Bleached Ichigo

Kaien Shiba

Kaien Shiba
H: -cm W: -kg Blood type: – Birthday: -
Zanpakutou: Nejibana (Twisted Flower)
Bankai: unknown
First Appearance: Manga chapter – | Anime episode -

Before the start of the Bleach storyline, Kaien Shiba was a popular Lieutenant of the 13th Division, under Jushiro Ukitake. He bared a strong resemblance to Ichigo Kurosaki both in appearance and personality, and was looked up to by many in the 13th Division including Rukia Kuchiki. Because Captain Ukitake was often sick, Kaien served as a substitute Captain and conducted many of Ukitake’s duties for him. Kaien died in a tragic incident where his wife, Miyako Shiba’s, was taken over by a body-snatching Hollow. Tragically, Kaien subsequently became possessed by the Hollow and Rukia Kuchiki was forced to kill him with her own Zanpakuto.
Kaien came from the then noble household of Shiba and is the older brother of Kukaku and Ganju. He was considered a prodigy and graduated from the Shinigami Academy in just one year, becoming a Lieutenant in the 13th Division five years later. Even after Kaien’s death, his position as Lieutenant remains unfilled in the 13th Division. In a twist of fate, Rukia was forced to confront Kaien’s visage again in Hueco Mundo after the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, took on his form in an attempt to trick Rukia. After Kaien’s death, his soul was taken to Hueco Mundo due to the Hollow’s special ability. They were then consumed by Aaroniero, who was able to gain both the Hollow’s and Kaien’s abilities.

Kaien’s Zanpakuto is Nejibana (Twisted Flower). Its shikai command is “rankle the seas and the skies.” The activated Nejibana is transformed into a trident-like weapon with the ability to manipulate water.