Vs.
Now, this matchup seems unlikely, but hear me out, I have my reasons. This is a battle between DBZ's very own "Over 9000!" Vegeta and Bleach's "Cueball! Ikkaku. This is an unlikely matchup many would say considering Vegeta's strength, but remember, Ikkaku is no weakling. They both have a love for the fight and have a rival that they wish to surpass/respect (Goku & Kenpachi). Now in terms of strength, it's pretty much fists/power blasts vs. fists/Zanpaktou, so this matchup is unfair in terms of one using their fists and the other a weapon. Instead of me judging their overall strength (because both are strong in their own right), I will be judging their character as a person. I mean Vegeta has gone Super Saiyan and is on par with Goku whereas Ikkaku has a Bankai, a secret weapon that could be useful in defeating Kenpachi, but still hasn't won against him because he keeps his Bankai a secret. In the past, both previously lost to their rivals and have had their fair share of losses. And we have to unfortunately consider this, Vegeta has died numerous times in the Anime whereas Ikkaku was only severely wounded. It is unfair for me to judge who is stronger (Vegeta has a handicap with his deaths/revivals), so I'm not going to go through the trouble of seeing who'd win in a fist fight between the two. IF, however, I had to pick (for those who want my opinion), I'd say Vegeta wins in fist fights and Ikkaku wins in deducing his opponent's weaknesses. Both, also, are determined to win, they're overall tenacity got them so far in their fights as they feel confident enough in their abilities. So, onto their character:
Vegeta is the "Prince"of the Saiyans. Prideful & Egotistical, Vegeta doesn't necessarily embody a true friend or even an all-out hero. He once was the antagonist and joined alongside the Z warriors later on, but he keeps tabs on Goku. Now it can be argued that Vegeta is a good guy and one of the central characters of the DBZ universe (this is due to his popularity with the fans), but hear me - does he give a damn about the lives of the others or just Goku (perhaps his Wife and son are the exceptions)? I mean Vegeta has been striving to be #1, but Goku overshadows him. Vegeta is strong in his own right, but like Goku, both have had their fair share of victories, defeats, kills, and getting killed themselves. He lost his planet to Frieza and even went further in killing off Nappa (I don't recall if he cared for Raditz). Losing his planet, but still wanting to live up to the expectations of being the "Prince," Vegeta doesn't doubt himself and, I will admit, this becomes both his downfall and decline as a man full of himself and not being able to completely overpower Goku. A man knows his strengths and weaknesses and despite his relentless training, their's been very little improvement as he does end up getting f'd up in battle.
Ikkaku, much like Vegeta, is full of himself, but there's one thing that he embodies - he is somewhat of a gentlemen. Upon meeting Ichigo, he asked for his name. He is courteous in wanting to know his opponents beforehand and even deduces his opponents strengths and weaknesses (Figuring out Moe's patterns in Jackpot). I mean he's smart and loves his fight, but deep down he keeps a secret - his very own Bankai. His captain is unaware and Ikkaku is technically captain-level. Only a few know of this, but this nonetheless shows Ikkaku's constant training with his Zanpaktou. This all began when he challenged Kenpachi Zaraki, lost, and was kept alive so that he can prove himself later on. He chose to serve under his very rival because of the respect he has for him (the man who became a reminder to become stronger). Ikkaku is aware that he's keeping his Bankai a secret and this ultimately becomes his downfall when he wasn't able to protect one of the Pillars in the Fake Karakura Town (7th Division Captain Sajin had to take over). Yumichika, Iba, and even Sajin are aware of his Bankai (with Rangiku & Toshiro figuring out in the 2nd Bleach movie). A man knows that he has limitations, but he uses what strength he can muster and managed to figure a way to defeat his enemy without revealing his Bankai.
Now, I didn't go that much into their own history. I simply judged their character (personality and their overall way of fighting). I think Vegeta is very strong, but he doesn't take much time to consider his enemy's strength, to be able to point out a gap in their defenses. He can plummeted down countless times, but that doesn't stop him from trying to get back up. I think Ikkaku takes more time and patience on analyzing his opponents and thus, he could find a gap, reveal it, and change the tide of battle in his favor. So as much as I know people will disagree, I'm going to give this victory (in terms of personality & fights) to - Ikkaku Madarame
Why: Ikkaku analyzes his opponents more and I think he has more opportunities in deducing his enemy's movements, attack patterns, and abilities quickly than when Vegeta just thinks he can win because of his "Prince" status. I mean both are strong, but in terms of smarts, Ikkaku's got it (even though the picture doesn't hint that he's smart, LOL). Vegeta will still be my fav DBZ character, but in terms of underestimating a opponent, Vegeta does that wayyyyyyy too much. Ikkaku has gained much through his losses, understanding his postion and what he needs to do in order to protect Gotei 13 whereas Vegeta gets either beat up/dies/revives and it becomes too repetitive for me. Now I know this will likely be one of the weaker matchups, but think carefully on this - PERSONALITY, SMARTS IN FIGHTS, & OVERALL CHARACTER).
So who do you think won? Vegeta or Ikkaku? Remember, these are two completely different fighters and are strong in their own right, but the concept that they are trying to live up their rival's expectations and strengths is what gives them their calling as warriors. The question will be asked: Who is better in taking out their opponents? Vote now. Look forward to tomorrow's very first Affinity Post. Stay classy ladies and gentlemen.
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