Let’s have an exercise in futility: ranking the Espada. There have been many number theories and mathematical sequences generated in order to create a logical order to the ranking of the Espada but so far none have been correct. Because I’m bored, let’s talk about what you think the ranking of the Espada might be. There might be spoilers below so don’t click if you’re not caught up with the manga. I have included a picture of the infamous tea party table seating for reference (click for bigger).
Here’s my personal prediction on the ranking:
1. Ulquiorra
2. Nnoitra
3. Stark
4. Old Espada
5. Halibel
6. Grimmjow
7. Zommari
8. Szayelaporro
9. Aaroniero
10. Yammy
Bolded names are the confirmed rankings by manga. All the rest are based on gut feeling with no complicated number sequences or formulas, except for Noitora – I think he is #2 based on what he told Telsa. He thinks he’s the strongest Espada but yet he’s not recognised as the strongest, so this probably means he’s #2. And I think Ulquiorra is #1 because he’s so damn intelligent and analytical, and he is Aizen’s pet as well.
This is the current actual rankings as revealed by the manga, together with my new predictions:
1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. Old Espada
4. Ulquiorra
5. Nnoitra
6. Grimmjow
7. Zommari
8. Szayelaporro
9. Aaroniero
10. Yammy
So let me hear all your theories and predictions on the rankings of the Espada!
1940 Comments
O yeh about Halibel ignoring the orders of Aizen, I also don’t agree. Cuz it’s not that she ignored it, it’s just that Aizen has not given any orders and if u mean that, the same goes for Barragan so…
Why would Halibel consider the intruders impressive but not Yamamoto? Yamamoto just one-shotted her god Aizen and his two administrators and is now making someone at the most only two ranks lower than her look like a fly among a furnace. It just seems odd that someone is considered powerful because they recognize danger but then act indifferent to a force unimaginably more powerful.
this is VaizardLover…I thought the “lover” was a little strange,so i removed it +D anyways,i still believe in the order 1.stark 2.barragan 3.halibel.when we saw starks expression,it didnt necessarily mean he was afraid.he could have thought shinigamis would never have such strenght,and panicked a little.barragan really doesnt look like primero,and his dislike to weaklings might make him a secondo,while halibel gets impressed quite easily(althought it could be for the same reason which stark got impressed).also,please note that the “almost tops”(ulquiorra,halibel and barragan…in my opinion)somehow like to keep their coolness.from five up,they are relatively weak,and stark,as the strongest,does not see necessity in acting cool,and simply relax
Here we go again. First of all Zeru, I’m 17 so the age difference isn’t that big. It’s great that someone is actually reading my comments now and give reactions about it.
Back to the topic. First about the order. When all the espada had their meeting, Aizen said that they should just stay in their rooms. I don’t think that the place where Ichigo and Grimmjow were fighting is her room. While Stark and Barragan stayed at their rooms, except when Stark had to retrieve Orihime, an order from Aizen. Ulqiorra had the same order as well. Hallibel together with Nnoitra and Zomari were the only ones who left their rooms. Apollo Grantz and Aaroniero were at their rooms, when they had their fight.
Ok, I agree that Kubo thinks logically in his eyes. For us it’s a different story. How many people have done their guess with Ulqiorra, Nnoitra and Zomari in the top three. And many peolpe didn’t see Hallibel or Barragan in the top three. Of course there are exceptions, who thought otherwise. What we normally would think has Kubo reversed. The ones who we would put more in the top three, were lower. This is now the case with Stark. That is why I believe that the ‘stage’ isn’t correct. In most of the manga’s the most important person walks in the middle. But that person isn’t always the most powerful person. Think of Rosario+Vampire. The human walks in the middle followed by monsters.
Next is Hallibel who is impressed by Ichigo. First of all, Ichigo is actually HUMAN, not a shinigami. I would also think it’s strange when a human is stronger than a released espada. But you would guess it when it’s the strongest of the shinigami.
Well, because Zeru thinks Barragan will be primero and I believe that Hallibel is first, it seems likely that we will continue reacting each others posts the whole time. But Zeru, I was wondering, who do you think which of the captains will fight which Espada?
Hopefully you will react again, that I can try to explain why I believe that Hallibel is first
Dude it was obvious that Halibel was first, ever since like January. I used to h8 stark with much passin, but now I will admit I think hes second. No evidence, just a hunch from the first time i saw his picture long ago
1.Halibel
2. stark
3. Barragan
Why did you believe it since january. Eventhough I’m happy to see someone also thinks that Hallibel is primero, I’d like to hear your reasonings. Before the latest chapter, I had always thought that Stark was first, but I was always hoping for Hallibel. Now it seems otherwise.
However if Kubo intented to let Stark appear the weakest of the three, then Kubo is doing a great job.
Well we’ll found it out in about a week
Hi, Ukyo. I am sure that more people read ur comments and react cuz ur sharing ur thoughts really good, I like that, this is whats all about, sharing thoughts.
Yeh, u are totally right, I just skipped that whole meeting-thingy, sorry.
And ur completely right with thinking that the espada ranks are reversed.
Man, I hate to admit it but ur totally right with all the points here
Although I dunno what Rosario+Vampire is but I am sure ur right.
Well, I don’t think that we will react the espada ranks anymore cuz now I completely understand what ur thoughts are and I can imagine now that Halibel might be the top espada. However, Stark means strong in german, since that Tite always pick words from Spanish and German, he might be the strongest. But maybe it’s a coincidence.
Now about which captain will fight which espada. Well, I want that it would not be so… Well…. Hm… I am sorry I don’t remember how u call thatLOL. Well I will just say normal, like Stark against Kyouraku Shunsui, Barragan against old Yama and Halibel against Soifon. I kinda like a team-fight, so that the captains will fight as a team and the espadas too, thats the smartest thing to do and I have never seen espadas team up and fight, that would be amazing. Don’t think it will happen though cuz the espadas are kinda arrogant I think, so… But I think that it will be the old predictable way.
Hey Zeru. Don’t be too mad. It seems as if you don’t like to admit that I’m right, however your point of Barragan in the middle is almost impossible to disagree with. Although you say that I have some good points, you’ve made some strong arguments as well about Barragan being first. The only reason why I’m disagreeing is that my gut feeling thinks Hallibel is primero. Personally, I think that we both have made it more difficult to say which espada is primero. By the way, Rosario+Vampire is a manga that I’m reading.
I would love to see the espada team up together and the captains as well. It would be awesome. However I don’t think that it well happen. The bad guys have three espada and 8 fraccion ready to fight. If the captains fight the espada, I don’t think that the vice-captains will defeat the fraccion. The back-up consisting of the vaizard and the Urahara team will face the three evil captains.
Well those are my thoughts. That’s why I think the battle will be like this:
Old Yama VS Barragan, Shunsui VS Stark and Soi Fon VS Hallibel. Eventhough I don’t like this, it seems likely it will happen. The vice captains together with Komamura(captain 7) and Hitsugaya will fight the fraccion. I belive that Ukitake will suffer from his illness. How the fight between the evil captains and the backup will go, I have no idea yet.
Don’t worry I am not really mad
. Thx, ur arguments are really good too. Well, yeh everybody has their own feelings but that has to be cuz the ranks are not known yet so… Yeh, I am really confused now about which espada is the primero LOL. I also think that the team fight won’t happen, I would have extremely loved it though. I get ur point, the vice captains are pretty weak and there are more fraccions so ur right. I think it will be the same as what u have said but I really hope that Tite will come up with a better fight then this cuz it’s really predictable. Like I said, I really want to c a team fight cuz I wanna know what the espadas will do if they team up. Like what strategy they will use cuz a fight whithout using strategies are sometimes pretty boring.
Ukyo: check out my comment above at Jun 05, 11:14 pm.
I believed it before that but didn’t post on this site for long time.
I’ve read your post Apathetic J of Jun 5. I would love to see Shunsui VS Hallibel. If one of the captains is a perv, it will be Shunsui. And then he has to fight the girl, who isn’t averaged size.
. But I guess the team fight won’t come. In my eyes, it seems that the espada are solitaire. How many espada couldn’t stand each other.
I also thought that the whole more human-like means more powerful is a lot of crap. That would mean that Apollo Grantz would be one of the top three. And Aaroniero would never have been one of the espada.
Sure is predictable if we can come up with an idea how the fighting will be if we can guess it, right Zeru
But I’m wondering how many fraccion Ulqiorra has and how strong they are. Ulqiorra is protecting Hueco Mundo, so that must meen that his fraccion are also protecting. I’ve read somewhere in one of the posts here that Kubo said during an interview that Stark’s fraccion is as strong as Grimmjow. If this is true and Ulqiorra’s fraccion are also that strong, there could be a huge battlefield in Hueco Mundo.
But it is one week before we find out
Yeh, too bad I thinkthe team battle won’t take place too.
Well I think that Ulquiorra don’t have any fraccions and I don’t think he need it cuz if the other espadas, Aizen, Tousen and Gin are in Hueco Mundo, they can easily take out any invaders. And I think if Aizen and the top 3 espadas won’t be in Hueco Mundo then Ulquiorra can use any arrancar as he wants.
.
Wow, ur kiddin me right? Lillinette or whatever her name is, as strong as Grimmjaw??? I don’t really think it’s true, if so it’s kinda weird cuz why would Aizen then not make Lillinette as the seventh strongest espada? Sorry but I don’t really believe that stuff but I am sure that there can be a huge battle in Hueco Mundo, cuz the rest of the captains are there and the gang of Ichigo are there too. Also we don’t know if the other espadas are dead yet cuz some of them did not vanished like Zomari besides Yammy is still there…. Right??? Hahaha, since we have not heard anything of Yammy I for quite some time I dunno if he is in Hueco Mundo anymore, maybe on vacation or running to another uuh…. Country LOL, since his arm has been blown off, I mean espadas can feel fear too, right?
If I would have been Yammy I will run run run like I have never run before. Hehehe, jk but really where the hell can he be? In hell maybe? Well, hell is Hueco Mundo so… He will be there. Ok, now thats a lot of bullshit, I dunno why I have wrote that
Yeah, Yammy will defeat every captain in Hueco Mundo.
He appears weak, but there should be something special about him, otherwise Aizen wouldn’t put Ulqiorra and Yammy together.
About Lilinette, I don’t believe it myself, however it explains why the fraccion are looking so calm. I don’t think that their bosses can protect them the whole time. Which means, the fraccion are really strong or they think that the captains are weak.
When it comes to who is an espada and who isn’t there have always been some things which need to be explained. Like Luppi and Wonderweiss Margera. Maybe Lilinette doesn’t want to be an espada, but wants to stay Stark’s fraccion. So it’s possible that Lilinette is as strong as Grimmjow.
Hahaha, Yammy will defeat every captain in Hueco Mundo.
Well, it’s not that Aizen put Ulquiorra and Yamnny together if u mean when they came to the real world, Yammy was just bored and wanted to came with Ulquiorra.
Well, as u can c, every single arrancar is pretty sure of them self, I think thats it, it’s not like they are super strong I think. Well yeh, there is a chance that Lillinette might not want to be an espada but I don’t think that Aizen does what the arrancars say, so if Aizen wants Lillinette to be an espada then there is no helping it, so I still don’t really believe it.
That was one thing that Yammy and Ulqiorra came to the real world together, but you also had that Yammy came also the second time, Ulqiorra was at the ‘hospital’ with Yammy and they went together to Wonderweiss’s creation.
I also don’t believe that Lilinette is that strong. But there was one thing that I thought that it’s strange. When Aaroniero died and you saw Hallibel, Barragan, Stark and Zomari, they or their fraccion gave comments about it. Stark asked Lilinette what HE should do, while Apache, one of Hallibel’s fraccion, asked what THEY should do. I don’t know if it means anything, but it caught my attention.
Sorry, I don’t have such a good memory about when Ulquiorra and Yammny together went to Wonderweiss’s creation. Well yeh it’s a bit strange when Stark asked her that but I don’t think that it was in that way cuz I thought that Lillinette said that Stark has to do something about the death of Aeroniero and Stark then asked: “What should I do about it?”. Thats what I have remembered. But man wow, u really pay a lot of intention when u are reading Bleach don’t u? Or u just have a real real good memory or I just have a bad memory LOL.
No, it’s nothing like that. I just go back and look some things up to say something usefull about the espada or things that can help to guess the rankings. Or in our last posts to show others why I think that Hallibel is first. The only things that I remember are the chapters in which something important happened or by using google, to show my thoughts.
Lilinette told Stark about the dead, which Stark asked what should I do about it.
By the way, I think it’s awesome that we are the whole time posting. I just have to watch the menu of this site to see if you and sometimes Apathetic J or someone else have reacted. It keeps me busy to discuss Bleach with you.
Oh okay, I have also googled for something for Bleach like the name of the fraccion of Stark cuz first I really dunno her name.
Yeh thats the scene that I have remembered about Stark and Lillinette.
Me too, I also think thats it’s awesome, I also check if u have post anything but I am kinda new here so I am only kinda reacting ur posts. Is there anything else that we can discuss about? I mean I really like sharing my thoughts and knowing what other people are thinking.
Well, I’m wondering who your favorite espada is. Mine is obvious I guess
. And who is your favorite captain. Like I said, I’m a huge fan of strong girls. That’s why I like Soi Fon the most. Although she isn’t the strongest female captain she is awesome. I like her personality and her ‘love’ for yourichi. I don’t know if you’ve seen Bleach the anime, but at the end of one episode, you see Soi Fon getting pictures of Yourichi. Soi Fon’s reaction is hilarious. Next are the Vice-captains. This time it’s Yachiru. She’s really cute and her child-like behavior is fantastic. As last we’ve got the Vaizards. Without a doubt, it is Lisa. Her behavior is really different. Reading manga normally targeted at guys, which two of the vaizards borrow and when she was listening to the captainsmeeting. Like I said I was wondering which ones are your favorites.
Well, my fav espada is Stark now, first it was Grimmjaw, I dunno why I have changed my mind but yeh Satrk is my fav. As for the captains, I really like Kenpachi, he is just a wild super strong demon, he is just too cool. First I like Hitsugaya but it has getting too much around him, it’s like that he is the main character now, thats prety irritating me. I also watch the anime yes, it was a kind of magazine I think and I pretty like Yourichi, she is my fav female bleach character. Hm… vice captains, wel I pretty like that dude that has a tattoo on his face, dunno his name anymore. As for the Vaizerds, I kinda like Shinji, he is strong but also hilarious with Hiyori.
I wanna have more contact with u, dunno if u think it’s too fast but I am pretty easy so… I kinda wanna have ur msn, if u don’t wanna say ur msn then go to http://www.Zeru15.deviantart.com. U can c my msn there and u also can see my interest.
I hope u also wanna have more contact, I am looking forward too ur answer.
My fav espada is Stark, first it was Grimmjaw but I dunno why I have changed my mind.
My fav captain is Kenpachi, he is like a strong, wild, crazy demon, I really like that. First it was Hitsugaya but it has going too much around Hitsugaya. It’s like that he is the main character or something, thats pretty irritating me.
I really like Yourichi too, she is my fav female character from Bleach. And I also watch anime, about the pictures, that was for a magazine or something I think.
For the vice captains, I really like Yachiru cuz she is always fooling around with Kenpachi.
As for the vaizards I pretty much like Shinji and Hiyori cuz they are strong but they are also fooling around, thats hilarious.
I want more cantact with u Ukyo, I dunno if u think thats too fast but I am pretty easy so… I want ur msn, if u don’t wanna give me ur msn cuz of all the people here then u can go to http://www.Zeru15.deviantart.com. U can c my msn there and u also can c my interest. I am looking forward to ur answer.
Hi, I have a question. Well I have wrote a message to someone, to answer his question and to say that I want to have more contact with that person. I did not curse or anything, I think that I am pretty polite. So I have wrote a mesegge and then when I have clicked on speak, it says that I am spamming. Please tell me what I have done so that I can not post that messege. Here is the tekst that I have worte: My fav espada is Stark, first it was Grimmjaw but I dunno why I have changed my mind.
My fav captain is Kenpachi, he is like a strong, wild, crazy demon, I really like that. First it was Hitsugaya but it has going too much around Hitsugaya. It’s like that he is the main character or something, thats pretty irritating me.
I really like Yourichi too, she is my fav female character from Bleach. And I also watch anime, about the pictures, that was for a magazine or something I think.
For the vice captains, I really like Yachiru cuz she is always fooling around with Kenpachi.
As for the vaizards I pretty much like Shinji and Hiyori cuz they are strong but they are also fooling around, thats hilarious.
I want more cantact with u Ukyo, I dunno if u think thats too fast but I am pretty easy so… I want ur msn, if u don’t wanna give me ur msn cuz of all the people here then u can go to http://www.Zeru15.deviantart.com. U can c my msn there and u also can c my interest. I am looking forward to ur answer.
First of all, those pictures were not for a magazine. Soi Fon ordered her squad to gather those pictures for her own. If I’m correct it should be near the introduction of Yammy and Ulqiorra, because the pictures which were token of Yourichi were seen in that episode. At the last picture, where Yourichi is eating, she was even blushing.
I was also a Hitsugaya fan, but it’s stupid that he is the most important of the captain. It would have been much greater when Kubo used some other captains as well.
Kenpachi is indeed cool, however I didn’t like how he defeated Nnoitra. Nnoitra had a cool release, which Kenpachi defeated by swinging is sword with two hands. I hoped he would have used a new technique or something else.
I’m not a huge fan of Shinji, but Hiyori kicks ass. I loved her part in the flashback, when she kicked Shinji and her own captain the whole time.
Grimmjow was also one of my favorites until his fight with Ichigo. I didn’t like the flashback. Stark is cool, but together with Barragan and Hallibel, should get more screen time. We almost don’t know anything about the top three.
I will add you to MSN, however I’m going on holiday so I’ll add you monday 14 july or tuesday 15 july. I’ll let you know when I’ve added you.
Stark asked Lilinette what HE should do, while Apache, one of Hallibel’s fraccion, asked what THEY should do. I don’t know if it means anything, but it caught my attention.
Now that’s a good point Ukyo. And it caught my attention too. As I explained it elsewhere to me it hints at Stark being Primero. Why?
Apache asking “what should we do Halibel-sama?” suggests that Aaroniero’s death threatened her as well as her mistress. Also that it requires some sort of response or reaction.
Lillinete simply asked Stark “Are you ok with that?” (Aaro’s death). It’s much more passive suggesting that Lilli wasn’t as alarmed as Apache but she still wanted to see what Stark’s reaction would be. Also the responsibility is Stark’s alone, not Lilli’s. That points to him being overall responsible for the Espada which should mean he is Primero.
This leads to my next point and that is Halibel has the least likeliest chance of being Primera. Ignoring accusations of sexism, all one need do is point out examples from the manga.
Kubo wrote Bleach and set it as a generic shonen manga. This is not Claymore where women protagonists and villains are the main characters and the strongest. This is not Soul Eater where a girl is the main hero but boys and girls are equally shown to be bad-ass. This is not even Fairy Tail where the strongest, most awesome character is a girl while the hero’s potential is not realised.
Remember the Vizards? they were a clean slate. No-one knew who was stronger or whatever except save Shinji seemed to be their leader. Now we know that Kubo had all four of the guys be former captains, save the one fat, ugly guy who is a VC…while all three girls are just VC (Hiyori, Lisa, the weird green-haired one)
Bleach is pure boy’s manga. Rukia the main girl is far weaker then Ichigo. Most of the females are just side characters in a way. But what about Orihime and Uonohana you ask?
Orihime was given god-haxx powers and reduced to a useless boy-fixated girl and Unohana…well people go on about her being strong and use the data book and also the Gaiden chapter where Shunsui and Ukitake seem afraid of their ‘dai-sempai’
But in the same gaiden arc we have the captains meeting and Unohana wanted to send her people into the fray and was told off by Yamamoto. But a minute later Shunsui does his own thing and sends off Lisa and Hacchi, countermanding Yamamoto’s orders in front of him and everyone else. That suggests to me that Unohana is not as strong as Shunsui. We know sometimes that in Bleach guys are afraid of girls but it doesnt mean they are weaker.
These examples show that Halibel being Primera is very unlikely. Kubo will not break the parallels he has established between Captains and Espada either.
In SS the de-facto leader is Yamamoto. He is their chief strategist and commander. His opposite in HM is…Aizen, not Barragan. Barragan is just one of the top three warriors under Aizen’s command. He doesnt contribute any tactics or ideas. He’s just a pawn, like any Espada.
Now if Yamamoto is the leader, who is the strongest warrior under him? Shunsui. The example above Shunsui dares to oppose Yama’s order to his face. Shunsui also during their fight was standing and smiling, meaning he wasn’t at all in trouble vs Yamamoto. Also in 316 we see Shunsui asking who the strongest Espada is. That is a good hint that Shunsui himself is the strongest warrior in SS under Yama and therefore his opposite should be the strongest in HM under Aizen, Stark.
Wow, Starky that’s a huge story that you’ve told. When I’m writing this part I can’t see the top of your story anymore.
What I actually tried to say with Aaroniero’s death was that Apache thinks that she could handle the intruders alone together with the fraccion of Hallibel. While Lilinette seemed afraid and that’s why she’s asking if Stark is going to do anything. But your version is interesting as well.
Next is the part of Unohana and I would like to add Yoruichi and Hikifune to it as well. Yoruichi has proven that she is strong. Without her sword she could defeat Soi Fon and as far as I know she is stronger than Byakuya. Which means there are only a few captains who are perhaps stronger than Yoruichi.
For those who don’t know who Hikifune is, she was the former Captain 12. She got promoted to the Royal Guards. This seems a huge promotion. Shunsui and Ukitake don’t have this promotion.
Next is Unohana, who was rejected to go during the flasback. It seems logic to me
that the captain of healing isn’t allowed to go. They didn’t know what was going on with the missing shinigami. If the healing captain would have been gone, the shinigami would have been in serious problems.
I don’t believe that we can compare all the espada with the captains and if we can, then it isn’t equal to the captains level of strength. That’s why I say that you can’t tell that Stark is first, because Shunsui is probably the second strongest of the captains.
The only ones that I don’t see as pawns, then that will be Hallibel and Barragan. They haven’t got any order yet from Aizen and they are the least afraid of the captains.
Before I forget, about the three vaizards girls who were vice-captains, Renji and Ikkaku are also not vice-captain and third seat, but both can be captain class. This can also be the case for Hiyari, Lisa and Mashiro.
My fav espada is Stark, first it was Grimmjaw but I dunno why I have changed my mind.
My fav captain is Kenpachi, he is like a strong, wild, crazy demon, I really like that. First it was Hitsugaya but it has going too much around Hitsugaya. It’s like that he is the main character or something, thats pretty irritating me.
I really like Yourichi too, she is my fav female character from Bleach. And I also watch anime, about the pictures, that was for a magazine or something I think.
For the vice captains, I really like Yachiru cuz she is always fooling around with Kenpachi.
As for the vaizards I pretty much like Shinji and Hiyori cuz they are strong but they are also fooling around, thats hilarious.
I want to have more cantact with u Ukyo, I dunno if u think thats too fast but I am pretty easy so… I want ur msn, if u don’t wanna give me ur msn cuz of all the people here then u can go to http://www.Zeru15.deviantart.com. U can c my msn there and u also can c my interest. I am looking forward to ur answer.
Sorry for double posting but yesterday was pretty weird, I could not post anything, so I thought that I have not post it yet, so I have post it again.
I could also not delete my post, I could only edit it, so I have just let it as it is.
While, Ukyo, it seems like that we almost have the same opinion about which is the fav captain, vice captain, espada and vaizerd. Except for Shinji.
Thx for adding me to msn Ukyo and have a nice holiday.
Yoruichi is not a good example if you want to prove that a woman can be Primera. Yoruichi stated she could not take Byakuya. She fought a tenth level Espada with her bare hands and her hands hurt because of his Hierro. During the fight she was almost caught out by Yammi’s cero if Urahara had not blocked it. In SS she fought Soi Fong who was her protege but it wasn’t a contest of raw power but speed and ability. Soi Fong is considered by many fans to be among the weaker captains.
So, Yourichi has not yet fought a high-tier opponent to be considered strong or powerful. It’s a weak basis then to argue that the example of Yoruichi proves that Halibel is going to be Primera
Hikifune, the former 12th Captain now promoted to squad zero. Again what are the criteria used for promotion? Is Hikifune stronger then Yamammoto, Shunsui and Ukitake on account she was promoted and they apparently were not? Clearly one cannot make the judgement that promotion equals greater power because we don’t know all the factors involved yet.
Perhaps she was promoted because she was a hard-diligent worker? Or she was a loyal suck-up to the King? Or because her mom was the King’s mistress? It could be any number of factors. Another weak ground for suggesting Halibel could be Primera.
The point about Unohana wasn’t that it was a good military decision to hold back the healing squad from the frontlines in this case, it was her instant deference in comparison to Shunsui’s open defiance. If Unohana is dai-sempai and a senior Captain like Yamamoto you would think she would have more leeway, but here she does not. Instead the rebellious Shunsui gets his way.
Also during the SS arc, Unohana did not defy Yamamoto at the execution grounds even though she had doubts. Again Shunsui did though along with Ukitake.
I can see no other reason then to suggest Unohana is weaker then Shunsui and that affects the relationships between Captains and Yamamoto. It’s like being on a team. The best player or the strongest would be more daring to defy the captain then some newbie or weaker or crappier player. It’s the same here.
And concerning Halibel and Barragan’s non-reaction to Yama’s shikai. I happen to think it was their game-face, their poker face on. Even if they were afraid or impressed, it would be silly to react in front of their mortal enemies and reveal this weakness which would be exploited.
The point about the three VCs isn’t their unstated power. Yes its possible to have VC’s with bankai and therefore being captains class. The point is Kubo made all three Vizard girls VC and all the guys save Hacchi, Captains.
He made the strongest Shinigami a male (Yamamoto), strongest Vizard a male (Shinji), strongest villain a male (Aizen).
Based on his track record, no way is he gonna make a woman Primera Espada. The most is Segunda.
Starky: Good observations. It would seem unlikely for Halibel to be Primera Espada. Still, I’m bracing myself for disappointment in the event that Stark is not the top Espada. When I first read chapter 316, my initial impression was that Stark is the 3rd Espada. However, I’m sure that’s exactly what Kubo wants us to think. The other two were clearly trying to keep their cool, but Stark really didn’t seem to care. In fact, I’m half expecting the captains to see Stark’s reaction, assume he’s the weakest of the 3 and attack him, only to find out that he’s actually the strongest.
Now, I wasn’t sure of what was happening, since this part was kind of confusing to me, but what was Stark doing when Yamamoto released his shikai? In the first panel it shows the Espada reacting to it, on the next page we see Yamamoto sending flames in Aizen’s direction, and Stark appears to be protecting himself. Is he doing that because he’s the only Espada in harms way, or was he the only one that needed to defend against the attack? I couldn’t tell what exactly was happening since it wasn’t very clear, but it did appear that Stark was right next to the flames – if anyone else knows what it is that Stark was doing, by all means let me know.
I think stark is the leader cuz he is never worried about anything. The flames with Yamamoto might have just got him all excited. May be the reason why he is so lazy is cuz he hasn’t found a good match in ages and seeing Yamamoto might have just got him all worked up. cuz if what u guys are saying about stark being surprised and halibel and barragan being calm is correct it would mean that stark is the weakest amongest the three. And if find that very hard to belive must people agree with me on this but Yamamoto is the strongest captian followed by Shunsui, Then it would mean that it would be Aizen followed by Stark. Stark and Shunsui have almost the same laid back persenalities wat im tryin to say is that no matter how you look at it stark has to be number one. And one more thing Stark geting all suprised over Yamamoto’s shkia would probable be an act we dont know to much about him he might end up being a playful character just like Shunsui. Every ones opinions are realy great i dont even know what to belive anymore i think the best we can do right now is just wait and find out.
Stark was the only one shocked/ concerned by old man yamato’s attack in the last issue. While halibel and barrigan didnt make a move or expression. I know eevryone thinks stark is the coolest, but i really doubt he’ll be revealed as the top gun in the espada.
1) Barra
2) Hali
3) Stark
Just a gut feeling but ill bet its right.
one more thing, it seems like alot of the predictions here are all based on popularity, etc. evryone is just ranking stark the highest because they like him. what giveS?
Please, we have stated why we think Stark is first many times, and “becuz he’s COOOOOL MAN!!!” isn’t one of our reasons. Yeah he’s my second favorite Espada, but that doesn’t automatically make me think he’s first
. Read the posts by such Stark fans as Guest, Starky, and DuFai, to get great points and observations.
We’ve all said what had to be said I think… All we can do now is wait and see
Not to be arrogant or anything, but I think you guys are missing a significant point in what KT has done with Yama’s attack and the three top Espada’s response.
Urahara (at least I think it was him) stated that a Vasto Lorde was more powerful than a captain-rank Shinigami. Therefore, since an Arrancar is more powerful than a regular Menos, and an Espada is far and away more powerful than an ordinary Arrancar, I think that it is same to presume that the top three Espada are in a league unlike anything we have previously seen.
Aizen, who knows the Shinigami better than anyone, was confident that his three could deal with the assembled might of Soul Society’s best. In light of this, I think that differences in power between Stark, Halibel, and Barragan are minor at best. What struck me about Stark’s reaction is that he did something the others did not. His reaction set him apart, perhaps to draw the Shinigami’s attention, or perhaps merely because, so secure in his supremacy, he was startled to meet someone as powerful or more powerful than he was (Also, his hair appears to be on fire). Halibel and Barragan, by comparison, seemed to just accept his overwhelming power. Since I do not think even the Primero Espada could be more powerful than Captain-General Yamamoto, why then are they so unconcerned?
While it is possible that Soul Society is screwed because Halibel and Barragan are even better than Yama, that strikes me as somewhat unlikely. Stark’s surprise (and it is just surprise, not fear, you will notice) serves to set him apart, increasing the chance that he is Primero.
I guess the main concern here is the top three Espadas because the rest of the bottom 7 espada ranks were already revealed. This is my perceived top 3.
1. Barragan- the old espada. Because he has a crown that somewhat depicts superiority amongst the group. Also, in a manga chapter his image was drawn in between Stark (top) and Halibel (bottom)
2. Stark- Though reluctant, he has this air of power and coolness at the same time. Extremely fast.
3. Halibel- The only girl amongst the current members of the espada. I remember neliel from her. She used to occupy the third rank.
I would like to wish happy birthday to the greatest fictional character of all time: Shunsui Kyouraku.
He seems to miss out on alot of well-deserved screentime, but look out Espada (and Aizen)! Shunsui’s around. Who else have we seen send someone flying 100 yards by tapping them with two fingers?
Sorry, just had to acknowledge the epic wonder that is Shunsui.
My two cents
1. Stark
2. Hali
3. Barr/ Nell Tu
But I still think Wonderwice is up there somewhere.
For everyone who is interested, I’m back from holiday and ready to react starting with Starky.
You said that yoruichi couldn’t defeat Byakuya. When she escaped together with Ichigo from his attacks, she admitted that she couldn’t defeat him, because she hadn’t had a fight in some time. At least she said something like that which would mean that she CAN defeat Byakuya if she wanted to when she is back into it. During the fight against Yammy and during her other known fights, she didn’t use her sword. Due to this we don’t know her strenght. And if she can control that lightning attack, she will be much tougher.
Next will be former 12th captain Hikifune. When you read chapter -108 page 15, you’ll see a grinning Shunsui and a shocked Aizen. This gives the impression that it’s huge to be accepted into the Royal Guard. I don’t think that the Royal Family will be protected by anything Starky has said as a strange example, but rather ability and power. Also when someone wants to be captain, he/she has to prove him/herself. Something like that should also be the case for the Royal g
uard.
But Starky, you’ve said it yourself, the rebellious Shunsui. As far as I know, Unohana isn’t like that. I guess that she thrusted Yamamoto in his decision or the 46 Chambers decision in Rukia’s execution. This could also be the case during the vaizard’s story arc.
If Hallibel andBarragan had their poker faces on, then I believe that Yamamoto had his pokerface on during his battle against Shunsui and Ukitake. I mean come on, you can’t deny the fact that Stark is possibly third.
And you can’t say that Shinji is the leader of the vaizards. He is the most important one, but that doesn’t mean that he is the strongest. For now, we can’t say which of the vaizards is the strongest.
When I watch the attack of Yamamoto then I see that the Aizen, Gin and Tousen are hit, Barragan was in front of them so he should have been effected as well, but the only espada who seems effected is Stark. This let me think that he is the weakest of the three.
For espada10, why are you comparing one captain with one evil captain and next one captain with an espada. If you do compare them, then do it with only the evil captains or only the espada. Don’t mix them up!. And when you are comparing them with the espada, think then also about espada 10-4. Try your best.
Last but not least, I believe that espada primero is stronger than Yamamoto or at least equal to him. Otherwise the evil side wouldn’t be that relaxed.
Also I would like to congratulate Shunsui although I’m late and thank DuFai for telling otherwise I wouldn’t have known.
You have some good points Ukyo, but regarding the promotion thing, I believe there are other reasons why the said people have not entered. Yamamoto, as the commander, obviously is not going anywhere. Shunsui is lazy and Ukitake is sick. If that’s not the case, then Yamamoto probably is holding them back to keep the Gotei 13 strong until other captains get to there level. Yamamoto thinks of them as his own sons so it’s logical to assume he influences their affairs moreso than he influences the others. Unohana is the best healer SS has. If she leaves for the Royal Guard, and something bad happens, the shinigami are up the creek. She will probably get promoted once her lieutenant is around as good at healing as she currently is.
Regarding the Vaizard, it’s true that we can’t say for sure who is the strongest, though I would assume it is Shinji. (Truth be told, none of the vaizard struck me as impressive back when they were shinigami; they all seemed low-mid tier captains). But what made Shinji so significant? Even Urahara referred to them as “Shinji and the others”. Was it just because his lieutenant was a trader? Or is it because he was the most senior and powerful?
No, we can’t deny that Stark is possibly third, we just believe that he’s not.
I think the panel with Stark and Yama’s fire is significant and has to do with his reaction. I don’t know exactly what Tite was trying to get across here
though. I took it as if Stark is avoiding or cancelling out the flames.
I doubt Primero is as strong as Yama-ji. I think Souske is confident because he’s about to pull something out his ass like usual. Like he’s already in SS or some crap like that.
Hope you enjoyed your trip
.
He’s confident because he still has Yammy
what yammy? he is probably dead soon.
Let’s see,
I agree that the named captains won’t leave, however I also believe that Unohana won’t leave even when her vice-captain is as good as her. I believe that the Gotei 13 have more use to have a fantastic nurse, than the Royal Guard.
That part of Shinji is easy to explain. He’s the most known of the Vaizard. It’s easier to say Shinji and the others than Rose and the others. I know that Rose is a member of the Vaizards, but when I’ve to show him to someone I have a difficulty between him and Love. So this part is just chosen by Kubo.
About Stark, ifwhy would he try to avoid the flames more than the others. If you watch the pages in which the attack is shot at the traitors, then you’ll see that Stark is the only one outside the attack. The others were already hit by the attack. He was the only one who tried to avoid the attack, therefor I believe that he’s third.
I believe that Primero is at least as strong as Yama, otherwise Aizen should worry. If he isn’t then it would mean a defeat for the espada, Shunsui and Ukitake are almost as strong as Yama when they fight together, so that was the second. That would mean 4 captains left against one espada and the fraccions. Also the vasto lorde espada should be the strongest enemies ever if you don’t count Aizen and his crew.
Of course I enjoyed my trip.
By the way, don’t underestimate Yammy. He can still be of use.
I just saw chapter 318. The most important thing is Barragan this time. Apparently he’s going to play as the boss. And both Hallibel and Stark have made one comment. Stark accepted Barragan immediatly, while Hallibel thinks Barragan is underestimating Aizen. This leaves the question: is Barragan first or is he just acting as the boss?
I can’t answer it jet. The way Hallibel reacted towards Barragan gave me the impression that she’s stronger and Stark is just reacting how he would do normally as well.
Also I guess that Ichigo stops fighting after he defeats Ulqiorra.
And last, I’m wondering who Unohana will fight. First I thought that she would fight Ulqiorra, however I believe that she’s perhaps the only one who should fight Hallibel. However those are my thoughts.
First off i think 318 was a far more interesting chapter then the preceding one. Secondly it may be the single most important chapter to-date as far as ranking the top three Espada.
SPOILERS:
Halibel: You’re disrespecting Aizen-sama Barragan…
Barragan: You’re disrespecting me Halibel…
*snaps finger*
Barragan: Before boss can free himself, I will be giving the orders around here.
You (plural, referring to everyone else) can not have any opinions
Stark: Doesn’t make a difference for me! OWCH (he’s lazy, we get it)
Stark: What are you doing lilinette, that hurts!
Halibel fraccion: so loud…
Lilinette: What do you mean it doesn’t make a difference?
You’re just sitting here like it’s a good thing…I was saying…
_________________________________________________________________________________
11
Halibel: You’re being rude to Aizen sama, Barragan
Bara: No, you are rude to me instead, Halibel
sfx: Pa
Barragan: I’ll be in-command/in charge before boss get out/is free
Barragan: No objections from the rest of you
13
Stark: No objections…Ouch
Stark: What are you doing, Lilinette. That’s painful!!
Mira Rose: What a pain
Lilinet: What do you mean by no objections, why are you so blur!!
Lilinet: I’m saying you are really……
_________________________________________________________________________________
I decided to post two translations. There are at least 2 more scans I am aware off. Having two translations helps somewhat, and so no-one can accuse me of selective translations or biased interpretations.
We see above that Barragan is puzzled by Aizen’s relaxed attitude, and that Halibel suggests he is being rude to Aizen-sama. Note Baragan’s response, “you are being rude to me Halibel”. I think this is a strong hint that Halibel is not Primera, and that she may be lower ranked than Barragan. If she was Primera, this exchange showed her as the most INEFFECTIVE leader ever, not even being to tell off a lower-ranked Arrancar when he is being disrespectful to their boss.
Then we see Barragan taking charge (ooh look at that PIMP throne ;p) and notice his one eye looks to his left, where Stark is. And Stark responds, “whatever, no objections etc”. But Lillinete’s response is very telling. She kicks him and tells him off for being so apathetic, for not objecting. In the sleepy-scanlations Lilli says, “why are you going along with him?”(referring to Barragan taking charge). There is an implicit assumption by Lillinete that Stark should be doing more, he should object, he should be more aggressive…
Why? Why would Lillinete want Stark to object to Barragan taking charge if, Barragan is Primero? Why does Barragan look only to Stark and not Halibel when he said he was taking charge?
I think its because Barragan is NOT Primero. He is at most Segundo. Stark is Primero but is either too lazy or lacks self-confidence to lead the Espada and lets others take charge. Looking at 318 Barragan is incredibly arrogant and self-confident( he has his fraccion furnish a throne for G’s sake). But because he is not top Espada he acts like it, overcompensating. Maybe he feels Stark is unworthy of being Primero and this is his way of showing it.
So the rankings as this chapter hints is 1) Stark 2) Barragan 3) Halibel. Which would follow how Aizen introduced them in 315 months ago.
Again Starky we do not agree. The translation I’ve read said that according to Hallibel, Barragan is underestimating Aizen to which Barragan replies that Hallibel is underestimating him. I belive that Barragan means that eventhough he’s second, number one shouldn’t look down on him which Hallibel is obviously doing. Also her eyes gave the impression that she’s making fun of him on page 11. Why would she do that if she’s third.
This part has nothing to do with leadership. He only has a word against her and she shuts up. This was also case during the espada meeting. Nnoitra asked if she was scared and she kept her mouth shut afterwards, however we already know that Nnoitra is weaker than Hallibel. Perhaps she doesn’t like to answer to weaklings.
Next part is about Barragan saying: You’d better not have a problem with that. I believe that he’s only looking at Stark, because Stark’s weaker than Barragan and perhaps once beaten by Barragan. It would make sense that Stark is going alone with him which according to Lilinette is stupid. This makes sense if Hallibel is primero. Why would the third and the second go without the first fighting with their fraccion against 6 captains and some others. They’ll be beaten in no time without the first. By the way Lilinette only said that Stark shouldn’t take orders from the Barragan. We don’t know what she would say when it would’ve been Hallibel. Perhaps Lilinette wouldn’t have said this if the first would’ve ordered Stark around.
Also your part about Barragan who didn’t look at Hallibel. Did he ever look at Hallibel’s eyes? The only one who did, was Nnoitra, but he doesn’t like strong women. Perhaps looking at her eyes insults her. Anyone weaker than her would be frightened to insult her. However this is only a suggestion.
Last is the thing about the pokerfaces of the three espada. Someone said that Barragan and Hallibel have their pokerfaces on. Look at page 17 if you believe this. As you can see only one espada has ‘her pokerface’ on.
That’s it for this time
P.S. Zeru als je dit leest, ik heb je vandaag toegevoegd.
yo guys. for the top three espada , i bet stark is the primero, i dont know why, maybe because he always appears at the first panel among the espada (refer to chapter 315 and 316) and aizen had hinted it in his order in chapter 315.
and one more thing, i think that chapter 321 is the best chapter to reveal the ranks…
Chapter 321? What happens in that chapter?
well, i do think that 321 stands for the ranks that we have been waiting for so long to be revealed: 3,2,1 ( and the cover of the chapter will surely be a great thing i guess. lets just wait and see…)