The story of Bleach has Ichigo Kurosaki as its shonen protagonist, but how good a protagonist is he? Ichigo is a bit like the new Yusuke Urameshi, a punkish high schooler with street smarts and a good heart underneath that gruff exterior. Ichigo has his strengths and flaws, but some Bleach fans might wonder: what if someone else had been the protagonist?
A handful of Bleach characters could have been the protagonist instead of Ichigo, either being born in Ichigo’s position or narrating the story from their original positions in the story. Any of these characters could have been the star if they had gotten the chance, and that would definitely make for a good story.
10 Rukia Kuchiki, The Street Urchin Turned Soul Reaper
In many ways, Rukia could have been the hero of Bleach instead of Ichigo, and she has outshined Ichigo once or twice in the actual story. Rukia was born into poverty in the Soul Society, which isn’t exactly heaven for everyone there. But Rukia found a way to survive.
Rukia had some street smarts and a responsible big sister personality, making her the Ichigo of the Soul Society. But Rukia also has a lovable cute side, including her fondness for rabbits and drawing, and that, combined with her combat abilities, would make her a great protagonist.
9 Renji Abarai, Who Also Started With Nothing
If Rukia could realistically replace Ichigo as the hero of Bleach, then something similar could be said for Renji Abarai, and for largely the same reasons. Renji was a part of Rukia’s street urchin gang in the streets, and he also had the talent to become a Soul Reaper.
Renji didn’t quite have the same raw talent as Rukia, but it was enough, and since had someone to look up to (Rukia), he would be compelling as the hero of Bleach. Renji’s strong, but he has some room for growth, too.
8 Uryu Ishida, The Quincy Heir
Several of Ichigo’s friends could have been the star of Bleach, and that includes Uryu Ishida, the Quincy archer. Uryu can see Hollows just like Ichigo, and he is surprisingly competitive and driven, contrasting with his book smarts and appearance.
Uryu is a homegrown hero just like Ichigo, and he cares deeply about his friends, most of all Orihime Inoue, his crush. In addition, Uryu is sympathetic due to the loss of his beloved grandfather Soken and the fact that Uryu has almost no peer as a Quincy.
7 Yasutora Sado, Better Known As Chad
Another of Ichigo’s friends is Yasutora “Chad” Sado, who is a homegrown hero just like Ichigo and Uryu. Chad’s background is a bit different: he was relocated to Mexico as a boy and vented his many frustrations by bullying others until his grandfather explained something to him.
Chad learned that real strength is when a person endures hardship without complaint or retaliation, and now, Chad only uses his fists to defend others. Chad’s melee combat style, unshakable spirit, and quietly charming personality would make him a great protagonist for Bleach.
6 Momo Hinamori, Who Learned To Stand On Her Own
The Lieutenant of Squad 5 is Momo Hinamori, a petite and talented Soul Reaper who once idolized Captain Sosuke Aizen. Momo means well, but she was manipulated on Aizen’s behalf and temporarily turned on her friends. Then she was nearly killed twice on Aizen’s account.
Momo survived all these trials and emerged stronger for it. That’s what a shonen hero does: they face their insecurities and doubts, and they overcome all challenges from within and without. That combined with her lovely personality, would make Momo a fine heroine for Bleach.
5 Toshiro Hitsugaya, The Ice Boy With A Warm Heart
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya is a powerful child prodigy among the thirteen Captains, and he has come a long way in a short period of time. Toshiro had a surprisingly humble background, though, and he is Momo’s childhood friend. That’s a good start for a shonen hero.
Toshiro is serious and a bit high-strung, but this is balanced by Toshiro’s selfless nature and secret soft side, especially where Momo is concerned. He’s a bit of a tsundere, like Ichigo himself, minus the punkish side.
4 Tatsuki Arisawa, The Karate Expert
Tatsuki Arisawa is almost like a combination of Chad and Ichigo, and she’s in a strong position to be Bleach‘s heroine. Tatsuki is tough and responsible, and she is highly protective of her good friend Orihime, just like Uryu and Ichigo (perhaps more so).
Tatsuki has been practicing karate for years, and she has gotten quite good at it. Like Chad, Tatsuki can handle any foe in melee combat and survive, and at this point, all she needs is heightened spirit powers to become Bleach‘s heroine.
3 Nelliel Tu Odeslschwank, The Gentle Espada
If Nelliel Tu Odeslschwank, the 3rd Espada, had been born into different circumstances, she definitely could have been Bleach‘s heroine. In the original story, Nelliel was once an Espada, among the top ten Arrancars. But it’s her personality that makes Nelliel a hero, not her formidable power.
Nelliel believes that a person should only fight if they have a very good reason, and glory and bloodthirst certainly don’t count as good reasons. Instead, Nelliel is protective and caring, and if she were born as a spiritually aware human, like Ichigo, she’d be highly compelling to watch.
2 Ikkaku Madarame, Who Takes After Kenpachi
Once in a while, a shonen protagonist is compelling not because they are gentle, but because they are rough and bold, and thus create all kinds of spectacles. This could describe Ikkaku Madarame of Squad 11, had he been born in Ichigo’s role in the story.
Ikkaku’s personal arc is reasonably similar to that of a stock shonen hero: he lost to a stronger warrior (Kenpachi), became inspired to improve himself, and still aspires to prove himself worthy to his new idol. Ikkaku is tough but honorable, and he can make friends just fine, despite his rough edges. That should make for an interesting Bleach protagonist.
1 Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi, Who Always Means Business
At first, Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi seemed a bit stale compared to most other Soul Reapers in the story. He is duty-driven and has a no-nonsense personality, whether he’s dealing with his fellow Soul Reapers or his enemies. But he’s not a bad guy at all.
Shuhei is tough and knows his duty, and if he were the protagonist of Bleach, he could be deepened a bit more. Shuhei’s warm, soft side could be revealed over time, and it would contrast well with his default personality and appearance. Perhaps he’s not so different from Ichigo after all.
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