List of Soul Reapers in Bleach

This is a list of Soul Reaper (死神, shinigami, literally "death god") 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.

The series follows how Ichigo Kurosaki becomes the subsitute of the Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki. Since then he assumies her duties to protect souls to make them rest in peace as well as to fight against creatures called hollow, which are souls that cannot rest. However, as the series, Rukia is arrested by the Soul Reapers' organization, Soul Society, for giving her powers to Ichigo and prepares to execute her. Ichigo and his friends go to save her and are forced to fight against all the Soul Reapers' divisions. However the 5th division captain, Sōsuke Aizen betrays Soul Society and starts a plan to destroy it.

Creation and conception

Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw a shinigami (term which is changed to Soul Reaper in the English adaptation) in a kimono, which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers. Several characteristics from them such as the kidō spells and the zanpakutō swords are also based on Japanese literature. 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." Early plans for the story did not include the hierarchical structure of Soul Society, but did include some characters such as Ichigo's Soul Reaper heritage.

Characteristics

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. 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, literally "soul-cutting sword"), a sword that has a spirit created by their powers. By learning the name of the sword's spirit, Soul Reapers can unlock more powerful forms of their zanpakutō. The first form, known as shikai (始解, "initial release"), changes the swords appearance to better facilitate it special abilities. The second form, known as bankai (卍解, "final release"), 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.

Many Soul Reapers are able to use kidō (鬼道, literally "way of the demon"), a form of magic that can be performed by reciting a specific incantation. Most of the kidō spells seen in the series have been 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 a scale of 1 to 99, indicating their complexity and overall power.

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 Reapers are stationed in the human world to carry out their duties. 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 13 Soul Reaper captains.

The 13 Soul Reaper lieutenants, including the deceased Kaien Shiba.

The Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊, goteijūsantai, "13 Division Imperial Guards", or "13 Court Guard Squads" (in the English dubbed version), is the central organization which most Soul Reapers join. It is split into thirteen divisions, 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, kidōshū) 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, onmitsukidō, literally "hidden secret movements organization"), 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.

The Captains (隊長, Taichō, literally "Unit Commander") are the leaders of the thirteen divisions. Each controls a specific division with the exception of the Commander-General (総隊長, sōtaichō, "Head-Captain" in the English dub), 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. With one exception (Kenpachi Zaraki), 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 must be approved by either their fellow captains or the members of their division.

Lieutenants (副隊長, fukutaichō, literally "Vice-unit Commander") are the adjutants to the captains in each division. In terms of rank, they hold the 2nd Seat in the 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. The Seated officers (席官, Sekikan) 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.

Soul Reaper characters

1st Division

Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai

• Voiced by: Masaaki Tsukada (Japanese); Bob Johnson (English)

Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai (山本元柳斎 重國, Yamamoto-Genryūsai Shigekuni) is the captain of the 1st Division and the leader of the Gotei 13. He is an old man with 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 who he treats as if they were his sons. Yamamoto's zanpakutō is Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火, roughly "flowing blade like fire", Viz "flowing flame blade"). When released, the sword 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. Yamamoto is an exceedingly powerful fighter, able to easily fight two captains with Ryūjin Jakka's shikai.

Chōjirō Sasakibe

• Voiced by: Taro Yamaguchi (Japanese); Michael McConnohie (English)

Chōjirō Sasakibe (雀部 長次郎, Sasakibe Chōjirō) is the lieutenant of the 1st Division. He is the least seen of all the lieutenants, not being named in the manga until long after his first appearance. His zanpakutō is Gonryōmaru (厳霊丸, roughly "solemn spirit"), which transforms into a rapier. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

2nd Division

Yoruichi Shihōin

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

Soi Fon

• Voiced by: Tomoko Kawakami (Japanese); Karen Strassman (English)

Soi Fon (砕蜂, Chinese: Sùifēng), born Shaolin Fon (蜂 梢綾, Chinese: Fēng Shaolíng), is the captain of the 2nd Division. 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 served as a bodyguard and eventual protégé of Yoruichi Shihōin, with whom she developed a close relationship. When Yoruichi left Soul Society, Soi Fon was crushed by the fact that Yoruichi did not take her with her. When Yoruichi returns to Soul Society a century later, Soi Fon engages her in battle. After asking the question of why she was left behind, to which Yoruichi's answer is not heard, the two make amends. 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), 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, literally "hornet"). 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, hōmonka) spreads from the point of contact. Should Suzumebachi stab the same location again, the opponent dies.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda

• Voiced by: Shōto Kashii (Japanese); Lex Lang (English)

Marechiyo Ōmaeda (大前田 希千代, Ōmaeda Marechiyo) is the lieutenant of the 2nd Division and Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps. He 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, Ōmaeda Nikkōtarōemon Yoshiayamenosuke Marechiyo). Other characters suspect that he received his position as a lieutenant because of his family's influence. Despite his dense and foolish attitude, he's a skilled tactician, is not above putting himself in danger for his duty, feigning weakness and stupidity to lull his opponents into underestimating him, using this to aid in his defeat of one of Aizen's arrancar . Marechiyo's zanpakutō is Gegetsuburi (五形頭, roughly "five heads"). It transforms into an oversized spiked ball and chain that can be thrown to inflict great physical damage to foes.

3rd Division

Rōjūrō Otoribashi

Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi (鳳橋 楼十郎, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō) is the captain of the 3rd Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Gin Ichimaru

Gin Ichimaru (市丸 ギン, Ichimaru Gin) is the captain of the 3rd Division at the start of the series. He joins Sōsuke Aizen, for whom he was once a lieutenant in the 5th Division, in defecting from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc.

Izuru Kira

• Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese); Grant George (English)

Izuru Kira (吉良 イヅル, Kira Izuru, romanized as "Iduru" in Bleach Official Character Book SOULs and other Japanese sources) is the lieutenant of the 3rd Division. 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 Kira is loyal to his friends, he often places his duties as a lieutenant above them. He defends his captain, Gin Ichimaru, from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for raising his sword against her. He subsequently comes to regret helping Gin to defect from Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed, dull and pessimistic attitude.

Kira's zanpakutō is Wabisuke (侘助, roughly "miserable man", translated in the English manga as "the penitent one"). When released, 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. At this point Wabisuke's released form, a blade bent into a squared hook, comes into play, being used to decapitate the kneeling opponent.

Syūsuke Amagai

• Voiced by: Kenyū Horiuchi

Syūsuke Amagai (天貝 繍助, Amagai Syūsuke) is introduced as the captain of the 3rd Division during season nine of the anime. He does not appear in the manga. He has an unkempt appearance and is usually bright, lively, and unpretentious. Because Amagai spent most of his Soul Reaper career away from Soul Society as part of a patrol group, the members of the 3rd Division are mistrustful of him when first meeting him. As such, he spends 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 Amagai is quickly revealed to have ulterior motives, with his friendly attitude only being a means to further his plans. He joined the Gotei 13 in order to exact revenge upon Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai for killing his father to keep the bakkōtō a secret. After his various accomplices are slain in Soul Society, Amagai takes the nuclei of their bakkōtō and engages Yamamoto in battle. However, upon failing to defeat Ichigo and learning the truth about his father's death, he takes his own life to atone for his misdeeds.

Amagai's zanpakutō is Raika (雷火, roughly "fire started by lightning"). When released, it takes the form of a white longsword with a hook at the end and curved pipes that form the hilt. 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. Raika's bankai, Raika Gōen Kaku (雷火豪炎殻, literally "lightning flash flame shell"), enlarges the blade and creates a giant conch-shaped guard 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 negates any other active Soul Reaper abilities, forcing opponents to rely on other powers.

Makoto Kibune

• Voiced by: Hikaru Midorikawa

Makoto Kibune (貴船 理, Kibune Makoto) is added to the 3rd Division as the 3rd Seat during season nine of the anime. He has 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 stood out as a highly gifted student, but his inability to function in a team prevented him from attaining rank in the Gotei 13, leading Kibune to join the patrol squads under Shūsuke Amagai instead. Around this time, he became a servant of Gyōkaku Kumoi and gained a bakkōtō. Though it gives him the necessary power to wreck havoc on Soul Society, he eventually loses control of the bakkōtō and is killed by Izuru Kira. Kibune's zanpakutō is Reppū (烈風, literally "gale"). When released, it takes the form of a large, two-bladed weapon. 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.

4th Division

Retsu Unohana

• Voiced by: Aya Hisakawa (Japanese); Kate Higgins (English)

Retsu Unohana (卯ノ花 烈, Unohana Retsu) is the captain of the 4th Division. She is a soft-spoken woman who has never displayed distress and uses honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates. Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake treat her as their senior, implying she may have been involved in Soul Society longer than either of 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, her presence will scare her charges into submission if they try to leave her care before they are fully healed. Unohana's zanpakutō is Minazuki (肉雫唼, roughly "purify the flesh"), When in its sealed form it resembles a curved tachi. 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.

Isane Kotetsu

• Voiced by: Yukana (Japanese); Stephanie Sheh (English)

Isane Kotetsu (虎徹 勇音, Kotetsu Isane) is the lieutenant of the 4th Division. She is the older sister of Kiyone Kotetsu. Unlike Kiyone, Isane is generally quiet and observant, though she shares her sister's sense of loyalty to her captain. Unohana notes 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, literally "frozen cloud", translated in the English manga as "frozen snow"). When released, two smaller blades protrude from Itegumo's hilt at 45° angles. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

Hanatarō Yamada

• Voiced by: Kōki Miyata (Japanese); Spike Spencer (English)

Hanatarō Yamada (山田 花太郎, Yamada Hanatarō) is the 7th Seat of the 4th Division and the leader of its 14th Relief Squad. 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, "gourd"), 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 wound. Once the gauge is filled and it is released, Hisagomaru transforms into a scalpel and changes its name to Akeiro Hisagomaru (朱色瓠丸, "crimson gourd"). In this state, Hisagomaru unleashes a blast proportionate in strength to the severity and amount of wounds healed.

5th Division

Shinji Hirako

Shinji Hirako (平子 真子, Hirako Shinji) is the captain of the 5th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Sōsuke Aizen

Sōsuke Aizen (藍染 惣右介, Aizen Sōsuke) is the captain of the 5th Division at the start of the series. He defects from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc, fleeing to Hueco Mundo. In the past he was the lieutenant of the 5th Division under Shinji Hirako, who he replaced sometime after converting Shinji into a visored.

Momo Hinamori

• Voiced by: Kumi Sakuma (Japanese); Karen Strassman (English)

Momo Hinamori (雛森 桃, Hinamori Momo) is the lieutenant of the 5th Division. She 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 Ichimaru is controlling him somehow. Hinamori's zanpakutō is Tobiume (飛梅, literally "flying plum tree"). When released, 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.

6th Division

Ginrei Kuchiki

Ginrei Kuchiki (朽木 銀嶺, Kuchiki Ginrei) is the captain of the 6th Division and the head of the Kuchiki family during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. His grandson, Byakuya Kuchiki, eventually replaces him in both positions.

Byakuya Kuchiki

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

Renji Abarai

Renji Abarai (阿散井 恋次, Abarai Renji) 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.

7th Division

Love Aikawa

Love Aikawa (愛川 羅武（ラブ）, Aikawa Rabu) is the captain of the 7th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Sajin Komamura

• Voiced by: Tetsu Inada (Japanese); Kim Strauss (English)

Sajin Komamura (狛村 左陣, Komamura Sajin) is the captain of the 7th Division. He is an anthropomorphic canine who is very self-conscious about his appearance, and so wears a large helmet that conceals his entire head when he is first introduced. 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 is immensely strong, as demonstrated by his ability to hurl the arrancar Po's massive released state over his head and onto the ground.

Komamura's zanpakutō is Tenken (天譴, literally "divine punishment", translated in the English manga as "sword of heavenly retribution"). 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, roughly "king of black-roped divine punishment", translated in the English manga as "divine retribution, black ropes of ruination") brings forth the entire giant, which also copies Komamura's movements.

Tetsuzaemon Iba

• Voiced by: Rintarou Nishi (Japanese); Steve Cassling (English)

Tetsuzaemon Iba (射場 鉄左衛門, Iba Tetsuzaemon) is the lieutenant of the 7th Division. He is originally from the 11th Division, having transferred once determining he would never be promoted to lieutenant had he stayed. His former compatriots look down upon him because of this, though Iba still enjoys a good fight and usually spends his free time with 11th Division members. He and Ikkaku Madarame have a custom of dueling with each other, drinking sake, then dueling again to see who has to get more. Iba has a distinctive hair cut and wears black sunglasses with his standard Soul Reaper uniform. 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. 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.

8th Division

Shunsui Kyōraku

• Voiced by: Akio Ohtsuka (Japanese); Steve Kramer (actor) (English)

Shunsui Kyōraku (京楽 春水, Kyōraku Shunsui) is the captain of the 8th Division. He is a laid back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress: 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 does not 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, Yama-jī).

Kyōraku's zanpakutō is Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨, roughly "flower-heaven bone of madness"). His zanpakutō is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, being as a daisho sword pair. 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, Yadōmaru Risa) is the lieutenant of the 8th Division under Shunsui Kyōraku during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. She leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Nanao Ise

• Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame (Japanese); Kate Higgins (English)

Nanao Ise (伊勢 七緒, Ise Nanao) is the lieutenant of the 8th Division. She first joined the division when she was a little girl, and enjoyed being read to by former lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru. Nanao 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. 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. Nanao is rarely seen with her zanpakutō during the series. 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.

9th Division

Kensei Muguruma

Kensei Muguruma (六車 拳西, Muguruma Kensei) is the captain of the 9th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Mashiro Kuna

Mashiro Kuna (久南 白, Kuna Mashiro) is the lieutenant of the 9th Division under Kensei Muguruma during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. She leaves Soul Society after becoming a visored.

Kaname Tōsen

• Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese); David Rasner (English)

Kaname Tōsen (東仙 要, Tōsen Kaname) is the captain of the 9th Division at the start of the series. He has been blind since birth, but is capable of using his spiritual sense to "see". Tōsen is an extremely calm and serious pacifist, though he will not restrain from fighting for what he believes in or preserving justice. These philosophies were adopted from a peaceful friend he had before becoming a Soul Reaper. When her husband killed her for nagging him, Tōsen became disillusioned that such a righteous person could be killed for such an insignificant reason. After that his creed in life became to "take the path with the least bloodshed". It is for this reason that he feels it necessary to join Sōsuke Aizen in defecting from the Soul Reapers at the conclusion of the Soul Society arc.

Tōsen's zanpakutō is Suzumushi (清虫, literally "pure insects", but read as "cricket"; translated in the English manga as "bell bug"). In its sealed form, Suzumushi looks like a regular katana; its crossguard shaped like a tear drop, with several teardrop-shaped holes at the wide part of the teardrop. Unlike most zanpakutō, Suzumushi has two shikai commands, each producing a unique automatic effect. With one Suzumushi projects a high-pitched tone over a wide area, overloading the hearing of anyone in range and knocking them unconscious. When the second release command is used Suzumushi changes into Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō (清虫式紅飛蝗, literally "Suzumushi, second style: crimson grasshopper"), which creates a trail when swung that turns into hundreds of blades that rain down on his opponents. Suzumushi's bankai, named Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi (清虫終紅閻魔蟋蟀, literally "Suzumushi, final style: Enma cricket") creates a large, black dome centered at Tōsen's location and anchored to the ground with ten rings. Anyone within the dome loses the ability to sense anything around them but retains the sensation of touch. The weakness of this technique is that whoever is touching Suzumushi's hilt is immune to the dome's effects, so anyone able to grab Suzumushi recovers their senses.

Shūhei Hisagi

• Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese); Steve Staley (English)

Shūhei Hisagi (檜佐木 修兵, Hisagi Shūhei) is the lieutenant of the 9th Division. He is usually seen wearing what appears to be a choker around his throat with matching armbands on both his arms. 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 class was attacked by a hollow, and in fighting it he received a distinctive scar across his face. Shūhei is an extremely mature and calm individual, causing him to get along well with his captain, Kaname Tōsen. After 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. According to series creator Tite Kubo, Hisagi became fairly popular with fans long before his backstory and personality were really explored, an abnormality among Bleach characters.

Shūhei's zanpakutō is Kazeshini (風死, lit: wind of death). When released, it 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 at wielding it, capable of using the blades as both hand-to-hand weapons and projectiles, using the chain to make the weapons' paths unpredictable.

10th Division

Tōshirō Hitsugaya

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

Rangiku Matsumoto

• Voiced by: Kaya Matsutani (Japanese); Megan Hollingshead (English)

Rangiku Matsumoto (松本 乱菊, Matsumoto Rangiku) is the lieutenant of the 10th Division. She has strawberry-blonde hair and large breasts. She makes no effort to conceal the latter, 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 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, literally "ash cat"). Its guard is in the shape of a cat's head. When released, the blade dissolves into ash. In combat, Matsumoto can control the movement of the ash, and cut anything it lands on by moving the hilt. Series creator Tite Kubo identifies Rangiku 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."Deb Aoki. "Interview: Tite Kubo (page 2)". About.com. Retrieved 2008-09-16.

11th Division

Kenpachi Zaraki

Kenpachi Zaraki (更木 剣八, Zaraki Kenpachi) 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.

Yachiru Kusajishi

• Voiced by: Hisayo Mochizuki (Japanese); Stevie Bloch (English)

Yachiru Kusajishi (草鹿 やちる, Kusajishi Yachiru) is the lieutenant of the 11th Division. She 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. 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 Bleach omakes 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, being capable of lifting Kenpachi and leaping 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. 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

• Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama (Japanese); Vic Mignogna (English)

Ikkaku Madarame (斑目 一角, Madarame Ikkaku) is the 3rd Seat of the 11th Division. He is a bald, battle-loving man. 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 such as seeking enjoyment in battles by risking 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, referring to the Japanese name for the winter cherry, which translates to "demon light"). Though ordinary in appearance, he stores a blood-clotting ointment in its hilt. When released, it transforms into a naginata 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 the opponent. Ikkaku has achieved bankai, though he keeps this a secret to most characters so that he is not pressured to become a captain. Hōzukimaru's bankai, named Ryūmon Hōzukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸, literally "dragon-crest demon light"), 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.

Yumichika Ayasegawa

• Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (Japanese); Brian Beacock (English)

Yumichika Ayasegawa (綾瀬川 弓親, Ayasegawa Yumichika) is a lifelong friend of Ikkaku Madarame. He values Ikkaku's opinion very highly and tends to follow him everywhere. The two joined the Soul Reapers so that they could serve under Kenpachi Zaraki. Since Ikkaku took the 3rd seat position, Yumichika settled for 5th Seat, thinking that five (五, go) looks almost like a three (三, san). He has colorful feathers on his eyelashes and eyebrow, and shiny skin and hair, giving him a rather womanly appearance. 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, and even tries fighting ugly opponents with his eyes closed.

Yumichika's zanpakutō is Ruriiro Kujaku (瑠璃色孔雀, literally "azure peacock"), 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 with the name Fuji Kujaku (藤孔雀, literally "wisteria peacock"), 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. When confident he will be able to keep it a secret, he uses its real name. Doing so causes the blades to split into vines which bind the opponent and feed on their spiritual pressure, leaving them incapable of fighting.

Maki Ichinose

• Voiced by: Susumu Chiba (Japanese); Sam Riegel (English)

Maki Ichinose (一之瀬 真樹, Ichinose Maki), 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 killed by Kariya once his purpose is fulfilled. 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, literally "rainbow mist"). When released, 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 of light to cut or crush opponents.

12th Division

Kirio Hikifune

Kirio Hikifune (曳舟 桐生, Hikifune Kirio) left the 12th Division soon before the start of the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden 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.

Hiyori Sarugaki

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

Kisuke Urahara

Kisuke Urahara (浦原 喜助, Urahara Kisuke), once the 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, replaces Kirio Hikifune as the captain of the 12th Division during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. 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.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi

• Voiced by: Ryūsei Nakao (Japanese); Terrence Stone (English)

Mayuri Kurotsuchi (涅 マユリ, Kurotsuchi Mayuri) is the captain of the 12th Division. He personifies the stereotype of the mad scientist, viewing everyone as objects to be dissected in the lab. He takes great pride in his experiments and the things he has created (such as his daughter Nemu) and condemns the concept of perfection. He has made extensive modifications to his body: his left arm can extend like a grappling hook and by pulling out his ears he can form a scythe. Mayuri has little regard for life or allegiances, readily turning his own subordinates into human bombs on one occasion. In the past this potential danger he posed to Soul Society led to his imprisonment when he joined the Soul Reapers. Kisuke Urahara, upon becoming captain of the 12th Division, recognized his potential as a scientist and released Mayuri to help him with his research.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi's zanpakutō is Ashisogi Jizō (疋殺地蔵, roughly "leg-cutting Jizō"). When released, Ashisogi Jizō's transforms into a deformed trident. When it stabs an opponent it emits a poison that cuts off the nerve signals that control limb movement, effectively causing paralysis while allowing the victim to still feel pain. Ashisogi Jizō's bankai, named Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō (金色疋殺地蔵, literally "golden leg-cutting Jizō", translated in the English manga as "divine leg-cutting Jizō"), takes the form of a giant caterpillar with a baby's head and a silver halo. The creature breathes a poisonous derivative of Mayuri's blood which is lethal to anyone who breathes it, aside from Mayuri and Nemu. Mayuri has physically modified his bankai so that it will self-destruct and return to its sealed state if it attacks him. As a final defensive measure, Mayuri can reduce himself to liquid form for three days by stabbing himself with his zanpakutō. This leaves him unable to attack or be attacked, making it an effective escape tool.

Nemu Kurotsuchi

• Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya (Japanese); Megan Hollingshead (English)

Nemu Kurotsuchi (涅 ネム, Kurotsuchi Nemu) is the lieutenant of the 12th Division. She is the artificially created daughter of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, a combination of his research in artificial bodies (義骸, gigai) and artificial souls (義魂, gikon). 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 does not seem to care much for Nemu's well-being (even using her as bait in combat). 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. 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

• Voiced by: Miho Saiki

Rin Tsubokura (壷府 リン, Tsubokura Rin) 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. 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".

13th Division

Jūshirō Ukitake

• Voiced by: Hideo Ishikawa (Japanese); Liam O'Brien (English)

Jūshirō Ukitake (浮竹 十四郎, Ukitake Jūshirō) is the captain of the 13th Division. He suffers from tuberculosis, and so has a sickly appearance and long hair that has turned white. His illness 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, Jūshirō 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.

Jūshirō's zanpakutō is Sōgyo no Kotowari (双魚の理, literally "law of the twin fish"). In Sōgyo no Kotowari's released state, it splits into two thin blades resembling fishing javelins, making it one of the only two zanpakutō in Soul Society to exist as a pair. 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

• Voiced by: Toshihiko Seki (Japanese); Kim Strauss (English)

Kaien Shiba (志波 海燕, Shiba Kaien) was the lieutenant of the 13th Division under Jūshirō Ukitake and was considered something of a prodigy. He closely resembled Ichigo Kurosaki in both appearance and personality, 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. 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 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, Japanese name for the Spiranthes, translated in the English manga as "twisted flower"). When released, 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

• Kiyone Voiced by: Chinami Nishimura (Japanese); Jeannie Elias (English)
• Sentarō Voiced by: Kōichi Tōchika (Japanese); Patrick Seitz (English)

Kiyone Kotetsu (虎徹 清音, Kotetsu Kiyone) and Sentarō Kotsubaki (小椿 仙太郎, Kotsubaki Sentarō) are both the 3rd Seat of the 13th Division. They 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, Kuchiki Rukia), though talented enough for a position as a seated officer, has been made ineligible by order of her older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, out of concern for her safety. However, this is not revealed until after the Soul Society Arc when the Arrancar and Espada first appear.

Kidō Corps

Tessai Tsukabishi

Tessai Tsukabishi (握菱 テッサイ, Tsukabishi Tessai) is the Kidō Corps Chief (鬼道衆総帥, Kidōshū Sōshi) and Grand Kidō Captain (大鬼道長, Dai Kidōchō) during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He has since left Soul Society and now works at the Urahara Shop.

Hachigen Ushōda

Hachigen Ushōda (有昭田 鉢玄, Ushōda Hachigen) is the Vice Kidō Captain (副鬼道長, Fuku Kidōchō) under Tessai Tsukabishi during the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden. He leaves Soul Society after becoming a vizard.

Other

Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki (黒崎 一護, Kurosaki Ichigo) 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 "deputy Soul Reaper", something most other Soul Reapers have never heard of.

Isshin Kurosaki

Isshin Kurosaki (黒崎 一心, Kurosaki Isshin) 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

• Voiced by: Masashi Yabe

Zennosuke Kurumadani (車谷 善之助, Kurumadani Zennosuke) 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, literally "soil catfish"). When released with the command "rise and shine" (おはよう, ohayō), it takes the form of a chakram with a wooden handle embedded in the blade. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

Ashido Kanō

• Voiced by: Yasuyuki Kase

Ashido Kanō (狩能 雅忘人, Kanō Ashido) 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 Hueco Mundo. As she and her friends are leaving the realm however, they are attacked by hollows, and Ashido is trapped in a cave-in while defending them. His further whereabouts and condition are left unknown.

Ryūsei "Kenryū" Kenzaki

• Voiced by: Hiroki Takahashi

Ryūsei Kenzaki (犬崎劉聖, Kenzaki Ryūsei), commonly called Kenryū (犬龍, Kenryū), is introduced during the anime's The New Captain Syūsuke 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, literally "crimson weeping bough") is released with the command "bloom madly" (咲き乱れ, sakimidare). 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, sange), 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, Enkōgawa Ruzaburō), commonly called Enryū (猿龍, Enryū), is introduced during during the anime's The New Captain Syūsuke 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 Lurichiyo 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 Lurichiyo likes. Because of his voice, he almost never speaks, even when asking Kenryū about Lurichiyo's location (he uses comical gestures in a sort of pantomime to ask, which Kenryū is able to understand). His zanpakutō is Daichimaru (代地丸, literally "the land"). 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.

Reception

Several media from manga, anime and other media have commented on the Soul Reapers from the series. Carlos Santos from Anime News Network has praised the use of the Soul Reapers and Soul Society, since it "takes the familiar tournament formula to the height of creativity" regarding the fact that "This isn't just training and fighting anymore". Melissa Harper has commented that while the name Shinigami is changed to Soul Reaper in the English adaptation, it is an adequate description, and is "therefore a perfectly fine translation." Mania Entertainment commented on Ichigo turning into a Soul Reaper to be "a basic setup for the series itself" and praised how he does not make "awkward moments of handling a sword" making the series not making it more common.