Tessai Tsukabishi/Anime Continuity

is an employee of Urahara Shop and a childhood friend of Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin. One hundred years ago, he was the Captain of the Kidō Corps in Soul Society. He was forced into exile by Sōsuke Aizen and is currently hiding in the Human World with Urahara in an untraceable Gigai while helping out in his shop.

Bount arc
While Lieutenant Renji Abarai is staying at Urahara’s shop, he shares a meal with Tessai, Urahara, Ururu, Jinta, and Yoruichi. Tessai offers him seconds, saying that just because he is a freeloader does not mean he needs to hold back and continues to offer him more food as the others join in with the teasing. Renji declines and leaves after thanking them for the meal. The following day, when Renji, Ichigo, Uryū, and Sado arrive at the store demanding to use the store's phone. They are greeted by Urahara and Tessai, but the group rush passed them to answer the phone when it rings. As Ichigo listens to the caller, Tessai records the conversation. When the caller hangs up, the group discuss the conversation and Ichigo explains to Tessai and the others that Orihime has been kidnapped. Later, as Urahara analyses the recording, Tessai tells him about an unusual cloud nearby. He asks if it could be a Menos, but Urahara claims it is different. As the cloud quickly moves away, Tessai asks what is happening.

While Kisuke and Tessai enjoy some tea at the Urahara Shop, they are interrupted by Ichigo and the others. Ichigo asks them to look after his body and tell them that Sado has been kidnapped. Tessai takes Ichigo's body into the store and then serves them tea. As they discuss how to defeat the kidnappers, Tessai tells them that if their ability is Kidō, then it will be difficult to fight them with just a Zanpakutō. He also points out that they targeted Sado and Orihime, who would be their most difficult opponents. The group then receives another phone call from the kidnapper and leaves. Some time later, Tessai listens with the others as Yoruichi and Urahara explain about the Bount. When Uryū is taken by the Bount, Tessai sits with the others as they contemplate the situation. Ichigo and the others wish to search for him, but Urahara dissuades them. Later, Tessai interrupts a discussion between Urahara, Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji to tell them that they have received a message from Uryū. Along with the others, Tessai visits the Quincy in hospital and listens to his account of what happened to him.

Tessai presides over the healing of Uryū and Yoshino Sōma. Jinta brings in a pale of hot water, but Tessai tells him that the treatment they are undergoing does not require the water. When Jinta and Kon get into a noisy argument, Tessai shouts at them for being noisy in the presence of people undergoing treatment. The following day, Tessai tells Ichigo and Renji that breakfast is ready, again teasing Renji about being a freeloader. Ichigo asks where Urahara is and Tessai reveals that he is working on Ririn's Gigai. When Orihime comments that the meal looks delicious, Tessai tells her that she has good eyes and explains that he used French toast as a base, with melted red bean paste on top. He is present when Kurōdo reveals that Yoshino, Uryū, and Ririn have left the shop. When Uryū is brought back to the Urahara Shop, Tessai tells Ichigo that Uryū wishes to be alone for the time being. He then listens as the group discuss the disappearance of their aura and the Bitto.

Tessai is present during a meeting between Urahara and Suì-Fēng in Urahara's shop. When she criticizes the shop, Tessai tries to defend it, but is cut off by Urahara. Despite his protest, Tessai carries Hanatarō into the Urahara Shop and places him beside the unconscious forms of Renji and a boy. Urahara apologizes to Hanatarō for having Tessai rush him there. At Hanatarō's behest, Tessai sets up a barrier and gathers his Reiryoku around it. Later, he helps treat the injured Ichigo when he shows up at the shop. When a badly injured Keigo Asano is also brought in, Hanatarō suggests transferring Ichigo's Reiryoku into Keigo and asks Tessai for some Soul Transfusers. Tessai asks him which numbers he wants and goes to fetch them. When the others return from their battles, Tessai informs Urahara and Ichigo of their arrival. Tessai sees off Ichigo and his group as they leave. He asks if it is alright not to warn them, but Urahara says not to do so.

Arrancar arc
Just before the surprise attack by Patros, Menis, and Aldegor, Tessai accompanies Urahara & Sado to pick up some supplies. He tells Jinta and Ururu to be sure they eat three meals a day and brush their teeth while they are away. While leaving, he hears Jinta say that they are wasting their time since the store hardly sells anything anyway. Tessai runs back and asks him if he said anything bad about the store, scaring Jinta. When the rebel Arrancar attack the Urahara Shop, Jinta and Ururu rush to tell Urahara and Tessai that Renji Abarai is fighting with the Arrancar. While running back, Tessai states that he is more worried about the store than 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 is abducted by Aizen, Tessai watches as Urahara opens the Garganta to allow Ichigo, Sado, & Uryū go to Hueco Mundo.

Hueco Mundo arc
Tessai assists Kon with his Karakura-Raizer duties while Urahara is preparing to transfer Karakura Town to Soul Society.

Beast Swords arc
Tessai is present when Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Ichigo Kurosaki visit the Urahara shop. Hitsugaya explains that the Tōjū have entered the Human World and are a threat that must be stopped.

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc
Tessai serves tea to Ichigo, Rukia and Kisuke as they discuss Rukia's orders to appear before the SRDI. Tessai later serves everyone as they have a barbecue. When Ichigo returns from retrieving Nozomi Kujō for a second time, Tessai informs him that the rest of the injured Shinigami are currently recuperating inside the shop. He also aids Urahara in opening up the Senkaimon for the captains to travel back to Soul Society.

Tessai informs Urahara that several Reigai have been caught in their trap. Tessai asks if they should precede to the next step. Urahara agrees and explains that without support from Soul Society, they will have to freeze space themselves. Tessai comments that is a huge undertaking. Later, when Ichigo and Kisuke go to Soul Society, everyone becomes concerned when no new information is sent by them. Ultimately, Tessai insists that everyone return to Soul Society do to the sudden emergence of several captain-level Reiatsu.