Jūshirō Ukitake

Jūshirō Ukitake

Race Shinigami
Birthday December 21[1]
Gender Male
Height 187 cm (6'1½")[1]
Weight 72 kg (158 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Gotei 13, Soul Society, Ukitake
Affiliation
Family
Position Captain of the 13th Division
Division 13th Division
Rukia Kuchiki
Partner
Shunsui Kyōraku
Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentarō
Previous
Kotsubaki
Partner
Kaien Shiba
Base of 13th Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Operations Society
Personal Status
5 Unnamed Brothers
Relatives
2 Unnamed Sisters
Education Shin'ō Academy
Zanpakutō
 Shikai Sōgyo no Kotowari
Bankai Unknown

"Friendship that embraces all." - Tite Kubo[1]

Jūshirō Ukitake (浮竹 十四郎, Ukitake Jūshirō) is the captain of the 13th
Division in the Gotei 13. His lieutenant is Rukia Kuchiki.

Appearance
Ukitake is a tall man with a somewhat emaciated appearance, caused by
an illness which occasionally causes him to cough up blood. Because of his
illness, he often spends his time recuperating at Ugendō, his family's
estate. During one of his attacks when he was much younger, his hair
turned white over a three-day period. This is why his eyebrows are black,
the color his hair used to be.[1]
110 years ago, he wore his hair in a long ponytail. Currently his hair is worn
long, almost reaching his waist. He wears it parted on the left side with one
long piece that tends to fall over his right eye. He has green
eyes.[2] Ukitake wears the common Shinigami uniform with a long sleeved
captain's haori, and a crimson lining. He wears a narrow white obi, in which
he secures his Zanpakutō.
Personality
Ukitake's favorite food is ohagi. In his free time he feeds the carp in the
lake of Ugendō's garden and also trims the bonsaithere, despite lacking the
artistic sense necessary for the latter. He also writes a novel series in
the Seireitei Communication titled "Rejection of the Twin Fishes!" (Sōgyō
no Okotowari!), in which the lead character, Sōgyo, fights evil and saves
innocent villagers. Sōgyo's catchphrase is "I refuse that!"
(そいつはお断りだ！, Soitsu wa Okotowari da!) and is hugely popular
among the children in Seireitei. The serial is frequently on hiatus, but when
it is in the magazine, it ranks in the top three features.[3]
Ukitake is well-respected and highly honorable, and always treats those
around him with respect, even those who are weaker or not as highly
ranked as he is. As a result, he can be easily approached by other
members of Soul Society who seek favors or advice from the captain. Due
to his high moral code, Ukitake will never let any harm come to either his
underlings or those who attempt to protect them.[4] He refuses to give up
when he believes something is wrong and will break a rule to do what is
right.[5] He is also quite perceptive, as seen when he analyzes the various
disturbances caused in Soul Society,[6]and has the ability to correctly judge
people's character, as noted by Yamamoto, and knows when they are
lonely. He observes that, before meeting Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends,
Rukia often had trouble opening up about certain things and was very
lonely, but sees a difference in her when she spends time training
with Orihime.
Ukitake has on occasion given people strange or unwanted gifts for no
apparent reason, particularly Tōshirō Hitsugaya because of their similar
sounding names and hair color.[7]
Due to his long-standing position with the Gotei 13, Ukitake is one of the
most proficient combatants in Soul Society and always maintains a level of
honor and integrity when engaging in battle, much like his best friend
Shunsui. He refuses to fight with a child or even in the presence of a child,
even if that child is an Arrancar.[8] He always maintains a semblance of
respect for his opponent and is polite in combat situations. He also has a
high measure of mercy, never taking the chance to kill Lilynette, but rather
actually try to teach her how to be a better fighter, even though she was an
enemy.[9]
History
Jūshirō is the eldest son from the low-class aristocratic Ukitake family. He
has five brothers and two sisters, whom he essentially supports by himself.
He, along with Shunsui Kyōraku, were one of the first graduates of Captain
Yamamoto'sShin'ō Academy and they were the first graduates to become
captains. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto
himself.[10] He and Kyōraku are the oldest captains among the Gotei 13,
with the exception of Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto himself. It is stated
that the four of them have been Captains of the Gotei 13 for at least 100
years as of 110 years ago before the current time.[11]

Approximately 110 years ago, Ukitake was first seen arriving at the 1st
Division Headquarters with Captain Shunsui Kyōrakuand Lieutenant Lisa
Yadōmaru of the 8th Division. He first asked about the whereabouts of the
12th Division captain. As Shunsui and Captains Love Aikawaand Shinji
Hirako started a conversation about the status of the Gotei 13, he reminded
Shunsui not to forget Captain Unohana as one of the captains from 100
years ago.[12]
He was again seen waiting for the promotion ceremony to begin at the 1st
Division Headquarters along with the rest of the assembled captains. He
witnessed the arrival of the newly-appointed Captain of the 12th
Division, Kisuke Urahara.[13]

The following day, he tried to persuade a then-reluctant Kaien Shiba into

becoming his lieutenant. The two conversed about the current happenings
in Soul Society, including a young Gin Ichimaru, who happened to be a
child prodigy surpassing the previous record set by Kaien himself. Kaien
shrugged off any attempt Jūshirō makes at him being any type of prodigy.
While visiting the Shiba residence, Jūshirō was shown to be quite popular
with the servants, with Kaien noting that Jūshirō was still very charming and
that he had a smile that made his servants blush. Jūshirō dismisses the
compliment as he tries to remain humble about his notable quality.[14]
9 years later, Ukitake was present at an emergency meeting called by
Captain-Commander Yamamoto, where he decided to create an
investigation team to locate the missing 9th Division squad members.
When he gave out orders, Yamamoto ordered him to guard
the Seireitei.[15] Jūshirō was seemingly stunned by Kyōraku sending Lisa to
investigate the disappearance of the 9th Division captain and
lieutenant.[16] Jūshirō, due to his illness, was rarely able to fulfill his role as
captain on a regular basis, instead having Kaien fill the role under his
guidance.[17]

Sometime later, when a then-unknown Hollow killed a squad being lead by

Kaien's wife, Miyako Shiba, Kaien became enraged and wanted revenge.
Despite this, Jūshirō tried to reason with him that nothing was known of this
new Hollow. Kaien did not relent, so Jūshirō gave him the only information
they did have, the lair of the creature. The following night, Jūshirō, Kaien,
and Rukia Kuchiki traveled to the Hollow's lair, and when they arrived,
Kaien asked for permission to fight the creature alone, which Jūshirō
allowed. Kaien fought the creature evenly until it used its unique technique
and destroyed his Zanpakutō. However Kaien continued to fight the
creature with his bare hands. Eventually, the battle started to turn against
Kaien, causing Rukia to try and assist him. Jūshirō stopped Rukia from
assisting, explaining that Kaien was fighting for his honor. The Hollow's
abilities allowed it to possess Kaien and Jūshirō began to fight it, but his
illness got in the way and allowed the Hollow to attack Rukia. But at that
moment, to both Jūshirō and Rukia's horror, Kaien took control and
impaled himself upon Rukia's sword, thanking the captain for
understanding the value of his honor and that of his wife's.[18]
Sometime in the past, Ukitake gave Kūgo Ginjō a badge that allowed him
the recognition of being the first ever Substitute Shinigami.[19]

Powers and Abilities

Master Swordsman: While hating the concept of having to engage in a

fight, Ukitake is presumably one of the most proficient swordsmen in all of
the Soul Society, as he is able to hold his own against Yamamoto.[100] The
unique shape of his sword's Shikai and its corresponding abilities make his
form of fighting unconventional among Shinigami, but show his skill in this
art.[101]
Kidō Master: As a captain, Ukitake is shown to have above-average
knowledge of Kidō, as shown when he assists in the resealing of the
Jōkaishō.[102] He also aids in the opening of the Senkaimon. He is able to
perform fairly high-level spells without incantation,[103] and he can easily
use Kidō in battle, such as when he used Seki against Lilynette
Gingerbuck.[104]
Shunpo Master: As a captain, Ukitake is exceptional in the art of Shunpo.
He is able to gain sufficient ground while trying to put distance between
himself and Captain-Commander Yamamoto during their chase through
Soul Society.[105]
Immense Spiritual Power: As one of the oldest and strongest Captains in
the Gotei 13, Ukitake possesses tremendous spiritual power. He, alongside
his best friend Shunsui Kyōraku, are said to possesses Reiatsu unmatched
by their peers or predecessors.[106][107] During his fight against the
Captain-Commander, he is not overwhelmed by the spiritual pressure of
Yamamoto, though most people would be such a situation.[108]
Enhanced Durability: Ukitake has shown himself to be very durable, even
by Shinigami standards. He was able to withstand the devastating attacks
of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, whose Zanpakutō is the most
devastating in all of Soul Society in terms of destructive power. [109] He was
also able to effortlessly block Lilynette's Cero with his bare hand, though he
himself admitted it was not even of Gillian-level power.[110]
Zanpakutō
Sōgyo no Kotowari redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the Zanpakutō
Unknown Tales arc see Sōgyo no Kotowari (spirit).
Sōgyo no Kotowari (双魚理, Truth of Pisces; Viz "Law of the Twin Fish"):
Ukitake's Zanpakutō resembles an average katana, with a rectangular
bronze cross guard and dark red handle.
 Shikai: Its Shikai command is "All Waves, Rise now and Become
my Shield, Lightning, Strike now and Become my
Blade" (波悉く我が盾となれ雷悉く我が刃となれ, nami kotogotoku
waga tate to nare, ikazuchi kotogotoku waga yaiba to
nare; Viz "Waves, Become my Shield, Lightning, Become my Blade").
Once he completes the incantation, he grasps the single blade with
two hands. The blade then transforms slowly, and begins to form two
blades. As the blades peel apart, a large red rope-like chain at the
base of the hilt lengthens, and silver metal square charms attached to
the chain begin to fall, until all five present themselves. The blade is
now somewhat thinner than the sealed Zanpakutō, and the tsuba now
extends a little bit up the blade. About half way along the length of the
Zanpakutō, a second blade juts out from the inside of the main blade
and extends back towards the hilt, running parallel to the main blade.
 The cutting edge of the second blade faces inward instead of
outward.[111]

Shikai Special Ability: Sōgyo no Kotowari is able to absorb an

opponent's energy attacks through the left sword and direct the attack
through the connecting rope, where the five charms on the rope
strengthen and accelerate the attack faster than it was originally fired,
and reverse its original course by firing the same attack from the right
sword, making it much more difficult for the opponent to dodge. The
entire process occurs so fast that the attack looks as if it originally
came from Sōgyo no Kotowari.[112]

 Bankai: Not Yet Revealed.

Trivia
 His Zanpakutō and Shunsui Kyōraku's Zanpakutō have the longest
release commands as of yet. Word-for-word, Ukitake's is the longer of
the two, although the translation in the English manga drastically
shortens it and lengthens Kyōraku's.
 In the latest popularity poll, Ukitake came 19th (in the previous one he
was 14th), while his Zanpakutō, Sōgyo no Kotowari, came 17th.
 In the first popularity poll, before his name and face were revealed,
Ukitake came 70th with just one vote, but was labeled as "the
Shinigami that appeared in Rukia's memories".
 The Shinigami Women's Association published a Photo Collection
showcasing Ukitake called Sickbed which is now sold out. [113]
  In the manga his eyes are green, but in the anime they are brown.
Quotes
 (To Rukia Kuchiki) "There are two types of fights. Whenever we are in
battle, we must be one of the two. The fight for life or…the fight for
pride! Right now…He is fighting for his pride! His wife’s pride…his
men's pride…Most importantly…his own personal pride. Dismiss this
as his stubbornness…and let him fight alone like this…"[114]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "To sink all the way to the level of allying with the
Menos. What are you trying to do?"[115]
 (To Shūhei Hisagi) "Friends are a good thing, even if they tread a
different path."[116]
 (To Lilynette Gingerbuck) "I know that, but what's wrong is wrong! To
me you're a kid, and what's more a girl. I can't fight you. But if you
insist on being spoiled and talking about fighting, then I will take you
home by force! Now go home and play with your ball."[117]
 Retsu Unohana
Retsu Unohana

Race Shinigami
Birthday April 21[1]
Gender Female
Height 159 cm (5'2½")[1]
Weight 45 kg (99 lbs)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Gotei 13, Soul Society
Previous Captain of the 4th Division
Position Captain of the 11th Division
Previous 4th Division
Division 11th Division
Previous
Isane Kotetsu, Seinosuke Yamada
Partner
Base of 4th Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Operations Society
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Minazuki
Bankai Minazuki
"Genuine elegance." - Tite Kubo[1]
Retsu Unohana (卯ノ花 烈, Unohana Retsu), formerly known as Yachiru
Unohana (卯ノ花八千流, Unohana Yachiru), was the captain of the Fourth
Division in the Gotei 13. She was one of the oldest and most experienced
captains, and was the Soul Society's best healer. Her lieutenant was Isane
Kotetsu.
Appearance
Unohana has the appearance of a slender and very youthful woman with
blue eyes and black hair. She wears the standard Shinigami captain
uniform apart from using an obi instead of the normal sash. Her hair is long
and is always worn as a large braid in front. Over 100 years ago, she did
not have the large braid, instead styling in front of her as a loose ponytail.
During her battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, she wears her hair down for the first
time and is revealed to have been covering a notable scar in-between her
collarbone, inflicted by Kenpachi Zaraki when the latter was young.[2]
Unlike most Shinigami who carry their Zanpakutō in their sash, Unohana
has a large string attached to the sheath of her Zanpakutō and carries it
over her shoulder, or has her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, carry it for her,
whenever they are together on the battlefield.[3]

Personality
Unohana has a gentle and warm personality that augments her
appearance. Unohana is a soft-spoken, polite, and caring woman who uses
honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates and the
enemy. She rarely shows any signs of panic or distress, and has a great
sense of duty, shown in the times that she orders Hanatarō Yamada’s
imprisonment and Isane Kotetsu’s chasing of Renji Abarai when he runs
away with Rukia Kuchiki. Despite her sense of duty, she will also heal
almost anybody around her, including Renji after he was defeated by his
captain, Gantenbainne Mosquedawhen she arrived in Hueco Mundo, and
the Visored, referring to them as allies despite Shinji's reluctance to do so.
With her grace and kind manners, she lets others know quietly that while
she may be soft, she is not to be taken lightly. Despite her gentle nature,
several members of the Eleventh Division[4] and even her fellow Captains
fear her.[5]

However, after the revelation of her past as the first Kenpachi and Shunsui
Kyōraku calling on her to draw on her experience from then, Unohana's
personality has taken a much darker turn. Remaining ominously silent
during the meeting with the Central 46, it isn't until her fight with the current
Kenpachi that she shows her original violent and bloodthirsty nature,
commenting how the scar left on her chest was causing her pain just from
the sound of the latter's voice.[6]Unohana herself says that she is infatuated
with crossing blades.[7]
Unohana likes strong flavored food, preferring it to bland tasting dishes. In
her free time, she climbs mountains throughout Rukongai, during these
excursions, she collects medicinal herbs. Once a month, she holds
an ikebana class for the members of her division.[8] Unohana is also the
President of the Ikebana Club(Flower Arranging Society.)
History
.
Some point in the past, she named herself Yachiru Unohana[9] and was
known as the most diabolical criminal to ever exist in Soul
Society.[10]. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto sought her out and she joined
him, becoming one of the founding members of the Gotei 13. Unohana laid
the foundations of what would be known as the 11th Division and became
its first captain as well as the first Kenpachi. At some point in the past,
Unohana was taught medical techniques byTenjirō Kirinji as a way of
prolonging fights. [11]
Some time after becoming a captain, she undertook a mission to eliminate
the warriors on the edges of Rukongai. Having lost interest in fighting,
Unohana wandered from place to place in search of something that would
please her sword, and came across a youngKenpachi Zaraki. Attacking her
on sight, the boy was able to injure her, causing the woman to once again
enjoy fighting. However, despite being the one left standing at the
conclusion of their battle, she realized he was stronger and was better
suited to become Kenpachi.[12][13]

Some time after this fight, Unohana left the 11th division and became
captain of the 4th Division. She has been one the Gotei 13's longest
tenured captains alongside fellow captains Yamamoto, Jūshirō
Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku. Ukitake also refers to her as "Senpai"
denoting her seniority to both him and Shunsui.[5]

Approximately 110 years ago Unohana was present for a promotion

ceremony, that took place at the 1st Division Headquarters, along with the
rest of the assembled captains. She witnessed the arrival of the newly
appointed Captain of the 12th Division, Kisuke Urahara. Her lieutenant at
this time was Seinosuke Yamada.[14]
9 years later, Unohana was present at a emergency meeting called by
Captain-Commander Yamamoto where he decided to create a investigation
team to locate the missing 9th Division members. When he gave out
orders, Yamamoto ordered Unohana to prepare the relief stations for
casualties, but she interrupted him and asked if it wouldn't be better for her
to tend to the wounded there. Yamamoto plainly told her that he couldn't
send healers out without knowing what the situation was like.[15]
Unohana was present when Isshin Shiba made his report about
the mysterious hollow. [16]

Equipment
 Daggers: Aside from her Zanpakutō, Unohana also carries with her a
set of dagger-like blades, which she can use against her unsuspecting
opponent during combat.[71]

Powers & Abilities

Master Healer: She learned the healing techniques that she currently uses
from the Royal Guard Tenjirō Kirinji.[73] Though she originally learned
healing Kidō as a way to prolong her fights, Unohana has become the most
knowledgeable on health related matters in all of Soul Society.[74] She is
known to be highly proficient in conventional healing techniques and herbal
healing. Her knowledge of anatomy is great enough that upon examination
of Aizen's "dead body", she concluded it was not Aizen or even
real.[75] She is also able to heal more than just Shinigami, as shown when
she heals Yasutora Sado, a Human, as well asGantenbainne Mosqueda,
an Arrancar.[76]
Kidō Master: As one of the oldest and most experienced captains,
Unohana has advanced knowledge of kidō and the flow of spiritual energy.
Her knowledge and mastery of healing Kidō are unrivaled within Soul
Society. Unohana is well-versed in a variety of Kidō, highly masterful in
healing kidō and is able to easily use high-level Hadō and Bakudō spells
without incantation.[49]
Immense Spiritual Power: As one of the oldest Captains in the Gotei 13
and one of its most powerful combatants, Unohana has a tremendous
amount of spiritual power.
Master Swordsman: Unohana's personal specialty is sword fighting,
particularly her mastery in the art of kendō.[1] She is said to know all 8,000
of the worlds schools of swordsmanship, as well as all the swords, hence
the meaning behind her previous name, "Yachiru".[77]Her skill level in
Swordsmanship is far superior to even the combat oriented 11th Division
Captain Kenpachi Zarakias she is able to easily best him for a considerable
amount of their fight after centuries of not engaging in melee combat. She
also has a combat philosophy that allows her to use any means necessary
even tricks to gain the upper hand in a fight.[78][79]
Shunpo Expert: Unohana is proficient enough in this skill to be as fast as
the average captain.
Hakuda Combatant: During her fight to the death against Zaraki Kenpachi,
she was proficient enough in Hakuda to deflect his sword swing using the
back of her free hand to create openings for attacks, and could also use
her leg to block Zaraki's sword hand mid-swing to prevent it hitting her and
leave him exposed at the same time.[80]
Keen Intellect: Along with her general skill of healing, she is able to detect
the smallest details in her patients. This aids her in her healing. She can
detect anomalies and problems lesser healers would not. She can tell by a
simple look what type of medical attention, if any, is needed.[81] She is also
a keen analyst with great attention to detail, able to quickly determine how
to counteract any ailments a person may have.[40] Her powers of
perception were great to deduce that Aizen's elaborate illusion of a corpse
doll wasn't real, and that Aizen was perpetuating a much larger
scheme.[82]
Zanpakutō
Minazuki redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the Zanpakutō Unknown
Tales arc see Minazuki (spirit).
Minazuki (肉雫唼, "Flesh-Drops' Gorge"): In sealed form, Minazuki is
slightly longer than an ordinary katana, and resembles a nodachi. The
tsuba has an oval shape, and the handle is red. Instead of tying it to
her obi, Unohana carries her Zanpakutō over her shoulder by a rope strap,
or lets Isane carry it for her.
 Shikai: Its release command is unknown. When released in Shikai
form, Minazuki will start to morph, turning into a green, gas-like
substance before taking the solid shape of a giant, green, one eyed
manta ray-like creature with the ability to fly. Minazuki can be used for
transportation, and will change back into the green gas substance
before returning to its sword form when its duty has been fulfilled.[83]
Shikai Special Ability: It is large enough to transport many people
on its back (at least a dozen, based on its size when compared to
those riding it). It seems to act on verbal orders, and when landing it
has the ability to somehow create a pair of bird like legs. Minazuki's
main aspect is its ability to heal. When the wounded are placed within
Minazuki's mouth, they are swallowed and stored inside its stomach.
Minazuki's stomach acids are strong healing medicines and
ointments which gradually soak over the wounded, curing their
injuries. Currently, it has shown the ability to carry at least six people
within its stomach. When Unohana gives the word, Minazuki will
regurgitate the people back out of its mouth.[84][1]
 Bankai: Minazuki (皆尽, "All Things' End"): When released the blade
of Unohana's Zanpakutō exudes a thick, dark substance that entirely
covers the blade and flows from it with ease.[85]
Trivia
 Though now known by this name, Retsu, which means "violent" or
"fierce", Unohana used to be called Yachiru, during the time she was
the First Kenpachi. Yachiru means "Eight thousand/many flows" or
"Eight thousand/many exiles".
 Unohana has a column in the Seireitei Communication titled 'Tis the
Season and another column titled Every Nook And Cranny.[86] She
also publishes recommendations for sweet shops.[87]
Quotes
 (To two 11th Division Shinigami) "While it is good to be energetic,
please remain quiet inside the hospital. As long as you are still inside
this building, your lives are in our hands. Please do not forget that."[88]
 (To Shinji Hirako) "The act of saving a comrade in need should require
no thanks."[89]
 (Thinking about Kenpachi Zaraki) "I'm strong. Stronger than anyone
but you. That's why... I will kill you. A hundred, a thousand times.
That's why... I will heal you. Over and over again. Until you return to
be your old self. And... Surpass me... To go higher and higher...
Come."[90]
 Kisuke Urahara
Kisuke Urahara

Race Shinigami
Birthday December 31[1]
Gender Male
Height 183 cm (6'0")[1]
Weight 69 kg (152 lbs)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Urahara Shop, Soul Society
Previous
Gotei 13
Affiliation
Position Owner of the Urahara Shop
Captain of the 12th Division
Founder & 1st President of the
Shinigami Research & Development
Previous
Institute
Position
3rd Seat of the 2nd Division
Corps Commander of the
Onmitsukidō's Detention Unit.
Division None
12th Division
Shinigami Research and
Previous Development Institute
Division
2nd Division
Onmitsukidō
Partner Tessai Tsukabishi, Jinta
 Hanakari,Ururu Tsumugiya,
& Yoruichi Shihōin
Previous
Hiyori Sarugaki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi
Partner
Base of Urahara Shop, Karakura
Operations Town, Human World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education Shin'ō Academy
Zanpakutō
Shikai Benihime
Bankai Unknown

Kisuke Urahara (浦原 喜助, Urahara Kisuke) is the former captain of

the 12th Division, as well as the founder and 1st President of the Shinigami
Research and Development Institute. He currently lives in the Human
World after being exiled, where he owns small convenience store, "Urahara
Shop", which doubles in selling Shinigami items. The shop is maintained by
Urahara himself, as well as his employees Tessai Tsukabishi,Jinta
Hanakari, and Ururu Tsumugiya.

Appearance
Kisuke is a tall, lean-built man with light skin and gray eyes. His hair is
messy and light-blond (almost pale), with strands framing the sides of the
face and hanging between his eyes, and he has chin stubble. He wears a
black coat, which sports a white diamond pattern along its bottom half, with
a dark green shirt and pants underneath. His coat's design is reminiscent of
an inverted captain's haori (white with black diamonds). Urahara carries a
fan, which he occasionally uses to hide his face. He usually wears
traditional Japanese wooden sandals (geta) and a striped dark green and
white bucket hat (which usually shadows his eyes), which has earned him
the nickname "sandal-hat" (ゲタ帽子, geta-bōshi; "Mr. Hat-and-Clogs" in
the English dub).
During his earlier years in Soul Society, he had a clean face and wore the
standard Shinigami uniform. In his more casual events, he usually wore his
geta. He later wore a long-sleeved captain's haori after his promotion to the
rank of captain.
Personality
Though usually a laid-back, jovial, humble and eccentric man, Urahara
shows a deceptively cunning and serious side when the situation warrants
it. He commonly uses idle conversation and outward concern to distract his
opponents.[2] Despite his care-free attitude, he always speaks politely, but
is sometimes sarcastic. Yoruichi Shihōin notes he tends to go over the top
with whatever he becomes passionate about. He has described himself as
a "mere honest, handsome, perverted businessman."
Approximately 110 years ago, Urahara's personality was the direct
opposite of what it is in the present. During his earlier years as a captain,
he was viewed as a nervous, flustered, and quiet person. He was
somewhat unsure of himself, and lacked confidence in his ability to be a
good leader. In addition, he was occasionally confused with how to deal
with his division. Despite being uncomfortable in his role, he seemed
relatively at ease in his previous position at the 2nd Division Detention Unit.
However, he eventually hardened his resolve to take on his role as captain
by becoming more serious and determined.
Urahara can usually be found near the scene of an important event, but he
rarely intervenes in situations, preferring to stay on the sidelines. He often
knows more information than he lets on, and despite being a major player,
he acts only as a catalyst, having others do the work for him. He likes
building large secret underground training spaces.
History

Urahara grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in Seireitei with his childhood

friends Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi.[3] He joined the Gotei
13 around the same time Yoruichi joined theOnmitsukidō,[4] and eventually
became the 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, which was intertwined with
the Onmitsukidō. As part of his duties as one of the top five Seated
Officers, Urahara became head of the Onmitsukidō's Detention
Unit.[5]Approximately 110 years ago, the 12th Division captain, Kirio
Hikifune, was promoted to the Royal Guard,[6] and Yoruichi recommended
Urahara as her replacement.[7]

Urahara was told of this by Yoruichi after a sparring session. Urahara spent
the day wandering around Soul Society, interacting with the citizens as he
sought information on Shinigami defectors. Returning to the 2nd Division
Headquarters, as he was talking with Yoruichi, Suì-Fēng arrived and
reported negatively on Urahara's activities. They were interrupted by the
arrival of a division member, who reported the people Urahara had been
looking for had been found. Yoruichi told Urahara to hurry off to his duties,
and sent Suì-Fēng to help prepare for his captain's proficiency test.
Urahara and his men proceeded to the remote area where the defectors
were hiding. Urahara, telling his men to wait, entered the building by
himself and single-handedly defeated all the defectors with Hakuda before
moving on to his test.[8]

After successfully passing his exam, he became the captain of the 12th
Division[9] and gained Hikifune's lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, as his own.
Later that day, Urahara formally introduced himself to the 12th Division. He
encountered some resistance from Hiyori, who, refusing to accept him,
cited her displeasure with Captain Hikifune's sudden departure and his
status as a former 2nd Division member. Urahara, laughing it off, told her
he had already been made the captain of the 12th Division, and he had
decided this was the role he would play from then on. He was no longer a
member of the 2nd Division, and if she had a problem, it was hers to
change. Hiyori proceeded to kick him in his crotch, which did not affect him
at all.[10] The following night, Captain Shinji Hirako, approaching Urahara,
told him why Hiyori was giving him problems, and gave him advice on how
to best go about being a captain. He stated he could tell Urahara was not
the type who does what other people tell him. Shinji explained that he felt
Urahara was a type just like him, so he should just meddle in his own
business.[11]

At a division meeting, Urahara explained that he had decided to change the

policy of the 12th Division, but had yet to determine what course of action
he thought would be a good role for them. Hiyori, becoming increasingly
angry upon hearing he was still thinking about it, attacked him. She
challenged him to a fight, which he accepted on the condition that they fight
unarmed. Hiyori tried to kick him in the face, but Urahara showed her he
could evade the attack. However, he allowed her to hit him so as not to
embarrass her in front of the other division members.[12] The following
morning, Hiyori, arriving at the captain's chamber, became enraged at how
Urahara had changed the room from its former state. As he tried to calm
her down, Hiyori attacked him again. Brushing it aside, he asked her to
accompany him to the Nest of Maggots.[13]

On the way to the Nest of Maggots, Urahara explained to her about the
Detention Unit, what happens to those under its jurisdiction, and the
function of the Nest of Maggots. Inside the facility, Urahara told her those
detained within could not leave, but they are still free within the facility. He
warned her to be careful, as the inmates can become violent. Urahara
explained that though the people in the facility are possibly dangerous, he
had always felt, given a suitable outlet, they could channel their power into
something more productive. When one of the inmates tried to attack Hiyori,
Urahara stopped him bare-handed, noting that in the facility, they are not
allowed to carry weapons.[14] This prompted the other inmates to attack,
but Urahara, easily took out all his attackers.[15] The pair went to the cell
of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, whom Urahara asked if he wanted to leave the Nest
of Maggots.[16]Urahara explained that in his capacity as the captain of the
12th Division, he had decided to make an organization, the Shinigami
Research and Development Institute, and he wanted him to be its Vice-
President.[17]

Nine years later, Urahara was told by Shinji and Lieutenant Sōsuke
Aizen about a series of strange disappearances, which had taken place in
Rukongai, and that the 9th Division was investigating.[18] Urahara later set
about making a new type of Gigai to stabilize the disappearing souls. When
explaining this to Hiyori, they were interrupted by the arrival of Tōdō
Izaemon, who relayed Captain Kensei Muguruma's requests that a
researcher be sent to the investigation site. Urahara persuaded a reluctant
Hiyori to carry out the task.[19] Later, when he hears theReiatsu of the
investigation team had disappeared, Urahara, hurrying into the lab, asked
a researcher where Hiyori was. When she said Hiyori had already left, he
rushed back out and arrived late at an emergency captains meeting.
Fearing for her safety, Urahara requested to go to the site himself, but was
denied by Captain-Commander Yamamoto.[20] Urahara later decided to go
anyway, using a Reiatsu-concealing cloak to hide himself. Urahara was
spotted by Tessai Tsukabishi, who joined him in the search.[21]

They arrived just in time to stop Aizen from killing Captain

Hirako.[22] Urahara questioned Aizen about what he was doing there,
rejecting his initial explanation. Urahara noted there were no injuries on the
victims, and that they were infected with "Hollowfication". When Aizen tried
to leave with his henchmen, Tessai used a high-level Kidō spell against
them, forcing Urahara to duck out of the way. However, they managed to
escape.[23] The duo tend to Shinji and the rest of the victims, who were
deep in process of Hollowfication. After Urahara said he could possibly help
them at his lab, Tessai used forbidden Kidō to transport them there. In his
lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using an item he had created, the
"Hōgyoku". However, it did not have the effect Urahara expected.[24][25]

The following morning, Urahara and Tessai were arrested and brought
before theCentral 46. They were swiftly tried, with little opportunity to
defend themselves. Urahara was sentenced to be stripped of his Shinigami
powers and exiled to the Human World. However, before the sentence
could be carried out, he and Tessai were rescued by Yoruichi, who brought
them to a secret underground area. There, she berated him for keeping her
out of the loop, and explained that she had brought the eight Hollowfied
Shinigami and the prototype Gigai Urahara was working on. Urahara
resolved to make Reiatsu-concealing Gigai to help him, Tessai, and the
eight victims escape to the Human World, where they unsuccessfully tried
to find a way to undo the Hollowfication process.[26] At some point, Urahara
established hisstore in the Human World, and became acquainted
with Kūkaku Shiba.[27]
One day during his time in the Human World, Kisuke walked by Masaki
Kurosakias she starts to feel faint on her way home from school, to which
he noticed [28]Later, Kisuke appeared before Isshin Shiba, captain of the
10th Division and the Quincy Ryūken Ishida, who were arguing about the
condition of the unconscious Masaki, who hads developed a Hollow-like
hole after being injured by one in a recent fight. He stopped their quarreling
by telling them he can help save Masaki.[29]

At his shop, Urahara introduced himself and identified Masaki's condition to

beHollowfication. He explained that it is irreversible, and the only way to
stabilize it is to insert a part of the soul from something opposite of the
species at hand, and it worked for all of the othervictims of this condition he
tested this method with. After Ryūken accused him of lying, he stated that
this wasn't Ryūken's choice. He then said that to save Masaki, Isshin must
enter a Gigai that would attached his soul to Masaki's. In doing so, Isshin
will be unable to return to his Shinigami form so long as Masaki is alive.
Isshin agreed to this solution, which surprised Urahara. After listening to his
resolve, Urahara began working on the solution.[30] Ultimately, the
operation was a success. Later, Kisuke helped Isshin establish his new life
in the Human World.[31]

Inventions
Having founded the research institute in Soul Society, Kisuke Urahara has
developed a number of unique items. The notable ones are below:
 Hōgyoku (崩玉, Crumbling Orb, Viz: "Breakdown Sphere") also
referred as The Orb of Distortion: A small orb which was initially
believed to only be capable of dissolving the boundary between a
Shinigami and a Hollow and vice-versa.[140] However, according to
 Aizen, its true ability is materializing the inner desires of the people
around it.[141]
 Gigai Technology: a Gigai (義骸, faux body) is an artificial body
created to help broken souls to stabilize and restore their
energy[142] as well as enable Shinigami stationed in Human World to
interact with Humans. Having experimented with Gigai at length,
Urahara has created its many variations designed for various
purposes.
 Energy-sucking Gigai: An untraceable Gigai which drains the
user's spiritual power instead of restoring it, effectively making
them Human if used long enough. It was developed for the
purpose of hiding Hōgyoku forever and given to Rukia.[143] Akon
noted that this Gigai was so advanced that nobody in the
current SRDI was able to create it.
 Portable Gigai: An inflatable variation used as a decoy in
combat.[144] With an adequate level of skill and right timing the
user can fool even a high-level combatant like Aizen.[145]
 Human Shell Gigai: a Gigai created for the purpose of helping
Hollowfied Quincy souls. If a Shinigami enters this Gigai he
becomes a Human-Shinigami hybird and, with the help a special
reishi string which bounds the souls, he can enter Quincy's Inner
World to protect them from the Hollow inside. The side-effects are
inability to leave the Gigai and use Shinigami powers at all.
There's also a huge risk of losing Shinigami powers entirely.[146]
 Soul-Object Integration: Urahara has developed the technique to
bury matter within a soul. The matter can be removed by disintegrating
the soul around the object or by breaking down the soul's cohesion,
allowing the object to be removed without any damage to the soul. He
used this technique to hide the Hōgyoku in Rukia's body, and the latter
technique allowed Aizen to remove it from there without killing her.[147]
 Reiatsu Concealing Cloak: Urahara has created a cloak which hides
his spiritual pressure, which he used to sneak up on Aizen during the
Hollowfication of the soon-to-be Visored[148] and to sneak up on Ichigo
after he lost his Fullbring.[149] It also allows him to freely and safely
move about in the Dangai.[150] As demonstrated by Aizen, by
incorporating Kidō into the cloak, it allows the wearer to blend in with
the air around him, almost completely concealed from sight.[151]
 Tenshintai (転神体, lit. "Change [Death] God Body", Viz: "Divine
Transfer Body"): An artifact belonging to the Onmitsukidō, but invented
and tested by Urahara. It is a vaguely Human-shaped, man-sized doll
which forcibly materializes the spirit of a Zanpakutō into the Real
World when stabbed by the Zanpakutō. In doing so, it facilitates the
user in subjugating the spirit and attaining the Bankai of their
Zanpakutō. The materialization can last for about three days, after
which the spirit reverts into the doll which spawned it. Without this
invention, achieving Bankai takes at least ten years, plus the many
years of combat experience needed. This method, however, is very
dangerous, due to the fact that it forcibly materializes the Zanpakutō's
spirit. Urahara deemed it dangerous to use for more than three
days.[152][153]
 Tenkai Kecchu (転界結柱, World-Shifting Binding-Posts): A device
which creates an enormous, one spiritual unit of area radius
Senkaimon bound by four linked points. When activated, the device
swaps something that it encircles with something else in Soul
Society.[154]
 Karakura-Raizer Transformation Watch: A watch given to Kon aid
him in protecting Karakura Town during Ichigo's absence. The watch
has the following features:[88]
 Transformation: The watch's main function. It covers Kon in a
puff of smoke as it gives him a superhero outfit designed by
 Uryū. Despite its flashy appearance, the suit has little to offer; it
gives the user no increases in strength or speed, nor does it give
the wearer the ability to fly.[88]
 Raizer Beam: The only effective weapon in the suit. After Kon
spells out Raizer with his body, he slaps his hands together,
firing a beam strong enough to kill a large Hollow. However, this
attack takes up a lot of energy and can only be used once per
transformation.[88]
 Communicator: The watch serves as a communicator between
Kon and Urahara.[88]
 Electrocute: Urahara can have the watch shock Kon if he
disobeys his orders.[88]
 Anti-Hierro Armor: A protective armor, designed especially to engage
in direct battle, with enough durability to smash through an Arrancar's
Hierro. It is also rather effective defensively, able to protect the
wearer's said body part from damage, even if the armor itself is
destroyed in the process.[155]
 Two-Way Holographic Communicator: A special system which
allows Urahara to communicate between Soul Society and Hueco
Mundo through a holographic display. He installed it in Kon's plushy
body. When using it, the top of Kon's head emits the display. The eyes
are switches for it, and he can prevent the communication from being
shut off by forcing the eyes shut.[156]
 Restoration Hot Springs: Having studied and analyzed the
properties of the "Blood Hell Pond" and "White Bone Pond" in the
domain of Tenjirō Kirinji, Urahara replicated them in his own personal
hot springs in Yoruichi Shihōin's underground training grounds in Soul
Society. This hot spring is able to drastically speed up one's healing
process by soothing away the wounds and blood in one's
Reiatsu.[157] Minor cuts and such heal almost instantly.[158]
  Anti-Hollowfication Vaccine: A medicine created from combining the
Quincies' Heilig Pfeil and some Human souls. If injected into a soul of
a hollowfied Shinigami it stabilizes the conflict of souls and stops the
"Soul Suicide" side-effect. This is the only means of saving a
hollowfied Shinigami from dying and enabling him to conquer an Inner
Hollow.[159]
Equipment
Computer: When he enters Hueco Mundo, Kisuke utilizes a holographic
computer interface generated from a small, black, three-legged device
which has long, slender, black arms on both sides of it. The device projects
a keyboard on to a surface in front of it and a display above its arms. He
can use this projected computer interface to aid in analysis.[160]

Powers & Abilities

Master Swordsman: Urahara is an extremely skilled swordsman,
possessing powerful strikes with equally impressive speed behind them. He
can perform attacks with perfect precision and stop them in an
instant.[161] His abilities are considered highly dangerous by Ulquiorra
Cifer, the 4th Espada, who opted to avoid fighting Urahara.[162] While
Urahara's preferred fighting style seems to be swordsmanship, he is highly
proficient in combining it with his other skills and instantly switching
between any of them. His usual methods in battle are striking from various
angles to confuse and catch his opponents off-guard for sneak
attacks.[163][164] He kept Ichigo constantly pressured during their training
despite Ichigo's much larger blade. He rarely relies on more than Shikai, as
seen against Yammy, the 10th Arrancar.[165] He achieved Bankai within a
short time through a process he devised, relying on sheer skill against the
blade's spirit.
  Shitonegaeshi (褥返し, "Cushion Return")[166]: A pinning technique
which subdues an opponent and immobilizes them on the ground
using coercion alone, with Urahara suspending the tip of his cane just
millimeters from their face after he has struck them down.[167]
 Hōzuri (頬摺, "Cheek Stroke")[166]: A simple but precise slash
technique which is meant only to lightly graze and cause superficial
wounds.[168]
Hakuda Master: As a former commander of the Detention Unit of the
Onmitsukidō, Urahara was not allowed to use weapons in the Nest of
Maggots, so he became highly proficient in unarmed combat.[169] His skills
are great enough to force Yoruichi at her peak to fight seriously during their
regular sparring sessions. During his days as a Shinigami, even when only
a third seat officer, he effortlessly took down several Shinigami deserters
unarmed, and emerged unscathed afterwards.[15]
Shunpo Master: As a former Onmitsukidō unit commander, Urahara has
exceptional skill in Shunpo and is well-versed in its various techniques. He
is so fast, an opponent does not notice when he replaces himself with a
portable Gigai for misdirection; this is further demonstrated when he uses
this tactic effectively against Aizen.[170]The fact that he could always keep
up with Yoruichi's speed during sparring sessions is further proof of his
mastery of this skill.[8]

Kidō Master: As the former head of the SRDI, Urahara has immense
knowledge and understanding of the flow, application, and consistency of
spiritual energy.[171] He knows how to break barriers of the spiritually
superior noble clans, a feat which even captains cannot achieve.[172] He
can silently, and without warning, use low and mid-level Kidō to great
effect.[173][174][175] He can rapidly use a single high-level Kidō repeatedly,
or multiple ones in quick succession, by name alone, without incantation or
calling the type and level, while retaining considerable power and
control.[176][117] He is highly proficient in healing Kidō.[177] He can use level
99 Kidō,[115] but has more difficulty with Kidō above level 88 without
incantation,[116] as he had to use the incantation to ensure enough power
for a level 91 Kidō. He can use multiple Kidō in conjunction for various
combination and diversion tactics, and have them remain undetected until
sprung in sync in a chain reaction. Urahara can create his own unique high-
level Kidō.[178] Aizen admitted that if not for the Hōgyoku, Urahara's
prowess would have surely defeated him.[179]
 Keikaigi (繫界儀, "World-Tying Rite"):[180] This technique connects

the space tying two worlds together to produce a Garganta. The

opening is generated between two large wooden posts jutting out from
two large rock formations.[181] He is later able to open the portal
silently and whenever he chooses.[182]
Immense Spiritual Power: As a former captain of the 12th Division,
Urahara boasts great amounts of spiritual energy. His energy is intense
enough to make opponents with high levels of energy sweat in
fear.[163] When releasing his spiritual pressure, it can create a shockwave
strong enough to affect a considerable area and launch back weaker
individuals.[8] He has demonstrated noticeably great reserves of energy,
launching multiple high-level Kidō and Shikai attacks in a single battle
without tiring.[183] He is quite skilled in hiding his spiritual energy, able to
remain unnoticed by both allies and enemies.[184] His Reiatsu is red.[185]
Genius Intellect: Urahara has proven himself to be the most intelligent
being both within and outside of Soul Society. Much of his intellect is seen
in scientific inventions, deduction of situations, and combat tactics. Aizen
himself acknowledges Urahara's intelligence surpasses his own immense
intellect.[186] He is very insightful of other people, allowing him to seemingly
predict anything well in advance. After Orihime inadvertently revealed her
powers to Ulquiorra, Urahara correctly deduced Aizen would try to capture
Orihime to use her against Soul Society, and had already prepared to send
Ichigo to Hueco Mundo before he even had a chance to ask.[187] Kisuke is
a highly capable teacher. In only five days of unorthodox training, he
conditioned Ichigo into an experienced fighter on par with lieutenant-level
Shinigami.[188] His knowledge has led him to an innate understanding of
the abilities of others and what happens when independent variables are
entered into an equation.
 Master Scientist & Inventor: As the founder and former head of the
SRDI, Urahara is a talented inventor and scientist, having created a
number of devices and techniques to aid him in battle or otherwise.
His intellect in this field is evident, having created the most amazing
things in Soul Society's history. As he has been inventing and creating
things before becoming a seated officer in the 2nd Division, he can
create his inventions in rather short amounts of time.[87] He modified a
simple plushy doll into a two-way monitor to speak between
dimensions, greatly intriguing Kurotsuchi.[189] Urahara figured out how
to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers seventeen months after losing
them.[190] He is a highly adept chemist, having recreated the unique
healing properties of both the "White Bone Pond" and "Blood Hell
Pond" in his own hot spring.[191] Urahara also has highly capable
medical skills, regularly healing Ichigo and his friends when battle-
worn.[192] He also has a very detailed understanding of the
Hollowfication process and has determined how to stabilize a victim of
it, as seen with the Visored.[193]
 Master Strategist & Tactician: Despite his aloof and unkempt
appearance, Urahara is a very insightful and cunning man. He
possesses great intuition, quickly becoming aware of any incoming
danger and reacting to it in time.[194] Urahara has an undeniable talent
for thinking things through well in advance, making decisive and
 accurate decisions quickly in battle, and seemingly perceiving any
situation at hand. He is a crafty tactician, easily deceiving both allies
and enemies. In battle, he regularly uses cunning and deception to
catch his opponents off-guard.[195] He is a very analytical man, quickly
seeing through an opponent's power and attack patterns to ultimately
make them useless against him. He easily outmaneuvered and tricked
Aizen repeatedly in his fight with him.[196]
Enhanced Strength: As a former member of the Onmitsukidō, he received
considerable physical conditioning. During his time as commander of the
Detention Unit, he effortlessly stopped a punch from a giant man with a
single hand.[169] He stopped a kick from the immensely strong Ururu,
blocking most of the impact which would have otherwise killed
Ichigo.[197] During his training with Ichigo, his strikes possessed enough
power to create large craters and launch the younger fighter several meters
through solid rock.[198]
Enhanced Speed: Kisuke has demonstrated tremendous speed and
reflexes in battle. Even when caught by surprise from an enemy's attack,
he can react in time to skillfully dodge or counter the
assault.[199] Offensively, he can keep up a quick and rapid assault which
forces most opponents on the defense, as he leaves no openings in his
attacks.[163]
Enhanced Agility: While normally laid-back, Kisuke is an immensely agile
fighter. In battle, he can effectively use the battlefield to his advantage,
flipping and jumping from wall to wall to keep his opponents unsure of his
attack patterns. Offensively, his agility grants him great balance and
dexterity in battle, attacking his opponent from various angles with great
accuracy and force.[163]
Enhanced Durability: While not the most imposing in appearance, Kisuke
has received considerable physical training from his days in the
Onmitsukidō, and is well-conditioned for battle. He can take large amounts
of punishment. During his time as a captain, he would regularly be
assaulted by his then-lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki. Each time, he would take
the assaults indifferently, if not laugh about it, with little to no adverse effect
on himself. His durability caused Hiyori to be more careful about how she
would hit him if she did not want to hurt herself instead.[200]
Master Assassin: As a former high-ranking member of the Onmitsukidō,
Kisuke possesses considerable mastery in the art of stealth combat. He
has repeatedly shown impressive skill in staying hidden and unseen while
maneuvering towards his target. He can completely hide his presence,
remaining undetected until he intentionally reveals himself.[201] During his
battle against Yammy, he repeatedly caught his opponent completely off
guard and effectively took advantage of it.[202] Even the perceptive and
intuitive Aizen was caught by surprise.[203]

Zanpakutō
Benihime (紅姫, Crimson Princess; "Red Princess" in the English dub): A
blade described by Urahara as "not nice", it is one of the few known
Zanpakutō with a female spirit owned by a male. When sealed, Benihime is
a beige-coloredshikomizue (a blade hidden inside a cane) with a curved
handle and silver base. As the blade resides in a cane, the cane's handle is
still the hilt and the shaft is the sheath, allowing it to still operate like other
Zanpakutō.[204] The shaft's base bears a skull and blue flame mark on the
bottom, which can separate souls from bodies by pressing the mark to
it.[205] Back when Urahara was still in the Gotei 13, Benihime was sealed in
an average-sized katana form, with a black sheath worn under Urahara's
sash. It had an oval-shaped tsuba, with a snowflake-design embossed in it,
and a black hilt-wrapping.[4][206] It is unknown if Benihime can return to this
katana form.
 Shikai: Benihime' Shikai command is "Awaken" (起きろ, okiro). Its
Shikai takes the form of a sleek, medium-sized sword. The hilt's grip,
which has a gentle black-decorative wrapping, bends forward at the
end, with a pommel shaped overlap three times, and a crimson tassel
dangling from its base. Instead of a tsuba, there is a U-shape guard
covering three inches of blade, with a flower petal design. At the base
of the guard is a red string wrapped thrice around the hilt, with a three-
loop bow on the back side and a folded paper decoration on the front
side. The blade is black with a silver edge, and is somewhat thicker
than the cane-sealed state. It remains straight and slim with a
somewhat short size, with the tip ending in a slanted razor-like edge
instead of tapering to a point.[207][208]
Shikai Special Ability: Benihime is capable of performing a variety
of crimson-colored energy techniques. Urahara can use these
techniques of Benihime's with a variety of verbal commands that
corresponds to its different abilities.[209][210][211]
 Nake, Benihime (啼け紅姫, Sing, Crimson Princess; "Scream"

in the English dub): This technique fires particularly strong and

destructive crimson-colored energy blasts. The energy flows out
of the blade and fires in the arc of the sword's swing.[212] The
technique is capable of taking on a point-blank Cero from an
Espada-level Arrancar by dissipating it with a blast of equal
power.[213] He can charge up this technique to deal considerably
more damage.[163]
 Chikasumi no Tate (血霞の盾, Blood Mist Shield): This
technique forms a hexagon-shaped crimson barrier in front of
the blade for defensive purposes. The barrier is called out with
the same command as the "Nake" technique. The barrier can
easily block a direct punch from the immensely strong Yammy
Llargo without any damage or repercussions to
 Urahara,[214] and block Ichigo's first use of his "Getsuga
Tenshō" while only slightly eroding, after which Urahara states
he would have lost an arm were it not for the shield.[215]
 Kamisori, Benihime (剃刀紅姫, "Razor, Crimson
Princess"):[180] A technique which fires an energy arc capable of
cutting through materials and substances with relative ease. This
arc moves towards the target and can instantly change direction.
It cut through a Hierro-protected tentacle of Luppi Antenor.[216]
 Tsuppane, Benihime (突ッ撥紅姫, "Spurning, Crimson
Princess"):[180] After analyzing a technique's Reishi composition
and the subject's muscle movements when they use the
technique, by simply drawing a circle of energy with the edge of
Benihime and timing it right, this technique can cancel out the
enemy's attack at the point of contact.[217]
 Shibari, Benihime (縛り紅姫, Crimson Princess of Binding):
This technique launches condensed energy in the form of a
tangible blood red net, generated from the blade length, and
simply throws it over the intended target (typically from above)
with a simple slashing motion from Benihime. The net further
binds and restricts an opponent’s movements by constricting to
its form. This net appears elongated and somewhat narrow.[218]
 Hiasobi, Benihime, Juzutsunagi (火遊 紅姫 数珠繋, Crimson
Princess That Plays with Fire, Strung Together like Rosary
Beads): After using the Shibari technique, Urahara stabs the net
with the tip of Benihime, creating orbs of fire along the outside
length of the net, which explode like linked land-mines in a
domino formation, leading toward the target bound under the
net. When the orbs come into direct contact with the intended
target, they create a tremendously large and devastating
explosion.[219]
  Bankai: Not yet revealed, but has been vaguely commented upon.
Yoruichi comments that Urahara learned Bankai in three days using a
method he created.[220] When Yasutora Sado comes to Urahara for
training, he instead gives the task to Renji Abarai, stating Chad needs
to face the strength of a Bankai to improve. When Renji asks why
Urahara, who also possesses Bankai, does not train Chad himself, he
states his Bankai is not fit for training or helping others.[221]

Trivia
 Kisuke Urahara was inspired by Snufkin, a character which appears in
Tove Jansson's Moominvalleynovels.[222]
 Urahara has been highly popular with fans base. In the first popularity
poll he placed 7th, 4th in the second, 8th in the third, but in the 4th
poll he dropped out of the top 10, placing 20th.
 In the Zanpakutō poll, his Zanpakutō, Benihime, placed 12th.
 His command for his Nake, Benihime technique differs between
episodes in the English dub. Its release command is "Scream"
in Episode 114 and "Cry" in Episode 214.

Quotes
 (To Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue) "Your transformation is not a
disease. You were just given the key to the door in front of you.
There's no need to know the cause. No need for sorrow or sadness.
What comes next is up to you. You can use your keys to open the
door...or lock it tight. And if you do choose to open it...you can still
decide not to pass through."[223]
 (Urahara writes a message in blood) "Urgent, meet us outside the
Urahara Shop immediately. P.S: If you're thinking that this message is
 like some written in the victim's own blood cliché from some TV
show...then you obviously have no sense of humor!"[224]
 (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "There is nothing but fear reflected in your sword.
When you dodge, you're afraid of getting killed. When you attack,
you're afraid of killing someone. Even when you try to protect
someone, you're afraid of letting them die. Yes, your sword speaks to
me only of absurd fear. What's necessary in a fight isn't fear. Nothing
can be born of that. When you dodge, "I won't let them cut me." If you
protect someone, "I won't let them die." If you attack, "I will kill them."
Well, can't you see the resolve to kill you in my sword?"[225]
 (To Renji Abarai) "Puh-Lease! I'm just a lowly-but-handsome
merchant. How could I possibly perform Bankai?"'[226]
 (To Orihime Inoue) "A warrior who has lost his strength will only get in
the way."[227]
 (To Yammy Llargo) "I won't get hit by any more of those. I've analyzed
that technique's spirit particle composition and even the patterns in
your muscle movements when you fire. If I know those two things, I
can dodge it or by timing it right, I can cancel it out. But that's difficult
in its own right."[228]
 (To Hiyori Sarugaki) "I made up my mind before I got out of my futon
this morning that, once I leave this futon, I am part of the 12th Division,
and that from now on, I'll get angry whenever anyone badmouths the
12th Division. Changing what you get mad about and what you don't
get mad about, I think that's what one would call "changing your
feelings", don't you?"[229]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "I was unable to gain total control over it. That was
indeed the case back in those days, anyway."[230]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "You're making too much of me. All I am these
days, is the poor owner of a small time candy store."[231]
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto

Race Shinigami
Birthday January 21[1]
Gender Male
Height 168 cm (5'6")[1]
Weight 52 kg (115 lbs)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Gotei 13, Soul Society
Captain-Commander of the Gotei
Previous
13
Position
Captain of the 1st Division
Division 1st Division
Partner Chōjirō Sasakibe
Base of 1st Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Operations Society
Zanpakutō
Shikai Ryūjin Jakka
Bankai Zanka no Tachi
First Appearance
Manga Debut Volume 10, Chapter 81
Anime Debut Episode 24
Video Game Bleach GC: Tasogare ni Mamieru
Debut Shinigami
"Imperturbable and like an unmovable pivot." - Tite Kubo[1]
Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto (山本元柳斎 重國,Yamamoto Genryūsai
Shigekuni) was the captain of the 1st Division in the Gotei 13 and also the
Captain-Commander (Head-Captain in the English Dub) of the whole Gotei
13. His lieutenant was Chōjirō Sasakibe.

Appearance
Yamamoto is the oldest captain in the Gotei 13. He has the appearance of
an old man with red eyes[2], a very long white beard, and long eyebrows[2].
There are many scars on his torso and head, the two most prominent being
a pair of long, perpendicular scars above his right eye, left by his battle with
his lieutenant.[3] After his brief confrontation with Aizen, Yamamoto lost his
left arm[4]. He wears the standard Shinigamiuniform, but its size is greatly
exaggerated. He also drapes hishaori over his back instead of actually
wearing it. Despite his old and frail appearance, he has a very muscular
body that he only reveals when he goes to battle, something which Shunsui
Kyōraku claims is not seen too often.

When he was much younger, Yamamoto had black hair on the sides of his
head and was bald on top. He had a tuft of hair sticking up at the back of
his head in a topknot. He also had thick black eyebrows and a thick, long
black mustache. He had a single large scar on his forehead which had
earned him the nickname "Eijisai" due to its shape. He also had prominent
wrinkles on his forehead and beneath his eyes, as well as shallow checks.
He also wore the typical black outfit of a Shinigami.[5]

Personality
As the captain-commander of Gotei 13, Yamamoto is highly respected by
most of the Shinigami, most notablySajin Komamura, who views
Yamamoto as a benefactor who saved his life. Also the embodiment of
conviction, Yamamoto follows the laws and regulations of Soul Society to
the letter, and expects the same of others. He is not a man to tolerate
insubordination, and is vocal with those who attempt to act in such a
manner. He is quick to anger in the face of possible betrayal, and can be
quite aggressive in combat. He has a habit of referring to those he faces in
battle as "youngster"[6]and he also refers to a battle as a "beating" or
"punishment". When in a state of peace, he carries himself with an air of
frailty, even to the point where he has fallen asleep standing while
awaiting Shunsui Kyōraku's arrival for a meeting. Due to years of
experience, Yamamoto very rarely shows any sign of distress or surprise,
usually responding by opening one or both of his eyes, which are partially
closed slits for the majority of the time.
Yamamoto is very loyal to Soul Society and takes his duties very seriously,
expecting the same from the rest of the Gotei 13. His loyalty is so great that
he is willing to sacrifice himself and the Gotei 13 in order to defeat Aizen,
believing it to be their duty to lay down their lives for the sake of the Soul
Society if necessary.[7] Another example where Yamamoto shows his
loyalty, is when he become visibly angry when Shunsui, Byakuya and
Kenpachi lose their haoris and show little regret; to him the haori
represents their status as captains.[4]
Yamamoto appreciates Eastern cultures and is a master at the Japanese
tea ceremony, and dislikes the "Western" traditions preferred by his
lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe. Yamamoto holds a tea session every month in
the 1st Division quarters for every member of his division. He plaits his own
beard and arranges its ends once a month. He also likes to be rubbed
down with a dry towel while exposed to the sun on his balcony.[8]
History
Around 2,100 years ago, Yamamoto was the "Genryū" Founder and "Genji
School" Head Instructor.[9][10] At some point Yamamoto founded the Gotei
13 as well.[11] Yamamoto was himself a teacher at this academy and
personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake. He admits to
being rather proud of the two. When they became captains, he boasted
about them as though they were his sons.[12]
On various occasions, Yamamoto would catch the young Shunsui
Kyōraku sneaking into his room. On one particular instance, he scolds the
boy for doing so. Shunsui asks about a picture of a dark silhouette within a
field of fire. Yamamoto explains that the picture was of a monster that
appeared in Soul Society a long time ago. He also mentions that it had
appeared at a time when Soul Society was facing a difficult situation and
that the monster's appearance made the situation worse. After Shunsui
asked a question about the monster's return, Yamamoto answered that he
probably wouldn't.[13]

During Yamamoto's time as an instructor, Sasakibe routinely visited him,

always referring to him as "Eijisai-dono", a reference to the large scar on
his forehead, despite knowing that it annoyed him. He insisted that it would
be wrong to use Yamamoto's real name. During one of his visits, Sasakibe
told Yamamoto that he wished to be his right arm and compensate for
anything that Yamamoto could not do. Yamamoto tells him to become his
disciple, but he declined. At Yamamoto's behest, Sasakibe tried to defeat
him with his Bankai. Though he failed to defeat him, he left a permanent
scar on Yamamoto's forehead, crossing his earlier scar. Others began to
refer to him by a different name due to the new scar, but Sasakibe refused
to do use this new name. As a result, Yamamoto decided to call himself
Genryūsai.[14]
At some point, Yamamoto founded the Gotei 13[15] and approximately one
thousand years ago, he became its Captain-Commander.[16] Around the
same time, Yamamoto failed to kill Yhwach.[17]
Sometime shortly after Kenpachi Zaraki joined the Gotei 13, Yamamoto
forced him to learn Kendō because he hadn't learned any formal
swordsmanship training, having bypassed those normally necessary
qualifications due to the way he attained his position.[18] However,
concerned over the devastation that Zaraki could cause if he were to ever
rebel after growing even stronger, Yamamoto stopped the training after just
one day.[19]
Turn Back the Pendulum arc

Approximately 110 years ago, Yamamoto was noted as being the oldest
captain amongst the Gotei 13, followed by Unohana, Shunsui and Ukitake.
It is stated that the four of them have been Captains of the Gotei 13 for at
least 100 years at that point.[20] Yamamoto was seen pushing Kisuke
Urahara into the First Division headquarters, so that he could start the
promotion ceremony. Yamamoto explained that seven days ago, there was
an order to promote the 12th Division Captain Kirio Hikifune, which would
leave her position open. He then notified the various captains of the
opening and asked that they submit nominations for the selection of a new
captain. Within a short period of time, he got a recommendation from 2nd
Division Captain Yoruichi Shihōin to promote her 3rd Seat, Kisuke Urahara.
The following day Yamamoto called Urahara in so that he could take the
Captain's Proficiency Test, administered by himself, Retsu
Unohana and Ginrei Kuchiki, so that they can confirm that Urahara is
qualified to be a captain. Having satisfied his three superiors, the three
senior captains appointed Urahara the new Captain of the 12th Division.[21]
10 years later, Yamamoto called an emergency meeting of the captains of
the Gotei 13, where he gave an intelligence report on the unknown
disappearances of 9th Division captain Kensei Muguruma and
lieutenant Mashiro Kuna. Captain Muguruma and Lieutenant Kuna had
previously been sent out to investigate the disappearance of other 9th
Division members. He then stated he would choose 5 captains to form an
investigation team. A very winded and frantic Kisuke Urahara showed up to
ask that he be allowed to go with the investigation team, as he had
previously seen his lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki go to the sight of the
disappearances. He was told not to by Captain-Commander Yamamoto,
and when Urahara protested he was chastised by Yoruichi. Yamamoto
continued with the meeting and selected 3rd Division Captain Rōjūrō
Ōtoribashi, 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako, and 7th
DivisionCaptain Love Aikawa. Yamamoto told them to head to the
campground. He ordered Yoruichi to stand by, while the remaining captains
present were to stay behind and guard the Seireitei.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto then ordered Captain Unohana of the 4th

Divisionto prepare her relief stations for casualties. When Unohana insisted
that she should tend to the wounded at the site of the disappearances,
Yamamoto stated that he could not send healers without knowing the full
extent of the situation. Upon the arrival of the Captain of the Kidō
Corps Tessai Tsukabishi and his Lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda, Yamamoto
asked Tessai if he had heard the news of the disappearances, telling him
that he wanted the two of them to head to the campground as well. Shunsui
interrupted and asked if it was a good idea to send both the Captain and
Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps when they had no idea of what was going on,
prompting Yamamoto to ask what he would suggest. Shunsui told
Yamamoto that they should send his Lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru. With the
squad formed, Yamamoto sent them out to investigate the
disappearances.[22]
After Isshin Shiba fought White, he reported back to the Captain
Commander. Yamamoto pointed out that he had taken action without
permission, but also pointed out his quick actions kept casualties low and
damage to a minimum, and therefore he would not punish Isshin. As Isshin
turned to leave, however, Yamamoto suspected that Isshin is leaving out
information, and asked if there was something else worth mentioning,
which Isshin denied.[23]
Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon
material.

POWER AND ABILITIES

Master Swordsman: As the founder of the Shinō Academy, along with
possessing over two millennia of combat experience, Yamamoto is the
most powerful combatant in Soul Society.[110] Few would hope to come out
alive from a fight with him. He is capable of fighting two captain-level
Shinigami simultaneously with a single hand.[111][77] His skill in
swordsmanship is great enough to take down his opponent with a single
precise strike.[112][113]
 Hitotsume: Nadegiri (一つ目・撫で斬り, "The First: Killing Stroke"):

This basic technique allows for a precision cut of extreme force and
speed, which can easily slice through large, multi-story high
opponents. The opponent is killed with one swift slash so precise, they
aren't even aware of until after it has taken place.[112]
  Onibi (鬼火, "Oni Fire"):[114] A technique where Yamamoto takes his
Zanpakuto in its sealed cane form and thrusts it at his opponent,
creating a large hole in their body. This technique was effective
against a multiple story-high opponent like Ayon.[115]
Shunpo Master: He is highly skilled and experienced in the art of Shunpo,
being able to outrace Shunsui and Jūshirō during a chase across Seireitei.
He is able to easily overtake both captains, and arrives at their destination
first without even being noticed by them.[36]
Master Strategist & Tactician: With his years of experience as a teacher
and warrior, along with being the commander of the entire Gotei 13,
Yamamoto is a very intelligent man. He is capable of quickly adjusting to
new developments and making quick decisions accordingly. He has great
tactical acumen, as shown from his preparations for the battle in Karakura
Town. As noted by Aizen, Yamamoto is very cunning, setting up a trap to
kill him while Aizen was focused on the Visored and the rest of the Gotei
13.[116] He is a very perceptive man, demonstrated by how easily he could
tell Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was hiding knowledge on the Bounts. His
skill at battle tactics is undeniable; as general, he commonly sends the
captains and divisions out to engage in battle, be it to relatively small or
large threats, and has done so for a number of centuries.
Immense Spiritual Power: Being one of the oldest members of Soul
Society, Yamamoto possesses an exceedingly powerful Reiryoku. Its sheer
strength is great enough to easily break free from four overlapping and
high-level Bakudō spells restraining him.[83] Even Aizen openly
acknowledges Yamamoto's power is superior to his own spiritual
power.[110] Yamamoto states that the reason he has served as the
Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 for over 1,000 years is because there
hasn't been a Shinigami stronger than him born in all that time.[117]
  Masterful Reiatsu-Control: Yamamoto can exert his Reiatsu to cause
fear in captain-level combatants and can further physically paralyze
combatants of lieutenant-level and lower simply by gazing in their
direction.[118]Yamamoto's spiritual pressure has the same effect as his
Zanpakutō, as it is the elemental representative of fire. He tends to
glow with a fiery aura, which has the potential to burn and set his
surroundings on fire without the use of his Zanpakutō. It is the
formidable pressure of his Reiatsu that makes the Reiatsu itself look
like flames.[119] When enraged, Yamamoto's Reiatsu is powerful
enough to be felt all around Seireitei and with tremendous force.[120]
Immense Strength: In addition to his surprising physique for his age,
Yamamoto has shown tremendous physical strength. He easily and swiftly
put a large hole into the chest of the monster Ayon without much effort at
all, using only the blunt end of his cane. With a single hand, he effortlessly
stopped one of Ayon's strikes and overpowered it, despite it having
enlarged its arm and increased its strength several folds.[113] Yamamoto's
strength is so immense that one punch was able to put a large hole through
the chest of Wonderweiss while he was in Resurrección, as well as sends
him flying back several city blocks.[121] He is also shown tearing off
Wonderweiss' arms, with his bare hands, with little to no
effort.[122][123] With a single double-fisted strike, he effortlessly shattered
Wonderweiss' entire body into pieces.[124]
Immense Endurance: Despite his old age, Yamamoto is capable of
fighting for long periods of time, even when outnumbered, with no visible
signs of exhaustion. He fought against two of Soul Society's strongest
captains, Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, and emerged without any
sign of injury. He is able to take direct attacks from others unfazed. He can
endure being impaled on a sword without so much as flinching from the
perceived damage, even when the blow is dealt by the likes of
Aizen.[51][125]
Immense Durability: In addition to his resilience, Yamamoto has shown
remarkable durability. He took an onslaught of punches from
Wonderweiss's multiple arms twice, and came out completely unfazed by
the assault, with no more than simple scratches.[126] He was able to
sustain an explosion of flames that had the power to incinerate all of
Karakura Town and a great area around it.[127] In his younger years, he
challenged Sasakibe to defeat him with his newly achieved Bankai, and in
the end only suffered a light scar on his forehead. [128] He would 2000
years later take on a barrage of powerful lightning strikes from Sasakibe's
fully mastered Bankai and only be singed by its power, though he stated
that it had become weaker.[129] He can easily deflect a giant Hellig Plief
from a Stern Ritter with one hand without any noticeable damage done to
his being.[130]

Hakuda Master: While it is unknown how much his ability has declined
from old age, Yamamoto remains a highly skilled and dangerous
combatant even without his Zanpakutō. As with his skill in swordsmanship,
he is also a master in hand-to-hand combat. He effortlessly caught a strike
from the deceptively fast Ayon. Yamamoto can deliver powerful blows that
can smash through Espada-level Hierro, and block the majority of multiple
punches from a multi-armed opponent.[131] [132][133][134]
 Ikkotsu (一骨, "Single Bone"): A powerful punch used by Yamamoto

against Wonderweiss. Using this technique, Yamamoto was able to

destroy much of Wonderweiss' abdomen and send him flying along a
city street and into a building, destroying it.[135]
  Sōkotsu (双骨, "Double Bone"): Stronger than Ikkotsu, it is a powerful
two-fisted punch used by Yamamoto against Wonderweiss.[136] The
attack can completely destroy an opponent with a single blow.[124]
Kidō Master: Yamamoto's knowledge of Kidō is so great that he can
perform them without calling out their names while retaining their great
potential power, whereas most users require a name to do so, if not a full
incantation. He is able to produce immensely powerful barriers to protect
him from all but the strongest of attacks.[71] Yamamoto is capable of
casting a level 96 Hadō without incantation and still using it to great
effect.[137]
Zanpakutō
For the manifested spirit that appears in the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc see Ryūjin
Jakka (spirit).
Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火, Flowing Blade-like Flame): His Zanpakutō is the
oldest and the most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō, and has greater attack
power than all other Zanpakutō in Soul Society.[138] In its sealed form,
Ryūjin Jakka usually takes the appearance of a harmless wooden staff,
which can be used like a spear. At any time, Yamamoto can instantly
remove that disguise by peeling off the wood, revealing its true form of a
standard katana, with a dark purple handle and a circular hand guard. Its
power is so great, even the strongest of Shinigami are afraid of it, even in
its sealed form.
 Shikai: Its Shikai command is "Reduce All Creation to
Ash" (万象一切灰燼と為せ, banshō issai kaijin to nase; "All things in
the universe turn to ashes" in the English Dub).[139] The release of his
Zanpakutō comes with an extreme release of spiritual pressure
affecting all in the area, and can be felt for miles upon miles across all
of Seireitei.[140]
Shikai Special Ability: When released, Ryūjin Jakka's blade is
engulfed in fire.[141] The aura of this weapon disintegrates everything
and anything that Yamamoto waves the sword at, changing it into
nothing more than ash, and engulfs the surrounding landscape in a
blazing firestorm, the heat of which is intense enough to scorch the
sky.[138] Only powerful fighters such as Kyōraku and Ukitake can
resist it, but even then only indirectly. Even in its Shikai, Ryūjin
Jakka's power is enough to fight against the Shikai of two other
captains simultaneously, both of whom had the reputation of being
the strongest Captains in Soul Society while together.[142] Unlike
other Zanpakutō shown so far, resealing Ryūjin Jakka does not
deactivate any ability already used against an opponent, as seen
when Yamamoto imprisons Aizen, Gin, and Kaname.[143]
 Jōkaku Enjō (城郭炎上, Fortress Blaze): This technique creates

an immense wall of flame, which surrounds the target and forms

a huge contained sphere of flame in which to imprison enemies.
It is immensely powerful, as it was capable of imprisoning three
Captain-level Shinigami (namely Aizen, Gin and Kaname) for a
significant amount of time.[143]
 Taimatsu (松明, Torch):[114] This technique allows Yamamoto to
create a great inferno with a simple wave of Ryūjin Jakka. The
fire generated by the attack completely consumes whatever is
caught within it, until nothing remains but ashes.[144] The flames
created by Ryūjin Jakka can be controlled, with great precision,
by Yamamoto to attack only the targets he chooses, and he has
power over the intensity of the flames.[145]
 Ennetsu Jigoku (炎熱地獄, Flames of Hell): This ability creates
seven or more immense pillars of flame that surround an area.
The intent of this technique is to trap the opponent in the caged
 inferno and destroy them. The power of this technique can
destroy everyone caught in its vicinity, even Yamamoto
himself.[146] These flames are capable of incinerating an area
greater than that of Karakura Town.[147]
Bankai: Zanka no Tachi (残火の太刀, "Longsword of the Remnant
Flame"): In its Bankai, the blade takes the form of an ancient and worn
katana, severely scorched by fire.[148]

Bankai Special Ability: Upon activation, any flames previously

produced by Ryūjin Jakka are absorbed into the blade.[149] Zanka no
Tachi incorporates the full power of Yamamoto's flames into the
blade. The flames within the blade burn anything it cuts out of
existence. Zanka no Tachi has the side-effect of depleting the
moisture in an entire area (at least the size of the Seireitei) causing
the air and the water to dry up. Over a significant period, even Soul
Society can fall victim to its power and be destroyed. Even Tōshirō
Hitsugaya's bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, cannot be used, as its ice
melts due to the intense heat of Zanka no Tachi. Over the course of
1000 years, the power of Zanka no Tachi has greatly increased,
changing from having once set ablaze anything it cuts, to now
incinerating anything it cuts out of existence. No flames are visible as
it cuts.[150] Yamamoto claims that releasing his Bankai clads both his
blade and his body in the flames of the sun.[151] Yamamoto states
that prolonged use of his Bankai can destroy his opponent, Soul
Society and even himself.[152]
 Zanka no Tachi, Higashi: Kyokujitsujin (残火の太刀 "東":

旭日刃, Longsword of the Remnant Flame, East: Rising Sun

Edge): Automatically activated at release, this ability
concentrates the intense flames of the sword along the edge of
the blade. It neither burns nor erupts, but anything it touches is
 eradicated to nothingness. Even the defensive power of the
Vandenreich's Blut Vene is not capable of standing up against
this technique.[153]
 Zanka no Tachi, Nishi: Zanjitsu Gokui (残火の太刀 "西":
残日獄衣, Longsword of the Remnant Flame, West: Remnant
Sun Prison Garb): Automatically activated at release, this ability
is unseen by the eyes of anyone else unless Yamamoto wills it
to be seen. It engulfs his body in heat that reaches a
temperature upwards of 15,000,000 degrees. Thusly, it becomes
impossible to even touch him while he is using his
Bankai.[154] The level of heat produced by this technique is such
that it wouldn't actually appear in the form of flames.[155]
 Zanka no Tachi, Minami: Kaka Jūmanokushi
Daisōjin (残火の太刀 "南": 火火十万億死大葬陣,Longsword of
the Remnant Flame, South: Great Burial Ranks of the Ten
Trillion Fire Dead): Yamamoto impales the tip of his sword into
the ground, and calls upon the corpses and ashes of the dead
who were killed by his flames to come forth and fight on his
behalf.[156] They emerge from a rupture in the ground that
comes with enough force to decimate the Kirchenlied: Sankt
Zwinger defensive ability.[157] Using the heat of his sword on
their ashes, he can rouse all the people he has killed, allowing
the corpses to become his limbs and attack whomever he
deems as his enemy until they become dust.[158] He can bring
forth any specific corpse that he wishes, allowing him to inflict
psychological damage upon those with connections to those he
has slain.[159]
 Zanka no Tachi, Kita: Tenchi Kaijin (残火の太刀 "北":
天地灰尽, Longsword of the Remnant Flame, North: Heaven and
 Earth End in Ashes): A slash of concentrated fire and heat that
incinerates whatever it touches out of existence.[160]

Trivia
 Though Shigekuni is his first name (meaning heavy or important
country), Yamamoto is generally known by his title of "Genryūsai"
(meaning something like "Original willow's purity") which he adopted
approximately 2000 years ago.
 Yamamoto has never made it in the top 50 in the popularity polls but
his Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, came 32nd in the Zanpakutō poll.
 He is author of Got a minute? in the Seireitei Communication.[161]
 The Shinigami Women's Association published a Photo Collection of
Captain Yamamoto named Skeletonwhich was scrapped.[162]

Quotes
 (To Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake) "My quarry never escapes.
Come, you rascals. But you won't get off without a thrashing this
time..."[163]
 (To Nanao Ise) "Listen well! Be gone from here! I don't have time nor
the patience to teach a mere infant like you how to breathe."[164]
 (To Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake) "I was proud of you as if
you were my own sons. I believed that, even if the character is
different, it is fine if they took the same paths."[165]
 (To Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake) "As I taught you before,
there is no mercy for he who obstructs justice."[166]
 (To Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake) "There is no individual
sense of justice that can overrule the justice of the world."[167]
 (To the Gotei 13) "Get ready. Put the entirety of your spirit on the line
and crush them here! Even if your flesh is torn asunder, be as a steel
 wall down to your last shard of bone! You must not let them take even
a single step into Soul Society."[168]
 (To Izuru Kira) "My, my. Making the Captain-Commander come out.
What a pitiful bunch of division members."[169]
 (To Ayon) "You are a beast that can think of nothing but killing people.
How pathetic."[170]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "You and I will die here in this burning hell."[116]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "Dying to exterminate great evil. Know that this is
the spirit of the Gotei 13."[171]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "You think that you can strike me down if you
suppress Ryūjin Jakka? How naive. How dizzyingly naive. Why do you
think that I held the position of Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 for
a thousand years? It is because, in a thousand years, no Shinigami
stronger than myself has been born.[117]
 (To Wonderweiss Margela) "At the very least I am glad you no longer
have the form of a child. I can beat you to death without remorse."[133]
 (To Byakuya Kuchiki, Kenpachi Zaraki, and Shunsui Kyōraku) "Listen
up!! Victory isn't all that matters in battle!! Just what do you all think
your Captain Haori are anyway?!"[172]
 (To the Gotei 13, about restoring Ichigo Kurosaki's powers)
"Regardless of the circumstances, we were saved by Ichigo Kurosaki
in our time of need. It is now time that we returned the favor. Even if
that should require violating our own statutes, to allow such a debt to
go unpaid would bring eternal shame upon the entire Gotei 13."[173]
 Kenpachi Zaraki
Kenpachi Zaraki
Pre Timeskip - Post Timeskip

Race Shinigami
Birthday November 19[1]
Gender Male
Height 202 cm (6'7½")[2]
Weight 90 kg (198 lbs)[2]
Professional Status
Affiliation Gotei 13, Soul Society
Position Captain of the 11th Division
Division 11th Division
Partner Yachiru Kusajishi
Base of 11th Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Operations Society
Personal Status
Yachiru Kusajishi (unofficial
Relatives
adoptive daughter)
Zanpakutō
Shikai Unknown
Bankai None

"Consume everything, demon of the blood-thirsty sword." - Tite Kubo[1]

Kenpachi Zaraki (更木 剣八, Zaraki Kenpachi) is the current captain of
the 11th Division in the Gotei 13. He is the eleventh Kenpachi to hold the
position.[3] His lieutenant is Yachiru Kusajishi.

Appearance Edit
Kenpachi is a tall, muscular Shinigami with a wild and aggressive
appearance, which fits his personality. He has a long face with pronounced
cheekbones, and pronounced, hairless eyebrow ridges. He has green eyes
and long, stringy black hair.[4] A noticeable trait in his appearance is a long,
thin scar running down the left side of his face, which he gained before
finding his future lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi; it is later revealed to have
been inflicted by Retsu Unohana. He is one of the tallest Shinigami,
towering at 202 centimeters (approximately 6 feet 6 inches), making him
almost double the height of his lieutenant.
He wears a sleeveless captain's haori (which belonged to the previous
captain and was taken after his defeat), which has a ragged look to it.[5] He
styles his hair into stiff strands during his baths, attaching small bells at its
tips, and wears a special eyepatch on his right eye. During his first fight
with Ichigo, the eyepatch is more elegant, having a gold-like lining and a
chain as one of the straps. It later becomes a normal black eyepatch with
normal straps.
17 months after Aizen's defeat, Kenpachi's hair has grown out past his
shoulders. He no longer has the bells in his hair. His eyepatch's design has
changed again, as it is now, but a single piece covering his right eye.[6] The
eyepatch is black with a grey outline.[7]
Personality Edit
Although he is known to be a violent fighter, Kenpachi's actions tend to be
for the best. He has a very poor sense of direction, at times asking Yachiru
for help (even though her sense of direction is just as bad). Kenpachi lives
for battle, and enjoys a good fight more than anything. He even holds back
in an effort to make any fight last longer. He claims injury and death are
nothing but the price one pays for a good fight. Despite his division being
the most blood-thirsty squad of the Gotei 13, the 11th Division has its own
code of ethics, which is different from the rules and regulation of Soul
Society. Despite his tendency to be brutal, Kenpachi usually stops a fight if
his opponent is too injured to fight back, claiming he is not interested in
fighting "weaklings who can't fight anymore", and he does not feel obligated
to deal a death blow to anyone who cannot fight any longer. However, he
will unhesitatingly kill his opponent if they refuse to end their fight, as seen
during his battles with Kaname Tōsen and Nnoitra Gilga.[8][9]
On multiple occasions, Kenpachi has shown to greatly respect those who
can defeat him in a fight and those who can push him to his limit. Ever
since Ichigo handed him his first known loss (though Ichigo considers their
fight a loss for him), Kenpachi has considered the latter a member of his
Division. He expresses his willingness to engage him in a rematch every
time they meet, only to be turned down, as Ichigo already considers
themselves as friends. Nevertheless, Kenpachi still challenges him to a
duel, as evidenced when he aided Ichigo in his fight against
theBount (where he gave "his blessing," stating doing so would make
Ichigo stronger for "their anticipated fight").
Kenpachi sometimes contradicts his own logic in fighting. On the one hand,
Kenpachi wishes to increase his own personal power. On the other hand,
he conceals his strength to enjoy a fight for as long as possible. Although
he thrives for battle, Kenpachi does have emotions. Kenpachi and his
lieutenant, Yachiru, have been close ever since they met, and have a
father-daughter-like relationship, making Yachiru one of the few people he
cares for, along with 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 11th
Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa. However, he has stated if his
subordinates interfere in his fights, he will "cut them up first". Aside from
Yachiru, Kenpachi deeply gives meaning to his name. Following his fight
with Ichigo Kurosaki, Kenpachi talks about the pain of not having a name,
as he lived his early years without one. This causes him to feel guilty his
sword is not acknowledged by its own name.[10] Since then, he has strived
to learn its identity.[11][12]
Kenpachi strongly believes fun comes before working. In every battle, he
tries to get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. One example is when
Kenpachi sends his 5th seated officer, Yumichika, to fend off the Bount
in Karakura Town, as he is the only high-ranking officer who is not busy, or
rather, busy having fun, as Yachiru was snacking and Ikkaku was napping.
During his free time, Kenpachi always takes his afternoon nap. He does not
have a particularly favorite dish, but he particularly hates nattō.[2]
Kenpachi's unique hairstyle is partly due to his habit of taking a bath
everyday before going to sleep, which is a necessity to him due to his
strong perspiration. During these baths, he usually washes his hair with
soap, making it stiff. He enjoys doing so because it is easy for him to set
his hair to his preferred style. He once tried a hair treatment recommended
by 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe, but his hair became too silky
and was impossible to set for a while. Since then, Kenpachi has greatly
disliked the lieutenant.[2] Kenpachi is once shown attaching the bells to his
hair, which apparently takes a while to accomplish. The highest bell in
particular takes him several hours to attach, as the tip of his hair is just
beyond his reach. Occasionally, 11th Division 5th SeatYumichika
Ayasegawa offers to do it for him, only to be turned down by Kenpachi, who
thinks it is weird for someone else to style his hair.[13]
History Edit
Kenpachi's surname came from the district he once resided in, Zaraki,
which was District 80 of the North Alley of Rukongai. District 80 was the
worst, most lawless region of Rukongai, full of thieves and murderers
(whereas area #1 was the most orderly and law-abiding). While residing in
District 80, Kenpachi was nameless. As a young boy living in the streets of
the Rukongai, Kenpachi, coming upon the dead body of a Shinigami, took
his Asauchi, later imprinting his soul upon it to make his own
Zanpakutō.[14] During that time, he eventually became proficient in
swordsmanship, and killed numerous opponents. Sometime during this, he,
coming upon Yachiru Unohana, fought with her. The fight was the first time
he felt fear, and subsequently the first fight he ever enjoyed, having been
bored slashing anything else. He unconsciously sealed his power to allow
them to fight and lost to her. After their fight, he, beginning to admire her,
wanted to fight like her.[15]
Sometime later, as a young man, Kenpachi, coming upon a young girl,
named her Yachiru, in remembrance of the only person he ever admired,
after she showed no fear of his sword. Yachiru came from area 79.
Kusajishi, where her parents were murdered, seemingly not too long before
Kenpachi arrived. On that day, he took on a name: Kenpachi, the title
bestowed upon the strongest Shinigami in every generation, the one who
has slain the most enemies and won the most battles.[16][17]

Later, he had an encounter with Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika

Ayasegawabefore they entered Seireitei. Yachiru warned Ikkaku messing
with Kenpachi while he was in a good mood was a bad idea, though Ikkaku
did not take the warning seriously. When Kenpachi and Ikkaku meet face to
face, the latter immediately became alarmed by the former's Reiatsu, but
was happy to finally have a real challenge. Kenpachi attacked with enough
force to create a crater in the ground under Ikkaku, which somewhat
alarmed Yumichika. Due to Kenpachi's strength, Ikkaku was forced on the
defensive, holding off Kenpachi's relentless strikes. As the two continued to
fight, Ikkaku tried to overwhelm Kenpachi, though he failed in doing so, only
succeeding in increasing his own wounds while his opponent remaining
untouched by his blade. While Kenpachi mentioned he was having fun, he
decided to finish Ikkaku with one quick strike, resulting in his loss of the
fight.[18]Ikkaku became mad Kenpachi would just walk away without
finishing him off. Kenpachi, plainly telling him he had no interest in
weaklings who could not fight, noted he did not have any obligation to finish
Ikkaku off. Ikkaku, thinking he was toying with him, demanded Kenpachi kill
him. Kenpachi, losing his patience, grabbed hold of Ikkaku and asked why
he was screaming for death if he loved to fight so much. Kenpachi
explained to him a philosophy to follow for people like them: "Don't admit
defeat and seek death. Die first, then admit defeat. When you lose, but
don't die, it just means you were lucky. At those times, think only about
survival. Survive, and think only about killing the guy who failed to kill you".
Kenpachi, smiling at him, stated it was not like he went easy on him; he
was just lucky to escape death. He said Ikkaku should live, come back, and
try to kill him again. As Kenpachi went to leave, Ikkaku, asking him his
name, is told he is Kenpachi from Zaraki.[19]
Some time later, Kenpachi killed Kenpachi Kiganjō, the captain of the 11th
Division, in a single blow in front of over two hundred members of the
Division. As per the 3rd Captain Qualification Trial, Kenpachi became the
new captain of that division.[18] By killing Kenpachi Kiganjō, he became the
official and uncontested holder of the title, Kenpachi, as well as becoming
the 11th person to hold the title.[3]
The following day, during Kenpachi's first addressing of his division, he was
greeted by Ikakku and Yumichika, who had already become Shinigami and
joined the division. Ikkaku told Kenpachi he had come back just as he
suggested, causing Kenpachi to smile. Later, they were present at the
battle of the division against a caterpillar Hollow. While initially the division
lost, Ikkaku showed up to fight it, but was stopped by Kenpachi, who
decided to kill it himself. After the Hollow was dispatched, more came,
prompting Ikkaku and Yumichika to join in the fight. Though at first he was
against it, Kenpachi was persuaded upon realizing the two had similar
fighting traits, and, as such, would like to fight by his side. After this,
Kenpachi allowed them to participate in his fights.[18]
Shortly after joining the Gotei 13, Kenpachi was forced by Genryūsai
Shigekuni Yamamoto to learn kendō because he had not learned any
formal swordsmanship training, having bypassed those normally necessary
qualifications due to the way he attained his position. Kenpachi hated using
kendō because his battles would end too quickly with it, so he only used it if
his own life was in danger.[20]

Powers & Abilities Edit

: Physical Strength (100). Total: 390/600.[2]
Kenpachi did not attend the Shin'ō Academy, does not know the name of
hisZanpakutō (and thus cannot use Bankai), and has no apparent skill (or
interest) in Kidō and Shunpo. However, he more than makes up for his
faults with his sheer power and endurance, easily making him one of the
strongest Shinigami in Soul Society.[1]
Master Swordsman: Due to the lawlessness of the Zaraki district,
Kenpachi's skill with his sword has been honed to a masterful level, letting
him strike multiple times with changes of attack type (from slash to pierce)
without any difficulty. While still a child, his prowess was great enough to
produce a huge pile of adult corpses single-handedly and wound Retsu
Unohana, the 1st Kenpachi, in battle.[118] His unpolished skills, but
immense might with his sword allow him to always fight with one hand free,
only using both hands when facing opponents he feels will beat him
otherwise, as shown with Nnoitra and momentarily Ichigo.[119]As the
captain of the 11th Division, which specializes in sword fighting, he is
among the most, if not the most, proficient swordsmen in all of Soul
Society.
 Kendō: Kenpachi possesses considerable knowledge and skill in
Kendō, which Yamamoto forced him to learn before officially joining
the Gotei 13, though the training only lasted a day out of fear that
Zaraki would become too powerful.[120] However, Kenpachi, who
despises using skills and techniques learned from another source,
only uses Kendō as a last resort.
 Ryōdan (両断, "Bisection"): A technique which Kenpachi uses

when he is gripping his sword with two hands. It allows one to

split an opponent down the middle.[121][122][123]
Hakuda Expert: While preferring to use his blade in battle, Kenpachi has
proven several times to be very dangerous while barehanded. He can
easily catch an opponent's attack with a single hand, perform powerful
kicks, and easily subdue opponents with throws and take-downs.
Vast Spiritual Power: Even by a captain's standards, his Reiryoku is
absolutely monstrous. Kenpachi has fought on par with two other captain-
level opponents without using his full power, with him wearing his energy-
sealing eye patch and his opponents releasing their Zanpakutō's Bankai.
His spiritual energy can affect entire areas to the point of disrupting energy
attacks from enemies, and cause others from seemingly miles away to
enter a state of paralysis and confusion.[124] Similar to Ichigo, when
unleashing a strong enough surge of energy, it becomes visible and yellow
in color, sometimes with the appearance of a skull.[125] Retsu Unohana,
one of the most powerful captains of the Gotei 13, has stated herself to be
weaker than him even while he was still a child, which speaks volumes
about his power.[126]
 Damage Resistance: He can use it as a sort of armor, making it
impossible for him to be harmed by anyone not at his level of power.
This is first demonstrated when Ichigo tries to cut Kenpachi at the start
of their fight. Kenpachi allows Ichigo to strike him, yet not only does he
fail to cut him, but Ichigo's hands start to bleed because of it.[127] This
can be compared to an Arrancar's Hierro.
 Shock Wave: He possesses enough control to focus and unleash his
spiritual pressure in the form of a powerful shock wave. When using
both hands, his shock wave can have a huge radius of destruction.
Highly Perceptive Combatant: Despite his seeming disregard for any
strategy in his fights and his self-admitted aversion to thinking during battle,
Kenpachi is a very insightful man, regularly showing more understanding
than one would expect. Even Byakuya was impressed by Kenpachi's ability
to understand things he has no personal experience with. He is very adept
at finding and exploiting weaknesses in his opponents' techniques, such as
in his battle with Kaname Tōsen, where he subdued the latter's Bankai
while armed only with a Zanpakutō and the one sense left accessible by
Tōsen's Bankai at the time - touch. He is adept at adjusting to his
opponent's attack patterns and battle methods to better counter them.
While he admits to having no sanity or common sense, Kenpachi is very
perceptive, noticing traits in people others would not notice, and seeing
what drives a person's actions. He correctly singles out Kaname Tōsen and
Gin Ichimaru as the only captains who are afraid to die.[128][129] He
possesses sharp intuition towards incoming danger, as shown by his ability
to repeatedly dodge Tōsen's assault while still affected by his Bankai.

Immense Strength: Perhaps due to years of combat experience and time

on the battlefield, Kenpachi has a very large degree of physical strength,
most commonly displayed by his ability to fight back his opponent's attacks
with a single arm. He has repeatedly displayed his strength with acts like
kicking Tōsen through a building and slamming Komamura over his
shoulder with one hand during their battle, as well as when he grabbed
Ichigo's giant sword barehanded and reeled both him and the sword in for
an attack. While fighting Ichigo Kurosaki, he rammed his sword through a
building. With just his bare hand, Kenpachi deflected the Cero of the fifth
Espada, Nnoitra Gilga. His sword attacks can cut through Yammy Llargo's
released state Hierro, removing his limbs in a single strike and knocking the
giant Arrancar off his feet. He can fend off an opponent's gigantic sword
with a single hand.[130] His extreme cutting strength is evident in his ability
to easily cut through an Espada's Hierro, which is harder than steel, as well
as slice apart a skyscraper with a mere flick of his wrist.[131][132][133][134]
Immense Speed: While he possesses no known skill in Shunpo, Kenpachi
is deceptively fast for his size and build. Thanks to his tremendous raw
power, Kenpachi's leg strength allows him to more than make up for his
lack of Shunpo, allowing him to move fast enough to instantly close a huge
gap of space between him and his opponent, and even seemingly
disappear from sight. In battle, he can strike with incredible speed in rapid
succession, making it highly difficult for his opponents to find an opening
and counterattack.
Immense Endurance: His physical strength and speed is matched by his
resilience. Kenpachi often ignores most of the injuries he sustains in battle
(much like a berserker), not suffering any debilitation despite having
multiple slash wounds in his body. He allowed himself to be stabbed during
his fight with Tōsen just to grab Tōsen's blade to dispel his Bankai's effect.
During his battle with Nnoitra, he suffered numerous slash wounds and was
even impaled and almost beheaded with no visual impairment of his
fighting abilities, Nnoitra noting most people would have already been dead
by then.[135][136] Even after receiving grievous injuries which left him in a
comatose state, he recovered only days later, well enough to resume
training.[137]
Immense Durability: As resilient as Kenpachi is, he is just as hard to
damage. During his battle against Yammy, while Kenpachi was focusing
his attention on Ichigo, Yammy delivered a powerful blow with his massive
fist, launching Kenpachi several meters and smashing him into a large
pillar. Despite the impact, Kenpachi quickly emerged unfazed, claiming it
was only a "decent punch" and Yammy needed to "put some effort in
it".[138]
Zanpakutō
Kenpachi does not know the name of his Zanpakutō, and is the only
captain of the Gotei 13 who cannot perform Bankai. After his fight with
Ichigo, Kenpachi wishes to learn more about his Zanpakutō because he
wants to become stronger, and can identify with the pain of not having a
name to be called by. However, he cannot yet communicate with his
Zanpakutō, and it is implied he continually tries to learn from it just so he
can achieve a new level of power. Zangetsu notes Kenpachi's disharmony
with his sword causes the two to damage each other's powers.
Consequently, he cannot hear the cry of his sword. Later, upon
defeatingRetsu Unohana in battle and awakening his true strength,
Kenpachi finally was able to hear his Zankaputō's voice call out to him.[139]
  Shikai: Despite not knowing its name, Kenpachi's Zanpakutō is
constantly in its released state, much like Ichigo's Zangetsu. He
obtained this state while still a child.[140] The blade is much longer
than a standard Zanpakutō's, roughly the size of a nodachi, with a
guard which extends inward from its center, similar to a shinai. The hilt
is white, though most of it is wrapped in bandages, as is his sword's
sheath. Its released states comes from Kenpachi's overwhelming
Reiatsu forcing the release, rather than from knowing his blade's
name. Despite constantly being in Shikai, Kenpachi’s Zanpakutō does
not grant him any additional abilities, due to their lack of
communication.[141][142] Their disharmony leaves his Zanpakutō with
little spiritual energy and lets it become easier to damage, ironically
making its appearance a reflection of Kenpachi's own practice of
weakening himself to fight others on an even level; it is a chipped and
seemingly worn-down blade. Despite its appearance, it can easily cut
through most objects: with it, Kenpachi stabs straight through Ichigo's
Zanpakutō, and later slices a building in half with no apparent effort
after releasing his full power.
Shikai Special Ability: Unknown
 Bankai: Not Yet Achieved.

Trivia Edit

 His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is Massive Attack's

"Superpredators."
 In the latest popularity poll, Kenpachi came 15th (in previous ones he
came 27th and 9th), and in the Zanpakutō poll, his unnamed
Zanpakutō came 29th.
 In the Bleach best bout poll, Kenpachi's fight with Nnoitra came in
tenth place.[143]
Quotes Edit
 (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "You want a reason...for fighting? Why don't you
just accept it already, Ichigo?! You seek out fights. You desire power.
Isn't that right, Ichigo? Everyone who searches for power, without
exception, searches for battle! Do you fight in order to become more
powerful? Or do you want more power so you can fight? I can't tell you
that. The only thing I know for sure is guys like us were born this way!
We were born to fight, Ichigo! Your instincts will keep leading you
toward new battles. It's the only way you have. The only way to
become stronger. Fight, Ichigo! If you want the power to control your
enemy, take that sword in your hand and cut him down! That's your
only option! That's the road that continues in front of you and remains
behind you, Ichigo!"[144]
 "This reiatsu... Even though I don't know who it's from, they seem to
be deep in the heat of battle. Not bad. It sure makes your blood boil,
doesn't it?"[145]
 (To Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa) "So you want to
fight too? Fine, you can have them, but fight elsewhere. If you get in
my way, I'll chop you up first."[146]
 (To Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen) "You are shameless to
sneak around like that, guys. Cowardly hiding spiritual pressure and
stalking others isn't something that captains should do."[147]
 (To Sajin Komamura, Kaname Tōsen, Tetsuzaemon Iba, and Shūhei
Hisagi) "Blah blah blah! You're noisy! Just come on and fight already.
It's best if all four of you come together. If you four surround me and
attack at once, maybe one of you will actually wound me."[148]
 (To Kaname Tōsen) "Sanity? Worthless things like that, I never had
them for as long as I can remember!"[149]
 (To his sword) "It's been so long that I forgot the pain of not having a
name. Everyone had a name that friends use to call them, but I didn't.
That pain."[150]
 (To Yachiru Kusajishi) "I named you Yachiru, in memory of the only
person I ever admired."[151]
 "I want to get stronger. I've finally found a worthy opponent. I can get
stronger. I want to fight. I want to get stronger. It sure has been a
while. To feel this desire again. I want to get stronger."[152]
 (To Ikkaku Madarame) "Never admit defeat and ask for a quick death!
Die first, then admit defeat! If you are defeated but didn't die, it just
means you were lucky! At those times, think only about survival!
Survive and think only about killing the one who failed to kill you!"[153]
 (To Ikkaku Madarame) "Sorry but I'm not interested in weaklings who
can't fight any more. Besides, I don't have any obligation to finish you
off."[154]
 (To Maki Ichinose) "Loyalty to someone is different from depending on
them. It isn't even interesting fighting against someone who doesn't
have his own goals."[50]
 (To Maki Ichinose) "If you really wanted to help that Kariya reach his
goals, then you would have taken care of Ichigo first. But you chose to
come after me. Wasn't that a display of your own will? The power that
you have gained was all in order to defeat me. That power comes from
your own grudge! Why not try giving all your strength to that end?"[50]
 (To Retsu Unohana) "Not criminals? That's rich, coming from you. You
know damn well that if we weren't so damn powerful petty criminals is
all the both of us would be!"[155]
 Gin Ichimaru
Gin Ichimaru

Race Shinigami
Birthday September 10[1]
Gender Male
Height 185 cm (6'1")[1]
Weight 69 kg (152 lbs)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation None
Previous Sōsuke Aizen, Gotei 13, Soul
Affiliation Society
Position None
Commander of Aizen's Arrancar
Army
Previous Position Captain of the 3rd Division
Lieutenant of the 5th Division,
3rd Seat of the 5th Division
Division None
3rd Division
Previous Division
5th Division
Partner None
Izuru Kira, Kaname
Previous Partner
Tōsen, Sōsuke Aizen
Base of
Las Noches, Hueco Mundo
Operations
Personal Status
 Education Shin'ō Academy
Zanpakutō
Shikai Shinsō
Bankai Kamishini no Yari

".....grinning, an act of intimidation." - Tite Kubo[1]

Gin Ichimaru (市丸 ギン, Ichimaru Gin) was the Captain of the3rd
Division of the Gotei 13 until he betrayed Soul Society, alongside Sōsuke
Aizen and Kaname Tōsen. His lieutenant was Izuru Kira.

Appearance
Gin is fairly ordinary in terms of clothing, and he doesn't wear any unique
items. His overall appearance, however, is not as normal. He keeps his
eyes constantly narrowed to slits, rarely ever opening his eyes enough to
reveal their bright sky blue-color.[2]Although he appears to be an early to
mid twenty-year-old person, he is unusually thin and tall with very sharp
features, giving him a skeletal appearance. He bears unusual silver hair
(his name refers to his hair color; gin [銀] is Japanese for silver).[2] He also
keeps his face set in a wide mocking smile, which he only wipes off on rare
occasions of annoyance, surprise, confusion, or even sadness.
In Hueco Mundo, his outfit, like Aizen and Tōsen's, has been modified
since the three abandoned Soul Society. He now wears a long, white robe
over his normal Shinigami hakama. The hilt of his Zanpakutō is visible
sticking out from under the robe through the opening down to his waist.
Later, Gin is seen wearing a white hakama like the Arrancar, instead of the
black ones he was last seen in. Gin wears his robe open in a narrow 'V'
down to his waist, closed to below the hips, and then open again to the
hem, which falls about to mid-calf. His robe has long bell sleeves, into
which he hides his hands like some do with kimono sleeves. The lining of
the robe and edges or layers of the under-robe(s) appear to be black. From
other examples, it is likely he is also wearing black tabi with white waraji.
HisZanpakutō is not visible with this outfit.
Personality
Gin is one of the most mysterious Shinigami in the series, since his almost
constant smile and slitted eyes, combined with his heavy use of sarcasm
and mocking politeness, make it very difficult to discern his thoughts. Many
find his demeanor and appearance rather unsettling and there are very few
who were willing to trust him even before he was revealed as a traitor. Gin
seems to be fully aware of the effect he has on others and more than once
has been seen toying with people's emotional states for his own
amusement. Both Rukia Kuchikiand Wonderweiss Margela have shown to
be rather frightened of him; Rukia noted to herself that she felt like she was
being strangled by snakes whenever he spoke, even if he was not
speaking to her directly. Gin speaks with a distinct Kyoto dialect, which is
polite but indirect.
Ever since he was a child, dried persimmons had been his favorite food.
Planting and raising many persimmon trees around the Third
Division offices, Gin would make the dried persimmons himself before
distributing them to other divisions. Due to mistaking a dried sweet potato
for a dried persimmon he developed a dislike for the former. During his free
time, while still a captain, Gin would often go out for walks around Seireitei.
Despite his hobby supposedly being people-watching, it would seem as
though he also enjoyed hunting around and searching for an opportunity to
create mischief with some poor victim.[3]
History
While living in Rukongai as a child, Gin found Rangiku Matsumoto, a child
herself, collapsed on the ground. He offered her some dried persimmon,
which he was carrying at the time, telling her that if she could collapse due
to hunger, she must have spiritual energy. Rangiku recognized that he
must have spiritual energy as well. Following, Gin introduced himself to
Rangiku, Rangiku commented on the strangeness of his first name.[4] Gin
and Rangiku's shared love of dried persimmon can be traced to that
day.[5] Following their meeting, Gin and Rangiku started to live together
and it was during their time together that Gin asked Rangiku when her
birthday was and she replied she didn't know, as she never really counted
the days until she met him. Gin then told her that from then on, the day they
met would be her birthday.[6]
Gin also encountered Aizen while he and Rangiku still lived in Rukongai.
While gathering firewood in a forest, he spotted Aizen and three other
Shinigami (who were kneeling on the ground before him), through a
clearing in the brush. Spying on them, he saw Aizen take a ball of pink
energy from one of the Shinigami's hands and put it in a glass that
contained the Hōgyoku.[7] It was then revealed that earlier, Gin had seen
those three Shinigami leaving the area where Rangiku was collapsed,
carrying said ball of pink energy that he saw earlier.[8] Realizing that Aizen
must be the leader, Gin resolved to kill him.[9]

Gin had a habit of leaving Rangiku most of the time and not telling her
where he was going.[10] During one such incident, Rangiku found Gin
draped in a Shinigami's Shihakushō with blood on his face. When Rangiku
asked him what he was up to, he replied that he had decided to become a
Shinigami and change things so they would end without Rangiku having to
cry.[11] Gin and Rangiku joined the Shin'ō Academy together.[5] Since then,
Rangiku has been one of the few people Gin seems to truly care for.[12]
Approximately 110 years ago, Gin graduated from the Academy after just
one year, and was given a seated position in the 5th Division. One night,
Aizen found Gin after the latter had killed the 3rd Seat of the 5th Division.
Aizen praised Gin's efforts and asked his opinion of the 3rd Seat, to which
Gin replied that the 3rd Seat was worthless. Aizen immediately gave Gin
the now vacant 3rd seat of the 5th Division and covered-up the fact that Gin
had killed the 3rd Seat.[13]
9 years later, Gin is shown to be involved in Aizen's plot and assisting him
in theHollowfication of high ranking Shinigami.[14] He is present at the
Hollowfication of the investigation team sent by Captain-Commander
Yamamoto. He watched the conversation between Shinji Hirako and Aizen.
He didn't seem surprised at the arrival of captains Kisuke
Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi.[15] Aizen proceeded to leave the scene of
the crime with his henchmen, stating that "there's nothing more to do
there". To stop them from retreating, Tessai
performed Hadō #88, Hiryūgekizokushintenraihō against them, only to be
countered by Aizen using Bakudō #81.,Dankū, enabling their escape.[16]
Some time after this, after Aizen became Captain of the 5th, Aizen told Gin
the secret to avoiding Kyōka Suigetsu's complete hypnosis. Gin was still a
child at the time when he was told about it.[17]

Sometime later, Gin served as the lieutenant of the 5th Division under
CaptainSōsuke Aizen. Aizen and Gin saved the surviving young recruits of
the Shinigami Academy – Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai,
who were out on a field exercise, from a group of huge Hollows.[18] Kira
would later become the Lieutenant of the 3rd Division under Gin.[19]
Gin eventually became the captain of the 3rd Division around the same
time thatByakuya Kuchiki became captain of the 6th Division (less than 49
years ago). Gin however, even as a captain of his own division, was still a
loyal subordinate to Aizen.[20]
At some point during their captaincy, Aizen, Gin and Tōsen secretly
visited Baraggan Louisenbairn, the King ofHueco Mundo and Lord of Las
Noches. Aizen and Baraggan engaged in a light conversation as Gin and
Tōsen watched. Aizen then released his Shikai and showed Baraggan the
decimation of his army by the two other captains.[21]
Some time when both he and Isshin Kurosaki were captains, Gin, along
with Tōsen and Aizen, continued to conduct Hollowfication experiments
whilst attempting to locate Shinji Hirako's group. Asked about their current
progress, he told Aizen they had made none.[22] Observing an ensuing
fight between Isshin and a Hollow creature on a monitor, Gin noted that the
captain left without permission, remarking that this could mean trouble.
Dismissing his concern, Aizen requested a closer look. Later, arriving at the
scene of the battle with the others, all three wearing reiatsu-concealing
cloaks, Gin watched as Aizen cut down Isshin.[23] Afterwards, Gin notes
that Isshin realized the Hollowwasn't the one who cut him, and asks Aizen
if it was okay to leave while Isshin was still alive and suspicious of what
happened.[24]

Equipment
 Reiatsu Concealing Cloak: A cloak created by Urahara which hides
the wearer's spiritual pressure.[86] By incorporating Kidō into the cloak,
Aizen states it allows the wearer to blend in with the air around them,
almost completely concealing them from sight. Gin used this cloak to
accompany Aizen when he struck Isshin Kurosaki down.[87]

Powers & Abilities

Genius Intellect: When Gin was younger, he was hailed as a child genius.
He was highly proficient in his classes at the Shinigami Academy, and he
graduated in one year. His skill was already evident at a young age when
he gained a seated position in the 5th Division shortly after graduating,
ultimately surpassing the previous child prodigy Kaien Shiba, who was
already an adult and had taken five years to become a seated
officer.[88] Gin has shown himself to be highly manipulative and deceptive.
He comes out unscathed due to the calm confusion he plays at, which is a
testament to his overall strategy. In his battle with Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Gin
was able to manipulate the positions of three people so Hitsugaya would
have to choose between saving his own life or Hinamori's without any
visible effort. He is capable of simple deception by having his opponent
focus on one thing while hiding the true threat.[89]
Master Swordsman: Gin is a highly proficient combatant. In combat, he
doesn't seem the least bit taken back by the abilities of his opponent, even
when they seemingly have an advantage. He fights with seemingly no effort
behind his attacks, as he always wields his sword with one hand. His
combat skills were evident even when he was a child. He easily defeated
and killed the former third seat of the 5th Division, who by rank and age
should have been more powerful and skilled than him. Gin was able to
effortlessly keep the upper hand against Tōshirō Hitsugaya, a Shinigami
known for his intellect and skill in Zanjutsu, during their battle. He is
commonly seen using his Zanpakutō's special ability, which is capable of
killing multiple targets in one shot, allowing him to be quite deadly at a
distance.[90][91] He is able to mix extreme speed with a calm composure
and precise attacks.[92]
Great Spiritual Power: Gin possesses captain-level Reiryoku. Gin, without
any visible effort, easily incapacitated Chad, Orihime, Uryū, Makizō, and
Ganju with his Reiatsu just by facing their general direction.[93]
Shunpo Expert: Though never actually shown using this in combat, after
his battle with Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Gin used an impressive Flash Step to
retreat.[94] He was also able to fight on even grounds and keep up with
Ichigo while the latter was using his Bankai.[95]
Enhanced Durability: Gin is durable enough to withstand a direct hit from
Ichigo Kurosaki's Bankai-enhanced Getsuga Tenshō, only suffering a light
wound to his forehead as a result.[96]
Kidō Practitioner: Gin's actual skill level in Kidō is unknown, but he was
able to teleport himself and Aizen a considerable distance using "Sentan
Hakuja".[97] He was also able to cast "Hakufuku" on Rangiku Matsumoto,
preventing Sōsuke Aizen from perceiving her Reiatsu.[98]
Zanpakutō
Shinsō (神鎗, God Spear; Viz "Sacred Spear"): It looks like an
ordinary wakizashi. The hilt is light-blue with a tsubamade of two slim swirls
of metal looping around the blade to make an open oval, resembling an
"S".
 Shikai: It is triggered by the phrase "Shoot to kill" (射殺せ, Ikorose).
In the English Dub, however, he uses a command related to
piercing/stabbing and ends the phrase with a personal pronoun (him,
her, it) defining who he wants to hit.[99][100][101]
Shikai Special Ability: In its Shikai, Shinsō's blade glows white and
extends at high speed to impale Gin's opponents from a distance.
The blade also carries tremendous force when extending, as seen
when Gin pushes both Ichigo Kurosaki and the giant Jidanbō out from
under the Seireitei gate, despite the latter being firmly braced under
it. In addition, Gin can maintain the extension and swing the
activated Shinsō in wide arcs, attacking multiple targets quickly and
simultaneously.[91][102] Shinsō's maximum length is equivalent to one
hundred times its original length, earning it the
 nickname Hyapponzashi (百本差し, Hundred-span) when Gin was
younger.[103]

 Bankai: Kamishini no Yari (神殺鎗, God-Killing Spear): In its Bankai

form, Gin's Zanpakutō does not change in appearance at all, retaining
its smallwakizashi form.
Bankai Special Ability: Gin's Bankai's abilities are essentially the
same as his Shikai's, but its force, cutting power, length and speed
are vastly amplified to the point where Gin is capable of swiftly cutting
an entire town in half with a single slash while standing a great
distance away.[104] AsKamishini no Yari, Gin claims that his sword
can extend itself up to 13 km (8.1 miles) at 500 times the speed of
sound: exactly 171,500 meters per second in order to arrive at its full
length in under 0.08 seconds, which makes it not the longest
Zanpakutō, but the fastest. The blade can also retract to its normal
size at the same rate.[105][106] Because the blade's extension and
contraction speed is a highly dangerous ability, Gin tends to
downplay its speed whenever he talks about his Zanpakutō, and
instead focuses on the length and power of the blade in order to gain
a psychological advantage over his opponent.[107]However, Gin has
also stated that his Bankai is not as fast or as long as he originally
claimed, but he hasn't elaborated on this statement further to
determine what he is specifically referring to.[108]
 Korose, Kamishini no Yari (殺せ, 神殺鎗, Kill, God-Killing

Spear): Kamishini no Yari's true ability, as well as its deadliest

aspect, is not based on its length or speed, but rather its ability
to turn into dust for just a second when it expands and contracts.
There is a deadly poison inside the blade that dissolves and
 breaks down cells. He can leave a sliver of his Zanpakutō in an
opponent when he retracts Kamishini no Yari, allowing him to kill
an opponent at any time he chooses to. He does so by uttering
the technique name while placing his hand up to the target,
which causes the target to completely break down and dissolve
at the cellular level from the inside out.[109]
 Butō (無踏, No/Null Step)[110]: By adopting a stance where he
firmly grips Kamishini no Yari with both hands and places the
Zanpakutō's hilt squarely on the center of his chest, Gin is able
to utilize the tremendous extension and contraction properties of
his Bankai to an even more terrifying extent than its normal
state. This occurs in the form of a piercing maneuver where the
extension and contraction of the blade becomes almost
completely unseen to even the most diligent of observers.[111]
 Butō: Renjin (無踏連刃, No/Null Step: Serial Blade)[110]: This
ability repeats the action of extending and subsequently
contracting Kamishini no Yari, as observed within the
technique Butō, multiple times in rapid succession. The entirety
of this process is completed in a mere moment, resulting in the
individual steps involved in this technique becoming virtually
indistinguishable from each other, generating an apparent mass
of blades that leave little opportunity for the intended victim to
evade successfully.[112]

Trivia
 The color of Gin's eyes has varied throughout the series' medium.
They are shown as blue on the cover of Volume 20 and Episode
270 onwards. However, early episodes of the anime depicts them as
red, and Bleach: Dark Souls and Bleach: Blade of Fate has them
colored yellow.
  Although only heard in two episodes (22 and 52-53), Gin's "bye bye"
has become very popular with the fans and even became the sound of
one of Gin's "fast move attack" in Bleach Heat the Soul 5.
 While it remains the same in the original Japanese version, Shinsō's
release command varies in the English dub of the anime ("Impale
him," "Slay them," "Pierce his flesh," "Shoot to kill,"), as well as
in Bleach: Shattered Blade and the DS series ("Shoot 'em dead").
 Gin was among the four Bleach characters to make the top 100 list in
Newtype Japan's 2007 list of the most popular anime characters.
 Tite Kubo remarked in a 2004 Shōnen Jump character commentary
that Gin's popularity, especially among women, was a great surprise to
him, as he had attempted to make Gin creepy and off-putting in
appearance.
 Gin's Shinsō came 8th in the Zanpakutō poll.
 In the Bleach best bout poll Ichimaru's fight with Hitsugaya came in
fifth place.[114]
 The Shinigami Women's Association published a Photo Collection
showcasing Gin named White Snake but it was cancelled. [115]
 Gin was author of the now suspended column That's Absurd for
the Seireitei Communication. [116]
 Gin's theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is "Snake Tongued Beast"
by Saybia.[117]
 According to the Official Bootleg, Gin possessed incredible skill at
needle threading.[3]

Quotes
 (To Jidanbō Ikkanzaka) "What idiotic rules are you talking about? You
misunderstood. Even when the guardian loses, the guardian may still
 not open the door. If the guardian lost, then that would mean... he
must be executed."[118]
 (To Rangiku Matsumoto) "It would have been nice if my capture lasted
a little longer. Farewell, Rangiku. Sorry."[119]
 (To Rukia Kuchiki) "I was just taking a walk and I dropped by to tease
you."[120]
 (To Rukia Kuchiki) "Would you like me to save you?... Just
kidding."[121]
 "I'm not too fond of sad stories."[123]
 (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Y'know it's useless now. I've been with Aizen-
san for a long time an' this is the first time I've seen something like
this. Well, I suppose that's a given since he went and absorbed the
Hōgyoku while we weren't paying attention. You get it, right? There
ain't nothin' more to be done. You an' all them folks are gonna get
killed and that'll be all she wrote."[125]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "Emotions? Nope, I've got nothin' like that. I told
you when we first met, didn't I? I'm a snake. With cold skin, no
emotions, that slithers around searching for prey with its tongue,
swallowing down whatever looks tasty."[126]
 (As a child, to Rangiku Matsumoto) "I've decided. I'm going to become
a Shinigami. Become a Shinigami and change things. So that they'll
end...without Rangiku having to cry."[127]
 (To Rangiku, in his dying thoughts) "If you were to turn into a snake
tomorrow and begin devouring humans, and from the same mouth you
started devouring humans, you cried out to me 'I love you,' would I still
be able to say 'I love you' the same way I do today?" [128]

VISORED/ MASKED ARMY SOUL REAPER

 Shinji Hirako

Shinji Hirako
Pre Timeskip - Post Timeskip

Race Visored
Birthday May 10[1]
Gender Male
Height 176 cm (5'9")[1]
Weight 60 kg (132 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored, Gotei 13, Soul Society
Position Captain of the 5th Division
Division 5th Division
Partner Momo Hinamori
Previous
Sōsuke Aizen
Partner
5th Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Base of Society; formerly Visored
Operations Warehouse, Karakura Town, Human
World
Personal Status
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Sakanade
Bankai Unknown
 Shinji redirects here. For the anime-exclusive character from episode 133, see Shinji
(filler)
Shinji Hirako (平子 真子, Hirako Shinji) is the captain of the5th Division in
the Gotei 13. His lieutenant is Momo Hinamori. He also served as a
recruiter and the de facto leader of theVisored.

Appearance
Shinji has brown eyes and jaw-length blonde hair with a straight cut and
many of his facial expressions reveal his upper teeth. He wears a standard
Karakura school uniform, though he usually wears a gray long-coat, shirt
and tie, a newsboy cap (though he commonly forgoes wearing the coat and
cap). Shinji appears to have a pierced round ring in the middle of his
tongue.

During his first stint as a captain, before he left the Soul Society, his hair
was very long, reaching down to the lower part of his back. He wore the
standard Shinigami robes with a standard, long-sleeved, captain's haori.
Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Shinji returns to this attire with the
addition of wearing his tie tucked under his robes. His hair which he kept in
a short, straight-line cut after becoming a Visored has remained basically
the same as well, with the exception of the bang now having a more
asymmetrical cut with the left side being longer than the right.[2]
Sometime before the Vandenreich's Invasion of Soul Society, Shinji adds a
further white robe between his haori and uniform, which is fastened at the
front. His tie is also replaced by a broader cravat that is tucked under his
new robe and is clasped using a small, silver slide.[3]
Personality
Shinji is somewhat comical, adding a bit of levity to situations that are
otherwise serious. He has a flippant attitude under normal circumstances
and seems to like annoying his associate, Hiyori Sarugaki, which usually
earns him a slap from one of her sandals. She, in turn, shows him
absolutely no respect and frequently insults and attacks him; his behavior
towards her is no better, frequently making faces or quick insults at her
expense. He also has a history of referring to cute girls he meets as his
'first love', complete with a deadpan look on his face, despite the obvious
lie (though he never did this with Hiyori, further annoying her). He also
enjoys listening to jazz music, as he had a phonograph that played his vinyl
records in his days as a Captain.
Underneath this, though, he is quite perceptive in terms of regarding other
people, and during his time as a captain, was one of the few people who
appeared suspicious of his then-lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen, and could
apparently sense or see through some of his illusions. He also quickly
notes parts of Urahara's personality. Aizen even admitted to being
somewhat intimidated by him. Whenever angered or in combat, Shinji is
fairly calm, serious, and level-headed.
History

Approximately 110 years ago, Shinji, in his capacity as the 5th

Division captain, was seen getting ready to attend a captain's promotion
ceremony and greeting his lieutenant, Sōsuke Aizen, upon his arrival. Shinji
questioned Aizen's sense of fashion upon seeing that he was only wearing
his standard Shinigami robes, prompting the two to start a debate of the
necessity of wearing different clothes considering the event. When Aizen
commented on the music Shinji was listening to, Shinji explained that it was
jazz and it was all the rage in the world of the living at the time. The two
made their way to the First Division Headquarters to attend the promotion
ceremony.
Upon the doors opening Shinji was ambushed by Lieutenant Hiyori
Sarugaki of the 12th Division, though she was soon reprimanded by
Captain Love Aikawa of the 7th Division. When Shinji finally gathered
himself, he began to taunt Hiyori enraging her even further. As the group
proceeded inside, Shinji asked Love what the head count was looking like
for the ceremony, to which Love responded that almost everyone was
already there. Shinji stated that he saw that no one from the 11th
Division had shown up. Love explained that was the Eleventh Division's
Captain's way, as he did what he wanted. Shinji replied by saying just
because he was the 10th 'Kenpachi', no one had the guts to keep him in
check. He went on to say that he could not understand why they let such a
loose cannon like him become captain. Love tried to ease him explaining
that there was no use getting upset over it, as the chosen 'Kenpachi' had
always held the position of the 11th Division captain, as it was a sort of
legacy and it would not change any time soon.

Love went on to say that if Shinji wanted to complain about anything, then
he should complain about the fact that the previous Kenpachi's ineptitude
made it possible. The two captain's conversation was interrupted by the
arrival of the 8th Division captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, being accompanied by
his lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru, and 13th Division captain, Jūshirō Ukitake.
Shunsui accused the two of gossiping behind other people's backs. Shinji
then bore witness to the conversation between Shunsui and Ukitake about
who had been captain the longest and what had happened to the previous
12th Division captain, Kirio Hikifune. He made note that they were going
through captains quicker than toilet paper.[4] Shinji was later seen waiting
in line with the other captains as the newly appointed 12th Division
CaptainKisuke Urahara arrived to the meeting. He was noticeably
unimpressed at the demeanor and first impression Urahara made at his
promotion ceremony.[5]

Later the following night, he approached Urahara and told him why Hiyori
was giving him problems: she had looked up at her previous Captain as a
mentor and a mother-figure. Shinji continued by giving him advice on how
best to go about being a captain. He then remarked to Urahara that he
could tell he wasn't the type who did what other people told him anyway, so
it didn't matter what he said. Either way Shinji explained that he felt
Urahara was the same kind of man as like him, so he should just meddle in
his own business. While leaving Shinji asked, "How long do you plan on
watching us from over there". Using his hand, Shinji revealed Aizen
concealed behind some form of camouflage, Aizen complimented his
captain and asked him when did he realize he was there, to which Shinji
replied "When you were still in your momma's womb"[6]; he then ordered
Aizen to follow him. Aizen then commented on how scary a person Shinji
was, to which Shinji replies that he was the scary one.[7]

Nine years later, Shinji and Aizen were walking around the Seireitei when
they came across Urahara, Hiyori and 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While
Shinji once again engaged in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori,
Aizen asked Urahara if he had heard the news to which Urahara tells him
he hadn't. Shinji proceeded to take up the tale and told Urahara about the
series of strange deaths that had taken place in Rukongai. Shinji also
informed him that the 9th Division had been sent to handle the
investigation.[8]

Later that night, Shinji was dispatched with Love Aikawa, Rōjūrō
Ōtoribashi, Hachigen Ushōda, and Lisa Yadōmaru to investigate the
disappearance of Rukongai residents, Captain Kensei Mugurumaand the
members of his division by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni
Yamamoto.[9] Upon arrival at the investigation sight, Shinji fended off what
appeared to be a Hollowfied Kensei from attacking Hiyori, who had been
sent there to collect samples by request of the 9th Division.[10]

With the arrival of the rest of the investigation squad, they pondered
whether the creature was actually Kensei with Shinji stating that he didn't
know if it was Kensei, but that if they didn't draw their swords they would be
as good as dead. After Kensei let out a loud roar, Shinji picked up Hiyori
and backed up, he then watched as Love proceeded to engage Kensei in
battle.[11] When Hiyori pleaded with them to stop fighting because it was
Kensei, she began to cough. Shinji told her to be quiet as they had to stop
him especially if it was Kensei[12] When a Hollowfied Mashiro
Kuna appeared behind Rose and attacked him, Shinji called out to her so
that her attention would be directed at him. Mashiro proceeded towards
Shinji and attacked him, but he blocked her. He was assisted by the timely
arrival of Hachi who used Bakudō #75. "Gochūtekkan" to subdue her.
Hachi commented on how fast the others were in getting there. Hachi
noticed Love having a hard time fighting a Hollowfied Kensei and used
Bakudō #63. "Sajō Sabaku" to restrain him as well. He then asked Shinji
what was going on and what had happened to Mashiro and Kensei, but
they were interrupted by Kensei breaking free.[13]

As Kensei proceeded to attack the others Hachi used Bakudō #99. "Kin" to
finally bring Kensei down. Shinji commented to Hachi that he was
impressed that he used a level 99 binding spell without the incantation.
Shinji then asked Hachi if he could fix Kensei and Mashiro with Kidō, but
Hachi plainly told him that he couldn't if he didn't know what the problem
was. Suddenly, Hiyori began to cough uncontrollably, Shinji asked if she
was alright and told Hachi to start with her first, but he was interrupted by
Hiyori who began to choke out that she wanted him to let her go.

Hiyori then Hollowfied and attacked Shinji with a slash across his chest
much to everyone's disbelief. It was then that a darkness falls around the
rescue squad and they were attacked by an unseen assailant. Shinji was
the only one conscious after this and upon the darkness lifting, he saw the
assailant to beKaname Tōsen, Muguruma's 5th seat. Shinji asked him how
could he betray his captain, it was then that Shinji's attention was caught by
the arrival of Aizen andGin Ichimaru. Aizen explains that he had not
betrayed anyone and that he was very faithful and he had just faithfully
followed his orders.[14]

Shinji admitted he wasn't as surprised as he let on and Aizen asked if he

suspected him and stated that he had expected that much from his captain.
Shinji then explained how he knew something was dangerous about Aizen,
and that he couldn't be trusted. It was for those reasons that Shinji chose
him to be his lieutenant: so that he could keep an eye on him. Aizen then
told him that he was grateful, as due to his deep seated doubts he didn't
suspect a thing. When Shinji stated that he already made it known that he
had suspected him, Aizen elaborated stating that he didn't realize that the
whole past month, it wasn't Aizen walking behind him. Aizen proceeded to
explain the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. Aizen informed
Shinji that if he was as close to Aizen as other captains were to their
lieutenants, then he would have been able to see through it by picking up
on subtle differences between Aizen and the man acting as Aizen's double.
It was his lack of trust that kept them from getting close and as such,
allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. He also explained that he could have always
refused to be Shinji's lieutenant, but decided against that action because
Shinji's suspicious nature made the position ideal to carry out his plans.
Aizen thus laid the blame for Shinji and his comrades' current predicament
at the feet of Shinji. Shinji was provoked by this statement and that
triggered a speed-up in the Hollowfication process. Aizen thanked him for
being so easily provoked and makes a note of the observed connection
between the speed Hollowfication and agitated emotions.[15]

Shinji asked Aizen what Hollowfication is, but Aizen refused to speak on it
any further. He then ordered Tōsen to finish them and after Hiyori was
attacked, Shinji faced off against Tōsen. Shinji stated that he did not know
what was going on, but he assumed that nothing had gone exactly as
planned just yet. He then remembered that Aizen said agitation speeds up
the process, so he resolved to remain calm and level-headed. He began to
battle Tōsen beating the traitor back. Shinji continued to battle and soon
gained the upper hand sending Tōsen crashing into the ground. But before
Shinji could continue the fight, the Hollowfication process advanced further
and incapacitated him.[16]
Just as Aizen was about to finish off Shinji, Captain Kisuke Urahara and
Kidō Captain Tessai Tsukabishi of the Kidō Corps, appeared and saved
him from destruction. Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen made their escape and Tessai
used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport the rescue squad to the
12th Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process
using his created item, the Hōgyoku.[17] Unfortunately, it ended up as a
failure, not having the desired effect Urahara expected.[18]
The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. However, before any of their sentences could be executed, both
were rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret
underground area.[19] In the secluded area, she had also brought Shinji
and the other Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the
new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara
resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the
eight victims escape to the Real World, where they hoped to find a way to
undo the Hollowfication process.[20]

Powers & Abilities

Master Swordsman: Shinji is implied to be a powerful combatant, being a
Shinigami captain and the unofficial leader among the Visored. At one
point, when Shinji begins to fight against Ichigo Kurosaki, the other Visored
mention that Ichigo is foolish to battle Shinji, proven by the fact that Shinji is
not taking the battle seriously (albeit Ichigo was also holding back, because
he was trying to suppress his inner Hollow).[78][79] Shinji is also able to hold
off Mashiro Kuna during her Hollowfication without releasing his sword,
though it took some effort.[80] He was also able to fend off Kaname
Tōsen while also trying to resist his Hollowfication.[81] Shinji takes on the
6th Espada, maintaining his calm in the face of the destruction Grimmjow
brought to the battle and pushing the Espada back with little effort, using
only his Hollow mask and his swordsmanship skill.[82][83]
Shunpo Expert: Shinji excels in Shunpo. His skill is great enough to easily
outmaneuver Grimmjow, the sixth Espada.[83] As a captain, even before he
became a Visored, he was the first to arrive to save Hiyori, even when Lisa
had a head-start and all the other captains left later at the same
time.[84] Shinji is also very quick at close-range. During his assault on
Aizen, he is able to perceive and dodge Tōsen's sneak attack while
sustaining only a small scratch above his left eye.[85]
Keen Intellect: Despite his childish attitude at times, Shinji has shown
himself to be a very insightful and perceptive man. During his initial stint as
captain of the 5th Division, he was able to see through Aizen's deceptions
and some of his illusions. Aizen himself admitted to be intimidated by
Shinji's cunning.
Immense Spiritual Power: As a captain, he has an enormous amount of
spiritual pressure. Being a Visored, Shinji possesses a dual-type spiritual
energy, part Shinigami and part Hollow. His spiritual pressure is said to be
monstrous.[86]
Kidō Practitioner: While never used in battle, Shinji has shown enough
proficiency in this skill to, without warning, put Ichigo into a dream
state[87] and break Aizen's illusions.[6]
Zanpakutō
Sakanade (逆撫, Counter Stroke): In its sealed form, it resembles a normal
katana. The hilt and sheath are red, and its guard is shaped like an
hourglass.
 Shikai: The release command is "Collapse" (倒れろ, taorero).[88] In

its Shikai state, the pommel becomes a large ring that allows
Sakanade to rotate around Shinji's hand without him actually gripping
any part of the Zanpakutō. This movement relates to his sword's
special ability. The first few inches of the blade are covered by an
extension of the cross-guard. Sakanade's blade is straight and slim,
with the tip ending in a slanted razor-like edge instead of being
tapered to a point. There are five holes along the sword's length.[89]
 Shikai Special Ability: Sakanade's Shikai ability creates
an Sakasama no Sekai (逆様の世界, Inverted World). When spun,
the sword creates a pink mist. Those who smell its pleasant aroma
fall subject to an optical illusion. Shinji describes the release
technique as something like a trump card. Up and down, left and right
as well as forward and backward are reversed. However, it is not just
the sense of direction that is changed; the opponent's eyesight,
direction of incoming attacks, and injury locations are also inverted.
Shinji claims that countering the damage from the inverted directions
simply by processing it all within the mind is not possible. No matter
how powerful the opponent, even if one is accustomed to fighting in
that particular way, their body will not adapt, and will continue to fight
by reflex, which causes it to continuously succumb to the power's
effect.[90] The effect of the inverted world can be targeted at or
neglected from specific opponents, making it ideal for use in group
fighting.[91]

 Bankai: Not Yet Revealed.

Hollowfication

Hollow Mask: Shinji's Hollow mask strongly resembles a pharaoh's mask,

with a short, flowing hood hanging down the back of his neck. When
donning his Hollow mask, Shinji's sclera turn completely black, and his
irises become grey.[92]
Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Shinji's Hollow
powers supplement his Shinigami powers, giving him a vast increase
in both strength and speed.

  Cero: Shinji gathers energy that is displayed in a horizontal line
at his fist. He then releases a crimson Cero with an extremely
wide arc and devastating force. The Cero from a distance is
powerful enough to cause grievous injury to an Espada of at
least rank six, even at minimal power.[93][83]
 Enhanced Strength: While wearing his Hollow mask, Shinji has
shown that he gains greater strength, which he uses to
physically overwhelm Tōsen and Grimmjow.[81][83]
 Enhanced Speed: While wearing his Hollow mask, Shinji is able
to move much faster, which he uses to overwhelm Tōsen and
Grimmjow on separate occasions.[81][83]
 Enhanced Endurance: With his Hollow mask, Shinji becomes
much more resilient to pain. He even states that when he first
underwent Hollowfication that "wearing the mask feels like being
in control of someone else's body".[81]

Trivia
 An early drawing of Shinji can be seen in the art of the first chapter.
This early design of Shinji ranked #103 with three votes in the
second Bleachpopularity poll.

Quotes
 (To newly-appointed Captain Urahara) "I don't like to go around talkin'
like I know everything, but take this as the opinion of someone who's
done this captain job before. Even if you sympathize with your
subordinates you can't go around tryin' ta please them all the time.
 You should do things the way you want to do them, and if nobody
follows you, it just means you weren't cut out for this job."[94]
 (To Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez) "I swear. I really don't like gettin'
involved in Shinigami fights. Oh well. When you hear the sound of
fighting so close by you can't just ignore it."[95]
 (To Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez) "Can't ya hold back a little while you're
fighting? If I dodge an attack and the city gets destroyed bit by bit
instead, then I can't just ignore it and keep dodging."[96]
 (Before leaving to fight in the war) "... Kisuke said it. "There were no
miscalculations and that's the biggest miscalculation". Everything
unfolded in the worst way just as predicted. Kisuke really took good
care of us. And so did Aizen. Let's go" [97]
 (To Yamamoto) "If there were something to be upset about, I suppose
it would be the fact that you all were fighting behind this stupidly strong
barrier!"[98]
 (To Yamamoto, after being asked if the Visored were on the
Shinigami's side) "The answer to that is obvious. Absolutely not. We
are not your allies. We are enemies of Aizen. And allies of Ichigo."[99]
 (To Komamura) "Are you sure it's alright to be helping out a strange lot
like us? Although as far as appearance go, you're plenty strange
yourself."[100]
 (To Misato Ochi) "Pretty good, huh? Doing things in reverse is my
speciality."[101]
 (To Sōsuke Aizen) "Can you fight when up and down, left and right,
front and back, and the direction you take damage from are all mixed
up inside your head? No, you can't. Nobody can. The stronger you are
the more used you are to combat, the more likely your body is to react
only to what you see!!"[102]
 Hiyori Sarugaki

Hiyori Sarugaki

Race Visored
Birthday August 1[1]
Gender Female
Height 133 cm (4'4")[1]
Weight 26 kg (57 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored
Previous
Gotei 13, Soul Society
Affiliation
Lieutenant of the 12th Division, Head
Previous
Researcher of the Shinigami Research
Position
and Development Institute[2]
Previous
Division 12th Division

Partner None
Previous
Kirio Hikifune, Kisuke Urahara
Partner
Base of Visored Warehouse, Karakura
Operations Town,Human World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education Shin'ō Academy[3]
Zanpakutō
Shikai Kubikiri Orochi
 Bankai None Hiyori
Sarugaki (猿柿
ひよ里, Sarugaki Hiyori) is the former Lieutenant of the 12th Division under
Captains Kirio Hikifuneand Kisuke Urahara, and currently a Visored.

Appearance
Hiyori is a very short, brown eyed, blonde-haired girl who wears her short
hair in spiky pigtails with her bangs clipped together by three clips. She
wears a white shirt and a red jogging suit, the latter with white lines running
down from the shoulders and decorated with the first kanji of her name, as
well as yellow flip flops. Hiyori carries her Zanpakutō over her back. On
each cheek, under each of her eyes, she has three freckles.[4] She has an
overly long fang protruding from the upper left side of her mouth. This
physical characteristic has caused both Ichigo and Shinji to call her
"snaggletooth". She appears more haggard and not as sharp as she did
during her days in Soul Society, with tired lines under her eyes.

During her time in Soul Society, she wore a standard Shinigami uniform
with her lieutenant's armband on her left arm. During this time, her pigtails
were fairly long and hung down, and she did not wear her hair clips.

Personality
Despite her small size, Hiyori is an aggressive and short-tempered girl with
rather violent tendencies, her most common victim being Shinji Hirako,
whom she frequently abuses, usually by smacking him with one of her
sandals or kicking and punching him in the face. She has made it a reflex
to use him as a human shield when necessary, and shows him an obvious
lack of respect, a gesture which he seems to return. This behavior dates
back to her time as a lieutenant, despite Shinji outranking her back then.
She has highly aggressive tendencies, often make her lash out at other
people even under normal circumstances.
She shows very little respect to the majority of people around her, easily
losing her temper and getting into fights. Having viewed her former
captain Kirio Hikifune as a motherly figure, Hiyori was quite hurt by her
departure, and initially refused to accept Urahara as her replacement, even
treating him with her trademark violence and disrespect, despite his
attempts to be her friend. When Kirio Hikifune was in charge of her, Hiyori
was very respectful to her old captain as a sign of respect and trust, but still
smacked everyone else around. Hiyori seems to harbor a hatred of both
Shinigami and Humans. As a result of her thorny disposition and possible
insecurities, Hiyori never displays much emotion besides anger, and
always appears to be frowning.

During her time training, she never succeeded in making Ichigo call her
"Hiyori-san" (Miss Hiyori), though she calls Ichigo and Shinji "dumbass"
among other names.

History

Approximately 110 years ago, Hiyori was the lieutenant of the 12th
Division under captain Kirio Hikifune until the latter's promotion. When
Captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division arrived at the 1st
Division headquarters for the promotion ceremony ofKisuke Urahara,
Hiyori, opening the door, attacked him. She got knocked on the head by
Captain Love Aikawa, who stated she should apologize, which only
prompted Hiyori to question his authority in disciplining her. Love stated
since her captain was not present, someone had to keep her in line.
Regardless of Love's attempts to get her under control, Hiyori insisted she
would not apologize.[5]

Later, Hiyori waited with the other captains as the newly appointed 12th
Division captain, Kisuke Urahara, arrived to the meeting. Hiyori, looking on,
was unimpressed upon his arrival.[6] Later that day, when Urahara formally
introduced himself to the 12th Division and Hiyori, she, flat out telling him
she would not accept him as her captain, slapped away Urahara's hand,
which shocked him. Stating she already could not stand that Captain
Hikifune left without a moment's notice and now they had to deal with a 2nd
Division member as their captain, she noted he was from the Onmitsukidō,
so he was most likely a sneaky murderer.

When the other 12th Division members tried to tell her she was going too
far, Hiyori stated she was only saying what they were all thinking, though
the other 12th Division members refused to side with her opinion. When
she confronted Urahara, trying to get a rise out of him, he, laughing it off,
told her he has already been made the captain of the 12th Division. He
explained he had already decided the role he would play would be their
captain, and no longer a member of the 2nd Division. Urahara told Hiyori if
she had a problem, it was hers to change. Hiyori, kicking him in his crotch,
ran off, only succeeding in injuring her foot.[7]

While walking around the 12th Division barracks, Hiyori, becoming irate
when she found the division moving Urahara's vast amount of personal
items, got into another confrontation with him when he tried to be of aid to
her. The following day, at a division meeting, Urahara revealed he had
decided to change the policy of the 12th Division, but had yet to determine
what course of action he thought would be a good role for them. Becoming
increasing angry upon hearing he was still thinking about it, Hiyori attacked
him. Later, she was walking around the 12th Division barracks when she
was confronted by Shinji. They got into a small argument, and Hiyori
attacked him for saying something Urahara commonly said which she could
not stand. Confronting Urahara, she challenged him to a fight, which he
accepted, but asked that they fight hand-to hand. As they prepared to fight,
Urahara told her to attack him from any angle. Hiyori, running at him,
kicked him square in the face.

Hiyori ran off, and at the entrance to the division headquarters, she realized
Urahara, seeing through her attack, moved out the way and back in place
so she would hit him. She became confused as to what drove this
action.[8] The following morning, she arrived at the captain's chamber. As
Hiyori became enraged at how Urahara had changed the room from its
former state, he, trying to calm her down, told her in getting to know him, he
would get to know her. Undeterred, Hiyori attacked him, but he, brushing it
aside, asked her to accompany him to the Nest of Maggots.[9]

Hiyori accompanied Urahara onto the 2nd Division grounds, where he

proceeded to explain to her the purpose of the detention unit and what truly
happened to those found under their jurisdiction. He further explained what
the Nest of Maggots was and what function it entailed. Upon entering the
facility, Urahara, telling her the inmates were not permitted to leave, but
they were still free within the facility, warned her to be careful, as the
inmates could become violent. When Hiyori asked what they did, Urahara
told her "nothing", causing Hiyori to question the methods, but Urahara
explained to her the dangers these inmates could bring and why they were
imprisoned, making note of the true dealings of what happened to those
who withdrew from service in the Gotei 13. Urahara explained though the
people in the facility were possibly dangerous, he had always felt that,
given a suitable outlet, they could channel their power into something more
productive.

When one of the inmates tried to attack Hiyori, she realized she could not
fight, as she had left her Zanpakutō behind. Easily stopping the inmate,
Urahara apologized, as he had noticed she had left her Zanpakutō behind
and had chosen to say nothing. He made note that in the facility, they were
not allowed to carry weapons, so hand-to-hand combat mastery was the
key.[10] When this prompted the other inmates to attack, Urahara, easily
defending himself, took out all his attackers, much to Hiyori's surprise.
Eventually, one of the inmates, trying to take Hiyori hostage, was quickly
overwhelmed by her as she demonstrated her own capabilities in hand-to-
hand combat.[3]

Urahara told Hiyori they were going to meet the only inmate who was so
dangerous he required his own cell, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, whom Urahara
asked if he wanted to leave the Nest of Maggots.[11] After Mayuri and
Hiyori got into a small argument, Urahara, explaining she was his
lieutenant, asked Mayuri for an answer to his proposition. He revealed that
in his capacity as the captain of the 12th Division, he had decided to make
an organization; the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Hiyori
was surprised and further amazed he would put such a dangerous criminal
in the line to a position of power.[12]
9 years later, Hiyori was with Urahara and now 12th Division 3rd Seat &
Vice-President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute,
Mayuri Kurotsuchi. The trio were greeted by Captain Shinji Hirako and
Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen. Beginning to inform Urahara of current events,
Shinji was attacked by Hiyori, who claimed he did not say "Hi" to her. The
two got into a fight which left Aizen to explain to Urahara the 9th Division
had been sent on a special investigation to find out what was happening
with the disappearances in Rukongai.[13]

During her time as a member of the Institute, Hiyori served as a lab

manager while clashing with then 3rd Seat & Vice-President of the
Shinigami Research and Development Institute Mayuri Kurotsuchi over
who had more authority under the captain. The two got into an ongoing
argument about who was in charge, prompting Hiyori to call in Urahara. He
explained to her that, with the disappearances occurring, he had created a
new type of Gigai. Before Hiyori could respond, they were interrupted by
the arrival of Tōdō, the 6th Seat of the 9th Division. Agreeing to send a
researcher over to the investigation site as per the request of
Captain Kensei Muguruma of the 9th Division, Urahara elected Hiyori to go
to the site. When she, becoming irate, asked why he could not send
someone less important, referring to lab assistant Akon, he asked if she
should continue being a lieutenant, prompting Hiyori to attack him, though
he simply dodged her. Though reluctant, Hiyori gave in once Urahara
explained she was the only one he could trust with the task.[14]

Some time later, Hiyori was running for her life from a shadowed creature,
which was revealed to be a Hollowfied Kensei. Just when he was about to
deal her a devastating blow, his attack was deflected by the arrival of Shinji
Hirako.[15]Moments later, a team of various captains and lieutenants who
were sent to investigate the disappearance of Kensei's Division arrived.
They began to attack Kensei and a Hollowfied Mashiro Kuna, lieutenant of
the 9th Division. In the midst of this, Shinji, picking up Hiyori, pulled her out
of harm's way.[16] Gathering after the fight, the investigation team talked
about the situation. Starting to cough, Hiyori became Hollowfied herself. A
darkness fell around the rescue squad, and they were attacked by an
unseen assailant.[17]

The assailant was found to be Kaname Tōsen, Kensei's 5th seat, who was
acting under the orders of Sōsuke Aizen, who was the one behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[18] Just as Aizen gave the
order to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami, Captain Kisuke Urahara and
Captain Tessai Tsukabishi, arriving, saved them from destruction.
Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Tōsen made their escape, and Tessai
used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport them to the 12th Division
barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using his creation,
the Hōgyoku,[19] which ended up as a failed process, not having the effect
Urahara expected.[20]

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. Before any of their sentences could be executed, both were
rescued by 2nd Division Captain Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a
secret underground area.[21] In this secluded area, she had brought Hiyori
and the other Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new
Gigai which Urahara was working on. With this epiphany, Urahara resolved
to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to help him, Tessai, and the eight
victims escape to the Human World, where they would find a way to undo
the Hollowfication process.[22]
Powers & Abilities
Hakuda Expert: Hiyori is a very capable hand-to-hand fighter, who
commonly use various kicks in combination with her Zanpakutō to take out
opponents. She effortlessly overwhelmed a dangerous inmate from the
Maggot's Nest who had taken her hostage.[54][55]
 Gatling Mad-Stomping (ガトリング地団駄, Gatoringu Jidanda)[56]:

Hiyori performs multiple foot stomps on an opponent's face. The

technique is powerful enough to send Ichigo flying and completely
shatter his Hollow mask.[57]
 Super Harisen Slipper (スーパーハリセンスリッパ, Sūpā Harisen
Surippa)[58]: Hiyori smacks her opponent with her sandal. This
technique, while simple, possesses enough force to send Shinji
Hirako flying through a nearby wall and Hachi's barrier.[59]
Expert Swordsman: Hiyori's skills in swordsmanship are considerable,
having spent time as a lieutenant in theGotei 13. Her fighting style is
aggressive and unpredictable, as she channels a lot of her attitude and
anger into her attacks. She has fought off numerous Menos Grande, held
her own against an experienced fighter like Ichigo Kurosaki, and held her
own against the 3rd Espada, Tier Harribel (while fighting alongside Lisa
Yadōmaru andTōshirō Hitsugaya).[60][61]
 Suikawari (西瓜割, "Watermelon Splitting")[56]: Hiyori comes down

with her sword upon an opponent. She used this technique to cleanly
cut down through the head and mask of a Gillian with ease.[62]
Enhanced Strength: She has brutally beaten up Shinji and Ichigo using
her enhanced strength and her hand-to-hand combat.[63][64]
Enhanced Speed: Her speed is considerable, and she regularly uses it to
supplement her fighting skill, surprising those she attacks.[65] While training
Ichigo, she uses what appeared to be Shunpo.[66]
High Spiritual Power: Hiyori possesses lieutenant-level Reiryoku. Being a
Visored, Hiyori possesses a dual-type spiritual energy, part Shinigami and
part Hollow. Her spiritual energy is pink.[67] With her mask on, she can
focus considerable amounts of energy into a blast to knock targets away.
Zanpakutō
Kubikiri Orochi (馘大蛇, Beheading Serpent): Hiyori's Zanpakutō is a
standard katana, though its tsuba (decorated sword guard) is decorated in
small hearts. During her days as a lieutenant, she would wear it by her belt,
but as a Visored, she normally carries her sword over her right shoulder on
her back.
 Shikai: Its Shikai command is Chop
Cleanly (ぶっ手切れ, buttegire;Butcher them in the English Dub).
Hiyori's katana becomes a large cleaver with a serrated saw-like
blade.[68]
Shikai Special Ability: Unknown
 Bankai: Not Yet Achieved

Hollowfication
Hollow Mask: Skeletal in appearance, her Hollow mask sports a prominent
horn centered on the forehead and a row of diamond-shaped markings
over the eyebrows. Upon donning her Hollow mask, the sclera of her eyes
turn black, though her irises remain brown.[69][70] She took the longest to
defeat her inner Hollow out of all the current Visored (excluding Ichigo, who
took about the same amount of time) at 69 minutes and 2 seconds. When
angered or provoked in some way, the mask's power increases due to her
emotions ruling her.
 Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Hiyori's Hollow
powers supplement her Shinigami powers, giving her a vast increase
in both strength and speed.
 Cero: Hiyori can fire a red Cero from the open mouth of her
Hollow Mask. The powerful blast is sustainable, and can be used
as a sweeping beam which can take out more than one target in
one pass.[71]

Quotes
 (To Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue) "A princess and a tiger, huh?
Such excessive names! Our names mean 'monkey' and 'lewd!' I'm so
jealous!"[74]
 (To Shinji Hirako) "I really, really hate humans. I really hate Shinigami
too."[75]
 (To Tōshirō Hitsugaya) "I don't want to be helping you out Shinigami!!
But this isn't the time for that!!" [76]
 (To Shinji Hirako) "I'm...sorry...Shinji......I...was impatient..."[77]
 Lisa Yadōmaru
Lisa Yadōmaru

Race Visored
Birthday February 3[1]
Gender Female
Height 162 cm (5'4")[1]
Weight 52 kg (114 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored
Previous
Gotei 13, Soul Society
Affiliation
Previous Position Lieutenant of the 8th Division
Previous Division 8th Division
Partner None
Previous Partner Shunsui Kyōraku
Base of Visored Warehouse, Karakura
Operations Town,Human World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Haguro Tonbo
 Bankai None

Lisa Yadōmaru (矢胴丸 リサ, Yadōmaru Risa), sometimes romanized

as Risa Yadōmaru,[1] is a Visored and the former Lieutenant of the 8th
Division under Captain Shunsui Kyōraku.

Appearance
Lisa's appearance is of a young adult woman with turquoise eyes, red oval
glasses and long black hair. Her hair has bangs in the front and she keeps
the back in a braided ponytail. She dresses in a long sleevedsailor fuku,
with a teal green/blue collar and matching pleated miniskirt that ends at her
stomach, completed with a pink neckerchief. (In contrast to the Western-
style uniforms worn by the students of Karakura High School). During her
time in Soul Society she wore a variation of the standard Shinigami robes.
She wore a shortenedhakama resembling a skirt. Her hair was in two
braided pigtails though slightly shorter and was much more well kept with
straight bangs. She also wore red squared glasses as opposed the oval
ones she currently wears.
Seventeen months after the war against Aizen, Lisa's hairstyle is changed,
now tied back into a high, shoulder-length ponytail with chin-length bangs
on either side of her face.[2]
Personality
In comparison to her comrades, Lisa is one of the calmer, more sensible
members of the Visored, showing a quite stern, detached and secretive
demeanor at most points, although she is somewhat temperamental and
easily irritable. Her hobbies include reading erotic manga
(specifically, josei genre) or swimsuit magazines, which she often lends to
her fellow Visored, including Love and Ichigo (who denies it). She is also
very curious, and had a habit of spying on the captain's meetings during
her time in Soul Society. Despite her rather distant personality, she
appears to care about her fellow Visored, as shown when she warned
Kensei about an attack from a Hollowfied Ichigo. She has shown to have a
playful side similar to her former captain Shunsui Kyōraku, as the two were
close and shared in mutual advances toward each other.
History
.
Approximately 110 years ago, Lisa was the Lieutenant of the 8th Division
under then Captain Shunsui Kyōraku. Lisa was first seen arriving at the 1st
Division Headquarters with her Captain Kyōraku and Captain Jūshirō
Ukitake of the 13th Division. When Kyōraku entered into a conversation
about promptness with Captain Love Aikawa of the 7th Division, Lisa
interrupted them stating how they were prompt because she groped him to
wake him up, to which Kyōraku tried to shush her because it would be
inappropriate to address such things in public. She then silently followed
her captain as he and the other captains commented on the status of
the Gotei 13. She then bore witness to Kyōraku explaining to 5th
Division Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen the existence of the Royal Guard.[3]

Ten years later, she was known to engage in reading to the youngest
female member of the 8th Division, Nanao Ise, the future lieutenant of the
8th Division, during the first day of each month. During one of these days,
an emergency meeting was called by General Yamamoto to address the
disappearance of the members of the 9th Division investigation team who
themselves were sent to find victims of mysterious disappearances in
Rukongai.[4][5] The General then decided to send both the Kidō
Captain Tessai Tsukabishi and Kidō Lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda of
the Kidō Corps to the disappearance sight as part of an investigation team.
He is interrupted by Captain Kyōraku, who suggested that it would be
unwise to send both of them into an unknown situation. He suggested
instead to send Lisa and called for her, with her revealing that she was
eavesdropping on the meeting the entire time. When Kyōraku plainly
scolded her and reminded her that he had previously said not to listen in on
captains' meetings, she plainly stated that it was Human nature to be
curious about secrets. Lisa agreed to go along with the investigation team
formed of Captain Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi of the 3rd Division, Captain Shinji
Hirako of the 5th Division, Love, and Hachi.[6]

Lisa was right behind Love as they showed up at the site of the
disappearances after Shinji, she then noticed a HollowfiedKensei
Muguruma and was greatly surprised at his current state. She watched in
amazement as Kensei let out a large scream. Shinji stated that he didn't
know if it was Kensei, but that if they didn't draw their swords they were as
good as dead. Lisa watched as Love went to attack the Hollowfied Kensei
and saw that Love was outmatched and attacked. Lisa took out her
Zanpakutō and resolved to attack Kensei alongside Rose without killing
him. Lisa noted that there was more than one way to stop him without
killing him as she resolved to cut his tendons. As the two moved to attack
Kensei, Lisa was surprised, but was too late to warn Rose as he was
brutally attacked from behind by a Hollowfied Mashiro Kuna.[7]

.
Lisa eventually ended up fighting Kensei and was noticeably losing the
fight, but before he could land a devastating punch, he was attacked from
behind by Rose who fired a Kidō blast at him. Rose told him to stop as he
didn't use to be the sort of weakling who would attack a woman. Kensei
proceeded toward him, but Rose was saved by the intervention of Hachi
who used Bakudō #99: "Kin". Lisa and the others began discussing what to
do next when Hiyori attacked Shinji and revealed herself to be Hollowfied
as well. Before anyone could act, a darkness fell around the rescue squad
and they were attacked by an unseen assailant.[8]

The assailant is then found to be Kaname Tōsen, Mugurama's 6th seat,

who was acting under the orders of Aizen, the one behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[9] Aizen explains his
motivations and plans to Shinji, and that he actually chose to be his
Lieutenant because his suspicious attitude towards Aizen were perfect for
his plans. Aizen suggests that Shinji apologize to those lying around him.

Angry, Shinji moves to attack his Lieutenant only to begin Hollowfying

himself. All around him, the injured Shinigami begin developing masks and
Hollowfying as well. Just as Aizen gave the order to kill the Hollowfied
Shinigami, Captain Kisuke Urahara of the 12th Division and Tessai,
showed up and saved them from destruction.[10] Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen
made their escape and Tessai used a Forbidden Kidō to preserve and
transport the rescue squad to the 12th Division barracks. In his lab,
Urahara tried to reverse the process using his created item,
the Hōgyoku.[11] Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed process, not having
the desired effect Urahara expected.[12]

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, however,
both were rescued byYoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret
underground area.[13] In the secluded area, she had also brought Hachi
and the other Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new
Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved
to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims
escaped to the Real World, where they would find a way to undo
the Hollowfication process.[14]
Powers & Abilities

Expert Swordsman: She appears to be ambidextrous, initially wielding her

Zanpakutō with her left hand and then switching to her right during her fight
withIchigo Kurosaki. She also is shown using a style that employs a lot of
agility, by frequently jumping, somersaulting, and flipping.[44] Her skill in
swordsmanship alone allowed her to take on a Hollowfied captain-level
combatant with only her sealed Zanpakutō.[45][46][47]
 Senmaioroshi (千枚卸, "Thousand-Page Wholesale"):[48] a technique

where multiple blade movements take place so fast that they can
literally shred a target into pieces.[49]
Hakuda Expert: She is quite agile and flexible in combat and was willing to
fight Ichigo as a Hollow with a combination of hand-to-hand combat and
swordsmanship, which suggests she has good hand-to-hand combat
skills.[50][51]
 Panty-Flash Tornado (パンチラトルネード, Panchira

Torunēdo):[48] a technique where Lisa does an upside rotating

straddle split, similar to a tornado, this has the effect of delivering a
multiple kick attack at opponent that is near her.[52]
Shunpo Expert: Lisa is fast enough to have arrived at the site of the
investigation when leaders of the 9th Division went missing around the
same time as the captains that were sent to investigate.[53]
Enhanced Speed: Her speed is considerable and she regularly uses it to
supplement her swordsmanship skill.[54]
High Spiritual Power: Lisa possesses lieutenant-class Reiryoku. Being a
Visored, Lisa possesses a dual-type spiritual energy, part Shinigami and
part Hollow.
Zanpakutō
Haguro Tonbo (鉄漿蜻蛉, Iron Drink Dragonfly): Lisa's Zanpakutō is
considerably longer than most; resembling anōdachi with a dark blue hilt
wrapping and a square tsuba with two rectangular attachments on two
ends.
 Shikai: Its Shikai command is Smash (潰せ, tsubuse). Lisa first slams

the hilt of her Zanpakutō into the mouth of its scabbard before twirling
it over her head with both of her hands. As she then twirls it around
her body, the Shikai command prompts it to quickly lengthen into an
exceptionally long pole arm outfitted with a blade reminiscent of that of
a Monk's spade on one end, and a heavy ball on its other end. This
allows the bladed end to be used much like an axe, and the weighted
end to be used as a smashing implement.[55]
Shikai Special Ability: Unknown

 Bankai: Not Yet Achieved

Hollowfication
Hollow Mask: Her Hollow mask is lozenge-shaped with a cross-shaped
opening, instead of a mouth and eye slits. However, the horizontal opening
allows her to see in front of her.[56]
Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Lisa's Hollow
powers supplement her Shinigami powers, giving her a vast increase
in both strength and speed.
  Enhanced Strength: While wearing her Hollow mask, Lisa has
shown that she can cut through a Menos Grande using her
sword with only one hand.[57]
Trivia
 Both Lisa and her former captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, are ambidextrous.
 In the anime version of Turn Back the Pendulum, she is incorrectly
titled the "Vice-Captain of the 9th Division."
Quotes
 (To Shunsui Kyōraku) "I can't help it. The more hidden something is,
the more you want to see it. That's Human nature!"[58]
 (To Shunsui) "Stay there and rest! I'm going to show you just how
strong I've become!"[59]
 "The enemy of my enemy is my friend! That should be a good enough
reason to fight together."[60]
 Kensei Muguruma
Kensei Muguruma
Pre Timeskip - Post Timeskip

Race Visored
Birthday July 30[1]
Gender Male
Height 179 cm (5'10½")[1]
Weight 75 kg (165 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored, Gotei 13, Soul Society
Position Captain of the 9th Division
Division 9th Division
Partner Shūhei Hisagi, Mashiro Kuna
9th Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Base of Society; formerly Visored
Operations Warehouse, Karakura Town, Human
World
Personal Status
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Tachikaze
Bankai Tekken Tachikaze

Kensei Muguruma (六車 拳西, Muguruma Kensei) is the captain of the 9th
Division in the Gotei 13. He is also a Visored.
Appearance
Kensei is a tall, muscular man with sharp features, short light-gray/silver
hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo of the number "69" on his chest; the
"6" represents his last name, "Muguruma," which uses the kanji for "6" in it,
while the "9" represents the 9th Division, which he currently leads. He
wears a dark purple A-shirt with a white trim, in addition to green cargo
pants, black combat boots, and a pair of orange fingerless gloves. He also
has a series of piercings, with one on his left eyebrow and three on his left
ear.

During his initial time as a captain, Kensei had longer front bangs, which
hung over his face. He wore a sleeveless Shihakushō that was open on the
front, exposing his chest and tattoo, and tied it with a rope belt. He also
wore a sleevelesshaori and a pair of fingerless black gloves that covered
most of his forearms. Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, he returns to
wearing this look, albeit with a less open Shihakushō, a new metallic belt
and mussed up hair.[2]

Personality
Kensei is a serious and decisive individual, though he is easily annoyed
and is rather temperamental, often to a fault. He is greatly annoyed by
immaturity, evident when Orihime infiltrates the Visored's hideout and
jokingly asks where the bathroom is; Kensei is noticeably annoyed, only
calming down when Lisa Yadōmaru and Love Aikawa remind him that it
was only a joke.[3] He is most frequently irritated by Mashiro's childish
behavior, once noting that she has the uncanny ability to aggravate him
even when she is asleep. His aggressive behavior is particularly noticeable
in combat. At one point, he confesses that he is not mature enough to hold
back, even against a child. Despite this, Kensei is at times a caring
individual, though his attempts at being kind are often offset by his
aggression. This is displayed when he tries to cheer up a young, tearful
Hisagi, albeit in a manner reminiscent of a military drill sergeant.
History

Approximately 110 years ago, Kensei was the captain of the 9th Division,
with Mashiro Kuna serving as his lieutenant. He attended the promotion
ceremony of the2nd Division's 3rd SeatKisuke Urahara to 12th
Division Captain.[4]
9 years later, Kensei, Mashiro, and his division’s 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th
seats were sent to investigate the mysterious disappearances in
the Rukongai. Mashiro constantly complained about the fact that they had
to investigate something when they did not even know what to investigate,
noting that a vanguard of 10 others had already been sent prior to their
arrival. Her incessant whining irritated Kensei, to the point to which he
needed his other subordinates to restrain him from attacking her. Kensei
told her that she was not even asked to come along, and that she should
just go home. She responds that she was his lieutenant, so she had to
follow him, and then fell down to the ground and went into a temper
tantrum, screaming about how hungry she was. However, Kensei decided
to ignore her.

Soon after, Kensei was alerted by a nearby Hollow attack.[5] Kensei and his
men immediately proceeded to attack the large Hollow to protect the
citizens of the Rukongai. Using his Shikai, he promptly destroyed the
Hollow. After the battle, he noticed a crying boy on the ground nearby and
attempted to cheer him up, though in a commanding and somewhat hostile
way, before asking for his name.
Kensei then addressed Mashiro, who had been absent from the battle.
During the battle, she had found 10 empty Shihakushō close to where the
Hollow had attacked them.[6] Kensei pondered on what could have
happened to the men that wore the Shihakushō, noting that the clothing
was arranged as though it was still being worn, and could not have been
simply taken off. He then ordered his men to contact central command to
request a researcher from the 12th Division, and to set up a camp for the
night. Kensei resolved that if there were someone or something attacking
the Shinigami, they would eventually go after the Seireitei and that whoever
or whatever it may be must be stopped before then. When his 5th
seat, Kaname Tōsen, asked what he should do, Kensei told him to
accompany him to search the area.[7]

Later that night, while resting with his 3rd Seat, Kasaki, Kensei observed
that Mashiro was sleeping soundly, much to his annoyance. Kensei stated
that he could not fathom how she could sleep during such tension. When
Kensei tried to fix her shirt so that her chest would not be exposed, in her
sleep she called him a pervert; Kensei noted that she was even annoying
when she was asleep. Suddenly, he and Kasaki heard a scream, and ran
out of the tent to assess the situation. He saw all of his men lying on the
ground except for his 6th Seat, Todo, and immediately assumed that he
was the one responsible. However, Todo fell to the ground as well, already
dead. In response, Kensei ordered Kasaki to watch his back, and shouted
for Mashiro to wake up, but before he could even react, Kasaki was killed
as well. Kensei was then enveloped by a black sphere, and was impaled
from behind. He then turned his head, and recognized his assailant.[8]
Sometime later, a team of various captains and lieutenants were sent to
investigate the disappearance of Kensei's squad. Kensei was revealed to
be the Hollowfied creature trying to attack 12th Division lieutenant, Hiyori
Sarugaki. Just when he was about to deal her a devastating blow his attack
was deflected by the arrival of Shinji Hirako.[9] Upon the arrival of Love
Aikawa, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, andLisa Yadomaru a battle began. Love went to
attack the Hollowfied Kensei, but was caught off guard by his speed as he
easily appeared behind him. Kensei hit him with a powerful energized
punch that produced a lot of smoke in its wake, which attracted the
attention of Rose and Lisa, though when Kensei went for a second attack,
Love blocked it with his sword. As the smoke cleared, Love had managed
to withstand the attack despite a significant part of his garments being
destroyed and him suffering some burns. Love calmly admitted that he was
strong therefore it was obviously Kensei.[10]

Lisa went to attack Kensei alongside Rose, but Rose was quickly taken out
from behind by a Hollowfied Mashiro.[11] While Kensei continued to fight
Love, the Kidō Lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda of the Kidō Corps arrived and
used Bakudō #63. "Sajō Sabaku" to restrain him as well. To Hachi's
surprise, Kensei used the incredible strength of his new form to rip out of
the ropes.[12]

Kensei then proceeded to attack Lisa totally overwhelming her until he was
attacked by Rose with a Kidō blast, stating that the Kensei he knew was
not the sort of 'weakling' who would attack a woman. Before Kensei could
go to attack Rose, Hachi stopped him by using Bakudō #99. "Kin". The
investigation team gathered after the fight and talked about the situation. It
was within that moment Hiyori started coughing and became Hollowfied
herself. It was then that a darkness fell around the rescue squad and they
were attacked by an unseen assailant.[13]
The assailant was then found to be Tōsen, Kensei's 5th seat, who was
acting under the orders of Sōsuke Aizen, who was the one behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[14] Just as Aizen gave the
order to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami 12th Division Captain Kisuke
Urahara and Kidō Captain Tessai Tsukabishi showed up and saved them
from destruction. Aizen, Ichimaru, and Tōsen made their escape and
Tessai used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport them to the 12th
Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using his
created item, the "Hōgyoku".[15] Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed
process, not having the desired effect Urahara had expected.[16]

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, both were
rescued by 2nd DivisionCaptain Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a
secret underground area.[17] In the secluded area, she had also brought
Kensei and the other Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the
new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara
resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the
eight victims to escape to the Human World, where they would find a way
to undo the Hollowfication process.[18]

Powers & Abilities

Master Swordsman: Despite its small size, Kensei is able to effectively
use Tachikaze’s Shikai to inflict lethal strikes even in close quarters
combat, as shown by his ability to hold off Ichigo's Hollowfied form while it
was using its Bankai.[27] [52]
Hakuda Master: Kensei often prefers to utilize his hand-to-hand
capabilities, despite his impressive swordsmanship skills. He has, however,
shown himself able to effectively use both skills in unison.[52] During
Ichigo's transformation into a Hollow, Kensei is able to knock him a good
distance away with just an elbow strike.[53] He was then able to dodge all of
Hollowfied Ichigo’s attacks, despite the latter's use of Tensa Zangetsu, and
manages to kick him. While fighting a large group of Gillian-class Menos,
he destroys several of them with his fists alone.[54][55]
 Sandbag Beat (サンドバッグ・ビート, Sandobaggu Bīto):[56] A

technique where Kensei delivers multiple strikes at an extremely fast

rate, causing aggravated damage to a target. The technique is
powerful enough to not only shatter a Menos Grande's mask, but
utterly destroy its body as well.[57]
Enhanced Strength: It is implied that he possesses great strength, even
before his Hollowfication.[58] During his fight with Wonderweiss, Kensei is
able to block the Arrancar's powerful punch and hurl him a great distance
with considerable force, achieving both feats with only a single hand.[59]
Highly Perceptive Combatant: Despite his short-tempered nature, Kensei
is a very perceptive fighter. He is knowledgeable of the abilities that
Hollows possess, and knows how to counter them to gain the upper
hand.[60]
Great Spiritual Power: Being a captain, Kensei possesses a great amount
of spiritual power. As a Visored, Kensei has a dual spiritual pressure of
part-Shinigami, part-Hollow.
Shunpo Expert: As a captain of the Gotei 13, Kensei is proficient in
Shunpo. During the Fake Karakura Town battle, Kensei is able to reach
Mashiro in time to save her from Wonderweiss.[61]
Zanpakutō
Tachikaze (断地風, Earth-Severing Wind): When sealed, it takes the form
of a wakizashi, with an H-shaped tsuba, white weaving around its hilt, and
a black sheath.
 Shikai: Kensei's Shikai is triggered by the command Blow it
Away (吹っ飛ばせ, futtobase; Viz "Blast Away"). When released, air
currents swirl around Kensei, and then around Tachikaze. It then
transforms into a combat knife with a bronze guard, light purple hilt-
wrapping in the center of the hilt, a gray leather grip, and a small ring
on the guard's blunt side.[62]As a Shinigami, he wore it at his waist in
its sealed form. As a Visored, he commonly keeps it in this released
form and stores it in one of his pants pockets.[53]
Shikai Special Ability: In this form, Kensei has demonstrated the
ability to manipulate wind and energy.[63]
 Air Blades: By slashing at the air, Kensei can release
transparent blades of wind which cut enemies from a distance.
They appear to be extremely powerful, easily killing a giant
Hollow by cutting it into pieces.[64][65](Unnamed)
 Bakudantsuki (爆弾突き, "Bomb Thrust"):[56] Kensei charges
Tachikaze, which begins to glow with spiritual energy, until it
takes the shape of a glowing orb. He then fires it as an energy
blast with extreme force. This blast is quite devastating, as it was
able to blow off the arm of Ichigo's Hollow form, and in another
case, the heads of Gillian-class Menos.[66] He later uses it to
destroy a Menos Grande simply by using the ability while
impaling the mask of the Hollow with the blade of Tachikaze.
The effect is the same, completely blowing up the head of the
Hollow.[67]
 Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze (鐡拳・断風, Iron Fist Severing Wind):
When released, an explosion of wind erupts around Kensei, and when
 it disperses, Tachikaze transforms from a single combat knife into a
pair of large knuckle blades that Kensei holds in each hand. Both
blades have a curved silver edge, which tapers off to an outward point
on either side. Segmented purple bands wraps around the entirety of
his arms, much like armor, while a thicker purple band arches behind
him, over his head, with its ends protruding from under his
shoulders.[68]
Bankai Special Ability: It appears to greatly augment his strength,
as he is able to create a large explosion upon attacking
Wonderweiss.[69]

Hollowfication

Hollow Mask: His Hollow mask resembles a flat hockey face guard, with
six slitted eye holes arranged in two columns. It has three extensions on
either side which cover the sides and back of his head.[70]
Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Kensei's Hollow
powers supplement his Shinigami powers, giving him a vast increase
in strength, durability and speed.
 Enhanced Strength: With his mask on, Kensei's strength is
greatly enhanced, as he was able to easily smash a Menos'
mask using only his fists.[54]
 Enhanced Speed: With his mask on, Kensei's speed increases
greatly, as he is able to deliver a rapid barrage of punches to a
Menos Grande, effectively killing it.[54]

Hollowfied Form: When transformed into a Hollow, he is a large, muscular

and bulky humanoid with armored hands and skeletal feet, with a number
of thick cylindrical protrusions on his back and forearms. The cylinders on
his back seem to make him hunch over.[71]
 Enhanced Strength: In terms of physical might, Kensei's Hollow form
possessed vast strength, evident from his ability to effortlessly punch
massive craters into the ground.[72][73] He was able to break out of a
level 63 Bakudō using brute strength alone, a feat that is supposed to
be impossible.[74]
 Enhanced Speed: His speed was drastically increased, to the point of
him being able to take his fellow captains by surprise when he
attacked them.[75][73]
 Enhanced Durability: He was able to block a sword blow from Love
in this form with only one arm.[76][73]
 Energized Punches: He is able to sheath his fists with spiritual
energy, increasing the amount of damage that his punches
inflict.[77][73]

Trivia
 During Ichigo's Hollow training, Tachikaze has a black hilt. Later in the
Fake Karakura Town arc, the hilt is light gray and purple.

Quotes
 (To a young Shūhei Hisagi) "You're alive, be happy! Smile!"[78]
 (To Wonderweiss Margela) "Sorry, but I'm not mature enough to show
restraint when it comes to kids...!"[79]
 Hachigen Ushōda
Hachigen Ushōda

Race Visored
Birthday September 8[1]
Gender Male
Height 257 cm (8'5")[1]
Weight 377 kg (829 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored
Previous
Kidō Corps, Soul Society
Affiliation
Previous
Vice-Kidō Chief of the Kidō Corps
Position
Previous
Division Kidō Corps

Partner None
Previous
Tessai Tsukabishi
Partner
Base of Visored Warehouse, Karakura
Operations Town,Human World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Unknown
 Bankai None

Hachigen Ushōda (有昭田 鉢玄, Ushōda Hachigen) is aVisored, formerly

the lieutenant of the Kidō Corps under Tessai Tsukabishi. He is usually
referred to as Hacchi (ハッチ; sometimes translated as "Hutch").

Appearance
Hachi is a very large and rotund man. He wears an olive-green tuxedo with
a yellow bow tie. He has golden eyes, a pink mustache and pink hair with a
black cross-bone design in the center. During his time in Soul Society, he
wore a long purple mantle over standard Shinigami robes. His hair was
styled into two small horns with black tips and he has the emblem of
theKidō Corps in the center.
Personality
Despite his unusual size, Hachi is actually a very kind and gentle man,
quite subservient to the more authoritative members of the Visored and
quite often obeys their commands, though with some quiet complaints. He
enjoys the company of the equally kind-hearted Orihime Inoue, and is
shown to be a very polite person, referring to Suì-Fēng as "Captain Suì-
Fēng", though he had no need to address her as such, as he is neither her
subordinate, nor a member of the Gotei 13.[2] Hachi is also shown to be
very intellectual and observant during his battles, such as his fight with
the Segunda Espada Baraggan Louisenbairn, where he uses Baraggan's
aging powers against him.
History

Approximately 100 years ago, Hachi was the Kidō Lieutenant of the Kidō
Corps under then Kidō CaptainTessai Tsukabishi and was summoned by
General Yamamoto to a meeting about the recent disappearances of high
levelGotei 13 members.[3] He was sent by the General to help the squad
formed to discover what happened to the 9th Division investigation team.[4]

Hachi shows up just in time to stop a Hollowfied Mashiro Kunafrom

attacking Shinji Hirako by using Bakudō #75. "Gochūtekkan" to restrain
her. He then comments on how fast the others are getting there. Hachi
notices Love having a hard time fighting a Hollowfied Kensei
Muguruma and uses Bakudō #63. "Sajō Sabaku" to restrain him as well.
He asks Shinji what is going on and what has happened to Mashiro and
Kensei, but then is noticeably surprised to see Kensei break out of his
restraints. Hachi then states that he has never seen a level 63 Bakudō
broken by physical strength alone.[5]

Shortly after Kensei escapes, he goes to attack Lisa Yadōmaru, but Hachi
stops him by using Bakudō #99. "Kin". Shinji compliments Hachi on using
such a high level spell, to which Hachi responds that he may have overdid
it a little. Shinji asks Hachi if he thinks he can fix it with Kidō; Hachi plainly
states that he can not fix it if he doesn't know what the problem is. It is
within that moment Hiyori starts coughing and becomes Hollowfied herself.
A darkness falls around the rescue squad and they are attacked by an
unseen assailant.[6]

The assailant is then found to be Tōsen, Kensei's 5th seat, who is acting
under the orders of Sōsuke Aizen who is the one behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[7] Just as Aizen gives the
order to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami, Captain Kisuke Urahara and Tessai
show up and save them from destruction. Aizen, Ichimaru, and Tōsen
make their escape and Tessai uses Forbidden Kidō to preserve and
transport them to the 12th Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to
reverse the Hollowfication process using his created item, the
"Hōgyoku".[8] Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed experiment, not having
the desired effect Urahara expected.[9]

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami are sentenced to execution as
Hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, they were all
rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground
area.[10] In the secluded area, she had also brought the prototype for the
new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara
resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the
eight victims escape to the Real World, where they would find a way to
undo the Hollowfication process.[11]

Powers & Abilities

Kidō Master: As the former Lieutenant of the Kidō corps, Hachigen is a
powerful Kidō master. He has shown his mastery particularly in Binding
spells up to #99, fully controlling it without an incantation though it seems to
tire him out when he exerts such high level spiritual energy.[50][51]
 Unique Kidō: After being exiled from Soul Society, Hachigen refined
his Kidō skills further to create new spells including alternate types of
spells unknown to any other Shinigami. He is frequently tasked with
creating various barriers and binding spells that not only conceal, but
are capable of hiding Reiatsu. One example of these hybrid spells he
has invented is "Hachigyō Sōgai". His barriers are unique, original,
and of his own design and cannot be dispelled by standard Shinigami
Kidō.[52] By his own admission, his new powers are very similar to
those of Orihime Inoue's and he likes her company because of this.
He is also highly skilled in a form of Kidō-based healing that he calls
 "time-space regression", reminiscent of Orihime's healing ability
"Sōten Kisshun", he used this skill to restore the completely
destroyed Tsubaki, where even Orihime had failed.[53] He is also
capable of using barriers as offensive weapons to devastating
effect.[54]One example of this is the ability to transfer an object directly
into matter using a barrier as a catalyst. In his battle with Baraggan,
Hachigen stopped the decay of his right arm with his barrier and
transferred it into the Espada's stomach.[55]Although his power has
great destructive potential, Hachigen maintains that his abilities are
not meant for combat.[56]
Swordsman: While a pacifist at heart and preferring Kidō as his primary
combat style, Hachi does indeed engage in sword combat when the
moment arises. Being a former Lieutenant in a formalized military, he was
trained in swordsmanship though has not shown any skill in it as yet. Lisa
has pointed out during their sparring match with Ichigo's body, placing him
in a position to engage in sword combat is akin to not actually fighting.
Hachi is also noticeably uncomfortable at the prospect of having to engage
in sword play.[57]
Shunpo: While possessing the ability to use flash steps, unfortunately for
him, Hachi is not as fast as the other Visored. He becomes noticeably
winded, just by trying to keep up with them.[58]
Great Spiritual Power: Hachi excels in Kidō which requires considerable
reserves of spiritual power as well as control over that power in order to
properly cast spells. Being a Visored, Hachi possesses a dual type spiritual
energy, part Shinigami and part Hollow. His Reiatsu is orange.[59]
Highly Intellectual Observant: Hachi has been shown to be very
observant of his opponents' abilities and powers, even going as far as to
use it against them.
Zanpakutō
His Zanpakutō has a broad blade and a square shaped hilt. Hachigen has
demonstrated that he can summon it via Kidō.[60]
 Shikai: Not Yet Revealed
 Bankai: Not Yet Achieved

Hollowfication

Hollow Mask: His mask was first seen as a plain one with goggle eyes,
though it was not fully formed yet. It was later fully revealed when the
Visored came to fight Aizen. It strongly resembles a traditional Balinese
demon mask, with tusks and protrusions from the top. A row of feather-like
spikes also stick out from the top of the mask, similar to a Native American
headdress.[61].

Quotes
 "You don't need a special reason... for two groups of strangers to join
forces."[63]
 (To Baraggan) "I have seen your ability and that is exactly why I came
here. As long as one does not touch them, all abilities are equal and
not deserving of fear."[64]
 (As Baraggan's body disintegrates) "In Soul Society, there is no being
with "God" in its name other than the Shinigami. That is why we
cannot understand the significance of your words... Please forgive our
impiety, oh God of Hueco Mundo."[65]
 What’s important is not “how it should be," but rather “how you want it
to be."[66]
 Love Aikawa

Love Aikawa

Race Visored
Birthday October 10[1]
Gender Male
Height 189 cm (6'2½")[1]
Weight 86 kg (189 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored
Previous
Gotei 13, Soul Society
Affiliation
Previous
Captain of the 7th Division
Position
Previous
Division 7th Division

Previous Jin'emon Kotsubaki

Partner Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi
Base of Visored Warehouse, Karakura
Operations Town,Human World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Tengumaru
Bankai Unknown
Love Aikawa (愛川 羅武 or ラブ, Aikawa Rabu) (nicknamed ラヴ Ravu) is
a Visored and the former captain of the 7th Division.

Appearance
Love is a tall Visored with brown eyes and a thick black spiked afro which
adds further to his above average height. Love sports a green jogging suit
and wears mirrored sunglasses at all times. When he was a captain, 110
years ago, his hair was in a classic, rounded afro style with long sideburns.
He wore a standard Shinigami uniform with a sleeveless captain's haori
and a pair of dark-lensed sunglasses.
Personality
Love is a laid-back and easy-going man, usually readingShōnen Jump or
some of Lisa's erotic manga in his spare time, more often than not, spoiling
a piece of the story by quoting lines and explaining what the character
meant by it in a dramatic, tough-guy demeanor, almost as if he was an
actor rehearsing movie lines. As with most Visored, Love's attitude
switches from serious to carefree within a moment's notice. During his time
as a captain, Love believed in respect and maintaining the peace, quick to
uphold those standards when no one else will.[2]
He also appears to have little love for posturing, as indicated when he slaps
the back of Rōjūrō's head, for talking about former enemies, banding
together in times of war, in order to fight a common foe, just before they're
about to fight Coyote Starrk. True to his more carefree side, right before
starting his battle against Starrk, Love makes a manga reference in
response to Starrk questioning what happened when Loves' mask
dissipated.[3] Despite his comparatively friendly attitude, Love is a rather
brutal and merciless fighter, not letting his opponents make a move against
him and using his Shikai's special ability mixed with his mask right at the
start of his battle with Starrk.
History

Approximately 110 years ago, Love was the captain of the 7th Division of
the Gotei 13. He was first seen knockingHiyori Sarugaki on her head for
attacking Shinji Hirako, telling her to act her age and to apologize. Love
asked her why she had to be so difficult. Hiyori yelled at him and asked him
who he thought he was, smacking law abiding lieutenants who didn't fall
under his jurisdiction. Love calmly replied that seeing as her captain was
not there someone had to keep her under control otherwise she would just
run amuck.[4]

After the incident Shinji asked Love who had shown up for the meeting the
captains had been called to, to which Love replied that almost everyone
was already there. Shinji stated that he saw no one from the 11th Division
show up. Love explained that was his way, as he did what he wanted.
Shinji said just because he was the 10th 'Kenpachi' no one had the guts to
keep him in check. He went on to say that he couldn't understand why they
let such a loose cannon like him become captain. Love tried to ease him
explaining that there was no use getting upset over it, as the chosen
'Kenpachi' had always held the position of the 11th Division captain, as it
was a sort of legacy and it wouldn't change anytime soon. Love went on to
say that if Shinji wanted to complain about anything then he should
complain about the fact that the previous Kenpachi's ineptitude made it
possible.
The two captains were interrupted by the arrival of the 8th
Division CaptainShunsui Kyōraku being accompanied by his lieutenant Lisa
Yadōmaru and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake. Shunsui accused the
two of gossiping behind others backs. Love was noticeably surprised
stating that hell must have frozen over if Shunsui was on time. Shunsui
stated that he had no idea what Love was talking about as he was always
on time. Love then bore witness to the conversation between Shunsui and
Ukitake about who had been captain the longest and what had happened
to the previous 12th Division captain, Kirio Hikifune.[5] Love was later
waiting in line with the other captains as the newly appointed 12th
Division Captain Kisuke Urahara arrived to the meeting.[6]

Nine years later, Love was dispatched with a group of other Shinigami to
investigate the disappearance of Kensei Muguruma and the members of
his division.[7] Love was the second to show up at the site of the
disappearances after Shinji, immediately asking if Hiyori was alright, he
then noticed a Hollowfied Kensei and was greatly surprised at his current
state. He immediately asked what was going on, to which Rose denoted
that while the Reiatsu was clearly similar to Kensei's he had a Hollow mask
and he wondered if he was a Hollow. Shinji stated that he didn't know if it
was Kensei, but that if they didn't draw their swords they were as good as
dead. Love went to attack the Hollowfied Kensei, but was caught off guard
by his speed as he easily appeared behind him.

Kensei hit him with a powerful punch that produced a lot of smoke in its
wake, which attracted the attention of Rose and Lisa. Though Kensei went
for a second attack, Love blocked it with his sword. As the smoke cleared
Love had managed to withstand the attack despite a significant part of his
garment being destroyed and him suffering some burns. Love calmly
admitted that he was strong therefore it was obviously Kensei.[8] After
Kensei and Mashiro Kuna were subdued thanks to the intervention
of Hachigen Ushōda, Love and the others began discussing what to do
next when Hiyori attacked Shinji and revealed herself to be Hollowfied as
well. Love asked what was going on, but before he could act a darkness fell
around the rescue squad and they were attacked by an unseen assailant.[9]

The assailant was then found to be Tōsen, Mugurama's 6th seat, who was
acting under the orders of Sōsuke Aizen who was the one behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[10] Just as Aizen gave the
order to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami Kisuke Urahara and Tessai showed
up and saved them from destruction. Aizen, Gin and Tōsen made their
escape and Tessai used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport them to
the 12th Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process
using his created item, the "Hōgyoku".[11]Unfortunately, it ended up as a
failed process, not having the desired effect Urahara expected.[12]

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, both were
rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground
area.[13] In the secluded area, she had also brought Hachi and the other
Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new Gigai that
Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten
Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to
the Real World, where they would find a way to undo
theHollowfication process.[14]
Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsman: As a former captain, Love is no doubt quite skilled in
swordsmanship. He faces off against a Hollowfied Kensei one on one,
without releasing his Zanpakutō. He even managed to block a spiritually
charged attack from Kensei with his unreleased blade.[52]
Shunpo Expert: His Shunpo is fast enough to keep up with the other
captains when they were rushing to the scene of the conflict, albeit he
seems slower than Shinji.[53]
Enhanced Durability: When Love was brutally attacked by a Hollowfied
Kensei, with a spiritually charged attack at point blank range, Love
sustained only minor injuries and kept on fighting with no signs of
faltering.[54]
Great Spiritual Power: As a former captain, he possessed a great-level of
spiritual power. Being a Visored Love possesses a dual type spiritual
energy, part Shinigami and part Hollow.[55]
Highly-Perceptive Combatant: During his fight with Coyote Starrk the 1st
Espada, Love has shown to be very intuitive and can predict the actions an
opponent may make and how to counter them.
Zanpakutō
Tengumaru (天狗丸, Long-Nosed Goblin): In its sealed form, Tengumaru is
an average katana with a white hilt-wrapping and heart-shaped tsuba
(befitting his name). As a Shinigami, he wore it at his waist, but after
becoming a Visored, he carries it by a tōju over his shoulder.

 Shikai: His release command is "'Crush Down"

(打ち砕け, uchikudake; Viz: "Slam"). Tengumaru transforms into a
large black kanabō, more than twice the height of Love himself. It is
covered with bladed protrusions in a way resembling a cactus, and the
handle itself is almost taller than Love. It is also very sturdy, as shown
 when it blocks, and even appears to dispel, Starrk's Cero blasts with
ease.[56]
Shikai Special Ability: Tengumaru possesses the ability to
manipulate fire.
 Hifuki no Koduchi (火吹の小槌, Fire-Blowing Gavel): Love

swings Tengumaru up and it ignites itself in flames. He then

points it downwards and a huge fireball fires from the tip where
upon making contact with the target the fire explodes outwards a
great distance with the resulting blast being strong enough to
cave in buildings near the center of impact. At the site of impact
a huge column of burning flames forms further incinerating
anything in the area.[57]

 Bankai: Not Yet Revealed

Hollowfication

Hollow Mask: His Hollow mask takes the form of a traditional Japanese
Oni mask.[58]
Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Love's Hollow
powers supplement his Shinigami powers, giving him a vast increase
in both strength and durability.
 Enhanced Strength: Love has displayed that usage of his mask
grants him brutal physical strength.
 Kagamibiraki (鏡開, "Mirror Opening"):[59] a technique of pure,
raw strength that allowed Love to rip a Menos Grande in half by
sticking his bare hands through its head and pulling it apart.[60]
 Enhanced Durability: Love naturally possesses considerable
durability, but it appears he must still Hollowfy to effectively
 counter an attack like a Cero.[61] According to Love, his and
Rose's mask time limit is 3 minutes, which he jokingly says is
because they are 'superheroes'.[62]

Trivia
 Love appears to have an Oni-theme to his abilities. His Shikai is a
kanabō, a traditional mythological weapon for Oni in Japanese myths,
and his Hollow mask bears resemblance to a typical Oni's face.
 Because Love wears bright gray colored sunglasses, his eyes are
usually never seen because of the light reflects on the lenses.
However, the lenses have been shown to be transparent when he
wears his Hollow mask, as well as when it starts to disappear after
being used.
 At one point, Love quotes from a manga "you're already dead...haven't
you noticed you're a walking dead-man..." Love refers to this as "deep
shit" as the character informs someone else of their own death in the
middle of combat when they didn't know it themselves.[63] This is cruel
irony, as Sōsuke Aizen later says something to the same effect to the
Visored to provoke them.[64]
Quotes
 (To Starrk, referring to the Visored and their masks) "It only lasts for
three minutes 'cause I'm a hero, y'know."[65]
 (To Rose, about Starrk) "After they lose one of their buddies, it
becomes a battle of revenge."[67]
 (Regarding Starrk's non-avenging personality) "He's scary because he
doesn't seem like the type. There isn't anyone that doesn't feel
something when their buddy goes down. If they get demoralized, then
you exploit that. If they get enraged then you beat them before they
can go crazy. Either way... victory comes to those that strike first!"[68]
 Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi
Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi

Race Visored
Birthday March 17[1]
Gender Male
Height 187 cm (6'1½")[1]
Weight 73 kg (161 lbs.)[1]
Professional Status
Affiliation Visored, Gotei 13, Soul Society
Position Captain of the 3rd Division
Division 3rd Division
Love Aikawa
Partner
Izuru Kira
Previous
Chikane Iba[1]
Partner
3rd Division HQ, Seireitei, Soul
Base of Society; formerly Visored
Operations Warehouse, Karakura Town, Human
World
Personal Status
Relatives N/A
Education N/A
Zanpakutō
Shikai Kinshara
Bankai Unknown

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi (鳳橋 楼十郎, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō), more commonly

referred to as Rose (ローズ, Rōzu), is the captain of the 3rd Division in
the Gotei 13 and is a Visored.

Appearance
Rose has purple eyes, long, wavy, blond hair and a perpetually bored
expression. Rose wears a black suit with a thigh length black jacket. He
also wears a white frilled shirt with frilled cuffs (or large cuffs) and high
collar, which he commonly keeps untucked. During his initial time as
captain, he kept his hair somewhat straighter with a small black ribbon tied
near the end. He wore the standard Shinigami robes and a sleeveless
captain's haori, but with a frilled collared shirt under it.

Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Rose returns to his original

Shinigami attire with shorter, slicked-back hair with the addition of a single
lock falling into his face.[2]
Personality
A seemingly foppish man with a disinterested air, Rose is one of the more
laid-back members of the group. He is frequently seen tuning his guitar and
chatting with Love rather than paying attention to what is going on around
him. He's interested in music and often discusses whatever singles have
recently come out, such as the then-latest Prince of Darkness album.[3]He
also enjoys reading manga, a pastime shared with Love and Lisa, although
he becomes irritated if anyone spoils a story-line for him.[4]

Despite the disinterested behavior he exhibits, he seems to care for his

fellow Visored; he smiles happily when he realizes that Hachi is happy to
have met Orihime, due to the notable similarities regarding their healing
abilities. He also states that "the family is growing", due to Ichigo and
Orihime coming to stay with them, even claiming that the aforementioned
humans' designated partner/counterpart, Hiyori and Hachi, were similarly
happy. Rose seems to pay close attention to dramatic effect while in battle,
as seen with his starting a speech on the Human nature to band together
against a common enemy and his attempt to dramatically rise from the
rubble of a building he was hurled into, leading to an unimpressed Love
smacking him in response at both occasions.

History

Approximately 112 years ago, Rose was promoted to Captain of the 3rd
Division. Two years later, Rose arrives at the 1st Division barracks to
attend the meeting to introduce the new captain of the 12th
Division.[5] Rose was later seen waiting in line with the other captain's as
the newly appointed 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara arrives to the
meeting.[6]

9 years later, Rose was dispatched with Love Aikawa, Shinji

Hirako, Hachigen Ushōda, and Lisa Yadōmaru to investigate the
disappearance of Rukongai residents and Kensei Muguruma and the
members of his division.[7] Rose followed right behind Love as they showed
up at the site of the disappearances after Shinji. He then noticed a
Hollowfied Kensei and was greatly surprised at his current state. He
immediately asked if the creature before them was Kensei. Shinji stated
that he didn't know if it was Kensei, but that if they didn't draw their swords,
they were as good as dead. Rose watched as Love went to attack the
Hollowfied Kensei and saw Love outmatched and attacked. Rose took out
his Zanpakutō and resolved to attack Kensei alongside Lisa. After attacking
Kensei several times, the Hollowfied captain forced him backwards.

Before Rose could attack again, he was brutally attacked from behind by a
Hollowfied Mashiro Kuna, causing him to crash down into the ground
below.[8]Kensei was attacking Lisa and about to land a devastating blow,
but was stopped by a Kidō blast in the back from Rose who has just
climbed out of the large crater made by him crashing into the ground from
Mashiro's previous attack. Rose told him to stop as he didn't use to be the
sort of weakling who would attack a woman. Kensei proceeded toward him,
but Rose was saved by the intervention of Hachi who uses "Kin" Bakudō
#99. Rose and the others began discussing what to do next when Hiyori
attacked Shinji and revealed herself to be Hollowfied as well. Before
anyone could act a darkness fell around the rescue squad and they were
attacked by an unseen assailant.[9]

The assailant was then found to be Kaname Tōsen, Mugurama's 5th Seat,
who was acting under the orders of Sōsuke Aizen, the person behind the
disappearances and Hollowfication experiments.[10] Just as Aizen gave the
order to kill the Hollowfied Shinigami, 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara
and Tessai Tsukabishi, Captain of the Kidō Corps showed up and saved
them from destruction. Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen made their escape and
Tessai used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport them to the 12th
Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using his
created item, theHōgyoku.[11] Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed
process, not having the desired effect Urahara expected.[12]
The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of
the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as
Hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, however,
both were rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret
underground area.[13]
In the secluded area, she had also brought Hachi and the other Hollowfied
Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new Gigai that Urahara was
working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-
blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the Real
World, where they would find a way to undo theHollowfication process.[14]

Powers & Abilities

Master Swordsman: Rose views himself as a capable swordsman, as he
was certain that he could deal with Kensei in their battle without
releasing.[47]
 Whip Mastery: Due to having a Shikai like Renji Abarai, Rose is
shown to be quite masterful with a whip-like weapon. He is able to
move Kinshara's Shikai form with little effort, able to control the
direction of the attack with great ease to better confuse the enemy, as
revealed in his fight against Coyote Starrk.[48] He is also capable of
wielding the released Kinshara in both his right and left hands.[49][50]
Kidō Expert: Rose is proficient in Kidō, and can perform it without chants,
although the level of the Kidō used wasn't shown.[51][52]
Shunpo Expert: His skill Shunpo is high enough for him to keep up with
the other Visored, barring Shinji.[53]
Great Spiritual Power: As a captain, he possesses a great amount of
spiritual power. Being a Visored, Rose possesses a dual type spiritual
energy, part Shinigami and part Hollow.[54]
Zanpakutō
Kinshara (金沙羅, Golden Sal Tree): In its sealed form, the hilt-guard of
Rose's Zanpakutō is shaped like a diamond, with curved concave edges,
and has an orange handle.
 Arpeggio (アルペジオ, Arupejio): Rose levitates his Zanpakutō and
scabbard in a cross shape in front of him. Rose moves his fingers as
if playing a piano, which is accompanied by the sound of piano keys
being played. A wire appears, and wraps around his intended target.
His hand glows with a yellow light, and with simple hand movements
he plays different notes, causing the target to become further
constricted by the wire until it is eviscerated by the wire's crushing
force.[55][56]
 Shikai: Rose's release command is Play (奏でろ, kanadero).[57] Upon
release, Kinshara's blade becomes a gold whip, tipped off with a
flower from its namesake, while the hilt stays the same. The whip is
extendable, much like Renji Abarai's Shikai, and can also be used as
a long-range weapon, as shown when Rose attacked Starrk's wolves
with it from a considerable distance.[58] Rose commonly attacks with it
in long sweeps, and can make it instantly change directions with a
simple, fluid motion. He can retract it back to him with ease. When he
uses the whip, it makes a sound similar to the light playing of piano
keys.[59]
Shikai Special Ability:
 Kinshara Sōkyoku Dai Jūichiban - Izayoi
Bara (金沙羅奏曲第十一番・十六夜薔薇, Golden Sal Tree
Sonata Number Eleven - Sixteen Day-Old Moon Rose): When
the flower at the end of Rose's whip attaches itself to the enemy,
Rose taps on the whip with his fingers, causing it to glow and
make the sound of a strummed guitar string. This sound travels
up the length of the whip to the flower tip, and creates a vortex of
reverberating sound that acts as a shockwave, destroying
everything within a considerable area of the blast. Love
comments on how it's similar to magic, but Rose considers it art.
The name itself implies that there are at least ten other
 techniques that precede this one, but they have yet to be
revealed.[60]

 Bankai: Not Yet Revealed.

Hollowfication

Hollow Mask: Rose's Hollow mask is unique in that unlike the other
Visored, who have flat masks, his mask sprouts outward in a way that
resembles a bird beak. The mask resembles that of a medieval plague
doctor.[61]
Power Augmentation: While wearing the mask, Rose's Hollow
powers supplement his Shinigami powers.

Quotes
 (About Hachigen Ushōda and Orihime Inoue) "I bet he's happy,
because we hardly meet anybody with powers similar to ours. I feel
like our family is growing."[62]
 (To a Gillian) "Come here. Yeah, come on... Right this way... Come
closer... just like that and become a prisoner of my melody" [63]
 "They say that uniting before a common enemy is one of humanity's
evil traits. But that's not true. It's not an evil trait; it's the survival
instinct of a living creature. As a matter of fact, it's those times when
the "spiritual union" is at its most-" (he is then interrupted by Love)[64]
 (After Love grabs him by his hair) "I'm gonna lose my hair! There's an
art to emerging from rubble, you know!"[65]
 (To NaNaNa Najahkoop)"Watching over Izuru always provides me
with the most remarkable inspiration. Just by holding a guitar in his
presence, I find the melodies well up like tears unbidden. If Izuru were
to be gone, my Flying V too will mourn."[66]