Does Mayuri care about Nemu in Bleach? Explained

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's relationship with Nemu Kurotsuchi in Bleach is a mix of pride, detachment, and rare moments of concern. While he mostly sees Nemu as his greatest creation and a result of his genius, he shows some care for her during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, especially when her safety is at risk.

However, his treatment of her remains cold and focused on her role as a tool rather than a person. This shows that Mayuri’s care for Nemu comes more from pride in his work than genuine emotion, matching his brilliant but ruthless personality.

Note: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Mayuri and Nemu's relationship in Bleach

Nemu saves Mayuri from Pernida (Image via Shueisha)

Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s relationship with Nemu Kurotsuchi shows a noticeable change during the Thousand-Year Blood War, especially in his fight against Pernida Parnkgjas. While Mayuri still insults Nemu, he is more concerned about her safety, unlike in earlier battles like his fight with Uryu Ishida, where her well-being seems unimportant. This shift highlights how Nemu becomes more significant as the story progresses.

Nemu is revealed to be the seventh creation of the Nemuri Project, an artificial being made by combining Gigai and Gikon technology. She is unique because she can grow and evolve, unlike any other creation. Mayuri proudly calls her his masterpiece and claims she surpasses anything Kisuke Urahara could have achieved. This revelation gives Nemu more importance and shows a rare moment of pride from Mayuri.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi as shown in the anime (Image via Pierrot Films)

The increased focus on Nemu’s role seems to be a change in the story to make her more important in the later parts of Bleach. It also creates one of the few touching moments involving Mayuri, as he acknowledges her value. However, his treatment of her improves only slightly, showing the sad truth of their relationship.

For Mayuri, Nemu is his greatest creation, and his attachment to her is based on pride in his work rather than genuine care. This dynamic fits Mayuri’s character, which combines brilliance, ruthlessness, and a lack of emotional connection. Their relationship, while complex, shows how Mayuri views Nemu more as a tool than a person, even if she is an extraordinary one.

Nemu's origins, explained

Bleach TYBW episode 36 episode explores the truth behind Nemu Kurotsuchi's creation, revealing her as the 7th and final result of Mayuri Kurotsuchi's Project Nemuri. While fans know Mayuri created Nemu as his "daughter," flashbacks show the difficulties he faced.

His early attempts at creating an artificial being completely failed. The first version couldn’t walk or talk, and the 6th version lived briefly as a toddler. These failures pushed Mayuri close to despair until he finally succeeded with the 7th version. This final creation was no longer referred to as a number but as Nemu, showing she was the first true success.

Nemu as a child (Image via Pierrot Films)

Nemu is unique in the Gotei 13 as the only artificial being among the Soul Reapers, far beyond the simple artificiality of Soul Candy. Her creation proves Mayuri’s incredible skill, comparable to Kirio Hikifune, who invented artificial souls and joined the Royal Guard. However, unlike Hikifune’s mass-producible invention, Nemu is a one-of-a-kind creation, which may be why Mayuri wasn’t promoted.

Nemu’s special nature makes her precious, even if Mayuri hides his pride. Other Soul Reapers have come to accept her as normal, rarely commenting on her artificial origins. Within Squad 12, her creation is seen as a scientific marvel. Nemu’s success highlights Mayuri’s genius and deepens their strange, yet significant, relationship, making her a truly unique figure in the Bleach world.

Final thoughts

Nemu and Mayuri as shown in the anime series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Mayuri’s relationship with Nemu in Bleach is a mix of pride and detachment, reflecting his complex personality. While his treatment of her improves slightly, his care stems more from valuing his creation than genuine affection. Nemu's evolution, however, highlights her unique significance in their dynamic, adding depth to their connection.