Bleach Lorebook

1. #1Bleach

   Keys: Bleach

   All Bleach characters are "souls". Living Humans contain souls within their bodies, while disembodied souls, or spirits, have a form composed of particles of Reiryoku called Reishi (霊子, Spirit Particles), which otherwise mimics Human anatomy, aside from incredibly slowed aging (Rukia appears to be in her late teens, but is actually over 150 years old.). This form encompasses all of the spirit's being; there is no distinction between spirit and body. There are a variety of different types of spirits in Bleach, each with a different visual theme and approach to combat.

2. #2Shinigamiconstant

   Keys: Death God, Soul Reaper, Shinigami

   Shinigami (死神, death god(s); Viz "Soul Reaper(s)") are guardians of the souls who are going through the circle of transmigration. In ancient times, they were known as Balancers (調整者 (バランサー), Baransā; Japanese for "Regulators").[1][2] They purify Hollows who do evil in the World of the Living and ensure the safe crossing of souls - the Pluses who have lost their way after death - by giving them a soul burial.[3] Shinigami are the opposite of the Quincy. Shinigami are unearthly beings living in a world ruled by a different logic than the World of the Living. They possess high Reiryoku and a body of Reishi. They are invisible to those without spiritual powers.[5]

   When Souls with exceptional spiritual energy train their bodies, they reach the level of Shinigami. The most talented of them become affiliated with various organizations like the Gotei 13 and the Onmitsukidō. The majority of potential Shinigami are born among the residents of the Seireitei, but in some rare cases are born in the Rukongai.[6]

   Shinigami receive salaries, like workers in the Human World[7][8] and also earn bounties for defeating Hollows.[9] Retirement from further military duties can occur, though this is rare.

3. #3Zanpakutō

   Keys: Zanpakto, Zanjutsu, Spiritual Sword, Shinigami, Zanpakutō, Zanpakuto, Soul Slayer

   A Zanpakutō (斬魄刀, Soul-Cutter Sword; Viz "Soul Slayer") is the main weapon of the Shinigami, the Arrancar, and the Visored. The Shinigami art of wielding a Zanpakutō is called Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship). The Zanpakutō of low-ranking Shinigami are called Asauchi and do not have names, but the Zanpakutō of high-ranking Shinigami do have names. In its sealed state, a Zanpakutō has the form of a Japanese sword.[1] Such weapons are unique swords generated from their owner's souls. Its shape differs depending on its owner.[2]

   Zanpakutō are the trademark weapons of the Shinigami. Capable of cutting spiritual bodies, they are among the few weapons which can be used to combat Hollows. Each Shinigami carries a Zanpakutō, and each Zanpakutō is unique: the swords are reflections of a Shinigami's power and soul, and sentient beings unto themselves. The Zanpakutō's name is the name of the living spirit which empowers the sword and lends its strength to the Shinigami who wields it. These beings can vary greatly in appearance, and have their own distinct personalities, which are similar to their owner's.

   A Zanpakutō's shape and abilities are based on their Shinigami's soul. Once a Shinigami learns his/her Zanpakutō's name, they can communicate with one another and grow stronger together. Zanpakutō are born with their Shinigami, and they die along with their Shinigami. Shinigami use them in battle as a reflection of their heart. When released, they can display a vibrant power. They are one with the Shinigami, and they share a Shinigami's conviction.

4. #4Shikai

   Keys: Release, Shinigami, Shikai, Zanpakutō, Shikai Release, Zanpakuto

   Shikai (始解, Initial Release) is the second (or first upgraded) form available to a Zanpakutō. To activate it, the Shinigami needs to learn the name of their Zanpakutō. This is not as easy as simply picking a name, for the living spirit of the Zanpakutō already has its own name. The Shinigami must be able to communicate and harmonize with their Zanpakutō effectively, which requires being able to speak to the spirit within its world.[59] Gaining access to one's Shikai and releasing it for the first time is known as Manifestation (顕現, Kengen).[60]

   The blade changes shape and gains special abilities by chanting a Kaigo (解号, Release Call), or release incantation.[61] Using the Kaigo, followed by the name of the Zanpakutō, activates Shikai. It is crucial to memorize each phrase, as every Zanpakutō has a different incantation.[62]

   The commands vary between users and range from a simple imperative verb to a short poem. They often relate to the Zanpakutō's signature ability or hint at the nature of its spirit. This step may be bypassed by expert Shinigami who have learned how to use their Bankai.[63]

   By calling out a different name and Kaigo, a Zanpakutō will achieve a different release, which is weaker than by calling out the true name. This is usually done when the Shinigami in question wishes to conceal the true nature of their Zanpakutō, as Yumichika Ayasegawa does.[64]

   Achievement of the Shikai is a mark of control of a Zanpakutō, and it is a requirement for advancement within the Shinigami ranks, for most seated officers are capable of Shikai. It is particularly required in order to achieve the rank of lieutenant, as it is a requirement which most captains look for.

5. #5Bankai

   Keys: Bankai, Bankai Release, Zanpakutō, Zanpakuto, Sword Release

   Bankai (卍解, Final Release) is the second and final upgraded form of a Zanpakutō. Prior to Ichibē Hyōsube giving this form its name, it was known as a Shin'uchi (真打, True Strike), and when a Shinigami achieved it, they would possess an "Evolved Zanpakutō" (進化した斬魄刀, Shinkashita Zanpakutō).[65] 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.[66] Despite the Zanpakutō spirit being subjugated for their Shinigami to learn Bankai, the Zanpakutō also becomes stronger and learns Bankai at precisely the moment their Shinigami learns it.[67] Even though Bankai is the final stage of a Zanpakutō, it does not mean the Shinigami's growth ends there. A Bankai, especially one recently obtained, can evolve even further as its Shinigami gets stronger.[68] Furthermore, obtaining Bankai allows a Shinigami to release their Shikai without calling its name, although some Shinigami still choose to release their Shikai by calling its name.[69]

   The power and forms of Shikai and Bankai are dependent on the Zanpakutō and vary according to the wielder's strength and training, but the power of a Zanpakutō's Bankai is generally 5 to 10 times greater than that of its Shikai.[56] Only the strongest Shinigami can use it, and it is the ultimate technique of a Zanpakutō. Even the four noble families, whose members are always exceptionally talented, only have one member capable of Bankai every few generations. Those who achieve Bankai always have remarkable roles in the history of Soul Society.[70]

   Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara are the only known individuals who have attained Bankai through a far shorter, yet much more dangerous method. Using a special device created by Urahara, which forcibly materializes a Zanpakutō spirit (thus bypassing a large portion of the training), they attained their Bankai within three days instead of the normal ten or more years. After successfully testing the device and achieving Bankai, Urahara stated training by using this method for more than three consecutive days could prove to be fatal, which is why Ichigo was forced to achieve his own Bankai within three days.

6. #6Hollowconstant

   Keys: Horo, Hollow, Monster

   Hollows (虚ホロウ, Horō) are a race of creatures which are born from Human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their death 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. Hollow are former Pluses (deceased Human souls) who lose their hearts to despair or regret, or they remain in the Human World for too long. Any spirit who is not guided to Soul Society by a Shinigami via Konsō may eventually turn into a Hollow. Like Shinigami, Hollows have a multitude of combat skills and abilities, most of which are usually unique to specific Hollows. The more powerful Hollows, however, have access to a range similar techniques of greater power or use than their own unique skills. Hollows usually acquire energy to power their abilities by devouring souls, but smaller ones can ingest energy from the atmosphere when in realms with a high concentration of spiritual energy, such as Hueco Mundo.[37] To Quincy, a Hollow's spiritual power is essentially poison, and would destroy their souls completely should it enter their bodies, with no chance of even Hollowfication to occur.

7. #7Gillian

   Keys: Gillian, Hollow

   Gillian (最下大虚ギリアン, Girian; Japanese for "Lowest Great Hollow") are the first and weakest of all Menos. In Human terms, they would be considered foot soldiers. There are many of them, and they all look alike. In Soul Society, they are the "Menos" who are generally referred to in textbooks. Gillians are huge, but they are slow and have beast-like intellect. Any captain-level Shinigami can destroy them with ease.[25] Up to the point when Rukia Kuchiki meets Ichigo Kurosaki, she had only seen them in such textbooks, despite having been a Shinigami for many years. Gillians commonly attack in a group, and one is powerful enough to be a challenge for a Lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Gillians typically arrive in the Human World through the use of spatial distortions called Kūmon (空門, Air Gate).

8. #8Adjuchas

   Keys: Adjuchas, Hollow

   Adjuchas (中級大虚アジューカス, Ajūkasu; Japanese for "Intermediate Great Hollow") are the second classification of Menos. They are smaller than Gillians and far fewer in number. They are much smarter and stronger than Gillians, and are often the ones who lead Gillians into battle.[29] Adjuchas are commonly solitary creatures, rarely joining into groups. They are powerful enough to challenge a captain of the Gotei 13.

9. #9Vasto Lorde

   Keys: Vasto Lorde, Hollow

   Vasto Lorde (最上大虚ヴァストローデ, Vasuto Rōde; Japanese for "Highest Great Hollow") are the third classification of Menos and the highest level of evolution. They are extremely rare in number, and it is said that their entire number within Hueco Mundo can be counted with the fingers on one's hands. The combat capabilities of a Vasto Lorde are said to be above those of the captains of the Gotei 13.

10. #10Arrancar

    Keys: Arrancar, Arrancars, Hollow

    An Arrancar (破面アランカル, Arankaru; Spanish for "To Tear Off", Japanese for "Ripped Mask") is a Hollow that has removed its mask and has gained Shinigami-like powers. Arrancar are a group of Hollows that gained similar powers to that of a Shinigami by removing their masks. The individuals that Aizen turned into Arrancar using the Hōgyoku generally possess powers far beyond those of previous Arrancar, with some exceptions like Coyote Starrk and Ulquiorra Cifer.[2] Especially powerful Arrancar were assigned ten numbers by Sōsuke Aizen and came to be known as the Espada. The number that the Arrancar (with numbers 11 and above) have are not the order of their strength, but rather the order of their birth. First, via the Hōgyoku, they are reborn from Hollows into Arrancar. Then, according to the order in which they are born, they were assigned a number, starting with eleven. The Arrancar seal the nuclei of their abilities within the form of a sword. It is entirely different from what Shinigami use. When they release their Zanpakutō's seal, they unleash their true power and their true form.[12] The combat efficiency of an Arrancar with a released Zanpakutō is increased several times over.[13] Therefore, an Arrancar's release of their Zanpakutō is merely a temporary restoration to their former selves, granting them any powers their Hollow form possesses. The act of release is called Resurrección (帰刃レスレクシオン, Resurekushion; Spanish for "Resurrection", Japanese for "Returning Blade"), which is activated with a command phrase followed by the name of the sword. An Espada's Resurrección is claimed to be different from that of a normal Arrancar

11. #11Resurrección

    Keys: Transformation, Resurrección, Resurreccion, Espada, Arrancar, Transform, Hollow

    Resurrección (帰刃レスレクシオン, Resurekushion; Spanish for "Resurrection", Japanese for "Returning Blade") returns the essence of an Arrancar's offensive Hollow abilities to their humanoid bodies. Arrancar usually seal the nuclei of their abilities within the form of a sword, which is entirely different from what the Shinigami use. When they release their weapons' seals, they unleash their true power and their true form.[2] The Zanpakutō doesn't need to be fully drawn out from the sheath to activate Resurrección.[3] When Resurrección is completed, the Arrancar's prior injuries are healed.[4][5] The only time they can return to their humanoid form is when they reseal their powers in sword form. Changing their form without resealing their powers in a sword is the same as burning off an arm, and if they were to discard part of their released form, while in it, they can never return to normal again.[6] When deactivated due to the user being too injured to sustain it any longer, however, the Resurrección form simply dissipates as the user's Zanpakutō rematerializes, akin to a Shinigami and their Bankai.[7] Upon losing consciousness, Resurrección is deactivated and the Zanpakutō is reconstituted.[8][9] If the Zanpakutō is broken, Resurrección cannot be activated.[10]

    Most known Resurrección give the Arrancar user an animal-like appearance, but this is not always the case. While most unreleased Shinigami Zanpakutō take the form of a katana or wakizashi, there is a significantly broader range for Arrancar. Typical examples include a wide variety of melee weapons as sai, axes, or uniquely shaped weapons such as Nnoitra Gilga's double-crescent scythe-esque Zanpakutō. More exotic sealed states include organic appendages such as Aaroniero Arruruerie's Zanpakutō, or even an entire, sentient being such as Lilynette Gingerbuck being the Zanpakutō of Coyote Starrk.

    An Arrancar's release drastically increases the combat viability and power of the Arrancar in question, and allows them full access to all of their abilities. The post-release form usually reflects to varying degrees what the Arrancar looked like as a pure Hollow. A Resurrección restores an Arrancar to its "true" form, resulting in significantly various increases in speed, strength, stamina, durability and spiritual power, as well as allowing access to both more powerful variations of previous techniques and completely new abilities. Some Arrancar even gain new weapons as a part of their released form. An Arrancar's Resurrección completely reverts their Reiatsu from that of an Arrancar to that of a Hollow.

12. #12Hollowfication

    Keys: Hollowfication, Shinigami, Hollow

    Hollowfication (虚(ホロウ)化, Horōka) is the term used to describe the process by which the strength limit of a soul is increased by removing the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow. This allows one to gain tremendous power if their Hollowfication can be controlled, which is personified by an "inner Hollow" reflection of the person in their inner world. A Hollow-like mask appears when entering this state.[1] The term is synonymous with the act of donning a Hollow mask.

13. #13Kido

    Keys: Kido, Kidō, Shinigami

    Kidō (鬼道, Demon/Spirit Way; Viz "Demon Arts") is a form of Shinigami combat based on advanced spells. These spells are produced with strong Reiryoku and fall into two categories: Hadō for direct attacks, and Bakudō for battle support.[1] It is one of the techniques in the Zankensoki, the group of Shinigami primary combat skills. Kidō spells are triggered by an incantation. Experienced users can trigger them without an incantation, though the effectiveness of the spell may be diminished.[2]

    The Kidō Corps is a branch of Soul Society's military which excels in the mastery of Kidō.

14. #14Humanconstant

    Keys: Earthling, Mortal, Human

    The Humans of Bleach are much like the residents of modern Japan, and most cannot see or sense disembodied spirits in any way. Spirits can, however, inhabit artificial Human bodies called Gigai which are visible to ordinary Humans. One in 50,000 Humans is a medium with some awareness of nearby spirits, but only a third of these are able to see them clearly, and only the strongest of mediums are able to speak with or touch spirits.[2] Certain unique Humans, like the Fullbringers, naturally have both the power to sense and the strength to fight with spirits. Ordinary Humans can gain the ability to interact with spirits by spending time around a large source of spirit energy.

15. #15Quincyconstant

    Keys: Human, Quincy

    The Quincy (滅却師クインシー, Kuinshī; Japanese for "Monk of Destruction") are a race of spiritual beings (notably Humans) that inherited their spiritual powers from Yhwach; having the ability to detect the existence of Hollows and other Souls. Most of the Quincy were exterminated by the Shinigami over 200 years ago in order to prevent the collapse of the worlds due to the Quincy over-hunting and destroying all Hollows they encountered.[1] Quincy are the polar opposite of Shinigami. Quincy are spiritually aware Humans able to absorb and manipulate Reishi into spiritual weapons.

16. #16Reishi

    Keys: Spirit, Soul, Spirits, Reishi, Energy, Souls, Matter

    Reishi (霊子, Spirit Particles) is the main component material of Souls and all spiritual matter.

17. #17Schrift

    Keys: Ability, Holy Letter, Sternritter, Schrift, Power, Quincy

    A Schrift (聖文字シュリフト, Shurifuto; German for "Script", Japanese for "Holy Letter"; Viz "Sacred Letter") is the name given to the epithet corresponding to each Sternritter's particular ability. When promoted to the ranks of Sternritter, a Quincy of the Wandenreich undergoes a ceremony called the Engraving Ritual (刻印の儀式, Kokuin no Gishiki), involving the Quincy in question drinking a cup of Yhwach's blood, after which Yhwach is able to carve an initial of the power he wishes to bestow directly into the select individual's soul. In addition, the granted power returns to Yhwach should the Sternritter die.

18. #18Wandenreich

    Keys: Wandenreich, Quincy

    The Wandenreich (見えざる帝国ヴァンデンライヒ, Vandenraihi; German for "Walled Empire", Japanese for "Invisible Empire") is a hidden empire of the Quincy that were at war with Soul Society. 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". This is what was called 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.

19. #19Sternritter

    Keys: Sternritter, Wandenreich, Quincy

    The Sternritter (星十字騎士団シュテルンリッター, Shuterunrittā; German for "Star Knights", Japanese for "Star-Cross Knights' Order") are a group of powerful Quincy in the Wandenreich's army, who play a pivotal role in the invasion of Soul Society, being tasked with purging the Shinigami.

20. #20Jagdarmee

    Keys: Jagdarmee, Quincy

    The Jagdarmee (狩猟部隊ヤークトアルメー, Yākutoarumē; German for "Hunt(ing) Army", Japanese for "Hunting Corps"; Viz "Hunt Army") of Hueco Mundo 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.[17]

    The Jagdarmee is separated into numbered groups. The leader of the first Jagdarmee, the Executive Hunting Captain (統括狩猟隊長, Tōkatsu Shuryō Taichō), is Sternritter Quilge Opie.

21. #21Soldat

    Keys: Soldat, Quincy

    The military is comprised of a large number of skilled Soldat (聖兵ゾルダート, Zorudāto; German for "Soldier", Japanese for "Holy Soldier(s)"; Viz "Divine Warriors"). They can defeat low-ranked Shinigami with ease individually,[19] handle the Soul King Palace's Divine Soldiers,[20] and pose a threat to lieutenant-level opponents in groups.[21] Soldat wield long swords and the basic Heilig Bogen when in combat.

22. #22Medallion

    Keys: Sternritter, Wandenreich, Medallion, Quincy

    During their invasions of Soul Society, like various others within the Wandenreich, all Sternritter carry on their person a round device that is approximately the size of a person's palm and has the Wandenreich insignia etched into its surface. When activated, this device is capable of stealing a Shinigami's currently released Bankai in the immediate vicinity.[86] The medallion's owner can then proceed to use the stolen Bankai's power at will, even after the original owner of the Bankai has died.[87][88] However, they are unable to exploit this power fully, as noted by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto,[89] unless they train to control the Bankai which they stole.[90] Yhwach has commanded that the Sternritter who took the Bankai of a captain is the one who will kill the said captain

23. #23Reiatsu

    Keys: Reiatsu, Energy

    Reiatsu (霊圧, Spiritual Pressure) is the physical force/pressure that a person’s Reiryoku creates when released. Most Shinigami, Arrancar, Quincy and Bounts can manipulate the release of their Reiatsu. All Reiatsu released by individuals eventually returns to them, but Reiatsu released in explosive bursts also engulfs energy in its surroundings in the process. When two spiritual beings collide, the side with weaker Spiritual Pressure will get hurt. When a spiritual being of high Reiatsu chooses to, they can paralyze an opponent just by focusing Reiatsu through their stare or presence. In high enough quantities, Spiritual Pressure can be lethal to others.

24. #24Fracción

    Keys: Fracción, Fraccion, Espada

    Fracción (従属官フラシオン, Furashion; Spanish for "Fraction", Japanese for "Subordinate Officers") are Arrancar that serve a specific Espada. As proof of their status, the Espada have the right to select subordinates from among the Números to supervise directly. They can choose one or many Fracción, or even none at all.

25. #25Espada

    Keys: Espada

    The Espada (十刃エスパーダ, Esupāda; Spanish for "Sword", Japanese for "Ten Blades") are the ten top-ranked and most powerful Arrancar in Sōsuke Aizen's army of Hollows with Shinigami-like powers, serving as the primary opponents of the Gotei 13 captains during Aizen's war. The Espada are comprised of ten Arrancar with exemplary strength. Members of the Espada are given a number from 0-9.[1][2] The lower the number, the more Reiryoku the Espada has.[3] Each Espada has a tattoo with their number somewhere on them, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, whose tattoo is on his lower back,[4] and Coyote Starrk, whose tattoo is on the back of his left hand.[5] Along with Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, the Espada as a group possess comparable strength to Soul Society's Gotei 13 Shinigami captains. Their immense amount of power and leadership status among the Arrancar also grants each Espada the authority to exert command over Aizen's other forces within Las Noches: the Números, the Exequias,[7] and their own Fracción, chosen by them from the Números.

26. #26Shunpo

    Keys: Flashstep, Flash Steps, Flash Step, Blitz, Shunpo

    Shunpo (瞬歩, Flash Steps) is a movement technique which allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow.[3] As speed is the main factor of the technique, the method is best characterized by how fast one can get from point A to point B in the least amount of steps. Training and skill are what determines how fast a user of Shunpo can move. Users of little skill in the technique or those who have not used it for an extended period of time would obviously be out of practice, causing them to be considerably slower, which requires the use of more steps to move the same distance and become winded in a shorter amount of time.

27. #27Vollständig

    Keys: Vollstandig, Vollständig, Quincy

    Quincy: Vollständig takes on a variety of forms, but most commonly gives its user an angel-like appearance, with wing-like Reishi constructs and a star-like Quincy Zeichen for a halo, which is known as a Heiligenschein. Vollständig's are unique to every user of it, and gives different visual effects and powers per user

28. #28Seireitei

    Keys: Seireitei, Soul Society

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

29. #29Royal Realm

    Keys: Royal Realm, Seireitei, Quincy

    The Royal Realm is a pocket dimension hidden within the Seireitei itself. The opposite of the Seireitei, with a red sky and crystal-like blue buildings, along with a massive castle where the Quincy King resides

Showing 29 of 29

1 file

• .jsonjson_lorebookrebuilt

  42.7 KBfirst seen May 8, 20249ce4581ff798b2e8

  Download