In Bleach TYBW, Rukia Kuchiki revealed her Bankai for the first time during her fight against Sternritter "F" Äs Nödt. While fans were hyped about the new form and were hoping to see more of it, not much was revealed about the state. Instead, only visuals allowed fans to learn about the form. Thus, here we shall take a look at Rukia's Bankai, Hakka no Togame, and what it means.
The previous episode of Bleach TYBW saw Rukia Kuchiki fighting Äs Nödt. While she managed to survive the Sternritter Schrift using her Shikai, she wasn't able to bypass her optical attacks. Hence, Rukia was forced to use her Bankai, using which she froze Äs Nödt to death.
What does Hakka no Togame mean in Bleach TYBW? Sode no Shirayuki's Bankai state explained
When translated literally into English, "Hakka no Togame" becomes "Censure of the White Haze." The manga's official English publisher, however, rendered the Bankai's title as "White Haze Punishment." The manga itself has not provided an explanation for the origin of this name.
Similar to various other Bankai transformations, the Zanpakuto known as Sode no Shirayuki undergoes a notable alteration in both appearance and attire when transitioning into its Bankai state. Most prominently, this transformation grants her silvery-white hair and transmutes her Zanpakuto into a crystalline ice sword, which remains translucent.
Regarding her attire, her uniform has been substituted with an ankle-length kimono adorned with intricate patterns along its edges. The kimono boasts numerous other embellishments, including an elaborate collar and a shoulder embellishment accompanied by expansive sleeves.
Moreover, the kimono features a series of cascading ribbons at its rear, resembling the ribbon that extends from Sode no Shirayuki's hilt when in its Shikai form. Finally, a petite ice flower blossoms at the center of her chest, while a semi-circular crown emerges atop her head, extending towards the back.
What is Hakka no Togame's special ability?
As explained by Rukia Kuchiki, Sode no Shirayuki's true nature is to drop the temperature of its user. Using this temperature drop, Rukia can achieve absolute zero temperature, which helps her freeze any person or object with contact.
While the Shikai ability seems very powerful in itself, her Bankai manages to increase the area of influence of the Shikai ability. Therefore, Rukia is able to freeze people and objects that are placed far away from her.
Upon invoking this ability against the Sternritter, a towering column of frigid mist ascended from the location where Rukia had positioned herself. Subsequent to this, as the Shinigami directed her blade at her adversary, an immense surge of icy, wintry wind swept toward Äs Nödt, ultimately encasing him in a fatal frost.
In a subsequent sequence within the episode, as Byakuya Kuchiki clasped Rukia's arm, it was unveiled that her Bankai's manifestation caused individuals in close proximity to progressively solidify due to the intense cold emanating from her form. This revelation solidified the understanding that her ability possessed the capacity to freeze any individual, irrespective of being an ally or a foe.
