Agent of the Shinigami Arc

Yoruichi Shihōin first arrives in Karakura Town in her feline form, where Tessai Tsukabishi reveals to Jinta Hanakari that she is Kisuke Urahara’s close friend. Later, Yoruichi is seen sitting outside Urahara’s shop, gazing at the sky. When Urahara approaches her and asks what she is looking at, Yoruichi responds with her male voice, remarking that he is well aware that “they” have already arrived.

After Rukia Kuchiki is taken back to Soul Society, Ichigo Kurosaki begins his training with Urahara to regain his Shinigami powers. Concurrently, Yoruichi offers to train Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado, warning them that the lessons will be strict and challenging. Both Orihime and Sado readily accept her offer. The group then seeks out Uryū Ishida, who is surprised by their arrival. When Orihime explains the necessity of their training, Uryū inquires about their trainer, unaware that Yoruichi, in her cat form, has been standing beside him the entire time. Upon realizing that the talking cat is their trainer, Uryū is taken aback. Despite his shock, Uryū declines to join them, as he prefers to train alone and seeks revenge against the Shinigami, rather than saving Rukia. Yoruichi, understanding his resolve, moves forward with the training of Orihime and Sado.

Yoruichi begins training Orihime and Sado in an abandoned warehouse, but they struggle to summon their powers. Frustrated, Yoruichi emphasizes that without the ability to freely call upon their powers, they would not survive in Soul Society. She urges them to remember the moments when their powers first manifested, reasoning that their abilities emerged when they were driven to protect others. Orihime reflects on her desire to protect Ichigo, which triggers the reappearance of her powers in the form of the “Shun Shun Rikka.” Yoruichi advises her to focus on controlling these newly awakened powers. Turning to Sado, Yoruichi prompts him to consider his own reasons for wanting to go to Soul Society. Shortly afterward, Sado gains access to his powers, using them to punch a large hole in the wall, much to Yoruichi’s astonishment. With both Orihime and Sado successfully mastering their abilities, they prepare to journey to Soul Society. Yoruichi, however, quickly reminds them that they must leave the area before their destructive training attracts unwanted attention.

When the group is ready to travel to Soul Society using Urahara’s Senkaimon, Yoruichi volunteers to serve as their guide. After Urahara explains the dangers of the passage, Yoruichi warns that only those with clear resolve can make it through. Ichigo asserts that everyone is determined, and Yoruichi commends his firm resolve. From this point onward, Yoruichi leads the group through the perilous Dangai, the dimensional space between the Human World and Soul Society.

Soul Society Arc

Yoruichi instructing Suì-Fēng.

Upon arriving in Soul Society, Yoruichi promptly informs the group about the seriousness of their situation and explains their location and the layout of Soul Society. Ichigo Kurosaki immediately charges toward the Seireitei but is blocked by a massive wall. Yoruichi identifies the wall’s guardian as Jidanbō, the Seireimon Gatekeeper of the west gate and an elite among Soul Society’s defenders. Although Yoruichi advises caution and suggests they formulate a plan, Ichigo, Chad, and Orihime proceed to face Jidanbō head-on, disregarding her advice. To her surprise, Ichigo manages to defeat Jidanbō, who, following the rules, opens the gate for them. However, Gin Ichimaru, a captain of the Gotei 13, appears unexpectedly.

When Gin severs Jidanbō’s left arm, Yoruichi immediately realizes that Ichigo and his friends are no match for a captain. She understands the gravity of the situation, knowing that facing a captain directly would result in their defeat. Before Ichigo can react, Gin uses his Shikai to push Ichigo and Jidanbō out of the gate, closing their path.

After confirming that Ichigo is unharmed, Yoruichi reassures him that he should not blame himself for the closed gate, as even if they had passed through, they would have faced Gin with the same outcome. As the residents of Rukongai begin to emerge from hiding, Yoruichi explains that because Ichigo and his friends were not guided into Soul Society by a Shinigami, they are considered intruders. The citizens were hiding in fear of being caught in the conflict.

While resting in Rukongai, Yoruichi devises a plan to enter the Seireitei without using the gate. She asks the local elder for the whereabouts of Kūkaku Shiba, a drifter who is difficult to locate. Yoruichi leads the group to an open area, explaining that Kūkaku prefers solitude. They eventually find Kūkaku’s house and, after being stopped briefly by her guards, Yoruichi is recognized and allowed entry. Inside, Kūkaku warmly greets Yoruichi, who asks for her help in getting the group into the Seireitei. Kūkaku agrees to assist them by launching them into the Seireitei using her Fireworks cannon.

After training with Kūkaku to use the cannon, the group prepares for their launch. Ichigo questions whether Yoruichi, in her cat form, will be able to create the necessary barrier to pass through the Seireitei’s defenses. Yoruichi, demonstrating her mastery, effortlessly creates the barrier. Once inside the cannon, she warns the group not to wander off and to avoid captain-level enemies, as their mission is to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, not to engage in unnecessary battles.

The team successfully breaches the Seireitei’s barrier, but the cannonball destabilizes, causing the group to be separated. As they are split apart, Yoruichi reassures Ichigo that they will survive and encourages him to focus on protecting himself first. Yoruichi, left alone, skillfully evades capture by a group of Shinigami.

Later, Yoruichi rescues Ichigo after his intense battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, the 11th Division Captain. She takes him to a secret underground area for recovery. When Ichigo wakes up, he hastily tries to rejoin his friends, but Yoruichi urges him to rest, explaining that his Hollow mask saved him from a fatal wound. Ichigo is shocked to see the mask still with him, as he had discarded it earlier. Yoruichi offers to keep the mask for him, but Ichigo insists on holding onto it, leading to a brief argument.

At this point, Yoruichi reveals her true form to Ichigo, transforming into a woman. Amused by Ichigo’s shock, she teases him about his innocence before explaining how she managed to carry him to safety. Before she can reveal more about her identity, they sense Byakuya Kuchiki’s Reiatsu, prompting Ichigo to rush off to save Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada. Yoruichi follows him, trying to stop him but ultimately letting him go.

Yoruichi intervenes just in time to stop Byakuya from releasing his Shikai during his fight with Ichigo. Recognizing her, Byakuya notes that Yoruichi is the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō and former Corps Commander of the Correction Corps, expressing surprise at her return after a century-long absence. Yoruichi immobilizes Ichigo with a tranquilizer and engages Byakuya in a test of speed using Shunpo, staying ahead despite carrying Ichigo. She confidently taunts Byakuya, telling him that in three days, she will train Ichigo to be stronger than him, putting their fight on hold for the time being.

After returning to the underground area, Yoruichi begins training Ichigo to achieve Bankai. She explains that Bankai is the second release level of a Zanpakutō and is essential for captains. Normally, mastering Bankai takes years of training, but Yoruichi proposes a dangerous method that will allow Ichigo to achieve Bankai in just three days. She brings out the Tenshintai, a rare artifact that forces the materialization of a Zanpakutō spirit. Ichigo stabs the artifact with his Zanpakutō, materializing Zangetsu, and begins his battle for Bankai under Yoruichi’s watchful eye.

As Ichigo progresses rapidly, Yoruichi grows increasingly impressed with his potential. When Renji Abarai informs them that Rukia’s execution has been moved up, Yoruichi becomes concerned about the limited time for Ichigo’s Bankai training. However, Ichigo remains determined, and Yoruichi lends him the Tentōken, a flying cape that will aid in his mission.

Following the destruction of the Sōkyoku, Yoruichi encounters her former protégé, Suì-Fēng, on Sōkyoku Hill. The two engage in a fierce hand-to-hand battle, with Suì-Fēng expressing her resentment toward Yoruichi for abandoning her. The fight escalates as Suì-Fēng reveals her new technique, Shunkō, but Yoruichi demonstrates that she has already mastered it at a higher level. Despite the intense combat, Yoruichi ultimately spares Suì-Fēng, leaving her emotionally devastated. Suì-Fēng breaks down, questioning why Yoruichi did not take her along when she left.

Later, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng confront Sōsuke Aizen at Sōkyoku Hill, but their efforts to stop him are thwarted when Gillians arrive to assist Aizen’s escape. Yoruichi returns to the Human World with the others, realizing that the battle is far from over.

On their journey back to the Human World, Yoruichi and the group are once again chased by the Kōtotsu in the Dangai. After returning, Yoruichi and Urahara discuss the coming conflict, acknowledging that they will soon need to rely on Ichigo and his friends for the battles ahead.

Arrancar Arc

One night, while Kisuke Urahara stands outside his shop, troubled by the events unfolding in Karakura Town, Yoruichi approaches him. Shortly afterward, the Espada Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Llargo arrive in the town and begin terrorizing its inhabitants. In response, Yoruichi and Urahara intervene to save Ichigo Kurosaki, who is being overwhelmed by Yammy. After Urahara blocks one of Yammy’s punches using his Chikasumi no Tate (Blood Mist Shield), Yoruichi swiftly incapacitates Yammy, brutally pounding him into the ground.

As Yoruichi turns her attention to helping the injured Orihime Inoue, Yammy, enraged, attempts to attack her from behind with a point-blank Cero. However, Urahara counters the attack, neutralizing it with his own spiritual energy. Confused by Urahara’s ability to match his power, Yammy is further bewildered when Urahara releases a powerful blast from his Zanpakutō. Before Yammy can retaliate, Ulquiorra steps in, effortlessly deflecting the blast with his bare hand. Ulquiorra chastises Yammy for his rash actions and explains to him the strength of their opponents before the two Espada retreat to Hueco Mundo.

Later, back at Urahara’s shop, Yoruichi recovers from injuries to her left arm and leg. Urahara, concerned about her condition, inquires about the battle. Yoruichi admits that she underestimated the Arrancar, having fought Yammy without utilizing her Shunkō technique. She acknowledges that the Arrancar’s skin is far tougher than she had anticipated, even more so than she and Urahara initially expected.

Yoruichi later appears again at Urahara’s shop to escort Orihime into the training area for further preparations in light of the upcoming battles.

Fake Karakura Town Arc

During the battle in the Fake Karakura Town, Yoruichi joins Urahara and Isshin Kurosaki in their attempt to immobilize Sōsuke Aizen. Wearing specially designed armor on her arms and legs, Yoruichi launches a powerful aerial attack on Aizen, smashing into his back with such force that it devastates the surrounding area. The impact causes widespread damage, including the destruction of an entire block. Urahara, sensing danger, shouts for Yoruichi to move away. However, Aizen swiftly recovers and counters before Yoruichi can fully dodge, shattering the armor on her left leg.

Emerging from the rubble with his new form cracked but intact, Aizen taunts them, questioning if this is the best they can do. He mocks their efforts and warns that they should make their next move quickly, as he intends to crush them all, reducing them to fragments.

After witnessing Aizen destroy the armor with a single blow, Urahara expresses surprise at how easily his creation was broken. Yoruichi reprimands him for not building the armor properly, but Urahara cautions her to be careful as they prepare for Aizen’s next attack. Yoruichi, confident in her abilities, dismisses the concern, joking that she will be fine as long as Aizen doesn’t target her exposed leg. However, Aizen’s subsequent attack catches her completely off guard.

Despite escaping the full brunt of Aizen’s assault, Yoruichi loses her right arm-guard in the process. When Urahara asks if she is alright, Yoruichi complains that while the half-finished armor was able to block some of the damage, she could have dodged the attack entirely without it. The two briefly bicker before Urahara launches a Kidō blast at Aizen. Seizing the opportunity, Yoruichi attacks Aizen again using Shunkō, knocking him to the ground. However, Aizen blocks her follow-up strike. Urahara intervenes by immobilizing Aizen with his Benihime, temporarily halting the fight.

Despite their combined efforts, Yoruichi, Urahara, and Isshin are ultimately overpowered by Aizen. Victorious, Aizen departs for the real Karakura Town located in Soul Society, leaving the trio defeated.

The Lost Substitute Shinigami

After Ichigo Kurosaki regains his Shinigami powers, he realizes that Yoruichi’s spiritual energy was one of the many used to help restore his abilities. At this time, Yoruichi is seen in her cat form, casually perched atop Kisuke Urahara’s head. She remains in this form when Ichigo returns from Soul Society after collecting the body of Kūgo Ginjō.

The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc

During the second Wandenreich invasion, while Ichigo and his friends prepare to return to the Soul King Palace via a replica of Kūkaku Shiba’s cannon, Yoruichi arrives as Orihime expresses discomfort over her new outfit. Slapping Ichigo for his comment about Orihime’s attire, Yoruichi scolds him, pointing out that Orihime was tricked into wearing it by a maniac. After Urahara welcomes her and asks what happened, Yoruichi reveals several bottles of energy she had collected, which Urahara explains were gathered by Yoruichi as part of Hiyori Sarugaki’s team to help close the distortion between worlds. Yoruichi then accompanies Ichigo, Orihime, Sado, and Ganju as they are launched toward the Soul King Palace. When Orihime remarks on how it feels similar to when they rescued Rukia, Yoruichi comments that she can still transform into a cat.

Upon arriving at the palace, Yoruichi is cushioned from the fall by Orihime’s Santen Kesshun. She quickly assesses the situation, noticing Ichibē Hyōsube’s severed head lying on the ground. After he revives himself and explains the current state of affairs, Yoruichi and the others rush toward the main palace to confront Yhwach. Yoruichi is visibly shocked when Ichigo’s right side is enveloped in Blut Vene upon making contact with Yhwach’s sword.

As Yhwach begins explaining his plans, Yoruichi seizes the moment to trap him in a wire cage, instructing Orihime to use her powers to restore the Soul King. However, Orihime is unable to accomplish this. Mimihagi then arrives to stabilize the Soul King, much to Yoruichi’s surprise. After Ichigo prevents Yhwach from destroying both the Soul King and Mimihagi, Yoruichi uses Kidō to create a barrier around the Soul King by placing several seals. She observes that Mimihagi has stabilized the king and declares that they will need to find a replacement.

During this confrontation, Yoruichi is caught off-guard when Uryū Ishida shoots her with a Heilig Pfeil, causing her barrier to shatter. This allows Yhwach to capture the top half of the Soul King. Yoruichi quickly throws spheres at Yhwach to stop him, but he has Pernida Parnkgjas warp her arm, and she is subsequently thrown from the palace.

Despite her injury, Yoruichi manages to remove her damaged arm and lands on one of the floating cities below. She intercepts Ichigo and his group as they fall on top of Orihime’s Santen Kesshun. After waking Ichigo with a swift kick and having her arm restored by Orihime, Yoruichi asks if it is time to counterattack. At this moment, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez arrives via Garganta. Yoruichi then leads the group into the modified Valley of Screams created by Riruka Dokugamine and Yukio Hans Vorarlberna, explaining that they will use this passage to infiltrate the palace through a Garganta.

As they approach the Royal Realm, Yoruichi tells the group to prepare. When they reach the palace, Yoruichi notices that Yhwach has reshaped the entire structure. She identifies her brother Yūshirō’s Reiatsu and remarks on their resemblance, much to Ichigo and the group’s amusement as they imagine Yūshirō as a cat, which irritates Yoruichi. Running toward the palace’s center, Yoruichi comments on how Ichigo is like Yūshirō for struggling with creating Reishi platforms.

Later, Yoruichi confronts Askin Nakk Le Vaar after he incapacitates Ichigo, Sado, and Orihime. She questions why Askin has not taken the opportunity to strangle them, which prompts him to attack. Yoruichi activates her Shunkō and hits Askin with one of his own Heilig Pfeil. After engaging in combat, she activates Shunkō: Raijin Senkei and unleashes a powerful blast against Askin.

As the dust settles, Yoruichi urges Orihime to heal Ichigo and the others before moving forward. She is interrupted when her brother Yūshirō arrives, flying toward her. After dodging his embrace and playfully headbutting him, Yoruichi scolds Yūshirō for not staying with Urahara. Askin then reemerges from the smoke, and Yoruichi tells Ichigo to leave with the others while she handles the situation. As Ichigo departs, Askin mocks Yoruichi’s attack, which causes Yūshirō to attack him in a rage using Shunkō. Yoruichi is impressed by her brother’s growth but is shocked when Askin survives the attack, revealing that he has developed immunity to their Reiatsu.

Yūshirō, ignoring Yoruichi’s warnings, charges at Askin again but is impaled by Reishi arrows. Yoruichi catches her brother, realizing they had taken too long to understand Askin’s powers. Askin then blasts Yoruichi with a Gift Ball, weakening her significantly. Though Yoruichi struggles to remain standing, Askin continues to toy with her, claiming he was doing his best to kill her. Looking at her fallen brother, Yoruichi realizes that she cannot heal him in her weakened state. As Askin approaches, he taunts her by saying that she is as good as dead.

Before Askin can finish her off, Kisuke Urahara suddenly appears and injects Yoruichi with an immunity-boosting drug. Though annoyed by the injection, Yoruichi quickly leaps into action, realizing that she has only five minutes of enhanced immunity. Despite her reluctance, Kisuke forces her to activate Shunkō: Raijū Senkei: Shunryū Kokubyō Senki. In this form, Yoruichi becomes more animalistic, slashing Askin and engulfing him in her Reiatsu. However, her frequent mood changes disrupt her focus, causing her to pause mid-battle to lick herself. She soon returns to attack Askin, sending him flying before launching a massive Reiatsu bolt at him.

As the immunity drug wears off, Yoruichi collapses in Kisuke’s lap. Suddenly, Askin traps them both in his Gift Ball Deluxe with his Quincy: Vollständig activated, putting them in a dire situation.