Just a rough theory I have, that is complete speculation with no concrete proof in any form. However, due to the themes throughout Bleach, I feel this may have at least a small chance of occurring...but as I said, is nothing more than speculation that I would like to see other people's view points on.
Due to the renown his Bankai has, and the ease of accessing a Bleach Wiki, I will not link to anything specific, and will simply use verbal conjecture.
My simple theory is that Yama-ji is not dead, or will be able to "come back" at a later time because of his Bankai. Bleach has shown a trend of following various Buddhist references and teachings throughout it's story.
Yama-ji's Bankai was notable for each of it's powers being attributed to a cardinal direction: North,West, East, South.
These four directions can be linked to the Huang Long (Four Symbols), or four animal guardians of the directions.
However, in the Huang Long system, there is usually a fifth animal; the Kirin, for the CENTER.
Basically, my theory boils down to believing that there is a fifth power to Yama-ji's Bankai, referred to as Center, which will allow him to reconstitute himself from the flames of his own stolen Bankai...akin to a phoenix.
Thoughts on the possibilities, or opinions on it?
Due to the renown his Bankai has, and the ease of accessing a Bleach Wiki, I will not link to anything specific, and will simply use verbal conjecture.
My simple theory is that Yama-ji is not dead, or will be able to "come back" at a later time because of his Bankai. Bleach has shown a trend of following various Buddhist references and teachings throughout it's story.
Yama-ji's Bankai was notable for each of it's powers being attributed to a cardinal direction: North,West, East, South.
These four directions can be linked to the Huang Long (Four Symbols), or four animal guardians of the directions.
However, in the Huang Long system, there is usually a fifth animal; the Kirin, for the CENTER.
Basically, my theory boils down to believing that there is a fifth power to Yama-ji's Bankai, referred to as Center, which will allow him to reconstitute himself from the flames of his own stolen Bankai...akin to a phoenix.
Thoughts on the possibilities, or opinions on it?