Shunsui Kyōraku (The Thousand-Year Blood War arc)

Shunsui is a laid-back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress and general attitude, and is usually smiling. In his off time, he often drinks sake in bars and naps. He likes steamed buns that go with sake, but dislikes powdered green tea. Other times, he likes to chase after women; particularly his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, whom he calls "Nanao-Chan" (Lil' Nanao in the English Dub) and his former lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru. Shunsui tends to use a more casual speech style than many other captains. He generally refers to his fellow captains and Shinigami by their first name followed by an honorific. He wrote a romance novel titled "Rose-colored Path", which runs in Seireitei Communication, but is very unpopular. Shunsui does not receive a single fan letter or gift for his birthday from his readers, but he is not bothered by this at all.[4]

Shunsui is a peace-loving man who will always try to talk his way out of battles, though he does not wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. He has a great distaste for fighting, telling Love Aikawa that "it doesn't matter whether you owe someone or they owe you; as soon as you start fighting, you are in the wrong either way."[5] The slightly eccentric Shunsui also seems to like making an impression on opponents.[6] Though Shunsui tries to talk his way out of a fight, he will fight when the situation demands it, such as in his battle with Coyote Starrk. When Starrk asked that they only pretend to fight, he declined the offer, though noted that he prefers to do the same.[7] Shunsui maintains a level of honor and integrity when engaging in battle. He refuses to fight with children or even in the presence of a child.[8] He also dislikes taking the life of innocent people, as he left Chad alive when Nanao offered to kill him.[9] He always maintains a veil of respect for his opponent, is polite in combat situations[10] and prefers to fight one on one.[11] When fighting powerful opponents, like Starrk or Aizen, Shunsui rarely loses his cool, going as far as to make small talk and joke around with his opponents.

Despite being one of the strongest and oldest captains, Shunsui retains a level of humility and is not overly arrogant about his strength, acknowledging that Tōshirō Hitsugaya has the potential to become stronger than himself given enough time.[12][13]

Upon being promoted to Captain-Commander, Shunsui is willing to make highly risky and controversial decisions in order to obtain results, despite knowing he would be reprimanded, such as appointing two lieutenants and teaching Zaraki Zanjutsu,[14] or temporarily releasing Aizen from Muken to assist their battle against Wandenreich.[15]

However, Shunsui also harbors a deep sense of guilt over the misfortune that has afflicted those close to him, such as the death of his brother and the execution of Nanao's mother and considers it a burden too heavy for him to carry alone.[16]

Shunsui is a tall, light-skinned Shinigami with high cheekbones, grey eyes and long wavy brown hair. His hair is tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He also has a noticeable amount of body hair on his chest, feet, and arms. He wears a Sugegasa straw hat and a pink, flowered lady's kimono, which he drapes across his shoulders and over his Shihakushō. Although his haori and obi sash are cheap, his pin-wheel hairpins are very expensive. He does not wear tabi with his sandals. He has thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. Over a hundred years before Sōsuke Aizen's defection, Shunsui only had facial hair on his upper mouth. After the battle with the Wandenreich, Shunsui wears an eyepatch over his right eye that was damaged during the conflict. The top half of his right ear is sliced off at a slight tilt with a scar along his right temple.[2]

As a child, Shunsui had shorter and messier hair. He wore a flower patterned kimono.[3] Shunsui is the second son of the high-ranking noble Kyōraku family. While Shunsui was still a young boy, his older brother, Shunzan, married the head of the Ise Clan, Isuzu. Though Shunsui and his brother did not really get along, living with his brother became more comfortable, and Shunsui would visit him often. At one point, Shunsui found his brother receiving a hairpin from Isuzu and noted that he has mellowed out in his old age, only to be informed that this was the kindness of Isuzu at work.[17] After his brother died, during which he was entrusted with hairpins that formerly belonged to Isuzu,[18] Shunsui was entrusted with the Zanpakutō of the Ise family by his brother's widow, and his Zanpakutō Spirit created a second spirit to store it.[19] Shunsui was assured by Isuzu that he would not suffer from carrying Shinken Hakkyōken and that he was the only one outside of her own family whom she could trust.[20]

Despite being of such old and prestigious lineage, he disliked studying and training, and preferred to chase the ladies, although being told by Captain-Commander Yamamoto that he was able to see the truth and was wise for his age. Because of this, he was sent against his will to the Shin'ō Reijutsu Academy (Shinigami Academy). At some point in Shunsui's Academy days, Shunsui trespassed into Yamamoto's room. After being chastised by Yamamoto, he asked about the painting in his room, and Yamamoto replies that it was a monster that caused strife when it was around.[21] While there, he came to know Jūshirō Ukitake, who would become his best friend and fellow captain. He, along with Jūshirō Ukitake, was one of the first Shinigami to become a captain through the Shinigami Academy. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto.[22][23] He and Ukitake are the oldest captains among the Gotei 13, with the exception of Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto himself. It was stated that the four of them have been captains of the Gotei 13 for at least 100 years, as of 110 years before the current time.[24]

At some point during his academy days, Shunsui was informed by Ukitake that Isuzu had been executed for losing one of the cared treasures, which prompted him to admit that he preferred to learn of such things sooner rather than later.[25]

110 years ago he had a unique relationship with his Lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru: in contrast to his relationship with his current Lieutenant Nanao Ise, Lisa was more outgoing and perverted in a way much like his own personality, but he found that his position required him to be the "adult" in the situation.[26] He was also the first to casually mention, to a curious Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen, that the previous 12th Division captain was promoted to the Royal Guard.[27] He was also present at the promotion ceremony of the newly appointed 12th Division Captain Kisuke Urahara.[28]

9 years later, Shunsui was present at an emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He decided to create an investigative team to locate the missing 9th Division squad members. When he gave out the orders, Yamamoto ordered Shunsui to guard the Seireitei.[29] When Yamamoto decided to send both Kidō Captain Tessai Tsukabishi and Kidō Lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda of the Kidō Corps, Shunsui instead advised him to send only Hachi and replaced Tessai with his own lieutenant, Lisa. He tried to cheer up a shaken Kisuke Urahara, telling him not to worry about his lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, who was sent to help the 9th Division, because she was strong, though not as strong as Lisa.[30]

During his time on guard, he met up with some squad members that were also on guard and congratulated them for keeping watch on the Seireitei. He also noticed Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen taking a night walk, muttering to himself that he was maybe over-thinking things before leaving. Later in his barracks he was addressed by a very young Nanao Ise, who had come to see his lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru. Shunsui then remembered that Nanao always came to him around the first of every month to have Lisa read to her. Nanao confirmed this, only to be told that Lisa was away on a mission, but would be back soon.[31] Soon afterward, Shunsui changed his attire by removing his hairpins and switching his kimono. He was present to greet newly-inducted members of the 8th Division, whom he informed that he was cordial toward young ladies and indifferent toward men.[32]

Some time after the Hollowfication Incident, Shunsui was present when Isshin Shiba made his report concerning the mysterious Hollow he fought, along with the string of events caused by the creature in Naruki City. He laughed at Mayuri's irritation that the 10th Division captain hadn't at least brought back the Hollow's body for him to study.[33] Shunsui first appears during the captain's emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. However, he says nothing at this time, and remains silent throughout the constant bickering between his fellow officers.[34]

Shunsui is among the first captains to encounter the Ryoka. He meets up with Yasutora Sado in his division's compound. There, he gently drifts down from a second level to the ground amidst falling petals (scattered by Nanao), then rises to announce his name to Chad.[35]

After his flashy appearance Kyōraku sits down and tells Chad that he dislikes fighting and offers him something to drink, something Chad responds to by a violent "No" because it is forbidden for minors to drink, something Kyōraku also realizes is a problem.[36]

Ep37ShunsuiDefeatsSado Kyōraku defeats Sado.

Chad politely asks the captain to move out the way as he himself would also like to avoid the fight. However, once Chad engages him, he deflects Chad’s first attack with one arm, and then proceeds to dodge all of the subsequent attacks.[37] Trying to stop Chad from going further, he asks Chad why he continues to fight, and for what reason. Despite his attempts to stop him both through speech and action, Chad continues to come at him.[38] Seeing his determination, Shunsui decides reluctantly to wound him, though he tells Chad that he plans to kill him, having no choice. Taking out his two swords, he watches as Chad runs towards him, then dodges Chad’s attack and slashes him.[39]

At this time, the message that Sōsuke Aizen has been murdered arrives and Nanao informs him of this news. Taking a look at Chad, she realizes he is not dead and asks to deliver the finishing blow. Stopping her, Shunsui states that the Ryoka might be the killer, but they don't know for sure, so they should instead interrogate him. He then asks her to send for people from the 4th Division to heal Chad.[40]

Ep54DestroyingSōkyoku Kyōraku & Ukitake destroy the Sōkyoku.

Later, right before Rukia’s execution, a harried Nanao finds Kyōraku on a rooftop, chewing on a blade of grass. Asking him to hurry up, Nanao is irked when Shunsui again tries to joke with her as usual. Then, getting serious, he asks her what he should do. She then replies that no matter what, he will still do what he wants. All she can do is to keep right behind him and stay out of trouble. Shunsui gives a sigh and says, "Then it will again be me that will get into trouble with Yama-jii (Yamamoto)."[41] At the execution, after Ichigo Kurosaki stops the Sōkyoku from executing Rukia, Jūshirō Ukitake appears with a shield sporting the Shihōin house crest and with that, Shunsui destroys the Sōkyoku.[42] After the ruckus, they are left shocked when Ichigo destroys the Sōkyoku Stand, and then Ichigo engages Byakuya Kuchiki after defeating three lieutenants.[43] Trying to help her sister, Kiyone Kotetsu runs forward and is followed by her colleague Sentarō Kotsubaki. Sentarō is then hit by Suì-Fēng and when Ukitake runs forward to stop Suì-Fēng, he is in turn stopped by Yamamoto.[44]

Yamamoto gravely states that what they have done is beyond mere punishment and that they are not ignorant of what that means. Shunsui, realizing what's about to happen, grabs Ukitake and runs away first, with Nanao in close pursuit. Ukitake then asks Shunsui to release him as he wanted to save his subordinates. Shunsui asks him not to worry, as on the one hand, they had to take the fight elsewhere, or else Yamamoto's power would most likely cause more casualties, and on the other hand, someone else was coming to help.[45]

Ep55KyōrakuProtectsNanao Shunsui protecting Nanao Ise from Yamamoto's spiritual pressure.

Running to a deserted spot, they reach the site and are confronted by Yamamoto.[46] When Nanao is nearly suffocated by Yamamoto's spiritual pressure, Shunsui breaks their eye contact, and brings her via Shunpo to a safe place, and returns to the compliments of Yamamoto.[47]

Ep55YamamotoConfrontsUkitakeKyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake about to do battle with Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

Following a brief exchange of words, Yamamoto draws his Zanpakutō against them. As he flares up, and releases his Zanpakutō's Shikai, he then asks them both to do the same, as anything else would be a disgraceful death. He and Ukitake then engage in the fight against Yamamoto, resulting in a large explosion.[48]

During their fight, they receive news from 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, that Aizen had in fact been a traitor, and all three rush to the Sōkyoku grounds.[49] After Aizen's successful escape, Shunsui later tries to join in on the drinking with Rangiku Matsumoto and Izuru Kira, only to be told no by Rangiku as she states Nanao is looking for him and if she catches him drinking with them, they will only get scolded by her.[50] Shunsui attends a captain meeting where he is informed about Wandenreich's infiltration, and is ordered to prepare for war alongside other captains.[80] When the Wandenreich invade Soul Society, Shunsui is one of the first captains to confront the enemy, having released his Shikai.[81]

After hearing of the Sternritter's ability to steal Bankai, Shunsui addresses his opponent, Robert Accutrone, stating that usually they rely on Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi's expertise, but considering they aren't opponents that can be defeated without Bankai, sooner or later someone was going to have to make a sacrifice. Without replying, Robert gets in close and draws his Spirit Weapon, a pistol, and shoots Shunsui's hat off. He then appears behind Shunsui, momentarily releasing his Quincy: Vollständig, and shoots Shunsui in his right eye. Shunsui maneuvers a distance away and states to Robert that he got him, and admits that he's nervous.[82] When he later feels Yamamoto's spiritual pressure moving onto the battlefield, he tells the Sternritter that it feels as though the Captain Commander is scolding him for having trouble with his opponent, and that he did not raise him as a coward.[83]

511Shunsui is shot Shunsui shot several times after being caught off guard.

Shunsui injures Robert with an attack, to which Robert states that while it was admirable that his morale had returned, Shunsui had misjudged because the Captain-Commander would be defeated by their leader, as they weren't the only ones to be encouraged by seeing their leader fight.[84] However, Shunsui retorts that such logic won't work with Yamamoto, just as an enormous explosion occurs in the distance, much to the Sternritter's surprise.[85] Later, noticing that his lip had cracked, he concludes that Yamamoto had activated his Bankai.[86] After Yamamoto's death, Shunsui screams his name only to be shot several times by Robert, who then summons a multitude of soldiers.[87]

516Tenchuren lands Shunsui present for the arrival of the Royal Guard.

Not long after the battle, the surviving captains are left to mourn over the death of the Captain-Commander. After receiving a report on the status of Zaraki and Byakuya, they quickly fall into disarray until Shunsui arrives, revealed to be mostly unharmed. Calming them down, he reminds everyone present that the Gotei 13 was not created to mourn those lost, but to protect Soul Society.[88] Shunsui and the other captains later gather outside Seireitei. When Ichigo Kurosaki asks where the Royal Guard usually is, Shunsui explains that they typically stay in the palace of the Soul King. He further elaborates on the purpose of the wall surrounding Seireitei and asks Ichigo where it is when not around the city. He then points to the sky and signals the arrival of the Royal Guard, explaining their mode of transport, as well as the make up and power of the unit.[89] Shunsui notes that they have not changed and asks why they are there, listening as Ichibē Hyōsube explains that they are there to rebuild the Gotei 13 and take Ichigo, Byakuya, Rukia Kuchiki, and Renji Abarai to the Royal Palace.[90]

Ep375ShunsuiReceivesPromotion Shunsui learning of his promotion to Captain-Commander.

Some time later, Nanao arrives to speak to her captain. He does not react to her knocking on the door and as she tries to scold him for not responding back if he was in the room, he interrupts her. He tells her that this may be the last time they meet as he reveals that he has just received a letter promoting him to the position of Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 and captain of the 1st Division. Kyōraku simply looks out the window, expressing his disbelief at his promotion.[91]

Ep375ShunsuiRequestsLieutenants Kyōraku meeting with Central 46.

Kyōraku later meets with the Central 46, telling them that he will have two lieutenants, with Genshirō Okikiba taking care of practical business and Nanao being his escort. He reasons that this will be the most efficient way to do things and that they can be his support together. The Central 46 initially disagree, but Kyōraku reminds them that it was the rule they themselves laid down that allows a captain to choose the lieutenant in their own Division. The Central 46 fall silent. Kyōraku then states that his first act as Captain-Commander is to teach Captain Kenpachi Zaraki Zanjutsu. The Central 46 are shocked at this and Kyōraku further explains that even though Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and the others are recovering at the Soul King Palace, they have no way to know if they will come back in fighting form, therefore Zaraki's power is greatly needed, and they cannot continue allowing his potential to go to waste.[92]

Ep375ShunsuiCallsUnohana Shunsui calls forth Captain Retsu Unohana.

The Central 46 are outraged as they fear Zaraki's power becoming far too great, pointing out the devastation that could be unleashed on Soul Society if he revolted. They also remind Kyōraku that even Yamamoto tried to teach him and stopped after one day, fearing his potential. Undeterred, Kyōraku then asks them what other options they have as Soul Society in its current state won't survive another invasion, and asks them if they are capable of protecting themselves. Kyōraku takes the Central 46's silence as a confirmation to proceed with his intended action. He then calls forth Captain Retsu Unohana, stating that he will leave Zaraki to her as she is the 1st Kenpachi.[93]

523Shunsui reflects Shunsui reflects over his recent decisions.

Afterwards, as the two Kenpachi begin their battle in the Central Great Underground Prison, Shunsui thinks over his decision to let them fight whilst sitting in his office. Remembering Unohana's past, Shunsui is left to solemnly think how only one of them would survive the training.[94]