Jin Kariya

is an anime-only character created by Tite Kubo for the Bount arc, acting as its primary antagonist. He is the leader of the Bounts.

Appearance
A tall muscular man, Jin Kariya's original name is Eugene Currier (ユージン・カリヤー, Yūjin Kariyā), but he adopts a Japanese-style name later in his life. He has a scar on his chin caused by a slash from a Hollow when he was young, short white hair, long upward-curving eyebrows and red eyes. He is the most powerful member of the Bount group. Kariya had brown hair and brown eyes when he was a young boy. His hair color and eye color changed when he first merged with his doll.

Personality
When first introduced, Kariya's goal was to acquire massive numbers of living spirits to increase the power of himself and his followers, most notably through the summoning of the bitto. The techniques used had a 50% chance of ripping open the barrier between the mortal world and Hueco Mundo.

This initial plan, however, has been revealed as merely a means to an end. His ultimate goal is not simply to increase his power, but rather to invade and overthrow Soul Society. To accomplish that, Kariya has obtained a device (Jōkaishō) from the Shinigami Research Institute which he claimed would allow him to obliterate Seireitei. However this could also be a means to end his eternal existence.

Kariya seems to be very knowledgeable and intelligent as he has great knowledge of Soul Society. He knew who Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki were before even meeting them. He was aware of the Four Great Noble Houses of Soul Society, and knew of existence of the Jōkaishō in the Shinigami Research Institute in Seireitei. He is also able to speak both German and Japanese.

Kariya is revealed to have no emotional attachment to any of his subordinates, as he mentions that he sees them only as pawns to achieve his own goals. However, in his younger days, he did appear very devoted and carrying for his people, as shown from his anger at witnessing other Bounts being slaughter and when he tearfully cried for the dead Cain.

History
Kariya was first created by an experimental error which occurred in Seireitei. Later, in the Bounts' Cave in the material world, he was saved by Ran'Tao from the Shinigami who were trying to eliminate the Bounts. Right before Ran'Tao told him to run away while she deals with the Shinigami, Ran'Tao gave Kariya his Doll, Messer ("knife", in German). Kariya merged with the doll when fighting Hollows, and since then his attitude changed, and he became determined to create a paradise for Bounts. Later, Kariya was against proposals to use the Quincy to return to Soul Society to live, thinking the Shinigami would use the Bount as servants. He witnessed a war between the Bount and the Quincy, where the Shinigami from Soul Society suddenly came and started to massacre the Bount. Kariya was deeply angered by this, and ever since then, he held a strong grudge against the Shinigami and Soul Society in general.

He also decided to give up on weak Bounts, forming his plan to gather all the remaining strong Bounts to him to destroy Soul Society. He perfected doll summoning from being hit-or-miss to a method that would sort out the strong Bounts from the weak, with failure resulting in death. In that way, the Bounts that were power-hungry stayed with Kariya. Sometime in his life, he learned that the Shinigami were the ones who created the Bount. Knowing that the Shinigami created his race just to destroy them, his grudge against the Shinigami only became worse.

One day Kariya was able to successfully stop the Bount, Yoshino Sōma, from committing suicide by revealing to her that he is a Bount as well. Kariya had then asked her to come live with him and she did so. The two got married and Kariya was able to convince Yoshino that they were given eternal life so that they could experience eternal bliss. However, he never truly loved her, and she eventually left him when she witnessed him take the soul of a human being.

At one point in time, Kariya had come over to the house of fellow Bount Gō Koga, with another Bount named Cain. Kariya attempted to entrust Cain to the care of Koga, but Koga told him he couldn't, explaining that a Bount is meant to train by himself instead of with the help of others, and that he could never betray this belief. However, Kariya told him that it was because of this belief that he wanted Cain entrusted in his care, as well as the fact that he had lived for a long time and had immense strength. Koga was eventually convinced into helping out Cain, and Kariya had handed Koga a book that explained doll summoning, a book he wrote himself. Kariya had then left Cain to his care. However, Cain later ended up dead due to summoning his doll to early. Kariya cried over Cain's grave and Koga had asked him to be forgiven as he was the one to blame. Kariya remarked to himself that Bounts should no longer live alone and he told Koga that from now on they should live together, which Koga agreed to. After that day, Koga became a subordinate to Kariya.

At another point in time, Kariya and Koga saved a Shinigami, Maki Ichinose, from a Hollow in a desert. Kariya had stopped the Hollow from moving by just putting a single finger on the Hollows head. He then allowed Maki to finish the Hollow off himself. Kariya gave Maki the chance to live with him during that event, and the Shinigami accepted. Ever since then, Maki became loyal to Kariya.

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

Kariya observes Karakura Town through a window in the Bount mansion. As he does this, Ryō Utagawa enters the room and brings Yoshino Sōma to Kariya. Kariya goes up to her and remarks that this town is beautiful because it is being absorbed by the darkness. Kariya asks Yoshino if she has gotten anything to eat, because if she hadn't then she can't use her powers. He then notices a mark on Yoshino's neck and he asks her if Ryō was disturbing her again, and that if something occurred that she disliked. Ryō remarks that Yoshino doesn't seem to know where her place is and Yoshino asks him what he means. Ryō explains that what he meant was that she should try asking her heart. Kariya tells Ryō not to tease Yoshino too much and Ryō apologizes. Kariya then tells Yoshino that he can't forgive everything she has done but Yoshino tells him that she has done nothing that requires his forgiveness. Yoshino explains that she won't let anyone interfere with her and Kariya tells her that this is fine, but he is also concerned for her because he believes that she is weak and foolish, to the point where he must protect her. Ryō then prepares to take out his doll so he can put Yoshino in a cell, causing Yoshino to prepare and take out her doll as well, but Kariya warns her not to do that since he doesn't feel like hurting her anymore. Kariya then locks Yoshino up. However, she later breaks out of the cell and runs away. Kariya observes this from a window and wonders where she is going, remarking that this is childish. He then closes his eyes and remarks yet again on how the darkness is making this town beautiful.

Later, Ryō asks Kariya if it's all right to leave Yoshino alone, but he doesn't answer him. Ryō begins to get angered by this and Kariya tells him that Yoshino won't leave him. He then orders two young Bounts, Hō and Ban, to attack Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends. Kariya later calls all of the Bounts into a single room, but Hō and Ban don't show up and Kariya asks Ryō what happened. Ryō states that Hō and Ban's presence has disappeared and he deduces that they were killed, but Kariya doesn't think much of this. Kariya tells the other Bounts that for a long time they have been forced to cling to the shadows of history and that they've endured cruelty far worse than any other civilization, but because they have persevered, this is now all behind them. He states that the time for them to be released from the darkness has finally come. Gō Koga suddenly gets up and tells Kariya to stop stalling and to tell them why they were called down here. Kariya tells him that they've completed their first objective and Mabashi remarks that a Quincy must have been found then. Kariya then tells the Bounts that he's going to need all of their help so he can capture this Quincy. Kariya states that it's time for the glorious era of the Bounts to begin.

After the Quincy, Uryū Ishida, is successfully captured, Ryō enters Kariya's room and he asks Kariya if he would like to see the Quincy now. Kariya asks if Koga is the one who captured him and Ryō confirms it. Kariya then refers to the Quincy as the "joker in the deck" and he leaves the room, deciding to see the Quincy. As he and Ryō walk to where Uryū is being held, Ryō asks if he should put the plan into motion but Kariya tells him not to yet. Ryō asks him why he's holding back and Kariya explains that all of his memories have been clouded in gray, and that this is the first time he has been able to see color in a long time. He asks Ryō if it's so wrong for him to enjoy this a little longer, and Ryō tells him that he understands, but still tries to convince Kariya. This ends up angering Kariya, and he yells at the Bount.

Kariya eventually meets Uryū, who is being watched by the other Bounts and held down by Koga's doll, Dalk. Uryū asks Kariya who he is and the Bount introduces himself. Kariya explains to Uryū that he brought him here because he's interested in his Quincy powers, and Uryū asks him if this is because he wants to gather the power of Hueco Mundo. Kariya doesn't answer him though and tells Uryū that their very similar because they've both suffered rejection because of their unique abilities. Kariya then proposes to Uryū that they join forces and explains that there's a chance that he can bring back his Quincy powers. Uryū asks him why he even wants him in the first place if he knows that he doesn't have any powers, but Kariya reiterates that it's because they are similar in many ways. Uryū tells him that he sees no reason in trusting him, but Kariya tells him to give it time and that he's sure that he'll come around to his side eventually. Kariya then tells Uryū to make himself at home here and Uryū asks him if he's being held captive here. Kariya simply tells him to think of himself as an important guest and he has the Quincy locked in a room. A bit later, Ichigo, Rukia Kuchiki, and some mod souls enter the mansion and Kariya greets them.

Ichigo senses Kariya's immense spiritual pressure and guesses that Kariya is the leader of the Bounts. Kariya introduces himself to the Shinigami and he refers to Ichigo by his full name. Ichigo asks Kariya how he knows of him and Kariya explains that "he makes it his business". Ryō suddenly enters the room and he asks Ichigo and his friends why they look so surprised to see them. Ryō asks them if it's because their afraid of them, causing Rukia to get angered but Ichigo calms her down. Ichigo then tells Kariya that he has come to take back Uryū but Kariya informs him that he has no intention of returning him. Ichigo doesn't take that for an answer though and he decides to battle the Bounts himself while Rukia and the mod souls look for Uryū. Ryō activates his doll, Fried, and decides to battle with Ichigo one one one, explaining that he alone can take care of him. Ryō states that he's going to prove this and he asks Kariya to remove his crest. Kariya does so, making it so that he can't use his doll and leaving him open to attack. Kariya tells Ryō to take his time and he remarks that he's going to enjoy watching their fight. After Ryō uses his Snake Net ability, Ichigo is seemingly defeated and Ryō asks Kariya if he would like him to track down the other intruders but Kariya states that he left Maki Ichinose to take care of them. All of a sudden Ichigo gets back up and tells the Bounts that he's going to finish this battle quickly so he can help Rukia and the others. Kariya asks Ichigo if his spiritual pressure is what protected him from Ryō's attack, and Ichigo confirms this. Ryō decides to continue his battle with Ichigo and launches an attack at the Shinigami, but Ichigo is able to overwhelm his attack by launching a Getsuga Tenshō. The attack then continues to go straight towards Kariya himself. However, Kariya dodges the attack and he tells Ichigo that he's impressed that he was able to stop Ryō's attack with pure strength. Ryō suddenly uses his doll to take Kariya's crest and Kariya asks him what he's doing. Ryō states that he's going to take over as leader of the Bounts and he tries to convince the other Bounts of this as well. Kariya interrupts Ryō and he begins provoking the Bount. Ryō attacks Kariya with his doll, but Kariya is able to easily deflect it with his hand and he reveals that his crest was already released when he put it down. Ichinose suddenly appears in front of Ryō and he kills off the Bount by releasing his Zanpakutō. Ichinose then prepares to do battle with Ichigo.

As Ichigo and Ichinose's battle begins to get more fierce, Kariya interrupts them and states that he'll be the one to defeat Ichigo because he has developed an interest in him. However, before deciding to battle, Kariya gives Ichigo a chance to be with the Bounts, but Ichigo denies the offer. Kariya then battles with the Shinigami and he is able to immobilize Ichigo by simply putting his finger to Ichigo's head. He then flicks his finger, causing Ichigo to crash into a wall. Ichinose asks for the final blow and Kariya allows him, remarking that Ichigo won't be as useful to him as the Quincy will. All of a sudden the mansion is attacked by Jinta, Ururu and Yoruichi Shihōin. The mansion is completely destroyed and in the process, Ichigo, Uryū, and Yoshino all escape. Later that night, the Bount examine the burning mansion and Ichinose asks Kariya what they should do now. Kariya simply says to let things be and states that both Yoshino and the Quincy will return to him.

After the flames in the mansion burn out, Kariya examines the rubble and eventually finds an old clock. Ichinose asks Kariya if it still works and Kariya remarks that he'll need a certain tool to get it fixed. Kariya then goes to search for the tool in the rubble. The next day, As Kariya tries to fix the clock, Ichinose informs him that he sent the other Bounts to the rendezvous point. Kariya then fixes the clock and Koga asks him if time will start moving again for them. However, Kariya states that time has never moved for the Bounts and that "even if you repair the gears, and wind the springs, it will not move". A bit later, Yoshino comes back to the destroyed mansion and confronts Kariya. Yoshino tells Kariya that she's going to kill him and asks him why he's going through with his plan so quickly. Kariya states that things have changed now and Yoshino asks him what he means. The Bount goes up to Yoshino and tells her that his plan depends on her power, but Yoshino informs him that she won't let him use her. She then summons her doll, Goethe, and the two begin battling. Kariya dodges Yoshino's attacks and tells her that what she's doing is dangerous. After a bit of fighting, Kariya asks Yoshino why she's in such a rush to die. She doesn't answer him though and Kariya tells her that it's impressive that she can still control her doll in her condition, but remarks that it's still foolish for her to use her doll since it can go out of control any second now. However, Yoshino states that if it's to stop him, then she doesn't care what happens to her. Kariya tells Yoshino that she doesn't seem to understand the importance of her existence and states that the relationship with her doll is not like a servant and master, but borders more on love. He states that this is because out of all the Bounts, she is the only one who can reproduce, and Yoshino asks him what he means.

Kariya suddenly calls for Uryū to come out, stating that he knows he's there. Uryū reveals himself and Yoshino asks him why he came. Kariya tells her that it's because he couldn't stand to see her get killed. Uryū asks Kariya what he plans to do with his Quincy powers, but Kariya informs him that he's useless to him without his powers. Kariya then tells Uryū that since he's here he's going to show him something interesting. Kariya then holds down Yoshino from behind and grabs her crest, causing her doll to fall down, unable to move. Uryū asks Kariya what he's planning to do and Kariya states that he can gain more power by taking advantage of Yoshino being able to reproduce. He tells Yoshino that he's going to put her life into new dolls. He then breaks Yoshino's crest, causing Yoshino's doll to go out of control. However, her doll still wishes to fight against Kariya and he combines with Yoshino. Kariya and Yoshino then take their battle into the sky, and as the two battle Kariya tells Yoshino that this is the power that he has been looking for. Kariya is eventually able to win the battle though by stabbing Yoshino through the chest with his bare hand. Yoshino reverts back to her original form, falls to the ground, and eventually dies as her body disappears into the air. Kariya then transmutes Yoshino's souls into new dolls, called bitto, and disappears from the area along with the other Bounts.

Kariya takes his subordinates to a cave that they have frequented many times and tells them not to dwell on the fact that they're beginning the final phase of their plans in a place where they lost many of their comrades. He informs them that Soul Society has already begun to move against them, but that they shouldn't fear them because the ore in this place shields all reiatsu. He continues to explain that the newly formed dolls should contain plenty of this ore, and that they should let themselves be fully strengthened by this ore. Kariya then decides to show them the full extent of their research and calls one of the bitto to him. He explains that bitto absorb the souls of humans and bring it back to this cave, and that they were created by both him and Ugaki. Sawatari asks how this is any different from attacking humans and absorbing their souls themselves, but Kariya explains that the spirit energy that the bitto collect are highly purified, as well as being concentrated, and that because of that they are now able to begin absorbing the souls that have been forbidden to them until now. He states that their powers will now dramatically increase, and that he will be the first to obtain this power. Kariya opens up the bitto and takes out a vial stored in it, and he pours the contents of the vial into a glass. He then begins drinking from the glass and his power begins to increase, causing his veins to begin popping from his skin. After finishing, Kariya tells his subordinates that there is neither pain nor regret from doing this, and that all you feel is superiority.

The Bounts agree to doing this, with the exception of Mabashi who argues with the other Bounts and explains that absorbing the soul of a human is forbidden and that they'll be major side effects from doing this. Kariya goes up to Mabashi and tells him that he isn't wrong for insisting on his opinion, but states that he doesn't care and punches Mabashi into a wall. As Mabashi tries to breath from the attack, Kariya goes up to him and kicks him, forcing him further into the cave walls. He then picks up Mabashi and throws him onto the ground, and begins stomping on his head. Kariya tells him that the next time that he tries to insist on his point of view, then he should prepare to lose his life, and he kicks the Bount into the air, causing him to slam into another wall. He then looks at the other Bount and explains to them that the Bounts new law is him. The Bounts begin drinking from the vial, gaining a huge increase in power, and Kariya asks them how it was. They all remark on how great a feeling it gave them, and Kariya explains that if they keep doing this, a truly magnificent world will open before them. Kariya then goes over to Mabashi, who continues to go against the idea of using the bitto, and Kariya tells him that there's nothing to be afraid of. As Mabashi continues to be stubborn, Ichinose asks if he can heal his wounds but Kariya tells him that there's no need as they will be healed in a moment. Kariya grabs Mabashi by his hair and calls for a bitto to come over. It does so, and Kariya forcibly opens Mabashi's mouth and puts the contents from the vial into his mouth. As Mabashi drops to the ground shocked from the new power he has gained, Kariya welcomes him to the Bounts new world. Later, Ugaki informs Kariya that a Shinigami is killing the bitto, but Kariya simply says that the Shinigami will learn what happens to people who hurt the bitto.

Kariya later orders the Bounts to leave the cave and stop Ichigo and his friends from arriving here. He gives Ugaki command over the Bounts while he stays here, and he orders them to bring back the bitto as well. After they leave, Ichinose asks if this is really a good idea but Kariya tells him that it would be good for them to get used to their new found power from the bitto. As this happens, the only Bount to have not left, Mabashi, begins laughing from his own power and Kariya orders Ichinose to look over him while he goes to his room.

In Kariya's room, a bitto goes to where Kariya is and Kariya opens up the bitto to drink the contents it contains. Ichinose, who is also in the room, apologizes to Kariya, explaining that Mabashi slipped away from him while he wasn't paying attention. Ichinose goes on to remark on Mabashi's change in personality, but Kariya explains that all Bounts eventually want to suck out the souls of the living. Ichinose asks if Mabashi will be able to control himself but Kariya tells him not to be concerned about the Bounts and that he should instead trust in them. Kariya goes on to explain that it doesn't matter either way if Mabashi loses control, because the only thing that matters is if he gets stronger. Later, Kariya is shown drinking more of the living souls from the bitto. After doing this, he gets up and asks Ichinose if he'll take care of everything. Ichinose tells him that he will. After hearing this, Kariya decides to go to bed and Ichinose leaves the area.

Later, the Bounts come back to the hideout and they inform Kariya of their failure to defeat the Humans and Shinigami. However, Kariya tells them that he doesn't care, and that they at least got to test out their new-found power. Mabashi states that his power still isn't enough, but Koga tells him not to get greedy. Kariya tells Mabashi that he did well in battle and that he shouldn't care about a single loss, but Mabashi claims that he didn't lose. Ichinose tells Mabashi that if he continued to fight he would have died, but Mabashi continues to be stubborn. Kariya suddenly states that their enemies are coming for them, but that they shouldn't worry and should simply continue using the bitto to get stronger. Kariya calls for Ugaki to come out, and he does so, and Kariya asks what Uryū is doing. Ugaki states that Uryū is trying to get his powers back but is struggling to do so. Kariya then dismisses Ugaki, and Ichinose informs Kariya that "they are about to move".

When Ichigo's friends and several high ranking officers in the Gotei 13 invade the Bount hideout, Ugaki, who is currently in the middle of a battle, informs Kariya that a Shinigami has appeared before Uryū, and he asks what he should do. Kariya simply tells Ugaki that his plans have changed and that he should finish his battle. However, in the middle of Ugaki's battle, Kariya destroys Ugaki's hideout and has his doll Geselle turn on him. Kariya tells Ugaki that he did a fine job and bids the Bount farewell, leaving him to get killed by his own doll.

A bit later, Ichigo arrives at Kariya and the other Bounts location. Kariya walks up to Ichigo and remarks that he's going to need more time to achieve the Bounts objective. Ichigo suddenly realizes that Kariya killed his fellow Bount Ugaki on purpose, and calls him out on killing his friend just to slow them down a bit. Kariya informs Ichigo that what he did wasn't his intention, but that his plans have simply changed. Kariya then states that he's going to leave the Human World now, and Ichigo concludes that Kariya must be planning the same thing as Aizen. Kariya tells the other Bount to begin with the preparations, and Koga chants a spell that opens up a world-connecting gate. Kariya explains to Ichigo that the Bount are able to manipulate dimensions by absorbing Human souls and storing their power. As he says this, Ichinose tells Kariya that he'll perform the ceremony.

Kariya decides that he'll test his power against Ichigo and the two of them begin battling. Kariya is shown to be much stronger then Ichigo, and he eventually runs his arm through Ichigo's stomach, causing the Shinigami to cough up a large amount of blood. He then kicks Ichigo across the room, causing the Shinigami to drop his Zanpakutō. Kariya asks Ichigo why he doesn't use his Bankai, and he asks Ichigo to pick up his Zanpakutō. However, seeing Ichigo's lack of strength causes Kariya to kick the Zanpakutō away from Ichigo and decide to finish off the Shinigami. He decides that it would be a shame if Ichigo died ignorant though, and he states that he's going to explain what the Bounts true goal is. Kariya tells Ichigo that they're going to head to the Soul Society to take revenge against them for creating the Bount.

Kariya explains to Ichigo that long ago Soul Society conducted experiments for unknown reasons. He states that the only thing that is known about these experiments is that Soul Society saw Humans only as research subjects. Kariya remarks that after looking through the records he found who was responsible for this, but he doesn't reveal who it was. He then explains that an accident from one of these experiments caused a huge explosion, and that explosion created a new type of Human that was scattered throughout the world. He reveals that they were the Bount, and that at first the Bount were worried about how they would live in the Human World. He explains that they tried to hide their ability from the other Humans, but it was impossible and they were shunned by society. However, Soul Society soon offered the Bount a chance to live with them, but Kariya reveals that it was really all a part of the Soul Society's plot.

Kariya tells Ichigo that the cave they are currently in is where many of the Bount tried to hide to escape persecution. He states that there are only a few of them left now, and he asks Ichigo if he understands that the Soul Society tried to erase the Bount from history. Kariya then states that he and the other Bount won't let the Soul Society have an eternal future, and that they'll annihilate the Soul Society. Ichigo tells Kariya that he won't be able to understand what the Soul Society did to them, but with even that excuse it doesn't give them a reason to take the lives of other Humans. Ichigo then picks up his Zanpakutō, tells Kariya that he won't forgive him, and fires off a Getsuga Tenshō at the Bount. However, Kariya easily deflects the attack with his arm and charges towards Ichigo, allowing him to stab his hand across Ichigo's chest.

Kariya tells Ichigo that he doesn't have enough power to stop him but Ichigo still tries to fight him. However, he is easily defeated by Kariya, and Kariya tells Ichigo that the souls of Humans have increased his power. Ichigo struggles to get back up and tries to get his Zanpakutō, but Kariya picks it up instead. Kariya asks Ichigo how it would be like to be killed by his own Zanpakutō, but to the surprise of Kariya, Ichigo grabs his Zanpakutō and runs it through his own stomach.

Ichigo is suddenly shown to be wielding Zangetsu instead of Kariya, and he immediately activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu. The two of them immediately begin battling again, with the two of them fighting on equal ground. Ichigo and Kariya decide to quickly finish up their battle, but before they can a Quincy arrow is shot between the two of them. Uryū appears, along with the rest of Ichigo's friends. Uryū then prepares to fire another Quincy arrow and Kariya tells him not to miss this time. Uryū suddenly appears behind Kariya and tells him that he didn't miss the last time. Kariya remarks that Uryū really has gained his powers back, and he asks Ichinose if the preparations are complete yet. Ichinose tells him that they are, and Koga opens up the gate. Kariya then asks Uryū what he's going to do and Uryū points his Quincy arrow towards the gate to Soul Society. This leads the others to believe that Uryū is going to destroy the gate, but when he fires the arrow it the gate it ends up activating the gate.

Kariya thanks Uryū, causing Ichigo to become confused and Uryū explains that the path to Soul Society is now open. He states that he knew this would happen because Nemu told him about it, and that it would be impossible for the Bounts to enter Soul Society without them transferring their bodies into spiritual particles. Kariya states that this is the reason why he needed the Quincy, and Ichigo yells at Uryū for going along with the Bounts plan. Kariya states that he's thankful for Yoshino as not only did she give him the bitto, she also led him straight to the power of the Quincy. Uryū tells Kariya not to misunderstand him as the only reason he opened the gate to Soul Society was so he could defeat him there. Kariya tells him it's pointless, but then invites the Shinigami and Quincy to go after him if they want. Kariya and the other Bount then leave through the gate to Soul Society. Kariya and the other Bount arrive in Soul Society, and Kariya states that it's time for them to take their revenge on Soul Society.

Upon arriving at Soul Society, Kariya and Koga are shown to be the only two Bount together, and Koga remarks that it's quiet. Kariya simply says that it will be loud soon enough, and they are suddenly confronted by Marechiyo and his group of Shinigami. Iba suddenly appears behind the two Bount, and he tells them that they were impressive to slip past all the walls. Koga asks for Kariya's permission to leave this battle to him and Kariya allows it. Koga immediately takes care of the Shinigami, and Iba is eventually thrown right in front of Kariya. Kariya mocks the Shingami, and he throws Iba into a wall. Koga and Kariya then continue through Soul Society.

Kariya eventually enters a gambling place and asks if he can join in on their card game, claiming that he's going to bet his life. This causes everyone to laugh at Kariya, and they believe him to be an amateur. However, once they start playing the card game Kariya wins, and this causes someone to claim that he's cheating. The guy attacks Kariya with a knife but Kariya easily blocks the blow with his bare hand. Kariya mocks the guy, and then throws him into a wall. Kariya prepares to fight with someone else, but Koga suddenly enters the gambling place. Kariya remarks that he thought he was going to have some fun, and Koga calls in Ichinose to help him in stopping Kariya. The people in the gambling place suddenly go to fight all three of them, but they are easily stopped by them. Koga tells Kariya that if he doesn't tone it down a bit there's going to be problems and they'll be quickly discovered. Kariya then goes up to the leader of the gambling place, Tōba, and tells him that he's going to turn Soul Society upside down, and he asks for his help.

A bit later, Kariya asks Tōba if they'll be able to gather some comrades. Tōba states that no one goes against what he says, and that by tomorrow he'll have all the people he requested. Tōba then leaves, and Koga apologizes to Kariya for having to stay in a place like this. Kariya tells him that he shouldn't apologize, and that he's actually having fun. Kariya then asks Ichinose how he feels right now, but he doesn't answer due to being lost in his thoughts. Kariya tells Ichinose that something must be bothering him, but Koga points out that the same goes for Kariya. Kariya then states that someone interesting is coming towards them, and he decides that he's going to take care of this one personally.

At night, Kariya confronts Byakuya in the forest and asks if he has come for revenge because another Bount, Yoshi, hurt his sister Rukia. However, Byakuya tells him that it doesn't matter as anyone who disturbs Soul Society must be cut down. Kariya and Byakuya begin battling, and Byakuya notes Kariya's ability to use Shunpo. Kariya suddenly uses wind to attack Byakuya, but he is unable to hurt the captain. Byakuya states that he knows of the Bount using dolls to battle, and Byakuya asks Kariya if the wind he just used was his doll. Kariya doesn't confirm or deny his question, and Byakuya states that if he's correct he'll cut down his doll as well. The two of them then continue battling, but neither are able to successfully hit each other. Kariya remarks that Byakuya's strength is even greater than the rumors claim, and he tells Byakuya that he's glad he met him. Byakuya is confused, and Kariya states that Byakuya is known to be the greatest leader in the history of the Kuchiki clan, and that it would only be natural that he wants to test his strength against him.

Byakuya asks Kariya what his goals are, and Kariya states that since Byakuya is the most famous captain in the Gotei 13, Seireitei would be in chaos if he was to defeat him. Byakuya believes that he's talking nonsense, but Kariya tells him that he's quite serious and that he wouldn't have come here to fight him if he wasn't confident in his own abilities. Kariya then notes that Byakuya is a much softer person then the rumors have claimed, since he went and saved his sister from being killed by one of the Bount, and that he even came here to get revenge for what happened. Byakuya informs Kariya that he simply cuts down anyone who disturbs Soul Society, and Kariya states that whatever the case may be, he must die here to further the Bount plans. Byakuya tells Kariya that he'll be the one to die here, and he releases his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura.

Kariya is immediately enveloped by Senbonzakura, but he is able to break out of the attack unharmed. Kariya remarks that Senbonzakura is a beautiful technique, but it doesn't work on him. Kariya then begins to use the wind to attack, and Byakuya remarks that he was correct in thinking that Kariya manipulates the wind. Kariya then uses Windestanz and attacks Byakuya with several tornadoes. Believing his opponent to now be dead, Kariya walks away, but Byakuya suddenly uses Hadō #33 Sōkatsui and gets rid of the tornadoes. Byakuya then uses Hadō #4 Byakurai, but Kariya dodges his attack. The two then begin clashing with each other, and Kariya states that since his power is the wind, he can fight without limit, unlike Byakuya's Senbonzakura.

Kariya states that whatever techniques Byakuya uses, he won't be able to defeat him, and that he'll be the one to win this match. The two of them then clash with each other, and Kariya is able to bring his hand up to Byakuya's neck, while Byakuya is able to bring his Zanpakutō up to Kariya's neck. Byakuya tells Kariya that at this distance he can easily kill him, but Kariya tells him that before he gets the chance he would lose his own head. The two of them then begin battling again, and Kariya is able to get himself in the same situation, except this time he is able to grab Byakuya's Zanpakutō. Kariya immediately uses Windestanz, while Byakuya uses Senbonzakura, and the two powers clash with each other. As this happens, Ichigo suddenly appears and he fires off a Getsuga Tenshō towards the two of them, stopping both of their attacks.

As Byakuya and Ichigo talk with each other, Kariya begins using the spiritual particles in the air to heal himself, and he states that as long as he's in Soul Society he's invincible. Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, and he begins battling against Kariya. As they fight, Byakuya activates his own Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, and attacks the two of them. Ichigo begins attacking Kariya but he is soon forced to head back when Byakuya attacks Kariya with his Bankai. Kariya suddenly attacks Ichigo and is able to successfully punch Ichigo in the stomach, causing the Shinigami to crash into the ground. Ichigo wonders why he can't keep up with Kariya, and Kariya tells him that while he isn't as quick as him, he has had many years of fighting experience. Kariya is suddenly cut by something, and Byakuya notes that it doesn't appear as if Kariya's wind barrier is impenetrable. Kariya tells Byakuya that he still won't be able to defeat him, and he begins using the spiritual particles in the air to heal himself again.

Byakuya attacks Kariya with his Bankai, and he is able to get Senbonzakura Kageyoshi to envelop the Bount. Kariya's wind barrier breaks and the Bount falls to the ground. Kariya begins healing himself, but Byakuya attacks him immediately and the two clash with each other again. Before the battle can continue, something crashes into the ground and the three are forced to separate from each other. A women appears from the crash site, and Ichigo recognizes the person as Yoshino Sōma. The person tells Kariya that she has finally found him, and Kariya angrily asks who she is. She introduces herself as Ran'Tao, causing shock to Kariya as he believed she died.

Ran'Tao tells Kariya that she knew he'd come someday, and that the wait for him felt like an eternity. Kariya begins to get angered at Ran'Tao as she was the one that caused all of the Bount pain. As Ran'Tao asks Kariya if he's going to kill her, Ichigo steps in front of Ran'Tao and tells her that if she's really who she says she is, then she has a lot to answer for him, and that he can't just let her get killed. Kariya states that he wasn't going to kill her, and that he wants her to watch as the Bount fulfill their goal. As he explains that he'll kill her after he annihilates Seireitei, Byakuya suddenly uses his Bankai to attack Kariya and reiterates from before that anyone who disturbs Soul Society will be cut down.

Kariya tries to escape, but Ichigo attacks the Bount and the two of them begin battling. However, before they can continue Koga appears with his doll summoned and attacks the group to save Kariya. Koga uses his doll to distract the group, and both Kariya and Koga escape. A bit later, Koga asks Kariya how Byakuya was and he states that he was good, and that his fight with him will help promote their cause. Kariya then asks Ichinose where the other Bount are, and he states that they are currently observing Seireitei.

As the people from Kasjishi cut down trees and begin dragging them somewhere, Kariya tells them to rest for awhile and to listen to what he has to say. Kariya starts off by saying that he's impressed with the courage that the people of Kasjishi have, and that they are now free from Soul Society. Kariya then states that they'll take over Seireitei, but for it to work he needs their strength, and that he prays for their safety in battle. A bit later, Koga tells Kariya that the preparations for attacking Seireitei are coming along nicely. Ichinose suddenly appears and informs Kariya that several captain-level Shinigami are heading towards them. Ichinose requests that he stays behind and finishes them off, and Kariya allows it since things would be much easier if he took care of those Shinigami now.

Kariya, his subordinates, and the inhabitants of Kusajishi next appear before one of Seireitei's four gates. Once the gate is opened, the people of Kasjishi head in, but they are immediately confronted by some Shinigami. However, Kariya steps in front of the people of Kasjishi, and he easily stops the Shinigami by himself. Kariya then tells the people of Kasjishi that they must part ways here, claiming that they were just pawns to him that were needed to open up the gates. This begins to anger the people of Kasjishi, and they all charge towards Kariya, but he easily stops them by using the wind power from his doll. Kariya, Koga, and Sawatari then continue on through Seireitei.

Before he can go any further, Ichigo and his friends appear near the gate, so the Bount destroys the giant wooden siege machine that was holding the gate up, causing the gate to come crashing down. Sawatari mocks the Shinigami for not even reacting, but Kariya warns him not to underestimate the captains, and to tell Mabashi and Yoshi to create a diversion. He states that while their doing that, he wants Sawatari and Koga to crush each divisions captain. Sawatari asks Kariya what he's going to do, and Kariya states that their final goal is to destroy Seireitei, and that he'll be getting something that will help him accomplish that goal. Sawatari asks where this thing is, and he states that it's in the Bureau of Technology, but he doesn't say what the thing he's getting is.

Kariya enters the Shinigami Research Institute in Seireitei and gains immense power from a seal called Jōkaishō. He announces that he currently has the power to destroy Seireitei completely whenever he wants to, but he wants all of Soul Society to fear for their lives for a day before doing so. Some research by Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake later reveals that Kariya lied, and in reality, he needed to wait for one day after first activating the Jōkaishō in order to destroy Seireitei with it.

Disturbed by Kariya's steadfast determination to destroy all of Soul Society and the fact that many of his comrades have died, Koga argues with Kariya, saying he shouldn't go through with his plan, going as far as slamming him into a wall. Kariya stabs him through the stomach and leaves, giving his thanks for all the years of his servitude. He then waits until the next day to destroy Seireitei.

While waiting, Ran'Tao appears to confront him. After a brief fight using a Kidō gun, Ran'Tao explains to Kariya that she had always been trying to save the Bounts, especially Kariya, but Kariya does not recall any of that at first. After his wind blast knocks Ran'Tao down onto the ground, Kariya has a flashback of the events during the Bount massacre. When he finishes recounting the past, he comments that "for [him] to have forgotten the false hope and endless suffering Ran'Tao has caused must be because of Jōkaishō", demonstrating that he viewed Ran'Tao's efforts to save the Bounts as attempts to torment the Bount.

Uryū appears to save Ran'Tao, and with full mastery over his Quincy battle accessory, is able to fight Kariya as an equal. However, his battle accessory becomes increasingly unstable, and begins to break. Uryū eventually finds an opening, and is prepared to kill Kariya until Kariya sends a wind blast at Ran'Tao. Unwilling to let Ran'Tao die, Uryū uses his last shot from his battle accessory to save Ran'Tao. As Kariya prepares to kill the two, Ichigo arrives, and the two move to Sōkyoku hill.

Maki Ichinose appears and fights Ichigo temporarily. He then turns on Kariya, saying his revenge by destroying Seireitei won't help him, and if he doesn't stand down, he'll kill Kariya. Kariya gets annoyed and impales him. As of this moment all Kariya's comrades are dead (except for Koga, who was saved by Ran'Tao). Ichigo gets angry at seeing Kariya kill his comrade. Kariya replies that Ichinose was just a pawn in his plan, like all the others.

Ichigo then defeats Kariya in a powerful and climatic sword fight even though Kariya uses some of Jōkaishō's power to boost his own. Before disintegrating into dust, Kariya mentions he regrets not being able to watch whether Ichigo will choose to take the same path as he did.

Arrancar arc
Kariya makes a brief reappearance during the anime's rendition of Ichigo's training to control his inner hollow, manifesting as a mental apparition formed by Ichigo's regret of slaying him. Kariya briefly battles with Ichigo, and then tells him that regretting the death of his enemies will only make him weak and that if Ichigo cannot overcome his mental weakness he will be unable to withstand the ever-stronger foes he must face in the future. Though given derisively, these words aid Ichigo in helping him regain his resolve.

Powers & Abilities
Soul Absorption: Bounts normally try to absorb the Human's soul after the person dies and is trying to pass on. But they are also capable of taking the souls of those who are living, to do so kills the Human.


 * Immortality: By absorbing Human souls, a Bount can live forever. When they absorb Human souls, they gain eternal life.


 * Empowerment: By taking the souls of living Humans, Bounts gain unique abilities.

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Drawing from his centuries of experience, Kariya has repeatedly shown himself a powerful fighter, easily able to take opponents unarmed, even able to easily catch and block his opponent's weapons with a single hand. His attacks are shown to be swift and accurate with no wasted timing, giving his opponents little time to find openings for a counterattack.

Immense Spiritual Power: Kariya has repeatedly shown to have an immense spiritual energy. An example to better illustrate this fact is that he used much of his power to contain the Joukaishou and still fought on equal terms with and even at one point over-power Ichigo in their last fight. His spiritual power was shown great enough to seemingly equal to that of Ichigo's during the last clash between them. He is, undoubtedly, the strongest member of the Bounts. Even before enhancing his power with purified souls through the Bitto, he was able to easily over-power Ichigo, a captain-level fighter, armed with his Shikai.

Keen Intellect: As the leader of the Bounts and a man who has lived for centuries, Kariya has shown himself to be a highly cunning and resourceful man. Kariya has a great talent for planning things out well in advance, as well as easily deceiving friend and foe to aid him in his plans. In battle, Kariya can quickly analyze an opponent's attack patterns, allowing him to predict his opponent's next move easier.

Enhanced Strength: Kariya has also shown to have deceptive raw strength. During his first battle against Ichigo, he was able to effortlessly knock Ichigo through a wall with a simple finger flick. He was also able to take Yasutora Sado, a highly enduring man, out of the battle with a single punch.

Enhanced Speed: While not having access to Shunpo or similar techniques, Kariya has repeatedly demonstrated tremendous raw speed, capable of disappearing from unfocused eyes, as well as being able to keep up the speed and skill of Shunpo experts like Byakuya.

Reiatsu Stealth: Like the rest of his kind, Kariya is able to conceal his very spiritual presence, making stealth all the easier.

Spirit Particles Absorption: While not capable of manipulating spiritual energy like the Shinigami or Quincy can, Kariya is able to absorb energy in the atmosphere to heal himself faster depending on how strong the concentration is and gradually increase his physical and doll might. However he was prevented from doing so after Ran Tao injected him with some kind of serum.

Doll Attunement: Ran'Tao states that since a young age, Kariya was considered unique among the Bounts such as having the ability to naturally summon and control his doll.

Kariya also has hidden powers, some of which allow him to deflect attacks and immobilize a target by putting a single finger to their heads.

Doll

 * The first time he was able to use this doll was when he used a device given to him from Ran'Tao, the co-creator of the Bount. It is originally shown that unreleased, Kariya's doll is a case for playing cards. Released, it takes the form of a pata sword in the shape of the Bount crest with a wind blade.


 * Wind Manipulation: It is later shown that unlike the other Bounts, Kariya can use the abilities of his doll without it being called out as an extension of himself, which is what his tattoo (seal) on the left side of his chest and shoulder is for; the doll's ability is the manipulation of wind.


 * Wind Barrier: Kariya creates wind barriers using the manipulation of his doll to protect against attacks, but the barriers seem to be penetrable after countless attacks from Byakuya using his Zanpakutō Senbonzakura's Bankai. The only people shown capable of cutting through his barriers are Ichigo, Byakuya, and Uryū Ishida.


 * Windestanz: (German for "Wind Dance"), by chanting "The Great Winds, come before. The great powers, come into me." Kariya can summon tornadoes to attack his opponent.


 * Wind Licht Schneide: ("Wind Light Edge"), Kariya fires off a strong, slim, blast of wind.


 * Lightning Blade: By gathering static electricity in the air, he can change the blade to a condensed lightning blade which can also shoot electricity. Boosted by the infinite amounts of spirit particles, it is powerful enough to contend with Zangetsu.

Appearance in Other Media
Kariya has his Bleach Beat Collection Second Session album, although he is a filler character. His Seiyū, Toru Ohkawa performs song entitled "Looking For..." on this album. He shares the album with his fellow filler characters - Ririn, Noba and Kurōdo. Up to date, Kariya does not appear in any Bleach video game.

Quotes

 * "Wonderful view, no? However, it is the perspective of someone who sees everything in diving darkness. Never should we become part of the bright light."
 * "This city is beautiful because it is being absorbed by the darkness."
 * "Really long. We live in the shadows of history. During this time, the number of people who suffered, and consequently were forced to ask clemency was uncountable. Like I said, time for us, the Bounts, get rid of darkness is coming."
 * "We lived for a long time. It is so long that our sharp memories begin to chip and dull. My "me" today is starting to see the world in colors again. Can I take a little longer?"
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Illusions are seen with the heart, not the eyes. That you made a replica of me inside your soul reveals that you regret defeating me. As soon as the battle ends, you turn your back to the enemy you defeated and the friends you couldn't protect."
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "You can't cut me. At least not with a sword that regrets having defeated me. Let me tell you the truth. The truth behind fighting. Fighting continues forever. After you've defeated one person, someone stronger appears. If you manage to defeat him, then an even stronger person comes along. If you don't have the resolve to endure that eternal struggle, then eventually your confidence will erode. But it doesn't end there! The battle will continue elsewhere, fought by others. It's an endless cycle! And it doesn't end with a person's death. The cycle will continue! As long as people and their souls exist, there will be disputes, and those disputes will lead to fights. And those fights will continue without limit, for all eternity."

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