Yoruichi Shihōin

is the former Captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13 as well as the former Commander of the Onmitsukidō. Yoruichi, along with Kisuke Urahara helps Ichigo Kurosaki throughout his training to become stronger so that he could face Byakuya (including helping him achieve his bankai.) Later, she takes on a more supportive role doing intelligence gathering for Urahara and in turn helping Soul Society by helping Ichigo and friends when they need backup or information.

Appearance
Yoruichi Shihōin is a dark-skinned woman with golden-colored eyes and long purple hair, which she keeps up in a ponytail. Her standard attire consists of a backless, black sleeveless undershirt she wears a orange overshirt with two white straps on each shoulder, she wears a large beige sash around her waist like a belt with black stretch pants and long beige wrist warmers, secured by bands and long beige leg warmers with brown light shoes, allowing for stealth and easy use of Shunpo. She previously wore a beige neck warmer, which she pulled up to cover her face in order to hide her identity, but seems to have forgone its use. She unlike any known Shinigami is able to transform into a black cat for long periods of time. 110 years ago when she was a captain, she wore the same sleeveless and backless Onmitsukidō uniform, with long black wrist guards that Soifon wears now, but had a black choker tied around her neck. She also wore a long-sleeved captain's haori. Also her hair was much shorter and cut in a style similar to Soifon's current hair-style without the braids. At some point prior to this she wore the white Onmitsukidō uniform of the correction corps.

Personality
She is intelligent and witty, and is intimately knowledgeable of Soul Society and its workings, as she was the former leader of the Onmitsukidō and the Second Division's captain. Although of noble birth, she acts differently from other nobles. For instance, she instructed Soifon to refer to her without using honorific suffixes, but reluctantly settled for being called "Yoruichi-sama" ("Lady Yoruichi" in the dub). She also transforms into her human form directly in front of Ichigo on several occasions just to see his reaction to seeing her naked, which she even teases him about. Another note of her eccentricity is that she speaks in a dialect that elders use, such as identifying herself as "washi" (a term that usually old men define themselves with) instead of more feminine terms like "watashi" in both her human and animal forms (though specifically for the Japanese version).

Yoruichi tends to avoid battles, preferring to help after a fight is over, but she will step in if she thinks her side cannot win. She was responsible for training Chad and Orihime Inoue prior to their entrance into Soul Society. She also supervised Ichigo Kurosaki's Bankai training using the methods developed by Kisuke Urahara. Yoruichi prefers to drink milk, which fits with her practice of transforming into a cat much of the time.

History
Yoruichi Shihōin was born the princess of the, The Shihōin family, One of the four Noble families. Yoruichi grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in the Seireitei of Soul Society, with her childhood friends Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi. During this time they played together daily under the Sōkyoku hill training space, which Urahara built when they were children.

Later Yoruichi became the Corps Commander of the Executive Militia of the Onmitsukidō while serving as the 22nd generational head of the Shihōin family, the first woman to ever hold the position. Some time later she would serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō as the position is the traditionally held by the heads of the Shihōin family. She eventually rose to the position of the Captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13 further uniting the formerly seperate military arms together as was done traditionally in her family as well. Sometime later she decided to change her direct role in the Onmitsukidō from being the Corps Commander of the Executive Militia, which is the position traditionally held by the Commander-in-Chief, to being the Corps Commander of the Corrections Corps. While Yoruichi was Onmitsukidō Commander, she took on Soifon as a personal bodyguard. Recognizing her talent she became a mentor and friend. She taught Soifon most of the techniques she knew. During her time in Soul Society, she created many techniques that involved Flash Steps, as well as teaching some of them to Byakuya.

About 110 years prior to the current time, Yoruichi recommended that Kisuke Urahara, then her 3rd Seat, to be appointed to the recently opened position of Captain of the 12th Division, after the former Captain Kirio Hikifune was promoted. Prior to presenting Urahara with the news of the open position, Yoruichi has a sparring session with Urahara at the Sōkyoku hill training space. She informs him that she has recommended him for the position and retires back to the 2nd Division barracks. Soifon confronts Yoruichi, concerned that she is overestimating Urahara's capabilities, Soifon proceeds to explain that she believes it was a mistake to appoint him as Corps Commander of the Detention Unit. Soifon goes on to say that he is undeserving of such a position. While Yoruichi readily admits to the fact that Urahara is not really a hard worker, she dismisses Soifon's criticisms and playfully insinuates that her focus on him must have romantic connotations, Soifon denies it entire and stalks off. After spending the day following Urahara around Soul Society taking notes, she returns to the 2nd Division barracks to show Yoruichi her evidence of Urahara's lack of competence in his position. Soifon arrives to find Urahara already there talking with Yoruichi, she is then told that Urahara will be taking the captain proficiency exam, to which Soifon stands in disbelief. Yoruichi confirms it and further asks that Soifon attend the exam as well. She explains that normally only captains are allowed to attend but that she has asked special permission to allow Soifon to attend. Soifon is at first confused about why she should attend but Yoruichi tells her there is no need to keep secrets as she knows she is attracted to Urahara, though Soifon denies it, Yoruichi explains that she knows all about how Soifon has been following him around all day. Soifon admits that she was following Urahara around but tells her it was to prove that he is lazy and slothful and not worthy of Yoruichi's praise. Soifon hands her note to Yoruichi, who reads them and comments on how detailed they are, when Urahara doesn't deny any of the information in the report Soifon is shocked that he would be so truthful to his seemingly unprofessional actions. Yoruichi unsurprised quips that Urahara never changes as well as praising Soifon for her intelligence gathering skills. At first Soifon was happy until she realized that Yoruichi regarded the notes not as intelligence information but rather as a love letter. Soifon is reasonably distressed and Yoruichi laughs it off and tells her to loosen up as she wasn't serious. They are then interrupted by the arrival of a squad member who delivers the message that the people Urahara has been looking for has been found, though Soifon comments on if he doesn't return in time that it will put a strain of the 2nd Divisions reputation as well as Yoruichi. To which Yoruichi simply dismisses tell Urahara to hurry off to his duty and telling Soifon to come along to help prepare for his the captain's proficiency test.

Yoruichi is later seen among the other captains awaiting the start of the ceremony. Upon Urahara's arrival to the 1st Division barracks to attend his introduction to the other captains of the Gotei 13, he is chastised by Yoruichi for being so reluctant, as she tells him that he is already a captain, so he should stand tall. A day or so after Urahara takes over the 12th Division, Yoruichi is told by a Onmitsukidō member that Urahara has entered into the Detention Unit property with claims that he was previously given approval to be there. Yoruichi can't seem to recall when or even if he asked for permission or whether she granted it, but when asked if she would have him removed seeing as she can't recall she nonchalantly tells her division members to not bother and to allow him to go where he likes. When asked if she has remembered the incident in question, Yoruichi plainly says no. Soifon becomes distressed and prepares to voice her disapproval, Yoruichi tells her to calm down as its Kisuke they are talking about, stating he must have had an idea of some kind.

Yoruichi appeared to be on good terms with the members of the Kuchiki noble family as she would often visit the Kuchiki manor to play tag with the then prince of the Kuchiki family, a teenage Byakuya Kuchiki. On one such occasion she is presented to a training Byakuya by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki family as well as the 6th Division captain. Upon seeing the arrival of Yoruichi, he swings his sword at her and calls her a demon cat. Yoruichi laughs and playful begins to tease him, calling him 'Little Byakuya', complaining why such a greeting after she came all the way there to see him. Byakuya yells at her that he would never want to see the likes of her and that he will be the head of the Kuchiki clan soon enough so he has no time to waster on her. Yoruichi asks if that is the case as she steals the ribbon holding his hair back, Byakuya quickly turns and swings his sword at her but she uses Shunpo to move to the roof of a nearby building. Yoruichi laughs at him and exclaims that if the head of clan Kuchiki can get his hairtie stolen by a girl at play, then she would worry about the future of the clan, in order to entire him into another game of tag. Not to be defeated so easily Byakuya tells her not to move an inch, but before he could finish she tells him that he cant catch her as she uses shunpo again to begin the chase. Byakuya plainly states that now he sees she wishes to incite his wrath, and he promises to make her see the error of her ways, further making the claim that his shunpo is far superior to the likes of hers.

100 years later Yoruichi is seen at a emergency meeting of the captains of the Gotei 13, where the Captain-Commander is giving a intelligence report on the unknown disappearances of the 9th Division captain Kensei Muguruma and lieutenant Mashiro Kuna as well as the other high ranking members of their division, who had previously been sent out out to investigate the disappearance of other division members. He then states he will choose 5 captains to form a investigation team. When a very winded and frantic Urahara shows up to ask that he be allowed to go with the investigation team as he had previously seen his lieutenant Hiyori to the sight of the disappearances. He is sumarily told no by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, when he protests he is chastisted by Yoruichi, who tells him he acting pathetic and that he should get ahold of himself. She goes on further to tell him that he sent Hiyori himself, and that for him to lose his composure like that only insults her. The Captain-Commander continues naming the members of the investigation team and telling Yoruichi that she is to standby for further orders. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, page 2-6

The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46 Chambers. It immediately became evident that they had been set up by Aizen, but were given no right to defend themselves and prove their innocence. As a result, they were quickly sentenced with Urahara being sentenced to become human and to be exiled to the human world for "committing crimes against researching and invoking forbidden phenomenon" and "deceiving and inflicting grievous injury to fellow Shinigami" and Tessai being sentenced to life imprisonment in a Level 3 detention area for "using forbidden Kidō techniques". Before any of their sentences could be executed, however, a masked Yoruichi enters the building knocking the guards unconscious and rescuing the disgraced former captains, bringing them to a secret underground area.

In the secluded area, she berated them on how mad she was for not letting her in on their plan and went on to explain that she had brought the eight 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. It is then Yoruichi reveals that she was told about the nature of the situation by the hollowfied Shinji Hirako, previous to saving Tessai and Urahara. Tessai then asks what about Yoruichi? To which she calmly asks that they should not worry about her as she will escape somehow.

When she left Soul Society, she left behind her titles and positions and was thus relieved of her high status. She was succeeded as 2nd Division Captain and Commander of the Onmitsukidō by her protégée, Soifon, at a later date.

Agent of the Shinigami arc
Yoruichi makes her first appearance in feline form, where it is revealed to Jinta Hanakari by Tessai Tsukabishi to be Kisuke Urahara's only relative. Yoruichi is later sitting outside of Urahara's shop looking at the sky. When Urahara comes out he ask what is she looking at, Yoruichi shows to be no ordinary cat as it can talk and is seemingly male, Yoruichi tells him to stop acting as he knows fully well that 'they' have already come. After Rukia Kuchiki is taken back to Soul Society, Ichigo beings training with Urahara to regain his Shinigami powers. At the same time Yoruichi poses an offer to train Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado in the use of their powers, warning them that his lessons are strict and difficult. Even still they readily accept. They then go to track down Uryū Ishida, who is somewhat surprised to see them, but Orihime explains that they must engage in training lessons if they are to got to Soul Society, to which Ishida poses the question to who will be their master. Orihime tells him knowing he will be skeptical that their trainer has been standing next to him the entire time. Ishida is surprised by explains that their can't be a human that stealthy. Yoruichi speaks up to tell Ishida that it is he who will be training them. Ishida predictably freaks out at the notion of a talking cat. After regaining his composure over the issue he calmly states he can't believe that there is such a thing as a talking cat. Yoruichi tells him that the issue is not about him but about the necessary training in order to save Rukia from Soul Society. Though coming around to the idea, Ishida declines to train with them as he has plans of training on his own and rather then saving Rukia he just wishes revenge on the Shinigami who previously defeated him. Yoruichi resolves that he has no desire to go to Soul Society and that they must go and train before its to late.

In a abandoned room Yoruichi proceeds to train Chad and Orihime, but they can't seem to call on their powers. Yoruichi exclaims that at this rate no matter how long they train they can't go to Soul Society. He also comments on how if they can't find their powers and freely call upon them they are as good as dead trying to go there. He then urges them both to remember the first time their powers manifested. Then the conclusion to what they needed to do was reached. Their powers were activated when they were put in a position to protect others and that they should think back on what they were trying to protect at the time. It is through Yoruichi's words that Orihime comes to understand that she wishes to protect Ichigo and the realization brings forth her powers in the form of the "Shun Shun Rikka". Yoruichi then tells Orihime that the next thing she needs to learn is how to control her powers as they are now attacking her. Yoruichi then turns her attention to Chad and asks him why he wishes to go to Soul Society. Shortly Chad gains access to his powers and uses its ability to punch a huge hole in the wall much to Yoruichi's surprise. Both Orihime and Chad were happy to have gained free use of their abilities allowing them to go to Soul Society. Yoruichi tells them they have no time to celebrate, as they just damaged property and they needed to get out of there before they got into trouble.

Yoruichi decides to act as guide of the group as they prepare to go to Soul Society through Urahara's Senkaimon. Once Urahara explains to them the dangers of using the passage, Yoruichi comments that only those who know what their hearts think will be able to follow him, when ichigo comments that everyone gathered has made the commitment to go, Yoruichi reminds him that if he loses then he will never return. He resolves to win and Yoruichi is happy at his response. It is from this point that Yoruichi acts as a guide through the journey in the Dangai, the space between Soul Society and the living world.

Soul Society arc
When they arrive in Soul Society an ungainly manner, Yoruichi then proceeds to inform them of the seriousness of the situation. When Ichigo asks whether they are in Soul Society, Yoruichi gives them an explanation of their surrounds. He states that they are in the outskirts, the Ryuutamashikai, the place where the souls live when they first come to the Soul Society. It's located around the Toroel. Ryuutamashikai is the poorest and biggest free area, but it also holds the most souls. When Ichigo assumes that one of the streets looks like the place where the Shinigami would live, he runs toward it but Yoruichi screams at him to stop or he will end up dead. Ichigo moves out the way in time as as huge wall falls down all around the Ryuutamashikai. It is here that Ichigo is stopped by a large giant of a man, when Ishida asks what manner of being is this Yoruichi tells them that his name is Jidanbou, and he is one of the elites in Soul Society, as he is the guard of one of the four gates...the west gate generally called the Seireimon Gate Guardian. Ishida deduces that if he is the guardian then they must get past him if they are to enter the Toroel, to which Yoruichi that he is right but it wont be easy as in the past 300 years no one has ever gotten passed him and that strength alone wont be enough to beat him and they must prepare a plan in order to pass this trial. Yoruichi then screams out for Ichigo to retreat and not to fight. Yoruichi is distressed to see that Orihime and Chad have decided to ignore him to stand at Ichigo's side. Yoruichi along with the others bare witness to Ichigo's unlikely amazing defeat against Jidanbou, after the defeat as per the rules Jidanbou allows Ichigo and his friends through the gate but is greatly surprised at an unexpected arrival. Gin Ichimaru the Captain of the 3rd Division arrives and promptly cuts off Jidanbou's left arm. Yoruichi realizes his mistake as he had not foreseen the arrival of a captain, he then notes that though Ichigo and his friends are powerful they have no idea that the strength of a captain. He realizes that if they confront him head on then the worst scenario will come to pass. When Ichigo attacks Gin head on Yoruichi yells at him what he thinks he is doing, he then yells at Ichigo that they must retreat before he can properly react he is pushed along with Jidanbou out the gate by Gin's shikai.

When it is determined that Ichigo is alright he apologies to Yoruichi for allowing the gate to close. Yoruichi plainly says that there is no point in feeling bad about it now. As even if the door is closed again, had they made it through the results would been the same as he would still have to face Gin, so in turn he should be happy that he is even alive. It is then that the souls that live in the Ryuutamashikai come out of their houses, when Ichigo and the others comment on who they are and if they were hiding all that time. Yoruichi explains that he can't blame them, as anyone who was not guided to Soul Society by a Shinigami is considered a intruder. As the circumstances would have it Ichigo and his friends would be considered trouble makers. As such the souls were hiding because they were afraid. When Ichigo asks if they are dangerous, Yoruichi deduces that since they are showing themselves before them they are probably not. It is while resting among the citizens of Ryuutamashikai that Yoruichi discusses his plan to enter into the Toroel, but decides on entering another way without using the gate. When questioned about how he plans to get in without the use of the gate, Yoruichi then asks that Elder Dono, the citizen whose house they are using, where he can locate Kūkaku Shiba. Noting that she is a drifter and that her place may not be in the same place as it was last. Elder Dono is noticeably surprised as that would mean the 'alternative way' of entering the Toroel was what Yoruichi was inferring to.

Yoruichi leads the group out into the open area outside of the village, exclaiming that Kūkaku's personality prefers open areas and solitude. Yoruichi tells the group that even though the place of the house changes constantly that the house is always the same style and that he will know at a glance. Not long after making the statement they come upon the house. Upon approach they are stopped by two twin guard/servants Koganehiko and Shiruganehiko, who refuse to allow them to pass, until they notice Yoruichi and allow them passage, from there they are taken down into the house where Kūkaku happily greets Yoruichi. The group is noticeably surprised that Kūkaku is a woman. Yoruichi immediately asks Kūkaku if she can help them. Kūkaku states she figured as much, seeing its the same every time Yoruichi comes. Later Yoruichi explains the situation and plan to Kūkaku who agrees to go along.

After undergoing the necessary training to use Kūkaku's Fireworks cannon to enter the Seireitei the group prepares to leave. Ichigo asks whether they will have to use the orb technique he learned to get through and then asks whether Yoruichi, being a cat, can achieve the same results. Yoruichi simply tells him to place the orb on the ground, to which he climbs on top of it of the orb and states that this sort of thing is like breathing to him as he seamlessly creates a barrier. Ichigo is disappointed at his lack of ability even further to which Yoruichi asks if he feels even more inferior now after training so hard to do something so easy for him to achieve. As Kūkaku prepares to shoot the group enters the cannon, while inside Yoruichi tells them to not wander off by themselves and that if they encounter a captain-class enemy, they are to run, as their objective is to rescue Rukia and not to engage in any unnecessary risks. When they succeed in penetrating the barrier protecting the Seireitei the destabilization of the spiritual energy powered cannonball, caused the team to split and become separated in various parts of the Seireitei. As the team began to separate Yoruichi assures Ichigo that they will will find a way to survive but first he must worry about himself. As the group broke up into four separate directions, with Yoruichi left all by himself but maintained that this way would probably be better. Yoruichi finds himself hurtling toward a group of waiting Shinigami, but he bounced back and onto the top of a nearby building.

Running around in cat form, Yoruichi keeps track of the progress of all of the others, rescuing Ichigo after his fight with 11th Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki. He takes Ichigo to a secret underground area where he can recuperate. Ichigo eventually wakes up and thanks Yoruichi for saving his life, but realizing the urgency of helping their friends he gets up to fast reopening his wounds some before Yoruichi pushes him back down and assures him they all are fine. He then comments to Ichigo that he needs to rest and if not for this mask he wore at his torso he would have sustained serious injury. Ichigo is left surprised at the broke hollow mask he has seen previously before. He then explains that he hadn't kept it that he he had thrown it away. Yoruichi is surprised at this revelation and tells Ichigo that he will take it and dispose of it, but it Ichigo states that he wants to keep it, at this Yoruichi becomes angered and demands he gives the mask over to him. Yoruichi comments to himself that its probably not possible but he better watch out for it just in case. He is sidetracked from his train of thought by Ichigo commenting on how strong he must be, and how he has ran around all this time without getting hurt and carrying him away with such a small body. To which Yoruichi explains that it was no real problem once he returned to his original form. Ichigo is surprised at the revelation of Yoruichi having another form. Yoruichi then recalls that he has never shown Ichigo his true form. He resolves to show Ichigo and begins to transform revealing himself to truly be a female all along. Ichigo is left speechless, to which Yoruichi comments that she figures that he was surprised to find out that she was a female cause he assumed the she was a male because of the sound of her voice in cat form. Yoruichi quips how she loves transforming into her true form as it always leaves everyone surprised. She then takes out an object and tells Ichigo that she will explain how she carried him there. Ichigo becomes frantic and tells him put on some clothes. Yoruichi apologizes as it has been some time since she has worn clothes. She teases Ichigo about him being so innocent, asking if that was his first time he has ever seen a girl naked. He tells her to shut up, but she continues asking him if he would like to see again as he doesn't know the next time he will see a naked woman, to which ichigo tells her to mind her own buisness and they argue further about how he has no sense of humor. Yoruichi then shows him the object she used to get him to the secret underground area. She then tells him the function of the object and how to use it. She exclaims that it is a very unique item in Soul Society and that Ichigo should feel honored. Ichigo becomes curious and asks Yoruichi who she really is, but before she can answer they both feel an intense spiritual pressure, which Ichigo identifies as belonging to Byakuya Kuchiki Captain of the 6th Division. Ichigo immediately rushes off explaining to Yoruichi that he has to save Ganju and Hanataro, as they went off in the direction the spiritual pressure is coming from. Ichigo takes out the artifact and uses it to get to his friends faster. A annoyed Ichigo tries to stop him but he runs off any and she follows on foot.

Ichigo engages in battle with Byakuya, and Yoruichi arrives just in time to stop the release of Senbonzakura's Shikai, her arrival surprises both Byakuya and Jushiro Ukitake, Captain of the 13th Division. Hanataro asks Rukia if she knows who Yoruichi is, she says no but she has heard the name before. Byakuya notes that she is the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō and the former Corps Commander of the Correction Corps. Byakuya remarks how he hasn't seen her face in a long time, noting that its been a few hundred years since her disappearance and that everyone thought she was dead. Ichigo asks Yoruichi if she has came to save him and thanks her but tells her that he is determined to defeat Byakuya. Before Ichigo can react Yoruichi is in front of him and she impales him with her hand right into his bandaged chest wound. Ichigo tries to ask her what she is doing before passing out. Ukitake comments that it is a drug, possibly either Gaten or Houten, and by releasing a strong tranquilizer directly into his body she must be trying to save him. Yoruichi acknowledges Ukitake as Byakuya asks her if she thinks he would allow it, while he refers to her as 'Senpai'. He then comments that she wont be able to get away so easily. Yoruichi questions him as to when did he learn to talk big? She asks him if he ever win even one against her in a game of tag. Byakuya asks should they try again. Then the two engage in a test of speed using Shunpo with Yoruichi carrying an unconscious Ichigo while still staying a step ahead of Byakuya, though he was quickly gaining on her, expressing that she will never escape him with that level of Shunpo as he attacks her and cuts her across the chest with his blade. Before Byakuya realizes it was a decoy and that Yoruichi is perched upon his outstretched arm, while carrying Ichigo. Yoruichi remarks to him that he can't catch her with that level of Shunpo and she quickly moves to the top a nearby building and yells down to Byakuya that in three days she will make Ichigo stronger then him. Until then the fight between the two will be on hold. As she uses Shunpo to leave she tells Byakuya that he can follow her if he chooses, but she will not be caught so easily.

When Yoruichi finally gets Ichigo back to the secret underground area she is noticeably out of breath. She figures it has to be because she hasn't fought anyone in the past hundred years, seeing as she has to fight hard to catch her breath just after 1-2 hundred Shunpo, commenting that she has gotten weaker. She looks down at Ichigo and tells him to wake up, relaying that he can get stronger and that when he wakes up she will tell him about Zangetsu's real power and some secrets.

After Ichigo has awakened Yoruichi tells him that she has no time to wait for his wounds to heal completely, so it will hurt quit a bit but before she can go ichigo grabs her by her shirt slams her against the wall and asks her why, why did she only bring him back. Expressing his rage stating that the only one back there that could survive was him and because of her saving only him the others could have been killed. Yoruichi calmly tells him not to think so highly of himself as he had no chance of surviving that fight, she goes on to say that in fact no one there would have survived a fight with Byakuya. Yoruichi knocks Ichigo down and tells him to stop fighting or else he will open up his wounds again, she explains that to still be able to outrun Byakuya one person is all that should carry. This prompted Ichigo to ask then why didn't she take Rukia. Yoruichi then tells him that it is true that no one back there could have defeated Byakuya, but in three days time it may become possible for you. She notes that this is the reason she brought him back. Yoruichi tells Ichigo that aside from Byakuya, Ukitake was also there. He is Rukia's superior and a decent man. Even though Ganju is an intruder and Hanatoro is a traitor he will not let them die because they were trying to save Rukia. She further assures him not to worry because in three days time she will make him strong enough to defeat Byakuya and save everyone. Ichigo gets ready to begin combat training and takes out his Zanpakutō, before they begin Yoruichi asks Ichigo if he has ever noticed that Zangetsu is always in its released form. Ichigo is somewhat surprised but asks if that makes it like Kenpachi's Zanpakutō. He notes that now he understands why its so much bigger then other Zanpakutō, as it wont change shape when he calls its name. Yoruichi realizes that he hadn't previously known that and goes on to say that he probably didn't know that there is another level of release for Zangetsu. Ichigo is confused so Yoruichi explains that its not just Zangetsu but all Zanpakutō have two levels of release. The first one is called Shikai (initial release) and the second is Bankai (final release) and one must be able to do both in order to become a captain. She goes on to say that every captain can do the bankai release with one exception, Kenpachi Zaraki. Yoruichi explains that in the long history of Soul Society, Zaraki is the only who has become a Captain without even knowing the name of his Zanpakutō. She states that his raw strength is not to be taken lightly even by the Gotei 13, noting that Ichigo should know this seeing as he has fought him. Yoruichi explains to Ichigo that the power and forms of the Shikai and Bankai are dependent on the Zanpakutō They also vary according to the wielders strength and training, but in general one's power can grow 5 to 10 times greater. Ichigo is in disbelief about the level of power that can be attained. Yoruichi notices his surprise and asks him if he is scared, noting that it is because from being able to do the Shikai to Bankai, even the strongest guys need at least 10 years to train. When Ichigo realizes how long it would take he tells her that he doesn't have that much time. Yoruichi interrupts him telling him she is fully aware of that, explaining that it takes 10 or more years to train if you do it with the proper method but even though its very dangerous and risky, she will use a different method to make him learn how to do Bankai in 3 days.

Yoruichi brings out a large white doll, to which Ichigo questions what is it for. Yoruichi remarks that it is a Tenshintai, a rare artifact of the Onmitsukidō, it can forcefully materialize the spirit of a Zanpakutō. Ichigo exclaims that he doesn't really get it, as he can't see what it has to do with achieving bankai. Yoruichi tells him that its obvious, and goes on to explain the requirements for attaining Shikai and what is required in order to achieve bankai. She makes note that materialization means the opposite of getting dragged into the Zanpakutō's world in one's conversations with it. Instead one needs to summon the Zanpakutō's spirit into our world. Doing so usually takes 10 years or more to achieve. Yoruichi explains that even though it ended in a draw, Ichigo managed to fight Zaraki till the end. It is this that makes her believe that Ichigo is subconsciously at the materialization level. Yoruichi notes Ichigo's expression and sees that he has obviously experienced this before. She explains to Ichigo how to work the artifact, as all he has to simply do is stab his Zanpakutō onto it and it will forcefully materialize the spirit, while Yoruichi will use her power to keep it materialized. Before they start she warns him that the time limit is three days and he only has one chance at this, before the time is up he must beat Zangetsu into submission. Ichigo stabs the artifact and Zangetsu materializes into the real world. Yoruichi then asks Zangetsu if he's heard everything, he responds that he has, and she tells him that she will choose the method of combat and asks if they can begin immediately, Zangetsu tells her yes and prepares the battle. As Yoruichi watches the battle unfold between Ichigo and Zangetsu she thinks about how fast Ichigo has improved in a fight, noting his amazingly fast growth. As day ones training ends Zangetsu dematerializes and Ichigo relaxes in a hot spiring, he becomes agitated when Yoruichi tells him she is going to join him, they get into a argument until she enters in her cat form to which Ichigo calms down. While resting Ichigo asks Yoruichi that this underground area looks similar to the one under Urahara's shop. Yoruichi tells him that it should as the one under the shop was most likely modeled after the one their in. Stating that the underground area was built when Urahara and her were young, as he dug the place in secret for their combat training. When Ichigo asks how he dug such a huge hole in secret, Yoruichi explained that ever since they were young Urahara always took things over the top when they were secret. She recalls that that was a long time ago, when they used to play down in the underground area all the time. They got older and she joined the Onmitsukidō and Urahara joined the Gotei 13 and would train in the secret underground area in order to help each other get stronger. But before she could finish Ichigo interrupted, finally realizing that Urahara was a former member of the Gotei 13 making him a Shinigami. Ichigo comments as how he always thought it was strange that Urahara knew so much about Soul Society and had a Zanpakutō, then what topped it all off is when he mentioned his name everyone's face changed. Ichigo then asks who Urahara really is. Yoruichi that keeping other's in the dark is how Urahara is but relents to tell Ichigo the truth, Urahara was the former Captain of the 12th Division of the Gotei 13 and the founder and 1st President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.

To help Ichigo in his rescue of Rukia, she lends him the Tentōken, a cape that is capable of allowing its user to fly by injecting some spirit power into it. It is a little after that when Yoruichi engages in combat with Soifon, her old student and friend as well current 2nd Division Captain and Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō. Soifon is bitter and furious about the fact that Yoruichi left her in Soul Society and broke their promise that they would always be there to protect each other. Soifon felt that by fighting her she would finally show her she was better by beating her.

Unfortunately, Yoruichi still had one trick up her sleeve: Flash Cry. Soifon had only managed to gain a basic mastery of the art, while Yoruichi had far more control when compared to Soifon. In the ensuing battle, Yoruichi stops Soifon’s attacks easily, and it is during this time that Soifon flashes back to the history between her and Yoruichi.

After the battle, Yoruichi and Soifon are amongst the first to arrive on the scene to stop Aizen, with Yoruichi stopping Aizen’s Zanpakutō from being released, and Soifon holding her released Zanpakutō to his neck. The overall attempt to stop him, however, was then thwarted by the Gillians' Negación, and Yoruichi later returns to the living world with the others.

Bount arc
Yoruichi, alongside Soifon, later actively begin to pursue the Bounts once they learn of the Bount's plan to invade Soul Society, and also saves Ichigo when he is unable to defeat Jin Kariya. Yoruichi also rescued the Bount Gō Koga and took him to the home of Ran'Tao, the Bount's creator, where he was nursed back to health.

Arrancar arc
Subsequently, Yoruichi and Urahara rescue Ichigo from death at the hands of the Espada, Yammy Rialgo. Though she appears to easily defeat Yammy, it becomes apparent from her injuries afterwards that her opponent was stronger than she expected, due to his tough skin. She appears again to take Orihime into the training room under Urahara's shop, which should prevent Aizen from gaining interest in her abilities. Unfortunately she is kidnapped anyway.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc
Yoruichi briefly comes to aid Soifon in understanding what truly was going on with the Kasumiōji family. She showed Soifon a technique taught to her by Urahara, allowing Soifon the ability to break through a barrier placed around the foundry on the manor grounds. The shield was supposed to be impenetrable due to being placed by royal blood. Yoruichi later shows up to explain to the vengeful Shūsuke Amagai that he was misguided and the truth of the matter is documented in her families historical records.

Equipment
Two of Yoruichi's unique items are accessories which grant the user the power of flight.


 * A long beige bone wand-like artifact with a small white bird shaped skull with four protrusions similar to fingers bones extending from the back of the skull. By channeling Reiryoku in the wand, it produces a tentacle that acts a harness and a single bat-like wing manifests from the four bone protrusions, that acts as a one handed hang glider. No skill or previous experience or skill is required to use it.


 * it is a brown mantle with a large draw string closure at the collar and a large brooch displaying the Shihōin family crest. Like the wand, the Tentōken seems to require no skill or previous experience to use. It also seems to be superior to the wand, since it allows one to hover in mid-air and does not immobilize one of the user's hands.

Another item, though not in Yoruichi's possession, though apparently belonging to her family.


 * Shihōin Shield: the device used by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku to destroy the Sōkyoku. It is a large, shield-like item with the Shihōin family crest stamped on it and a long cord connected to it. When the cord is wrapped around Sōkyoku and two Zanpakutō are stabbed into two vertical slots running from its top, their Reiryoku flows through the cord and destroys Sōkyoku. Jūshirō Ukitake had it in his possession under some sort of seal.

Powers & Abilities
As a member of a noble family and former Captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13 as well as the Former Commander of the Onmitsukidō, Yoruichi has acquired many powerful abilities and artifacts.

Feline Transformation: One of her most important and unique abilities is that she can shapeshift into a black cat at will. The origin of how she obtained this ability is currently unknown. Though its apparent that she possessed the ability since her time as Captain of the 2nd Division, as shown from Byakuya's insult to her at the time. It is also unknown if this ability possesses any time limit, but it is unlikely considering she has used it for so long that she is not used to her human form and dislikes wearing clothing (much to Ichigo's chagrin). As a cat, Yoruichi can still channel spiritual power and move with incredible speeds, though she is physically limited by the form. Her transformation also allows her a complete disguise in multiple ways; aside from the physical transformation, her voice as a cat is deep enough for most to assume that she is male. This, of course, leads to awkward situations when she reveals her true form.

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Despite having her own personal Zanpakutō, Yoruichi is usually seen fighting hand-to-hand. Her mastery in this area is so great that she may be the most proficient in it of all Shinigami ever. Her skill is great enough to take down nearly 50 Onmitsukidō members in only a few seconds. Taking on the likes of high level Arrancar with no problem, she is even being considered to be highly dangerous by the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra Cifer.

Expert Swordsmanship Specialist: While preferring to fight her opponents barehanded, during flashbacks of her days as a captain, Yoruichi showed herself to be a highly capable swordswoman from her ability to take down a huge hollow with a single strike of her sealed Zanpakutō.

Flash Step Master: Considered to be the most proficient Hohō master ever in all of the Soul Society, Yoruichi is highly skilled in the use of flash steps, a high speed movement ability. Though this is by no means a unique skill, as most seated officers are capable of performing it to various degrees, Yoruichi holds the title, because she has mastered this ability to such an extent that she can appear to be in several places at once and wipe out an entire Onmitsukidō squadron in seconds. She can easily close tremendous gaps of distance in the blink of an eye while remaining undetected, as shown from her ability to surprise Byakuya. She has mastered all of the Onmitsukidō's speed-oriented techniques and even created some of her own, such as Utsusemi (空蝉; cicada, referencing their molting). Similar to the 7th Espada, Yoruichi has demonstrated the ability to leave at least one tangible 'after-image' of herself for diversions and substitutions that can even appear to bleed after getting attacked. The full extent of her abilities remain unclear, but she was able to outrun Byakuya while carrying an unconscious Ichigo over her shoulder. She was able to perform around 300 steps before feeling tired. Furthermore, she states that she is out of practice after doing so. She is so fast that Soifon could barely keep up while Yoruichi was still holding back. It is revealed that she can still perform Flash Steps even while in her cat form. Unfortunately, her cat form is not as fast as Ichigo, who during a filler episode, was easily able to outrun her, forcing her to transform.

Enhanced Strength: Despite her slender appearance, Yoruichi is quite strong in her human form; she could still easily use flash steps while carrying around an unconscious Ichigo to outrun a fellow flash step master. She can also easily catch a direct punch from the 10th Espada, and simultaneously throw him several feet away. She was also able to easily injure him despite his thick hierro with various unarmed moves, but it was later revealed that she was injured by his hierro, admitting that she wasn't expecting his skin to be that hard, though she states that she could have avoided taking any damage if she had Shunko activated.

Master Assassin: As the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Yoruichi is one of the foremost masters of the art of assassination. She has repeatedly shown impressive skill in staying hidden and unseen. When necessary, she can effectively exploit having a advantage against an opponent or hiding her presence. Even one as intuitive as Aizen was completely taken by surprise and just as easily subdued.

Master Strategist: As the former head of her clan and ex-commander of the Secret Mobile Corps, Yoruichi has shown herself to be a capable leader. Repeatedly throughout the series, Yoruichi has shown to be insightful and crafty, quickly capable of understanding any situation that presents itself and adjust to it effectively. Upon learning that Ichigo would go to save Rukia no matter what, Yoruichi began making preparations of her own by training Orihime and Chad.

Kidō Expert: As former Captain of the 2nd Division and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Yoruichi is well-versed in a mastery of Kidō. Though she commonly employs Flash Steps and hand-to-hand fighting techniques, she is masterful in using Kidō to further her capacity in combat - being so experienced she is able to mix it with other fighting techniques.


 * An advanced technique that combines hand-to-hand combat with kidō. She fights by surrounding her back and arms with pressurized kidō. The keisen uniform has no back or sleeves since they'll rip apart when it's activated. What is known of it so far, is that it can allow her to instantly neutralize an opponent's movement. Yoruichi's version of the technique was developed and studied by her a century ago. Therefore, the technique is complete. Unlike Soifon's version, the compressed kidō is visible.

Immense Spiritual Power: As a former Captain and head of a noble clan, Yoruichi boasts a great amount of spiritual energy. Her spiritual energy is great enough to act as a shield from fairly powerful attacks, as seen from blocking Jin Kariya's lightning blast with a single hand. While using Shunkō, her concentrated spiritual power becomes far greater than before.

Enhanced Endurance: Despite her own admission of being out of shape, Yoruichi has shown to be a very resilient warrior. Both when out of breath from prolonged running against Byakuya and sustaining fractures from Yammy's hierro, Yoruichi was still able to fight effectively while showing no signs of weakening.

Zanpakutō
As a former Captain of the Gotei 13, it is known that Yoruichi possesses a Zanpakutō and has achieved Bankai, but she relies nearly exclusively on Hohō, Shunpō and Shunkō. Although she never carries it during the main storyline, it is shown during a flashback about how Soifon became Yoruichi's protégée and when she tells Ichigo about Kisuke Urahara's role as previous Captain of the 12th division; It resembles a kodachi or wakizashi. It was kept sheathed horizontally behind Yoruichi's lower back. She briefly uses a sword of said size during the The Sealed Sword Frenzy OVA to dispatch a Hollow, though it is unknown if this was her Zanpakutō.


 * Shikai: Not Yet Revealed


 * Bankai: Not Yet Revealed

Quotes

 * Just like a person holding a sword trying to protect something. That maybe one's life, or place in society, or reputation, things that one loves, things that one believes, matters not if it's good or bad, the will to 'protect it' does not change. (To Orihime & Chad)


 * Heart and Soul are connected, what is important is where is the heart. (To Orihime & Chad)

Trivia

 * It is noteworthy to mention that since her departure from Soul Society, she "has kept her distance from battle". This means that since she disappeared, she has not fought in a battle for over 100 years before the storyline. Her segregation from fighting seems to be the main reason for Yoruichi's initial struggle during her fight with Soifon after she returns to Soul Society.
 * Yoruichi is the only known character in Bleach with the ability to shapeshift into an animal. Byakuya Kuchiki referred to her as a were-cat during the Turn Back The Pendulum Mini-Series.
 * In the anime, the damage her clothing sustains from her use of Shunkō is toned down drastically.
 * Yoruichi has a tribal tattoo on the outside of her left thigh. This is shown in episode 228, which was loosely based on an omake chapter (Yoruichi didn't appear in the manga's version).

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