Shunsui Kyōraku

is the captain of the 8th Division in the Gotei 13. His lieutenant is Nanao Ise.

Appearance
Kyōraku is a laid back and flamboyant man, evident in his style of dress and general attitude. He wears a straw hat and a pink flowered haori over his captain's uniform. Although his haori and obi sash are cheap, his pinwheel hairpin is very expensive.

Personality
In his off time, he can be seen drinking sake and napping. Other times, he likes to chase after women, particularly his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, whom he calls 'my Nanao-chan' (little Nanao). Nanao will often respond by hitting him with whatever she has on hand. Kyōraku tends to use a more familiar speech style than most other characters. He generally refers to his fellow captains and shinigami by their first name followed by an honorific. Kyōraku is a peace-loving man who will always try to talk his way out of a fight, though he doesn't wish to insult opponents by refusing to fight. The slightly eccentric Kyōraku also seems to like making an impression on opponents.

History
Shunsui is the second son of the high-ranking noble Kyōraku family. Despite being of such old and prestigious lineage, he disliked studying and training, and perfered to mess with ladies. Although being told by General Yamamoto, that he was able to see the truth and was wise for his age. And because of this he was sent against his will to the Shin'ō Reijutsu Academy. While here he came to know Jūshirō Ukitake who would become one of his close friends and fellow captain. Although not much else is known about Kyōraku's history, it is implied that he, Jūshirō Ukitake and possibly Retsu Unohana are the oldest captains in the Gotei 13, with the exception of General Yamamoto. Along with Ukitake, he, and Jūshirō Ukitake was the first to become captain as a result of training in the academy. Kyōraku is the only character who dispenses with honorifics when addressing General Yamamoto, calling him old-Man Yama (Yama-jī). During Rukia Kuchiki's execution. Kyōraku follows Ukitake's example and helps prevent Rukia's death along with the other shinigami in the rebellion, showing he will help Ukitake with whatever decision he chooses, despite whatever consequences there are. During the Shusuke Amagai Arc, he is seen many time with the newly positioned captain. They are first seen going to a drinking place, requestihg their own room to have a personal talk.

Zanpakutō
The true extent of Kyōraku's abilities has not been seen in the series, but he has been hinted to be quite strong, as General Yamamoto hints, Kyōraku, along with Ukitake and Yamamoto himself, are stronger than any other captain in the soul society.

Katen Kyōkotsu (Flower Heaven, Crazy Bone): His zanpakutō is unique in that it exists as two completely separate swords, existing as a daisho sword pair.


 * Shikai: Its shikai command is "Flower wind rage and flower god roar, heavenly wind rage and heavenly demon sneer". In Katen Kyōkotsu's shikai, the daisho sword pair transforms into two large scimitars or falchions.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Both PSP and Nintendo DS bleach games revealed that Kyōraku's shikai allows him to manipulate wind, which would match with his shikai command.


 * Bankai: Not yet revealed.