Ichigo’s abilities become more and more complex the longer Bleach continues its plot. Had the story continued past TYBW, Tite Kubo would have probably revealed that Ichigo is the Soul King’s relative or something, and by proxy, another Soul King. The author bordered on the impossible for Mr. Perfect protagonist.
Nonetheless, fans could glean that not only is he a Shinigami and human, but also part Quincy and a Fullbringer. Oh right, not to forget his Hollow powers either. A bigger amalgamation of powers might not exist in the entire Shonen universe. This is like if Naruto had Sharingan, Byakugan, and Wood Release on top of his already impressive collection of powers.
Ichigo’s complex genetic makeup in Bleach is a boon and a curse
Since Ichigo began his journey, he has acquired a whole arsenal of powers, which is quite common in Shonen series. Ichigo first acquired Shinigami powers and possessed his first Zanpakuto under the training of Urahara. Slowly and steadily, he realized that he was actually a hybrid of Quincy and Hollow as well.
His mother was a Quincy while his father was a Shinigami. Additionally, his mother was also the host to a Hollow called White. Ichigo’s complex genetic background made him such a powerful character. Later, he also learnt he is a Fullbringer because of his mother’s Hollowification, which led him to inherit Hollow Reiryoku, the basis for Fullbring abilities. Ichigo learnt to use his Fullbring abilities after losing his Shinigami powers temporarily.
But what will happen once Ichigo dies? Will his complex heritage still stay intact in the Soul Society? Fans are mostly confused about whether he will still be able to use his Quincy and Fullbring powers once he officially becomes a Soul Reaper after his death.
Will Ichigo lose his Quincy and Fullbring powers after death?
Yhwach had the ability to share his powers with others. In return, the souls of those he favored would return to him after death, without ever reaching the Soul Society. But once he is defeated, the Quincy souls would pass onto the Soul Society as usual. However, their Quincy powers will not be retained. Thus, after death, Ichigo will remain a Quincy but without any special Quincy powers.
His Fullbring abilities are a completely different ball game, though. Ichigo was able to use Fullbring due to his Hollow Reiryoku. After the events of the Take of the Lost Agent, his Fullbring ability fused with his Shinigami powers. Thus, he can never truly lose his Fullbring side.
But what will happen once he dies? Thankfully, Fullbringers don’t lose their powers after death, unlike the Quincies. The traces of their abilities disappear from the mortal world, but they retain their abilities in the afterlife, that is, the Soul Society. Since Ichigo’s powers have already merged with his Shinigami identity, he should still be able to use his Fullbring powers after ascending to the Soul Society.
Bleach anime is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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