsujin- it is activated upon release. The blade destroys everything that may touch it from existence as if it were never there. It does not burn or erupt anything; it just simply removes the thing, whatever it may be, from existence. Even the defensive power of the Wandenreich’s Blut Vene was not sturdy enough to stand up against this technique.
- Nishi: Zanjitsu Gokui – a feature activated upon release, Yamamoto’s body extends to a temperature of 15,000,000 degrees which is equal to that of the sun, making him radiate immense heat energy in his surroundings. This makes it impossible for the opponent to touch him while he is using the Bankai. The heat emitting from his body is not visible, that is, unless he wills to show it.
- Minami: Kaka Jumanokushi Daisojin – He can summon the military of the undead, all of whom were formerly burned alive by his flames. To achieve this, Yamamoto must thrust his Zanpakuto into the earth. After which the ground opens up, the heat of his special sword shall reanimate the ashes of all those who were previously burned alive by his flames and create an ally.
- Kita: Tenchi Kaijin – the leader of the Gotei 13, slashes his target with a wall of flames. A slash of highly concentrated fire and heat that cremates whatever it touches out of existence.
What is the downside of ‘Zanka no Tachi?
A technique so powerful and downright menacing does come with a cost. Even the powerful Zanka No Tachi has its fair share of backlashes. This includes if the gallant Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto were to keep this Bankai activated for far too long, it might eradicate the entire soul society. Another issue that accompanies this downside is the fact that this technique is not the best for team battles since team members like Toshiro Hitsugaya wouldn’t be able to release their Bankai since Daiguren Hyorinmaru uses the ice element Bankai, and that would simply melt in the presence of Yamamoto’s Bankai.
The second reason which contributes to its negative impact is a concept in the Bleach series, which showcases Sternritter, who may use a very specific equipment known as the medallions, which are used to steal other’s Bankai when they are released by the shinigami. However, it may also be considered that not everybody can do so easily. Only the Sternritter who are strong and capable enough can steal strong Bankai. The prime example of this specific type of Sternritter is Yhwach. He himself believes that he is the only one who can steal Yamamoto’s Bankai and use it correctly.
Why was Yamamoto’s Bankai revealed so late in the series?
It may be questioned as to why the Gotei 13’s captain commander’s Bankai, revealed so late in the series, to explain this, there are two reasoning:
It has been observed throughout the series that Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto is definitely one of the most powerful beings in the Bleach verse. He has been termed the most gallant shinigami in history. He has the speed and agility equal to that of an expert. Not only this, he is a master swordsman with abilities surpassing the majority of the beings in the Bleach series and is an epitome of strength.
With the help of only his Shikai, he was able to slice up Ayon and simultaneously kill Diriscoll Berci, who was using Sasakibe’s Bankai. He also burned down three very powerful Sterntitter without initiating his Bankai. He also fought Wonderweiss with his bare hands while the Arrancar sealed his Zanpakuto. This is one of the reasons why Yamamoto used his Bankai only twice, and both times against Yhwach. The reason being there was simply no need for him to use it against others. He was too powerful on his own.
The second reason is the Bankai in the question itself. Being the most powerful Bankai to ever exist, Zanka no Tachi is highly destructive in nature. So much so that if it were to be activated for an extended period of time, it would remove the entire Soul Society. Yamamoto showcased just how dominant his Bankai was during the second Battle against Yhwach, and even Unohana commented that he should wrap it up quickly to avoid destroying everything around him. This is another reason why Yamamoto did not stimulate his Bankai until it is absolutely essential.
Why did the Bankai fail?
Despite knowing the destructive abilities and the damage that may occur by using Zanka no Tachi, Yamamoto activated his Bankai for the second time, this is when Yhwach used his medallion to capture Yamamoto’s Bankai, something no other Quincy could have achieved (as mentioned before) This left Yamamoto susceptible, and Yhwach defeated him. Zanka No, Tachi was never meant to save anyone or anything.
With its heavily damaging features, this Bankai may as well be better suited to destroy everything that might be present in its surroundings and eradicate it, and this is also one of the reasons why Yamamoto was not exactly proud of this ability of his. Next, in the anime series, it will be really interesting to see what strategy Ichigo works out to save the world from Yhwach’s wrath now that Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto has been struck down.
