Kenpachi Zaraki's two-handed Ryodan cripples Nnoitra Gilga, yet the Espada refuses to fall. Flashbacks to his days beside Nelliel reveal a warrior who craves death in battle above all else, and he finds it at last with her name on his mind.
Summary
Nnoitra Gilga charges only to be stopped cold by Kenpachi Zaraki's Ryodan, which carves through his left side and severs all three of his left arms. Stunned that the Espada still breathes, Kenpachi calls him tougher than expected and turns to leave, refusing to cut down a foe who can no longer fight. Nnoitra staggers upright, two remaining hands clutching scythes, and demands the captain acknowledge that their battle is not over.
Key Events
The moment throws Nnoitra back to his years beside Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck as an Espada, when he wiped out a Hollow colony and shrugged off her rebuke that such slaughter defied Sosuke Aizen's search for a Vasto Lorde. She branded him a child despite his rank and later spared him from his own recklessness, admitting she trailed him because he was the weaker of the two. Burning with humiliation at being pitied, Nnoitra swore to fell every rival in a single strike so none could ever look down on him again.
Related Reading
See all
The Bleach Female Characters Nobody Can Agree On, Settled
Five Bleach female characters, ranked and settled. Yoruichi sits at number five, the spot nobody expects, and our number one is an Arrancar with a soft heart....
Naruto vs Luffy: Does the Fight Change if Luffy Tickles Hinata?
Naruto vs Luffy with the twist nobody asked for: Luffy tickled Hinata on date night, and she kind of liked it. We break down the whole fight and commit to a winner....
Notes
Back in the present, Kenpachi's next slash takes two more of his arms, and Nnoitra sinks to his knees with a peaceful smile, glimpsing a resting Nel recognize him before he topples over dead. The chapter is the title piece of the thirty-fifth volume, HIGHER THAN THE MOON, and was adapted as Episode 202, Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest?.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Bleach chapter Higher Than The Moon?
In Higher Than The Moon, Kenpachi Zaraki's two-handed Ryodan cripples Nnoitra Gilga, yet the Espada refuses to fall. Flashbacks to his days beside Nelliel reveal a warrior who craves a death in battle above all else, and he finds it at last with her name on his mind.
How does Nnoitra Gilga die in Bleach?
In Higher Than The Moon, Kenpachi Zaraki's Ryodan severs Nnoitra Gilga's three left arms, and a follow-up slash takes two more. Nnoitra sinks to his knees with a peaceful smile, glimpses a resting Nel recognize him, and topples over dead.
What is Nnoitra's history with Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck?
In Higher Than The Moon, flashbacks show Nnoitra Gilga and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck serving together as Espada. She rebuked his slaughter, branded him a child despite his rank, and later spared him from his own recklessness, admitting she trailed him because he was the weaker of the two.
Why does Kenpachi try to walk away from Nnoitra?
In Higher Than The Moon, once Ryodan carves through Nnoitra Gilga's left side and severs his three left arms, Kenpachi Zaraki turns to leave. He refuses to cut down a foe who can no longer fight, calling Nnoitra tougher than expected.
Why did Nnoitra vow to kill every rival in one strike?
In Higher Than The Moon, Nnoitra Gilga burns with humiliation at being pitied and spared by Nelliel, who called him the weaker of the two. He swears to fell every rival in a single strike so that none can ever look down on him again.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Higher Than The Moon? The Bleach Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and the production committee.
- Game pages: official box art for the Bleach console and mobile games, credited to Bandai Namco and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
Official resources:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Headquarters maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
