Squad One Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was the captain of Squad One and Head Captain of the Gotei Thirteen. His
zanpakutō is , and
it displays control over flame. The most powerful
zanpakutō in Soul Society, His
zanpakutō is . When released with the command , it transforms into a
rapier. Its
shikai special abilities remain unknown.
Gonryōmarus
bankai is , 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. One such game, , involves spinning wind around like a top. Another, , declares that whoever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, , forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even if it is their own, is declared the loser. The fourth game is known as , 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", is called . The sixth and final game, , is one where if a person stares hard enough at another person's shadow, then their opponent creates
afterimages of themselves.
Katen Kyōkotsus
bankai is called , 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 is meted out in four separate
Acts. He is voiced by
Akio Otsuka in the original Japanese version of the anime and by
Steve Kramer in the English dub.
Nanao Ise 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 the aftermath of her father's death, Nanao joins the Gotei Thirteen for her knowledge in
kidō. Shūsuke discovers his father's dying body and hears his last words: "Beware the
Bakkōtō". He is voiced by
Hōchu Otsuka in the origiginal Japanese version of the anime and by
Joe Ochman in the English dub.
Squad Two Originally led by
Yoruichi Shihōin, Suì-Fēng becomes the new captain of Squad Two. 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. This also holds true if an internal organ is pierced in 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.
Suzumebachis
bankai is . Other characters suspect that he received his position as 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
Sousuke Aizen's
Arrancar. Marechiyo's
zanpakutō is , and is released by the command . 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 original Japanese version of the anime and
Lex Lang in the English dub.
Squad Three 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. Gin fails and dies instead. He subsequently comes to regret helping Gin defect from the Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed and pessimistic demeanor. He is voiced by
Takahiro Sakurai in the original Japanese version of the anime and by
Grant George in the English dub.
Shūsuke Amagai is an anime-exclusive character introduced as the new captain of Squad Three, She is also very good at noticing details, being the first to detect a slight abnormality in Aizen's fake corpse (later confirmed by Aizen himself). During the Battle of Karakura Town, she is one of the captains sent to assist Ichigo in
Hueco Mundo and later accompanies him to the town through a Garganta, although she does not take part in the battle directly. Much later on, during the Wandenreich invasion, Unohana and all other members of her squad are ordered to remain in their barracks by Yamamoto. After Shunsui becomes the new Captain-Commander, she reassumes her true persona In the end, she is run through by Zaraki and dies, but is grateful she was able to serve her purpose and help him learn the name of his
zanpakutō. She is very emotional by nature, crying after the Wandereich's first invasion of the Soul Society, and again when she finds Unohana's farewell note before the latter's fight to the death with Zaraki. During the Soul Society Arc, Insane is present at Rukia's execution. When Ichigo appears, she attacks him, but is swiftly defeated. She is also present when Aizen reveals his true nature to Hitsugaya and Unohana, and quickly broadcasts the information to the rest of Soul Society. Isane is part of the reinforcements sent to Hueco Mundo in order to assist Ichigo and his friends. She and Unohana heal
Yasutora "Chad" Sado and
Gantenbainne Mosqueda after saving them from the Exequias. After Unohana heads to Fake Karakura Town, she orders Isane to assist captains Byakuya and Zaraki in battle against
Espada Yammy Llargo. During the Wandenreich invasion of the Soul Society, Isane and the rest of Squad Four are ordered by Yamamoto to remain in their barracks. Isane's
zanpakutō is and its
shikai command is . When released, two smaller blades protrude from
Itegumos hilt at 45° angles. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown. He is voiced by
Yutaka Aoyama in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Cam Clarke in the English dub.
Hanatarō Yamada is the Seventh Seat Officer of Squad Four and leader of Relief Team Fourteen. Hanatarō is very timid and nervous, usually not thinking about what he is doing, and tends to be clumsy and easily duped. Despite his character, he is very talented in healing and treating, even displaying boldness at times, such as when as he risks his position as a Soul Reaper to help Rukia escape execution, and while healing Ichigo on several occasions. Instead of his
zanpakutō, Hanatarō usually carries Squad Four's medical pack on his back, which he uses to heal others on the battlefield. Because he has strong relationships with Ichigo, Rukia and Renji, he is part of the reinforcements sent by the Gotei Thirteen to infiltrate Hueco Mundo and assist his fellow Soul Reapers in battle, presumably healing them once the battle is over. In Hueco Mundo, Hanatarō is assigned to Captain Byakuya instead of Unohana. While there, he is briefly injured by Rukia who was under
Zommari Leroux's control at the time, but makes a full recovery and immediately resumes his duties. He is also known as the "Lil' Creepy Medical Kid". Though Hanatarō does possess a
zanpakutō, named , he tends to misplace it as he rarely needs to use it. 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 wounds. Once the gauge is filled and it is released with the command ,
Hisagomaru transforms into a
scalpel and changes its name to . In this state,
Hisagomaru unleashes a reiatsu-based attack (similar to
kidō or cero) equal to the severity and number of wounds that have been healed. The proportion of its strength, if enough energy is stored, is nearly strong enough to decapitate a
Menos. However, upon releasing these energies,
Akiero Hisagomaru retains its scalpel form, rendering it effectively useless in hand-to-hand combat. It can also release the existing amount of energy collected within itself prior to being completely filled, though this is only mentioned and never actually seen. It is also the only known
zanpakutō to have different names in its sealed and
shikai forms. Hanatarō was one of the selected higher officers ordered to transfer a partial amount of their own reiatsu to restore Ichigo's Soul Reaper power, although the order only applied to captains and lieutenants, implying that Hanatarō is on par with lieutenant level. He is voiced by
Kōki Miyata in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Spike Spencer in the English dub.
Squad Five Squad Five was originally led by
Shinji Hirako until he was forced to forfeit his post to his then-lieutenant
Sousuke Aizen after the latter put him through Hollowification. Extremely proficient in all forms of Soul Reaper combat, Byakuya holds the Advanced-Captain class within the Gotei Thirteen. His
zanpakutō is and its
shikai command is . Byakuya's
bankai is . Its release command is the same as its
shikai. He is voiced by
Ryōtarō Okiayu in the original Japanese version of the anime and Dan Woren in the English dub.
Ginjirō Shirogane Renji Abarai Kōga Kuchiki Koga Kuchiki was the former Third Seat Officer of Squad Six. He married into the Kuchiki Clan and was the son-in-law of Ginrei. Following a perceived betrayal, he eventually renounces all ties with the clan, and is sealed away by Yamamoto and Ginrei after the loss of his
zanpakutō. Its spirit later returns and frees Koga, but he is ultimately killed by Byakuya. A highly proficient swordsman, skilled in the use of
kidō and
shunpo—his abilities rivalled those of Byakuya—Koga possesses immense spiritual energy and impressive physical strength for a Soul Reaper that is neither a captain nor of the nobility. With his spiritual energy he can create invisible spiritual threads that immobilize his opponents and illusions that confound all five senses. Koga gains respect in the Soul Society for successfully leading attacks against rebel factions and eradicating them on his own. Yamamoto subsequently appoints him as captain of a special force, directly under Yamamoto's authority, dedicated solely to wiping out the remaining rebels. Koga's growing prowess and glory in battle prompts higher-ranking officials to frame and arrest him as a traitor. He is convicted, stripped of his rank, and sentenced to one hundred years of imprisonment, with his
zanpakutōs powers additionally nullified. Ginrei later reveals to Koga that his punishment is actually because the officials fear how dangerous his
zanpakutō has become and bades him accept the situation as a lesson in patience until Ginrei can prove his innocence. Koga eventually escapes with help from the physical manifestation of his
zanpakutō and kills those responsible for his demise. When confronted by Ginrei, who does not sympathize his course of action, Koga suffers a breakdown Komamura's canine appearance is often the source of jokes. For example, when his lieutenant asks where to find a bathroom, Komamura 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 Tōsen and is shocked when the latter defects from the Soul Society, feeling that his friend has abandoned his morals. He resolves to return Tōsen to his senses with his own hands. However, after being made aware of his former friend's motives and ideology, Komamura realizes he has no choice but to fight Tōsen. Immensely strong, as demonstrated by his ability to hurl the Arrancar Poww's massive released state over his head and onto the ground, Komamura engages Tōsen in battle until the latter is defeated by Hisagi and dies. Later, during the Wandenreich invasion of the Soul Society, Komamura battles the Stern Ritter
Bambietta Basterbine by releasing his
bankai, which she steals from him. He is voiced by
Rintarou Nishi in the original Japanese version of the anime and by
Neil Kaplan in the English dub.
Jirōbō Ikkanzaka is the former Fourth Seat Officer of Squad Seven. He is the younger brother of Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper who guards the entry to the city of Seireitei. He appears only once, fighting
Uryū Ishida and
Orihime Inoue after they enter Seireitei to rescue Rukia. He tries to kill Inoue, but is quickly defeated by Uryū, who pierces his Chain of Fate and Soul Sleep with arrows, resulting in the permanent loss of Jirōbō's Soul Reaper powers. Jirōbō's
zanpakutō is . The
shikai command is , or "Spread Your Wings" in the English dub. It consists of countless flying curved blades, which he can control using
telekinesis. Although the blades move faster than the eye can see, they can be easily destroyed or dodged using Flash Step or other fast-moving techniques. He is voiced by
Kazuhiro Nakata in the original Japanese version of the anime and by
Peter Lurie in the English dub.
Squad Eight Squad Eight was originally led by
Shunsui Kyōraku until his promotion to Head Captain and subsequent transfer to Squad One and feels compelled to join in Aizen's defection at the conclusion of the
Soul Society arc. Tōsen undergoes Hollowification sometime prior to the battle of Fake Karakura Town. This is revealed when he completely transforms into a Hollow during his subsequent fight against Komamura. Too consumed by the ecstasy of having sight for the first time in his life, he is struck down by Hisagi and reverts to human form. Barely clinging to life, he is granted closure by Komamura and asks to see Hisagi's face one last time, but his body explodes before they can reunite as Aizen allows his Soul Suicide to occur. Tōsen's
zanpakutō is called . Its abilities are vibrations. In its
shikai,
Suzumushi releases a high-pitched tone that renders anyone who hears it unconscious. Its second form,
Benihiko, creates a trail of hundreds of blades that rain down on his opponent(s). His sword's
bankai state,
Suzumushi Tsuishiki Enma Korogi, allows Tōsen to create a sensory deprivation dome around himself and his opponent(s). As a child he is saved by Kensei, who was captain at the time. In later years, Hisagi has a "69" tattoo on the left side of his face that matches the one on Kensei's stomach. Hisagi becomes the lead protagonist of the
light novel side story ''Can't Fear Your Own World'', which takes place after the Wandenreich's defeat. In it, he learns more of the truth behind Tōsen's betrayal and about the antagonist Tsunayashiro. Hisagi is able to use them as long-distance, retractable projectiles or for a fan-blade attack, but his lingering fears about death and his powers ultimately limit his ability to access its true form. With Kensei's help and encouragement, Hisagi acquires his
bankai, , which he eventually uses during his fight with Tsunayashiro in the light novel. His
bankai is an orb of black chains that wrap around the necks of both himself and his opponent, like a noose, and continuously drain and heal their spiritual energy and wounds in tandem, preventing them from killing each other. The ability appears to be infinite as Hisagi can survive the complete destruction of his heart and
Saketsu, the source of his Shinigami powers. It is unknown what his relationships are with other members of the Shiba Clan, most notably Kaien Shiba, who bears a strong resemblance to Ichigo. Most of his actions as a Soul Reaper remain unknown, except for the events at Naruki City, where he met the Quincy Masaki Kurosaki Masaki is bitten by White and undergoes Hollowification, but Isshin renounces his Soul Reaper powers and links his soul to hers, effectively halting the process and saving her life. Hitsugaya's character is inspired by the vice-commander of the
Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizo. Hijikata was known as the "demonic vice commander", which accounts for Hitsugaya's stern demeanour. He was also known for his problems with women, which is reflected in Hitsugaya's problems with his lieutenant, Matsumoto.
Rangiku Matsumoto is the lieutenant of Squad Ten. Due to her laziness, she has difficulty achieving
bankai. Kubo has identified Matsumoto as one of his two favorite female characters in the series, citing that he "has a lot of fun drawing her and creating stories with her." strong enough to take a position as a captain should he so choose. Ikkaku, however, maintains that his one mission in life is to die under Zaraki's command. Ikkaku's
zanpakutō is . Though ordinary in appearance, he stores a blood-clotting
styptic ointment in its hilt. When released by the command , it transforms into a
yari with a
wax wood shaft. While he usually treats it as such, he can also turn its shaft into a
three-section staff to surprise an opponent by using the command . Ikkaku has achieved
bankai, but keeps this a secret from most characters to avoid being pressured to become a captain.
Hōzukimarus
bankai, named , 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 in this regard. Additionally, its blades appear to have a generally weak integrity for a
bankai, as shown when Ikkaku combats the Thirteenth Arrancar,
Edorad Leones, and later the physical released form of his
zanpakutō (in its
bankai state), using nothing but his own katana and spiritual pressure to shatter them. As a fight progresses, the dragon crest will slowly begin to glow crimson, greatly increasing its power as it does so. Ikkaku claims that it is lazy and only fully awakens when the dragon crest is fully crimson. He is voiced by
Nobuyuki Hiyama in the original Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by
Vic Mignogna in the original English dub (except in episodes 104 and 105 where he is voiced by
Michael Sinterniklaas), and
Todd Haberkorn in
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.
Yumichika Ayasegawa is the Fifth Seat Officer of Squad Eleven and Ikkaku's lifelong friend. He values Ikkaku's opinion very highly and tends to follow him everywhere. The two joined the Soul Reapers to serve under Zaraki. Yumichika's position in the squad does not reflect his actual strength as he chose the fifth seat only because third was already taken by Ikkaku, and he believes five is a more beautiful number than four. Yumichika sports colorful feathers on his eyelashes and eyebrow and has shiny skin and hair, giving him a
womanly appearance. Narcissistic and vain, he judges everyone and everything by beauty, going so far as trying to forget about things he deems "ugly" after seeing them, even attempting to fight an ugly opponent with his eyes closed. Yumichika's
zanpakutō is , a
kidō-type
zanpakutō. He keeps its true power secret, since Squad Eleven has an unspoken rule that only
zanpakutō are to be used for direct attacks, and he would rather risk dying to conceal it. Accordingly, Yumichika releases it under the name with the command , causing the vexed weapon to assume a form consisting of a sickle-shaped blade which can split into four identical blades. During his fight with the arrancar Charlotte Cuhlhourne, Yumichika states that his
zanpakutō has a favorite and least favorite color, which is why he releases it as
Fuji Kujaku (
wisteria is its least favorite color). When confident he will be able to keep it a secret, Yumichika uses his
zanpakutōs real name and command to assume its true released form, with the blades splitting into vines which then bind his opponent and siphon their spiritual energy into flowers which can restore his health upon his eating their petals. Yumichika claims that a full drain from his
zanpakuto can kill an opponent, which is proved when he kills an arrancar. He is voiced by
Jun Fukuyama in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Brian Beacock in the English dub.
Makizō Aramaki is the Tenth Seat Officer of Squad Eleven. Nicknamed Maki-Maki by Yachiru, he is often very timid and cowardly, in contrast to other members of the squad. Aramaki makes his first appearance when he, by chance, encounters Orihime and Uryū as they travel across Seireitei disguised as Soul Reapers. Despite being drunk, he sees through their claiming to be part of the squad. However, during an attack by Squad Twelve's Captain Kurotsuchi, Orihime protects Aramaki alongside herself and Uryū with her
Shun Shun Rikka abilities. Aramaki becomes confused by Orihime's apparent distress over with the deaths of the attacking Soul Reapers and her saving him. As Uryū begins fighting Kurotsuchi, he orders Aramaki to take Orihime to safety, threatening to shoot him if he does not comply. As Aramaki retreats with Orihime, she demands that he let her go in order to assist Uryū, but he refuses. When Orihime bites him, he knocks her unconscious, and shortly thereafter, encounters Yachiru. Yachiru has him take Orihime back to Squad Eleven's barracks so that she can lead Zaraki to Ichigo. Aramaki accompanies them as they look for Ichigo, questioning why they would go so far for a friend. The group eventually catch up to Ichigo after his victory over Byakuya. When Ichigo asks who he is, Aramaki responds that he is no one important and that Ichigo should just pretend that he is not there. Aramaki later appears in the
Bount arc. His nickname ("Maki-Maki") is confused with that of Maki Ichinose's ("Maki-chan"). He is voiced by
Yūichi Nagashima in the original Japanese version of the anime and
JB Blanc in the English dub.
Maki Ichinose , introduced during the anime's
Bount arc, was a member of Squad Eleven under its former captain, Kiganjō. He leaves after Kiganjō is killed by Zaraki, Mayuri's
bankai is physically modified to self-destruct and return to its sealed state should it attack him. He has an alternative
bankai called
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō: Makai Fukuin Shōtai. Additionally, he can reduce his body to liquid form for three days by stabbing himself with his
zanpakutō, leaving him unable to attack or be attacked, but able to effectively escape any situation.
Nemu Kurotsuchi is the lieutenant of Squad Twelve for most of the series. Also known as , she was created by Mayuri as part of the Nemuri Project, to create new life through use of and . She outlives her "older sisters", Mayuri's previous failed attempts. Nemu is an
introverted, passive woman and prefers to stay silent in her captain's presence. When she does speak, it is in a subdued monotone, and in at least one comical instance she mixes up the colloquial usage of the word "cheese" when taking a picture with the word "butter." Though Mayuri refers to Nemu as his "daughter", he pretends to be uncaring towards her to hide his joy over creating a fully stable
artificial life form and acts as though she is nothing more than a tool to be used. Nemu learns the truth from Akon and keeps it to herself. She has compassion for others, as seen when she saves Uryū's life out of gratitude to him for sparing her captain's life. During Mayuri's fight with the Quincy Pernida Parnkgjas, Nemu acts against his orders to save him, revealing that she has modified her body strength and increased her decomposition rate. Despite Mayuri's chastising, Nemu throws him a safe distance away then proceeds to fight Pernida on her own, ultimately sacrificing herself so that Pernida suffers an agonizing death from consuming her cellular makeup. Mayuri saves Nemu's brain from being eaten. Nemu's lieutenant position is taken over by Akon, who formerly filled the Third Seat position, and Mayuri creates the younger as his new assistant. Her body is a
Gigai designed to withstand fatal wounds and is immune to various poisons. It contains several toxins and serums that Mayuri stored within it, making Nemu highly dangerous to anyone who consumes her or attacks her internally. While her
Gigai is composed of highly regenerative cells regulated by her brain, Nemu can still experience pain and carries a variety of antidotes to use as she sees fit. In addition to possessing superhuman strength, she can bore through obstacles by rotating either of her arms at high speeds, with her hand functioning as a drill bit while utilizing parts of her soul in her more devastating attacks. Nemu does not typically carry a
zanpakutō, but she is depicted with one in an illustration in the
All Color but the Black art book; it takes the form of what appears to be a thin katana. She is voiced by
Rie Kugimiya in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Megan Hollingshead in the English dub.
Squad Thirteen Squad Thirteen's jurisdiction in the land of the living includes Karakura Town, with one member of the squad usually sent to patrol the area for any Hollow sightings. Notable members include
Rukia Kuchiki, who succeeds Jūshirō Ukitake as captain after the Wandenreich invasion. Jūshirō has a kind and gentle disposition. He and his friend
Shunsui are two of the oldest and most talented captains in the Gotei Thirteen, both having trained under
General Yamamoto one thousand years before the current
Bleach storyline. During the series' final arc, when the Soul King is killed, Jūshirō realizes that the only resort left is to relinquish his body and life to Mimihagi, through the ritual, so that he can take the Soul King's place and save the Soul Society. Jūshirō's
zanpakutō is and it is released by the command . In its
shikai state,
Sōgyo no Kotowari splits into two thin blades resembling fishing javelins, making it one of only three
zanpakutō in the Soul Society to exist as a pair of separate blades. It has the ability to absorb reiatsu-based attacks through its left blade and release them at full force through the right; the tags along the chain connecting the blades allow Jūshirō to increase the speed and power of the reflected attack. Some
Bleach video games set prior to the current story arc incorrectly portray it as having the ability to manipulate water and electricity (which is impossible for
zanpakutō). His
bankai is unknown. Jūshirō is voiced by
Hideo Ishikawa in the original Japanese version. In the English dub, he is voiced by
Liam O'Brien (except in episode 40 where he is voiced by
Kim Strauss) and by
Aleks Le in the English dub of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Jūshirō's character is greatly inspired by Captain Okita of the
Shinsengumi. Okita was a handsome but unhealthy warrior, even though he was believed to be the strongest samurai in the
Shinsengumi. This is why Jūshirō, while always sick, is portrayed as being very popular with female characters in the series. Additionally, because of Okita's child-adoring personality, Jūshirō is shown as a man who loves children and never wants to hurt them.
Kaien Shiba was a former lieutenant of Squad Thirteen, which his wife Miyako Shiba also belonged to. He is the brother of
Ganju and
Kūkaku Shiba. Kaien's physical appearance closely resembles that of Ichigo, a fact noted by Byakuya early on in the series, except Kaien had black hair. During Rukia's entrance as a new member of the squad, Kaien and Miyako are the only ones to treat her as a normal Soul Reaper and thus their equal, rather than as a noble of the Kuchiki family. Kaien becomes Rukia's mentor and helps her achieve her
shikai, teaching her many things that would help her later on in life. After Miyako is possessed and murdered by the hollow
Metastacia, Kaien is also possessed by Metastacia while on a mission to slay it, and Rukia is eventually forced to kill him. After Metastacia returns to Hueco Mundo, it is consumed by Espada
Aaroniero Arruruerie, who also absorbs Kaien's soul and becomes able to assume his form and use his abilities. The name of Kaien's
zanpakutō is . The
shikai command is , translated as "Rage through the Seas and Heavens" in the English dub, or "Rankle the Seas and Heavens" in some translations. His
shikai takes the form of a trident and has the ability to create and control water.
Toshihiko Seki voices Kaien's character in the original Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by
Kim Strauss (in his first appearance in a flashback scene in episode 49) and
Dave Mallow (in later flashbacks).
Miyako Shiba was the former Third Seat Officer of Squad Thirteen and lieutenant to her husband Kaien. Like her husband, Miyako treated Rukia as a normal Soul Reaper during her entrance, rather than a noble, and quickly became Rukia's personal idol. Miyako was assigned to a mission that eventually led to her death by the hollow Metastacia, who had infected her body and caused her to kill all members of her squad while under its control. She is voiced by
Sumi Shimamoto in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Cindy Robinson in the English dub.
Kiyone Kotetsu is the co-Third Seat Officer of Squad Thirteen, a position she shares with Sentarō Kotsubaki, whom she often competes with in order to impress her captain. She is the younger sister of
Isane, the Vice-Captain of Squad Four. Because of her short hair and youthful appearance, Kiyone can easily be mistaken for a boy. She is voiced by
Chinami Nishimura in the origina; Japanese version of the anime and
Cindy Robinson in the English dub.
Sentarō Kotsubaki is the co-Third Seat Officer of Squad Thirteen, a position he shares with Kiyone, whom he often competes with in order to impress his captain. He later becomes Lieutenant Although it is commonly believed that their objective is serve and protect the Soul King, the light novels later reveal that the Royal Guard's true loyalties are actually to the Soul Society's four great noble houses and that their real purpose is to contain the Soul King and maintain the status quo by any means necessary. Kirio is a cheery and caring woman who has strong maternal tendencies and takes great pride and passion in preparing her
reiatsu-enhancing food. Before joining Squad Zero, she was the captain of Squad Twelve Senjumaru is a soft-spoken and coolheaded woman with a dark sense of humor, which she primarily demonstrates in the midst of battle. She also appears to despise the Quincy, as shown when she refers to them as a race "forsaken by the Soul King", and expresses a desire to eradicate them entirely. Before joining Squad Zero, she was the leader of an unofficial inventors group in the Soul Society, with Mayuri serving as one of her subordinates at the time. Senjumaru's
zanpakutō is and takes the form of a large golden sewing needle. In its
shikai state,
Shigarami can create and manipulate textiles for both offensive and defensive purposes in a matter of seconds, such as immobilizing an opponent by sewing them to the ground, altering the fabric of their outfit with spikes that skewer them from within, forming doppelgangers to take attacks in her stead, or weaving extremely convincing illusions to fool her opponents.
Shigaramis
bankai is . Upon activation, it manifests as a massive golden loom that weaves vast quantities of specialized fabric, which Senjumaru manipulates into uniquely patterned tapestries designed to trap and counter her opponent(s) and their strengths. She can then conjure special environments (resembling pocket dimensions) that reflect the new destiny she has weaved—Senjumaru effectively manipulates "the proverbial string of fate" of her opponent(s)—into the fabric for them. Once Senjumaru cuts and releases all of the finished pieces on the loom, her opponents are silently killed and their corpses are sealed within her tapestries. She is voiced by
Rina Satō in the original Japanese version of the anime and
Jeannie Tirado in the English dub. == Reception ==