Shunsui Kyōraku

Lore & Background

Shunsui trained under Yamamoto alongside Jūshirō, and he calls his old teacher "Old-man Yama". He is relaxed and showy: a straw hat and a pink flowered haori worn over the captain's coat, a taste for sake and naps, and a habit of teasing his lieutenant Nanao Ise. He talks more casually than most characters, using first names for fellow captains. He prefers to settle things without violence, yet he will not refuse a fight, because turning one down would insult his opponent.

During the war with Aizen's Arrancar he beats Coyote Starrk, the Number One Espada, without ever needing his bankai. Once Yamamoto is killed, Shunsui takes over as Head Captain, moves to Squad One and names two lieutenants: Nanao and Genshirō Okikiba.

Did You Know?

• Shunsui defeats the strongest Espada, Coyote Starrk, with his shikai alone.
• His bankai's spirit is a feudal-era mistress called Katen.

Katen Kyōkotsu

Shunsui is one of the few Soul Reapers with a paired zanpakutō. Released, Katen Kyōkotsu turns children's games into lethal contests that bind everyone inside his spiritual pressure. The games include Takaoni, where the higher fighter wins; Kageoni, where stepping on any shadow means losing; Iro-Oni, where a called colour decides where a cut lands and how hard it hits; and Daruma-san ga Koronda, modelled on Red Light, Green Light.

Bankai

Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū is used only when allies are well clear. It wraps the area in a gloomy, despairing atmosphere and plays out a story in four Acts that can kill an opponent. It also calls up the sword's spirit, Katen, and her offshoot Kyōkotsu, who keeps the Ise family sword Shinken Hakkyōken until Nanao asks for it.