Despite his initial introduction as a lethal foe, Zaraki later begins to play the role of the antihero in Bleach: though still self-centered and violent, his actions tend to be for the best and his relationship with his division and others.

This shift is primarily centered around his appearances in the Bleach anime and omake stories, with the exception of the occasional diatribe between himself and Yachiru.

Despite his squad's reputation as the most bloodthirsty of the Gotei 13, they have their own code of ethics, different from the set rules of Soul Society, fitting with Zaraki's portrayal as a free spirit.

During that time, he met a kindred spirit in Squad 4's Retsu "Yachiru" Unohana, both leaving their opponent with a scar during their duel.

After some time had passed, Kenpachi found his way into Soul Society and killed the previous captain of the 11th Division, thus gaining his seat in the Gotei 13.

After Orihime is taken to Hueco Mundo, Zaraki arrives with Byakuya Kuchiki to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's group and bring them back to Soul Society.

Kenpachi begins to have a few flashbacks to his Kendo training as he would grip his sword with two hands to deal Nnoitra a vicious, incapacitating blow.

He later appears to save Ichigo from the Cero Espada Yammy by cutting off one of his legs, and further engaging him in combat with Byakuya Kuchiki.

Seventeen months after the fight with Sōsuke Aizen, Kenpachi, along with all the other high-ranking members of the Gotei 13, are ordered to restore Ichigo's reiatsu.

After these events, a group of Quincy called the Wandenreich appear and send their invading force of Sternritters to take over Soul Society.

Zaraki manages to single-handedly kill Berenice Gabrielli, Jerome Quizbatt, and Loyd Lloyd without much difficulty.

Kenpachi then confronts Yhwach, who is revealed to be Loyd's twin brother Royd Lloyd in disguise, and is defeated.

After being healed twice, the second time being a consequence of being incapacitated while fighting Pernida, Zaraki joins Hitsugaya and Byakuya against Gerard.

Ten years after the war, having become more composed with Ikkaku as his new vice-captain, Zaraki is last seen getting himself lost while attempting to attend Rukia's captain ceremony.

He also appears in four of the Rock Musical Bleach performances: Dark of the Bleeding Moon, No Clouds in the Blue Heavens, The All, and Live Bankai Show Code 002.

[4] OtakuKart named him the "5th Strongest Captain in Bleach", stating "This guy is total monster who does not even use his Shikai but with bare sword and immense spiritual pressure he was able to defeat Nnoitra.

The same site also ranked his fight with Nnoitra Gilga as the "7th best anime battle/fight", where they stated "If you’ve been watching Bleach long enough, Kenpachi wasn’t given the time to show off his true power.

"[16][17][18] Screen Rant ranked Kenpachi as the "4th Strongest Shinigami", where they commented "His Bankai transforms him into a demon with unparalleled physical abilities in exchange for his sense of reason.