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161-600: Yoruichi Shihōin is a woman who has an ability where she can transform into a black cat for long periods of time. She is intelligent and witty, and is intimately knowledgeable of Soul Society and its workings, as she was the former leader of the Stealth Forces and the 2nd division captain. Although of noble birth, she acts differently from other nobles. For instance, she instructed a young Soifon to call her by her first name instead of by her title, but reluctantly settled for being called "Yoruichi-sama" ("Lady Yoruichi" in

322-598: A Bakkōtō upon him. Under Kumoi's control, Shin'etsu returns to Yamamoto and attacks him, forcing the latter to kill him in self-defense during their fight. Shūsuke discovers his father's dying body and hears his last words: "Beware the Bakkōtō ". He is voiced by Hōchu Otsuka in the Japanese version of the anime and by Joe Ochman in the English dub. Originally led by Yoruichi Shihōin , who combined her group's duties with

483-511: A Ginjōtan ( 銀条反 , lit. "Cloth of Inverted Silver") beforehand or someone to reduct. Suì-Fēng has stated that she can normally only use her bankai once every three days without issue. Using it more than once in a day, while possible, drains considerable amounts of her spirit energy. A second shot would exhaust her to the point where her speed and maneuverability become seriously impaired, an anathema to her fighting style which requires high levels of both. Outside of her weapon, Suì-Fēng utilizes

644-416: A katana which reflects aspects of the user's soul and personality. A zanpakutō has a symbiotic connection with its owner, its spiritual embodiment possessing similar traits to its owner and evolving to reflect its Soul Reaper's power. By learning the name of the sword's spirit, and through training, Soul Reapers can unlock more powerful transformations of their zanpakutō . The first transformation, known as

805-407: A media franchise that includes an anime television series adaptation produced by studio Pierrot from 2004 to 2012, two original video animation (OVA) episodes, four animated feature films , ten stage musicals , and numerous video games , as well as many types of Bleach -related merchandise. A Japanese live-action film adaptation produced by Warner Bros. premiered in 2018. A sequel to

966-469: A shikai ( 始解 , lit. "initial release") which acts like a binding contract between a Soul Reaper and the sword, changes the zanpakutō' s appearance to so the owner can facilitate its special abilities to its fullest. The second transformation, known as bankai ( 卍解 , lit. "final release") , is an ability normally seen in Soul Reaper captains that requires ten years minimum to master. Once achieved,

1127-550: A tentōken (天踏絢, lit. heavenly dancing figure), is a brown mantle with a large draw string closure at the collar and a large brooch displaying the Shihōin family crest. Like the wand, the tentōken seems to require no skill or previous experience to use. It also seems to be superior to the wand, since it allows one to hover in mid-air and doesn't immobilize one of the user's hands. Another item, though not in Yoruichi's possession,

1288-542: A 72-card pre-constructed box set containing a starter deck and two booster packs , a 10-card booster pack, and a 12-pack booster box. Bleach has been adapted into a series of rock musicals, jointly produced by Studio Pierrot and Nelke Planning. There have been five musicals produced which covered portions of the Substitute and Soul Society arcs, as well as five additional performances known as "Live Bankai Shows" and "Rock Musical Bleach Shinsei", which did not follow

1449-487: A boy. The latter is based on Greek mythology and Kubo also considered it as a source for his focus on myths, monsters and the afterlife. The action style and storytelling found in Bleach are inspired by cinema, though Kubo has not revealed any specific movie as being an influence for fight scenes. When pressed, he told interviewers that he liked Snatch , but did not use it as a model. Bleach ' s fight choreography

1610-671: A car accident. As time went on, she prayed less and Sora became jealous and turned into a Hollow and attacked Orihime. Academic Patrick Drazen says this is a reminder to the audience to not abandon the old ways or risk the spirits taking offense and causing problems in the world. Bleach also incorporates Shinto themes of purification of "evil spirits through charms, scrolls, incantations, and other rituals". Christopher A. Born regards Bleach as transmitting Confucian values . Von Feigenblatt describes Bleach as being culturally and religiously aware, as it draws upon Christianity and Caribbean Santería . Spanish terms are prevalent throughout

1771-418: A combination of hand-to-hand combat and shunpo ( 瞬歩 , flash steps) to engage opponents. She has also reformed the secret art of Shunkō ( 瞬開 , lit. Flash War Cry) , developing a wind-based variation of the technique, a further indicator of her mastery of close combat methods. In the Japanese version of the anime, Suì-Fēng was voiced by Tomoko Kawakami in early episodes then Houko Kuwashima for

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1932-623: A commander in Aizen's Arrancar army. His initial betrayal of the Soul Society is later revealed to have been a rouse to get close to Aizen, whom he attempts to kill; Gin fails and dies instead. In the series, Gin keeps his eyes perpetually narrowed to slits (a practice since childhood), rarely ever opening them fully, and maintains a smile that gives him the resemblance of a snake. This makes him appear sinister and unsettling to those around him, as it often difficult to decipher his true thoughts,

2093-481: A console video game titled Bleach: Soul Resonance , published by Nuverse , was announced. In July 2024, a video game titled Bleach: Rebirth of Souls was announced. It is set to released by Bandai Namco Entertainment for the PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows (via Steam ), and Xbox Series X/S in early 2025. Two collectible card games (CCG) based on the Bleach series have been produced, one in

2254-438: A deadly poison that dissolves and breaks down cells. After stabbing an opponent with it, Gin can turn Kamishini no Yari ' s blade into dust inside their body, leaving a sliver of it within that, upon retreat, triggers cellular degeneration. He is voiced by Kōji Yusa in the Japanese version of the anime and Doug Erholtz in the English dub. Izuru Kira ( 吉良 イヅル , Kira Izuru ) is the lieutenant of Squad Three, formerly

2415-461: A fact he is aware of and occasionally uses to toy with others for his amusement. Gin's zanpakutō is Shinso ( 神鎗 , Divine Spear ) . When released with the command "Shoot to kill", Shinso ' s blade glows with white light and extends forward at incredible speeds. Gin can expand its length up to 100 times its original size, while increasing its force proportionally; accordingly, he calls it Hyapponzashi ( hundred swords ) . His bankai

2576-742: A key to the Soul King's Palace, so he can kill the Soul King who reigns over the Soul Society. Anticipating Aizen's attack, the Thirteen Court Squads had already been waiting for him by moving the entire Karakura Town to the Soul Society prior to his attack. When the Vizards join the remaining Soul Reapers, Gin reveals his agenda of killing Aizen. The latter uses the Hōgyoku to become a god-like being before killing Gin. However, Ichigo sacrifices and loses all his power to defeat Aizen and reverts to

2737-411: A lieutenant because of his family's influence. Despite his dense and foolish attitude, he is a skilled tactician, not above putting himself in danger for his duty, and only feigns weakness and stupidity to lull his opponents into underestimating him, using this to aid in his near victory over one of Sōsuke Aizen 's Arrancar . Marechiyo's zanpakutō is Gegetsuburi ( 五形頭 , roughly "Five heads") , and

2898-476: A member of squads Five and Four. 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 loyal to his friends, Kira often places his duties as a lieutenant above them. He defends his captain-turned-traitor Gin from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for having raised his sword against her. He subsequently comes to regret helping Gin defect from

3059-640: A more familiar speech style than most other characters in Bleach , generally referring to his fellow captains and Soul Reapers by their first name, usually followed by an honorific. He is a peace-loving man, always seeking a nonviolent solution first, but will not refuse to fight as he does not wish to insult his opponents. An adept fighter, he defeats the Number One Espada, Coyote Starrk , using only his shikai . Unlike other Soul Reapers, Shunsui possesses paired zanpakutō called Katen Kyōkotsu ( 花天狂骨 , lit. "Bones of Heavenly Blooming Madness") . While

3220-498: A new captain is assigned. The seated officers ( 席官 , sekikan ) hold ranks from third seat to twentieth. While single digit ranks are usually assigned to a single officer, the lower ranks are often held by several officers. Higher ranks may also lead secondary teams within a squad; for example, Hanatarō Yamada is the Seventh Seat Officer of Squad Four and leader of Advanced Relief Team Fourteen therein. Outside of

3381-428: A normal human. Subsequently, Aizen is arrested by the Soul Society. Months later, preparing for life after high school, Ichigo is called back into action when Xcution , a group of Fullbringers—supernaturally aware humans like Chad—manipulate him and his loved ones in a scheme to siphon his Fullbring abilities. After his Soul Society allies restore his Soul Reaper powers, Ichigo learns that Xcution's leader, Kugo Ginjo,

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3542-400: A safe distance from himself. When released, it covers a large area around him in an aura that affects others perception of the surrounding environment, causing them to see it as darkened, bleak, and gloomy, and feel varying levels of melancholy and despair. While it maintains its shikai form, its bankai allows Shunsui to manifest various stories, which can kill an opponent easily; damage

3703-522: A scale from 1 to 99, indicating their complexity and overall power. Low-level spells can, however, be very effective when performed by a skilled kidō user, such as Byakuya Kuchiki . Soul Reaper operations are based out of the Soul Society , which is an afterlife realm in Bleach maintained by a being known as the Soul King. Travel between the human world and the Soul Society is extremely limited and monitored, but some Soul Reapers are stationed in

3864-461: A scene precisely mirroring Vegeta and Nappa 's arrival in Dragon Ball Z , but acknowledged it was likely intended as a deliberate homage. He also said Kubo was able to avoid the worst artistic failings typical in series which indulge in superpowered combat, but that the battle scenes were still sometimes difficult to follow. In 2005, Bleach was awarded the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award in

4025-597: A selection of color spreads from the first 19 volumes of the series, in addition to some original art and author commentary. The second artbook, Bleach Official Bootleg: KaraBuri+ ( BLEACH OFFICIAL BOOTLEG カラブリ プラス ) , was released on August 3, 2007. In addition to character guides and articles on other fictional aspects of the series, it compiles the various short comics, Tedious Everyday Tales Colorful Bleach ( 徒然日常絵詞 カラフル ブリーチ , Tsuredure Nichijou Ekotoba Karafuru Buriichi ) , that were published in V Jump . The omake -style panels are similar to those included in

4186-536: A special kidō , Hakudan Keppeki , capable of blocking the Wandenreich during their second invasion of the Soul Society, Nanao eventually convinces Shunsui to give Shinken Hakkyōken to her. Nanao's zanpakutō is Shinken Hakkyōken ( 神剣八鏡剣 , lit. "Holy Sword Eight-Mirror Sword") , a family heirloom used in the Ise clan's rites and rituals. Unlike other Soul Reapers, members of the Ise clan lack zanpakutō and only

4347-424: Is Kamishini no Yari ( God-Killing Spear ) . Unlike other zanpakutō , Gin's does not change in appearance when his bankai is activated, but maintains its unreleased wakizashi form instead. Kamishini no Yari possesses the same abilities as its shikai , albeit to a much more powerful degree. It can extend itself up to 13 km in length and move 500 times faster than the speed of sound . It also contains

4508-401: Is Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū ( 黄煌厳霊離宮 , lit. "Stern Spirit's Yellow-Glittering Detached Palace") , which produces a bolt of lightning from its blade that extends and transforms into a dome of lightning, stationed far above one's head, that is fastened to the ground by a large number of lightning pillars. These pillars can be controlled at will to shock an opponent. He is voiced by Taro Yamaguchi in

4669-473: Is Raika ( 雷火 , roughly "Lightning Flash") . The shikai command of his zanpakutō is "sever" ( 断ち切れ , tachikire ) . When released, it takes the form of a white hook sword with curved pipes that form the hilt. He can focus fireballs into the crux of the hook and create large fissures of flame to attack his opponents with by slamming it into the ground. Raika ' s bankai , Raika Gōen Kaku ( 雷火豪炎殻 , literally "Lightning Flash Flame Shell") , enlarges

4830-518: Is "attracted to people with that seeming contradiction" and finds an "urge to draw people like that" when he works. The terminology used in Bleach has a variety of inspirations, with each category of characters bearing a different linguistic theme. Many of the names for swords and spells used by Soul Reapers were inspired by ancient Japanese literature . Hollows and Arrancars use Spanish terms. Fullbringers use English vocabulary, with names referencing rock music, and finally, both Quincy and Bounts draw on

4991-453: Is "raise your head" ( 面を上げろ , omote o agero ) . When released, Wabisuke straightens and its blade forms a three-sided square, becoming an angular hook. It has the ability to double the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each successive hit exponentially increases the weight of the target. After seven or eight blocked attacks, his opponents are unable to lift their own swords or even move their body, leaving them on

Yoruichi Shihōin - Misplaced Pages Continue

5152-660: Is a list of Soul Reapers ( 死神 , Shinigami , literally, "death gods") featured in the manga and anime 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 realm called the Soul Society . The series tells of how Ichigo Kurosaki becomes a substitute Soul Reaper in Karakura Town in place of Rukia Kuchiki . He assumes her duties to protect souls and put them to peaceful rest, as well as to fight against dangerous, lost souls unable to find rest, called Hollows . As

5313-463: Is a process of sending the deceased captains, including Ukitake, to Hell. Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo 's desire to draw a shinigami (Soul Reaper) in a kimono , which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers in the series. At first, Kubo thought that the Soul Reapers should use guns, so the first title for the series was "Snipe" (as in "sniper"); however, this

5474-442: Is able to use shunko, Soifon is overcome with rage, and soon defeated. She cries and asks Yoruichi why she left her behind. Though the explanation is not shown, the two are reconciled. After Aizen's treachery is revealed, Yoruichi and Soifon capture and restrain him, but he and his accomplices escape via negacion. Yoruichi returns to the human world with Ichigo and his friends. Yoruichi, alongside Soifon, later actively begin to pursue

5635-446: Is an anime-exclusive character introduced as the new captain of Squad Three, following Gin's defection, during season nine . He has an unkempt appearance, is usually bright, lively, and unpretentious, and can become drunk on a single drink of alcohol . Because Shūsuke spent most of his Soul Reaper career away from the Soul Society as part of a patrol group, the members of Squad Three are mistrustful of him when he first arrives. He spends

5796-400: Is arrested by her Soul Reaper superiors and sentenced to death for the illegal act of transferring her powers to a human. Ichigo and his friends enlist the help of ex-Soul Reaper scientist Kisuke Urahara , who trains Ichigo to access his own Soul Reaper powers, to enter the Soul Society and rescue Rukia. Shortly after the party's arrival in the Soul Society, conflict arises among the captains of

5957-491: Is called Daruma-san ga Koronda ( だぁるまさん が こぁろんだ , The Dharma Doll Fell Down) . The sixth and final game, Kageokuri ( 影送り , Silhouette Sending) , is one where if a person stares hard enough at another person's shadow, then their opponent creates afterimages of themselves. Katen Kyōkotsu ' s bankai is called Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū ( 花天狂骨枯松心中 , "Heavenly Bloom Madness Bone: Withered Pine Lovers' Suicide") , which Shunsui uses only when his allies are at

6118-460: Is crushed by her apparent abandonment. When Yoruichi returns to the Soul Society a century later, Suì-Fēng engages her in battle, but does not manage to defeat her. After questioning Yoruichi as to why she was left behind—Yoruichi's response is not heard —the two make amends. Their relationship becomes somewhat of a running gag : Suì-Fēng likes anything resembling a black cat (a form Yoruichi can assume at will) and displays jealousy whenever Yoruichi

6279-437: Is declared the loser. The fourth game is known as Iro-Oni ( 艶鬼 , Colored Demon) , where players call out a color then slice their opponent wherever that color is displayed. However, if the color is not on the body of the person who called it out then the damage given is minimal; the more prevalent the declared color is on the declarer's body, the more damage the attack commits. A fifth game, similar to " Red Light, Green Light ",

6440-558: Is focused solely on the Soul Reapers and the 13 Court Squads. Shueisha published a special book Bleach: JCCover Postcard Book MAILs. , which was released on December 4, 2013. It features cover pages as postcards up to volume 60 with poems on the back. Bleach had over 90   million tankōbon copies in circulation in Japan by 2017; over 120 million tankōbon copies in circulation worldwide by 2018; and over 130 million copies in circulation worldwide by 2022, making it one of

6601-432: Is in someone else's company. Suì-Fēng's zanpakutō is Suzumebachi ( 雀蜂 , literally translated as " Hornet ") . When released by the command "Sting all Enemies to Death" ( 尽敵螫殺 , Jinteki Shakusetsu ) , it shrinks into a black and gold stinger that is worn on the middle finger of her right hand. When it stabs an opponent, a butterfly-like symbol called a hornet's crest ( 蜂紋華 , hōmonka ) appears on their body at

Yoruichi Shihōin - Misplaced Pages Continue

6762-428: Is instead constructed with the aid of rock music, which the author listens to while imagining the fights in order to give him a sense of pacing for the panel cuts and change of angles through the scenes. Kubo prefers to draw realistic injuries in order to render the fight more impactful, by making the readers feel the pain the characters are feeling. Bleach 's fight scenes are often broken up with brief gags, which

6923-416: Is known that Yoruichi possesses a zanpakutō , but she relies nearly exclusively on hand to hand combat, shunkō and flash steps. However, although she never carries it during the main storyline, it is shown during a flashback when she tells Ichigo about Kisuke Urahara as the previous 12th division captain. She briefly uses a sword during the "Sealed Sword Frenzy" OVA to dispatch a hollow. She also uses it in

7084-412: Is meted out in four separate Acts . It also manifests the spirit of Shunsui's zanpakutō : a Feudal Japan -style mistress referred to as Katen, who creates a kunoichi offshoot named Kyōkotsu to hold Shinken Hakkyōken until Nanao eventually asks for it. He is voiced by Akio Otsuka in the Japanese version of the anime and by Steve Kramer in the English dub. Nanao Ise ( 伊勢 七緒 , Ise Nanao )

7245-483: Is often accosted by Shunsui, whose teasing takes various forms, and removes her glasses when she is particularly annoyed with him. Though her face has never been shown while doing so, this act is apparently quite frightening as most characters who witness it are reduced to gibbering wrecks afterwards. When Shunsui becomes the new Head Captain, Nanao becomes his lieutenant in Squad One alongside Okikiba. While she creates

7406-670: Is one of the Soul Reapers ( 死神 , Shinigami , literally 'Death Gods') , soldiers trusted with ushering the souls of the dead from the World of the Living to the Soul Society ( 尸魂界 （ ソウル・ソサエティ ） , Sōru Sosaeti , lit. "Dead Spirit World") , the afterlife realm from which she originates and with fighting Hollows . When she is severely wounded defending Ichigo from a Hollow she pursues, Rukia transfers her powers to Ichigo, so he may fight in her stead while she recovers. Rukia

7567-594: Is reinstated as a Substitute Soul Reaper. After Ichigo regains his powers, an army of Quincies known as the Wandenreich ( 見えざる帝国 （ ヴァンデンライヒ ） , Vandenraihi , lit. "Invisible Empire") appear and declare war against the Soul Society, having already enslaved many Arrancars in Hueco Mundo. The group is led by Yhwach, the ancient progenitor of the Quincies, who seeks to kill the Soul King and rid

7728-802: Is released by the command "Crush" ( 打っ潰せ , buttsubuse ) . It transforms into an oversized flail that can be thrown to inflict great physical damage upon his opponents. He is yet to obtain his bankai . He is voiced by Shōto Kashii in the Japanese version of the anime and Lex Lang in the English dub. Squad Three was originally led by Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi until he was forced to forfeit his post after Aizen put him through Hollowification. Gin Ichimaru, formerly Aizen's lieutenant in Squad Five, takes over Rose's position after Aizen reveals his true intentions and defects. Following Gin's subsequent defection, Lieutenant Kira briefly assumes captain duties. In

7889-438: Is revealed that he had achieved his bankai before Yamamoto's pupils Shunsui and Jūshirō did, though due to his loyalty to Yamamoto he never used it or offered to be a captain. His zanpakutō is Gonryōmaru ( 厳霊丸 , lit. "Stern Spirit", translated in other ways) . When released with the command "Bite" ( 穿て , Ugate ) , it transforms into a rapier . Its shikai special abilities remain unknown. Gonryōmaru ' s bankai

8050-508: Is selected by Shunsui to be his lieutenant along with Nanao. Shin'etsu Kisaragi ( 如月 信越 , Kisaragi Shin'etsu ) was a member of Squad One and the father of Shūsuke Amagai. After Central 46 denies Yamamoto's request to officially investigate the Kasumiōji Clan Compound regarding the clan's manufacturing of Bakkōtō , he sends Shin'etsu to secretly infiltrate the compound. Shin'etsu is caught by Gyōkaku Kumoi's men and Kumoi forces

8211-547: Is shown in terms of the uniform worn by the Quincy as well as by the symbolism of the cross". Bleach , written and illustrated by Tite Kubo , was serialized for 15 years in Shueisha 's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from August 7, 2001, to August 22, 2016. Its 698 individual chapters were collected in 74 tankōbon volumes released between January 5, 2002, and November 4, 2016. Shueisha published

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8372-427: Is subservient to Yoruichi both on professional and personal level, "reflects real life global power dynamics between China and Japan". Louis Kemner writing for CBR described Yoruichi as Soul Society's "rogue hero", who cares about "doing the right thing, at any cost". Bleach (manga)#Setting Bleach (stylized in all caps ) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo . It follows

8533-540: Is the captain of Squad Two and the current Commander in Chief of the Stealth Force. 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 serves as a bodyguard and eventual protégé of Yoruichi, with whom she develops a close relationship. When Yoruichi leaves the Soul Society, Suì-Fēng

8694-498: Is the device used by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku to destroy the Sōkyoku . It is a large, shield-like item with the Shihōin family crest stamped on it and a long cord connected to it. When the cord is wrapped around Sōkyoku and two zanpakutō are stabbed into two vertical slots running from its top, their energy flows through the cord and destroys Sōkyoku . Jūshirō Ukitake had it in his possession under some sort of seal. It

8855-603: Is the mother of the current lieutenant of Squad Seven, Tetsuzaemon Iba . Gin Ichimaru ( 市丸 ギン , Ichimaru Gin ) is the former captain of Squad Three. He previously served as the Third Seat of Squad Five under Captain Shinji Hirako , then as lieutenant under Captain Aizen, before becoming captain of Squad Three. He eventually defects from the Gotei Thirteen alongside Aizen and Kaname Tousen , and becomes

9016-501: Is thereby trapped in an ordinary human body, and must advise Ichigo as he balances the demands of his substitute Soul Reaper duties and attending high school. For aid in hunting the Hollows, the pair ally with a trio of other spiritually empowered allies: Ichigo's high school classmate Orihime Inoue , best friend Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Uryū Ishida , a Quincy classmate with the ability to control spiritual particles. Eventually, Rukia

9177-422: Is unknown if this ability possesses any time limit, but it is unlikely considering she has used it for so long that she is unused to her human form and dislikes wearing clothing (much to Ichigo's chagrin). As a cat, Yoruichi can still channel spiritual power and move with incredible speeds, though she is physically limited by the form. Her transformation also allows her a complete disguise in multiple ways; aside from

9338-424: The shōnen category in 2005. The manga had over 130 million tankōbon volumes in circulation worldwide by 2022, making it one of the best-selling manga in history. Ichigo Kurosaki is a teenager from Karakura Town who can see ghosts, a talent allowing him to meet Rukia Kuchiki , a Soul Reaper who enters the town in search of a Hollow, a kind of monstrous lost soul who can harm both ghosts and humans. Rukia

9499-511: The shōnen category. The English version of the manga was nominated for the "best manga" and "best theme" awards at the 2006 and 2007 American Anime Awards , but did not win either category. In November 2014, readers of Media Factory 's Da Vinci magazine voted Bleach the 16th Weekly Shōnen Jump ' s greatest manga series of all time. On TV Asahi 's Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, in which 150,000 people voted for their top 100 manga series, Bleach ranked 23rd. Soifon This

9660-432: The Bakkōtō a secret. After his various accomplices are slain in the Soul Society, Shūsuke takes the nuclei of their Bakkōtō and engages Yamamoto in battle. He ends up fighting Ichigo, while Rukia and the others rescue Princess Rurichiyo Kasumioji (whom he abducted after killing Kumoi), and is defeated. Upon learning the truth about his father's death, he takes his own life to atone for his misdeeds. Shūsuke's zanpakutō

9821-680: The Bleach plotline. The initial performance run of the Bleach musical was from August 17–28, 2005, at the Space Zero Tokyo center in Shinjuku . The musicals are directed by Takuya Hiramitsu, with script adaptation by Naoshi Okumura and music composed by playwright Shoichi Tama. The songs are completely original and not taken from the anime soundtrack. Key actors in the series include Tatsuya Isaka , who plays Ichigo Kurosaki , Miki Satō , who plays Rukia Kuchiki , and Eiji Moriyama , who plays Renji Abarai . In 2016, another musical

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9982-474: The Bleach series, which were published by Shueisha under its Jump J-Books imprint. The first volume, Bleach – Letters From The Other Side: The Death and The Strawberry , was published on December 15, 2004, and re-released as Bleach – Letters From The Other Side: The Death and The Strawberry - New Edition on November 4, 2009. The second, Bleach: The Honey Dish Rhapsody , was published on November 30, 2006. The third, Bleach: The Death Save The Strawberry ,

10143-627: The Bleach storyline, she helped Urahara, Tessai, and the Visoreds in their escape from Soul Society and abandoned her high status. Yoruichi first appears in feline form to deliver a warning to Urahara about the Soul Society moving to capture Rukia Kuchiki . After Rukia's capture, she helps train Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado to control their powers. She leads Ichigo's group into Soul Society when they attempt to save Rukia, and then to Kūkaku Shiba when they were unable to enter through

10304-702: The Bount once they learn of the Bount's plan to invade Soul Society, and also saves Ichigo when he is unable to defeat Jin Kariya . Yoruichi also rescued the Bount Koga Gō and took him to the home of Ran'tao , the Bount's creator, where he was nursed back to health. Subsequently, Yoruichi and Urahara rescue Ichigo from death at the hands of the arrancar Yammy . Though she appears to easily defeat Yammy, it becomes apparent from her injuries afterward that her opponent

10465-574: The Vizards , Soul Reapers who were victims of Aizen's experiments in creating the Arrancar. When Ulquiorra, one of the Espada (Aizen's ten most powerful Arrancars) kidnaps Orihime, Ichigo and his allies enter Hueco Mundo to invade Las Noches. However, as Ichigo rescues Orihime, Aizen reveals her abduction was a distraction as he launches an attack on Karakura Town, in order to sacrifice everyone and create

10626-413: The best-selling manga series of all time from Weekly Shōnen Jump . During 2008, volume 34 of the manga sold 874,153 copies in Japan, becoming the 12th best-seller comics from the year. Volumes 33 and 35 have also ranked 17 and 18, respectively. In total the manga has sold 3,161,825 copies in Japan during 2008, becoming the year's fifth best selling series. In the first half from 2009, Bleach ranked as

10787-454: The Black , appearing as either a wakizashi or a tantō . She is voiced by Hitomi Nabatame in the Japanese version of the anime and by Kate Higgins in the English dub. Genshirō Okikiba ( 沖牙 源志郎 , Okikiba Genshirō ) was originally the Third Seat in Squad One, ordered by Yamamoto to guard their barracks during the Wandenreich's attack on the Soul Society. After Yamamoto's death, he

10948-474: The English adaptations) in a kimono , which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers. Before deciding on the use of kimono, Kubo thought of giving black suits to male Soul Reapers and any forms to female Soul Reapers, but thought that it was too generic and changed it to a kimono. Several characteristics from them, such as the kidō spells and the zanpakutō swords are also based on Japanese literature. Instead of using zanpakutō , Kubo wanted to give

11109-407: The English dub, he is voiced by Neil Kaplan . Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe ( 雀部 長次郎 忠息 , Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadaoki ) , was Yamamoto's lieutenant, often present during meetings between the captains. He was the only Soul Reaper at the battle for Karakura Town that did not fight, instead guarding the fake version of the town on his own with a large Reiatsu barrier. In an omake , due to a mission in

11270-533: The German language. This multilingual terminology, along with the variety in apparent character ethnicities, emphasizes the international nature of the Bleach settings. Bleach ' s plot incorporates the traditional Japanese belief of spirits coexisting with humans and their nature, good or evil, depends on the circumstances. An example is Orihime's backstory. She was raised from the age of three by her brother Sora, and prayed for his soul's peace after he died in

11431-460: The Gotei Thirteen, other military forces exist and serve in specialized capacities. The Kidō Corps ( 鬼道衆 , Kidōshū ) , for example, is a reclusive group that specializes in kidō and is in charge of the gateway connecting the Soul Society and the human world. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto ( 山本元柳斎 重國 , Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni ) was the captain of Squad One and Head Captain of the Gotei Thirteen. He believed that laws must be upheld for

11592-469: The Hollows' realm, Hueco Mundo ( 虚圏 （ ウェコムンド ） , Weko Mundo , lit. "Hollow World") . Afterwards, Ichigo and Rukia reconcile with the Soul Reapers, who view the former as a powerful ally and designate him an official title as Substitute Soul Reaper. Ichigo soon finds himself and his friends in escalating skirmishes with Aizen's army of humanoid Hollows, the Arrancar , as they are joined by

11753-555: The Japanese market and a different one in North America. Bleach Soul Card Battle , produced by Bandai , was introduced in Japan at the Jump Festa in 2004. Twenty named sets were released for the series. After Bleach Soul Card Battle , Bandai introduced three more series. Bleach The Card Gum , which contains 14 sets, was released in early September 2007. The next series, Bleach Clear Collection , which contains six sets,

11914-658: The Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by Michael McConnohie when he first speaks in Episode 54 then by Dan Woren in later appearances. Shunsui Sōzōsuke Jirō Kyōraku ( 京楽 次郎 総蔵佐 春水 , Kyōraku no Jirō Sōzōsuke Shunsui ) was originally the captain of Squad Eight for most of the series. One of the oldest captains in the Soul Society, alongside his friend Jūshirō, Shunsui trained under Head Captain Yamamoto, whom he calls "Old-man Yama" ( 山じい , Yama-jii ) . After Yamamoto's death, Shunsui becomes

12075-401: The Japanese version). Much like Kisuke Urahara , Yoruichi tends to avoid battles, preferring to help after a fight is over or even often observing situations from afar, but she will step in if she thinks her side cannot otherwise win. She was responsible for training Chad and Orihime prior to their entrance into Soul Society. She also supervised Ichigo Kurosaki 's bankai training using

12236-496: The Seireitei gates. After being separated from the group, Yoruichi collected information on Rukia's execution. She also rescues Ichigo from being injured by Byakuya's shikai and claims that he cannot fight as he is; she works to teach Ichigo the bankai of his zanpakutō using a technique developed by Urahara. Later, Yoruichi battles with Soifon , although with some struggle in the beginning. When Yoruichi reveals that she also

12397-652: The Soul Funeral Ceremony for 13th Division captain Jūshirō Ukitake. While the captains are waiting in the Soul Society to perform the ritual, Ichigo joins the Lieutenants at Karakura Town to capture Hollows that will be used as a sacrifice. They are ambushed by the Beasts of Hell, led by the late Octava Espada Szayelaporro Granz. Even though the lieutenants suppress them, it is revealed that the ceremony

12558-490: The Soul Reaper can unlock the full potential of their zanpakutō , increasing their own power several times over. Though rare, it is possible for two people to manifest the same zanpakutō and spirit. This is considered the ultimate taboo of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the individuals who manifest the spirit are forced to fight to the death to determine the zanpakutō ' s true master, as in

12719-481: The Soul Reapers guns, with the exception of Rukia Kuchiki , who would use a scythe. Seeing that guns are not suitable for kimono, he changed them to swords. When asked which of the Court Guard Squad captains and assistant captains were his favorites, 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

12880-464: The Soul Society by giving a Konso ( 魂葬 (こんそう) , konsō , "soul funeral") to souls yet to become hollows and defeat those who have. High-level Soul Reapers and similarly powerful beings are able to levitate by standing on the spiritual energy in the air. The No Breathes From Hell one shot explains that Soul Reaper captains are given a last rites ritual as their Reishi is transferred to another realm due to being too dense to properly diffuse in

13041-431: The Soul Society to destroy it, but Ichigo kills him with the help of Uryū and Aizen after the latter is temporarily released from prison. Ten years later, Rukia becomes the new captain of the thirteenth company and has a daughter, an apprentice Soul Reaper named Ichika, with her childhood friend Renji Abarai . Meanwhile, Ichigo and Orihime have a son named Kazui, who is also a Soul Reaper. Two years later, Ichigo attends

13202-574: The Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed and pessimistic demeanor. During the Wandenreich invasion, Kira is mortally wounded by the Stern Ritter Bazz-B. However, he is revealed to have survived the attack and is later healed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi , allowing him to battle the multiple weakened bird cloned copies of Lille Barro's Vollständig. Kira's zanpakutō is Wabisuke ( 侘助 , lit. "Apology helper", translated in other medias "the penitent one" "Apologizer") . The shikai command

13363-552: The Soul Society, but did include some characters and elements that were not introduced into the plot until the Arrancar arc , such as Ichigo's Soul Reaper parentage. Kubo has cited influences for elements of Bleach ranging from other manga series to music, foreign language, architecture, and film. He attributed his interest in drawing the supernatural and monsters to Shigeru Mizuki 's GeGeGe no Kitaro and Bleach ' s focus on interesting weaponry and battle scenes to Masami Kurumada 's Saint Seiya , manga that Kubo enjoyed as

13524-423: The Soul Society. The ritual is revealed to actually send the deceased Soul Reaper captains to Hell instead, rather than ease their passing. The Gotei Thirteen ( 護廷十三隊 , Goteijūsantai , "Thirteen Court Guard Squads" in the English dubbed version) is the central organization, and main military power, of the Soul Society that most Soul Reapers join. Initially created to enforce law and order and composed of

13685-504: The Stealth Force ( 隠密機動 , Onmitsukidō , lit. "Special Forces") , Squad Two's duties include assassination and covert operations. After Yoruichi is forced to leave her post for aiding Urahara's escape when he was accused of the Hollowification of the Vizards , Suì-Fēng becomes the new captain of Squad Two. Marenoshin Ōmaeda ( 大前田 希ノ進 , Ōmaeda Marenoshin ) is the former lieutenant of Squad Two (under Yoruichi) as well as

13846-526: The TCG is a two-player game in which each player starts with at least 61 cards: a "Guardian" card, a 60-card "main deck", and an optional 20-card "side deck". A player loses if his or her power, as dictated by the Guardian card, is reduced to zero, or if he or she is unable to draw or discard a card from his or her deck. The cards for the game have been released in named sets with each set released in three formats:

14007-531: The Thirteen Court Squads when the captain of the fifth company, Sōsuke Aizen , is apparently murdered; the captains believed that the intruders might have been responsible, which causes the Soul Reapers to begin fighting amongst themselves. Thereafter, the Captain Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, issues the Soul Reapers to arrest Ichigo and his friends as suspects. However, Ichigo saves Rukia and manages to stop

14168-596: The adventures of a teenager Ichigo Kurosaki , who obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper —a death personification similar to a Grim Reaper —from another Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki . His new-found powers allow him to take on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife, and set him on journeys to various ghostly realms of existence. Bleach was serialized in Shueisha 's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from August 2001 to August 2016, with its chapters collected in 74 tankōbon volumes. The series has spawned

14329-592: The aftermath of her father's death, Nanao joins the Gotei Thirteen for her knowledge in kidō . During her early days in Squad Eight, she develops a friendship with then-lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru , and realizes her family's zanpakutō is in Shunsui's possession. Nanao is a very serious and pragmatic person, which often puts her at odds with her captain's silly antics. Despite this, she is extremely respectful of him and follows his instructions without hesitation. Nanao

14490-429: The anime during Soifon 's flashback about becoming Yoruichi's protégé , where it resembles a kodachi or wakizashi . In this scene, she is shown to have worn her zanpakutō horizontally down her back, in a similar fashion to how Soifon carries her own zanpakutō . She ranked 7th in the 3rd popularity poll, earning 3,744 votes, just 8 votes behind Byakuya Kuchiki and surpassing Kisuke Urahara by 68 votes. Following

14651-457: The anime television series, which adapts the manga's final story arc , premiered in 2022. In North America, the manga was licensed for English release by Viz Media in 2004. They have released the collected volumes and published its chapters in their Shonen Jump magazine from November 2007 until the magazine's final issue in April 2012. Bleach received the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award for

14812-580: The anime, Shūsuke Amagai is eventually assigned as captain in Gin's place, retaining the role until his death some time afterwards. Rose is allowed to resume his duties after Aizen's defeat. Chikane Iba ( 射場 千鉄 , Iba Chikane ) is the former lieutenant of Squad Three under Rōjūrō, appearing in the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden . She eventually retired from her position and was succeeded by Izuru. Chikane

14973-501: The author inserts when he grows bored during the illustration process. Bleach ' s plotting process is focused around character design . When writing plotlines or having difficulties generating new material, Kubo begins by thinking of new characters, often en masse , and rereading previous volumes of Bleach . Kubo has said that he likes creating characters that have outward appearances that do not match their true nature—an element that can be found in many Bleach characters—as he

15134-399: The bandaged zanpakutō to Nanao as a last resort, which she accepts despite being skeptical of it. In its shikai state, Shinken Hakkyōken takes the form of an ornate, medium-sized, flat-ended bladeless sword with the ability to take the power of a god into itself and disperse that power into the eight directions. The weapon is seen in its basic unwrapped form in the art book All Colour but

15295-483: The benefit of the community and despised those who broke them, but made an exception regarding Ichigo Kurosaki due to a debt owed to the former after he saves the Soul Society. Yamamoto founded the Soul Reaper Academy 1,000 years before the main Bleach storyline, where he personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake whom he treated like sons. Yamamoto claimed that no Soul Reaper born in

15456-437: The blade and creates a giant conch-shaped guard worn across Shūsuke'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. Shūsuke's Bakkōtō (獏爻刀, roughly " tapir crossing blade") is a twin-bladed tuning fork -shaped weapon that creates black-plated armor across his right arm and emits

15617-458: The blades are normally two daisho swords, their shikai state resembles dao or falchions . When released with the command "Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer" ( 花風紊れて花神啼き 天風紊れて天魔嗤う , Hana Kaze Midarete Kashin Naki, Tenpū Midarete Tenma Warau ) , Katen Kyōkotsu gains the ability to turn children's games into a deadly reality and anyone caught in

15778-410: The body, allowing it to be fired at opponents. Yoruichi also taught Byakuya some techniques of her own creation involving flash steps, including one called utsusemi (空蝉, lit. cicada, in reference to their molting ) which allows a person to move out of harm's way by creating another image of themselves. Yoruichi used a similar technique in her short battle with Byakuya, creating an image of her which

15939-419: The cancellation of Kubo's previous manga, Zombiepowder , but was at first rejected. Manga artist Akira Toriyama saw the story and wrote a letter of encouragement to Kubo. Bleach was accepted for publication a short time later in 2001, and was initially intended to be a shorter series, with a maximum serialization length of five years. Early plans for the story did not include the hierarchical structure of

16100-415: The deadliest killers in all of the Soul Society, the Gotei Thirteen became more peace-oriented in nature over time. It is split into thirteen squads, each symbolized by a flower whose floriography is indicative of the squad's designation or special responsibilities. The Captains ( 隊長 , taichō , literally, "unit commander") are the leaders of the thirteen squads. Each controls a specific squad with

16261-562: The digital anthology Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha in January 2012 and Viz Media released it digitally as Shueisha published new chapters in Japan. The 74 volumes were released from July 6, 2004, to October 2, 2018. Viz Media also released a hardcover "collector's edition" of the first volume that came with a dust jacket, two box sets, and twenty-five 3-in-1 volumes between June 7, 2011, and March 5, 2019. A 73-page chapter, titled "New Breathes From Hell" ( 獄頤鳴鳴篇 , Gokui Meimei-hen ) ,

16422-462: The dub). She also transforms into her human form directly in front of Ichigo on several occasions just to see his reaction to seeing her naked , which she found decidedly humorous. Another note of her eccentricity is that she speaks in a dialect that elders use, such as identifying herself as 'washi' (a term that usually old men define themselves with) instead of more feminine terms like 'watashi' in both her human and animal forms (though specifically for

16583-400: 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, Shūsuke is quickly revealed to have ulterior motives, with his friendly attitude only being a means to further his plans. He joined the Gotei Thirteen in order to exact revenge upon Yamamoto for killing his father to keep

16744-526: The exception of the Head Captain ( 総隊長 , Sōtaichō , literally "Commander-General") , who is both the captain of Squad One and leader of the Gotei Thirteen; the implication is that this is an ex officio position. 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 be approved by either their fellow captains or

16905-410: The family head can inherit Shinken Hakkyōken . Nanao is rarely seen with the weapon for most of the story until Shunsui's battle with Lille Barro —he sealed the zanpakutō inside Kyōkotsu to honor his sister-in-law's wish to hide the apparent source of the Ise clan's curse from Nanao in the hopes that it would end with her generation. As Shinken Hakkyōken is able to harm divine beings, Shunsui gives

17066-423: The first 21 volumes compiled into six omnibus collections under the name Resurrected Souls , to celebrate the series' tenth anniversary. The first collection was released on August 22, 2011; the last collection was published on January 23, 2012. North American licensor Viz Media serialized the first chapters in the print magazine Shonen Jump from its November 2007 to April 2012 issues. The series moved to

17227-406: The form of an extremely long, armored missile launcher that encases Suì-Fēng's right arm and extends all the way up past her shoulder, with a sighting device shaped like a mask shielding the right side of her face. While holding this bankai , its large size—it is bigger than Suì-Fēng herself—makes it difficult for her to move. The thunderous recoil after its cannon is fired may require the use of

17388-688: The former Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps, appearing in the Turn Back the Pendulum gaiden . When he retires his positions, both are assumed by his son Marechiyo, the division's current lieutenant, with whom he shares a close resemblance. Like his son, Marenoshin enjoys downgrading poorer members of the Gotei Thirteen, such as Izuru Kira and Shūhei Hisagi . Suì-Fēng ( 砕 （ ソイ ） 蜂 （ フォン ） , Soifon , pinyin : Suì Fēng ) , born Fon Shaolin ( 蜂梢 （ フォンシャオ ） 綾 （ リン ） , Fon Shaorin , pinyin : Fēng Shāolíng ) ,

17549-601: The former Corps Commander ( 軍団長 , Gundanchō ) of the Executive Militia ( 刑軍 , Keigun ) , a sub-division of the Stealth Forces. She is also the first female and the 22nd generational head of the Shihōin family ( 天賜兵装番 , tenshiheisōban ) , one of the four noble families, and earned much respect in Soul Society while she was there. While her age has not been revealed, she is older than Byakuya Kuchiki and refers to him as "Little Byakuya" since he

17710-503: The games for Nintendo consoles are developed and published by Sega, and the Nintendo DS games are developed by Treasure Co. Ltd. Two mobile games had also been released in 2014 ( Bleach: Bankai Battle ) and 2015 ( Bleach: Brave Souls ) for the series, which are available for iOS and Android . In 2017, Line announced the release of a game exclusive for their communication app called Bleach: Paradise Lost . In July 2023,

17871-471: The genre. He felt it was a rough start for the series with unimpressive battles, overused gags, and a bad introduction for central character Ichigo that causes him to come across "as a frowning punk" whose one good trait is his desire to protect. Despite this, Pine notes that he loves the series, particularly its quirky, lovable characters. Jason Thompson said he was no longer able to take Bleach seriously after it introduced villains Ulquiorra and Yammy in

18032-410: The ground with their head bowed as though asking forgiveness. At this point Wabisuke ' s released form, a blade bent into a squared hook, comes into play, as it is used to decapitate the kneeling opponent, thus denying them forgiveness. He is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in the Japanese version of the anime and by Grant George in the English dub. Shūsuke Amagai ( 天貝 繍助 , Amagai Shūsuke )

18193-406: The hierarchical structure of the Soul Society, but did include Ichigo's Soul Reaper heritage. Soul Reapers can only be seen by other spiritually aware beings, which excludes most humans. They age at a much slower rate than humans and can be injured and die, yet are able to resist most injuries unless considerably great. All Soul Reapers possess a zanpakutō ( 斬魄刀 , lit. "soul-cutting sword") ,

18354-499: The human world to carry out their duties. If this Soul Reaper is an assistant captain or a captain then they will have a Gentei Reiin , or a Spirit Restriction Seal, on some area of their body. This seal will limit their spiritual powers to one-fifth of their full power and it can only be released in a state of emergency. In addition to these laws, it is a crime for a Soul Reaper to remain in the human world for longer than directed. A Soul Reaper's duties include leading wandering spirits to

18515-567: The last one thousand years is stronger than him, but he is eventually killed by Yhwach . His zanpakutō is Ryūjin Jakka ( 流刃若火 , lit. "Flame of the Flowing Blade") , and it displays control over flame . The most powerful zanpakutō in Soul Society, the sheer power of its flame can disintegrate almost anything it is waved at. Its release command is "Reduce All Creation to Ash" (万象一切灰燼と為せ, Banshō issai kaijin to nase or "All things in

18676-547: The main series, but reveal more of the daily lives of characters. Color Bleach+: Bleach Official Bootleg was released in English by Viz Media on August 10, 2010. In December 2018, another artbook, titled Bleach JET was released, which contains a massive 700 artworks from the series' 15 years tenure. Seven databooks have also been released about the series. The first two, Bleach: Official Character Book SOULs. and Bleach: Official Animation Book VIBEs. , were released on February 3, 2006. Bleach: Official Character Book SOULs.

18837-749: The manga's final story arc, "Thousand-Year Blood War", would receive a new anime project. In November 2021, it was announced that the new project would be an anime television series. It is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi and premiered in October 2022. The series has spawned four animated films: Bleach: Memories of Nobody , premiered on December 16, 2006; Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion , premiered on December 22, 2007; Bleach: Fade to Black , premiered on December 13, 2008; and Bleach: Hell Verse , premiered on December 4, 2010. A live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan on July 20, 2018. Tite Kubo and Makoto Matsubara have co-authored three novelizations of

18998-442: The members of their own squad. There are three ways a Soul Reaper can become a captain: The Lieutenants ( 副隊長 , fukutaichō , literally, "vice-unit commander") are the adjutants to the captains in each squad. In terms of rank, they hold the second seat in the squad. In the case of a squad captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant serves as acting captain until

19159-436: The methods developed by Kisuke Urahara. According to Tite Kubo , the author of Bleach , Yoruichi prefers to drink milk, which fits in with her practice of transforming into a cat, most of the time. Yoruichi is the former captain of the 2nd Division, the former General Administrator Commander ( 総司令官 , Sōshireikan ) of the Stealth Forces ( 隠密機動 , Onmitsukidō , literally "Hidden Secret Movements Organization") , and

19320-498: The moisture in Soul Society. The Squad Ten captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya , cannot release his sword—an ice-type zanpakutō —due to the heat radiated from Yamamoto's bankai . Its power is so great that it can destroy all of Soul Society and Yamamoto himself should it remain active for too long. He is voiced by Masaaki Tsukada in the original Japanese anime series and Binbin Takaoka in its direct sequel Thousand Year Blood War . In

19481-414: The new Head Captain of the Gotei Thirteen and the leader of Squad One. He appoints Genshirō Okikiba and Nanao as his lieutenants. A laid-back and flamboyant man, as seen by his attire, Shunsui wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be found drinking sake , napping, or chasing after women, particularly his lieutenant Nanao Ise. Shunsui tends to use

19642-424: The other hand, Lee getting replaced in the first place. Cortés Reslie discussed Yoruichi in the context of gender in anime, noting that she transgresses gender boundaries and the border between humans and animals. Her ability to transform into a cat allows her to "escape sexual objectification in her animal form", while her "status as a fugitive and outlaw constructs her animalistic body as a site of rebellion against

19803-473: The patriarchical order of the Gotei 13". She also describes the relationship between Yoruichi and Suì Fēng as "the most richly described romantic (but not sexual) relationship in the series". Neither woman is portrayed as ethnically Japanese; Suì Fēng is Chinese whereas Yoruichi, despite having a Japanese name, has dark skin and golden eyes. However, Cortés Reslie also notes that their relationship, in which Suì Fēng

19964-642: The physical transformation, her voice as a cat is deep enough for most to assume that she is male. Yoruichi is also highly skilled in the use of flash steps ( 瞬歩 , shunpo ) , a high speed movement ability. Though this is by no means a unique skill, as most seated officers are capable of performing it to various degrees, Yoruichi holds the title Goddess of Flash ( 瞬神 , shunshin , English: "Flash Master") because she has mastered this ability to such an extent that she can appear to be in several places at once and wipe out entire stealth forces squadrons in moments. The full extent of her abilities remain unclear, but she

20125-465: The plot of Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion (2007). Many Soul Reapers manage to use kidō ( 鬼道 , lit. "way of the demon", also "demon arts") , a form of magic that can be performed by reciting a specific incantation. Most of the kidō spells seen in the series are 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

20286-468: The point of contact. The crest bears four wings because a hornet has two sets of full-size wings located on its thorax. Due to Suì-Fēng's training, this mark can be kept there for as long as she desires. If Suzumebachi stabs the same location a second time, the opponent dies. This technique is called " Nigeki Kessatsu (弐撃決殺, Death in Two Steps)". This also holds true if an internal organ is pierced in

20447-516: The position of the captain of 12th Division. While Yoruichi was the stealth forces commander, she took in Soifon as a guard and became her mentor and friend. She taught Soifon most of the techniques she knew. As a result, Soifon succeeded her as head of the stealth forces after Yoruichi's escape from Soul Society. During her time in Soul Society, she created many techniques that involve flash steps, and taught some of them to Byakuya. A century prior to

20608-461: The range of Shunsui's spiritual power is forced to play. One such game, Bushō Goma ( 不精独楽 , Lazy Spinning Top) , involves spinning wind around like a top. Another, Takaoni ( 嶄鬼 , Mountain Demon) , declares that whoever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, Kageoni ( 影鬼 , Shadow Demon) , forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even if it is their own,

20769-517: The real world, Sasakibe is shown to have enjoyed growing tea leaves and making his own tea. He was killed by the Stern Ritter "O" Driscoll Berci during the Wandenreich 's first invasion of the Soul Society, alongside 106 other Soul Reapers. Driscoll later attempts to also kill Yamamoto using Sasakibe's stolen bankai , but is obliterated by the enraged captain for using his deceased lieutenant's bankai so shamefully. During Sasakibe's funeral, it

20930-703: The realm of Hueco Mundo, while both Quincy and Bounts have been known to associate with the German language, making Kubo's world of characters diverse in race and language as well. Von Feigenblatt notes that the Quincy "are clearly inspired by the Roman Catholic Christian Orders of Knighthood such as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre whose influence

21091-555: The rest of the series. She is voiced by Karen Strassman in the English dub. Marechiyo Ōmaeda ( 大前田 希千代 , Ōmaeda Marechiyo ) is the lieutenant of Squad Two and Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps. He comes across as arrogant and dull. In an omake, he is shown to have come from a rich family, where he is revealed to have a ridiculously 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

21252-403: The same location, regardless of the point of entry into the body. Furthermore, if Suì-Fēng is infected with a foreign poison, she can stab herself with her zanpakutō to counteract the new poison with her own, neutralizing it. Suzumebachi ' s bankai is Jakuhō Raikōben ( 雀蜂雷公鞭 , lit. "Hornet Thunder Whip", 雷公 means thunder) . A gold artillery -type weapon with black markings, it takes

21413-410: The same time, which he considered a point of appeal, in response to fans' claims about a "lack of a story" in Bleach . Leroy Douresseaux from Comic Book Bin agreed with Sparrow in the number of storylines, but also praised the fighting scenes finding them comparable to the ones of popular films. On the other hand, Mania reviewer Jarred Pine criticized the series as being plagued with stereotypes from

21574-493: The second best-selling manga in Japan, having sold 3.5 million copies. Having sold 927,610 copies, volume 36 ranked seventh, volume 37 was eighth with 907,714 sold copies, and volume 38 at 10th with 822,238 copies. North American sales of the manga have also been high, with tankōbon volumes having sold over 1.2   million copies by 2007. Volume 16 placed in the top 10 graphic novel sales in December 2006 and volume 17

21735-406: The second cour's final dubbed episode on October 21, 2023, for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War , voice actress Anairis Quiñones confirmed that her role as Yoruichi Shihōin was recast, with Wendee Lee reprising the role instead. The recast sparked uproar and debate on social media platforms about on one hand, Lee replacing Quiñones, an actress of color, in order to voice a person of color, and on

21896-505: The series as the Best Continuing Shōnen Manga of 2007, along with Eyeshield 21 , praising the "compelling stories, dazzling action sequences and great character development". She also placed the title on her list of "Top 10 Shōnen Manga Must-Reads". The artwork and the character designs received positive response by IGN 's A.E. Sparrow. He also commented on the series' ability to handle multiple minor character plotlines at

22057-487: The series progresses, Rukia is captured by the Soul Society's Soul Reaper military for giving her powers to Ichigo and sentenced to death. Ichigo and his friends journey to the Soul Society to save her and are forced to fight against many of the Court Guard Squads. Sōsuke Aizen , Gin Ichimaru , and Kaname Tōsen —the captains of squads Five, Three, and Nine respectively—eventually defect from the Soul Society at

22218-475: The time of Rukia's rescue, effectively interrupting Ichigo's battles, and enact a plan to gain greater power with the Arrancar . Aizen is brought into focus as the story's main antagonist . However, in the series' final arc, the real antagonist is revealed to be Yhwach , the son of the Soul King and father of the Quincy . Bleach was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw Shinigami ("Soul Reaper" in

22379-414: The title of a story arc . The chapter was digitally released as a collected volume on December 3, 2021. A full-color version of the chapter was published digitally on September 4, 2023. Bleach was adapted by studio Pierrot into an anime television series directed by Noriyuki Abe and broadcast for 366 episodes on TV Tokyo from October 2004 to March 2012. In March 2020, it was announced that

22540-612: The universe, Turn to ashes" in the English Dub). Ryūjin Jakka ' s bankai is Zanka no Tachi ( 残火の太刀 , lit. "Longsword of the Remnant Flame") . Upon release, all of the flames produced by Yamamoto become concentrated at the edge of the blade, which takes on the appearance of an ancient, scorched sword. Zanka no Tachi ' s heat reaches temperatures of 15,000,000 degrees, creating flame-like reiatsu around him and rendering him untouchable. Merely activating it drains all

22701-432: The volume 50 of the series. However it only covers material up to volume 48, God is Dead . On June 4, 2012, a sixth book was released under the name Bleach: The Rebooted Souls . This free booklet was distributed with Bleach manga volume 55, with the aim to provide information to readers about the manga's final arc, The Thousand-Year Blood War . The seventh book, BLEACH 13 BLADEs. , was released on August 4, 2015, and it

22862-403: The war against the Soul Society. Aizen reappears and reveals his intention to obtain the Hōgyoku ( 崩玉 , lit. "Crumbling Orb") , an orb of immense power Urahara planted inside Rukia, by faking his death and arranging the execution. Aizen accompanies his fellow conspirators, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen, who are the third and ninth company's captains, as they use Hollows to cover their escape into

23023-646: The world of death and fear. In their first invasion, the Wandenreich kill many Soul Reapers including the Head-Captain, Yamamoto. Uryū joins Yhwach and learns the truth behind the death of his mother. Later, Ichigo and his friends aid the Soul Society in fighting the Wandenreich's second invasion, but Yhwach invades the Royal Palace and kills the Soul King. In the final battle, the surviving Shinigami, along with Ichigo and his friends, assault Yhwach's new palace and defeat his army of Sternritters. Yhwach returns to

23184-531: Was Bleach: Heat the Soul , which debuted on March 24, 2005, for the Sony PlayStation Portable . Currently, the majority of the games have only been released in Japan, though Sega has localized the first three Nintendo DS games and the first Wii game for North America. So far, all dedicated Bleach games released for Sony 's consoles have been developed and published by SCEI , whereas

23345-509: Was a kid. He called her "demon cat", and thought of himself as better than her in spite of her high status and rank; as a result, she was easily able to provoke him with her pranks. Yoruichi and Kisuke Urahara are best friends; as children, they played together every day under the Sōkyoku hill, in the training space that Urahara built when they were children, and later used the area to train together. Urahara also served under her command in 2nd Division as third seat before she recommended him for

23506-412: Was able to outrun Byakuya while carrying an unconscious Ichigo over her shoulder. She was able to perform around 300 steps before feeling out of breath; she states that it must be the result of being out of practice after doing so. Yoruichi is also skilled with flash release ( 瞬閧 , shunkō ) , a technique that combines hand-to-hand combat and kidō . It concentrates high-pressure kidō energy around

23667-415: Was changed with the inclusion of swords. After that, the series was meant to be named "Black" due to the color of the Soul Reapers' clothes, but Kubo thought the title was too generic. He later tried the name of "White", but came to like "Bleach" more for its association with the color white and that he did not find it too obvious. The original story concept was submitted to Weekly Shōnen Jump shortly after

23828-484: Was his predecessor. It is revealed that the Soul Society did not trust the substitute Soul Reapers, so they used the badge given to the Substitute Soul Reaper to monitor and restrict his power output. Ginjo felt betrayed and swore vengeance on all Soul Reapers. Despite knowing the truth, Ichigo decides to trust his Soul Reaper friends and defeats and kills Ginjo. With his power restored, Ichigo once again

23989-546: Was later released in English by Viz Media on November 18, 2008. The third book, Bleach: Official Character Book 2: MASKED , was released on August 4, 2010. This book covers details about characters that appear 100 years prior to the story, such as former captains and lieutenants, along with the Arrancars and Visoreds. Although it was released on the same day as volume 46, Back From Blind , the book only covers material up to volume 37, Beauty Is So Solitary . The English version

24150-409: Was originally the lieutenant of Squad Eight for most of the series, serving under her uncle, Shunsui. Nanao's family is primarily composed of women with a Shinto priesthood lineage and a reputation that men who marry into the family, like Shunsui's brother, eventually die due to a family curse . As a child, living with elderly relatives after her mother is executed for discarding Shinken Hakkyōken in

24311-520: Was produced to celebrate Bleach 15th anniversary. The musical was directed and written by Tsutsumi Yasuyuki with Dream5 's Akira Takano and Chihiro Kai as Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki respectively. The musical debuted on July 28, 2016, in AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo. The first Bleach artbook, All Colour But The Black , was released in Japan, the United States, and Europe. The artbook compiles

24472-525: Was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump , to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the manga's debut in the magazine, on August 10, 2021. It was published in English by Viz Media's Shonen Jump online magazine and on the Shueisha's Manga Plus online platform. The one-shot ends seemingly on a cliffhanger ; the character for "hen" ( 篇 ), used in the Japanese title of the chapter, is usually used to denote

24633-409: Was published on December 22, 2007. The third, Bleach: Fade to Black, I Call Your Name , was published on December 15, 2008. The fourth volume, Bleach: Hell Chapter , was published on December 6, 2010. A number of video games have been created featuring characters from the Bleach series, primarily though not exclusively fighting games . The first video game to be released from the Bleach series

24794-464: Was published on November 2, 2018. The novel series ended with the release of the third volume on December 4, 2018. Viz Media published the three volumes of Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World between July 7, 2020, and April 20, 2021. Shueisha published four novelizations based on the Bleach movies. The first volume, Bleach: Memories of Nobody , was published on December 18, 2006. The second, Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion, Another Hyōrinmaru ,

24955-405: Was published on September 4, 2012. Two novelizations of the Bleach series have been co-authored by Narita Ryohgo . The first volume, Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You , and the second, Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You 2 , were published on June 4, 2012. After the series ended in 2016, a series of novels were released by Shueisha. The first novel, Bleach: WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU ,

25116-400: Was released by Viz Media on March 6, 2012. A fourth book, Bleach: Official Invitation Book The Hell Verse , was given to the first one million movie-goers of Bleach: Hell Verse on December 4, 2010. It contains character sketches, promotional posters, and the one-off Hell manga special. A fifth book Bleach: Official Character Book 3: UNMASKED , was released on June 3, 2011, the same day as

25277-571: Was released in July 2008. The last series, Bleach Clear Soul Plate , which consists of three sets, was published in December 2009. Bleach TCG was introduced in the United States by Score Entertainment in May 2007, but ceased publication April 2009, just before the planned launch of its seventh expansion, Bleach Infiltration . This cancellation was attributed to the 2007–09 recession , which has heavily affected TCG sales. Designed by Aik Tongtharadol,

25438-436: Was sliced by Byakuya, but appearing a split second later unharmed. Two of Yoruichi's unique items are accessories that allow the user the power of flight . One is a small wand with a skull atop it. By channeling spirit energy into the wand, it produces a tentacle that acts as a harness and a single, bat-shaped wing that acts as a one-handed hang glider . No skill or previous experience is required to use it. The other, known as

25599-417: Was stronger than she expected due to his tough skin. She appears again to take Orihime to the training room under Urahara's shop to prevent Aizen from gaining interest in her abilities. As a member of a noble family and head of the stealth forces, Yoruichi has acquired many powerful abilities and artifacts. One of her most important and unique abilities is that she can shapeshift into a black cat at will. It

25760-420: Was the best-selling manga volume for the month of February 2007. In a 2010 interview, Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Viz, listed Bleach as one of six Viz titles that continue to exceed expectations in spite of the harshening manga market. By 2022, the manga had over 2.7   million tankōbon volumes in circulation in the United States. Deb Aoki from About.com considered

25921-402: Was written by the writer of Bleach: The Death Save The Strawberry Makoto Matsubara and was published on December 27, 2016. The second, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World , is a serialized novel written by the writer of Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You series Narita Ryohgo and was released bi-weekly from April 28, 2017. The first volume was released on August 4, 2017 and the second volume

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