Hikone Ubuginu

is a genderless, artificial hybrid Soul. Created by Aura Michibane and Seinosuke Yamada under the orders of Tokinada Tsunayashiro, Hikone officially served as retainer to the Tsunayashiro family, but their true purpose was to usurp the Soul King.

Appearance
Hikone is a dark-skinned, androgynous young child with red eyes and short dark hair and is described as "beautiful". Hikone usually wears a red, shoulderless Shihakushō and is barefoot. They carry their Zanpakutō on their back, secured in place by a lenght of chain.

Personality
Hikone is a very polite, childlike individual with an upbeat attitude, and becomes easily upset whenever they believe to have offended someone. Hikone is initially utterly obedient and loyal to Tokinada Tsunayashiro and Aura Michibane, frequently following every given order very monotonously. Due to their artificial creation, Hikone sees Tokinada as their master and someone very close to a father, as the same is said for Aura, which Hikone sees her as their own "mother". Hikone takes great pride in being "useful" to Tokinada, and falls into near suicidal despair whenever they believe they have failed and disappointed Tokinada.

However, despite their gentle and innocent nature, Hikone is very ruthless in battle. They are not hesitant to cut down their enemies as long as it fulfills Tokinada's goals. In their small skirmish with the residents of Hueco Mundo, Hikone does not appear to recognize any of the Arrancar who live there, but is willing to cut through anyone to prove that they are worthy in becoming "the new ruler". Likewise, even when acknowledging that they are fond of people such as Shūhei Hisagi and Aura, Hikone is unhesitant to attempt to murder them when ordered to by Tokinada.

During their fight with Kenpachi Zaraki, Hikone begins to find an unexpected joy in combat against a powerful foe. During this time, Candice Catnipp noticed that Hikone's personality began to greatly resemble that of their component, Gremmy Thoumeaux.

History
At some point before the Wandenreich invasion of Soul Society, Tokinada Tsunayashiro had commissioned Seinosuke Yamada and Aura Michibane to create an artificial hybrid Soul. Despite Aura and Seinosuke's best efforts, and the inclusion of thousands of soul pieces, including Shinigami, Quincy, Humans, Fullbringers, and even some belonging to the Soul King, Hikone was barely alive and could not move or speak. It was only when Tokinada managed to acquire the brain of the Quincy Gremmy Thoumeaux to serve as the hybrid's core that Hikone could finally be perfected and stabilized.

Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World
As Tokinada Tsunayashiro is asleep, he is attacked by several Onmitsukidō assassins, but is defended by Hikone. After Hikone dispatches of the would-be murderers, Tokinada awakens from his sleep, prompting Hikone to eagerly asks what he dreamed of. Tokinada replies it was a pleasant dream, before turing to Hikone who eagerly shows the numerous corpses that surround Tokinada. After Hikone curiously watches Tokinada torture the remaining assasins to death, they wonder if they should be more respectful towards the new head of the Tsunayashiro family, but Tokinada assures the child that it's not necessary, as Hikone will become the new Soul King anyway.

Sometime later, Hikone travels to Hueco Mundo on Tokinada's orders, where upon emerging from the Garganta they are surprised to find the native Arrancar and Hollows in conflict with several surviving Quincy. Introducing themselves, Hikone cheerfully explains that Tokinada has sent them to become the new king of Hueco Mundo. When Rudbornn Chelute's Calaveras attack Hikone in response, the child merely uses Hierro to defend itself and claims that Tokinada expected this response and ordered them to fight the Arrancar until they consent. Hikone draws their Zanpakutō and releases Ikomikidomoe.

Despite Hikone's power, they are eventually overwhelmed by the combined might of the Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Tier Harribel, and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, as well as the Sternritter Liltotto Lamperd, Giselle Gewelle, and Bambietta Basterbine. Before Hikone can be killed, however, Ikomikidomoe acts on its own accord by opening another Garganta and pulling Hikone in. Awakening inside the courtyard of the Central Pharmaceutical Institution, Hikone is quickly found by Hanatarō Yamada and Shūhei Hisagi, the former of whom immediatly attempts to heal the injured child. However, Hikone refuses and rejects all treatment, saying with pure despair that they failed Tokinada's orders and therefore deserve nothing less than death.

Before they can do more, Seinosuke Yamada arrives and begins to treat the Hikone, convincing them that since they are merely the property of Tokinada Tsunayashiro, they are not allowed to choose their own death. This perks up the child, and they rapidly start recovering once they realize that dying will only make Tokinada more disappointed. As Seinosuke asks Hisagi and Hanatarō leave, Hisagi asks the child about their connection to Tokinada, who only replies that they're Tokinada's retainer. When Seinosuke tries to send them away, Hisagi grabs him to demand more answers, only for Hikone to instantly subdue him. The child quickly apologizes, saying they thought Seinosuke was in danger, and introduce themselves to Hisagi.

When Hisagi asks Hikone if Tokinada is really worth nearly dying over, they responds that Tokinada is a wonderful person that they owe even more than their own life to. When Hikone says that Tokinada promised they will become a king, Seinosuke quickly interrupts, saying that Hikone is not allowed to divulge that yet. Hikone is shocked, but Hisagi introduces himself and Hanatarō and promises to forget about it for Hikone's sake. After they leave, Seinosuke begins treating Hikone, noting that the Hollows did not hold back as was expected. Seinosuke promises not to let Hikone die, even if he knows that there is no hope at all for the child's life.

Sometime later, HIkone is once again summoned by Tokinada. Eager to please, Hikone guarantees Tokinada that they will not fail him again, only for Tokinada to reveal that he planned for Hikone to lose against the Arrancar in Hueco Mundo earler so that the child could learn and grow stronger. While Hikone does not fully understand, the child is nonetheless excited that they did not fail Tokinada's expectations. Hikone then voices the desire to have an equal relationship with Tokinada someday, but they are interrupted by the voice of Ikomikidomoe, who seems insulted by the idea of someone like Tokinada being on the same level as his wielder.

As Hikone silences Ikomikidomoe and apologizes, Tokinada reassures the child that they should not expect anything else from an inherited Zanpakutō. Tokinada then orders Hikone to attack the Arrancar, Fullbringers, and Quincy in the Rukongai, expecting the child to actually win this time.

As Hikone heads towards the Rukongai, the child encounters Shinji Hirako on the way, and recognizes Shinji as a Gotei 13 captain. Hikone gleefully introduces themselves as Hikone Ubuginu, to which Shinji subtly asks Hikone who they work for, as they are not wearing a Gotei 13 insignia, and Hikone answers that they are the retainer of Tokinada Tsunayashiro.

As Shinji shifts the conversation to the battles happening at their mutual destination, Hikone reveals that they knows the Arrancar fighting there due to fighting them before in Hueco Mundo when trying to become the realm's king. When Shinji asks how a Shinigami could become the king of Hueco Mundo, Hikone nonchalantly replies that they're supposed to become the new Soul King, and because of that Hikone is to be respectful towards the Royal Guard and the Gotei 13, as they will be protecting them in the future. Hikone further says that Tokinada commanded them to use brute force against anyone who stands against the idea. Deciding to shift the conversation, Shinji bluntly inquires about Hikone's gender, to which Hikone replies that they have no gender. Tokinada explained that, since Hikone will be the beginning and the end, they have no need for reproductive capabilities.

Eventually Hikone arrives in the Rukongai, interrupting a fight between Grimmjow and Luppi Antenor. Surprised by the presence of Hikone, Luppi demands to know who dared intervene in their duel. As Hikone once again introduces themselves, the child says they are here for Grimmjow on Tokinada's orders. Seeing both Hikone and Shinji present, Grimmjow openly wonders if everybody is here just to be killed by him, and asks if Ichigo is coming as well.

Hearing that name, Hikone mentions that Ichigo is currently in the Human World, and is too busy fighting to protect his sisters to come. Grimmjow then loses his remaining patience and fires Ceros at Hikone, Shinji, and Luppi, only for Ikomikidomoe to absorb the Cero. As Hikone draws their Zanpakutō they say that the sword was given to them by Tokinada, and Ikomikidomoe suddenly starts talking to everyone present. Hikone quickly apologizes for their Zanpakutō's behavior, but immediately decides to fight everyone present to prove their worthiness as King. Promising to do their best, Hikone releases their Zanpakutō: "Jot down their funeral - Ikomikidomoe". As a massive surge of Reiatsu flows from Hikone, Grimmjow realizes Hikone's Reiatsu is also greater than before, and the surge of Reiatsu halts as Ikomikidomoe takes the form of a colossal Hollow.

As the mere roars of Ikomikidomoe cause the entire area to shake, Shinji cannot help but express his amazement and terror at the Zanpakutō. Hikone, who is sitting on the head of Ikomikidomoe, is happy at the compliment and assures Shinji that the Zanpakutō is completely under their control. Hikone also notes that, if necessary, they and Ikomikidomoe can fuse together.

While Ikomikidomoe proceeds to attack the Arrancar, Fullbringers, and Quincy, Liltotto proceeds to approach Hikone and asks if Hikone really will become the King. Hikone clarifies that Tokinada will still rule over them as the true King, and says that they will gladly die for Tokinada. As Liltotto finds something about the child's voice and behavior eerily familiar, Liltotto asks the child if they happen to know the name "Gremmy Thoumeaux". In response, Hikone becomes excited and confirms that yes, Gremmy's remains were used to create them.

Zanpakutō
For more information on this Zanpakutō and its abilities, see Ikomikidomoe.
 * Unlike most Shinigami, Hikone did not acquire Ikomikidomoe by imprinting upon an Asauchi. Rather, Tokinada Tsunayashiro gifted Hikone with a unique Zanpakutō that was forged by Ōetsu Nimaiya out of a primordial Hollow. Because of its unique nature, Ikomikidomoe can only be wielded by hybrids considered candidate for the position of Soul King such as Hikone, Kūgo Ginjō, or Ichigo Kurosaki. Upon its destruction at the hands of Kenpachi Zaraki, the remains of Ikomikidomoe were returned to the Hōōden.

In its sealed state, Ikomikidomoe is a long broadsword with a wrapped hilt and no guard. The handle is quite long, and combined with the blade is almost the size of Hikone. The blade of Ikomikidomoe is pure white, said to be almost glowing, with black spots on it. Like all Zanpakutō, Ikomikidomoe has its own personality, though unusually it is able to project its voice for others to hear.

Natural Abilities
Spiritual Power: After Ikomikidomoe devoured the Soul King fragments inside of Hikone and was subsequently destroyed by Kenpachi Zaraki, Hikone's total Reiryoku was significantly lowered, to levels barely above the average Shinigami recruit.

Enhanced Strength: Hikone has enough physical strength to break out of Sajō Sabaku with little effort.

Shinigami Powers & Abilities
Expert Swordsman: Hikone is skilled enough in Zanjutsu that, in combination with their great power, they can fight on even footing with the likes of Kenpachi, who is a master swordsman himself. However, Shūhei Hisagi notes that Hikone still has many flaws in their technique due to inexperience.

Hakuda Combatant: Hikone is skilled enough in Hakuda that, in combination with Hierro and Blut Arterie, they can perform strikes strong enough to injure the likes of Kenpachi. Hikone can also instantly subdue a Shinigami Lieutenant such as Shūhei Hisagi with minimal effort.

Shunpo Expert: A Shinigami ability that allows for short bursts of great speed. Hikone can combine it with Sonído, Hirenkyaku, and the Fullbringers' high-speed movement technique to maximize their speed and efficiency.


 * Senka: An advanced Shunpo technique; Hikone used it to incapacitate Hisagi without harming the Shinigami.

Hollow Powers & Abilities
Sonído: A Hollow ability that allows for short bursts of great speed. Hikone can combine it with Shunpo, Hirenkyaku, and the Fullbringers' high-speed movement technique to maximize their speed and efficiency.

Hierro: A Hollow ability that allows one to harden their skin. Hikone can combine it with Blut Vene or Blut Arterie to maximize their defensive or offensive abilities respectively.

High-Speed Regeneration: A Hollow ability that allows one to rapidly heal non-lethal injuries. Hikone's regeneration is powerful enough to heal injuries inflicted by Bambietta Basterbine's The Explode.

Cero: A Hollow ability that allows one to fire a beam of spiritual energy. Hikone's Cero is powerful enough that the Sternritter Liltotto Lamperd believed a direct hit could vaporize her. Hikone can combine a Cero with a Heilig Pfeil for increased power.


 * Gran Rey Cero: Hikone can fire a Gran Rey Cero with enough power to injure a combatant as powerful as Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, even after the Arrancar used her Cero Doble to counter it and was assisted by Liltotto.

Quincy Powers & Abilities
Blut: A Quincy ability which gives one inhuman defensive & offensive capability.


 * Blut Vene: Hikone can use Blut Vene to increase their defensive capabilities as well as stop wounds from bleeding out. Hikone can combine Blut Vene with Hierro to maximize their defenses to the point that they can withstand strikes from Kenpachi.


 * Blut Arterie: Hikone can use Blut Arterie in combination with Hierro to perform Hakuda strikes powerful enough to injure Kenpachi.

Hirenkyaku: A Quincy ability that allows for short bursts of great speed. Hikone can combine it with Shunpo, Sonído, and the Fullbringers' high-speed movement technique to maximize their speed and efficiency.

Heilig Bogen: Hikone can generate this traditional Quincy Spirit Weapon for combat.


 * Heilig Pfeil: Hikone can fire a powerful Heilig Pfeil from their bow, and can combine it with a Cero for increased power.

Fullbring Powers & Abilities
High-Speed Movement: Hikone has demonstrated the ability to use this Bringer Light-generating power in combination with Sonído, Shunpo, and Hirenkyaku to move at speeds fast enough to catch even Kenpachi off-guard.

Former Powers & Abilities
Immense Spiritual Power: As an artificial Hybrid meant to mimic what Ichigo Kurosaki was naturally, Hikone possessed an immense amount of Reiryoku before it was lost to Ikomikidomoe. Hikone was able to fight on even footing with the Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Tier Harribel, and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, alongside the Sternritter Liltotto Lamperd and Giselle Gewelle, though Hikone eventually lost. Harribel intially even compared Hikone's Reiatsu to the Shinigami captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who possesses large amounts of Reiatsu himself. When Harribel and Grimmjow confronted Hikone in the Valley of Screams, the Espada noted that the child's power had increased since their last encounter. Indeed, shortly afterwards Hikone is able to contend with and slightly injure Kenpachi Zaraki, though the Shinigami had yet to release his Zanpakutō. Due to Hikone's nature as a hybrid, their Reiatsu feels similar to that of a Visored or Ichigo. Both Meninas McAllon and Candice Catnipp agree that Hikone's Reiatsu reminds them of Gremmy.

Appearances in Other Media

 * As part of the celebration for the collaboration with the Can't Fear You're Own World novel, Hikone was added to Bleach: Brave Souls as a playable character; in the game, Hikone is confirmed to be 121 cm tall. In this form, Hikone is a melee strong attack character with the "Mind" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack. Their unlockable skills are "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy", "Long Stride", "Paralysis Duration -100%", and "Sprinter +2", while their Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%". Hikone's special is, where Hikone summons the giant Hollow within the sword and rides on its head as it unleashes several massive tornadoes by roaring, which inflicts massive damage and Weaken on enemies.
 * Hikone is also playable using their Resurrección, Ikomikidomoe Hōraku Hakkei. In this form, Hikone is a ranged strong attack character with the "Power" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack. Their unlockable skills are "Berserker +20%", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy", "Havoc +20%", "Increased Status Ailment Chance Against Technique Attribute Soul Reapers +10%", and "Sprinter +2", while their Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%". Hikone's special is, where they unleash a blindingly fast attack that inflicts immense damage and Weaken.
 * This form was never illustrated in the light novel, making it the first official appearance not only in-game, but in Bleach as a whole.