Tōshirō Hitsugaya/Anime Continuity

is the captain of the 10th Division in the Gotei 13. His lieutenant is Rangiku Matsumoto.

Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

During the Bount's invasion on Humans, Hitsugaya orders more Shinigami to enter the Real World to fend off the Bount in Karakura Town, stating they can't entirely rely on Ichigo Kurosaki.

When the Bount infiltrate Soul Society, Hitsugaya, along with Renji and Matsumoto, investigate reports of Bount activity in a forest in Rukongai. The Bount, however, are gone by the time they reach the forest. It is in the forest where he is confronted by Maki Ichinose Ichinose proceeds to battle Hitsugaya and uses his Zanpakutō's ability to confound Hitsugaya, Renji, Matsumoto, Ichigo, and Chad. As Ichinose is about to attack Chad he is blocked by the newly arrived 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. Kenpachi informs Hitsugaya that he needs to take the others and stop Kariya from invading the Seireitei.

He is present at a captains meeting where Captain Suì-Fēng is being debriefed on the situation by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Shortly after, an argument breaks out between him and Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division, with the latter trying to place blame on the former in order to get blame shifted off him. Shunsui joins in the defense of Captain Hitsugaya, noting that the problem of the Bount getting into Soul Society was something caused by the 12th Division. Despite the help from Shunsui, the Captain-Commander relieves Hitsugaya of his position as commander of the defensive force.

Later, Hitsugaya comes face to face with the Bount Gō Koga, who up until that point had defeated many 10th Division members. Koga summons his Doll Dalk. Hitsugaya's Shikai easily freezes and shatters Dalk to which Koga releases Dalk's true form, a Battle Axe. In response to this, Hitsugaya releases his Bankai. The two continue to battle to which Koga sustains many heavy injuries forcing him to absorb a large amount of spiritual particles to heal himself, but his body begins to reject the spirit particles. In a last desperate attempt, Koga tries to deal a killing blow to Hitsugaya, but instead receives one himself. After the fight, Hitsugaya, upon returning to the 10th Division barracks, informs his squad that Koga is to receive a proper burial, not realizing Koga has survived.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Hitsugaya is doing paperwork when Rangiku asks him if he has heard the news of a new captain being appointed to the 3rd Division. Hitsugaya continues his work and tells her that he is a captain so therefore of course he knows. When Rangiku begins to muse at the idea of when Izuru Kira mastered his Bankai, Hitsugaya tells her that it is not Kira and informs her that he himself doesn't know who it is. He irritated at this point tells her that they will all find out tomorrow and that she should do some work. He is later present at the promotion ceremony of the new captain of the 3rd Division, Shūsuke Amagai. After the ceremony has ended he plainly leaves the room alongside some of the other captains.

Once Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki make it into Soul Society to rescue Rurichiyo Kasumiōji. The rest of the Gotei 13 goes on high alert as they are given orders to stop Ichigo under suspicion of kidnapping and possible assassination attempts on the nobles life. Hitsugaya and his division are given the task of watching over the gate to the Kasumiōji Manor. Though Ichigo is hiding, Hitsugaya can still sense his spiritual power and tells him to come out. Though Rukia pleads with him to let them explain, Hitsugaya assures her he will, but only after he has taken them to the Captain-Commander. No sooner than that conversation happens, Captain Amagai comes out and Hitsugaya is surprised to see him on Ichigo's side. Amagai takes out his Zanpakutō and attacks Hitsugaya, who blocks and asks him to pull back, but Amagai refuses. Hitsugaya tells him because he is a captain, he cannot hold back on him and releases his Shikai and attacks, but Amagai releases his Shikai as well and counters causing a stalemate.

Byakuya Kuchiki arrives in the middle of the fight between Shūsuke Amagai and Hitsugaya and relays the information that he has been give orders to subdue Kasumiōji Clan. He further states that there is evidence that they have committed treason. Shortly thereafter, Hitsugaya and Byakuya are waiting atop of a roof when the 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto arrives and asks what is going on. Hitsugaya tells her that the strategy they are using was set up by the general. Byakuya explains further that since the Kasumiōji Clan are a noble family with special status, the Gotei 13 could never interfere with them unless they violated a serious law.

He later appears with the rest of the Gotei 13 at the battle between Amagai and Ichigo, watching as Amagai goes and tries to attack Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He bears witness to Yoruichi explaining the details behind what truly happened to Amagai's father years ago under the general's orders. Hitsugaya and the others bear witness to Amagai committing suicide because of his disgraceful actions.

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

At the 10th Division;s headquarters, Hitsugaya is trying to commune with his Zanpakutō Spirit in his inner world, but upon arrival he is somewhat rebuffed by Hyōrinmaru, much to confusion. He is then interrupted by a ruckus caused by Rangiku Matsumoto, his lieutenant. When Hitsugaya comes inside he is asks Rangiku what is wrong and she explains that her Zanpakutō will not release. They are then interrupted by Lieutenants Isane Kotetsu of the 4th Division and Momo Hinamori of the 5th Division. When Isane asks Rangiku what is wrong with her Zanpakutō, Rangiku explains her problem and how it is frustrating her, but Momo tells her to be more compassionate and open her heart as she is close to her own Zanpakutō to the point that they feel for each other mutually. Hitsugaya is somewhat surprised at this, but he is interrupted by Isane who details that her own Zanpakutō hasn't been responding either, surprising Hitsugaya even further to the weird coincidence. He later leaves and wonders at the possibility of what could possibly be taking place.

Hitsugaya is called by a Jigokuchō to a emergency meeting by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Upon arrival, the Captain-Commander is nowhere to be found. 1st Division lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe, shows up injured and collapses and then a mysterious figure appears, who announces that the Captain-Commander will not be showing up, alarming everyone in attendance. He is among the others when Captain Sajin Komamura's Zanpakutō turns on him. Then Muramasa reveals that he has freed the Zanpakutō Spirits from their Shinigami's control. He calls them to him, and Hitsugaya is the first to realize that the Zanpakutō have taken their true form. Just as abruptly he is noticeably surprised as Hyōrinmaru materializes next to him and walks over to Muramasa.

A battle begins with the Shinigami fighting against the Zanpakutō Spirits, with Hitsugaya facing off against Senbonzakura, but gets pushed back. Hitsugaya then confronts Hyōrinmaru, who appears to have lost his memory, when the Zanpakutō Spirit attacks Ichigo Kurosaki and tries to kill him. Hitsugaya informs the spirit of his name and who he belongs to.

Hitsugaya is shocked when Hyōrinmaru refuses to believe such a small child could be his master, but Hitsugaya insists it is true. To find the truth, the two battle, with the fight quickly turning towards Hyōrinmaru's favor. When Hitsugaya asks what Hyōrinmaru's instinctual goal is, Hyōrinmaru says it is to find the true place he belongs. Hitsugaya recalls the time he first discovered Hyōrinmaru. Being able to relate to the pain of not fitting in with others, Hitsugaya becomes determined to get Hyōrinmaru back and summons his Zanpakutō's power, finally proving that he truly is Hyōrinmaru's master. This prompts Hyōrinmaru to break free from his ties with Muramasa and return to Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya is resting in the 4th Division barracks following the battle. He awakens as the Shinigami are fighting the Zanpakutō and starts to get up. However, Hyōrinmaru tells him not to push himself and to believe in the Shinigami. Hyōrinmaru further points out that Hitsugaya has proven that the Zanpakutō Rebellion is not enough to destroy the Shinigami. Hitsugaya later helps Ichigo Kurosaki when Ryūjin Jakka, under Muramasa's influence, tried to attack him during his escape from the cage of fire. He, along with Hyōrinmaru, then help Ichigo completely escape from Ryūjin Jakka by freezing the fire long enough for Ichigo to get away.

He next appears in the Human World with several Shinigami and their respective Zanpakutō spirits, ready to help Ichigo fight Muramasa. Along with Hyōrinmaru, Hitsugaya sets about destroying the Gillians surrounding Muramasa's transformed state. Muramasa's Garganta allows countless Gillians to emerge. Hitsugaya, using his Bankai, joins with his allies in a bid to close the Garganta by combining their Reiatsu and forcing it shut. Hitsugaya then goes back to destroying the remaining Gillians. Afterwards, Muramasa's dome collapses, with Ichigo emerging the victor.

Beast Swords arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

To recover from the chaos caused by Muramasa, the Gotei 13 is given a day off to relax and party. Much to Hitsugaya's annoyance, his division gets a little out of control, resulting in many of them passing out from too much drinking. Hitsugaya watches over the party, held at the behest of Rukia Kuchiki and Sode no Shirayuki, in the hope that it would attract one of the Tōjū that had earlier attacked the Kuchiki Manor. When Rangiku starts to drunkenly pester him, he sighs and decides he's had enough, considering the whole venture a failure. He turns to leave, advising Rukia that he is leaving it to her to see that the lights are turned out and the party is her responsibility. When he leaves, he is followed by the drunken Rangiku who tells him she wants to drink some more, agitating him further.

Later, Hitsugaya is ordered to go to the Human World to deal with the Tōjū that have escaped there. After meeting up with Ichigo and explaining the situation, they go off to search for the berserk swords. To his annoyance, Rangiku decides to follow him to help (and exploit the chance to have fun in the Human World). Later, Hitsugaya finds Ichigo fighting a Hollow-like Tōjū. While Ichigo holds off its Cero, Hitsugaya finishes it off by freezing and shattering it. Afterward, Hitsugaya notes the Tōjū was different from before, somehow having merged with a Hollow into a much more dangerous form.

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

A month after Aizen's defeat, Hitsugaya meets Kyōraku and Ukitake outside the 1st Division buildings, telling them that he was reporting on the cleansing of the area around Karakura Town following its transportation to Soul Society. Hitsugaya is surprised to hear that Nanao had told Kyōraku that it would be finished that day and complains about Rangiku slacking off, as it was the 10th Division's responsibility. He asks them to report that and leaves. He later contacts Rangiku via her Denreishinki and criticizes her for not making regular progress reports. When she informs him that they are finished, he orders her to return, further complaining about her behavior. The following evening, Hitsugaya tells Akon that he has not been able to contact Nanao and Rangiku since they stated that they were returning, requesting to see if there is a record of them passing through the Dangai. Inaba reveals that there is no record of the pair returning through the Dangai.

Along with Ukitake and Shunsui, he informs Yamamoto of the situation. When Mayuri suggests that they must be in the Human World, Hitsugaya remarks that it is hard to believe they would stay without contacting them, suggesting that the SRDI missed something. The meeting is interrupted by the news that Nanao and Rangiku have returned, who insist that only three hours have passed since their disappearance. In a captains meeting later, Hitsugaya listens as Mayuri reveals that there is a time gap between the Human World and Soul Society. Mayuri requests that a detailed study be carried out and Hitsugaya is ordered to assist, along with Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai. Having failed to meet up with Mayuri in the Dangai, the three emerge from a Senkaimon to be informed that contact was lost with the Dangai and a state of emergency declared. They bring an item that they found near the rendezvous site to Yamamoto. Later, when Ichigo arrives in Soul Society, Hitsugaya and other senior Shinigami arrest him as a material witness.

Later, Hitsugaya arrives in the Human World with other members of the Gotei 13 to help in the fight against Inaba. He knocks the Reigai of Nanao Ise off of a platform before grabbing the unconscious Nozomi Kujō and taking off with her. After fending off Inaba and forcing him to retreat, Hitsugaya joins other members of the Gotei 13 as they hold a meeting in Ichigo's room. Hitsugaya, Byakuya, Kenpachi, and Komamura decide to return to the Soul Society in order to confront Inaba. Hitsugaya confronts Kenpachi about being late before they enter the Senkaimon. While there, Inaba speeds up the restrictive current forcing Komamura to stay behind using his Bankai. The remaining three captains split up and head towards the Twelfth Division barracks separately.

As Hitsugaya runs along the rooftops of Seireitei, he runs into Momo Hinamori. Shocked to see her about, he stops and goes to see her. She looks up at him with a sweet smile using his nickname 'Shiro-chan' she then goes on to explain of how she woke up in the 12th Division to find everyone gone and appears to be very vulnerable and scared. Hitsugaya states that she should keep safe from the battles that are going on around them she reassures him she is okay before stumbling. Hitsugaya manages to catch her before she falls off the roof and Hinamori apologizes before drawing her sword. Hitsugaya swiftly blocks it and notices her bracelet. She asks him if he is going to try and kill her again, bringing back memories of the battle against Aizen for Hitsugaya. She stabs him in the stomach before chasing after Hitsugaya as he refuses to attack her or protect himself. Soon, another Hinamori appears claiming that it was unforgivable to hurt Shiro-chan. Hitsugaya watches as they fight each other. Confused as to which is the real Hinamori, Hitsugaya steps between the two of them and is stabbed by both of them. He realizes that they are both Reigai and as both raise their sword whilst apologizing, they are attacked and defeated by Yoruichi's Shunkō technique. Hitsugaya thanks her before he takes off.

An injured Hitsugaya later enters a building and notices Kenpachi arriving behind him. As they comment on the fate of the other captains, Inaba confronts them. Hitsugaya informs him that they have destroyed most of his invading force and demands to know just who he is. As Inaba releases his Shikai, Hitsugaya notices that he cannot sense any Reiatsu from it. Kenpachi charges in, much to Hitsugaya's annoyance. Hitsugaya joins in the fight, telling Kenpachi that he will not allow him to fight Inaba alone. Shortly after the fight starts, Hitsugaya stands back and contemplates the situation. When Kenpachi charges at Inaba, Hitsugaya yells at him that the scientist is waiting for something. Inaba creates a portal to the Dangai between him and Kenpachi. Hitsugaya uses his Shikai to attack from range, but Inaba creates another portal to block the attack. Hitsugaya surmises that he creates portals that should not exist and seals his opponents inside the Dangai, claiming that the power of Inaba's Zanpakutō is to manipulate space.

When Hitsugaya switches to fighting from a distance, Inaba opens a portal from which Hitsugaya's own ice attacks emerge, knocking him down. Inaba reveals that he can record and recreate any space. He states that he earlier recorded Hitsugaya's attacks. As they fight, Hitsugaya soon figures out how Inaba is using his Zanpakutō and counters it by preventing him from twirling it to the right in a bid to prevent him from recording space. However, Inaba spins his blade to the left to recreate one of Kenpachi's attacks, which injures Hitsugaya. Hitsugaya is spared another attack when Suì-Fēng arrives with other members of the Gotei 13. Despite the arrival of several Reigai, they engage in battle. During the fight, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng create an opening which Kenpachi and Hitsugaya use to successfully strike Inaba. However, his body dissipates and he reappears, immediately attacking and injuring them all.

As Hitsugaya listens to Mayuri and Inaba's conversation, he witnesses Inaba attacking one of his Reigai allies. From its remains, Inaba picks up a red pill. Hitsugaya asks if it is a Gikon, but Mayuri reveals that it is a Modified Soul. When Inaba releases the full power of the Reigai and more Reigai appear, including those that had already been defeated, Mayuri explains that as long as their core form, the pill, is preserved, their bodies can be replaced. The captains are attacked by the Reigai, with Hitsugaya once again being attacked by the Reigai of Byakuya.

Later, Hitsugaya along with Yoruichi and the other captain return in time to aid Ichigo and Kisuke from their Reigai pursuers. Hitsugaya quickly confronts his Reigai counterpart. It is quickly made clear that the Reigai has the advantage over the young captain as Hitsugaya is a forced back hard. While Reigai-Hitsugaya surmises that Hitsugaya won't retreat as a matter of pride, he tells the Reigai he won't because it is his duty as a captain of the Gotei 13. Despite his strong resolve, Hitsugaya is still pushed back. Eventually, the Shinigami lieutenants return and aid their respective captains with Rangiku aiding Hitsugaya.

Despite this assistance, the Reigai still pressure the Shinigami. Byakuya Kuchiki then realizes the truth behind the Reigai's battle style: they value self-preservation the most and won't attack first in fear of being outnumbered. Realizing this to be true, Hitsugaya begins mocking them, asking the Reigai if they are willing to strike at anyone first in fear of group counterattack.

Later, the resurrected Ōko Yushima begins his endgame, using his Renzan: Hajō Kūri technique to begin destroying the Soul Society. Before the Shinigami can, the Reigai step forward, saying that they will stop their fellow Mod Soul's chaotic plan as their goal has always been to protect the Soul Society in their own way. Reigai then destroy the technique at the cost of their own lives.

Powers & Abilities
Kidō Expert: Hitsugaya is highly proficient in Kidō, and is capable of performing high-level Kidō spells without the incantation. For example, during his battle with Hyōrinmaru, he used a level 63 binding spell without the incantation.