Does Shunsui retain Kyokotsu after returning Nanao her Zanpakuto in Bleach? Explained

One of the major highlights from the latest Bleach TYBW episode, titled Shadows Gone, was Shunsui Kyoraku summoning Okyou (Kyokotsu) to return Nanao her ancestral Zanpakuto, Shinken Hakkyoken.

The Captain Commander revealed how he had his Zanpakuto spirit, Ohana, give birth to Kyokotsu (nicknamed Okyou) to hide the sword at the behest of Nanao's mother. Since Okyou loved playing hide-and-seek, she hid the sword in the shadow realm under her mask. So, now that her purpose has been fulfilled, many fans may question: "Does Shunsui still retain Kyokotsu in Bleach?"

The answer is yes; Shunsui still retains Kyokotsu because it's part of his own Zanpakuto. In other words, Shunsui still wields a dual Zanpakuto in Bleach. After the events of the Thousand-Year Blood War, Shunsui is seen wielding his twin Zanpakuto in the Can't Fear Your Own World light novels.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach manga and Can't Fear Your Own World light novels.

Exploring Shunsui and Nanao's connection with Kyokotsu in Bleach and why the Captain Commander retains the spirit

Shunsui tells Nanao the truth about Kyokotsu (Image via Pierrot Films)

A Zanpakuto spirit is inextricably linked to a Soul Reaper's soul. Since Shunsui Kyoraku harbored a special bond with Ohana, i.e., his original Zanpakuto Spirit, Katen, she split herself or rather gave birth to another Zanpakuto spirit, called Kyokotsu. Prior to the incident, Shunsui only had Katen as his Zanpakuto.

Tite Kubo hasn't explicitly mentioned what Shunsui refers to as "giving birth" to a Zanpakuto. Many fan theories circulating in the fandom suggest Kyokotsu to be Shunsui's daughter, whom Katen conceived. Moreover, it's not strange for a Zanpakuto to be in a relationship with a Soul Reaper, as confirmed by Oh-Etsu Nimaiya in Bleach.

Shunsui and Ohana in Bleach (Image via Pierrot Films)

Having said that, there's no evidence to clearly state that Kyokotsu is Shunsui's daughter. The main narrative of interest, however, remains the Zanpakuto spirit's purpose, and how it's heavily related to Nanao Ise's interest.

According to the latest Bleach TYBW episode, Nanao's mother entrusted Shunsui Kyoraku with her clan's Divine Sword, Shinken Hakkyoken, and asked him to hide it. She believed it was the only way to prevent her yet-to-be-born daughter, Nanao, from incurring her clan's Curse, which causes the premature deaths of their husbands.

Nanao's mother lost her husband, who happened to be Shunsui's older brother, to an incurable disease. She didn't want her daughter to go through the same fate. That's why Shunsui accepted Nanao's mother, Isuzu's request, and asked Katen to give birth to Kyokotsu.

Nanao's Shinken Hakkyoken (Image via Pierrot Films)

Nanao knew about the Divine Sword since she eavesdropped on her mother and Shunsui's conversation in the past. Thus, she asked the Captain Commander for her sword when she sensed Lille Barro's danger. Although Shunsui was hesitant, he returned the sword after realizing Nanao's resolve.

As seen in the series, Okyou retrieved the blade from underneath her mask and gave it to Nanao. Thus, Okyou/Kyokotsu's purpose was fulfilled. However, that doesn't necessarily mean the Zanpakuto spirit will disappear or become Nanao's Zanpakuto.

Nanao's mother with the Divine Sword (Image via Pierrot Films)

According to Bleach, the members of the Ise Clan are priests. They administer rituals and do not possess their own Zanpakuto. Moreover, Nanao was unable to shape an Asauchi, which is why she practiced Kido and became an expert at it. In other words, Kyokotsu remains a part of Shunsui's Zanpakuto and doesn't change ownership.

A widely circulated theory in the fandom suggests Kyokotsu to be the representative of Shunsui Kyoraku's Shikai, while Katen symbolizes the Bankai ability. Moreover, Kageoni's power seems to be connected to Kyokotsu, who is an expert at playing hide-and-seek.

Shunsui Kyoraku, as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot Films)

In other words, the Captain Commander still wields the dual blade, even though he doesn't use them in the remainder of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. However, in the Can't Fear Your Own World light novels by Ryogo Narita, which addresses the events after the Blood War, Shunsui Kyoraku demonstrates a new Shikai move called Yubikiri, against Tokinada Tsunayashiro. During the battle, Shunsui is seen carrying his twin blades.

Conclusion

Shunsui Kyoraku has a rather interesting relationship with his Zanpakuto. It's uncommon for a Soul Reaper to wield twin blades. Jushiro Ukitake wields the twin blade of Sogyo no Kotowari as an influence of Mimihagi.

While Shunsui doesn't harbor a heavenly being in his body, his bond with his Zanpakuto Spirit allowed him to split itself into two entities. Therefore, the other entity lived on and didn't change ownership after carrying out its duty (transferring from Shunsui to Nanao). It still belonged to the Captain Commander as a part of his Soul.