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Butō, read as null step, is a technique of Gin Ichimaru's Bankai, Kamishini no Yari. Bracing the hilt against his chest, he pushes the blade's stretching and shrinking power to a lethal extreme, delivering a thrust so fast the motion all but vanishes from sight.

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Overview

Butō is a technique of Kamishini no Yari, the Bankai of the former captain Gin Ichimaru. It amplifies the weapon's defining trait, its ability to lengthen and shorten, into a killing strike.

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Mechanics

Gin plants his feet in a set stance, grips Kamishini no Yari with both hands, and presses the hilt flat against the middle of his chest. From there he drives the blade's extending and retracting power far past its ordinary limits, producing a pierce whose extension and snap-back grow so swift that even a keen-eyed watcher can barely perceive them. The name was rewritten after its first appearance, the original Weekly Shōnen Jump printing using characters that read as Dance before the collected Volume 46 and the UNMASKED guide swapped the leading kanji to render it null step.

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Notable Users

This technique is used by Gin Ichimaru by way of his Bankai, Kamishini no Yari.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butō in Bleach?

Butō is a technique belonging to Kamishini no Yari, the Bankai of former Third Division captain Gin Ichimaru. It amplifies the blade's signature ability to lengthen and shorten into a lethal thrusting strike.

How does Gin Ichimaru perform Butō?

Gin braces the hilt of Kamishini no Yari flat against his chest and drives the blade's extending power far past its normal limits, producing a piercing thrust so fast that even a keen observer can barely see it.

Who uses the technique Butō?

Butō is used exclusively by Gin Ichimaru through his Bankai, Kamishini no Yari.

What does the name Butō mean?

Butō is typically translated as No Step or Null Step. The name changed after its debut, since the original Weekly Shōnen Jump printing used kanji that read as Dance before later collected volumes and the UNMASKED guide swapped the leading character.

What Zanpakutō is Butō part of?

Butō is a technique of Kamishini no Yari, Gin Ichimaru's Bankai, which is defined by its ability to stretch and shrink at extreme speed.

Sources & Information

Looking for more on Butō? The Bleach Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.

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This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.

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