Kaien Shiba
Rukia's mentor and the late lieutenant of Squad Thirteen.
Kaien Shiba is a former lieutenant of Squad Thirteen in Bleach, the brother of Ganju and Kūkaku Shiba and the husband of Miyako Shiba. He looks strikingly like Ichigo Kurosaki, apart from his black hair.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Lieutenant of Squad Thirteen (former)
- Zanpakutō
- Nejibana
- Japanese voice
- Toshihiko Seki
- English voice
- Kim Strauss, later Dave Mallow
Lore & Background
When Rukia Kuchiki joins the squad, Kaien and Miyako are the only ones who treat her as an equal rather than as a Kuchiki noble. He becomes her mentor, helps her reach shikai and teaches her much she relies on later.
The Hollow Metastacia possesses and kills Miyako. On the mission to destroy it, Kaien is possessed too, and Rukia is forced to kill him. Metastacia later returns to Hueco Mundo and is devoured by the Espada Aaroniero Arruruerie, who absorbs Kaien's soul and can take his form and powers.
Did You Know?
- Byakuya notices early in the series how much Ichigo resembles Kaien.
- The Espada Aaroniero later uses Kaien's face and abilities.
Nejibana
Released with "Surge, Water and Heaven" ("Rage through the Seas and Heavens" in the English dub), Nejibana becomes a trident that creates and controls water.
More in Characters & Soul Reapers
Elsewhere in Bleach
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