Fem Shinji Hirako

Shinji Hirako is the captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13. She also served as a recruiter and the de facto leader of the Visored. She was also a captain over 100 years ago prior to her exile and was reinstated to her old post sometime after the battle against Sousuke Aizen. Shinji has brown eyes and her hair was very long and blonde, reaching down to the lower part of her back. She wore the standard Shinigami shihakushō with a standard, long-sleeved, captain's haori with the japanese Kanji for 5 on the back. Shinji is easygoing, nonchalant, and somewhat comical; adding a bit of levity to situations that are otherwise serious while normally speaking in a Kansai dialect. She has a flippant attitude under normal circumstances and seems to like annoying her associate, Hiyori Sarugaki, which usually earns her a slap from one of his sandals. He, in turn, shows her absolutely no respect and frequently insults and attacks her; her behavior towards him is no better, frequently making faces or quick insults at his expense. She also has a history of referring to cute boys she meets as her 'first love', complete with a deadpan look on her face, despite the obvious lie (though she never did this with Hiyori, further annoying him). She also enjoys listening to jazz music, as she had a phonograph that played her vinyl records in her days as a captain. Underneath this, though, she is quite perceptive in terms of regarding other people, and during her time as a captain, was one of the few people who appeared suspicious of her then-lieutenant Sousuke Aizen, and could sense or see through some of her illusions. She also quickly notes parts of Urahara's personality. Aizen even admitted to being somewhat intimidated by her. Whenever angered or in combat, Shinji is fairly calm, serious, and level-headed. Approximately 110 years ago, Shinji, in her capacity as the 5th Division captain, was preparing to attend Kisuke Urahara's promotion ceremony when she was interrupted by her lieutenant, Sousuke Aizen. Shinji questioned Aizen's sense of fashion upon seeing that he was only wearing his standard Shinigami robes, prompting the two to start a debate of the necessity of wearing different clothes considering the event. When Aizen commented on the music Shinji was listening to, Shinji explained that it was jazz and it was all the rage in the World of the Living at the time. The two made their way to the First Division Headquarters to attend the promotion ceremony. Upon the doors opening Shinji was ambushed by Lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki of the 12th Division, though he was soon reprimanded by Captain Love Aikawa of the 7th Division. When Shinji finally gathered herself, she began to taunt Hiyori enraging him even further. As the group proceeded inside, Shinji asked Love what the head count was looking like for the ceremony, to which Love responded that almost everyone was already there. Shinji stated that she saw that no one from the 11th Division had shown up. Love explained that was the Eleventh Division's captain's way, as he did what he wanted. Shinji replied by saying just because he was the 10th 'Kenpachi', no one had the guts to keep him in check. She went on to say that she could not understand why they let such a loose cannon like him become captain. Love tried to ease her explaining that there was no use getting upset over it, as the chosen 'Kenpachi' had always held the position of the 11th Division captain, as it was a sort of legacy and it would not change any time soon. Love went on to say that if Shinji wanted to complain about anything, then she should complain about the fact that the previous Kenpachi's ineptitude made it possible. The two captain's conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the 8th Division captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, his lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru, and 13th Division captain, Jūshirō Ukitake. Shunsui accused the two of gossiping behind other people's backs. Shinji then bore witness to the conversation between Shunsui and Ukitake about who had been captain the longest and what had happened to the previous 12th Division captain, Kirio Hikifune. She made note that they were going through captains quicker than toilet paper. Shinji was later seen waiting in line with the other captains as the newly appointed 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara arrived to the meeting. She was noticeably unimpressed at the demeanor and first impression Urahara made at his promotion ceremony. Later the following night, she approached Urahara and told him why Hiyori was giving him problems: he had looked up at his previous captain as a mentor and a mother-figure. Shinji continued by giving him advice on how best to go about being a captain. She then remarked to Urahara that she could tell he wasn't the type who did what other people told him anyway, so it didn't matter what she said. Either way Shinji explained that she felt Urahara was the same kind of man as like her, so he should just meddle in his own business. While leaving Shinji asked, "How long do you plan on watching us from over there". Using her hand, Shinji revealed Aizen concealed behind some form of camouflage, Aizen complimented his captain and asked her when did she realize he was there, to which Shinji replied "When you were still in your momma's womb"; she then ordered Aizen to follow her. Aizen then commented on how scary a person Shinji was, to which Shinji replies that he was the scary one. Nine years later, Shinji and Aizen were walking around the Seireitei when they came across Urahara, Hiyori, and 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While Shinji once again engaged in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori, Aizen asked Urahara if he had heard the news to which Urahara tells him he hadn't. Shinji proceeded to take up the tale and told Urahara about the series of strange deaths that had taken place in Rukongai. Shinji also informed him that the 9th Division had been sent to handle the investigation. Later that night, Shinji was dispatched with Love Aikawa, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, Hachigen Ushōda, and Lisa Yadōmaru to investigate the disappearance of Rukongai residents, Captain Kensei Muguruma and the members of his division by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Upon arrival at the investigation sight, Shinji fended off what appeared to be a Hollowfied Kensei from attacking Hiyori, who had been sent there to collect samples by request of the 9th Division. With the arrival of the rest of the investigation squad, they pondered whether the creature was actually Kensei with Shinji stating that she didn't know if it was Kensei, but that if they didn't draw their swords they would be as good as dead. After Kensei let out a loud roar, Shinji picked up Hiyori and backed up, she then watched as Love proceeded to engage Kensei in battle. When Hiyori pleaded with them to stop fighting because it was Kensei, he began to cough. Shinji told him to be quiet as they had to stop him especially if it was Kensei. When a Hollowfied Mashiro Kuna appeared behind Rose and attacked him, Shinji called out to her so that her attention would be directed at herself instead. Mashiro proceeded towards Shinji and attacked her, but she blocked her. She was assisted by the timely arrival of Hachi who used Bakudō #75. "Gochūtekkan" to subdue her. Hachi commented on how fast the others were in getting there. Hachi noticed Love having a hard time fighting a Hollowfied Kensei and used Bakudō #63. "Sajō Sabaku" to restrain him as well. He then asked Shinji what was going on and what had happened to Mashiro and Kensei, but they were interrupted by Kensei breaking free. As Kensei proceeded to attack the others Hachi used Bakudō #99. "Kin" to finally bring Kensei down. Shinji commented to Hachi that she was impressed that he used a level 99 binding spell without the incantation. Shinji then asked Hachi if he could fix Kensei and Mashiro with Kidō, but Hachi plainly told her that he couldn't if he didn't know what the problem was. Suddenly, Hiyori began to cough uncontrollably, Shinji asked if he was alright and told Hachi to start with him first, but she was interrupted by Hiyori who began to choke out that he wanted her to let him go. Hiyori then Hollowfied and attacked Shinji with a slash across her chest much to everyone's disbelief. It was then that a darkness falls around the rescue squad and they were attacked by an unseen assailant. Shinji was the only one conscious after this and upon the darkness lifting, she saw the assailant to be Kaname Tōsen, Muguruma's 5th seat. Shinji asked him how could he betray his captain, it was then that Shinji's attention was caught by the arrival of Aizen and Gin Ichimaru. Aizen explains that he had not betrayed anyone and that he was very faithful and he had just faithfully followed his orders. Shinji admitted she wasn't as surprised as she let on and Aizen asked if she suspected him and stated that he had expected that much from his captain. Shinji then explained how she knew something was dangerous about Aizen, and that he couldn't be trusted. It was for those reasons that Shinji chose him to be her lieutenant: so that she could keep an eye on him. Aizen then told her that he was grateful, as due to her deep seated doubts she didn't suspect a thing. When Shinji stated that she already made it known that she had suspected him, Aizen elaborated stating that he didn't realize that the whole past month, it wasn't Aizen walking behind her. Aizen proceeded to explain the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. Aizen informed Shinji that if she was as close to Aizen as other captains were to their lieutenants, then she would have been able to see through it by picking up on subtle differences between Aizen and the man acting as Aizen's double. It was her lack of trust that kept them from getting close and as such, allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. He also explained that he could have always refused to be Shinji's lieutenant, but decided against that action because Shinji's suspicious nature made the position ideal to carry out his plans. Aizen thus laid the blame for Shinji and her comrades' current predicament at the feet of Shinji. Shinji was provoked by this statement and that triggered a speed-up in the Hollowfication process. Aizen thanked her for being so easily provoked and makes a note of the observed connection between the speed of Hollowfication and agitated emotions. Shinji asked Aizen what Hollowfication is, but Aizen refused to speak on it any further. He then ordered Tōsen to finish them and after Hiyori was attacked, Shinji faced off against Tōsen. Shinji stated that she did not know what was going on, but she assumed that nothing had gone exactly as planned just yet. She then remembered that Aizen said agitation speeds up the process, so she resolved to remain calm and level-headed. She began to battle Tōsen beating the traitor back. Shinji continued to battle and soon gained the upper hand sending Tōsen crashing into the ground. But before Shinji could continue the fight, the Hollowfication process advanced further and incapacitated her. Just as Aizen was about to finish off Shinji, Captain Kisuke Urahara and Kidō Captain Tessai Tsukabishi of the Kidō Corps, appeared and saved her from destruction. Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen made their escape and Tessai used Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport the rescue squad to the 12th Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using his created item, the Hōgyoku. Unfortunately, it ended up as a failure, not having the desired effect Urahara expected. The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46. The Hollowfied Shinigami were sentenced to execution as Hollows. However, before any of their sentences could be executed, both were rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground area. In the secluded area, she had also brought Shinji and the other Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the Real World, where they hoped to find a way to undo the Hollowfication process. Sakanade (逆撫, Counter Stroke): In its sealed form, it resembles a normal katana. The hilt and sheath are green, and its guard is shaped like an hourglass. Shikai: The release command is "Collapse" (倒れろ, taorero). In its Shikai state, the pommel becomes a large ring that allows Sakanade to rotate around Shinji's hand without him actually gripping any part of the Zanpakutō. This movement relates to his sword's special ability. The first few inches of the blade are covered by an extension of the cross-guard. Sakanade's blade is straight and slim, with the tip ending in a slanted razor-like edge instead of being tapered to a point. There are five holes along the sword's length. Bankai: Sakashima Yokoshima Happōfusagari (逆様邪八宝塞, Reversed Evil Eight Treasure Blockade): When activated, Sakanade in Bankai is nearly identical to its Shikai, but the tip of the blade is replaced with a sharp ring which matches the one on the base of its hilt. A large golden flower construct manifests around Shinji himself, with its petals fully enveloping him inside to shield him for the duration of the Bankai. A pink mist then diffuses from atop the flower, covering a wide radius across its surroundings. Hollow Mask: Shinji's Hollow mask strongly resembles a pharaoh's mask, with a short, flowing hood hanging down the back of his neck. When donning his Hollow mask, Shinji's sclera turn completely black, and his irises become grey. The Gotei 13 is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most Shinigami join after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy. The Visored are a group of Shinigami that have acquired Hollow powers. Following the battle at the Fake Karakura Town, they have become central combatants against Sousuke Aizen and his Espada. Shinigami are guardians of the souls who are going through the circle of transmigration between the World of the Living and Soul Society. Hollows are a race of masked spiritual creatures which are born from human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their deaths and stay in the Human World for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers which devour the souls of both living and deceased humans. Hollows settle in Hueco Mundo, but can cross over to the Human World and Soul Society. Hollows are the opposite of humans and the Japanese counterparts to London's Dragons. A Hollow that has removed its mask is referred to as an Arrancar. A shihakushō is the standard Shinigami uniform worn by all members of the Gotei 13 as well as the Royal Guard. The Shihakushō is composed of a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama m, a white hakama-himo, white tabi, and waraji. Captains additionally wear a white haori over the usual black Shinigami clothes, with the number of their division on the back inside the Gotei 13 symbol (a rhombus). The Zanpakutō is the main weapon of the Shinigami, used for various purposes such as defeating Hollows, sending spirits to the afterlife, or traveling through the Three Worlds. Apart from Shinigami, Hollows that have removed their masks and gained Shinigami powers, known as Arrancars, also wield Zanpakutō, though an Arrancar's Zanpakutō is fundamentally different from a Shinigami's. The art of wielding a Zanpakutō is called Zanjutsu, one of the four Shinigami combat styles in the Zankensoki.