Kenpachi Zaraki ( 更木 剣八 , Zaraki Kenpachi ) is a fictional supporting character in the anime and manga series Bleach created by Tite Kubo . He is the captain of the 11th Division within the Gotei 13 . His lieutenant is Yachiru Kusajishi.
106-407: Kenpachi has a wild and aggressive appearance, fitting with his personality. He wears his captain's jacket without sleeves, and with a more ragged look to it. He acquired his Haori from the previous 11th Division captain, whom he defeated and killed in a duel in order to become captain. He styles his hair into liberty spikes with bells at the tips, which, Tite Kubo has remarked, makes his hair one of
212-588: A Bakkōtō upon him. Under Kumoi's control, Shin'etsu returns to Yamamoto and attacks him, forcing the latter to kill him in self-defense during their fight. Shūsuke discovers his father's dying body and hears his last words: "Beware the Bakkōtō ". He is voiced by Hōchu Otsuka in the Japanese version of the anime and by Joe Ochman in the English dub. Originally led by Yoruichi Shihōin , who combined her group's duties with
318-511: A Ginjōtan ( 銀条反 , lit. "Cloth of Inverted Silver") beforehand or someone to reduct. Suì-Fēng has stated that she can normally only use her bankai once every three days without issue. Using it more than once in a day, while possible, drains considerable amounts of her spirit energy. A second shot would exhaust her to the point where her speed and maneuverability become seriously impaired, an anathema to her fighting style which requires high levels of both. Outside of her weapon, Suì-Fēng utilizes
424-418: A combination of hand-to-hand combat and shunpo ( 瞬歩 , flash steps) to engage opponents. She has also reformed the secret art of Shunkō ( 瞬開 , lit. Flash War Cry) , developing a wind-based variation of the technique, a further indicator of her mastery of close combat methods. In the Japanese version of the anime, Suì-Fēng was voiced by Tomoko Kawakami in early episodes then Houko Kuwashima for
530-613: A commander in Aizen's Arrancar army. His initial betrayal of the Soul Society is later revealed to have been a rouse to get close to Aizen, whom he attempts to kill; Gin fails and dies instead. In the series, Gin keeps his eyes perpetually narrowed to slits (a practice since childhood), rarely ever opening them fully, and maintains a smile that gives him the resemblance of a snake. This makes him appear sinister and unsettling to those around him, as it often difficult to decipher his true thoughts,
636-438: A deadly poison that dissolves and breaks down cells. After stabbing an opponent with it, Gin can turn Kamishini no Yari ' s blade into dust inside their body, leaving a sliver of it within that, upon retreat, triggers cellular degeneration. He is voiced by Kōji Yusa in the Japanese version of the anime and Doug Erholtz in the English dub. Izuru Kira ( 吉良 イヅル , Kira Izuru ) is the lieutenant of Squad Three, formerly
742-461: A fact he is aware of and occasionally uses to toy with others for his amusement. Gin's zanpakutō is Shinso ( 神鎗 , Divine Spear ) . When released with the command "Shoot to kill", Shinso ' s blade glows with white light and extends forward at incredible speeds. Gin can expand its length up to 100 times its original size, while increasing its force proportionally; accordingly, he calls it Hyapponzashi ( hundred swords ) . His bankai
848-489: A good fight more than anything. He restrains himself in battle in order to prolong and savor the fight. Kenpachi believes that injury and death are nothing more than the price one pays for a good fight. Despite his squad's reputation as the most bloodthirsty of the Gotei 13, they have their own code of ethics, different from the set rules of Soul Society , fitting with Zaraki's portrayal as a free spirit. On various occasions, Kenpachi
954-411: A lieutenant because of his family's influence. Despite his dense and foolish attitude, he is a skilled tactician, not above putting himself in danger for his duty, and only feigns weakness and stupidity to lull his opponents into underestimating him, using this to aid in his near victory over one of Sōsuke Aizen 's Arrancar . Marechiyo's zanpakutō is Gegetsuburi ( 五形頭 , roughly "Five heads") , and
1060-530: A member of squads Five and Four. He is a friend of Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai from their days in the Soul Reaper academy, and the three often spend their free time together. Though loyal to his friends, Kira often places his duties as a lieutenant above them. He defends his captain-turned-traitor Gin from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for having raised his sword against her. He subsequently comes to regret helping Gin defect from
1166-680: A more familiar speech style than most other characters in Bleach , generally referring to his fellow captains and Soul Reapers by their first name, usually followed by an honorific. He is a peace-loving man, always seeking a nonviolent solution first, but will not refuse to fight as he does not wish to insult his opponents. An adept fighter, he defeats the Number One Espada, Coyote Starrk , using only his shikai . Unlike other Soul Reapers, Shunsui possesses paired zanpakutō called Katen Kyōkotsu ( 花天狂骨 , lit. "Bones of Heavenly Blooming Madness") . While
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#17328764028691272-455: A much slower rate than humans and can be injured and die, yet are able to resist most injuries unless considerably great. All Soul Reapers possess a zanpakutō ( 斬魄刀 , lit. "soul-cutting sword") , a katana which reflects aspects of the user's soul and personality. A zanpakutō has a symbiotic connection with its owner, its spiritual embodiment possessing similar traits to its owner and evolving to reflect its Soul Reaper's power. By learning
1378-489: A new captain is assigned. The seated officers ( 席官 , sekikan ) hold ranks from third seat to twentieth. While single digit ranks are usually assigned to a single officer, the lower ranks are often held by several officers. Higher ranks may also lead secondary teams within a squad; for example, Hanatarō Yamada is the Seventh Seat Officer of Squad Four and leader of Advanced Relief Team Fourteen therein. Outside of
1484-400: A safe distance from himself. When released, it covers a large area around him in an aura that affects others perception of the surrounding environment, causing them to see it as darkened, bleak, and gloomy, and feel varying levels of melancholy and despair. While it maintains its shikai form, its bankai allows Shunsui to manifest various stories, which can kill an opponent easily; damage
1590-568: A scale from 1 to 99, indicating their complexity and overall power. Low-level spells can, however, be very effective when performed by a skilled kidō user, such as Byakuya Kuchiki . Soul Reaper operations are based out of the Soul Society , which is an afterlife realm in Bleach maintained by a being known as the Soul King. Travel between the human world and the Soul Society is extremely limited and monitored, but some Soul Reapers are stationed in
1696-573: A scar during their duel. After leaving the district he found a small girl who, despite her young age, did not fear his sword. Since she had no name, unaware that she is actually a manifestation of his Zanpakutō , Zaraki named her "Yachiru" after Unohana while christening himself "Kenpachi", Unohana's title which has been associated with one who has killed many. Yachiru became inseparable from Zaraki from that point further, following him wherever he went, usually clinging to his back. After some time had passed, Kenpachi found his way into Soul Society and killed
1802-527: A special kidō , Hakudan Keppeki , capable of blocking the Wandenreich during their second invasion of the Soul Society, Nanao eventually convinces Shunsui to give Shinken Hakkyōken to her. Nanao's zanpakutō is Shinken Hakkyōken ( 神剣八鏡剣 , lit. "Holy Sword Eight-Mirror Sword") , a family heirloom used in the Ise clan's rites and rituals. Unlike other Soul Reapers, members of the Ise clan lack zanpakutō and only
1908-400: A special seal that strongly 'consumes' his Spirit Pressure (this way battles will last longer allowing him to have more fun), is cut off allowing Kenpachi to fight at full power. When Nnoitra refuses to accept defeat and charges Kenpachi, the latter kills him with another strike. Zaraki then stands over Nnoitra's corpse, telling him their battle "was a blast". He later appears to save Ichigo from
2014-442: A state of bloodlust, that being what he treasures most. He has a huge scar on the left side of his face, which was given to him as a child from his first ever battle with Retsu Unohana. Despite his initial introduction as a lethal foe, Zaraki later begins to play the role of the antihero in Bleach : though still self-centered and violent, his actions tend to be for the best and his relationship with his division and others. This shift
2120-580: A super saiyen, Kenpachi is an awesome swordsmen who brings out some of the best animated sword fighting because of his lack of a technique." The Robot's Voice named Kenpachi as one of "10 Bleach Characters Far More Interesting Than Ichigo", commenting "This character pretty much defines the anime trope of brutal badass. He just slashes the shit out of whatever gets in his way, which we highly recommend against doing." In Honey's Anime pool "Top 10 Ridiculous Anime Hairstyles", Kenpachi's hairstyle came at 6th place. The same site also ranked his fight with Nnoitra Gilga as
2226-424: Is Kamishini no Yari ( God-Killing Spear ) . Unlike other zanpakutō , Gin's does not change in appearance when his bankai is activated, but maintains its unreleased wakizashi form instead. Kamishini no Yari possesses the same abilities as its shikai , albeit to a much more powerful degree. It can extend itself up to 13 km in length and move 500 times faster than the speed of sound . It also contains
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#17328764028692332-401: Is Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū ( 黄煌厳霊離宮 , lit. "Stern Spirit's Yellow-Glittering Detached Palace") , which produces a bolt of lightning from its blade that extends and transforms into a dome of lightning, stationed far above one's head, that is fastened to the ground by a large number of lightning pillars. These pillars can be controlled at will to shock an opponent. He is voiced by Taro Yamaguchi in
2438-473: Is Raika ( 雷火 , roughly "Lightning Flash") . The shikai command of his zanpakutō is "sever" ( 断ち切れ , tachikire ) . When released, it takes the form of a white hook sword with curved pipes that form the hilt. He can focus fireballs into the crux of the hook and create large fissures of flame to attack his opponents with by slamming it into the ground. Raika ' s bankai , Raika Gōen Kaku ( 雷火豪炎殻 , literally "Lightning Flash Flame Shell") , enlarges
2544-453: Is "raise your head" ( 面を上げろ , omote o agero ) . When released, Wabisuke straightens and its blade forms a three-sided square, becoming an angular hook. It has the ability to double the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each successive hit exponentially increases the weight of the target. After seven or eight blocked attacks, his opponents are unable to lift their own swords or even move their body, leaving them on
2650-403: Is also known as a crown. In this style, the hair is formed into thick spikes that may radiate outwards in all directions or all point up in the same direction. They are favored for their durability in extremely long hair. Liberty spikes may be enhanced by the use of hair dyes . Liberty spikes are also a common way of styling mohawks . Forming and keeping the shape of liberty spikes is beyond
2756-490: Is an ability normally seen in Soul Reaper captains that requires ten years minimum to master. Once achieved, the Soul Reaper can unlock the full potential of their zanpakutō , increasing their own power several times over. Though rare, it is possible for two people to manifest the same zanpakutō and spirit. This is considered the ultimate taboo of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the individuals who manifest
2862-446: Is an anime-exclusive character introduced as the new captain of Squad Three, following Gin's defection, during season nine . He has an unkempt appearance, is usually bright, lively, and unpretentious, and can become drunk on a single drink of alcohol . Because Shūsuke spent most of his Soul Reaper career away from the Soul Society as part of a patrol group, the members of Squad Three are mistrustful of him when he first arrives. He spends
2968-491: Is called Daruma-san ga Koronda ( だぁるまさん が こぁろんだ , The Dharma Doll Fell Down) . The sixth and final game, Kageokuri ( 影送り , Silhouette Sending) , is one where if a person stares hard enough at another person's shadow, then their opponent creates afterimages of themselves. Katen Kyōkotsu ' s bankai is called Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū ( 花天狂骨枯松心中 , "Heavenly Bloom Madness Bone: Withered Pine Lovers' Suicide") , which Shunsui uses only when his allies are at
3074-460: Is crushed by her apparent abandonment. When Yoruichi returns to the Soul Society a century later, Suì-Fēng engages her in battle, but does not manage to defeat her. After questioning Yoruichi as to why she was left behind—Yoruichi's response is not heard —the two make amends. Their relationship becomes somewhat of a running gag : Suì-Fēng likes anything resembling a black cat (a form Yoruichi can assume at will) and displays jealousy whenever Yoruichi
3180-437: Is declared the loser. The fourth game is known as Iro-Oni ( 艶鬼 , Colored Demon) , where players call out a color then slice their opponent wherever that color is displayed. However, if the color is not on the body of the person who called it out then the damage given is minimal; the more prevalent the declared color is on the declarer's body, the more damage the attack commits. A fifth game, similar to " Red Light, Green Light ",
3286-640: Is doubtlessly one of the strongest Shinigami in Bleach." Liberty spikes Liberty spikes is hair styled into long, thick, upright spikes. The style, now associated with the punk subculture , is so named because of the resemblance to the diadem crown worn by the Statue of Liberty ( Liberty Enlightening the World ), itself inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas and god Sol Invictus . Liberty spikes trace their origins to
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3392-432: Is in someone else's company. Suì-Fēng's zanpakutō is Suzumebachi ( 雀蜂 , literally translated as " Hornet ") . When released by the command "Sting all Enemies to Death" ( 尽敵螫殺 , Jinteki Shakusetsu ) , it shrinks into a black and gold stinger that is worn on the middle finger of her right hand. When it stabs an opponent, a butterfly-like symbol called a hornet's crest ( 蜂紋華 , hōmonka ) appears on their body at
3498-622: Is last seen getting himself lost while attempting to attend Rukia's captain ceremony. Zaraki appears in the second session of Bleach: Beat Collection , together with Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika. He has a minor role in the Bleach OVA, and also appears briefly in Bleach: Memories of Nobody , making sport of one of the Dark Ones. He also appears in the second movie , being the first to charge in and attack Sōjirō's new dragon form; he helps out in
3604-412: Is meted out in four separate Acts . It also manifests the spirit of Shunsui's zanpakutō : a Feudal Japan -style mistress referred to as Katen, who creates a kunoichi offshoot named Kyōkotsu to hold Shinken Hakkyōken until Nanao eventually asks for it. He is voiced by Akio Otsuka in the Japanese version of the anime and by Steve Kramer in the English dub. Nanao Ise ( 伊勢 七緒 , Ise Nanao )
3710-478: Is often accosted by Shunsui, whose teasing takes various forms, and removes her glasses when she is particularly annoyed with him. Though her face has never been shown while doing so, this act is apparently quite frightening as most characters who witness it are reduced to gibbering wrecks afterwards. When Shunsui becomes the new Head Captain, Nanao becomes his lieutenant in Squad One alongside Okikiba. While she creates
3816-521: Is primarily centered around his appearances in the Bleach anime and omake stories, with the exception of the occasional diatribe between himself and Yachiru. He is depicted as having a very poor sense of direction, and is often depicted in omake stories asking his lieutenant Yachiru for directions to a particular place (who then randomly points in a direction even though she herself has a terrible sense of direction as well). Kenpachi lives for battle (evidenced by his method of attaining his rank) and enjoys
3922-791: Is released by the command "Crush" ( 打っ潰せ , buttsubuse ) . It transforms into an oversized flail that can be thrown to inflict great physical damage upon his opponents. He is yet to obtain his bankai . He is voiced by Shōto Kashii in the Japanese version of the anime and Lex Lang in the English dub. Squad Three was originally led by Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi until he was forced to forfeit his post after Aizen put him through Hollowification. Gin Ichimaru, formerly Aizen's lieutenant in Squad Five, takes over Rose's position after Aizen reveals his true intentions and defects. Following Gin's subsequent defection, Lieutenant Kira briefly assumes captain duties. In
4028-438: Is revealed that he had achieved his bankai before Yamamoto's pupils Shunsui and Jūshirō did, though due to his loyalty to Yamamoto he never used it or offered to be a captain. His zanpakutō is Gonryōmaru ( 厳霊丸 , lit. "Stern Spirit", translated in other ways) . When released with the command "Bite" ( 穿て , Ugate ) , it transforms into a rapier . Its shikai special abilities remain unknown. Gonryōmaru ' s bankai
4134-549: Is revealed to be Loyd's twin brother Royd Lloyd in disguise, and is defeated. After the Wandenreich leaves, Zaraki recovers and engages Unohana in what both expect to be a fight to the death in order to train him in dealing with the Wandenreich. Despite being brought to the brink of death several times, and Captain Unohana finally releasing her Bankai, Zaraki ultimately cuts down Unohana, subsequently hearing his Zanpakutō and learning its name: Nozarashi ( 野晒 , Weather-Beaten One) . During
4240-469: Is seen putting fun before work. Despite his violent tendencies, Zaraki will usually give up on a fight if his opponent is too injured to fight back, claiming that the fight is no longer fun. However, he will unhesitatingly kill his opponent if they refuse to end their fight on his terms as seen during his battles with Tōsen and Nnoitora . Prior to entering the Soul Reaper ranks, Zaraki resided in District 80,
4346-508: Is selected by Shunsui to be his lieutenant along with Nanao. Shin'etsu Kisaragi ( 如月 信越 , Kisaragi Shin'etsu ) was a member of Squad One and the father of Shūsuke Amagai. After Central 46 denies Yamamoto's request to officially investigate the Kasumiōji Clan Compound regarding the clan's manufacturing of Bakkōtō , he sends Shin'etsu to secretly infiltrate the compound. Shin'etsu is caught by Gyōkaku Kumoi's men and Kumoi forces
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4452-529: Is the captain of Squad Two and the current Commander in Chief of the Stealth Force. She is a hard worker who believes strongly in following orders. She is also outwardly antagonistic to her underlings as she believes this keeps them on their toes. During her childhood, she serves as a bodyguard and eventual protégé of Yoruichi, with whom she develops a close relationship. When Yoruichi leaves the Soul Society, Suì-Fēng
4558-583: Is the mother of the current lieutenant of Squad Seven, Tetsuzaemon Iba . Gin Ichimaru ( 市丸 ギン , Ichimaru Gin ) is the former captain of Squad Three. He previously served as the Third Seat of Squad Five under Captain Shinji Hirako , then as lieutenant under Captain Aizen, before becoming captain of Squad Three. He eventually defects from the Gotei Thirteen alongside Aizen and Kaname Tousen , and becomes
4664-523: The Ancient Britons . Warriors washed their long hair in lime water, which also bleached it blond. This hairstyle was highly symbolic as a badge of honor and manhood: Celts were not allowed to spike or cut their hair until they had killed an enemy. After the subjugation of Britain spiked hair fell out of use in favor of short Roman haircuts. In the silent film era some actors, like comedian Harold Lloyd , experimented with spiked hair to stand out from
4770-432: The Bakkōtō a secret. After his various accomplices are slain in the Soul Society, Shūsuke takes the nuclei of their Bakkōtō and engages Yamamoto in battle. He ends up fighting Ichigo, while Rukia and the others rescue Princess Rurichiyo Kasumioji (whom he abducted after killing Kumoi), and is defeated. Upon learning the truth about his father's death, he takes his own life to atone for his misdeeds. Shūsuke's zanpakutō
4876-540: The "6th Strongest Anime Character Who is Master of Sword", and as the "3rd Most Overpowered Anime Character Who Can Do Something Devastating", calling him "the hardest, strongest, most fanatically combatant of all the Shinigami." Screen Rant ranked Kenpachi as the "4th Strongest Shinigami", where they commented "His Bankai transforms him into a demon with unparalleled physical abilities in exchange for his sense of reason. His love of combat often leads to his defeat, but Kenpachi
4982-411: The "7th best anime battle/fight", where they stated "If you’ve been watching Bleach long enough, Kenpachi wasn’t given the time to show off his true power. This battle finally showed what he’s capable of and while the animation weren’t that good, the fight showed us what Kenpachi is truly capable of." Orzzzz named Kenpachi as one of the "Anime Characters Who Should Sue Their Stylists" and also ranked him as
5088-510: The "Top 8th Zanpakuto". HubPages ranked him as the "10th Coolest Male Anime Character" with comments "What makes Kenpachi cool? His overwhelming strength, power, aggressive fighting style, and Yachiru by his side." In IGN article "5 Anime Bad Boys I Always Root For", Kenpachi was placed on 5th place, with comment "It doesn't matter what side Kenpachi is on at any moment- his fights are always sure to entertain." In another article "Top Ten Anime Characters", Kenpachi ranked 9th, with comment "Practically
5194-450: The Black , appearing as either a wakizashi or a tantō . She is voiced by Hitomi Nabatame in the Japanese version of the anime and by Kate Higgins in the English dub. Genshirō Okikiba ( 沖牙 源志郎 , Okikiba Genshirō ) was originally the Third Seat in Squad One, ordered by Yamamoto to guard their barracks during the Wandenreich's attack on the Soul Society. After Yamamoto's death, he
5300-551: The Blue Heavens, The All, and Live Bankai Show Code 002. He is portrayed by Shōgo Suzuki . Kenpachi's love for battles has made the fights he appears in enjoyable for various critics. Calling him the "toughest Soul Reaper in business," IGN comments that "any battle with Kenpachi is always fun to watch just because of the fact that he has so much fun in his battles" and adds "almost every battle seems lopsided in Kenpachi's favor due to
5406-569: The Cero Espada Yammy by cutting off one of his legs, and further engaging him in combat with Byakuya Kuchiki. When it seems that Kenpachi and Byakuya are about to defeat him, Yammy undergoes a new transformation. as Byakuya and Zaraki ultimately defeat their opponent, though Kenpachi thought the fight was quite "boring". He is last seen being reprimanded by the Captain-Commander for losing his captain's haori in battle. Seventeen months after
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#17328764028695512-496: The Court Guard Squad captains and assistant captains were his favorites, Kubo answered by saying that he liked "all of them" and that he likes to "support" characters "disliked by readers." Early plans for the story did not include the hierarchical structure of the Soul Society, but did include Ichigo's Soul Reaper heritage. Soul Reapers can only be seen by other spiritually aware beings, which excludes most humans. They age at
5618-407: The English dub, he is voiced by Neil Kaplan . Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe ( 雀部 長次郎 忠息 , Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki ) , was Yamamoto's lieutenant, often present during meetings between the captains. He was the only Soul Reaper at the battle for Karakura Town that did not fight, instead guarding the fake version of the town on his own with a large Reiatsu barrier. In an omake , due to a mission in
5724-457: The Espada Nnoitra in battle. Despite having " more fun than he has had in a long time, " he suffers enough injuries to realize that he may die if the fight continues. Kenpachi begins to have a few flashbacks to his Kendo training as he would grip his sword with two hands to deal Nnoitra a vicious, incapacitating blow. Unfortunately for Nnoitra during the ensuing fight Zaraki's eye-patch, which is
5830-460: The Gotei Thirteen, other military forces exist and serve in specialized capacities. The Kidō Corps ( 鬼道衆 , Kidōshū ) , for example, is a reclusive group that specializes in kidō and is in charge of the gateway connecting the Soul Society and the human world. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto ( 山本元柳斎 重國 , Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni ) was the captain of Squad One and Head Captain of the Gotei Thirteen. He believed that laws must be upheld for
5936-554: The Goth subculture, although in this case they were dyed black instead of the bright unnatural colors favored by punk rockers. They are often kept in for days or weeks at a time. There are also liberty spikes that make use solely of front spikes to look more like the crown of the Statue of Liberty than a proper mohawk. This type of styling is not easy by any means. Those who do it, spend anywhere from one to two hours, and they are somewhat uncomfortable to sleep with. This form of liberty spikes
6042-648: The Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by Michael McConnohie when he first speaks in Episode 54 then by Dan Woren in later appearances. Shunsui Sōzōsuke Jirō Kyōraku ( 京楽 次郎 総蔵佐 春水 , Kyōraku no Jirō Sōzōsuke Shunsui ) was originally the captain of Squad Eight for most of the series. One of the oldest captains in the Soul Society, alongside his friend Jūshirō, Shunsui trained under Head Captain Yamamoto, whom he calls "Old-man Yama" ( 山じい , Yama-jii ) . After Yamamoto's death, Shunsui becomes
6148-464: The Soul Society by giving a Konso ( 魂葬 (こんそう) , konsō , "soul funeral") to souls yet to become hollows and defeat those who have. High-level Soul Reapers and similarly powerful beings are able to levitate by standing on the spiritual energy in the air. The No Breathes From Hell one shot explains that Soul Reaper captains are given a last rites ritual as their Reishi is transferred to another realm due to being too dense to properly diffuse in
6254-517: The Soul Society to save her and are forced to fight against many of the Court Guard Squads. Sōsuke Aizen , Gin Ichimaru , and Kaname Tōsen —the captains of squads Five, Three, and Nine respectively—eventually defect from the Soul Society at the time of Rukia's rescue, effectively interrupting Ichigo's battles, and enact a plan to gain greater power with the Arrancar . Aizen is brought into focus as
6360-565: The Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed and pessimistic demeanor. During the Wandenreich invasion, Kira is mortally wounded by the Stern Ritter Bazz-B. However, he is revealed to have survived the attack and is later healed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi , allowing him to battle the multiple weakened bird cloned copies of Lille Barro's Vollständig. Kira's zanpakutō is Wabisuke ( 侘助 , lit. "Apology helper", translated in other medias "the penitent one" "Apologizer") . The shikai command
6466-537: The Soul Society. He tells Yachiru that he and Ichigo will certainly meet again because they are the only ones who are what they seem to be. Kenpachi also helps fight off the Bount invasion and successfully defeats Maki Ichinose, a former member of his own squad who left after Kenpachi killed the former captain. During the Arrancar arc, Zaraki appears to Ichigo as his instinct and desire to win, explaining to him that they were both
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#17328764028696572-423: The Soul Society. The ritual is revealed to actually send the deceased Soul Reaper captains to Hell instead, rather than ease their passing. The Gotei Thirteen ( 護廷十三隊 , Goteijūsantai , "Thirteen Court Guard Squads" in the English dubbed version) is the central organization, and main military power, of the Soul Society that most Soul Reapers join. Initially created to enforce law and order and composed of
6678-546: The Stealth Force ( 隠密機動 , Onmitsukidō , lit. "Special Forces") , Squad Two's duties include assassination and covert operations. After Yoruichi is forced to leave her post for aiding Urahara's escape when he was accused of the Hollowification of the Vizards , Suì-Fēng becomes the new captain of Squad Two. Marenoshin Ōmaeda ( 大前田 希ノ進 , Ōmaeda Marenoshin ) is the former lieutenant of Squad Two (under Yoruichi) as well as
6784-471: The Wandenreich's second invasion, Zaraki uses Nozarashi's ax-like Shikai form against the Sternritter Gremmy Thoumeaux in an exhausting flight that leaves him at the mercy of a quartet of female Sternritters before Ichigo saves him. After being healed twice, the second time being a consequence of being incapacitated while fighting Pernida, Zaraki joins Hitsugaya and Byakuya against Gerard. During
6890-581: The aftermath of her father's death, Nanao joins the Gotei Thirteen for her knowledge in kidō . During her early days in Squad Eight, she develops a friendship with then-lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru , and realizes her family's zanpakutō is in Shunsui's possession. Nanao is a very serious and pragmatic person, which often puts her at odds with her captain's silly antics. Despite this, she is extremely respectful of him and follows his instructions without hesitation. Nanao
6996-567: The anime, Shūsuke Amagai is eventually assigned as captain in Gin's place, retaining the role until his death some time afterwards. Rose is allowed to resume his duties after Aizen's defeat. Chikane Iba ( 射場 千鉄 , Iba Chikane ) is the former lieutenant of Squad Three under Rōjūrō, appearing in the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden . She eventually retired from her position and was succeeded by Izuru. Chikane
7102-399: The bandaged zanpakutō to Nanao as a last resort, which she accepts despite being skeptical of it. In its shikai state, Shinken Hakkyōken takes the form of an ornate, medium-sized, flat-ended bladeless sword with the ability to take the power of a god into itself and disperse that power into the eight directions. The weapon is seen in its basic unwrapped form in the art book All Colour but
7208-474: The benefit of the community and despised those who broke them, but made an exception regarding Ichigo Kurosaki due to a debt owed to the former after he saves the Soul Society. Yamamoto founded the Soul Reaper Academy 1,000 years before the main Bleach storyline, where he personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake whom he treated like sons. Yamamoto claimed that no Soul Reaper born in
7314-437: The blade and creates a giant conch-shaped guard worn across Shūsuke's arm, with the handle of the blade hidden inside it. This form gives him greater control of his fire attacks, his most powerful technique creating giant dragons of fire to encircle and crush his foe. Shūsuke's Bakkōtō (獏爻刀, roughly " tapir crossing blade") is a twin-bladed tuning fork -shaped weapon that creates black-plated armor across his right arm and emits
7420-454: The blades are normally two daisho swords, their shikai state resembles dao or falchions . When released with the command "Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer" ( 花風紊れて花神啼き 天風紊れて天魔嗤う , Hana Kaze Midarete Kashin Naki, Tenpū Midarete Tenma Warau ) , Katen Kyōkotsu gains the ability to turn children's games into a deadly reality and anyone caught in
7526-496: The capacity of some hair styling products, which were created for more natural looking styles. List of Soul Reapers in Bleach#Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genry.C5.ABsai This is a list of Soul Reapers ( 死神 , Shinigami , literally, "death gods") featured in the manga and anime series Bleach , created by Tite Kubo . Soul Reapers are a fictional race of spirits who govern the flow of souls between
7632-435: The crowd, although this trend did not catch on with ordinary people. This changed in the 1970s when the emerging British punk subculture chose messy, choppy hair in reaction to the long smooth styles worn by hippies and disco fans. Originally the spikes were small, as worn by modern-day pop-punk fans, but by the 1980s this had evolved to tall liberty spikes, sometimes over a foot in length. Liberty spikes were also worn by
7738-415: The deadliest killers in all of the Soul Society, the Gotei Thirteen became more peace-oriented in nature over time. It is split into thirteen squads, each symbolized by a flower whose floriography is indicative of the squad's designation or special responsibilities. The Captains ( 隊長 , taichō , literally, "unit commander") are the leaders of the thirteen squads. Each controls a specific squad with
7844-455: The episodes following his introduction trying to prove himself to them and the rest of the Soul Reapers by promoting teamwork between all the divisions. As the anime progresses, Shūsuke is quickly revealed to have ulterior motives, with his friendly attitude only being a means to further his plans. He joined the Gotei Thirteen in order to exact revenge upon Yamamoto for killing his father to keep
7950-520: The exception of the Head Captain ( 総隊長 , Sōtaichō , literally "Commander-General") , who is both the captain of Squad One and leader of the Gotei Thirteen; the implication is that this is an ex officio position. All captains are able to perform the bankai of their zanpakutō . To achieve the position of captain, a Soul Reaper must display great expertise with Soul Reaper abilities and battle tactics, and be approved by either their fellow captains or
8056-918: The exchange itself ends in a draw, with Ichigo falling first and Zaraki shortly after, both admitting defeat (though Zaraki's sword breaks in the end, after it is deflected by the sudden manifestation of Ichigo's hollow mask, which spared the latter from death). Zaraki later admits that he lost, but he needs to get stronger and pay Ichigo back. He finds himself happy he found someone strong to fight, before falling unconscious. He then decides to help Ichigo and frees his friends from imprisonment. Much later on, while searching for Ichigo with his friends in tow, they are headed off by 7th and 9th Division members. Zaraki battles their captains Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen respectively, defeating Tōsen and fighting off Komamura before Komamura runs away to find Shigekuni Yamamoto Genryūsai . He does not see Ichigo and his friends off when they leave
8162-419: The fact that Kenpachi enjoys the battle all the way through". OtakuKart named him the "5th Strongest Captain in Bleach", stating "This guy is total monster who does not even use his Shikai but with bare sword and immense spiritual pressure he was able to defeat Nnoitra. Otaku Nuts ranked him as the "Top 5th Anime Character That Rocks", "Top 4th Anime Anti-Hero", "Top 2nd Best Bleach Character", and his Nozarashi as
8268-410: The family head can inherit Shinken Hakkyōken . Nanao is rarely seen with the weapon for most of the story until Shunsui's battle with Lille Barro —he sealed the zanpakutō inside Kyōkotsu to honor his sister-in-law's wish to hide the apparent source of the Ise clan's curse from Nanao in the hopes that it would end with her generation. As Shinken Hakkyōken is able to harm divine beings, Shunsui gives
8374-689: The fight with Sōsuke Aizen, Kenpachi, along with all the other high-ranking members of the Gotei 13, are ordered to restore Ichigo's reiatsu. as he arrives with Byakuya, Hitsugaya, Ikkaku, Rukia, and Renji to aid in fighting Xcution. Kenpachi is engaged by Giriko Kutsuzawa and quickly slices the Fullbringer in half, finding him "boring". After these events, a group of Quincy called the Wandenreich appear and send their invading force of Sternritters to take over Soul Society. Zaraki manages to single-handedly kill Berenice Gabrielli, Jerome Quizbatt, and Loyd Lloyd without much difficulty. Kenpachi then confronts Yhwach, who
8480-537: The fight, as Yachiru reveals her true identity and sacrifices herself to awaken his full power, Zaraki manifests his Zanpakutō' s Bankai form to overwhelm the Sternritter before his body begins to suffer from the strain caused by using the Bankai. He later helps in holding down Gerard for Hitsugaya and Byakuya to land the death blow. Ten years after the war, having become more composed with Ikkaku as his new vice-captain, Zaraki
8586-518: The final battle as well. In the third movie , he fought an altered Mayuri Kurotsuchi and was consumed by white substance that immobilized him for much of the movie. He was finally released in a fashion and aids in the final battle. Kenpachi also appears in most of the Bleach video games. He also appears in four of the Rock Musical Bleach performances: Dark of the Bleeding Moon, No Clouds in
8692-406: The form of an extremely long, armored missile launcher that encases Suì-Fēng's right arm and extends all the way up past her shoulder, with a sighting device shaped like a mask shielding the right side of her face. While holding this bankai , its large size—it is bigger than Suì-Fēng herself—makes it difficult for her to move. The thunderous recoil after its cannon is fired may require the use of
8798-677: The former Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps, appearing in the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden . When he retires his positions, both are assumed by his son Marechiyo, the division's current lieutenant, with whom he shares a close resemblance. Like his son, Marenoshin enjoys downgrading poorer members of the Gotei Thirteen, such as Izuru Kira and Shūhei Hisagi . Suì-Fēng ( 砕 （ ソイ ） 蜂 （ フォン ） , Soifon , pinyin : Suì Fēng ) , born Fon Shaolin ( 蜂梢 （ フォンシャオ ） 綾 （ リン ） , Fon Shaorin , pinyin : Fēng Shāolíng ) ,
8904-410: The ground with their head bowed as though asking forgiveness. At this point Wabisuke ' s released form, a blade bent into a squared hook, comes into play, as it is used to decapitate the kneeling opponent, thus denying them forgiveness. He is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in the Japanese version of the anime and by Grant George in the English dub. Shūsuke Amagai ( 天貝 繍助 , Amagai Shūsuke )
9010-584: The human world and the afterlife realm called the Soul Society . The series tells of how Ichigo Kurosaki becomes a substitute Soul Reaper in Karakura Town in place of Rukia Kuchiki . He assumes her duties to protect souls and put them to peaceful rest, as well as to fight against dangerous, lost souls unable to find rest, called Hollows . As the series progresses, Rukia is captured by the Soul Society's Soul Reaper military for giving her powers to Ichigo and sentenced to death. Ichigo and his friends journey to
9116-499: The human world to carry out their duties. If this Soul Reaper is an assistant captain or a captain then they will have a Gentei Reiin , or a Spirit Restriction Seal, on some area of their body. This seal will limit their spiritual powers to one-fifth of their full power and it can only be released in a state of emergency. In addition to these laws, it is a crime for a Soul Reaper to remain in the human world for longer than directed. A Soul Reaper's duties include leading wandering spirits to
9222-556: The last one thousand years is stronger than him, but he is eventually killed by Yhwach . His zanpakutō is Ryūjin Jakka ( 流刃若火 , lit. "Flame of the Flowing Blade") , and it displays control over flame . The most powerful zanpakutō in Soul Society, the sheer power of its flame can disintegrate almost anything it is waved at. Its release command is "Reduce All Creation to Ash" (万象一切灰燼と為せ, Banshō issai kaijin to nase or "All things in
9328-442: The members of their own squad. There are three ways a Soul Reaper can become a captain: The Lieutenants ( 副隊長 , fukutaichō , literally, "vice-unit commander") are the adjutants to the captains in each squad. In terms of rank, they hold the second seat in the squad. In the case of a squad captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant serves as acting captain until
9434-493: The moisture in Soul Society. The Squad Ten captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya , cannot release his sword—an ice-type zanpakutō —due to the heat radiated from Yamamoto's bankai . Its power is so great that it can destroy all of Soul Society and Yamamoto himself should it remain active for too long. He is voiced by Masaaki Tsukada in the original Japanese anime series and Binbin Takaoka in its direct sequel Thousand Year Blood War . In
9540-444: The most difficult to draw in the series. He also wears a special eyepatch on his right eye lined with a strange creatures mouths; the eyepatch was created by the 12th Division. It absorbs the bulk of his power. Both of these are meant to give enemies an advantage, similar to his habit of fighting one-handed, since in an unhandicapped state he would defeat them so quickly that he would not be able to enjoy himself sufficiently to delve into
9646-521: The most lawless district surrounding the Soul Society. He became very proficient with swordsmanship, or at least fighting, while he was there, and eventually adopted the district's name, "Zaraki", as his surname. He also took a Zanpakutō still in its "Asauchi" state from a corpse and made the weapon his own, though unable to hear its spiritual embodiment. During that time, he met a kindred spirit in Squad 4's Retsu "Yachiru" Unohana, both leaving their opponent with
9752-463: The name of the sword's spirit, and through training, Soul Reapers can unlock more powerful transformations of their zanpakutō . The first transformation, known as a shikai ( 始解 , lit. "initial release") which acts like a binding contract between a Soul Reaper and the sword, changes the zanpakutō' s appearance to so the owner can facilitate its special abilities to its fullest. The second transformation, known as bankai ( 卍解 , lit. "final release") ,
9858-414: The new Head Captain of the Gotei Thirteen and the leader of Squad One. He appoints Genshirō Okikiba and Nanao as his lieutenants. A laid-back and flamboyant man, as seen by his attire, Shunsui wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be found drinking sake , napping, or chasing after women, particularly his lieutenant Nanao Ise. Shunsui tends to use
9964-463: The point of contact. The crest bears four wings because a hornet has two sets of full-size wings located on its thorax. Due to Suì-Fēng's training, this mark can be kept there for as long as she desires. If Suzumebachi stabs the same location a second time, the opponent dies. This technique is called " Nigeki Kessatsu (弐撃決殺, Death in Two Steps)". This also holds true if an internal organ is pierced in
10070-655: The previous captain of the 11th Division, thus gaining his seat in the Gotei 13 . As a new captain, Zaraki was begrudgingly forced to learn Kendo , something he hated because it personified his skills, although he did agree on one point: a blade swung with both arms is more powerful than with one arm, such as he made it a point to avoid using it in battle in order to prolong the experience of fighting as long as possible. In an interview, Tite Kubo noted that he would like to go into more depth about Zaraki. After Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends arrive in Soul Society, Zaraki begins to hunt for
10176-457: The range of Shunsui's spiritual power is forced to play. One such game, Bushō Goma ( 不精独楽 , Lazy Spinning Top) , involves spinning wind around like a top. Another, Takaoni ( 嶄鬼 , Mountain Demon) , declares that whoever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, Kageoni ( 影鬼 , Shadow Demon) , forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even if it is their own,
10282-564: The real world, Sasakibe is shown to have enjoyed growing tea leaves and making his own tea. He was killed by the Stern Ritter "O" Driscoll Berci during the Wandenreich 's first invasion of the Soul Society, alongside 106 other Soul Reapers. Driscoll later attempts to also kill Yamamoto using Sasakibe's stolen bankai , but is obliterated by the enraged captain for using his deceased lieutenant's bankai so shamefully. During Sasakibe's funeral, it
10388-555: The rest of the series. She is voiced by Karen Strassman in the English dub. Marechiyo Ōmaeda ( 大前田 希千代 , Ōmaeda Marechiyo ) is the lieutenant of Squad Two and Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps. He comes across as arrogant and dull. In an omake, he is shown to have come from a rich family, where he is revealed to have a ridiculously long name: Marechiyo Yoshiayamenosuke Nikkōtarōemon Ōmaeda ( 大前田 日光太郎右衛門 美菖蒲介 希千代 , Ōmaeda Nikkōtarōemon Yoshiayamenosuke Marechiyo ) . Other characters suspect that he received his position as
10494-403: The same location, regardless of the point of entry into the body. Furthermore, if Suì-Fēng is infected with a foreign poison, she can stab herself with her zanpakutō to counteract the new poison with her own, neutralizing it. Suzumebachi ' s bankai is Jakuhō Raikōben ( 雀蜂雷公鞭 , lit. "Hornet Thunder Whip", 雷公 means thunder) . A gold artillery -type weapon with black markings, it takes
10600-565: The spirit are forced to fight to the death to determine the zanpakutō ' s true master, as in the plot of Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion (2007). Many Soul Reapers manage to use kidō ( 鬼道 , lit. "way of the demon", also "demon arts") , a form of magic that can be performed by reciting a specific incantation. Most of the kidō spells seen in the series are used as attacks, defensive measures, or to bind others, though they can also serve more specialized needs such as healing wounds or communication over long distances. Spells are ranked on
10706-561: The story's main antagonist . However, in the series' final arc, the real antagonist is revealed to be Yhwach , the son of the Soul King and father of the Quincy . Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw Shinigami ("Soul Reaper" in the English adaptations) in a kimono , which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers. Before deciding on the use of kimono, Kubo thought of giving black suits to male Soul Reapers and any forms to female Soul Reapers, but thought that it
10812-433: The strongest fighter in their group before finding Ichigo. After a short skirmish, Zaraki stabs Ichigo's sword while stabbing him in the chest, seemingly killing him. as Kenpachi begins to walk away, when Ichigo stands up again, healed by the power of Zangetsu. During the fight, Ichigo becomes enough of a challenge that Zaraki removes his eyepatch, thus releasing the extra power it has been devouring. As they rush at each other,
10918-457: The type of people who live to fight (or fight to live) battle after battle. After Orihime is taken to Hueco Mundo, Zaraki arrives with Byakuya Kuchiki to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's group and bring them back to Soul Society. Later, in Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi comes to Ichigo's aid during his battle with Nnoitra's Fracción Tesla, dealing the Arrancar a mortal blow with a single strike and then engaging
11024-599: The universe, Turn to ashes" in the English Dub). Ryūjin Jakka ' s bankai is Zanka no Tachi ( 残火の太刀 , lit. "Longsword of the Remnant Flame") . Upon release, all of the flames produced by Yamamoto become concentrated at the edge of the blade, which takes on the appearance of an ancient, scorched sword. Zanka no Tachi ' s heat reaches temperatures of 15,000,000 degrees, creating flame-like reiatsu around him and rendering him untouchable. Merely activating it drains all
11130-409: Was originally the lieutenant of Squad Eight for most of the series, serving under her uncle, Shunsui. Nanao's family is primarily composed of women with a Shinto priesthood lineage and a reputation that men who marry into the family, like Shunsui's brother, eventually die due to a family curse . As a child, living with elderly relatives after her mother is executed for discarding Shinken Hakkyōken in
11236-402: Was too generic and changed it to a kimono. Several characteristics from them, such as the kidō spells and the zanpakutō swords are also based on Japanese literature. Instead of using zanpakutō , Kubo wanted to give the Soul Reapers guns, with the exception of Rukia Kuchiki , who would use a scythe. Seeing that guns are not suitable for kimono, he changed them to swords. When asked which of
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