Arrankar Ranks

[Beee]

I'll post pretty much what my theory is on the arrankar rankings. Since I haven't seen any other threads about this I decided to make one :D (since people started discussing that in the ch282 thread, It kinda got me curious and inspired xD).

Take note that the rankings are based on my impressions of what I've read and perhaps some logic. But yes, mostly gut feeling, remember that. xD

here are the known rankings :

1- ?
2- ?
3- ?
4- Ulquiorra
5- Noitora
6- Grimmjaw
7- Zommari
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

now knowing that, there's 5 left.

-Halibel
-Noitora
-Stark
-The Black man
-The Old man

Now I'll start with Noitora : He sounds strong, he looks strong and he also claims to be strong. Not only that, his bodyguard says so as well!! But then again he sounds a little immature to be the strongest, or even to be stronger that Ulquiorra. However, he looks and sounds much stronger than Grimmjow who's very strong but even more immature and savage. Grimmjow kills to kill... like a predator pretty much, while Noitora seems to "search for quality"
Ranking (based on Bee's theory) : #5

The Old man could be considered to be the strongest? Now that I'm not sure. To me, he sounds a bit too much like an old geezer to be that way and he also seems to be too damaged to be the strongest. (Unlike Yama who looks very wise and that didn't seem to have sustained the same amount of damage either) He sounds like an old soldier who's strong, but that's passed his prime from far.
Ranking (based on Bee's theory) : #7

-- Now it leaves Stark, the black man and Halibel for the top3.

Now it's Stark's turn. He reminds me alot of Shunsui really. very laid back and mature at the same time. I wouldn't put him at #1 though, because he seems to be too much on the cynical side as well, which we can see by his reaction after aaroniro's death. I'm actually hesitating to see if he should be #2 or #3 though, but I'd say #3 because he just sounds too laid back... but then again, he looks cool and #2 wouldn't be a bad fit at all! but with ulquiorra, Noitora, Halibel all having the "cool effect", I'd expect to see a relatively uncool and less appealing character at #2 (the black guy)
Ranking (based on Bee's theory) : #3

Now the black guy : He sounds very mysterious and serene but also very boring at the same time. However, he seems wicked strong and smart. I think he can't be #1 because well... He just sounds too boring to be a #1!! It would be interesting to put a story with him and all, but... to make him the 4th strongest villain in the arc?? I just can't see that. I'm actually hesitating to see if he should be #2 or #3 though. I'd say #2 for the reason named above.
Ranking (based on Bee's theory) : #2

Sooooo your #1 is Halibel..!! xD Well Originally I didn't have her as #1 but as I typed this it made more sense to me. She has the coolness factor and the 3 groopies to go with it!! :p She looks mysterious, but kickass as well. And as I rewatch the chapter where we see the espada's reactions to Aaroniero's death, she also has a deadly stare with her strong looking eyes..!!! O.O
Ranking (based on Bee's theory) : #1 ( I so didn't see that coming xD)

---------------

so according to my theory (not sure you can call a ranking based mostly on impressions a theory but... heh) :


1- Halibel
2- the black guy
3- Stark
4- Ulquiorra
5- Noitora
6- Grimmjaw
7- the old man
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

anyways feel free to post your opinions on my ranking and post your own theory as well ;)

*edit* Noitora is confirmed as #5 (yay I got one right!)

*more edit-ness* Zommari (aka "the black one") is #7 (oh crap I was wrong with this one.. Shadoblak is probably dancing round and round... >__>)

[Geta Boshi]

Nice anaylisis : )

I think Noi Noi is 5/7 , simply coz he spoke with a challenging tone with Ulqi if indeed he was above Ulqi he would have spoken with an authoritative tone BUT I may be wrong considering Halibel angle in 282

[Nocturne]

I was wondering when a thread for the Arrancar ranks was going to start. Thanks for starting, Beee. My reasons aren't as well thought out as yours though.

1- Stark (I mentioned in the manga thread his laziness = uber power XD)
2- Halibel (because undercleavage = power)
3- Noitora (because he whines too much and is annoyed a woman is ahead of him)
4- Ulquiorra
5- the Black guy (because he's the buffer between Ulquiorra and Grimmjow that's why he has to meditate a lot to keep his sanity)
6- Grimmjaw
7- the old man (because he's not Yama-ji part deux)
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

I know, pathetic reasoning, but whatever works. For a while though I did think Ulquiorra was numero uno. I miss the seating chart. XD

[Beee]

Nice anaylisis : )

I think Noi Noi is 5/7 , simply coz he spoke with a challenging tone with Ulqi if indeed he was above Ulqi

oooh haha nice finding! I didn't actually dig that far :D

[DeDaL]

Wow. Good analysis there. But I can't really agree with all of that.

Let me start with Noitora.
He looks incredibly strong. ANd he definately is incredibly strong. But then why is he making such a big deal of showing everyone around that he is strongest? In my opinion that would be only because he is #2 and someone in #1 doesn't deserve this place in his opinion. Really, would someone marked #3 or #5 even whine about not recognised as the strongest? Grimmjow is #6, and even he knows he can't go higher, so he holds to that position. #2 on other hand can let his ego free.
So, Noitora for #2

Then goes Stark.
Originally, I thought he's the perfect #1. And I'm still sure of it. He's laid back and relaxed. Even Aaro-e-Niro's death was nothing of a worry to him. Whis gives us the thought that he is strong. Plus, if Noitora is #2, Stark a great target as "unworthy one", because of his character. Yes, Halibel could fit in that too, but when I looked at the Espada roundtable meeting I noticed that Noitora does what Stark says (he said to stop the ruckus and Noitora stayed silent for a while), but he used the moment to mock Halibel, who because of this looks lower then him(she didn't reply to that).
So, Stark for #1.

Now, Halibel.
It's easy here. She's strong. At least looks strong. And she's a woman. That's important. Second thing important is Ulquiorra. He was chosen as most reliable among strongest(IMHO). If Halibel was #3 - she would be the strongest among most reliable - most suited for Aizen's direct orders(IMHO, of course). But it was Ulquiorra. That means, She's lower then Cuarta Espada, but looking at Espada that are in the lower 5, I don't think she fits there. So...
Halibel for #5.

Black guy.
Reserved. Strange. He meditates in some room, that obviously ampiflies his best qualities in combat. Just like Privaron Espada, or Aaro-e-Niro... This really makes him look weak in my eyes.
Black guy is #7

Old guy.
Yes, It's obvious that he gets #3 because I left in untouched yet. But, the reason is the same as with Halibel. If someone strong but not really reliable is in #3 - then Ulquiorra gets the "special guy" position.
Old guy - #3

[Primera Espada]

I like your theories, DeDal, and I pretty much agree with them

I have a couple additions.

As far as the black guy goes, there's something important to note. He appears to have a finger-weapon for a zanpakuto (like Soi Fong). This would indicate that he's a hand-to-hand fighter.

I think we *all* know who's likely to face a big, bad, hand to hand fighter espada.

But that's the thing, can we really see Chad fighting (and winning) against any top tier espada? Right now, Ulquiorra is frighteningly tough. If Ichigo can't scratch him, then to hurt say... #3, Chad would have to have some SERIOUS fire power. I don't think that's really in store for him.

Hence why I agree that he's #7

I also agree on the notion of Noitra being 2, feeling that lazycar Stark isn't worthy of being 1, and being able to put Halibel in her place.

However, I think Halibel and the old man may be swapped. I think the old man could be 5, while Halibel could be 3.

If the old man was 5, and the black guy was 7, then the table was actually ordered.

2 lowest in the back, next 4 lowest on the right, top 4 on the left.

Sure, they weren't sitting in particular rankings other than that, but to me it seems as though they were grouped.

Something we *do* know though, is a bit of info about the espada personalities.

If we compare the privaron espada to current espada, assuming that those who rank have similar personalities, the #3 should belong to a doldoni type, and #5 should belong to a cirucci.

The old man fits the doldoni type, IMO (Doldoni did have a "I'm older than you" style, and stranger clothes than most of the arrancar) and Halibel is an obvious match for Cirucci.

When you consider that both Arroniero and Gantembein wanted to push their opponents as far as they could go, getting the most out of the fight, but generally played around with them until it was too late, you can see where I'm going with this.

so there's my vote.

[Beee]

You guys have good points, but there are points I can't really agree with :

- One of the reasons why I think Stark isn't #1 is because I feel like it's too obvious, especially knowing that Shunsui is one of the top captains in SS. (Stark reminds me alot of him as both sound very lazy). Of course that's not much of a good arguement and I don't think it would be wrong to say that he's #1 either.


I also agree on the notion of Noitra being 2, feeling that lazycar Stark isn't worthy of being 1, and being able to put Halibel in her place.

I wouldn't say that he actually put Halibel in her place. Notice how she seemed to have a superior tone at the moment and how Noitora reacted too defensively to be stronger than her. He said something like "I didn't mean it that way" which, I think, is definetely not something he would say if he actually was stronger than her. I think he would've been much more direct and agressive and would've said something like "just shut up, you!" instead.

Then again It might be possible that he's still one of the strongest, like let's say #3, but I still think Halibel is stronger.

-The option of chad facing the black espada sounds very plausible and I never thought of that. But IMO, the most realistic opponent chad would face should be Yami, who is significantly weaker than the other espadas (especially with the chopped arm, though i'm not sure if Orihime healed it, but I assume she didn't). Plus he's a big brute which would fit well in a battle aganst Chad. But then again, Chad never won or even came close to winning in SS, so I'd wonder why he'd be able to beat an espada after a relatively short training. His fight aganst Noitora could be his last in the arc or he could end up facing another Espada and losing the same way he lost to Shunsui.

-The Privaron Espada point you bring is very interesting, and while the old man could fit with Doldoni, I think cirucci wouldn't fit halibel. they're both women and all, but they don't seem to have the same style. Cirucci's personnality reminds me alot more of...Noitora actually. O_O

--

@ DeDaL : most of your analysis is really good, but It seems that Ulquiorra is much more of a "blind follower of Aizen" than a "stronger reliable guy". I don't think all arrankar are that much into Aizen that Ulquiorra is. Grimmjaw has some doubts about him and he's probably not the only one. I'd say that espada 1-2-3 are probably very strong and reliable, but... who knows, they probably have doubts about Aizen as well since they've probably been around for much longer and knowing this, Aizen gives his orders to Ulquiorra, which is like his little pet O_O;

Or it could be that Aizen does not necessarially send his strongest espada to do the dirty little jobs like kidnapping Orihime or investigating on the town. 1-2-3 would probably be too strong to be submitted to such low roles, #6 (grimmjow) is too immature and unpredictable, and those lower are probably too weak (Luppi directly being bumped to #6 might hint at the fact that there is a huge gap between espada 1-6 and 7-10). there is still #5, who is unknown and it would make sense to me that Noitora would be #5 because his ego would probably not stand to do those little jobs while Ulquiorra doesn't seem to mind at all.

[Sarada]

My guesses:

Number 2: Noitora

Because he claims to be the strongest Espada, and we all know if someone as arrogant as he is proclaims to be the strongest, it's actually more of a "I aim to be the strongest, but there's this bastard who is still stronger than me, for now ...."

Number 3: Halibell

Just because I think the only female Espada should be strong. The fact she trash talked Noitora isn't any proof imo tho, because Grimmjow had no trouble trashtalking a person who is 2 ranks above him too.

So i'm going for the 'GIRL POWER'

Number 5 and 7: Old guy and Black dude

Seriously, I have no idea, the old guy could be stronger because he has experience, and obviously survived the harsh world of HM. But the black dude also seems very collected and smart. Could go either way.

Number 1: Stark !!!

He's handsome, he's laid back, him and Lilinette make for lots of fun scenes to make up, so he's the one with the potential, in looks and behaviour, to be the first.

[Air]

1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. Noitora
5. black
7. old

Yeah, as everyone said, Stark is the perfect number 1.
And Noitora, based on what he said, must be near the top but not first (so 2 or 3).

I've put Halibel over him, because at the Tea Party it seems there's some kind of animosity between them (= she's one of people Noitora want to kill).

Black > old.
The old guy, is the only one (between Stark, Halibel, black, old) concerned enough about Aaro death, to openly says something. Number 7 is near the 9 (Aaro). But 5 is far above.. 9 to him must be just trash. The black guy didn't raise an eyebrow.

[Llama]

1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. African American
5. Noitora
7. Old Man

[Gintoki]

1. Black Dude ( I just believe he's first, because everyone else doesn't. And THAT is Kubo's specialty)
2. Neutra ( for the reasons mentioned from everyone else)
3. Halibel ( The only woman has to be Top3 atleast)
5. Stark ( I want him to be #1, but it looks too obvious, so i guess no)
7. Gramps ( Could also be higher, he's really so unpredictable)

[Llama]

1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. African American
5. Noitora
7. Old Man

Though Halibel could be below Noitora based on the way he talked to here. Though he did pretty much did the same thing to Ulquiorra. But the big difference is that Ulquiorra was able to refute and own Noitora in their talk. While she didn't say anything. But for now I'll leave her at 2. But if she is weaker than Noitora then it would be:

1. Stark
2. African American
3. Old Man
5. Noitora
7. Halibel

[Beee]

I forgot to mention it before, but I'm wondering why Noitora wasn't able to see that Chad was clearly weaker than him. Of course he could be the Kenpachi of HM but I'm not even sure of that. (It's also why I didn't have him ranked in the top3)

[Tomodachi69]

I forgot to mention it before, but I'm wondering why Noitora wasn't able to see that Chad was clearly weaker than him. Of course he could be the Kenpachi of HM but I'm not even sure of that. (It's also why I didn't have him ranked in the top3)

He also thought that Rukia would be a worthy opponent, but he noticed that Aaro y Niero got to her first, so Noi Noi went after some unknown person.

I don't know, the fact that he wants recognition as the strongest and stuff makes me want to believe he's i nteh top3. Otherwise, why bother making him complain if he's nowhere near the top, anyway? His whining gives me, and others, the impression that he's just below the top, somewhere in the top3. But meh.

I think:
1. Stark (strikes me as a strong character and I also agree that lazy=uber)
2. Noitora (attitude)
3. Halibel (the only female just has to e strong :p)
5. Black Espada
7. Gramps (IMO, the top tier wouldn't care about Aaro's death, but Gramps reacted. To me, I feel that he should be bottom tier and Black Espada in between Grimm and Ulq)

Weak reasons, I know, but hey, I could work :P

[Primera Espada]

Noitra wanted to crush any notable power, not just any worthy challenge.
He could sense Rukia, but also left because Arroniero was handling her.

He assumed that #9 could handle her. Even if he was ranked as low as #7, fighting someone that #9 could beat (in his opinion) is hardly a challenge.

He just wants a fight, and doesn't care too much how strong the opponent is. Only when it comes to killing does he stop.

So odds are, any VC level power or above (which all 5 intruders had) he would consider a "big power" and want to crush.

[BigBadBuu]

Hiii!

Personally, I'd rank the remaining Espada so:

#?, Old Guy.
Remember the full-colour spread showing the Espada? Prior to seeing that, I figured him to be ranked either #7 or 5-- someone who "had" it. Looking at the spread though, his crown/mask is highlighted in a way that leads me to believe he's still on top of things... kinda.
Old Guy, #2.

#?, Halibel (Halle Berry!) Introduced at the same time as a Grimmy + other random Arrancar, she's one of the oldest Espada we're aware of. At the same time, note Ulq's reaction to (H)ichigo -- "at his height, he's even stronger than me!" -- which leads one (me!) to believe that Ulq. was at the time the strongest Arrancar. Hence..
Halibel, #5

#?, Black Guy.
Just because he looks like he belongs with the Privaron..
Black Guy, #7.

#?, Noitora.
He wants to prove he's the strongest, which would tell me he has more than 1 step to go. If he had only 1 person above him, he'd simply kill him (ala Grimmjow) and (re-)take his "rightful" place.. right? Also, check the man's Zanpaktou-- hello? ;-)
Noitora, #3.

#1? Stark, of course! Well, not "of course", but again going back to that colour spread if not Old Guy, then Stark.. And his attitude, general disinterest, as well as (yes) the colour spread have "#1!" written all over it.
Stark, #1

-Buu

[Sola]

1- Halibel
2- Stark
3- Noitora
4- Ulquiorra
5- Los Negros
6- Grimmjaw
7- the old man
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

[Primera Espada]

I'd like to point out, that of the current espada, Halibel, Yammy, Grimmjow, and Ulquiorra were the only ones present at the start of the arc. This, to me, would imply that Halibel is likely not ranked at the top. She's gotten quite a bit of screentime, and it's been stretched out. While this *could* be an indication of her rank (saying that she's present at every important moment) the fact that she doesn't put Noitra in his place, and the fact that Stark manages to shut her up fast, AND the fact that she is surrounded by women arrancar only (indicating that she is not picking the strongest to be her fraccion, just strong females) indicates that she is not first. Also, I would say the fact that she has so many fraccion also lends to the fact that she is a lower espada. Grimmjow had several, Szayel had tons, Halibel has 3 so far, whereas we've seen stark with only 1, and Noitra with only 1. It's more likely, IMO, that Halibel is not in the top 3. I imagine the top 3 each have 1 fraccion.

[Shirosaki]

1- Stark
2- Noitora
3- The Black man
4- Ulquiorra
5- Halibel
6- Grimmjaw
7- The Old man
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

[Saffire]

The way Arrancar talk to each other isn't necessarily an indicator of rank. Grimmjow ripped on Ulquiorra for not killing Ichigo on sight despite being 2 ranks lower.

[Primera Espada]

yes, but Grimmjow's ONLY 2 ranks lower.

You could use that argument to say that Noitra may not be ranked above Ulquiorra, etc, but here we're not talking about how Noitra reacts, we're talking about how Halibel reacts, which is with no false bravado, no arrogance, no emotion at all really. It's one thing for people to verbally challenge their superiors... but she doesn't do much at all. If she was 1, I very much doubt she'd be so passive. These ARE hollows afterall

[Beee]

@ saffire : well it's true that we can't only rely on that but they can give out some useful hints ;) Besides, you took a pretty tricky example there since Grimmjow is the rebellious type... he talks like that to pretty much everyone, even Aizen or Tousen.

yes, but Grimmjow's ONLY 2 ranks lower.

You could use that argument to say that Noitra may not be ranked above Ulquiorra, etc, but here we're not talking about how Noitra reacts, we're talking about how Halibel reacts, which is with no false bravado, no arrogance, no emotion at all really. It's one thing for people to verbally challenge their superiors... but she doesn't do much at all. If she was 1, I very much doubt she'd be so passive. These ARE hollows afterall

well let's not forget that arrankar are hollows who removes their mask to have shinigami powers, so they're hollows, but also shinigami. I think it's perfectly normal that her reaction isn't too agressive. It's true that normal hollows act only according to their instincts, but we're not talking about ordinairy hollows there.

[Saffire]

yes, but Grimmjow's ONLY 2 ranks lower.

You could use that argument to say that Noitra may not be ranked above Ulquiorra, etc, but here we're not talking about how Noitra reacts, we're talking about how Halibel reacts, which is with no false bravado, no arrogance, no emotion at all really. It's one thing for people to verbally challenge their superiors... but she doesn't do much at all. If she was 1, I very much doubt she'd be so passive. These ARE hollows afterallExcept that, despite a number of appearances, I don't think Halibel's said more than three sentences up until the last chapter. She just doesn't talk. Being an Arrancar doesn't require being arrogant, particularly if you're confident in your own strength. Their conversation could be taken as Halibel putting Noitora in his place, him trying not to back down, and her trying to decide if Aizen would mind blood on the tablecloth. I think he sounds defensive.

Like one of Halibel's Fraccion said, "speaking in loud voices just makes you look weaker".
@ saffire : well it's true that we can't only rely on that but they can give out some useful hints Besides, you took a pretty tricky example there since Grimmjow is the rebellious type... he talks like that to pretty much everyone, even Aizen or Tousen.And Noitora isn't the rebellious type? ;) Well, maybe not rebellious exactly, but he's definitely in the "bad boy" category. He's not the kind to keep his mouth shut if he's got something to say, and ranking be damned.

[Beee]

well he might be, but definetely not as much as Grimmjow. Noitora might be that way but not to the point where he'd disobey orders and break rules to get his what he wants like GJ. And besides the talk with Halibel nothing can really prove that he really is rebellious. (and even there, Noitora seemed much more defensive than defying...) :D

[SiSL]

I don't think talking trash to each other can be a rank difference potential. So far all of them was talking trash to each other, even Yammi vs. Ulquiorra. So we have to assume, all Espada are equal in terms of voicing their opinions, since commanding numeros only starts from 11 or lower.

[Saffire]

well he might be, but definetely not as much as Grimmjow. Noitora might be that way but not to the point where he'd disobey orders and break rules to get his what he wants like GJ. And besides the talk with Halibel nothing can really prove that he really is rebellious. (and even there, Noitora seemed much more defensive than defying...) :DSo far, only him, Ulquiorra and Grimmjow have actually been out wandering around Las Noches after being ordered to stay put. Ulquiorra may have had reason to be wandering, Noitora definitely didn't. But like I said, he's not really so much rebellious as he is...well, just a big bad guy. He doesn't defy orders for the sake of defying orders, he just does his own thing because he's strong enough to do it.

[Beee]

I don't think it was a very serious/formal order though. It seemed more like an advice than an order to me (but that depends on what chapter you're referring to)

[NightMare]

Stark (1)
Halibel(2)
Noitora(3)
Black dude(5)
Old man(7)

[ezxx]

the following is the guess I originally posted on NF :> i added new pages from manga run since bleachexile doesn't work anymore

in ch245

http://mangarun.com/bleach/bleach_245/M7%20Bleach%20Ch245%2006.jpg

Oldman talked in the page where all lower ranking espadas - #8,9 and 10 talked


http://mangarun.com/bleach/bleach_245/M7%20Bleach%20Ch245%2007.jpg

Black Dude talked before Ulquiorra so that makes him #5

Noitora talked before halibel, after uqliorra so that makes him #3

Halibel talked after, rather down to Noitora and that makes her #2

Stark didn't speak ;o

[Serph]

Here's what I think could be the ranks:

1- Stark: the way he responded to Aaro's death, and his don't care/lazy attitude give me the impression that he could be strong, I'm thinking he's Espada #1.

2- Old man:
I haven't seen him talk or do anything so I can't be sure to decide if he's strong or not, but I get the feeling he could be strong, and just because he's old, it doesn't mean he should be underestimated.

3- Halibel:
When I saw here going out of her way to watch the Ishigo VS. Grimmjow fight, I guessed that she must be in a very close rank to that of Grimmjow, and she wants to see how the fight will end, and a chance to study her possible opponent, in case Grimmjow failed, and lost to Ichigo.

4- Ulquiorra

5- Noitora:
The way he talked to Uliquiorra in the hall, gave me the impression, that he was in a lower rank than Ulquiorra, and the way he always talked of becoming the strongest, gave me the feeling that he must surpass stronger opponents to become the first Espada.

6- Grimmjow

7- Black man:
Like the Old man, he didn't give any hints to what rank he might be, I'm placing him in 7th, because it's the only open rank.

8- Zael

9- Aaroniro

10- Yammi

[Primera Espada]

I got the distinct impression Noitra talked down to Halibel, not the other way around.

And I'm not sure that we can use the paneling as an indication of rank. Mostly because you don't see Grimmjow talking, or Stark. If you wanna say that makes them each the top of their half of the espada, maybe...

Still, I think most of us can agree that there's a fairly decent chance that the 2 in the back are the bottom (9 and 10) the 4 on the right are the mid (5, 6, 7, 8) and the 4 on the left are the top (1, 2, 3, 4).

The only thing I can see possibly being swapped is that Halibel might be 5, and old man might be higher.

Sound good?

[Frost]

I don't think we can use "talking down to" as an evidence since Ulquiorra mocked Noitora, and Noitora is a guy who is obsessed with proving himself to be primera, saying he's the one who actually deserves the spot.
That would mean he's segundo or something.

[Riekie]

Okay...here's my ranking the way I had it back at BF a loooooooong time ago (even before Ulquiorra showed his number)! here goes:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Yamminummer10knipsel-1.jpg10
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Aaronironummer9knipsel-1.jpg9
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Zaelpollonummer8-1.jpg8
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/zwartemannummer7of5-1.jpg 7 or 5
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/grimmjownummer6knipsel-1.jpg6
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Ouwemannummer7of5knipsel-1.jpg 5 or 7
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Ulquiorranummer4-1.jpg4! finally right about somethingXD
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Noitoranummer3-1.jpg3
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/Meisjenummer1of2-1.jpg 2 or 1
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/yinxeygirl/verveeldegastnummer1of2-1.jpg 1 or 2

[ezxx]

It seemed to me Halibel spoke with authority and Noitora got defensive

[Saffire]

One point to make that I haven't seen discussed is this image (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/SaffireDT/BLEACH24_071.jpg), courtesy of Shawlong in c209. This is the first look we get at the Espada, but there's an oddity about this image. The two in the upper middle (with the funky shoulders and top hat) are not currently Espada. In fact, I think they're Chirucci and Dordonii. The one on the far right has his face covered, so it could conceivably be either Gantenbein or Noitora. So, the three current Espada who are not actually in the image are: Szayelaporro, Noitora (if that's Gantenbein), and the dwarf.

Let's say it's Gan on the right, so we've got three unknowns. I'm thinking that the Privaron numbers indicate what position they held previously, which means we've got 3, 5 and 8 on our hands, which makes things easy enough. Szayel is obviously 8th, Noitora is probably 3rd and dwarfy is probably 5th.

So what about the last 3 spots? I think Halibel has to be top 2, because Noitora would have probably laughed in her face if she was 7th. (I'm also not sure a 7th rank would actually say something like that to a 3rd.) I really can't decide on which of the other two are 7th though. Stark's got the laziness, Shaq has the "quiet power" aura going...it's a tough call.

[Riekie]

Erm...can't the one with '' teh tophat' be Aaro y Niro?

[Air]

I'm thinking that the Privaron numbers indicate what position they held previously, which means we've got 3, 5 and 8 on our hands, which makes things easy enough.

But Gantenbein was arrancar 107, not 108..

[Velius]

Riekie that's a nice list! You have pretty much convinced me that is how it is.

As for the pic of the espadas, most of the shadows are too crude to really match up to anyone. You could guess that this is this one, but that's about all you can do. Maybe it was just an early rough pic for the 'espada' and not really all the espada.

[Primera Espada]

I think the shadows were just random arrancar that had allready been shown.

THough also, we do know that Aizen was SLOWLY replacing the old esapada with new espada, so it's possible that they are privaron espada in that image.

if so, though, I'd say that MOST of them are privaron espada. The large fat one that people say is Yammy looks more like a large fat one seen when Ulquiorra makes his report to aizen.

I honestly think that, at the time, Kubo had only decided what 5 of the espada looked like. Arroniero, Halibel, Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, and Yammy. Given that knowledge, I'd say that Halibel ranks below Ulquiorra.

Remember how kubo complained that he used to have problems cause he would be forced to design a new character in a week, and ultimately didn't like what he turned out?

You see, over time, Kubo starts to just use shadows to represent people, often vague ones, so he can mention them without actually showing what they look like, so he can decide later.

That's what I think that shadow is. The privaron espada is just a retcon to explain where they went (if you recall, Shawlong SPECIFICALLY said the espada were chosen out of the strongest of the hou gyoku arrancar, and given numbers. But Doldoni explains that they had numbers well before the hou gyoku)

[Saffire]

But Gantenbein was arrancar 107, not 108..I even went back and checked those numbers, and I still screwed it up? Gah. That kills that aspect of it.
Erm...can't the one with '' teh tophat' be Aaro y Niro?How? You can see him in the upper left with the tall head.
if so, though, I'd say that MOST of them are privaron espada. The large fat one that people say is Yammy looks more like a large fat one seen when Ulquiorra makes his report to aizen.But Yammy's an Espada when him and Ulquiorra make their first trip to Earth, so it has to be him. He doesn't fit anywhere else.
You see, over time, Kubo starts to just use shadows to represent people, often vague ones, so he can mention them without actually showing what they look like, so he can decide later.

That's what I think that shadow is. The privaron espada is just a retcon to explain where they went (if you recall, Shawlong SPECIFICALLY said the espada were chosen out of the strongest of the hou gyoku arrancar, and given numbers. But Doldoni explains that they had numbers well before the hou gyoku)That's fine, but if he silhouettes somebody then that person should be introduced at some point, no? He didn't HAVE to silhouette the Espada at all at that point, but since he did, I would assume he had characters in mind to accompany them. There's no point in foreshadowing characters you'll never use.

[Gintoki]

I still believe there's no clue that indicates the Espada Number at the moment. The hints that we get from their behavior are just diversions by KT to let us guess their numbers.

[Primera Espada]

Yammy could be the shadow that's covered by the word bubble on the right of that pic...

If we're splitting hairs.

[Rain]

I think/ want the order to be:

1-2. Noitora and Halibel (i don't care which order)
3. Stark
5. black espada
7. Old Espada

Honestly i can't tell based upon the chapters, so lets see how good my guesses are.

[Beee]

Okay...here's my ranking the way I had it back at BF a loooooooong time ago (even before Ulquiorra showed his number)! here goes:



congrats riekie!! :D

I still believe there's no clue that indicates the Espada Number at the moment. The hints that we get from their behavior are just diversions by KT to let us guess their numbers.

haha but the point of this thread is just guessing anyways ;)

[Riekie]

Hahahaha thank you, thank you Beee:D I was soo proud of that I was right about his number..it made me jump in joyXD

[Rain]

This is slightly off-topic but when do you think we will find out the ranks of the Espada and do you think it will be just a one at a time (like it is now) or will the rest be at almost the same time?

[Riekie]

If Kubo will keep it exciting then he must do it one at a time..otherwise it's not very 'entertaining' and not much fun for the readers as well as there is no more speculation of who's what and all.

[Rain]

That's what I'm thinking/hopeing. The only reason i think their ranks may be revealed quickly is because they were introduced quickly. At first we only saw an Espada on occasion and then they were all revealed.

[Beee]

I think it'll be one at a time or one, 2 simultaneously, then one.

But as for when I think it'll be a long long time until we know all of them..I say we'll know them in the next arc =P

[Pollux]

Noitorra : #2
I don't think that Noitorra is #1 as I think that if he was, he would not need to prove the others that he is the strongest. On the other hand, some arrancar seems to think that they are stronger than they actually are. For example, although GJ says that if he and Ulquiorra fought, they would crush each other, the fact that there is a difference of 2 ranks and that Vaizard Ichigo did not damage Ulquiorra as much as GJ (although it can be argued that GJ did not defend himself correctly because he was caught by surprise) shows that there is indeed an important gap between their respective power. My idea is that he is only #2 because of a slight difference of power with #1 but is convinced that he should be #1 (if the espadas fight each other to prove their strength then Noitorra can argue that he lost because his opponent was lucky).

Halibel : #1
Based on the relationship between Halibel and Noitorra, I think that Halibel is the one who deprived Noitorra from the rank of #1. Moreover, it would go along the "don't judge a book by its cover" and "I don't want to hit a girl" themes until she completely humiliates her opponent.

Stark : #3
I think he is lazy because he does not think he needs to prove his strength to anyone and is satisfied with his rank. Moreover, "Stark" means "strong" in German so I would place him in third place.

For black dude and old dude, I really have no idea so, based on my preferences, I would say #5 and #7 respectively.

[Air]

Moreover, "Stark" means "strong" in German
Yeah, that's why I think Stark is #1.. and an Arrancar-Quincy :D
(german -> quincy)

[Rain]

It appears that the general consensus has Stark, Noitora and Halibel as the top three, so most likely they aren't (Kubo does set it up that way).

[Beee]

Yeah, that's why I think Stark is #1.. and an Arrancar-Quincy :D
(german -> quincy)

I doubt it but it would be so awesome/interesting :D

It appears that the general consensus has Stark, Noitora and Halibel as the top three, so most likely they aren't (Kubo does set it up that way).

well the spots left are 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. so AT LEAST one of those 3 mentionned has to be in the top 3 ;)

[SBJ220]

all i care about is that los negros and old pirate espada are not in the top two. i agree with the general consensus among the members here, but i really hope kubo doesn't slip one of those guys in the top two. the old guy would be too cliche. being the elder and all that. and los negros isn't really that interesting of a character to me. given, if we ever learned anything about him, he might become one tho, so we'll see.

[SPLENDiD 0NE]

1- Old guy just cuz hes old :p
2- Stark becuz he screams it? :eek:
3- Noitora becuz he claims hes at the top of the espada but not quite the best
4- Ulquiorra
5- Halibel becuz cirucci the thunderwitch use to be 5 , and since theyre both girls it could make sense :glomp
6- Grimmjaw
7- Black guy im not racist i promise :cry
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

[Rain]

Los negros, best name ever.

I don't care a whole lot but i do want Halibel to be 1 or 2 and fight with Yoruichi, best fight ever.

[SPLENDiD 0NE]

Los negros, best name ever.

I don't care a whole lot but i do want Halibel to be 1 or 2 and fight with Yoruichi, best fight ever.

:eek: you think so too?!! :eek:
:love :love i posted a thread once about this before in another forum and ppl thought i was stupid :cry . but this fight is definitely the sex :wtf

[SBJ220]

if you want me to do a whole list, it'll be exactly like this...

1. stark
2. halibel
3. noitora
4. ulquiorra
5. pirate-jii
6. grimmjow
7. los negros
8. szayel
9. aaroniro
10. yammi

why, you ask? because lolicons, hot women, and inferiority complexes rule the world.

[speedphantom]

Just 4 spots left to be filled! 1, 3, 5 and 7. Haha:p interesting how they're all odd numbers. Interesting indeed! XD nice planning by Kubo ^^

1 - Halibel
2 - Noitora
3 - Stark
4 - Ulquiorra
5 - Old man
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Mr T
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

[Kojy]

Just 4 spots left to be filled! 1, 3, 5 and 7. Haha:p interesting how they're all odd numbers. Interesting indeed! XD nice planning by Kubo ^^

1 - Halibel
2 - Noitora
3 - Stark
4 - Ulquiorra
5 - Old man
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Mr T
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

It's not clear if whether Noitora is 2 or 5 :yell
But i also believe that Noitora is 2:yay

Here's my assumption :p:

Filling remaining ranks:

1 - Stark
2 - Noitora
3 - Old man or Mr. T
5 - Halibel
7 - Old man or Mr. T

[speedphantom]

The latest chapter, 287 shows the tattoo of number 2 on Noitora's tongue haha:p

[Kojy]

I've been reading that thread and from all the controversy it doesn't seem clear ( at least to me :p ) that Noitora is 2nd ranked.

So i keep denying myself:confused:

[speedphantom]

Oh ok haha:p the picture posted looks quite convincing to me. The number 2 on his tongue.

I guess we'll find out shortly. XD

Edit: Ok, I just saw the number 5 version hmm haha x3 so confusing

1 - Halibel
2 - Old Man
3 - Stark
4 - Ulquiorra
2 - Noitora
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Mr T
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

Revised haha, swapped Noitora with the Old Man. Women and old people will kick your ass!

[tari101190]

1. stark
2. halibel
3. black guy
4. ulquiorra
5. noitora
6. grimmjow
7. old guy
8. szayel apollo
9. aaroniro (maybe wonderwice later)
10.yammy

when they were on the the table and aizen told them about ichigo's crew it showed on one page szayel apollo (8), aaroniro (9, yammy (10) and that old guy (i think 7) say stuff like 'they're weakling punks'...and so far all except the old guy have been shown to be weak numbers.

on the next page it showed black guy (i think 3), ulquiorra (4), halibel (i think 2 ) and noitora (5) say don't under estimate them and stuff and were calm and didn't overestimate themselves (like the weak espada)...the only guy not shown to speak at all is stark who i think is that 1 espada. plus when arroniro died stark and halibel's subordinates said 'is that all right' and 'what should we do' impliying that they are the leaders (the top 2).

[Velius]

Have to go with my gut on this one. Using speed's names cause Mr.T rocks. lmao.

1 - Halibel
2 - Stark
3 - Mr.T
4 - Ulquiorra
2 - Noitora
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Old Man
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

Now that there is only 4 spots left, there isn't much room left for speculation. NOOOO. XD I think everyone can agree that for sure Stark and Halibel are in the top 3. So that only leaves certain spots for certain people. Everyone's lists are going to be pretty similar.

[scooz]

Mr.T? lol, very nice. I think I will borrow that.

Hmmm, as much as I like Halibel, I don't think she is #1. I am leaning towards Stark being #1. The old guy...hmmm, just because he looks old doesn't mean he has the power and experience to be highly ranked. I'm wondering why he even looks old? There is nothing to suggest that Hollows age or die naturally. I know the Shinigami are not immortal, but it has never been suggested that Hollows age like they do. I guess this might be the first evidence of it.

Here's how I see the Espada rankings:

1. Stark
2. Mr.T (maybe Halibel)
3. Halibel (maybe Mr.T)
4. Ulqui
5. Spoony (or Noitora, w/e...jerk attacked my Grimmy...)
6. Grimmy
7. Old Guy
8. Szayel
9. Aaroniero
10. Yammi

[Sergelia]

The way I want it to be:

1. Halibel
2. Stark
3. Old Guy
4. Ulqui :love (IMO him being Quatra Espada was one of the better twists in a while... It made everyone appreciate the power of Espada more, since the fourth best owned Vaizard Bankai Ichigo without even drawing his sword.)
5. Noitora
6. Grimmkitteh
7. The Meditating Bodybuilder guy
8. Szayel
9. Aaroniero
10. Yammi


How it probably is:
1. Old Guy
2. Stark
3. Halibel
4. Ulquiorra
5. Noitora
6. Grimmkitteh
7. the MB guy
8. Szayel
9. Aaroniero
10. Yammy

[sasuki-chan]

I got it right for noinoi :yay
we'll see for the other :headscratch

1 - Stark
2 - Halibel I can't see a girl being 1 unfortunately :cry)
3 - black guy
4 - Ulquiorra
5 - Noitora
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Old Man
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

[@lch3mizt]

I wanna ask something.We all wants Halibel to be the 1??Because she has huge boobs:confused:

[Shadoblak]

I dont really want her to be number one honestly.....I think it would be a relief if she were number 7....(Dont hurt meh:p)

I would actually be happier if our favorite for one of the coveted top spots was number 7...Stark! Yeah I said it! what if hes weak??

[Air]

Talking about the design Kubo give 'em..
The Old dwarf is way too ugly to be Top3 :D

And, sorry for them,
but the only woman and the only black guy in the Espada, can't be #1..

So I'd say:
1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. Black guy
7. Old dwarf

(2 & 3 may be swapped..)

[twsl]

aahahahha looool~~ ^____^;;; i like your reasoning xD

[Shadoblak]

I REALLY hope neither Stark NOR Haibel is number one...Its too obvious...its all like "GIRL POWER" or "Hes lazy, he must pwn!" And that old guy is buff as all get out.....you can see his general build in the opening for the anime..Everyone seems to be the right size..
The way I'd like it
Oldy
Spikey
Stark
Ulquiorra
Noitora
Grimmjow
Halibel
Szayel Aporro
Aaroneiro
Yammi

Of course I wont bet on it since for the longest I would have SWORN Halibel was number 4....

[twsl]

but the oldy being nr.1 would be sooooooooooo .. soul-society-ish T_____T;;;; i will cry very hard if that happens T____T;;;

[Shadoblak]

but the oldy being nr.1 would be sooooooooooo .. soul-society-ish T_____T;;;; i will cry very hard if that happens T____T;;;
Hes still got one of the coolest designs, and whats the point of being old and having been through hundreds of battles if you arent at least good enough to beat some whipper snappers.......(The though of how old a hollow has to be before he's THAT old looking is frankly scary..)

[Pollux]

Hes still got one of the coolest designs, and whats the point of being old and having been through hundreds of battles if you arent at least good enough to beat some whipper snappers.......(The though of how old a hollow has to be before he's THAT old looking is frankly scary..)
I wonder if looking old has a meaning. Apart from #9, all the humanoid arrancars, unlike the others such as Iceringer and Demora, look like humans (it's logic in a way :p).
But on what is based their appearance ? Is it based on their caracteristics as a hollow or do they look like how they were before becoming hollow (as they become more "shinigamish" and therefore more "human"). In the latter case, old espada might look old because he was old when he died. Or perhaps their appearance as arrancars is a mix between their human look and their hollow look.
Just a random thought though.
Anyway, it really surprises me to see noitorra's rank, which I find inconsistent with his "I'm the strongest" speech. It completely destroys my previous ranking in which I placed him #2 behind Halibel based on the fact that he didn't like her (making me suppose that it was caused by her stealing the #1 away from her).

[Urazz]

Talking about the design Kubo give 'em..
The Old dwarf is way too ugly to be Top3 :D

And, sorry for them,
but the only woman and the only black guy in the Espada, can't be #1..

So I'd say:
1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. Black guy
7. Old dwarf

(2 & 3 may be swapped..)
It's what I'm thinking as well.

I also have the theory that the old guy could be the old number 1 espsada. Now you may ask wouldn't that mean the old nubmer 2, 3, and 4 espada be in the espada as well? Well, the privaron espada were never made into arrancar with the hougyoku, right?

I'm thinking they all became arrancar naturally and some were arrancar longer than others so there could be even greater difference between each rank or little at all. My theory was that the old man is the oldest arrancar alive and was quite alot more stronger than the old number 2 espada so when the new espada came into being from the hougyoku the old number 1 was still strong enough to remain with the espada but not as number 1 and so was demoted to number 7, while the rest of the old espada were made into the privaron espada.

[Shadoblak]

I wonder if looking old has a meaning. Apart from #9, all the humanoid arrancars, unlike the others such as Iceringer and Demora, look like humans (it's logic in a way :p).
But on what is based their appearance ? Is it based on their caracteristics as a hollow or do they look like how they were before becoming hollow (as they become more "shinigamish" and therefore more "human"). In the latter case, old espada might look old because he was old when he died. Or perhaps their appearance as arrancars is a mix between their human look and their hollow look.
Just a random thought though.
Anyway, it really surprises me to see noitorra's rank, which I find inconsistent with his "I'm the strongest" speech. It completely destroys my previous ranking in which I placed him #2 behind Halibel based on the fact that he didn't like her (making me suppose that it was caused by her stealing the #1 away from her).

OoO Oh good point! if he was old before i guess he WOULD ook old now...But what about the scars? i really like to think those are from fierce battle and such! XD
Noitora doesnt seem to relate well with anyone..Kinda like Gin..most people seem creeped out by him DX

[twsl]

It's what I'm thinking as well.

I also have the theory that the old guy could be the old number 1 espsada. Now you may ask wouldn't that mean the old nubmer 2, 3, and 4 espada be in the espada as well? Well, the privaron espada were never made into arrancar with the hougyoku, right?

I'm thinking they all became arrancar naturally and some were arrancar longer than others so there could be even greater difference between each rank or little at all. My theory was that the old man is the oldest arrancar alive and was quite alot more stronger than the old number 2 espada so when the new espada came into being from the hougyoku the old number 1 was still strong enough to remain with the espada but not as number 1 and so was demoted to number 7, while the rest of the old espada were made into the privaron espada.

lol, that's exactly what i was thinking a few days aogo!! ^____^;;; "would the nr.1 of the privaaron espada be weaker than the nr.10 of the current espada? (yami)" i really wonder ^__^;; after seeing ichigo fight with yamii and doldooni or smth (what was his number again? o.O) i really think that doldooni (sp?) is somewhat stronger than yamii. it would be stupid if the current espada is only restricted to those who have been born by the hygyoku (SP? xDD) way.. :X

[scooz]

I wanna ask something.We all wants Halibel to be the 1??Because she has huge boobs:confused:

Big boobs aside, can't you see how awesome she is? She has that cool, calm reserve that radiates leadership and power. I don't think she is the sociopath that Ulqui appears to be, but I do think she has similar mannerisms. You can automatically tell she is a force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to see what part she plays.

[Air]

She has that cool, calm reserve that radiates leadership and power.
Yeah, I think these are the distinctive characteristic of a Vastorode.
So, Halibel must be top3.

Hint: Stark and the Black Espada are cool and calm too ;)

[Beee]

BTW everyone, just in case anyone didn't see it yet in the Bleach Chapter Spoiler thingy, Noitora is #5 ;)

(yay! I was right!)

[Urazz]

Big boobs aside, can't you see how awesome she is? She has that cool, calm reserve that radiates leadership and power. I don't think she is the sociopath that Ulqui appears to be, but I do think she has similar mannerisms. You can automatically tell she is a force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to see what part she plays.
Ulquiorra and Halibel are fairly similar but Ulquiorra is pretty much Aizen's flunky and everything he does is basically for Aizen in some form. I don't really get that feeling with the Black guy, Stark, and Halibel. I get the feeling that they act more like allies with similar goals that are equal to Aizen than subordinates like the other espada behave.

Yeah, I think these are the distinctive characteristic of a Vastorode.
So, Halibel must be top3.

Hint: Stark and the Black Espada are cool and calm too
Well Stark has shown some emotion when his minion shoved her hand down his throat and threatened to crush his balls if he didn't wake up. But he still has that I'm the lazy badass air about him. If anything I can't wait to see how he would interact with Ichigo. They both have that air of being badasses but get no respect. :D

[Masamune]

I think that Halibel might be #7 for the following (more or less crappy) reasons :
* Since Halibel (and her fraccion) look like typical shonen fanservice, she will probably fight against another woman (Soi Fon or Yoruichi) during the Winter War. If it happens, even #7 will be more than a match for those two.
* Between #7 and the top 3, who would be the most interested in watching a battle between #6 and an enemy who has just been pwned by #4 ?
* It makes more sense if Kubo keeps the names of the most powerful espadas hidden, so #7 is likely to be Halibel or Stark ...

Well that's all since we have never seen her fighting and since attitude is a not a reliable way to guess someone's strength. ^^

[Urazz]

I wanna ask something.We all wants Halibel to be the 1??Because she has huge boobs:confused:

Yes, that's the reason. Do we need another? Though I wonder how she can fight with that outfit without her boobs popping out like that.

[Kurouno]

I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this at all, but the old guy is actually portrayed as being pretty huge. Like, almost as big as Yami in the current anime intro. When you go back and look at the Espada meeting, he also appears to be slouching.

[Rain]

Kurouno- alot of us have noticed this, and that is one reason some say he is probably the 7th espada (I hope he is).

my ranking:

Halibel-1
Stark-2
Black arrancar-3
old guy-7

I think this is about the average ranking though

[BigBadBuu]

I don't think Halibel is that high up, simply because she was around back when Ulquiorra made that "at its strongest level, his Reitsu's even stronger than mine!" comment.

To me, it made it sound like Ulquiorra was the strongest up to that point.

Also, at that point, Halibel declined to intervene in the ensuing argument between Grimmjow and Ulquiorra-- something I definitely think she would have done had she been higher than Ulquiorra.

As for #s 1 & 2, I gave Abuelo #1 simply because of the way he was drawn in that Espada colour spread a few months back-- prominent crown/mask + mysterious power-glint in the eyes.

So my rankings are:

1- Old Man
2- Stark
3- Tall & Dark
7- Halibel

-Buu

[Serph]

Here's what I think could be the ranks:

1- Stark: the way he responded to Aaro's death, and his don't care/lazy attitude give me the impression that he could be strong, I'm thinking he's Espada #1.

2- Old man:
I haven't seen him talk or do anything so I can't be sure to decide if he's strong or not, but I get the feeling he could be strong, and just because he's old, it doesn't mean he should be underestimated.

3- Halibel:
When I saw here going out of her way to watch the Ishigo VS. Grimmjow fight, I guessed that she must be in a very close rank to that of Grimmjow, and she wants to see how the fight will end, and a chance to study her possible opponent, in case Grimmjow failed, and lost to Ichigo.

4- Ulquiorra

5- Noitora:
The way he talked to Uliquiorra in the hall, gave me the impression, that he was in a lower rank than Ulquiorra, and the way he always talked of becoming the strongest, gave me the feeling that he must surpass stronger opponents to become the first Espada.

6- Grimmjow

7- Black man:
Like the Old man, he didn't give any hints to what rank he might be, I'm placing him in 7th, because it's the only open rank.

8- Zael

9- Aaroniro

10- Yammi

I got Noitora's rank right! I hope the rest are correct

[thatbabo]

1. The Geezer
2. Stark
3. Brother Man
7. Halibel

[twsl]

1. sutaruku
2. harriberru
3. afro-san
7. santaclaus-san

i'm wondering if afro-san's fraccion are all black like hariiberru's fraccion are all women haha would be funny xDD

[Rain]

Almost no one has said that Stark is number 7:eek:

Everybody else has been predicted in every other spot except for stark being 7, so my guess is that Stark=7

[Evility]

1- Old man
2- Stark
3- Halibel
4- Ulquiorra
5- Noitora
6- Grimmjaw
7- black man
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

Why?

1 - Well, in the Bounto fillers the old man wasn't [ay my opinion] the strongest one and he loked old because he sucked too many souls [please correct me if I'm in a mistake]. But I think with Arracars it's the opposite way - more devoured souls - more power. He just looks somehow... experienced.

2 - Stark sure is lazy one. I think that makes him quite powerful in some way - being lazy, he sure knows he's strong and has nothing to worry about. Besides, unlike most of the knows Espada he doesn't plroclaim himself as the strongest. Well, this is just a guess since w eknow almost nothing about him.

3. - Well, I think she is quite a strong one. ^^

7. what's left xD

[Tenonee]

Most of these are just gut feeling but w/e.

1. Halibel - Looks most like a leader to me, the way she was talking to her fraccion and judging ichigo vs. grim. Also i like the idea because it would be a little out of the norm to have a woman be the most powerful in a shonen.

2. Stark - I always think lazy people should be powerful >.> but he doesnt seem like a leader to me, more like the best (well 2nd best i guess) soldier in an army.

3. Africano - He looks like he doesnt care too much about his rank that much but he still seems powerful because he has that cool/calm attitude and is seen meditating, also he had one of the least reactions to aaroniro's death.

7. Old Guy - Well, he's my least favorite espada since the beggining so im biased. I think since he has that cocky attitude that he's not that powerful, people w/ cocky attitudes very often aren't. I agree that he looks like he's old because that's how he died not because of experiences afterwards n such.

[Graviija]

1. sutaruku
2. harriberru
3. afro-san
7. santaclaus-san

i'm wondering if afro-san's fraccion are all black like hariiberru's fraccion are all women haha would be funny xDDNo, his fracción would be called a "gang", or "posse".

Crip Hollows fo' life, yo.

...no offense to anyone, of course.

[Velius]

1 - Well, in the Bounto fillers the old man wasn't [ay my opinion] the strongest one and he loked old because he sucked too many souls [please correct me if I'm in a mistake]. But I think with Arracars it's the opposite way - more devoured souls - more power. He just looks somehow... experienced.

Ya know, that wouldn't surprised me if did something like that. Made the old big dude number 1 simply because no one would be expecting it. haha. But it would be going against his own rules, but then again, that wouldn't be the first time.

[Slev]

Most of these are just gut feeling but w/e.

1. Halibel - Looks most like a leader to me, the way she was talking to her fraccion and judging ichigo vs. grim. Also i like the idea because it would be a little out of the norm to have a woman be the most powerful in a shonen.

2. Stark - I always think lazy people should be powerful >.> but he doesnt seem like a leader to me, more like the best (well 2nd best i guess) soldier in an army.

3. Africano - He looks like he doesnt care too much about his rank that much but he still seems powerful because he has that cool/calm attitude and is seen meditating, also he had one of the least reactions to aaroniro's death.

7. Old Guy - Well, he's my least favorite espada since the beggining so im biased. I think since he has that cocky attitude that he's not that powerful, people w/ cocky attitudes very often aren't. I agree that he looks like he's old because that's how he died not because of experiences afterwards n such.

I agree with this, except I would switch Stark and Halibel. I don't really think any of the Espada fill the role of a leader. They all seem way to independent in their actions for there to be a leader among them.

[Evility]

@ Velius , the old Espada man also reminds me of captain Yamamoto. In general, hollows // arrancars are the total oposite of shinigami. But they do have some similarities, so I think hollows like shinigami can age too. Yeah, they all risk to look like Yamamoto some day, but that's not the question. So, what makes old man Yamamoto the most important percon [set aside the King, we know nothing about him] in Soul Society? Obviously he's the oldest one [I think so] and he's the one with the most experience. We saw that he's srill heck of a strong one too, so he's still in charge.
Looking at all this, I think that the old arrancar dude is Espada №1. He kust reminds me too much of Yamamoto xD

[Tenonee]

When we talk about age are we talking about age as humans, hollows or arrancar? Because i would think, the older the arrancar the less powerful they would be because they would be farther from a perfect hybrid, plus, because espada are ranked in power that would most likely mean newer and more perfect arrancar are replacing the older ones relatively frequently.

It could be age as a holow meaning that he is the most likely to have survived the longest, eating most hollows and therefor be higher ranking than the rest (or, y'kno, he coulda just hid in a cave the whole time). And lastly he could've aged as a human which would give him certain experiences and personality but not necessarily power.

[Saffire]

Not to mention that Shinigami don't age after a point...Ukitake and Shunsui are over 2000 years old and don't look older than 30 or so. (And if you're willing to take the Houki Boshi ending as canon, go back and watch the 1st division ending.)

[Beee]

@ saffire : I don't think that they "stop aging" but rather that they age much more slowly than humans... I mean they WILL eventually end up like Yama. Also, I think over 2000 years old is a too much, even for them.

Ya know, that wouldn't surprised me if did something like that. Made the old big dude number 1 simply because no one would be expecting it. haha. But it would be going against his own rules, but then again, that wouldn't be the first time.

well no one would expect it, but then again, I think the "cool factor" might also come into play ;) So he'd win because "the suprise effect" factor but lose because of his lack of "coolness"

Aizen, Shunsui, Ukitake and Yama are pretty much the strongest in SS. Did they have the "cool factor"? Yep!

Same could be said with Urahara, Isshin, Yoruichi...

but does the old man have it? Not really..... same could be said about aaroniero, Yami, Luppi, ... (one's the weakest espada and the two others are DEAD)

[Llama]

1. Stark
2. Halibel
3. BG
7. OG

My prediction.

[Urazz]

@ Velius , the old Espada man also reminds me of captain Yamamoto. In general, hollows // arrancars are the total oposite of shinigami. But they do have some similarities, so I think hollows like shinigami can age too. Yeah, they all risk to look like Yamamoto some day, but that's not the question. So, what makes old man Yamamoto the most important percon [set aside the King, we know nothing about him] in Soul Society? Obviously he's the oldest one [I think so] and he's the one with the most experience. We saw that he's srill heck of a strong one too, so he's still in charge.
Looking at all this, I think that the old arrancar dude is Espada №1. He kust reminds me too much of Yamamoto xD

It's why I put the old man as number 7 and say he was the old number 1 of the old espada before Aizen brought the Hougyoku. Cause he was never tampered with by the hougyoku and his power as an arrancar was earned naturally.

[Beee]

It's why I put the old man as number 7 and say he was the old number 1 of the old espada before Aizen brought the Hougyoku. Cause he was never tampered with by the hougyoku and his power as an arrancar was earned naturally.

hm... Interesting.. never thought of this before :D

but then again, could it be that the hollow was just old when he got arrankarized? If shinigami and spirits in general can age, hollows could possibly age as well...

[Grandia]

1- Black Guy
2- Stark
3- Halibel
4- Ulquiorra
5- Noitora
6- Grimmjaw
7- Old Guy
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

Hey, its different

[Frostman]

1- Stark
2- Old Dude
3- Halibel
4- Ulquiorra
5- Noitora
6- Grimmjaw
7- Bald Guy
8- Zael
9- Aaroniro
10- Yami

I was really surprised that Noitera was 5. He was always 3 or 2 on my list.

[Shadoblak]

He was always 3 on my list...But then again Halibel was 4 and Ulquiorra was 2 so i was WAAAAAAY off......

[krompt]

Ok well i am still on that stupid train where i think Noitora is 7.

I think that he is 7th espada and his number is on his left buttcheek or something. So here are the reasons for the fake 5 on his tongue;

1. He wanted to seem stroger than he really was, instead of 7 he put 5.

2. It would be pretty damn emmbarassing to have to pull down your pants to show your rank, especially to an enemy.

So yeah, that is possible:D

[scooz]

I doubt Noitora's number is fake. As much as I can't stand him (Hurt my Grimmy Kitty...) I am pretty sure the number is accurate. And uh...I am pretty sure his number is not on his butt XD If it truly was, I don't wanna know his rank!

[abducted]

1. sutaruku
2. harriberru
3. afro-san
7. santaclaus-san

i'm wondering if afro-san's fraccion are all black like hariiberru's fraccion are all women haha would be funny xDD

then shouldn't all of halli's fraccion be black women too??:confused:

[Shadoblak]

Yup, with blonde hair and huge boobs :p
Btw, if Halibel's rank is there I'd like to know it ;)
Okay enough perversion :p

there are a few more likely places for numbers that havent been used yet
Forearm
Spine
Thigh
Hand
So yeah, btw, I'm hoping the primera has the number one either on the spine or forearm because that would look badass
(If the primera is Halibel, I'm sure we all agree on a few places we'd like it to be :p)

[Rain]

Where is that Shado:headscratch I'd really like to know:D

Yammy and Ulquiorra have their numbers in almost the exact same place, so others might have them in a similar place to other espada.

It would be awesome if the number 1 espada had it's number on it's spine right between the shoulders, just below the neck.

I bet that Szayel has an 8 on his thigh (mostly because it isn't on his upper half)

[Shadoblak]

hehehe :D

Well Yammi's is on his shoulder and Ulquiorra's is on his chest, theyre lose but not really that close i guess
So lets guess here since there isnt much else to do until the new spoilers...
Stark- On his hand
Halibell-Either in her bosom or on her thigh
Szayel Aporro- Really could be anywhere, his hole is a mystery too o_O

[Rain]

Ulquiorra's is right where his heart would be so it's kinda close:p

More guesses huh:
Halibel- lower back :D
Szayel- thigh
Stark- upper arm or something boring

old espada- who cares:lmao stomach or something
big black espada- back of his head

[Shadoblak]

HA! that would be hilarious if it was on the back of his head!
i guess this is pointless though since it really depends on what rank they are.....Since some numbers fit better on certain spots
like a number 1 or 7 would fit a forearm better but a 3 or 2 would compliment a hand the best....and of course a number one could be sandwiched between a pair of..........................anyway, the old guy's could really be anywhere his body from what we've seen is a jagged mess....his scars arent even clean like Yamamoto's :D

[Tenonee]

Shouldnt this be in predictions? O.o

Halibel - on the neck (i couldnt see it being on her breasteses w/o the whole thing just popping out)
Stark - forearm ftw
BG - all big n stuff on his back
Old Guy - hidden under a bunch of dirt, hair and old food
Szayel - umm.... uhh.... i guess the thigh is the only part left rly, unless its like on the bottom of his foot >_>

[Urazz]

then shouldn't all of halli's fraccion be black women too??:confused:
I felt Halibel was more middle eastern than black when compared to 'Shaq'. Her zankaputo seems more the middle eastern type of sword which makes that feeling stronger too.

Not that it really matters, she's hot as hell either way. :D

[DeDaL]

hehehe :D

Halibell-Either on her bosom or on her thigh
Buttocks, mate, buttocks. ;)
And I do vote for the left hemisphere of those fine things of hers. ;)

[KurosakiNaruto]

Hehehe. I wouldn't bet anything on it but I'd say Halibel's Tattoo is on her left or right cheek although at the expense of being deemed a pervert I'd really like to see it on her thigh. Nothing more said. hehehe

[abducted]

wow maybe we should look at the homonculi a lil closer to guess. the tattoos corresponded to the type of sin so for the espada hmm

Ulquiorra- located over missing heart because he's heartless apathetic guy
Noitora-located over tongue because he wont shut the hell up about being the strongest
Grimmy- located at the base of the spine on lower back, maybe represents his evolution from beast to man. usually the evolution pictures involve walking upright which means shifting the base of the spine
Aaroniro- located on faces cos well had 50 thousand+ "faces".
Yammy- located on shoulder cos hes all about brute strength. His massive arms showcase that, he loses an arm he might as well kiss the espada goodbye.

My guess for stark is his hand. cos he's lazy and idle and well "idle hands"

[Agmaster]

Here's to SHaq having it on the side or back of his neck that hasyet to be revealed. Can't even imagine where Hag's is going to be. Stark with idle hands was good, though.

[kariya-sama]

I think my theory is stupid and it doesn't work with every one of the espada but here goes nothing:

Grimmjow had 4 arrancars in his fraccion. Halibel has 3 arrancars in her fraccion. Grimmjow's number was 6. 10-4=6... Halibel has 3 arrancars in her fraccion.. so 10-3=7. Halibel's rank would be 7 :eek:

But we have seen only one arrancar in Noitora's fraccion. So this doesn't work. We haven't seen fraccions of Ulquiorra and the higher espada and Aaroniro and Yammy...

Szayel had at least 4 arrancars in his fraccion.

So if this would be other way around like max arrancars in their fraccion = their rank in espada. So Grimm could have maximum of 6 arrancars in his fraccion.

Well this still doesn't solve any numbers. But if it would be like that, Halibel would #3 or #7 because she has more than 2 arrancars in her fraccion.

I wanted Halibel to be #1 but because she seemed to be afraid of the Ichigo's gang when they arrived to Hueco Mundo or Las Noches (can't remember) and Ichigo in Ichigo-vs-Grimmjow fight, she doesn't fit in #1 well. Or maybe she is scared of loosing her #1 rank :D...

Finally what I think about the ranks:

#1 *Muradin* - He looks so badass and fearless so #1
#2 *50cent* - He is the meditating guy so #2
#3 Stark - His belt looks similar to the previous #3 (the devil kanonji guy ;))
#4 Ulquiorra
#5 Noitora
#6 Grimmjow
#7 Halibel - I wanted her to be #1 but now she sounds so scared so #7
#8 Szayel
#9 Aaroniro
#10 Yammy

[cris]

#1 -Stark
#2 -Old man
#3 - Hallibell
#7 -Black man

[NightMare]

1st Stark
2nd Halibel(i want her 1st)
3rd Old man
7th Black dude

[Air]

I think my theory is stupid and it doesn't work with every one of the espada but here goes nothing:

Grimmjow had 4 arrancars in his fraccion

GJ had 5 : Shawlong, Edorad, Ilfort, Nakim, D-Roy :p

[awesomesauce]

Have to go with my gut on this one. Using speed's names cause Mr.T rocks. lmao.

1 - Halibel
2 - Stark
3 - Mr.T
4 - Ulquiorra
2 - Noitora
6 - Grimmjow
7 - Old Man
8 - Szayel
9 - Aaroniro
10 - Yammy

Now that there is only 4 spots left, there isn't much room left for speculation. NOOOO. XD I think everyone can agree that for sure Stark and Halibel are in the top 3. So that only leaves certain spots for certain people. Everyone's lists are going to be pretty similar.

YES! Mr. T or as i call him Mowhawk san does rock! woot! *hi five*

[Shadoblak]

Okay this is my final guess

1: Oldman
2: Starkk
3: Spike
4: Ulquiorra
5: Nnoitra
6: Grimmjow
7: Halibell
8: Szayel Aporro
9: Aaroneiro
10 : Yammy

Thats ny final answer :p

[Gintoki]

My current guess:


1: Starkk
2. Shaquille O'Neal
3. Haribell
7. Santa Clause

Or Santa on #1 and everyone behind him goes a Rank down.

[Beee]

I wanted Halibel to be #1 but because she seemed to be afraid of the Ichigo's gang when they arrived to Hueco Mundo or Las Noches (can't remember) and Ichigo in Ichigo-vs-Grimmjow fight, she doesn't fit in #1 well. Or maybe she is scared of loosing her #1 rank :D...


Just to clear some stuff up :

1- Halibel wasn't scared when Ichi arrived in LN (at least it's not hinted as such). Noitora just randomly asked if she was scared after she told him not to take the Ichigumi (ichigo gang) too likely.

2- During the IchiGrim fight, she just noted that Vichigo (VizardIchigo) had the same strength and pressure as an Espada (which is right). though I'm not sure what you mean when using that example. n__n;

btw "Muradin" reminds me of something.. was he a character from Warcraft or something?

@ velius : lawl the Mr.T thing is awesome!!

[Vegeta_19]

1st Halibel(the end)

[Urazz]

Just to clear some stuff up :

1- Halibel wasn't scared when Ichi arrived in LN (at least it's not hinted as such). Noitora just randomly asked if she was scared after she told him not to take the Ichigumi (ichigo gang) too likely.

2- During the IchiGrim fight, she just noted that Vichigo (VizardIchigo) had the same strength and pressure as an Espada (which is right). though I'm not sure what you mean when using that example. n__n;

btw "Muradin" reminds me of something.. was he a character from Warcraft or something?

@ velius : lawl the Mr.T thing is awesome!!
At the most you can just say she is just cautious and doesn't let her power go to her head. It makes for quite a deadly villain since you don't really see that too much. It's that attitude that gets me thinking she is in the top 3.

[Shadoblak]

She seems pretty collected, but i still say shes number 7......Even though the old guy wears horrible shirts and fur jackets :p which is pretty weak imo

Btw....In 269 when he called Aaroneiro a punk and said he died in a stupid way, was he talking to himself??? :D

[speedphantom]

1. Halibel
2. Stark
3. Old Man
4. Ulquiorra
5. Noitora
6. Grimmjow
7. Mr. T
8. Szayel Aporro
9. Aaroneiro
10. Yammy

I hope the old man isn't the strongest or second strongest, then he'd be like the Yama-ji of the arrancar. I want Halibel to be the strongest but since they've introduced her already that might mean they're saving the strongest for last, so either Mr. T or the old man.

[Akutabi]

She seems pretty collected, but i still say shes number 7......Even though the old guy wears horrible shirts and fur jackets :p which is pretty weak imo

:mad:

Anyway, I pretty much have Stark at 1 and Halibel at 3. I can't decide between the other two so either way works.

And we need a badass shoulder number reveal like this...

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4250/gamma8copylc0.jpg

Ulquiorra's definately got the most badass # reveal so far. Topping that would greatly impress me

[Shadoblak]

*realizes that the old guy is basically wearing Gamma's jacket*

Hehe, sorry Akutabi :p
Anyway Yammy already has the monopoly on shoulder numbers :p

[Akutabi]

*realizes that the old guy is basically wearing Gamma's jacket*

Hehe, sorry Akutabi :p
Anyway Yammy already has the monopoly on shoulder numbers :p

I guess the back will do then

I'd be willing to make Old Guy #2 just because he has Gamma's jacket. You're not gonna tell me he would give a weak guy that jacket or something that looks like it >_>

[Beee]

She seems pretty collected, but i still say shes number 7......Even though the old guy wears horrible shirts and fur jackets :p which is pretty weak imo

Btw....In 269 when he called Aaroneiro a punk and said he died in a stupid way, was he talking to himself??? :D

that's mainly why i said he's #7 :D Besides, Kubo being very interesting in fashion and the like, wouldn't give the strongest villain a look like this one ;) (or even a top3 IMO)

[Shadoblak]

Its odd you should say that since he's wearing a coat similar to Gamma Akutabi, the main character in Kubo's Zombie Powder...of course it is possible he's just a dirty old man..i just dont think so...

[TheItalianStallion]

I want the old guy at 7, I mean come on he looks ridiculous. The mr T guy needs to be cool and higher up. I have a feeling stark is 1.

[Shadoblak]

He may be, but against most logic I'd still say the old troll is top two, Spike is number 3 and our favorite girl Halibel is number 7..

[Air]

I'd be willing to make Old Guy #2 just because he has Gamma's jacket. You're not gonna tell me he would give a weak guy that jacket or something that looks like it >_>

Well.. different jacket, but Bleach's Gamma is called Grimmjow ;)

Anyway, I'd like to see an Espada number on the shoulder..

[cassoult]

1. Black guy
2. Halibel
3.Stark
7.Old guy

And before the Stark fans shoot me down, he strikes me as someone who could be higher up if he wanted to be, but who doesn't want the hassle of being absolutely at the top. Real power not needing others to ackowledge it and all that.

[Beee]

Its odd you should say that since he's wearing a coat similar to Gamma Akutabi, the main character in Kubo's Zombie Powder...of course it is possible he's just a dirty old man..i just dont think so...

well just because he's a dirty old man doesn't make him weak ;) just look at Master Roshi xDDD (and deny the existence of 30 out of the 42 DB volumes where that character becomes completely useless).

Of course I think Master Roshi (The name I hearby give to the old man) IS the weakest of the unknown arrankars, but iunno, I pretty much mean you can be dirty AND strong =P

[Shadoblak]

@ Cass interesting gamble there with the ranks.. and BK, I still say the old man is top 2......Its aaaaaaaaaaaall in the spread...LOOK TO THE SPREAD PEOPLE! THE SPREAD WILL SET YOU FREE!!

1: ROSHI
2: STARKK
3: SPIKE
7: HALIBEL

THIS IS THE MESSAGE I BRING YOU!!
EPAAA!!
EEEEEEEPAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

[Beee]

xDD @ EPA!!!

I don't quite get the "spread" thing though o_o;

[Shadoblak]

Oh, chapter 270 has a color spread of Ichigo with the Espada...This is the basis of what I call the "touch theory"

See, From what we know of the revealed Espada, I theorize that they are in groups of two, touching or immensely close to someone who's rank is one higher or one lower than them....See, Noitora is next to Grimmjow (5 and 6) Ulquiorra is touching 3 people, Szayel Aporro, Yammy and Spike.....however We know the numbers of Yammi and Szayel, thus making Spike nnumber 3 Szayel Aporro is touching Halibell, thus making her number 7. And Yammi's rather sizeable head takes up two spaces since number 9 (who he should be next to) is already dead.
So lets recap
Yammy-10
Aaroneiro- 9/deceased
Szayel Aporro and Halibell- 8 and 7
Grimmjow and Nnoitra- 6 and 5
Ulquiorra ans Spike- 4 and 3

Which leaves 2 and 1... Starkk and Roshi are fruther back than the rest So they are the top two.
I would think that Roshi is 1 and Starkk is 2 since Roshi seems further away and is at the top.

This is my touch theory, based on the color spread in chapter 270
:D

[Beee]

quite a theory you got there...


Roshi touches GJ and Noitora only, which would mean that he's either 4, 5, 6, and 7. Knowing that 4 is Ulqui, that 5 is Noi and that 6 is GJ, Roshi is 7th

Mr. T Touches Ulqui only, meaning he can only by #3. (5 being Noitora)

but now there are conflicts. Halibel touches Szayel, Noitora and Ulqui. so she's either 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9. the only ones that aren't known already are 3 and 7. The problem is that 3 is reserved for Mr.T and that 7 can only be Roshi

[Shadoblak]

quite a theory you got there...


Roshi touches GJ and Noitora only, which would mean that he's either 4, 5, 6, and 7. Knowing that 4 is Ulqui, that 5 is Noi and that 6 is GJ, Roshi is 7th

Mr. T Touches Ulqui only, meaning he can only by #3. (5 being Noitora)

but now there are conflicts. Halibel touches Szayel, Noitora and Ulqui. so she's either 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9. the only ones that aren't known already are 3 and 7. The problem is that 3 is reserved for Mr.T and that 7 can only be Roshi

No no no
See, Roshi and Starkk are further away..Next to each OTHER Grimm is next to Noi Szayel is next to Halibell and Ulqs is next to Spike
Meaning the top two are Starkk and Roshi , Spike is 3, Halibel is 7

[Beee]

oooh.. right, my bad xD Misunderstood your theory.

But I'd say that Roshi and Stark aren't exactly very close to each other xD

[Shadoblak]

oooh.. right, my bad xD Misunderstood your theory.

But I'd say that Roshi and Stark aren't exactly very close to each other xD

Not really but they are in the fact that they're both rather shadowed and out of the picture, like they're on a whole different level..... top 2 eh? eh?

Anyway its just my crackpot theory...it'll be shattered ina heartbeat is one number is off :p

[Beee]

haha but still it's quite a well thought one though. I mean... you either had to be high or very smart to figure that one =D

[Urazz]

She seems pretty collected, but i still say shes number 7......Even though the old guy wears horrible shirts and fur jackets :p which is pretty weak imo

Btw....In 269 when he called Aaroneiro a punk and said he died in a stupid way, was he talking to himself??? :D

It's partly why I don't think the old man is in the top 3. His remark about Aaroneiro's death doesn't make him as cool and collected as the other 3 who didn't really care one way or another.

Though Stark doesn't seem to try to be cool and collected so much as he is lazy. If anything he reminds me of Ichigo a bit with him having this aura of being a badass but it can be broken out of that in a humorous way.

[Shadoblak]

It's partly why I don't think the old man is in the top 3. His remark about Aaroneiro's death doesn't make him as cool and collected as the other 3 who didn't really care one way or another.

Though Stark doesn't seem to try to be cool and collected so much as he is lazy. If anything he reminds me of Ichigo a bit with him having this aura of being a badass but it can be broken out of that in a humorous way.

Well, he DOES kind of seem like Isshin...............Goatee club anyone??

[Llama]

Before I lay down I'd like to change my rankings.

I believe Halibel is #7 now. The reason. I believe Kubo is showing all the Espada 10-4. And all the lower Espada have been moving around and fighting. The only 3 that have stayed in their respective rooms are the old man, black guy, and Stark. The rest have been busy. Which leads me to believe they are the top 3.

So my ranks now are.

1. Stark
2. Black Guy
3. Old Man
7. Halibel

And I still believe 4-1 are Vastro Lordes.

[Beee]

Before I lay down I'd like to change my rankings.

I believe Halibel is #7 now. The reason. I believe Kubo is showing all the Espada 10-4. And all the lower Espada have been moving around and fighting. The only 3 that have stayed in their respective rooms are the old man, black guy, and Stark. The rest have been busy. Which leads me to believe they are the top 3.

So my ranks now are.

1. Stark
2. Black Guy
3. Old Man
7. Halibel

And I still believe 4-1 are Vastro Lordes.

There's no actual indication that Halibel actually left her room. It's quite likely that she stayed just on the roof of her room or something and watched what was going on (kinda like Kami from DB xD)

[Dizzy]

Yammy's in his room too, and despite having fought, Aaro and Szayel haven't left their quarters. It could just be the middle 4, though.
As much I hate to admit it, I'm starting to think Halibel's #7. All this talk about fear while #5 and #6 are actually fighting doesn't help her much >_<

[Tenonee]

The places we've seen Halibel were either with all the other arrancar (at tea party & wanderweiss' awakening) and on her roof thing so, even though she might not physically be in a room, she's moved just about as much as the other unrevealed espada.

Also, it's not like Kubo is releaving them in order, the first we saw were #4 and #10 after all. And for the fear thing, Halibel didnt act scared, she lectured her fraccion about fear as if they had never felt it before while she was just making the observation that Ichigo was espada level.

[schwegburt]

It's why I put the old man as number 7 and say he was the old number 1 of the old espada before Aizen brought the Hougyoku. Cause he was never tampered with by the hougyoku and his power as an arrancar was earned naturally.
I like that concept. That the top of original Espada managed to stay in the ranks. However with the Hyou goku and new artificial Arrancar he's not even in the top half. It makes for a rather compelling background set up for the old guy.

I think the top 3 are completely in the air. Stark, Halibel and the African Arrancar all seem to have compelling reasons for being No. 1. We haven't seen much but I get that vibe.

[tari101190]

i started to think this aswell -
uquiorra
noitora
grimmjow
old guy espada
szayel
arroneiro
yammy
dordoni
ciruci
gantebien

the previous espada list could have been something similar to this. maybe in another previous list before this dordoni, curuci and gantebien could have been with all adjuchas natural arrancar in the espada, then aizen got the hougyoku and made yammy-ulqiuorra, demoting those three.

ulquiorra could have been number one, the only vastolorde aizen had at the time, that could be why he likes him so much. and noitora could have been number 2, thats why he wants to prove himself the strongest, cos he used to be.

then aizen probably got 3 more vaso lorde, stark, halibel, black guy, and dordoni, ciruci and gantebien finnally got kicked out. and maybe some older privaron espada are dead or wateva.

erm...i guess nell could have been in another list b4 the previous one...or she looksdifferent somehow...i dunno.

[Beee]

I think something's strange with no one recognizing Nell as a former Espada before Nnoitora. I mean they faced Dordoni, Ulquiorra, Grimmjow and none actually seem to know about Nell being an original espada o__o

So i guess he and Nell would be in a list even before the one you mentionned with perhaps Noinoi at the top? (and he would want to get his title back)

[Urazz]

I think something's strange with no one recognizing Nell as a former Espada before Nnoitora. I mean they faced Dordoni, Ulquiorra, Grimmjow and none actually seem to know about Nell being an original espada o__o

So i guess he and Nell would be in a list even before the one you mentionned with perhaps Noinoi at the top? (and he would want to get his title back)
Or she was just in another form like Yoriuchi was in the SS arc. From reading the translation Noitora only seemed to recognize her from her mask pattern. Maybe the others didn't really pay attention to that?

[Beee]

Or she was just in another form like Yoriuchi was in the SS arc. From reading the translation Noitora only seemed to recognize her from her mask pattern. Maybe the others didn't really pay attention to that?

hm... that's true, but I think that Ulquiorra and grimmjow would've noticed it too.

[ZoneGhost]

Nell is either a very old espada, and left before the Aizen business or she is hiding her form. That is the only explanation for why Dordonii didn't recognise her at all. After all he was an old espada so he should know her..

[Rain]

If nell left before the "Aizen buisness" she wouldn't have been an espada:headscratch, I'm sure that the next chapter will reveal why no one recongized her.

[Air]

If nell left before the "Aizen buisness" she wouldn't have been an espada:headscratch, I'm sure that the next chapter will reveal why no one recongized her.
I'm pretty sure Las Noches and the Espada order existed before Aizen comes to this side.. He couldn't create everything in these few months.

[Amon]

I'm pretty sure Las Noches and the Espada order existed before Aizen comes to this side.. He couldn't create everything in these few months.

As far as i get it, he didn't create everything in these past months. He had everything set up while he was still in SS. The first priv Espada (forgot the name, the one Ichi beat) talked how he was espada under Aizen and he knew that once he gets the hoyinsomething...(whatever the spelling of that thing is) that he would be removed from espada, ect... ect
Aizen had everything planed for a while... He is the main villain at the moment anyway
God im tired. Going to sleep now >_<
Hope everything is readable and understandable

[Rain]

Air- I was just saying that no espada could have existed because "espada" is a title given to arrancar by Aizen. If nell were an espada she had to have some relationship/interaction with Aizen

Amon- that's what I think too, because the menos knew to get Aizen after Rukia's "execution" so he had to have contact with them

[Air]

Air- I was just saying that no espada could have existed because "espada" is a title given to arrancar by Aizen.
But that's not confirmed..
I think the Espada (as the 10 strongest, ruling Hueco Mundo from Las Noches palace) existed before Aizen. And even before Aizen makes contact with them.

We'll see :p

[Rain]

In Chapter 209 Shawlong states that Aizen decides who is an espada and numbers them himself, unless I'm reading a bad translation (it does happen)

[Shadoblak]

Thats what I read rain....I'm going to need a timeline so I know exactly how long its been sine SS.....Beause if its been like a month and a half, he sure did get his hyougoku espada up and running pretty quick.....
I mean of course he and gin and tousen could have been setting this up for years but the hyougoku JUST got into the picture.....

[Rain]

Here's a timeline
http://www.bleachasylum.com/showthread.php?t=608

Shado- but does that really change anything, he was using natural arrancar before and choose to replace them when he could.

[Shadoblak]

Here's a timeline
http://www.bleachasylum.com/showthread.php?t=608

Shado- but does that really change anything, he was using natural arrancar before and choose to replace them when he could.

thanks!
And yeah it does change some things....I mean, it seems like a long time to knit all of those outfits, gather those new hollows and if they all started like Wonderweiss, to make them not-so-moronic then we still dont know how they learn their zanpakutou names or how long that takes.....It kinda seems like a bit much...I mean the Espada dont seem to be settling into their roles....

[Beee]

bringing back this thread alive Because of last chapter...

so,

Halibel > noinoi ?
noinoi > Halibel ?

Many people are discussing this in various threads so I figure we should all discuss that in a common thread :p

[otakufan]

As I put in another thread, something about how Halibel presents herself gives me the impression that she's one of the top three. There's no real evidence for that, but showing up with her Fracción to observe Ichi-v-Grimm Round 3 doesn't seem like something a lower-tier Espada would do unless looking for a promotion (and if that were the case, it'd be her jumping in to finish off Grimmjow, not Nnoi).

Hali > Nnoi, in my opinion.

[WatanukiXXX]

yeah...I had Halibel as Segundo Espada (Stark being Primera). Recent events however have made me reconsider somewhat. She could be Seventh

[Llama]

I could see Kubo revealing 3 and 2 before 7. That way he can mess with us some more with 1 and 7 being the only two left to reveal. Yep, I could see him doing that.

[TheRedPriest]

It's hard to say since we've got about nothing on the Black guy or the Old guy, but my guess on the last 4 would be

1 - Black guy
2 - Halibel
3 - Stark
7 - Old guy

The scene with the black guy kind of sitting meditating during AAs death stuck with me for some reason. He just felt like #1. Knew what was going on and just sat there maybe reflecting analyzing things. Halibel is my pick for #2 because I too got the feel that Noi was agitated with her didn't like her at the tea party. In retrospect now that we know how Noi is, I feel it felt like another case of "she's higher ranked than me" head biting rather than just "I don't like women" snapping. Also the scene where she's watching Ichigo vs Grimjow felt like a higher up observing to me. Stark is #3 because he seems to be the typical "I'm lazy so I must be strong", but I don't think it's quite #1 or #2 strong based on my impressions of Black guy and Halibel. That of course leaves old guy at #7, partly because I think old guy at #1 is just too close to Yammamoto and I kind of see him as a crotchity old geezer, which would fit better as a lower number, at least in my mind.

[Enth]

Here's the way I see it...

#5 - #10 all seem to be either loud-mouths / psychos / idiots or a combination...

Ulquiorra is calm and collected and doesn't show any emotion, so he was #4. Therefore I think that #1 - #3 will also be Arrancar who are calm and collected and not show any emotion, with #7 fitting into the pyscho group...

Since Halibel and BlackGuy haven't shown a single emotion yet, I would say they gotta be in the top three based on this reasoning.

[Nasura]

Just posting to update that #7 is now revealed, Somarie Leroux aka the black guy.

[hello1993]

I think It's the Old man ~when it come's to experience~ but he's too