User:Suigetsu/Soul Reapers

This is a list of Soul Reaper (死神) characters featured in the anime and manga series Bleach, created by Tite Kubo. Soul Reapers are a fictional race of spirits who govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife.

Soul Reapers are departed human souls that have gained supernatural powers. Their bodies are composed of ectoplasm which mimics normal human anatomy. Soul Reapers can only be seen by other spiritually aware entities, which excludes most humans, but otherwise are solid entities capable of influencing their environment. Additionally, they can be injured and die like regular humans, though it takes considerably greater injuries for the latter to occur than it would in regular humans.

All Soul Reapers possess a zanpakutō (斬魄刀), a physical manifestation of their soul that takes the form of a regular sword. By learning the name of sword's spirit and learning to work with it in battle, Soul Reapers can unlock more powerful forms of their zanpakutō. The first form, known as shikai (始解), changes the swords appearance to better facilitate it special abilities. The second form, known as bankai (卍解), can only normally be achieved when a Soul Reaper trains with their zanpakutō for decades. Once achieved the Soul Reaper can unlock their zanpakutō's full potential, increasing their power several times over.

Soul Reaper operations are based out of Soul Society, which is the afterlife in Bleach. Travel between the human world and Soul Society is extremely limited and monitored, but some Soul Reaper are stationed in the human world to carry out their duties and therefore must often travel between the two. In addition, it is a crime for a Soul Reaper to remain in the human world longer than directed. A Soul Reaper's duties include leading wholes (ghosts) to Soul Society in a practice called soul burial (konsō), and the cleansing of hollows (evil spirits).

Soul Reaper court divisions
The Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊), is the central organization which most Soul Reapers join. It is split into thirteen divisions, hence the name, some of which have certain specializations. The 4th Division, for example, is the medical/supply division, while the 12th Division is the research/scientific division.

Other military-forces exist apart from the Gotei 13 and serve more specialized capacities. The Kidō Corps (鬼道衆) is a reclusive group that specializes in kidō and is left in charge of the gateway connecting Soul Society to the human world. The Stealth Forces (隠密機動), typically led by the captain of the 2nd Division, are tasked with surveillance, covert operations, and imprisoning potentially problematic Soul Reapers. The Zero Division, a secret group composed only of former captains, protects the royal family.

Captains
Captains (隊長) are the leaders of the thirteen divisions. Each controls a specific division with the exception of the Commander-General (総隊長), who acts as both captain of the 1st Division and the leader of the Gotei 13; the implication is that this is an ex officio position.

Captains are the most respected and powerful Soul Reapers in Soul Society. With one exception (Kenpachi Zaraki), all captains are able to perform the bankai of their zanpakutō. Knowing bankai gives Soul Reapers an average of five to ten times the strength of those Soul Reapers who are unable to perform it. They have also extensively trained with their bankai, allowing them to actually use the enormous power effectively in battle. To achieve the position of captain a Soul Reaper must display great expertise with Soul Reaper abilities and battle tactics, and must be approved by either their fellow captains or the members of their division. All of these factors create an extremely large gap in power between captains and lower-ranked officers, even lieutenants.

Lieutenants
Lieutenants (副隊長) are the adjutants to the captains in each division. In terms of rank, they hold the 2nd seat in the squad. They usually only know the shikai of their zanpakutō, but are still considered the second strongest officer in their division. In the case of a division captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant acts as the substitute captain until another captain can be assigned.

Officers
Seated officers (席官) hold ranks from 3rd Seat to 20th seat. While the single digit ranks are usually only assigned to a single officer, the lower ranks will often be held by several. Higher digit ranks may also lead secondary teams within the division; for instance, Hanatarō Yamada is the 4th Division's 7th seat and leader of the 14th Advanced Relief Team therein. The bulk of each division is made up of an unspecified number of unseated Soul Reapers, roughly equivalent to enlisted soldiers. Rukia Kuchiki of Division 13 is one notable example of an unseated Soul Reaper, among other named, but otherwise minor, tertiary characters.

Soul Reaper characters
When asked which of the 13 Court Guard Squad captains and lieutenants were his favorites, Tite Kubo answered by saying that he liked "all of them" and that he likes to "support" characters "disliked by readers."

Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai

 * Rank: Captain

Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai (山本元柳斎 重國) is the leader of the Gotei 13. He is an old man with a long beard. Despite his old age, he has a very muscular body. There are many scars on his torso and head, suggesting numerous battles in his past. Yamamoto believes that laws must be upheld for the benefit of the community and despises those who break them. He founded the Soul Reaper academy about 2000 years before the main Bleach storyline, where he personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake. He thinks of the two as his own sons, and was proud of both of them when they achieved their captaincy.

Yamamoto's zanpakutō is Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火). It is released with the command "all things in the universe, turn to ashes" (万象一切灰燼と為せ). When released, the sword, which is normally kept sealed as Yamamoto's staff, consumes him and the surrounding area in flames. It is the most powerful fire-based zanpakutō in Soul Society, and the sheer power of the flame can disintegrate almost anything the sword is waved at. It also possesses a technique called jōkaku enjō (literally "fortress blaze"), which creates a sphere of flame to imprison enemies. Yamamoto is an exceedingly powerful fighter, able to easily fight two captains with Ryūjin Jakka, and strong enough to paralyze lieutenant-class Soul Reapers simply by releasing a wave of spiritual pressure.

Chōjirō Sasakibe

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Chōjirō Sasakibe (雀部 長次郎) is the least seen of all the lieutenants, not being named in the manga until long after his first appearance. In the manga, Chōjirō is illustrated without pupils, though in the anime he is depicted with yellow or light brown eyes. Having been fascinated with British culture on missions to the real world, Chōjirō takes great strides to Westernize his life, going so far as to cook tea with personally grown leaves, often with disastrous results. His zanpakutō is Gonryōmaru (厳霊丸). When released with the command "bite" (穿て), Gonryōmaru transforms into a rapier. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

Yoruichi Shihōin
Yoruichi Shihōin (四楓院 夜一) Yoruichi is the captain of the 2nd Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. She abandons her post when she aids Kisuke Urahara in leaving Soul Society.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Soi Fon

 * Rank: Captain

Soi Fon (砕蜂, ), born Shaolin Fon (蜂 梢綾, ), is a hard worker who believes strongly in following orders. She is generally reserved and does not hesitate to strike down her subordinates if they pose a challenge to her plans. In her childhood, she served as a bodyguard of Yoruichi Shihōin, with whom she developed a close relationship, eventually even becoming Yoruichi's protégé. After Yoruichi left Soul Society, Soi Fon was crushed and angered at Yoruichi's betrayal. In retaliation she trained to surpass her mentor, having replaced Yoruichi in all of her former positions, including captain of 2nd Division. However, following her defeat by Yoruichi during their battle in Soul Society, she tearfully asks why Yoruichi did not take her with her. While Yoruichi's answer is not heard, Soi Fon seems to have forgiven her. The two's relationship has become somewhat of a running gag: Soi Fon consistently displays an obsessive, almost romantic, interest in Yoruichi. She likes anything resembling a black cat (a form Yoruichi can assume at will), often suggests that spending time with Yoruichi is the definition of fun, and displays jealousy should Yoruichi be in someone else's company. IGN has commented that Soi Fon and Yoruichi share one of the more interesting histories in the series, though feels more could have been done to flesh it out.

Soi Fon's zanpakutō is Suzumebachi (雀蜂). When released with the command "sting all enemies to death" (尽敵螫殺), it shrinks into a stinger that is worn on the middle finger of Soifon's right hand. Whenever it cuts an opponent, a butterfly symbol called a hornet's crest (蜂紋華) spreads from the point of contact. Should Suzumebachi stab the same location again, the opponent dies. During her days training with Yoruichi, the crests could only be maintained for half an hour. Since then, she has improved to the point that the crests can never be removed unless she wills it.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Marechiyo Ōmaeda (大前田 希千代) is a large man with an equally large mouth who comes across as arrogant and dull. In an omake he is shown to come from a rich family, where he is revealed to have a comically long name, Marechiyo Yoshiayamenosuke Nikkōtarōemon Ōmaeda (大前田 日光太郎右衛門 美菖蒲介 希千代). He looks very similar to all of his family members except for his sister who, though considered normal-looking and sweet by most characters, Marechiyo considers ugly. Other characters suspect that he received his position as a lieutenant because of his family's influence, as he is usually seen eating or picking his nose. Marechiyo's zanpakutō is Gegetsuburi (五形頭). When released with the command "crush" (打っ潰せ), it transforms into an oversized spiked ball and chain. Its special abilities, if any, are unknown.

Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi
Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi (鳳橋 楼十郎) is the captain of the 3rd Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Gin Ichimaru
Gin Ichimaru (市丸 ギン) was once the lieutenant of the 5th Division, but by the time of the start of the series he is captain of the 3rd Division. He joins his former captain, Sōsuke Aizen, in defecting from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Shūsuke Amagai

 * Rank: Captain

Shūsuke Amagai (天貝 繍助) is introduced as the captain of the 3rd Division during season eight of the anime. He does not appear in the mnaga series. Amagai is noted to be the only captain to ever be picked out of a patrol group, a significant change in Soul Society policy. He enters the Gotei 13 in order to exact revenge upon Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai for killing his father to keep the bakkōtō a secret. To this end, he enlists the help of Gyōkaku Kumoi and his assassins while simultaneously gaining the trust of his squad in order to further his plans. After Makoto Kibune and other bakkōtō-wielding assailants are slain in Soul Society, Amagai takes the nuclei of their bakkōtō and teleports to the chambers of Yamamoto, whom he engages in battle before being interrupted by Ichigo's group.

Amagai carries two weapons: his zanpakutō, Raika (雷火), and a tuning fork-shaped bakkōtō. His zanpakutō, when released by the command "sever" (たちきれ), takes the form of a white longsword with a hook at the end and curved pipes that form the hilt. The pipes emit fire, heating the blade and causing it to take on a more fiery color. He can focus fireballs into the crux of the hook and, by slamming it into the ground, create large fissures of flame to attack enemies with. Amagai's bankai, Raika Gouen Kaku (雷火豪炎殻), enlarges the blade and creates a giant conch-shaped pauldron worn across Amagai'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. His bakkōtō, a twin-bladed tuning fork-shaped weapon, creates black-plated armor across Amagai's right arm and a green energy sword emitting from the weapon when activated. It also negates any other active Soul Reaper abilities, forcing opponents such as Ichigo Kurosaki to rely solely on hollow-based or other powers.

Izuru Kira

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Izuru Kira (吉良 イヅル) is a friend of Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai from their days in the Soul Reaper academy. They are often seen spending time together, and all joined the 5th Division together. Though no longer in the same division, Kira is loyal to both his friends and his duties, perhaps to a fault. He defends his captain from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for raising his sword against her. In the anime he is the first in the 3rd Division to accept their new captain, Shūsuke Amagai. He tries to convince his peers of Shūsuke's trustworthiness, but is somewhat skeptical of 3rd Seat Kibune. After Gin's defection, Kira becomes depressed and mopey, especially when his former commander is mentioned. However, when arrancar Abirama Redder mocks him for cowardice, inferring that Gin betrayed the Soul Society due to this, Kira's mood changes entirely, becoming an efficient and murderous fighter and not hesitating to coldly behead Abirama after explaining his battle philosophy.

Kira's zanpakutō is Wabisuke (侘助). Its release command is "raise your head" (面を上げろ). When activated, Wabisuke's blade bends into a squared hook designed to decapitate opponents. In this form, Wabisuke doubles the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each following hit exponentially increases the weight of the target. Thus, after seven or eight blocked attacks, his opponents are unable to lift their own swords. Once Wabisuke's effect becomes noticeable, Kira's opponents often fall to their knees with their heads bent down, as if in apology, thus the name of his zanpakutō.

Makoto Kibune

 * Rank: 3rd Seat; deceased

Makoto Kibune (貴船 理) is temporarily added to the 3rd Division during season eight of the anime. He bears a strong resemblance to the arrancar Szayel Aporro Granz, but with brown hair and purple-rimmed glasses. While he outwardly appears friendly towards his subordinates, he is highly intolerant towards failure, calling those who fall in battle "trash". When in training at the Soul Reaper academy, Kibune stands out as a highly gifted student, but his inability to function in a team precludes him from attaining rank in the Gotei 13, leading Kibune to join the patrol squads under Amagai Shūsuke instead. Around this time, he becomes a servant of Gyōkaku Kumoi and gains a bakkōtō that increased his power exponentially. When Shūsuke becomes the 3rd Division's captain, Makoto serves as the 3rd Division's third seat, but is killed in battle by his lieutenant Kira after losing control of himself to his bakkōtō. Makoto's zanpakutō is Reppū (烈風), and is released with the command "rage violently" (荒れ狂え). When released it takes the form of a large, three-bladed weapon, with two edges extending like arrowpoints and the third shaped like a fan in between them. When combined with his bakkōtō, Makoto can telekinetically control the sword, allowing him to attack enemies from any direction and spin the blade like a saw blade.

Retsu Unohana

 * Rank: Captain

Retsu Unohana (卯ノ花 烈) is a soft-spoken, polite, and caring woman. She wears the standard Soul Reaper captain's uniform with long sleeves, and wears her hair in a long black braid to the front of her neck rather than the back. She uses honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates, and has never been seen showing panic or distress. Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake treat her as their senior, implying she may have been involved in Soul Society longer than either of them, or is simply older than them. As the head of the 4th Division, Unohana is usually tasked with healing others, commonly treating the most severe injuries. Though she is always polite to her patients, anyone who tries to leave her care before they are discharged are promptly scared into submission merely by her presence (even the members of the 11th squad who are known for their love of fighting).

Unohana's zanpakutō is Minazuki (肉雫唼). In sealed form, Minazuki is slightly longer than ordinary katana, and resembles a nodachi. 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. When unsealed, the entire sword transforms into a gigantic, flying, one-eyed creature resembling a manta ray. It has the ability to heal people by swallowing them. When Unohana reseals Minazuki, it dissolves into green mist and reforms into the sheath of her zanpakutō. Though the series never shows her performing the actual release, Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society labels this form as Unohana's shikai.

Isane Kotetsu

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Isane Kotetsu (虎徹 勇音) is the older sister of Kiyone Kotetsu. Unlike Kiyone, Isane is generally quiet and observant, though she shares her sister's sense of loyalty. She looks to Unohana as a mentor and mother figure. It is noted by Unohana that Isane suffers from frequent and recurring nightmares. This is sometimes used as material for jokes, as Isane's nightmares are often odd or whimsical in their contents. For example, she once had a nightmare involving fish paste. Isane's zanpakutō is Itegumo (凍雲). The guard is shaped like a snowflake. When released with the command "run" (奔れ), two smaller blades protrude from Itegumo's hilt at 45° angles. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

Hanatarō Yamada

 * Rank: 7th Seat

Hanatarō Yamada (山田 花太郎) is the leader of the 14th Relief Squad of the 4th Division. Hanatarō is very timid and nervous, and he tends to be clumsy and easily duped. Despite this, he is shown to be very bold at times, as he risks his standing as a Soul Reaper to help Rukia Kuchiki escape execution. Instead of his zanpakutō, Hanatarō usually carries around a 4th Division medical pack on his back that he uses to heal others in the field. Though he does possess a zanpakutō, named Hisagomaru (瓠丸), he tends to misplace it as he rarely needs to use it. Hisagomaru is released with the command "fulfill" (満たせ). When it strikes an opponent, Hisagomaru heals their wounds rather than causing them damage. A red gauge on the blade then fills depending on the severity of the healed wound. Once the gauge is filled Hisagomaru, upon Hanatarō's uttering of the release command, transforms into a scalpel and changes its name to Akeiro Hisagomaru (朱色瓠丸). In this state, Hisagomaru unleashes a blast proportionate in strength to the severity and amount of wounds healed. Subsequent attacks are able to cause harm, though its size in its released form makes doing so fairly difficult.

Shinji Hirako
Shinji Hirako (平子 真子) is the captain of the 5th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Sōsuke Aizen
Sōsuke Aizen (藍染 惣右介) was initially the lieutenant of the 5th Division under Shinji Hirako. He replaced Shinji as captain of the division sometime after Shinji became a visored. He defects from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc, fleeing to Hueco Mundo.
 * Rank: Former Captain; not replaced

Momo Hinamori

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Momo Hinamori (雛森 桃) is an upbeat and easy-going girl who is generally quite trusting, if not naïve. She is a childhood friend of Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who called her "bed-wetter Momo" in retaliation whenever she called him "Shiro-chan" ("Lil' Shiro" in the English dub). She befriended Izuru Kira and Renji Abarai when she joined the Soul Reaper academy, and the three later joined the 5th Division under Sōsuke Aizen. Being the only one of them to have stayed with the division, Hinamori greatly admires Aizen. She still believes he is a good person even after he tries to kill her and subsequently betrays Soul Society, suggesting that Gin is controlling him. Hinamori's zanpakutō is Tobiume (飛梅). When released with the command "snap" (弾け), Tobiume's blade straightens and produces several jitte-like prongs along its length. In this form, Tobiume acts as a focus for Hinamori's spiritual power, concentrating it into energy bursts capable of cratering floors and breaching walls. She can also compress her power into massive energy balls and toss them from the blade's tip. Hinamori is very talented with kidō.

Ginrei Kuchiki
Ginrei Kuchiki (朽木 銀嶺) is the captain of the 6th Division and the head of the Kuchiki family during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. His grandson, Byakuya Kuchiki, eventually replaces him as captain and head of the Kuchiki family.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Byakuya Kuchiki
Byakuya Kuchiki (朽木 白哉) becomes captain of the 6th Division sometime after his grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki, vacates its captaincy.
 * Rank: Captain

Renji Abarai
Renji Abarai (阿散井 恋次) begins his Soul Reaper career in the 5th Division, but is transferred into the 11th Division and eventually moves to the 6th to become Byakuya Kuchiki's lieutenant.
 * Rank: Lieutenant

Love Aikawa
Love Aikawa (愛川 羅武（ラブ）) is the captain of the 7th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a Visored.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Sajin Komamura

 * Rank: Captain

Sajin Komamura (狛村 左陣) is an anthropomorphic canine. He is initially very self-conscious about his appearance, wearing a large helmet that conceals his entire head. After his fight with Kenpachi Zaraki (during which his helmet is destroyed), he gains enough confidence to go without the helmet. His canine appearance is often the source of jokes; for example, when his lieutenant asks where to find a bathroom, he appears to direct him to a fire hydrant, though he is in fact pointing at a bathroom just around the corner. Komamura has a close friendship with Kaname Tōsen, and is shocked when the latter defects from Soul Society, feeling that his friend has abandoned his morals. Komamura resolves to awaken Tōsen with his own hands.

Komamura's zanpakutō is Tenken (天譴). It is released with the command "roar" (轟け). Once released, Tenken creates various body parts of a giant to copy whatever body part Komamura moves; for example, should Komamura swing his sword, a gigantic disembodied arm wielding a sword appears and does the same thing. Tenken's bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō (黒縄天譴明王) brings forth the entire giant, which also copies Komamura's movements.

Tetsuzaemon Iba

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Tetsuzaemon Iba (射場 鉄左衛門) is originally from the 11th Division, having transferred once determining he would never be promoted to lieutenant had he stayed. As a result, his former compatriots look down upon him. Despite this, Iba has a habit of hanging around their division's headquarters, and he still enjoys a good fight. Iba has a distinctive hair cut and wears black sunglasses with his standard Soul Reaper uniform. He also smokes, thus somewhat resembling a typical yakuza gangster. He and Ikkaku Madarame seem to have something of a working relationship, though it consists mainly of them dueling, drinking sake, then dueling again to see who has to get more. Iba is well-rounded in both swordsmanship and kidō, only because it made becoming a lieutenant easier. The name and abilities of Iba's zanpakutō are unknown, as well as its release command. It takes the form of a tantō when sealed, and he usually keeps it inside his Soul Reaper uniform with the hilt sticking out. In its released state, Iba's zanpakutō extends into a falchion or a large bladed scimitar with a pick-like protrusion a short distance below the tip of the sword.

Shunsui Kyōraku

 * Rank: Captain

Shunsui Kyōraku (京楽 春水) is a laid back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress and general attitude. He wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake and napping. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant. Kyōraku tends to use a more familiar speech style than most other characters in Bleach; he generally refers to his fellow captains and Soul Reapers by their first name followed by an honorific. Kyōraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to find a nonviolent solution, though he doesn't wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. He and his friend Jūshirō Ukitake are two of the oldest captains in the Gotei 13. They both trained under General Yamamoto, who Kyōraku calls Old-man Yama (山じい).

Kyōraku's zanpakutō is Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨). His zanpakutō is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, being as a daisho sword pair. It is 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). In Katen Kyōkotsu's released state, the daisho sword pair transforms into two large scimitars or falchions. While the anime and manga have yet to depict what special abilities Katen Kyōkotsu possesses, some Bleach video games portray it as having wind manipulation abilities.

Lisa Yadōmaru
Lisa Yadōmaru (矢胴丸 リサ) is the lieutenant of the 8th Division under Shunsui Kyōraku during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. She leaves Soul Society after becoming a Visored.
 * Rank: Former Lieutenant

Nanao Ise

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Nanao Ise (伊勢 七緒) is a very serious and pragmatic person, which is at odds with her captain's silly antics. Despite this, she is extremely respectful of her captain and follows his instructions without hesitation. Nanao is often accosted by her captain, whose teasing takes various forms. Nanao's usual reaction is to scold him or hit him with something, usually a fan. When she is particularly annoyed she takes off her glasses. Though her face has never been seen while doing so, this act is apparently quite frightening, as most characters who see it are reduced to gibbering wrecks just by witnessing it. She has been with the 8th Division since she was a small child, and she enjoyed reading with former lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru. Not much is known about Nanao's zanpakutō and she is very rarely seen with it. An illustration in the art book "All Color but the Black" reveals that her zanpakutō takes the form of what appears to be either a wakizashi or tantō, which she seems to conceal within her sleeve.

Kensei Muguruma
Kensei Muguruma (六車 拳西) is the captain of the 9th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a Visored.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Kaname Tōsen
Kaname Tōsen (東仙 要) becomes captain of the 9th Division sometime after Kensei Muguruma leaves Soul Society. He joins Sōsuke Aizen in defecting from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc.
 * Rank: Former Captain; not replaced

Mashiro Kuna
Mashiro Kuna (久南 白) is the lieutenant of the 9th Division under Kensei Muguruma during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. She leaves Soul Society after becoming a Visored.
 * Rank: Former Lieutenant

Shūhei Hisagi

 * Rank: Lieutenant; acting Captain

Shūhei Hisagi (檜佐木 修兵) is an extremely mature and calm individual. He is usually seen wearing what appears to be a choker around his throat with matching armbands on both his arms, though the one on his left arm is usually covered by the Lieutnant badge. As a child he was saved by the then 9th Division captain, Kensei Muguruma. In later years Shūhei got a 69 tattoo on the left side of his face, matching the one Kensei has on his stomach. Once entering the Soul Reaper academy, his prodigious talents allowed him to join the Gotei 13 without completing his education. While acting as an instructor at the academy, Shūhei's group was attacked by a hollow, and in fighting it he received a distinctive scar consisting of three vertical lines. After his captain, Kaname Tōsen, defects from Soul Society, Shūhei assumes the duties of his captain as an acting replacement. Tōsen's betrayal greatly surprises him, as he had a non-violent ideology similar to his captain. He even quotes Tōsen after the betrayal, showing how much of an influence Tōsen has been on him.

Shūhei's zanpakutō is called Kazeshini (風死). It is activated by the command "reap" (刈れ) and takes the form of two kama-like weapons, each with two blades curving both directions, connected by a long chain. Although he dislikes the shape of his weapon because it's shaped like something meant to take life, he is extremely proficient in wielding them; he uses them as projectiles and controls them at range through moving the chain to make the weapons' paths unpredictable.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya
Tōshirō Hitsugaya (日番谷 冬獅郎) is the captain of the 10th Division, and the youngest captain in the history of Soul Society.
 * Rank: Captain

Rangiku Matsumoto

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Rangiku Matsumoto (松本 乱菊) is a strawberry-blonde woman renowned for her large breasts. She makes no efforts to hide them, wearing loose-fitting robes that expose much of her cleavage, using them to try to win over male characters, and using them as a topic in casual conversation. She is very carefree and lazy, usually avoiding the jobs of a lieutenant so that she can sleep or go drinking. Despite her avoiding her responsibilities, Matsumoto can be serious when need be, and often gives important and useful advice. Matsumoto has known Gin Ichimaru since they were children, and spent much of their childhood living together and looking out for each other. They remain close after joining the Soul Reapers, though she is surprised when he later betrays Soul Society. She recruited her captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, into the Soul Reapers and the two have grown quite close ever since. She has an unwavering loyalty and devotion for him and frequently tries to get him to lighten up and have some fun. Matsumoto's zanpakutō is Haineko (灰猫). Its guard is in the shape of a cat's head. When released with the command "growl" (唸れ), it dissolves into ash, which Matsumoto can then control to cut through objects as easily as a sword would. Because Haineko is just as lazy as herself, Matsumoto has had difficulty achieving bankai.

Kenpachi Zaraki
Kenpachi Zaraki (更木 剣八) is the most recent captain of the 11th Division. Like all of his predecessors, he has earned the title of "Kenpachi"; the best warrior among all of the Soul Reapers.
 * Rank: Captain

Yachiru Kusajishi

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Yachiru Kusajishi (草鹿 やちる) is child-like in most respects, as she is small, cheerful, and carefree most of the time. She was found as an infant by Kenpachi Zaraki who, despite being drenched in blood, did not frighten her. He named her "Yachiru" in memory of the only person he ever admired, and "Kusajishi" from the district in which she was found. Since that day she has spent much of her time clinging to his back for transport. Like Zaraki, she has no sense of direction, even though he relies on her to find his way. Yachiru resents being criticized in any way and will often attack the perpetrator in comical fashion. Further reflecting her child-like nature, Yachiru likes to give people nicknames; for example, she calls her captain Ken-chan ("Kenny" in the English version). She also tends to give others random placeholder names. Various omake chapters and character profiles show that Yachiru has a love for candy, which is often used by other characters to make her leave them alone.

Despite her child-like appearance, Yachiru is apparently quite strong, since she is strong enough to lift Kenpachi and leap between buildings while carrying him. She is also very fast for her size. She can emit a large amount of spiritual power when angry, which forms into a large, pink, angry cat face. The name and ability of Yachiru's zanpakutō are both unknown. She carries her zanpakutō around with a loose cord, rather than at the sash of her uniform, and its guard is shaped like a flower. Her zanpakutō's scabbard is also unusual in that it has a pair of wheels for transport (installed by Ikkaku Madarame after continued pestering).

Ikkaku Madarame

 * Rank: 3rd Seat

Ikkaku Madarame (斑目 一角) is a bald, battle-loving man. His lack of hair is often the source of jokes for other characters, who confuse the sheen of his head with the light of the moon. He fought and was defeated by Kenpachi Zaraki sometime in the past, though was strong enough to survive the battle. Once Zaraki became captain of the 11th Division, Ikkaku and his friend Yumichika Ayasegawa joined the Soul Reapers so that they could fight and die under Zaraki's command. He shares a number of similarities with his captain; he feels insecure if he doesn't have a sword, prolongs battles so that he can get as much enjoyment from them as possible, and smiles near-constantly when fighting for his life. He is purportedly the second strongest man in the division. Though strong enough to take a position as a captain, Ikkaku insists his one mission in life is to die under the command of Zaraki.

Ikkaku's zanpakutō is Hōzukimaru (鬼灯丸). Though ordinary in appearance, he stores a blood-clotting ointment in its hilt. When released with the command "extend" (延びろ), it transforms into a naginata with a wax wood shaft. While he usually treats it as such, he can also turn it into a three section staff, surprising the opponent. Ikkaku has achieved bankai, though he keeps this a secret to most characters so that he isn't pressured to become a captain. Hōzukimaru's bankai, named Ryūmon Hōzukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸), takes the form of three oversized weapons connected by a thick chain: two blades in each of his hands and a fan-shaped blade, adorned with a carving of a Chinese dragon, which floats behind him. Aside from the increase in power, his bankai offers no special abilities, and is noted to be unusual for a bankai in this respect. As a fight progresses, the dragon crest will slowly begin to glow crimson, increasing its power as it does so. Ikkaku states that this is because Hōzukimaru, unlike his wielder, is "a lazy bum," and must be woken up in battle before it can reach full power.

Yumichika Ayasegawa

 * Rank: 5th Seat

Yumichika Ayasegawa (綾瀬川 弓親) is a lifelong friend of Ikkaku Madarame. The two joined the Soul Reapers so that they could serve under Kenpachi Zaraki. Yumichika wanted to become the 3rd Seat, as he thought three (三 san) was the most beautiful kanji. Since Ikkaku took that position, Yumichika settled for 5th Seat, thinking that five (五 go) looks almost like a three and that the kanji for four (四　shi) looks ugly. He has colorful feathers on his eyelashes and eyebrow, and shiny skin and hair, giving him a rather womanly appearance in the early manga. Narcissistic and vain, Yumichika judges everyone and everything by beauty. He goes so far as to try to forget things he deems "ugly" after seeing them, such as the faces of Ganju Shiba and Charlotte Cuuhlhourne, and even tries fighting ugly opponents with his eyes closed. As seen in his conversation with Cuuhlhourne the opinion of Ikkaku Madarame seems to weigh heavily with him as well as the fact he seems to follow him everywhere.

Yumichika's zanpakutō is Ruri'iro Kujaku (瑠璃色孔雀), a kidō-type zanpakutō. However, since the 11th Division has an unspoken rule that zanpakutō are only to be used for direct attack, Yumichika keeps this fact secret. According to himself, he would risk dying to conceal his zanpakuto's true power. To conceal it, he releases it using the command "bloom" (咲け) and the name Fuji Kujaku (藤孔雀), which annoys his sword and causes it to take up a weakened form consisting of a sickle-shaped blade which can split into four identical blades. Using the command "split and deviate" (裂き狂え) and its real name, Ruri'iro Kujaku's blades split into vines which bind the opponent and feed on their spiritual pressure, leaving them incapable of fighting. He is trying to learn bankai, but because Ruri'iro Kujaku is just as narcissistic as himself, Yumichika has had difficulty getting along with it and slams it against boulders to break it, making bankai a challenge to achieve.

Maki Ichinose
Maki Ichinose (一之瀬 真樹), introduced during the anime's Bount arc, left the 11th Division after Kenpachi Zaraki killed the previous captain. He traveled the human world, but one day, while in a weakened state in a desert, he fell upon a hollow that almost killed him; the hollow was subdued by Jin Kariya, who allowed Maki to kill it. Maki swore his loyalty to Jin after that, only breaking the vow once to fight Zaraki. He helps the Bount infiltrate Soul Society, though is turned on by Kariya once his purpose is fulfilled and killed. His zanpakutō later helps in Kariya's defeat, acting as a lightning rod for Kariya's attacks. Maki's zanpakutō is called Nijigasumi (虹霞). It is released by the command "flash and burst" (光華閃け). In its released state, Nijigasumi glows with rainbow colors and has the ability to control light for various purposes. It can make Maki turn invisible or douse the area in light, playing havoc with opponents' counterattacks. It can also use light offensively, creating blades and spheres of light to cut or crush opponents, respectively.

Kirio Hikifune
Kirio Hikifune (曳舟 桐生) left the 12th Division soon before the start of the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries under the guise of retirement. In actuality, she was transferred to the Zero Division. Her lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, thought of her as a mother-figure. She was succeeded by Kisuke Urahara
 * Rank: Former Captain

Kisuke Urahara
Kisuke Urahara (浦原 喜助), once the 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, replaces Kirio Hikifune as the captain of the 12th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. His hollowfication experiments and a ploy formed by Sōsuke Aizen cause him to be exiled to the human world a century before the start of the series.
 * Rank: Former Captain

Mayuri Kurotsuchi
Mayuri Kurotsuchi (涅 マユリ) was once the 3rd Seat of the 12th Division, having been recruited by then captain Kisuke Urahara to help him with his research. He replaced Urahara as captain sometime after Urahara left Soul Society.
 * Rank: Captain

Hiyori Sarugaki
Hiyori Sarugaki (猿柿 ひよ里) is the lieutenant of the 12th Division under Kisuke Urahara during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. She was also the lieutenant of Urahara's predecessor, Kirio Hikifune. She leaves Soul Society after becoming a Visored.
 * Rank: Former Lieutenant

Nemu Kurotsuchi

 * Rank: Lieutenant

Nemu Kurotsuchi (涅 ネム) is the artificially created daughter of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, a combination of his research in artificial bodies (義骸) and artificial souls (義魂). This past has driven her to become rather introverted and melancholic, preferring to stay silent in her captain's presence. Their relationship is far from the average father-daughter one, as Mayuri doesn't seem to care much for Nemu's well-being (even using her as bait in combat). The most that can be said in his favor is that he has occasionally implied concern over her life as a point of personal pride in his own skill as her creator. Despite being abused and mistreated in every possible way by her father, Nemu still shows great loyalty to him, and has openly expressed worry at the prospect of his death. Unlike her father, however, she seems to have compassion for others, saving Uryū Ishida's life as thanks when he does not kill Mayuri.

Nemu's body was designed to withstand fatal wounds, though she still suffers the pain brought on by her injuries. This extends to being able to survive impregnation by Szayel Aporro Granz, a process meant to bring him back to life while leaving her as an empty husk. Mayuri can repair Nemu very quickly in these situations, allowing her to continue doing her father's bidding. Nemu is also immune to Mayuri's many poisons. Despite this, she carries around a variety of antidotes to be used as she sees fit. She also holds various poisons and potions derived from Mayuri's research in her own body, making her highly dangerous to those that attack her internally. Nemu does not normally carry a zanpakutō, but she is shown to have one in an illustration in the artbook "All Color but the Black." Her zanpakutō takes the form of what appears to be a thin katana.

Rin Tsubokura


Rin Tsubokura (壷府 リン) is a character originally created by Tite Kubo as a mascot for the Japanese Bleach-Fan news site. He regularly interacts with Ichigo Kurosaki's seiyū in brief video segments on the site. Later, he was brought into the manga and anime as scientist of the 12th Division. He has an obsession with candy and any other sort of sweets, jumping at the chance to visit the real world just to buy sweets unavailable in Soul Society. He is just as timid and simple minded as Hanatarō Yamada and Ururu Tsumugiya. He usually runs and hides from any assignment and is surprised at his willingness to go to the real world. Although androgynous, Rin is directly referred to as "he".

Jūshirō Ukitake

 * Rank: Captain

Jūshirō Ukitake (浮竹 十四郎) is a sickly looking man with long white hair. He suffers from tuberculosis, which caused his hair to turn white, and acts as an inhibition for him throughout the series; if he fights for too long, or even becomes too agitated, the illness flares up. He is forced to leave most of his duties as a captain to his subordinates so that he can rest. Despite this, Ukitake is respected by many Soul Reapers for his honesty, loyalty, and personal sense of justice. He and his friend Shunsui Kyōraku are two of the oldest captains in the Gotei 13, both having trained under General Yamamoto thousands of years before the current Bleach storyline.

Ukitake's zanpakutō is Sōgyo no Kotowari (双魚の理). His zanpakutō is, along with that of Shunsui's, one of only three zanpakutō in Soul Society to exist as a pair. Where it differs from Shunsui's is that it only becomes a pair after its release, while Shunsui's is a pair even in its sealed form. It is released with the command "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). In Sōgyo no Kotowari's released state, it splits into two thin blades resembling fishing javelins that are connected by a cord lined with several small charms. While the anime and manga have yet to depict what special abilities it possesses, some Bleach video games portray it as having the ability to manipulate water and electricity.

Kaien Shiba

 * Rank: Former Lieutenant; not replaced

Kaien Shiba (志波 海燕) was the lieutenant of the 13th Division under Jūshirō Ukitake and was considered something of a prodigy. He was reluctant to take the position, feeling that there were others more deserving of the job. He closely resembled Ichigo Kurosaki in both appearance and personality, particularly his desire to protect those close to him regardless of the law or the personal consequences, something that is brought up multiple times in the series. Though he had a good relationship with all of his subordinates, he was particularly close with Rukia Kuchiki; he taught her how to fight and helped her find a place within the 13th Division. Unlike other Soul Reapers, Kaien treated Rukia like any other, not judging her by the name Kuchiki, which in turn helped her to gain some self-confidence. After his wife, Miyako, was killed by a hollow, Kaien went out to kill the hollow to seek revenge. He was possessed by the hollow in the process and attacked Rukia, who killed him in self-defense. Though he thanked her for doing so and apologized for his actions, Rukia forever feels guilty about her role in his death.

The hollow that possessed Kaien was designed to return to Hueco Mundo when killed. Still merged with the hollow at the time, the two were sent back as one entity. The hollow was eventually consumed by Aaroniero Arruruerie, who was able to use Kaien's appearance and abilities, namely his zanpakutō, Nejibana (捩花). When released with the command "rankle the seas and the skies" (水天逆巻け), Nejibana transforms into a crystalline cross between a trident and a ji. In this form it has the ability to manipulate water and can create shockwaves to split the enemy in two.

Kiyone and Sentarō

 * Rank: 3rd Seat
 * Kiyone
 * Sentarō

Kiyone Kotetsu (虎徹 清音) and Sentarō Kotsubaki (小椿 仙太郎) share the duties of the lieutenant, though neither appear suited for the actual position. They squabble quite often, each believing that they are more respectful of their captain than the other is. They both mean well, but are highly competitive and constantly critical of the other (to further their rivalry, they also happen to share the same birthday, September 22). Kiyone is the younger sister of Isane Kotetsu.

Rukia Kuchiki
Rukia Kuchiki (朽木 ルキア), a prime candidate for a seated position, has been made ineligible by order of her older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Tessai Tsukabishi
Tessai Tsukabishi (握菱 テッサイ) is the Grand Kidō Chief (大鬼道長) of the Kidō Corps during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He has since left Soul Society and now works at the Urahara Shop.
 * Rank: Grand Kidō Chief

Hachigen Ushōda
Hachigen Ushōda (有昭田 鉢玄) is the Vice-Kidō Chief (副鬼道長) of the Kidō Corps under Tessai Tsukabishi during the Turn Back the Pendulum miniseries. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.
 * Rank: Vice-Kidō Chief

Ichigo Kurosaki
Ichigo Kurosaki (黒崎 一護) becomes a Soul Reaper after meeting Rukia Kuchiki. Though Soul Society regards him as a criminal when first learning of him, he becomes their ally after the Soul Society arc and earns the title of "Substitute Soul Reaper", something most other Soul Reapers have never heard of.

Isshin Kurosaki
Isshin Kurosaki (黒崎 一心) is the father of Ichigo Kurosaki. He was a Soul Reaper up until twenty years before the current Bleach storyline, after which he began residing in the human world. What he did as a Soul Reaper and why he left remain unknown, though apparently, he was of captain level.

Zennosuke Kurumadani


Zennosuke Kurumadani (車谷 善之助) is a Soul Reaper with an afro who appears almost exclusively in omake chapters. He replaces Rukia Kuchiki in guarding Karakura Town from hollows after she is sentenced to be executed. Working in Karakura Town causes him great annoyance; not only are most of hollows destroyed by other, more central, characters before he arrives on the scene, but an unusually high number of townsfolk can see him. When he complains of this to Soul Society, he is brushed off and told not to interfere with the other spiritually aware people around town. Zennosuke's zanpakutō is Tsuchinamazu (土鯰). When released with the command "rise and shine" (おはよう), it takes the form of a chakram with a wooden handle embedded in the blade. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

Ashido Kanō


Ashido Kanō (狩能 雅忘人) is introduced during the anime's adaption of the Hueco Mundo arc. He was originally to appear in the manga during the same part in the series, but had to be cut by series creator Tite Kubo due to time issues. He wears the standard Soul Reaper uniform, in ragged condition and without any footwear, with a fur coat draped over himself. The coat consists of several hollow masks adorned on it; one (resembling a gazelle's skull) killed his best friend. The others he uses to block hollow attacks. Along with his fellow Soul Reapers, Ashido followed a group of hollows into Hueco Mundo hundreds of years before the current Bleach storyline. However, the Soul Reapers were instead hunted down by the hollows and killed one by one, leaving Ashido as the sole survivor. Though he was to return to Soul Society once he wiped out the hollows (an impossible task given how many reside in Hueco Mundo), he decided to stay and kill as many hollows as possible, hoping to reduce the numbers appearing in the human world. After meeting Rukia Kuchiki he agrees to join her in leaving the Forest of Menos. As she and her friends are leaving the realm however, they are attacked by hollows, and Ashido is sealed in the forest by a cave-in while defending them. His further whereabouts and condition are left unknown.

Ryūsei "Kenryū" Kenzaki


Ryūsei Kenzaki (犬崎劉聖), commonly called Kenryū (犬龍), is introduced during the anime's The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc He is a servant of Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, the princess of the Kasumiōji noble family. He is fiercely loyal to Rurichiyo, and often reprimands Ichigo for not showing her proper respect. He has somewhat similar facial features to the arrancar Tesla but with short dark hair, and wears a normal Soul Reaper uniform and a light garment underneath, as well as long gloves. His zanpakuto is named Benishidare (紅枝垂) is released with the command "bloom madly" (咲き乱れ). When released, it takes the form of a long black sword with five flowers attached to it; two flowers on either side and one on the tip. The flowers release a pollen which causes more flowers to bloom on his opponent's weapon, rendering it useless. The flowers will wither if the pollen is blown away. Kenryū can also scatter the flowers on the blade to blind an enemy to allow in the aid of Rurichiyo's escape in battle. He can also create a thick purple mist to blind his enemy. With the command "fall as flowers do" (散華), Benishidare can turn its petals into blade sized pink energy needles which rain down on the target.

Ruzaburō "Enryū" Enkōgawa
Ruzaburō Enkōgawa (猿猴川流三郎), commonly called Enryū (猿龍), is introduced during during the anime's The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc. He is a silent, largely built man with a small mohawk shaped like a lightning bolt. He wears a light undergarment under his Soul Reaper uniform, as well as a pair of sunglasses. From the opening credits, it would seem that he has superhuman strength. Like Kenryū, he is a servant of Rurichiyo Kasumiōji. He takes the responsibility of punishing anyone he believes to be being rude to their princess. He has a very high-pitched and squeaky voice, which he is embarrassed about, but Rurichiyo likes. Because of his voice, he almost never speaks, even when asking Kenryū about Rurichiyo's location (he uses comical gestures to ask, which Kenryū is able to understand) or releasing his zanpakutō. His zanpakutō, Daichimaru (代地丸), is released with the command "rock" (ゆらす), although he can release it without saying its name. It takes the form of a pair of fists attached to chains. By striking the ground, he can cause a pair of stone hands to rise from the ground and trap a target by cupping around it.