Hanza Nukui

is introduced during The Captain Amagai arc as the leader of the assassination squad under Gyōkaku Kumoi, Ichigo's first Kasumiōji rival, and was the main antagonist during the first half of the Captain Amagai arc.

Appearance
Perhaps Hanza's most notable features are his light purple hair and the scar across his face. He wears red armor on his left shoulder and his right arm is actually his Bakkoto, Saiga.

Personality
Hanza seemed to be loyal to the Kasumioji, explaining that they need a stronger leader then Rurichiyo to lead them. Kumoi, being a clan leader, was his master. During his fights with Ichigo, he was highly perceptive, matching his opponents stregnth with his Bakkoto.

History
Hanza was born into a clan that served the Kasumioji diligently. As he put it, they were "the sword" for which to fight the clan's enemies. But in truth, they were highly skilled assassins. Rurichiyo's mother, the former clan leader, died while giving birth and her father passed away due to illness. This left only Rurichiyo to be the heir, but she was still very young. Hanza, realizing that she wasnt strong enough to lead, joined Kumoi and gained a Bakkoto of his own.

Synopsis
After Rurichiyo Kasumiōji came back to her family compound, Gyōkaku Kumoi ordered Hanza to kill her. However, Ichigo and Kenpachi Zaraki were already protecting her. Hanza attempted to scare the former by releasing his Reiatsu, but Ichigo seemed unfazed. In retaliation, Kumoi sent Hanza and a few others to capture the princess in the Human World. Hanza fights Ichigo using a familiar Bakkōtō, and Ichigo thinks he has the upper hand. However, revealing Saiga's second ability, Hanza paralyzes Ichigo. But Yoruichi Shihōin saves him and Hanza retreats.

Afterwards, Hanza finds three members of the criminal underground to serve as his subordinates. With Kumoi's permission, the three are given Bakkoto, and Hanza merges with Saiga. Theu are sent to the Human World once more using the Kasumioji's Seknai Mon, and given fair warning not to loose. Now, his whole body is covered in red armor and Saiga has become larger.

During their second battle, Ichigo shatters Saiga's mirror, only to be caught in a mirror dimension. The shards of the Bakkoto reflect Ichigo's guilt for not saving his mother, which manifests his mother to kill him. However, he manages to break free from the illusions. With Ichigo now in his hollow form, Hanza feeds more of his Spiritual Energy into the Bakkoto. However, once he realizes that he cannot defeat the Vizard, Hanza allows his Bakkoto to completely consume him.

Bakkōtō
Hanza primarily wields the Bakkōtō Saiga, which evolves by devouring the spiritual power of its user. Its shape is that of a katana with a large mirror attached at the hilt.


 * Bakkoto Special Ability releasd with the verbal command, Seal him away, Saiga has the ability to momentarily paralyze opponents by reflecting moonlight into their eyes and can create an alternate dimension in which the opponent is left conscious but unable to move. If he channels more reiatsu into the weapon, he can create illusions based on the targets' memories, trapping them until their souls are crushed. At full power, it is able to shoot energy bolts similar to Getsuga Tenshō blasts.

