Tite Kubo’s Bleach has gained international acclaim for its distinctive art style and compelling storytelling. Recently, it regained attention with the stunning adaptation of the Bleach TYBW anime. The narrative follows Ichigo Kurosaki, an orange-haired student whose determination to protect his loved ones transforms him into a powerful Shinigami.
Ichigo is considered more relatable and realistic than many typical anime protagonists. He embarks on an adventure alongside a diverse cast of characters, including Renji, Orihime, Sado, Urahara, Rukia, Uryu, Zaraki, Byakuya, and Toshiro, all of whom contribute significantly to the Bleach series.
Debates among fans often center around who serves as the deuteragonist of Bleach, with two prominent contenders emerging: Rukia Kuchiki, the Shinigami who grants her powers to Ichigo at the story’s outset, and Uryu Ishida, a Quincy regarded as one of the last of his kind. The dynamic nature of their roles fuels ongoing discussions.
Uryu Ishida aligns with the anime deuteragonist trope, while Rukia symbolizes Bleach
Bleach may lack a definitive deuteragonist
The deuteragonist, often termed the second main character, serves as the protagonist’s key companion and counterpart within a story. While the protagonist’s actions propel the narrative, the deuteragonist offers insight and support. Killua from Hunter X Hunter serves as an illustrative example.
At times, the deuteragonist may find themselves at odds with the protagonist, taking on an antagonistic role due to conflicting goals, as seen with Sasuke in Naruto. Regardless of their relationship with the protagonist, the deuteragonist remains crucial to the story, ranking just below the protagonist in importance. Observing the narrative trajectory of Bleach suggests a lack of a clear deuteragonist, with Tite Kubo portraying characters as either allies or foes to Ichigo Kurosaki, the plot’s central figure.
Bleach’s deuteragonist during the Soul Society Arc
Ichigo, born with the unique ability to perceive spirits, receives Shinigami powers from Rukia Kuchiki. Together, they guide lost souls to the afterlife and protect Karakura Town from the malevolent Hollows. Soon, Orihime Inoue, Sado “Chad” Yasutora, and Uryu Ishida join their ranks.
When prevented from rescuing Rukia from Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai, Ichigo trains with Kisuke Urahara to awaken his own Shinigami abilities. This sets the stage for their journey into the Soul Society where Rukia faces execution.
Upon arriving, Ichigo and his friends confront the Gotei 13, who suspect them of Aizen’s murder. Though Ichigo ultimately rescues Rukia, Aizen’s sinister schemes are revealed.
In the Human World portion, Rukia fulfills the deuteragonist role, initiating the story with her meeting Ichigo. Despite her manipulation by Urahara and Aizen, she supports Ichigo from the outset. As the narrative progresses into the Soul Society, Rukia remains pivotal but takes on a passive role, while Uryu steps into a more active involvement, showcased during his battle with Mayuri.
Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Arrancar Arc
Aizen’s betrayal of the Soul Society leads him to establish his domain in Hueco Mundo, where Ichigo ultimately reconciles with the Soul Society and earns the title of “Substitute Shinigami.”
Aizen forges an army of Arrancar, powerful entities who combine Hollow and Shinigami traits. One notable member, Ulquiorra, kidnaps Orihime, prompting Ichigo and his team to enter Hueco Mundo.
Amidst intense battles against Aizen and the Espada, Ichigo wanders deeper into his powers, culminating in his Final Getsuga Tensho to defeat Aizen, albeit at the cost of his Shinigami abilities.
In the Arrancar Arc, though they inflate the stakes, both Rukia and Uryu play limited roles, particularly as the narrative focuses heavily on Orihime’s involvement alongside Ichigo.
Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc
Loss of his Shinigami powers leads Ichigo to encounter Xcution, a group of Fullbringers with ulterior motives regarding Ichigo’s abilities. Fortunately, Rukia and the Gotei 13 assist Ichigo in regaining his strengths.
Once revived, Ichigo confronts and defeats Kugo Ginjo, Xcution’s leader, who briefly poses as a friend. In this narrative segment, Ginjo serves as a critical deuteragonist alongside Rukia and Ishida in their supporting roles.
Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Thousand-Year Blood War
Amidst a Quincy invasion led by Yhwach, Ichigo undergoes rigorous training with the Royal Guard and uncovers vital truths about his lineage. In this conflict, Uryu Ishida firmly establishes himself as the arc’s deuteragonist.
Joining Yhwach and appearing to betray his allies, Uryu ultimately reveals his true intentions during the series’ climactic battle, shifting the tides of the confrontation. Though Rukia showcases her strength in gaining Bankai, Uryu’s decisive actions crown him as the pivotal character.
Uryu fits the typical shonen tropes, but may not suffice
Deuteragonists in Shonen series often share archetypal traits. Iconic characters like Vegeta from Dragon Ball, Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto, and Killua from Hunter x Hunter exemplify similar traits.
This enduring trope portrays the stoic, powerful anti-hero who gradually befriends the protagonist. They often enjoy massive popularity among fans, rivaling that of the leads.
Just like One Piece’s Roronoa Zoro, whose support role significantly impacts the story, Uryu similarly aids Ichigo, showcasing their essential partnership.
Despite strong similarities in character dynamics, Uryu lacks the level of cultural impact associated with characters like Rukia, who resonates more in the grand narrative of Bleach.
Tite Kubo’s view of Rukia as a pivotal character is demonstrated through their relationship’s evolution. Bleach’s story begins and culminates with Rukia and Ichigo, marking their profound importance in this tale.
Though Uryu stands out with his combat abilities, Rukia emerges as the narrative’s heart, even amidst other powerful characters like Orihime, who primarily exist in relation to Ichigo.
Ultimately, perceptions surrounding Rukia may be perplexed by gender biases, as her character defies typical male-centric deuteragonist archetypes. In contrast, Uryu embodies the familiar traits of the male anti-social hero, potentially fitting more comfortably within standard representations.
Nonetheless, Kubo’s original ideas present Rukia as embodying the core essence of Bleach. While Uryu represents typical shonen themes, Rukia’s depth and role over the entire series elevate her beyond these stereotypes. If a definitive deuteragonist exists within Kubo’s narrative, it is safely attributed to Rukia, positioning Uryu as the tritagonist.
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