Shūhei Hisagi

This is a list of 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 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 that could not rest, called hollows.

As the series progresses, however, Rukia is captured by the Soul Society's Soul Reaper military for giving her powers to Ichigo, and she is sentenced to death. Ichigo and his friends go to save her and are forced to fight against many of the Soul Society's Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Eventually, the fifth Squad Captain Sōsuke Aizen, the third Squad Captain Gin Ichimaru, and the ninth Squad Captain Kaname Tosen all defect from the Soul Society at the time of the rescue and start a plan, interrupting Ichigo's battles, to gain greater power with the arrancars, focusing the story with the main antagonist Sōsuke Aizen. In the manga, the last one is Yhwach, the son of Soul King and father of Quincy.

Creation and conception

''Bleach'' was first conceived from Tite Kubo's desire to draw ''Shinigami'' ("Soul Reaper" in the English adaptations) in a kimono, which formed the basis for the design of the Soul Reapers. Before deciding 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.'' Weekly Shōnen Jump''. Volume 6, Issue 6. June 2008. Viz Media. 12. Instead of using ''zanpakutō'', Kubo wanted to give the Soul Reapers guns, with the exception of Rukia, 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, Tite Kubo answered by saying that he liked "all of them" and that he likes to "support" characters "disliked by readers." Early plans for the story did not include the hierarchical structure of the Soul Society, but did include Ichigo's Soul Reaper heritage.

Characteristics

Soul Reapers can only be seen by other spiritually aware beings, which excludes most humans. Additionally, they can be injured and die like regular humans yet can resist most injuries unless considerably great.

All Soul Reapers possess a , 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 a which acts like a binding contract between a Soul Reaper and the sword, changes the ''zanpakutōs appearance to so the owner can facilitate its special abilities to its fullest. The second transformation, known as , is an ability normally seen in Soul Reaper captains that requires ten years minimum to master. Once achieved, the Soul Reaper can unlock the full potential of their ''zanpakutō'', increasing their own power several times over. Though rare, it is not impossible 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 the plot of Bleach: The Diamond Dust Rebellion.
Many Soul Reapers are able to use , 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 a scale from 1 to 99, indicating their complexity and overall power. Low-level spells can, however, be as effective from a skilled ''kidō'' user (e.g., Byakuya Kuchiki).

Soul Reaper operations are based out of the Soul Society, which is an afterlife realm in ''Bleach'' which is 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 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 the Soul Society by giving a 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 the Soul Society, the ritual itself revealed to send the deceased Soul Reaper captains to Hell rather than ease their passing.

Soul Reaper court divisions

The is the central organization in the Soul Society that most Soul Reapers join. It is split into thirteen squads, each symbolized by a flower whose floriography shows the squad's hue.
* - The division's flower is the chrysanthemum - meaning "immaculate".
* - As its captain is also leader of the , Squad Two's shares duties with the other branch in surveillance, covert operations, imprisoning potentially problematic Soul Reapers, and assassinations. The division's flower is the Pulsatilla cernua - meaning "splendor".
* - The squad's flower is the Calendula officinalis - meaning "tranquility".
* - Squad Four is known for its medical work. The division's flower is the Gentiana scabra - meaning "fidelity" and "conscience".　
* - The division's flower is the Pieris japonica - meaning "sacrifice".
* - Squad Six has no special duties, but is currently seen as a model division by the other Soul Reapers and known for its strict adherence to the rules. The division's flower is the red Camellia japonica - meaning "righteous reason".
* - The division's flower is the Japanese iris - meaning "kindness" and " vitality".
* - The division's flower is the Strelitzia - meaning "getting everything I(one) want".
* - Squad Nine is always on standby as it is the security force of the Gotei 13, also overseeing art and culture. The division's flower is the white Papaver somniferum - meaning "oblivion".
* - The division's flower is the Narcissus - meaning "selfishness".
* - Known as the Zaraki Corps, Squad Eleven is well known for its brute military force with a specialization of sword-only combat, making them at loggerheads with the Fourth division. The division's flower is the Chinese yarrow - meaning "battle".
* - a scientific research division and has been the home of the Soul Reaper Research and Development Institute for 110 years. It was directly linked to the S.R.D.I. by former Captain Kisuke Urahara. The division's flower is the Thistle - meaning "revenge", "rigorous" and "independence".
* - division's flower is the Galanthus nivalis - meaning "hope".
The thirteen squad is believed to be inspired greatly from a real swordsman group in Japan, Shinsengumi. There are captains and the squad that refer to the prime Shinsengumi.

Other military forces exist apart from the Gotei Thirteen and serve more specialized capacities:

* The is a reclusive group that specializes in ''kidō'' and is in charge of the gateway connecting the Soul Society and the human world.

The are the leaders of the thirteen squads. Each controls a specific squad with the exception of the , who acts as both 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 must be approved by either their fellow captains or the members of their own squad. There are three ways a Soul Reaper can become a captain.
# To take the captain proficiency test, which requires the ability to perform ''bankai''. Presumably, most Soul Reapers become captains using this method. At least three existing captains, including Head Captain, have to witness the test.
# To have personal recommendations from at least six captains and approval from at least three of the remaining seven.
# To defeat a captain one-on-one with at least 200 witnesses from the captain's division. Kenpachi Zaraki and Kenpachi Kiganjō are the only two known captains to have achieved their rank using this method.

The 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 acts as the acting captain until another captain can be assigned. The 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. Higher ranks may also lead secondary teams within the division; for instance, Hanatarō Yamada is Squad Four's seventh seat and leader of the Fourteenth Advanced Relief Team therein.

Soul Reaper characters by squads

Squad One

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto

was the captain of Squad 1 and Head Captain of the Gotei 13, believing that laws must be upheld for the benefit of the community and despised those who break them, though he made an exception with Ichigo due to debt that the entire Soul Society owed to him. He founded the Soul Reaper Academy about 1,000 years before the main ''Bleach'' storyline, where he personally instructed Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake whom he treated as if they were his sons. Yamamoto claimed that no Soul Reaper born in the last one thousand years is stronger than he is. He is killed by Yhwach.

Yamamoto's ''zanpakutō'' is , and it displays control over flame. It is the most powerful ''zanpakutō'' in Soul Society, and the sheer power of the flame can disintegrate almost anything the sword 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 the universe, Turn to ashes" in the English Dub). ''Ryūjin Jakka's'' Bankai is which upon release causes all of the flames produced by Yamamoto to be 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 Yamamoto, which renders him untouchable. Merely activating it drains all the moisture in Soul Society. Even squad ten current captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya, cannot release his sword due to the heat radiated from Yamamoto's bankai. Its power is so great it can destroy the entire Soul Society and Yamamoto himself should it remain active for too long.

Yamamoto is voiced by Masaaki Tsukada for the anime series and Binbin Takaoka for "Thousand Year Blood War" in the Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by Neil Kaplan.

Chōjirō Sasakibe

, was Yamamoto's lieutenant, often present during meetings between the captains. He was the only Soul Reaper that participated in the battle for Karakura Town that did not fight, guarding the fake town with a large barrier. In an omake, it shows that due to a mission in the real world he enjoyed growing tea leaves and making his own tea. He, alongside 106 other Soul Reapers, was killed during the Wandenreich's first invasion of Soul Society. It is revealed during his funeral that he had achieved his bankai even before Yamamoto's pupils, Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake did, though due to his loyalty to Yamamoto had never used it or even offered to be a captain. Yamamoto confronted Chōjirō's murderer, the Stern Ritter Driscoll Berci, who tried to kill him using Chōjirō's bankai, only to be obliterated by the enraged Yamamoto for using his lieutenant's bankai so shamefully.

His ''zanpakutō'' is . When released with the command , it transforms into a rapier. Its shikai special abilities remain unknown. His bankai is , which produces a bolt of lightning from the blade that extends and transforms into a dome of lightning, stationed far above the users head and fastened to the ground by a large number of lightning pillars. These pillars can be controlled at will to shock the opponent.

Sasakibe is voiced by Taro Yamaguchi in the Japanese version of the anime. In the English dub, he is voiced by Michael McConnohie when he first speaks in Episode 54 and by Dan Woren in later appearances.

Shunsui Kyōraku

was originally Squad Eight's captain for most of the storyline. One of the oldest captains alongside his friend Jūshirō Ukitake, Shunsui was trained under Head Captain Yamamoto whom he called . Shunsui is a laid-back and flamboyant man as seen in his attire, wearing a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake and napping. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant Nanao Ise. Shunsui tends to use a more familiar speech style than most other characters in ''Bleach''; he generally refers to his fellow captains and Soul Reapers by their first name, usually followed by an honorific. Kyōraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to find a nonviolent solution, though he does not wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. But he is also an adept fighter, able to defeat Coyote Starrk by using only his shikai. After Yamamoto's death, Shunsui becomes the new Head Captain, and chooses Genshirō Okikiba and his niece Nanao as Squad One lieutenants.

Unlike other Soul Reapers, Shunsui possesses paired ''zanpakutō'' called . While the blades are normally two daisho swords, their Shikai state resemble dao or falchions. When released with the command , Katen Kyōkotsu gains the ability to "turn children's games into reality." One such game, , involves spinning around wind like a top. Another, , declares that whoever is the highest is the winner. A third technique, , forces the players to alter their own shadows; whoever steps on a shadow, even their own, is declared the loser. The fourth game is known as where players call out color and then slice the enemy where 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 that the declared color is prevalent on the declarer's body, the more damage the attack will commit. A fifth game is called , a game similar to "Red Light Green Light". The sixth and final game is called which is a game where if a person is staring hard enough at another person's shadow, then their opponent creates after images of themselves. ''Katen Kyōkotsu's'' bankai is called , which he uses only when his allies are at a safe distance from himself. When released, Shunsui's bankai covers a large area around Shunsui in an aura. This aura changes others' perception of the surrounding environment, making them perceive it as darkened, bleak and gloomy, and causes others to 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. It also manifests the spirit of Shunsui's ''zanpakutō'', a Feudal-Japan-style mistress referred to as Katen who created a kunoichi offshoot named Kyōkotsu to hold Shinken Hakkyōken until Nanao eventually asks for it.

Shunsui is voiced by Akio Otsuka in the Japanese version of the anime and by Steve Kramer in the English dub.

Nanao Ise

was originally Squad Eight's lieutenant for most of the series, serving under her uncle, Shunsui Kyōraku. Nanao's family is mostly composed of women with a both a lineage of Shinto priesthood and another reputation in the fact 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 was executed for discarding Shinken Hakkyōken in the aftermath of her father's death, Nanao joined the Thirteen Court Squads for her knowledge in kidō. During her first days as a member of Squad 8, enjoying being read to by former Squad 8 lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru, Nanao realized her family's zanpakutō was with Shunsui. Nanao is a very serious and pragmatic person like Lisa, which is at odds with Shunsui's silly antics. Despite this, she is extremely respectful of her captain and follows his instructions without hesitation. Nanao is often accosted by her captain, whose teasing takes various forms. When she is particularly annoyed she removes her glasses. Though her face has never been shown while doing so, this act is apparently quite frightening as most characters who see it are reduced to gibbering wrecks just by witnessing it. When Shunsui becomes the new Head Captain, Nanao becomes his lieutenant in Squad 1 alongside Genshirō Okikiba. While she creates a special kidō capable of blocking the Wandenreich during their second invasion of Soul Society, Nanao later convinces Shunsui to give her Shinken Hakkyōken.

Nanao's ''zanpakutō'' is , 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 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, her superior having sealed the ''zanpakutō'' into Kyōkotsu to honor his sister-in-law's wish to hide the apparent source of the Ise clan's curse from Nanao in hopes it would end with her generation. But as a last resort, as Shinken Hakkyōken is able to harm divine beings, Shunsui gives the bandaged ''zanpakutō'' to Nanao while she accepts the consequences despite being skeptical of it. In its Shikai state, Shinken Hakkyōken takes the form of an ornate medium-sized bladeless sword with a flat end with ability to take the power of a god into itself and disperse it off into the eight directions. The weapon did appear in the art book "All Colour but the Black" in its basic unwrapped form, appearing as either a '' wakizashi'' or a '' tantō''.

Nanao is voiced by Hitomi Nabatame in the Japanese version of the anime and by Kate Higgins in the English dub.

Genshirō Okikiba

was originally 3rd Seat in Squad One, ordered by Yamamoto to guard their barracks during the Wandenreich's attack on the Soul Society. After Yamamoto's death, Okikiba is selected by Shunsui Kyōraku to be his lieutenant along with Nanao Ise.

Shin'etsu Kisaragi

was a member of Squad One and father of Shūsuke Amagai introduced in the anime. When Central 46 denied Yamamoto's request to investigate the Kasumiōji Clan Compound upon the clan's manufacturing of the Bakkōtō, Kisaragi is sent to infiltrate the Kasumiōji Clan Compound where he was caught by Gyōkaku Kumoi's men as Gyōkaku Kumoi forces a Bakkōtō on him. Using the control of the Bakkōtō, Kumoi forced Shin'etsu to return to the person who sent him. Shin'etsu ends up fighting Yamamoto, who is forced to kill his subordinate in self-defense. Shūsuke finds his dying body and hears his father's 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.

Squad Two

Originally led by Yoruichi Shihōin, who combined her group's duties with the , Squad Two's duties include assassination and covert operations. After Yoruichi is forced to leave her post for aiding in Kisuke's escape when he was accused of the Hollowification of the Vizards, Suì-Fēng became the current captain of Squad Two.

Marenoshin Ōmaeda

is the former lieutenant of Squad 2 under Yoruichi as well as former Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps, appearing in the ''Turn Back the Pendulum'' gaiden. He is the father of the division's current lieutenant, Marechiyo. His appearance is similar to that of his son. Like his son, Marenoshin likes to downgrade the poorer members of the Gotei 13, like Izuru Kira and Shūhei Hisagi. Marenoshin eventually retired his positions, both of which were taken by his son.

Suì-Fēng

, born , is the captain of Squad 2 and also 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 served as a bodyguard and eventual protégé of Yoruichi Shihōin with whom she developed a close relationship. When Yoruichi left the Soul Society, Suì-Fēng was crushed by the fact that Yoruichi did not take her with her. When Yoruichi returns to Soul Society a century later, Suì-Fēng engages her in battle yet did not manage to defeat her. After asking the question of why she was left behind, to which Yoruichi's answer is not heard, the two make amends. Their relationship has become somewhat of a running gag: Suì-Fēng likes anything resembling a black cat (a form Yoruichi can assume at will) and displays jealousy should Yoruichi be in someone else's company. Suì-Fēng also applies battle techniques similar to Yoruichi, engaging the enemies by using hand-to-hand combat with Shunpo abilities.

Suì-Fēng's ''zanpakutō'' is . When released by the command , it shrinks into a stinger that is worn on the middle finger of Suì-Fēng's right hand. Whenever it stabs an opponent, a butterfly-like symbol called a spreads from the point of contact. The crest bears four wings because the Hornet has two sets of full-size wings located on its thorax. Due to her training, this mark can be kept there for as long as she desires. Should Suzumebachi stab the same location again, 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 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 a part shaped like a bee's stomach acting as a homing missile high in power with a part acting as a launcher with a sighting device, shaped like a mask. Holding this bankai makes her hard to move and the thunderous recoil needs something like a or someone to reduct. Suì-Fēng notes that normally she can 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. So even the second shot would exhaust her to the point where her speed and maneuverability would be seriously impaired which is anathema to her fighting style which requires high levels of both. Even without the weapon, Suì-Fēng reformed the secret art Shunko(瞬開), meaning she is strong in close combat.

In the Japanese version of the anime, Suì-Fēng was originally voiced by Tomoko Kawakami until her passing in 2011 and by Houko Kuwashima in later episodes. In the English dub, she is voiced by Karen Strassman.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda

is the lieutenant of Squad Two Division and Captain of the Special Forces Patrol Corps. He comes across as arrogant and dull. In an omake, he is shown to come from a rich family, where he is revealed to have a ridiculously long name: . Other characters suspect that he received his position as a lieutenant because of his family's influence. Despite his dense and foolish attitude, he is a skilled tactician, is 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 Aizen's arrancar.

Marechiyo's ''zanpakutō'' is , and is released by the command . It transforms into an oversized flail that can be thrown to inflict great physical damage to foes. He has not obtained his Bankai yet.

He is voiced by Shōto Kashii in the Japanese version of the anime and by Lex Lang in the English version.

Squad Three

Squad Three was originally led by Rōjūrō "Rose" Otoribashi until he was forced to forfeit his post after Sōsuke Aizen placed him through Hollowification. Gin Ichimaru, formerly Aizen's lieutenant in Squad Five, takes Rose's position after Aizen revealed his true colors. After, Izuru briefly takes over the captain duties for a while, the anime depicting Shūsuke Amagai to momentarily hold the captain status before his death, Rose is allowed to resume his duties after Aizen was defeated.

Chikane Iba

is the former lieutenant of Squad 3 under Rōjūrō Otoribashi, appearing in the ''Turn Back the Pendulum'' gaiden. She is the mother of Tetsuzaemon Iba, the current lieutenant of the 7th Division. She retired from her position sometime later.

Gin Ichimaru

Izuru Kira

is the lieutenant of Squad Three, formerly in Squads 5 and 4. He is a friend of Momo Hinamori and Renji Abarai from their days in the Soul Reaper academy, and the three often spend their free time together. Though Kira is loyal to his friends, he often places his duties as a lieutenant above them. He defends his captain, Gin Ichimaru, from a grief-stricken Hinamori, and later calls himself a "monster" for raising his sword against her. He subsequently comes to regret helping Gin Ichimaru to defect from Soul Society, and develops more of a depressed and pessimistic demeanor. During the Wandenreich invasion, Kira is mortally wounded by Sternritter 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 . The shikai command is . When released, ''Wabisuke'' straightens and its blade forms three sides of squares, becoming angular hook. It has the ability to double the weight of whatever it strikes. The effect is cumulative, so each following hit exponentially increases the weight of the target. Thus, after seven or eight blocked attacks, his opponents are unable to lift their own swords or even move their body, leaving them on 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, being used to decapitate the kneeling opponent, 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

is an anime-exclusive character introduced as the captain of Squad 3 during season nine of the anime. He has an unkempt appearance and is usually bright, lively, and unpretentious, and can become drunk on a single drink of alcohol. Because Amagai spent most of his Soul Reaper career away from Soul Society as part of a patrol group, the members of the 3rd Division are mistrustful of him when first meeting him. As such, he spends the episodes following his introduction trying to prove himself to them and the rest of the Soul Reapers by promoting teamwork between all the divisions. As the anime progresses Amagai is quickly revealed to have ulterior motives, with his friendly attitude only being a means to further his plans. He joined the Gotei 13 in order to exact revenge upon Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto for killing his father to keep the bakkōtō a secret. After his various accomplices are slain in Soul Society, Amagai takes the nuclei of their bakkōtō and engages Yamamoto in battle. He ends up fighting Ichigo Kurosaki while Rukia and the others Rurichiyo Kasumioji (who Amagai abducted after killing Gyokaku Kumoi) and is defeated by Ichigo. Upon learning the truth about his father's death, he takes his own life to atone for his misdeeds.

Amagai's ''zanpakutō'' is . The ''shikai'' command of his ''zanpakutō'' is . 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, by slamming it into the ground, create large fissures of flame to attack enemies with. Raika's ''bankai'', , enlarges the blade and creates a giant conch-shaped guard worn across Amagai's arm, with the handle of the blade hidden inside it. This form gives him greater control of his fire attacks, his most powerful technique creating giant dragons of fire to encircle and crush his foe. His Bakkōtō, a twin-bladed tuning fork-shaped weapon, creates black-plated armor across Amagai's right arm and a green energy sword emitting from the weapon when activated.

His ''Bakkōtō'' (獏爻刀, roughly " tapir crossing blade") negates any other active Soul Reaper zanpakutō abilities, forcing opponents to rely on other powers.

He is voiced by Ken'yū Horiuchi in the Japanese version of the anime and by Rick Zieff in the English dub.

Makoto Kibune

is an anime character who is added to Squad 3 as the 3rd Seat during season nine of the anime. He has brown hair and purple-rimmed glasses. While he outwardly appears friendly towards his subordinates, he is highly intolerant towards failure, calling those who fall in battle "trash". When in training at the Soul Reaper academy, Kibune stood out as a highly gifted student, but his inability to function in a team prevented him from attaining rank in the Gotei 13 where a teammate getting injured upon his attack on a hollow got him in trouble with Central 46. This led Kibune to join the patrol squads under Shūsuke Amagai instead. Around this time, he became a servant of Gyōkaku Kumoi and gained a ''bakkōtō''. Though it gives him the necessary power to wreak havoc on Soul Society, he eventually loses control of the ''Bakkōtō'' and is killed by Izuru Kira as Makoto's body laid on the ground in flames.

Kibune's ''zanpakutō'' is . When released by the command , it takes the form of a large, two-bladed weapon. When combined with his ''Bakkōtō'', Makoto can telekinetically control the sword, allowing him to attack enemies from any direction and spin the blade like a saw blade.

He is voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa in the Japanese version of the anime and by Christopher Corey Smith in the English dub.

Squad Four

Retsu Unohana

was the captain of Squad 4, one of the founding members of the Gotei 13 and the first Kenpachi, a title granted to the captains of the Squad 11. Before becoming a captain, Unohana was regarded as the most diabolical criminal to ever grace Soul Society, being infamous for her sadistic bloodlust for battle. She invented the "Art of Killing" and gave herself the name in part of her boast that she had mastered all kind of fighting arts. Unohana was desperate to find opponents who give her satisfying challenges until she battled Kenpachi Zaraki, whom she regarded as stronger than her after being able to give her a scar on the chest. However, for unknown reasons, after becoming the captain of Squad 4, Unohana became a serene and soft-spoken lady who never displayed distress even in the most perilous situations and when situations prove demanding, she usually responded with sharp-minded thinking. She used honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates. As the captain of Squad 4, Unohana excelled in healing techniques, being taught to her by Royal Guard member, Tenjiro Kirinji, which she put to use in treating the most severe injuries and performing major surgeries, normally on the captains and if necessary, lieutenants. Though she is always polite to her patients and subordinates, aspects of her true persona manifested a bit with her mere presence intimidating her charges into submission if they try to leave her care before they are fully healed or, in the English dub, if they complain about the way they are being treated. She was very good in noticing details, as shown by her being the first to notice a slight abnormality on Aizen's fake corpse, which was confirmed later on by Aizen himself. During the Battle of Karakura Town, she was one of the captains sent to assist Ichigo in Hueco Mundo and later accompanied Ichigo to the town through Garganta, although she did not take part in the battle directly. Later, during the Wandenreich invasion, Unohana and all other members of her division were ordered to remain in their barracks by Yamamoto and after Shunsui Kyōraku became the new Captain-Commander, she resumed her true persona when asked to train Zaraki in what would become a battle to the death. After repeatedly taking Zaraki to the brink of death and bringing him back to continue fighting, Unohana released her Bankai to complete Zaraki's "awakening". In the end, she was run through by Zaraki, dying, but grateful that she had served her purpose and helped Zaraki to learn the name of his ''zanpakutō''.

Unohana's ''zanpakutō'' is . When in its sealed form it resembles a curved tachi. In its shikai, the entire sword transforms into a gigantic, flying, one-eyed creature resembling a manta ray. It has the ability to heal people by swallowing them and recuperates them in its stomach. When Unohana reseals Minazuki, it dissolves into green mist and reforms into the sheath of her ''zanpakutō''. Her ''bankai'' is . When activated it releases a red, oily substance from the blade. Its powers have yet to be revealed.

She is voiced by Aya Hisakawa in the Japanese version of the anime and by Kate Higgins in the English dub.

Retsu Unohana is inspired by the mysterious lover of Okita Souji, the first captain of Squad one of Shinsengumi. She was acknowledged to be a strong fighter and a daughter of a Western doctor.

Seinosuke Yamada

is the former lieutenant of the Squad 4, the older brother of Hanatarō Yamada. He served the division 100 years ago, during the ''Turn Back the Pendulum'' gaiden. While much of him is unknown, Seinosuke is described as having a bad character, although he respects his captain, Retsu Unohana very much. He later left his position.

Isane Kotetsu

is the lieutenant and, after Unohana's death, captain of Squad 4. She is the older sister of Kiyone Kotetsu. Unlike Kiyone, Isane is generally quiet and observant and taller than average, though she shares her sister's sense of loyalty to her captain. Unohana notes that Isane suffers from frequent and recurring nightmares. This is sometimes used as material for jokes as Isane's nightmares are often odd or whimsical in their contents. For example, she once had a nightmare that ended with her screaming "fish paste." She is very emotional by nature, crying after the Wandereich's first invasion of the Soul Society and again when she finds Captain Unohana's farewell note before the latter's fight to the death with Zaraki.

During the Soul Society Arc, she was present at Rukia's execution. When Ichigo appeared, Isane, alongside Chōjirō Sasakibe and Marechiyo Ōmaeda, attacked him but were swiftly defeated. She was present when Aizen revealed his true nature to Hitsugaya and Unohana, and quickly broadcast the information to the rest of Soul Society.
Isane was part of the reinforcements sent to Hueco Mundo in order to assist Ichigo and his friends. She and Unohana healed Chad and Gantenbainne Mosqueda after saving them from the Exequias. After Unohana headed to Fake Karakura Town, she ordered Isane to assist Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Captain Kenpachi Zaraki in battle against Espada Yammy Llargo. During the Wandenreich invasion of Soul Society, Isane and the rest of the 4th Division were ordered by Yamamoto to remain in their barracks.

Isane's ''zanpakutō'' is her shikai command is . When released, two smaller blades protrude from Itegumo's hilt at 45° angles. Its special abilities, if any, remain unknown.

She is voiced by Yukana in the Japanese version of the anime and by Stephanie Sheh in the English dub.

Yasochika Iemura

is the 3rd Seat Officer of the Squad 4 and the leader of its first relief team serving under Retsu Unohana. Despite his high rank, he addresses his 3rd seat peers in the other divisions with a -sama honorific suffix as he comes from the weakest division in terms of combat. Iemura meticulously keeps a diary, which he sometimes defeats the purpose of by narrating what he is writing in it, particularly when lamenting something. He is quite proficient in the use of healing Kidō and his speedy treatments are known to rival those of his Division's lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu.

The name and abilities of Iemura's ''zanpakutō'' are unknown. Iemura was only seen using his sword once in the manga against a 4th Division member after the latter annoyed him. It resembles a regular katana with a square shaped guard.

He is voiced by Yutaka Aoyama in the Japanese version of the anime and by Cam Clarke in the English dub.

Hanatarō Yamada

is the 7th Seat Officer of Squad 4 and the leader of its 14th Relief Squad. Hanatarō is very timid and nervous, mostly he is not thinking about what he is doing. He tends to be clumsy and easily duped. Despite his character, he is shown to be very talented in healing and treating including even displaying boldness at times as he risks his position as a Soul Reaper to help Rukia Kuchiki escape execution while healing Ichigo on several occasions. Instead of his ''zanpakutō'', Hanatarō usually carries the 4th Division medical pack on his back that he uses to heal others in the battlefield. Because he has strong relationships with Ichigo, Rukia and Renji, he is part of the reinforcement sent by Gotei 13 to infiltrate Hueco Mundo in order to assist his fellow Soul Reapers in battle, presumably healing them once the battle is over. In Hueco Mundo, Hanatarō was assigned to Captain Byakuya Kuchiki instead of his own captain, Unohana. While there, he was briefly injured by Rukia who at that time was under Zommari Leroux's control but made full recovery and immediately resumed his duty. He is also known as the "Lil' Creepy Medical Kid".

Though he does possess a ''zanpakutō'', named , he tends to misplace it as he rarely needs to use it. When it strikes an opponent, Hisagomaru heals their wounds rather than causing them damage. A red gauge on the blade then fills depending on the severity of the healed wounds. Once the gauge is filled and it is released with the command , Hisagomaru transforms into a scalpel and changes its name to . In this state, Hisagomaru unleashes a reiatsu-based attack (similar to kido or cero) equal to the severity and number of wounds that have been healed. The proportion of its strength, if enough energy is stored, is nearly strong enough to decapitate a Menos. However, upon releasing the energies, Akiero Hisagomaru retains its scalpel form, rendering it effectively useless in hand-to-hand combat. He can also release the current amount of energy before it is filled, although this is only mentioned and not actually seen. It is also the only known Zanpakutō that has different names in sealed form and shikai.

Hanatarō was one of the selected higher officers who has been ordered to transfer a partial amount of their own reiatsu to restore Ichigo's Soul Reaper power, although the order is only applicable to captains and lieutenants. It is best concluded that Hanatarō is on the par at the lieutenant's level.

He is voiced by Kōki Miyata in the Japanese version of the anime and by Spike Spencer in the English dub.

Squad Five

Squad Five was originally led by Shinji Hirako until he was forced to forfeit his post to his lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen after the latter placed him through Hollowification. It was after Aizen revealed his true colors, with Momo briefly taking over captain duties for a while, that Shinji is allowed to resume his duties as captain after Aizen was defeated.

Momo Hinamori

is the lieutenant of Squad 5. She is an upbeat and easy-going girl who is generally quite trusting, if not naive. She is a childhood friend of Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who called her "bed-wetter Momo" in retaliation whenever she called him "Shiro-chan" ("Lil' Shiro" in the English dub). She befriended Izuru Kira and Renji Abarai when she joined the Soul Reaper academy, and the three later joined the 5th Division under Sōsuke Aizen. Being the only one of them to have stayed with the division, Hinamori greatly admired Aizen; it is because of her deep admiration and respect for him that she is in deep shock and denial after he tries to kill her and subsequently betrays the Soul Society, even suggesting in one of her mentally unstable moments that Gin Ichimaru is controlling him somehow. She later joins the rest of Soul Society in fighting against Aizen during this battle, and calls Aizen a captain, but Matsumoto knows it was only out of habit. During this battle, Aizen again has Momo seriously injured by using his powers and fooling Momo's long time friend Captain Hitsugaya into stabbing her in the chest. It is later revealed that she survives this and is undergoing organ regeneration under the supervision of Mayuri Kurotsuchi. The final arc shows Momo being recovered and that she has been on good terms with Shinji Hirako as he became her new captain.

Momo's ''zanpakutō'' is . Her shikai command is . When released, ''Tobiume's'' blade straightens and produces several jitte-like prongs along its length. In this form, ''Tobiume'' acts as a focus for Hinamori's spiritual power, concentrating it into energy bursts capable of cratering floors and breaching walls. She can also compress her power into massive energy balls and toss them from the blade's tip. To complement her ''kidō''-based ''zanpakutō'', Hinamori is noted to be talented with ''kidō'' spells as well, able to combine ''kidō'' abilities with her own ''zanpakutō'' to easily deal with three arrancars at once.

Momo is voiced by Kumi Sakuma in the Japanese version of the anime and by Karen Strassman in the English dub.

Squad Six

Ginrei Kuchiki

Ginrei Kuchiki is the grandfather of Byakuya Kuckiki and the father-in-law of Koga Kuchiki. He was the captain of Squad 6.

Ginrei is voiced by Kinryū Arimoto in the Japanese version of the anime and by JB Blanc