VS.
One of the anticipated Matchup(s) in February would have to be between Yu Yu Hakusho's very own Yoko Kurama and Bleach's Uryu Ishida. Calculating and innovative, these two are what you the polar opposites of our protagonists, Ichigo & Yusuke. Whereas they are both hotheads, Kurama and Uryu try and remain calm, analyzing their opponents strengths and weaknesses. One wields a whip and the other a bow, but what makes these two unique is their species, they aren't by any means human. Today I will be comparing the following: Character History, Strength/Power, and Relationship to Protagonist. Let us begin this badass matchup.
Character History (Yoko Kurama)
Long before Kurama was named Shuichi and met the Spirit Detective Yusuke Urameshi, he was the leader of a group of bandits. A renowned demon, Kurama power is fear amongst the demons as he is regarded as a legend. However, to escape persecution from Spirit World's security, he placed his soul in the unborn child of Shiori Minamino and for 14 long years, learned about love, compassion, understanding, and what it means to have morals and values apart from his previous life. At first, Kurama was using his human mother as a host, but soon grew attached to her and she became the single most important person in Kurama's life. It was a 2nd chance for Kurama, but also made his escape possible. It wouldn't be long before his mother turns ills and he had no other choice but to team up with other demons (Hiei & Goki) in order to save his human mother. From then on, he met our hero, Yusuke, and Kurama has sworn to befriend the Spirit Detective for his compassion and in saving his mother's life - once strangers now become best of friends, for better or for worse. And soon after, Kurama joins Yusuke alongside Hiei, Kuwabara, & Genkai in facing off various demons.
Character History (Uryu Ishida)
Uryu Ishida is/was considered the title "The Last Quincy" for being a rare breed, an enemy of the Shinigami. This dates back to his father, who had a fond loathing of Shinigami (EX: Isshin) as well as his Grandfather, Soken, who was killed by hollows and dissected by Mayuri Kurotsuchi because the reinforcements from the Shinigami came too later (under orders from Mayuri). Since then, Uryu has harbored a specific hatred for Shinigami and wants to prove that the Quincy are a superior race unbeknownst to him of the origins of the Shinigami & Quincy (later would be told). Uryu attends the same school as Ichigo and since learning of his Shinigami powers (from Rukia), Uryu treats him coldly and believes he is a nuisance, disgrace, and a mockery of Shinigami. It wouldn't be long before Uryu befriends Ichigo, but still they bicker over disputes amongst each kind. Uryu's hatred for Shinigami is personified in his merciless killing of hollows, but later - Uryu warms up to the Shinigami as not all are bad. He soon joins Ichigo alongside Chad, Orihime, Rukia, & Renji in fighting off various enemies before embarking on his own, alongside Yhwach, in eliminating the Shinigami for unclear purposes.
Strength/Power (Yoko Kurama)
Yoko Kurama wields a rose whip, capable of slicing demons of any caliber. However, his true power is derived from his demon form - his rose whip capable of cutting through most things and is power level exceeding that of his human state. What makes Kurama such an interesting character aside from his abilities is his innovation, intelligence, and precision. In fighting demons, he is quick to learn of his opponents strengths and weaknesses. Some prime examples is planting a seed inside Roto, who had threatened to kill his human mother or finding the weak point in Genbu's recovery. Kurama pinpoints and strikes at home his opponents, merciless or not, in hopes they submit or die. Kurama has taken down demons of all kinds (EX: Karasu, Ura Urashima, Toya, and Gama), but knows that there's also limitations because of his human side (lost to Shigure and was weak after defeating Toya and Gama). He is capable of striking fear in his opponents, creating opportunities in fighting his opponents, and discerning their next move before they can make it. Human or Demon, Kurama's intellect compliments his calm demeanor as he is not to be underestimated by any means.
Strength/Power (Uryu Ishida)
Uryu, when it comes to his bow and arrows, is precise, much like a marksman. He is able to stand on par with Captain class Shinigami Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Espada Yammy, and Bount Yoshi. Next to Ichigo, Uryu is the 2nd strongest member of Ichigo's group. What makes Uryu such a formidable opponent is his ability to discern, much like Kurama, opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Prime examples was figuring on former Espada Cirucci Sanderwicci's attack patterns when in her Resurreccion, Bount Yoshi's abilities in her Doll, or planning ahead a booby trap for Espada Yammy. Uryu was at his strongest when he fought Mayuri, but since then, he's grown stronger, mastering Reishi absorption, Hirenkyaku (speed), Ginto (similar to Kido), and is versatile in the utilization of his bows and arrows. Uryu, however, has had his fair share of losses - Kaname Tosen & the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra. As a proud Quincy, Uryu prides himself in his abilities and it clearly showcases that he isn't someone to underestimate, considering he holds the 2nd highest title in the Stern Ritters.
Relationship to Yusuke
Kurama is close to Yusuke because of his willingness to sacrifice himself to save Kurama's mother. Despite being an enemy in the beginning, Kurama did no harm to Yusuke and has always had his back from the start. Alongside Hiei & Kuwabara, he's become a valuable asset to Yusuke's team. It clearly shows that these two, though different in personality, genuinely care and trust one another and want them to succeed in their battles against various demons. Kurama was riddled with anger when Yusuke supposedly died when fighting Shinobu Sensui, indicating that Kurama would die for Yusuke just as Hiei and Kuwabara would. The latter also shows Yusuke beating the crap out of Bakken when he mercilessly beat Kurama, who was weakened from fighting 2 matches and having a handicap (Gama's art). Together, their friendship has endured a lot, but they paved way for both to come out strong and better than ever.
Relationship to Ichigo
Uryu thinks of Ichigo, at first, as a moron, dimwit, and too overconfident for his own good. However, Uryu would prove to be one of Ichigo's closest friends despite them initially being rivals. Uryu joins Ichigo's cause and has proven to have put trust and faith in Ichigo's abilities. Uryu saved Ichigo before he went full on berserk in doing more damage to him and has proven that he's grown stronger when fighting Iceringer upon arriving in Hueco Mundo. Despite being different, Uryu sees Ichigo as a frenemy and believes he is truly capable of much more feats. Uryu's trust in Ichigo also has grown strong, primarily when he entrusted Ichigo to save Orihime or else he'll kill Ichigo (a motivator perhaps). Uryu and Ichigo tag-teamed in the very beginning when fighting a Menos and it showcases what's to come as the two embark on a journey to save Rukia from persecution, but the two would be worlds apart as Uryu is sided with the Vandenreich and Ichigo is their primary target - this is a test of their struggling friendship in hopes to not overcome themselves, but to overcome who they are as Shinigami & Quincy.
Verdict
And the winner is...
Kurama shows more promise and his ongoing talents showcase that he is both a demon and a friend. A calculative tactician, innovative, and precise - Kurama's talents have exceeded expectations upon fighting various demons and he is shown to have always plenty tricks up his sleeves. Kurama and Yusuke were never enemies from the get-go and their friendship over time has built and built whereas Uryu & Ichigo is hit-and-miss. They genuinely do care for one another, but their is still a hunt of doubt because of who they are and what they are capable of. Uryu is at an impasse - choosing to side with the Quincy, he is eliminating all doubt and making the Shinigami his primary target as well as throwing away his talents and his friednship with Ichigo & his friends. However, Uryu may/may not have a ulterior motive siding with the enemy, but with Yhwach clearly seeing Uryu as a potential heir to his power, will Uryu be blinded by his ambition as a Quincy or will he side with his friends, throwing away all doubts while possibly destroying the chance to learn of other Quincy aside from himself? You see that this battle is about personality, wits, and innovation and, to me, Kurama takes the cake because he will always choose Yusuke over anyone else, eliminating any doubt that he'd do them wrong, whether in human or in demons form (Plus he's stronger in his demon form). And I personally believe Kurama could analyze Uryu's attacks before Uryu could do the same, but that's only a matter of opinion.
I hope you enjoyed today's 5th Bleach Hakusho post. The following are up:
1) Hiei vs. Byakuya (Victory - Byakuya)
2) Kuwabara vs. Chad (Victory - Kuwabara)
3) Genkai vs. Urahara (Vicotry - Urahara)
4) Keiko vs. Orihime (Victory - Keiko)
Look forward to tomorrow's 6th Bleach Hakusho post. It will be posted between 10:00am-10:00pm (New Time). Until then, you all stay classy and feel free to leave a comment below on who you think should've won.
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