Shunsui Kyoraku

Name: Shunsui Kyoraku

Gender:Male

Age: Unknown

Personality: Kyōraku is a laid back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress and general attitude, and he is rarely seen without a smile on his lips. In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake in bars and napping. He likes steamed buns that go with sake, but dislikes powdered green tea. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, whom he calls "my Nanao-chan" (Lil' Nanao in the English Dub). Nanao will often respond by hitting him with whatever she has on hand. He would have also done this when Lisa Yadōmaru was his lieutenant, which shows that teasing is a part of his personality. Kyōraku tends to use a more familiar speech style than most other characters. He generally refers to his fellow captains and Shinigami by their first name followed by an honorific. Kyōraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to talk his way out of a fight, though he doesn't wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. The slightly eccentric Kyōraku also seems to like making an impression on opponents. He also dislikes taking the life of innocent people, as he left Chad alive when Nanao offered to kill him.

Captain Kyōraku also wrote a romance novel titled "Rose-colored Path", which ran in Seireitei Communication, but was very unpopular. His photo collection, on the other hand, titled "Using Arms as My Pillow", became widely popular, and was quickly sold out, partially because it came out in lesser number of copies than similar collections by the other captains. Kyōraku also doesn't seem to care that his autobiography, "My Kittens Are So Shy," is the absolute worst-selling book.

Though Kyōraku tries to talk his way out of a fight, he does insist on fighting when the situation is grave, as seen in his battle with the First Espada, Coyote Starrk. When Starrk asked that they only pretend to fight, he replied that he couldn't do that "this time", as much as he prefers to do things the same way. He is also one of the most proficient combatants in Soul Society, and maintains a level of honor and integrity when engaging in battle, much like his best friend Jūshirō. He refuses to fight with children or even in the presence of a child. He always maintains a semblance of respect for his opponent and is polite in combat situations and prefers to fight one on one.Even when fighting powerful opponents, like Starrk or Aizen, he never (or at least rarely) loses his cool, going as far as to make small talk and joke around with his opponents.

Despite being one of the strongest and oldest captains, Kyōraku retains a level of humbleness and isn't overly arrogant about his strength, although when fighting Starrk, he does comment on how the fight "wouldn't be too easy" even after finding out that Starrk is the 1st Espada, but he does recognize that Hitsugaya has the potential to become stronger than him given enough time. Kyōraku has shown a great distaste for fighting, telling Love Aikawa that it doesn't matter whether you owe someone or they owe you, as soon as you start fighting, you are in the wrong either way.


Appearance:


Shunsui Kyōraku is a tall Shinigami with grey eyes and wavy brown hair (though during the flashbacks of his youth, Shunsui is shown to have straight and significantly shorter hair). His hair is tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He wears a straw hat (called a sakkat) and a pink, flowered ladies kimono, which he drapes across his shoulders and over his captain's uniform. He has thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. Although his haori and obi sash are cheap, his pin-wheel hairpins are very expensive. Like Ikkaku Madarame, he does not wear tabi with his sandals.

Zanpakutô Spirit:

Katen Kyōkotsu's spirit takes the form of two women. One is a tall, purple-haired woman with a red ribbon around her neck and an eye patch covering her right eye. Her left is turquoise. She wears an indigo cape with a skull imprint on it and a long, dark dress with a significantly low-cut neckline exposing her well-endowed bust. Her clothing resembles that of an oiran, a high-class Japanese courtesan. She also wears a golden bone headdress.

The second half of the spirit is shorter and younger in appearance. She has turquoise eyes and chin length purple hair with a skull decorating it. She wears a dark top that covers her lower face, neck and arms, close-fitting shorts and knee length socks. Over this she wears a purple, hip-length coat fastened at the front by a dark purple sash. The middle of her chest and abdomen, as well as the top of her thighs, are left exposed.

Zanpakotu Spirit's Personality:
The taller half of Katen Kyōkotsu is shown to be soft-spoken and composed individual. At the same time, she is shown to have a slight mischievous side, enjoying to humiliate Shunsui. Similar to her partner, she enjoys sake and prefers not to do work whenever possible. However, she can play the shamisen (a Japanese three stringed instrument - similiar to a banjo). The masked half is shown to be a silent and serious individual, who only focuses on the situation at hand. She enters a state of battle readiness whenever somebody calls out from behind her. Despite her aggressive nature in battle, she can be rather timid and shy in daily life, preferring to keep to herself. According to her taller half, she is very childish in her interest, having a slight sadistic nature in the games she plays. She is also shown to have an interest in flowers. The taller half of Katen Kyōkotsu states that she finds Shunsui a very dull man. This is what originally made Katen Kyōkotsu betray Shunsui after being brainwashed by Muramasa.


Sealed Zanpakutô :

Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨; Viz "Flower-Heaven Bone of Madness"; Flower Heaven, Crazy Bone): His Zanpakutō is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, existing as a daisho sword pair, consisting of a tachi and a wakizashi. Their cross guards are rectangles, with the corners cut off, decorated by a pattern of cherry petals and lines, and each sports a dark-blue handle. He keeps them sheathed through his waist tie at his left side; although, during battle, the swords have been shown to be placed on both sides of his sash. Like other Zanpakutō, Katen Kyōkotsu has a personality of its own. However, unlike other Zanpakutō, this personality shines through in battle and prevents Shunsui from fighting with his full powers until Katen Kyōkotsu is in the mood for it. Because of this, Shunsui does not like to "play" with it.

Shikai Description:

Its Shikai command is "Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer" (花風紊れて花神啼き天風紊れて天魔嗤う, hana kaze midarete, kashin naki, tenpū midarete, tenma warau; Viz "When the Flower Wind Rages, the Flower God Roars, When the Wind of Heaven Rages, the God of the Underworld Sneers"). Kyōraku sets the two blades against each other in a cross, and then pulls after uttering the poem-like command. When the flash clears, Katen Kyōkotsu has become a pair of huge, heavily-curved, black Chinese scimitars with silver edges. The hilt and tsuba of each are still the same as they were in Katen Kyōkotsu's sealed-form, but they now sport long red tassels dangling from the end. Despite the two swords becoming identical in this state, Shunsui has stated they still serve as one (the wakizashi) being used mainly for speed strikes, and the other (the tachi) being used mainly for power strikes. Hence that they still exist as a daisho sword pair, with the wakizashi being slightly smaller in size than the tachi

Shikai Abilities: The power of Katen Kyōkotsu is to "make children's games real". The Zanpakutō makes the rules and anyone who steps within the boundaries of its spiritual pressure is forced to play by those rules, including Shunsui himself. According to Shunsui, "if you win you live, if you lose you die".

Kyōraku using BushōgomaBushōgoma (不精独楽, Lazy Spinning Top): Shunsui rotates with both blades facing in opposite directions creating large wind blades that fire toward an opponent from Katen Kyōkotsu. The wind blades join together forming a spinning circle of wind that upon contact with a target envelops the target with tornado-like intensity. The attack is not only dangerous but can disorient an opponent trapped within it. The technique is powerful enough to counteract high-powered cero blasts. The game this technique represents is a spinning top game.

Takaoni (嶄鬼, Mountain Demon): This move was also used in Shunsui's battle with Starrk, but Starrk's attack hid the nature of the attack. However, Shunsui later explains that with this "game" whoever is higher up "wins."

Shunsui using KageoniKageoni (影鬼, Shadow Demon): The rule of this game is that whoever gets their shadow stepped on "loses." The game itself allows competitors to manipulate shadows to their advantage. For example, Shunsui has demonstrated the ability to hide himself in shadows by using this technique, and he can also control the shadows and use them to attack an opponent by attacking the shadow they are currently standing upon.

Irooni (艶鬼, Colorful Demon): This is a color-based game where you say the name of the color you want to cut with your sword and you cannot cut anything else. If the color that you call does not exist on your body, the damage is minimal, even if the attack would normally inflict a much more severe wound. The opposite is true; by calling out a color you're wearing and attacking, the damage given is proportional to the amount of that color on you. To maximize damage, you have to use a color that maximizes the risks to your person as well as your enemy's. For example, by wearing black robes and calling "black," one would inflict massive damage on an enemy if struck even if the actual blow itself was minimal or minor, but the caller would also suffer serious damage if he/she is struck by the enemy in return.

Release:Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer, Katen Kyōkotsu.

(You CANNOT fill the skill levels in until your tier is assigned. )
Skill Level: Kidou: Beginner/Adept/Advanced/Master
Skill Level: Swordsmanship: Beginner/Adept/Advanced/Master
Skill Level: Shunpo: Beginner/Adept/Advanced/Master
Skill Level: Hand-to-Hand: Beginner/Adept/Advanced/Master

Bankai Description: Upon release, his bankai causes his blades to glow with spiritual energy which then shatters and turns into hundreds of cards, hundreds of dice, hundreds of spinning tops, and hundreds of chess pieces. Much like the true form of Sebonsakura's bankai, Shunsui's bankai transports them to a world where the rules of children's game are law and as such if they are broken then the person who broke the rules pays the price. The world they are transported to looks like a large room that is full of children's games and hot women, it is a world that Shunsui has invented, and the world that Shunsui knows all the rules too. As for the pieces created during this bankai they have different importances. The cards are razor sharp and are made to cut through things and can do so with ease (These cards spin around Shunsui in a cyclone like fashion and can be used to block attacks as well), meanwhile the tops are made for smashing into things and doing damage at a fast speed (These tops also spin around on the floor around them and upon being used in attack magnify in size to ten feet tall and five feet wide), the chess pieces are used for crushing since they weigh a ton and when landing on a target do a lot of damage (These magnify to being ten feet tall and eight feet wide when being used), the dice hover in the air around the cyclone and explode on contact, making them extremely dangerous. Also in this form, multiple scoreboards appear depending on how many opponents are in the world or players.

Bankai Abilities:

Playing the Game: As soon as the bankai is released anyone who visually sees the weapon release or even glances at it after it has been summoned will be placed into the world of games along side the opponent. Inside the world of games everyone must abide by the rules of the world, which happens to be the rules of children's games. If the opponent or any of the people inside the game interrupt the game or break the rules they will pay a penalty, the penalty is usually a swift death at the hand of the game masters, which are the hot women who stand around the room watching the game silently and intently. Once a game is started there is no way to end it without a winner.

Penalty: Penalties are culumative and are gained by cheating in one of the games. There is a three strike policy involving penalties: The first strike is minor damage, the second penalty is moderate damage to severe damage depending on the level of the rule being broken, and the third strike results in death. There is no way around taking punishment from penalty.

Pick A Game: At the start of the game the opponent has the choice of: a dice game, a card game, a game involving tops, or chess. The opponent must select one and depending on his choice then a game will be chosen at random by the game masters who will shout it at Shunsui. The opponent can not choose to not play a game. If there is more than one opponent, Shunsui will choose which one who will pick the game.

A Card Game: Upon picking a card game, the game masters will yell one of the following:

Color Card: When the color card game is chosen the rules are simple, two cards with different colors will land in front of each player. The opponent must pick a color first and if it happens to be that color then the person he guessed the right color of gains a loss. The Game Masters will then attack the person who lost and do minor damage to him or her, usually a cut on a non-vital part of the body. The cards are chosen at random and as such they will never be the same. If the guess is wrong then the opponents turn is skipped and it goes to another random player, the same player is never chosen twice. If neither side wins the it is considered a stale mate and both parties must take minor damage (There is no dodging and if someone dodges then they are considered to have broken the rule and must take a penalty.). Only basic colors will be chosen at random: Blue, red, yellow, green, purple, white, black, and orange.

Card Pick Up: When the Card Pick Up game is chosen the rules are as follows: All of the hundreds of cards fall on to the floor and the opponent(s) and Shunsui must pick up one card. On this card there will be a sword, shield, bow, staff, or joker. If the sword card is picked up, the person who picks up this card gains a sword weapon and will use that to fight his opponent(s). If the shield is chosen, the player who picked up that card gains a shield to fight his opponent(s) with, the shield has a small point on it that can be used for stabbing. If the player picks up a bow car, he gains a bow to fight his opponent with. If a player picks up a staff card he is capable of blasting his opponent with energy based techniques (Kido for Shinigami, Cero for Arrancars, and so on and so forth...). If the opponent picks up a joker, the card explodes dealing a considerable amount of damage and resulting in a loss, the game masters will then attack that opponent dealing minor damage to that player. The opponent can not pick up more than one card and if he does the cards will explode and he must pick up another card. The opponent must fight till he has injured the other player and the first one to get injured gains a loss which results in minor damage caused by the game masters.

Razor Edge: When this particular game is chosen the hundreds of cards begin to fly around in all directions cutting down anything in their path. All players in this game must dodge the cards for three minutes to achieve a win, stale mates do not result in a double loss, and give both players a win. There is no destroying cards and if a player destroys a card it is considered to be cheating and as such results in a penalty. The person who loses takes minor damage.

A Dice Game: Upon picking a dice game the Game Masters will yell one of the following:

Results: If this game is chosen by the game masters, a giant pair of six sided dice will appear by each player, who must roll these dice, and hope to obtain a higher result than their opponent. The player who rolls a higher number will be able to choose which opponent receives the loss. A loss results in the explosion of both of the dice the player who is chosen rolled, dealing moderate damage to the player. In the case of a draw, both player's dices explode.

Effects: If this game is chosen the rules are simple. A dice with six sides will land in front of the players, the player will pick this dice up, and roll it, along with that three hearts appear over the players head representing their life total. Whatever the color dice lands on will give different effects to the player who rolled it. The six colors are: Red, green, white, black, blue, and purple. Red does damage to the opponent equal to one heart, green heals the opponent for one heart (can not go above three hearts), white heals you for one heart (can not go above three hearts), black deals damage to you for one heart, blue can be either green or red's effect depending on what the player wants, and purple can be black or white, depending on what the player wants. The players may not re-roll or try to stop the effects from happening, this results in a penalty. The player loses when their heart total reaches 0 and takes moderate damage from the game masters who throw exploding dice at the loser.

Character Dice: When this game is chosen a dice will fall down before the players with six different types of fighters on it: A fighter, an archer, a mage, a knight, a thief, and a peasent. Depending on what the dice rolls on a hero will appear with three hearts over its head, representing how many hits it can take. The heroes effects are as follows: Fighter is a swordsman, archer is a fighter with a bow, a mage is a spell caster, a knight is a defense character with a shield, a thief takes the ability of one of the others randomly (only heroes who are on the field), and the peasent has an axe that can be thrown or used in hand to hand combat. When a hero goes down to zero hearts, the player with that hero receives a loss an takes moderate damage from the other heroes who attack the player who lost. If a player dodges the heroes it is considered a penalty.

Top Game: When a top game is chosen the Game Masters will yell out one of the following:

Razor Top: When this game is chosen both players will receive a giant top that is the size of a small car with blades all over it. Each player asks each other a question at the same time and the player who gets the question right first can throw their top at their opponent doing moderate damage. If an opponent dodges the top they receive a penalty. If a player lies about the answer they also receive a penalty.

Dodging the Top: When this game is chosen, hundreds of giant tops will begin to fly around, and come at the players. They must dodge the tops for three minutes to receive a victory and if the players manage to dodge the attacks for the tops for three minutes all of them receive a win except for the ones who were hit. Destroying the tops results in a penalty. Losing this game results in moderate damage handed out by the game masters.

Battle Tops: When this game is chosen, each player get a top with three hearts above it. The players must yell commands at the tops and they will obey, the commands are: Dodge, jump, and attack. Once the three hearts are depleted, each hit resulting in the loss of heart, the player who has his tops hearts depleted loses and must receive moderate damage from the game master and a loss. If the loser tries to dodge the damage he receives a penalty.

Chess: Much like an average game of chess with higher stakes. Each piece that is taken results in light damage until a winner is decied, when the winner is decided, the loser takes sever damage, and the winner gains a win. The opponent may not cheat during the game and if he does so he will receive a penalty.

I win, You Lose: When a player has received five wins they may call for an 'all or nothing' game, this game is basically a fight till the death or until an incapacitation. The player who calls this game gains increased statistics for the duration of the game, while the opponents remain the same. The first player to lose receives what ever punishment the player who called the game decides, he has the choice of: Severing a limb, incapacitating a foe, or killing him entirely.

Natural Abilities:

Master Swordsmanship Specialist: While in battle, his power is said to be stronger than any other. His power is unrivalled by anyone who came before him or anyone since.While hating the concept of having to engage in a fight, Kyōraku is presumably one of the most proficient swordsmen in all of Soul Society. He is a highly adaptable combatant as his two swords have allowed him to become ambidextrous, meaning that he is able to switch hands between the two swords. Kyōraku usually swings with more strength in his left hand than his right hand; however, he can easily switch or balance the strength between his two hands, much to the surprise of his opponent. Kyōraku states that he only uses his wakizashi in situations where his katana is too difficult to use. He claims that he does not use them together on a regular basis. The best example of Shunsui's prowess is shown from his ability to fight on even grounds with an unreleased Starrk, the 1st Espada, with only his sealed Zanpakutō while other captain-level Shinigami have been seen requiring at least their Shikai against an Espada. Shunsui's fighting style involves evasion and attacking an opponent either in the front or back using the element of surprise to overwhelm them. His two swords move at a different pace. He takes advantage of that while fighting. While the enemy is at the mercy of his wakizashi’s speed, his tachi swoops in for the final blow. That is the most common method used for swords like his.

Kidō Master: While not his preferred style of combat, Shunsui has high prowess in Kidō combat. During his battle against Chad, he was able to effortlessly launch his opponent several yards away with a seemingly small blast from his finger similarly to the Kidō spell Shō.

Flash Steps Master: He is masterful in the art of Flash Steps as a captain. He notably makes a massive leap in Flash Steps within mere moments to remove Nanao from the battlefield and return almost instantly, commended even by Yamamoto prior to battle. Shunsui's skill is proficient enough for him to effortlessly dodge Starrk's attacks without mussing his hat or Kimono.

Master Strategist & Tactician: Despite his laid back attitude, Shunsui has repeatedly shown himself to be a perceptive and insightful man. According to Yamamoto, even when he was younger, Shunsui has always had an eye for seeing the truth character of anyone he meets.Shunsui easily saw through Kurotsuchi's attempt to hide being used by the Bounts. He was also one of the few people to suspect that Aizen was hiding something. In battle, Shunsui has proven to be very adept at noticing and understanding details in an opponent's skills or attack patterns. During his battle against Chad, he quickly determined the basics behind Chad's Reiryoku blasts, warning him about the kinds of techniques, and even explaining that his energy blasts would eventually use up his life energy.

Immense Spiritual Power: As one of the strongest and oldest Captains in the Gotei 13, Kyōraku has tremendous spiritual power. He is not overwhelmed by the Spiritual Pressure of General Yamamoto as most people would be in such a situation. His strength is shown even further as he was able to defeat Coyote Starrk, the Primera Espada, with only the use of his Shikai.

Enhanced Strength: Shunsui has shown that he is very powerful in terms of strength, as shown when he cracked a barrier that Aizen put up to protect his blind spot with just his Shikai attack, while Ichigo in Bankai and using his Getsuga Tenshō could not even damage a similar barrier.

Enhanced Durability: Shunsui has the ability to survive seemingly unscathed from devastating attacks after taking on General Yamamoto, whose Zanpakutō is the most devastating in all of Soul Society in terms of destructive power. He was also able to withstand a Cero at point-blank range from Starrk, the Primera Espada, in his released form without any noticeable injuries.

Drunken Master: While fighting while drunk, Shunsui receives increased abilities in all statistics.


History/Background:

Shunsui is the second son of the high-ranking noble Kyōraku family. Despite being of such old and prestigious lineage, he disliked studying and training, and preferred to chase the ladies, although being told by General Yamamoto that he was able to see the truth and was wise for his age. Because of this, he was sent against his will to the Shin'ō Reijutsu Academy (Shinigami Academy). While there he came to know Jūshirō Ukitake, who would become his best friend and fellow captain. He, along with Jūshirō Ukitake, was one of the first Shinigami to become a captain through the Shinigami academy. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto. He and Ukitake are the oldest captains amongst the Gotei 13, with the exception of Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto himself. It was stated that the four of them have been Captains of the Gotei 13 for at least 200 years as of 110 years ago before the current time.

Shunsui Kyōraku as a captain over 100 years ago.110 years ago, he was shown to have a unique relationship with his Lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru, though in contrast to his relationship with his current Lieutenant Nanao Ise, Lisa was more outgoing and perverted in a way much like his own personality. But he found that his position required him to be the "adult" in the situation. He was also the first to casually mention, to an inquisitive lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen, that the previous 12th Division Captain was promoted to the Royal Guard. He was also present at the promotion ceremony of the newly appointed 12th Division captain Kisuke Urahara.

9 years later Shunsui was present at an emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He decided to create an investigative team to locate the missing 9th Division squad members. When he gave out the orders, Yamamoto ordered Shunsui to guard the Seireitei. When Yamamoto decided to send both Kidō Captain Tessai Tsukabishi and Kidō Lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda of the Kidō Corps, Shunsui instead advised him to send only Hachi and replaced Tessai with his own lieutenant, Lisa. He tried to cheer up a shaken Kisuke Urahara, telling him not to worry about his lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, who was sent to help the 9th Division, because she was strong, though not as strong as Lisa.

During a night-walk he met up some squad members, and also noticed lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen taking a night walk. Later in his barracks he was addressed by a very young Nanao Ise, who had come to see his Lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru. Shunsui then remembered that Nanao always came to him around the first of every month to have Lisa read to her. Nanao confirmed this, only to be told that Lisa was away on a mission, but would be back soon.

Soul Society Arc:

Kyōraku greeting Yasutora Sado.Shunsui first appears during the captain's emergency meeting called by General Yamamoto. However he says nothing at this time, and remains silent throughout the constant bickering between his fellow officers.

Shunsui is among the first Captains to encounter the "Ryoka". He meets up with Yasutora Sado in his division's compound. There, he gently drifts down from a second level to the ground amidst falling petals (scattered by Nanao), then rises to announce his name to Chad.

After his flashy appearance Kyōraku sits down and tells Chad that he dislikes fighting and even offers him something to drink, something Chad responds to by a violent "No" because it is forbidden for minors to drink, something Kyōraku also realizes is a problem.

Sado's defeat by Kyōraku.Chad proceeds to politely ask the captain to move out the way as he himself would also like to avoid the fight. However, despite Shunsui's humor and his dislike for combat, once Chad engages him, it is seen that he is not a mere fool, but someone not to be taken lightly. He deflects Chad’s first attack with one arm, and then proceeds to dodge all of Chad’s attacks. Trying to stop Chad from going further, he asks Chad why he continues to fight, and for what reason. Despite his attempts to stop him both through speech and action, Chad continues to come at him. Seeing his determination, Shunsui decides reluctantly to wound him, though he tells Chad that he plans to kill him, having no choice. Taking out his two swords, he watches as Chad runs towards him, then dodges Chad’s attack and slashes him.

At this time, the message that Sōsuke Aizen has been murdered arrives and Nanao informs him of this news. Taking a look at Chad, she realizes he is not dead and asks to deliver the finishing blow. Stopping her, Shunsui rationalizes that if it were indeed one of the Ryoka who had killed Aizen, it would then be better to keep him alive and question him instead. He then asks her to send for people from the 4th Squad to heal Chad.

Later, right before Rukia’s execution, a harried Nanao finds Kyōraku on a rooftop, chewing on a blade of grass. Asking him to hurry up, Nanao is irked when Shunsui again tries to joke with her as usual. Then, getting serious, he asks her what he should do. She then replies that no matter what, he will still do what he wants. All she can do is keep right behind him and stay out of trouble. Shunsui gives a sigh and says, "Then it will again be me that will get into trouble with Yama-jii (Yamamoto). "At the execution, after Ichigo Kurosaki stops the Sōkyoku from executing Rukia, Ukitake appears with a shield sporting the Shihōin house crest and with Shunsui eliminates Sōkyoku from the scene. After the ruckus, they are left shocked when Ichigo destroys the Sōkyoku Stand, and then Ichigo engages Byakuya Kuchiki after defeating three lieutenants. Trying to help her sister, Kiyone Kotetsu runs forward and is followed by her colleague Sentarō Kotsubaki. Sentarō is then hit by Soifon and when Ukitake runs forward to stop Soifon, he is in turn stopped by Yamamoto.

Yamamoto gravely states that what they have done is beyond mere punishment and that they are not ignorant of what that means. Shunsui then shows his thinking skills by grabbing Ukitake and running away first, with Nanao in close pursuit. Ukitake then asks Shunsui to release him as he wanted to save his subordinates. Shunsui asks him not to worry, as on the one hand, they had to take the fight elsewhere, or else Yamamoto’s power would most likely cause more casualties, and on the other hand, someone else was coming to help.

Shunsui protecting Nanao Ise from Yamamoto's spiritual pressure.Running to a deserted spot, they reach the site and are confronted by Yamamoto. When Nanao is nearly suffocated by Yamamoto’s spiritual pressure, Shunsui breaks their eye contact, and brings her via Shunpo to a safe place, and returns to the compliments of Yamamoto.


Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake about to do battle with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.Following a brief exchange of words, Yamamoto draws his Zanpakutō against them. As he flares up, and releases his Zanpakutō’s Shikai, he then asks them both to do the same as anything else would be a disgraceful death. He and Ukitake then engage in the fight against Yamamoto, resulting in a large explosion.

During their fight, they receive news, from 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, that Aizen had in fact been a traitor, and all three rush to the Sōkyoku grounds. After Aizen’s successful escape, Shunsui is later seen trying to join in on the drinking with Rangiku Matsumoto and Izuru Kira, only to be told no by Rangiku as she states Nanao is looking for him and if she catches him drinking with them they will only get scolded by her

Fake Karakura Town Arc

Shunsui Kyōraku and Coyote Starrk cross swords.When Aizen and his army invade the fake Karakura Town, Shunsui asks Ukitake who he believes is the strongest of the Espada. When Yamamoto decides to take Aizen and the other defected former Captains out of the equation so that the Espada could be dealt with first, Shunsui yells for Ukitake to get down when he realizes the Captain-Commander is releasing his Shikai. When Ukitake questions the necessity of that level of power, Shunsui tells him he guesses that just means Yamamoto is not in a good mood. During the battle against the Arrancar, Shunsui matches himself against the Espada Coyote Starrk. Though Kyōraku agrees with Starrk's attitude and tells him that he too would have preferred "fake" fighting, he also says that avoiding the fight is not an option this time.


Shunsui decides to fight with both of his blades.He then takes notice of the fight between Rangiku Matsumoto, Momo Hinamori and Tia Harribel's Fracción, asking Starrk if they should also put on a show. Starrk is not amused at Shunsui's attempt at humor and flatly refuses to fight. Starrk states that neither of them is fighting at full strength anyway. Starrk then makes note of how Shunsui's short sword is still being sheathed. When Shunsui explains why, Starrk further notes that Shunsui is obviously ambidextrous and that he is stronger with his left hand than his right, therefore Starrk does not quite believe his excuse for his supposed lack of using his short sword. Shunsui is somewhat amused at Starrk's observations and comments on how he thought he had corrected his strength difference. Shunsui then proceeds to attack Starrk which the latter then dodges. Afterwards, Shunsui then surprises Starrk by switching hands in mid attack and correcting his swing, making his right hand strength match his left. After Starrk comments on the change, Shunsui asks him whether he will take the fight seriously if he were to unsheathe his short sword, to which Starrk comments that Shunsui is already strong enough and he would not want him using his short sword. Shunsui decides then to unsheathe his sword.

Shunsui is able to deduce the ranks of the top three Espada by sensing their battles. He states that Starrk's female ally (Harribel) is the third strongest, and it would be easier on him if the old guy (Baraggan) was the strongest, implying Shunsui thinks differently. Starrk then says he's sorry to disappoint him as he takes off his glove and reveals the number 1 tattooed on his hand. Shunsui smiles and comments that it wouldn't be too easy.

Shunsui appears to be evenly matched with Starrk as he does not seem to express any form of difficulty while battling. The Primera even commented that he is surprised that Shunsui was able to dodge his attacks 'without losing his hat and kimono'. A thin trail of blood however trickles down from Shunsui's head, probably due to the slight cut of his bamboo hat. As the battle progresses, Starrk fires a Cero at Shunsui, only for him to state "No finishing pose or anything?". Starrk then begins to show irritation by scolding Shunsui not to run away. Starrk is then seen to be staring in horror at Hitsugaya's approaching cloud.


Shunsui Kyōraku releases his Shikai to counter Coyote Starrk's release.Starrk then watches Baraggan Luisenbarn being hit by Soifon's Bankai and looks over to the obelisk of ice that has Harribel imprisoned and questions Shunsui whether all their Bankais are that powerful. Shunsui replies with a smile and calls them their secret weapons. Starrk proceeds to ask if his own Bankai was more powerful than Hitsugaya's. Shunsui then replies that while he is uncertain of it in a hundred years or so, it is possible that Hitsugaya might become more powerful than himself. Starrk then deduces that currently Shunsui is the strongest; realizing what Starrk is leading to Shunsui throws his pink kimono to Ukitake. When Ukitake wonders what Kyōraku is doing, Shunsui replies by saying that he believes Starrk finally wants to fight for real, something Starrk confirms by saying that he wants to see Shunsui's Bankai.[54] He then sheaths his Zanpakutō and calls Lilynette over. He explains that he and Lilynette are in fact one. While other Hollows split their power into their sword and body, they split into two bodies instead. He also reveals that once they are one again their full power would be released. With that, Starrk releases his Resurrección form while Shunsui releases his Zanpakutō's Shikai.


Ukitake intervenes in Shunsui's battle with Starrk.Shunsui proceeds to attack Starrk while he is talking, to which Starrk moves back with ease. Starrk begins to comment on how Shunsui would attack while he is talking. But before Starrk can finish talking, Shunsui uses his Bushōgoma technique. Starrk parries the attack and fires a large Cero from one of his guns. Starrk then tells Shunsui he seems a little panicked and that is not at all like him. Shunsui responds that he meant to kill him with the first blow, but his release must be really something if he could parry it. He then deduces that Starrk's gun fires Ceros. Starrk confirms but completely denies it can do anything else when Shunsui asks whether it's capable of more. Shunsui accuses Starrk of being a bad liar. Starrk says the same of Shunsui. Starrk then tells him he made him release his "pain in the ass Resurrección", so he better show him his Bankai. Shunsui mentions that he has no intention of showing him no matter how strong he has gotten, especially if he is just going to fire Cero's. Starrk responds by firing his Cero Metralleta as Shunsui, to which he flash steps away. Starrk fires again and tells him that he can't escape, Shunsui dodges exclaiming how that attack is unfair. Ukitake jumps in front of Shunsui after unleashing his Shikai and negates the multiple Ceros with a blast of his own.

Shunsui begins to speak, but Ukitake cuts him off explaining that he shouldn't complain because the Arrancar are double teaming him and his coming to his aid is only fair. Ukitake then comments that besides that Shunsui doesn't seem to want to use his Bankai. Shunsui assures him that he will eventually. But Ukitake says that he shouldn't use it out in the open where anyone could see. Ukitake continues by saying that in any case his powers are better suited for this sort of fight. Starrk interrupts by asking Ukitake how he fired a Cero. Ukitake plainly says who knows maybe he'll figure out if he does it again. Determined to figure out Ukitake's power, Starrk fires again much to Lilynette's protest that it's most likely a trap. They engage in a few mutual attacks, then Starrk uses Sonidō to get closer to Ukitake and explains what he has learned of his ability. Ukitake is surprised that he figured it out after only three attacks. Starrk then expresses that he is glad that Ukitake's power isn't to reflect any and all attacks back at his opponent. Starrk surmises that if Ukitake has to absorb the attack first, there has to be a limit to what can be absorbed. He then tells Ukitake that he doesn't think he'll be able to absorb the attack if he fires 1,000 shots at once.


Starrk shoots Shunsui from behind with a Cero at point-blank range.Before Starrk can fire, Shunsui appears behind him and tries to cut off his head, but Starrk dodges and fires a large Cero which Shunsui also dodges. Starrk comments on how such actions aren't like him, to which Shunsui responds that he shouldn't make judgements as he is the one not acting like himself. Starrk's simple reply is that he thought they both were alike. Then seemingly out of nowhere, a Garganta begins to open, surprising the three combatants. Ukitake asks Shunsui if it's someone new. Shunsui asks in response if Ukitake thinks it is someone who could back up the top three Espada, because he hopes it isn't. When the Garganta is fully open, Wonderweiss Margera walks through. Ukitake and Shunsui both question who he is, while Starrk says his name, just as surprised to see him there being accompanied by Fūrā.

While Ukitake's attention is on Fūrā, Wonderweiss attacks him from behind and impales him in the back and out through his chest with his hand. Seeing this, Shunsui goes to attack the Arrancar but is quickly shot at point blank range by a Cero to the back by Starrk, with both captains falling down to the buildings below. However, Kyōraku appears to be largely uninjured as pointed out by Lisa Yadōmaru, who stomps on his head and demands to know how long he was planning on playing dead. Kyōraku then proceeds to compliment Lisa and says he is glad that she is all right.


Shunsui cuts down Starrk.Just as Starrk is about to finish off Love and Rose, Kyōraku stabs him from the shadows. Kyōraku was actually hiding in the shadows thanks to the ability of his Zanpakutō. He then proceeds to explain the abilities of his Zanpakutō, denying Starrk's charge that he was hiding his powers; stating that his Zanpakutō was not in the mood for that game before and that though he loves his sword, it is very selfish and he doesn't like playing with it because it jerks him around. He then proceeds to fight Starrk using a new color-based game that ends with Kyōraku slashing Starrk upwards targeting his black hollow hole after calling the color black.

As the dying Starrk falls, Love appears behind Shunsui and thanks him. Shunsui responds by saying that he is just glad they are safe. Love then tells him that he never changes; always butting into other people's battles and that he has no style. Shunsui returns his Zanpakutō to its sealed state and tells Love that "only underlings get caught up in matters of style" and that a captain can't afford such indulgences. He then goes on to state that "If you owe someone or they owe you, the moment you start to fight you're in the wrong either way".

Shunsui is next seen with the remaining unoccupied Shinigami and Vizard planning to protect Ichigo Kurosaki from Aizen and his Shikai. As Hitsugaya attacks Aizen, Kyōraku attacks his flank with his Shikai, but hits a barrier, which cracks slightly. When Aizen tells Hitsugaya that it is good that he is not attacking alone, Shunsui accuses him of calling Tōshirō a coward. Shunsui later attacks Aizen as he is conversing with Hitsugaya, but Sōsuke evades the attack and complains that he interrupted their discussion. Kyōraku responds that he is not very good at hearing when a man is talking, as just listening is boring. When Hitsugaya activates his Bankai and states that he intends to violently cut and crush Aizen, Shunsui tells him not to be hasty.


Aizen effortlessly cuts down Hitsugaya, Kyōraku, Soifon, and Shinji.Aizen then critically injures and dispatches of Love, Komamura, Rose and Lisa. He is seen then confronted by Soifon. Soifon creates clones of herself and charges. When Aizen tries to attack, he finds his arm encased in ice. Soifon is able to hit Aizen with Nigeki Kessatsu but it is ineffective as Aizen comments that while her technique is interesting, his reiatsu would crush her attacks and powers as a battle between Shinigami is one of reiatsu. However, Aizen is surprised as he is attacked from a shadow. Shunsui reveals himself from having used his Kageoni technique, stating Aizen is careless as there is a shadow on the ice. Shunsui then looks on as Aizen is run through by Hitsugaya. Much to Shinigami and Vizard's horror, it is then discovered that Aizen had already been using his Kyōka Suigetsu to somehow deceive his enemies into stabbing Momo instead. As Hitsugaya goes to attack Aizen in a blind rage, Shunsui and the other captain-level warriors are distracted trying to stop him. Aizen proclaims that they are all wide open and proceeds to strike down Shunsui, Shinji, Hitsugaya, and Soifon. As they fall into the town below Aizen states that he will not kill them and that they are to watch the outcome of this battle.

Coming Back a Hero

When Shunsui and the other shinigami returned from their battle with Aizen, they were praised as heroes, and given high honors by every soul in Soul Society. Shunsui would accept the praise, but would go back to his captain duties right away, knowing better than to leave Soul Society in the state of dissarray it was in currently. This gained him the respect of his lieutenant who he really didn't need to gain any respect from in the first place because she had already respected him. After a twenty years of retaining his position and seeing the rise of the new captain commander, Shunsui was asked to join the 0 division, an honor that he was skeptical to accept, and when asked why he simply replied "Because I have much more work to do.". The men looking to recruit him understood and quickly left Shunsui to his work, allowing him to finish what he had started.

It would take Shunsui a long time to return things back to normal, but in the end it was achieved with the help of the other captains, most of the quickly joined the 0 division, and new captains were elected in their place. Meanwhile, Shunsui remained skeptical and at the prodding of his leuitenant would tell her that he had no interest in fighting anymore, and as such had plans of just enjoying life for a while. He asked her to come with him, she would say yes, and for the next fifty years they would travel with each other. During these fifty years they would spend time on Earth, learning about the recent changes in culture, and time in Soul Society where they would travel the Rukongai, going to bars where Shunsui would get wasted, and have to be dragged out by Nanao. He would thank her of course for all those times that she did that and after the trips and the experience were over, Shunsui would make a decision to go back to his family's home and live their for a while. He would say his goodbyes to his lieutenant and leave for home immediatly after returning to Soul Society.

Family Ties

When Shunsui first returned home a celebration was thrown that lasted for several months, every night filled with drinking, beautiful women, and games of chance. Shunsui would say this was the life, but knew better than to say that, he kept thinking of his duties back in Soul Society, and how he must have slumped off his duties on poor Nanao or some new captain that the new captain commander most likely had elected to replace him. He would enjoy himself however, as he was among family, and found himself at ease while he was around them. The feeling of not fighting for a while took hold and he spent a long time just sitting on the roof looking at the stars wondering when the next big threat would pop out that he would need to take on. Without a doubt, Shunsui would slack off in his training, and spend most of his time with his family simply living, as he had always wanted, but on dark nights when there was no drinking and no festivities being held, he felt lonely, and above all else worried about Soul Society which he had left behind.

For one hundred years he stayed with his family, until finally he deemed enough was enough, and began his journey back to Soul Society, against the protests of his family that wanted him to stay put. He would shrug them off however and tell them that it was his duty to come back and help things along. His family, respecting the fact that he was duy bound, quickly said their goodbyes to their son, and let him go back to Soul Society where he was greeted with fanfare and by Nanao herself who looked relieved to see him in one piece. Shunsui would learn however that his position was filled, but he would quickly be offered a position within the 0 division which he would accept. "Why not? If it is the only way I can help, then it is the only way I can help.", he would say as he signed his name on the dotted line and took Nanao as his personal assistant and vice captain.

200 Years of 0 Divisiony Goodness

As a member of the 0 Division, Shunsui would be quiet, and refrain from talking to Cyon who he viewed as being not too right in the head. He respected the man's abilities, but over all he did not seem to have that air of authority around him that Yamito had a long time ago. Shunsui has disobeyed many orders from Cyon over the years, choosing to do things his way, an telling Cyon that the way he does things works, and that he should just let him do it his own way. Shunsui over the past 200 years has been training, continously in hopes of stopping any further chaos from occuring, and so far he has not needed to take action against any great foe which is a great relief to Shunsui, who would rather be drinking and enjoying himself than worrying about a threat.

Most of the time when a 0 squad meeting is taking place he allows Nanao in, not caring whether the other 0 division members like it or not, so that she can take notes, and remind him if he forgets. Over all, not much has changed with Shunsui and he remains ever cheerful, a smile on his face, and a skip in his step. He has liked the peace and it has benefited him greatly in the form of him feeling at ease and not on the edge of his seat. Many members of Soul Society respect Shunsui as he has also helped the people of the Rukongai during this time since the 0 division has been extremely quiet.

Roleplay Sample:

"One more!", shouted a patron near to him and he grinned widely, his face slightly red from all the sake he had been drinking. If Nanao walked in right now she would most likely be upset at him for not showing up at the meeting, but he really didn't want to hear Cyon monologue about how the 0 division was going to "crack down" on outside threats when there were none in sight. "Sure, why not? I got nothing, but time and money in my pocket.", he said letting out a light laugh, "Barkeep, can I get another bottle of sake?". The barkeep looked at him and began to ponder whether it would be a good choice to give the man what he asked for, he would shrug, deciding that it would be better to give him the alcohol than to perhaps anger the shinigami. There really was no way to anger Shunsui, but the barkeep didn't know that as he put the bottle down on the table so that the two patrons could drink their fill. Shunsui would pour his bar partner for the night some before he poured himself some and after pouring the contents into the cups would begin to drink heavily from his glass. The white liquid would go down into his stomach, burning his mouth a bit, but quickly replacing the burning feeling with a sense of delight.

It had been a while since he had drank like this and looking over to his friend at the bar, a man who was only about five feet tall, and smelled of rotten fruit, he quickly thanked the Soul King for this time of peace that was going on currently in Soul Society. He needed a break from everything that happened so long ago and this fit the bill of course. "Hey look at that hotty who just walked in, Shunsui?", said his bar partner, he would turn to look around, and find Nanao looking around the bar for him. He would take a big gulp, knowing all too well he was about to receive a lecture, but since he was used to this sort of thing, he didn't mind. He began to count down silently in his head, he had learned that whenever she walked in a bar it was usually ten seconds before she was on his back about something, and sure enough she was over to him in ten seconds barking at him about how he had missed the meeting. He would nod his head, listening to her intently as if he was not drunk, and then he would quickly reply, "You know...you look cute when you are mad.". She would turn away from his as she usually did, but he knew she was blushing a bit, he had that effect on women even if he fully didn't understand why.

He would get up from the table and look over at his bar partner for the night, and then back to Nanao before dropping a bag full of coins on to the table for the man. "Use this to pay for the sake and please check yourself into a inn and get some sleep and a bath. You need to take care of yourself my friend.", Shunsui would say with his famous smile on his face. The man would look at him and thank him before Shunsui would walk out of the bar, Nanao quickly following him and talking at the same time. He would stop right outside the door and look at the sky before speaking to Nanao over his shoulder, "I'm sorry I missed the meeting, I will be there for the next one.". She of course could not stay mad at him and forgave him before the two of them went off into the night, their destination? Most likely another bar.

0-2 or 0-3+ Approved but Frost shall look over. ONLY FROST.

Moosey suggests 0-3+ or 0-2 =w=