Summary
Bleach’scharacter roster is filled withall-powerful Soul Reaperswho stand unrivaled with their immense spirit pressure and lethal Zanpakuto. However, a few humans have also been able to make a name for themselves within the Seireitei, and among these is Orihime. Despite her initial timid and frail disposition, she has proven to be an integral part of team Ichigo.
While Orihime’s own determination and bravery may have aided her in standing alongside Ichigo, Shun Shun Rikka remains the true source of her power. This ability is unique to Orihime, and it essentially grants her the protection of six fairies or spirits. With these spirits, she can cast a wide range of abilities, with the primary functions of supporting allies through healing and shielding. There’s much more than meets the eye with these spirits as Shun Shun Rikka is an ability brimming with potential.
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The Origins of Shun Shun Rikka
Despite being a mere human, Orihime was able to awaken her spiritual powers and become attuned to the spirit world. With her newfound spirit energy, Orihime was able to manifest her very own power called Shun Shun Rikka. The true origins of her power initially remained a mystery,with Kisuke Uraharabelieving that she awakened those powers due to her proximity to Ichigo’s spirit form on multiple occasions.
This theory was later revealed to only be partially true as Shun Shun Rikka was awakened by the Hogyoku. The hairpins that Orihime’s brother gave to her became the object that the power attached itself to. However, the encounters with Ichigo in his spirit form are what led to this power manifesting, meaning its origins are somewhat tied to him.
The Six Spirits of Shun Shun Rikka
The power of Shun Shun Rikka resides in Orihime’s six-petal hairpins, and this spirit energy manifests itself inthe form of six spirits. While each spirit has its own unique identity and power, they can only use their powers in combination with one another, with Tsubaki being an exception. They primarily offer three types of powers; shielding, healing, and attacking. To utilize their powers, Orihime must state their names and the name of the technique, followed by the words “I Reject.” With enough training, however, Orihime can forgo the chanting process and use her abilities directly.
The six spirits are Ayame, Baigon, Hinagiku, Lily, Shun’o, and Tsubaki, with all of their names referring to types of flowers. Ayame and Shun’o are responsible for Orihime’s healing powers, while Baigon, Hinagiku, and Lily take part in the defensive barrier’s formation. Tsubaki is the only spirit capable of performing offensive techniques, although his strength is tied toOrihime’s determination and resolve.
Defensive Techniques
The primary purpose of Shun Shun Rikka’s spirits is toprotect Orihime from danger, making defensive techniques the main domain of this power. Santen Kesshun was the very first of these defensive techniques, essentially forming a strong defensive barrier that can withstand powerful attacks.
Lily, Baigon, and Hinagiku form atriangular shield that can deflectmost offensive attacks. Even if the shield breaks, the initial impact of the attack is negated, keeping Orihime safe from serious injuries. She eventually evolves this technique into a much stronger version that takes the shape of a dome, allowing her to protect more allies within the ability.
Healing Abilities
Shun Shun Rikka’s support capabilities shine through its healing technique called Soten Kisshun. The technique isn’t exactly a healing power in its traditional sense, as this power essentially brings an object to its former, unharmed state. This allows Soten Kisshun to work on any physical object or human being. The phenomenon behind it could be called reconstruction and reversal.
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Ayame and Shun’o form a small barrier, and the object within it is brought back to its former state. The ability has been described as a ‘rejection of events,’ as Soten Kisshun essentially rejects the occurrence of an event and its consequences.Orihime can easily healthe wounds of her allies through this ability, though it isn’t capable of replenishing spiritual energy.
Offensive Powers
While Shun Shun Rikka is more of a support power, it also doubles as an offensive ability through the Koten Zanshun technique. With the concept of rejection at its core, this ability splits the target by rejecting the fusion of matter. In simple terms, this technique slices right through opponents and splits them in half.
Kotan Zanshun is the only technique that requires only one spirit – Tsubaki. He pierces through the target and sets up a rejection shield inside, which results in the object splitting in half. The technique is quite strong asTsubaki can pierce throughalmost anything, though it is hindered by Orihime’s timid disposition and dislike for violence. For Tsubaki’s offensive to be powerful, Orihime must bear the intent to kill or injure her opponent. Otherwise, Tsubaki can easily be countered and thrown aside.
