In BLEACH, the world after death, or the spirit world, is called "Soul Society." It is divided into Seireitei, where Shinigami and nobles live, and Rukongai, where the souls of the dead from the surrounding area live. If anyone without a pass tries to enter Seireitei, a wall appears and they can only enter through one of the four great Seirei Gates located to the east, west, north and south. In this article, I would like to explain about Seireitei, the heart of Soul Society.
What's in Seireitei? Who's there?
Governed by the monarchy, the Gotei 13, the Secret Mobile Unit, and the Kidō-shu are active units, and there are also the Technology Development Bureau (an affiliated organization of the 12th Division) which conducts research and development of various technologies, and the Central 46 Chambers, which is the highest judicial body. There are nobles and Shinigami, and above them are the royal family, and at the top is the King of Soul Society (Spirit King).
What is the Gotei 13, a unique group of unique individuals!
The founder is Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni. As the name suggests, it is composed of thirteen units, and each unit has a captain, vice captain, and several other seated officers. The highest authority is the commander-in-chief, who is also the captain of the first unit. The conditions for appointment as a captain are "pass the captain's exam," "receive recommendations from multiple captains," and "kill the current captain in a one-on-one duel with more than 200 members present," and if one of these is met, he or she will be appointed as a captain. This time, we will introduce the Gotei 13 at the time of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
Captain of the First Division, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni
Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who is the commander-in-chief of the Gotei 13 and also the commander-in-chief of the First Division, is the strongest Shinigami and has been the commander-in-chief for over a thousand years because no one stronger than him has appeared. The First Division is the most elite unit of the Gotei 13, and being selected is an honor in itself.
The name of his shikai is "Ryujin Wakabi"
Captain Yamamoto's Zanpakuto is the strongest and oldest of the flame-heat type. When he uses his bankai, he becomes the "Ember Sword" and the blade becomes a scorched sword, and if left unchecked for a long time, it unleashes a power that could destroy Soul Society itself.
Vice Captain, Chojiro Suzumiya Tadasuke
About 2,000 years ago, Captain Yamamoto founded the educational institution "Shinigami Academy," but Suzumiya has known him since before that, and is the soldier the Captain trusts the most. Although he has mastered bankai, he continues to remain as vice captain because he wants to stay under the respected Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.
Second Division Captain Soi Fon
In addition to being the captain of the second division, he also serves as the covert mobile commander and the general corps commander of the first division "Penal Army". The second division excels in covert activities and is often in charge of behind-the-scenes work such as information transmission, intelligence, and assassination.
The name of his Shikai is "Suzumebachi"
His ability is "Two-Strike Kill", where the pattern of "Bee Monka" appears on the part of the body that was attacked, and attacking that part again will kill the opponent. While he has a ruthless side and will do anything to stop at nothing, he also has a kind side that prioritizes the lives of his comrades and subordinates. He resented the sudden disappearance of his beloved Shihouin Yoruichi, but after he was defeated by her and confessed his true feelings, they reconciled and he began to love her more than ever before.
Vice Captain Oomaeda Kichiyo
His official name is "Oomaeda Nikko Tarouemon Mishoubusuke Kichiyo", which is a long name, so he is called Oomaeda by his first name alone. Although he is treated roughly by Soi Fon, he is quite fast, and in battle, he fights while supporting each other, so it seems that his combat ability is not low.
Captain of the Third Division, Ootoribashi Roujuro
He served as the captain of the Third Division before Ichimaru Gin, but was turned into a Hollow by Aizen Sousuke's scheme, and later fought Aizen as a member of the masked army. After Aizen's capture, his honor was restored and he returned as captain of the Third Division.
The name of his Shikai is "Kinshara"
This Zanpakuto is in the shape of an iron whip with a rose flower on the tip. He attacks with the rose tip, not the actual whip. When he uses his Bankai "Kinshara Dance Troupe", music plays, and anyone who hears it will hallucinate a hand holding a baton and the Kinshara Dance Troupe appearing in the air in front of him. Any damage done in the hallucination will also be dealt to his actual body. However, it has a weakness in that it is ineffective against opponents who cannot hear sound.
Vice Captain Kira Izuru
He has a serious personality and is timid, which is used by Aizen to work behind the scenes with Ichimaru. He finally realizes that he has been used by Kotetsu Yuune's Tenteikura. His zanpakuto is "Wabisuke", which has the ability to double the weight of anything he cuts, and the more he cuts, the more his zanpakuto increases, and eventually the opponent cannot bear the weight and offers his head in apology. Hence the name "Wabisuke".
Captain of the 4th Division, Unohana Retsu
Unlike other active units, this unit is mainly for rescue, and is staffed with Shinigami who have healing abilities. Captain Unohana is a female captain with a calm appearance and a gentle smile, and is active as the head of the healing department, using the Kidō "Kaido" for recovery and treatment. In fact, she is the second most veteran captain after General Commander Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.
The name of her shikai is "Niku Shizuku Uma"
A zanpakuto with healing powers, and when her abilities are released, a giant ray-like creature appears. This ray-like creature has an internal healing ability and can fly.
Vice Captain Kotetsu Isao
He is the vice captain of the 4th division, but also serves as the adjutant of the medical squad. Like his captain, Unohana, he rarely appears on the front lines. He is tall and looks like a young man, but he is indecisive and quite scared.
Captain of the 5th Division, Hirako Mako
110 years ago, Hirako was the captain of the 5th Division and was watching Aizen's suspicious movements, but he was attacked by Aizen and turned into a hollow. He was saved by Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihouin and escaped to the real world, where he formed the "Masked Army" with his friends who had also been trapped by Aizen. In the Arrancar Arc, he helped Ichigo train to become a hollow, and Ichigo was able to obtain the power of hollowification. After Aizen's capture, his honor was restored and he returned as captain of the 5th Division.
The name of the Shikai is "Gyaku-nuki"
The ability to release a sweet smell around and reverse the perception of the sensory organs of the opponent who smells it. The reversed state can be turned on and off, and the interval for reversal can be set in detail. It is a very powerful ability in one-on-one battles, but on the other hand, it is difficult to use because it is disadvantageous in one-on-many cases.
Vice Captain Hinamori Momo
Like Kira Izuru, he was constantly being deceived by Aizen as a pawn. Because he had great trust and respect for Aizen, who was his captain and saved his life, he was unable to face reality and was unable to recover from the mental shock, such as praying for Aizen's salvation. His Zanpakuto is "Tobiume", a kido-style and heat-type Zanpakuto whose blade changes into a seven-branched sword and shoots fireballs from the blade.
Captain of the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Byakuya
He is proud, calm, and rarely shows his emotions. As the head of the Kuchiki family, he is a model for Shinigami, so he is very strict and strict. He seems to accept Ichigo through the fight, but he dislikes Ichigo calling him "Byakuya" without a formal name, and when he tries to warn him at the mansion, Yachiru gets in the way and the matter is left unresolved.
Byakuya's feelings for Rukia
There is a rule that nobles should not mix blood with those of non-nobles, but having married Hima from Rukongai in the past and having taken Rukia as his sister-in-law, he vowed never to break the rule again, so when Rukia's execution was decided, he was stubborn even though his feelings were wavering. When he was seriously injured protecting Rukia from Ichimaru's attempted murder, he apologized to Rukia, telling her the true reason he adopted her, and they reconciled.
The name of his Shikai is "Senbonzakura"
The blade splits into countless blades and cuts the opponent, and when light hits the blade, it looks like cherry blossom petals. The name of his bankai is "Senbonzakura Keigen", and his zanpakuto is sucked into the ground and a thousand giant blades appear from under his feet. They fly off at once, and by manipulating hundreds of millions of blades, far more than his shikai, he attacks in all directions, unifying his offense and defense with no blind spots.
Vice Captain Abarai Renji
He secretly has feelings for Rukia, who is his childhood friend. Renji's own heart wavers after Rukia's execution, and after fighting Ichigo who came to rescue her, he asks Ichigo to rescue Rukia. Together with Ichigo, he rescues Rukia from the brink of execution and is able to reconcile with her. From this point on, Renji comes to recognize Ichigo as a friend and trust him.
The name of his Shikai is "Snaketailmaru"
The blade has multiple nodes, and it stretches and transforms into a shape that bends like a snake. It is flexible, so it can also be used for direct long-distance attacks. His bankai is called "Baboon King Snaketailmaru", and when his power is released, it transforms into a shape like the bones of a giant snake, and each blow from his Zanpakuto itself becomes more powerful, and his movements are quick despite his large size. In fact, this bankai was only half-released.
Captain of the Seventh Division, Komamura Sajin
He is a werewolf and usually hides his face with a jinbaori, but after his true face was revealed in the fight with Kenpachi, he no longer hides his face. He joined the Gotei 13 because he felt indebted to Captain Yamamoto, who picked him up as a Shinigami when he was lonely. He was best friends with Tosen Kaname even before he became a Shinigami.
The name of his Shikai is "Tenkai"
There is no change when his ability is released, but he has the power to enlarge his own attacks. His bankai is called "Kurozu Tenkan Myoo" and has the ability to summon a giant armored warrior called "Myo-o".
Vice Captain Iba Tetsuzaemon
He is the president of the Male Shinigami Association. He wears sunglasses and has a tough appearance, but he is a man who cares for his mother and has a strong sense of honor, duty, and loyalty. Before his release, he uses a zanpakuto shaped like a knife, but his name, release code, and abilities are all unknown. And for some reason, he speaks in Hiroshima dialect.
8th Division Captain Kyoraku Shunsui
He is flashy, wearing a woman's kimono over his captain's haori, and has a laid-back personality, skipping out and going out to drink. He is usually carefree and loves alcohol and women, but he is actually thoughtful and has extraordinary insight. Ukitake Jushiro was a student of Captain Yamamoto during his time at the Spiritual Arts Academy, and is the first graduate of the Spiritual Arts Academy to be appointed captain, so they are very close. By the way, both of them call Captain Yamamoto "Grandpa Yama."
The name of his Shikai is "Katen Kyokotsu"
A pair of zanpakuto swords, rare even in Soul Society, all within his spiritual pressure domain, including Kyoraku, are forced to follow the rules of "play" set out by Katen Kyokotsu. His bankai is called "Katen Kyokotsu Karematsu Shinju" and his power unfolds in four theatrical stages, first regarding himself as a woman and the other person as a man, which is then reflected in reality. Its properties are similar to a curse and it works on people who are immune to physical attacks.
Vice Captain Ise Nanao
A female member with a serious personality, she is good at desk work and is the vice president of the "Female Shinigami Association". She usually acts as Kyoraku's secretary and often scolds Kyoraku for slacking off at work. Her zanpakuto is the "Divine Sword, Hakkyoken", a bladeless sword used in rituals that has been passed down through the Ise family for generations. It has the power to confront gods, receive their power into its body, and scatter it in all directions. As legend has it, it shows great power against gods.
Captain of the 9th Division, Kensai Mutsumura
110 years ago, he served as the captain of the 9th Division, but was turned into a Hollow by Aizen's strategy. He was saved by Kisuke Urahara and Shihoinya along with Captain Hirako, and later helped Ichigo turn into a Hollow as a member of the "Masked Army" and fought against Aizen and his friends. After the final battle with Aizen, he returned to his position as captain of the 9th Division.
The name of his Shikai is "Danpu"
When he releases his ability, he takes on a combat knife-like shape and is wrapped in wind, which is blown in streaks and explodes wherever he cuts. The name of his bankai is "Tetsuken Danpu". Both arms are covered with armor like the wind god's feather robe and his zanpakuto takes on a shape like a brass knuckle. The explosion continues while the fist is on the ground.
Vice Captain Hisagi Shuhei
When he was a sixth-year student at the Spiritual Arts Academy, he was attacked by a giant hollow created by Aizen and suffered a scar on his face. This made him afraid of fighting, but he recovered after Tosen Kaname taught him, "Those who are not afraid of the sword they hold have no right to hold a sword." Even after Tousen's death, he still respects him. His zanpakuto is "Kazeshi", a pair of swords that become a special shape of kusarigama. He doesn't like the shape and doesn't like Kazeshi.
Captain of the 10th Division, Hitsugaya Toshiro
He is known as a genius and prodigy who became the youngest captain in history. He was childhood friends with Hinamori Momo and lived with his grandmother like siblings in Nishiryukongai District 1. That's why Hitsugaya is so angry at Ichimaru and Aizen for pushing Hinamori to the edge both physically and mentally, and although Vice Captain Matsumoto cleverly pushes work onto the hardworking captain, they somehow get along well.
The name of his Shikai is "Hyourinmaru"
The strongest ice-type Zanpakuto, his overflowing spiritual pressure creates a water and ice dragon that freezes everything it touches. His bankai is called "Daiguren Hyourinmaru". Hitsugaya himself wears a Western-style ice dragon with huge wings, and three flower-like ice crystals float behind him. Since everything except the sword is made of ice, even if it is broken, it has the property of being able to regenerate over and over again with moisture in the air.
Vice Captain Matsumoto Rangiku
She has been the vice captain since the time of Shiba Isshin (Ichigo's father Kurosaki Isshin), who was the captain of the 10th division before Hitsugaya. She often skips work, so Hitsugaya often scolds her. She is moody, but caring and has a big sister type. When she was young, she noticed Hitsugaya's spiritual power and encouraged him to become a Shinigami, and Hitsugaya is secretly grateful. Her Zanpakuto is "Haineko", and when the ability is released, the blade turns to ash and disperses into the surroundings, and she can slash her opponents by swinging the blade.
Captain of the 11th Division, Kenpachi Zaraki
A battle maniac who finds fighting strong opponents more enjoyable than anything else, he wears an eyepatch that reduces spiritual pressure in order to fight with a handicap. However, he has no interest in killing his opponents, and basically lets those he judges to be unable to fight go unpunished, but he will mercilessly finish off anyone who still stands up to him.
The only captain who cannot use bankai
He fights with a Zanpakuto that has not even been shikai, let alone bankai, and is the first captain in history who has not been able to use his Zanpakuto's bankai, one of the conditions for being a captain.
Vice Captain Yachiru Kusajishi
She always acts with Kenpachi. She admires Kenpachi and basically only listens to what Kenpachi says. She seems to enjoy watching Kenpachi fight more than fighting herself, and Yachiru is also happy when Kenpachi enjoys fighting. Her Zanpakuto is called "Sanpo Kenjuu", and two beasts appear: an animal-like front beast and a skeleton-like back beast. She imitates Yachiru's movements and attacks just before and after, so even if you avoid them, you will be hit before and after the attack.
Captain of the 12th Division Kurotsuchi Mayuri
He looks inhuman, but under the makeup he has a normal face. He usually acts normal, but in reality he is a mad scientist. He does unethical things such as sacrificing his own subordinates for his purposes and trying to execute Ikkaku who does not give information, but his actions and tactics that others see as unethical were the best choice for him to protect the Seireitei. His physical abilities are inferior to other captains, but he has high Kido, spiritual pressure, and intelligence.
The name of his Shikai is "Hikisatsu Jizo"
He has the appearance of a baby floating at the base of three undulating blades, and has the ability to inject poison into the body he cuts, immobilizing the limbs. His Bankai is called "Koniro Hikisatsu Jizo" and has the ability to scatter a lethal poison made from Mayuri's blood within a 100-meter radius.
When did he join the Technology Development Bureau?
110 years ago, Kisuke Urahara, who became the captain of the 12th Division, founded the Technology Development Bureau and became its first director. At that time, he took on Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who had been imprisoned in a maggot nest as a thought criminal, as his subordinate on the condition that he would become director after his death. After Urahara was expelled, he became the captain of the 12th Division and the director of the Technology Development Bureau.
Vice Commander Kurotsuchi Nemu
She is silent and expressionless, and always accompanies Kurotsuchi Mayuri. She is the daughter of Kurotsuchi Mayuri, and although to those around her they seem like a terrible parent-child pair, she is absolutely loyal to Mayuri.
Captain of the 13th Division, Ukitake Jushiro
He has been sickly since birth and has suffered from lung disease since childhood, which causes him to occasionally vomit blood and become bedridden. He is gentle, cheerful, and loyal, and his abilities are recognized by everyone, so he is widely loved. He believes that there are two types of battles: "battles to protect life" and "battles to protect pride," and that those who fight must continue to distinguish between them.
The name of his Shikai is "Sougyori"
A pair of Zanpakuto swords, of which there are only two in Soul Society. The other is Kyoraku's Katen Kyokotsu. The attack received by one blade can be released from the other blade and reflected back. It seems that it is impossible to reflect physical attacks.
Vice Commander Kuchiki Rukia
A female Shinigami who was in charge of Karakura Town as a resident in the present world at the beginning of the story. The story moves forward when she meets Kurosaki Ichigo and gives him the power of a Shinigami. The name of her Zanpakuto is "Sode Shirayuki", and it changes into a pure white shape with a long band at the end of the handle. It is an ice and snow type Zanpakuto that uses cold air to perform techniques.
The name of the bankai is "Hakuka-ko"
It takes time to activate, and the temperature can be lowered to absolute zero. The lower the temperature, the shorter the activity limit time, and at absolute zero, the body can only move for 4 seconds. Furthermore, when releasing the power and returning the body temperature to normal, the temperature must be raised gradually, and there is a risk of the body tissue collapsing if it is released all at once.
Central 46th Chamber
The highest judicial body of Soul Society, consisting of 40 sages and 6 judges, has absolute decision-making power, and even captains cannot disagree with its rulings. During Aizen's rebellion, all the members were killed. After that, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni temporarily took on the role of Captain General of the Gotei 13.
Summary
In the "Thousand-Year Blood War Arc" which will be broadcast on anime from October 2022, the story will first take place in Soul Society. For that reason, this time we focused on the Gotei 13. Of course, don't worry, familiar characters who we couldn't introduce this time will also play an active role. We would like to introduce new characters who appear in the "Thousand-Year Blood War Arc" again, so please wait. Thank you for reading to the end.
