Gonryōmaru (Zanpakutō spirit)

This article is about the manifested spirit of Chōjirō Sasakibe's Zanpakutō. For his Zanpakutō and its abilities, see Gonryōmaru.

is the manifested spirit of Chōjirō Sasakibe's Zanpakutō that is seen during the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc.

Character Outline
Gonryōmaru's spirit takes the form of a man dressed as a traveler, or ronin, from Japan's Meiji era.His eyes are completely black and he carries a large, box-like pack on his back, and has a long pike in his hand. He often refers to people by the -dono honorific, which means lord or master.

Synopsis
He first appears when several Zanpakutō spirits are in a cave waiting for Muramasa's return. Gonryōmaru is last seen along with the rest of the Zanpakutō spirits appearing before the Shinigami who have gathered on Sōkyoku Hill. It is later seen teaming up with Kazeshini to fight Rukia and Renji. It uses its special powers on the pair, before focusing it's attention on Rukia, incapacitating her with a blow from his weapon. As he is about to finish off Rukia, he is incapacitated by Byakuya, who use 61 Rikujōkōrō on him. Gonryōmaru is later seen at 6th Division barracks along with the other Zanpakutō spirits. They are then surrounded by the Onmitsukidō. He uses his powers to escape but is stopped by Soifon. He and Tenken challenge the 2nd Division captain to combat. He uses electricity against the captain but she effortlessly dodges the attack and lands a solid kick on him, sending him into a wall. He recovers, only to be teased by Soifon as to his reason why he defected.

Powers & Abilities
Electricity Manipulation: Gonryōmaru is able to channel electricity from his pike to attack enemies. Upon contact, it can create a sizable explosion. He can also use it to create dark clouds.

Trivia

 * Curiously, Gonryōmaru's appearance is very eastern-like, while his owner prefers western culture.
 * Chōjirō Sasakibe has never been seen using Gonryōmaru's abilities, though its spirit uses the abilities in episodes 231 and 242.
 * Judging from Gonryōmaru's attack, it seems to be a lightning based Zanpakutō.
 * Gonryōmaru seems to resent his former owner's inability to stand out from other Shinigami.