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The Gotei 13 in Bleach is one of the most popular groups in anime. This article provides a complete guide to them.
Few organizations in Bleach command more respect than the Gotei 13, the Soul Society’s main military force. It consists of 13 divisions, each commanded by a powerful captain. This organization preserves spiritual order while also protecting souls and humans. From the wise and old Head Captain Yamamoto to the strange Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the Gotei 13’s various personalities played vital roles in many of Bleach‘s most famous stories.
The Structure of the Gotei 13 in Bleach
The Gotei 13 is split into 13 squads, each with its own captain, lieutenant, and members. Every squad has a specific role in maintaining order in the Soul Society. While most divisions specialize in combat, others focus on research, healing, or stealth operations. This structure allows the Gotei 13 to function similarly to a real-life military force.
As the head of the whole Gotei 13, the Head Captain is in charge of each unit. The Head Captain has complete control over all squads and is responsible for the stability and safety of the Soul Society. Captains are the most powerful members of their squads since they are selected based on their strength and ability.
All Gotei 13 Ranks in Bleach
The Gotei 13 has a clear ranking to ensure order and discipline. These are the primary roles:
- Captain (Taicho): Each squad is led by a captain, the strongest member of the division. Captains are responsible for leading their squads during battles and making critical decisions. They generally tend to delegate the work to their subordinates, but when there is a need, they move out themselves.
- Lieutenant (Fukutaicho): They are referred to as the second-seat officers and assist their captains in managing the squad. They are also powerful fighters in their own right, with some having learned Bankai. They mainly act as liaisons between squads and direct lower-seated officers.
- Seated Officers: Each squad has multiple seated officers ranked from 3rd to 20th. The higher the rank, the more responsibility and power the officer holds, with the 3rd Seat having the most power and presence. The positioning is also synonymous with their strength in battle.
- Unseated Members: These are the regular members of the squads, often tasked with basic duties like patrolling the Soul Society and assisting in combat.
Every Gotei 13 Captain and Lieutenant in Bleach
The captains and lieutenant are the core of the Gotei 13. Their relationship is integral for the proper functioning of a division. Each pair brings unique abilities and leadership styles to their squad. Here’s a detailed look at all captains and lieutenants:
Squad 1
- Captain Shunsui Kyoraku: A nonchalant yet powerful leader, Kyoraku is one of two dual-wielders in the Soul Society. He was the former captain of the eighth squad when Yamamoto was active. His zanpakuto, Katen Kyōkotsu, brings children’s games to life with deadly consequences.
- Co-Lieutenant Nanao Ise: Intellectual and composed, Nanao complements Kyoraku’s free-spirited nature. Her skill in Kido and spiritual weapons adds versatility to the already powerful squad.
- Co-Lieutenant Genshiro Okikiba: Under Yamamoto, he was the First Division’s third seat; however, under Kyoraku Shunsui, he is now the division’s co-lieutenant. Although his zanpakuto abilities are unclear, he has a tremendous amount of spiritual pressure.
Notable Past Captain Yamamoto Genryusai: As the founder of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto was a symbol of authority and power. His Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, had flames that were said to be the most destructive in the Soul Society.
Squad 2 (The Stealth and Assassination Squad)
- Captain Soi Fon: A master assassin and head of the Onmitsukido, Soi Fon specializes in swift and lethal strikes. Her speed and precision make her a powerful fighter. Her zanpakuto, Suzumebachi, delivers deadly poison with a two-strike kill ability.
- Lieutenant Marechiyo Omaeda: Despite his unserious behavior, Omaeda is a formidable combatant. His zanpakuto, Gegetsuburi, changes into a spiky ball capable of crushing bones.
Squad 2 is an elite tactical team specialized in stealth operations. These highly trained operatives excel at completing classified missions through a combination of advanced infiltration skills and state-of-the-art equipment, allowing them to achieve their objectives while remaining undetected.
Notable Past Captain Yoruichi Shihioin: Yoruichi is a playful character known for her ability to transform into a black cat. While possessing a zanpakuto capable of lightning-based attacks, she primarily uses her speed and hand-to-hand combat skills.
Squad 3
- Captain Rojiro Otoribashi: Popularly known as Rose, he is a former Visored who was once banished from the Soul Society. His Zanpakuto, Kinshara, uses music to create illusions and restrain enemies.
- Lieutenant Izuru Kira: Despite his tactical genius, Kira has a depressing vibe about him. Wabisuke, his Zanpakuto, overwhelms opponents by doubling the weight of everything it hits.
Notable Past Captain Ichimaru Gin: Ichimaru Gin was Squad 3’s Captain, recognizable by his fox-like smile and unsettling demeanor. His Zanpakuto, Shinso, could extend and retract its blade at incredible speeds, with its true ability being a deadly poison. Though appearing loyal to Aizen, he carried a secret agenda of revenge.
Squad 4 (Medical/Supply/Janitorial)
- Captain Isane Kotetsu: Succeeding Unohana, Isane is a gentle and reliable healer who leads the medical division. Her Zanpakuto, Itegumo, can create multiple blades for coordinated attacks.
- Lieutenant Kiyone Kotetsu: The younger sister of Isane, Kiyone moved from the 13th division to join her sister in the 4th as her vice. Her Zanpaukto’s abilities are not known.
Squad 4 specializes in essential support operations, handling everything from emergency medical care to logistics and facility maintenance. They ensure bases remain operational, supplies flow efficiently, and wounded people receive immediate treatment.
Notable Past Captain Unohana Retsu: Initially known for her healing abilities, Unohana is later revealed to be a scary warrior with a dark past. Her Zanpakuto, Minazuki, transforms into a creature capable of both healing and offensive attacks.
Squad 5
- Captain Shinji Hirako: Another former Visored, Shinji’s Zanpakutō, Sakanade, reverses the perception of direction, disorienting enemies. Shinji is a powerful character with a playful and carefree personality.
- Lieutenant Momo Hinamori: She has been the vice-captain of squad 5 since the time of Aizen Sosuke. Tobiume, her Zanpakuto, produces fire blasts.
Notable Past Captain Aizen Sosuke: Aizen Sosuke was the former Captain of Squad 5, a master manipulator who betrayed Soul Society. His Zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu, creates perfect illusions that affect all five senses through its “Complete Hypnosis” ability. Behind his gentle facade lay a calculating mastermind seeking to overthrow Soul Society’s order.
Squad 6
- Captain Byakuya Kuchiki: He is a proud and disciplined fighter who is from the Kuchiki clan, a respected noble family. Byakuya wields Senbonzakura, a Zanpakuto that scatters into a thousand razor-sharp petals, delivering deadly attacks that are difficult to block.
- Lieutenant Renji Abarai: Fierce, focused, and a good friend who risked his life for Rukia on multiple occasions. Renji’s Zanpakuto, Zabimaru, extends into a whip-like form for long-range combat.
Squad 7
- Captain Tetsuzaemon Iba: A reliable fighter, Iba wields a Zanpakuto with enhanced durability, focusing on direct combat. His Zanpakuto’s name and abilities are unknown.
- Lieutenant Atau Rindo: He is a relatively new character in the show, as he did not feature in the classic Bleach anime or manga. Although his Zanpakuto does not have a name yet, he has manifested his shikai in various forms.
Notable Past Captain Sajin Komamura: A compassionate leader, Komamura’s Zanpakutō, Tenken, summons a giant spiritual entity that mirrors his movements for devastating strikes.
Squad 8
- Lisa Yadomaru: Another former Visored, Lisa Yadōmaru is a former Soul Reaper lieutenant who became a Visored. She has a serious, straightforward personality but also shows a playful side. Her Zanpakutō is named Haguro Tonbo, which takes the form of a large glaive-like weapon in its released state.
- Yuyu Yayahara: Yuyu serves as Lisa’s lieutenant after Lisa returned to the Soul Society. She has a serious personality, taking her duties seriously, though she sometimes panics at Lisa’s more casual attitude. Her Zanpakuto’s name and abilities are unknown.
Squad 9 (Gotei 13 Security Force, Arts & Culture)
- Captain Kensei Muguruma: A Visored with exceptional strength and a short fuse. Kensei’s Zanpakutō, Tachikaze, creates explosive energy blasts.
- Co-Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi: Hisagi is portrayed as a calm and dependable fighter. His Zanpakuto, Kazeshini, shows as two scythes meant for quick and bludgeoning strikes.
- Co-Lieutenant Mashiro Kuna: Also a former Visored, Kuna is a strong fighter. Unlike most Soul Reapers, she does not use her sword much. The name and abilities of her Zanpakuto are unknown.
Squad 9 serves as the elite security force for the Gotei 13 while also preserving and promoting cultural heritage. They combine protection duties with organizing events, maintaining historical archives, and safeguarding important cultural artifacts.
Notable Past Captain Kaname Tosen: A justice-driven fighter, Tōsen’s Zanpakutō, Suzumushi, creates areas of complete sensory deprivation, disorienting his enemies. He was a close friend of Komamura until he betrayed the Gotei 13 for Aizen.
Squad 10
- Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: A genius and master of ice-based fighting, Hitsugaya became a captain at a very young age. His Zanpakuto, Hyōrinmaru, can create gigantic ice dragons and freeze large areas.
- Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto: Known for her charm and sharp wit, Rangiku wields Haineko, a Zanpakuto that transforms into ash for versatile and wide-range attacks.
Squad 11 (Melee Combat: Swordsmanship)
- Captain Kenpachi Zaraki: A warrior who lives for conflict, Zaraki represents raw force and a persistent fighting mentality. His zanpakuto stays unidentified for most of the story but is finally revealed to be a portrayal of his overpowering might.
- Lieutenant Ikkaku Madarame: A fierce fighter, Ikkaku’s Zanpakutō, Hōzukimaru, transforms into a three-sectioned staff. His manipulation of it gives his opponents a hard time during fights.
Squad 11 is renowned for its mastery of close-quarters combat, particularly sword fighting. These warriors pride themselves on their raw combat skills and direct approach, preferring to face enemies head-on with a blade in hand rather than rely on long-range tactics.
Notable Past Lieutenant Yachiru: Playful yet deadly, Yachiru is Zaraki’s trusted companion, providing both moral support and unexpected strength in battle.
Squad 12 (R&D of New Technology and Spiritual Tools)
- Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi: A twisted scientist and brilliant strategist, Mayuri always pushes the limit of ethics to accomplish his goals. His Zanpakuto, Ashisogi Jizo, produces a toxin that paralyzes and immobilizes enemies.
- Lieutenant Akon: Known for his analytical skills, Akon supports Mayuri in research initiatives. The name, abilities, and design of his Zanpakuto are unknown.
Squad 12 is the technological powerhouse of the organization, focusing on research and development of spiritual tools and advanced technology. These scientists and engineers work tirelessly in their laboratories, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through their experiments and inventions.
Notable Past Lieutenant Nemu: Created by Mayuri, Nemu was a loyal and capable vice-captain with enhanced physical abilities and intellect.
Squad 13
- Captain Rukia Kuchiki: Recently promoted, Rukia wields Sode no Shirayuki, an ice-based Zanpakutō known for its elegance and beauty. Rukia is kind kind-hearted and gentle soul with a childish side. She was the one who put Ichigo on the Soul Repear path.
- Lieutenant Sentaro Kotsubaki: A reliable subordinate who ensures the squad functions efficiently. He and Kiyori Kotetsu used to share this position. The name and abilities of his zanpakuto are unknown.
Notable Past Captain Jushiro Ukitake: Jushiro Ukitake served as the long-standing Captain of Squad 13, known for his kindness and wisdom despite chronic illness. His Zanpakuto, Sogyo no Kotowari, could absorb and redirect energy attacks through its twin blades. He was deeply respected for his leadership and moral compass.
The History of the Gotei 13 in Bleach
Yamamoto Genryūsai created the Gotei 13 a long time ago. In his opinion, a military force was needed to keep the spirit world in balance. At first, it was made up of fighters, some of whom were more like criminals than protectors. The coalition developed into a disciplined military force with clear positions and duties over time.
The Gotei 13 has faced a lot of challenges over the years. Internal betrayals, invasions from other entities, and foes like Aizen and Yhwach are just a few of them. Despite all these challenges, the Gotei 13 has remained resilient and committed to its objective in spite of these challenges.
Is the Squad 0 a Part of the Gotei 13?
The Squad 0 is often referred to as the Royal Guard and is separate from the Gotei 13. They are assigned to safeguard the Soul King and the Royal Palace, while the Gotei 13 is responsible for protecting the Soul Society. Its members include previous Gotei 13 captains who were promoted as a result of their outstanding performance.
Though Squad 0 rarely interacts with the Gotei 13, their roles occasionally overlap during major crises. For example, Squad 0 intervenes during the Quincy invasion to support the Gotei 13. However, their priorities remain separate from those of the Gotei 13.
Conclusion
The Gotei 13 is one of the best-established military groups in anime history. They are outstanding instances of Tite Kubo’s superb world-building and character development due to their different personalities and shifting roles throughout the series. The captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13 continue to be essential to Bleach‘s appeal, whether as Ichigo’s mentors, friends, or enemies.
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