Unlike many other famous Shnen series, Bleach is a character-driven story. The nuanced characters crafted by Tite Kubo move the plot forward. Everything in Bleach revolves around them. Kubo's talent for character writing is so intrinsic to Bleach that the main power system is directly linked to it. A Soul Reaper's Zanpakutou is not simply their weapon, but an extension of their own selves. The Soul Reapers become stronger not just through training, but by self-discovery and acceptance.