Soul Chess/Characters/The Thirteen Court Guard Squads

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.


Now you've seen all of the characters that are the main antagonists and protagonists for this series. Let's now take a look at the characters that make up Lelouch's main support group: the Gotei 13.

Please keep in mind that all characters, alive or dead, are listed here if their final or current affiliation makes them part of the Gotei if they are not a Posthumous Character.

Feel free to eat your lunch while you read

Captain-Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto

Head Captain of the Gotei 13. His bankai is Ryujin Jakka Mugen Ikari. He is killed by Aizen and Nyra.

Chojiro Sasakibe

Yamamoto's Vice-captain. Dies in chapter 104 due to a fever and the lack of attention paid to him in-universe. Though it was helped by Yolanda killing his Zanpakuto at Gonryomaru's request

Hisana Kuchiki

Byakuya's wife and Rukia's older sister. She is first seen in the series as a student in one of Lelouch's Kido classes alongside Gin and Byakuya. Before she contracts a disease that would otherwise be fatal to her Lelouch reunites her with Rukia and Hisana continues to live rising higher and higher in rank. Currently she is the Captain of Squad 3. She was revealed to be pregnant just before going for the second battle and in one week after Hitsugaya's release from prison, she gave birth to twins Kyo and Isao. Her Zanpakuto is called Kaze no Irokoe. Her Bankai is called Saigo no Chu no Kaze no Irokoe

  • Action Mom: As of chapter 94
  • Animal Motifs: A horned owl. While in Bankai.
  • Ascended Extra
  • Berserk Button: A good way to get your ass kicked is to harm or threaten Rukia.
  • Big Good: Assumes this role during the Reapers and Heralds arc because Yamamoto, Byakuya and Lelouch are missing and the senior captains don’t seem to want to step up.
  • Brown Note: A notable effect of her Bankai.
  • Character Development: Hisana gets a good amount over the course of the series with regards to her relationship with Rukia. First she starts by smothering Rukia with her affection and trying to balance her affection towards Rukia and Byakuya. During the Eye of the Storm arc she realizes her mistake and simply becomes protective of Rukia but its during the training arc when the marriage between Rukia and Kaien is finalized that Hisana ultimately realizes that she has to let Rukia grow up and be her own person.
  • Driven to Suicide: Almost. Isane stopped her just in the nick of time
  • Feminine Women Can Cook
  • Happily Married: To Byakuya
  • Heroic BSOD: Has one when she finds out Kyo and Isao are dead
    • Though it turns out they’re perfectly fine and Hisana snaps out of it after almost being Driven to Suicide
  • Knight Templar Big Sister.
  • Lady of War: Hisana is very graceful in battle, much like her husband compared to others like Unohana Kendra and Yolanda and Naomi.
  • Mama Bear: If she’s a Knight Templar Big Brother towards Rukia you can expect she’ll be like this towards her children.
    • Oh she is. Just ask Kaze no Irokoe
  • Musical Assassin
  • Ominous Latin Chanting: Is heard in-universe when Hisana activates her Bankai's ultimate form. If her opponent is considerably weak the music persists even after the transformation is complete.
  • One-Winged Angel: Her Bankai's ultimate form
  • Power Gives You Wings: In Bankai
  • Red Eyes, Take Warning: When using her Bankai's ultimate form. The eyes on the bird hood she wears turn red.
  • Redshirt Army: Hisana's birds from her Bankai are essentially this.
  • Royals Who Actually Do Something: Captain of Squad 3 and damn well proud of it. She's also one of the first to step up to the plate if there's trouble.
  • Stay in the Kitchen: Inverted with a literal use. Kaien actually tells Hisana to come out of the kitchen because she spends so much time in there. Surprisingly Hisana enjoys it.
    • Subverted in the Reapers and Heralds arc. Shunsui tells her she should be more concerned with her children than fighting, but Hisana disagrees and explicitly states her reasons and the subject is dropped.
  • Theme Music Power-Up: Her Bankai can do this in the form of Ominous Latin Chanting in-universe.
    • She also apparently has a technique that powers up her allies. Once again the music is heard in-universe.
  • Third Time's the Charm: When using the technique that activates her Bankai's Super Mode it works for the first time on the third try.
  • Tribal Face Paint: Gets this with her bankai.
  • Whip It Good: The shikai of her Zanpakuto.
  • Why Did It Have to Be Snakes??: Hisana hates bugs. So naturally, during the Karakura Arc, she fights an arrancar with an insect theme.
  • Yamato Nadeshiko: Byakuya even calls her this.

Izuru Kira

Vice-captain of Squad 3 and also a student of Lelouch's.

  • Actor Allusion: In chapter 78, saying that he believes in the path he’s chosen makes it seem like Izuru is about to whack Victor with a bo-staff

Captain-Commander Retsu Unohana

Captain of Squad 4 now the NEW Captain of Squad 1 and both a terror and a mother to her allies, a nightmare to her foes. Her Bankai is Minazuki Zenmetsu (Purify the Flesh by Total Eradication).

Isane Kotetsu

Vice-Captain of Squad 4 after her predecessor was detained for insanity. Having Unohana for a captain obviously had nothing to do with that. Isane has shown her...interest and shyness around Lelouch and has become somewhat of a personal nurse for him whenever he's been injured and sent to her squad. She is also a member of the House of Lamperouge.

Toshiro Hitsugaya

The young child prodigy of Bleach makes his appearance very late in the first portion of the series, changing his destiny greatly. he does not become a captain until after Aizen's defection and is instead Captain of Squad 5 rather than Squad 10.

  • Always Save the Girl: This is what leads him to get Arrested for Heroism and sets of the chain link of events that make up the Lelouch and the Law arc.
  • Ascended Fanboy: Openly supports the phantoms when he starts out as a Soul Reaper in training and eventually becomes one.
  • Eleventh-Hour Ranger: By the time he enters the phantoms, there's not much of the story before their final mission.
  • Heroic BSOD: Has one when he discovers Lelouch is Zero and Momo is Phantom Violet.
  • Insult Backfire: Yammy is so stupid that Hitsugaya's diverse vocabulary proves ineffective when using an insult to tick him off.
  • I Shall Taunt You: Uses this as a tactic to get Yammy to fire a cero so Ukitake can deflect it right back.
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: His plan to have Ukitake cero Yammy in the face knocks the big guy down, only for him to go into his enraged form.

Momo Hinamori

Vice-captain of Squad 5 and a student of Lelouch's Kido class. Under our protagonist's guidance Momo has changed quite a bit from her Canon self

Chief Prosecutor Byakuya Kuchiki

Captain of Squad 6 and head of the famous Kuchiki clan, but the first time we see Byakuya he is but a child and Lelouch actually teaches him a private lesson in Kido, under Yoruichi's supervision. As a child, Lelouch was something of an idol to him. As an adult, he continues to be one of Lelouch's strongest supporters.

Byakuya: In times of crisis some laws have to be broken

Renji Abarai

The butt of all of the author's jokes when he needs someone to suffer hilarious amounts pain, suffering or just to be the Punchline. Renji does eventually manage to get the recognition of Squad 6 Vice-captain he deserves, but that doesn't stop the author from stealing his dignity every now and then. Renji was, much to Lelouch's chagrin for his lack of ability, one of Lelouch's Kido students.

  • Berserk Button: Due to events that have happened in this universe, Renji has developed one for being called weak.
  • Demoted to Extra: You would be forgiven for thinking that he had died at some point early in the plot.
    • He is in the group of reinforcements sent to Karakura, but hasn't done anything significant yet.
    • Subverted, as of recent events. He was able to successfully defend himself during the Battle of Karakura Town and is one of the three Lieutenants (Kaien and Yuna are the other two) going into the Final Battle.
      • He's also starting to get a larger role lately so the author hasn't completely forgotten about him it seems.
  • Did Not Get the Girl: See Unlucky Childhood Friend below
  • Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu?: An actual good an honest literal example of this trope. Renji actually punches Zabimaru in the face, while it’s using Bankai and it helps him win. Yeah you know the red tufted part of Renji’s Bankai. He punched that. Kaien lampshades it.
  • Flanderization: In canon Renji is notirously known for being both a Butt Monkey and a victim of Badass Decay. In the fic it reaches a point where, if someone needs to be made the butt of a joke, expect Renji to be the victim or if Renji fights, don't expect him to win or put up that much of a fight.
  • Heroic BSOD: Has some rather hilarious ones when he learns that Kaien is going to marry Rukia and that the marriage is finalized.
  • Overshadowed by Awesome: Kaien and Hisana specifically. He's gotten his own moments though.
  • Throw the Dog a Bone: Is actually useful and essential to Mia’s final defeat.
  • Took a Level in Badass: In the second battle of Karakura Town, Kaien is getting the crap kicked out of him by Mia ‘s Segunda Etapa Renji attacks her with Hikotsu Taiho and sends her flying. Yeah that’s right, the Butt Monkey always worfed red haired lieutenant just sent a Segunda Etapa Espada flying. He even did a decent amount of damage.
  • Training from Hell: Invokes this on himself in order to Take a Level In Badass since he realizes he’s one of the weaker fighters in the second battle of the war with Talbumosuke
  • Unlucky Childhood Friend: Becomes this when Rukia marries Kaien.
  • What the Hell, Hero?: Gave one to Kaien to let him know that he is not on his own in fighting Mia.
  • Who Is This Guy Again?: The demotion is so bad that Ichigo barely knows who he is now and HE CAN'T STAND IT!!!

Sajin Komamura

The canine Captain of Squad 7. He is killed in the second battle of Karakura Town by Spargga.

Tetsuzaemon Iba

The manly Vice-Captain of Squad 7. Fired by Yuna Homura for disrespecting her when she is given the status of 7th Squad Captain. He is replaced by Susanna Shapikni.

That thing just threw one of my squad’s former prominent fighters into the dirt without doing much of anything. Fuck this! We can’t beat that thing!

Shunsui Kyoraku

The laid back senior captain of Squad 8

Nanao Ise

The pushy, upstart vice-captain of Squad 8. Killed by Loly in a very BRUTAL way.. Her Zanpakuto in this series is Fukuro.

Ashido Kano

A veteran Soul Reaper who was trapped in the Menos Forest for over three centuries. He was the 4th seat of Lelouch's original Captain, Akari Mari. He is encountered by Hitsugaya and Momo during a trip into the Menos Forest during the Lelouch and the Law arc and returns with them and is welcomed back to the Gotei with very little fuss. Considering the man spent a long time fighting for his life against a shit ton of menos and other hollows and was never actually declared deceased it's easy to understand that his return is easier to recognize and accept for the Central Forty Six than say Homura Yuna. He is made as Shunsui's vice-captain as it is the only senior officer position open at the time of his return.

  • Ascended Extra
  • Iaijutsu Practitioner: Naomi says she learned it from him so obviously he’s this too.
  • Old Soldier: Considering the hell he's probably been through and isn't the least bit overwhelmed by everything or exemplifying the traits of a Shell-Shocked Veteran he definitely qualifies here. Of course he seems a lot softer of an individual than the usual portrayal of this trope.
  • Zen Survivor

Kaname Tosen

The Captain of Squad 9. Tosen was Aizen's subordinate, but Lelouch managed to convince him to make a Heel Face Turn and betray Aizen. Tosen, even while on Aizen's side, can tell that Lelouch has a strong sense of Justice.

  • Heel Face Turn: Lelouch convinces him to turn to betray Aizen
  • Heroic BSOD: In the aftermath of the Battle of Karakura Town arcs. He lost both his student and his best friend. It was bad enough that he considered resigning himself as captain until Lelouch intervened.
  • Reverse Mole: His role after his Heel Face Turn.
  • Sixth Ranger: to the phantoms.

Shuhei Hisagi

The Covert Pervert Vice-captain of Squad 9. Shuhei was also one of Lelouch's students while at the academy, but only during his final year. Killed by a Cero from Gloria.

Gin Ichimaru

Though originally a "friend" of Lelouch's Gin is still the Magnificent Bastard Wild Card everyone knows him to be. Even after Talbumosuke's death, when Lelouch convinces the Central Forty Six to consider Gin a Fake Defector and Gin is reinstated into the Gotei as the Vice-captain of Squad 9 to replace Hisagi he remains this way.

  • Anti-Hero: Type IV with shades of Type V definitely
  • Black Comedy Rape: Invoked in the omake chapter 74.03 (the omake for ch 82)
  • Curb Stomp Battle: Easily defeats his own Zanpakuto in the Reapers and Heralds arc.
  • Evil Counterpart: To Lelouch. Though he’s not quite as intelligent the fact that Hisana considers him to be the best the Gotei has at coming up with a plan during the Reapers and Heralds arc and considering Gin’s other actions it definitely qualifies him for this.
  • Fake Defector: Debatable as to whether or not Gin himself is one, but Lelouch makes him out to be one to the Central Forty Six. But then again he really does care about Rangiku, so it is possible he is entirely this. He's lucky Lelouch spoke in his defense.
  • Good Is Not Nice: Good in only the sense of the fact that he’s once again affiliated with the Soul Society. Rangiku calls him out on it
  • I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: In chapter 61 he says that if he doesn't make it, he wants Lelouch to take care of Rangiku.
  • Karma Houdini: Gin isn’t getting any retribution, verbal or otherwise, for killing Hachigen. The Soul Society, of course, since Hachigen is just an extra hand and was written off in the records as KIA, will not lay a hand on him, but it’s amazing that Shinji or one of the other Visoreds haven’t given Lelouch a good scolding.
    • It’s possible they don’t know that he was set loose as Tosen’s replacement Vice-captain for Hisagi
  • Out-Gambitted: He comes up with a cunning plan during the Reapers and Heralds arc, and it is a very good one at that. Unfortunately Eien Tamashi and Lelouch were one step ahead of that.
  • Silly Rabbit, Idealism Is for Kids: Gin flat out says the key phrase “I grew up” to his Zanpakuto
  • Take That: Invoked by the author at what Gin did to Aizen in canon replicated with Talbumosuke here, only it works.
  • What the Hell, Hero?: Rangiku gives him a big one, including slapping him. Gin even denotes that he’d prefer she’d have Run him through with Haineko coming from a man who enjoys psychological torture and killed Hachigen in cold blood in Soul Chess, not to mention all of his actions in canon, this says something.


Rangiku Matsumoto

Rangiku is the first character Lelouch comes across during the series. She has known Lelouch the longest period. (He's lived longer in the Soul Society than when he was alive). Currently the Vice-Captain of Squad 10 Under Lelouch himself no less, though she still prefers to drink than do her work, Rangiku proves herself as a dedicated supporter of her allies and especially her captain.

Kukaku Shiba

Kaien's irate younger sister. She is hostile towards Lelouch at first, but has come to be one of his biggest supporters in recent years (in-universe of course). After Isshin's banishment since Kaien is the head of the Shiba clan, which is the main family of the Kurosaki clan, Kukaku is sent to prison for political reasons. Lelouch, now a captain, bails her out in exchange for having her join his squad. She complies and is currently a 6th seat under his command. Her Zanpakuto is called Kyodai Bakudan.

Kenpachi Kiganjo

The captain of Squad 11 before Zaraki's time.

Kenpachi Zaraki

The captain of Squad 11. Wiped out his predecessor with a single swing. His Zanpakuto is called Fumetsu Seishin no Senso (Indestructable Spirit of War)

  • Awesome but Impractical: Kenpachi’s Zanpakuto lets him increase his power the longer he fights to the point where he gains faux-meatallic skin with flaming eyes when he reaches level 5. His Zanpakuto is standardly weaker than Kenpachi. Without his eyepatch, Kenpachi equals his Zanpakuto’s level 3 and his Zanpakuto can wipe the floor with Kenpachi at level 5. Kenpachi ever getting to level 5 is this trope. Most enemies woul not last long enough for him to get to this point.
  • Badass Boast: “I’m Zaraki Kenpachi and I never quit”
    • Kenpachi repeats said boast after Ichigo snaps him out of his Heroic BSOD
  • Foe Yay: With Nelliel
  • Heartbroken Badass: If it is indeed true that he and the original Yachiru were more than friends. He qualifies for this
  • Heroic BSOD: Suffers this after his Zanpakuto beats him
  • It's Personal: The main reason for limiting Ichigo's role in fighting Vanguard.
  • Memetic Badass: The omake of ch 82 turns him into this
  • Punch-Punch-Punch Uh-Oh: His battle against Vanguard
  • OOC Is Serious Business: Ichigo takes note of the fact that Kenpachi is in some serious funk by the fact that Kenpachi isn’t jumping at the chance to challenge him to a battle.
  • Take Up My Sword: Outright defied in his backstory. Kensei asks him if he was going to do this for Hekira Yachiru, but Kenpachi simply responds he’s not strong enough to do so and leaves. Presumably to get stronger.
  • Took a Level in Badass: Finally learns the name of his Zanpakuto.

Yachiru Kusajishi

The child looking Vice-captain of Squad 11. She calls Lelouch by his in-universe nickname Lulu. Her Zanpakuto is called Okotte Kemono

Ikkaku Madarame

The Hot-Blooded battle hungry 3rd seat of Squad 11. He is killed in the Battle of Karakura Town by Karrthus Darigaaz.

Yumichika Ayasegawa

The effeminate and self acclaimed beautiful 5th seat of Squad 11.

Maki Ichinose

An 8th seat of the Eleventh division and a loyalist to Zaraki's predecessor.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi

The twisted successor over the Department of Research and Development to Kisuke Urahara. Killed off by Nyra.

Nemu Kurotsuchi

Mayuri's "daughter" and surrogate sibling of Lelouch as he is the one who teaches her how to live in Mayuri's place for the captain is far too busy with other things to waste his time with such menial activities. She is one of Lelouch's biggest moral supporters. She also takes Lelouch's virginity. She became Lelouch's girlfriend for a time. He then broke up with her to protect her, but the two have recently gotten back together and is also a member of the House of Lamperouge. Her Shikai is Tekubi-kiri Tamashi

Jushiro Ukitake

The fatherly white haired captain of Squad 13. His Bankai is called Hanron Dekinai Sogyo no Kotowari.

  • Arch Enemy: To Ginjo
  • Limit Break: His Bankai when it stores up 19 attacks and then stores up a 20th fires back all the power it absorbs right back at the opponent.
  • Secret Test of Character: Gives one to Ginjo as part of the man’s backstory.

Kaien Shiba

The still alive Vice-Captain of Squad 13. In the face of Metastacia, Lelouch's interference allowed Kaien to survive the encounter and avenge Miyako's death.

Miyako Shiba

Kaien's deceased wife.

Sentaro Kotsubaki

The Hot-Blooded co-3rd seat of Squad 13. He is killed by the Togabito Zurik

Kiyone Kotetsu

The energetic co-3rd seat of Squad 13 and also the younger sister of Isane. Her Zanpakuto is called Usaginoashi

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