Sometimes, all it takes is a character.
I’ve had a few instances where a character got me into a series. Haru, who appeared on the eight cover of Fruits Basket, was an example of this. as was G1 Starscream thanks to his appearance in You Can Draw Transformers.
If there’s one instance that has stuck with me, and one that I’ve been finding myself reflecting on lately, it has to be Izuru Kira. Maybe it’s the fact that my interest and focus on Bleach has been renewed (I tend to cycle through interests). Maybe it’s the fact that, upon this renewed interest, I’m reflecting on the series with an older perspective. Or maybe, in an attempt to be more introspective with content I’ve invested in, I’m really realizing what the character means to me.
Whatever the case, I thought I would reflect on what that means for me. How a volume eventually prompted this interest, my love of Squad 3, Gin and Izuru especially, and why I like Izuru specifically.
Volume 15 was My Introduction
When reflecting on my history with Bleach and how long it took me to finish the manga, I mentioned how volume 15 was my earliest memory of it. As well as the reason I would initially get into the series way back when. While I can’t recall if I saw someone else with it or on my own first, I do remember seeing it and wanting to look into it.
It may not be the most elaborate cover, with Izuru sitting on it with a black and white backdrop, but it didn’t have to be. All it had to do was spark my curiosity just enough to get me to check it out.
Of course, I would go back and start the series from the beginning, however, if it weren’t for this cover, I’m not sure when I would have gotten into the series. If ever. Because of this, I do consider volume 15 and Izuru my reason for getting into Bleach, with him, and Gin, going on to be some of my favorite characters.
Volume fifteen goes over a few plot points. It starts by wrapping up Uyru’s fight with Mayuri, the captain of Squad 12, before being stopped by Tousen. It then jumping over to Ichigo’s Bankai training with Yoruichi and Orihime, with the help of Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichicka, breaking Uyru, Ganju, and Chad out of prison.
It concludes with Toshiro confronting Gin after Momo and Izuru escaping their holding cells, the latter being freed by his captain, before jumping into a prequel story during Renji, Momo, and Izuru’s academy days. Volume 16 would resolve the conflict between Toshiro and Gin while also giving readers insight into the event that ended in Kaien’s death.
While tying up a few loose ends, this was an interesting volume. I really enjoyed the past segment as it was interesting to see how Izuru, Momo, Renji, and even Shuhei met, as well as how they met Aizen and a then Lieutenant Gin. It puts things into perspective, and place, for events that would happen latter on while giving us some insight into where these characters were and how they knew each other.
So, in that regard, I do appreciate picking it up when I did. I’m also thankful. Had I not gotten curious after spotting this issue, I’m not sure if I would have gotten into it. Or at least not for a while. After all, Naruto was the member of the Big 3 that I was exposed to first and I wasn’t as interested in One Piece, despite liking some aspects of it. So had things not played out the way that they did, I don’t think my experience with Bleach and my fond memories of it would be the same way.
Volume 15’s Poem
I can’t discuss the cover without discussing the poem. For the unaware, each volume would start off with a poem from the perspective of whichever character is on the cover. Anywhere for a few lines to a stanza/verse or two.
This one, though brief, gets an interesting perspective across. Without spoiling too much, this can be seen as a reflection of what’s to come. The farewell that Izuru knows is coming from his captain (Gin) in the following volumes.
Like the cover, this would become one of my favorite poems. Probably my all time favorite if I’m being honest, since it’s the one that has stayed with me (though I also really like Gin’s for volume 47).
Squad 3 (i.e. Gin and Izuru)
If you were to ask me what my favorite Squad was, I’d probably say it was Squad 3. This is in spite of the fact that three of my top five characters aren’t from Squad 3 (Shunsui and Ukitake are the captains of Squads 8 and 13 respectively while Grimmjow is the sixth Espada).
The initial and ever present reason I like Squad 3 does have to do with Gin and Izuru. Both were the first characters I latched onto, after all. So it would make sense that I would be partial to their Squad.
However, there are some other interesting members of it. I don’t mind Rose, one of the Vizard who proceeded and succeeded Gin. Though I do wish we got to see more of his and Izuru’s dynamic. Tetsuzaemon’s mother, Chikane, was Rose’s lieutenant before becaming a Vizard, which is a little fun fact. The Squad would also be a centerpiece for the Shusuke Amagai filler arc, where it gets a new captain in Shusuke Amagai and a new third seat, Makoto Kibune. Which, despite being a filler arc, is one that I feel like is one of the better filler arcs (or at least the most conceptually interesting). So, overall, I do enjoy elements Squad 3 outside of Gin and Izuru.
When it comes to Squad 3 as a squad, is the symbolism and nature behind it. Which was eloquently described by Izuru during his fight with Abirama.
Each squad is associated with a flower, a color, an aspect that their squad represents. For example, Squad 13 is associated with hope, snowflowers, and maroon.
For Squad 3, it’s the marigold and despair and their color is spring green. I am not entirely sure why spring green is associated with them. Though I do have a few theories. As far as the marigold, there is more of an explanation that goes into it.
During the resolution his fight with Abirama Redder, Izuru explains Squad 3’s role. It’s symbol being despair and how that’s seen through it’s flower, marigolds, and how his Zanpakuto, Wabisuke fit into it.
Depending on the culture and time period, the marigold can have both positive and negative symbols. The yellow and orange colors symbolizing the sun for a positive example. While some sources state that marigolds symbolized sadness and despair during the Victorian era. I’m guessing the latter was what Kubo had in mind. That and Dios de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors family that has passed.
The way he describes Squad 3’s despair mantra has always stuck out to me. And it’s pretty suitable coming from him. His Zanpakuto, Wabisuke’s, ability doubles the weight of whatever it strikes, making it look like they’re bowing their head to apologize. And while wabisuke is also the name of a flower in the camellia family, the kanji for Wabi in Wabisuke shares the kanji 侘 for Wabishi (侘しい) and one version of Wabiru (侘び). This Wabiru is homonymous with Wabiru (詫び), which means “to apologize”.
So while I do have a soft spot for Squad 3 based on the characters, I also have an appreciation for what it means to be a part of it. Which we are provided for by Izuru. As such, Squad 3 continues to stand out and be one of my favorite squads.
Now that I’ve covered how gravitating towards Izuru effected some of my interests with Bleach, I’m sure some of you may be wondering…
Why Do I (Still) Like Izuru?
The first character(s) you like from a piece of media may not always be the same as time goes on. When I first got into Naruto, that was Sasuke. However, as I continued to progress through the series, I started liking him less and less, and, if you were to ask me now, I’d probably say Gaara and/or Hinata were my favorite characters.
In this case, Izuru is would be an example of a character who I initially liked, but still like to day. Even when favorability of other characters came into the picture.
If you were to ask me why I like him, the first reason that comes to mind is volume 15 and how that was my first exposure to Bleach. This may sound strange since it’s not something about Izuru specifically, but it’s one that sticks with me.
Going deeper, I’ve norrowed it down to three factors: his dynamic with Gin and how that effected him in a post betrayal Soul Society, his design/aesthetic, and his friendships with Shuhei and Rangiku.
The Gin and Izuru Dynamic
The dynamic he has with Gin is pretty interesting. In a lot of ways, they are parallels/opposites. Gin appears more outgoing/outwardly positive, while Izuru looks gloomy/depressed. Gin’s born closer to Fall (September 10th), while Izuru’s a spring baby (March 27th). Gin likes persimmons, while Izuru hates them. I both love and appreciate these opposing parallels, because it’s helps give the dynamic some neat personality.
Then, after his betrayal, we do get to see that it does effect Izuru. Unlike Momo, who was more so in denial about Aizen’s betrayal, he was more angered or reactive whenever someone brings Gin up (excluding Rangiku). In his fight against Abirama, after a quick flashback, he strikes Abirama, stating how he shouldn’t drop his (Gin’s) name so casually. During the Amagai filler arc, he is shocked/unnerved when he thinks he sees Gin in his office. When it was actually Amagai.
These kind of moments, show how Gin’s betrayal effects him. As well as showing how he reacts differently when compared to Momo or Shuhei. He isn’t in denial about it. He’s hurt. Angry even.
The only thing I wish we got was more exploration into their dynamic. While it makes sense that Ichigo and his closest friends/allies will get more attention, I just think it would have been neat to see how Izuru ended up the way he did and what kind of captain Gin was. As far as we know, Gin treated his squad well. He may not have been as beloved as someone like Ukitake, but he probably treated them. The official bootleg (Colorful Bleach+) also mentions how he would share the dried persimmons he made with others.
Design
I have a bit of a soft spot for the emo/goth/alternative/punk aesthetic. A big contributing factor being that I grew up during the 2000’s era. And while Izuru’s outfit doesn’t really fit into this vibe, outside of black being a primary color, his bang does. The “emo bang” can be defined as a long side swept bang that covers an eye. This may not be the only variation, this style was pretty popular during this time. Funnily enough, it’s also a style we see in a few instances with blonde anime/manga characters (ex. Ino and Deidara from Naruto, and Sanji from One Piece).
That, alongside Izuru’s relatively simple style, was something I was drawn to.
Rangiku and Shuhei
I have an appreciation for the friendships that he has with these characters. Though we may not get a lot of time with them, I think each friendship has good qualities.
Both Rangiku and Izuru were hurt by Gin and, while for different reasons, were able to find comradery in that. Izuru apologizing to Rangiku was also a small yet nice moment of resolution. Rangiku didn’t hold their fight against him given the circumstances and the two lament over a few drinks. Shuhei also gets pulled into this drinking spree.
Shuhei, meanwhile, is someone who was there for Izuru. During the Fake Karakura Town arc they two of the Soul Reapers who are tasked to protecting the pillars protecting the Soul Society and the real Karakura Town. Shuihei also points out that Izuru can still help heal people despite his time away from Squad 4, which he has Izuru do as people were getting injured while Unohana and Isane were in Hueco Mundo. They also show up in several of the Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book segments. While not entirely canon, save for a few that appear in the Unofficial Bootleg Colorful Bleach+ book, we get more moment of these two getting along. Including time spent in the Men’s Soul Reaper Association and in their day to day lives. They were also on the same botched practice mission during their academy days. Which I feel helps give them a little history and helped set up the quartet that is Renji, Momo, Izuru, and Shuhei.
Filler episodes do help expand on both of these friendships, as do the aforementioned shorts. One of my favorites is the short during the Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc, where Shuhei discusses Wabisuke. He goes on to sympathizes with Izuru due to how Wabisuke’s ability weighs on him (literally and metaphorically) and it’s whole thing on apologizing, atonement, and repentance, and understands how such a thing could lead him to drinking. Moments like that are things that I feel does a good job of fleshing out Izuru’s friendships.
Closing Thoughts
Sometimes, all it takes is a character.
While I have gone on to enjoy other aspects of Bleach and other characters, I will always have a soft spot for Izuru for inadvertently getting me into Bleach. While there will always be that chance that I did get into it, I do attribute Izuru and volume 15 for being the catalyst. As such, he will always stay as one of my favorites.
Have you ever had something like this happen? What is/are your favorite character(s) from Bleach?
Sources
- Maroon: https://artincontext.org/meaning-of-the-color-maroon/
- Marigold Symbolism: https://www.rioroses.com/the-marvelous-marigold-cultivation-symbolism-and-uses/
- Marigold meaning: https://simplybeyondherbs.com/marigold-flower-meaning/
- Wabisuke: https://www.tumblr.com/littleeyesofpallas/625348033013497856/heres-one-i-totally-missed-on-account-of-only
Hopefully Destructive Shinigami Tales 
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