Bleach: Hell Arc one-shot chapter hints at the origin of Kenpachi Zaraki

Although Tite Kubo never explicitly disclosed Kenpachi Zaraki’s background in the original series, his one-shot chapter in Bleach: Hell Arc, Howl From the Jaws of Hell, implies that the 11th Division Captain of Gotei 13 may have ties to Hell.

Throughout the series of Bleach, Zaraki stands out as an unusual character among the Soul Reapers. Whether it is due to his immense strength or the fact that others are unable to sense his Spiritual Pressure at times, there are multiple indications that Zaraki is far from ordinary.

It is widely believed in the animanga community that Kenpachi Zaraki may have been sent from Hell to the Soul Society. While this theory lacked solid evidence in the past, Kubo’s one-shot chapter “Bleach: Hell Arc”has added credibility to it.

Please be aware that this article contains spoilers from the Bleach manga.

Bleach: Kenpachi Zaraki’s Possible Origins in Hell

To fully grasp the implications of Kenpachi Zaraki possibly being from Hell in the Bleach: Hell Arc one-shot chapter, it is important for fans to have an understanding of the details about the Soul Reaper’s background that Kubo has previously unveiled.

In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, it was revealed that Zaraki used to be a member of the 80th District in the North Alley of Rukongai, known for its inhabitants of thieves, bandits, and criminals. Without a given name, he adopted the name of his district, Zaraki, as his last name.

One fateful day, the adolescent Zaraki came across the lifeless body of a Shinigami. He claimed the Asauchi as his own and, unbeknownst to him, integrated his soul into it, transforming it into his Zanpakuto. Eventually, he encountered Yachiru Unohana, who recognized his exceptional talent.

Young Kenpachi, as seen in the TYBW arc anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite facing numerous challenges and difficulties, he managed to become the 11th Kenpachi and joined the Gotei 13. However, little is known about Kenpachi Zaraki’s background, including details about his parents or true identity.

Surprisingly, Bleach: Hell Arc reveals that when a Soul Reaper with powerful Spiritual Pressure (such as a Captain-level Soul Reaper) perishes, they are not reincarnated but instead sent to hell. If this process does not occur, the equilibrium of the world becomes disrupted.

There is a chance that the Hell Gates were opened following the initial Quincy war, resulting in the death of thousands of souls. Due to his immense Spiritual Pressure, Zaraki may have been transported to the Soul Society in order to restore equilibrium to the world.

Kenpachi, as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The timeline is logical as Yachiru Unohana encountered Kenpachi Zaraki after the First Quincy War, rather than prior to it. In addition to this crucial theory, other credible interpretations suggest that Kenpachi may be a creature from the underworld.

In the Bleach: Hell Arc, it was discovered that the Hell guardians possess abnormally strong Spiritual Pressure that is challenging to sense. Surprisingly, there were situations where Ikkaku, Yumichika, and others struggled to detect Zaraki’s Spiritual Pressure.

In addition to this similarity, the form of Zaraki’s reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure) bears a resemblance to the figure of the Kushanada or the Guardians of Hell.

Kenpachi Zaraki's Bankai form, as seen in the manga (Image via Tite Kubo/Shueisha) — Kenpachi Zaraki’s Bankai form, as seen in the manga (Image via Tite Kubo/Shueisha)

Likewise, when Zaraki enters his Bankai state, he takes on the appearance of a menacing Demon, complete with menacing horns and markings reminiscent of those seen on Szayellaporro Grantz’s body in the Bleach: Hell Arc one-shot chapter, Howl from the Jaws of Hell.

Additionally, Zaraki’s immense power, surpassing even the most talented Soul Reapers, could suggest that he is a resident of Hell. Otherwise, it would be unusual for a young boy to be stronger than Yachiru Unohana during her prime.

However, the Bleach: Hell Arc one-shot chapter played a crucial role in establishing the foundation for these theories by revealing the existence of beings within Hell who possess the ability to enter the Soul Society.

Ultimately, it is plausible that Zaraki could have entered the Seireitei from Hell shortly after the first Quincy War. However, this theory will become even more credible if Tite Kubo decides to continue the Bleach: Hell Arc.