Kisuke Urahara

is the former captain of the 12th Division, as well as the founder and 1st President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. He currently lives in the Human World after being exiled, where he owns small convenience store, "Urahara Shop", which doubles in selling Shinigami items. The shop is maintained by Urahara himself, as well as his employees Tessai Tsukabishi, Jinta Hanakari, and Ururu Tsumugiya.

Appearance
Kisuke is a tall, lean-built man with light skin and gray eyes. His hair is messy and light-blond (almost pale), with strands framing the sides of the face and hanging between his eyes, and he has chin stubble. He wears a black coat, which sports a white diamond pattern along its bottom half, with a dark green shirt and pants underneath. His coat's design is reminiscent of an inverted captain's haori (white with black diamonds). Urahara carries a fan, which he occasionally uses to hide his face. He usually wears traditional Japanese wooden sandals (geta) and a striped dark green and white bucket hat (which usually shadows his eyes), which has earned him the nickname.

During his earlier years in Soul Society, he had a clean face and wore the standard Shinigami uniform. In his more casual events, he usually wore his geta. He later wore a long-sleeved captain's haori after his promotion to the rank of captain.

Personality
Though usually a laid-back, jovial, humble and eccentric man, Urahara shows a deceptively cunning and serious side when the situation warrants it. He commonly uses idle conversation and outward concern to distract his opponents. Despite his care-free attitude, he always speaks politely, but is sometimes sarcastic. Yoruichi Shihōin notes he tends to go over the top with whatever he becomes passionate about. He has described himself as a "mere honest, handsome, perverted businessman."

Approximately 110 years ago, Urahara's personality was the direct opposite of what it is in the present. During his earlier years as a captain, he was viewed as a nervous, flustered, and quiet person. He was somewhat unsure of himself, and lacked confidence in his ability to be a good leader. In addition, he was occasionally confused with how to deal with his division. Despite being uncomfortable in his role, he seemed relatively at ease in his previous position at the 2nd Division Detention Unit. However, he eventually hardened his resolve to take on his role as captain by becoming more serious and determined.

Urahara can usually be found near the scene of an important event, but he rarely intervenes in situations, preferring to stay on the sidelines. He often knows more information than he lets on, and despite being a major player, he acts only as a catalyst, having others do the work for him. He likes building large secret underground training spaces.

History
Urahara grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in Seireitei with his childhood friends Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi. He joined the Gotei 13 around the same time Yoruichi joined the Onmitsukidō, and eventually became the 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division, which was intertwined with the Onmitsukidō. As part of his duties as one of the top five Seated Officers, Urahara became head of the Onmitsukidō's Detention Unit. Approximately 110 years ago, the 12th Division captain, Kirio Hikifune, was promoted to the Royal Guard, and Yoruichi recommended Urahara as her replacement.

Urahara was told of this by Yoruichi after a sparring session. Urahara spent the day wandering around Soul Society, interacting with the citizens as he sought information on Shinigami defectors. Returning to the 2nd Division Headquarters, as he was talking with Yoruichi, Suì-Fēng arrived and reported negatively on Urahara's activities. They were interrupted by the arrival of a division member, who reported the people Urahara had been looking for had been found. Yoruichi told Urahara to hurry off to his duties, and sent Suì-Fēng to help prepare for his captain's proficiency test. Urahara and his men proceeded to the remote area where the defectors were hiding. Urahara, telling his men to wait, entered the building by himself and single-handedly defeated all the defectors with Hakuda before moving on to his test.

After successfully passing his exam, he became the captain of the 12th Division and gained Hikifune's lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki, as his own. Later that day, Urahara formally introduced himself to the 12th Division. He encountered some resistance from Hiyori, who, refusing to accept him, cited her displeasure with Captain Hikifune's sudden departure and his status as a former 2nd Division member. Urahara, laughing it off, told her he had already been made the captain of the 12th Division, and he had decided this was the role he would play from then on. He was no longer a member of the 2nd Division, and if she had a problem, it was hers to change. Hiyori proceeded to kick him in his crotch, which did not affect him at all. The following night, Captain Shinji Hirako, approaching Urahara, told him why Hiyori was giving him problems, and gave him advice on how to best go about being a captain. He stated he could tell Urahara was not the type who does what other people tell him. Shinji explained that he felt Urahara was a type just like him, so he should just meddle in his own business.

At a division meeting, Urahara explained that he had decided to change the policy of the 12th Division, but had yet to determine what course of action he thought would be a good role for them. Hiyori, becoming increasingly angry upon hearing he was still thinking about it, attacked him. She challenged him to a fight, which he accepted on the condition that they fight unarmed. Hiyori tried to kick him in the face, but Urahara showed her he could evade the attack. However, he allowed her to hit him so as not to embarrass her in front of the other division members. The following morning, Hiyori, arriving at the captain's chamber, became enraged at how Urahara had changed the room from its former state. As he tried to calm her down, Hiyori attacked him again. Brushing it aside, he asked her to accompany him to the Nest of Maggots.

On the way to the Nest of Maggots, Urahara explained to her about the Detention Unit, what happens to those under its jurisdiction, and the function of the Nest of Maggots. Inside the facility, Urahara told her those detained within could not leave, but they are still free within the facility. He warned her to be careful, as the inmates can become violent. Urahara explained that though the people in the facility are possibly dangerous, he had always felt, given a suitable outlet, they could channel their power into something more productive. When one of the inmates tried to attack Hiyori, Urahara stopped him bare-handed, noting that in the facility, they are not allowed to carry weapons. This prompted the other inmates to attack, but Urahara, easily took out all his attackers. The pair went to the cell of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, whom Urahara asked if he wanted to leave the Nest of Maggots. Urahara explained that in his capacity as the captain of the 12th Division, he had decided to make an organization, the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, and he wanted him to be its Vice-President.

Nine years later, Urahara was told by Shinji and Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen about a series of strange disappearances, which had taken place in Rukongai, and that the 9th Division was investigating. Urahara later set about making a new type of Gigai to stabilize the disappearing souls. When explaining this to Hiyori, they were interrupted by the arrival of Tōdō Izaemon, who relayed Captain Kensei Muguruma's requests that a researcher be sent to the investigation site. Urahara persuaded a reluctant Hiyori to carry out the task. Later, when he hears the Reiatsu of the investigation team had disappeared, Urahara, hurrying into the lab, asked a researcher where Hiyori was. When she said Hiyori had already left, he rushed back out and arrived late at an emergency captains meeting. Fearing for her safety, Urahara requested to go to the site himself, but was denied by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Urahara later decided to go anyway, using a Reiatsu-concealing cloak to hide himself. Urahara was spotted by Tessai Tsukabishi, who joined him in the search.

They arrived just in time to stop Aizen from killing Captain Hirako. Urahara questioned Aizen about what he was doing there, rejecting his initial explanation. Urahara noted there were no injuries on the victims, and that they were infected with "Hollowfication". When Aizen tried to leave with his henchmen, Tessai used a high-level Kidō spell against them, forcing Urahara to duck out of the way. However, they managed to escape. The duo tend to Shinji and the rest of the victims, who were deep in process of Hollowfication. After Urahara said he could possibly help them at his lab, Tessai used forbidden Kidō to transport them there. In his lab, Urahara tried to reverse the process using an item he had created, the "Hōgyoku". However, it did not have the effect Urahara expected.

The following morning, Urahara and Tessai were arrested and brought before the Central 46. They were swiftly tried, with little opportunity to defend themselves. Urahara was sentenced to be stripped of his Shinigami powers and exiled to the Human World. However, before the sentence could be carried out, he and Tessai were rescued by Yoruichi, who brought them to a secret underground area. There, she berated him for keeping her out of the loop, and explained that she had brought the eight Hollowfied Shinigami and the prototype Gigai Urahara was working on. Urahara resolved to make Reiatsu-concealing Gigai to help him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the Human World, where they unsuccessfully tried to find a way to undo the Hollowfication process. At some point, Urahara established his store in the Human World, and became acquainted with Kūkaku Shiba.

One day during his time in the Human World, Kisuke walked by Masaki Kurosaki as she starts to feel faint on her way home from school, to which he noticed Later, Kisuke appeared before Isshin Shiba, captain of the 10th Division and the Quincy Ryūken Ishida, who were arguing about the condition of the unconscious Masaki, who hads developed a Hollow-like hole after being injured by one in a recent fight. He stopped their quarreling by telling them he can help save Masaki.

At his shop, Urahara introduced himself and identified Masaki's condition to be Hollowfication. He explained that it is irreversible, and the only way to stabilize it is to insert a part of the soul from something opposite of the species at hand, and it worked for all of the other victims of this condition he tested this method with. After Ryūken accused him of lying, he stated that this wasn't Ryūken's choice. He then said that to save Masaki, Isshin must enter a Gigai that would attached his soul to Masaki's. In doing so, Isshin will be unable to return to his Shinigami form so long as Masaki is alive. Isshin agreed to this solution, which surprised Urahara. After listening to his resolve, Urahara began working on the solution. Ultimately, the operation was a success. Later, Kisuke helped Isshin establish his new life in the Human World.

Agent of the Shinigami arc
After Rukia Kuchiki gives all her powers to Ichigo Kurosaki, Urahara gives her a special, untraceable Gigai of his own design, which is meant to slowly drain Rukia's Reiatsu and transform her into a Human, hiding the Hōgyoku within her forever. Several days later, he welcomes Rukia to his store and tells her they have just received a shipment of goods from Soul Society. Rukia buys some maintenance material for her Gigai, despite Urahara's warning about its health effects. After Rukia declines the offer of an overhaul of the Gigai, Urahara asks about payment, and Rukia hands her Denreishinki to him, planning to pay with Bounty Points. Urahara finds she has received 5,000 Kan for the defeat of Shrieker. Urahara, telling her that her package has arrived, sends Ururu to fetch it, who returns and presents a Gikongan dispenser to Rukia. Urahara later discovers Ururu brought the wrong box, which contains Kon.

Stopping Jinta from punishing Ururu, he says it is his fault for not disposing of it. Ururu, blaming herself, apologizes and asks him if he is mad. Urahara, comforting her, says they are a team and he will take care of it. The four set out to recover Kon. When they find Kon, Urahara, removing the Mod-Soul from Ichigo's body, proceeds to take back the "faulty merchandise". Rukia, snatching Kon back, says he is not defective and she is happy with the merchandise. Urahara states they will deny any involvement if there is any trouble with Kon. He later erases the memories of Kon and the trouble he caused from the minds of the people who were confronted by him.

Kisuke accompanies Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu to the abandoned hospital where Don Kanonji is filming his TV show. When Ichigo and Rukia are restrained by the security personal, Kisuke, transforming Ichigo into his Shinigami form, tells him not to be distracted from dealing with the Earth-bound Plus. When Rukia asks what he is scheming, Urahara states he brought Ururu and Jinta to see the filming, as they love Don Kanonji's show, and he ran over when he heard Rukia's shrieks. A security personnel asks Kisuke if he knows Rukia and Ichigo, prompting him to set off a memory erasing device in the guard's face. As they flee the scene, Rukia reprimands him for using Soul Society's tools so freely, but Kisuke states he had no choiced as he did not want to get mixed up in her trouble. Kisuke, watching Ichigo's progress from the crowd, states it is both wonderful and terrible, just as he had thought, and ponders what should be done. When Ichigo drags Kanonji inside the hospital to draw the Hollow attacking them away from the crowd, Kisuke muses that he does fight as he had thought.

Some time later, Rukia shows up at the Urahara Shop, irate that Kisuke has not answered her calls. He apologizes, saying they have been busy and the store has often been left empty. Rukia asks about the Quincy, which surprises him. Saying he has not heard of them for a long time, he proceeds to reveal their history to Rukia. After noticing the increasing amount of Hollows appearing in Karakura Town, Rukia rushes off, and Urahara goes in to attend to other business. When Orihime Inoue collapses after using her newly awakened Shun Shun Rikka, Urahara arrives on the scene with Tessai, who is carrying Yasutora Sado. Bringing the pair to the shop, Urahara tells them what has been happening, talks about the power that has awoken within them, and explains its connection to Ichigo.

Trying to ease their fears and tension, Urahara states they have a choice now where there was none, and it is up to them to choose to act or not. They are interrupted by Tessai, who states the Kuumon has begun its convergence, noting the preparations are complete. Urahara asks Orihime and Sado to come along, as he wishes to show them the world they are about to enter and the enemies they must fight. Upon their arrival, Urahara instructs Ichigo to focus on the Gillian-Class Menos Grande which is just about to force its way through the crack in the sky. As Rukia attempts to assist, Urahara stops her interference with a binding spell, telling her the battle will be important to both of them. After the battle, Urahara asks Tessai to repair the crack in the sky.

The next day, Yoruichi visits Urahara, and they discuss the Shinigami chasing Rukia. When the Shinigami attempt to capture Rukia, Urahara frees Ichigo's Shinigami form from his body so he can fight Rukia's pursuers, and in the process show Ichigo how little a chance he has in fighting against them. Following Ichigo's defeat, Urahara heals both Uryū Ishida and Ichigo, taking Ichigo to his shop due to the extent of his injuries. Urahara gives him an opportunity to go to Soul Society under one condition: he must train with him for ten days to fight properly. Urahara knocks an impatient Ichigo to the ground, saying if he were to go in his current condition, Ichigo will be as good as dead. He further notes that with his current skill, he wouldn't stand a chance in Soul Society. Urahara states Soul Society commonly gives a one month grace period before carrying out executions. He notes it will take ten days to train him and a further seven days to open the door to Soul Society, giving Ichigo 13 days in Soul Society to save Rukia. He gives Ichigo a special medicine to quickly heal his wounds.

The next day, the fully healed Ichigo begins his training with Urahara, who takes him to the training area underneath his shop. Urahara, separating Ichigo's soul from his body, has Ururu battle him so Ichigo can regain some of his speed. After Ichigo passes this, Urahara has Tessai cut off Ichigo's Soul Chain and sends them into a large hole in the ground which will speed up Ichigo's Encroachment, forcing Ichigo to reacquire his Shinigami powers before he becomes a Hollow. Three days later, he, Jinta, and Ururu watch as Ichigo begins to transform into a Hollow, and are surprised at the amount of resistance he has. After Ichigo awakens his Shinigami powers, Urahara begins his third test, which is to knock Urahara's hat off his head.

Urahara, initiating his Shikai, easily overwhelms Ichigo. When Ichigo learns his Zanpakutō's name, Zangetsu, he fires a powerful energy blast at Urahara, who blocks with his Shikai's shield, though it still knocks off Urahara's hat. Urahara, admitting Ichigo is a scary kid, states he has passed test three. Two days later, Urahara summons Ichigo, Uryū, Orihime, and Sado to his shop in the middle of the night. Urahara begins to form a Senkaimon, a tunnel to Soul Society. Urahara explains to Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, and Uryū the details of what the gate does and what to expect from its use. When Ichigo and his companions are gone, Urahara touches the Senkaimon, which repels his hand. He notes it is now up to Ichigo.

Soul Society arc
Once Ichigo and company return, Urahara gathers the group on a flying piece of paper and transports them all home. Revealing his involvement in placing the Hōgyoku within the soul of Rukia, he says he knowingly did not tell them because he thought it would make them change their mind about saving her. Removing his hat, he apologizes to them for his actions. After receiving an elbow to the face by Ichigo, he promises to apologize to Rukia.

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

Arrancar arc
One night, Urahara stands in front of his shop, expressing concern about what is going on in Karakura Town, when Yoruichi approaches him. When the Espada Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Llargo attack, Urahara and Yoruichi save Ichigo from Yammy. Urahara, nullifying Yammy's Cero, attacks him, but Ulquiorra deflects the attack, and the two Arrancar retreat. Some time later, Chad asks Urahara to train him. Urahara eventually decides to have Renji train him, saying his Bankai is not fit for training or lending power to others. Urahara, observing their training, musues on how fighting against a Bankai will increase Chad's powers, and expresses concern about the nature of Chad's powers. Shortly after, Urahara sends Yoruichi to bring Orihime to him.

When Orihime arrives, he shares with her the details of the coming war between Soul Society and Aizen as they watch Renji and Chad battle. He asks her to stay out of the upcoming battle because, with Tsubaki having been destroyed by Yammy, she has no means of attack, and thus should not participate in the battle. Chad disagrees, saying she helped in Soul Society and her healing and defensive abilities are more important than attacking. Urahara reminds him that Orihime is still a Human, and that the 4th Division will be on the front line, as they possess both healing and combat abilities. Orihime, agreeing with Urahara, thanks him for being honest with her. During another Arrancar incursion, Urahara saves Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto from being impaled by Luppi Antenor. After introducing himself, he is attacked by Wonderweiss Margela, only to bat the Arrancar away with a blast of spiritual energy from his Zanpakutō.

Wonderweiss fires a Bala at him, something Urahara has never seen before. Yammy fires a volley of Bala at him from above, but Urahara, using a portable Gigai to evade the attack, taunts him. Urahara, easily dodging another attack, appears behind Yammy, holding his Zanpakutō to the Espada's throat. He explains that since he has seen him fire off tons of those blasts, he will not be hit by them anymore. Urahara shows him the portable Gigai he used as a decoy. Enraged, Yammy begins to fire a Bala, but Urahara, effortlessly negating the blast, reveals he has analyzed the Bala's spirit particle composition and Yammy's muscle movements, allowing him to cancel the attack. Before they can continue to battle, Ulquiorra successfully captures Orihime, allowing Yammy to escape back to Hueco Mundo.

Hueco Mundo arc
After Orihime is captured by Aizen's forces, Urahara finds Uryū in Karakura Hospital's secret training ground. He informs Uryū about that event, and helps him leave the hospital once he agrees to help. Before leaving, Urahara takes him to a hidden storehouse, where they find a few Seele Schneider. Later that day, Urahara opens a Garganta for Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū so they can enter Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime. After their departure, Urahara reveals he is aware of the presence of Ichigo's three friends, and that he left the store unlocked so they could enter. Shortly afterwards, Rukia and Renji arrive from Soul Society, and Urahara opens a Garganta for them.

Following Ichigo's departure, Urahara, retrieving Kon and Ichigo's body, places Kon inside Ichigo's body. He persuades a reluctant Kon to take over Hollow hunting while Ichigo is away. Urahara straps a special wrist watch on Kon, which will help him transform into the Karakura-Raizer. Sending Kon out to fight Hollows, he monitors his progress from his shop and communicates with him via the watch. Kisuke recruits Don Kanonji, Tatsuki, Chizuru, Keigo, and Ururu, as well as Kon, to form the Karakura-Raizer Team. As the team dispatches the low level Hollows plaguing the town, an Arrancar appears in a giant floating fortress. Urahara, analyzing the fortress, reveals it is made up of Hollows fused together, and concludes that to destroy it, they must strike at its core. He sends the group to fight the Arrancar and destroy the fortress. He destroys the remains of the Hollow fortress as it starts to crash to the town below. As Kon and the Humans fall asleep, Urahara, thanking them for their efforts, reveals he used the time to set up the Tenkai Kecchu without being noticed.

Around this time, Urahara is given orders by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. These include creating a Garganta to allow captains to enter Hueco Mundo, and making preparations for the coming war by making it possible for the Gotei 13 to battle in Karakura Town. He accomplishes this by creating a device called the Tenkai Kecchu, which allows him to swap the real Karakura Town with an elaborate duplicate made by the 12th Division.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Fake Karakura Town arc
As Sōsuke Aizen reveals the true nature of the Hōgyoku, Urahara attacks him from behind with Jūgeki Byakurai, piercing Aizen's shoulder. Urahara, noting the unusual form Aizen has taken, states Aizen has fused with the Hōgyoku. Aizen replies that it is not fusion, but rather subjugation of the Hōgyoku, which Urahara had failed to master. Urahara, glaring down at Aizen, admits it is true that he was unable to master it in the past. Aizen tries to attack him, but Urahara, using a portable Gigai as a decoy, uses the opportunity to bind Aizen with multiple Kidō spells. Urahara attacks with "Senjū Kōten Taihō", but Aizen, appearing behind him unharmed, slashes his shoulder.

Aizen tells Urahara there is no need for him to be on guard, as the Hōgyoku is strengthening his abilities. Urahara states he was not talking about dodging the Kidō, but rather that in the past, Aizen would have never come into physical contact with him twice without a plan. Urahara reveals he placed seals on Aizen to block off the Reiatsu vents which all Shinigami have in their wrists. As Aizen is enveloped in a column of light, Urahara tells him he will be incinerated by his own Reiatsu from the inside out. However, Aizen emerges unscathed and further transformed, commenting that Urahara used a level-90 Kidō as a decoy while placing the seal. Aizen states the Hōgyoku Urahara created was beyond his comprehension. Urahara attacks Aizen as Isshin comes at him from behind, but he easily blocks both of their attacks. However, this is revealed to be yet another trap, as Urahara and Isshin have entangled Aizen, forcing him into an awkward position. As Aizen demands to know what is going on, Yoruichi, wearing armor developed by Urahara, attacks Aizen from above. Urahara yells for Yoruichi to move away as Aizen quickly recovers.

After Urahara and Yoruichi get into two minor playful arguments about the quality of the armor, Aizen states it is all part of Urahara's plan. Urahara replies that he thought Aizen was no longer cautious, but Aizen counters, saying it is just observation, as Urahara is the only being within Soul Society whose intellect surpasses his own, and he still has interest in him. Urahara, stating he is only a humble candymaker, fires an Ōkasen spell. Yoruichi, Urahara, and Isshin take turns attacking Aizen, but Aizen soon defeats the trio.

Later, Urahara arrives outside the real Karakura Town after Ichigo uses his "Final Getsuga Tenshō" against Aizen, who has just realized his body is being affected by some form of Kidō. Urahara explains that before he achieved complete transformation, in Aizen's most unguarded moment, he fired that Kidō into his body on the back of another Kidō. Urahara reveals it is a seal developed specifically for Aizen, as he figured that if he fused with the Hōgyoku, it would most likely become all, but impossible to kill him. As the seal begins to take hold and the power Aizen obtained from the Hōgyoku begins to fade, Urahara states Aizen's loss of power is the will of the Hōgyoku.

He explains that the seal began to work because his power was weakened, and that the Hōgyoku no longer sees him as its master. Aizen asks why someone of Urahara's intellect allows himself to be controlled by "that thing". Urahara understands Aizen is referring to the Soul King, realizing he has seen it. He tells Aizen it is the "lynchpin", and without its existence, Soul Society would be rent asunder. Aizen is sealed within Urahara's Kidō, the "Ultimate Seal of Destruction".

Later, Ichigo asks Urahara where everyone went, to which Urahara replies that they went home. He further states it seems as though they wanted to speak with him, but coming over and talking to him seemed like an equally difficult task to all of them. Ichigo asks him if he wiped their memories, but Urahara tells him he did not this time. Urahara reveals Aizen's seal structure was transported to Seireitei, and the details of his disposal will be immediately decided by the Central 46 Chambers. Ichigo gets a solemn look on his face, prompting Urahara to ask why. Ichigo states he does not really know himself, causing Urahara to remind him he risked his life protecting the world and everyone's lives, and defeated Aizen. He further states that Ichigo did the right thing. Ichigo recounts his thoughts about Aizen to Urahara. After Ichigo collapses, Urahara explains the loss of Ichigo's Shinigami powers to Rukia.

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

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

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc
Following Aizen's defeat, Urahara's life returns to normal, though he is no longer a wanted criminal by Soul Society. To deal with her growing spiritual powers, Karin Kurosaki begins regularly coming to Urahara Shop for assistance. As Karin is leaving with the materials she bought on one such visit, Kisuke unsuccessfully tries to sell her extra items. When she offers to pay, he refuses, saying he owes Ichigo a lot, and asks how Ichigo is and Karin's feelings as well. After she answers, he tells her to let him know if anything were to happen, and he will prepare "something". Some time later, Urahara is seen, by Ichigo, meeting up with Isshin in an alley. However, they both move away before Ichigo can learn the purpose of their meeting.

Later, at the Urahara Shop, Urahara, finishing with something, says it is the last one and asks if Isshin is sure. Isshin says he is getting annoying, asking how many times Urahara needs to ask that. Urahara replies it is a matter of whether or not a parent robs his son of his future, so it is common sense to confirm it several times. Isshin says he knows and he is sure. Urahara says they will make their final move, and an unidentified figure, stepping forth, tells Urahara to do it. Later, Urahara walks with Isshin, who is carrying a glowing sword, through the moonlit streets. They reach Ichigo shortly after he loses his Fullbring, and Urahara witnesses Rukia stabbing Ichigo with the glowing sword. Having earlier traveled to Soul Society, where he explained the situation to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, the sword had been infused with the Reiatsu of all the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13 upon Yamamoto's order. Urahara donated some of his Reiatsu as well.

When Orihime and Chad start to break from Tsukishima's ability, Urahara and Isshin knock the two out. Urahara, catching Orihime, remarks it was easy to knock them out since Tsukishima loosened them up, thanking him. He and Isshin bring them to his shop, and after Tsukishima is defeated, they become stable. Urahara decides to return to where the battle is taking place, telling Isshin to remain behind. He acknowledges Isshin's concern that Ichigo will learn the truth, stating Ichigo is bound to learn it eventually. Urahara, arriving at Tsukishima's mansion, finds Riruka as the only Fullbringer who remained there. He brings Ichigo and company, along with Riruka, to his shop. Some time later, Urahara brings Riruka breakfast, but, finding she has left, instead offers the meal to Jinta.

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc
As Ichigo and his friends discuss the abduction of Arrancar, including Dondochakka, from Hueco Mundo with Pesche and Nel Tu, Urahara, appearing at Ichigo's window, offers to arrange their entry to Hueco Mundo. While Urahara leads Ichigo and the others through the Garganta, Ichigo asks how he arrived at such a convenient time. Urahara jokes about having waited outside his window until the opportune time. He states the amount of unusual activity recently has put him on alert, saying it is all connected and is not a trivial matter. They arrive in Hueco Mundo to find ruined buildings and the sand itself burning. Urahara listens as Pesche reveals the blue flames are created by the enemy's use of condensed Reishi. Ichigo goes to save the Arrancar who have been captured, leaving Urahara to wonder if he realizes he is going to help those who were recently his enemy.

As Ichigo fights Quilge Opie, Urahara and Pesche rescue Dondochakka. While running, they argue about how long it took them, because Ichigo and Quilge are already fighting all out. Urahara stops, distracted by something behind them. A short while later, Urahara receives a call from Akon, who asks to speak to Ichigo, however, Urahara tells him this is impossible because of the ongoing fight. Informing Akon of the situation, and how he was aware of the trouble in Soul Society, he watches as Ichigo surpasses Quilge in battle. Eventually, Urahara uses an opening to step in and defeat him. Urahara, opening a Senkaimon, tells Ichigo to proceed to Soul Society immediately.

As he sets about analyzing the details of Ichigo's battle with Quilge, Urahara asks Orihime and Sado to recover Quilge's Bankai-stealing medallion from his body. Joining Ichigo and Akon's conversation, he begins to provide details of the Quincy's abilities. He notes the Vandenreich may have waited until Ichigo could not enter Soul Society in order to attack, and for that reason it is important he goes there. He states he will soon follow him there. However, he is attacked by Quilge, who has used Ransōtengai. Urahara states he was careless to think that Quilge could not move with the injuries he had sustained.

Later on, when Quilge attempts to get rid of Urahara, Orihime, and Sado, Quilge is cut in two by an unidentified individual. A surprised and wounded Urahara quickly finds himself with a blade to his head. Later, Urahara sends a message to Soul Society that he, Sado, and Orihime are fine. Through modifications he had made in Kon's plushie body, Urahara contacts Ichigo in Soul Society. When someone outside demands to see Ichigo, Urahara frantically tells Orihime and Sado to keep them out. After assuring Ichigo the said individual is no danger to them, thanks to an agreement they made, he insists Ichigo not worry about them, but instead worry about what he needs to do on his end. After Urahara ends the communications, Sado voices his concern about how Ichigo will take Urahara's words. Urahara reassures Sado that Ichigo will protect everyone, and to not say things he doesn't believe in. Later, when learning that Ichigo was sent back to the Human World after fighting the Vandenreich and then meeting the Royal Guard, Urahara informs Isshin.

Inventions
Having founded the research institute in Soul Society, Kisuke Urahara has developed a number of unique items. The notable ones are below:


 * also referred as The Orb of Distortion: A small orb which was initially believed to only be capable of dissolving the boundary between a Shinigami and a Hollow and vice-versa. However, according to Aizen, its true ability is materializing the inner desires of the people around it.


 * Gigai Technology: a is an artificial body created to help broken souls to stabilize and restore their energy as well as enable Shinigami stationed in Human World to interact with Humans. Having experimented with Gigai at length, Urahara has created its many variations designed for various purposes.
 * Energy-sucking Gigai: An untraceable Gigai which drains the user's spiritual power instead of restoring it, effectively making them Human if used long enough. It was developed for the purpose of hiding Hōgyoku forever and given to Rukia. Akon noted that this Gigai was so advanced that nobody in the current SRDI was able to create it.
 * Portable Gigai: An inflatable variation used as a decoy in combat. With an adequate level of skill and right timing the user can fool even a high-level combatant like Aizen.
 * Human Shell Gigai: a Gigai created for the purpose of helping Hollowfied Quincy souls. If a Shinigami enters this Gigai he becomes a Human-Shinigami hybird and, with the help a special reishi string which bounds the souls, he can enter Quincy's Inner World to protect them from the Hollow inside. The side-effects are inability to leave the Gigai and use Shinigami powers at all. There's also a huge risk of losing Shinigami powers entirely.


 * Soul-Object Integration: Urahara has developed the technique to bury matter within a soul. The matter can be removed by disintegrating the soul around the object or by breaking down the soul's cohesion, allowing the object to be removed without any damage to the soul. He used this technique to hide the Hōgyoku in Rukia's body, and the latter technique allowed Aizen to remove it from there without killing her.


 * Reiatsu Concealing Cloak: Urahara has created a cloak which hides his spiritual pressure, which he used to sneak up on Aizen during the Hollowfication of the soon-to-be Visored and to sneak up on Ichigo after he lost his Fullbring. It also allows him to freely and safely move about in the Dangai. As demonstrated by Aizen, by incorporating Kidō into the cloak, it allows the wearer to blend in with the air around him, almost completely concealed from sight.


 * An artifact belonging to the Onmitsukidō, but invented and tested by Urahara. It is a vaguely Human-shaped, man-sized doll which forcibly materializes the spirit of a Zanpakutō into the Human World when stabbed by the Zanpakutō. In doing so, it facilitates the user in subjugating the spirit and attaining the Bankai of their Zanpakutō. The materialization can last for about three days, after which the spirit reverts into the doll which spawned it. Without this invention, achieving Bankai takes at least ten years, plus the many years of combat experience needed. This method, however, is very dangerous, due to the fact that it forcibly materializes the Zanpakutō's spirit. Urahara deemed it dangerous to use for more than three days.


 * A device which creates an enormous, one spiritual unit of area radius Senkaimon bound by four linked points. When activated, the device swaps something that it encircles with something else in Soul Society.


 * Karakura-Raizer Transformation Watch: A watch given to Kon aid him in protecting Karakura Town during Ichigo's absence. The watch has the following features:


 * Transformation: The watch's main function. It covers Kon in a puff of smoke as it gives him a superhero outfit designed by Uryū. Despite its flashy appearance, the suit has little to offer; it gives the user no increases in strength or speed, nor does it give the wearer the ability to fly.


 * Raizer Beam: The only effective weapon in the suit. After Kon spells out Raizer with his body, he slaps his hands together, firing a beam strong enough to kill a large Hollow. However, this attack takes up a lot of energy and can only be used once per transformation.


 * Communicator: The watch serves as a communicator between Kon and Urahara.


 * Electrocute: Urahara can have the watch shock Kon if he disobeys his orders.


 * Anti-Hierro Armor: A protective armor, designed especially to engage in direct battle, with enough durability to smash through an Arrancar's Hierro. It is also rather effective defensively, able to protect the wearer's said body part from damage, even if the armor itself is destroyed in the process.


 * Two-Way Holographic Communicator: A special system which allows Urahara to communicate between Soul Society and Hueco Mundo through a holographic display. He installed it in Kon's plushy body. When using it, the top of Kon's head emits the display. The eyes are switches for it, and he can prevent the communication from being shut off by forcing the eyes shut.


 * Restoration Hot Springs: Having studied and analyzed the properties of the "Blood Hell Pond" and "White Bone Pond" in the domain of Tenjirō Kirinji, Urahara replicated them in his own personal hot springs in Yoruichi Shihōin's underground training grounds in Soul Society. This hot spring is able to drastically speed up one's healing process by soothing away the wounds and blood in one's Reiatsu. Minor cuts and such heal almost instantly.


 * Anti-Hollowfication Vaccine: A medicine created from combining the Quincies' Heilig Pfeil and some Human souls. If injected into a soul of a hollowfied Shinigami it stabilizes the conflict of souls and stops the "Soul Suicide" side-effect. This is the only means of saving a hollowfied Shinigami from dying and enabling him to conquer an Inner Hollow.

Equipment
Computer: When he enters Hueco Mundo, Kisuke utilizes a holographic computer interface generated from a small, black, three-legged device which has long, slender, black arms on both sides of it. The device projects a keyboard on to a surface in front of it and a display above its arms. He can use this projected computer interface to aid in analysis.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsman: Urahara is an extremely skilled swordsman, possessing powerful strikes with equally impressive speed behind them. He can perform attacks with perfect precision and stop them in an instant. His abilities are considered highly dangerous by Ulquiorra Cifer, the 4th Espada, who opted to avoid fighting Urahara. While Urahara's preferred fighting style seems to be swordsmanship, he is highly proficient in combining it with his other skills and instantly switching between any of them. His usual methods in battle are striking from various angles to confuse and catch his opponents off-guard for sneak attacks. He kept Ichigo constantly pressured during their training despite Ichigo's much larger blade. He rarely relies on more than Shikai, as seen against Yammy, the 10th Arrancar. He achieved Bankai within a short time through a process he devised, relying on sheer skill against the blade's spirit.


 * : A pinning technique which subdues an opponent and immobilizes them on the ground using coercion alone, with Urahara suspending the tip of his cane just millimeters from their face after he has struck them down.


 * : A simple but precise slash technique which is meant only to lightly graze and cause superficial wounds.

Hakuda Master: As a former commander of the Detention Unit of the Onmitsukidō, Urahara was not allowed to use weapons in the Nest of Maggots, so he became highly proficient in unarmed combat. His skills are great enough to force Yoruichi at her peak to fight seriously during their regular sparring sessions. During his days as a Shinigami, even when only a third seat officer, he effortlessly took down several Shinigami deserters unarmed, and emerged unscathed afterwards.

Shunpo Master: As a former Onmitsukidō unit commander, Urahara has exceptional skill in Shunpo and is well-versed in its various techniques. He is so fast, an opponent does not notice when he replaces himself with a portable Gigai for misdirection; this is further demonstrated when he uses this tactic effectively against Aizen. The fact that he could always keep up with Yoruichi's speed during sparring sessions is further proof of his mastery of this skill.

Kidō Master: As the former head of the SRDI, Urahara has immense knowledge and understanding of the flow, application, and consistency of spiritual energy. He knows how to break barriers of the spiritually superior noble clans, a feat which even captains cannot achieve. He can silently, and without warning, use low and mid-level Kidō to great effect. He can rapidly use a single high-level Kidō repeatedly, or multiple ones in quick succession, by name alone, without incantation or calling the type and level, while retaining considerable power and control. He is highly proficient in healing Kidō. He can use level 99 Kidō, but has more difficulty with Kidō above level 88 without incantation, as he had to use the incantation to ensure enough power for a level 91 Kidō. He can use multiple Kidō in conjunction for various combination and diversion tactics, and have them remain undetected until sprung in sync in a chain reaction. Urahara can create his own unique high-level Kidō. Aizen admitted that if not for the Hōgyoku, Urahara's prowess would have surely defeated him.


 * This technique connects the space tying two worlds together to produce a Garganta. The opening is generated between two large wooden posts jutting out from two large rock formations. He is later able to open the portal silently and whenever he chooses.

Immense Spiritual Power: As a former captain of the 12th Division, Urahara boasts great amounts of spiritual energy. His energy is intense enough to make opponents with high levels of energy sweat in fear. When releasing his spiritual pressure, it can create a shockwave strong enough to affect a considerable area and launch back weaker individuals. He has demonstrated noticeably great reserves of energy, launching multiple high-level Kidō and Shikai attacks in a single battle without tiring. He is quite skilled in hiding his spiritual energy, able to remain unnoticed by both allies and enemies. His Reiatsu is red.

Genius Intellect: Urahara has proven himself to be the most intelligent being both within and outside of Soul Society. Much of his intellect is seen in scientific inventions, deduction of situations, and combat tactics. Aizen himself acknowledges Urahara's intelligence surpasses his own immense intellect. He is very insightful of other people, allowing him to seemingly predict anything well in advance. After Orihime inadvertently revealed her powers to Ulquiorra, Urahara correctly deduced Aizen would try to capture Orihime to use her against Soul Society, and had already prepared to send Ichigo to Hueco Mundo before he even had a chance to ask. Kisuke is a highly capable teacher. In only five days of unorthodox training, he conditioned Ichigo into an experienced fighter on par with lieutenant-level Shinigami. His knowledge has led him to an innate understanding of the abilities of others and what happens when independent variables are entered into an equation.


 * Master Scientist & Inventor: As the founder and former head of the SRDI, Urahara is a talented inventor and scientist, having created a number of devices and techniques to aid him in battle or otherwise. His intellect in this field is evident, having created the most amazing things in Soul Society's history. As he has been inventing and creating things before becoming a seated officer in the 2nd Division, he can create his inventions in rather short amounts of time. He modified a simple plushy doll into a two-way monitor to speak between dimensions, greatly intriguing Kurotsuchi. Urahara figured out how to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers seventeen months after losing them. He is a highly adept chemist, having recreated the unique healing properties of both the "White Bone Pond" and "Blood Hell Pond" in his own hot spring. Urahara also has highly capable medical skills, regularly healing Ichigo and his friends when battle-worn. He also has a very detailed understanding of the Hollowfication process and has determined how to stabilize a victim of it, as seen with the Visored.


 * Master Strategist & Tactician: Despite his aloof and unkempt appearance, Urahara is a very insightful and cunning man. He possesses great intuition, quickly becoming aware of any incoming danger and reacting to it in time. Urahara has an undeniable talent for thinking things through well in advance, making decisive and accurate decisions quickly in battle, and seemingly perceiving any situation at hand. He is a crafty tactician, easily deceiving both allies and enemies. In battle, he regularly uses cunning and deception to catch his opponents off-guard. He is a very analytical man, quickly seeing through an opponent's power and attack patterns to ultimately make them useless against him. He easily outmaneuvered and tricked Aizen repeatedly in his fight with him.

Enhanced Strength: As a former member of the Onmitsukidō, he received considerable physical conditioning. During his time as commander of the Detention Unit, he effortlessly stopped a punch from a giant man with a single hand. He stopped a kick from the immensely strong Ururu, blocking most of the impact which would have otherwise killed Ichigo. During his training with Ichigo, his strikes possessed enough power to create large craters and launch the younger fighter several meters through solid rock.

Enhanced Speed: Kisuke has demonstrated tremendous speed and reflexes in battle. Even when caught by surprise from an enemy's attack, he can react in time to skillfully dodge or counter the assault. Offensively, he can keep up a quick and rapid assault which forces most opponents on the defense, as he leaves no openings in his attacks.

Enhanced Agility: While normally laid-back, Kisuke is an immensely agile fighter. In battle, he can effectively use the battlefield to his advantage, flipping and jumping from wall to wall to keep his opponents unsure of his attack patterns. Offensively, his agility grants him great balance and dexterity in battle, attacking his opponent from various angles with great accuracy and force.

Enhanced Durability: While not the most imposing in appearance, Kisuke has received considerable physical training from his days in the Onmitsukidō, and is well-conditioned for battle. He can take large amounts of punishment. During his time as a captain, he would regularly be assaulted by his then-lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki. Each time, he would take the assaults indifferently, if not laugh about it, with little to no adverse effect on himself. His durability caused Hiyori to be more careful about how she would hit him if she did not want to hurt herself instead.

Master Assassin: As a former high-ranking member of the Onmitsukidō, Kisuke possesses considerable mastery in the art of stealth combat. He has repeatedly shown impressive skill in staying hidden and unseen while maneuvering towards his target. He can completely hide his presence, remaining undetected until he intentionally reveals himself. During his battle against Yammy, he repeatedly caught his opponent completely off guard and effectively took advantage of it. Even the perceptive and intuitive Aizen was caught by surprise.

Zanpakutō

 * A blade described by Urahara as "not nice", it is one of the few known Zanpakutō with a female spirit owned by a male. When sealed, Benihime is a beige-colored shikomizue (a blade hidden inside a cane) with a curved handle and silver base. As the blade resides in a cane, the cane's handle is still the hilt and the shaft is the sheath, allowing it to still operate like other Zanpakutō. The shaft's base bears a skull and blue flame mark on the bottom, which can separate souls from bodies by pressing the mark to it. Back when Urahara was still in the Gotei 13, Benihime was sealed in an average-sized katana form, with a black sheath worn under Urahara's sash. It had an oval-shaped tsuba, with a snowflake-design embossed in it, and a black hilt-wrapping. It is unknown if Benihime can return to this katana form.


 * Shikai: Benihime' Shikai command is . Its Shikai takes the form of a sleek, medium-sized sword. The hilt's grip, which has a gentle black-decorative wrapping, bends forward at the end, with a pommel shaped overlap three times, and a crimson tassel dangling from its base. Instead of a tsuba, there is a U-shape guard covering three inches of blade, with a flower petal design. At the base of the guard is a red string wrapped thrice around the hilt, with a three-loop bow on the back side and a folded paper decoration on the front side. The blade is black with a silver edge, and is somewhat thicker than the cane-sealed state. It remains straight and slim with a somewhat short size, with the tip ending in a slanted razor-like edge instead of tapering to a point.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Benihime is capable of performing a variety of crimson-colored energy techniques. Urahara can use these techniques of Benihime's with a variety of verbal commands that corresponds to its different abilities.


 * This technique fires particularly strong and destructive crimson-colored energy blasts. The energy flows out of the blade and fires in the arc of the sword's swing. The technique is capable of taking on a point-blank Cero from an Espada-level Arrancar by dissipating it with a blast of equal power. He can charge up this technique to deal considerably more damage.


 * This technique forms a hexagon-shaped crimson barrier in front of the blade for defensive purposes. The barrier is called out with the same command as the "Nake" technique. The barrier can easily block a direct punch from the immensely strong Yammy Llargo without any damage or repercussions to Urahara, and block Ichigo's first use of his "Getsuga Tenshō" while only slightly eroding, after which Urahara states he would have lost an arm were it not for the shield.


 * A technique which fires an energy arc capable of cutting through materials and substances with relative ease. This arc moves towards the target and can instantly change direction. It cut through a Hierro-protected tentacle of Luppi Antenor.


 * After analyzing a technique's Reishi composition and the subject's muscle movements when they use the technique, by simply drawing a circle of energy with the edge of Benihime and timing it right, this technique can cancel out the enemy's attack at the point of contact.


 * This technique launches condensed energy in the form of a tangible blood red net, generated from the blade length, and simply throws it over the intended target (typically from above) with a simple slashing motion from Benihime. The net further binds and restricts an opponent’s movements by constricting to its form. This net appears elongated and somewhat narrow.


 * After using the Shibari technique, Urahara stabs the net with the tip of Benihime, creating orbs of fire along the outside length of the net, which explode like linked land-mines in a domino formation, leading toward the target bound under the net. When the orbs come into direct contact with the intended target, they create a tremendously large and devastating explosion.


 * Bankai: Not yet revealed, but has been vaguely commented upon. Yoruichi comments that Urahara learned Bankai in three days using a method he created. When Yasutora Sado comes to Urahara for training, he instead gives the task to Renji Abarai, stating Chad needs to face the strength of a Bankai to improve. When Renji asks why Urahara, who also possesses Bankai, does not train Chad himself, he states his Bankai is not fit for training or helping others.

Appearances in Other Media
Urahara appears in the first three Bleach movies. In Fade to Black, Urahara is shown using another Shikai ability,, which fires a barrage of energy bullets from his shield. His Shikai launches explosive blasts, which produce a whistling noise similar to fireworks, whenever this ability is used. Urahara appears in the Bleach: Heat the Soul series from the second game onward. He appears in Bleach: Dark Souls, Bleach: The 3rd Phantom and Bleach: Shattered Blade. In Bleach: Heat the Soul 6, Bleach: Shattered Blade and Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, he is playable with his captain's outfit.

Trivia

 * Kisuke Urahara was inspired by Snufkin, a character which appears in Tove Jansson's Moominvalley novels.


 * Urahara has been highly popular with fans base. In the first popularity poll he placed 7th, 4th in the second, 8th in the third, but in the 4th poll he dropped out of the top 10, placing 20th.


 * In the Zanpakutō poll, his Zanpakutō, Benihime, placed 12th.


 * His command for his Nake, Benihime technique differs between episodes in the English dub. Its release command is "Scream" in Episode 114 and "Cry" in Episode 214.

Quotes

 * (To Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue) "Your transformation is not a disease. You were just given the key to the door in front of you. There's no need to know the cause. No need for sorrow or sadness. What comes next is up to you. You can use your keys to open the door...or lock it tight. And if you do choose to open it...you can still decide not to pass through."


 * (Urahara writes a message in blood) "Urgent, meet us outside the Urahara Shop immediately. P.S: If you're thinking that this message is like some written in the victim's own blood cliché from some TV show...then you obviously have no sense of humor!"


 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "There is nothing, but fear reflected in your sword. When you dodge, you're afraid of getting killed. When you attack, you're afraid of killing someone. Even when you try to protect someone, you're afraid of letting them die. Yes, your sword speaks to me only of absurd fear. What's necessary in a fight isn't fear. Nothing can be born of that. When you dodge, "I won't let them cut me." If you protect someone, "I won't let them die." If you attack, "I will kill them." Well, can't you see the resolve to kill you in my sword?"


 * (To Renji Abarai) "Puh-Lease! I'm just a lowly-but-handsome merchant. How could I possibly perform Bankai?"'


 * (To Orihime Inoue) "A warrior who has lost his strength will only get in the way."


 * (To Yammy Llargo) "I won't get hit by any more of those. I've analyzed that technique's spirit particle composition and even the patterns in your muscle movements when you fire. If I know those two things, I can dodge it or by timing it right, I can cancel it out. But that's difficult in its own right."


 * (To Hiyori Sarugaki) "I made up my mind before I got out of my futon this morning that, once I leave this futon, I am part of the 12th Division, and that from now on, I'll get angry whenever anyone badmouths the 12th Division. Changing what you get mad about and what you don't get mad about, I think that's what one would call "changing your feelings", don't you?"


 * (To Sōsuke Aizen) "I was unable to gain total control over it. That was indeed the case back in those days, anyway."


 * (To Sōsuke Aizen) "You're making too much of me. All I am these days, is the poor owner of a small time candy store."

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