Bleach Hakusho 2 Round 8: Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Toshin Raizen

 

VS.

Welcome back to another installment of Bleach Hakusho where I pit the worlds of Bleach & Yu Yu Hakusho (YYH abbreviated). So far, Bleach is in the lead 4-3 against YYH, but within September, anything can happen. Bleach Hakusho 2 Fight Night posts will be on Mondays & Fridays all throughout September. Without further ado, let's start off the 8th Matchu ~ Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Toshin Raizen. Take into account that Storyline & Powers/Abilities are the deciding factors in these Fight Night posts. Let's jam! 

Storyline (Kenpachi)

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, he took it upon himself to take the Zanpaktou of a already dead Shinigami and implanted his soul upon it to make it officially his. 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. 

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. It is recently revealed that he learned of his Zanpaktou's name - Nozarashi after having fought against Gremmy "The Visionary Thoumeaux and nearly saving Yachiru's life (although her whereabouts are unknown). However, before Kenpachi had anytime time to relax after Gremmy dug his own grave, the TGPZ Sisters (Thunderbolt, Glutton, Power, & Zombie) arrived, did considerable damage to both KEnpachi & his squadron, and is left on the floor - weakened by the combined efforts of the enemy attacks. Ichigo shows up in aiding the weakened Kenpachi. Later, we see Kenpachi appear before Mayuri Kurotsuchi, ready to be on the offense against Yhwach & the Wandenreich. 

Storyline (Raizen)

Raizen was the most powerful of the Demon Kings. During the coexistence of humans and demons together, Raizen was considered at the top of his peak - towering over Mukuro and Yomi in power and stature. When being chased by the League of Demons, Raizen was gravely injured and sought the help of a young beautiful woman who is proficient in utilizing poison. It was love at first sight and way way way way later, Yusuke was born. He has remained one of the strongest leaders next to Mukuro & Yomi, who by now have grown stronger. Ever since he met his true love, he has refused to eat humans, keeping his word to his true love to see her again.

In the Chapter Black Saga, Raizen took control of Yusuke's body in his fight against Shinobu. Ending Shinobu's life, Yusuke depises Raizen since Shinbou wasn't defeated by his hands. Yusuke realizes that Raizen was the one who took control of him, killed Shinobu, and is his descendant. In the Three Kings Saga, Yusuke, chosen by Raizen, is picked up by Hokushin as his successor. Knowing thus, Yusuke goes on ahead to challenge Raizen for killing Shinobu and to personally kick his ass. Up until his death, Yusuke relentless trained until he eventually becamee the rightful ruler of Raizen's empire. At the very end of the series, Yusuke finally comes to respect and admire his ancestral father and his spirit gives Yusuke advice to be together with Keiko and to never let her go.

Powers/Abilities (Kenpachi)

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. As said before, Kenpachi learned of his Zanpaktou's real name ~ Nozarashi. Although its abilities are unknown, it was able to cut down the Meteorite that Gremmy imagined and anything and everything that stood in its path. It's a huge-@$$ blade that can pretty much cut through any object. 

Powers/Abilities (Raizen)

Being a Mazoku, Raizen is one of the strongest S-class demons out there; in past he was stronger than Mukuro & Yomi in their prime. Raizen's demonic energy is up there, being able to handle just about anyone in his way. Some of Raizen's abilities include energy cutter, made by just flicking his fingers and creating energy blasts from his demonic energy. His power and skills garnered the respect and admiration of Enki & his gang, former sparring buddies of the late Raizen. As well having incredible power, he, as shown in the Chapter Black saga, can possess people as he took control of Yusuke to kill off Shinobu. His love for fighting and his strength are unparallel. 

Verdict

And the winner is…

This was a one-sided victory in my opinion. I love both these guys ~ loving the fight every minute. Both surprisingly lost to the protagonist, but the difference between the two is worlds apart. One's a former King whereas the other is a Captain-level Death God. The King has reigned for many years, but his empire crumbled. The Captain-level Death God still lives and continues to only get stronger whenever on the brink of death. Both have stood atop Death's footsteps, but came nowhere near close to opening its gates. They have had their fair share of losses and from it, have only proven time and time again that their experiences are what define them as individuals and are what give them power. However, reiterating once again from what I previously said ~ this is one-sided on the basis that Kenpachi continues to deliver much more needed development to his character. Finally attaining his Shikai was no easy feat, but he managed to and was able to f*cking cut a meteorite in half like a boss. With Raizen, he was easy to deal with Yusuke, but due to his longevity declining & his reign about to come to an end, Raizen's peak of power is minimal in comparison to how he originally was. He was on top of his game ~ outranking both Mukuro & Yomi. However with Kenpachi, I think he'd just spit at their feet, smile, and have a blast challenging the best of the best. Kenpachi has much more potential and as a result, has more to prove. He's a special war potential and it clearly shows both sides don't want to get on his bade side. With Raizen, it's true he's powerful enough to pose a legitimate threat, but I don't necessarily think he's enough to scare Kenpachi. If Kenpachi isn't scared of anything, why should he be scared of Raizen? Raizen may be the strongest S-class Demon, but Zaraki is and always will be "The" Kenpachi.

So who do you think won this matchup? Toshin Raizen from YYH or Kenpachi Zaraki from Bleach? Comment below & let me know. Look forward to BH 2 posts on Mondays & Fridays all throughout September (will be posted on weekends if and only if there is any delay). Until then, you stay classy. Here's the current score:

1) Sojiro Kusaka vs. Shinobu Sensui ~ YYH

2) Aaroniero Arruruerie vs. Elder Toguro ~ YYH

3) Renji Abarai vs. Kazuma Kuwabara ~ Bleach

4) Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez vs. Younger Toguro ~ YYH

5) Rukia Kuchiki vs. Yoko Kurama ~ Bleach

6) Tier Harribel vs. Mukuro ~ Bleach 

7) Yhwach vs. Yomi ~ Bleach 

8) Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Toshin Raizen ~ Bleach 

Bleach leads 5-3 against YYH