Nnoitra Gilga

, sometimes incorrectly romanized as Nnoitora Jiruga, is the quinto (5th) Espada in Sōsuke Aizen's army.

Appearance
Nnoitra is the tallest Espada, excluding Yammy Llargo (whose height varies under certain circumstances), dwarfing even Chad by half a foot. This fact is emphasized by his very thin and lanky body. His face is frequently set in a huge smile which reveals his upper teeth, similar to Shinji Hirako. His black hair hangs past his shoulders, concealing the left side of his face and a large white eyepatch with one exposed dark gray eye. The eyepatch hides his mask fragments, consisting of a small set of jawbones and teeth surrounding his Hollow hole. The tattoo signifying his rank as 5th Espada is located on his tongue. His clothing consists of a modified Arrancar jacket with an overblown spoon-like hood and an opening starting at the neckline, showing most of his midsection, and closing at his waist. He wears the standard hakama but the ends of his pant legs close inside extended and curved boots. When he was the 8th Espada, Nnoitra's hair was shorter and messier, he lacked the spoon hood, and he wore his jacket's collar upturned.

Personality
Personality-wise, Nnoitra is extremely rude and lecherous, accented by his snake-like eyes and perverted attitude towards Orihime, rudely referring to her as "pet-sama". He even went as far to ask Ulquiorra Cifer how well he "disciplined" her. He is quite possibly the most foul-mouthed character in the series, even more so than Grimmjow. He is also a firm believer in male chauvinism and openly insults (and regularly attacked) the former 3rd Espada, though it's unknown if he holds the same grudge toward Tier Harribel. His overall goal is to prove himself to be the absolute strongest of the Espada, not wishing to waste his time killing those he dubs "weak". However, he has no qualms attacking stronger opponents who are already injured, a trait both Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez berate him for. He also loathes looking weak, and thus, will refuse all forms of assistance offered to him during an ongoing battle, as seen when he struck his lone Fracción, Tesra Lindocruz, for running over to his side (and releasing Orihime Inoue in the process) after Nnoitra was blasted by Nelliel's Cero Doble. He does, however, appear to have at least some amount of concern for his sole Fracción's well-being (unlike Grimmjow, who did not even mourn for his deceased companions), having attempted to warn Tesra to withdraw from battle after he determined via his Pesquisa that Kenpachi Zaraki was stronger than he had initially anticipated.

One of Nnoitra's most notable characteristics is his insatiable bloodlust and hunger for battle, which exceeds even Grimmjow's and is rivaled only by Kenpachi Zaraki's philosophy of literally living to fight time and again. Nnoitra's idea of a fulfilling end to his life would be to die on his own two feet while drowning on his own blood. Because fighting is his way of life, he continually strives to be stronger, and it is later revealed that he considers himself indebted to Aizen for allowing him to exceed his natural fighting limits. To appease his craving for a good fight, he even defies a direct order from Aizen to patiently lie in wait for Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends when they try to infiltrate Las Noches in a bid to free Orihime Inoue.

In his later moments during his battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, he begins to show signs of weakness and desperation, and becomes increasingly frustrated over his inability to overcome the powerful Captain. This stems from an inferiority complex he developed while serving as 8th Espada, due to his apparent inability to beat his opponents. Whenever his opponents refuse to kill him during a battle, particularly Kenpachi and Nelliel, Nnoitra takes it as a direct affront to his pride, because in his mind, neither Nelliel nor Kenpachi seem to think of him as their equal or superior. This shows a more honorable side of him as even he wishes to be treated as equally as every other opponent he has treated. Ironically, he treated virtually everyone of his opponents the same way, unfairly and through dishonorable methods. He also does not hesitate to use any means - even unfair ones - in order to prove his superiority in the battlefield.

History
Several years earlier Nnoitra held the rank of 8th Espada. He once laid waste to an entire colony of an Arrancar prompting Nelliel to ask him why as he was given no order to do so. Nnoitra stated that no one ever ordered him not to kill them. Nelliel reminded him that Aizen ordered them to "seek the Vasto Lorde", noting that murdering entire colonies stood against that order. He responded that not everyone was loyal to Aizen; if they resisted, they were rebels, and killing rebels was like helping Aizen. He further reasoned that if he could take them out then they were not Vasto Lorde, stating that he was following orders just fine. He then informed her that she had gotten awfully uptight over a couple hundred Hollows. Nelliel suggested that he should think before he speaks, as they themselves were once Hollows just like those he killed; it was their own good fortune that they had evolved beyond that, nothing more. Nnoitra taunted her to attack if she was angry at him and felt she could beat him. She plainly responded that she was shocked, as even after becoming an Arrancar, Nnoitra was nothing more than a child. Nnoitra questioned her comment but was attacked and seemingly knocked unconscious. When he woke up he saw that she was sitting near him reading a book while a dead Hollow lay nearby. He asked her why she helped him, and Nelliel simply told him that she did not 'help him'. She simply prevented the Espada from losing a member by putting an end to his suicidal behavior. Nnoitra explained that he couldn't stand her and that she would obviously know that, so why would she keep following him around. She simply stared at him and stated that its because he was weaker than her. Sometime later Nnoitra continued to kill Arrancar and Hollow alike, determining they were unfortunate for facing him. Nelliel noted to him that it was an Arrancar he just killed to which he responded he knew that and wanted to state as a fact something he would only explain once. Something he wanted her to know if she insisted to continually follow him around, that no matter who it was he would not be benevolent or merciful.

Sometime later he challenged her to a fight to which Nelliel explained once again that she would not draw her blade against the likes of him. Stating that he would not draw her into his demented world. Nnoitra told her that she was over thinking as the only reason they needed to draw their blades against each other was for the simple sake of drawing their blades. Nelliel noted that she did not understand that reasoning. She then asked what drives his blood lust. Nnoitra simply stated that gasping for his final breath in the heat of battle to have his entire being defined by that moment. Nelliel questioned this philosophy noting that it would be a temporary high. He agreed to the truth of that but stated that nothing else could fill that void. He was given power and he would use it kill anyone standing in his way until he died on his feet taking in his last breath.

During this time he would constantly challenge the then 3rd Espada Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck to battle, each time she would easily defeat him. It was during one of these battle she went to leave and he told her that it was a battle to the finish. When she asked him if he wanted her to finish him off she told him that she simply refused and further told him to stop talking all big. She stated that there was a time when they ceased being Human, and became beasts. Now, as Arrancar they had regained their sense of reason. She explained to him that rational people, when going to battle need a reason to fight and he had none. Nnoitra screamed at her that he had a reason, and that he could not stand her. Nelliel detailed that it wasn't a reason, just an instinct, as he was a beast and she didn't recognize him as a warrior. Therefore she had no reason to bear the life of someone not a warrior. After Nelliel left, Nnoitra was approached by Tesra who offered him a hand. In response he threw his Zanpakutō at him hitting the structure behind the Arrancar. Nnoitra told him not to act friendly with him, as just because he lost it didn't mean that they were of the same level. When Tesra asked why he had to pick on Nelliel and no other Espada, Nnoitra explained that it was because he hated her for being a female that was able to out rank a man on the battlefield.

Sometime later Nnoitra teamed up with Szayel Aporro Granz (who was not an Espada at the time) to perform a sneak attack on Nelliel as well as test a device he created. As Nelliel was searching for her Fracción she was confronted by Nnoitra who asked her if she was looking for something. Nelliel stated it was none of his business and asked if revealing his weapon was a form of intimidation. She advised him if he didn't want to look weak, to keep it and move on. There was an explosion which gets Nelliel's attention, and once the smoke settled she saw her Fracción, Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Birstanne, gravely wounded. She turned to Nnoitra and asked him if he forcibly removed their masks as she becomes enraged. They initiated in a fight and because of a device made by Szayel, it created a fake image of Nnoitra and distracted Nelliel's attention. By exploiting the opportunity, Nnoitra attacked Nelliel and she was hit from behind causing a wound to her head and her mask to break on the front left side. The attack scarred her forehead and left her unconscious. He took her unconscious body and stated that she would probably call this an act of a beast but it didn't matter to him. He was approached from behind by Szayel who asked if there was anything else to which Nnoitra responded that his job was already over. Szayel asked him if he needed to be so cold as they worked as partners, for that he should at least be allowed to admire their end. Nnoitra detailed that he doesn't remember being his partner and that they just happened to have the same motives. Nnoitra threw Nelliel off the side of Las Noches so that he could increase his power by the time she returned. Nnoitra told Szayel they were going, but Szayel told him that he would appreciate it if he lost the presumptuous tone, but Nnoitra told him that he wasn't even an Espada anymore. Szayel stated that if not for the equipment that he prepared Nnoitra wouldn't even have had the chance to attack Nelliel and then asked if he should really be speaking to him that way. Nnoitra looked over the side of Las Noches at Nelliel and her Fracción's prone bodies and was surprised as she reverted into a child. Szayel noted that he had not anticipated this and he had never seen anything like it before. He deduced that her reiatsu was leaking out of the wound on her mask, and her spiritual body shrank as a result. Nnoitra stated he didn't care why it happened as he gloated over her and stated that as it was unlikely for them to get the chance to cross swords with each other again noting that it was a shame.

Arrancar arc
Nnoitra's watches the creation of Wonderweiss Margela, his back facing Ulquiorra and Yammy Llargo as Aizen explains to the Espada present the process of awakening the Hōgyoku from its inert state.

Hueco Mundo arc
Nnoitra attends Aizen's meeting about Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado and Uryū Ishida entering Hueco Mundo to save Orihime Inoue. After Aizen warns the Espada to treat the intruders with caution, Nnoitra comments that they look weak. Tier Harribel warns him that if he had listened to what Aizen just said he would have heard him state that they should not take the intruders lightly. Nnoitra tells her that is not what he meant and tells her not to get testy before asking her if she is scared. Harribel just gives him a cold stare. Grimmjow interrupts the brewing confrontation by attempting to walk out against Aizen's orders. He, alongside the other Espada, sit silently while Aizen subdues Grimmjow with his Spiritual Pressure to keep him in line.

Later, he attempts to start a conversation with Ulquiorra about Orihime Inoue. Nnoitra asks how he is handling her, stating he knows Aizen put him in charge of her. He asks how he is doing "taming" her, but Ulquiorra ignores him and walks away calling him degenerate scum. Undeterred Nnoitra uses Sonído to move in front of him and asks Ulquiorra to not get so testy as he is only asking if everything is going well. Ulquiorra can't comprehend why Nnoitra really cares as its trivial but tells him not to worry as Orihime has been under Aizen's spell even before she arrived in Hueco Mundo. Nnoitra then questions if Aizen has used Kyōka Suigetsu as usual, though Ulquiorra assures him that this situation was not that big of an issue to warrant its use. He further explains that the moment that she was invited there multiple psychological cages were put in place, by putting her friends in danger she was forced into a situation where she couldn't refuse and made her surrender. Following that they gave her the 12 hour period to say goodbye to one of her friends. Nnorita still doesn't get the significance of the psychological cage that was being spoken about. Ulquiorra further explains that she is basically set to believe in her own mind that they are not the enemy and then she will follow them of her own free will. He also makes note that allowing her to say goodbye to a friend of her own choosing will allow her to leave evidence of her free will in the event so she will be looked as a traitor to her friends. Finally understanding Nnoitra states that plan is well thought out and would expect nothing less of Aizen, though Ulquiorra corrects him stating that such things to Aizen are nothing more than a game. If she is trapped then that is good, if she is not then that is okay as well, as either way she does not have the power to escape from Hueco Mundo or even the will to turn against them.

Nnoitra intercepts Sado after he defeated Gantenbainne Mosqueda, wondering if he is the first one to get there. Sado immediately charges at him, despite Gantenbainne's attempts to tell him to run. Nnoitra lets Sado punch him but is unaffected, asking if that is his best shot. Nnoitra cuts Sado several times, calling him a weakling. Afterwards, Nnoitra sits down and rests until he is interrupted by Tesra, his Fracción. Tesra asks him if he is going to finish Sado off but Nnoitra tells him no, saying that if he kills a thousand nobodies then who is going to admit that he is the strongest. He begins to explain that there is no value in taking a nobody's life but is interrupted when he senses something. He tells him they are leaving as he has found a huge reiatsu and that he is going to go crush it. As they leave, he senses Sado is alive. Sado tries to attack but Tesra blocks for him. Tesra asks if they should go but Nnoitra holds his blade to his throat, asking who told him to get involved. Tesra apologizes, noting his reasoning, but Nnoitra interrupts, stating there is no one who could beat him. He tells Tesra not to forget that, as he is the strongest Espada.

Nnoitra is later seen watching Ichigo Kurosaki fight Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, silently watching the battle; studying Ichigo's attacks until they finished. When Grimmjow is defeated, Nnoitra attacks him, seriously wounding the 6th Espada. He further states that Grimmjow is a bad loser and that Ichigo is his opponent now. Ichigo asks him who he is wondering if he is an Espada but Nnoitra doesn't respond. When he attempts to finish Grimmjow off Ichigo blocks the attack, asking him why he would try and attack someone who can't move. Nnoitra deflects Ichigo away from him and tells Grimmjow how he can't stand him, seeing that he first loses to the enemy and then has his life saved by him. He then asks Ichigo his name, telling him he will remember it for the short time he will be alive. He then throws his Zanpakutō destroying the ground where it lands though Ichigo dodges the attack. Nnoitra is immediately upon him attacking him relentlessly. When Orihime tries to intervene Nnoitra has Tesra subdue her prompting Ichigo to tell him to let her go. Nnoitra laughs at him and sticks out his tongue showing that he is the 5th Espada and stating that it means that the trash he just got all beat up fighting and barely won against is weaker than him, and its over for Ichigo stating that he is sorry as he has already forgot his name. They continue fighting with Nnoitra noticing that Ichigo is moving well against him, he asks if this isn't the first time he has faced someone with a long weapon. Ichigo responds that it is in fact the second. Nnoitra is unimpressed as he changes direction and attacks Ichigo from behind. Orihime yells as him to stop, asking how can he do such a thing when Ichigo is already Injured. Nnoitra plainly tells her to shut up, asking her if she is stupid. Making note that he is doing this because he is injured. He states that this is a battle so its not going to be fair, fighting is a monster born with from unfairness and intolerance. He continues making his speech noting Ichigo is foolish to think no one will come after him after busting into the enemies headquarters. He then admits that he was watching Ichigo's fight with Grimmjow from the very beginning and he already knows everything he is a capable of.

Ichigo goes to attack but Nnoitra states that he is too slow as he places his Zanpakutō up to counter Ichigo who dodges it and gets close enough to attack the Espada. Nnoitra grabs Ichigo's blade with his barehand, even sliding it along the length of the blades edge, with no injuries much to Ichigo's surprise. Nnoitra draws Ichigo in closer and tells him that he guesses the blade just looks sharp, telling him that he dodges and Ichigo loses before he head-butts him, sending him flying into a nearby structure. As they fight, Nnoitra notices Nel, recognizes her stating she has become pathetic and asks if her broken mask aches. Ichigo then questions how does Nnoitra know Nel. Nnoitra explains that he wondered why she was here figuring Ichigo brought her but states he realizes now Ichigo brought her not knowing who she really was. Ichigo is confused not know what Nnoitra means, so the Espada explains that she is Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, an ex-Espada. Nel tries to deny the accusation, prompting Nnoitra to step on her but Ichigo blocks the attack. While Ichigo is telling Nel to not worry he is kicked himself sending him flying. Nnoitra comments that it does seem as though she has lost her memory, but after getting her head broken its no wonder she has forgotten all that has happened. Ichigo questions what does he mean broken, Nnoitra explains as he picks Nel up by her head that he is the one broke her head. Ichigo yells at him to stop and becomes enraged charging at him, but Nnoitra counters only for Ichigo to get in close and slash him down the center of his chest. But Ichigo then realizes his blade has made contact but done nothing. Nnoitra asks if he has already forgotten that there is no way he can cut him with that blade. He then kicks Ichigo again sending him further away, explaining that Nel always made him mad just like Ichigo is doing right now, thus why he broke her head from behind and threw her out of Las Noches. Ichigo screams at him to let her go and rushes to attack him but Nnoitra counters and throws Nel away in the process. As he goes over to a wounded Ichigo he states that its time to end this. He grabs Ichigo's sword arm and breaks his wrist. Seeing Ichigo hurt triggers Nel's transformation into her original form much to Nnoitra's surprise.

Nnoitra states that she has returned to her original form. Before he realizes it she uses Sonído to move Ichigo to a safe distance away from him. After a small talk with Ichigo who reassures her they are still friends, Nel resolves to face Nnoitra. Though Ichigo is uncertain at first, it is revealed her former rank as 3rd Espada. Nelliel rushes to attack Nnoitra and cuts him across the chest before he can react, surprising him entirely. He tries to attack her but she effortlessly kicks his Zanpakutō away, pushing him off balance, and sending him a distance away from her. He eventually stops himself and fires a Cero at her, causing Ichigo to scream out trying to warn her. Nelliel simply places her hand up stopping the blast entirely, much to Nnoitra's surprise. She then sucks the entire blast into her mouth and fires a Cero Doble at him causing a large explosion. Tesra lets Orihime go as he runs off to aid his master, but no sooner than he does that, he is sent flying away into nearby debris. Nnoitra appears injured along his right side, asking Tesra who told him to let go of that woman, to which he apologizes. Nnoitra smiles at Nelliel and asks what is wrong. He was hit by a Cero that she absorbed and then added her own to it...so why is he still alive? He notes that her face is asking that. He then admits that he forgot about her Cero Doble, her trademark technique. He then explains to her that she doesn't get it as she has forgotten one thing. Since she left Las Noches, he asks her how many years have passed since she disappeared? He then states that she shouldn't think the power of the current Espada is the same as when she was an Espada, and that the number on her back is meaningless now.

The two Arrancar continue to battle with both facing each other evenly. As they fight Nnoitra asks if she remembers calling him a beast and even saying their strengths weren't even. He then gloats, asking her how it feels being beaten to death by the same beast. Nelliel then kicks his Zanpakutō away as Nnoitra goads her, Nelliel tells him its such a pity as it will be difficult to transform again after only just returning to her original form. Therefore she didn't want to resort to it, and she begins to release her Zanpakutō. Nnoitra realizing what she is doing moves to stop her but isn't fast enough and is forced back by the release of reiatsu. He is quickly overwhelmed as Nelliel uses her "Lanzador Verde" technique which he tries to stop with his Zanpakutō, but the attack succeeds on getting through regardless, slamming him against a slab of rock. Nelliel goes to Nnoitra and tells him that its over but he should not despair as she will not take his life. In an instance she reverts back into a child to everyone's surprise. Nnoitra steps on her and laughs then kicks her, prompting an enraged Ichigo to attack again, only to be slammed into the ground. After getting bored with fighting Ichigo he commands Tesra to finish him off, to which Tesra releases his Zanpakutō and proceeds to beat Ichigo mercilessly. Nnoitra then forces Orihime to watch as Ichigo is brutalized.

Kenpachi comes to Ichigo's aid as he blocks an attack by the Arrancar Tesra. The Arrancar tries to attack but before he realizes Kenpachi has dealt a fatal slash wound down his chest. Finished with Tesra, Kenpachi looks to Nnoitra to be his next opponent. When Ichigo questions what Kenpachi is doing in Hueco Mundo, he only responds by kicking Ichigo, stating that he is in the way of the field of battle. Kenpachi then explains that Kisuke Urahara was asked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to send them to Hueco Mundo in preparation for the Winter War. Nnoitra finally decides to attack and is blocked, though still impressing Kenpachi with his strike. Nnoitra then asks Kenpachi his name, with both men giving their name and rank. The two opponents continue to fight with Kenpachi getting close to dealing a fatal blow to Nnoitra, but his sword wont cut when it makes contact on the Espada. Nnoitra manages to cut Kenpachi on his left shoulder and laughs telling him that his Hierro is unsurpassed by any current and former Espada. He then goes on to taunt Kenpachi that his blade will never be able to cut him.

Kenpachi, undeterred, continues to fight Nnoitra with even more ferocity, much to the Espada's surprise. Nnoitra then dodges and moves himself to a significant distance so that he can swing his weapon and launch it at Kenpachi. Dodging it, Kenpachi grabs the chain the weapon is attached to and reels Nnoitra in, grabs him by the face, and slams him into the ground and attempts to skewer him with his Zanpakutō before the Espada narrowly escapes. Kenpachi questions why he dodged his attack, deducing that if he moved, it must mean the attack was dangerous. Kenpachi states that though Nnoitra claims that he can't be cut by Shinigami swords, he still seems to have some soft spots on him. Dismissing it entirely, Nnoitra jumps up and attacks him from above, though Kenpachi catches his blade with his bare hands then states that he has met a lot of annoying people and they all said that his sword can't cut them. But he has never meant anyone whose eyes and throat can't be cut and he stabs his sword into Nnoitra's covered left eye and out the back of his head. Unaffected, Nnoitra grabs Kenpachi's wrist, much to his surprise, as the Espada moves himself in closer and thrusts his hand into Kenpachi's chest.

Nnoitra retracts his hand from the wound he just made and states that he bets Kenpachi can't understand what just happened. He then uses the tip of Kenpachi's Zanpakutō to lift up his eyepatch, showing that under it is the remnants of his hollow mask as well as the placement of his hollow hole. Nnoitra then explains that it is impossible for a person to have his head pierced and still be alive, as Kenpachi's sword did not reach his brain but simply went right through him. When Kenpachi starts to laugh he enrages Nnoitra who attempts to kick him, but Kenpachi grabs his ankle and apologizes for laughing. He then explains that if he is unable to cut him it means no matter how many times he slashes, the Espada won't die, thus removing the joy of killing him. On the other hand Kenpachi notes that if he cuts him enough times, he will die. Ecstatic at the idea that he can look forward to slicing his opponent up, the two continue to clash. After a few strikes Kenpachi finally succeeds in cutting Nnoitra's forearm. They continue fighting on, fiercer than before, until Kenpachi cuts him again, as well as taking off a piece of the Espada's sword. Kenpachi then announces that it appears that he has finally gotten use to Nnoitra's Hierro strength. Kenpachi makes note that he did not have enough practice; therefore, his moves have not been as quick and he cannot control his own strength. He then thanks Nnoitra for warming him up and asks that he be allowed to use his Zanpakutō to express his gratitude. He thrusts at Nnoitra who dodges and then prepares his own attack only to be cut again by Kenpachi. Trying again to gain a upper hand, Nnoitra fires a Cero at Kenpachi, who simply deflects it away from him with his hand. The Espada is somewhat surprised, but follows up with another hand thrust attack in order to impale Kenpachi once again. His movements are off and he only succeeds in removing Kenpachi's eyepatch as well as leaving himself open to be slash directly down his chest by Kenpachi.

Kenpachi then realizes that his eyepatch has been ripped off, and tells Nnoitra that now he sees what happens when his eyepatch is ripped off, still confused about the power increase until it is explained to him what the eyepatch really is. Infuriated, Nnoitra finally releases his Zanpakutō, which doubles his arms and heals the injury Kenpachi inflicted when his eyepatch was torn off. Nnoitra then asks how it feels seeing an Espada release their Zanpakutō for the first time. Though all he gets in response to his question is a smile from Kenpachi, who tells him that he has nice reiatsu and that it's been a long time, as it was like the reiatsu itself is sharpening his blade. Undeterred, Nnoitra tells him to come and cut him with his newly sharpened blade. Kenpachi wastes no time and goes on the offensive, but is surprised when his attempts are blocked and he is dealt a grievous wound across his chest. Nnoitra then sends Kenpachi flying away from him as he mocks him.

Noticing that there is no movement from a unresponsive Kenpachi, Nnoitra sets his sights on Yachiru, but Kenpachi recovers and manages to cut off one of his arms. When Nnoitra comments on Kenpachi playing dead, he is corrected when Kenpachi states he was just thinking that with four arms Nnoitra is just going to keep blocking his blade, so seeing as he couldn't think of anything, his next best step was to just cut the arms off one by one. Nnoitra tells Kenpachi that he is crazy if he thinks he can cut off his arms and notes that he can't even cut off the one he already did, as he displays his ability to regenerate his arm. He then goes to attack, but Kenpachi blocks him, and is soon thrown back into a nearby structure. As Nnoitra mocks him, Kenpachi kicks out of the rubble and grabs him by the face and slams him into the ground, then he attacks as he manages to pin Nnoitra down, but Nnoitra reveals his two hidden arms and pierces Kenpachi's abdomen. Nnoitra then tells Kenpachi that he is going to use all six of his arms to to take him out.

Nnoitra then generates another scythe weapon and tells Kenpachi that it is over. However, Kenpachi beings to laugh hysterically, much to Nnoitra's surprise. He then admits to how much he is enjoying the fight and notes that it isn't the end because the fight has just begun. Kenpachi then cuts through a nearby structure sending it flying at Nnoitra. The two go at each other with full force, with Kenpachi sustaining many injuries in the process. Nnoitra then cuts off a piece of the same structure, but Kenpachi cuts it in half before it can crush him. The two continue to fight with Kenpachi gaining more wounds but relentlessly continuing to fight with no stopping. After being critically wounded by Nnoitra, Kenpachi begins to realize that at this rate, he will end up dead. He then reluctantly decides to use kendō, though he admits that it's been quite some time since he has used it. When Nnoitra becomes confused, Kenpachi explains that the Captain-Commander made him learn it when he first joined the Gotei 13, but he never liked it, and asks Nnoitra if he knew a sword is more powerful when you use two hands instead one. Nnoitra becomes bored with the conversation and charges at Kenpachi, who grips his sword with both hands and swings it down.

Kenpachi manages to land a powerful blow, dealing Nnoitra a fatal wound to his chest almost severing him in half. He is surprised that the Espada is still alive and then turns to walk away. Nnoitra yells at him asking where he is going as the fight isn't over. Kenpachi explains he doesn't know what he is talking about, as the blow finished him and he is not about to be bothered with finishing someone off who can't even fight back. Undeterred, Nnoitra gets up and tells him the fight isn't over and taunts him to come back and continue fighting. Finally Kenpachi gives in as Nnoitra moves to attack him, but Kenpachi lands another blow to his chest and Nnoitra falls to the ground. As he dies, Nnoitra makes eye contact with Nel who awakens in time to see him die. Kenpachi stands over Nnoitra's corpse victorious, thanking him for the good fight.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsmanship Specialist: Nnoitra is highly masterful with his unique Zanpakutō. He uses his skill to become somewhat of a savage brute, as the lack of true law in Hueco Mundo allowed him plenty of opportunity to engage in battle against Hollows and other Arrancar alike. He effortlessly wields his large Zanpakutō with ease, taking advantage of its unique shape to maximize his attacks. He is highly capable of using it as a ranged projectile as well as he does with it in hand. He is commonly seen using brute strength to hack down an enemy's defense.

Enhanced Hierro: Nnoitra holds the self-proclaimed title for the strongest Hierro of all Arrancar (including the Espada past and present) allowing him to withstand almost any attack with no sign of injury. Kenpachi Zaraki eventually found the necessary requirements to harm him after a brief trial-and-error duel, sharpening his reiatsu in order to cut through Nnoitra's Hierro. This showed that while his Hierro is strong, all the opponent has to do in order to overcome it is by "adapting" to its density with their own reiatsu.


 * Nnoitra is capable of using an advanced version of Pesquisa (ability to sense people with Spiritual Pressure). While the technique normally works by using a meditative state and functions like sonar, all Nnoitra needs to do is put his hand to a grounded surface. His Pesquisa is even able to gauge the amount of spiritual pressure an opponent has, which he uses to identify potentially strong opponents.

Cero: His Cero attacks are uniquely golden, and are fired from the tip of his tongue as opposed to using his hands or fingers like most other Arrancar do.

Immense Spiritual Power: Nnoitra has an incredibly high Reiatsu, and is able to fight on par with Kenpachi Zaraki, a captain well known for high reiatsu. It is because of this high spiritual power that Nnoitra has strong Hierro. He is also just below the power level of the top four Espada, who are strong enough to destroy Las Noches simply by releasing their power.

Enhanced Strength: Despite his thin and fragile appearance, Nnoitra is frighteningly strong and can effortlessly put a lot of destructive power behind his large Zanpakutō with devastating results. Just by spinning his Zanpakutō by the chain-link he can create whirlwinds.

Sonído: Nnoitra has been shown to use Sonído when discussing Orihime Inoue with Ulquiorra Cifer. He has also been shown using it in battle, but his skill level with the technique is unknown. He is fast enough to overwhelm a battle-worn Ichigo using his Bankai.

Zanpakutō

 * Nnoitra's Zanpakutō is uniquely different from the Zanpakutō of many of the other Espada since, unlike the basic sword shape of most Arrancar, Santa Teresa takes the form of a giant axe-like weapon bearing two crescent moon-shaped blades fused together at the backs, with a large looped chain connected to the shaft at the end of the handle. The chain is connected to Nnoitra's waist, allowing him to perform long-ranged attacks. During flashbacks to Nnoitra's time as the 8th Espada, it had only one crescent moon blade on his Zanpakutō, as opposed to the two that it features now.


 * Resurrección: The release command is . Nnoitra gains an extra set of arms, which take on an insect-like carapace and clawed hands, with each hand holding a large scythe-like weapon as well. The scythes themselves resemble the appendages of a praying mantis, and have a small golden tassel at the end of each staff. He also gains a golden marking extending from his forehead to below his right eye, as well as a pair of horns on his head, his left horn longer than his right, resembling a crescent moon. His hollow mask also changes, becoming torn, with the teeth extending over the hole itself. The weapons are used by him to both defend and then rapidly attack his opponent, as is seen in his fight with Kenpachi.


 * Resurrección Special Ability: In this state his physical abilities are enhanced.


 * Instantaneous Limb Generation: Nnoitra can grow an extra set of arms for a total of six, he keeps one set hidden, which he can grow out instantly to perform surprise attacks.


 * Weapon Generation: Nnoitra can grow his scythe-like weapons out of the folds of his wrists, allowing him to replace lost or damaged weapons easily.


 * Enhanced Strength: In this state, his strength is enhanced even further, allowing him to overwhelm Kenpachi Zaraki during their battle.


 * High-Speed Regeneration: Nnoitra has the rare ability to instantly heal injuries while in his released from. The power also allows him to regenerate severed limbs. However the weakness of High-Speed Regeneration is that it cannot heal injury to in the internal organs or the brain and will cease working once either scenario happens.

Fracción

 * Tesra Lindocruz - A male Arrancar who assists Nnoitra wherever he goes. He seems to idolize Nnoitra to a degree, shielding Nnoitra against Chad's last assault, despite criticism from Nnoitra himself. When Tesra attacks Kenpachi without assessing his strength, Nnoitra screams at him to get away, before Kenpachi deals Tesra a single, severely damaging blow, showing that despite his behavior, Nnoitra has some concern for Tesra's well-being.

Appearances in Other Media
Nnoitra appears in a few Bleach games. He first appears in Bleach: Heat the Soul 5 without his Resurrección. He is also playable in Bleach: Versus Crusade with his release state this time. He is also playable in Bleach: Heat the Soul 6 and Bleach: Heat the Soul 7 with his Resurrección; Santa Teresa. His Resurrección is fully playable in Bleach: Soul Resurrección.

Censorship
The damage Nnoitra sustained from Kenpachi Zaraki's Kendo attack is toned down in the anime. In the manga, the attack severed four of his hands and nearly cut him in half; this was omitted in the anime.

Trivia

 * Nnoitra's aspect of death is Despair.
 * In the Bleach best bout poll Nnoitra's fight with Kenpachi came in tenth place.

Quotes

 * (To Tesra Lindocruz) "If I kill a thousand nobodies, who's gonna admit that I'm the strongest? There's no value in taking a nobody's life."


 * (To Tesra Lindocruz) "There is not a single person in heaven or on earth that can break me. Don't forget that I am the strongest Espada."


 * (To Orihime Inoue) "This is a battle. Of course it isn't fair! Fighting, after all, is a monster born from unfairness and intolerance. I can't stand that guy. I can beat that guy. I won't forgive that guy. Enemies are made for all sorts of reasons. From the moment one makes an enemy, until one breathes their final breath, they are in battle."


 * (To Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck) "Even after the time you've been gone, it looks like you're still an irritation of mine - but now for an entirely different reason. You're boring!"


 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's losers who keep on going even though they know they can't win!"


 * (When asked why he hates Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck) "I just can't freakin' stand it. On the battlefield, a woman standin' above the men. That's all it is."


 * (To Kenpachi Zaraki) "Hah! What the hell're you blathering about?! Dodgin' attacks is a pure battle instinct! And there ain't nowhere you can cut me! That sword of yours can never cut me! That's all there is to it!"


 * "Every fuckin' one of 'em, they have the gall to take pity on me. And they don't even know how much they're hurtin' me by doin' it. I don't do "mercy". Strong, weak, infant, monster. I just smash 'em all to pieces. I don't give 'em the chance to get up a second time."


 * (To Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck) "The only reason one needs to draw their blade, is for the simple sake of drawing their blade."


 * (To Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck) "Cause I wanna die. I want to die in the heat of battle. That's why I wanna get stronger. The stronger I get, the more battle will surround me. I want to be able to live and breathe the heat of battle."


 * "Ain't no chance of salvation for us. Never has been. With or without Aizen, that's never gonna change. If there's one thing I'm grateful to that guy for, it's the fact that he gave me power. Thanks to that I've been able to savor greater battles than ever before. I'm gonna be strong. Stronger than anyone. If I'm gonna fight the ultimate enemy, then there can't be anyone else stronger than me. I'll take 'em all out. No matter what it takes."


 * "I wanna be cut so that my breath is gone before my body hits the ground. That's the kind of death I wanna have."

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