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Tite Kobe may have provided plenty of pretty faces for fans to gawk at, but he also gifted these girls with amazing capabilities in the process. Now that the Thousand Year Blood War is underway, it’s time for these lovely ladies to get back into action and (for some) reveal their true potential along the way!

This article will contain light spoilers from Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War (currently streaming on Hulu) but refrain from discussing specific events.

9 Rangiku Matsumoto

The majestic Matsumoto may have the biggest set of… lungs in the series; however, she is not just another ditsy bimbo, particularly when the swords come out. This quick-witted temptress proves capable of taking on all three highly-skilled Tres Bestias singlehandedly while waiting for reinforcements, and she might have been victorious if Ayon hadn’t rocked up unexpectedly.

Matsumoto’s Shikai works in a similar manner to Senbonzakura, whereby her Zanpakuto disintegrates into a cloud of deceptive ash, with each controllable cindered particle independently acting as a razor-sharp blade. This stunning 10th Division Lieutenant is also skilled at hand-to-hand combat, seeing as Haineko is not always reliable (particularly when it’s moody!)

8 Tier Harribel

Hueco Mundo couldn’t be in better hands with Lady Halibel as its de-facto Queen, who is fighting to create a sanctuary of sorts for her fellow Hollow residents. The former 3rd Espada (and Vasto-Lorde class Menos) is one of few females to make an impression on Lord Aizen, as she is the only woman in his army with any significant authority (as Neliel’s replacement).

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Harribel’s aqua-manipulating Resurrección is potent enough to give the infamous Tōshirō Hitsugaya a run for his money while her perceptive, analytical skills often help to formulate the perfect strategy to take down her opponent. She has multiple water-fueled tactics hidden up her sleeve and can even melt her enemy’s frosty attacks at will.

7 Soifon (aka Suì-Fēng)

While Soifon’s arrogance isn’t necessarily winning her any popularity competitions, the 2nd Division Captain prioritizes her skills over her social status, which has evidently paid off. As the Onmitsukidō (Covert Ops) leader, the stealthy Soifon is a role model to many and has almost reached her beloved mentor, Yoruichi’s level of expertise in combat.

Her bee-like, venomous Suzumebachi takes only two strikes to annihilate the enemy with its Shikai (so long as Soifon’s accuracy doesn’t falter); however, she mostly avoids using her oversized Bankai, only releasing Jakuhō Raikōben’s bulking form as a last resort.

6 Candice Catnipp

As the strongest Sternritter lady around, Candice does her best to represent the Quincy girls and does a pretty good job overall. Her lightning-fast reflexes are matched only by her electrified attacks, which are delivered with enough intensity to incapacity an entire group of Shinigami, simultaneously.

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Candice’s lightning manipulation abilities are enhanced even further during her Vollständig, whereby she also gains the power of flight (and several other nifty tricks to be revealed in the Thousand Year Blood War.)

5 Rukia Kuchiki

While Rukia’s Zanpakuto is nothing to laugh at, it’s the girl’s flawless Kidō talents that her foes truly need to worry about! The young warrior had already proved herself sufficient in the arts of Kidō before enrolling at the Shinigami Academy, where she proceeded to take a leaf out of her brother’s book by prioritizing these weapon-free spellcasting skills.

In terms of her weaponry, Sode no Shirayuki is not an ice-creating Zanpakuto per se, as it essentially functions to lower Rukia’s core body temperature to absolute zero. This subsequently imbues her with the ability to instantly freeze anything she touches (with her sword or her body) and has quite an extensive range.

4 Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck

Despite her cute and squishy appearance, this adorable toddler is a formidable force in disguise, as Nel is actually a fully-grown superpowered Arrancar who previously held the 3rd rank in Aizen’s Espada Army. While most feel the need to protect the child-like Hollow, when things get really hairy, Neliel’s true form bursts forth, lance and all! (in her Resurrección state, that is.)

The peace-loving beauty has an aversion to conflict and would prefer to keep her Zanpakuto sheathed; however, when push comes to shove, she shows little mercy. Invoking the essence of a centaur, Neliel launches her lance at a breakneck speed, converting it into an oversized drill bit that any foe would struggle to evade.

3 Orihime Inoue

This red-headed cutie may act like a typical damsel in distress; however, she is more than capable of holding her own on the battlefield (well, with a little help, that is). The blue floral hairpins that Orihime always wears actually house six Spirits, collectively known as Shun Shun Rikka, which can be called upon at will to perform various offensive, defensive, and “healing” magic.

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The potency of these “fairies” directly correlates to Orihime’s emotional state at the time, so if she lacks drive, anger, or killing intent, her attacks will fall short. Therefore, she predominantly relies on her shields and time-reversal skills during combat, acting as the perfect support for her team.

2 Yoruichi Shihōin

This shapeshifting Shinigami may have been booted out of the Gotei 13, but that is in no way a reflection on her skills (and has everything to do with Aizen’s treachery!) Yoruichi is not a big fan of using her Zanpakuto and would rather rely on her superhuman Shinigami capabilities, and has subsequently mastered the arts of Kidō, Shunkō, and Hakuda.

Yoruichi is also known for being the Flash Step Goddess because her Shunpo skills are so speedy that she appears to materialize out of thin air and somehow singlehandedly surround the enemy. This alluring assassin has another, more advanced feline form, which is due to be revealed in the Thousand Year Blood War.

1 Retsu Unohana

As the Captain of the 4th Division, Unohana’s main responsibility has been around the health and safety of her fellow Shinigami (and anyone else in need). By relying on her extensive knowledge of spirit energy and Kidō, this soft-natured “shaman” can heal most wounds with minimal effort. Unohana is also quite capable of going on the offensive with Hadō and Bakudō spellwork, while her incredible sword skills should not be taken lightly.

Minazuki is Unohana’s giant flying manta ray Zanpakuto (in its Shikai form) which is perfect for safely transporting many passengers and has the added ability to remedy the occupants of its belly. Anime viewers have yet to see her Bankai, and boy, are they in for a treat when it is finally revealed (not much longer!)

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