Genryūsai (Shigekuni) Yamamoto

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto is the legendary founder of the 13 Divisions, which he has led as Captain General for over 1,000 years. Considered the leader of the Shinigami, he is a major character in the Bleach universe.

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Apparence

Yamamoto is the oldest of all the Shinigami. He has a bald head and a wrinkled face. He has long white eyebrows and a long white beard and mustache. He also has a cross scar on his head from the golden age of the Soul Society. His eyes are brown.

He wears the traditional uniform of the Shinigami, the shihakushō, as well as the long-sleeved haori of the Captains, which he wears over his shoulders like a cape, not a jacket. He also has an atypical cane, which actually contains his Zanpakutō, a sign of his seniority.

Despite his great age, his body is very well maintained and displays one of the most developed musculature among the Shinigamis. His torso and back are covered with scars, the result of his many battles.

When he was young, Yamamoto still had black hair on the back of his head that was tied up. He did not have a beard yet and his mustache was much shorter, as well as his eyebrows. As for his captain's haori, it had no sleeves.

Personality

Yamamoto is a very proud Shinigami. He doesn't like it when people break the rules and doesn't hesitate to punish those who break the law, even kill them if necessary, even if they are his own students. He also has an honor that prevents him from involving anyone who is not from the Soul Society in his affairs. That's why he didn't want to involve Ichigo in his fight against Aizen or why he didn't want to use Orihime Inoue to heal his missing arm.

According to Yhwach, Yamamoto was not always so wise. In his youth, he ruled the 13 Divisions, which he himself founded, with an iron fist and the lives of his enemies or even those of his allies were of no value to him, being no more valuable than ashes. He was ready to use any means necessary to kill his opponent, even the most cruel and cowardly means that existed. This is what forged his legend as a ruthless warrior.

Nevertheless, he is a man who does not hesitate to sacrifice his subordinates if it allows him to defeat an enemy of the Soul Society.

After meeting Ichigo, his personality will change. While he used to be too proud to rely on anyone, the fights of the substitute Shinigami will make him change his mind and he is ready to use his strength if necessary.

In the Millennium Bloody War, Yamamoto will display an unprecedented anger over the death of his right hand man, Sasakibe, resembling that of his youth when he was a ruthless warrior.

History

About 2100 years ago, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai founded the Shinigami Academy for the purpose of giving solid training to all those souls powerful enough to become Shinigami. Yamamoto himself was a teacher and, at some point in history, became the personal instructor of Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, who would eventually become the first captains of Gotei 13 to graduate from the Academy.

About 1000 years ago, Yamamoto became the general commander of Gotei 13, a position he held until the time of his death at the hands of Yhwach with the title of captain of the 1st division. At some point in his 1000 years before his death in battle, Yamamoto reportedly had a confrontation with the leader of the Wandenreich, whom he failed to kill.

Sypnosis

Arch of the False Karakura Town

After Kenpachi kills Nnoitra Jiruga, it is explained that Yamamoto has ordered the creation of a replacement Karakura Town so that the captains can fight to their full capacity without destroying the town. He is seen with other captains and lieutenants waiting while Aizen and his army arrive in Karakura Town. He then used his Shikai to imprison the three opposing ex-captains, Aizen, Gin and Kaname, in order to focus on the Espada and their Fracción. It is revealed that Yamamoto has placed four pillars around Fake Karakura Town which, if destroyed, would bring Karakura Town back into the Soul Society. Baraggan Luisenbarn immediately understood the trick and sent his four Fracción to destroy the pillars. However, this plan was interrupted by Yamamoto's four soldiers, Izuru Kira, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Ikkaku Madarame, and Shūhei Hisagi, who were placed on top of the pillars to protect them. After the pillars are properly defended and four of Baraggan's Fracción are killed, the remaining Espada and Fracción join forces to fight a Shinigami and began the battle. Yamamoto announced that the real fighting had begun.

Upon the arrival of the three traitors in the fake Karakura, the Captain Commander locked them in Jokakou Enjou, a prison of flames to allow his subordinates to kill the Arrancars present to then eliminate Sōsuke Aizen, Ichimaru and Tōsen. The fake city was held in place by four pillars, guarded by four of the best shinigami, whose rank was below that of Captain. When the real battle began, and all the Vice-Captains failed to take down the Chimera Allon, the Captain Commander destroyed it and the fraccions of the Tercera Espada.He stopped all activity, leaving his subordinates to fight, and only reacted when the Captains and Vizards were put down by Aizen.

Arc of the millennial war of blood

Yamamoto sent the 11th Division to deal with a case in Rukongai. People are mysteriously disappearing and the kidnappers are not known. A messenger reports to Yamamoto until he is knocked out. Yamamoto turns around and sees five quincys wearing capes appear before Yamamoto. They declare war on him and remark that the guard of his division is not very organized but Yamamoto replies that it is enough that he is there. Behind the quincy, we see Sasakibe being thrown on the wall and pierced by a big quincy arrow. Yamamoto hastens to save him, the quincys leave the barracks facing Yamamoto who tries to burn them in vain. After Yamamoto orders the funeral of Sasakibe and insinuates it during the ceremony. He then orders a convocation of the captains. Mayuri explains what he knows about the Quincys but Yamamoto interrupts him to ask him where is their HQ but Mayuri ignores him. Yamamoto orders all the divisions to prepare their troops for an attack.

During the invasion of the Quincys, Yamamoto gives the protection of the barracks to his lieutenant then goes to the battlefield. He saves Hisagi in extremis from an arrow of Driscoll Berci. Driscoll takes the opportunity to take out Sasakibe's bankai because he stole his bankai during the first attack. A flashback occurs where we see Yamamoto shouting at Sasakibe as a young man, Sasakibe tells him that he has developed his bankai. Yamamoto asks him to face him with it. During the fight, Yamamoto receives a scar on his forehead and then tells Sasakibe to develop his bankai again which he does during the following years. Yamamoto receives a rain of lightnings then ,e reacts when Hisagi says to him that he is going to help him. He defends Hisagi from intervening and then angrily slices the Sternritter with his blade. He turns to Hisagi and tells him in a firm tone that he will destroy the rebel troops with his hand and he takes off into the sky accompanied by flame. He lands behind Juha Bach who is holding Kenpachi, dying, by the neck and Yamamoto tells him that he will kill him. Three Sternritters arrive on top of Yamamoto and throw themselves on him but are caught in a deluge of flames that neutralize them instantly. Juha Bach shows only indifference. Yamamoto attacks Juha Bach's arm and tells him that he has not changed in the way he treats his men. Juha draws his sword to the great happiness of Yamamoto who tells him that he will be able to reduce him to ashes then he throws his Bankai. Haschwald is surprised by this small bankai but Juha tells him not to underestimate him because one blow of this blade and it is the end. Yamamoto confirms what he said and then proposes to test it on his body to see if it has not changed since 1000 years. Yamamoto slices in the void near Juha's cloak but manages to cut a small piece to the great surprise of the chief Quincy; Yamamoto then touches the ground and opens a huge breach in the ground. Juha understands that it is the point of the sword. Yamamoto explains to him that Zanka no tachi does not burn or embrace, it simply reduces to ashes everything it touches. Juha Bach is not impressed and tries to hit him with his sword but it is split in two. Yamamoto tells him that he is too sure of himself and reveals his second power "Zanjitsu Gokui". Yamamoto is going to finish quickly in order not to be destroyed and the Soul Society then proposes with a terror expression to the enemy to run away even if he is going to catch him and kill him. Juha Bach throws him an arrow that the shinigami destroys as quickly as easily. The next moment, Yamamoto rushes to the enemy, this one then uses his maximum spell "Sank Swinger" and seems confident. However Yamamoto yells to him that it won't work and then uses his third power "Kaka Jûman Okushi Daisôjin". Juha Bach is stunned and at the same time doesn't care that the chief of shinigami can bring back the dead, he throws himself on the corpses. Yamamoto tells him to look at the corpses and Juha recognizes his companions. Yamamoto moves away a little, he asks if he doesn't regret that he didn't take his bankai earlier, not that he didn't want to but that he didn't want to because he didn't see his bankai for 1000 years unlike the other captains. That's also why they fear Ichigo Kurosaki because he only awakened to bankai a short time ago and he can still evolve. Then he uses his last power "Tenchi Kaijin". Juha Bach is on the ground but apologizes to Juha

Bach to the astonishment of Yamamoto who shouts him "Who are you?!?". An explosion occurs behind Yamamoto in the first division barracks and Juha Bach appears behind Yamamoto. Juha finishes off Royd who is half dead. Yamamoto asks why, Yhwach tells him that he went to Aizen to hire him but he refused. He then asks if Yamamoto can still use his bankai after being exhausted. Yamamoto answers to the provocation and gets his bankai stolen, Juha explains that only he could steal his bankai because of his huge power and that's why he ordered Royd not to do anything. Juha Bach invokes a sword of light in front of him and uses it to slice Yamamoto after saying goodbye to him. Yamamoto collapses with his body cut in two. Juha Bach says that the 13 divisions are dead since 1000 years because they lost their aggressiveness and then he finishes him.

Skills and Competencies

Yamamoto is one of the most powerful characters in the Bleach universe. He is able to overpower 2 Captains of the 13 Divisions with ease and even take down 3 Stern Ritters in a single blow. Even Sōsuke Aizen would recognize that Yamamoto's physical strength surpasses his own. Just with his Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, the sword with the greatest attack power, the Captain General is a strong ally among the protagonists, not able to be defeated by just anyone. In addition to this superpower, Yamamoto has mastered level 90 Kidō techniques and unique Hakuda techniques.

In addition to this legendary power, Yamamoto is an excellent teacher and tactician, having trained the first generation of Shin'Ō Academy or Kenpachi Zaraki during the space of a day. He has been leading the 13 Divisions for 1000 years, thanks to his legendary strength, but also thanks to his great combat experience and model leadership.

• Advanced Knowledge: With his long experience as a teacher and warrior that forged his legend, including commanding the 13 Divisions for more than 1,000 years, Yamamoto has acquired great intelligence. He knows how to direct a military organization according to the needs of the situation. He knows how to seize opportunities to set traps and surprise his opponents.
• Immense Strength: In addition to his impressive musculature for his advanced age, Yamamoto has immense strength. He blew a hole in Ayon's body with ease, as well as another one in Wonderwice's body in Resurrección, while sending him flying into the air. By striking with his 2 fists, he was able to tear Wonderwice apart.
• High Resistance: In addition to this incredible strength, Yamamoto is a very tough fighter. He fought Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, 2 of the most powerful Captains of the 13 Divisions and came out unscathed while holding back, where the other two had some injuries. He took several dozen punches from Wonderwice, in Resurrección, ultimately having only a few scratches, while the latter defeated Kensei Muguruma in Bankai. When he was younger, he cashed in on Chōjirō Sasakibe's Bankai with only a single wound on his forehead.
• Extreme Stamina: Despite his age, Yamamoto is incredibly tough. He can fight Captain-level opponents outnumbered for a long period of time. He can also take several direct attacks without suffering damage. He can also endure being pierced in the stomach without much pain. He was able to hold back an explosion that could have destroyed an area several times the size of Karakura by reducing it to an explosion of a few city blocks. Even if he held back the wave of energy, he only got away with burns on his body. And even after being cut in half by Yhwach, he was able to find the strength to hold on to his cloak.
• Zanjutsu (斬術, Japanese for "Sword Handling"): One of the 4 fighting techniques of the Shinigami that allows for sword handling. Being the founder of the Shin'Ō Academy and a warrior with over 2,000 years of experience, Yamamoto is the best swordsman in the Soul Society. Very few people can expect to survive in a fight against him. He can fight 2 Captains with only one hand and he can also take down an opponent of Ayon's strength with a single, precise strike.
  
  

• • Hitotsume: Nadegiri (一つ目・撫で斬り, Japanese for "The First: Deadly Strike"): Yamamoto slices through his opponent in one strike so quickly that the opponent doesn't realize the attack until he suffers its effects. This attack was enough to cut Ayon in half.
  • Onibi (鬼火, Japanese for "Demonic Fire"): By striking his opponent with his cane, Yamamoto can create a hole in the opponent's body.

• Hakuda (白打, Japanese for "White Blows"): Even without his sword, Yamamoto is an extremely dangerous fighter. Although it is unknown if his skill has waned with age, Yamamoto has proven to pulverize an Espada-level opponent with just his fists.
  

  • Ikkotsu (一骨, Japanese for "Simple Bone"): Yamamoto lands a major blow to his foe that blows a hole in him in addition to sending him into the background.
  • Sōkotsu (双骨, Japanese for "Double Bone"): Yamamoto hits his opponent with both fists, causing his opponent's body to be pulverized.

• Hōhō (歩法, Japanese for "Agility"): Yamamoto is so fast that he managed to arrive before Kyōraku and Ukitake at their drop-off point when they tried to run away from him, and without them immediately noticing his presence.
• Kidō (鬼道, Japanese for "Demonic Way"): Yamamoto has great mastery of this mode of combat by being able to summon powerful spells without incantation.

• • Hadō #96 - Ittō Kasō (一刀火葬, Japanese for "Cremation of a Single Sword Blow"): This is a sacrificial spell that requires a part of one's body to be charred. Yamamoto sacrificed his arm.

Spiritual Power

As one of the oldest Shinigamis, Yamamoto possesses a disproportionately strong Spiritual Power. It is so powerful, that he is able to make Nanao Ise, a Vice-Captain, collapse. He can defeat 4 Bakudō techniques very easily and even Aizen admits that he is weaker than him in brute force combat. Yamamoto will say that the reason he has been the Captain General for 1,000 years is that since he took the position, no Shinigami more powerful than him has emerged.

Zanpakutō

Ryūjin Jakka (流刃若火, Japanese for "The Sword that Melts into Flames"): In its sealed form, Yamamoto's sword is contained within his cane. To draw it, he simply splits the wood covering it, revealing its true appearance. It is a standard katana with a classic guard, a purple handle and an ordinary size. After the death of the Captain General, the remains of the sword are stored in the 1st Division's quarters.

• Shikai: His release command is: Let the World Be Reduced to Ashes / Let the World Become Ashes and Dust in the anime (万象一切灰燼と為せ, banshō issai kaijin to nase) : The release comes with a large wave of Reiatsu, affecting a very large area and can be felt throughout the Seireitei area.
• Shikai Special Ability: Upon release, the sword is surrounded by flames before surrounding Yamamoto with a flaming aura that affects the environment. The scenery is destroyed by the flames and fighters too weak to resist it are annihilated. Where his sword passes, the world is reduced to ashes. Yamamoto can manipulate his flames to slice, explode or even imprison an opponent. Only seasoned fighters can hope to face this Zanpakutō, and fewer still can contemplate winning a straight fight. Kyōraku and Ukitake, 2 of the most powerful Captains among the 13 Divisions suffered several injuries when they faced it. Bazz-B, a Stern Ritter whose unique power is to manipulate flames, was completely burned by this power. And Aizen will admit that even he would be unwise to face this power head-on, so powerful is it.
  
  • Jōkaku Enjō (城郭炎上, Japanese for "Blazing Fortress"): By manipulating a large number of flames toward a target, Yamamoto can imprison the target in a huge structure of fire. This technique is powerful enough to lock up Aizen, Ichimaru and Tōsen, 3 former Captains, without them being able to do anything.
  • Taimatsu (松明, Japanese for "Torch"): By focusing his flames on his sword, Yamamoto can slice through a target, which is immediately caught in an explosion of flames that reduces it to ashes.
  • Ennetsu Jigoku (炎熱地獄, Japanese for "Flames of Hell"): Yamamoto creates several pillars of fire of gigantic size, which destroy the environment. This technique takes time to execute. By gathering all these huge pillars of flame, Yamamoto can annihilate anything he wants, even his own body. These flames are so powerful that their explosion can destroy an area larger than the city of Karakura.

• Bankai: Zanka no Tachi (残火の太刀, Japanese for "The Sword of Embers"): In Bankai, the Sword takes the form of a charred sword, the result of absorbing all the flames generated in Shikai.
• Bankai's Special Ability: By summoning his Bankai, all the flames of the Shikai disappear and are absorbed into the sword, burning it. Zanka no Tachi holds all the power of Yamamoto's flames in the sword and when he slices a target, the target is annihilated instantly. This power is so powerful that it affects the entire Soul Society. The heat of this sword even prevents the use of Daiguren Hyōrinmaru because it evaporates all the water in the Seireitei and more. According to Yamamoto himself, if he keeps his Bankai active too long, the Soul Society and even his own body would be destroyed by this immense power. This Bankai also has the particularity of having 4 unique techniques that Yamamoto names after the 4 cardinal points.
  
  • Zanka no Tachi-"Higashi": Kyokujitsujin (残火の太刀 "東": 旭日刃, Sword of Embers-"East": Blade of the Rising Sun) : Automatically triggered upon activation of the Bankai, flames and heat are focused on the blade's edge. Upon contact with its target, the target is annihilated, with no flame emission. Even the Blut Vene cannot defend against it.
  • Zanka no Tachi - "Nishi": Zanjitsu Gokui (残火の太刀 "西": 残日獄衣, The Sword of Embers - "West": Prisoner's Uniform of the Setting Sun) : Automatically triggered upon activation of Bankai, this ability is invisible to the naked eye as long as the user does not disdain showing the true appearance of this technique. The user's body is then surrounded by his Reiatsu, which is transformed into a 15 million degree armor of flames. It becomes impossible to touch the user.
  • Zanka no Tachi - "Minami": Kaka Jūmanokushi Daisōjin (残火の太刀 "南": 火火十万億死大葬陣, The Sword of Embers - "South": Great Funeral Formation of the Ten Trillion Dead by Fire) : Summoning the dead he has defeated, the user can make them appear in their former appearance to his enemies, using their bond and then provoking their sentience.
  • Zanka no Tachi - "Kita": Tenchi Kaijin (残火の太刀 "北": 天地灰尽, The Sword of Ember - "North": Earth and Heavens reduced to ashes) : A concentrated sword strike of fire and heat that annihilates everything it touches from existence.