"There is only one Kenpachi every era. That is a rule, and also an unavoidable destiny." |
Kenpachi (剣八, Sword-Eight) is the title that is only given to the strongest Shinigami.[1] It is an ironclad rule that there can be only one Kenpachi per generation, meaning that the predecessor must die for the killer to succeed the title.[2] To inherit this title, the candidate must kill the current Kenpachi in battle.[3]
The title is traditionally held within the 11th Division of the Gotei 13. There have been a total of 11 holders of this title. Claimants include:
- Yachiru Unohana, the 1st Kenpachi and the former 4th Division and 11th Division Captain.
- Kenpachi Kiganjō, the 10th Kenpachi and the former 11th Division Captain.
- Kenpachi Zaraki, the 11th Kenpachi and the current 11th Division Captain.
Appearances in Other Media[]
Ryōgo Narita's novels, Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You, feature a number of original characters, which include two former Kenpachi, and made mention of a third:
- Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, the 7th Kenpachi and a former 11th Division Captain.
- Sōya Azashiro, the 8th Kenpachi and a former 11th Division Captain.
- The 9th Kenpachi, a former 11th Division Lieutenant, received the title as a means to keep it alive after Azashiro was imprisoned in Muken undefeated.[4]
Trivia[]
- Despite the fact there are 11 holders of the name Kenpachi,[5] it is revealed that the first Kenpachi was never killed in a duel[6] until she and the 11th faced off in Muken, bringing into question the legitimacy of the 2nd to 10th holders of the name.[7]