Phantom Troupe, Akatsuki or Espada

Akatsuki or Phantom Troupe

I think Akatsuki edges out for being more iconic but I like Phantom Troupe more.

The PT for me. They felt more human and they were actually like family instead of an organisation

Akatsuki tbh. They actually felt like a threat to the Shinobi world, no one could actually stop these 10 during the times they were active. PT comes second, they were deadly but Netero's (and Silva/Zeno) presence was a game changer to their status as an unstoppable force.

The Espadas (bar Ulquiorra) were a joke.

PT is much better than the 2 others.

Mostly Akatsuki but Phantom Troupe comes close. Akatsuki had more of sad backstories going on for them and some interactions between each other that were good, while Phantom Troupe had some interactions between each other.

Espada just has hax and some interesting characters.

Akatsuki and Espada both suffer from the major issue of them just being pawns to be used and disposed of by the real evil. They never had true agency. Their plans were never meant to come true.

At least the Phantom Troupe acts on its own agency. Even if that agency really is just the whims of their psychopathic members.

As far as characters go I feel Akatsuki have the advantage. Each one really stands out and most of them had a decent amount of characterization that made them feel special. The partner system also added more depth to the individuals as seeing how the Akatsuki members worked with their partners was really interesting.

Don't know what Phantom Troupe is

I'll say Akatsuki

I'm gonna go on a limp and be the minority here since I already know the Espada aren't going to be picked for obvious reasons.

Espada.

Each Espada represents their aspect of death pretty well. I like the irony of how they died, especially Stark's.

1. Akatsuki

2. Espada

Akatsuki.

I like the familial bond of the PT, but as threats and characters go the Akatsuki are better.