Does Bleach have a Deuteragonist? The Rukia vs Ishida debate, explained

Tite Kubo’s Bleach attained worldwide popularity for its unique art and storytelling and recently returned to the limelight thanks to the breathtaking Bleach TYBW anime adaptation. The series revolves around the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, an orange-haired student who, driven by the desire to protect his loved ones, ends up becoming a formidable Shinigami.

A more relatable and realistic character than most anime heroes, Ichigo shares his adventures with several co-stars. Each in their own way, Renji, Orihime, Sado, Urahara, Rukia, Uryu, Zaraki, Byakuya, Toshiro, and even Aizen have all left their mark on Bleach as part of the franchise’s recurring cast.

Fans often debate about who is the Bleach deuteragonist, with the two most suitable candidates for the role being Rukia Kuchiki, the Shinigami who transfers her powers to Ichigo at the beginning of the story, and Uryu Ishida, a Quincy believed to be the last of his kind. Both Rukia and Ishida have all it takes to stand out as Bleach’s second main character, which only adds to the liveliness of the debate.

Uryu Ishida matches the anime deuteragonist trope, but Rukia can be considered the symbol of Bleach

Bleach may not have a set deuteragonist

Ichigo Kurosaki, the main protagonist of Bleach (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The deuteragonist, also known as the second main character or second lead, is the character who acts as the protagonist’s primary counterpart and companion in a fictional story. While the main protagonist’s actions and choices directly affect the plot, the deuteragonist assists the former by providing insight and concrete support. Killua from Hunter X Hunter is a good example of this.

Sometimes, the deuteragonist might come into conflict with the protagonist. When this happens, the deuteragonist assumes the role of the antagonist, as that only implies having conflicting goals with the protagonist, as opposed to a villain, who has malicious intentions. Sasuke can be considered a prime example of this.

Regardless of his or her connection to the main character, the deuteragonist stands out as the second most important character in a given story, below the protagonist but above the tritagonist. Judging by the narrative of the series, Bleach does not seem to have a fixed deuteragonist. The franchise’s creator Tite Kubo outlines each character as either an ally or an enemy of Ichigo Kurosaki, the main protagonist around whom the entire plot revolves.

Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Soul Society Arc

A moment of the Soul Society Arc (Image via Studio Pierrot)

A student born with the rare ability to see spirits, Ichigo Kurosaki receives the powers of a Shinigami from Rukia Kuchiki. Together, they begin to guide the departed souls to the afterlife and protect the inhabitants of Karakura Town from the evil Hollows. Soon, Orihime Inoue, Sado “Chad” Yasutora, and Uryu Ishida join Ichigo and Rukia in their tasks.

Unable to stop Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai from arresting Rukia, Ichigo trains to become stronger under the tutelage of the enigmatic Kisuke Urahara, who helps him to unlock his own Shinigami powers. Ichigo and his friends then set off for the Soul Society, where Rukia has been sentenced to death.

Upon arriving there, Ichigo and his friends clash with the Shinigami of the Gotei 13, who consider them responsible for the murder of Sosuke Aizen. Eventually, Ichigo manages to save Rukia, but it’s revealed that Aizen is still alive and has manipulated everyone as part of a far-reaching plan to achieve godhood.

In the part set in the Human World, the deuteragonist role is fulfilled by Rukia. Her appearance and encounter with Ichigo kicks off the story, setting everything in motion. Even though Rukia was unknowingly manipulated by both Urahara and Aizen, the fact remains that she is the person who stands by Ichigo’s side at the very beginning of his adventure.

As the story moves to the Soul Society, Rukia remains at the center of the plot but has a very passive role. Essentially, she acts as a spectator. Instead, Uryu has much more screen time and is actively and personally involved in the events, with the fight with Mayuri being a major moment for him. Renji also plays a very important role.

Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Arrancar Arc

A moment of the Arrancar Arc (Image via Studio Pierrot)

After betraying the Soul Society, Aizen runs away with some fellow conspirators and establishes his new domain in the Hueco Mundo, the realm of the Hollows. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Rukia reconcile with the Soul Society, with the former being granted the official title of “Substitute Shinigami”.

Aizen creates an army of Arrancar, Hollows that have removed their masks to acquire the powers of both Hollows and Shinigami. Among them, the strongest is the all-powerful Espada, one of whom, Ulquiorra, kidnaps Orihime by the order of Aizen. To rescue her, Ichigo and the others enter Hueco Mundo.

The Gotei 13, Ichigo, and the Vizard group unite to defeat Aizen and the Espada, giving rise to fierce battles in both the Human World and the Hueco Mundo. With no one else being able to stand up against Aizen, who has become a god-like being, Ichigo eventually performs the Final Getsuga Tensho to defeat the villain. However, using this technique causes Ichigo to lose all his Shinigami abilities.

The Arrancar Arc is when Bleach was at the peak of its popularity. Although they have their moments, neither Rukia nor Uryu have a particularly prominent role in the Arrancar Arc, mostly remaining on the sidelines. This part of the story focuses much more on Orihime, who has a lot of screen time at Ichigo’s side and is constantly involved in his fights.

Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc

A moment of the Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Deprived of his Shinigami powers, Ichigo is approached by Xcution, a mysterious group of Fullbringers, i.e., humans with supernatural abilities. However, their true plan is to steal Ichigo’s own Fullbring. Thankfully, Rukia and the rest of the Gotei 13 come to the aid of Ichigo, restoring his Shinigami powers.

Having regained his strength, Ichigo fights and kills Kugo Ginjo, the leader of Xcution as well as the first Substitute Shinigami ever. In all fairness, the deuteragonist of this part of the story is Ginjo himself, at least when he was acting as Ichigo’s friend due to the effect of Tsukishima’s Fullbring.

Rukia and Ishida play minor roles, with the former appearing to replenish Ichigo's Shinigami powers, and the latter investigating the strange behaviors of the people around Ichigo. In fact, Chad might be considered the deuteragonist in this arc.

Bleach’s deuteragonist in the Thousand-Year Blood War

A moment of the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Led by their progenitor Yhwach, an army of Quincy known as the Wandenreich invade the Soul Society. Many Shinigami die during the ensuing warfare, including Captain Commander Genryusai Yamamoto. Upon training with the Royal Guard to increase his fighting skills, Ichigo learns the truth behind his origins and obtains a new Zanpakuto.

As Ichigo heads to the battlefield for the decisive confrontation, Yhwach uses his future-altering abilities to seize the Royal Palace and kill the Soul King, Eventually, the Shinigami manage to defeat the Sternritters, Yhwach’s formidable Quincy followers, while Yhwach himself is killed by the coordinated efforts of Ichigo, Uryu, and, unexpectedly, Aizen.

With the Wandenreich annihilated and the balance of the worlds restored, Ichigo and his friends can seemingly enjoy peace. While several Shinigami play a pivotal role during the conflict, the deuteragonist of this Bleach arc is without any doubt, Uryu Ishida.

After seemingly joining Yhwach as a Sternritter and even becoming a member of the latter’s elite guard, the Schutzstaffel, Uryu revealed his true intentions and sided with Ichigo in the most important battle in the series, even resulting decisive outcome. Rukia trained with the Royal Guard, achieved Bankai, and beat a Stenritter, which are great accomplishments, but objectively pale in comparison to Uryu's actions.

Uryu fits the typical shonen tropes, but that may not be enough

Some popular anime deuteragonists (Image via Toei Animation/Studio Pierrot/Madhouse)

It’s easy to see a pattern that unites the deuteragonists of most Shonen series. Each one with their own quirks and differences, Dragon Ball’s Vegeta, Naruto’s Sasuke Uchiha, Hunter × Hunter’s Killua Zoldyck, Slam Dunk’s Kaede Rukawa, and many more all belong to the same archetype.

The trope of the stoic, powerful, and yet anti-social individual (predominantly male) who ends up befriending the main character, repeatedly and often after competing with him, is simply timeless. In addition to these features, the typical shonen deuteragonist is distinguished for their exceptional popularity among fans, almost surpassing that of the main character.

In some ways, Bleach is similar to One Piece, as both series seem to change their deuteragonist depending on the arc. However, in terms of overall importance, no One Piece character besides Monkey D. Luffy is as iconic and popular among fans as Roronoa Zoro, which leads many fans to consider the green-haired swordsman as the franchise’s deuteragonist. Zoro doesn’t move the plot on his own, but no one supports Luffy as much as he does.

Anime deuteragonists often share the same traits (Image via Vegeta fans Club/X)

In fact, Eiichiro Oda recently confirmed that Zoro is the second main protagonist of One Piece, and was conceived as a deuteragonist who does not lose out at all in comparison to the main character. While Oda created Zoro to have a second lead that would ensure the success of his story, Tite Kubo probably didn’t have the same intentions as Uryu. Yet, Uryu Ishida shares the same archetype as Zoro, Vegeta, Sasuke, and the other iconic anime deuteragonists.

As a powerful Conqueror’s Haki user and Worst Generation member who carries on Ryuma’s legacy and aims to become the next World’s Strongest Swordsman, Zoro is the only Straw Hat who can keep up with Luffy’s astonishing growth rate. Likewise, Ishida, thanks to the power of the Schrift A: The Antithesis, is the sole member of Ichigo’s group who doesn’t completely pale compared to him.

Much like Vegeta and Sasuke, also, Ishida is a lonesome person who takes great pride in his kin and spends most of his life searching for power and seeking revenge. Uryu Ishida’s backstory is quite similar to that of Vegeta and Sasuke, with all of them having their families and relatives somehow exterminated.

To some extent, Uryu and Sasuke are specular (Image via Lay-D/X)

The resemblance between Sasuke and Uryu becomes even more fascinating as their aesthetics are very similar, and they even share the same voice actor, Noriaki Sugiyama. However, Sasuke has a major role as Naruto Uzumaki’s archrival throughout the entire Naruto series, while Uryu spends the vast majority of Bleach being Ichigo Kurosaki’s friend and reliable ally, with the sole exception of the very beginning of the story and part of the Thousand-Year Blood War.

Granted, this doesn’t diminish Uryu’s importance, as it’s simply a stylistic choice on Tite Kubo’s part. If the author so chooses, a character can make a great second lead, radiating a main protagonist-like aura, regardless of whether he or she is the protagonist's sidekick or rival. For example, this is the case with Killua in Hunter X Hunter.

Deuteragonists like Vegeta, Killua, and Sasuke are the face of their respective series along with the main protagonists. Although they share the same shonen tropes, it’s hard to see Uryu having the same impact and recognition, which Rukia provides instead. As per the results of a poll conducted by Viz Media in 2022, Rukia is the most popular Bleach character, surpassing even Ichigo, as well as Urahara, Aizen, and Zaraki. Uryu only ranks 15th.

Rukia, not Uryu, is the face of Bleach along with Ichigo

Rukia Kuchiki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Shonen fans have become accustomed to their favorite series having edgy characters as deuteragonists, but Tite Kubo’s Bleach may be different. Kubo explicitly stated that he views Rukia as the main character of the Shinigami World, while Ichigo is the main character of the Human World.

While Kubo likes to focus on a variety of characters, fleshing out their backgrounds and developing their stories, it’s clear that in terms of narrative importance, he has a special regard for Rukia. She may not be particularly strong in the beginning, but she embodies the leitmotiv of the story like nobody else. Bleach started with Rukia and Ichigo’s meeting, and ended with their reunion, coming full circle.

Bleach chapter 1 is titled Strawberry and Death, a reference to the first meeting between the orange-haired Ichigo and the death-ruling Rukia. It’s highly symbolic that the last chapter of the series, which features the reunion between Ichigo and Rukia, as well as the first meeting between his son Kazui and her daughter Ichika, is titled in the same way, only in reverse, “Death and Strawberry.”

Kubo also stated that he created and developed Uryu’s character as a rival to Ichigo, just like Quincy is the opposite of Shinigami, but that doesn’t necessarily mean much, as even Grimmjow can be considered Ichigo’s rival. If anything, Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid’s connection with Luffy in One Piece emphasizes how characters having a rivalry doesn’t make them equals in a shonen story.

Rukia doesn’t get as much attention as the typical anime deuteragonists get but still manages to stay relevant to the plot throughout the entire story, even though her screen time decreases with the advancement of the serialization. Uryu is a more powerful fighter, which is an important aspect of the Shonen series, but in terms of notoriety and recognition among fans, Rukia is much more relevant than him.

It’s not that Uryu lacks anything to be a proper deuteragonist. He was introduced as Ichigo’s rival, with the two contrasting each other in all respects - aesthetics, behavior, fighting style, and allegiances - which is a typical deuteragonist characteristic. Whereas Ichigo is hot-headed, uses a sword to fight in close quarters, and relies on raw power, Uryu is calm and collected, uses a bow and arrows to fight at a distance, and relies on precision.

Throughout the story, Uryu has many impactful moments and is consistently depicted as the second strongest of Ichigo’s team. In Bleach TYBW, he even shines in what can be considered the most important battle of the series, which was an amazing development for him, especially as it closed the loop on his Quincy backstory.

Simply, Tite Kubo considers Rukia as someone with an even greater narrative importance. In most fictional stories, the female character who impacts the story the most is considered to be the main female protagonist, but Rukia is much more than that. Bleach’s female heroine is Orihime, the girl who has a romantic relationship with Ichigo. While Orihime mostly exists in relation to Ichigo’s character, Rukia has her own independent role and lore as a standalone character.

Perhaps, many fans have a hard time accepting Rukia as the deuteragonist of Bleach simply because she is a woman, which breaks the pattern of the standardized super-powerful, anti-social male character who only shows his emotions during fights and typically watches the main character's back. To be fair, however, a female deuteragonist isn’t even unprecedented. In Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga, this role was initially played by Bulma.

Granted, in situations like the Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Toriko crossover episode, which pits the ultra-edgy deuteragonists of these franchises, Vegeta, Zoro, and Zebra, against one another, Rukia would probably feel out of place, while Uryu would be more comfortable. However, that’s because Kubo refused to follow the established archetype and instead chose to bring his own original idea to the table.

For the most part, Uryu Ishida represents the typical shonen trope of the strong, stoic guy who is the closest person to the protagonist, which makes him a potentially good choice for Bleach’s second lead. Still, Rukia's character permeates the franchise's storytelling more profoundly. While there is probably no fixed deuteragonist in Kubo’s story, if anyone deserves that title, it’s safe to say that it would be Rukia, with Uryu being the tritagonist.