Klub Outside Q&A

This article, Klub Outside Q&A is considered to be canon material as it contains only information related to the original Bleach series and does not contain fanon or fan fiction elements.

This article uses information posted in the Japan-exclusive Klub Outside website, maintained by Tite Kubo.

Questions and answers

Question 5

Is there any chance of you introducing yet to be revealed Zanpakuto or Bankai in any shape or form in the future?

If I can find a medium that is recognized by many readers and given an appropriate number of pages to work with then I would like to do that someday.

Question 19

Is there anything you find particularly hard to draw in terms of character elements?

In terms of character elements, drawing big breasts is always difficult. Also, during the weeks I used to draw Szayelaporro's released state I was perpetually complaining about it while drawing.

Question 28

Are the contents and lore of the "BLEACH WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU" and "BLEACH Can't Fear Your Own World" novels largely decided on by you?

I came up with and shared the contents and lore with the two writers, but left the portrayal to them. Whenever there was something they didn't understand along the way they would come to consult with me.

Question 47

Back in the Arrancar Arc, Gantenbainne was healed by Captain Unohana but what became of him afterwards?

He is still alive. The "God" he was talking about is Baraggan, so right now he is gathering other Hollows that worship Baraggan and building a small country.

Question 50

A question for you. Is choosing Nemu-chan's hair and clothing part of Mayuri's hobbies? Or does Nemu-chan choose everything according to her tastes?

Rather than a hobby, Mayuri's changing them up to match his own style. Now whether it suits her or not is another matter.

Question 51

Is there any Bleach character that you were surprised to see become popular?

I never would have imagined that Hisagi would become popular, but I'm glad he's gotten somewhat popular over the years.

Question 66

Grown up Ichigo sure looks a lot like his dad Isshin. Did he also inherit his hairy chest genes? I'm curious.

I would like to believe in the power of Masaki's genes.

Question 69

Back when Isshin was a Captain, Rangiku was the Vice-Captain while Hitsugaya was the 3rd Seat. Why did Rangiku not advance to the position of Captain?

That's because Hitsugaya was more suited for the position of Captain and also because he had already achieved Bankai. By the way, by the time Hitsugaya had joined the Gotei 13 he had already achieved Bankai.

Question 72

In Bleach, the higher the number of a Kido spell is, the stronger the spell becomes. Does the "Blue Spark" spell from Burn the Witch work on similar mechanics?

It's different. The magic numbers in BtW have simple rules and they are assigned in accordance to them.

Question 73

Between Rangiku, Orihime, Yoruichi, Harribel, Unohana, Isane, Nelliel and Noel, who has the largest chest size?

I think I probably draw Nelliel visualizing her as the most well endowed one.

Question 75

In the final chapter we see that Chad has become a boxer that is aiming to become champion. Up until then Chad had sworn that he would never use his fists to fight for himself so what happened? Did something happen that made him change his mind, or is there someone special to him that he wishes to protect by pursuing the title of boxing champion?

Nothing changed. Chad simply considers boxing a "martial arts" sport and doesn't view it as something violent.

Question 90

It was said during the Thousand Year Blood War arc that no resident of Rukongai beyond the 50th District had been found to wear sandals, yet as a kid Rangiku had quite a pretty pair of sandals. Did she receive them from Gin?

After they met each other Gin and Rangiku slowly made their way to the inner districts of Rukongai where it's safe. Gin's wooden sandals and Rangiku's leather-soled sandals which appear in the later half of the flashback where both picked up by them along the way.

Question 115

Byakuya says that Ichigo is the second person to ever witness Senkei. Who was the first person to see it?

I cannot answer this here.

Question 117

Back when Old Man Zangetsu tried to tell his name to Ichigo inside his spiritual world, it was covered in black ink and couldn't be seen. Was that the doing of Ichibei Hyosube?

That is correct.

Question 120

Did Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku notice that Ichigo was Isshin Shiba's son when they came to the living world?

Both of them noticed.

Question 133

I believe Tousen can use Hollowfication and enter what would be his Resurrection. Can Ichigo and the other Vizards do this as well? Is it possible that they could use both Bankai and Resurrection while Hollowfied?

It is possible.

Question 135

Please tell us the secret behind "Ururu" and "Jinta". Just what are they?

Both of them are Modified Souls created by Kisuke.

Question 142

I have a question about Izuru Kira's healing ability and his Gotei 13 affiliation history. Initially, he was assigned to the 5th Division under Captain Aizen, where after discovering that he has an inclination for Kaido he got transferred to the 4th Division, after which I assume he was then moved to the 3rd Division under Gin Ichimaru?

When he was serving in the 4th Division it was Aizen who recommended Unohana that he transfer to the 3rd Division.

Question 144

When Grimmjow was about to tear off Loly's leg in volume 32, what was she going to say after the "No, wait! It'll be our little secret!" line? After getting told that I've got a bad personality I haven't talked much about it openly, but what happens before and after that scene is one of my favorite moments!

"I'll let you bang me!" is what she would have said. Judging by Loly's character, this is the kind of thing she would've said to save her skin. A friend of mine who is a popular mangaka also told me that they loved that scene so feel free to talk about it.

Question 149

Why is the Shihakusho uniform worn by Shinigami black? Is it so that the Monk can give them power in case of an emergency?

The color was decided upon during the days of the first Gotei generation, and the reason for it was so that "you didn't have to throw it away every time it got stained in blood". But the idea regarding the Monk is also nice.

Question 151

I have a question regarding Yachiru Kusajishi. While she is Zaraki Kenpachi's Zanpakuto "Nozarashi", is her being called "Yachiru" the reason why she herself also possesses the Zanpakuto "Sanpo Kenju"? Be it Hihio Zabimaru or Fuji Kujaku, there have been many scenes in which the Zanpakuto could not release their true power unless called by their true names. I am thinking that "Nozarashi" gained the essence of a Shinigami and took form due to being named after the real "Yachiru", name which also led to her obtaining the Sanpo Kenju sword which is specialized in the act of slashing. I am really curious about the identity of Yachiru Kusajishi so it would be great if you could answer my question.

Oh, wow! Despite there not even being a single passage written about Yachiru being Nozarashi, I'm amazed that you managed to find all that out! As far as the content of your question are concerned, you are almost right. In addition, Yachiru represents a form of Kenpachi's Bankai that was separated from its main body, and which gained the power of a Shinigami upon receiving a name from Kenpachi. The true embodiment of Nozarashi is that of a grown woman. Just imagine Zangetsu and Tensa Zangetsu, that should make it easier to understand.

Question 155

Did Baraggan not state his rank and refer to himself as Espada out of antagonism towards Aizen?

Yes.

Question 158

As Aizen said "No one ever stood atop the heavens before", he then looks at Ukitake and continues "Not you, or I, or the Gods". Was that "you" bit supposed to imply the relationship between Ukitake and the Soul King?

Yes.

Question 162

In the Q&A section of 13BLADEs, you mentioned that a certain character's completed Bankai form had yet to be revealed. Were you talking about the grown up version of Hitsugaya? If so, when did you come up with the idea to age him up a bit?

Yes, I was talking about Hitsugaya. I came up with the idea when I first designed Hitsugaya, so by the time he debuted it was already decided upon.

Question 171

Is there any difference between short Zanpakuto release commands and long ones such as those of Kyoraku and Ukitake's?

In general, older Zanpakuto tend to have longer release commands.

Question 175

I love Chad! About his tattoo, is there any story behind how he got it?

When Abuelo passed away he got it in order to strengthen his feelings.

Question 181

Why does Tatsuki want to become stronger? She's got a strong name which she herself dislikes so I always imagined that her parents must own a dojo or be involved in the martial arts world or something like that. I'm also very curious to know about how Tatsuki viewed Orihime during their junior high days. Since both her and Ichigo used to be bullied because of their hair color and they also both experienced the loss of a family member, I was wondering whether Tatsuki had noticed these things that they had in common.

The Karate dojo that Ichigo used to frequent was actually part of Tatsuki's home. Also, in a flashback which I had to take out due to the page number limitation, there was a scene in which Tatsuki likens Ichigo's experience to that of Orihime's. You sure pay attention!

Question 185

I would like to know more about the relationship between Mask de Masculine and James. Going off of Yhwach's comment about James having died, would it be correct to assume that James is the real body whereas Masculine is just a fictitious form of his?

James is the real one while Masculine is the embodiment of his ideal hero.

Question 192

How old is Ikumi, the owner of the eel shop?

She is 33 years old.

Question 193

In the novels it is mentioned that Soul Society's history spans over one million years, but looking at the Four Noble House leaders such as Byakuya and Yoruichi, they are only the 28th and 22nd generations respectively. It doesn't seem like their roots would reach as far back as one million years so what is the catch here?

The history of the Nobles does not represent the history of Soul Society, but that of Seireitei's.

Question 213

In regards to Byakuya's grandfather, Ginrei, when Kyoraku brought up the names of the Shinigami that have been Captains for over a hundred years he was not mentioned. Was his service as a Captain rather short?

I forgot about him! Let's blame it on Shunsui.

Question 226

Although it's true that it's never once mentioned how Toshiro's Bankai would come undone if his petals were to disappear, what would happen to him if this were to happen before he mastered his Bankai?

He would undergo an imperfect growth and damage himself in the process.

Question 237

Regarding the double chant Rukia used when she was fighting Aaroniero, did she simply split the chant for Sōrensōkatsui into two and throw in the one for Rikujōkōrō in the middle? Or is it that the chant itself slightly changes between using each spell individually and going for a double chant instead?

It was a shortened Rikujōkōrō chant inserted in-between the full chant for Sōrensōkatsui. Reciting the full chants for both spells would increase their effect, but that would defeat the meaning of the double incantation as their time efficiency would end up dropping.

Question 238

When one inherits a Zanpakuto in the way Tosen and Kenpachi did, will the essence of its soul be overwritten? Or will it mix with the essence of the previous owner?

Usually it will be overwritten, but in some cases it can also mix.

Question 276

When Rukia entered into the family register she chose not to change her last name. However, now having become a Captain herself, there are two Captain Kuchiki around. How do the troops differentiate between the two when addressing them? Is it possible that she'll change her name to Abarai?

Many soldiers use "Captain Kuchiki" and "13th Captain Kuchiki" in order to differentiate them.

Question 277

In the end, has Zangetsu returned to being just one blade? The "10 years later" version of Ichigo that was added to the Brave Souls game is seen wielding the "Zangetsu that appeared after Tensa Zangetsu shattered" seen in the final stage of the Thousand Year Blood War arc. The dual Zangetsu blades containing the Hollow and Quincy sides are joined together into a single blade when releasing Tensa Zangetsu, so I assumed that it would clearly revert back into two blades once the Bankai is undone. However, after revealing his Bankai, Ichigo has both his Hollow and Quincy powers stolen and the blade gets damaged as well among other things. Would this be the reason why Zangetsu did not return to being two blades again? Or is it possible that if Ichigo so wishes it can be turned into both a single blade and a pair of swords as well? In any case, it's just a game exclusive addition but I was really curious about it.

Although this hasn't been touched upon in detail, since I don't plan on expanding upon this topic any further I'm going to answer your question here. The dual Zangetsu is made up of "the blade" and "the scabbard". The correct form of a Zanpakuto is one that includes a scabbard and there are only two blades without one: Sayafushi and Zangetsu. The dual blade state fixes Zangetsu into its "correct form" while its Bankai state provides the scabbard, and what was seen after it shattered is the "True Zangetsu". The shattered scabbard was absorbed by Ichigo so if he wanted to he could split it back into two, but I guess that depends on Ichigo himself.

Notes

• The above questions and answered are translated by third party sources. Reader discretion is advised.