Shinji Hirako


 * Shinji redirects here for the filler character from episode 133 see Shinji (filler)

is a recruiter and the unofficial leader of the Vizards, and was previously the captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13.

Appearance
Shinji has jaw length blond hair with a straight cut and many of his facial expressions reveal his upper teeth, a trait also seen in Nnoitra Jiruga. He wears a standard Karakura school uniform, though he usually wears a long brown coat, shirt and tie, a newsboy cap (though he commonly forgoes wearing the coat and cap). Shinji appears to have a pierced round ring in the middle of his tongue. When he was a captain, his hair was very long, reaching down to the lower part of his back. He wore the standard Shinigami robes with a standard captain's hiori.

Personality
Shinji is somewhat comical, adding a bit of levity to situations that are otherwise serious. He has a flippant attitude under normal circumstances and seems to like annoying his associate, Hiyori Sarugaki, which usually earns him a slap from one of her sandals. She, in turn, shows him absolutely no respect and frequently insults and attacks him; although he is no better, frequently making faces or glib insults at her expense. He also appears to have a history of referring to cute girls he meets as his 'first love', complete with a deadpan look on his face despite the obvious lie (he apparently never did this with Hiyori, further annoying her). He also apparently enjoys listening to jazz music, as he had a phonograph that played his vinyl records in his days as a Captain.

Underneath this, though, he is quite perceptive regarding other people, and during his time as a captain, was one of the few people who appeared suspicious of his then-lieutenant Aizen, and could apparently sense or see through some of his illusions. He also quickly notes parts of Urahara's personality. Aizen even admitted to being somewhat intimidated by him. Whenever angered or in combat, Shinji is fairly calm, serious, and level-headed. During a conversation with Ukitake, it was implied that he had been a long-running captain. However, he is not included in Shunsui Kyōraku's list of captains from 100 years before (now 200 years before, because that was said during the Pendulum arc).

History
Approximately 110 years ago Shinji in his capacity as the 5th Division captain is seen getting ready to attend a captain's promotion ceremony and greets the arrival of his lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen. He questions Aizen's sense of fashion upon seeing that he is only wearing his standard Shinigami robes, prompting the two to start a debate of the necessity of wearing different clothes considering the event. When Aizen comments on the music Shinji is listening to, Shinji explains that it is jazz and its all the rage in the world of the living right now. The two make there way to the First Division Headquarters to attend the promotion ceremony. Upon the doors opening Shinji is surprise attacked by lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki of the 12th Division, though she is soon reprimanded by captain Love Aikawa of the 7th Division. When Shinji finally gathers himself he begins to taunt Hiyori enraging her even further. As the group proceeds inside Shinji asks Love what is the head count looking like for the ceremony, to which Love tell's him most everyone is already there. Shinji states that he sees no one from the 11th Division has shown up. Love explains that's his way, as he does what he wants. Shinji says just because he is the 10th 'Kenpachi' no one's got the guts to keep him in check. He goes on to say that he can't understand why they let such a loose cannon like him become captain. Love tries to ease him explaining that there is no use getting upset over it, as the chosen 'Kenpachi' has always held the position of the 11th Division captain. As it is a sort of legacy and it wont change anytime soon. Love goes on to say that if Shinji wants to complain about anything then he should complain about the fact that the previous Kenpachi's ineptitude made it possible. The two captain's are interrupted by the arrival of the 8th Division captain Shunsui Kyōraku being accompanied by his lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru and 13th Division captain Jushiro Ukitake. Shunsui accuses the two of gossiping behind others backs. Shinji then bears witness to the conversation between Shunsui and Ukitake about whose been captain the longest and what has happened to the previous 12th Division captain Kirio Hikifune. He makes note that there going through captain's quicker then toilet paper. Shinji is later seen waiting in line with the other captains as the newly appointed 12th Division captain Kisuke Urahara arrives to the meeting. He is noticeably unimpressed at the demeanor and first impression Urahara makes at his promotion ceremony.

Later the following night he approaches Urahara and tells him why Hiyori is giving him problems as well as gives him advice on how to best go about being a captain. He then remarks to Urahara that he can tell he isn't the type who does what other people tell him anyway so it doesn't matter what he says. Either way Shinji explains that he feels Urahara is a type just like him, so he should just meddle in his own business. While leaving Shinji asks, "How long do you plan on watching us from over there". Using his hand Shinji reveals Aizen concealed behind some form of camouflage, Aizen compliments his captain and asks him when did he realize to which Shinji replies ever since Aizen was in his mothers womb and orders Aizen to follow. Aizen then comments on how scary a person Shinji to which Shinji tells him that he is the scary one. 9 years later, Shinji and Aizen are walking around the Seireitei when they come across Urahara, Hiyori and 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While Shinji once again engages in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori, Aizen ask Urahara if he has heard the news to which Urahara tells him he hasn't. Shinji proceeds to take up the tale and tells Urahara about the series of strange deaths having taken place in Rukongai. Shinji also informs him that the 9th Division has been sent to handle the investigation.

Later that night Shinji is dispatched with Love Aikawa, Rōjūrō Otoribashi, Hachigen Ushōda, and Lisa Yadōmaru to investigate the disappearance of Rukongai residents and captain Kensei Muguruma and the members of his division by captain-commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Upon arrival to the investigation sight Shinji fends off what appears to be a hollowfied Kensei from attacking Hiyori, who had been sent there to collect samples by request of the 9th Division.

With the arrival of the rest of the investigation squad, they ponder whether the creature is actually Kensei with Shinji stating that he doesn't know if it's Kensei but that if they don't draw their swords they are as good as dead. After Kensei lets out a loud roar Shinji picks up Hiyori and backs up, he then watches as Love proceeds to engage Kensei in battle. When Hiyori pleads with them to stop fighting because its Kensei she begins to cough. Shinji tells her to be quiet as they have to stop him especially if it is Kensei When a hollowfied Mashiro Kuna appears behind Rose and attacks him, Shinji calls out to her so that her attention will be directed at him. Mashiro proceeds toward Shinji and attacks him but he blocks her. He is assisted by the timely arrival of Hachi who uses Bakudō #75. "Gochūtekkan" to subdue her. Hachi comments oh how fast the others are getting there. Hachi notices Love having a hard time fighting a Hollowfied Kensei and uses Bakudō #63. "Sajo Sabaku" to restrain him as well. He then asks Shinji what is going on and what has happened to Mashiro and Kensei, but they are interrupted by Kensei breaking free.

As Kensei proceeds to attack the others Hachi uses Bakudō #99. "Kin" to finally bring Kensei down. Shinji comments to Hachi that he is impressed that he used a level 99 binding spell without the incantation. Shinji then asks Hachi if he can fix Kensei and Mashiro with Kidō, but Hachi plainly tells him that he can't if he doesn't know what the problem is. Suddenly Hiyori begins to cough uncontrollably, Shinji asks if she alright and tells Hachi to start with her first but he is interrupted when Hiyori beings to choke out that she wants him to let her go. Hiyori then hollowfies and attacks Shinji with a slash across his chest much to everyone's disbelief. It is then that a darkness falls around the rescue squad and they are attacked by a unseen assailant. Shinji is the only one conscious and upon the darkness lifting he sees the assailant Kaname Tōsen, Muguruma's 5th seat. Shinji asks him how could he betray his captain, it is then that Shinji's attention is caught by the arrival of Aizen and Gin Ichimaru. Aizen explains that he has not betrayed anyone and that he is very faithful and he just faithfully followed his orders. Shinji admits he isn't as surprised as he lets on and Aizen asks if he suspected him and states that he had expected that much from his captain. Shinji then explains how he knew something was dangerous about Aizen and that he couldn't be trusted. It was for those reasons that Shinji chose him to be his lieutenant and so that he can keep an eye on him. Aizen tells him that he is grateful, as due to his deep seated doubts he didn't suspect a thing. When Shinji states that he already made it known that he had suspected, Aizen elaborates stating that he didn't realize that the whole past month, it wasn't him walking behind him. Aizen proceeds to explain the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. Aizen informs Shinji that if he was as close to Aizen as other captains are to their lieutenants he would have been able to see through it by picking up on subtle differences between Aizen and the man acting as Aizen's double. It was his lack of trust that kept them from getting close and as such, allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. He also explains that he could have always refused to be Shinji's lieutenant but decided against that action because his suspicions made the position ideal to carry out his plans. Aizen thus lays the blame for Shinji and his comrades current predicament at the feet of Shinji, who is provoked by this and triggers a speed-up in the hollowfication process. Aizen thanks him for being so easily provoked and makes a note of the observed connection between hollowfication and agitated emotions.

Shinji asks him what Hollowfication is but Aizen refuses to speak on it any further. He then orders Tōsen it finish them and after Hiyori is attacked Shinji faces off against Tōsen. Shinji states that he doesn't know whats going on but he assumes that noting has gone exactly as planned just yet. He then remembers that Aizen said agitation speeds up the process, so he resolves to remain calm and level-headed. He begins to battle Tōsen beating the traitor back. Shinji continues to battle and soon games the upper hand sending Tōsen crashing into the ground. But before Shinji could continue the fight the hollowfication process advances further incapacitating him.

Just as Aizen is about to finish of Shinji, captain Kisuke Urahara and Kidō captain Tessai Tsukabishi of the Kidō Corps, show up and saves him from destruction. Aizen, Gin and Tōsen make their escape and Tessai uses Forbidden Kidō to preserve and transport the rescue squad to the 12th Division barracks. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using his created item, the Hōgyoku. Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed process, not having the desired effect Urahara expected.

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46 Chambers. The hollowfied Shinigami are sentenced to execution as hollows. But before any of their sentences could be executed, however, both were rescued by Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground area.

In the secluded area, she had also brought Hachi and the other hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the real world, where they would find a way to undo the Hollowfication process.

Bount arc
Shinji makes a minor appearance and has the last line of the arc; He appears in Karakura Town in a similar fashion as Rukia did the night before she first met Ichigo.

Arrancar arc
One hundred years after Shinji was captain of the 5th division, Shinji appears before Ichigo Kurosaki in an attempt to recruit him to become a Vizard. While his initial attempts fail, he promises that no matter what his decision, Ichigo would eventually need to contain his inner Hollow to prevent it from devouring his own soul. Shinji then departs for the time being, receiving some physical abuse from Hiyori when he tells her that Ichigo has refused to join them. Hoping to learn how to contain his inner Hollow, Ichigo eventually comes to Shinji and the rest of the Vizard. While he initially attempts to get the information out of them by force, Shinji half-heartedly battles Ichigo. The other Vizard watch close by, noting that Shinji was not even taking the latter seriously.

After Ichigo suddenly leaves to fight Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Shinji pursues him and saves both Ichigo and Rukia from Grimmjow's Cero attack after Grimmjow defeated both of them single-handedly. He claimed that he otherwise hates to interfere in such fights, but he justifies his coming by saying that he can't ignore it when one hears the sound of fighting so close by. Having a small discussion with Grimmjow, he is then suddenly attacked by the Espada, who declares his intentions of killing him. Dodging all of the attacks, Shinji realizes how violent Grimmjow is and the fight is destroying everything around them. Thus, Shinji dons his Hollow mask and engages Grimmjow. Shinji immediately gains the upper hand and forced Grimmjow to release, but Ulquiorra Cifer comes and retrieves Grimmjow before he can do so.

Hueco Mundo arc
He seems quite angry as he realizes Ichigo has left to Hueco Mundo leaving to them only a word: "Thanks".

Fake Karakura Town arc


Around the same time when Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, Kaname Tōsen and the top three Espada invade the fake Karakura Town, Shinji reminisces about how Kisuke Urahara became a captain and how the Vizard would were subjected by Aizen's Hollowfication experiments. He then claims that they are in debt to Urahara and also have a score to settle with Aizen. Afterwards, Shinji and the rest of the Vizard leave their compound, armed and ready for battle, simply saying: "Let's go."



Shinji and the rest of the Vizard later arrive at the fake Karakura Town, just when Aizen and his forces begin to gain the upper hand and confronts the latter with his usual grin. Shinji asks his fellow Vizard if there is anyone in the Gotei 13 they would like to speak to and ends up in a short argument with Hiyori, followed by the rest of his teammates expressing their disinterest in speaking to their former comrades (with the exception of Lisa, who flash steps away to see captain Shunsui Kyoraku). Shinji then approaches Yamamoto to greet him, to which the captain-commander asks if he has come for revenge. Shinji plainly tells him that against Aizen, "Yes." As for the Gotei 13, he could care less; if he was mad at the Gotei 13 it would be for "making the barrier around the fake Karakura Town so hard to get through." He also points out that if he hadn't found Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe outside the barrier, he and the Vizard would still be outside. Yamamoto then asks Shinji if he is right to assume they are allies, to which Shinji tells him that it's too obvious they aren't. They are not on the Gotei 13's side, but they are against Aizen and they are Ichigo's allies. He returns to the other Vizard who ask him if he is done talking. He simply replies "No," but that now is not the time as the enemy is growing impatient. The Vizard then proceed to bring forth their masks when the giant Hollow creature spews forth a huge amount of Gillian-class Menos from its mouth. . As the rest of the Vizard engage in battle with the Menos Grande, Shinji confronts Aizen face to face and tells him that "it's time to finish this," as he partially removes his mask, he attacks Sōsuke Aizen, and appears to speak the command, sever. Unfortunately, his attack is blocked by Kaname Tōsen, who manages to make a small cut above his left eye. When he was about to receive another attack from Tōsen, Sajin Komamura steps into the battle, saying that he has decided to help the Vizard and that "[he] won't accept a no as an answer". While the Gotei 13 and the Vizards are fighting the Espada, Shinji is engaged in a fight against Gin, which is abruptly stopped after Aizen attacks Harribel and called Gin and Tosen off.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsmanship Specialist: Shinji is implied to be a powerful combatant, being the unofficial leader among the group and a former Shinigami captain. At one point, when Shinji begins to fight with Ichigo Kurosaki, the other Vizard mention that Ichigo is foolish to battle Shinji proven by the fact that Shinji is not taking the battle seriously (albeit it was also mentioned that Ichigo was holding back, because he was trying to suppress his inner Hollow). Shinji is also shown to be able to hold off Mashiro Kuna during her Hollowfication metamorphosis without releasing his sword, although it took some effort. He was also able to fend off Kaname Tōsen while also trying to resist his Hollowfication.

Flash Steps Expert: Shinji excels in shunpō. His skill is shown to be great enough to easily outmanuever Grimmjow, the Sixth Espada. In Turn Back the Pendulum, before he even became a Vizard, he was the first to arrive to save Hiyori even when Lisa had a headstart and all the other Captains left at the same time. Also, when he met up with Aizen during the Karakura Town arc, he seemingly Flash Stepped to his position instantly, with extreme speed albeit wearing his Hollow mask at that time.

Keen Intellect: Despite his childish attitude at times, Shinji has shown himself to be a very insightful and perceptive man. During his time as captain of the 5th division, he was able to see through Aizen's deceptions and some of his illusions. Even Aizen himself admitted to be intimidated by Shinji's cunning.

Immense Spiritual Pressure: Being a captain, he must have had enormous spiritual pressure. Since becoming a Vizard, he now has the dual type spiritual pressure, similar to the Espada.

Zanpakutō
Not much has been revealed about Shinji's Zanpakutō, as he rarely uses or even visibly wears it. The hilt and sheath are red and its guard is shaped like an hour-glass. None of his release states have been shown, and the times that he does seriously fight he seems to rely more on his Hollow mask.


 * Shikai: Not Yet Revealed


 * Bankai: Not Yet Revealed

Hollowfication
Hollow Mask: Shinji's Hollow mask strongly resembles a pharaoh's mask, with a short, flowing hood hanging down the back of his neck. When donning his Hollow mask, Shinji's sclera turn completely black and his irises become grey. Shinji is quite skilled with his Hollow powers, using his increased speed and strength to overwhelm Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in a short amount of time before catching him in a powerful Cero blast, which the Espada barely defended against with a Cero of his own (Although, Grimmjow's was hastily fired and not very powerful).


 * Cero: In the Anime, Shinji gathers energy that is displayed in a horizontal line. He then releases a crimson Cero with an extremely wide arc and devastating force. The video games also depict him being able to split the Cero blast into multiple smaller beams or a real yellow/golden Cero in a few games, while he uses a large crimson Cero in anime..

Quotes

 * (To newly-appointed Captain Urahara) "I will give you advice as someone who has been a Captain before you; The feelings of those below should not be considered by the one who stands on top, even if the one on top understands those feelings. You can do whatever you like, then if no one follows you, it means you're just not qualified."
 * (To Grimmjow) "Can't ya hold back a little while you're fighting? If I dodge an attack and the city gets destroyed bit by bit instead, then I can't just ignore it and keep dodging."
 * (before leaving to fight in the war) "... Kisuke said 'There were no miscalculations. That was my biggest miscalculation. Everything preceded just as expected to worst outcome. We really are indebted to Kisuke... and... Aizen. Let's go."
 * (To Yamamoto) "If there's anything I'm really pissed off at you for, is for making that damned barrier so strong."
 * (To Yamamoto, after being asked if the Vizard were on the Shinigami's side) "Isn't it obvious? Of course we aren't. We're not on your side. We're against Aizen. And we're on Ichigo's side."
 * (To Aizen) "Like it? Gone an' got pretty good with these Hollow forms, ain't we?"
 * (To Komamura) "You sure you want to help a bunch of suspicious characters like ourselves? Well, not that you're not pretty strange-looking yourself."

Trivia

 * An early drawing of Shinji can be seen in the art of the first chapter. This early design of Shinji ranked #103 with three votes in the second Bleach Popularity Poll.


 * One of Shinji's previous acclaimed crushes was Lisa Yadōmaru, a fellow Vizard; his current is Orihime Inoue.
 * During several points in the anime, Shinji's outfit is depicted to look like Lupin the III, likely as a homage on the part of the animators.


 * In the Turn Back the Pendulum mini-series, Shinji tells Aizen about a then-new thing called jazz that Aizen would not understand because he's "not hip." This implies that, even as a captain, Shinji was just as youth-orientated as he is now.


 * Shinji is the only original Vizard to appear in a filler arc, which he did at the end of the Bount Arc, but for less than a minute. He was on top of a pole and jumped off in a way similar to Rukia before her introduction.


 * Shinji is one of the few characters to be featured on more than one Bleach manga volume cover (volume 21 and volume 36), with the others being Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Ulquiorra Cifer.


 * He is also, until now, the only Vizard that has been featured in a Bleach manga volume cover (with the exception of Ichigo).


 * Shinji is one of the two canon characters to share his given name with another character, the other being Ryo Kunieda who shares her name with Ryō Utagawa.


 * Shinji is one of three Vizard who have yet to release their Zanpakuto. The others being Hachigen Ushoda and Mashiro Kuna.


 * The cut that Shinji got above his left eye, where Tosen sliced him with his sword, seemingly disappears and reappears. When he was fighting against Gin the cut was gone, but when Aizen challenged the Vizards and Gotei 13 to fight him, the cut reappears.

Navigation
Shinji Hirako Shinji Hirako