Characters (FINISHED)

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Soi Fon

Soifon is staunchly loyal, firm, and unbending in her beliefs. She is a hard worker and takes a strong moral stand - she particularly believes in following orders. She is generally reserved and not arrogant like her lieutenant. She will not hesitate in the slightest to strike down even her subordinates if they stand in her way.

Below her standard shinigami captain uniform, Soifon wears the special forces leader's uniform, which has no sleeves or covering for the back. Her hair is worn short with two long braids covered in cloth.

Soifon was born as Fon Shaolin into the Fon house, one of the lower noble houses that was affiliated with the Shihouin noble house. The Fon house traditionally served the Shihouin house by joining the special forces. Any member who did not pass the test to get into the special forces was immediately cut off from the family.

As a result, this was an expectation placed on Soifon since her youth. She followed the rest of her family (including five brothers who all died in the service of the special forces) and joined the special forces. Upon her joining the special forces, she adopted her grandmother's codename: Soifon. In the anime, she did not adopt the name voluntarily - a family member gave her the name.

Soifon worked hard and was eventually promoted to become the head of the guard for the leader of the special forces at the time, Yoruichi Shihouin. Yoruichi took the young Soifon under her wing as her protegé, and they developed a close relationship.

When Yoruichi eventually left Soul Society in disgrace to help her exiled friend Kisuke Urahara, she was stripped of all her titles and they were given to Soifon. Soifon felt betrayed by Yoruichi's abandonment and the circumstances surrounding them. As a result, she trained herself in order to beat Yoruichi when they would next meet.

Soifon was promoted to the captaincy roughly 100 years prior to the start of the Bleach storyline.

Suzumebachi (Hornet) is Soifon's zanpakutō.

Shikai: Jinteki Shakusetsu (Sting all enemies to death!), it shrinks in size and becomes a "stinger" that is worn on the middle finger of her right hand.

The first hit by the stinger marks Soifon's opponent with a butterfly signature called the hornet's crest (hōmonka); she has mastered this ability to such an extent that it will not fade unless she wills it (whereas before Yoruichi's departure the time limit was about an hour.) A second hit in the spot marked by the crest will result in immediate death, regardless of the opponent's power.

According to the anime, Suzumebachi's ability is caused by a type of venom it secretes. This was demonstrated when the Bount Mabashi was killed. Mabashi was able to speak for approximately two minutes and twenty seconds before turning to dust. This process lasted approximately fifteen seconds and may be attributable to the way Bounts die rather than the way Suzumebachi's poison acts, and perhaps even due to Mabashi's enhancement in power. Mabashi was notably unable to properly control his doll at this time.
Bankai: Not yet been seen.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Tousen Kaname

Tōsen has dark skin and (from the anime) dark purple hair. He wears the traditional shinigami uniform with the sleeves rolled up to the shoulder and his captain's haori over it (with the sleeves) with an orange scarf around his neck, white boots and black fingerless gloves, his uniform is tied with a purple obi sash. He has also been blind since birth, and therefore wears a clear visor, although this was not always the case.

Tōsen's creed in life is to "take the path with the least bloodshed". However, it is later revealed that this phrase is another way to say "take the path that Tōsen himself chooses", since his eyes cannot see blood and therefore they only "see blood" when he is personally unhappy.

Tōsen took his life of taking the path with the least bloodshed when someone special to him died. She followed this path, he idolized her, and had thus made it his. Her love of peace and desire not to fight, even when her husband threatened and killed her, left a deep impression on Tōsen. He took her zanpakutō upon her death and vowed that he would fight for justice without unnecessary bloodshed from then on. Shortly after, Tōsen joined the shinigami.

Tōsen met up with his good friend, Sajin Komamura, while he was still in the Shinigami Academy. They took to each other quickly, because at that point Komamura was ashamed of his fox/wolf head and Tōsen could not see it. Komamura joined the shinigami and they became close friends and eventually captains in the Gotei 13, though the exact details aren't known (it is known that they didn't defeat the previous captains of their divisions). When Aizen was still the lieutenant of the 5th Division, Tōsen was already on good terms with him and likely learned of Aizen's plans at that time.

Years later, Kenpachi Zaraki came into the Court of Pure Souls (Seireitei) and killed the former captain of the 11th Division. Ever since that day Tōsen saw Kenpachi as a monster who served no purpose but to create chaos and would eventually break the tenuous peace of Soul Society.

The name of Tōsen's zanpakutō is Suzumushi (cricket, pure insects).

Shikai Chime, Suzumushi! (Nake, Suzumushi). The sword rings a high-pitched tone, causing those who hear it to fall unconscious instantly, though the level of the opponent for this to work aren't known as of yet.
- Benihikō (crimson flying locusts) is Suzumushi's 2nd style (nishiki); using the phrase 'shishi wo tsubusu yo' (smash his limbs) Suzumushi vibrates momentarily and, after moving the blade around him in a circle, a trail appears from the sword's path. The trail turns into blades that rain down on his opponents.
Bankai: Enma Kōrogi (Enma* cricket) - This is Suzumushi's final style (tsuishiki). For his final release, Tōsen has a unique and powerful ability. It creates a large, black dome with 10 rings hanging off it which anchor it to the ground. It forms around the battleground, forcing anyone inside the dome that is not touching Suzumushi to lose their sense of sight, hearing, smell, and the ability to sense spiritual pressure. His opponent does retain the sense of touch, however - this allows them to feel the pain from Suzumushi's strikes. Tōsen says that his opponents are trapped in a lightless mumyō world - that is, a world without enlightenment. However, Tōsen himself doesn't exercise control over the dome, and therefore anyone who holds Suzumushi is immune to the dome's effects.

* - Enma is the Japanese pronunciation of Yama, Buddhist and Vedic god of the underworld.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Tsukabishi Tessai

A massive, muscular fellow with slim rectangular glasses, finely braided cornrows, and a well-groomed mustache. The most dedicated employee of the shop, he is never without his apron (even when otherwise undressed). He is likely a shinigami, maybe Urahara's former lieutenant, as seen by his usage of a level 99 kidō binding spell.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Tsumugiya Ururu

A small, quiet girl who frequently suffers bullying from Jinta. According to Urahara, she is powerful enough to effortlessly battle a shinigami, which suggests that she simply chooses not to fight back against Jinta. She uses a bazooka that resembles a giant lit cigarette as a weapon. Her hairstyle is sometimes compared to a cockroach, and is often accented for visual gags. She can also harm a gillian-class arrancar and appears to have a higher spiritual awareness than humans. Under certain conditions she reacts in a robotic manner and appears to be unaware of her own actions.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Ukitake Juushirou

Ukitake is a sickly man with long white hair. In volume 18 of the manga, it is revealed that the illness he suffers from is tuberculosis and his hair turned white three days after his illness surfaced. Although he is limited by his illness to fighting only for short periods of time, he is a powerful warrior. Before the demise of Kaien Shiba, Ukitake often left the daily operations of the 13th Division to him; now, this responsibility is taken care of by his two current third seated officers, Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentarō Kotsubaki. To Ukitake's chagrin, the two constantly compete over which is the better assistant. Ukitake is the only captain who currently has no lieutenant.

He is respected by many, especially by his subordinates, for his honesty, loyalty, and personal sense of justice. The extent of his honor and respect is such that Yoruichi Shihouin leaves Rukia Kuchiki, Hanatarō Yamada, and Ganju Shiba behind when she rescues Ichigo Kurosaki from Byakuya Kuchiki, knowing that Ukitake would not let any harm come to the three.

Like Kaien, Ukitake does not give up when he believes something is wrong and will break the rules if he must. He has been close friends with Shunsui Kyōraku since his youth.

Jūshirō is the eldest son from the low-class aristocrat Ukitake family. He has five brothers and two sisters, who he essentially supports by himself.

Up to 2000 years prior to the current storyline, he, along with Shunsui Kyōraku, was one of the first graduates of Captain Yamamoto's academy. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto.

Since he has achieved the rank of captain, it is implied that he must be a powerful fighter, but the true extent of his abilities has not been seen in the series. However, General Yamamoto states that Jūshirō and Shunsui, both of whom he trained himself, possess "greater powers on the battlefield than anyone younger generation, or old".

It is implied that he and Kyōraku are the oldest captains amongst the Gotei 13 with the exception of Yamamoto himself.

Ukitake's zanpakutō is Sōgyo no Kotowari (Truth of Pisces).

Shikai: Nami kotogotoku, waga tate to nare. Ikazuchi kotogotoku, waga yaiba to nare. (Every wave be my shield, every thunder become my blade!).
Bankai:have not yet been seen in the series, officially, they are still unknown. However, it has been shown to have various abilities in several video games. In the game ,Bleach GC: Tasogare Ni Mamieru Shinigami, for Gamecube, Ukitake's zanpakutō uses lightning- and thunder-based abilities. In the Nintendo DS game, Bleach DS: Souten ni Kakeru Unmei, his special attacks involve water, light beams and lightning orbs. In the Sony PSP game Bleach: Heat the Soul 3, Ukitake's attacks are also based on combinations of water and electricity.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Unohana Retsu

Unohana, a soft-spoken, polite, caring woman, uses honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates and rarely shows panic or distress. She wears the standard shinigami captain uniform apart from using an obi instead of the normal sash. Her hair is always worn as one braid in front. She has a close relationship with her lieutenant Isane Kotetsu.

In the anime, after Renji Abarai loses his battle against Byakuya Kuchiki, she heals Renji without hesitating, even though he betrayed Soul Society; Renji himself has no idea that Unohana saved him, as his vision was extremely blurry and fell unconscious after that.

There is some hinting that she might have an interest in Orihime Inoue because of Orihime's unique healing abilities.

Unohana also seems to let her squad members go on leave to the real world from time to time; in the anime she gives Hanatarō Yamada permission to take a break in the real world shortly after the events in Soul Society.

Minazuki or Minadzuki is Retsu Unohana's zanpakutō.

Shikai: It transforms into a giant one-eyed manta-ray-like being, that can both transport a large amount of people, and heal them inside its stomach. This particular trait is what has earned Unohana the title of Soul Society's greatest healer. It is unknown whether this creature is able to attack opponents. It transforms into a green mist and reforms into her zanpakutō's hilt each time Unohana reseals it.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Uruhara Kisuke

Kisuke Urahara always wears traditional Japanese wooden sandals and a bucket hat, which has earned him the nickname geta-bōshi (sandal-hat) (Mr. Hat-and-Clogs in the English anime and manga) . He is generally a laid-back, jovial fellow, although he can be deadly serious when the situation warrants it. Yoruichi notes that he tends to go over the top with whatever he becomes passionate about. He once described himself as a 'mere honest, handsome, perverted businessman'.

Usually he can be found near the scene of an important event, but will never step in to intervene, preferring to be in control from outside. After the event is over (i.e. the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai), he kindly pops up and helps the side he deems fit. Thus far, it has tended to be the side of the protagonists. He often tends to know more than he reveals and tends have some form of relationship with most of the story's characters.

Kisuke Urahara is a former captain of the 12th Division of the Gotei 13. He is also the founder and the first President of the Shinigami Research Institute (succeeded by Mayuri Kurotsuchi in both positions).

At some point (over 100 years before the main Bleach storyline), Kisuke was sentenced into exile by Soul Society for creating an untraceable gigai, which also caused the spiritual power of the shinigami inside it to deteriorate, along with his creation of the Hōgyoku. Yoruichi Shihouin ran away with him as well, for reasons yet unknown. He also seems to be an acquaintance of Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father.

Kisuke Urahara's zanpakutō is named Benihime (Crimson Princess).

Shikai: Okiro, Benihime (Awake, Crimson Princess). The shikai first appears in chapter 65 of the manga and episode 20 of the anime. Benihime's blade doesn't change (it's still long and thin, but a bit wider than the default). The hilt becomes that of a normal sword (but still slightly curved) with a crimson ribbon around it and other elaborate decorations.
- Nake (Sing, Cry), Urahara can fire energy blasts of considerable strength. Benihime can also create a blood mist shield to protect Urahara. He was easily able to dissipate a cero by arrancar Yammy by striking it head-on with an attack of equal-power, possibly suggesting that his Bankai would be even more powerful.
Bankai: Benihime's final release (bankai) has yet to be revealed. Urahara has remarked to Renji Abarai that the final release of his zanpakutō was not the type to help others increase in strength, specifically meaning that Benihime's final release would not be able to help train Yasutora Sado but maybe kill him. However, this may have simply been an excuse for Urahara not to reveal his final release.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Yamada Hanatarou

Hanatarō appears very timid and nervous. His black hair is a bit long and his bangs frame his face. He tends to be clumsy and easily duped.

Hanatarō is kind, and as nervous as he appears, which results him becoming the victim of many bullies and practical jokes. In fact, he states in an omake chapter in volume 13 that he is "the most bullied kid in the world." While Hanatarō looks like a wimp, he shows on more than one occasion he is courageous and dedicated to what he believes in.

As a shinigami, his skill in medical arts had him placed in the 4th Division of the Gotei 13, which serves as the medical division. He rose to the 7th Seat and became the leader of the 14th Advance Relief Team.

His Zan-Paku-To is called Hisagomaru (gourd)

Shikai: Fufill! If Hanatarō cuts someone with Hisagomaru, the sword will absorb and heal the damage done to the person. As a result, he cannot attack opponents normally without healing them.

There is a red gauge on the sword that measures the amount of wounds absorbed. When the gauge is full, it automatically releases into the form Akeiro Hisagomaru (crimson-coloured gourd) and releases all the wounds absorbed into one massive attack. In this form, the sword can attack opponents without healing them. However, Hisagomaru is incredibly weak when the red gauge is not full.  

[StateAlchemist Natsu]

Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni

Yamamoto is depicted as an old man with a long beard. There are many scars on his torso, suggesting numerous battles in his past.

He wears the standard shinigami captain uniform, but its size seems extremely exaggerated. He doesn't seem to ever wear the sleeves of his haori, instead draping the whole thing over his body.

Like Byakuya Kuchiki and Soifon, he believes that orders must be executed without question and despises those who break the rules.

As the general of Gotei 13, Yamamoto is highly respected by several shinigami, most notably Sajin Komamura (who views Yamamoto as a benefactor who saved his life). His abilities as a shinigami are no doubt powerful, as he is able to bring 8th Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise to her knees and immobilize her with the weight of his spiritual pressure.

General Yamamoto founded the shinigami academy about 2000 years before the main Bleach storyline. It is heavily implied that this is the same shinigami academy that Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki graduated from.

Yamamoto was himself a teacher at this academy, and personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake. He admits to being rather proud of Ukitake and Kyōraku and when they became captains, he "boasted about them as though they were his own sons."

Yamamoto's zanpakutō is Ryūjin Jakka (Flowing Blade like Flame). It is the oldest and most powerful fire-based zanpakutō and has the greatest attack power over all others in Soul Society. In sealed form, the zanpakutō is disguised as Yamamoto's staff, which disintegrates into a sword at command.

Shikai: When Yamamoto releases his shikai with the command Banshō Issai Kaijin to Nase (Reduce the whole of creation to smoldering ashes!), the entire blade turns to flame.

The sheer power of its aura can disintegrate anything that Yamamoto waves the sword at into ash and engulf the area in flames. However, powerful characters such as Kyōraku and Ukitake can resist this, albeit being injured in the process. Even in its initial release, its power is enough to fight against two other captains simultaneously.
Bankai: Has yet to be seen