Shūsuke Amagai

, sometimes romanized as Syūsuke Amagai, was introduced as the new Captain of the 3rd Division (anime only) sometime after Gin Ichimaru, its previous captain, betrayed the Soul Society.

Appearance
Shūsuke Amagai has a rather unkempt appearance to himself, due to his messy hair and chin stubble. He is a tall and muscular Shinigami who has chin-length blueish hair that he wears in a somewhat ragged fashion. As opposed to his predecessor, he wears a long-sleeved captain's haori. Aside from the extra sword sheath and the strange paper that he keeps in the fold of his uniform, his outfit is a standard Shinigami uniform.

Personality
Shūsuke appeared to be a rather friendly, easy-going individual, especially in comparison to his predecessor, and while he seemed rather loyal and law-abiding, he was willing to bend or break the law if it meant helping Ichigo discover the truth behind the Kasumiōji incident, a trait shared by both Ukitake and Kyōraku, both of whom he would often chat (and drink) with. Decisive, charismatic, and ethical, he quickly proved to be a capable leader and earned the respect of his subordinates, most notably Izuru Kira, despite initially feeling distrustful towards Shūsuke.

Amagai is shown to be incapable of holding his drink, collapsing even after eating sake-flavored pickles and acting irrational after smelling the scent of sake in the air. Although he was initially looked down upon by his fellow division members, Captain Amagai's methods and ethics have since earned their respect. Amagai also favors teamwork and coordination between individual fighters. He used these methods in the Patrol Corps and teaches them when training his squad.

When Shūsuke mercilessly killed Kumoi, he was shown in a different light; deciding to act on his own malevolent plan, Amagai displayed a more deceptive and ruthless side to his personality, having manipulated all the events that transpired behind the entire Kasumiōji ordeal, as well as almost callously disregarding the lives of the people involved, and displayed a determined, almost stubborn desire to kill Yamamoto, the murderer of Amagai's father, as well as Rurichiyo Kasumiōji, who was born into the clan responsible for the development of the Bakkōtō. He also had a habit of taunting his (often self-perceived) enemies, even when he was not fighting, and had a somewhat arrogant demeanor, believing that, with his Bankai and Bakkōtō in hand, he was unbeatable. While he was indeed ruthless, he was willing to spare those he didn't deem responsible for his father's death, as he said would have left Ichigo alive if he didn't get involved with his conflict with Yamamoto; he even states that Ichigo, a Human, didn't need to lose his life over a matter in Soul Society. However, since Ichigo was determined to protect Rurichiyo and Yamamoto and unwilling to abandon them, Amagai felt that he had to kill him in order to get revenge on Yamamoto and Rurichiyo afterwards.

History
He was originally born under a different name, for he was the son of 1st Division member Shin'etsu Kisaragi. One day he realized something was different about his father and went looking for him. He found his father at the area where he trained with his Zanpakutō. Upon dying, he learned that his father was killed by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. He also heard his father speak a peculiar word: Bakkōtō.

Several years later, he entered the Gotei 13 and changed his identity in order to learn the truth behind his father's death. He claimed that he came from Rukongai and he took on a new name: Shūsuke Amagai. After becoming a Shinigami, Amagai continuously gathered information and researched the Bakkōtō. He eventually learned of what the Bakkōtō were and that they were secretly being manufactured by the Kasumiōji Clan. He then concluded that his father was killed because he was trying to learn the truth behind the Bakkōtō. Because he thought that Yamamoto killed him to cover up the Bakkōtō, he swore revenge on the Captain.

For many years Amagai trained in order to take his revenge upon Yamamoto. During those years, he also gained the trust of the Kasumiōji Clan and was given his tuning fork Bakkōtō by Gyōkaku Kumoi. He eventually made his way into the Patrol Corps and rose through their ranks.

After Gin Ichimarus defection from Soul Society, Shūsuke Amagai eventually took over the position as Captain of the 3rd Division. He became a captain via the. It is known that he had to fight Kenpachi Zaraki, but the other Captain remains a mystery. Most likely he was presented with eligibility by Captain Soifon, as the Patrol Corps is a division of the Onmitsukidō and he would have been largely unknown to any other Captain. According to Sajin Komamura, promotion of a Captain from the Patrol Corps is unprecedented. Amagai's promotion implies that substantial changes are taking place in Soul Society.

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.

During an official Captains' meeting, Amagai is introduced to his new peers as the new captain of the 3rd Division. As the meeting ends, Captain Jūshirō Ukitake of the 13th Division tells Amagai that he can ask him for advice anytime, since his new position as captain can be uneasy. After leaving the meeting, he heads over to meet his new subordinates and introduces Makoto Kibune, a former member of Amagai's patrol group. He appoints him as the new 3rd seat, while Izuru Kira remains as the division's lieutenant, as a way of smoothing the transition and integrating the unit. The division members are reluctant to accept Amagai as their new captain, a point that Inose states to him. Amagai sympathizes with them, knowing that a stranger taking control of a division can be stressful. However, he states that as long as he was their captain, he would always protect them. Later, Amagai finds the division members seated in a single room. Izuru explains that he set up a welcome party for him and Kibune as a way to help relieve the tension of the 3rd Division receiving a new captain. Izuru pours him a drink of sake and suggests Amagai to make a toast. Amagai is reluctant to do so, but he downs his drink and immediately becomes drunk, passing out shortly afterwards. Kibune explains Amagai's low tolerance for alcohol and that he likely drank it in order to help break the tension between the division and its new captain.

Shortly after the party is over, the Gotei 13 is informed that 30 Menos Grande are passing through the Dangai Precipice World and heading to the Soul Society. The 3rd Division is ordered to deal with the Menos. With Amagai passed out, Izuru and Kibune take command of the division, with Kibune heading out to request the seizing currents to be shut down. Izuru takes the other division members to enter the Dangai Precipice World to fight the Menos. They manage to defeat some of the Menos, but the currents start flowing again and a cleaner appears. As the division members begin to retreat, Amagai appears and destroys the cleaner with his tuning fork weapon. Afterwards, he ponders what might have reactivated the seizing currents, as he believes that the Shinigami Research and Development Institute would not have made that mistake. He then congratulates Izuru on his leadership, stating that he was expecting those action from someone who managed to keep his squad together for so long without a captain. The division is impressed with Amagai's strength, but he passes out again, showing signs that he is still drunk from the party they had earlier.

At some point, Amagai has the division doing some labor and chores around the Seireitei. Izuru eventually questions him as to why they're doing these tasks, and Amagai explains that the 3rd Division may have lost trust when its previous captain, Gin Ichimaru, betrayed the Soul Society. He also feels that Ichimaru had a lot of influence over the division, and he explains to Izuru that he wants the division to trust him, Kibune, and Izuru instead of just trusting one man.

Amagai later takes his division out and helps them train to fight as a team with methods he used to train while he was in the Patrol Corps. The division members are able to keep up with the training exercises and even enjoy them, seeing both Amagai and Kibune as good leaders. Sometime after the training session ends, Amagai invites Shunsui Kyōraku out to drink and asks him if it is possible for different divisions to train together. Kyōraku replies that it would be difficult, but he does not see it as a bad idea. He suggest that Amagai tells Ukitake about his idea as well and to invite both of them so they can discuss his idea.

At a captains' meeting, Amagai brings up the 3rd Division's incident in the Dangai Precipice World. Mayuri Kurotsuchi tries to silence him, stating that he's not interested in the affairs of the other divisions. Amagai explains that it was the divisions themselves that he wanted to talk about. He states that he is aware that each division has its own duties; however, the divisions are lacking cooperation with other divisions, making it easy for enemies to take advantage of the divisions' weaknesses, and that the incident in the Dangai Precipice World should have made this weakness clear to them. Amagai proposes that they have some training exercises involving multiple divisions. Kenpachi Zaraki expresses that he does not want to get involved with that kind of an exercise. Ukitake, however, agrees with Amagai's proposal, explaining that Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen took advantage of the differences and gaps between the divisions.

After the meeting, Amagai goes drinking with Ukitake and Kyōraku. Amagai becomes depressed for not being able to convince all of the other captains to agree to joint training. Ukitake and Kyōraku tell him that he got his point across, and that Ukitake's been trying to help by convincing others to agree to the joint training. Amagai thanks Ukitake for his help and drinks a cup of sake, but he passes out. Kyōraku and Ukitake both like Amagai's ideas, but Kyōraku states that because of Amagai's methods, the other captains might try to isolate him.

Later that night, the Research and Development Institute report the detection of Menos within the Seireitei (which is a ruse on Yamamoto's part), and the 3rd Division moves out under Kibune's command. Izuru tries to convince the other division members to return to their headquarters, but Kibune refuses. Izuru threatens to take force if it becomes necessary, and Kibune almost fights him, but Amagai stops them. He then informs Kibune that regardless of his actions, Izuru is in charge of the 3rd Division when he is absent, and warns Kibune to not overstep his authority. He also tells Izuru to be more confident and lead his division when he needs to. As a (dummy) Menos Grande appears behind their squad, Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame arrive and lead the 7th Division and 11th Division respectively to attack the Menos. Realizing that the other squads are in a state of confusion, Amagai orders his subordinates to inform the other squads of their maneuvers. He then uses his tuning fork weapon to signal the other squads and requests that they follow the 3rd Division's instructions. Amagai then coordinates his subordinates (who, in turn, inform the other squads) to attack the Menos, resulting in each of the squads taking out the Menos. Yamamoto is informed that Amagai was able to successfully coordinate the squads to attack the Menos. Yamamoto then declares that he approves of the joint training sessions for the Gotei 13.

A captains' meeting is later called. Captain Soifon reports that the substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki of the 13th Division have disrupted the wedding between the nobles Rurichiyo Kasumiōji and Shū Kannogi, and kidnapped Shū. Amagai asks who Ichigo is, as he was absent from the Soul Society during Aizen's betrayal. Ukitake explains to him that Ichigo is a Human and a substitute Shinigami who had gained Soul Society's respect. Soifon goes on to explain that Ichigo and Rukia are still in the Seireitei and that the 2nd Division are searching for them, but because of Ichigo's strength, they may require assistance in capturing them. Amagai volunteers to go after Ichigo and states that since the other captains are familiar with Ichigo, they may have trouble fighting him. Yamamoto approves Amagai's suggestion and orders the 2nd Division and the 3rd Division to capture both Ichigo and Rukia.

After the meeting ends, Amagai returns to the 3rd Division's headquarters and is greeted by Izuru, who already received their orders to capture Ichigo and Rukia. Izuru asks if Ichigo really did appear at the Kasumiōji Clan's manor, and Amagai confirms this. He sees that something else is on Izuru's mind and asks him what it is. Izuru tells him that he recently saw 3rd Seat Kibune enter the Kasumiōji Clan's manor. He further states that he already asked Kibune about it and the Kibune denies having any interaction with the clan. He further states that Kibune acts suspiciously, such as recklessly sacrificing allies to defeat enemies, and gathering data during Yamamoto's false Menos Grande attack. Amagai is surprised by Izuru's report, stating that he was not aware of this behavior. Izuru states that the timing of Ichigo's arrival and Kibune's recent actions may have some connection. Amagai cuts him off, telling him that even if Kibune does have ties with the Kasumiōji Clan, it does not necessarily mean there are ties between him and Ichigo's recent intrusion on the Kasumiōji Clan's manor, but agrees that the timing seems peculiar. Izuru tells him that he has not informed anybody else about Kibune's actions, and Amagai wonders if something greater is occurring behind this incident. He orders Izuru to watch Kibune closely. Afterwards, he and Izuru meet up with the rest of the 3rd Division and he informs them of their orders. They all move out to find and capture Ichigo and Rukia.

The 3rd Division is later ordered to remain on standby, and Amagai rejoins them. The next day, Izuru reports that Kibune went missing, as well as one of their guards, who went after Kibune upon seeing him. He orders Izuru to search for Kibune and decides that he himself will take charge of the search for Ichigo Kurosaki.

Ichigo and Rukia are eventually chased out of the underground pathways and coincidentally emerge at Amagai's location as he and some of his squad members are searching for them. Ichigo, not knowing about Amagai, asks who he is, to which Amagai tells him that he is the new captain of the 3rd Division. Rukia asks if Amagai would consider listening to what they have to say, which Amagai replies that he would after they were captured. Seeing that they would not be able to talk their way out of their situation, Ichigo prepares to fight Amagai. While the other division members present prepare to assist Amagai, he orders them to stay out of the battle, as he is interested to see Ichigo's strength first-hand. They skirmish briefly, and Amagai is determines that Ichigo is indeed a powerful opponent. He releases his Zanpakutō, Raika, and begins to fight Ichigo more seriously. Ichigo eventually uses his Getsuga Tenshō against Amagai, but he manages to deflect it. Before the fighting can grow any more dangerous, Shū Kannogi eventually steps in and pleads for Ichigo and Amagai to stop fighting. Amagai asks why Shū is protecting his kidnappers, to which Shū tells him that he actually went with Ichigo and Rukia willingly. He further states that they saved Rurichiyo's life and that the Kasumiōji Clan is in trouble. Amagai agrees to stop the fight and orders his squad to stand down. After listening to their story, Amagai informs them that they need a starting point in order for the Gotei 13 to become involved with the Kasumiōji Clan. Ichigo states that they do have a lead: the Bakkōtō. He also tells them that they've been trying to rescue Rurichiyo, as the one at the wedding was an imposter, and that they are trying to convict Gyōkaku Kumoi. Amagai then offers to help them search for Rurichiyo. He then orders his subordinates to inform Izuru about the recent turn of events.

Amagai assists Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū by searching for areas within the Seireitei that he has in mind, especially places that might by associated with the Kasumiōji Clan, but he sends most of the 3rd Division back to their barracks, only having Aida, Inose, and Kanō remain to assist them. As they search, Amagai informs Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū that his own 3rd Seat, Makoto Kibune, has some association with the Kasumiōji Clan, and that this problem started before Ichigo and Rukia arrived in the Soul Society. He also explains that he has Izuru searching for Kibune, and that he'd rather deal with him himself instead of getting the other squads involved. During their search, Amagai receives a message via Jigokuchō from Izuru, which informs him that he has found Rurichiyo at the 3rd Division's stadium. They proceed to the stadium, but they do so cautiously, as they would be discovered by other divisions if they went through territories each of them were assigned to patrol.

Amagai, Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū eventually make their way to the 3rd Division's headquarters and meet up with Aida, Inose, and Kanō, who have also received a message from Izuru. Amagai orders them to proceed to the stadium alongside him, Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū, but they discover a group of assassins carrying Rurichiyo with them. Amagai orders Aida, Inose, and Kanō to proceed to the stadium, and he and Ichigo decide to pursue the assassins with Rukia and Shū following them. They eventually manage to catch up to the assassins and easily dispatch them, but they discover that the assassins only possessed a doll. Amagai receives a Jigokuchō after this, discovering Kibune's death in his fight with Izuru.

They arrive at the stadium and discover that Izuru's suspicions of Kibune were correct; even pieces of his Zanpakutō are covered by Bakkōtō remains. Amagai orders his subordinates to take Izuru to the 4th Division to be treated. Renji Abarai arrives before they do so, having discovered them by sensing Izuru's fight with Kibune. Amagai is suspicious of Renji's motives, but Renji explains that he's there to help them. Rukia explains the current turn of events within the 3rd Division, and Amagai requests for Renji to take a piece of Kibune's Zanpakutō (which is covered by a piece of his Bakkōtō) to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, as it is proof of the Kasumiōji Clan's treason. He also tells Renji to inform Yamamoto everything they have told him. Renji asks why he will not go instead, and Amagai tells him that he plans to break into the Kasumiōji mansion with Ichigo, where Rurichiyo is likely being held, as it is the only hiding place for them left. Renji agrees to this and proceeds to take Kibune's weapon remnants to Yamamoto.

As Amagai and Ichigo arrive at the Kasumiōji mansion, they find it guarded by Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto, along with the 10th Division. Rukia and Ichigo attempt to talk to Hitsugaya, but he just replies that they'll listen to them after they take them to Yamamoto. Seeing that talking to Hitsugaya isn't an option, Amagai engages him in combat, while Rukia holds off Rangiku, allowing Ichigo to break into the mansion.

During their fight, Yamamoto, having learned of the Bakkōtō and conspiracy from Renji, orders the Gotei 13 to storm the Kasumiōji Manor and gather all evidence regarding the clan's treason. Byakuya Kuchiki arrives and informs Hitsugaya of their orders, as the Kasumiōji Clan is suspected of committing treason. Amagai is relieved that they can now end their fight in light of the current situation and immediately heads into the mansion.

Amagai manages to make his way into the mansion and tracks down Gyōkaku Kumoi and Rurichiyo's location. He breaks into the room, finding Kumoi taking Rurichiyo hostage to protect himself from Ichigo, Rukia, and Shū. Ichigo and Rukia are relieved that Amagai managed to catch up to them and inform him that Kumoi is the man behind the entire Kasumiōji Conspiracy. Amagai's presence surprises Kumoi to the point that he lowers his blade from Rurichiyo's throat. Seeing that Kumoi is distracted, Rurichiyo makes her way over to Ichigo. However, before she can reach him, Amagai stabs his Zanpakutō between them and blocks their path. As Kumoi attempts to retake his hostage, Amagai steps in suddenly and cuts him down. Shocked by Amagai's behavior, Ichigo asks Amagai why he cut down Kumoi. Rukia further states that if Kumoi is killed, they would be unable to uncover his true intentions. Amagai begins to gather the nuclei of the Bakkōtō within the room. He thanks Ichigo for his assistance and throws the papers tucked in his uniform, causing a green sphere of energy to form. Amagai then grabs Rurichiyo and bids farewell to Ichigo and Rukia before vanishing from their site.

Amagai arrives at Yamamoto's office shortly after with Rurichiyo still in hand. Yamamoto notices Amagai's presence and asks him what he wants and why he he has Rurichiyo Kasumiōji with him. Amagai asks him if he ever thought there would be people in the Soul Society who would want to kill him if given the chance. Yamamoto asks him why he would want to kill him. Amagai speaks one name to him: Shin'etsu Kisaragi. Amagai further states that he has come in his place to kill Yamamoto. However, before Amagai can act, Kenryū arrives and uses his Zanpakutō Benishidare to fog the area. Amagai is surprised that was discovered, as he thought that he had fully masked his Reiatsu. Kenryū further attacks him with Benishidare: Sange, which manipulates the petals formed by his Zanpakutō into needle-like projectiles, and they rain down on him. Amagai manages to block them, but Rurichiyo takes the opportunity of the distraction to escape from Amagai. Amagai tries to pursue her, but Enryū appears and uses his Zanpakutō Daichimaru to trap him. However, Amagai manages to break free from Enryū's trap, injuring both Enryū and Kenryū.

Amagai makes his way over to Kibune's Bakkōtō remnants and takes the nucleus from them. He explains that the Bakkōtō's nuclei were set to devour the Reiatsu of their users. He then pulls out his tuning fork weapon - which he reveals is also a Bakkōtō - and feeds the nuclei he gathered to it. His Bakkōtō then transforms around his arm into a blade of energy. Yamamoto is surprised by Amagai's actions, completely unaware that Amagai was carrying a Bakkōtō all along. Yamamoto then unleashes his own Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, and proceeds to engulf the entire area in flames. In response, Amagai thrusts his energy blade into the ground, which causes the flames of Ryūjin Jakka to disappear, as well as forcing the Zanpakutō itself back into its sealed state. Confused by what happened, Yamamoto ask Amagai what he's done. Amagai explains that his Bakkōtō's power negates a Shinigami Zanpakutō's special abilities, and as long as it remains activated, Ryūjin Jakka would remain sealed. Amagai then draws his own Zanpakutō and activates his Bankai, Raika Gōen Kaku and destroys the building around them. As Rurichiyo, Enryū, and Kenryū, emerge from the rubble, Amagai notices that they're still alive. As Rurichiyo glares at him, Amagai threatens to go after her first. Yamamoto tells him to leave Rurichiyo and her bodyguards alone, as Yamamoto is his target and not them. However, Amagai states that he is also after the Kasumiōji heir as well, and not just him.

Before he can attack either of them again, Ichigo appears and blocks Amagai's strike with his Zanpakutō. With Rukia arriving as well, Amagai wonders how they were able to find him so quickly. Rukia explains that Kenryū informed them with a Jigokuchō. Ichigo asks why Yamamoto is not fighting back. Amagai tells him that it is because he negated his powers with his Bakkōtō, preventing Yamamoto from using his Zanpakutō. Ichigo states that he does not want to believe it, but accepts that Amagai is really their enemy.

Yamamoto asks Amagai how he knows about Shin'etsu Kisaragi. Amagai explains that Shin'etsu Kisaragi is actually his father and states that Yamamoto killed him. Ichigo and Rukia are both shocked by Amagai's statement and ask him if it is true. Yamamoto states that Amagai is telling the truth and asks him how he knew that he killed Kisaragi. Amagai explains that he was still alive after Yamamoto cut him down, and that after Amagai found him, he told him that Yamamoto cut him down. Amagai further explains that he joined the Gotei 13 later under a different name and gathered information to learn about his father's death. He also learned about the Bakkōtō and figured that his father learned the truth behind the weapons and attempted to break into the Kasumiōji Clan's manor, but was killed by Yamamoto to silence him. He also explains that Yamamoto refused to investigate the Kasumiōji Clan, due to it not being in his jurisdiction. Amagai explains to everyone that he spent years training to defeat Yamamoto, eventually obtaining a Bakkōtō from the Kasumiōji Clan, and finally worked his way up in the Patrol Corps, eventually becoming the 3rd Division captain. He then attacks Yamamoto with his Bankai. However, Ichigo blocks his flames with his Zanpakutō. Amagai tells Ichigo to move, but Ichigo refuses, calling Amagai's actions selfish. He explains that Rurichiyo has been through a lot of hardships because of Amagai's actions and tells him not to draw in innocent people into his affairs. Amagai tells Ichigo to stay out of his way, but Ichigo refuses to back down to him, saying that if he wants to get to Yamamoto, he will have to get through Ichigo first.

The two fought, and Amagai attempted to neutralize Ichigo's powers as he did with Yamamoto. However, the process was nowhere near completely effective, which surprised and confused him. Finally, Ichigo manifested his Hollow mask, allowing Amagai to understand: his Bakkōtō could not neutralize Hollow powers; only Shinigami powers. Despite this, Amagai fought on for some time before being flattened by Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō. Surviving this, he dug himself out of the rubble and prepared to feed his reiatsu to the Bakkōtō to grow even stronger.

After a continued battle with Ichigo, his Bakkōtō was finally damaged and its effect was voided. Amagai, still with what little strength he had left, was determined to kill Yamamoto, even though his Zanpakutō had reverted to its sealed form. He then proceeded to impale an unfazed Yamamoto on his sword just as the other captains and lieutenants arrived. Yoruichi Shihōin then explains the truth of what happened so long ago.

Years ago, Yamamoto realized that Kumoi was using the techniques of the Kasumiōji family to make the forbidden Bakkōtō and test them on humans, but was forbidden from doing anything by the Central 46 Chambers. Instead, Amagai's father, Shin'etsu Kisaragi, who was a pupil and member of the 1st Division, offered to go on a secret mission for Yamamoto. When Kisaragi found the Bakkōtō, he was captured by Hanza's assassins and his will was forcibly taken over by the Bakkōtō. Kumoi then commanded Kisaragi to kill who sent him, as a means to test the Bakkōtō's power and its effect on humans, and thus with no way to save his pupil, Yamamoto was forced to take his life. With no proof of the Kasumiōji clan's illegal activities and being forbidden to interact with them Yamamoto, could do nothing more then cover up Kisaragi's death and bury what he knew of the clan, as well as the secret mission. The cover-up turns out to be what Amagai later found in the records while he was training in the Seireitei.

Realizing that he made a terrible mistake, Amagai remembers his father's dying words telling him to "beware the Bakkōtō". Feeling ashamed for his actions, Amagai resolves to end his life because his pride was too great to bear his weakness. He consumes himself in the fire of his Zanpakutō. Before doing so, he apologizes to Izuru for all the trouble and tells him that he enjoyed his time with him and the 3rd Division. As a form of memorial, his Zanpakutō and captain's haori are placed on a hill overlooking the Seireitei.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsmanship Specialist: Having fought against a master swordsman of Kenpachi Zaraki's caliber and not sustaining any known injuries demonstrates Amagai's prowess as a swordsman. He was later shown to fight very effectively, putting considerable amounts of strength behind his attacks and also able to counter attacks from various angles. Amagai fights with great skill against Ichigo while he is in Bankai and later in the fight when he puts on his hollow mask, despite Ichigo's increase in power.

Flash Steps Expert: During his first fight with Ichigo, Amagai proved capable of easily keeping up with Ichigo's attacks and countering them. Ichigo also confessed to being impressed with Amagai's speed.

Kidō Expert: Capable of using a form of teleportation that Rukia, as proficient as she is, hadn't known existed. He is also able to use this ability to completely hide his presence and spiritual energy, as not to be tracked.

Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Having been a former high-ranking member of the Onmitsukidō, Amagai is highly proficient in this skill. During his first battle with Ichigo, Amagai demonstrated his skill by effectively grabbing Ichigo's blade during an attack and and tossing Ichigo aside.

Immense Spiritual Pressure: His spiritual pressure was considerably powerful even with the release of his Shikai, catching even Ichigo's attention. His control was so great that he could use it to suppress the devouring qualities of a Bakkōtō.

Enhanced Durability: Even after exerting a lot of spiritual pressure and fighting Ichigo as a Vizard with his Bankai, Amagai was still more than effective at dealing him intense blows while facing a lot himself, to the point he seemed highly resistant to damage that would have killed or incapacitated anyone else.

Enhanced Strength: His great strength is shown during his fights with Ichigo holding off bladed attacks by force alone and even battling back a Getsuga Tenshō.

Keen Intellect: Having be chosen as the leader of a patrol unit for a century-long mission and soon after being made a captain of the Gotei 13, Amagai has shown himself to be a highly capable thinker. In battle, he has shown himself able to adjust quickly to new developments and act accordingly to it. The best example of his intellect was shown from his highly elaborate plan to avenge his father, being able to effectively manipulate several situations to suit his need.

Zanpakutō

 * In its seal form, it resembles a small sword such as a kodachi. It has an olive-green hilt with a bronze bow-shaped tsuba. He carries it in a red scabbard attached to a strap hanging on his waist.


 * Shikai: Raika's release command is . Amagai holds his Zanpakutō upside down behind his back and calls out the release command. In its Shikai, Raika takes the form of a white longsword with a hook at the end and curved shell-like pipes that form the hilt. Upon transformation, flames emit from the pipes.


 * Shikai Special Ability: The pipes emit fire, heating the blade and causing it to take on a more fiery color. By heating the blade it has shown to be strong enough to resist and repel Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō.


 * Fireball: Amagai can focus fireballs into the crux of the hook and by swinging forward he can release large fireballs through the air towards his target. Its attack power is shown to be great enough to counter the Shikai of Hyōrinmaru, the most powerful ice-based Zanpakutō.


 * Fissures of Fire:Amagai can then focus fireballs into the crux of the hook and, by slamming it into the ground, he creates large fissures of flames that travel to the enemies at fast speeds.


 * Bankai: : Amagai holds out his Zanpakutō in front of him as fire swells around him. Raika becomes a large and more detailed version of its former self. Raika Gōen Kaku takes the form of an enlarged sword and turns the edge of the blade a crimson red color with a hook at the end; the inner side of the hook-blade sports several jagged edges. A large white shell with a light-purple trim. A massive hollow pauldron/shield with the handle is hidden behind it. The sword is about as tall as Amagai in this form.


 * Bankai Special Ability: In this form the sword's blade becomes fiery, and fire shoots from the pauldron when its powers are being used. The sword's blasts of fire are much more potent, large and powerful in this form, and the pauldron on his sword can be used as a means of defense as well.


 * Flamethrower:While in this form, the pauldron acts as a high intensity flame thrower when it is turned toward an opponent, incinerating the ground in its path.


 * Enhanced Fissures of Fire:The abilities of the Zanpakutō are known to create fissures of fire with devastating effect. He heats his blade and it turns fiery and then by slamming it in the ground it is capable of creating a large wave of fire rushing forward and further destroying any enemy that becomes enveloped in the flames. It is strong enough to force Ichigo to resort to using his mask.


 * Wave of Fire: As his blade heats up, he holds it vertically and by slamming his sword into the ground a wave of fire heads toward the enemy. While it looks strong Ichigo seems to be able to pass through it with relative ease.


 * Amagai twirls his sword above his head, and the blade becomes fiery and flames shoot from the pauldron, while lightning builds and he then slams the blade into the ground accompanied by a lighting strike. The ground begins to shake as multiple fire spears shoot from the ground at varied angles to trap the opponent in a prison of flames. However, a side effect of this technique is that it leaves Amagai looking very tired. He is also capable of releasing at least one fire spear at a time from the ground.


 * Amagai lifts his sword over his head and its entirety is inflamed. He then strikes it toward his opponent allowing him to send a giant fireball at the opponent.


 * He uses the tip of his sword to fire out a multitude of fireballs toward his opponent.

Bakkōtō
Tuning Fork Form: Amagai's weapon is shaped similarly to a tuning fork, with sides curving inward and the tip of the blades curving outward. He keeps is sheathed in a wide white scabbard, which hangs on the right side of Amagai's waist. It displays some unique abilities.


 * Energy Blast: Amagai can fire green energy blasts from his weapon. The blast is powerful enough to destroy the Kōtotsu in the Dangai Precipice World.


 * Energy Blade: By tapping the blade of his weapon against the hilt of his Zanpakutō, Amagai can produce a large blade of green energy from his original weapon.


 * Communication Field: By stabbing the Energy Blade into the ground, Amagai can engulf himself in a large pillar of green energy. While doing this, he can communicate with others within a certain area.


 * True Form: It is later revealed that this is a Bakkōtō. Its eye nucleus is hidden within the bottom of the hilt. It is unique in that it feeds on the nuclei of other Bakkōtō. By tapping the tuning fork, while holding it upside down, it causes the nuclei to release by extending itself like a tendril up and around Amagai's right arm, transforming into a armored black gauntlet shaped in the form of a dragon. From the initial release, the gauntlet can fully encompass the entire arm, creating a claw on the hand. A sash-like component comes over Amagai's left shoulder and down to his waist, containing five Bakkōtō nuclei. Attaching the armored right arm and the sash is something reminiscent of a dragon's tail that hangs freely from the upper shoulder area of the back.


 * Bakkōtō Special Ability: When in use, it extends down and generates a spiritual energy blade from what resembles a dragon's mouth. When thrust into the ground, it sends out a resonating pulse capable of totally negating a Shinigami's powers. The power works by cutting a Shinigami off from his/her connection to spiritual energy, effectively making every Zanpakutō in the vicinity useless as long as the power is active. This can also be done by striking a Zanpakutō directly. However, the ability does not affect Amagai's own Zanpakutō. In turn it also has almost no effect on Hollow powers such as Ichigo's Vizard state.

Appearances In Other Media
Amagai appears in the Bleach video game Bleach: Versus Crusade. He primarily fights with his Bakkōtō, which can fire small energy projectiles, a large energy beam, and can generate a large blade of green energy, which enhances the Bakkōtō's attack power and increases the amount of energy projectiles he can fire at once. He can also activate his Bankai. His Bankai has more powerful strikes and can fire powerful flames from his Zanpakutō.

Trivia

 * In some instances, while Amagai is wielding his Zanpakutō, a hilt could be seen sticking out of his sheath. This is likely an animation error.
 * In the eight opening to Bleach, Chu-Bura, and in Bleach: Versus Crusade, Amagai uses his Bakkōtō's blade ability as an enhanced blade.

Quotes

 * "The gap felt by those who have been abandoned... The hatred by those who survived... Those who receive the burden of emotions as bleak accept being controlled by them. All I wanted was the death of them. This question haunted my thoughts but the answer had already been lost. I do not find the answer until you've killed everyone. It was a decision I took. I delete my "destination" with my enemies. Do not fear death as long as I can avenge me. That is why I am strong."
 * "As Captain of you, I will protect them at all costs. What is the role of Captains."
 * (To Yamamoto, Rurichiyo and Ichigo) "It never ends. Not until my vengeance is established. Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni... Kasumiōji Rurichiyo... And you, Kurosaki Ichigo. I send you all to hell!"

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