Shinji Iijima


 * this article is about the High School student Shinji for the Vizard see Shinji Hirako

Shinji is a freshman high school student in Karakura High School

Character Outline
Shinji is a High School student who is was initially a coward but thanks to Ikkaku Madarame was able to gain enough courage to avenge the defeat of his seniors. While Shinji trained Ikkaku noted that Shinji's eyes burned with the desire to become stronger

Synopsis
During a walk to his home he was attack by members of the Kotei Academy kendo club, but was defended by his senior members of his own kendo club. The next morning during the club's meeting him along with the rest of the freshman members of the team were selected by the class president to participate in a match against the opposing school.

Mizuho requested Ikkaku's help in training the team and the later begun and intensive training regiment. Shinji and the rest of his team training consisted of pulling Ikkaku in a carriage full of boulder rocks, bunny hops up a temple stairs, practice their strike upside down and carry a heavy rock while sitting down tied in a rope. With the thought of wining Shinji endured the harsh training, and while the rest of team was too tired Shinji continued matching swords against Ikkaku who noted that he had spirit even though he originally appeared to have the least potential. Due to Ikkaku's intense training proving to be to much for the team to handle and with the exception of Shinji the team ended more injured than the other members whom they were replacing. Mizuho convinced Ikkaku to get some people to replace the other members. Shinji volunteered to remain in the team. After having failed to recruit Yumichika Ayasegawa and Rangiku Matsumoto into their team, Shinji, Ikkaku, and Keigo Asano wonder what to do. Shinji remarks that if only he had gotten out of the situation faster they would have this problem but Ikkaku tells him to stop whining and remember that the reason he got those injuries was because he ran away and not stood his ground like a man. As Ikkaku takes his leave he tells them not to worry about finding new team members to which Keigo asks if he is going off to make new friends Ikkaku simply replies by calling him an idiot.

The day of the match Shinji witnesses Ikkaku attempt to convince Tōshirō Hitsugaya into entering the match, With Ikkaku, Tōshirō, Renji Abarai, and himself Shinji watches as Keigo is forced to join the team. With the match line up decided and Shinji being fourth in line Ikkaku tells him that if he doesn't win Ikkaku will and not to worry. Shinji than is encouraged to win his fight with Ikkaku telling him that it would be great if he won his match. As his turns comes up the team is sitting at 2 wins and 1 lost Ikkaku once again reminds him that it would be great if he won and not to worry as he would win if Shinji didn't. Shinji faces his opponent as he gathers the courage he deliver the winning blow and gets the win necessary for his team victory. Ikkaku congratulates him on winning the match and Shinji watches Ikkaku demand his turn, and consequently defeat the entire opposing team.

Trivia

 * Shinji one of two filler characters to share their name with another character, the other being Ryō Utagawa.