Aizen’s Curiosity and Downfall in Bleach

Despite being one of the most formidable characters in the series and possessing an incredibly powerful Shikai, Bleach’s Sosuke Aizen’s actions in the Fake Karakura Town left fans feeling perplexed.

Despite facing Keisuke Urahara in battle, Aizen refrained from utilizing his Kyoka Suigetsu. Considering the immense power of his Shikai, it was illogical for the ex-Gotei 13 leader to not employ this ability against such a formidable opponent.

Despite the apparent lack of reason, Aizen chose not to use his ability against Urahara. This decision may have ultimately saved him from a potential defeat if the technique had been employed.

Bleach: Why didn’t Sosuke Aizen use Kyoka Suigetsu on Keisuke Urahara?

Urahara and Aizen as seen in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

As per a theory proposed by the YouTube account @TheSenpaiYT, it is believed that Sosuke Aizen refrained from using his Shikai Kyoka Suigetsu on Keisuke Urahara in Fake Karakura Town due to his fear of Urahara potentially having a countermeasure against it.

Fans are aware that Aizen chose not to use it against Ichigo Kurosaki in order to test his newly acquired powers from the Hogyoku against a worthy opponent.

Keisuke Urahara as seen in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite facing Keisuke Urahara, the manga heavily implies that Aizen not only sought to test his own strength, but also to defeat the person he viewed as more intelligent than himself. With this in mind, it would seem logical for Aizen to utilize his Kyoka Suigetsu against Urahara. So, what prevented him from doing so?

According to @TheSenpaiYT, Keisuke Urahara had the ability to counter the Shikai power due to his constant preparedness and strategic planning. This was evident in the manga when Urahara stated that he had plans in place for every potential situation, regardless of how improbable.

Sosuke Aizen as seen in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kyoka Suigetsu had three weaknesses, which are listed below:

Becoming immune is achieved by touching the blade.
Having a significantly higher Reiatsu is capable of breaking its effect.
For the Shikai release to take effect, one must witness it.

Despite being aware of only one of his three weaknesses, Urahara was able to plan accordingly and set countermeasures in place. While it was never explicitly revealed whether he had a specific plan in mind, it can be assumed that the former Gotei 13 captain was intelligent enough to not engage in a direct confrontation with Aizen without addressing the weakness he was aware of.

Yoruichi Shihouin as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Moreover, Aizen must have been aware that Yoruichi Shihouin and Isshin Kurosaki were also fighting against him during the same time. As a result, he must have realized that employing Kyoka Suigetsu would ultimately prove futile or could potentially have negative consequences for him.

Hence, in order to avoid any potential consequences, Aizen hesitated to utilize his Shikai power. However, the Hogyoku had greatly enhanced his abilities, enabling him to effortlessly defeat his three adversaries – Keisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihouin, and Isshin Kurosaki – and emerge victorious in the battle.