Sōsuke Aizen
Sōsuke Aizen
藍染 惣右介 |
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| Sōsuke Aizen
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| Characteristics | |
| Race | Soul |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 186 cm (6’1″) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Birthday | May 29 |
| First Appearance | |
| Manga | Volume 9, Chapter 79 |
| Anime | Episode 23 |
| Video Game | Bleach GC: Tasogare |
| Professional Status | |
| Affiliation | Himself |
| Previous Occupation | Gotei 13,Soul Society ArrancarArmy |
| Position | Shinigami |
| Profession | None |
| Previous Position | Leader of the Arrancar Army Captain of the 5th Division Lieutenant of the 5th Division Instructor at the Shin’ō Academy |
| Previous Division |  5th Division |
| Previous Partner | Gin Ichimaru Kaname Tōsen Shinji Hirako Momo Hinamori |
| Base of Operations | Muken,Soul Society |
| Zanpakutō | |
| Shikai | Kyōka Suigetsu |
| Bankai | Unknown |
| Portrayal | |
| Japanese Voice | Shō Hayami |
| English Voice | Kyle Hebert |
| Spanish Voice | Raúl Llorens (Spain) Ricardo Mendoza (Latin) |
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““Don’t use such strong words. It’ll only make you look weak.”“ |
Appearance
Sōsuke Aizen appearance.
As a member of the Gotei 13, Sōsuke Aizen had a calm and scholarly appearance, with soft brown eyes, brown hair, and glasses that emphasized his gentle demeanor. He wore the traditional Shinigami shihakushō and the captain’s haori. However, during his defection to Hueco Mundo, Aizen dramatically changed his look. He removed his glasses and slicked his hair back, revealing sharper, more menacing eyes and a more assertive hairstyle with a single strand falling across his face.
In Hueco Mundo, Aizen initially donned Arrancar-style clothing over his shihakushō, but later transitioned to a full Arrancar-style outfit, complete with a pink sash around his waist, after Orihime Inoue was taken to Las Noches.
After his defeat at the hands of Ichigo Kurosaki, Aizen’s physical changes caused by his transformations were undone, returning him to his former appearance. While imprisoned in Muken, Aizen wore a mostly black outfit with white trimming, a large black eyepatch over his right eye, black boots, and a tattered white rag draped over his shoulders.
Personality
Sōsuke Aizen in colored manga.
Sōsuke Aizen is depicted as a calm, polite, and soft-spoken intellectual, often addressing his subordinates by their given names, a trait that adds to his composed and cultured demeanor. He seldom displays signs of distress or alarm, primarily because he is known for planning ahead and having a detailed understanding of unfolding situations well in advance. When confronted by adversaries, Aizen maintains a nonchalant and relaxed attitude, attempting to engage in small talk or draw out conversations, a tactic that often serves to frustrate or infuriate his opponents, who find his detachment unsettling.
In his early appearances, Aizen projected the image of a kind, well-respected captain within the Gotei 13, admired and looked up to by many, including his devoted lieutenant, Momo Hinamori. He played the role of a humble and approachable leader, creating the illusion of a benevolent and caring superior. However, this was merely a facade to hide his true, dangerously manipulative and self-serving nature. In truth, Aizen harbors little to no regard for the well-being of his subordinates, whom he views as expendable tools in his pursuit of personal ambition. He is willing to manipulate or even kill anyone he perceives as an obstacle or a means to an end, all without hesitation.
Aizen frequently uses his subordinates as pawns, treating their loyalty and efforts with cold detachment. He derives amusement from toying with those around him, keeping them in a state of perpetual manipulation to serve his greater goals. This behavior is exemplified by his interactions with his Arrancar army, where he controls his minions through either respect or fear. For example, Ulquiorra Cifer reveals to Orihime Inoue that the Arrancar are merely instruments in Aizen’s plan, existing solely to further his ambitions. More unruly figures, such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, are kept in line through a combination of intimidation and psychological games. Furthermore, Aisslinger Wernarr, an Arrancar, observes that the Arrancar follow Aizen due to his fearless nature, which they find inspiring given their own origins rooted in fear and despair.
His cold and manipulative personality is also evident in his relationships with other prominent characters. For example, Gin Ichimaru appears to have an intuitive understanding of Aizen’s true feelings, as he correctly notes that Aizen enjoyed watching Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends make progress within Las Noches during their invasion, a rare admission of enjoyment from Aizen himself. Gin also perceives Aizen’s surprise when Momo Hinamori unexpectedly appears during the battle at Fake Karakura Town. In contrast, Kaname Tōsen, another close subordinate, is unable to grasp the depths of Aizen’s manipulation, as seen when Aizen subtly tricks Tōsen into punishing Grimmjow on his behalf, all while Aizen himself maintains his façade of benevolence.
Aizen’s overarching goal is to overthrow the king of Soul Society and claim the throne for himself. He reveals this ambition during his departure from Soul Society, stating to Jūshirō Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division, that no one has “stood on the top of the world,” not even the gods, and he aspires to “stand in the heavens” and fill the vacancy on the throne of the world.
After gaining mastery over the Hōgyoku, Aizen undergoes a noticeable change in his personality and battle tactics. According to Kisuke Urahara, Aizen becomes less cautious in battle, allowing himself to be more vulnerable than before. Aizen himself acknowledges this, stating that his newfound powers from the Hōgyoku make him feel invincible, allowing him to let his guard down more often. As a result, he adopts an increasingly arrogant and overconfident attitude, dismissing the importance of strategy and neglecting to analyze the effects of both his own attacks and those of his opponents. This shift in behavior reflects his growing superiority complex, as he comes to believe that he has transcended both Shinigami and Hollows in power and status.
Aizen’s hubris reaches its peak when he becomes enraged by situations that defy his comprehension, such as Ichigo Kurosaki’s use of Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō. Unable to understand how a human could surpass him, Aizen’s frustration leads to erratic behavior and a rare display of emotional vulnerability.
Following his defeat by Ichigo and subsequent imprisonment in Muken, Aizen regains his calm and collected demeanor upon his release. Despite Shunsui Kyōraku’s praise regarding his strength, Aizen brushes off the compliment with indifference. During the final battle against Yhwach, Aizen exhibits a slight change of heart, choosing to fight alongside Ichigo and protect the worlds from destruction, though he ultimately returns to Muken afterward. Aizen disagrees with Yhwach’s ideology of uniting all realms to eliminate the fear of death, asserting that people would lose the courage to move forward in such a world, indicating that Aizen, despite his earlier ambitions, recognizes the importance of struggle and fear in personal growth and motivation.
Background
Aizen as the lieutenant of Shinji Hirako.
At an unknown point in the past, Sōsuke Aizen joined the 5th Division under Captain Shinji Hirako. Even before Kisuke Urahara, Aizen had already begun his research on the Hōgyoku. To create his own version of the orb, Aizen sacrificed hundreds of Shinigami and Rukongai citizens with latent Shinigami abilities, although these sacrifices proved insufficient to fully satisfy the Hōgyoku. At one point, a young Gin Ichimaru observed Aizen interacting with three Shinigami, during which Aizen was handed the Hōgyoku. After placing it in a glass, Aizen returned it to the Shinigami and left the scene, leaving an unconscious Rangiku Matsumoto behind.
Aizen eventually attracted the attention of Captain Hirako, who promoted him to lieutenant in order to keep a close watch on him. However, this decision only furthered Aizen’s secretive plans.
110 years ago, Aizen accompanied Captain Hirako to the 1st Division headquarters for a promotion ceremony. During the event, he witnessed a brief altercation between 12th Division Lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki and her captain, followed by a discussion regarding the recent promotion of 12th Division Captain Kirio Hikifune to the Royal Guard. Aizen, curious and seemingly surprised by this revelation, inquired about the promotion process.
Shinji exposes Aizen’s presence.
Later, during a conversation with Hirako, Aizen, who had been using his camouflage abilities to remain hidden, revealed himself. Hirako remarked that he had been aware of Aizen’s presence from the beginning, which prompted a brief exchange in which Aizen subtly commented on the true nature of their relationship.
Nine years later, as strange deaths began occurring in Rukongai, Captain-Commander Yamamoto assigned a team to investigate. During this time, Aizen’s treachery began to surface when it was revealed that 9th Division 5th Seat Kaname Tōsen, who had secretly been allied with Aizen, betrayed his division and used his Bankai to subdue his fellow Shinigami. Aizen himself revealed his involvement to Hirako, admitting that he had been orchestrating events for a long time. He explained the deceptive nature of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, which allowed him to manipulate Shinji into trusting him, all the while using this position to further his ambitions.
When the Hollowfication of several Shinigami began, Aizen observed the emotional toll it took on them, noting the connection between Hollowfication and heightened emotional states. As the Hollowfication process accelerated in Shinji, Aizen took advantage of the situation, ordering Tōsen to attack Hiyori Sarugaki. Before Aizen could finish off Shinji, Urahara intervened, leading to a brief exchange between the two.
Aizen is intrigued by Masaki’s interference.
Following the Hollowfication incident, Aizen, along with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen, continued experimenting on Hollows, trying to create beings that were closer to Shinigami. Aizen’s experiments eventually led to the creation of Menos and Hollows with concealed Reiatsu. During one of these experiments, Aizen and Gin saved several academy students, including Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai, from a dangerous Menos. Aizen saw potential in the group and recruited them into his division, though Renji’s rebellious nature eventually led to his transfer to the 6th Division.
At some point, Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen visited Hueco Mundo, where they subjugated Baraggan Louisenbairn, the King of Hueco Mundo, and forced him to join their cause. This event solidified Aizen’s dominance over Hueco Mundo and deepened Baraggan’s enmity toward him.
Later, while observing a battle involving Isshin Shiba and a Hollow created from a Shinigami’s soul, Aizen remarked on the cloak developed by Urahara that allowed them to remain undetected. Intrigued by the Quincy presence in the battle, Aizen chose not to interfere, instead observing the unfolding events with interest.
Aizen continued monitoring the developments surrounding Isshin Shiba and Masaki Kurosaki. His observations eventually led him to focus on Ichigo Kurosaki, noting the uniqueness of Ichigo’s heritage as a human with Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollow traits. Aizen subtly guided Ichigo’s growth for his own purposes, stationing Rukia Kuchiki in Karakura Town and orchestrating events, such as the attack on Ichigo’s family and the appearance of a Menos Grande, to spur Ichigo’s development.
Plot
Inventions
Hōgyoku
(崩玉, Crumbling Orb; Viz “Breakdown Sphere”): Aizen claims to have conceptualized the Hōgyoku before Kisuke Urahara, though his own initial attempts to create it ended in failure. To finalize the Hōgyoku, Aizen sacrificed the souls of hundreds of Shinigami and countless Rukongai citizens with Shinigami potential, yet it still remained incomplete. He later decided to steal Urahara’s Hōgyoku to complete his own version, merging them together. The Hōgyoku, born from Aizen’s research into Hollowfication, was responsible for giving the Visored their Hollow powers. This transformation occurs through an infection-like process that spreads via wounds, primarily affecting those with high spiritual power (Reiryoku). Infected individuals experience severe illness and eventually vomit a white liquid, which forms the basis of their Hollow mask. The transformation is accelerated by strong emotions and results in a highly unstable, Hollow-like humanoid form marked by mindlessness and aggression.
Caja Negación
(反膜の匪カハ・ネガシオン, Kaha Negashion; Spanish for “Negation Box”, Japanese for “Anti-Membrane of Negation”): Aizen developed this cube as a means of trapping a target in an alternate dimension from which escape is considered impossible under normal circumstances. While primarily intended as a punishment for weaker Arrancar who disobeyed their Espada commanders, more powerful Arrancar, like the Espada themselves, can escape given enough time and effort.
Hollow Research and Development
Throughout his time as a Shinigami and after defecting from Soul Society, Aizen invested considerable effort in researching both Shinigami and Hollows. His goal was to break down the natural barriers between the two species. He succeeded in creating Hollows with abilities similar to those of Shinigami, including Hollows capable of concealing their Reiatsu, like the ones that attacked Renji Abarai, Izuru Kira, and Momo Hinamori during their training. Aizen also developed Hollows like Metastacia, which could shatter a Shinigami’s Zanpakutō and fuse with them, as well as Hollows created from a Shinigami’s soul. Despite these breakthroughs, Aizen labeled many of these experiments as failures. After defecting, he began using the Hōgyoku to create far more powerful Arrancar than those that naturally existed.
Additionally, Aizen bestowed Hollow powers upon Shinigami, most notably Kaname Tōsen, who gained both a Hollow mask and the ability to use a Resurrección.
Equipment
Reiatsu Concealing Cloak
A special cloak created by Kisuke Urahara, designed to hide the wearer’s Reiatsu. Aizen used this cloak during his encounter with Isshin Shiba, allowing him to approach undetected and launch a surprise attack. The cloak works by blending the wearer into the surrounding air through the incorporation of Kidō, making them nearly invisible and extremely difficult to detect.
Abilities & Powers
Genius Intellect
Aizen’s most prominent trait is his immense intelligence. He possesses a deep knowledge of Soul Society’s history, strategy, and tactics, including information unknown to many, such as the Ōken and how it can be created. His experiments with Hollows and Arrancar remained undetected for years, and he successfully manipulated Reiryoku and Reishi to conduct unprecedented Hollowfication experiments on Shinigami. His understanding of the Hōgyoku rivals that of its creator, Kisuke Urahara, and he discovered how to destroy it. Additionally, Aizen comprehended the true nature of Shinji Hirako’s Shikai and was able to counter its effects .
Master Manipulator
Aizen is a master manipulator and deceiver. For years, he masqueraded as a kind-hearted captain while secretly orchestrating horrifying experiments. His analytical mind allows him to observe and manipulate those around him, often positioning them as pawns in his intricate, long-term plans. One of his most famous strategies involved a 110-year-long plot, carefully moving individuals like chess pieces to achieve his ultimate goal . His plan to kidnap Orihime Inoue, which extended the Hōgyoku’s life while also luring his enemies into Hueco Mundo, demonstrated his unparalleled ability to manipulate both situations and people .
Master Strategist & Tactician
Aizen is a master tactician, able to adapt and formulate strategies in battle with ease. He has a deep understanding of his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, often preparing countermeasures well in advance. His plan to modify an Arrancar specifically to defeat Captain-Commander Yamamoto exemplifies his strategic genius. Aizen is also highly cautious, placing protective barriers on himself during battle to eliminate any weaknesses .
Kidō Master
Aizen is highly skilled in Kidō, the magical arts of Soul Society. He can use high-level spells without incantation, such as Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi, which he used to overpower a captain. Even as a lieutenant, Aizen could defend against powerful spells like Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō with ease. His abilities only grew after his imprisonment, as he cast powerful Kidō like Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi and Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu while still bound in a Reiatsu-suppressing chair .
Shunpo Master
Aizen’s proficiency in Shunpo (Flash Step) is so advanced that he can move faster than most of his opponents can react, often appearing to attack without being noticed. He can easily outmaneuver opponents, even those with enhanced speed, such as Ichigo Kurosaki in his Bankai and Hollow mask forms .
Aizen’s swordsmanship enables him to confront multiple captains with ease.
Master Swordsman
Aizen is a highly skilled swordsman, able to fight multiple captains and Visored simultaneously. His sword strikes are precise and powerful, effortlessly cutting through even Bankai-level techniques. His skill allowed him to defeat several powerful opponents in quick succession with minimal effort .
Whip Expert
Though not his primary weapon, Aizen has demonstrated proficiency with whips. He used Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi’s Kinshara to immobilize Love Aikawa during combat, showing his adaptability in wielding different weapon types .
Hakuda Master
Aizen is proficient in unarmed combat. He often uses hand-to-hand techniques in conjunction with his swordsmanship, demonstrating agility and strength. He has been seen catching his opponent’s weapons barehanded and delivering powerful strikes .
Immeasurable Spiritual Power
Aizen’s spiritual power is immense, far surpassing that of a typical captain. His Reiatsu was strong enough to fully activate the Hōgyoku, a feat requiring at least twice the spiritual power of an average captain. After gaining the power of the Hōgyoku, Aizen declared himself more powerful than all the Espada combined . Even after losing his Hōgyoku-enhanced abilities, Aizen’s Reiatsu grew to the point where a Reiatsu-suppressing chair was required to restrain him . His spiritual pressure is violet and intense enough to crush enemies in his presence .
Masterful Reiatsu Control
Aizen has near-perfect control over his Reiatsu. He can weaponize it as a defensive shield that vaporizes weaker opponents and break through barriers infused with Reishi. His Reiatsu can also nullify the abilities of his enemies and leave him unaffected by certain attacks .
Immense Strength
Aizen is exceptionally strong, capable of stopping the blade of Ichigo’s Bankai with just one finger. He can easily overpower opponents with his physical strength, slicing through weapons and defenses with ease .
Immortality
Aizen’s fusion with the Hōgyoku granted him immortality. He can regenerate from fatal injuries, including the effects of Ichigo’s most powerful attack, Mugetsu. Even after being imprisoned in Muken, Aizen survived powerful attacks and retained his immortality .
Zanpakutō
Kyōka Suigetsu (鏡花水月, Mirror Flower, Water Moon)
Aizen’s Zanpakutō is a highly effective tool in combat and manipulation. Its special ability,Kanzen Saimin(Complete Hypnosis), controls the five senses of its targets, making them perceive illusions that are indistinguishable from reality. Once a person has seen Kyōka Suigetsu’s release, they are permanently affected by its hypnosis. Even if they are aware of being hypnotized, they cannot resist its effects . Aizen used Kyōka Suigetsu’s ability to deceive and manipulate both allies and enemies alike, hiding his true intentions for over a century. Even after the Hōgyoku disintegrated his Zanpakutō, Aizen retained its illusionary powers .
Bankai
Not revealed.
Former Powers & Abilities
Upon fusing the Hōgyoku with his body, Aizen underwent a series of transformations, elevating him beyond both Shinigami and Hollow. These transformations granted him immense power and abilities that surpassed his previous limits. However, following his defeat by Ichigo Kurosaki’s Mugetsu, Aizen’s appearance returned to normal. Kisuke Urahara speculated that the Hōgyoku had rejected Aizen, while Ichigo believed that the Hōgyoku responded to Aizen’s subconscious desire to be like others, reflecting the loneliness Aizen felt during their battle. Despite losing access to these transformative abilities, Aizen retained his immortality and vast Reiryoku. By the time of the Quincy Blood War, Aizen had grown even stronger, eventually surpassing the power he had wielded in his Hōgyoku-enhanced forms.
Weaknesses
Power Swapping:
Yhwach’s power is reliant on the balanced connection with Jugram Haschwalth. If Haschwalth dies while possessingThe Almighty, Yhwach’s powers are destroyed. Additionally, when Haschwalth usesThe Almightyduring Yhwach’s sleep, it signals to enemies that Yhwach is defenseless at that time.
Still Silver:
Yhwach is vulnerable toStill Silver, a substance formed in the hearts of Quincy victims of hisAuswählen. If this silver comes into contact with Yhwach’s blood, his powers will be temporarily disrupted, leaving him exposed to attacks.
Trivia
Shinji exposes Aizen’s presence.
- Battle Data: Aizen’s battle statistics are as follows: Offense (100), Defense (90), Mobility (90), Kidō/Reiatsu (100), Intelligence (100), and Physical Strength (80), totaling 560/600.
- Aizen’s theme songs, selected by Tite Kubo, are“Stand Ablaze”by In Flames and“Allegro non troppo”, the fourth movement of Symphony No. 5 in D Minor by Dmitri Shostakovich.
- Aizen ranked 13th in the second character popularity poll, 18th in the third (where his glasses ranked 47th), 23rd in the fourth, 11th in the fifth, and 5th in the tenth.
- Kyōka Suigetsu, Aizen’s Zanpakutō, was ranked 18th in the first Zanpakutō poll and 7th in the second.
- In the “Best Bout” poll, Aizen’s fight with Gin Ichimaru ranked 4th. His fight against Shinji Hirako, and later against the Gotei 13 and the Visored, both ranked 22nd. His battle against Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihōin, and Isshin Kurosaki ranked 38th. His fights with Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto ranked 41st, while his fight with Renji Abarai ranked 58th, and his battle with Zennosuke Kurumadani ranked 83rd.
- Aizen once had a column in theSeireitei CommunicationtitledThe Yin of the Pine Needle, which has since been suspended.
- The Shinigami Women’s Association had planned to release a photo collection of Aizen titledThe Smile of the Sun, but it was canceled.
- The name of Aizen’s Zanpakutō,Kyōka Suigetsu, alludes to its illusionary powers. The phrase, “the moon reflected in water and a flower in a mirror,” suggests something visible yet unreachable—reflecting the nature of his Zanpakutō’s abilities.
- Before the true nature of Kyōka Suigetsu was revealed, it was believed to be a water-type Zanpakutō, using reflections of fog and water to confuse enemies.
- In the manga, Aizen swiftly cuts down Hitsugaya before the latter can attack him. In the anime, this scene was extended to show Hitsugaya charging at Aizen and impaling him withDaigūren Hyōrinmaru, only to realize it was an illusion created by Kyōka Suigetsu.
- In the anime adaptation, the three guardians summoned by Aizen at Sōkyoku Hill were omitted. Instead, Kūkaku Shiba and Jidanbō Ikkanzaka arrive to attack Aizen before he is subdued by Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng.