Arrancar

An is a Hollow that has removed its mask and gained Shinigami-like powers. The name "Arrancar" is a Spanish verb meaning "to remove" or "to rip off," a reference to an Arrancar's removal of its Hollow mask, or "to start". Following the retrieval of the Hogyoku and Aizen's emergence into Hueco Mundo, they have become the main antagonists of the series, in particular the Espada, Aizen's top ten most powerful Arrancar.

Overview
Few Hollows have the potential to remove their masks naturally, and even if they manage to do so, the change may not be significant. Regardless, naturally occurring Arrancars exist within Hueco Mundo. Sōsuke Aizen is able to artificially create Arrancar with the Hōgyoku, which also unlocks much more of their potential than a natural transformation would. The process of turning a hollow into an arrancar is called Shinigamification.

Arrancar and ordinary hollows differ in several ways:


 * Humanoid Form: Arrancar assume a humanoid form, as opposed to the animal-like or monstrous forms seen from Hollows. Upon becoming an Arrancar, the chances of a hollow retaining a humanoid form increase with their intelligence; only Vasto Lorde-class menos will definitely assume a humanoid form. This new form will retain remnants of their past selves, like fragments of their removed masks and a hollow hole. While some Arrancar (e.g. Nnoitra and Halibel) prefer to conceal these remnants, others choose to hide their faces completely to escape unwanted attention. Most also have a colored marking of some sort on their face, though some only gain these markings upon the release of their zanpakutō (Ex: Nnoitra, Szayel Apporo, and Halibel). A few cases that include marks visible without the release of a zanpakuto include Ulquiorra's tear marks, Sun-Sun's pink dots, the dashes under Grimmjow's eyes, and the estigma on Neliel's cheekbones and nose.




 * Zanpakutō: Arrancar can gain a Zanpakutō. Unlike with shinigami, this zanpakutō is not sentient, but simply their "true" hollow form sealed into a sword. Therefore, an arrancar's release of their zanpakutō is merely a temporary restoration to their former selves, granting them any powers their hollow form possesses. The act of release is called Resurrección (Spanish for "resurrection"), which is activated with a command phrase followed by the name of the sword. The Resurrección of Espada-level Arrancar releases enough power to be comparable to a shinigami's bankai. Few arrancar do not have a zanpakutō, being too weak to seal their excess power into a blade, while others prefer to have it constantly released.

The Arrancar under Aizen's command have a standard theme for their clothing. Their uniforms consist of a white jacket, black sash, white hakama, and black and white shoes that resemble sandals; in essence, the uniforms are basically inverted Shinigami uniforms.

While most of the Arrancar either develop or retain their own personality traits, the majority (not all) of Arrancar shown in the series appear to be similarly proud, cold, cruel, ambitious, impatient, selfish, overconfident, arrogant, boastful, impulsive, brutal, relentless, battle-hungry, overbearing, short-tempered, indifferent, and egotistical.

Though not elaborated upon as of late, not all Arrancar residing in Hueco Mundo are loyal to Aizen. They prefer not to interfere with his plans, presumably because of Aizen's immense amount of power and army of servants. It is for that reason many naturally-evolved Arrancar, namely those that relish battle (like Nnoitra), felt it necessary to align themselves with him to obtain more power. While some Arrancar choose to follow Aizen in the hopes he will deliver them salvation, others ally with him purely out of respect. As Iceringer put it, Aizen is someone who is fearless, which creatures born out of fear and pain such as Hollows find admirable.

Although Arrancar are Hollows who have gained Shinigami powers, most still refer to themselves as hollows (Ulquiorra, Zommmari, Grimmjow, etc.)  This is similar to how Ichigo Kurosaki still refers to himself as a Shinigami despite his steady evolution into a Vizard.

Espada
The Espada are the top-ranked Arrancar in Aizen's army, and the primary antagonists of the later half of the series. The Espada at the time of the group's introduction consists of nine males and one female. Each Espada member is chosen for their superior combat ability and then assigned a number from 0 to 9 (with 0 being the strongest, while 9 being the weakest) that indicates their rank and relative power level, which is tattooed somewhere on their body (Grimmjow's is on his lower back, for instance). Each Espada embodies an aspect of death, which ties into their personalities, beliefs and powers. The Espada are given control over the Números and are regarded as the strongest Arrancar in existence. Similar to the power gap between captains and lieutenants in the Gotei 13, the strength, speed, intelligence, and power of the Espada far surpasses that of the average Número. As Aaroniero Arruruerie notes, all of the Espada except him were at least Adjuchas-class Menos before becoming Arrancar. One of the former Espada that is 3rd rank is Neliel Tu Oderschvank, being very powerful.

Privaron Espada
The Privaron Espada are former Espada who have officially lost their rank and are assigned a three-digit number. Being former Espada, they are far stronger than the normal Números. They reside in the part of Las Noches called Tres Cifras, which translates literally from Spanish as "three digits". As mentioned by Dordonii, these former "naturally created" Espada were rendered obsolete after Aizen began artificially creating Arrancar to meet his own standards. It is also noted that Aaroniero Arruruerie was one of the original Espada, but his original number was not mentioned since it is possible he was demoted to a lower number in accordance to the arrival of more powerful Espada.

Números
These Arrancar are the combat specialists. They are assigned a two digit number at birth from 11 to 99 to indicate their age (Número 11 is the oldest, Número 99 is the youngest). The basic Número uniform consists of a white-collared jacket and robes held with a black sash. However, the uniform is customizable, giving each Número a sense of individuality. The fighting ability of Números is thought to be superior to all other Arrancar, except for the Espada (current and former).

Fracción
The Fracción are a subsection of the Números that directly serve a specific Espada. The number of Fracción for any given Espada varies: Stark and Nnoitra Jiruga would seem to have just one, while Szayel Aporro Granz has at least a dozen. There are a few Espada that apparently prefer to fight alone, such as Yammy Rialgo, Zommari Leroux, Ulquiorra Cifer and Aaroniero Arruruerie, who seem to have chose not to have any Fracción under their command.

Exequias
The Exequias are Arrancar that are part of the execution division, apparently charged with termination of intruders and rebels. They are the equivalent of Soul Society's Onmitsukidō. Their captain is the bull-headed Rudobōn, who can spawn a seemingly infinite amount of the soldiers that form this group.

Las Noches
Aizen's Arrancar reside in Las Noches, a massive, white-colored fortress that resides in the centre of the Hueco Mundo desert, built by Aizen at some point. It is shaped like a large dome with various towers and stands surrounding it, many leading to underground passage ways. The inside is filled with huge cylinder shaped buildings many of which are destroyed during battles between Ichigo and the Arrancar. the inside of the dome has a day sky painted on its surface making it seem like a blazing hot desert (even though its always night in Hueco Mundo). In the center of the fortress is the building where Aizen and his Espada spend most of their time, often having meetings across a long table.

Powers
Like Shinigami, Arrancar have a multitude of combat skills and abilities, some of which are similar to those of the former, and some of which are variations on ordinary Hollow powers.


 * Bala is an Arrancar alternative to Cero. The technique hardens the user's Spiritual Pressure and fires it like a bullet. Although it is weaker than a normal cero, it moves about twenty times faster and can be fired at a much higher rate but the damage is much the same. Stronger Arrancar can also fire a more powerful Bala, while retaining its twentyfold speed.


 * Cero (虚閃 (セロ)|sero| Spanish for "Zero", Japanese for "Hollow Flash", "Doom Blast" in the Viz translation) are high-powered energy blasts that can be fired from various body parts, such as mouth, tongue, hand or fingers. Only Gillians, Adjuchas, Arrancar, and the Vizards have so far been shown to use Cero attacks, and it appears that stronger entities can use it more efficiently. Various Arrancar and Hollow characters display variants of the technique, such as the Espada-exclusive Gran Rey Cero, the Cero Oscuras that Ulquiorra Cifer can use only in his released form, as well as the Cero Sincrético performed by Pesche Guatische and Dondochakka Bilstin.


 * is how Arrancar and Menos-class Hollows move to and from Hueco Mundo. Kaname Tōsen and Kisuke Urahara have also demonstrated the ability to use the technique. It literally tears open the dimensional fabric separating the worlds, revealing a tunnel of whirling, torrential energy that must be focused and solidified to create a discernible pathway.


 * refers to the hardened skin of the Arrancar, which is a result of their compressed spiritual power. While their skin is strong enough to block even released Zanpakutō bare-handed, it is by no means impenetrable. Stronger Arrancar 8have proportionally stronger skin than usual.


 * are energy fields are used to rescue fellow Hollows. Only the Gillian-class Menos have shown the ability to use it. Negación fields surround a target in a square beam of light that isolates the target from the dimension they are currently in, making it impossible to harm them. The field then pulls the target towards the menos that created the field. Espada have a special cube-shaped device called meant to simulate Negación fields, which are used to punish their subordinates if necessary.  The cube, when used on a subject, traps them in an alternate dimension from which there is no escape; however, this assumes it is being used as intended. More-powerful Arrancar, namely the Espada themselves, can escape given enough time.


 * is the Arrancar equivalent of the Shinigami ability to sense Spiritual Pressure. It functions very-similarly to sonar.


 * is the Arrancar equivalent of the Shinigami Flash Steps and the Quincy Hirenkyaku; it allows the user to travel at incredibly high speeds for short distances. Use of Sonído is punctuated by a brief static sound, in contrast to the "swish" sound caused by Flash Steps.


 * Resurrección ((帰刃 (レスレクシオン)|resurekushion; Spanish for "Resurrection", Japanese for "Returning Blade") Most Arrancar have the ability to seal their power within a zanpakutō. Upon releasing their zanpakutō, they gain all of their former unique hollow abilities back, essentially 'resurrecting' their old selves. When using this ability, they essentially combine their human form and their hollow form, incidentally increasing their power considerably.

Name Origins
The nomenclature for several of the Arrancar originate from real-world architects or designers. The following characters have their namesakes shown below, as well as the profession the real-world counterpart is notable for.


 * Stark - Philippe Starck (French Designer)
 * Barragan - Luis Barragan (Mexican Architect)
 * Halibel - Harry Bell Measures (English Architect)
 * Ulquiorra - Patricia Urquiola (Spanish Architect) and Father Hubert Cifer (he was a survivor of the bomb of Hiroshima, Tite Kubo is from Hiroshima).
 * Nnoitra - Richard Neutra (Austrian-American Architect) [In Japanese, Nnoitra is pronounced Noitra very quickly, it sounds like Neutra.]
 * Grimmjow - Nicholas Grimshaw (English Architect)
 * Szayel Aporro - Alejandro Zaera Polo. (Spanish Architect)
 * Aaroniero - Eero Aarnio (Finnish Furniture Designer)
 * Luppi - Italo Lupi (Italian Architect)
 * Dordonii - Rodolfo Dordoni (Italian Architect)
 * Gantenbainne - (Architect)
 * Yylfordt - Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort (American Architect)
 * Tesla - Nikola Tesla (Serbian Inventor, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer)
 * Pesche - Gaetano Pesce (Italian Architect and Designer)
 * Bawabawa - Geoffrey Bawa (Sri Lankan Architect)
 * Cuuhlhourne - Menno van Coehourn (17th century Dutch military architect and chief rival of the Marquis de Vauban)
 * Iceringer - Werner Aisslinger (20th century German furniture designer)

Shinigami Counterparts
Several of the Arrancar are very similar to certain shinigami by either their roles, personalities, abilities, or relative power level. However, they're not exactly the same, as they also have different traits, personalities, power, roles, and abilities.


 * Stark - Shunsui Kyōraku: are lazy, laid-back, easy-going, honorable, bear similar facial features, and are powerful combatants. They both have female adjutants who care about their leader, despite their actions and usually physically and verbally assault them.
 * Barragan Luisenbarn - Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai: are old and have a measure of authority, but unlike General Yamamoto, who is humble, self-assured, and powerful, Barragan is arrogant, overconfident, boastful, and egotistical, as all six of his Fracción call him "God/King," despite being the 2nd rank of the Espada, whereas Stark is 1st rank.
 * Halibel - Soifon: are calm, reserved, loyal, and analytical. However, unlike Soifon, Halibel actually shows some concern over her opponents, whereas Soifon cruelly tends to eliminate everyone that defies the Soul Society, regardless of their intentions.
 * Ulquiorra Cifer
 * Tōshirō Hitsugaya: Both are said to be cold to others, serious, and powerful (more so for Ulquiorra.) Unlike Tōshirō, Ulquiorra is indifferent, rarely caring for anything except pushing Aizen's plans forward.
 * Byakuya Kuchiki : Both are respectful of the law, quiet, loyal, and obedient. Ironically, Ichigo had fought with them both, due to Byakuya/Ulquiorra had kidnapped Rukia/Orihime. Both also had some kind of change of heart after their fight with Ichigo Kurosaki.
 * Nnoitra Jiruga - Kenpachi Zaraki: use brute force in combat, wear eyepatches (Althogh kenpachi's is a power limiter, while Nnoitra's is just used to hide his hollow hole.), and have an overly-violent lust for battle. However, unlike Kenpachi, Nnoitra is a sexist lecher and calls Orihime Inoue "pet-sama."
 * Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez - Ichigo Kurosaki: are short-tempered, stubborn, reckless, rude, impulsive, persistent, resourceful, analytical, have an apparent habit of cheating death more than once, and are equally powerful combatants with some sense of honor. However, unlike Ichigo, who fights for his friends, allies, and family, Grimmjow fights for his own benefits and dislikes being underestimated by others.
 * Zommari Leroux - Byakuya Kuchiki: use speed in their combat, sonído and shunpo respectively, and are generally silent, calm, somewhat overconfident, and have a small measure of pride, often refusing to accept defeat. However, unlike Byakuya, Zommari is boastful, impatient, and forceful.
 * Szayel Aporro Granz - Mayuri Kurotsuchi: are scientists and are cruel to both their enemies and their allies/minions. However, unlike Mayuri, Szayel tends to think highly of himself (he believes himself to be the perfect being), and wishes to see all non-Hollows totally wiped out of existence.
 * Aaroniero Arruruerie - Jūshirō Ukitake: Both have a relationship with both Rukia Kuchiki and Kaien Shiba. Both also possess elemental water Zanpakutōs.
 * Yammy Rialgo - Sajin Komamura: are the biggest in their groups and use pure strength. Even their release and bankai take a form of a tremendous giant. However, unlike Sajin, who is gentle, humble, proud and honorable, Yammy is oafish and arrogant.
 * Neliel Tu Oderschvank - Retsu Unohana: Both are disliked by the brute force warriors of their class — the 11th Division's dislike of the 4th Division whereas Nnoitra dislikes Neliel. Both are also deceptively mighty.
 * Luppi - Gin Ichimaru: Luppi and Gin are highly similar in personality as they both share a similar passion of using sarcasm and polite mockery. However, Luppi tends to act outwardly arrogant more often.
 * Charlotte Cuuhlhorne - Yumichika Ayasegawa: Both think of themselves as very beautiful and also make fun of each other in a comedic fashion. Even their swords are "flower" related. However, Cuulhorne believes true beauty is reflected by an individual's personality first and appearance second, whereas Yumichika possesses vanity solely based on outward appearance.
 * Nirgge Parduoc - Marechiyo Omaeda: The both of them are arrogant and large in weight to each other. They even have the same method of attack all focused in strength. However, Marechiyo is actually clever enough to hide his actual speed against Nirgge and manages to trick him with this.
 * Findor Carias - Shuhei Hisagi: The both of them are very calm and cautious of each other. Although, Findor thinks the correct answers can help to win a battle. He believes "If you know strength of enemy, you can win." Hisagi later shows him that what is important in battle is experience and willpower.