While Bleach may be a rather male-dominated Shonen storyline, the ladies are still given their chance to shine, and not all of them are simply distressed manic pixie dream girls but can actually hold their own on the battlefield.

Tite Kobe may have provided plenty of pretty faces for fans to gawk at, but he also gifted these girls with amazing capabilities in the process. Now that the Thousand Year Blood War is underway, it's time for these lovely ladies to get back into action, and reveal their true potential along the way.

Updated on April 22, 2024, by George Voutiritsas: Thanks to the Thousand Year Blood War, some of Bleach's strongest female characters have received well-deserved screen time and recognition. Many of these women have been shunted to the side for most of the series, and some were not even introduced until the final arc. These girl-powered secret weapons become pivotal plot devices in the fight against Yhwach's formidable forces, which includes a mighty team of villainess female Quincies who possess incredible, and at times, overpowered abilities that can wipe out dozens of enemies at once. Discover which of the Bleach girls get in on the action as the Quincy War rages on.

28 Kiyone Kotetsu

A Future Lieutenant With Capable Kido Skills

• Anime Debut: Episode 40
• Race: Soul Reaper

Kiyone made her debut during the Soul Society arc, and she was the co-3rd Seat of the 13th Division. Kiyone possesses a Zanpakuto, but she has never used it. She helped to stop Rukia's execution, but she was easily defeated by Captain Sui-Feng.

Following the events of the Thousand-Year Blood War, Kiyone becomes the new Lieutenant of the 4th Division. She was appointed to the position by her sister Isane - the Division's new Captain. Since joining the 4th Division, Kiyone's spiritual power has increased, and she has become an expert Kido user. That being said, she only excels in Healing Kido.

27 Orihime Inoue

Her Spirits Give Her Great Powers, But She Is Not A Fighter

• Anime Debut: Episode 2
• Race: Human

This red-headed cutie may act like a damsel in distress; however, she is more than capable of holding her own on the battlefield (with a little help, that is). Orihime's blue floral hairpins house six Spirits, collectively known as Shun Shun Rikka. She can call upon them at will to perform various offensive, defensive, and "healing" magic.

The potency of these "fairies" directly correlates to Orihime's emotional state at the time, so if she lacks drive, anger, or killing intent, her attacks will fall short. Therefore, she predominantly relies on her shields and time-reversal skills during combat, acting as the perfect support for her team.

26 Nanao Ise

A Strong Kido User With Minimal Sword Skill

• Anime Debut: Episode 35
• Race: Soul Reaper

Shunsui Kyōraku's lieutenant has been left to fade into the background more often than not. However, since her Captain's promotion in the Thousand Year Blood War, her role has become more dominant. Nanao perfectly balances Shunsui's nonchalant, laid-back attitude and can strike fear into the hearts of those who oppose her simply by removing her glasses and delivering a terrifying death stare.

Nanao wields the Shinken Hakkyoken instead of a standard Zanpakuto. It is a sacred ceremonial sword that is passed down through the Ise clan, and it allows her to reflect godly power. She is by no means a sword fighter, but she has impeccable Kido skills. She developed a powerful Kido that was able to hold back Jugram Haschwalth - Yhwach's right-hand man.

25 Momo Hinamori

A Lieutenant With Decent Kido & A Destructive Shikai

• Anime Debut: Episode 24
• Race: Soul Reaper

Momo Hinamori has been the Lieutenant of the 5th Division since the beginning. She was appointed to the position by Sosuke Aizen, and she was allowed to keep her rank when Shinji Hirako assumed command of the Division. Momo is considered a Kido master because she can cast multiple spells in conjunction with each other. She can also combine Kido spells with her Zanpakuto's attacks.

Momo has not achieved Bankai yet, but her Shikai is quite effective. Once it is activated, her Zanpakuto becomes a double-edged blade with multiple sharp prongs. The blade generates fireballs that Momo can shoot at enemies, and these fireballs explode as soon as they make contact. She can now fire multiple fireballs at once. Momo can injure Fraccion-level Arrancar.

24 Hiyori Sarugaki

A Former Lieutenant Who Can Fire Strong Ceros Beams

• Anime Debut: Episode 112
• Race: Visored

More than a century ago, Hiyori Sarugaki served Soul Society as the lieutenant of the 12th Division. While investigating the disappearance of Kensei's Division, she was attacked and chased by a Hollowfied Kensei. As the battle ensued, she fell victim to the Hollowfication process as well.

Hiyori is now one of the Visored, meaning she possesses Soul Reaper and Hollow powers. She can still use her Zanpakuto's Shikai release, which transforms the katana into a large cleaver with a serrated saw-like blade. When she summons her Hollow mask, Hiyori gains enhanced speed and strength, and she can produce a sweeping Cero beam that can destroy multiple Menos at once. She is also capable of firing three Cero at the same time.

23 Nemu Kurotsuchi

Her Body Was Built To Be A Cybernetic Weapon

• Anime Debut: Episode 28
• Race: Soul Reaper

Another wallflower who finally receives some well-deserved attention in the Thousand Year Blood War is Mayuri's hand-crafted "daughter," who is basically an advanced form of Gigai and Gikon technology. The submissive, mysterious Nemu is essentially invincible, as the mad scientist can simply piece her back together when necessary.

Like her master, Nemu has been turned into a cybernetic weapon. She has various gadgets and superhuman enhancements at her disposal, such as her nifty hand drills. Although she does not have a Zanpakuto of her own, her assaults can be further magnified via her Soul Slicing technique, which, for obvious reasons, cannot be overused.

22 Kukaku Shiba

A Strong Physical Fighter Who Can Use High-Level Kido

• Anime Debut: Episode 23
• Race: Soul

Kukaku is a member of the Shiba Clan - who were once recognized as one of Soul Society's Five Great Noble Families. The Shiba Clan has produced several strong Soul Reapers, including the former 10th Division Captain and Ichigo. Kukaku is not a Soul Reaper, but she is the current head of the family.

She is a highly skilled physical fighter - to the point she was able to beat up Ichigo with her bare hands. Kukaku possesses a high level of spiritual power, and she is capable of using high-level Kido spells. She used a Level 63 called Raikoho to beat one of the Seireitei's gatekeepers. She hit Aizen with the same spell after his treachery was revealed.

21 Cirucci Sanderwicci

An Arrancar Who Once Held The Rank Of Espada

• Anime Debut: Episode 151
• Race: Arrancar

Cirucci was one of the first Arrancar that Aizen created, and she was once part of the Espada. Unfortunately, stronger Arrancar kept being born. As a result, Aizen deemed her to be too weak, and she was demoted to a three-digit number. That being said, Cirucci was still allowed to defend a special zone in Las Noches because she was still far stronger than an ordinary Arrancar

Cirucci wielded a special disc-shaped Zanpakuto that acted like a whip. The disc could smash through solid rock with ease, and she could use it to deflect a Quincy's projectile attacks. During the Thousand-Year Blood War, she was resurrected by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and she killed many of Giselle's zombies. When Cirucci releases her Resurreccion, she gains a pair of wings with crescent-shaped blades. These blades vibrate at incredible speeds, and they can deflect spirit particles.

20 The Tres Bestias

Fraccion That Can Create A Powerful Chimera Monster

• Anime Debut: Episodes 161 & 166
• Race: Arrancar

The Tres Bestias is the name used by the three Fraccion who serve Tier Harribel - the former 3rd Espada and the current ruler of Hueco Mundo. Their names are Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and Cyan Sung-Sun. They are all expert swordswomen, and they can produce strong Cero attacks.

They gain even more strength when they release their Zanpakuto. As Arrancar, they are stronger than most Hollows, but they still couldn't beat Rangiku and Quilge Opie despite having a numbers advantage. The Tres Bestias can create a chimera-like Hollow named Ayon by removing their left arms. This beast does not follow their commands, but its strength is absurd. It can easily take out Lieutenant-level Soul Reapers with a single attack.

19 Rangiku Matsumoto

An Expert Swordswoman & Kido User

• Anime Debut: Episode 24
• Race: Soul Reaper

The majestic Matsumoto isn't just another ditsy bimbo, particularly when the swords come out. This quick-witted temptress proves capable of taking on all three highly-skilled Tres Bestias single-handedly while waiting for reinforcements. Unfortunately, she was no match for Ayon and his devastating physical strength.

Matsumoto's Shikai works similarly to Senbonzakura. Her Zanpakuto disintegrates into a cloud of deceptive ash, with each controllable cindered particle independently acting as a razor-sharp blade. This stunning 10th Division Lieutenant is also skilled at hand-to-hand combat, and she is quite proficient with Kido.

18 Mashiro Kuna

A Lieutenant & Master Hand-To-Hand Fighter

• Anime Debut: Episode 122
• Race: Visored

Mashiro Kuna is the co-lieutenant of the 9th Division, a position she shares with Shuhei Hisagi. 110 years ago, Mashiro and her Captain became Hollows as a result of Aizen's experiments. Thanks to Kisuke Urahara's intervention, her life was saved and she became a Visored.

Mashiro has a Zanpakuto but rarely uses it in battle. She is a master of hand-to-hand combatant who primarily uses kicks. While using her Hollow mask, Mashiro's kicks are supercharged to the point that they can shatter Gillian's mask. With her super kick, she can instantly kill a powerful Hollow creature like the Hooleer. She can produce a wide Cero when she kicks the air, and her dropkick has enough force to destroy the surrounding area.

17 Yachiru Kusajishi

Immense Strength & Spiritual Power Despite Her Size

• Anime Debut: Episode 25
• Race: Sou; Reaper

Yachiru Kusajishi is a young girl with a perpetual blush on her cheeks, but she is also the Lieutenant of the 11th Division - which is known for its fierce and battle-hungry fighters. She is very close to Kenpachi Zaraki, and she often acts like a carefree and energetic child around him.

Yachiru may be young, but she is a strong fighter with shockingly high spiritual power. Ikkaku Madarame is an excellent fighter with a Bankai of his own, and even he is scared of her power. She can instinctively attack an enemy on reflex. Her speed increases each time she attacks someone like this, as well as her ability to counter and dodge. Yachiru creates two creatures with her Shikai - one attacks before she does, and the other attacks immediately after her. This ensures that at least one of her attacks will hit her opponent.

16 Isane Kotetsu

The Future Captain Of The 4th Division

• Anime Debut: Episode 43
• Race: Soul Reaper

Isane spent most of the series as the Lieutenant of the 4th Division, but she will become its Captain when the Quincy war is over. She was trained to use healing Kido by Unohana - and she can now treat multiple people at once. She was able to stabilize Captain Rojuro Otoribashi and Captain Kensei Muguruma after they sustained fatal injuries.

Isane can use offensive Kido as well, including Hado #31. Shakkaho - which produces intense high-temperature flames. Her Shikai takes the form of a katana with a pair of prongs on each side, which implies that she can fight at close range. Since she became a Captain, her spiritual power is now relatively high, and it means that she has achieved Bankai.

15 Lisa Yadomaru

A Visored Who Becomes A Gotei 13 Captain

• Anime Debut: Episode 122
• Race: Visored

Lisa Yadomaru became a Visored 110 years ago, but before that, she was the Lieutenant of the 8th Division. Her spiritual power is equal to a Captain's, and she is an expert swordswoman capable of shredding an enemy to pieces.

Her Zanpakuto is called Haguro Tonbo. When she activates its Shikai, the blade transforms into a long pole arm with a monk spade on one end and a heavy ball on the other. With this weapon, she can perform multiple piercing attacks at once. She can increase her strength and endurance with her Hollow mask. Following the events of the Thousand Year Blood War, Lisa will become a Gotei 13 Captain and will command the 8th Division.

14 Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck

The Previous 3rd Espada

• Anime Debut: Episode 145
• Race: Arrancar

Despite her cute and squishy appearance, this adorable toddler is a formidable force in disguise, as Nel is actually a fully-grown superpowered Arrancar who previously held the 3rd rank in Aizen's Espada Army. While most feel the need to protect the child-like Hollow, when things get really hairy, Neliel's true form bursts forth, lance and all! (in her Resurrección state, that is).

The peace-loving beauty has an aversion to conflict and would prefer to keep her Zanpakuto sheathed; however, when push comes to shove, she shows little mercy. Invoking the essence of a centaur, Neliel launches her lance at a breakneck speed, converting it into an oversized drill bit that any foe would struggle to evade.

13 Giselle Gewelle

Cannot Be Killed & Can Turn Others Into Zombies

• Anime Debut: Episode 380
• Race: Quincy

Giselle Gewelle likes to mock Candice, and she typically has a happy or goofy expression on her face, but she is actually quite sadistic. She is especially cruel during battle, and she will gladly force her enemies to fight and even kill their friends. She can do this thanks to her power - The Zombie. While this power is active, Giselle is essentially immortal.

When her blood is splattered onto someone, she can take full control of them and turn them into her zombie puppets. She needs to use larger quantities of blood to control stronger opponents, and she can turn other Quincy into zombies once they've died. In terms of physical strength, she is the weakest of the Bambies, but her Schrift is definitely one of the strongest.

12 Candice Catnipp

Possesses Lightning-Fast Reflexes & Can Attack With Electricity

• Anime Debut: Episode 380
• Race: Quincy

As the strongest Sternritter lady around, Candice does her best to represent the Quincy girls and does a pretty good job overall. Her lightning-fast reflexes are matched only by her electrified attacks, which are delivered with enough intensity to incapacitate an entire group of Shinigami.

Candice's lightning manipulation abilities are enhanced even further during her Vollständig, whereby she also gains the power of flight (and several other nifty tricks to still be revealed in the Thousand Year Blood War).

11 Meninas McAllon

Was Able To Beat Rukia With Her Superhuman Strength

• Anime Debut: Episode 371
• Race: Quincy

Fans caught a glimpse of Menins' adorable face in the Thousand Year Blood War, looking rather out of place among the bloodshed and destruction. This pink-haired cutie successfully takes Rukia out of commission after the rude Shinigami gets distracted mid-battle and dishonors Meninas with her inattentiveness; a decision Rukia quickly regrets.

The anime has barely scratched the surface of Meninas' power so far. However, it is likely safe to assume that she favors the traditional bow-and-arrow Heilig Bogen during battle. And when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, Meninas is much stronger than she looks.

10 Liltotto Lamperd

She Can Eat Anything With Her Her Schrift

• Anime Debut: Episode 380
• Race: Quincy

Liltotto Lamperd may look like a child, but she is one of Yhwach's Sternritter, and she can be extremely ruthless and vengeful. Her designation is "G" because she possesses a power called The Glutton. This especially strong Schrift can wipe out entire squadrons in an instant.

Thanks to her Schrift, Liltotto can shift and extend her mouth outward. Her mouth becomes a gaping maw with razor-sharp teeth that allow her to eat anything she wants, including Soul Reapers and other Quincy. Unfortunately, this power leaves her in a constant state of hunger. With the activation of her Vollständig, she becomes far more durable, and she can turn her bracelets into Jaw-shaped projectiles.

9 Bambietta Basterbine

She Can Turn Anything Into A Bomb

• Anime Debut: Episode 369
• Race: Quincy

Sajin Komamura has the misfortune of running into Bambietta Basterbine during the Soul Society invasion, setting himself up to get his Bankai stolen. Bambietta may be small in stature, but she should never be underestimated. Her explosive sadistic disposition is sure to leave its mark.

Bambietta has a unique way of manipulating Reishi by seemingly creating energy grenades, which cause an explosive side effect the moment they make contact with any target. When not bombing the enemy, she favors a short sword with a forked tip and has an impressive pair of Vollständig wings for added strength and maneuverability.