Tessai Tsukabishi

is a tall, muscular man who is a good friend of Kisuke Urahara and works for him in his store, the Urahara Shop. Like Urahara, he used to be a Shinigami and was once the Kidō Corps Captain. He was forced into exile and is currently hiding with Urahara in an untraceable Gigai while helping out in his shop.

Appearance
Tessai Tsukabishi is a tall, muscular, lightly tan-skinned man. His hair is corn-rolled and he has a large handlebar mustache. He wears a pair of rectangular-shaped glasses. His attire consists of a white muscle shirt with regular pants and a blue apron. During his earlier years as Kidō captain, he wore the standard Shinigami robes with a ornate dark blue robe with a large upturned collar and the symbol of the Kidō Corps on it. His hair style was corn-rolled but was styled into little horns.

Personality
Tessai is a quiet, stern, and level-headed man who often acts as a source of discipline to Jinta Hanakari's mischievous behavior, but does have a sentimental side. He is very loyal to Kisuke Urahara and takes meticulous care of the shop, actually bursting into joyful tears if anyone compliments his work. Conversely, his instant reaction is extreme irritation when someone snubs it. He is also known to buy TV-advertised medicines, which don't always work or have unpleasant side effects, much to Urahara's chagrin. In addition, He is among the few who find Orihime Inoue's strange food ideas tasty, the other being Rangiku Matsumoto. Though he was a former captain, he seems to take a subservient role to Urahara even when he held a equal position in Soul Society. This seems to have been a common occurrence that most likely went as far back as when they were kids.

History
Before he became a captain in his own right, Tessai grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in the Seireitei of Soul Society, with his childhood friends Yoruichi Shihōin and Kisuke Urahara. At some point in time, he became the Captain of the Kidō Corps in Soul Society and was rarely seen in public.

Approximately 100 years ago, Tessai and his lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda were called to the emergency meeting being held by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto in order to be a part of the investigation team, looking into the disappearance of 9th Division captain Kensei Muguruma and his squad. Upon their arrival, Captain Ukitake makes note of the fact that he hasn't seen Tessai in some time and Captain Shunsui Kyōraku states that it's an honor to be in his presence. Tessai is then told by Yamamoto to go to the investigation site, but Shunsui questions the Captain-Commander on whether it was a bad idea to send both the Kidō Corp's captain and lieutenant when they had no idea of what awaited them. Yamamoto asks him what he would suggest to which Shunsui replies that it would be best to send his lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru, as she could use the experience from the situation. Yamamoto agrees to the substitution and Shunsui asks Tessai if he is fine with stepping down from the mission. Tessai tells him that he doesn't mind and that he will accept the offer and take a break.

Later that night, Tessai confronted Urahara as the latter sneaked out of Seireitei to make an investigation of his own. Tessai complimented Urahara on the unique aspect of his cloak (which hid his spiritual energy), while the latter was taken back by the sudden appearance of the Kidō Captain. In Tessai's presence, Urahara asked if he was there to stop him. Tessai noted that he saw the look on his face earlier and knew what he would do. He also reassured a stunned Urahara by telling him that he would be accompanying him to pursue the investigation team as he couldn't let him go alone, sensing something bad was going to happen that night. Later that night, Urahara and Tessai made their timely arrival to stop then 5th Division lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen from dispatching his captain. Urahara and Aizen get into a short discussion about what has transpired at the site when Aizen and his subordinates began to walk away from the area. Tessai then yelled for Urahara to move as he cast Hadō #88 Hiryugekizokushintenraiho to try to stop Aizen. Aizen countered the spell by using Bakudō #81 Danku, Tessai is surprised that a lieutenant could block his Kidō with a spell of that level without incantation. He apologizes to Urahara for letting them escape. Upon seeing the advanced state of the investigation team's injuries, Tessai tells Urahara they can worry about Aizen and his subordinates later, and that right now they have to help Shinji and the others. Urahara tells him that they can't treat them on site with their level of advanced state. Tessai figures that Urahara of all people must know how to deal with it as he appears to know about the phenomena of "Hollowfication", since Tessai himself had never heard of it. Urahara confirms that he does but is unsure as to if it will work. Tessai tells him that he will take the eight injured investigation squad members back to the 12th Division quarters just as they are, as he is sure Urahara can save them with the equipment there. Urahara then questions how he would accomplish such a thing, to which Tessai answers by using Jikanteishi and Kūkanten'i. Tessai explains that they are both forbidden techniques, so he asks that Urahara close his eyes and cover his ears. Upon their arrival at the 12th Division headquarters, Urahara explains to him what Hollowfication is and how he came to know the term. Tessai was then shown the Hōgyoku by Urahara, as the latter elaborated that this creation of his could possibly save Shinji and the other victims.

Unfortunately, it ended up as a failed process, not having the desired effect Urahara expected. The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46 Chambers. It immediately became evident that they had been set up by Aizen, but were given no rights to defend themselves and prove their innocence. As a result, they were quickly sentenced with Urahara being sentenced to become human and to be exiled to the human world for "committing crimes against researching and invoking forbidden phenomenon" and "deceiving and inflicting grievous injury to fellow Shinigami." Tessai was sentenced to life imprisonment in a Level 3 detention area for "using forbidden Kidō techniques". Before any of their sentences could be executed, however, both were rescued by 2nd Division captain Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground area.

In the secluded area, she berated them on how mad she was for not letting her in on their plan and went on to explain that she had brought the eight Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the real world, where they would find a way to undo the Hollowfication process.

Tessai has apparently held his position among the Shinigami for quite some time, at least 200 years, since he has informed Rukia Kuchiki that the word "Quincy" "brings back memories".

Agent of the Shinigami arc
Tessai is first seen as the largest employee in Urahara Shop, but later reappears performing high-level Kidō spells when Ichigo Kurosaki is seen training at the shop. He performs Bakudō #99 Parts 1 and 2 (the highest level of Kidō seen so far in the series), forcing Ichigo to find his inner Shinigami abilities and get the strength he needs to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.

He often helps Kisuke Urahara with the tasks at hand, even fighting Hollows with his bare hands.

Bount Arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Tessai is seen a few times with Urahara throughout the Bount ordeals. Though it is not seen, he is likely the one who modified & opened the gate that the Bounts left behind, thereby allowing Ichigo & the others to cross into the Soul Society.

Arrancar Arc
Throughout most of the Arrancar Arc, Tessai is mostly unseen. Just before the surprise attack by Patros, Menis, & Aldegor, Tessai goes with Urahara & Yasutora Sado to pick up more supplies. While leaving he hears Jinta say that they are wasting their time since no one comes to the store anyway. Upon hearing this he runs back & in a rather scary moment (for Jinta) Tessai asks him if he said anything bad about the store. They are met by Jinta & Ururu who tell them that Renji Abarai is fighting with an Arrancar who has come to find Urahara. While running back, Tessai states that he is more worried about the store then Renji. They briefly come across Ulquiorra Cifer, but he quickly leaves. Upon arriving at the shop, Tessai realizes he has to rebuild a lot of the shop.

After Orihime Inoue is abducted by Sōsuke Aizen, Ichigo comes to Urahara's shop. Tessai assists in setting up the large gate & watches as Urahara opens the Garganta. As Ichigo, Chad, & Uryu Ishida go through the gate, he is seen watching. He likely helps Urahara with the creation of the Fake Karakura Town. After Aizen & the top three Espada arrive, he like Urahara & Yoruichi have not been seen yet. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

Powers & Abilities
Kidō Master: As the former captain of Soul Society's Kidō Corps, Tessai is extremely skilled in this regard, presumably one the most proficient experts of this skill in Soul Society's history. He has demonstrated the ability to use various high-level Kidō at full power with complete control, including a level 99 binding spell and level 88 destructive spell without incantation, the latter of which caused tremendous destruction to a large part of the forest it was fired in despite having the majority of its power blocked by Aizen's own defensive Kidō. He has also shown very extensive knowledge of forbidden techniques such as time and space manipulation. This was shown when teleporting the Vizards to Urahara's lab and freezing time around them to halt the Hollowfication process. He has also demonstrated highly proficient skill in healing Kidō as seen from repeatedly healing Ichigo and his friends when battle-worn, even saving people from otherwise fatal injuries as shown from healing Ururu after she was impaled.

Keen Intellect: Tessei has shown to be a very intelligent man. As the former captain of the Kidō Corps, he has advanced knowledge and understanding towards the flow of spiritual energy. He is also very knowledgeable of past and present events such as with the events of the Quincies' demise. Tessei has also shown himself to be highly perceptive to towards a person's demeanor, as shown from him knowing Kisuke would go in search for his then-lieutenant Hiyori despite being ordered not to.

Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: While specializing in Kidō, Tessai has shown himself a capable physical fighter, as shown from his ability to fight off countless Hollows unarmed.

Enhanced Strength: He is also shown to have great physical strength, made apparent by his ability to smash a Hollow's head to pieces with a single, open-palmed thrust.

Enhanced Durability: In addition to his tremendous strength, Tessai has shown himself to be a highly resilient man. When Rukia kicked him from behind, she only succeeded in hurting herself while Tessai barely registered her presence from it. Also when he was overwhelmed by Ichigo's awakening of his Shinigami powers, he emerged unfazed and merely complained about his glasses being damaged. Jinta commented that he is like a monster in the said area.

Immense Spiritual Power: As a former Kidō Corps Captain, Tessai boasts a great amount of spiritual energy. His spiritual energy is shown great enough to use multiple high-level Kidō without tiring.

Zanpakutō
Tessai's Zanpakutō has not yet been revealed.


 * Shikai: Not Yet Revealed


 * Bankai: Not Yet Revealed

Appearance in Other Media
Tessai makes minor appearances in most video games, usually with Kisuke Urahara to perform some attacks. He is a playable character in Bleach: Heat the Soul 6. His appearance is that of his time in Soul Society with his dark robe and his shakujo.

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