Sōsuke Aizen

"The gaze into the sun." - Tite Kubo

is the former captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13; he later leaves Soul Society with his followers, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen. His lieutenant was Momo Hinamori.

During his service, he secretly conducted research together with his two accomplices on achieving new heights of power by combining the powers of Shinigami and Hollows. When Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends invade Seireitei to rescue Rukia Kuchiki from execution, he manages to lay hands on the Hōgyoku with an elaborate plan involving Rukia's execution and the attempts to rescue her, manipulating most of the other captains of Soul Society according to his will. After obtaining the Hōgyoku, he declares his intentions openly.

The principal antagonist of the series, he resides in Hueco Mundo together with Ichimaru and Tōsen, commanding an army of Arrancar and Hollows, his ultimate goal being to overthrow Soul Society along with the Soul King and take his place as god of the world. Currently, they are at war in Karakura Town.

Appearance
In Hueco Mundo, Aizen is first seen wearing Arrancar clothes over his Shihakusho. Aizen currently wears full clothing similar in style to the Arrancar; he is also seated on a throne, implying that he has some level of political power.

Prior to his departure from Soul Society, he appeared as a mild-featured man with brown scholarly hair enhanced by square glasses. He wears the standard Shinigami uniform with a captain's haori. However, during his ascent to Hueco Mundo, he removed his glasses and swept a hand through his hair, revealing menacing eyes and a very different hairstyle (swept back hair, with a strand hanging in his face). As he had previously revealed to Renji Abarai, the Aizen they all knew never existed and this would seem to be a visual representation of that claim.

Personality
Despite his current villainous status and former position of authority, Aizen is a surprisingly polite, soft-spoken intellectual, often addressing his subordinates by their given names. He rarely shows any sign of alarm or distress and often has entire situations planned out well in advance. Whenever confronted, Aizen is casual and uncaring, attempting to draw out a conversion and make small talk, which often infuriates the one he is talking to.

Aizen initially appeared to be a very kind, well-respected captain and was looked up to by many, especially his Lieutenant Momo Hinamori. However, this was just a mask to disguise his manipulative and very dangerous nature. In truth, he cares very little for his underlings (both past and present), and is willing to use almost everyone around him as pawns in his twisted game of "chess". In his own words, Aizen claims to be unaffected by any form of morals or ethics as he views them as mere restriction on his potential. He is, therefore, willing to stop at nothing to further his selfish ambitions, including manipulating or killing anyone if he deems necessary. He is fond of long, complicated, and somewhat convoluted plots, many of which do not have any real reason until he reveals them, and frequently appears to toy with his underlings for amusement. Unlike most of the other Shinigami who appear to have some kind of honor and kindness, including some Espada, Aizen lacks genuine compassion and honor.

During his time as a captain, he was known to like tofu, but he disliked boiled eggs. In his free time, he often read and he also gave a special lecture of calligraphy at the Shinigami Academy, given that he excelled in this branch of arts. This optional course was immensely popular among the Shinigami students, and many of them felt great sorrow at Aizen's "sudden departure".

As the commander of his army of Arrancar, Aizen controls his new minions either through acquired respect or fear. Ulquiorra Cifer, one of his noticeably loyal subordinates, revealed in a conversation with Orihime Inoue that they are all "here to further Aizen's ambitions". For more rowdy individuals like Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, he keeps them in line through intimidation and mind games. The Arrancar Iceringer also claims that they follow Aizen because he has no fear, something which beings born from fear and despair find inspiring. Other Arrancar occasionally follow Aizen for reasons unique to themselves, such as Szayel Aporro Granz, who follows Aizen with the hopes that he will eradicate the world of all non-Hollows.

To date, the equally manipulative Gin Ichimaru is the only person who seems to be able to see through Aizen's manipulation. Ichimaru has also shown that he has some sense of Aizen's emotions and feelings, correctly identifying that Aizen was enjoying the invasion of Ichigo and his friends and their successes within Las Noches, as well as picking-up on the fact that Aizen had registered the arrival of Hinamori in battle of Fake Karakura Town and was surprised by it. By contrast, Kaname Tōsen has shown no such understanding and has fallen victim to one of Aizen's more minor mind games when Aizen off-handedly manipulated him into punishing Grimmjow for him while Aizen himself kept up his appearance of benevolence.

Aizen's true objective is to overthrow the king of the Soul Society. As he and his fellow traitor captains departed the Soul Society, he told Jūshirō Ukitake that "no one has stood on the top of the world", not even the gods, but he aspires to "stand in the heavens and end the unbearable vacancy on the world's throne". To do this, he needs the, a tri-pronged golden key that opens a portal to the dimension in which the Soul King resides. While the location of the key is known only to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Aizen knows how the original was created and how to manufacture another. To do this, 100,000 souls need to be gathered together (which will kill all the entities used) and vaporize a significant portion of the area used in its forging. His sights are therefore set on Karakura Town, which has an unusually large concentration of spirit particles.

History
Approximately 110 years ago Aizen is seen making his way to the 5th Division living quarters of his captain, Shinji Hirako. He and Shinji have a discussion about style and trends before they make their way to the promotion ceremony being held at the 1st Division headquarters. As they get there he witnesses Hiyori Sarugaki attack his captain and the two get into a childish argument. He follows behind while the other captains congregate and have a brief discussion on the status of the Gotei 13. Overhearing Shunsui Kyōraku mention that the previous captain of the Squad 12 was promoted, Aizen interrupts and asks what Kyōraku meant by it. Aizen initially conjectures that the promotion is to Central 46. However, Shunsui explains that it has nothing to do with the Central 46 and that the previous Squad captain Hikifune has being accepted into the the Zero Division also known as the the Royal Guard. Aizen is left surprised at the revelation.

The following night, after Kisuke Urahara's appointment as the new captain of the 12th Division, Shinji has a short talk with him about his new role. While leaving Shinji asks, "How long do you plan on watching us from over there?". Using his hand, Shinji reveals Aizen concealed behind some form of camouflage. Aizen compliments his captain and asks him when did he sense him there, to which Shinji replies ever since he was in his mothers womb, and orders Aizen to follow. Aizen notes that won't do at all. Aizen then comments on how scary a person Shinji is, to which Shinji replies that Aizen is the scary one.

The very next night, Aizen sees Gin Ichimaru killing the 3rd seat of their division, and informs him that he is impressed by his skill. Aizen then asks him how he found the fight, to which Gin states he found it pathetic.

9 years later, Shinji and Aizen are walking around the Seireitei when they come across Urahara, Hiyori and 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While Shinji once again engages in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori, Aizen asks Urahara if he has heard the news to which Urahara tells him he hasn't. Shinji proceeds to take up the tale and tells Urahara about the series of strange deaths having taken place in Rukongai. Shinji also informs him that the 9th Division has been sent to handle the investigation.

With the disappearance of the 9th Division, captain-commander Yamamoto calls an emergency meeting and assembles a team to investigate. After coming into contact with Hollowfied 9th Division members the investigation team is dispatched by an unseen assailant. Aizen is seen wandering around at night by captain Shunsui Kyōraku and some other Shinigami on guard, while the investigation team is still out searching.

It is later revealed that 9th Division 5th seat, Kaname Tōsen, was behind the betrayal of the 9th Division, having stabbed Kensei Muguruma in the back and killed Kasaki, Shinobu Eishima and Todō Gizaeimon, who were accompanying Kensei. He subsequently subdued the team sent to locate the missing 9th Division members using his Bankai. When captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division, asks him why he betrayed his captain, he is surprised to be answered by his own lieutenant Aizen, who states that Tōsen didn't betray anyone and that he is, in fact, very loyal, and he just faithfully followed his orders.

Shinji admits he isn't as surprised as he seemed to be, and Aizen asks if he suspected him, stating that he had expected that much from his captain. Shinji then explains how he knew something was dangerous about Aizen and that he couldn't be trusted. It was for those reasons that Shinji chose him to be his lieutenant, so that he could keep an eye on him. Aizen tells him that he is grateful, as due to his deep seated doubts he didn't suspect a thing. When Shinji states that he already made it known that he had suspected him, Aizen elaborates stating that he didn't realize that for the whole past month, it wasn't him walking behind him. Aizen proceeds to explain the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. Aizen informs Shinji that if he was as close to Aizen as other captains are to their lieutenants he would have been able to see through it by picking up on subtle differences between Aizen himself and Aizen's double. It was his lack of trust that kept them from getting close and as such, allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. He also explains that he could have always refused to be Shinji's lieutenant but decided against that action because his captain's suspiciousness made the position ideal to carry out his plans. Aizen thus lays the blame for Shinji and his comrades' current predicament at the feet of Shinji. Provoked by this, Shinji's anger triggers a speed-up in the Hollowfication process. Aizen thanks him for being so easily provoked and makes a note of the observed connection between Hollowfication and agitated emotions.

As he gets ready to kill Shinji and the others, Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi arrive to stop Aizen from dispatching his captain. Aizen and Urahara have a brief discussion about what is transpiring, with Aizen acting innocent at first until Urahara notes that the investigation team doesn't have simple injuries, but are in fact going through Hollowfication. Aizen commends Urahara on his deduction and reveals himself to be behind the disappearances in the Rukongai. As Aizen has been engaging in early experiments on Shinigami/Hollow hybrids, which involved using an unknown device to cause spirits to transform into Hollows, he is responsible for turning his former captain and seven other Shinigami into Vizards. Though Aizen refuses to go into any of those details.

Aizen proceeded to leave the scene of the crime with his henchmen, stating that "there's nothing more to do there". To stop them from retreating, Tessai performs Hadō #88. "Hiryugekizokushintenraiho" spell against them, only to be countered by Aizen using Bakudō #81. "Danku", allowing them to escape.

Some point after the Hollowfication incident, Aizen became Captain of the 5th Division and made Gin as his lieutenant. Aizen continued to experiment of hollows and while testing out a new breed of Menos hollows capable of concealing their reiatsu, Aizen interest was piqued by the then first years Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai. Realising their potential, Aizen took them all into his division. While the obedient and loyal Kira and Hinamori become the Lieutenants of the 3rd and 5th Divisions under Gin and Aizen, respectively, Renji proved to be too rebellious and was transferred to the 11th Division (later transferring to the 6th to became that squad's vice-captain).

Gin and Tōsen later became captains of the 3rd and 9th Divisions, respectively, but remained loyal only to Aizen. According to Aizen, even when Hinamori was his lieutenant, he always thought of Gin as his subordinate.

At some point during their captaincy Aizen, Gin and Tōsen, secretly visit Baraggan Luisenbarn, King of Hueco Mundo and Lord of Los Noches. He and Barragan engage in a light conversation and he asks Barragan to look at his Zanpakutō, he then asks Barragan if he is happy in his position and if he would join him in a new world where he will be granted more power. Baraggan dismisses this notion stating that there is no power higher then his. Aizen then releases his Shikai and shows Baraggan the decimation of his army and subjugating him in turn. Baraggan promises to seek Aizen's destruction for all eternity.

Soul Society arc
When Rukia Kuchiki is brought back to Soul Society with the Hōgyoku concealed within her body, Aizen quickly manipulates everyone into an elaborate conspiracy. Aizen first kills all the members of the Central 46 Chambers and begins moving Rukia's execution date up. He then begins to plant suspicion within Soul Society, initially speaking of the possibility of a conspiracy with Renji Abarai (without explicitly saying he was behind it) and tries to use Gin's intrusion in repelling Ichigo Kurosaki and the Ryoka to orchestrate suspicion among the gathered captains, particularly Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who witnessed the conversation personally. He later uses his Zanpakutō's ability to trick everyone into believing that he has been killed and has Gin leading everyone to believe Gin himself is the murderer.

He also sets up his lieutenant, Hinamori, to believe that he was likely killed by Hitsugaya, her childhood friend, to get her out of the way. Because of the nature of Rukia's sentence and execution method, the Gotei 13 splits into factions and the captains begin to fight amongst themselves. During the turmoil, Gin executes the overt aspects of the plan, which begins to be revealed when 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana begins to suspect that there is something wrong with Aizen's supposedly dead body.

Aizen reveals himself by nearly killing his lieutenant and defeating Hitsugaya. He is however suddenly stopped by Unohana who has figured out something was wrong with his corpse doll, only for Aizen to reveal his corpse doll and disclose to Unohana and her lieutenant Isane Kotetsu the true abilities of his Zanpakutō. This leaves Unohana to deduce the ritual for being affected by the hypnosis, after which Aizen reveals that because of this Kaname Tōsen has always been his subordinate. Aizen then has Gin bring the two of them to Sōkyoku Hill where Tōsen had brought Renji and Rukia to him.

There he gently orders Renji to put Rukia down. As Renji refuses, he comments on Renji's stubbornness, and says that, in defference to Renji's feelings, it is acceptable if he wants to hold on to her but that he'll have to just leave the arms he's holding her with behind. Aizen then draws his sword and attacks Renji, but Renji is able to draw his sword in time to dodge Aizen's attack leaving only his right arm damaged. Aizen applauds his ability to dodge and expresses happiness with the improvements in his skill since he was one of Aizen's subordinates. Aizen tells Renji that he doesn't want things to be harder, because he finds it difficult to hold back his strength. He states that as Renji's former superior officer that he finds it unbearable for a subordinate to die. As Renji challenges the assertion, and asks Aizen why he killed Hinamori. Aizen explains that it was an act of compassion, seeing as he'd trained Momo so that she could not live without him. Renji says that Aizen is not the captain he knew, and Aizen states that he was the same man, but that neither Renji nor anyone else had realized what he was. As Renji attacks with his Shikai, Aizen blocks it with his bare hand and easily cuts the segments of the blade apart while also cutting up Renji. Since Renji still refuses to give up Rukia, Aizen prepares to kill him, only to be stopped by Ichigo.

Ichigo teams up with Renji, but even after using Renji's strongest attack with his Shikai to create an opening for Ichigo the attack fails. Aizen displays his prowess by effortlessly disposing of them, first by blocking Ichigo's blade with a single finger and nearly cutting him in half. He then begins to drag Rukia off, while explaining his plans to the critically injured but still conscious Ichigo. later critically injures the 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura with a level 90 Kidō spell. Afterwards, he removes the Hōgyoku from Rukia's body by using information from research by Kisuke Urahara hidden in the chambers of Central 46.

Surprised that the proceedure didn't kill her, and having no further use for her, he orders Gin to kill Rukia as he prepares to leave. However Byakuya Kuchiki saves Rukia by taking the blow. Aizen turns around and is about to draw his Zanpakutō in order to finish her himself, but is suddenly blocked by Yoruichi Shihōin. He is threatened with death from Soifon's Zanpakutō if he so much as moves. He calls Yoruichi a nostalgic face but he still appears confident. Aizen then notes how not even Yoruichi and Soifon will be able to come after him while fighting them. Kūkaku Shiba and Jidanbō arrive to assist. Gin is suddenly restrained by Rangiku Matsumoto, prompting him to apologize for being unable to help Aizen. They are suddenly all surrounded by every captain and lieutenant of the Gotei 13 still capable of moving. However Aizen just smiles and says that it is time. Realizing something is wrong Yoruichi yells for Soifon to get away, and runs away herself just in time. Aizen is suddenly bathed in light along with Gin and Tōsen and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto calls the others off. He explains that Aizen, Tōsen, and Gin were completely untouchable the moment they were covered in that light, called a Negación, a separate world created by Menos Grande when rescuing one of their own, to transport them to Hueco Mundo.

While leaving, Aizen removes his glasses and change his hair style by combing a hand through it. His glasses evaporate into dust. He then proceeds to announce his goal to stand atop of the world in the heavens and take the place of the absent gods, something no one has ever done before.

Arrancar arc
From there, Aizen changes his clothing style to resemble that of the Arrancar, and begins to create several Arrancar. At some point he also finds Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerback and is impressed with the Arrancar. He asks if the mountains of Hollows were killed by him and Starrk tells him that they just died. He then makes an offer to Starrk to join him as an ally. Starrk believes Aizen to be strong and agrees to join him. He eventually sends Grand Fisher and two other strong-levelled Hollows to the living world. Grand Fisher is killed by Isshin Kurosaki and the other two are killed by Ryūken Ishida. Isshin and Urahara contemplate that Aizen sent these pseudo-Arrancar to Earth to look for information on Ichigo.

Later, he sends Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Riyalgo to find Ichigo and report on his progress. They almost kill Tatsuki, Chad, and Orihime, and Yammy manages to kill a square radius of people in the park. After the mission is completed, Ulquiorra and Yammy head to a meeting consisting of Aizen and 20 other Arrancar (including fellow Espada members Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Tia Harribel). Ulquiorra, who can crush his left eye, uses the dust from it to show what he has seen himself to the others and Aizen. Grimmjow, Shawlong, and Di Roy question Ulquiorra and Yammy on why they just did not kill them as ordered, though Ulquiorra claims that Ichigo does not pose much of a threat to Aizen or the Espada. Grimmjow and his Fracción (Shawlong, Edrad, Nakeem, Yylfordt, and Di Roy) later invade Karakura Town without orders, causing Kaname Tōsen to travel there and bring back Grimmjow (his Fracción were killed during their unauthorized mission) and punishes Grimmjow himself, when Aizen refuses to take action.

Later, after examining Orihime Inoue's powers, Aizen decides to initiate another invasion on Karakura Town, letting Ulquiorra hand-pick the invasion force; though Aizen personally sends Grimmjow as well. Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Yammy, Luppi, and Wonderweiss Margera go to invade Karakura Town to capture Orihime. . Ulquiorra succeeds in forcing Orihime to join Aizen's side and brings her to Las Noches, where he has her display her power by restoring Grimmjow's amputated left arm, explaining to the Arrancar present that Orihime's powers are rejection, meaning she is able to "reject" anything that has happened. Orihime also restores Grimmjow's Espada tattoo (at Grimmjow's request). Grimmjow immediately kills his replacement, Luppi, with his newly restored arm.

Hueco Mundo arc
Aizen's plan of capturing Orihime is revealed to be a ruse on his part. By kidnapping her, he inspires Ichigo and his friends to attempt a rescue, thereby depriving Soul Society of a valuable military asset. Furthermore, when four captains assist in her rescue, adding to the three that have already defected, Soul Society is left at half its regular strength. Up until the point where Ichigo has his face off with Ulquiorra, Aizen is mostly seen monitoring Ichigo and his friends alongside the Espada.

Fake Karakura Town arc
As he leaves to destroy Karakura Town, he seals the portals the intruders used to access Hueco Mundo, effectively stranding them there until his return and leaves Ulquiorra in charge of Las Noches. Though Soul Society is able to substitute the town for an abandoned facsimile, Aizen only muses that he will have to travel to Soul Society to destroy the real town after he and his forces (Ichimaru, Tōsen, the top three Espada and their Fracción) defeat the remaining captains. Before his group is able to take action, Aizen is trapped in Yamamoto's fire prison with Ichimaru and Tōsen and is unable to fight. Nevertheless, he claims that such action will be unnecessary, for that the power of his Espada alone will be enough to defeat the Gotei 13.

When Hinamori arrives in the Fake Karakura Town to assist Matsumoto, he has a somewhat intrigued look in his eyes upon sensing that his former lieutenant, whom he assumed he killed, was alive. When Gin asks him if anything is wrong, Aizen calmly states that Hinamori's presence won't make any difference.

Fūrā arrives in the Fake Karakura Town alongside Wonderweiss Margera and blows out the fire prison where Yamamoto had encased Aizen, Gin and Tōsen in. Aizen comments that the smell of death is splendid as he walks free with his two comrades, believing the smell fits the occasion. Everyone is alerted to his presence, which noticeably scares Izuru Kira, who fears that Soul Society may have lost. However, the Vizard arrive and after a short battle against a group of Gillians, Shinji Hirako confronts Aizen. Shinji attempts to slash at Aizen, but is then stopped by Kaname Tōsen as Aizen looks on.

As the battle continues and as Barragan comes close to his death, he launches his blade at Aizen in a desperate attempt to kill the person responsible for him losing his position as King of Hueco Mundo. But his own Respira destroys the axe before it can even reach Aizen, who simply looks away. Both Stark and Harribel notice this, and the former even comments on the fact that Aizen has nothing to say at the Segunda's passing.

Aizen observes Starrk's defeat as the Primera Espada falls to the ground and subsequently takes notice of the fight between Tia Harribel and Hiyori Sarugaki, Lisa Yadōmaru and Tōshirō Hitsugaya. He stops the fight between Gin and Shinji, telling Gin that was enough and states that it is time to end this fight. He uses Shunpo and appears near Harribel's battle who is noticeably surprised by his sudden disruption. He slashes her straight across her torso with his Zanpakutō, dealing her a serious wound. Her face shows surprise as he tells her that it appears that she is not strong enough to fight for him. After this, he tells Gin and Kaname that it's time to go.

Aizen laments to Harribel that after all the trouble he went through gathering the Espada, that he alone would be more powerful then all of them. Harribel looks at him with rage and stabs her sword into his chest, impaling him. Aizen's expression does not change as he says dealing with her is such a pain, surprising Harribel. She then realizes she attacked an illusion and that she has been stabbed in her back in her left shoulder by Aizen. He then tells her he will never let her raise her sword to him again, to which he withdraws his sword as she falls to the city below. Aizen then tells everyone to come at him, calling out the Gotei 13 and the "shoddy Arrancar wannabes".

As Shinji warns the Vizard, especially Hiyori, to not approach Aizen carelessly, Aizen begins to taunt them, telling them that it doesn't matter if they approach him cautiously or not at all as the outcome would be the same. He also tells them that they have nothing to fear because they have already died that night 100 years ago. This taunt sends Hiyori over the edge and she charges him, only to be bifurcated by Gin Ichimaru. Shinji goes to her side and stares down Aizen in anger. Aizen comments that he likes the look in Shinji's eyes, as he looks like he has finally awakened after 100 years sleep. Aizen that taunts him and tells him to face him, as he will unsheathe his sword especially for him. Shinji, after calling to Hachi to take care of Hiyori or at least keep her safe until Ichigo returns, approaches his former lieutenant to engage him in battle. Aizen asks why he would put his faith in that boy. Shinji simply tells him that he doesn't expect him to understand as he doesn't even trust his own followers. Aizen then explains that trusting someone means relying on them and only the weak do that, therefore its not something that they need. Shinji questions how can he say that with all the followers he has, as he is sure that Aizen has asked them to trust him.

Aizen corrects him stating that he is wrong as he never asked them to trust him at all. He told them to come with him, but he has never told them to trust him. In fact, Aizen has always told them not to trust anyone including him, though he sadly laments that there are not many strong enough to do that. Aizen further explains that "All creatures want to believe in something bigger them themselves. They cannot live without blind obedience. And to escape the pressure of that trust, those in whom faith is placed in turn look for someone higher them themselves. And then those people in turn look for someone even stronger. That is how all kings are born. That is how all Gods are born. But make no mistake. They all still abide to me. Because from this point onward, you will witness first hand the power of the god they foolishly placed their faith in. I will become that god they have no choice but to believe in." Shinji comments on Aizen drawing his blade, somewhat surprised that he would do so at all. He then asks Aizen if he is scared, but Aizen remains silent. Shinji then states that there is no point in ignoring him, as no matter how strong he is that he still has to be uneasy. He then quotes Aizen's own words from 100 years ago, about how Shinji had never opened up to him, never told him anything or even tried to get to know him. He then tells Aizen that because of that he doesn't have a clue what kind of powers his Zanpakutō has. Shinji states to Aizen that if he thought that his Kyōka Suigetsu was the only Zanpakutō with the ability to absolutely control other people's senses, he was dead wrong. He then releases his Zanpakutō.

The releases of Shinji's Shikai prompts Aizen to comment that its an interesting shape for a katana. Shinji responds that it is great, but he will not lend it to him. Aizen then states that he finds it strange that it does not give off any particular kind of aura. So he questions if he has heard wrong about it being able to control the five senses. Shinji tells him to take another look as it is already changing, as he casually asks if it has a nice scent. Aizen realizes that something has transpired but Shinji tells him it is too late and welcomes him to the inverted world. Much to Aizen's surprise, he now appears as though he is standing upside down in mid air, Aizen notices the possible change in directions. Shinji explains that Aizen's senses have been inverted and moves to attack him while Aizen comments that the ability is interesting, as it causes everything to be opposite. Shinji appears to be surprised when Aizen figures out that forward and backward are opposites as well as he turns around to block Shinji's attack, asking his former captain if he really thought that it would fool him. But Aizen is again surprised as his left arm is cut, Shinji explains that even his eyesight and where he gets cut is reversed as well.

He then states that no matter how powerful he is or what Aizen tries, his body will always fight by reflex and fall to Sakanade's ability. Shinji goes to attack Aizen again but misses, while Aizen states that he was trying to figure out what it was and now he sees it is nothing more then an optical illusion. Shinji then realizes he has been cut across his back as he passed by Aizen, which surprises him. Aizen then states that by controlling all five senses Shinji cannot even begin to compare to his powers. He then notes once one gets used to it, there is no problem as he taunts Shinji, telling him that it was mere child's play. Moments later, he looks down as Sajin Komamura yells up at him. Suddenly, the sky begins to crack and Ichigo Kurosaki breaks through, battle ready, right behind Aizen. Ichigo tries to strike at the back of Aizen's neck with Getsuga Tenshō, but it hits a barrier. As the explosion of power clears, Aizen greets Ichigo, telling him that while it was a good slash, the spot he picked was not good. He states that it would be ludicrous to think he would enter battle without putting some sort of defense behind the neck, which he says is the biggest blind spot for all living creatures. While Ichigo ponders what he should have done, Aizen guesses Ichigo's thoughts that he should have used his Hollowfication and mocks him. He invites the substitute Shinigami to try again and come at him Hollowfied and that he will show Ichigo how conceited those thoughts are.

Ichigo uses Hollowfication and releases another Getsuga Tenshō, but Aizen evades it and appears behind Ichigo. Ichigo quickly moves away from Aizen again, causing Aizen to ask why Ichigo is keeping his distance. Aizen tells him that distance only has meaning in a battle between equals, but that between him and Ichigo, distance is meaningless and that he can always touch Ichigo's heart. As he says this, he flash steps right in front of Ichigo and lays his fingers on his chest. A highly surprised Ichigo attempts to attack again, but Aizen evades. Aizen questions why he is fighting him, and whether or not Ichigo hates him. Aizen tells Ichigo that by just by looking at his face, he can tell that Orihime Inoue and Ichigo's other friends have not died, giving him no real reason for Ichigo to hate Aizen and therefore lacks the necessary drive to defeat him. Aizen explains that he is just brandishing his sword out of a sense of responsibility to the other Shinigami. However, Aizen tells him that that is not enough and that a fighting spirit without hatred is an eagle without wings. Aizen goes on to tell Ichigo that powerless comrades cannot be anything but weights that break your legs. Ichigo begins to waiver, but Komamura appears beside him and tells Ichigo not to be dishearten and that provoking his opponents is Aizen's forte. He and the other Shinigami and Vizard prepare to help Ichigo fight Aizen while avoiding becoming influenced by his Shikai

As Hitsugaya starts the attack, Aizen mocks him for being impatient, to which the young captain responds that someone has to start the fight. Shunsui then launches a second attack, but hits another of Aizen's barriers instead. Hitsugaya states that Aizen's earlier comment that one who strikes without anger does not belong in the battlefield is wrong. He states that one who strikes solely out of anger is not a true warrior; that a captain's only true reason for combat should be for duty. Tōshirō says that it is clear that Aizen never deserved to be called a captain, to which Aizen merely smirks. He then counter's Hitsugaya's statement by pointing out that Hitsugaya still holds anger at Aizen for what he did to Hinamori. This prompts Hitsugaya to admit he is also motivated by anger and releases his Bankai. Upon releasing his Bankai, Hitsugaya declares his unyielding hate towards him and proclaims he would gladly relinquish his seat as a captain if he could just kill him. As he is engaged by Hitsugaya, Aizen effortlessly dodges every attack made upon him by the young captain.

As he prepares to counterattack, he is attacked from the front and rear by Komamura and Aikawa. He then proceeds to break Komamura's Shikai blade with a barrier and berates the 7th Division captain for his failed attempt at a forceful strike. After discerning Komamura's definition of power, he proceeds to release his spiritual pressure to "teach him what power truly is". Komamura then releases his Bankai and attempts another attack, but fails as Aizen casually slashes through his Bankai, cutting off its hand and Komamura's in the process. He then slashes Komamura again after he attempts another attack. As he watches Komamura fall, he is attacked from behind by Rose's Kinshara, which he manages to catch with a single hand while his back was still turned. He yanks Kinshara with a single tug, pulling Rose into him, who Aizen then slashes. Aizen takes Rose's Kinshara and wraps it around Love, pulling him closer and slashes him as well. As Ichigo looks on in total disbelief, Lisa attacks Aizen from behind but he evades and breaks her Zanpakutō. He notices that she is wearing her hollow mask and states that he already told them they are nothing but pseudo-Arrancar and cuts her down her as well. Aizen then asks that if he can have Arrancar obeying him, how do they, as what he calls "pseudo-Arrancar", expect to stand against them.

Soifon then flash Steps in front of Aizen. He states that she is mad and wonders what the captain-commander must be thinking, sending in the Onmitsukidō. He recites a mantra learned at the Shinō Academy about striking from behind. Soifon smiles and asks how can a traitor such as him speak of such things and tells him that it makes her laugh. Aizen points out he was a teacher, to which Soifon states that the Central 46 must have been joking to make him a teacher, and that is no wonder he had them fooled. Aizen tells her not to speak ill of the dead and notes that he had them all fooled as well. Soifon remarks that she is shocked if he actually thinks he can fool her. She then makes about fifteen clones of herself using Shunpo, which impresses Aizen. Soifon states that she will take that as a compliment as they do not get much praise in the Onmitsukidō, and she thanks him. Then all her clones move to finish Aizen off.

Aizen moves to take out his Zanpakutō, but his sword and arm are immediately encased in ice much to his surprise. Before he can react, Soifon stabs him the in the chest with her Nigeki Kessatsu technique. Aizen notes that it is an interesting technique but it cannot harm him. Surprising Soifon, he explains that a battle between Shinigami is a battle of Reiatsu, and that his reiatsu will crush her attacks and powers. Aizen is then surprised as he is attacked from the back by a shadow. Shunsui reveals himself having used his Kageoni technique, stating Aizen was careless by not taking into consideration that there was a shadow on the ice. As Aizen curses the 8th division captain under his breath, Hitsugaya tells Aizen its over. Aizen glances at him as Hitsugaya rushes at him. noting to himself that because Hitsugaya is so young, he attacks at the first opening without planning ahead, calling it his biggest failing. Just then, he notices Shinji standing to the background, holding up his Sakanade and smiling. Aizen realizes too late that he has entered Sakanade's inverted world and Hitsugaya is not attacking from the front but the back as he is stabbed through the chest from behind, with an expression of surprise on his face.

However, the Aizen before the captains' eyes is only an illusion. He had used Kyōka Suigetsu to cast his illusion on the others and switched places with his former lieutenant, Hinamori. The real Aizen was laying down next to Kira and Iba. Ichigo, being the only one who that has not yet seen Aizen's Shikai, sees through the hypnosis and shouts at the captains, causing them to realize the deception. After his illusion is revealed, he walks up from the ground. Kira and Iba, believing that it is Hinamori walking away, try to follow him but are cut down with a simple slash. Shinji, angered at the deception, yells at Aizen, asking him when he cast the illusion. Aizen simply asks when did they start thinking he was not using Kyōka Suigetsu, also stating that Kyōka Suigetsu can create an illusion out of any situation. Hitsugaya, overcome with anger at being fooled by Aizen into attacking Hinamori, bellows in rage and charges at Aizen, even with Kyōraku warning him to wait. Aizen tells them that they are all completely open and dispatches the four captains with ease.

As he acknowledges the fallen warriors' strength to survive such a blow, he decides to let them live to see the end. After the last combatants are defeated by Aizen, Yamamoto makes his presence known by drawing Aizen's attention with a huge pillar of fire. Aizen states that although he has finally shown himself he is too late, as of now he is the only one left to be counted as manpower. Aizen notes that if he falls the Gotei 13 will crumble. He explains that waiting on the sidelines, Yamamoto has lost his chance. Yamamoto asks Aizen if he really thinks he can cut him down with that much power. Aizen responds that he doesn't have to cut him down, as he already has. Yamamoto becomes enraged and before he can react Aizen appears behind as the captain-commander turns to face him, Aizen stabs him through his stomach with his Zanpakutō. Yamamoto grabs Aizen's arm pulling him in closer and exclaims that he has caught him. When Aizen tries to trick him into questioning whether or not he has caught the real Aizen, the captain-commander calls his bluff and states if he only relied on his eyes or skin then he would say yes, but he instead only needs to rely on sensing the reiatsu of Aizen's Zanpakutō that is impaled into his stomach.

Yamamoto then reveals that he has laid a trap for Aizen, and initiates his Ennetsu Jigoku technique, detailing how the entire fight up to this point was to trap him in this technique. Aizen questions that he would use his subordinates to set such a trap, admiring the captain-commander for his cunning. Yamamoto states that he plans to die with Aizen in the flames. He then screams to Ichigo to get back as he is not of the Gotei 13 and he should not have to endure their fate. When Aizen asks if he would really risk killing the other combatants to try and destroy him. Yamamoto states they are all prepared to die to destroy evil and that is the true spirit of the Gotei 13. A released Wonderweiss Margera then appears behind Yamamoto, who senses his presence and attacks only to have his blade caught by Wonderweiss who then throws him sending the captain-commander crashing into the cityscape below. Yamamoto then becomes confused as the flames of Ryūjin Jakka disappears without warning. Aizen then explains that he knows full well that Ryūjin Jakka is the strongest Zanpakutō and that in a one on one battle Yamamoto's strength far outweighs his own. He reveals that Wonderweiss is the only modified Arrancar in existence and that his Resurrección, Extinguir, is built solely for the purpose of stopping his Ryūjin Jakka. Despite this action, Yamamoto remains unfazed, quickly switching to hand-to-hand combat, effortlessly pushing Wonderweiss away and through a building. Yamamoto reminds Aizen that he has been the Captain-Commander for over a thousand years because of his unrivalled might. He then attempts to punch Aizen in the face, but before Yamamoto can strike him, Wonderweiss appears again, unfazed despite the gaping whole in his stomach, and pulls Aizen safely away. Aizen then calmly watches as Wonderweiss engages the old captain. When Yamamoto effortlessly destroys Wonderweiss with a single double-fist attack, he turns his attention to Aizen, mocking him for modifying Wonderweiss. Aizen counters by saying that he merely gave purpose to one who only exists to feed on souls and reminds Yamamoto that Wonderweiss was made to seal away the power of Ryūjin Jakka, including the flames that were produced before Wonderweiss began attack the captain-commander. Realizing what Aizen was talking about, Yamamoto acts quickly to shield Karakura Town with his body from the explosion of flames released from Wonderweiss's remains, which would have destroyed the town, the barrier around it and much of the area surrounding Karkaura. As Aizen approaches a battered Yamamoto, he commends the old captain for realizing the truth and acting in time, taking out his blade to finish off Yamamoto. The captain-commander, however, calls Aizen naive and grabs his ankle, and uses Hadō #96, Ittō Kasō. Aizen manages to escape the flames with slight burns, only to be surprised when he realizes that a Hollowfied Ichigo is pouncing on him.

Powers & Abilities


High Intellect: Arguably the most fearsome trait of Aizen is his tremendous intellect. He is well-versed in the history, strategy, tactics of the Soul Society, and is privy to knowledge previously unknown to many, such as the knowledge of the existence of the ōken, as well as the obscure method in which to make one. He has also created several hollows and Arrancar while being able to avoid arousing any suspicion from the majority of his fellow Shinigami, most likely due to his Zanpakutō's illusionary abilities. He also, for over 110 years, had been engaging in experiments that involved unique and highly dangerous manipulations of spirit energy and spirit particles. His most startling experiment involves the Hollowfication of Shinigami, something unseen before and still unknown to have ever taken place again. He has an innate knowledge of the Hōgyoku, rivaling that of its creator, Kisuke Urahara, even the extent required for him to destroy it. He is able to figure out Shinji Hirako's Shikai ability's true nature and then deduce that it produces an optical illusion, allowing him to counter its effect.

Master Manipulator: Throughout the series, he has shown himself to be a very crafty and cunning man since his public betrayal of the Soul Society. The most noticeable trait is his ability to deceive and manipulate others around them in multiple manners. For years, he was effectively able to convince everyone around him that he was a kind-hearted man with the best intentions for the Soul Society, while performing horrific actions. He has a great talent for analyzing and observing everything in his presence, allowing him to quickly understand a person's pattern of thinking and better manipulate them. He is also a powerful strategist, capable of formulating well-thought-out plans several steps ahead of others. These plans are incredibly involved and detailed, and are planned-out with the long term in mind, making them seem slightly convoluted. His most well known plan spans over 110 years, a great accomplishment given that it required moving people around like pieces on a chessboard, as well as making sure they played the role he had planned out for them. He is masterful when it comes to "plans within plans," such as kidnapping Orihime, allowing him to use her abilities to extend the shelf life of the Hōgyoku, and to trap the Ryoka and 4 Captains after the departure of Gin, Tōsen and himself in Hueco Mundo, making it easier for him to accomplish the ends of his first plan, to create the ōken and gain access to the Royal Dimension.

Master Tactician: He has also shown himself as a powerful and flexible tactician, capable of adjusting seamlessly to any given combat situation, if not plan out events well in advance. He understands the strengths, weaknesses and mannerisms of his enemies and creates strategies to achieve victory; this includes modifying an Arrancar for the sole purpose of defeating Yamamoto, a Shinigami whose abilities surpass his own. . Though it can be said that the majority of his tactics rely heavily on his Zanpakutō's special ability, there are few better tactics than manipulating all the senses of your opponents, making it easier for one to attack. Despite viewing his power as worlds beyond others, he is also shown to be highly cautious in battle, placing special protections on himself so as to leave no blind-spots.

Kidō Master: Aizen has a great mastery at using Kidō spells. He is skilled enough to use Kidō without the use of their incantation; he used the Black Coffin (ranked 90) spell, and even though he did not control it entirely (utilizing only a third of the spell's original strength), it was sufficient enough to disable fellow Captain Sajin Komamura. He has even used the Splitting Void (ranked 81) spell to block another Kidō attack by Tessai Tsukabishi, who was Captain of the Kidō Corps and reasonably the most proficient Kidō master in the Soul Society at the time, while Aizen himself was only a lieutenant. He can produce powerful protection spells to his person while in battle and create barriers immediately to block attacks from Captain-level fighters.

Immense Strength: He is powerful enough to stop Ichigo's Bankai with just one index finger (albeit Ichigo was already battle-worn from fighting Byakuya Kuchiki) and almost cut him in half with a single swing of a sword and stopped Renji's Shikai with his bare hand and broke it with one swing, injuring Renji in the process. He was also able to stop Komamura's Bankai blade with his bare hand, proving his strength was more than enough to combat someone of his same level. Aizen further shows his strength by being able to effortlessly cut through the sword and wrist of Komamura's Bankai.

Immense Spiritual Power: Even by captain-level standards, Aizen has shown to have tremendous spiritual energy. Marechiyo Ōmaeda commented that Aizen's very presence is monstrously overwhelming. A hint to his actual level of spirit power is given when he turns Wonderweiss Margera into an Arrancar; before activating the Hōgyoku, and states that despite its half-awakened state, it can be fully activated when temporarily fusing with someone with twice as much spiritual power as an average captain-level Shinigami (referring to himself). The force of Aizen's spiritual power is also great enough to, without any visible effort, bring the 6th Espada to his knees. He has commented that it takes a lot for him not to "crush an ant" (referring to Renji) in his path. He also claims that he is more powerful than all of the Espada. Aizen has shown that his reiatsu is powerful enough to nulify any abilities and attacks as shown when he crushed Soifon's attacks and powers by negating her Nigeki Kessatsu technique.

Master Swordsmanship Specialist: While the full extent of his prowess has yet to be known, he has demonstrated the ability to effortlessly fight back an opponent's Shikai with his own blade still sealed. He has also demonstrated the ability to perform tremendously powerful and precise strikes, capable of cutting through very sturdy targets, such as Renji's Shikai. He was also able to easily cut down four captains (two which used their bankai) and three vizards (who are former captains of Gotei 13) with ease.

Flash Steps Master: He is perceived to be so fast that one cannot discern even being attacked by him until after it has taken place. Aizen is shown to easily outmaneuver Ichigo's Bankai and mask-enhanced speed to the point he could casually lay a hand on his chest and still dodge a point-blank attack. He is capable of effortlessly dodging simultaneous attacks at close range and the evasion of Bankai level techniques. He moves so fast that opponents commonly do not know his movements until after he has made them and is skilled enough in his movements to evade at high speeds even when being attacked from behind. However, it's questionable if he is as fast as Yoruichi Shihōin or Soifon, especially seeing as they both caught him before he was able to unsheathe his sword to engage in battle before his escape from the Soul Society.

Enhanced Durability: Aizen was able to take a point-blank level 96 destruction spell and escape only suffering slight burns.

Zanpakutō

 * In its sealed form, it resembles a normal katana. The only decoration is the crossguard, which is a hexagon instead of a rectangle. The two sides parallel to the blade are long, whereas the four sides above and below the blade are shortened, making it into almost a diamond or prism-like shape. It has a green handle.


 * Shikai: The release command is and is used to both activate and deactivate it. The name Kyōka Suigetsu hints at its illusionary properties; the moon reflected in water and a flower in a mirror are things that can be seen but not held. It is a Chinese saying for seeing and desiring something that is a dream that cannot be easily grasped in hand, teaching people about temptations.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai ability is Complete Hypnosis (完全催眠, kanzen saimin). It controls the five senses to the point that it can make the target misinterpret another person's form, shape, mass, feel and smell to be that of the enemy. The initiation condition for the hypnosis is to show the enemy the release of Kyōka Suigetsu. After seeing it just once, that person will completely succumb to the hypnosis. After that, every time it is released, that person will fall under the thrall of the hypnosis. The hypnosis is apparently long-lasting, seeing as the Vizards are still affected by Kyoka Suigetsu even though they were hypnotized at least 110 years ago. Since the spell works when you see the ritual, those who can not see are consequently immune to the hypnosis. When he turns off the hypnosis by force of will, the image shown melts away/shatters. Kyōka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis is absolutely flawless; even if the target is aware that they are under the hypnosis, they cannot resist its influence. Kyōka Suigetsu's hypnotic abilities make it a highly useful tool in combat, as Aizen can quickly create simple or complex illusions to deceive opponents. For example, by creating a decoy of himself, or other illusions to distract his opponents, Aizen can hide his own movements and attack with impunity. His opponent, meanwhile, will remain focused on the illusion until it's too late to react.


 * While the illusions Kyōka Suigetsu creates are quite powerful, those with considerable power and skill themselves may be able to note slight differences in the illusions compared to the real thing, even if they are not able to determine what, precisely, is different. Captain Retsu Unohana was able to detect something was amiss with Aizen's fake corpse, even though she did not realize what until seeing Aizen alive. This is how Aizen has deceived many people and killed them, including one of his own allies, the Tres Espada, Tia Harribel.


 * Bankai: Not Yet Revealed.

Appearances in Other Media
Aizen is an unlockable character in the Bleach video games. Most games have him as the final boss. He is the last opponent in Bleach: Soul Carnival. He is no doubt powerful and his Black Coffin Kidō spell is one of his best attacks. He also makes use of his Zanpakutō's illusionary abilities throughout most of the games. He is not seen in the films; though, in the second OVA, he is seen drinking coffee at the very end with Gin and Tōsen. He also has his own Bleach Beat Collection, Hanabira and Kyōka Suigetsu.

Reception
IGN.com praises the animators for how Aizen was revealed as the primary antagonist saying that "The Aizen that we first knew was the nicest guy ever, he looked it, and now this Aizen actually looks like the most evil jerk we've ever seen. It's just great how the animators haven't changed his animation much, but have managed to give his face this evil thing about it." However, they were critical of Aizen's convoluted plan, calling it "...so planned out was a bit too planned out to believe. He seemed to know that everything was going to happen exactly as planned...." Concerning his Zanpakutō, IGN described it as overpowered, "calling it the most unbalanced swords in Bleach." The site found it "far-fetched for some reason to think that nobody can tell when they're getting hypnotized, even the higher ups."

Trivia

 * Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu came 18th in the Zanpakutō popularity poll. He himself came 23rd in the 4th, the latest, character popularity poll.

Quotes

 * (To Tōshirō Hitsugaya)"You should learn this well, Hitsugaya-kun. Admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding."


 * (To Renji Abarai) "You've grown so much! I'm happy for you. However, if it is possible, I wish that you wouldn't be so stubborn. It is quite difficult to control one's strength while stepping on an ant without killing it. Being your former commanding officer, I can't bear to see you die."


 * (To Renji Abarai) "As for Hinamori... I had no choice. She couldn't live without me. That was how I brainwashed her to be. Don't you think it was charitable of me to kill her? Though I honestly didn't want her to die by my hands. That was why I went through the trouble of getting Kira-kun and Hitsugaya-kun to fight her. However, that plan didn't go so well, thus I had no choice but to do it myself."


 * (To Renji Abarai)"The Sōsuke Aizen you knew...never existed to begin with."


 * (To Jūshirō Ukitake) "No one stands on the top of the world. Not you, not me, not even gods. But the unbearable vacancy of the throne in the sky is over. From now on...I will be sitting on it."


 * "The betrayal you can see is trivial. What is truly fearsome, is the betrayal that you don't see, Captain Hirako."


 * (To Orihime Inoue) "Please think of the fact that I have shown you this as a sign of my trust in you. Your power is the rejection of events. It reverses everything that has occurred, and annihilates the event itself. It is an extraordinary power. I need your power, Orihime. You will use that power of yours for my sake, won't you?"


 * (To Kaname Tōsen) "Verbal arguments are petty and pointless"


 * (To Tia Harribel indirectly) "I never would've imagined that the power of the Espada I so painstakingly assembled would be less than mine alone"


 * (To Shinji Hirako) "Trusting in someone is the same as depending on them. That is something the weak do. We have no use for it."


 * (To Shinji Hirako) "All living creatures place their faith in someone more powerful than them and they cannot survive unless they blindly follow that person. The recipient of that faith then seeks out someone in an even higher position in order to escape from the pressure. That person than seeks out someone even more powerful that he must put his faith in. In this way all kings are born and in this way all Gods are born. Do not believe in me yet, Hirako Shinji for now I shall slowly teach you who the God is that you will put your faith in. Believing in me comes after that."


 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Why are you putting so much distance between us? If you want to make sure it hits me, then you should get close and fire. Or is it that you're afraid of letting even a part of me out of your field of vision by getting close? If that's the case, then it's a foolish thought. Distance only has meaning in a fight between equals. With you and I, distance holds no meaning at all. Watch... If I do this, my hand is almost instantly at your heart." 


 * (To Sajin Komamura) "You thought you could destroy me by striking with power? How naïve. ...no perhaps we differ in our basic understandings of the word "power". I shall enlighten you. This is what is known as "power"."


 * "I will not take your lives. With the measure of power that you possess you are unlikely even to lose consciousness from those wounds. Stay there, helpless and defeated and observe carefully as this battle reaches its conclusion."


 * (To Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto) "Your Ryūjin Jakka is indeed the most powerful Zanpakutō in existence. There is no doubt about that. Were I to fight against it directly, it would likely overpower even me. However, if one abandons all other abilities and focuses his strength entirely on a single specialised skill, then he can overcome even the greatest of powers."


 * (To Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto) "Cruel? Once a soul has become a Hollow, it holds no meaning. It is a being with no purpose beyond idly consuming its fellow souls. Where do you see cruelty in my giving purpose to such a being? Surely the true act of cruelty was your tearing that soul to pieces."


 * (To Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto) "I will not do you the injustice of refusing to take your life. You, who are the very embodiment of the history of Soul Society itself you alone will die here by my blade."

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