Kagerōza Inaba

is the 7th Seat of the 12th Division, and works in the 12th Division's Shinigami Research and Development Institute.

Appearance
Inaba, while working with other 12th Division members, wears a standard uniform which is a laboratory coat over the standard Shinigami shihakushō. He is quite tall, thin with chin length green and yellow hair. He has a somewhat long face with circular glasses and white gloves.

When not with others, he wears a long yellow robe that buttons up in the front and protrudes upwards from the neck, covering the entirety of the back of his head. He does not wear glasses and wears gloves and carries a cane.

Personality
While he is working with other 12th Division members, he is quite polite and obeys orders given by higher ranked members. When pursuing Nozomi, he is quite rude to Kon and heartless when he strikes the girl's abdomen. He is also shown to have a profound respect for Mayuri Kurotsuchi, although this respect extends to Inaba believing he is superior in all aspects to him.

History
Inaba created the mod-souls and was a member of Project Spearhead which was designed to create mod-souls and use them in the dead bodies of humans in order to fight against Hollow. When the project was terminated and everything was to be destroyed, he converted all the information into special Reishi and tossed it into the Dangai. He then spent years researching the Dangai in order to find a way to retrieve that information from the Kōtotsu.

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

In the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, Akon requests a record of traffic through the Dangai from Inaba. He brings a book into the area where Akon is discussing Nanao Ise and Rangiku Matsumoto's whereabouts with Captains Hitsugaya and Kyōraku. Inaba reveals that there is no confirmation of the pair returning through the Dangai. Later, while Akon and Hiyosu are reading the message sent by Rukia, Inaba enters the room and Akon tells him that Byakuya Kuchiki and the others are about to enter the Dangai to conduct a survey. He instructs Inaba to show them the way. Before he leaves, he sees Rukia's message and the image of an unconscious Nozomi Kujō and grins.

In a room with a large number of Reigai piled up on one wall, he takes off his glasses and puts a new set of gloves and a cloak on and takes a cane with him. Immediately after, he uses his cane to move two figures with the exact same appearance of Izuru Kira and Nanao Ise away from the door. He thanks them for waiting and asks if they shall go. With his two companions, Inaba arrives at Ichigo Kurosaki's house, where Kon has been guarding Nozomi in Ichigo's body. They pursue the girl when she escapes out the window and Inaba injures her gut when he catches up with her, requesting that his allies kill Kon to finish the job. However, Uryū Ishida shows up at the scene.

Inaba evades Uryū's attacks and defeats the Quincy by using his Shikai. Turning his attention back to Kon, he realizes that Uryū is still alive and prepares to kill him. However, Orihime Inoue shields him and he is attacked by Yasutora Sado, whom he quickly defeats. Ichigo Kurosaki then arrives and fights Inaba until the Gotei 13 arrive. Inaba decides to retreat via a Senkaimon. When he returns to his lair, he announces that he will retrieve Nozomi via the use of his invading army.

The next day, Inaba once again addresses the Reigai, outlining their plans. Captain Hitsugaya asks him what their next move is, to which he states that they must formulate a new plan before the Gotei 13 attempts to reform and return to Soul Society. He also explains that the Dangai has henceforth been sealed off, rendering communications impossible. Nanao Ise asks him what they shall do with the Captain-Commander, to which he states that he has something special in store for him.

As Inaba leaves their presence, he tells them that their desires will become revealed once Nozomi Kujō is within their possession. Later, Inaba is walking through a dimly lit corridor, in a structure similar to that of a prison. He comes across a specific cell, and opens it up, approaching the green-haired man imprisoned within it. As he rests his lamp gently on the side table, he grasps the man's head, telling him that it is useless to run from him. He then laughs wildly.

He appears before Retsu Unohana and her lieutenant, eavesdropping on their conversation for several moments, before she calls out to him. Kageroza applauds Unohana's deductive reasoning, admitting that her visit to the Daireishōkairo was unprecedented. Isane Kotetsu charges at him, but he disappears from that spot, appearing behind Unohana. Kageroza then confirms to the captain that his abilities came about due to his Dangai. She questions why he separated the Soul Society from the planes of existence, to which Kageroza states that they will understand his motives in due time.

As he senses the presence of the captains entering the Dangai, Unohana questions whether his plans will be destroyed due to their intervention. However, Kageroza asks her whether she thought he would sit idly and allow them to enter. As Isane senses the captains successfully entering Soul Society, she notes the absence of Captain Komamura, to which Kageroza comments that his technology is still incomplete as of this stage. He moves forwards, prompting Isane to release a Shakkahō spell at him. Kageroza's voice echoes, commenting that she doesn't need to rush, as they pursue him. Kageroza appears inside the underground storage chamber, flanked by the two Shinigami. Unohana tells him to stop this madness, as his plans will become fleeting, claiming that the death of the Captain-Commander is impossible. Inaba is told by her that he has underestimated the originals' strength, to which he refutes this. He claims that he merely cannot understand their objectives, primarily due to the fact that the affairs of others didn't interest him. Inaba asks whether the same could be said of her, prompting Unohana to ask what he means. He tells her that she will understand it in time, as Isane raises her sword against her.

Kageroza comments that he would not have dreamed of facing off against a captain of her stature without proper planning. He explains to her that various Shinigami have been entering and leaving through the Senkaimon in Soul Society, stating that he modified it to allow for his plans to transpire. He explains further, claiming that he took Reishi samples from each Shinigami who entered the Senkaimon, thus creating Mod Souls identical in respect to their original counterparts. He states that that is how he created the Reigai invasion force, as Inaba asks whether Unohana is able to understand. The blast door opens, revealing a Reigai counterpart of herself, as Kageroza claims that he has already sampled her Reishi, all thanks to Lieutenant Kotetsu. Unohana turns to face him, as Kageroza Inaba asks tauntingly what her next move is.

As Unohana faces off against her Reigai counterpart, she counters her attack, culminating in a huge explosion. The Reigai Isane flinches from the attack, prompting Inaba to ask whether she is alright. As the Reigai Unohana wonders where the original escaped to, Kageroza explains that she is a wise person, and that she never aimed to fight them in the first place. Later, Inaba arrives at the prison, walking towards the green-haired man once again. He reassures the man, stating that Nozomi will return to Soul Society without fail.

Inaba later observes Ichigo passing through the Dangai and meets him as he arrives in Soul Society. With his Shikai already released, he refuses to answer most of Ichigo's questions, saying only that he could not make a Reigai of Ichigo as he is not a pure Shinigami. He then traps Ichigo inside the Dangai.

Inaba once more goes to see the green haired man as he flashes back. Later, Hitsugaya and Kenpachi encounter Inaba in a silo. Hitsugaya demands to know who Inaba is but Inaba just laughs. Kenpachi then says he only wants to know if Inaba is strong. Inaba laughs and says they have not realized that they have no chance of victory. Inaba releases his Shikai and Kenpachi says he does not know how Inaba is hiding his spiritual pressure but asks him to try and make it fun. The two captains attack Inaba and Kenpachi overpowers him initially and kicks him back.

As Kenpachi goes to attack once more, Hitsugaya yells to him, saying that Inaba was waiting for something and Inaba then opens a portal to the Dangai. Kenpachi stops short and Hitsugaya attacks, prompting Inaba to open another portal. Hitsugaya then figures out that Inaba's ability is to manipulate space. The captains go on the offensive once more and as Inaba dodges, he begins to reveal the truth about his Zanpakutō in that it manipulates all space as he sends Hitsugaya's attack back at him. Kenpachi attacks but Inaba records the attack and sends it back at him when he tries again. Hitsugaya traps Inaba's sword, making it so he cannot record.

Hitsugaya strikes but Inaba unleashes Kenpachi's previous attack on him, revealing he can replay events as many times as he would like. As he goes to finish Hitsugaya, he is interrupted by the arrival of Sui-Feng and Isane, carrying Akon. He is surprised that they escaped and is then confronted by Yoruichi Shihōin, who Inaba realizes freed everyone. Inaba tells her not to underestimate him but she says not to underestimate his adversaries as more captains arrive. Inaba commends them for doing so well but says they will not win. Everyone attacks but Inaba is guarded by a group of reigai that show up. The captains attack and manage to finally get to Inaba, cutting him and seemingly killing him. However, his body turns to dust and he reappears and cuts all those before him before jumping to the rafters. As he taunts them, he is stabbed by Mayuri who reveals he switched places with his reigai a while ago.

Mayuri informs Inaba that he switched places with his Reigai once the Reigai lieutenants made their way to the Human World. Inaba comments that, even though he was able to outsmart him, he is still at a disadvantage. Mayuri retaliates, releasing his extendable arm, proceeding to constrict Inaba. He is hurled around effortlessly by Mayuri, before breaking free from his bonds. Inaba asks whether Mayuri thought he could bind him with such an obvious attack, as the captain tells Inaba not to outstep his place. Inaba realises that he was waiting for Ashisogi Jizō, but states that everything is in control. Inaba is surprised as Mayuri makes his way towards him, but finds himself unable to respond. He gets run through by Mayuri, wondering why he was unable to fend off his movements. Mayuri reveals that he injected a drug that restricts thought processes into Inaba upon his first strike. Inaba pants heavily, as Mayuri points his Zanpakutō directly at his face. He roars in pain, as Reigai-Isane Kotetsu comes to his aid.

She states that she will heal him at once, prompting Inaba to admit that Mayuri outsmarted him. He laughs wildly, stating that he admits his weakness. Inaba staggers to his feet, as Reigai-Isane tells him not to overexert himself. He then turns his attention to her, dealing a deadly blow to her back. Inaba plunges his Zanpakutō into her body, stating that he apologises for his weakness. Mayuri believes that his anger got the better of him, so much so that he attacked his own comrade. Inaba grabs the red pill off the floor, gagging crazily. Mayuri speculates that he has lost the ability to speak, but Inaba states that he has been on a far greater level than the Shinigami. He then swallows the pill, instantly groaning in pain. Purple reiatsu surges around the area, as Inaba's soul exits his body. Mayuri asks what he is up to, as Inaba reveals that this is one of the more practical uses of a Reigai. In Inaba's body, Reigai-Isane screams in pain, as Mayuri realises he made the Mod Soul take on his injuries. Inaba states that the science isn't perfect, using Shunpo to appear behind Mayuri.

He knocks Mayuri back to the ground below, as the Reigai proceed to join their master. Jūshirō Ukitake asks Inaba how he came across the illegal Mod Soul data hidden in the Dangai, as Kyōraku states that they will find out eventually. He asks Inaba who he truly is, to which Inaba states that he was the original creator of the Mod Souls. Mayuri tells him to stop lying, but Inaba informs him that he is telling the truth. Inaba states that, once Project Spearhead was scrapped and the Mod Soul research were destined to be destroyed, as it was deemed a threat by Central 46. He states that they feared the implications of his research, revealing that he converted the Mod Soul data into a unique type of Reishi, discarding it into the Dangai. Inaba turns to Mayuri, stating that he agrees scientists fear oblivion more than anything else, and that is why he could not let his research become destroyed. Ukitake asks Inaba whether this is the reason why he aimed to resurrect Project Spearhead, to which Inaba confirms this, stating that his aim is to rule over Soul Society.

Inaba thrusts his Zanpakutō into the air, a green ripple emanating from it. Suddenly, the bracelets attached to the Reigai react to this, shattering into pieces. Simultaneously, their reiatsu surges immensely, as Inaba reveals that the Reigai were holding back their true powers, and that the bracelet acts as a limiter. Inaba proclaims that this is the true power of a Reigai, as several more emerge, copies of those initially destroyed. When Mayuri states that Inaba can create as many clones as he wishes, Inaba refutes this, explaining that not even he could create Reigai of this calibre. As the Shinigami fight against the full-power Reigai, they find themselves hopelessly outmatched, as Inaba laughs wildly, mocking their predicament.

Inventions
Reigai: He is seen to have various Reigai stored in a room. He also is known to have manufactured Reigai of several Shinigami lieutenants and captains.

Powers and Abilities
Kidō Practitioner: He is quite skilled in using Kidō as he is able to bind Kon with a mid-level Bakudō without saying the incantation.

Scientist & Inventor: As a member of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, Inaba has demonstrated remarkable intellect. With his scientific knowledge, he is able to create Reigai duplicates of several high-ranking Shinigami. He is very insightful, able to quickly understand the situation for what it is and to quickly comprehend the nature behind his opponent's technique. He is a expert of on the Dangai Precipice World as well.

Expert Swordsmanship Specialist: Inaba has demonstrated remarkable skill in battle. His fighting style is fluid and precise, able to quickly change his attack pattern to suit the situation.

Shunpo Expert: In battle, Inaba has demonstrated considerable speed and efficiency in Shunpo. During his battle against Uryū, he is able to effortlessly dodge all of the Quincy's arrow attacks.

Space/Time Manipulation: As a result of his extensive research upon the Dangai, Inaba has gained the ability to alter space. He has used this ability to travel from the Human World to Soul Society, as well as to manipulate the Kōryū and Dangai Precipice World.

Zanpakutō

 * In its sealed form, Inaba's Zanpakutō takes the form of a silver cane. The handle of the cane is dark blue and curves around to meet the shaft.


 * Shikai: Raiku is released with the command, . When released, a yellowish green light wraps around the cane and transforms it. The cane turns into a double-headed voulge with red markings on it.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Raiku has the ability to manipulate space. Kageroza spins Raiku above his head which firstly effects his opponent by freezing time for a split second. The circular motion he makes with Raiku creates a portal to the Dangai, which envelops the opponent's body and drags him into the precipice world. His abilities are not limited to manipulating the Dangai. In fact, Kageroza can manipulate all space, as Raiku's ability revolves around recording and recreating space. He therefore can recreate a portal to a previous space but can also have it record a new space to watch an opponent's movements, even a Zanpakutō's attack. He can recreate the last recorded attack as many times as he wishes. He uses this ability by twirling Raiku to the right to record space, twirling it in the opposite direction to recreate space.