Summary
- Captains in the Gotei 13 are the strongest fighters in Bleach, tasked with protecting the Soul Society and human world.
- Lisa Yadomaru redeems herself to become Captain of the 8th Division, showcasing impressive strength and ability.
- Kenpachi Zaraki, holder of the Kenpachi title, is considered the strongest Soul Reaper in the Soul Society.
Bleach is an anime of sinister threats and constant battle. Because of this, the anime has a roster of extremely powerful beings who put the protection of multiple dimensions on their back. Aside from Ichigo Kurosaki, there are dozens of other fighters who can make an impact in a fight with their talent, skill, and strength.
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The members of the 13 court guard squads are some of the most powerful individuals in the world of Bleach that place the protection of the Soul Society and the human world above all else. In the hierarchy of the Soul Society, it is the captains that stand at the apex of the strongest fighters and have no issue demonstrating why that is so. Some of the captains in the Soul Society have ruled for thousands of years without a single challenge to their position.
Updated April 3, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Bleach possibly entering the final cour of its Thousand-Year Blood War arc adaptation, fans of the acclaimed shonen series might be excited to see just how Ichigo will finally defeat Yhwach - a story tidbit that might not captivate fans as much as the upcoming showdown between the two characters.
As the TYBW adaptation showcased more new concepts into the canon that the manga hasn't been able to bring out of the series, fans might be wondering if more surprises are being hidden not just by Ichigo but the other Gotei 13 Captains too - especially as fans learn more about the old and upcoming generations of Captains. For fans who want to learn the "bigger picture" view of these Captains, they may also want to explore the abilities of other Captains in the series, just as the two who had defected to Aizen's side for different reasons.
22 Lisa Yadomaru
Strongest Ability: Niju Ichijo Tonbokudari & Hollowfication
- Zanpakuto Name: Haguro Tonbo
- Bankai: Not shown
- Title: 8th Division Captain
One of the members of the Visored who was framed by Soul Society and banished from this realm, Lisa sticks around with Shinji and the rest of the gang, masquerading as regular humans on Earth. She is one of the many people who help Ichigo in his training, helping the protagonist get a hold of his Hollow powers.
After Aizen's betrayal is brought to light, Soul Society starts the slow process of reintegrating the Visored into the Gotei 13. This leads to Lisa redeeming herself and showing her impressive strength, leading to her attaining the important position of being Captain of the 8th Division.
Lisa Yadomaru: Known Abilities, Feats
Lisa is among the few Soul Reapers who demonstrate being ambidextrous. This pairs well with her expertise in high-speed movement (Shunpo) and hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) that allows her to pair her swordsmanship with jumps and leaps and tackles. Should she have to release her Haguro Tonbo, its Shikai: Smash transforms it into a polearm with a Monk’s spade on one end and a ball on the other. She can use it to unleash a barrage of piercing attacks (Niju Ichijo Tonbokudari) similar to Ren Tao’s spear abilities in Shaman King. As someone who’s been Hollowfied, her Hollow Mask greatly improves her physical prowess.
21 Isane Kotetsu
Strongest Ability: Itegumo
- Zanpakuto Name: Itegumo
- Bankai: Not shown
- Title: 4th Division Captain
It's only a given that any shinigami following Retsu Unohana's footsteps would be compared to this tough captain, and Isane Kotetsu doesn't really compare to the massive pool of strength held by the previous captain. She is certainly competent in her own right, but she doesn't hold a candle to the strength of the other captains in the Gotei 13.
She ascends to the position of Captain after the death of Yhwach, with her leadership skills being pretty great in their own right. However, in terms of strength, she hasn't proven herself in battle enough for viewers to think she's special by any stretch of the imagination.
Isane Kotetsu: Known Abilities, Feats
Isane is known less for her combat prowess than for her healing specialization. She can cast high-powered spells in combat (Kido), and she excels in using healing Kaido. Such is her healing skill that her prowess is second to that of Unohana, the latter of which is considered as Soul Society’s greatest healer. Not much is known about her Shikai: Run, except for the fact that her Zanpakuto Itegumo releases two more blades from its hilt. Its Bankai is unknown.
20 Tetsuzaemon Iba
Strongest Ability: Shikai Command
- Zanpakuto Name: Unknown
- Bankai: Not shown
- Title: 7th Division Captain
After the use of the Humanization Technique, Sajin Komamura transformed into a wolf permanently. This rendered him incapable of leading his squad anymore while paving the way for his lieutenant to become the new captain of the squad following Yhwach's demise.
Tetsuzaemon Iba is a competent shinigami in his own right, but fans must admit that his strength is nowhere near the level of the other, more accomplished Gotei 13 captains. The fact that his Bankai wasn't even revealed by the end of the series shows how much of an afterthought this character is.
Tetsuzaemon Iba: Known Abilities, Feats
As a former 11th Division member, Iba is a skilled combatant by virtue of their organization’s focus. Not only does he excel in hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) and high-speed movement (Shunpo), but he also uses his spiritual power in casting spells (Kido). When he activates its Shikai, his sword becomes a falchion. Not much else is known about its Shikai ability and Bankai.
19 Love Aikawa
Strongest Ability: Hifuki No Kozuchi
- Zanpakuto Name: Tengumaru
- Bankai: Not shown
- Title: Former 7th Division Captain
A member of the Visored, Love Aikawa used to be the captain of the 7th Division before a series of events led to this Shinigami being Hollowfied along with others because of Aizen's twisted experiments. As a result, they went into exile and had to live in the real world to figure out a cure for their condition.
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While he's quite powerful, there's no denying that Love hasn't shown his combat prowess all that much in later arcs. As a result, the other Shinigami have simply trounced him when it comes to sheer power, leaving him in the dust.
Love Aikawa: Known Abilities, Feats
Aside from his impressive swordsmanship and skill in high-speed movement (Shunpo), Love demonstrates keen combat observation even in his days as a Lieutenant. When he has to release his Tengumaru, its Shikai: Crush Down form transforms the weapon into a massive club with bladed protrusions that make it look like a cactus. It can repel attacks and, when using its special Hifuki no Kozuchi, can shoot fireballs that deal massive damage. Having been experimented with Hollowfication, using his Hollow Mask grants him augmented physical prowess.
18 Sajin Komamura
Strongest Ability: Humanization Technique
- Zanpakuto Name: Tenken
- Bankai: Kokujo Tengen Myo
- Title: Former 7th Division Captain
Saijin Komamura is a unique citizen of the Gotei 13. In his first appearance in Bleach, he was a mysterious warrior who hid his face behind a bamboo helmet. It was later revealed that Komamura was an Anthropomorphic Wolf and was highly self-conscious about his features among the rest of the Bleach captains.
In strength, Komamura possesses the adequate spiritual pressure required to remain a captain. However, compared to the rest of his peers in skill and Zanpakuto ability, he does not measure up. Komomura's physical strength can not withstand that of most other captains, and even his Zanpakuto has been easily defeated throughout the series.
Sajin Komamura: Known Abilities, Feats
In his days as a Captain, Komamura was known for his incredible strength, durability, and spiritual power. When he releases Tenken, its Shikai: Roar conjures parts of an armored phantom giant (similar to the Susanoo of the Mangekyo Sharingan) to fight - the size of which can effectively extend his reach. Should Komamura have to use Bankai: Kokujo Tengen Myoo, the entirety of the armored giant appears in the flesh and can deal massive damage. Before his demise, Komamura uses the forbidden Humanization Technique of the Wolfman clan to partially look more human. As this process removes his heart, he cannot die as long as he is “human.” When he released his Bankai in this form, it accesses Dangai Joe where the armored giant sheds its gear. Not only does this vastly boost Komamura’s attacks, but the giant itself cannot be damaged. The Bankai ends when the Humanization Technique is finished, which by then turns Komamura into a mere wolf.
17 Rojuro Otoribashi
Strongest Ability: Prometheus (Potentially Ein Heldenleben)
- Zanpakuto Name: Kinshara
- Bankai: Kinshara Butodan
- Title: 3rd Division Captain
Rojuro, also known as Rose, was a member of the Gotei 13 until he was exiled along with the other Vizored after the Soul Society was tricked by Aizen Sosuke. Rose joined Shinji Hirako and the other Visored until the time came for them to join the fight once again and take down Aizen.
Because of his part in the final battle, Rose was reinstated and given his former rank of captain of squad three in return. Rose is an exceptional fighter who moves around the battlefield with grace and poise. Unfortunately, Rose does not enjoy combat and does not feature enhanced strength, instead fighting with maneuverability and control.
Rojuro Otoribashi: Known Abilities, Feats
Rojuro or Rose is a competent swordsman who believes he can contend with Kensei without having to release his Zanpakuto, which in itself is an impressive feat if true. Should he have to release his Kinshara, its Shikai: Play transforms the weapon into a gold rose that can reach incredible distances and even release shockwaves that damage foes (Shinkara Sokyoku Dai Juichiban: Izayoi Bara). In worst-case scenarios, Rose releases Bankai: Kinshara Butodan, which releases large hands that hold a conducting baton alongside golden figures with petals on their faces. This Bankai allows Rose to conjure illusions with his music, to the point where it can damage opponents even when nothing is happening to them for real.
16 Sui-Feng
Strongest Ability: Mukyu Shunko & Jakuho Raikoben
- Zanpakuto Name: Suzumebachi
- Bankai: Jakuho Raikoben
- Title: 2nd Division Captain
As the captain of the Second Division in the Soul Society, Sui Feng is also head of the Stealth Force. Sui Feng replaced Yoruichi after she abandoned the Soul Society and has been living in her shadow ever since.
Sui Feng does possess immense skill in battle, being one of the fastest captains in the thirteen court squads, but she lacks patience and is quick to let her emotions get the best of her. Because of this, Sui Feng often makes hasty attacks that leave her open to counterattack; in addition, Sui Feng's Zanpakuto ability was initially one of the most dangerous, but if faced with a stronger opponent, the effect becomes inert.
Sui-Feng: Known Abilities, Feats
Due to her status as the leader of the 2nd Division, Sui-Feng specializes in all things assassination - high-speed movement (Shunpo), hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda), and spellcasting (Kido). Such is her proficiency in all three that she combines them into an art called Shunko, a deadly assassination art that makes efficient use of the wind. When she releases her Suzumebachi, its Shikai transforms the blade into a gauntlet with a stinger-like middle blade. With this, she can stab an enemy with a mark that, when struck again, instantly kills opponents (Nigeki Kessatsu). When awakened with Bankai: Jakuho Raikoben, her stinger gauntlet transforms into a thin bazooka that can launch an incredibly powerful attack.
15 Jushiro Ukitake
Strongest Ability: Shikai Techniques
- Zanpakuto Name: Sogyo no Kotowari
- Bankai: Not shown
- Title: Former 13th Division Captain
Captain Ukitake is a highly respected captain among the ranks of the Soul Society for his calm and approachable demeanor. Ukitake is also a highly skilled swordsman, one of the most skilled, having been trained by Captain Commander, and considered one of his top pupils next to Shunsui Kyoraku.
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However, while Ukitake is a formidable opponent, his fragility and poor constitution make him vulnerable and weaken him to a severe degree. Nevertheless, Ukitake remains strong enough to maintain his position in the thirteen-court guard squads but avoids battle if possible.
Jushiro Ukitake: Known Abilities, Feats
While he suffers from a physical illness that restricts his combat ability, he can still fare decently well in terms of his swordsmanship. He’s proficient in both combative and healing Kido and possesses remarkable medicinal knowledge. When he releases his Sogyo no Kotowari, its Shikai turns into two blades connected by a chain. This allows Ukitake to absorb any attack from one blade and redirect it to the opponent. Due to his early passing, Ukitake never got to reveal his Bankai.
14 Kensei Muguruma
Strongest Ability: Hollowfication & Tekken Tachikaze
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- Zanpakuto Name: Tachikaze
- Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze
- Title: 9th Division Captain
Kensei is another member of the Visored who was reinstated after the final battle against Aizen Sosuke as the last replacement for the captains who deserted their posts alongside him.
Kensei has immense physical strength, which echoes his fighting style. Kensei is a very close-quarters fighter who has honed his hand-to-hand combat techniques to perfection. Paired with his Visored abilities and his Zanpakuto, Kensei is a prominent threat on any battlefield, which many of his peers recognize.
Kensei Muguruma: Known Abilities, Feats
Unlike other Captains, Kensei prefers his mastery over hand-to-hand combat (Hakuda) and fast movement (Shunpo), although he’s no slouch when using the sword. Whereas other Captains normally have Shikai that turn into short-range to mid-range blades, Kensei’s Tachikaze becomes a combat knife with Shikai: Blow It Away, with which he can cast blades of wind of different variants. With Bankai: Tekken Tachikaze, he acquires upper body armor, and his combat knife transforms into knuckle blades. Having been experimented with through Hollowfication, his Hollow Mask greatly augments his physical strength.
13 Kaname Tosen
Strongest Ability: Suzumushi
- Zanpakuto: Suzumushi
- Bankai: Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Korogi
- Resurreccion: Suzumushi Hyakushiki: Grillar Grillo
- Title: Former 9th Division Captain
When Kaname Tosen is first introduced as the 9th Division Captain, the Bleach villain has already made himself a mysterious figure with his dominanto range scarf and clear goggles. While at first his defection to Aizen’s group seemed quite a bombshell to his fellow Gotei 13 members, flashbacks have proven Tosen’s loyalty to Aizen for hundreds of years in the making.
As someone who is fiercely pacifist, Tosen has sworn to take the path of least conflict in any way - a point that others find hypocritical considering the man he chose to follow would be willing to kill thousands for his experiments for the Hogyoku and ultimate power. However, it’s perhaps Tosen’s pacifism mixed with his “last resort” capabilities as a fighter that positioned him to be quite dangerous, as he’s able to square off against Kenpachi in the story’s Soul Society Arc.
Kaname Tosen: Known Abilities, Feats
Being a defecting Captain, Kaname Tosen is no slouch in combat: he’s especially proficient in sword fighting and Shunpo, allowing him to sneak up on his opponents unexpectedly. Thanks to his immense Reiatsu, Tosen can also use various Kido Spells without incantations to get the upper hand. And when things start to get serious, Tosen can release his Zanpakuto: Suzumushi that has two unique effects: to either release a high-pitched tone so disorienting it renders anyone who hears it unconscious or release a torrent of hundreds of swords to attack his enemies. Push comes to shove, he can trigger his Bankai: Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Korogi that creates a dome-like black void that nullifies all senses (even spiritual, save for touch) except for anyone holding the sword’s hilt.
As a Shinigami-Hollow Hybrid, Tosen has access to a Descorrer that allows him to open portals to Hueco Mundo, giving him opportunities to escape should he need to. This hybrid nature also means he can release a Resurreccion with Suzumushi Hyakushiki: Grillar Grillo, transforming him into a four-winged, four-armed creature with sonic attacks. He also has access to a Hollow Mask, greatly augmenting his overall powerset.