Yhwach

The Vandenreich Leader is the leader of the eponymous group, the Vandenreich.

Appearance
The leader has long, black hair that reaches past his shoulders and red-brown eyes. He also has thin eyebrows and well-kempt mutton chops, but is otherwise clean-shaven. His usual attire consists of a white, double-breasted trench coat with large buttoned cuffs and lapels, as well as white trousers and trench boots. Over this, he wears a tattered, ankle-length black cloak that has a red ribbon near the neck and is fastened to the left using a single large button.

Personality
He is adamant in his dislike of conflict, so much so that he will attempt to stop them at all costs, even if brutal methods are required. His contempt for Arrancar is apparent, with him mercilessly wounding and slaying those that have even sworn allegiance to him, when he deems them to have fulfilled their use.

History
About 1,000 years ago, during unknown circumstances, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto failed to kill him.

At some point during the seventeen months after the defeat of Sōsuke Aizen, the Vandenreich invaded Hueco Mundo and he personally defeated its ruler, Tier Harribel. As a result, he imprisoned her and claimed the territory of Hueco Mundo as their own, while regarding it as another foundation stone to invade Soul Society.

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc
For arguing with Asguiaro Ebern upon his return to the Vandenreich base, the leader severs Luders Friegen's arm, complaining that he disliked conflict. With Luders declining his offer to lie down before him in exchange for his legs, he questions the latter's estimate that five days were required for them to prepare for the battle with Soul Society. Asking if Luders wasn't a prophet, why he was talking about the future, he promptly kills him and turns his attention to Asguiaro. Having no reason to praise or blame Asguiaro as he effectively delayed Ichigo Kurosaki, the leader states that his role was over and that in death, he would be a foundation stone for peace. As Asguiaro erupts in a torrent of blood, one subordinate asks if it was alright to kill Arrancar, as they needn't be taught how to fight. Dismissing this, he states that they could acquire as many Arrancar as needed thanks to Hueco Mundo already being their territory, as he looks at the imprisoned Tier Harribel.

Informed that Asguiaro's discarded medallion was used but unable to seal Ichigo's Bankai, the leader states that a special plan was needed to do so. Declaring that "hot-blooded fools" could be useful at times, he instructs his subordinate to order the Jagdarmee of Hueco Mundo to collect "a few idiots" alive. Later told of Ichigo's on-going battle with Kirge Opie, he notes that this was the perfect opportunity to invade Soul Society, before ordering that all the Stern Ritter be notified.

Appearing in the air above Ryūnosuke Yuki and the 13th Division as they readied themselves for battle, having already bypassed the Shakonmaku, the Vandenreich leader remarks on their expectations that they would attack from one of Seireitei's gates and that war was always a bitter affair. When this group loses their composure in the face of Hidetomo Kajōmaru's defeat, he permits his subordinate to spare the others if he thought of it as the benign choice. Later informed of Byakuya Kuchiki's death and how it took longer than predicted, he remarks that the Stern Ritter's leniency was their only flaw, only to be approached by Kenpachi Zaraki carrying three dead Stern Ritter atop his shoulders. As Zaraki makes clear his intent to kill the leader and attacks, the two clash amid an enormous impact.

Powers & Abilities
Immense Spiritual Power: According to Kirge Opie, the Vandenreich Leader has strength paralleling that of an Espada, as he was able to defeat the Third Espada Tier Harribel without much difficulty, while the former Espada could "do nothing in front of him".

Reishi Manipulation: The Vandenreich Leader is capable of taking reishi and solidifying it at will. He can create an intricate throne for him to sit upon and break it down with ease, transforming it into steps to ascend to higher levels.

Quotes

 * (To Asguiaro Ebern and Luders Friegen) "How many times do I have to tell you? I will tolerate no petty bickering in my presence. Conflict does not please me."
 * (To members of the Thirteenth Division) "Conflict is always such a bitter affair."