VS.
The much anticipated Bleach Hakusho Matchup between the Toguro-Zaraki teams is between its respectable, renowned, and bloodthirsty leaders - Younger Toguro & Kenpachi Zaraki. These two not only are formidable foes, but have garnered the respect of the protagonists, Ichigo & Yusuke. Feared for their strength, cruelty, and merciless nature - these two men are the epitome of the word: Warrior. This will be a little longer than usual since I want to cover a lot on these two badasses. Without further ado, let's get this Matchup started. I will be comparing the following: Backstory, Role in Story, Powers/Abilities, Personality, Relationship to Protagonist, Fight Record, & Influence on Story (New!)
Backstory ~ Younger Toguro
Prior to becoming a demon, Toguro was once a human who, alongside his brother & Genkai, created a dojo and dedicated themselves to martial arts. However, everything changed when the Demon Kairen entered their dojo and killed off all of their pupils. Angered by the loss of his pupils, Toguro challenged Kairen and lost. After this loss, Toguro disappeared for 3 months - detaching himself from everyone so he can become stronger, but at the same time - a part of him died the day Kairen entered his life. Toguro & Genkai eventually challenged Kairen in the Dark Tournament and won, but it wouldn't be long before Toguro wishes for the Committee to turn him into a Demon, greatly upsetting Genkai. Sometime after the Toguro Brothers transformation from human to demon, they enlisted the help of Karasu & Bui and together - formed Team Toguro for the upcoming Dark Tournament and working alongside Sakyo, one of the renowned members of the Black Black Club.
Backstory ~ Kenpachi Zaraki
Prior to becoming the 11th Captain of the Gotei 13 or heck, even before meeting his future Lieutenant, Kenpachi was born in the lawless district in the North Valley of Rukongai - Zaraki. As a child, took it upon himself to take the Zanpaktou of a already dead Shinigami and implanted his soul upon it to make it officially his Zanpaktou. His renowned swordsmanship improved overtime as he garnered the attention of then 11th Division Captain & current "Kenpachi," Yachiru Unohana. This was the first fight Zaraki felt anxious and fearful of his life, but later came to admire and respect her. Sometime later, he met a little girl and named her after his admirer and the district she was born in - Yachiru Kusajishi. He, alongside Yachiru, also met Ikkaku & Yumichika, now forming the current 11th Division. Zaraki Kenpachi took it upon himself to kill the current "Kenpachi" and became the new 11th Division Captain. During his time as a Captain, he was trained in the art of Kendo by then Captain-Commander, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Role in Story ~ Younger Toguro
Before the Dark Tournament took place, the Toguro brothers were working under Gonzo Tarukane to lure out Yusuke & Kuwabara + make the ice apparition Yukina cry (her tears morph into gem stones). The Toguro Brothers were head of the Apparition Gang (made up of Miyuki, Inmaki, & Gokumonki). He intentionally lost to Yusuke & Kuwabara to pave way for the Dark Tournament, held by the Black Black Club where various Demons participate in a martial arts tournament. Team Toguro was Team Urameshi's final opponents and are the antagonists in the Dark Tournament Saga. It is unfortunate that Elder Toguro, Karasu, & Bui loss, but it was the anticipated fight between Younger Toguro & Yusuke Urameshi that would decide the victor of the Dark Tournament as well as bargain who'd win/die at the end between Sakyo, sponsoring Team Toguro, and Koenma, sponsoring Team Urameshi. Toguro wanted Yusuke to unlock his true potential as Genkai's true disciple - killing Genkai and "killing" Kuwabara. With this, Yusuke finished off the 100% Toguro and he met his demise at the hands of his fully-charged & enormous Spirit Gun. After his defeat, Toguro is last seen in the Spirit World where he asked to be sentenced to Limbo despite Koenma pleading him otherwise. It can be said that Toguro wanting to go to Limbo is a testament to the Sin of becoming a Demon & becoming corrupted with power and his obsession with the Demon who took his humanity away, Kairen. A painful and harsh lesson that Toguro will have to endure for 10,000 cycles.
Role in Story ~ Kenpachi Zaraki
At the very beginning of the Rescue Arc, Kenpachi Zaraki was one of Ichigo's opponents (the first two being against Ikkaku & Renji). The two fought valiantly and it came out to be a draw, but Kenpachi, admiring Ichigo's strength and tenacity, gave him the victor. Sometime after recovering, Kenpachi aids Ichigo's team in saving Rukia and challenged Kaname & Komamura, putting both his life & rank at state in aiding Ichigo's cause to rescue Rukia. It wouldn't be long before the Soul Society has to face its new enemy - Aizen Sousuke & his army of Arrancars. Kenpachi, alongside Byakuya, was forced to take-back Captain Hitsugaya's squadron as to prevent further assistance in Ichigo's rescuing of Orihime. However, deep down, Kenpachi could care less about orders as he, Byakuya, Unohana, & Kurotsuchi enter Hueco Mundo and fight against the Espada. Here, Kenpachi fought valiantly against Nnoitra. Kenpachi almost lost his life, but he remembers the Old Man (Yamamoto) teaching him Kendo. Utilizing what he taught from the Old Man, Kenpachi subdues Nnoitra. After Aizen's defeat, the Soul Society has to deal with its new enemy - the Wandenreich, led by Yhwach. Kenpachi easily defeats 3 Stern Ritters, but lost terribly to Yhwach as he holds him by the neck, almost lifeless. It wasn't until later where Captain Kyoraku, now 1st Division Captain after Yamamoto's death, tells the Central 46 that Yachiru Unohana will train Zaraki Kenpachi in the art of fighting. The two Kenpachi(s) fight with Zaraki ending up winning against his former admirer, but is saddened by her loss as it is the most entertaining fight he's ever had. He hears a voice coming from his Zanpaktou, now being able to communicate with it as he could never had in the past. Just recently, he reappears in the latest chapter, ready to fight the unnamed Stern Ritter.
Powers/Abilities ~ Younger Toguro
Toguro is one of Yusuke's toughest opponent and as such, he poses a true threat to humans and demons alike. Upon first meeting Yusuke, Toguro only exerted a little bit of his power and it did a number on Yusuke & Kuwabara. However, after unlocking Yusuke's resolve - Toguro was able to fight at 100% full power. His primary ability is called Percentage power, amplifying and manipulating his muscles to the point where he truly does look inhuman. As seen in the picture, he is at 100%. Before, however, at 85%, Toguro was still kicking it as he was able to do considerable damage to Yusuke (seen breaking Yusuke's arm, beating him to a pulp, and throwing him across the stage). It wasn't until Yusuke found his true resolve thanks to Toguro "killing" Kuwabara that Yusuke was able to defeat the fully-powered 100% Toguro with a enormous Spirit Gun. Some of Toguro's other abilities include flicking his finger which can do considerable damage (it almost left a gash on Yusuke's body) and charging his energy into his arm that eliminates anything when in contact. As a demon, Toguro also has the ability to devour souls to amplify his power and durability. Even though Toguro is a powerful demon, he is only at B-class, considerably lower than S-class demons like Raizen, Yomi, or Mukuro.
Powers/Abilities ~ Kenpachi Zaraki
Prior to becoming a full-fledged Captain, he was renowned in swordsmanship - testing out his blade to any who oppose him. Even as a kid, Yachiru Unohana, the former 11th Division Captain & 1st Kenpachi, said that she was too much for Zaraki. As a Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi learned Kendo from Captain Yamamoto - amplifying his spirit energy a lot more than when he just used one arm in swinging his sword. Kenpachi's Zanpaktou is always in its Shikai state - amplifying his Spirit energy to the point where he has become a feared and renowned Captain. He was able to take-on both Kaname Tosen & Sajin Komamura in their Bankai states and this was way before he used Kendo on Nnoitra or found out that his Zanpaktou finally communicated with him. In fighting Yachiru Unohana to the death, he unlocked his true power and resolve. One of Kenpachi's strongest attributes is his ability to endure blow by blow by his opponents - having enhanced endurance, durability, and strength in combat. Much like a brick wall, it'll take a lot before it can truly be toppled. His Reiatsu truly is unruly when it comes to combat - exerting everything when his eyepatch is off (which conceals his Spirit Energy). As a Captain, he is one of the strongest in representing the Gotei 13.
Younger Toguro & Yusuke Urameshi
Younger Toguro is the first opponent Yusuke fought at the very end of the Spirit Detective Saga. It's safe to say that Yusuke is downright pissed off that a new enemy shows up and is even stronger than Yusuke. However, deep down, Yusuke had a little respect for Toguro - to be powerful in strength and in mind, to get whatever you want, and to enjoy the thrill of fighting. Yoguro mercilessly built up Yusuke's confidence and unlocked his resolve and true power by killing Genkai and "killing" Kuwabara. These two are a lot like - both are affiliated with Genkai, are powerful warriors, have respect for one another, and deep down - have a history that defines who they are and what they'll eventually become. Younger Toguro wanted the ultimate battle with Yusuke and he got it - dying with a smile on his face and facing the repercussions of his past mistakes after being turned into a Demon. Like Genkai said, Toguro truly does care for Yusuke, even if's twisted. Much like a father-figure, Younger Toguro relentlessly and without mercy only built up Yusuke - in strength, body, and mind.
Kenpachi Zaraki & Ichigo Kurosaki
Kenpachi Zaraki's first fight with Ichigo was enjoyable, being able to release the full extent of his power. As seen in the picture, Kenpachi was at his limit as he fell in defeat to Ichigo. After this, he has been wanting to fight Ichigo for personal enjoyment and to see who is stronger. It's safe to say that Kenpachi has a lot of respect for Ichigo - being relentless in battle, durable, agile, and most of all - being able to find his resolve. Kenpachi likes to pick on Ichigo as seen when kicking Ichigo after being grabbed by Yammy. In short, Kenpachi and Ichigo are frenemies (friends & enemies) and much like anybody he faces, Kenpachi only wants to become stronger so that he can challenge them once more to the death. They are a lot alike - always saving the day, have something they want to protect, and are continuously getting stronger. They have both build up each other - in strength, body, and mind.
Fight Record ~ Younger Toguro
Toguro has had a lot of fights with his former teammates and the renowned Team Urameshi. His record is as follows:
Younger Toguro vs. Kairen (First Round) - Loss
Younger Toguro w/Genkai vs. Kairen (Final Round) - Win
Younger Toguro vs. Karasu - Win
Younger Toguro vs. Bui - Win
Younger Toguro vs. Yusuke & Kuwabara (First Round) - Loss (Intentionally)
Younger Toguro vs. The Spirit Warriors (5 against 1) - Win
Younger Toguro vs. Genkai - Win
Younger Toguro vs. Yusuke (Final Round) - Loss
Fight Record ~ Kenpachi Zaraki
Kenpachi has had a lot of fights dating back before he became Captain. His record is as follows (excluding fillers):
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Yachiru Unohana (First Round) - Loss
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Ikkaku Madarame - Win
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Ichigo Kurosaki - Loss
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Kaname Tosen & Sajin Komamura - Draw
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Nnoitra Gilga - Win
Kenpachi Zaraki w/Byakuya vs. Yammy Llargo - Win
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Giriko Kutsuzawa - Win
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. 3 Stern Ritters (not fully shown) - Win
Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Yachiru Unohana (Final Round) - Win
Influence on Story ~ Younger Toguro
Toguro, despite wanting to go to Limbo, plays a pivotal part in YYH. He was Yusuke's toughest opponent yet, but despite this - he is content with his loss and wanting to rethink his ways for 10,000 cycles. Toguro, as I said above, cares for Yusuke and has built him up in strength, body, & mind. Toguro reshapes Yusuke's resolve in fighting as Yusuke ventures forth fighting even stronger opponents like Shinobu, the previous Spirit Detective, & Yomi, one of 3 former Demon rulers of Demon World. Toguro paved a way for Yusuke to be a better person - unlocking his true reason for fighting - to protect those he cares for whether it be human or demon. Despite Toguro being a Class B Demon, Yusuke has had to fight S-Class Demons who are just as strong as Toguro. Toguro is the one who unlocked Yusuke's resolve that'll be the central focus of his maturity and growth throughout the duration of YYH. Toguro sees Yusuke as a splitting image of who he once was - wanting to fight
Influence on Story ~ Kenpachi Zaraki
Kenpachi plays a pivotal role in building up Ichigo's character. What Ichigo lacked in the past was power and resolve. However, after fighting Kenpachi and various powerful foes - Ichigo had a reason to fight, had someone worth dying for, and preserving the nature of the Human World & The Soul Society. Kenpachi is seen as Ichigo's rival and he knows deep down Ichigo will only get stronger (much like how Toguro thinks of Yusuke). Kenpachi is, currently in the story, a special war-time potential alongside Ichigo & Aizen against the Wandenreich. You can say that since Kenpachi can now communicate with his Zanpaktou, he has grown a lot stronger. In all of Bleach, Kenpachi is one of Ichigo's closest allies, having partaken in the war against the Espada & the Stern Ritter. Kenpachi, alongside Byakuya & Ichigo, are 3 of the strongest protagonists in Bleach.
Verdict
And the winner of this anticipated Toguro-Zaraki Matchup is...
This had to be one of the hardest things to judge considering these two are on the top of my list in Favorite Bleach & YYH Characters. However, I think at the end of the day - it was obvious who was going to win. Kenpachi's upbringing is unknown, but what you do know is that he was a strong and capable swordsman. He only got stronger as time progressed and as a Captain-class Shinigami, he truly does shine when it comes to the Gotei 13. I really do admire Toguro's intentions (even if twisted), but the truth of the matter is - Toguro would be no match for Kenpachi. Toguro is a really powerful demon, but the one drawback to his character is the fact that he's only a B-Class level Demon, meaning that S-class demons could just as easily eat him out, spit him out, and call it a day. With Kenpachi, anything goes - whether it be friend or foe, Kenpachi can be just as powerful. Toguro is a man of character whose transformation is indeed tragic, but with Kenpachi, his childhood is still a mystery. The only thing you know is that he was a demon from the get-go and that's it. With Toguro, he was once a human, was Genkai's lover, and was a respected and well-versed Martial Arts instructor. As time progressed, he grew corrupt w/power because of Kairen. Here's the best way to say this - Toguro transformed from a human to a demon whereas Kenpachi IS a demon. I feel more sympathetic towards Toguro, but with Kenpachi - I feel that he offered more in power and role in story. Though both don't have many techniques, I believe at the end of the day - The demon can take on a transformed demon any day, anytime, and anywhere.
So who do you think won? Toguro from YYH or Kenpachi from Bleach? Leave a comment below and let me know. The current poll is still up for future Bleach Matchup(s) so please be sure to vote (poll is up at the top of the page). NOTE: I will be making a few changes in the Bleach Hakusho posts. So this Friday, THERE WILL BE NO BLEACH HAKUSHO POST. The next Bleach Hakusho post will be up Sunday. I will also be eliminating one of the Matchup(s). The current Bleach Hakusho posts are up:
1) Toya vs. Hitsugaya
2) Seiryu vs. Rukia
3) Raizen vs. Nnoitra
4) Karasu vs. Yumichika
5) Bui vs. Ikkaku
6) Elder Toguro vs. Yachiru
February BH Posts
1) Hiei vs. Byakuya Kuchiki
2) Kazuma Kuwabara vs. Yasutora "Chad" Sado
3) Genkai vs. Kisuke Urahara
4) Keiko Yukimura vs. Orihime Inoue
5) Yoko Kurama vs. Uryu Ishida
6) Hiei vs. Sui-Feng
7) Jin vs. Kensei Muguruma
8) Chu vs. Shunsui Kyoraku
9) Minori "The Doctor" Kamiya vs. Mayuri Kurotsuchi
10) Shinobu Sensui vs. Ginjo Kugo
11) Shishiwakamaru vs. Rojuro "Rose" Otoribashi
12) Yukina vs. Yuzu Kurosaki
Currently, Bleach leads 12-7 against YYH.
This is the NEW BH Schedule through March (MWFSu)
March 14 - NO BH POST
March 16 - Karin Kurosaki vs. Shizuru Kuwabara (Su)
March 17 - Charlotte Chuhlhourne vs. Suzuki (M)
March 19 - Findorr Calius vs. Gama (W)
March 21 - Ggio Vega vs. Goki (F)
March 23 - Yukio Hans Vorarlberna vs. Tsukihito (Su)
March 24 - Baraggan Louisenbairn vs. Yakumo (M)
March 26 - Yoruichi Shihoin vs. Mukuro (W)
March 28 - Aizen Sousuke vs. Yomi (F)
March 30 - Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Yusuke Urameshi (FINAL - Su)
As always, you all stay classy Bleach fans.
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