Shunsui and Ukitake: two parts of one soul

[Moon]

I humbly ask the mods to keep this "theory" thread open. I did a ton of research to find specific references in the manga to support it - this isn't just a casual idea - and hope to get some traction and continuity on the conversation. Plus people love to talk about these characters. =)

For a long time now I've been thinking Shunsui and Ukitake are two parts of one soul and split apart for some reason.

I did a lot of research on this to find clues... please hear me out. =)

Clues:

1.) Yamamoto: "When it comes time for battle, your complimentary abilities work phenomenally well together. That power is unrivaled by anyone who came before you and everyone since."
- Chapter 155, page 9.

Why do their abilities work so well together? It seems especially noteworthy with the following...

2.) Yamamoto: "Sogyo no Kotowari, Katen Kyoukotsu. The only two soul cutters in Soul Society that are in pairs. This is most fascinating."
- Chapter 156, page 15.

This could this symbolize their soul being in two pieces.

3.) Of all the match-ups Kubo could have possibly picked in the war between the Espada and Gotei 13, he matched Shunsui (strong) and Ukitake (frail) with Starrk (strong) and Lillinette (frail) - Starrk and Lillinette are part of the same being.

This seems like a pretty deliberate analogy on Kubo's part, whether it's because they are from the same soul or not. This definitely sets a precedent for the split-soul idea. Is it also some serious foreshadowing?

4.) After Starrk fuses with Lillinette, Shunsui decides to use bankai. Ukitake stops him, saying: "Your bankai isn't something that should be used with so many people around."
- Chapter 383, page 3.

The most obvious reading into this would be that Shunsui's bankai is too lethal or unpredictable to use in a crowd. Knowing Kubo though, it's probably something more creative. We still don't know the reason why Ukitake didn't want Shunsui to do it, but it could be the case that Shunsui has a secret. Does he fuse with Ukitake when he uses bankai?

We know shinigami have to prove they have bankai to become captains - but Shunsui and Ukitake were the first captains out of the academy, so maybe most of the people on the battlefield didn't know their secret and they wanted to keep it that way. Yes it's selfish to hide a secret like that when lives are on the line, but Ikkaku and Yumichika did the same thing. And Unohana did nothing while the Stern Ritter wasted Soul Society. People tend to hold back power in Bleach to protect their pride.

5.) Ukitake is the only spiritual being we have seen with a chronic illness (bronchitis). Kubo took the time to highlight it a number of times but it hasn't really been explained. It must mean something. I believe he has bronchitis because he got the "short end of the stick" when he split from Shunsui.[/B]

Perhaps they split apart for the same reason as Starrk and Lillinette: loneliness. This seems to be a theme in Bleach which gimps characters. Ichigo speculates this is why Aizen lost, and we just found out Zaraki held himself back for many years because subconsciously he couldn't stand the idea of killing his only peer...

If I'm right, Shunsui and Ukitake will fuse toward the final climax of the story. This will make them more relevant on the battlefield as the people around them power up (e.g. Zaraki.) And we all know mangakas love their saiyan fusion dances.

Does anyone else have any ideas to build on this?

[DraMas26]

Well I once speculated that Shunsui and Ukitake's Bankai is a 'fusion' of their Zanpukto although I wasn't sure how that would work.

However the question is when did they split? I mean even their history is different. Ukitake has plent of siblings. Shunsui didn't like his parents I think and he liked Yama more. Did they split at birth and why go to different families?

[Moon]

Well I once speculated that Shunsui and Ukitake's Bankai is a 'fusion' of their Zanpukto although I wasn't sure how that would work.

However the question is when did they split? I mean even their history is different. Ukitake has plent of siblings. Shunsui didn't like his parents so he lived with Yama. Did they split at birth and why go to different families?

Maybe they were adopted like Rukia?

[Elledrian]

Maybe you are right.

When Shunsui came to Yama's room, and asked about that picture, Yama have repelled him.

maybe he was just protecting his intimacy, maybe there were something else.

[Herakles]

Maybe they were adopted like Rukia?
If I remember correctly, both of them are from noble families? Lessor one's be that, all aristocrat Soul Reapers are born in the Seireitei. So I doubt they were adopted into these families.

As far as this theory goes, I consider it highly unlikely due to the fact that as pointed out, they have differing histories, families and individual Zanpakuto and Zanpakuto releases which would be an imprint of their respective Souls. Unlike Starrk and Lillynette, they seemed to be rather of the same release so I don't see why their Bankai's would be any different. As for fusing to each other, I don't see how that would really work when the Zanpakuto seem separate from each other.

Shunsui's Shikai is based off of the domain of Spiritual Energy it conveys - so I don't see why the Bankai is going to be different in that respect where everyone in this domain is going to be subjected to the rules of the games it does create.

So I think that is what Jushiro would have been particularly worried about, not fusing with Ukitake unless of course this is apart of some game it does create, which wouldn't be any different from anyone else he decides to fuse with then.

For this theory to actually take effect Kubo would need to elaborate on: their past (which is likely going to happen anyway), the differences in their Zanpakuto, the fact that they are born on different days and most likely a few years apart from each other as well.

[geta-boshi]

[I]...
We know shinigami have to prove they have bankai to become captains - but Shunsui and Ukitake were the first captains out of the academy, so maybe most of the people on the battlefield didn't know their secret and they wanted to keep it that way. Yes it's selfish to hide a secret like that when lives are on the line, but Ikkaku and Yumichika did the same thing. And Unohana did nothing while the Stern Ritter wasted Soul Society. People tend to hold back power in Bleach to protect their pride.


Didn't love comment on Shunsui's bankai at one point ? Can't really recall if it was in FKT arc or TBTP arc, but he was saying "yeah, hes bankai is a strong one too" or something along that line.If soemone as newbie as love knows about his bankai, its not really a secret.I agree with you about how his bankai might turn out something more creative and excentric rather than a powerhouse/lethal one but it looks much of a stretch at the moment in my opinion.Pretty interesting though.

And you think the fact that shunsui is all about females, where ukitake enjoys male company(not in that way lol, but think about his zanpakutou spirits,former lietutant etc.) can be number 6 ? Eheh, just trying to help building this up.

[Minerva]

I don't think they're literally split from a single soul like Starrk and Lilynette are. There was something in the databooks about the family of each of them.

From the thread title, I thought you meant to prove they were soul-mates. That might be feasible from some of the evidence provided. Kubo hasn't really addressed that type of bond between characters; perhaps he will get into that sooner or later.

[czeliate]

Oh no.. not another Starrk lilynette fusion theory~:eek: But I will give you some credit on spending your time doing research. :)

One thing I'd like to comment on your 4th statement since I guess many people had misunderstood it:

4.) After Starrk fuses with Lillinette, Shunsui decides to use bankai. Ukitake stops him, saying: "Your bankai isn't something that should be used with so many people around."
- Chapter 383, page 3.
If I'm not mistakened, the original (Japanese) had Shunsui stated that he plan to use his bankai later (later, as in..he wanted Starrk to show more his power before he decides to release it), in other words, he didn't think of using it immediately.



Didn't love comment on Shunsui's bankai at one point ? Can't really recall if it was in FKT arc or TBTP arc, but he was saying "yeah, hes bankai is a strong one too" or something along that line.

hmm, I guess you've read too many fanfictions, I don't recall Love commenting about Shun's bankai..lol :cool:



If I remember correctly, both of them are from noble families? Lessor one's be that, all aristocrat Soul Reapers are born in the Seireitei. So I doubt they were adopted into these families.



Yeap, Kyoraku is a high noble ranking family while Ukitake is a low-class aristocratic family :)

[harahara]

I think it's simply that Shunsui & Ukitake are the strongest Shinigami pair due to their unique dual Zanpakto's.

Since there's only 2 of their kind, it makes sense that if they ever pair up, it'd be insane.

[Dybia]

"A true friend is one soul in two bodies." - Aristotle

Works well enough here. Maybe they were just really good friends before their swords developed and they affected each other.

[Herakles]

"A true friend is one soul in two bodies." - Aristotle

Works well enough here. Maybe they were just really good friends before their swords developed and they affected each other.

Kind of like the "soul mate" thing Minerva mentioned, at least perhaps their union with their zanpakuto isn't limited to their own? In the sense that each ability of Shunsui and Jushiro's Shikai and Bankai compliment each other and influence the way they fight. Especially since they do seem to have a respectable and compatible friendship.

I like this better than being two parts of a single soul.

[Moon]

So my comment was removed because it was a one-liner...

Basically what I said is that Rukia is part of a noble family and was adopted. So why can't other members of noble families have been adopted too?

Maybe Shunsui and Ukitake were recognized for their accomplishments and were inducted into families. Anyway, I'm not trying to invent details here but am just pointing out that the fact they're from different families doesn't necessarily shoot down my argument.

[Herakles]

Basically what I said is that Rukia is part of a noble family and was adopted. So why can't other members of noble families have been adopted too?
She was adopted due to the promise Byakuya made to Hisana. Other than that, all Aristocratic Shinigami are born in the Seireitei and what we currently know is that Shunsui is a higher ranking noble than Ukitake, who is a lessor ranking one.

Both Shunsui and Ukitake share differing birth dates as well. So it kind of does contradict what you're saying.

[Moon]

She was adopted due to the promise Byakuya made to Hisana. Other than that, all Aristocratic Shinigami are born in the Seireitei and what we currently know is that Shunsui is a higher ranking noble than Ukitake, who is a lessor ranking one.

Both Shunsui and Ukitake share differing birth dates as well. So it kind of does contradict what you're saying.

The differing birthdays are the only thing that contradict what I'm saying. The adoption thing is still valid. Where are you getting the birthday info?

[Herakles]

The differing birthdays are the only thing that contradict what I'm saying. The adoption thing is still valid. Where are you getting the birthday info?

What exactly is your adoption concept explaining?

Bleach Databook MASKED: Shunsui Kyoraku.

Profile Data.
誕生日 = 7月11日
Birthday = 11th of July.
http://s3.mangahead.com/mangas/Manga-Collections/Special-Collections/Bleach-Character-Book-2-MASKED/110.jpg

Bleach Databook MASKED: Jushiro Ukitake.

Profile Data.
誕生日 = 12月21日
Birthday = 21st of December.
http://s3.mangahead.com/mangas/Manga-Collections/Special-Collections/Bleach-Character-Book-2-MASKED/124.jpg

[harahara]

Personally from a readers' view, I would hate it if Shunsui & Ukitake are "the same soul". Such notion kills the characters personalities. (which differ) Both Ukitake & Shunsui are unique in their own way, it's just so happens that their powers compliment each other in a great value of the power.

One of the worst writings that Kubo would ever commit; "Shunsui & Ukitake are actually 1 person!"

Terrible.

[Franco]

What Dybia said, basically. To me, the two have only been as close as brothers can get and not because they were part of the same soul. But it's a fun theory and I liked reading your post. Just that I have a ton of questions to counter the points you raised. :p


1.) Yamamoto: "When it comes time for battle, your complimentary abilities work phenomenally well together. That power is unrivaled by anyone who came before you and everyone since."
- Chapter 155, page 9.

Why do their abilities work so well together?

They're so close, they've gotten to the point of reading each other's minds when in battle. This is probably what Yamamoto meant when he said they complemented each other: not because they're the same person, but because they think alike and know what the other is going to do. This level of "mind reading" can only be achieved by guys who are so close to each other, they get the other person with just a look.


2.) Yamamoto: "Sogyo no Kotowari, Katen Kyoukotsu. The only two soul cutters in Soul Society that are in pairs. This is most fascinating."
- Chapter 156, page 15.

This could this symbolize their soul being in two pieces.

I always saw this as mere coincidence and a stepping stone for their friendship. Their status as having the only paired zanpaktous in Soul Society could have been cause for them to compete against each other and become rivals. But they became closer because of it, making their friendship one of the best in the Bleach series.


3.) Of all the match-ups Kubo could have possibly picked in the war between the Espada and Gotei 13, he matched Shunsui (strong) and Ukitake (frail) with Starrk (strong) and Lillinette (frail) - Starrk and Lillinette are part of the same being.

This seems like a pretty deliberate analogy on Kubo's part, whether it's because they are from the same soul or not. This definitely sets a precedent for the split-soul idea. Is it also some serious foreshadowing?

If this was foreshadowing, it was just that only Kyouraku was strong enough to take on Starrk, the Number One Espada. The other older shinigami were preoccupied at the time: Yamamoto was busy talking to Aizen, while Unohana was stuck in Hueco Mundo. Ukitake helped Kyouraku out by facing-off against Starrk's companion, Lilynette.


4.) After Starrk fuses with Lillinette, Shunsui decides to use bankai. Ukitake stops him, saying: "Your bankai isn't something that should be used with so many people around."
- Chapter 383, page 3.

The most obvious reading into this would be that Shunsui's bankai is too lethal or unpredictable to use in a crowd. Knowing Kubo though, it's probably something more creative. We still don't know the reason why Ukitake didn't want Shunsui to do it, but it could be the case that Shunsui has a secret. Does he fuse with Ukitake when he uses bankai?

Probably too dangerous for Kyouraku himself. His zanpaktou has a trickster-like nature and likes playing games, so if his shikai has the potential to backfire on him, what more about his bankai?


5.) Ukitake is the only spiritual being we have seen with a chronic illness (bronchitis). Kubo took the time to highlight it a number of times but it hasn't really been explained. It must mean something. I believe he has bronchitis because he got the "short end of the stick" when he split from Shunsui.[/B]

Perhaps they split apart for the same reason as Starrk and Lillinette: loneliness. This seems to be a theme in Bleach which gimps characters. Ichigo speculates this is why Aizen lost, and we just found out Zaraki held himself back for many years because subconsciously he couldn't stand the idea of killing his only peer...

Another theory I subscribe to is that the reason Ukitake's sick is because he's way too loaded with power, that his body just can't handle it. And if they did split because of the loneliness, then why are they so close right now? Shouldn't they have fused back together by now, since they've become so close?

[Jūshirō]

Interesting theory but unlikely.

The idea of them being part of one soul doesn't really make sense to me, Kyoraku and Ukitake are unique in their own ways.

But I wonder if their friendship has something to do with them having dual soul cutters.

Also, bronchitis? I am sure Kubo has not given any details about Ukitake's illness.

But I see alot of people say that it is Tuberculosis.

http://i.imgur.com/CyRwJqG.jpg

[jofosho999]

Perhaps their zanpakuto powers can fuse together ala a DBZ fusion of sorts. My guess is that their powers are just complimentary with the other. With shunsui trick games, Ukitake probably has another ability that complements that, which would make Shunsui's games 100% winnable all the time. I doubt they are 2 halves of the same soul. We already have too many weird things happening in bleach where people say kubo is pulling things out of his ass, so rather keep this whole thing simple :)