What is bankai?

Bankai: The Pinnacle of Zanpakuto Power

Bankai (卍解, lit. Final Release) is the second and final stage of a Zanpakuto release, generally achieved by Shinigami after prolonged training and mastery of their Zanpakuto's spirit. It represents a significant increase in power compared to the Shikai, often granting the Shinigami abilities and transformations far beyond the initial release.

Key Characteristics and Requirements:

Mastery over Zanpakuto: Achieving Bankai requires the Shinigami to fully materialize and subdue their Zanpakuto's spirit in the inner world, proving their absolute control and understanding.
Significant Power Boost: Bankai typically grants a 5 to 10 times increase in a Shinigami's overall power.
Unique Transformations and Abilities: Each Bankai is unique to the Zanpakuto and the Shinigami, often manifesting as a large-scale transformation of the Zanpakuto, the Shinigami, or both. Abilities range from elemental manipulation to reality warping.
High Risk: Using Bankai can be incredibly taxing on the Shinigami's spiritual energy and physical body. Overuse or premature release can lead to severe exhaustion or even death. Furthermore, a Bankai's destruction or forcibly changing its allegiance (as seen with Soul%20Society's technology) can permanently prevent a Shinigami from ever using it again.
Training: It takes significant training to attain Bankai, usually at least 10 years.

Types of Bankai:

While the specific manifestations and abilities vary widely, some common categories emerge:

Close-Range Combat: Enhance physical prowess and weapon-based attacks.
Long-Range Combat: Projectiles, energy blasts, or ranged manipulation.
Elemental Manipulation: Control over fire, water, ice, lightning, etc.
Specialized Abilities: Unique powers like illusion creation, time manipulation, or healing.

Significance in Bleach

Bankai serves as a crucial indicator of a Shinigami's strength and a major plot device in the series. Battles often escalate to Bankai releases, showcasing the ultimate potential of the characters and pushing the boundaries of their abilities. The loss, theft, or overcoming of Bankai are significant turning points in many arcs.