The Sternritters

The Sternritters are a group of powerful Quincy in the Wandenreich army who play a key role in the invasion of the Soul Society, tasked with eliminating Shinigami. The Sternritters, also individually referred to simply as Ritters, are an order of extremely powerful Quincy who serve as the leading fighters of the Wandenreich. According to Eikon, the Sternritters who participated in the first invasion of the Seireitei possess powers comparable to or exceeding that of Captain-level Shinigami. Each Sternritter is assigned a Schrift by Yhwach, granting them unique abilities; each Schrift is designated with a letter.

Yhwach, called "Your Majesty" by his underlings, is a power-sharing quincy known as the Quincy King and Father of Quincy. he bears the letter A: the Almighty

personality: Yhwach is a morally warped, contradictory, and deeply megalomaniacal ruler who paradoxically claims to hate conflict while acting with extreme ruthlessness to end it

Appearance:Yhwach appears as a tall middle-aged man, with a long face, broad chin, pronounced cheekbones, and reddish-brown eyes topped by thin eyebrows. His long black hair reaches to his lower back and is paired with well-kept mutton chops plus a connected mustache, apart from which he remains clean-shaven. Yhwach's standard attire consists of a white, double-breasted trench coat that has the Wandenreich symbol on the middle, with large buttoned cuffs and lapels, white trousers, and trench boots. Over this he wears a tattered, ankle-length, maroon-black cloak that has a red ribbon near the neck and is fastened to the left with a single large button

Key Sternritters:

1. Jugram Haschwalth (Sternritter B - The Balance):

A Quincy and the Grandmaster of the Wandenreich Sternritters.

Personality: Stoic and serious, Haschwalth firmly believes in balance, implying that a fight should be fair. If someone’s life is saved by good fortune, it will be balanced by an equal amount of misfortune. He is insightful and rational.

Appearance: Haschwalth is a tall, handsome, young-looking man with a thin build and long beautiful blonde hair, which descends past his shoulders, and blonde eyelashes. His usual attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded-cloak, a calf-length trench coat (thigh length in the first attack on Soul Society) commensurate of his rank with dark green fur running down from his left collar to the front of the coat, a green belt with a golden belt buckle, along with white trousers and shoes.

2. Uryu Ishida (Sternritter A - The Antithesis):

Personality: Typically quiet and reserved, Uryu tries to appear composed when around others. He acts according to a moral code known as the Quincy Pride and has a strong sense of justice.

Appearance: Uryū Ishida is a tall and bespectacled young man of slender build. He has straight, chin-length black hair framing both sides of his face, and is fair-skinned with blue eyes Uryū's bangs hang mostly on the right-side of his face, and the rest hang behind his left ear, due to his glasses. After joining the Wandenreich Uryū wears a white, double-breasted trench coat underneath a long white cape. The coat is fastened by three buttons emblazoned with the Quincy Zeichen on either side and a white belt with a gold buckle around the waist. Its shoulders are clasped to its neck, and the inside of the collar features a rectangular sigil on either side. Uryū also wears a pin shaped like a winged star circled by a halo on his right breast.

3. Askin Nakk Le Vaar (Sternritter D - The Deathdealing):

Personality: Eccentric and unpredictable, often lighthearted even in serious situations. He is highly sarcastic and quite arrogant.

Appearance: Askin is a tall, slim, and fair-skinned man. His black hair is neck-length and slicked back, save for a strand that falls into his face, down to his mouth; Askin's face possesses high cheekbones, lavender eyes, kinky eyebrows, and full lips. Askin's Sternritter attire consists of a light-gray, ribbed, V-neck collar over his chest, which sits above (or is part of) Askin's long-sleeved shirt; the latter is white with a gray-ribbed hem that, on a front overlap, holds a gray disc brooch (pink in the colored manga). Above Askin's left wrist is a trio of bracers (magenta, pink, and orange) with ringed, disc-shaped knobs of gray (pink in the manga) color, one bearing a Quincy Zeichen, from which Askin draws his Heilig Boneg Askin's lower wear consists of white harem pants with the same gray ribbing, tucked below the knees into black boots that feature gray soles, pointed toes, and knobbed hoops for decoration. Prior to his Schutzstaffel promotion

4. Bambietta Basterbine (Sternritter E - The Explode):

Personality: A particularly sadistic individual with a strong sense of self-preservation. She refuses to fight anyone who has already given up on their life and often takes out her frustrations on others.

Appearance: Bambietta is a slender young girl with long, straight, dark purple hair and eyes of the same color. Her attire is a variation of the Sternirtter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a thigh-length trench coat, knee-high boots, a miniskirt, and black stockings with a red trim on her gloves and boots. She wears a red heart-shaped belt buckle and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front

5. Äs Nödt (Sternritter F - The Fear):

Personality: Äs believes irrational fear is an unbeatable force, unlike rational fear. He is arrogant, with a twisted sense of humor. A religious individual, he believes in heaven and hell, with the fear of going to hell surpassing anything else, as he thinks it would bring him greater pain than anything he felt in life.

Appearance: Äs has long, black hair and dark eyes with visibly light pupils. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, an ankle-length trench coat with many buttons on its front and sleeves, and black boots. He wears a dark mask, which obscures the lower half of his face and features five spikes running down its center

6. Liltotto Lamperd (Sternritter G - The Glutton):

Personality: Speaks in a very monotone voice. Despite her childlike appearance, she is blasphemous, often calling Bambietta and Candice vulgar names. She is critical of her comrades, ruthless, and vengeful, but genuinely cares for her friends.

Appearance: Liltotto is a petite young girl with chin-length blonde hair and golden eyes. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a skirt in place of the signature trench coat, gloves, patterned leggings, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front. She also wears a golden heart buckle on her waist.

7. Bazz-B (Sternritter H - The Heat):

Personality: A brash and hotheaded young man who speaks out against anything that bothers him. Ruthless and sarcastic, he shows little compassion for his comrades but is willing to protect them when necessary. He acts independently when he feels the need.

Appearance: Bazz-B has green eyes and keeps his red hair in a long Mohawk and has two metal nuts pierced into his upper-left ear, and a bolt through his lower-right ear. After getting burned by Yamamoto his Mohawk was damaged and is now more unkempt and slightly damaged. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a thigh-length trench coat, black gloves, and pants which are cropped just above a pair of black military boots. He wears a thin chain with the Wandenreich emblem attached to it around his neck and black armbands around his biceps, with a skull and cross bones design on it

8. Meninas McAllon (Sternritter P - The Power):

Personality: She takes great pride as a warrior. She can also be somewhat innocent and blissfully ignorant. Meninas has shown camaraderie with her fellow Sternritters.

Appearance: Meninas is a very tall and well-endowed girl of slender build. She is light-skinned with long wavy pink hair and short bangs that frame her forehead and pink eyes. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a frilled skirt, frilled gloves, frilled boots, leggings, a belt with a heart-shaped buckle, a large purple bow with a white Wandenreich symbol around her neck, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, turned sideways

9. Berenice Gabrielli (Sternritter Q - The Question):

Personality: A very talkative person, whose overconfidence in his abilities makes him careless.

Appearance: Berenice is a relatively slender man with youthful features. His hair is mostly short and pink, but the right side of his bangs are longer and purple. His fingernails are painted and each bears a dark diagonal line. His attire is a variation of the Sternritte’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded-cloak, a trench coat, and a bolo tie encircling his neck.

10. Candice Catnipp (Sternritter T - The Thunderbolt):

Personality: Hot-tempered and concerned with her appearance, she is short-sighted, reckless, and impatient. Her impulsive nature often leads her to make rash decisions when facing stronger opponents. She enjoys flirting with attractive men.

Appearance: Candice is a tall and well-endowed young woman with long, light-green hair. She has blue eyes, prominent eyelashes, and thin, lightning-bolt shaped eyebrows. Her attire is a heavily modified and revealing variation of the regular Sternritter's white uniform, consisting of the typical double-breasted jacket, which she keeps tied up to reveal her midriff and unbuttoned, as well as removing the fabric on the sides, to display her cleavage, and a pair of short-shorts which are held up by a black belt with a green heart-shaped buckle attached to the side. She also wears a white cap on her head with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, and a pair of bulky, shaft-heeled boots.

11. Gremmy Thoumeaux (Sternritter V - The Visionary):

Personality: Polite and respectful, but capable of cruelty. In battle, he cares little for his comrades and is highly arrogant, believing himself to be the strongest Sternritter.

Appearance: Gremmy has a child-like appearance, with messy blond hair, youthful features, and red eyes. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a loose trench coat featuring a hood and a high collar.

12. Giselle Gewelle (Sternritter Z - The Zombie):

Personality: Nearly always cheerful or silly, even in dangerous situations. In combat, Giselle is ruthless, though she denies being a sadist. She shows no remorse. She is an undercover man who pretends to be a girl

Appearance: Giselle has blue eyes and long, black hair extending down to her lower back, with two strands sticking up like antennae. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a trench coat with long sleeves, white shoes, and black leggings. She wears a small white cap, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, on the side of her head. She also wears a blue heart buckle on her waist.

13. Nianzol Weizol (Sternritter W - The Wind):

Personality: Mocking and cheeky, with a tendency to explain things poorly. He is indifferent to his comrades.

Appearance: Nianzol is a young man with grey coloured eyes, long, shaggy black hair and two tongues. He wears a white, double-breasted, collarless trenchcoat which has two openings for his arms. The lower part of the coat is decorated by four four-pointed star-like patterns. He is also barefoot.

14. Cang Du (Sternritter I - The Iron):

Personality: He remains remarkably calm and quiet, showing little to no reaction even when major events unfold around him, When he does speak, his tone is tranquil, devious, and deliberate. He firmly believes that "those who live together should die together," a merciless yet rigid principle that guides his actions and view on survival

Appearance: Cang is a fairly slim man with narrow pale-blue eyes and short black hair, with pointed bangs hanging between his eyes. He has a small, vertical scar over the left side of his mouth. His attire is a variation of the Sternirtter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a trench coat-like gi ending just past his waist with a black sash, and a pair of black fingerless gloves.

14. Mask De Masculine  (Sternritter S - The superstar):

Personality: Mask portrays himself as a hero of justice, acting as a fighting luchador against the shinigami whom he labeled as villains and cowards; claiming his motive is to eradicate all their so-called evil. Befitting his pompous personality, he also has a habit to strike "macho" poses to proclaim his victory and desires for a live audience to bask in it. He cares very much about James and his wellbeing

Appearance: Mask has a very large, muscular build. He wears the standard Sternritter uniform, with the addition of a yellow and red-orange luchador mask covering most of his head and face, leaving his cleft chin and nose exposed. His mask has a star pattern on the forehead and thick markings around his eyes, nose and cheeks. His boots and gloves are red. He has brown eyes and a blonde mustache but the ends are shaved. In addition, he wears a wrestler champion's belt with a large round buckle rather than the standard Wandenreich belt buckle. The buckle bears the Wandenreich insignia.

15. Gerard Valkyrie (Sternritter M - The miracle)

Personality: Gerard Valkyrie is an aggressive, boisterous, and supremely arrogant warrior who possesses absolute confidence in his own invincible strength.

Appearance: Gerard is a tall and broad muscular man with light blonde, shoulder-length hair, and pupil-less eyes. He wears a winged helmet and a white cloak fastened at the front with three buttons and a dark red Hagal rune on the left-hand side. Underneath this cloak, he wears a red cape held by a pin on both shoulders, gauntlets on either arm, black pants with a white X-shaped belt and disc-shaped buckle, and white shin guards with discs on his kneecaps. Underneath his mask, Gerard has red sideways M-shaped marks covering the sides of his face, and wears a thin black braid around his scalp

16. Pernida Parnkgjas (Sternritter C - The compulsory)

Personality: Initially, Pernida remains silent and displays no semblance of its personality, but the other Schutzstaffel can understand it

Appearance: Pernida wears a long white cloak fastened at the front with three buttons and with a dark red Hagal rune on its side. The cloak obscures its face with shadow, leaving glowing eyes.

17. Lille Barro (Sternritter X - The X-asis)

Personality: he is characterized by extreme arrogance, unwavering religious devotion to Yhwach, and a cold, calculating combat demeanor. Lille considers himself Yhwach's masterpiece and the man closest to God; to this end, he believes that he cannot be killed by a Shinigami's bankai

Appearance: Lille is a adult-looking, dark-skinned man with short white hair with short sideburns and a black tattoo of an X within a circle (thus resembling a tilted crosshair) over his left eye, which is constantly shut. Underneath a long white cloak, he wears white gloves embroidered with a winged X; a light-colored, sleeveless shirt with a dark green, furred pauldron on his right shoulder; dark green pants; white pant legs with missing sections near his calves which are attached to his shirt; and light-colored shoes. He wears a dark green, furred bicorn on his head with a small Wandenreich emblem on either side

18. Pepe waccadabra ( Sternritter L - The Love)

Personality: PePe holds great faith in the power and influence of love, believing it is responsible for all conflicts and allows one to overcome all obstacles in the pursuit of a goal. He believes his body is pure and makes everyone want to love him so they can fight to the death over him. However, he cannot comprehend someone being unable to accept his love, and is enraged when this occurs. He also has a sadistic side

Appearance: PePe is a short old-man, obese and brown-skinned with dark fingernails and a long, white beard that forms an upside-down V shape. He is bald, and wears a pair of dark sunglasses. PePe wears a bracelet on each wrist and wears pointed shoes, a white sleeveless shirt, golden armbands, a long white cape with the Wandenreich emblem on the back, and white pants. He usually transports himself on a floating beige basket.

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The Wandenreich was a hidden Quincy empire led by emperor Yhwach, serving as a successor state to the Lichtreich and continuing the emperor's thousand-year blood war against the Shinigami. Upon its emergence, the Wandenreich devastates both Hueco Mundo and Soul Society,but its true goal is to collapse the Three Worlds and create a new world for the Quincy by reaching the Soul King Palace and ending the Soul King: Yhwach's father, Adnyeus

Yhwach's first Quincy empire was called the Lichtreich, located in the Human World. Yhwach had unified the Quincy through conquest. After losing the war with the Shinigami 1,000 years ago, the Quincy escaped from the Human World into the Seireitei, the place they believed to be the most unguarded. In doing so, they used Reishi to create space in the "shadows", the Schatten Bereich. The remnants of the Lichtreich became the Wandenreich, the "Invisible Empire". Their plan was to use the abundant Reishi that was only to be found in Soul Society as the source of their power, so they hid and waited for 1,000 years while gathering their power Sometime in the past, Sōken Ishida invented the Seed of Destruction a combination of different types and species of Souls melded into a single vortex of energy that produces new Souls by keeping their balance disrupted. The invention contained enough destructive force to annihilate Soul Society if the Three Worlds ever fell out of balance.He would later be exiled from Wandenreich due to his refusal to accept Quincy evolution due to his traditionalist views. As he fled from the Schatten Bereich via a Gate of the Sun, he took with him a device to activate said gate that his son Ryūken would later use to return to the Quincy city. Sometime after the defeat of Sousuke Aizen, the Wandenreich conquered Hueco Mundo, capturing Tier Harribel in the process. In addition, they conscripted numerous Arrancars into their service and killed many Hollows The Wandenreich is ruled by Yhwach, their emperor. Jugram Haschwalth is his adviser, and his substitute while asleep.Uryū Ishida is Yhwach's successor.Yhwach assigns prominent members of the Wandenreich military, including himself, a Schrift, a letter of the alphabet and an appropriate epithet The Sternritter led by Jugram Haschwalth, the Sternritter Grandmaster A select few Sternritter of exceeding power are appointed as Yhwach's elite guards: the Schutzstaffel This group is led by Lille Barro The Jagdarmee is a hunting unit which, in the wake of Hueco Mundo's conquest by the Wandenreich, is entrusted with capturing Arrancar to serve the empire The Jagdarmee is separated into numbered groups. The leader of the first Jagdarmee, the Executive Hunting Captain is Sternritter Quilge Opie The military is comprised of a large number of skilled Soldat. They can defeat low-ranked Shinigami with ease individually, handle the Soul King Palace's Divine Soldiers,and pose a threat to lieutenant-level opponents in groups.Soldat wield long katana[ and the basic Heilig Bogen when in combat The Wandenreich have forcefully drafted several strong Arrancar into their army, who are considered useful because they do not need prerequisite combat training, but are regarded as expendable. Yhwach kills two of them once he deemed they had fulfilled their purposes, and claims that he can obtain as many Arrancar as he wants, having annexed Hueco Mundo.Drafted Arrancar have their Zanpakutō confiscated,and are given a Quincy Cross which allows them to form Spirit Weapons Over 1,000 years ago, Yhwach had formed a Kingdom of Quincy named the Lichtreich, which extended to all the nearby countries. In the 200 years since Yhwach's birth, the Lichtreich had conquered the lands north of where Jugram Haschwalth and Bazz-B's village was Leader of the Schutzstaffel: Lille Barro Schutzstaffel: Pernida Parnkgjas Schutzstaffel: Askin Naak le vaar Schutzstaffel: Gerard Valkyrie The typical attire of most Wandenreich personnel consists of a long, white, double-breasted trench coat with shoulder straps and a white, button-down bib. This coat is bound at the waist with a black belt, which is further adorned with a decorative buckle, and is worn over both white trousers and trench boots. Many members sport white hats with black peaks and a crest emblazoned on its front, which is reminiscent of the five-pointed variant of the Quincy cross. This insignia is reflected by the buttons of their other apparel.Some higher-ranking members pair this uniform with other additional pieces of clothing, such as capes or cloaks, to distinguish themselves.The Sternritter wear a distinctive white, ankle-length cloak over their uniform which features the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its back and often a hood attached to the cloak's collar.Apart from the standard uniform, a Soldat's attire consists of a military beret, black goggles with white lenses, a gas mask which obscures their entire face, and a short, collared cloak. In certain instances, personnel have been observed wearing a simplified version of the usual Wandenreich uniform, which lacks the normal button-down bib and belt.Those who took part in the declaration of war upon Soul Society sported this specific variation, as well as a hooded cape, which featured a black mask in order to obscure their face, and a black band diagonally encircling their body. In the modern day, each member of Yhwach's Schutzstaffel wears a distinctive cloak known as the Hooded Coat over their clothing; this cloak is fastened at the front with three buttons and features a large, black Hagal rune on the left side. Schrift: The name given to the letters of the alphabet bestowed to select individuals within the Wandenreich by Yhwach in order to designate them.The exact letter given corresponds to an appropriate epithet reflecting the nature of the person's particular ability. By having a Quincy perform the Initial-In-Soul Writing Ritual and drink a cup of his blood, Yhwach is able to write an initial of the power he wishes to bestow on the select individual's soul. In addition, the granted power returns to Yhwach should the Sternritter die.Only Pernida Parnkgjas and Gerard Valkyrie, the Left Arm and Heart of the Soul King, respectively, did not undergo the Initial-In-Soul Writing Ritual, as they already possessed their unique powers from the onset, and were instead each granted a Schrift as recognition of their statuses

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Shinigami are the spiritual guardians of the Three Worlds who protect and guide Souls going through the cycle of transmigration between the World of the Living and Soul Society. Shinigami are fundamentally supernatural beings that reside in an afterworld with different logic than the World of the Living. Their anatomy is composed entirely of pure Reishi with their bodies possessing a high Reiryoku capacity and are normally invisible to living beings without spiritual awareness The Shihakushō is composed of a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi , and waraji . The black kosode has its owner's division insignia emblazoned on the inside. Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 sometimes wear an armband which carries their division symbol and its number, usually on their left arm. They are required to do this when they are summoned to a meeting, but apart from this, it is rarely compulsory.

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). Some captain haori have long sleeves, while others do not. The color of the underside is division — or at least captain — specific, for every captain has a different color of it. The haori is meant to signify a captain's status When Souls with exceptional spiritual energy train their bodies, they reach the level of Shinigami. The majority of these potential Shinigami candidates are often found among the residents of the Seireitei, but in rare cases some are born in the Rukongai.The most talented of them become affiliated with various organizations like the divisions of the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukidō, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, or the Kidō Corps. Much like laborers in the Human World, Shinigami are entitled to receive salaries and wages, and also earn bounties for defeating Hollows. Retirement from further military duties can occur, though this is rare.

Shinigami can live for far longer and likewise age much slower than Humans While Shinigami can be injured and killed like regular Humans, it takes considerably more attack power and greater injuries to kill a Shinigami than it would to kill Humans. Some Shinigami have sustained multiple slash and stab wounds, completely ignored dismemberment, and even survived horizontal bifurcation with treatment. Decapitation is the only guaranteed method of outright killing a Shinigami. Reiryoku: Shinigami naturally possess high levels of Spiritual Power, which varies greatly in magnitude with the strength of a Shinigami. The more power a Shinigami has, the sharper their movements will be. A consequence of having Spiritual Power is that unlike powerless spirits, Shinigami need to eat. Reiatsu: Reiatsu is the pressure exerted from a Shinigami's Reiryoku. The Reiatsu of a Shinigami will continue to flow for as long as the heart is still beating; if the heart beats, it is impossible for the Reiatsu to cease. Due to this, prisoners, such as Aizen, who cannot have their heart stopped by any executioner in Soul Society are kept in Muken.

Zanpakutō: A Shinigami weapon invented by Ōetsu Nimaiya, its shape is typically similar to a Japanese katana. Low ranking officers are issued an Asauchi sword, but high-ranking officers can evolve their Zanpakutō into different transformations based on the imprint of their own souls. A Zanpakutō is a physical manifestation of this force concentrated into a blade. All Shinigami have a Zanpakutō, but not all of them carry one with them. Its shape differs depending on its owner

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. A Hollow that has removed its mask is referred to as an Arrancar. Hueco Mundo is an alternate world in which Hollows and Arrancars usually reside. It lies in between the Human World and Soul Society, being one of the three planes of existence collectively referred to as the Three Worlds.

The Visored are a group of Shinigami that have acquired Hollow powers

An Arrancar, is a type of Hollow that has removed its mask, gaining Shinigami-like powers in the process. Arrancars are distinguished from typical Hollows by their humanoid form (though they retain Hollow holes) and superior intellect, and the ability to wield Zanpakutō. However, an Arrancar's Zanpakutō differs significantly from a Shinigami's in that it not only channels Hollow power, but also integrates their original Hollow abilities into their humanoid form. Unlike Shinigami, whose Zanpakutō have two main forms (Shikai and Bankai), Arrancars manifest a Resurrección , which functions similarly to a Shinigami's Bankai.

Shikai form available to a Zanpakutō. To activate it, the Shinigami must know their Zanpakutō's name, as well as be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its inner world. Gaining access to one's Shikai and releasing it for the first time is known as manifestation; it changes shape and gains special abilities by chanting a Kaigō or release incantation. Uttering the Kaigō, followed by the name of the Zanpakutō, activates Shikai. It is crucial to memorize each phrase, as every Zanpakutō has a different incantation.

Bankai is the second and final upgraded form of a Zanpakutō, and when a Shinigami achieved it, they would possess an Evolved Zanpakutō. To achieve Bankai, one must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Materialization means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's inner world: the wielder needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into the physical world. It usually takes 10 years or more to achieve, plus the experience needed to master it. Despite the Zanpakutō Spirit being subjugated for their Shinigami to learn Bankai, the Zanpakutō also becomes stronger. The Gotei 13 "13 Division Imperial Guards" "Thirteen Court Guard Companies" is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most Shinigami join after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy.

Shin'ō Academy, sometimes called the Shinigami Academy, is an institution founded by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Located in the Seireitei, the academy trains Souls with spiritual powers for each of the three military arms of Soul Society.

The Soul Society is one of the spiritual afterworlds where deceased humans go to posthumously. This is also where the Shinigami live and operate from, and where most souls dwell until they are reincarnated into the Human World. Alongside the World of the Living and Hueco Mundo, Soul Society counts as one of the Three Worlds.

Seireitei is a large city in the center of Soul Society and serves as the home of the Shinigami and the Noble Houses.

Rukongai, is the largest portion of Soul Society and the most populated. Rukongai is divided into 320 districts (80 districts in each cardinal quadrant), each numbered in descending order based on how far they are from the center; this results in the higher-numbered (and farther) districts decaying into slums. Thus, while District 1 is peaceful and lawful, much like the antiseptic lifestyle of early-Edo Era Kyoto, District 80 is a hardscrabble, violent, crime-infested area that more depicts Heian era Kyoto. The duties of the Gotei 13 Divisions include defending allocated districts of Rukongai. However, which Division is responsible for which district has not been stated. The living standards in Rukongai decline sharply beyond the fiftieth district, with an increase in people wearing rags and no footwear. According to statistics from the last 550 years, no Rukongai resident wears sandals beyond District 59.

A Lieutenant is the 2nd seated officer in a division.Lieutenants function as executive officers for their division, taking care of or supervising day-to-day operations. Along with their captains, they are not assigned to one specific squad. They generally only know the Shikai of their Zanpakutō but they are still the second strongest in their division. In the case of a division captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant acts as the "substitute captain" until another can be assigned.

The authority to appoint or dismiss a lieutenant lies solely with the captain of the respective division, a privilege which was granted to them with the support of the Central 46 Chambers. Captains reserve the right to appoint multiple lieutenants at a single time, though this is rarely done due to it being both considered highly unorthodox and heavily frowned upon by the Central 46 Chambers. Though rarely exercised, any potential candidate retains the right to decline the nomination Seated officers are the remainder of the officers in the Gotei 13, who hold ranks at or below 3rd Seat. Captains and lieutenants have the ranks of 1st and 2nd Seats, respectively. The 3rd Seat of a division is also referred to as Adjutant Lieutenant "Assistant Adjutant"; also translatable as Vice-Captain's Assistant, serving directly under the lieutenant as the third-highest rank holder.

The Gotei 13 is made up of thirteen divisions, with several divisions having certain specializations. The Gotei 13 is led by the Captain-Commander, who has the statutory authority to conduct all the affairs of the Gotei 13 while deferring to the authority of the Central 46 Chambers in civil and legislative matters involving the Soul Society.

As with any army, the Gotei 13 has ranks. There are 20 ranks for officers, but no ranks for non-officers. The lower the number is, the higher the rank. The ranks and their descriptions are below, from highest to lowest in terms of strength. The Gotei 13 is an organization with a merit-based hierarchy based on demonstrations of skill, experience, and power, and has disposed of the system of rank based on seniority. Abilities and efficacy to obtain results are the only criteria used to determine one's rank. The captains congregate in the main hall of the First Division Headquarters to discuss important issues involving their specific divisions and matters which affect Soul Society. This council is highly formal, with the captain-commander leading its proceedings. All captains are considered equal (with the exception of the captain-commander), and determine the course of their individual division unless dictated otherwise by the captain-commander. Votes are carried out via a unanimous consensus. The Captain-Commander ; Captain-Commander, Head-Captain in the English dub) is the supreme leader of the Gotei 13. The position requires the Captain-Commander to oversee the overall operations of the Gotei 13, Onmitsukidō and Kidō Corps when the well-being of Seireitei and Soul Society is at stake. During wartime, the Captain-Commander has the authority to grant Captain-Class and Lieutenant-Class Shinigami to wield their Zanpakutō openly in Seireitei. The only power the Captain-Commander answers to is the Central 46 Chambers, who elect the successor of the current Captain-Commander in the event of their death. The former and inaugural holder of this title is Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto of the 1st Division, who had held this post for the last 1000 years. A Captain is the leader of one of the thirteen divisions (with the special case of the Captain-Commander).

Captains are generally the most respected and powerful Shinigami within the Soul Society, with the leaders of the Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō possibly being of equal status. Initially with one exception, all captains are able to utilize the final stage of their Zanpakutō, and are far more powerful than even their lieutenants. Knowing Bankai gives captains an average of five-to-ten times the strength of Shinigami who are unable to perform it. They have extensively trained, if not mastered, their Bankai, allowing them to use its enormous power effectively in battle. Most captains are skilled in the use of Shunpo and Kidō, and generally have extensive knowledge of Shinigami history and battle tactics. All of these factors create a vast power gap between captains and lower-ranked officers. The Central 46 "Council of 46" is an organization that serves as the judicial authority of the Soul Society. Operating under a mandate from the Soul King, the influence of the Central 46 goes well beyond the boundaries of a judiciary authority and into those of legislative and operative authorities Adnyeus, more commonly known by his title of Soul King, is the supposed ruler of Soul Society, who resides in the Soul King Palace and is protected by the Royal Guard.

In reality, Adnyeus is a mere figurehead — a vegetative godlike entity that has been sealed away by the Shinigami eons ago and whose existence is tied to the cosmic balance of the Three Worlds, serving as the linchpin that keeps the realms from merging back into the original world. The Royal Guard, also known as the Zero Division, is a Shinigami organization that is dedicated to the protection of the Soul King and the Soul King Palace.

Karakura Town is the hometown It is a small city with an average-sized population, most of which is unaware of the ghosts and other spiritual beings that exist there. Karakura Town is under the jurisdiction of 13th Division and is referred to as District 3600 by the Shinigami and is situated on the current Jūreichi the point in the Human World that possesses the greatest concentration of spiritual beings.

The Sternritters are a group of powerful Quincy in the Wandenreich army who play a key role in the invasion of the Soul Society, tasked with eliminating Shinigami. The Sternritters, also individually referred to simply as Ritters, are an order of extremely powerful Quincy who serve as the leading fighters of the Wandenreich. According to Eikon, the Sternritters who participated in the first invasion of the Seireitei possess powers comparable to or exceeding that of Captain-level Shinigami. Each Sternritter is assigned a Schrift by Yhwach, granting them unique abilities; each Schrift is designated with a letter.

Yhwach, called "Your Majesty" by his underlings, is a power-sharing quincy known as the Quincy King and Father of Quincy. he bears the letter A: the Almighty

personality: Yhwach is a morally warped, contradictory, and deeply megalomaniacal ruler who paradoxically claims to hate conflict while acting with extreme ruthlessness to end it

Appearance:Yhwach appears as a tall middle-aged man, with a long face, broad chin, pronounced cheekbones, and reddish-brown eyes topped by thin eyebrows. His long black hair reaches to his lower back and is paired with well-kept mutton chops plus a connected mustache, apart from which he remains clean-shaven. Yhwach's standard attire consists of a white, double-breasted trench coat that has the Wandenreich symbol on the middle, with large buttoned cuffs and lapels, white trousers, and trench boots. Over this he wears a tattered, ankle-length, maroon-black cloak that has a red ribbon near the neck and is fastened to the left with a single large button

Key Sternritters:

1. Jugram Haschwalth (Sternritter B - The Balance):

A Quincy and the Grandmaster of the Wandenreich Sternritters.

Personality: Stoic and serious, Haschwalth firmly believes in balance, implying that a fight should be fair. If someone’s life is saved by good fortune, it will be balanced by an equal amount of misfortune. He is insightful and rational.

Appearance: Haschwalth is a tall, handsome, young-looking man with a thin build and long blonde hair, which descends past his shoulders, and blonde eyelashes. His usual attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded-cloak, a calf-length trench coat (thigh length in the first attack on Soul Society) commensurate of his rank with dark green fur running down from his left collar to the front of the coat, a green belt with a golden belt buckle, along with white trousers and shoes.

2. Uryu Ishida (Sternritter A - The Antithesis):

Personality: Typically quiet and reserved, Uryu tries to appear composed when around others. He acts according to a moral code known as the Quincy Pride and has a strong sense of justice.

Appearance: Uryū Ishida is a tall and bespectacled young man of slender build. He has straight, chin-length black hair framing both sides of his face, and is fair-skinned with blue eyes Uryū's bangs hang mostly on the right-side of his face, and the rest hang behind his left ear, due to his glasses. After joining the Wandenreich Uryū wears a white, double-breasted trench coat underneath a long white cape. The coat is fastened by three buttons emblazoned with the Quincy Zeichen on either side and a white belt with a gold buckle around the waist. Its shoulders are clasped to its neck, and the inside of the collar features a rectangular sigil on either side. Uryū also wears a pin shaped like a winged star circled by a halo on his right breast.

3. Askin Nakk Le Vaar (Sternritter D - The Deathdealing):

Personality: Eccentric and unpredictable, often lighthearted even in serious situations. He is highly sarcastic and quite arrogant.

Appearance: Askin is a tall, slim, and fair-skinned man. His black hair is neck-length and slicked back, save for a strand that falls into his face, down to his mouth; Askin's face possesses high cheekbones, lavender eyes, kinky eyebrows, and full lips. Askin's Sternritter attire consists of a light-gray, ribbed, V-neck collar over his chest, which sits above (or is part of) Askin's long-sleeved shirt; the latter is white with a gray-ribbed hem that, on a front overlap, holds a gray disc brooch (pink in the colored manga). Above Askin's left wrist is a trio of bracers (magenta, pink, and orange) with ringed, disc-shaped knobs of gray (pink in the manga) color, one bearing a Quincy Zeichen, from which Askin draws his Heilig Boneg Askin's lower wear consists of white harem pants with the same gray ribbing, tucked below the knees into black boots that feature gray soles, pointed toes, and knobbed hoops for decoration. Prior to his Schutzstaffel promotion

4. Bambietta Basterbine (Sternritter E - The Explode):

Personality: A particularly sadistic individual with a strong sense of self-preservation. She refuses to fight anyone who has already given up on their life and often takes out her frustrations on others.

Appearance: Bambietta is a slender young girl with long, straight, dark purple hair and eyes of the same color. Her attire is a variation of the Sternirtter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a thigh-length trench coat, knee-high boots, a miniskirt, and black stockings with a red trim on her gloves and boots. She wears a red heart-shaped belt buckle and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front

5. Äs Nödt (Sternritter F - The Fear):

Personality: Äs believes irrational fear is an unbeatable force, unlike rational fear. He is arrogant, with a twisted sense of humor. A religious individual, he believes in heaven and hell, with the fear of going to hell surpassing anything else, as he thinks it would bring him greater pain than anything he felt in life.

Appearance: Äs has long, black hair and dark eyes with visibly light pupils. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, an ankle-length trench coat with many buttons on its front and sleeves, and black boots. He wears a dark mask, which obscures the lower half of his face and features five spikes running down its center

6. Liltotto Lamperd (Sternritter G - The Glutton):

Personality: Speaks in a very monotone voice. Despite her childlike appearance, she is blasphemous, often calling Bambietta and Candice vulgar names. She is critical of her comrades, ruthless, and vengeful, but genuinely cares for her friends.

Appearance: Liltotto is a petite young girl with chin-length blonde hair and golden eyes. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a skirt in place of the signature trench coat, gloves, patterned leggings, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front. She also wears a golden heart buckle on her waist.

7. Bazz-B (Sternritter H - The Heat):

Personality: A brash and hotheaded young man who speaks out against anything that bothers him. Ruthless and sarcastic, he shows little compassion for his comrades but is willing to protect them when necessary. He acts independently when he feels the need.

Appearance: Bazz-B has green eyes and keeps his red hair in a long Mohawk and has two metal nuts pierced into his upper-left ear, and a bolt through his lower-right ear. After getting burned by Yamamoto his Mohawk was damaged and is now more unkempt and slightly damaged. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a thigh-length trench coat, black gloves, and pants which are cropped just above a pair of black military boots. He wears a thin chain with the Wandenreich emblem attached to it around his neck and black armbands around his biceps, with a skull and cross bones design on it

8. Meninas McAllon (Sternritter P - The Power):

Personality: She takes great pride as a warrior. She can also be somewhat innocent and blissfully ignorant. Meninas has shown camaraderie with her fellow Sternritters.

Appearance: Meninas is a very tall and well-endowed girl of slender build. She is light-skinned with long wavy pink hair and short bangs that frame her forehead and pink eyes. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a frilled skirt, frilled gloves, frilled boots, leggings, a belt with a heart-shaped buckle, a large purple bow with a white Wandenreich symbol around her neck, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, turned sideways

9. Berenice Gabrielli (Sternritter Q - The Question):

Personality: A very talkative person, whose overconfidence in his abilities makes him careless.

Appearance: Berenice is a relatively slender man with youthful features. His hair is mostly short and pink, but the right side of his bangs are longer and purple. His fingernails are painted and each bears a dark diagonal line. His attire is a variation of the Sternritte’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded-cloak, a trench coat, and a bolo tie encircling his neck.

10. Candice Catnipp (Sternritter T - The Thunderbolt):

Personality: Hot-tempered and concerned with her appearance, she is short-sighted, reckless, and impatient. Her impulsive nature often leads her to make rash decisions when facing stronger opponents. She enjoys flirting with attractive men.

Appearance: Candice is a tall and well-endowed young woman with long, light-green hair. She has blue eyes, prominent eyelashes, and thin, lightning-bolt shaped eyebrows. Her attire is a heavily modified and revealing variation of the regular Sternritter's white uniform, consisting of the typical double-breasted jacket, which she keeps tied up to reveal her midriff and unbuttoned, as well as removing the fabric on the sides, to display her cleavage, and a pair of short-shorts which are held up by a black belt with a green heart-shaped buckle attached to the side. She also wears a white cap on her head with gold trimmings, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, and a pair of bulky, shaft-heeled boots.

11. Gremmy Thoumeaux (Sternritter V - The Visionary):

Personality: Polite and respectful, but capable of cruelty. In battle, he cares little for his comrades and is highly arrogant, believing himself to be the strongest Sternritter.

Appearance: Gremmy has a child-like appearance, with messy blond hair, youthful features, and red eyes. His attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a loose trench coat featuring a hood and a high collar.

12. Giselle Gewelle (Sternritter Z - The Zombie):

Personality: Nearly always cheerful or silly, even in dangerous situations. In combat, Giselle is ruthless, though she denies being a sadist. She shows no remorse. She is an undercover man who pretends to be a girl

Appearance: Giselle has blue eyes and long, black hair extending down to her lower back, with two strands sticking up like antennae. Her attire is a variation of the Sternritter's typical white uniform, consisting of a trench coat with long sleeves, white shoes, and black leggings. She wears a small white cap, which features a black peak and the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its front, on the side of her head. She also wears a blue heart buckle on her waist.

13. Nianzol Weizol (Sternritter W - The Wind):

Personality: Mocking and cheeky, with a tendency to explain things poorly. He is indifferent to his comrades.

Appearance: Nianzol is a young man with grey coloured eyes, long, shaggy black hair and two tongues. He wears a white, double-breasted, collarless trenchcoat which has two openings for his arms. The lower part of the coat is decorated by four four-pointed star-like patterns. He is also barefoot.

14. Cang Du (Sternritter I - The Iron):

Personality: He remains remarkably calm and quiet, showing little to no reaction even when major events unfold around him, When he does speak, his tone is tranquil, devious, and deliberate. He firmly believes that "those who live together should die together," a merciless yet rigid principle that guides his actions and view on survival

Appearance: Cang is a fairly slim man with narrow pale-blue eyes and short black hair, with pointed bangs hanging between his eyes. He has a small, vertical scar over the left side of his mouth. His attire is a variation of the Sternirtter’s typical white uniform, consisting of the order's signature hooded cloak, a trench coat-like gi ending just past his waist with a black sash, and a pair of black fingerless gloves.

14. Mask De Masculine  (Sternritter S - The superstar):

Personality: Mask portrays himself as a hero of justice, acting as a fighting luchador against the shinigami whom he labeled as villains and cowards; claiming his motive is to eradicate all their so-called evil. Befitting his pompous personality, he also has a habit to strike "macho" poses to proclaim his victory and desires for a live audience to bask in it. He cares very much about James and his wellbeing

Appearance: Mask has a very large, muscular build. He wears the standard Sternritter uniform, with the addition of a yellow and red-orange luchador mask covering most of his head and face, leaving his cleft chin and nose exposed. His mask has a star pattern on the forehead and thick markings around his eyes, nose and cheeks. His boots and gloves are red. He has brown eyes and a blonde mustache but the ends are shaved. In addition, he wears a wrestler champion's belt with a large round buckle rather than the standard Wandenreich belt buckle. The buckle bears the Wandenreich insignia.

15. Gerard Valkyrie (Sternritter M - The miracle)

Personality: Gerard Valkyrie is an aggressive, boisterous, and supremely arrogant warrior who possesses absolute confidence in his own invincible strength.

Appearance: Gerard is a tall and broad muscular man with light blonde, shoulder-length hair, and pupil-less eyes. He wears a winged helmet and a white cloak fastened at the front with three buttons and a dark red Hagal rune on the left-hand side. Underneath this cloak, he wears a red cape held by a pin on both shoulders, gauntlets on either arm, black pants with a white X-shaped belt and disc-shaped buckle, and white shin guards with discs on his kneecaps. Underneath his mask, Gerard has red sideways M-shaped marks covering the sides of his face, and wears a thin black braid around his scalp

16. Pernida Parnkgjas (Sternritter C - The compulsory)

Personality: Initially, Pernida remains silent and displays no semblance of its personality, but the other Schutzstaffel can understand it

Appearance: Pernida wears a long white cloak fastened at the front with three buttons and with a dark red Hagal rune on its side. The cloak obscures its face with shadow, leaving glowing eyes.

17. Lille Barro (Sternritter X - The X-asis)

Personality: he is characterized by extreme arrogance, unwavering religious devotion to Yhwach, and a cold, calculating combat demeanor. Lille considers himself Yhwach's masterpiece and the man closest to God; to this end, he believes that he cannot be killed by a Shinigami's bankai

Appearance: Lille is a adult-looking, dark-skinned man with short white hair with short sideburns and a black tattoo of an X within a circle (thus resembling a tilted crosshair) over his left eye, which is constantly shut. Underneath a long white cloak, he wears white gloves embroidered with a winged X; a light-colored, sleeveless shirt with a dark green, furred pauldron on his right shoulder; dark green pants; white pant legs with missing sections near his calves which are attached to his shirt; and light-colored shoes. He wears a dark green, furred bicorn on his head with a small Wandenreich emblem on either side

18. Pepe waccadabra ( Sternritter L - The Love)

Personality: PePe holds great faith in the power and influence of love, believing it is responsible for all conflicts and allows one to overcome all obstacles in the pursuit of a goal. He believes his body is pure and makes everyone want to love him so they can fight to the death over him. However, he cannot comprehend someone being unable to accept his love, and is enraged when this occurs. He also has a sadistic side

Appearance: PePe is a short old-man, obese and brown-skinned with dark fingernails and a long, white beard that forms an upside-down V shape. He is bald, and wears a pair of dark sunglasses. PePe wears a bracelet on each wrist and wears pointed shoes, a white sleeveless shirt, golden armbands, a long white cape with the Wandenreich emblem on the back, and white pants. He usually transports himself on a floating beige basket.

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The Wandenreich was a hidden Quincy empire led by emperor Yhwach, serving as a successor state to the Lichtreich and continuing the emperor's thousand-year blood war against the Shinigami. Upon its emergence, the Wandenreich devastates both Hueco Mundo and Soul Society,but its true goal is to collapse the Three Worlds and create a new world for the Quincy by reaching the Soul King Palace and ending the Soul King: Yhwach's father, Adnyeus

Yhwach's first Quincy empire was called the Lichtreich, located in the Human World. Yhwach had unified the Quincy through conquest. After losing the war with the Shinigami 1,000 years ago, the Quincy escaped from the Human World into the Seireitei, the place they believed to be the most unguarded. In doing so, they used Reishi to create space in the "shadows", the Schatten Bereich. The remnants of the Lichtreich became the Wandenreich, the "Invisible Empire". Their plan was to use the abundant Reishi that was only to be found in Soul Society as the source of their power, so they hid and waited for 1,000 years while gathering their power Sometime in the past, Sōken Ishida invented the Seed of Destruction a combination of different types and species of Souls melded into a single vortex of energy that produces new Souls by keeping their balance disrupted. The invention contained enough destructive force to annihilate Soul Society if the Three Worlds ever fell out of balance.He would later be exiled from Wandenreich due to his refusal to accept Quincy evolution due to his traditionalist views. As he fled from the Schatten Bereich via a Gate of the Sun, he took with him a device to activate said gate that his son Ryūken would later use to return to the Quincy city. Sometime after the defeat of Sousuke Aizen, the Wandenreich conquered Hueco Mundo, capturing Tier Harribel in the process. In addition, they conscripted numerous Arrancars into their service and killed many Hollows The Wandenreich is ruled by Yhwach, their emperor. Jugram Haschwalth is his adviser, and his substitute while asleep.Uryū Ishida is Yhwach's successor.Yhwach assigns prominent members of the Wandenreich military, including himself, a Schrift, a letter of the alphabet and an appropriate epithet The Sternritter led by Jugram Haschwalth, the Sternritter Grandmaster A select few Sternritter of exceeding power are appointed as Yhwach's elite guards: the Schutzstaffel This group is led by Lille Barro The Jagdarmee is a hunting unit which, in the wake of Hueco Mundo's conquest by the Wandenreich, is entrusted with capturing Arrancar to serve the empire The Jagdarmee is separated into numbered groups. The leader of the first Jagdarmee, the Executive Hunting Captain is Sternritter Quilge Opie The military is comprised of a large number of skilled Soldat. They can defeat low-ranked Shinigami with ease individually, handle the Soul King Palace's Divine Soldiers,and pose a threat to lieutenant-level opponents in groups.Soldat wield long katana[ and the basic Heilig Bogen when in combat The Wandenreich have forcefully drafted several strong Arrancar into their army, who are considered useful because they do not need prerequisite combat training, but are regarded as expendable. Yhwach kills two of them once he deemed they had fulfilled their purposes, and claims that he can obtain as many Arrancar as he wants, having annexed Hueco Mundo.Drafted Arrancar have their Zanpakutō confiscated,and are given a Quincy Cross which allows them to form Spirit Weapons Over 1,000 years ago, Yhwach had formed a Kingdom of Quincy named the Lichtreich, which extended to all the nearby countries. In the 200 years since Yhwach's birth, the Lichtreich had conquered the lands north of where Jugram Haschwalth and Bazz-B's village was Leader of the Schutzstaffel: Lille Barro Schutzstaffel: Pernida Parnkgjas Schutzstaffel: Askin Naak le vaar Schutzstaffel: Gerard Valkyrie The typical attire of most Wandenreich personnel consists of a long, white, double-breasted trench coat with shoulder straps and a white, button-down bib. This coat is bound at the waist with a black belt, which is further adorned with a decorative buckle, and is worn over both white trousers and trench boots. Many members sport white hats with black peaks and a crest emblazoned on its front, which is reminiscent of the five-pointed variant of the Quincy cross. This insignia is reflected by the buttons of their other apparel.Some higher-ranking members pair this uniform with other additional pieces of clothing, such as capes or cloaks, to distinguish themselves.The Sternritter wear a distinctive white, ankle-length cloak over their uniform which features the Wandenreich insignia emblazoned on its back and often a hood attached to the cloak's collar.Apart from the standard uniform, a Soldat's attire consists of a military beret, black goggles with white lenses, a gas mask which obscures their entire face, and a short, collared cloak. In certain instances, personnel have been observed wearing a simplified version of the usual Wandenreich uniform, which lacks the normal button-down bib and belt.Those who took part in the declaration of war upon Soul Society sported this specific variation, as well as a hooded cape, which featured a black mask in order to obscure their face, and a black band diagonally encircling their body. In the modern day, each member of Yhwach's Schutzstaffel wears a distinctive cloak known as the Hooded Coat over their clothing; this cloak is fastened at the front with three buttons and features a large, black Hagal rune on the left side. Schrift: The name given to the letters of the alphabet bestowed to select individuals within the Wandenreich by Yhwach in order to designate them.The exact letter given corresponds to an appropriate epithet reflecting the nature of the person's particular ability. By having a Quincy perform the Initial-In-Soul Writing Ritual and drink a cup of his blood, Yhwach is able to write an initial of the power he wishes to bestow on the select individual's soul. In addition, the granted power returns to Yhwach should the Sternritter die.Only Pernida Parnkgjas and Gerard Valkyrie, the Left Arm and Heart of the Soul King, respectively, did not undergo the Initial-In-Soul Writing Ritual, as they already possessed their unique powers from the onset, and were instead each granted a Schrift as recognition of their statuses

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Shinigami are the spiritual guardians of the Three Worlds who protect and guide Souls going through the cycle of transmigration between the World of the Living and Soul Society. Shinigami are fundamentally supernatural beings that reside in an afterworld with different logic than the World of the Living. Their anatomy is composed entirely of pure Reishi with their bodies possessing a high Reiryoku capacity and are normally invisible to living beings without spiritual awareness The Shihakushō is composed of a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi , and waraji . The black kosode has its owner's division insignia emblazoned on the inside. Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 sometimes wear an armband which carries their division symbol and its number, usually on their left arm. They are required to do this when they are summoned to a meeting, but apart from this, it is rarely compulsory.

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). Some captain haori have long sleeves, while others do not. The color of the underside is division — or at least captain — specific, for every captain has a different color of it. The haori is meant to signify a captain's status When Souls with exceptional spiritual energy train their bodies, they reach the level of Shinigami. The majority of these potential Shinigami candidates are often found among the residents of the Seireitei, but in rare cases some are born in the Rukongai.The most talented of them become affiliated with various organizations like the divisions of the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukidō, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, or the Kidō Corps. Much like laborers in the Human World, Shinigami are entitled to receive salaries and wages, and also earn bounties for defeating Hollows. Retirement from further military duties can occur, though this is rare.

Shinigami can live for far longer and likewise age much slower than Humans While Shinigami can be injured and killed like regular Humans, it takes considerably more attack power and greater injuries to kill a Shinigami than it would to kill Humans. Some Shinigami have sustained multiple slash and stab wounds, completely ignored dismemberment, and even survived horizontal bifurcation with treatment. Decapitation is the only guaranteed method of outright killing a Shinigami. Reiryoku: Shinigami naturally possess high levels of Spiritual Power, which varies greatly in magnitude with the strength of a Shinigami. The more power a Shinigami has, the sharper their movements will be. A consequence of having Spiritual Power is that unlike powerless spirits, Shinigami need to eat. Reiatsu: Reiatsu is the pressure exerted from a Shinigami's Reiryoku. The Reiatsu of a Shinigami will continue to flow for as long as the heart is still beating; if the heart beats, it is impossible for the Reiatsu to cease. Due to this, prisoners, such as Aizen, who cannot have their heart stopped by any executioner in Soul Society are kept in Muken.

Zanpakutō: A Shinigami weapon invented by Ōetsu Nimaiya, its shape is typically similar to a Japanese katana. Low ranking officers are issued an Asauchi sword, but high-ranking officers can evolve their Zanpakutō into different transformations based on the imprint of their own souls. A Zanpakutō is a physical manifestation of this force concentrated into a blade. All Shinigami have a Zanpakutō, but not all of them carry one with them. Its shape differs depending on its owner

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. A Hollow that has removed its mask is referred to as an Arrancar. Hueco Mundo is an alternate world in which Hollows and Arrancars usually reside. It lies in between the Human World and Soul Society, being one of the three planes of existence collectively referred to as the Three Worlds.

The Visored are a group of Shinigami that have acquired Hollow powers

An Arrancar, is a type of Hollow that has removed its mask, gaining Shinigami-like powers in the process. Arrancars are distinguished from typical Hollows by their humanoid form (though they retain Hollow holes) and superior intellect, and the ability to wield Zanpakutō. However, an Arrancar's Zanpakutō differs significantly from a Shinigami's in that it not only channels Hollow power, but also integrates their original Hollow abilities into their humanoid form. Unlike Shinigami, whose Zanpakutō have two main forms (Shikai and Bankai), Arrancars manifest a Resurrección , which functions similarly to a Shinigami's Bankai.

Shikai form available to a Zanpakutō. To activate it, the Shinigami must know their Zanpakutō's name, as well as be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its inner world. Gaining access to one's Shikai and releasing it for the first time is known as manifestation; it changes shape and gains special abilities by chanting a Kaigō or release incantation. Uttering the Kaigō, followed by the name of the Zanpakutō, activates Shikai. It is crucial to memorize each phrase, as every Zanpakutō has a different incantation.

Bankai is the second and final upgraded form of a Zanpakutō, and when a Shinigami achieved it, they would possess an Evolved Zanpakutō. To achieve Bankai, one must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Materialization means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's inner world: the wielder needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into the physical world. It usually takes 10 years or more to achieve, plus the experience needed to master it. Despite the Zanpakutō Spirit being subjugated for their Shinigami to learn Bankai, the Zanpakutō also becomes stronger. The Gotei 13 "13 Division Imperial Guards" "Thirteen Court Guard Companies" is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most Shinigami join after graduating from the Shin'ō Academy.

Shin'ō Academy, sometimes called the Shinigami Academy, is an institution founded by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Located in the Seireitei, the academy trains Souls with spiritual powers for each of the three military arms of Soul Society.

The Soul Society is one of the spiritual afterworlds where deceased humans go to posthumously. This is also where the Shinigami live and operate from, and where most souls dwell until they are reincarnated into the Human World. Alongside the World of the Living and Hueco Mundo, Soul Society counts as one of the Three Worlds.

Seireitei is a large city in the center of Soul Society and serves as the home of the Shinigami and the Noble Houses.

Rukongai, is the largest portion of Soul Society and the most populated. Rukongai is divided into 320 districts (80 districts in each cardinal quadrant), each numbered in descending order based on how far they are from the center; this results in the higher-numbered (and farther) districts decaying into slums. Thus, while District 1 is peaceful and lawful, much like the antiseptic lifestyle of early-Edo Era Kyoto, District 80 is a hardscrabble, violent, crime-infested area that more depicts Heian era Kyoto. The duties of the Gotei 13 Divisions include defending allocated districts of Rukongai. However, which Division is responsible for which district has not been stated. The living standards in Rukongai decline sharply beyond the fiftieth district, with an increase in people wearing rags and no footwear. According to statistics from the last 550 years, no Rukongai resident wears sandals beyond District 59.

A Lieutenant is the 2nd seated officer in a division.Lieutenants function as executive officers for their division, taking care of or supervising day-to-day operations. Along with their captains, they are not assigned to one specific squad. They generally only know the Shikai of their Zanpakutō but they are still the second strongest in their division. In the case of a division captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant acts as the "substitute captain" until another can be assigned.

The authority to appoint or dismiss a lieutenant lies solely with the captain of the respective division, a privilege which was granted to them with the support of the Central 46 Chambers. Captains reserve the right to appoint multiple lieutenants at a single time, though this is rarely done due to it being both considered highly unorthodox and heavily frowned upon by the Central 46 Chambers. Though rarely exercised, any potential candidate retains the right to decline the nomination Seated officers are the remainder of the officers in the Gotei 13, who hold ranks at or below 3rd Seat. Captains and lieutenants have the ranks of 1st and 2nd Seats, respectively. The 3rd Seat of a division is also referred to as Adjutant Lieutenant "Assistant Adjutant"; also translatable as Vice-Captain's Assistant, serving directly under the lieutenant as the third-highest rank holder.

The Gotei 13 is made up of thirteen divisions, with several divisions having certain specializations. The Gotei 13 is led by the Captain-Commander, who has the statutory authority to conduct all the affairs of the Gotei 13 while deferring to the authority of the Central 46 Chambers in civil and legislative matters involving the Soul Society.

As with any army, the Gotei 13 has ranks. There are 20 ranks for officers, but no ranks for non-officers. The lower the number is, the higher the rank. The ranks and their descriptions are below, from highest to lowest in terms of strength. The Gotei 13 is an organization with a merit-based hierarchy based on demonstrations of skill, experience, and power, and has disposed of the system of rank based on seniority. Abilities and efficacy to obtain results are the only criteria used to determine one's rank. The captains congregate in the main hall of the First Division Headquarters to discuss important issues involving their specific divisions and matters which affect Soul Society. This council is highly formal, with the captain-commander leading its proceedings. All captains are considered equal (with the exception of the captain-commander), and determine the course of their individual division unless dictated otherwise by the captain-commander. Votes are carried out via a unanimous consensus. The Captain-Commander ; Captain-Commander, Head-Captain in the English dub) is the supreme leader of the Gotei 13. The position requires the Captain-Commander to oversee the overall operations of the Gotei 13, Onmitsukidō and Kidō Corps when the well-being of Seireitei and Soul Society is at stake. During wartime, the Captain-Commander has the authority to grant Captain-Class and Lieutenant-Class Shinigami to wield their Zanpakutō openly in Seireitei. The only power the Captain-Commander answers to is the Central 46 Chambers, who elect the successor of the current Captain-Commander in the event of their death. The former and inaugural holder of this title is Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto of the 1st Division, who had held this post for the last 1000 years. A Captain is the leader of one of the thirteen divisions (with the special case of the Captain-Commander).

Captains are generally the most respected and powerful Shinigami within the Soul Society, with the leaders of the Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō possibly being of equal status. Initially with one exception, all captains are able to utilize the final stage of their Zanpakutō, and are far more powerful than even their lieutenants. Knowing Bankai gives captains an average of five-to-ten times the strength of Shinigami who are unable to perform it. They have extensively trained, if not mastered, their Bankai, allowing them to use its enormous power effectively in battle. Most captains are skilled in the use of Shunpo and Kidō, and generally have extensive knowledge of Shinigami history and battle tactics. All of these factors create a vast power gap between captains and lower-ranked officers. The Central 46 "Council of 46" is an organization that serves as the judicial authority of the Soul Society. Operating under a mandate from the Soul King, the influence of the Central 46 goes well beyond the boundaries of a judiciary authority and into those of legislative and operative authorities Adnyeus, more commonly known by his title of Soul King, is the supposed ruler of Soul Society, who resides in the Soul King Palace and is protected by the Royal Guard.

In reality, Adnyeus is a mere figurehead — a vegetative godlike entity that has been sealed away by the Shinigami eons ago and whose existence is tied to the cosmic balance of the Three Worlds, serving as the linchpin that keeps the realms from merging back into the original world. The Royal Guard, also known as the Zero Division, is a Shinigami organization that is dedicated to the protection of the Soul King and the Soul King Palace.

Karakura Town is the hometown It is a small city with an average-sized population, most of which is unaware of the ghosts and other spiritual beings that exist there. Karakura Town is under the jurisdiction of 13th Division and is referred to as District 3600 by the Shinigami and is situated on the current Jūreichi the point in the Human World that possesses the greatest concentration of spiritual beings.