Bleach: The Original Gotei Captains, Ranked By Design

Key Takeaways

Bleach
‘s Thousand-Year Blood War arc has exceeded expectations and brought back the original Gotei 13 Captains, delighting fans.
Tite Kubo, the series creator, released character designs to celebrate the anime’s return, showing his continued love for the franchise.
The original Gotei 13 Captains had unique appearances, from Danjiro Obana’s hidden face to Chika Shihouin’s shaggy white hair.

As I delve deeper into the captivating realm of Bleach, I find myself in awe of the diverse array of characters that grace its pages. Among them, the enigmatic figure of Chika Shihouin, the 2nd Division’s former Captain and the Onmitsukido’s leader, stands out like a beacon. His golden eyes and earrings are as striking as they are iconic, but it is his formidable Spiritual Power and unparalleled skill in Hakuda that truly sets him apart.

Initially, when the series Bleach concluded, numerous fans felt disheartened as they anticipated the unfinished storyline would remain untold in animation form. However, their disappointment turned into excitement when it was announced that The Thousand-Year Blood War arc would be adapted. This arc made its debut in October and has surpassed expectations, bringing joy to many fans as they witnessed the original Gotei 13 Captains from Bleach back in action on screen. In just two minutes of screen time, each Captain effortlessly handled Quincies.

In the “Bleach” manga, only Yamamoto stood out as distinct among the original Gotei 13, who were merely shadows or silhouettes. To celebrate the return of the anime, Tite Kubo, the show’s creator, revealed the designs for the original captains. Along with their names and squad numbers, it became apparent that Kubo continues to cherish the franchise in spite of disagreements he had with his editors about the creative direction of his series.

13 Danjiro Obana

Squad 5 Captain

Among Squad 5 Captains, Aizen and Hirako are the ones often recognized by many fans, yet it’s important to remember that the original Captain, Danjiro Obana, was a formidable fighter in his own right. Details about his physical appearance are scarce as his face is usually concealed or shrouded in mystery.

It’s clear that he stands tall, has brown eyes and bushy eyebrows, with wavy, unkempt hair styled in a short ponytail. His sideburns are long, and he accessorizes with blue gauntlets adorned with gold trim. Unfortunately, these gauntlets seem to be the most noticeable aspect of his appearance.

Danjiro Obana: Known Abilities, Feats

Since the 5th Division doesn’t have a particular specialty, it suggests that Danjiro Obana might excel in various combat skills across the board. His ability to take down several Lichtreich soldiers with a single swift slash showcases his mastery of the Shinigami swordsmanship known as Zanjutsu. While specific details about his battle abilities are scarce, given that he holds the rank of Captain-level Shinigami, it’s reasonable to assume he wields considerable spiritual power.

12 Kinroku Izuhara

Squad 3 Captain

Squad 3 has historically been commanded by figures such as Gin Ichimaru and Rojuro Otoribashi, however, its first captain bore a distinct appearance. He went by the name of Kinroku Izuhara, and he favored a more direct approach in combat – aiming for his adversaries’ throats instead.

Kinroku appears as a typical middle-aged gentleman with pale complexion, a slender mouth, a pointed nose, high cheekbones, and a well-defined jawline. His short, gray hair is combed to the right side. The unique feature about him is the yellow tinted lenses of his spectacles.

Kinroku Izuhara: Known Abilities, Feats

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire Kinroku, the spectacled warrior who always wears a stern countenance, adding an extra layer of intimidation when he swiftly dispatches Lichtreich members without even blinking. Being part of the 3rd Division without specialized duties suggests that Kinroku is versatile in combat, a generalist if you will. His actions during the first Quincy invasion, where he slit the throats of numerous soldiers at an astonishing speed, showcases a level of precision and skill that is echoed by his successor, Gin Ichimaru.

11 Chigiri Shijima

Squad 4 Captain

At the inception of the Gotei 13, Squad 4 didn’t bear the name Healing Corps yet; it acquired that title later on. Initially, their Captain was Chigiri Shijima, a formidable warrior in his own right. During the initial Quincy invasion, he decapitated numerous Quincy with his concealed Zanpakuto.

From what we can see, his face is largely concealed under a cascade of long, grey locks. However, despite the hair, it’s clear that his complexion is fair and he seems to possess a sharp, intimidating nose and eyes designed to instill fear.

Chigiri Shijima: Known Abilities, Feats

It’s not surprising that Chigiri Shijima ended up in a violent conflict during the first Quincy invasion, given that he was the Captain of the support-oriented 4th Division. However, despite being replaced by Retsu Unohana later on, Chigiri doesn’t appear to be a passive figure. Instead of displaying conventional combat skills, his actions against the Lichtreich were more akin to a massacre. Unlike other Captains who might have just cut down their enemies, Chigiri chose to decapitate them instead.

10 Furuoki Otogawa

Squad 10 Captain

When Furuoki Otogawa was unveiled, people often assumed that he belonged to the Kuchiki Clan and held the initial position as Captain of Squad 6. However, it was revealed that he was actually the first Captain of Squad 10. He is a tall, slender man with pale complexion, which gave him an air of resemblance to Byakuya’s ancestor due to his consistently calm demeanor.

He sports a long, black mane styled into chest-length bangs, setting him apart from other members of the original Gotei 13. Unique to him is the occasional wearing of a straw rice hat.

Furuoki Otogawa: Known Abilities, Feats

In his initial appearance during the first Quincy invasion, Furuoki doesn’t stand out with any extraordinary feats, except for his distinctive straw rice hat. However, he exhibits an impressive amount of Spiritual Power and is hinted to be proficient in Zanjutsu. Given that the 10th Division has no specialized tasks, it seems reasonable to infer that Furuoki is probably skilled in traditional sword fighting.

9 Batsunsai Katori

Squad 8 Captain

Among many Bleach fans, it’s often assumed that Squad 8 is led by Shunsui Kyoraku, a charismatic character. However, the original Captain was in fact a female officer named Batsunai Katori, who might remind you of characters like Lisa Yadomaru or Nanao Ise, but she has her own unique identity.

She boasted fair complexion, oversized eyes, and donned large glasses with thin rims – a necessity due to her features. Her hair, dark as midnight, fell into bangs at the front and a long cascade that trailed down her back in sections. Batsunai appears sweet, but beneath her gentle exterior lies a heartless murderer, skilled in wielding her spear-like Shikai against foes.

Batsunsai Katori: Known Abilities, Feats

Contrary to her modest exterior, Batsunsai Katori is known for her fierce and brutal style in combat, contrasting with Shunsui Kyoraku’s relaxed demeanor. Hidden beneath her braided hair and glasses lies a skilled fighter, with an impressive amount of Spiritual Power and probable mastery over Zanjutsu. Surprisingly, she is one of the few original Gotei 13 Captains who revealed their Shikai. Although unnamed, it transforms into a double-edged naginata, suggesting expertise in long-range fighting. This was evident during her battle against the Lichtreich, where she was observed cutting them into pieces.

8 Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto

Squad 1 Captain

Initially, when the Gotei 13 were first presented, Yamamoto was their eldest captain, a fact that makes sense given he established the organization altogether. His strength as a Soul Reaper spanned over countless years, and his formidable powers and attacks served as clear demonstrations of his immense might.

In his youth, he retained an aged appearance yet wasn’t entirely bald; instead, his hair was still jet-black. His beard, however, was absent, replaced by a long mustache. Moreover, his eyebrows were relatively shorter than they are now, giving him a more intimidating look. Despite this meaner demeanor, Yamamoto seemed less extraordinary in his youth due to his overall appearance.

Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto: Known Abilities, Feats

In his prime, it’s reasonable to think that Captain Yamamoto could have defeated Yhwach, given his superior abilities among the Gotei 13 Captains. He excels in various areas, including swordsmanship, unarmed combat, instant Kido casting, and swift Shunpo movements. When he releases his Zanpakuto, Ryuji Jakka, it empowers him with control over fire, capable of incinerating both the skies and the earth with a single strike. In critical situations, his Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, allows his flaming sword to obliterate anything and even revive the charred remains of those he’s burned, turning them into formidable allies in battle.

7 Saizou Sakahone

Squad 13 Captain

Most fans of Bleach likely concur that Jushiro Ukitake was an attractive person, contrasting sharply with his predecessor in Squad 13. Saizou Sakahone, being the eldest among the original Gotei 13, appeared aged, with his skin tanned and deeply wrinkled.

He sported a pronounced nose, bald head, and hollowed-out eyes, giving off an eerie resemblance to someone already deceased. Adding to this, his back was stooped. Regardless of his advanced age, Saizou struck terror, eliminating numerous Quincy during the initial invasion of Soul Society.

Saizou Sakahone: Known Abilities, Feats

Saizou Sakahone might look old and seasoned, but his abilities surpass those required to be a Captain within the Gotei 13. This signifies he possesses strong Spiritual Power and appears to specialize in Zanjutsu. Since the 13th Division doesn’t focus on any specific area, it suggests that Saizou is versatile in combat. He hasn’t shown off his skills much in his appearances, but we know he can kill a Lichtreich soldier by swiftly stabbing its throat while enveloped by flames.

6 Entetsu Kumoi

Squad 9 Captain

The captains of Squadron 9 aren’t typically perceived as intimidating, but the first captain, named Entetsu Kumoi, appeared to be straight out of a horror film. Standing tall without any hair and having an olive complexion, he was quite imposing in size.

As a gamer, I’ve got this unique look about me – a scar tracing down my left eye, but my thick glasses are a mask, concealing the gaze beneath. My most notable feature, however, is my golden grins, gleaming without any lips to hide them. And when it comes to my Shikai, it’s downright intimidating, resembling a sinister black rod that eerily mimics a spine-like structure.

Entetsu Kumoi: Known Abilities, Feats

Before Kaname Tosen’s defection, Entetsu Kumoi served as Captain of the 9th Division, which functioned as Soul Society’s security force. Given this role, it’s suggested that Kumoi had immense Spiritual Power and skills geared towards protecting the realm. His strength is evident when he overpowers Lichtreich soldiers with his weapon, a feat requiring significant power. Notably, among the original Gotei 13 Captains, Kumoi is one of the few to have shown their Shikai; in this case, it manifested as a kanabo or metal club.

5 Yachiru Unohana

Squad 11 Captain

From her initial appearance, Unohana has held the role of Captain for Squad 4. She heads the healing division, and she’s often seen as composed, courteous, and compassionate. However, beneath this tranquil exterior lies one of the most merciless characters in the world of Bleach.

Yachiru Unohana, once known as the Captain of Squad 11, is infamous for being the most notorious criminal in Soul Society’s past. Unlike other members who typically wear their hair in a traditional front ponytail, she often let her hair flow freely. Her appearance exudes an intimidating and bloodthirsty demeanor.

Yachiru Unohana: Known Abilities, Feats

Initially assigned as Captain of the 11th Division, renowned for its martial prowess and exclusive focus on sword combat, Unohana was later recognized for her remarkable healing abilities in the 4th Division. The 11th Division, famed for its ferocity, is known to be the strongest among the teams, with Unohana’s title as Kenpachi reflecting her own fierce and bloodthirsty nature when provoked. Equipped with Spiritual Power and a mastery of the sword, Unohana possesses a unique ability called Minazuki, which can transform into a giant manta ray capable of healing others. In its Bankai form, her sword metamorphoses into liquid blood, allowing her to shape it into diverse attacks while simultaneously healing herself.

4 Uhin Zenjoji

Squad 12 Captain

As a devoted Bleach fan, I can’t help but appreciate Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, two intellectuals who once held the position of Captain for Squad 12. Initially, our Squad was more about raw combat than scientific exploration, with Uhin Zenjoji being a formidable force in close-quarters battle.

In battle, he opted for using his bare hands instead of a Zanpakuto sword. This man is large and heavily built, flashing a chilling grin that borders on insanity. A U-shaped mark graces his face, accompanied by tiny, grey eyes. His hair is cut down the middle, with short braids adorning each side of his head.

Uhin Zenjoji: Known Abilities, Feats

It’s not surprising that Captain Uhin Zenjoji, who hails from Kisuke Urahara’s Shinigami Research and Development Institute and is under the command of the eccentric scientist Mayuri Kurotsuchi, exhibits a similar quirkiness in his character. This first Captain is recognized by the distinctive U-shaped mark on his head, suggesting a high level of Spiritual Power and proficiency in Zanjutsu. Much like Mayuri, Zenjoji demonstrates a ruthless nature; during the initial Quincy invasion, he was seen taking out Lichtreich soldiers not through conventional slashing but by seizing them by their heads and brutally crushing them instead.

3 Chika Shihouin

Squad 2 Captain

Yoruichi Shihouin served as the leader of Squad 2 for a significant period, and it was under her command that the squad combined with the Stealth Force. Interestingly, Yoruichi’s ancestor, Chika Shihouin, had originally led the squad for most of its history.

Instead of saying “Chika was a youthful man with olive skin and golden eyes, but unlike Yoruichi, he had short and shaggy white hair,” you could say: “Chika, unlike Yoruichi, had shorter, unkempt white hair while maintaining the same olive skin tone and golden eyes. He adorned gold rectangular earrings, and around his neck was a gold-trimmed orange scarf featuring intricate spiral patterns.” This version aims to make it more engaging and easier to read by using less repetitive language.

Chika Shihouin: Known Abilities, Feats

In this narrative, the fact that the Shihouin Clan heads both the 2nd Division and the Onmitsukido/Stealth Force makes their first Captain, Chika Shihouin, a figure requiring no introduction. Distinguishable by his golden eyes and earrings, Chika Shihouin commands respect not only due to his colossal Spiritual Power but also his exceptional talent. Although he wields a katana, showcasing his expertise in Zanjutsu, Chika’s true mastery is evident in Hakuda or hand-to-hand combat. Witnessing him dispatch Lichtreich soldiers with forceful kicks and punches, it’s apparent that he seldom needs to use his sword.

2 Busuna No Shigyou

Squad 7 Captain

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance of Komamura to a canine, and the original Captain of Squad 7 was no less beastly, but in an entirely different way. Busujima No Shikyaku, as he was known, towered over most, lean and lanky with an eerie pallor that seemed to seep from his very bones. His skin was sunken and twisted, a peculiarity that was most pronounced around his arms, chest, and eyes, giving him an unsettling appearance that left an indelible impression on me.

He had a long and pointed mustache and a long goatee. He also had spiky black hair, which he kept wrapped in black fabric. He wore black gloves and a dark brown fur stoat around his neck and shoulders. Busuna looks like a real killer, so it is safe to assume that he was a very dangerous Soul Reaper.

Busuna No Shigyou: Known Abilities, Feats

Despite not having specific tasks, Captains Komamura and Iba exhibit a no-nonsense demeanor reminiscent of Nobutsuna Shigyou, who shares the same carefree attitude fitting for the 7th Division’s overall theme. Known for donning a fur coat over his Captain uniform, not much is known about his capabilities, except that he likely has immense Spiritual Power and proficiency in Zanjutsu.

1 Furoufushi Saitou

Squad 6 Captain

Initially, the leader of Squad 6 wasn’t a Kuchiki; instead, it was a young woman named Furoufushi Saitou. She was the youngest among the first group of Captains and seemed to have a fondness for battle, as she enjoyed participating in the original Quincy War.

This woman boasts dark pink hair styled into two long pigtails that fall to her hips, with bangs concealing part of her right face. She sports violet eyes, though one is hidden under an eyepatch, and a white cloth wraps around her head. Despite her youth, Furoufushi is unquestionably among the most powerful female characters in Bleach.

Furoufushi Saitou: Known Abilities, Feats

Although Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai are currently leading the 6th Division, its first captain is characterized more by Renji’s traits with an added element of ruthlessness. Meanwhile, Saitou, known for her playful pigtails and eyepatch, conceals a brutal personality. Her battles against Lichtreich during the initial Quincy invasion were marked by delight in destruction – a characteristic that may not be evident in her successors.

2024-10-27 23:54