Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Azashiro Kenpachi, the 11th Division's captain, remains mysterious and distant to his subordinates, rarely seen in the division.
• Xia Mu, the 3rd Seat, discovers Kenpachi's Reiatsu in the Rukon District but decides to ignore it, not wanting to meddle in his captain's business.
• Kenpachi is secretly conducting experiments on souls in the Rukon District, attempting to transform them into weapons.
• Xia Mu encounters Kenpachi and is forced to confront the captain about the strange occurrences in the Rukon District.

Character Developments

• Azashiro Kenpachi: Revealed to be conducting secret experiments on souls, showing a hidden side to his character. He is calm and collected, even when faced with criticism from a woman's voice in his head.
• Xia Mu: Initially decides to ignore Kenpachi's actions but is later forced to confront the captain. He shows intelligence and caution, trying to find a way out for both of them.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Secrecy: Kenpachi's mysterious nature and secret experiments highlight the theme of hidden truths and the consequences of keeping secrets.
• Power and Ambition: Kenpachi's desire to create powerful weapons from souls suggests a hunger for power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Azashiro Kenpachi and Xia Mu: Their interaction reveals Kenpachi's cold and calculating nature, while Xia Mu shows caution and intelligence, trying to navigate the situation carefully.
• Kenpachi and the Woman's Voice: The voice, presumably Kenpachi's Zanpakuto spirit, shows a sarcastic and critical side, challenging Kenpachi's actions and decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Azashiro Kenpachi's goal is revealed: to eradicate all Hollows.
• Xia Mu learns about the Soul Society's nobility and the Central 46, the highest judicial body.
• Xia Mu explains the balance between the Human World, the Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo, and the importance of maintaining this balance.
• Azashiro Kenpachi admits to conducting experiments on souls in the Rukon District to grant them power to fight Hollows.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu gains a deeper understanding of the world's balance and the Soul Society's hierarchy.
• Azashiro Kenpachi's extremist views and actions are revealed.

Significant Themes

• Balance: The balance between the Human World, the Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo, and the consequences of disrupting it.
• Power and Privilege: The privileges enjoyed by the nobility and the power dynamics within the Soul Society.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Azashiro Kenpachi's conversation reveals their differing views on the Hollow threat and the methods to combat it.
• Xia Mu's knowledge about the world's balance challenges Azashiro Kenpachi's extreme approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu challenges Azashiro Kenpachi after discovering his secret.
• Kenpachi accepts the challenge, revealing his Zanpakuto only when ready.
• Xia Mu attacks first, using Shunpo and Hado #31—Shakkaho, but Kenpachi evades using his unique ability.
• Kenpachi finally engages in direct combat, revealing his mastery of swordsmanship.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu shows arrogance and confidence in his strength, seeking to defeat Kenpachi.
• Kenpachi remains calm and composed throughout the encounter, revealing his power only when necessary.

Significant Themes

• The power of Zanpakuto and individual strength.
• The role of the Kenpachi and the expectations placed upon them.
• The use of moral coercion in combat.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Kenpachi's interaction is tense and competitive, with Xia Mu seeking to prove himself against the powerful Kenpachi.
• Kenpachi remains composed and unreadable, revealing only what he deems necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu's Reiatsu is revealed to be crimson, unique among Soul Reapers and Hollows.
• Azashiro Kenpachi interferes with Xia Mu's Reiatsu during their clash, followed by multiple simultaneous Sokatsui (explosive flame attacks).
• Xia Mu activates his Shikai, "Scarlet Wish," transforming the environment into a crimson landscape and unleashing crimson butterflies resembling Hell Butterflies.
• Azashiro Kenpachi uses Shunpo and Raikoho (lightning attacks) against Xia Mu, but Xia Mu's defenses hold strong.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu demonstrates the power of his Shikai, showing increased Reiatsu and unique abilities.
• Azashiro Kenpachi reveals his willingness to use any means to defeat an enemy, showcasing his ruthlessness and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The uniqueness of each Soul Reaper's Reiatsu and its color.
• The power and adaptability of Shikai abilities.
• The ruthlessness and adaptability of Azashiro Kenpachi as a Kenpachi.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Azashiro Kenpachi engage in a fierce battle, with Xia Mu holding his ground despite Azashiro Kenpachi's underhanded tactics.
• Xia Mu's Shikai proves to be a formidable force, countering Azashiro Kenpachi's attacks and transforming the battlefield.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu attempts to defeat Azashiro Kenpachi quickly but fails.
• Azashiro Kenpachi uses his Reiatsu to control Xia Mu's body, interrupting his attack.
• Xia Mu is severely injured and falls to the ground.
• Azashiro Kenpachi decides not to kill Xia Mu and leaves.
• Xia Mu uses his Zanpakuto's Shikai ability to heal his injuries.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu's power and abilities are revealed, including his Zanpakuto's Shikai form and its Reishi absorption and manipulation capabilities.
• Azashiro Kenpachi demonstrates his ability to control others' bodies using Reiatsu.

Significant Themes

• The power of Reiatsu and its various applications.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to one's opponent's abilities in battle.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Azashiro Kenpachi's battle showcases their unique abilities and strategies.
• Azashiro Kenpachi's decision not to kill Xia Mu raises questions about his motives and plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Azashiro Kenpachi spares Xia Mu's life, valuing him more than the civilians he experimented on.
• Xia Mu returns to the 11th Division and seeks treatment in the 4th Division.
• Unohana Retsu, the captain of the 4th Division, treats Xia Mu's injuries.

Character Developments

• Azashiro Kenpachi: Reveals his rationale for valuing certain lives over others, showing a strategic and pragmatic mindset.
• Xia Mu: Shows determination to return to combat quickly, indicating his dedication to his role as a Soul Reaper.

Significant Themes

• Value of Life: Azashiro Kenpachi's actions and words highlight the theme of life's value, with some lives being more valuable to him based on their potential to combat Hollows.
• Responsibility and Duty: Xia Mu's eagerness to recover and return to combat emphasizes the theme of responsibility and duty as a Soul Reaper.

Character Interactions

• Azashiro Kenpachi and the woman (voice): Kenpachi remains calm and candid in his responses to her mocking and questioning, revealing his thought processes.
• Xia Mu and Gosu: Xia Mu's lieutenant, Gosu, shows concern for Xia Mu's well-being and suggests he visit the 4th Division for treatment.
• Xia Mu and Unohana Retsu: Unohana treats Xia Mu's injuries, and they engage in a brief conversation about Xia Mu's views on combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu meets Unohana Retsu for the first time when he seeks medical treatment in the 4th Division.
• Unohana Retsu expresses interest in Xia Mu's background and rapid rise in the 11th Division.
• Xia Mu asks Unohana Retsu about learning Kaidō, and she offers to teach him.
• Unohana Retsu notices that Xia Mu's wounds appear to be from a blade, not a Hollow, but does not press the matter.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu shows curiosity and eagerness to learn new aspects of the Ghost Way, such as Kaidō.
• Unohana Retsu displays a gentle and approachable demeanor, contrasting with her feared reputation as the first Kenpachi.
• Xia Mu grapples with the moral dilemma of reporting Azashiro Kenpachi's actions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of healing and recovery in battle.
• The struggle between moral obligation and self-preservation.
• The potential consequences of reporting wrongdoings within the Soul Society.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Unohana Retsu have a cordial first meeting, with Unohana showing interest in Xia Mu's background and offering to teach him Kaidō.
• Xia Mu's internal conflict regarding Azashiro Kenpachi highlights the tension between loyalty and morality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu considers exposing Azashiro Kenpachi but decides to wait and observe.
• Xia Mu recovers from his injuries and resumes daily duties, learning Kaidō from Unohana Retsu.
• Azashiro Kenpachi is exposed for preying on souls in the Rukon District, leading to a battle with several captains.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu demonstrates exceptional talent in controlling spiritual power, impressing Unohana Retsu.
• Xia Mu declines an invitation to transfer to the 4th Division, preferring to fight on the front lines to enhance his strength.
• Azashiro Kenpachi's true nature is revealed, showing his bizarre and unfathomable strength.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between justice and personal gain, as seen in the Central 46's hypocrisy.
• The importance of self-determination and personal growth, as Xia Mu chooses his path despite opportunities to transfer divisions.
• The consequences of hiding one's true nature, as seen in Azashiro Kenpachi's exposure.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Unohana Retsu: Xia Mu learns Kaidō from Unohana Retsu, impressing her with his talent.
• Xia Mu and Azashiro Kenpachi: Tension builds between them as Xia Mu suspects Kenpachi's involvement in the Rukon District incident.
• Several captains and Azashiro Kenpachi: A battle ensues as captains attempt to apprehend Kenpachi, highlighting his formidable strength.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Kyoraku Shunsui learns about Azashiro Kenpachi's tragic past and his goal to eradicate all Hollows.
• Azashiro Kenpachi confesses to causing the soul disappearance incidents in the Rukon District.
• He is imprisoned in the lowest level of the Great Underground Prison, Mukaden, for ten thousand years.

Character Developments

• Azashiro Kenpachi: Reveals his past and his extreme goal, ultimately surrenders and is imprisoned.
• Kyoraku Shunsui: Investigates Azashiro Kenpachi's past and tries to reason with him, then participates in the battle against him.
• Ukitake Jushiro and Shihoin Utsusemi: Join Kyoraku Shunsui in trying to persuade and fight against Azashiro Kenpachi.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of the noble class in the Soul Society.
• The consequences of extreme actions driven by personal vengeance.
• The balance between justice and mercy in punishment.

Character Interactions

• Kyoraku Shunsui, Ukitake Jushiro, and Shihoin Utsusemi work together to try to stop Azashiro Kenpachi.
• Azashiro Kenpachi surrenders when he senses the will of the Soul King.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The 11th Division is mourning the loss of their captain, Azashiro Kenpachi, who was stripped of his position and imprisoned in the Mukaden.
• The division faces frequent Hollow invasions due to the lack of a captain, leading to intense battles.
• Xia Mu uses his Kaidō skills to treat injured members, stabilizing their conditions until the 4th Division arrives.
• Kyoraku Shunsui visits the 11th Division and announces that a candidate for the new Kenpachi has been decided.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu's strength in Zanjutsu and Hakuda improves through real combat.
• Xia Mu's Kaidō skills become more refined, earning praise from Gosu.
• Xia Mu demonstrates his loyalty to the 11th Division by choosing to stay with them instead of joining the 4th Division.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and moving on from loss (11th Division members coping with Azashiro Kenpachi's imprisonment).
• The importance of real combat in improving skills (Xia Mu's growth in Zanjutsu and Hakuda).
• The role of Kaidō in battle and its limitations (Xia Mu treating injuries but not healing everyone completely).

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu watches over the dejected members but does not attempt to comfort them, showing understanding of their resilience.
• Xia Mu and Gosu interact, with Gosu praising Xia Mu's Kaidō skills and Xia Mu expressing his loyalty to the 11th Division.
• Xia Mu and Kyoraku Shunsui have a familiar, teasing exchange, showing their growing rapport.
• Kyoraku Shunsui visits the 11th Division to offer support and shares important news with Gosu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gosu, the former lieutenant of the 11th Division, is appointed as the new Kenpachi (captain) by Central 46.
• The appointment is unusual as it bypasses traditional succession methods due to the unique nature of the 11th Division and Azashiro Kenpachi's imprisonment.
• Gosu is hesitant and doubts his abilities, but Kyoraku Shunsui informs him of the decision and encourages him to adjust his mindset.

Character Developments

• Gosu: Struggles with self-doubt after being appointed Kenpachi, unsure if he possesses the strength and ability to lead the 11th Division.
• Kyoraku Shunsui: Acknowledges Gosu's limitations but supports his appointment, understanding the political complexities behind Central 46's decision.

Significant Themes

• The weight of expectation and responsibility that comes with the title of Kenpachi.
• The political influences and decisions made by Central 46, which sometimes contradict the traditional methods and the best interests of the Gotei 13.
• The gap in strength and capability between a lieutenant and a captain, highlighting the challenges Gosu faces in his new role.

Character Interactions

• Gosu and Kyoraku Shunsui: Kyoraku informs Gosu of his appointment and tries to boost his confidence, despite having reservations about his qualifications.
• Gosu and Unohana Retsu (through Xia Mu): Unohana questions Xia Mu about Gosu's capabilities as Kenpachi, expressing her concerns about the 11th Division's future under his leadership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Unohana Retsu, the former Kenpachi, continues to teach Xia Mu, the 4th Division captain, Kaidō.
• Unohana evaluates Xia Mu's progress and decides to teach him Zanjutsu as well.
• Xia Mu begins learning Zanjutsu from Unohana.

Character Developments

• Unohana Retsu: Reflects on her past as the first Kenpachi and her desire to find a worthy successor. She decides to train Xia Mu, recognizing his potential and powerful Reiatsu.
• Xia Mu: Demonstrates his eagerness to learn and grow stronger, accepting Unohana's offer to teach him Zanjutsu.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship and guidance: Unohana takes Xia Mu under her wing to help him grow stronger, both in Kaidō and Zanjutsu.
• Potential and growth: Unohana recognizes Xia Mu's potential and powerful Reiatsu, seeing in him the possibility of a worthy successor to the Kenpachi title.
• Selfishness: Unohana's desire to find a worthy opponent and her decision to train Xia Mu can be seen as a form of selfishness, as she seeks to satisfy her own desire for a challenging fight.

Character Interactions

• Unohana Retsu and Xia Mu: Their relationship evolves from teacher and student to something more akin to a master and apprentice, with Unohana taking a personal interest in Xia Mu's growth and training him in Zanjutsu.
• Unohana Retsu and Gosu Kenpachi: Unohana reflects on her past as the first Kenpachi and her disappointment in Gosu's lack of strength, fueling her desire to find a worthy successor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu expects intense sparring with Unohana Retsu but instead, she teaches him through ancient swordsmanship books.
• Xia Mu learns various techniques like Iaijutsu, Dual-Wielding Style, and even unconventional methods like using poison.
• Xia Mu's combat missions increase after becoming a lieutenant, and he grows accustomed to his role.
• After several years, Unohana Retsu begins teaching Xia Mu through actual combat.
• Unohana Retsu reveals that a war between Soul Reapers and Quincy is imminent, and the 11th Division will be the main force.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu evolves from a novice to a seasoned lieutenant, adapting to the life of a Soul Reaper and growing indifferent to matters of life and death.
• Unohana Retsu, despite her past as a cold-blooded executioner, has become gentle and patient, preferring the process of battle over the result.

Significant Themes

• Learning and Growth: Xia Mu's learning process emphasizes the importance of knowledge and experience in mastering swordsmanship.
• Adaptation: Xia Mu's adaptation to his role as a lieutenant and his new life as a Soul Reaper highlights the theme of change and growth.
• War and Conflict: The impending war between Soul Reapers and Quincy underscores the theme of conflict and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Unohana Retsu's relationship evolves from a teacher-student dynamic to one of mutual respect and understanding.
• Xia Mu's interactions with his fellow 11th Division members show his growing camaraderie and acceptance within the division.
• Unohana Retsu's revelation about the war hints at her trust in Xia Mu and her willingness to share confidential information with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Quincy, an ancient race with unique spirit particle manipulation abilities, are revealed to have been at war with the Soul Society eight hundred years ago.
• The Quincy, after their defeat, have been living in the Human World and have been multiplying, causing an imbalance in the soul world.
• The Soul Society decides to eliminate the Quincy to maintain the balance, leading to a new war between the Quincy and the Soul Reapers.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu, a lieutenant of the 11th Division, notices changes in Hollow activity and becomes involved in the conflict with the Quincy.
• The Quincy, as a race, are shown to have a strong focus on bloodlines, with Pure-Blood Quincy being more powerful than mixed-bloods.

Significant Themes

• The theme of balance in the soul world is emphasized, with the Quincy's actions disrupting this balance.
• The consequences of past actions and conflicts are explored, as the Quincy's current situation is a result of their war with the Soul Society eight hundred years ago.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu has his first encounter with the Quincy, demonstrating the Quincy's ability to manipulate spirit particles and disrupt Soul Reaper abilities.
• The Quincy and the Soul Reapers are shown to be at odds, with the Quincy being targeted for elimination by the Soul Society.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu, a Soul Reaper, fights against Quincy in the Human World.
• Quincy's ability to manipulate spirit particles disrupts Soul Reapers' Shunpo and Ghost Way.
• Xia Mu uses his swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat skills to defeat a Quincy.
• He discovers that Quincy cannot multitask, allowing him to close the distance.
• Xia Mu proceeds to another battlefield where he encounters a powerful pure-blood Quincy.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking against Quincy.
• The pure-blood Quincy shows his formidable power and confidence.

Significant Themes

• The Quincy's ability to manipulate spirit particles gives them an advantage against Soul Reapers.
• Xia Mu's versatility in combat techniques helps him overcome the Quincy's disruption of his Shunpo.
• The Quincy's fear and hatred of Soul Reapers drive their actions.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu faces off against a Quincy, defeating him with his swordsmanship.
• He encounters a powerful pure-blood Quincy, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu faces a powerful Quincy who manipulates spirit particles.
• Quincy attacks with Spirit Particle Arrows, but Xia Mu counters with a massive wave of Sword Pressure.
• Quincy attempts to dodge using Hirenkyaku, but Xia Mu interferes with his ability to manipulate spirit particles.
• Xia Mu absorbs the scattered spirit particles and activates his Zanpakuto, creating a crimson environment that disrupts Quincy's control over spirit particles.
• Quincy uses a Sanrei Glove to temporarily boost his power and manipulate the influenced Reishi, launching a counterattack with Spirit Particle Arrows.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu demonstrates his ability to disrupt Quincy's spirit particle manipulation and his Zanpakuto's influence on Reishi.
• The Quincy shows desperation and resilience, using a Sanrei Glove to boost his power and fight back despite severe injuries.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between Quincy and Soul Reapers, highlighting their unique abilities and limitations.
• The desperation and resilience of characters facing insurmountable odds.
• The consequences of pushing one's power beyond its limits, as seen with the Quincy's use of the Sanrei Glove.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and the Quincy engage in a battle of wits and power, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Xia Mu's indifference and confidence contrast with the Quincy's desperation and determination to fight back at any cost.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu, a Soul Reaper, faces a Pure-Blood Quincy in battle.
• The Quincy manipulates Spirit Particles to launch arrows, which Xia Mu absorbs and uses to fuel his own power.
• Xia Mu decides to absorb all Spirit Particles in the area to counter the Quincy's ability.
• He switches to an internal state, enhancing his powers and localizing his absorption ability to his Zanpakuto.
• Xia Mu defeats the Quincy with a single strike, decapitating him.
• Xia Mu reflects on the balance of power between Soul Reapers, Quincy, and Hollows.
• He realizes that the Thousand-Year Blood War has lasted much longer than expected, with Quincy resisting or fleeing instead of passively accepting extinction.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu demonstrates his strategic thinking, adaptability, and power in battle.
• The Quincy shows resilience and determination, using his powers to their full extent before being defeated.

Significant Themes

• Balance of power between different races (Soul Reapers, Quincy, Hollows).
• Adaptability and strategy in combat.
• The brutal and prolonged nature of war.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu vs. Pure-Blood Quincy: Xia Mu adapts to the Quincy's abilities and defeats him, reflecting on the balance of power between their races.
• Xia Mu's internal monologue: Xia Mu reflects on the war's duration and the Quincy's resistance, showing his strategic thinking and understanding of the broader conflict.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Quincy-Soul Reaper war is ongoing, with heavy casualties on both sides.
• Xia Mu returns to the Soul Society for recuperation and meets familiar and new faces among the Gotei 13 captains and lieutenants.
• Captains, including Gosu, suffer severe injuries, and some even die in battle.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu continues to grow as a Soul Reaper, improving his Shunpo skills with Yoruichi's training method.
• Yoruichi, now a lieutenant, has a different appearance and demeanor compared to the original story.

Significant Themes

• The cost of war and the price of power.
• The importance of camaraderie and friendship among Soul Reapers.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu interacts with various captains and lieutenants, including old acquaintances like Hirako Shinji and Aizen Sosuke, and new faces like Shihoin Utsusemi and Toyama Hisanobu.
• Yoruichi greets Xia Mu while he's training, showing familiarity and mutual respect.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Mu meets Shihoin Yoruichi while training Shunpo in the Rukon District.
• Yoruichi introduces Xia Mu to Urahara Kisuke, and they become friends.
• The war between Soul Reapers and Quincy ends due to the Soul King's intervention.
• The Quincy agree to live under Soul Society's surveillance and assist in dealing with Hollows.
• An outsider challenges Kenpachi Gosu at the 11th Division.

Character Developments

• Xia Mu improves his Shunpo skills under Yoruichi's guidance.
• Yoruichi maintains her status as a Shunpo master and continues to innovate her techniques.
• Urahara Kisuke is introduced as Yoruichi's childhood friend and a skilled Soul Reaper.

Significant Themes

• The importance of all-around strength in combat, as demonstrated by Xia Mu's focus on improving his Shunpo.
• The consequences of war and the struggle for survival, shown through the Quincy's desperation and eventual surrender.
• The power dynamics within Soul Society, highlighted by the Soul King's intervention and the Quincy's submission to Soul Society's terms.

Character Interactions

• Xia Mu and Yoruichi become friends and spar with each other, leading to mutual growth.
• Xia Mu meets Urahara Kisuke through Yoruichi and they form a friendship.
• The outsider's challenge to Kenpachi Gosu creates tension and anticipation within the 11th Division.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful, self-taught Soul Reaper from the Rukon District, Kiganjo Kenji, challenges Gosu Kenpachi.
• Gosu accepts the challenge, and they engage in a fierce battle.
• Kyoraku Shunsui, Captain of the 8th Division, arrives to witness the fight.
• Both combatants release their Zanpakuto's Shikai: Kiganjo's Yashagami and Gosu's Suzumebari.
• Kiganjo Kenji ultimately defeats and kills Gosu Kenpachi, becoming the new Kenpachi.

Character Developments

• Gosu Kenpachi shows his dedication to his duty as Kenpachi but struggles against a powerful opponent.
• Kiganjo Kenji demonstrates his strength and ambition, seeking the title of Kenpachi.
• Kyoraku Shunsui shows his wisdom and understanding of the unique Kenpachi Succession Ceremony.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: The Kenpachi title is a symbol of strength, and the succession ceremony tests the power of the incumbent.
• Duty and responsibility: Gosu Kenpachi accepts his duty as Kenpachi, even facing a powerful challenger.
• Ambition and determination: Kiganjo Kenji shows his desire for power and recognition, challenging the Kenpachi to prove himself.

Character Interactions

• Gosu Kenpachi and Kiganjo Kenji: They clash in a battle to determine the strongest Soul Reaper, with Kiganjo ultimately emerging victorious.
• Kyoraku Shunsui and Gosu Kenpachi: Kyoraku arrives to witness the battle and acknowledges Gosu's strength, but also understands the necessity of the Kenpachi Succession Ceremony.
• Gosu Kenpachi and the 11th Division members: Gosu is respected by his subordinates for his courage and leadership, but some veterans question his strength.