Is Zangetsu a villain in Bleach? His role in the series, explained

After the events of the TYBW anime series, many fans, both new and old, have been questioning whether Zangetsu is actually a villain in Bleach due to recent revelations about his character. This is a valid concern, especially since Zangetsu had always been portrayed as a trusted ally to protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki throughout his journeys as a Soul Reaper before the TYBW series.

The answer to whether Zangetsu is a villain is actually quite straightforward, even when considering the significant revelations about his character and origins in the TYBW anime. However, arriving at this answer does involve delving deeply into the identity of Zangetsu and his dynamic with Ichigo throughout the series.

Who is Zangetsu in Bleach?

Zangetsu as seen in the original anime series (Image via Pierrot)

Within the universe of Bleach, there exists a group of individuals known as Soul Reapers, who possess spiritual swords called Zanpakuto. These Zanpakuto have the unique ability to communicate with their Soul Reaper wielders, making them almost like living beings. Zangetsu takes this concept to a higher level as he appears as an old man, guiding and mentoring Ichigo in his fights.

Throughout the entire original anime series, it was commonly believed that the entity known as “old man Zangetsu,”as referred to by Ichigo, was the embodiment of his Soul Reaper abilities. The other aspect of Zangetsu, known as White or The Hollow Within, was thought to represent Ichigo’s Hollow powers. However, it was later revealed that old man Zangetsu was actually the manifestation of Ichigo’s hidden Quiny powers within his inner world.

Zangetsu’s Role and True Identity in the Series

Similarly, Zangetsu’s initial purpose as the embodiment of Ichigo’s Quincy abilities was to hinder his progress in becoming a Soul Reaper, due to the animosity between the Quincy and Soul Reaper clans. However, as Ichigo persisted and persevered on his journey to becoming a Soul Reaper, Zangetsu couldn’t resist aiding him. Gradually, he shifted from obstructing to actively supporting Ichigo.

To put it differently, old man Zangetsu’s role in Bleach, as mentioned earlier, was one that consistently aided Ichigo. This is further validated in their last encounter, where Zangetsu assures Ichigo that he never misguided him, and the only untruth he ever told was his name. Additionally, this moment also reveals that Zangetsu, as the embodiment of Ichigo’s Quincy abilities, is both Yhwach and not Yhwach, despite their resemblance.

In essence, Zangetsu embodies Yhwach in the way that all Quincy abilities stem from him. As a Quincy himself, a portion of Yhwach’s essence resides within Ichigo as Zangetsu. Yet, Zangetsu is not truly Yhwach as they are only connected by their physical resemblance and cannot be controlled by Yhwach’s influence in the present.

Zangetsu’s Relationship with Ichigo, Explained

Zangetsu’s own words to Ichigo serve as further confirmation, depicting him as a genuine ally despite his hidden identity and the fabricated story he was compelled to tell the protagonist of Bleach. Although their farewell is filled with tears, it exposes Zangetsu’s true motive – his deep love for Ichigo. He explicitly clarifies that his attempt to hinder Ichigo’s path to becoming a Soul Reaper was driven by the knowledge that, in the end, he would have to fulfill his duty as Yhwach and kill Ichigo.

Based on their interactions in Bleach before this TYBW scene, it can be concluded that Zangetsu is truly a friend and ally to Ichigo. Through training and guiding him in the proper use of his Soul Reaper abilities, Yhwach prioritized Ichigo’s desires and emotions over his own. Therefore, it can be argued that Zangetsu was undeniably an ally to Ichigo.

In Conclusion

Similarly, it can be firmly stated that Zangetsu is not a villain in Tite Kubo’s manga-turned-anime series. Despite being portrayed as a strong and powerful character, Zangetsu’s actions towards Ichigo depict him as a supportive ally rather than an antagonist.