Exploring the Abilities of Hikifune in Bleach

In the anime fandom, Bleach has produced many beloved and well-known characters. While popular figures such as Aizen and Yoruichi often take center stage in character discussions, Kirio Hikifune from the Zero Division has also gained a devoted following since her debut in the TYBW arc of the anime adaptation.

Despite being a member of the Zero Division, which automatically places Hikifune at a higher power level than most captains in the Gotei 13, her powers continue to be shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Prior to her role in the Zero Division, Kirio Hikifune was a captain of Squad 12 and worked alongside Shinji Hirako.

Based on the sequence of events, it can be inferred that she was under Yamamoto’s leadership and was recently promoted to the Zero Division. Kirio Hikifune possesses the unique power to infuse her spiritual pressure into objects, altering their properties. This ability has various uses, such as producing food that enhances the abilities of those who consume it.

Please note that this article includes spoilers for the Bleach series.

Kirio Hikifune’s abilities in Bleach, explained

Kirio Hikifune as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kirio Hikifune is a member of the Zero Division who is typically known for her supportive role, a skill that contributed to her being selected for the elite group. In a previous encounter, Hikifune successfully intercepted one of Lille Barro’s bullets, although it still caused injury to Oetsu Nimaiya. This display of her quick reaction time and ability to keep pace with the powerful Schutzstaffel further solidifies her reputation as one of the fastest characters in the series.

Hikifune is known for her mastery in shaping life and souls, as well as infusing her spiritual pressure into various objects. She is particularly skilled in the culinary arts, crafting unique dishes infused with her spiritual energy that can greatly enhance the strength of those who consume them.

Kirio Hikifune in her plump form as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kirio Hikifune’s most notable accomplishment in Soul Society was the development of Gikon, artificial souls that laid the foundation for the creation of modified souls like Kon. As shown in the Bleach TYBW arc anime, Hikifune’s plump physique is a result of the reiatsu she stores within her body, which gradually returns to a slimmer form once her reiatsu is drained.

Hikifune’s Zanpakuto

Hikifune's shikai as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot) — Hikifune’s shikai as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Kirio Hikifune’s Zanpakuto has been featured in both the original manga and the anime, but its abilities have not been fully revealed. This Zanpakuto takes on the appearance of a slim, single-edged sword that strongly resembles a Chokuto.

The name of this object has not been disclosed, but its released form resembles an enlarged wok spatula. This serves as a weapon, a hairpin, and a cooking utensil for her.

Despite not being revealed in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Hikifune’s Bankai is confirmed by the anime to possess immense power, capable of causing tremors across the three realms. Additionally, it remains sealed and connected to the lifeforce of the Zero Division members.

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