Kūgo Ginjō

is the leader of the mysterious organization, Xcution.He is also the 1st ever Substitute Shinigami.

Appearance
Kūgo has long dark hair that he keeps combed back, down to the nape of his neck. He is tall and wears dark trousers and a light T-shirt, over which he wears a dark jacket that has a fur-covered collar. He also wears a thin chain necklace that has an X-shaped pendant attached to it.

Personality
Kūgo is a calm and cool-headed individual. He is quite manipulative, shown when he attempted to hire Ikumi Unagiya to do a background check on Isshin Kurosaki, intentionally doing so in front of Ichigo in order to get his attention. According to a member of his group, he is a charming individual that apparently talked them into following him. He claims that he carries ramen around with him because he likes it.

History
Some time ago, Kūgo became the first substitute Shinigami. However, he gave up the position and disappeared. Sometime later, Kūgo joined Xcution along with other humans with Fullbring abilities under the leadership of Shūkurō Tsukishima. Their aim was to rid themselves of their powers and Tsukishima came up with the plan to pass them onto someone who was both part Human and part Shinigami. However, when this process began, Tsukishima changed his mind and slaughtered the Substitute Shinigami and anyone who had given him their powers. Kūgo subsequently took the Substitute Shinigami's badge. Sometime after this, Kūgo became the leader of Xcution as the group continued its search for another candidate to pass their powers onto.

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc
As Ichigo Kurosaki is walking home with Keigo Asano and Mizuiro Kojima, they are shoved aside by a thief running away with something he stole from Kūgo. Ichigo runs after the thief, defeats him and returns the stolen goods to Kūgo who then thanks him and offers to buy him some ramen which Ichigo declines and leaves. Kūgo states how surprised he is of Ichigo's wariness as a substitute Shinigami badge falls from his bag.

Sometime later, Kūgo shows up at the Unagiya Shop asking whether Ikumi Unagiya or Ichigo would like some Ramen. Despite how neither Ichigo's boss nor he wanted the Ramen, Kūgo proceeded to sit down and eat the ramen he had offered regardless, enraging Ichigo with his boldness. He informs them that he actually is a customer looking for a shop that did odd jobs and saying that him finding them was just a coincidence. He then proceeds to set a picture down of Isshin and when Ichigo reacts to this, he goes on to claim there are things about his own family that Ichigo does not know. He goes on to try and explain what he knew but is interrupted by Ikumi, who tells him they will call him after reviewing the information. He gets up to leave but tells Ichigo to go to the Urahara Shop to see something interesting. Outside, his comrades, Kutsuzawa and Riruka state that they failed and how they were following him because he charmed them. Kūgo appears after Ichigo sees his sister Karin leave the Urahara Shop, telling Ichigo that she has been visiting the store regularly. He says that there are things Ichigo does not know about Kisuke Urahara and that he should take measures while he still can, finally introducing himself to Ichigo. Ichigo tells Kūgo that he does not trust him, which Kūgo acknowledges. He gives Ichigo a card with "welcome to our Xcution" written on it.

When Ichigo calls the number on the card, he is put through to Kūgo. Ichigo complains about the complicated nature of contacting him, but Kūgo dismisses it, saying that there would be trouble for him if it was not so complicated. Kūgo tells him to go to an address in Naruki City the following evening so they can talk. The next day, Kūgo greets Ichigo, noting that he is early. Ichigo informs him that his friend was attacked and he wants his help, prompting Kūgo to inquire if Ichigo trusts him. When Ichigo mentions that he is probably not a normal Human, Kūgo says that he wonders about that and notes that Ichigo has nobody else to count on. After joking about his request to investigate Isshin, Kūgo reveals that he did that only to gain Ichigo's interest. Inside an apartment building, he types in a code and tells Ichigo to use his card to open a door, revealing his groups hide out and several of the groups members. Kūgo then informs him that they aim to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers.

Ichigo asks how they intend to restore his Shinigami powers and what is their end in doing it. He grabs Kūgo by his shirt and demands he give him some explanation as to who he and his comrades are. Kūgo removes Ichigo's hands and tells him to relax and to take a seat. Since he cannot answer all these questions at once, he suggests they take their time. He offers Ichigo a drink; he can't have any liqueur but he can order just about anything he likes. Ichigo refuses and Kūgo has Giriko give him an orange juice. Kūgo explains that the members of Xcution are Humans but, as Ichigo stated earlier, not ordinary Humans. They were born with an ability which Kūgo thinks would be easier to demonstrate than to explain. He touches the rim of his glass, causing it and the beverage within it to glow. The liquid then leaves the glass and makes its way into Kūgo's mouth and down his throat. He explains that he is able to pull on the Soul that resides within objects and make it do as he pleases, up to the point of altering the shape of familiar objects. The ability is known as Fullbring.

When Riruka enters the room Kūgo is surprised to see she's back so soon and asks if she found the person she was sent for. She says she has but complains about the darkness and asks when will Kūgo install more lights, which he says he has no intention of doing. He tells her to put on her glasses but she refuses and instead begins a long discussion about eye wear. Kūgo introduces her to Ichigo but wants to wait until her recruit is inside before introducing Ichigo to her. She calls for the man she brought to come in. When he does, he turns out to be Yasutora Sado.

When Ichigo demands to know what is going on, Kūgo tells him to calm down and asks them both to take a seat and let him explain. Kūgo ignores Riruka's questions about Sado and Ichigo and instead tells Giriko to give Sado a drink. Riruka demands to know if Ichigo is in fact the Ichigo Kurosaki they had been trying to recruit, but Kūgo tells her to wait. Giriko asks him to put away his sword, saying Kūgo would have to pay for the damage done to the floor later. Kūgo reluctantly agrees. He berates Ichigo for his harsh glare and asks him if he now understands what Fullbring is, which Ichigo confirms. Kūgo explains why Hollows have holes in their chests and states that their lost heart becomes their new appearance and special abilities. He says that all of them had parents that were attacked by a Hollow before they were born, with traces of the Hollows' powers remaining in their mother's bodies and being passed on to them while still in the womb. Fullbring is a power closer to Hollows than Shinigami. Kūgo states that they find this power troublesome. He asks if Ichigo, having once had Hollow powers himself, could surely relate.

Kūgo explains that they wish to remove their unpleasant powers. He reveals that over the years of gathering allies with similar powers, they realized that they can transfer their powers to a person who has the powers of both a Human and a Shinigami. He tells Ichigo there was somebody other than him who was of a Shinigami and Human origin. By giving their powers to such a person person, some of their old allies were able to revert back to their humanity. They want Ichigo to regain his Shinigami powers so they could become Human again. Kūgo explains that they found Sado, saying that he is one of them and he wishes to help restore Ichigo's powers. Kūgo assures Ichigo that his powers will return, and they would add their own powers on top of them. Ichigo agrees to help them.

When Ichigo returns two days later, he asks Kūgo why he was called there. Kūgo asks if he is complaining, noting that he came obediently. Ichigo tells him to be quiet and asks if he is going to do any training. Riruka answers instead and places him inside a doll house using her Fullbring. Kūgo listens as Riruka explains her ability. He accuses her of being unreasonable towards Ichigo and tells Jackie that he does not know if he will be alright. Once Ichigo awakens his Fullbring, Kūgo explains that, just like every battle Ichigo has had has been carved into his soul, they're also carved withing the soul of the tool you hold. The badge carves the memories of each battle into his soul. Even though he lost his powers, the badge remembers it.

After Ichigo is released from the dollhouse, he asks if he is to stay for further training. Riruka tells him to leave and Kūgo backs her up, saying that Fullbring puts more strain on the body than can be felt. He advises Ichigo not to push himself as his body will fall to pieces if he wears himself out. Saying that a few more days without his powers should be bearable after all this time, he promises to call him when he has recuperated. When Ichigo returns for information, Kūgo explains the history Xcution shares with Tsukishima and why he attacked Uryū and confronted Orihime, before sending Ichigo home to rest and prepare for more training. When Ichigo is placed inside a fish tank to fight Jackie, Kūgo tries to stop an uninterested Riruka from leaving, insisting that she is needed to disengage her Dollhouse ability. She tells him that she does not care about today's training and to come for when it is done. Despite Kūgo's request not to, Yukio tells him that he hates that about Riruka.

As, Ichigo trains against Jackie, Kūgo is approached by Sado. He tells Sado that Ichigo is training against Jackie currently and Sado says that his timing is perfect then. Kūgo is surprised to hear this. Sado then says that he has something he wants to ask Kūgo about and questions what Tsukishima's ability is. Sado explains about Orihime and theorizes about Tsukishima's ability. He tells Kūgo that keeping secrets is meaningless at this point and says he wants an answer. Kūgo gets up and says that he was not keeping secrets. He says if Tsukishima had an ability as troubling as what Sado suggested, he would have already told him. He says that Tsukishima's ability is called Book of the End and that it is a sword that can literally cut through anything but that is all it can do. Sado suggests that maybe it changed since the last time that he saw him but Kūgo says that Fullbrings do not change with progress. Sado says that that is not true because of his own abilities evolving but Kūgo merely says that Sado was jut at the initial stage of his ability and had not unlocked it's true nature. He says that they have been living with their Fullbring's for many years and that Tsukishima had long passed that stage. Sado asks about Orhime and he says that it troubling and asks if Uryū has had any troubling memories. Sado says no and Kūgo tells him to check again because if he is that is a problem but if he is not, that means the one who attacked Orihime was not Tsukishima. Suddenly, Tsukishima bursts in and casts doubt on what Kūgo just said. He greets Kūgo and Kūgo questions what he is doing. Tsukishima says that he does not see Jackie and goes to cut the fish tank as Kūgo cries out but Kūgo then looks in awe as Ichigo emerges from the tank in his new form.

Seeing Ichigo, Kūgo is shocked to see his new form. As Ichigo then attacks Tsukishima, Sado tries to go after him but Kūgo tells him to wait, saying that now that Ichigo has activated his Fullbring, they can afford to tell him about Tsukishima. Sado however tells him that they don't know how powerful Ichigo's Fullbring is and telling him that Tsukishima is the one that attacked Orihime will hurt his performance. Ichigo then appears and thanks the two of them for looking out for him. He goes to attack Tsukishima but when Tsukishima cuts him and goes to finish him, Kūgo appears, sword in hand and blocks Tsukishima's attack.

Tsukishima then mocks Kūgo asking that if he is really trying to interfere to which Kūgo says that Tsukishima is the one who is interfering. Ichigo tells him to step aside and not to get in the way. Kūgo simply elbows Ichigo behind the neck and tells Ichigo to shut up and stay down. Tsukishima tells Kūgo that if he fights him, he is most certainly going to die, but Kūgo replies that Tsukishima is the one who is going to die. They both then clash swords and fight. Kūgo tries to attack Tsukishima from above the head but he dodges this and attempts to cut Kūgo from below, Kūgo jumps up into the air and evades the attack and then unleashes an energy attack onto Tsukishima. Tsukishima comes out from the dust unharmed and manages to cut Kūgo across the right side of his face. Tsukishima says that that was close and asks wgat would happen if he carved out a building that had people inside. Kūgo tells Tuskishima that it's okay as he is only picking the empty ones to jump on. Their fight is then interrupted by Ichigo and Yukio.

After Yukio loads Ichigo, Ichigo questions where they are and Kūgo responds that it is a backup HQ and that it is not as comfortable as the regular one. Yukio then tells Kūgo that if he complains, he will not make it comfortable as it is his money that will be spent to fix it up, not Kūgo's. Kūgo simply says my bad as he looks over at Yukio. Ichigo questions about Tsukishima and Kūgo responds that he has fled for now. He then says that he is worried about Tsukishima's objectives as if his goal was to harm Xcution, he could have still done so, but it is clear now that he is after Ichigo. Yukio tells him that he is over thinking things though as Tsukishima would not have attacked while he held his console. Yukio tries to leave but Kūgo says he needs Yukio to help with Ichigo's training. Yukio tries to get out of it but Kūgo says that they will need him because his Fullbring shuts out Reiatsu completely. He asks if Yukio will do it and Yukio agrees. Ichigo then questions if it will be a live battle and Kūgo says that is what seems to work best with him. Ichigo then asks who his opponent will be and Kūgo responds that it will be him.

Yukio loads Ichigo and Kūgo into his console. Ichigo realizes that this is what happened to him on the rooftops and Kūgo confirms this. He explains that Yukio's Fullbring locks people in subspace and that Yukio can control it from his console. Kūgo then asks if Ichigo has ever wanted to be inside a video game. Ichigo asks what his point is and Kūgo says everyone thinks of it and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Ichigo replies that he has never not thought of it and Kūgo says he never had the notion. Ichigo questions why he asked then and Kūgo responds that it does not really matter but that this is the prettiest it gets inside a gameand Ichigo says it is more desolate than he thought. Kūgo brings out his Fullbring sword and says it would be great if they had rules like a video game. Ichigo asks what kind of rules and Kūgo says something simple before asking Yukio to give them HP. Kūgo asks for six HP each and six crosses appear above their heads. Kūgo asks if Ichigo needs a tutorial but he says he has it. Kūgo ask if Ichigo is ready and Ichigo activates his Fullbring. The two then charge at each other when the timer says go. Later, Yukio lets Orihime into the game and Kūgo says that the healing item is there.

Orihime tries to introduce herself but Kūgo tells her to save the pleasantries and fix Ichigo. Worried, Orihime runs to Ichigo and begins to heal him. Sado arrives and says that he knows that Ichigo did not want to involve Orihime in this but that they will need her. Kūgo begins to say something to Sado but he cuts him off, saying he did not come here to back up Ichigo. Sado says he has come to train and had Yukio make him a room to do so in. Kūgo acknowledges this and tells Sado to do as he wants. As Orihime continues to heal Ichigo, Kūgo tells her she is too slow and asks if he is healed yet. Orihime asks him to wait a little longer but he says he cannot and asks if Ichigo is ready. When Ichigo says yes, Kūgo dives into an attack but Orihime puts up a shield. Kūgo asks if she really thinks his Cross of Scaffold can be stoped by Santen Kesshun but Orihime says he is wrong. He asks how he is wrong but before she can answer, his attack is stopped and he is thrown back as he is cut across the shoulder. Orihime reveals it is a new technique that disperses an incoming attack as an explosion and returns fire. Kūgo calls her sadistic and Orihime says she is fine with him calling her that and that if he does not want to get hurt, he shouldn't attack her when she says not to. Orihime explains what has been happening with her and Sado while he has been without his power and Ichigo gets up and thanks her before asking Kūgo to continue.

Kūgo continues training Ichigo, assessing him as they fight. He notes that Ichigo is staying close to him to avoid being hit. As Ichigo approaches, he grabs the inner handle of his Fullbring to allow him to attack Ichigo more effectively, injuring Ichigo's leg. He reveals that the sword has a handle inside its blade so that he can deal with opponents at close range. Kūgo notes that his movements are sharper and he thinks that he was right to have Orihime brought there and that he is stronger when he is close to the person he wants to protect. As they continue to fight, Kugo concludes that Ichigo's has too many random thoughts in his head and he slashes Ichigo's eyes. He then stops Orihime from helping him, telling her to watch. He states that when Ichigo lost his powers he also lost his resolve. He tells Ichigo that he will drag him back to the battle.

Ichigo asks Kūgo what is intentions are, as he promised to help Ichigo. Kūgo reminds him that they did promised to help him get his Shinigami powers back, and that teaching him Fullbring was the first step to that goal. Ichigo retorts that he cannot bring himself to trust Kūgo after blinding him. Kūgo then asks him why he agreed to training with the Xcution if he could not bring himself to trust him and tells him that he would not be able to fight his way out if things went wrong because of his powerless state. Kūgo then discards his sword and begins to attack Ichigo barehanded. Orihime tries to intervene in their fight, but Kūgo has Yukio lock Orihime in a cage using his Forbidden Zone ability. Ichigo calls out to Orihime, but Kūgo merely taunts him to see what's wrong with her. Ichigo moves to attack Kūgo and manages to dodge his attacks, believing that he can do so by Kūgo's presence and sound. However, Kūgo cuts Ichigo's shoulder, telling him that he is allowing Ichigo to dodge his attacks. As he knocks Ichigo down, Kūgo impales Ichigo with his sword and tells him that he is done fighting him. Kūgo then tells Ichigo that he'll kill Chad and Orihime. Ichigo is surprised by Kūgo's words, but Kūgo tells him that he should have expected it since he is not a comrade. Enraged, Ichigo yells at Kūgo. Kūgo notices Ichigo's Fullbring changing and grabs Ichigo's materialized blade as it explodes with energy. Seeing that Ichigo's Fullbring is now complete, Kūgo tells Ichigo that he is proud of him and explains that someone has to stay close and control the outburst of energy while putting their own life on the line, and that torrent of energy released from the object of the Fullbring could ruin the user's body, which is why Kūgo wanted to be present when Ichigo's own Fullbring was complete. He then apologizes to Ichigo, saying that he made too much of a clichéd villain, and welcomes him to the Xcution.

After completing his Fullbring, Kūgo puts Ichigo through a new training regiment of sets of 100 pushups. When Kūgo asks if Ichigo is already tired, Ichigo become angry and yells that of course he is tired and asks how many sets of one hundred pushups Kūgo is going to make him do. Kūgo says they are only at 14 and Ichigo says Kūgo is insane. Kūgo then says that since Ichigo's name has a 1 and a 5, he should do one more set. Ichigo says he hates when people do that with his name and Kūgo calls him a liar as he always wears 15 pattern shirts. Ichigo calls Kūgo a stalker for knowing that. Completely wiped out now, Kūgo tells Ichigo to do one more set, which he cannot. Kūgo then tells him to relax as he was just joking. Kūgo reveals that using Fullbring takes a massive amount of stamina and Ichigo realizes that is why he is doing all those pushups. Kūgo then asks if Ichigo saw something when he completed his Fullbring and Ichigo is shocked he knows this. Kūgo says that Ichigo's mangled eyes saw him bathed in reiatsu and that is why he cut Ichigo's eyes as that is proof that Ichigo is beginning to regain his Shinigami powers. Kūgo explains that when Ichigo lost his reiatsu, a tiny portion accumulated in a single location inside of him over time and that is why they used the reiatsu flowing from his badge to jolt that awake. He says all that is left to do is to beef up his new body and powers and then his Fullbring and Shinigami powers will fuse, giving Ichigo a power transcending that of a Shinigami. Kūgo throws Ichigo his badge and Ichigo tests out his new Fullbring. Kūgo says that it is sure something to look at and that he almost mistook Ichigo for someone else. Kūgo then tells him that his Fullbring needs a name. Later, Kūgo calls for Ichigo as he runs through the street. He hastily informs Ichigo that Tsukishima has gotten to all members of Xcution.

After managing to get away from everyone, Kūgo takes Ichigo to a location that not even the members of Xcution know about to discuss the events that transpired. Ichigo wonders why everyone is acting the way they are and Kūgo tells Ichigo that, thanks to information that Chad provided about Tsukishima's attack on Orihime and with what has transpired, that his ability may be more than just cutting everything, but rather, placing himself into people's pasts by cutting them with his sword. He proceeds to explain that it would make sense considering his Fullbring object is a bookmark and that he places himself in people's pasts as whatever he wants. The people do not question Tsukishima as to them he has always been there. Ichigo then asks if the spell would break if Tsukishima were to die. Kūgo tells Ichigo that he does not know the answer yet still asks if he could kill him despite this. Just as they were discussing this, Yukio finds them and says that their conversation is disturbing. Kūgo asks how Yukio found them and Yukio shows them his Fullbring's tracker, saying that they always do that. He tells them to come along and says to Kūgo that he is messed up. He says no one is mad at him and that they will have him back to normal in no time. He then leads them to a mansion in the woods.

When Tsukishima greets them, Kūgo stops Ichigo from charging at him, warning him that if he is right about Tsukishima's ability, then he cannot afford to be cut even once. They are invited inside, where Ichigo's friends and family are waiting. Kūgo watches as they greet Ichigo and urge him to apologize to Tsukishima for his previous actions. He tries to reassure Ichigo that they have not forgotten him, saying they will not attack and that they are still his friends. However, Ichigo runs upstairs, leaving Kūgo concerned. After Tsukishima follows Ichigo, Kūgo destroys the staircase with his Fullbring and tells Ichigo that Yukio is the only one downstairs who can reach them. He tells him to fight all out.

As Ichigo fights Tsukishima, Kūgo tries to assist him. However, a chandelier drops from the ceiling and Moe Shishigawara suddenly appears and tells him that he is fighting him and the members of Xcution, and that he should not be worried about someone else's fight. Kūgo notices that Moe does not have tools on him and that the chain on the chandelier didn't break, but the screws on it have come out, which caused it to fall. Kūgo then wonders what kind of ability Moe possesses.

As Ichigo goes off to fight Tsukishima, Ginjō is confronted by Moe Shishigawara along with Jackie Tristan, Giriko Kutsuzawa, and Riruka Dokugamine. Jackie activates her Fullbring and attempts to kick Ginjō, but he dodges the attack. Giriko then pulls out his pocket watch and activates his as well and the numbers from his watch begin to fly at Ginjō, but he evades them with Bringer Light. Riruka then appears behind him and attempts to shoot Ginjō with the Love Gun and when he turns to face her Shishigawara jumps behind him and attempts to attack him, but Ginjō intercepts the attack and knocks Shishigawara away. Ginjō notices that a piece of his sword's guard had broken off, and Shishigawara states that he's lucky that he didn't hit his body because it was such a good roll. Ginjō asks him what he means by that, and Shishigawara removes the bandages from his hand and says that the name of his Fullbring is Jackpot Knuckle. He states that the top of his Fullbring shows rolls that manipulate probability and explains that he fractured Ginjō's swords guard and made the chandelier fall because he hit the jackpot. Shishigawara then screams for Ginjo to bring it on because he'll show him the true meaning of a killing blow.

Ginjō is forced out of the window of Tsukishima's mansion and states that four against one puts him at a disadvantage, and he wonders how Ichigo is doing and is shocked when he looks over at him. Tsukishima attempts to cut Ichigo with his fullbring, but Ginjō intercepts the attack and Tsukishima cuts him down his left shoulder. Ginjō then goes plummeting to the ground below. As Kūgo falls, Ichigo rushes to him and asks if he is okay. Kūgo reminds Ichigo that he should be worrying about Tsukishima instead of him. Tsukishima tries to attack Ichigo, but he blocks his attack, causing him to retreat. Kūgo tries to get up and informs Ichigo that he still sees Tsukishima as an enemy and Ichigo as his ally, but he is confused as to why Tsukishima's ability hasn't activated itself yet, and they need to take him out before it does. Uryū Ishida arrives before they make a move and activates his Ginrei Kojaku and tells Ichigo to come towards him. Ichigo hesitates, having heard that Uryū was attacked by Tsukishima before anyone else, but Uryū informs him that the one who attacked him was the man standing behind him, Kūgo. Uryū shoots some arrows at Kūgo, but Kūgo blocks them and attacks Ichigo. Uryū tries to assist Ichigo, but Tsukishima attacks him before he can. Ichigo asks if Kūgo was affected by Tsukishima's powers, to which Kūgo says Ichigo is half right. He didn't become Ichigo's enemy because Tsukishima cut him; he actually had Tsukishima cut him twice and return him to normal. He then takes out the slain Shinigami's badge and merges it with his sword and tells Ichigo that he is relieving him of his Fullbring. Kūgo then stabs him with his sword.

Kūgo and Tsukishima then reveal the details of the attack on Uryū, explaining that it was really Kūgo who attacked him. After Kūgo explains what happened when he attacked Uryū, Tsukishima said he only cut Kūgo because he was bad at acting and states that Kūgo started calling Ichigo "Kurosaki" again after he cut him again. Then after Kūgo takes Ichigo's Fullbring, the pair begins to walk off and Ichigo starts to cry. Tsukishima turns around and says that he feels bad because Ichigo is crying to which Kūgo tells him to let Ichigo cry as he is no longer useful to them and will be unlikely that they will ever meet him again. Once they start walking away, a burst of energy erupts behind them, forcing Kūgo and Tsukishima to look behind surprising them as they see Ichigo in his Shinigami uniform.

Ichigo emerges with his Shinigami powers, and Rukia Kuchiki berates him for being a "crybaby". She then explains that the sword she used restored Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Kūgo exclaims that that is impossible, as he took Ichigo's power and thus one person cannot return it. Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, Kenpachi Zaraki, Ikkaku Madarame, and Tōshirō Hitsugaya then arrive, and Renji explains that they all gave their Reiatsu to restore Ichigo's power. Rukia further explains that all Kūgo took was the power that had merged with Ichigo's Fullbring, and that it was impossible for him to steal Ichigo's Shinigami powers. Ichigo then begins to fight Kūgo, swinging his blade to release a powerful shock wave. Kūgo comments that Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō has improved, but says that it'll take more than that to kill him. Ichigo explains that he did not use a Getsuga Tenshō; what he did was merely a "practice swing", and proceeds to charge up his actual Getsuga Tenshō. Ichigo fires the blast while Kūgo stares on in shock of his massive reiatsu.

Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō misses Kūgo, but Ichigo tells him he won't miss again. Kūgo decides to retreat in order, but Ichigo stops him and throws him down. Kūgo wonders if his physical strength increased because of the Fullbring he gave him. As he lands, Ichigo fires a massive Getsuga Tenshō at him. Hitsugaya reveals that he is the first Substitute Shinigami as Kūgo emerges from the attack with a skeletal-like appearance.

Powers & Abilities
Expert Swordsmanship Specialist: Kūgo is a competent swordsman, being able to hold his own against the likes of Tsukishima and Ichigo Kurosaki, having defeated the latter twice, albeit without his Shinigami powers. He was also able to take on the combined might of Jackie, Riruka, Giriko, and Shishigawara with his sword.

Enhanced Speed: Due to his mastery of Fullbring, he is able to use "Bringer Light", which allows him to increase his speed and the height of his jumps by pulling on the soul of the concrete or air. Kūgo has shown to be quite fast, able to dodge successive attacks from Jackie, Riruka, and Giriko, all while they were using their Fullbring abilities. He is also able to get between a point blank attack by Tsukishima on Ichigo from a considerable distance, taking the attack himself in the process. He is also capable of dodging Ichigo's incredibly fast and powerful sword swinging after the latter regains his Shinigami powers.

Enhanced Endurance: Kūgo has shown a large amount of endurance, being able to take the full brunt of the explosion caused by Ichigo's Fullbring completing and still being able to stand afterwards.

Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Kūgo is able to fight barehanded, using swift movements to land blows on his opponents before they can even react.

Spiritual Power: While it is unknown just how much spiritual power Kūgo possess, it is known that he has enough for Ichigo to see his form "bathed in reiatsu", as well as Kūgo himself to see spirits, such as Shinigami.

Fullbring

 * Using Fullbring, Kūgo is able to transform the Saltire pendant on his necklace into a large Claymore. The blade is long and wide, the sword's handle runs through its guard, continuing on through a hollow space at the base of its blade. This part of the handle allows Kūgo to attack opponents at closer ranges.


 * Energy Blade: By gripping the handle near the base of his broadsword's blade, Kūgo can engulf the blade with a large aura of energy. He can then swing the sword at his target, producing a massive explosion on impact.


 * Second Form: Kūgo places the Substitute Shinigami Badge of the slain substitute Shinigami onto his sword, merging it with his sword into a base that resembles a skull with an 'X' over it. The handle in the hollow part of his blade resembles a spinal column after this transformation.

Trivia

 * Kūgo's theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is "Last Man Standing" by Bon Jovi.