Every Gotei 13 Captain, Ranked By Strength

Key Takeaways

• Captains in the Gotei 13 are the strongest fighters in Bleach, tasked with protecting the Soul Society and human world.
• Lisa Yadomaru redeems herself to become Captain of the 8th Division, showcasing impressive strength and ability.
• Kenpachi Zaraki, holder of the Kenpachi title, is considered the strongest Soul Reaper in the Soul Society.

Bleach is an anime of sinister threats and constant battle. Because of this, the anime has a roster of extremely powerful beings who put the protection of multiple dimensions on their back. Aside from Ichigo Kurosaki, there are dozens of other fighters who can make an impact in a fight with their talent, skill, and strength.

The members of the 13 court guard squads are some of the most powerful individuals in the world of Bleach that place the protection of the Soul Society and the human world above all else. In the hierarchy of the Soul Society, it is the captains that stand at the apex of the strongest fighters and have no issue demonstrating why that is so. Some of the captains in the Soul Society have ruled for thousands of years without a single challenge to their position.

Updated on October 27, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: When Ichigo Kurosaki began his career as a Substitute Shinigami in Bleach, the fearsome Captains of the Gotei 13 remained a mysterious part of the series’ mythology. Throughout the anime’s episodes, each Captain managed to showcase their combat prowess and even their fearsome Zanpakuto as threats to Soul Society begin forcing them to step up and become a part of active combat. As Yhwach poses the largest threat the series has faced, fans of the franchise know the fights in this final arc will likely force the Captains of Gotei 13 to finally unleash their aces in the hole – their Bankai – in order to survive these new enemies. With the likes of Urahara, Kenpachi, and even Rukia revealing their Bankai in this final arc, just how would these abilities affect their firepower when compared to their fellow Captains?

20 Lisa Yadomaru

Strongest Ability: Niju Ichijo Tonbokudari & Hollowfication

• Zanpakuto Name: Haguro Tonbo
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: 8th Division Captain

One of the members of the Visored who was framed by Soul Society and banished from this realm, Lisa sticks around with Shinji and the rest of the gang, masquerading as regular humans on Earth. She is one of the many people who help Ichigo in his training, helping the protagonist get a hold of his Hollow powers.

After Aizen’s betrayal is brought to light, Soul Society starts the slow process of reintegrating the Visored into the Gotei 13. This leads to Lisa redeeming herself and showing her impressive strength, leading to her attaining the important position of being Captain of the 8th Division.

Lisa Yadomaru: Known Abilities, Feats

Lisa is among the few Soul Reapers who demonstrates being ambidextrous. This pairs well with her expertise in high-speed movement (Shunpo) and hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) that allows her to pair her swordsmanship with jumps and leaps and tackles. Should she have to release her Haguro Tonbo, its Shikai: Smash transforms it into a polearm with a Monk’s spade on one end and a ball on the other. She can use it to unleash a barrage of piercing attacks (Niju Ichijo Tonbokudari) similar to Ren Tao’s spear abilities in Shaman King. As someone who’s been Hollowfied, her Hollow Mask greatly improves her physical prowess.

19 Isane Kotetsu

Strongest Ability: Itegumo

• Zanpakuto Name: Itegumo
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: 4th Division Captain

It’s only a given that any shinigami following Retsu Unohana’s footsteps would be compared to this tough captain, and Isane Kotetsu doesn’t really compare to the massive pool of strength held by the previous captain. She is certainly competent in her own right but doesn’t hold a candle to the strength of the other captains in the Gotei 13.

She ascends to the position of Captain after the death of Yhwach, with her leadership skills being pretty great in their own right. However, in terms of strength, she hasn’t proven herself in battle enough for viewers to think she’s special by any stretch of the imagination.

Isane Kotetsu: Known Abilities, Feats

Isane is known less for her combat prowess but more for her healing specialization. She can cast high-powered spells in combat (Kido), and she excels in using healing Kaido. Such is her healing skill that her prowess is second to that of Unohana, the latter of which is considered as Soul Society’s greatest healer. Not much is known about her Shikai: Run, except for the fact that her Zanpakuto Itegumo releases two more blades from its hilt. Its Bankai is unknown.

18 Tetsuzaemon Iba

Strongest Ability: Shikai Command

• Zanpakuto Name: Unknown
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: 7th Division Captain

After the use of the Humanization Technique, Sajin Komamura transformed into a wolf permanently. This rendered him incapable of leading his squad anymore while paving the way for his lieutenant to become the new captain of the squad following Yhwach’s demise.

Tetsuzaemon Iba is a competent shinigami in his own right, but fans must admit that his strength is nowhere near the level of the other, more accomplished Gotei 13 captains. The fact that his bankai wasn’t even revealed by the end of the series shows how much of an afterthought this character is.

Tetsuzaemon Iba: Known Abilities, Feats

As a former 11th Division member, Iba is a skilled combatant by virtue of their organization’s focus. Not only does he excel in hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) and high-speed movement (Shunpo), but also use his spiritual power in casting spells (Kido). When he activates its Shikai, his sword becomes a falchion. Not much else is known about its Shikai ability and Bankai.

17 Love Aikawa

Strongest Ability: Hifuki No Kozuchi

• Zanpakuto Name: Tengumaru
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: Former 7th Division Captain

A member of the Visored, Love Aikawa used to be the captain of the 7th Division before a series of events led to this Shinigami being Hollowfied along with others because of Aizen’s twisted experiments. As a result, they went into exile and had to live in the real world to figure out a cure for their condition.

While he’s definitely quite powerful, there’s no denying that Love hasn’t shown his combat prowess all that much in later arcs. As a result, the other Shinigami have simply trounced him when it comes to sheer power, leaving him in the dust.

Love Aikawa: Known Abilities, Feats

Aside from his impressive swordsmanship and skill in high-speed movement (Shunpo), Love demonstrates keen combat observation even in his days as a Lieutenant. When he has to release his Tengumaru, its Shikai: Crush Down form transforms the weapon into a massive club with bladed protrusions that make it look like a cactus. It can repel attacks and, when using its special Hifuki no Kozuchi, can shoot fireballs that deal massive damage. Having been experimented with Hollowfication, using his Hollow Mask grants him augmented physical prowess.

16 Sajin Komamura

Strongest Ability: Humanization Technique

• Zanpakuto Name: Tenken
• Bankai: Kokujo Tengen Myo
• Title: Former 7th Division Captain

Saijin Komamura is a unique citizen of the Gotei 13. In his first appearance in Bleach, he was a mysterious warrior who hid his face behind a bamboo helmet. It was later revealed that Komamura was an Anthropomorphic Wolf and was highly self-conscious about his features among the rest of the Bleach captains.

In strength, Komamura possesses the adequate spiritual pressure required to remain a captain. However, compared to the rest of his peers in skill and Zanpakuto ability, he does not measure up. Komomura’s physical strength can not withstand that of most other captains, and even his Zanpakuto has been easily defeated throughout the series.

Sajin Komamura: Known Abilities, Feats

In his days as a Captain, Komamura is known for his incredible strength, durability, and spiritual power. When he releases Tenken, its Shikai: Roar conjures parts of an armored phantom giant (similar to the Susanoo of the Mangekyo Sharingan) to fight – the size of which can effectively extend his reach. Should Komamura have to use Bankai: Kokujo Tengen Myoo, the entirety of the armored giant appears in the flesh and can deal massive damage. Before his demise, Komamura uses the forbidden Humanization Technique of the Wolfman clan to partially look more human. As this process removes his heart, he cannot die as long as he is “human.” When he released his Bankai in this form, it accesses Dangai Joe where the armored giant sheds its gear. Not only does this vastly boost Komamura’s attacks, but the giant itself cannot be damaged. The Bankai ends when the Humanization Technique is finished, which by then turns Komamura into a mere wolf.

15 Rojuro Otoribashi

Strongest Ability: Prometheus (Potentially Ein Heldenleben)

• Zanpakuto Name: Kinshara
• Bankai: Kinshara Butodan
• Title: 3rd Division Captain

Rojuro, also known as Rose, was a member of the Gotei 13 until he was exiled along with the other Vizored after the Soul Society was tricked by Aizen Sosuke. Rose joined Shinji Hirako and the other Visored until the time came for them to join the fight once again and take down Aizen.

Because of his part in the final battle, Rose was reinstated and given his former rank of captain of squad three in return. Rose is an exceptional fighter who moves around the battlefield with grace and poise. Unfortunately, Rose does not enjoy combat and does not feature enhanced strength, instead fighting with maneuverability and control.

Rojuro Otoribashi: Known Abilities, Feats

Rojuro or Rose is a competent swordsman who believes he can contend with Kensei without having to release his Zanpakuto, which in itself is an impressive feat if true. Should he have to release his Kinshara, its Shikai: Play transforms the weapon into a gold rose that can reach incredible distances and even release shockwaves that damage foes (Shinkara Sokyoku Dai Juichiban: Izayoi Bara). In worst-case scenarios, Rose releases Bankai: Kinshara Butodan that releases large hands that hold a conducting baton alongside golden figures with petals on their faces. This Bankai allows Rose to conjure illusions with his music, to the point where it can damage opponents even when nothing is happening to them for real.

14 Sui-Feng

Strongest Ability: Mukyu Shunko & Jakuho Raikoben

• Zanpakuto Name: Suzumebachi
• Bankai: Jakuho Raikoben
• Title: 2nd Division Captain

As the captain of the Second Division in the Soul Society, Sui Feng is also head of the Stealth Force. Sui Feng replaced Yoruichi after she abandoned the Soul Society and has been living in her shadow ever since.

Sui Feng does possess immense skill in battle, being one of the fastest captains in the thirteen court squads, but she lacks patience and is quick to let her emotions get the best of her. Because of this, Sui Feng often makes hasty attacks that leave her open counter-attack; in addition, Sui Feng’s Zanpakuto ability was initially one of the most dangerous, but if faced with a stronger opponent, the effect becomes inert.

Sui-Feng: Known Abilities, Feats

Due to her status as the leader of the 2nd Division, Sui-Feng specializes in all things assassination – high-speed movement (Shunpo), hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda), and spellcasting (Kido). Such is her proficiency in all three that she combines them into an art called Shunko, a deadly assassination art that makes efficient use of the wind. When she releases her Suzumebachi, its Shikai transforms the blade into a gauntlet with a stinger-like middle blade. With this, she can stab an enemy with a mark that, when struck again, instantly kills opponents (Nigeki Kessatsu). When awakened with Bankai: Jakuho Raikoben, her stinger gauntlet transforms into a thin bazooka that can launch an incredibly powerful attack.

13 Jushiro Ukitake

Strongest Ability: Shikai Techniques

• Zanpakuto Name: Sogyo no Kotowari
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: Former 13th Division Captain

Captain Ukitake is a highly respected captain among the ranks of the Soul Society for his calm and approachable demeanor. Ukitake is also a highly skilled swordsman, one of the most skilled, having been trained by Captain Commander, and considered one of his top pupils next to Shunsui Kyoraku.

However, while Ukitake is a formidable opponent, his fragility and poor constitution make him vulnerable and weaken him to a severe degree. Nevertheless, Ukitake remains strong enough to maintain his position in the thirteen-court guard squads but avoids battle if possible.

Jushiro Ukitake: Known Abilities, Feats

While he suffers from a physical illness that restricts his combat ability, he can still fare decently well in terms of his swordsmanship. He’s proficient in both combative and healing Kido, and possess remarkable medicinal knowledge. When he releases his Sogyo no Kotowari, its Shikai turns into two blades connected by a chain. This allows Ukitake to absorb any attack from one blade and redirect it to the opponent. Due to his early passing, Ukitake never got to reveal his Bankai.

12 Kensei Muguruma

Strongest Ability: Hollowfication & Tekken Tachikaze

• Zanpakuto Name: Tachikaze
• Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze
• Title: 9th Division Captain

Kensei is another member of the Visored who was reinstated after the final battle against Aizen Sosuke as the last replacement for the captains who deserted their posts alongside him.

Kensei has immense physical strength, which echoes his fighting style. Kensei is a very close-quarters fighter who has honed his hand-to-hand combat techniques to perfection. Paired with his Visored abilities and his Zanpakuto, Kensei is a prominent threat on any battlefield, which many of his peers recognize.

Kensei Muguruma: Known Abilities, Feats

Unlike other Captains, Kensei prefers his mastery over hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) and fast movement (Shunpo), although he’s no slouch when using the sword. Whereas other Captains normally have Shikai that turn into short-range to mid-range blades, Kensei’s Tachikaze becomes a combat knife with Shikai: Blow It Away, with which he can cast blades of wind of different variants. With Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze, he acquires upper body armor and his combat knife transforms into knuckle blades. Having been experimented with through Hollowfication, his Hollow Mask greatly augments his physical strength.

11 Shinji Hirako

Strongest Ability: Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari

• Zanpakuto Name: Sakanade
• Bankai: Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari
• Title: 5th Division Captain

Shinji Hirako was the former Fifth Division captain until he was exiled with the rest of the Vizored. Shinji led his fellow outcasts into battle against Aizen, partnering with the Gotei 13 to take him down. Because of the part he played, he was reinstated in the Soul Society along with a few of his comrades and made a captain once again.

Shinji has incredible swordsmanship skills but not overwhelming strength to overpower his opponents. Shinji excels at outthinking his opponents and forcing them to make mistakes which he can then take advantage of. He does possess more power than most Bleach captains as a Vizored but can not compete among stronger competitors like Zaraki Kenpachi.

Shinji Hirako: Known Abilities, Feats

Even after his exile from Soul Society, Shinji demonstrates a remarkable skill in swordsmanship, high-speed movement (Shunpo), and even spellcasting (Kido). When paired with his tactical prowess, Shinji can make quick work of his opponents without breaking a sweat. Notable to Shinji is his Zanpakuto Sakanade, whose Shikai: Collapse can reverse the senses of his target – disorienting them enough for him to land the kill. Worst of all is if Shinji activates Banjkai: Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari, which manifests as a golden flower that surrounds Shinji. Its real effect is what happens outside, as the flower releases pink mist that reverses the treatment of everyone towards everyone else, turning allies into foes and vice versa.

10 Rukia Kuchiki

Strongest Ability: Hakka No Togame

• Zanpakuto Name: Sode no Shirayuki
• Bankai: Hakka no Togame
• Title: 13th Division Captain

Rukia comes off as rather weak in the early goings of Bleach, with her character being turned into a damsel in distress that Ichigo must save as he breaks into Soul Society to prevent her execution. After this arc, it takes a while for Rukia to show the true extent of her powers, improving dramatically throughout the series.

By the time the Sternritter shows up to wreak havoc in Soul Society, Rukia shows off a Bankai that is so ridiculously powerful that she can succumb to its effects if she doesn’t concentrate properly while pulling off this move. It’s easy to see why she quickly ascends the ranks to become the Captain of the 13th Division — a title that she has more than earned by the time the manga wraps up.

Rukia Kuchiki: Known Abilities, Feats

Despite being a lieutenant at the time, Rukia is known as a prodigy in spellcasting (Kido) as well as her skill in the blade, fast movement (Shunpo) and hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda). She’s constantly seen honing her skills with her Zanpakuto Sode no Shirayuki, which when released as Shikai: Dance, Rukia can use its unique “dances” to freeze her surroundings (Some no mai, Tsukishiro), flash-freeze targets (Tsugi no mai, Hakuren), create a blade that freezes whatever it pierces (San no mai, Shirafune), and use her sword to freeze things at a distance. In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, her Bankai: Hakka no Togame encases Rukia in an ice kimono in a transformed state she can use for a short time. It can freeze anything in an area to Absolute Zero, rendering them incapable of any movement.

9 Mayuri Kurotsuchi

Strongest Ability: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo: Matai Fukuin Shota

• Zanpakuto Name: Ashisogi Jizo
• Bankai: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo
• Title: 12th Division Captain

Mayuri of Division Twelve is not a weak captain by any means. However, he has a minuscule interest in petty squabbling and fighting strong opponents. He is an intellectual whose sole purpose is the discovery of knowledge and to forever pursue his curiosity.

While Mayuri does possess a powerful Zanpakuto ability, he does not participate in battle often. However, he is still feared among the Gotei 13 for the horrific experiments that he uses against his opponents, some of whom have eaten enemies alive for their spiritual pressure.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi: Known Abilities, Feats

Similar to his predecessor Urahara, Mayuri Kurotsuchi is also known for his talent as an inventor and scientist – except he takes things up to 100. Unlike other Soul Reapers, Mayuri has such an exceptional knowledge in souls and spiritual power that he can not only constantly modify his Zanpakuto but also somehow resurrect Arrancar under his control and with their personalities intact. This scientific prowess is extended upon himself, as Mayuri is seen constantly performing body modifications: turning into liquid, hidden weapons, camouflage, and even organ replacement. With the various gadgets at his disposal, it’s even more terrifying when Mayuri starts using his abilities. With Ashisogi Jizo, its Shikai: Rip releases a toxin that can stun opponents but still make them susceptible to pain. With Bankai: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo, his weapon transforms into a baby that can release an incurable poison that Mayuri can constantly adjusts. The Bankai comes with retractable blades and a self-destruct mechanism that returns it into its sealed variant.

8 Toshiro Hitsugaya

Strongest Ability: Shikai Hyoketsu

• Zanpakuto Name: Hyorinmaru
• Bankai: Daiguren Hyorinmaru
• Title: 10th Division Captain

Hitsugaya is the youngest Gotei 13 captain in the Soul Society and is considered a prodigy among shinigami, also being the youngest shinigami to reach the state of Bankai.

Hitsugaya trains relentlessly to increase his strength and skill and can easily go toe-to-toe with many of the thirteen court squad captains without releasing his Zanpakuto. Additionally, Hitsugaya’s Zanpakuto is one of the strongest in the Soul Society, countering that of Ryujini Jaka, belonging to Captain-Commander Yamamoto.

Toshiro Hitsugaya: Known Abilities, Feats

Despite his youthful appearance, Toshiro is actually a child prodigy – not just in swordsmanship but even his intellect. While his base skills as a Captain rival those of his fellow leaders, Toshiro is known for his icy spiritual power. When he uses his Zanpakuto Hyorinmaru, its Shikai: Sit Upon the Frozen Heavens can release ice that Toshiro can manipulate into various shapes – of which his favorite is a dragon. He’s the youngest Soul Reaper to ever achieve Bankai, with Bankai: Daiguren Hyorinmaru provides him with icy wings and a tail that gives him the power of flight alongside an icy sword. When he completes his Bankai, Toshiro not only exerts greater control over ice but also physically ages. In this completed state, Toshiro can “freeze” concepts to the point of stopping powers from working.

7 Byakuya Kuchiki

Strongest Ability: Shukei: Hakuteiken

• Zanpakuto Name: Senbonzakura
• Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi
• Title: 6th Division Captain

Byakuya Kuchiki is a member of a long line of powerful Soul Reapers and as such, holds himself to a high standard when it comes to his abilities as a Soul Reaper and captain of the sixth division of the Gotei 13. Byakuya was hand-trained by Yoruichi Shihouin in both shunpo and swordsmanship, making him a cut above the rest aside from those trained by the Captian Commander himself.

His sword skills are deathly accurate, and his strength is formidable, being able to rival that of Ichigo’s Bankai for a time; Byakuya’s Zanpakuto only adds to his strength giving him an attack with nearly limitless range.

Byakuya Kuchiki: Known Abilities, Feats

Among hte Captains, Byakuya is known as among the smartest and even the fastest (Shunpo), which transforms him into a deadly foe when used with his mastery of swordsmanship. He can even use high-level Kido and cast it in quick succession, barely requiring him to use his sword o attack. When he does have to fight, his Zanpakuto Senbonzakura’s Shikai: Scatter can release blossom petals that are in turn blade fragments. They spin uncontrollably around Byakuya, leaving him with only a limited safe zone to manipulate them. Byakuya is known for Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, wherein pillars of blades appear in front of the Captain before dispersing into a whirlwind of blossom blades.

6 Shunsui Kyoraku

Strongest Ability: Shime No Dan: Itokiribasami Chizome No Nodobue

• Zanpakuto Name: Katen Kyokotsu
• Bankai: Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju
• Title: Captain-Commander Of The Gotei 13, 1st Divison Captain

Shunsui is the second favorite pupil of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, who has reached an expert level in swordsmanship and possesses immense power as a captain of the thirteen court guard squads. He excels at every aspect of combat, from speed, strength, and skill, also being the only Soul Reaper who can adeptly use two swords simultaneously.

Shunsui’s physical strength is also nothing to look down on, as he is more than capable of taking down strong opponents without releasing his Zanpakuto and fighting on equal terms with the Espada. Still, due to his personality to always take things easy, he never fights at full strength.

Shunsui Kyoraku: Known Abilities, Feats

While his status as a Captain already implies Kyoraku is a skilled swordsman, his notable display of combat prowess involves not just using two swords but being able to use them interchangeably. Such was his skill in swordsmanship that can content with Espada Uno, Starrk, without even releasing his Zanpakuto. When he has to release his Katen Kyokotsu, their Shikai transforms them into identical Chinese scimitars where one specializes in speed and the other powerful strikes. In Shikai, he can conjure whirlwinds (Bushogama), hide in the shadows (Kageoni), deal damage based on how much of a color is being worn (Irooni), play a death-based variant of tag (Daruma-san ga Koronda), and conjure aftershadows (kageokuri). When he releases his Bankai: Katen Kyokotsu: Karamatsu Shinju, Kyoraku releases shadow-like tendrils on the ground. People caught in the aura will reflect each other’s wounds (Ichidanme: Tameraikizu no Wakachiai), cause spots to appear in the enemy’s body that likely cause illness (Nidanme: Zanki no Shitone), engulf Kyoraku and his foe in water that depletes their spiritual power (Sandanme: Dangyo no Fuchi), and blows up the enemy’s head (Shime no Dan: Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue).

5 Kisuke Urahara

Special Ability: Benihime

Introduced as the laid-back owner of Urahara Shop in Karakura Town, Kisuke Urahara doesn’t necessarily have the characteristic stern expression of a traditional Shinigami. This is what made the reveal of his previous title as 12th Division Captain so surprising, especially the fact that he’s actually the founder of Soul Society’s Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Even in his youth, Urahara is ever the curious individual – inventing and creating various technologies for Shinigami to use in their exploits.

Such was Urahara’s mastery of science and spiritual power that he’s able to conceive the Hogyoku, which was apparently capable of removing the boundaries that separate Hollow and Shinigami. As it turns out, the Hogyoku was able to materialize the deepest desires of those who possessed it. When Urahara discovered that Aizen had been experimenting on souls, the latter framed Urahara and had him exiled from Soul Society. It was only during the reveal of Aizen’s defection that all claims towards Urahara were revealed to be false.

Kisuke Urahara: Known Abilities, Feats

Despite staying away from Soul Society for a while, Kisuke Urahara is no slouch in terms of his abilities. As a former Captain, Kisuke is a skilled swordsman who can hold off his own in terms of speed (Shunpo), hand-to-hand (Hakuda), and even rapid-casting (Kido). He’s skilled enough to create his own Kido which, when paired with his genius-level intellect and spiritual power, allowed him to create various knick-knacks for his store. Such was his prowess that he’s able to create a seal powerful enough to trap Aizen, although at a weakened state. When he activates his Zanpakuto Benihime, its Shikai: Awaken releases red energy that can be manipulated in various ways. However, perhaps more surprising is its Bankai: Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame, which reveals a giant woman that gives Urahara the ability to “split” anything open akin to dissection, and to “stitch” things back as a form of healing and restoration.

4 Retsu Unohana

Strongest Ability: Minazuki

• Zanpakuto Name: Minazuki
• Bankai: Minazuki
• Title: Former 4th Division Captain

The history of Retsu Unohana is very muddled in the Soul Society due to her change in station. Retsu was hand-picked by the Captain Commander himself during the Gotei 13’s founding and was made the original Captain of Squad Eleven and the previous holder of the Kenpachi title.

Retsu was the most feared fighter on the battlefield whose strength knew no equal; she was so overwhelmingly strong that her fights would end so quickly that she learned how to heal so that she could repair her opponent’s injuries and fight them again.

Retsu Unohana: Known Abilities, Feats

As a master healer, Unohana has remarkable mastery of spiritual energy that her use of healing Kudo is unmatched among her peers. This is reflected by her Zanpakuto Minazuki, whose Shikai form takes the form of a manta ray with slime that can heal others. While technically known for her healing prowess as the captain of the 4th Division, Unohana held previous notoriety as the first Kenpachi – which in itself speaks for her sheer brutality. This is reflected in her mastery of swordsmanship (Zanjutsu), high-speed movement (Shunpo), hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda), and overall bloodlust. When she activates her Bankai: Minazuki, her blade transforms into that of liquefied blood that she can control for long-ranged attacks alongside giving her constant healing.

3 Sosuke Aizen

Strongest Ability: Kanzen Saimin

• Zanpakuto Name: Kyoka Suigetsu
• Bankai: Not shown
• Title: Former 5th Division Captain

No one saw Aizen’s betrayal coming at the end of the Soul Society arc, with this seemingly calm and collected Shinigami revealing himself as the main antagonist of the series in a bombastic conclusion to this storyline. Ever since this point, Aizen more than proves himself to be one of the strongest characters in the series, with his Shikai being strong enough to bamboozle the strongest characters around.

It’s a shame that his Bankai was never revealed by the end of the series, and fans can only hope that they get to see the true extent of his powers in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, where he is slated to play a major role in the final battle. Until this comes to pass, most fans will have to just wait and see how the adaptation covers one of the most contentious parts of the story.

Sosuke Aizen: Known Abilities, Feats

As a former Captain, Sosuke Aizen possesses incredible swordsmanship and spiritual power. He’s capable of moving at immense speeds (Shunpo) and incantationless casting (Kido) which, when combined with his strategic prowess, can let him get the best of foes without showing his full power. Among what makes Aizen so terrifying is his Zanpakuto Kyoka Suigetsu, whose Shikai: Scatter can force others to reinterpret their senses for as long as centuries – practically leaving them defenseless. Such is his Shikai’s power that it can even affect Yhwach for a while – which implies his unrevealed Bankai is even more powerful. Upon the creation of the Hogyoku, Aizen briefly transcended both mortal and Soul Reaper, transforming into something close to the Soul King. It took Ichigo giving up his abilities and a trick from Urahara to imprison him – and even then he cannot ever truly be killed.

2 Kenpachi Zaraki

Strongest Ability: Bankai Transformation

• Zanpakuto Name: Nozarashi
• Bankai: Unnamed
• Title: 11th Division Captain

Zaraki is the current holder of the Kenpachi title and is considered the strongest Soul Reaper in the Soul Society. Zaraki became a Soul Reaper after facing Retsu Unohona, whom he could only wound once, and was then quickly dispatched after.

Retsu healed Zaraki, and he became a Soul Reaper soon after she stepped down as Kenpachi, then rose to become a captain of Squad Eleven. Zaraki’s way of fighting fuels his ego as he loves the thrill of battle and facing death head-on. Zaraki Kenpachi jumps through many hoops to decrease his strength so that he doesn’t kill his opponents too quickly.

Kenpachi Zaraki: Known Abilities, Feats

When even the likes of Sosuke Aizen considers Kenpachi Zaraki an anomaly not to be dealt with by anyone else among the Espada, one should take this berserker seriously. Ever the aggressive fighter, Zaraki is known for his immense physical prowess and drive to win – the point where his spiritual power can’t easily be measured and his spiritual pressure so potent it’s constantly on overdrive. Such is his tenacity that his Zanpakuto Nozarashi is almost never even sent in Shikai form, as most Zaraki can deal with most threats at his base form. When his Shikai is released, Nozarashi transforms into a giant cleaving blade that cuts through space itself. The one time he uses his Bankai throughout the series is during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, where Bankai: Unnamed transforms him into a red-skinned berserker whose attacks can cut the likes of Gerard Valkyrie in half at a distance.

1 Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto

Strongest Ability: Zanka No Tachi, Kita: Tenchi Kaijin

• Zanpakuto Name: Ryujin Jakka
• Bankai: Zanka no Tachi
• Title: Former Captain-Commander Of The Gotei 13, Former 1st Divison Captain

The Captain Commander of the Soul Society is a shining example of power and strength. Yamamoto has ruled over the thirteen court guard squads for over one thousand years and has done so with the sheer presence of his power alone.

No soul reaper measures up to the combined strength of Genryusai Yamamoto and his Zanpakuto. However, Yamamoto does not require his sword to be a formidable opponent having the strongest hand-to-hand combat skill in all of the Soul Society, which was demonstrated during his fight with Wonderweiss where he cleaved the Espada in two with just a single punch.

Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto: Known Abilities, Feats

Despite his age, Yamamoto is no slouch. On top of being the best swordsman in the entirety of Soul Society, the Captain-Commander can hold his own in melee combat (Hakuda), incantationless casting (Kido), and immense speed (Shunpo). Moreover, his immense physicality and spiritual power dwarves those of the other Captain’s, to the point where only Yhwach – the son of the actual Soul King – was able to defeat him. In Shikai, the Ryujin Jakka can reduce anything Yamamoto waves it at into ash. When Bankai: Zanka no Tachi is activated, the Zanpakuto takes the form of an aged katana and can wipe out the moisture of an area as large as Soul Society. In Bankai, Yamamoto can eradicate anything he slices into nothing (Higashi: Kyokujitsujin) or out of existence (Kita: Tenchi Kaijin), release flames of 15-million degrees celsius (Nishi: Zanjitsu Gokui), and summon the corpses of everything he’s burnt to fight for him (Minami: Kaka Jumanokushi Daisojin).