Sōsuke Aizen

"From the very start, no one has stood upon the heavens. Not you, not I, nor even gods. However, that intolerable vacuum has come to an end. Henceforth...I shall stand upon the heavens." — Sōsuke Aizen in "end of hypnosis"

Sōsuke Aizen (藍染 惣右介, Aizen Sōsuke) is the former captain of the 5th Division of the Gotei 13, whose lieutenant was Momo Hinamori; before his captaincy, Aizen served as the division's lieutenant under Shinji Hirako.

For over a century, Aizen masqueraded as a benevolent Shinigami officer while secretly plotting his betrayal and conducting depraved experiments, which around 100 years ago led to the Hollowfication of the Visored and their (alongside Kisuke Urahara's) forced exile. Aizen's plans reach a tipping point after he slaughters the Central 46, orchestrates Rukia Kuchiki's execution, and fakes his own death in a successful ploy to obtain Urahara's Hōgyoku. After retrieving said artifact and revealing his treachery, Aizen and his longtime followers, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen, retreat from Soul Society into Hueco Mundo, where Aizen is revealed to have built an army of Arrancar.

For his ultimate goal of reaching and overthrowing the Soul King, Aizen uses his forces to wage war against the Gotei 13. After prevailing over most of the Shinigami in his way and achieving a transcendent state through his fusion with the Hōgyoku, Aizen is nonetheless defeated by Ichigo Kurosaki, sealed by Urahara, and later imprisoned in Muken for his crimes. During the Quincy Blood War, Aizen is temporarily freed by Shunsui Kyōraku to help fight against the Quincy King, Yhwach, and plays a pivotal role in the latter's defeat.

Appearance[]

Aizen is a tall, lean man of light complexion, whose hair and eyes are a similar tone of brown (albeit the latter become more hazel later on in the colored manga). In his original guise as an affable Gotei 13 captain, Aizen kept his hair in a soft, shaggy curtain style and wore black, square-framed glasses, which along with his eyes (slightly droopy at the outer corners) lent him a disarming if not scholarly look. For attire, Aizen donned a standard Shinigami shihakushō with a long-sleeved captain's haori, its inside being a pale turquoise to signify the 5th Division.^[3] Over a century ago as a lieutenant, Aizen looked more or less the same as in the present, with the same curtained hair and glasses (but his facial features ever-so-slightly softer); most notable about his attire was the lieutenant's badge around his left arm, with his division's number and insignia upon it.^[4]

During his ascent to Hueco Mundo, Aizen shatters his glasses and runs a hand through his hair, revealing sharper, more menacing eyes along with a new hairstyle — slicked back, with a lone strand left to fall into his face.^[5] In Hueco Mundo, Aizen initially keeps on a black shihakushō, with a red sash and an Arrancar-style overcoat with narrow sleeves and a standing collar, white on the outside and black on the inside.^[6] After Orihime Inoue is taken to Las Noches, Aizen changes into an outfit that is more complete in the Arrancar style, pairing his white coat with a matching undertunic (white with black trim) that in the front, below Aizen's waist, ends with a square cutout. Hakama-like pants remain Aizen's lower wear, also white and black. Contrasting against these is a pink sash (black in the manga) that holds Aizen's Zanpakutō on a silver (golden in the manga) plate. Aizen's new footwear are the typical black Arrancar boots with white lining (meant to resemble the Shinigami's tabi and zōri, but color-inverted).^[7][8]

Upon his defeat by Ichigo Kurosaki, all changes that Aizen underwent post-fusion with the Hōgyoku disappear, making him revert to his original pre-Chrysalis form.^[9] For his subsequent imprisonment in Muken, Aizen is clothed in a black uniform consisting of several wide, horizontally bound-together loops of leather, which serve a sealing function. The uniform's jacket-like portion reaches below the knees, flaring like a tunic, and originally covers Aizen's face; it is fastened together in the front, the edges trimmed in white. Pants and boots are present below, made of the same black material.^[10] A gray neckcloth is placed around Aizen's shoulders like a capelet and has several red stakes run through it while Aizen is crucified.^[11] Upon his release from Muken, being partially unsealed, Aizen has the leather over his left eye and mouth removed, though the one over his right eye remains, like an eyepatch.^[12]

Personality[]

Aizen is a polite, soft-spoken intellectual, often addressing his subordinates by their given names.^{[13][14][15][16]} He rarely shows any sign of alarm or distress, and often has entire situations planned out well in advance. Whenever confronted, Aizen is casual and uncaring, attempting to draw out a conversation and make small talk, which often infuriates those he is talking to.^{[17][18][19][20]}

Aizen initially appeared to be a very kind, well-respected captain and was looked up to by many, especially his lieutenant, Momo Hinamori.^[21] However, this was just a mask to disguise his dangerously manipulative nature.^[22] In truth, he cares very little for his underlings, and is willing to use almost everyone around him as pawns to achieve his goals. He is willing to stop at nothing to further his ambitions, including manipulating or killing anyone if he deems it necessary.^[23][24] He frequently toys with his underlings for amusement.^[25][26] Despite any loyalty coming from his subordinates, Aizen proven himself to be uncaring, believing that affection is the furthest from understanding; the one exception to this was Gin Ichimaru, the only person he saw befitting to be his lieutenant.^[27] Although he knew from the beginning that Ichimaru wanted to kill him and having taken him under his wing out of curiosity of how he would accomplish it, Aizen would nevertheless be shocked and even saddened when Ichimaru left him to die.^[28] During his humble Soul Society years reflected in the Japanese script, his self-referring pronoun used to be "boku", even when conducting his suspicious activities or revealing bits of his true nature. Upon fully defecting to Hueco Mundo, he instead uses "watashi" in a more assertive tone.

During his time as a captain, Aizen liked tofu, but he disliked boiled eggs. In his free time, he often read, and he gave a special lecture of calligraphy at the Shin'ō Academy because he excelled in this branch of arts. This optional course was immensely popular among the Shinigami students, and many of them felt great sorrow at Aizen's sudden departure.^[29]

As the commander of his army of Arrancar, Aizen controls his minions through acquired respect or fear. Ulquiorra Cifer revealed to Orihime Inoue that they are all there to further Aizen's ambitions.^[30] Aizen keeps more rowdy individuals like Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in line through intimidation and mind games.^[31][32] The Arrancar Aisslinger Wernarr claims the Arrancar follow him because he has no fear, something which beings born from fear and despair find inspiring.^[33]

Gin Ichimaru has some sense of Aizen's emotions and feelings, correctly pointing out Aizen was enjoying the invasion by Ichigo and his friends and their successes within Las Noches, which Aizen himself confirmed,^[34] and noting Aizen was surprised by the arrival of Momo during the battle of Fake Karakura Town.^[35] In contrast, Kaname Tōsen has shown no such understanding, and has fallen victim to one of Aizen's more minor mind games when Aizen subtly manipulated him into punishing Grimmjow for him while Aizen himself kept up his appearance of benevolence.^[36]

Aizen's true objective was to overthrow the king of Soul Society. As he and his fellow traitor captains were departing from the Soul Society, he told 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake "no one has stood on the top of the world", not even the gods, but he aspires to "stand on the heavens and end the unbearable vacancy on the world's throne".^[37]

According to Kisuke Urahara, since mastering the Hōgyoku, Aizen has become less cautious in battle, for Aizen would not have allowed Urahara to use level 90 Kidō before he subdued the Hōgyoku. Aizen admits his new powers allow him to let his guard down.^[38] Due to this newfound power, Aizen has developed an arrogant and overconfident attitude, often not even thinking his attacks or defense through any longer like he used to, or even bothering to find out the effects of his opponents' and his own attacks. In his newest form, he has developed a severe superiority complex, believing he is now above both Shinigami and Hollows.^[39] Because of his superior attitude and high intelligence, Aizen is easily enraged when facing something or someone which he does not understand; for example, when witnessing Ichigo Kurosaki use Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō, Aizen becomes furious because he is unable to comprehend how a Human has surpassed him.^[40]

By the time he is released from Muken, he has reverted to his calm, casual personality, brushing aside Shunsui Kyōraku's praise regarding his current abilities,^[41] and somewhat undergoes a change of heart, even being willing to fight against Yhwach and assist Ichigo before returning to Muken.^[42] He disagrees with Yhwach's philosophy about combining all three planes of existence to eliminate the fear of death and believes that people would never have the courage to move forward against such a threat in Yhwach's world.^[43]

History[]

At an unknown point in the past, Aizen became part of the 5th Division under Captain Shinji Hirako.[44] He invested himself in the research and creation of the Hōgyoku even before Kisuke Urahara. To this end, he sacrificed hundreds of Shinigami and hundreds of Rukongai citizens who bore Shinigami talents to his own Hōgyoku, but it was not satisfied with this.[45] At one point, a young Gin Ichimaru watched Aizen meet with three other Shinigami who were kneeling before him. One of the Shinigami handed Aizen the Hōgyoku, prompting Aizen to put the orb in a glass and hand it back to the Shinigami.[46] Aizen and his subordinates left an unconscious Rangiku Matsumoto a short distance away.[47] Aizen eventually caught Shinji's attention, and was promoted to a lieutenant in order for Shinji to watch over him closely,[48] but Shinji's action only helped further the realization of his plans.[49] 110 years ago, Aizen made his way to the 5th Division living quarters of his captain. He and Shinji discussed style and trends before they made their way to the promotion ceremony being held at the 1st Division headquarters. As they got there, he witnessed 12th Division Lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki attack his captain, and watched as the two got into a childish argument. He followed behind while the other captains congregated and had a brief discussion on the status of the Gotei 13. Overhearing 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku mention that the previous captain of the 12th Division was promoted, Aizen interrupted and asked Shunsui what he meant by this. When Aizen initially conjectured that the promotion was to Central 46, Shunsui explained it had nothing to do with the Central 46 and revealed the previous 12th Division captain, Kirio Hikifune, had been accepted into the Royal Guard, shocking Aizen.[50] The following night, after Urahara's appointment as the new captain of the 12th Division, Shinji had a short talk with him about his new role as captain. While leaving, Shinji revealed Aizen, who had been concealed behind camouflage. Complimenting his captain, Aizen asked Shinji when he sensed him there. Stating he had known ever since Aizen was in his mother's womb, Shinji ordered Aizen to follow. Noting his disapproval, Aizen commented on how scary a person Shinji was, prompting Shinji to say that Aizen was the scary one.[51] The next night, Aizen saw Gin killing the 3rd Seat of their division. Informing Gin he was impressed by his skill, Aizen asked him how he found the fight, prompting Gin to state he found it pathetic.[52] 9 years later, Shinji and Aizen were walking around the Seireitei when they came across Urahara, Hiyori, and 12th Division 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While Shinji once again engaged in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori, Aizen asked Urahara if he had heard the news. When Urahara told Aizen he had not, Shinji told Urahara about the series of strange deaths which had taken place in Rukongai and informed him the 9th Division had been sent to handle the investigation.[53] With the disappearance of the 9th Division, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto called an emergency meeting and assembled a team to investigate. After coming into contact with Hollowfied 9th Division members, the investigation team was dispatched by an unseen assailant.[54] While the investigation team was still out searching, Shunsui and some other Shinigami on guard saw someone whom they believed to be Aizen.[55] It was later revealed 9th Division 5th Seat Kaname Tōsen was behind the betrayal of the 9th Division, having stabbed Kensei Muguruma in the back and killed Heizō Kasaki, Shinobu Eishima, and Tōdō Izaemon, who had accompanied Kensei. He subsequently subdued the team sent to locate the missing 9th Division members using his Bankai. When an injured Shinji asked Tōsen why he betrayed his captain, he was surprised to be answered by Aizen, who stated Tōsen did not betray anyone and faithfully followed his orders.[56] When Shinji admitted he was not as surprised as he seemed to be, Aizen asked Shinji if he suspected him and stated that he had expected this much from his captain. Explaining how he had known something was dangerous about Aizen and he could not be trusted, Shinji said he chose Aizen to be his lieutenant so he could keep an eye on him, prompting Aizen to state that he was grateful because Shinji did not suspect a thing due to his deep-seated doubts. When Shinji said he already made it known he had suspected him, Aizen reveals Shinji did not realize Aizen was not the one walking behind him for the past month. Explaining the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu, Aizen informed Shinji he would have been able to see through Aizen's deception by picking up on subtle differences between Aizen himself and Aizen's double if he was as close to Aizen as other captains were to their lieutenants, but it was his lack of trust which kept them from getting close and allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. Stating he could have always refused to be Shinji's lieutenant, Aizen revealed he decided against this action because his captain's skepticism made the position ideal to carry out his plans. When Aizen stated Shinji was to blame for his current predicament and his comrades' plight, Shinji was provoked by this, triggering a speed-up in the Hollowfication process. Thanking Shinji for being so easily provoked, Aizen noted the observed connection between Hollowfication and agitated emotions. Ordering Tōsen to cut down 12th Division Lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki, Aizen thanked Shinji for helping him and raised his blade overhead in preparation to cut Shinji down, only to be attacked by Urahara, who cut Aizen's lieutenant badge off.[57] Aizen and Urahara had a brief discussion about what was transpiring, with Aizen acting innocent at first until Urahara noted the investigation team did not have simple injuries, but were in fact undergoing Hollowfication. Commending Urahara on his deduction, Aizen revealed himself to be behind the disappearances in the Rukongai. Leaving the scene of the crime with Gin and Tōsen, Aizen said that there was nothing more to do there. When Tessai fired Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō at them, Aizen blocked it with Bakudō #81. Dankū, allowing them to escape.[58] At some point after the Hollowfication incident, Aizen became captain of the 5th Division, and eventually revealed to Gin the secret to avoiding the complete hypnosis of Kyōka Suigetsu.[59] He later made Gin his lieutenant.[60] Continuing to experiment on Hollows to transform them into Shinigami, Aizen created Hollows which were close to Shinigami, such as Metastacia, and Menos capable of concealing their Reiatsu.[61] While testing out this breed of Menos, Aizen and Gin saved the then first year academy students Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai from them.[62] With his interest piqued by them, Aizen realized their potential and took them all into his division. While the obedient and loyal Izuru and Momo became the lieutenants of the 3rd and 5th Divisions under Gin and Aizen, respectively,[63] Renji proved to be too rebellious and was transferred to the 11th Division, later transferring to the 6th Division to become its lieutenant.[64] Gin and Tōsen later became captains of the 3rd and 9th Divisions, respectively, but remained loyal only to Aizen. According to Aizen, even when Momo was his lieutenant, he always thought of Gin as his subordinate.[65] At some point during their captaincy, Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen secretly visited Baraggan Louisenbairn, King of Hueco Mundo and Lord of Las Noches. He and Baraggan engaged in a light conversation, with Aizen asking Baraggan to look at his Zanpakutō. When Aizen asked Baraggan if he was happy in his position and if he would join him in a new world where he would be granted more power, Baraggan dismissed this notion and stated there was no power higher than his. Releasing his Shikai, Aizen showed Baraggan the decimation of his army, thus subjugating him in turn. This created great enmity between Aizen and Baraggan, who promised to seek Aizen's destruction for all eternity.[66] Sometime after the Hollowfication Incident and during his and Isshin Shiba's time as captains, he, Gin, and Tōsen were still working on their Hollowfication experiments and attempting to locate Shinji's group. He told his co-conspirators to remain patient and reassured them everything would go as planned.[67] Soon after this, Aizen and his two comrades watched the fight between Isshin and one of their Hollow creations on a monitor, with Aizen wondering why Isshin was present in Naruki City. When Tōsen stated Isshin did not report that he was going and Gin said this could cause them immense trouble, Aizen, intrigued by this interesting turn of events, referred to Isshin's arrival as an unexpected harvest and asked if it was possible for him to watch the battle at a closer distance. Later, when he arrives at the scene of the battle with Gin and Tōsen, the three of them wearing Reiatsu-concealing cloaks, Aizen cut down Isshin from behind.[68] Commenting on the quality of Urahara's cloak and how simply kneading Kidō into it will let the wearer blend into the air, Aizen prepared to leave, stating that Isshin would not be able to use Bankai in his current state and that the Hollow experiment was a failure if a captain could take it out using only their Shikai. After Tōsen expressed his desire to call the sample "White" because this was their first experiment based on a Shinigami's soul, Aizen said it was ironic to call the Hollow "White" because of its inner whiteness while its outside was completely encased in black. After observing the fight for a time, Aizen and his cohorts noticed the involvement of a Quincy in the fight, which surprised the three of them. When Tōsen decided to eliminate her, Aizen stopped him from killing her and eagerly stated they should see what happens next.[69] Following White's defeat and destruction, Tōsen expressed his shock and frustration at the events, calling it a failure. Calming him down, Aizen said that the results were interesting and expressed curiosity on how events would further unfold.[70] Staying true to his curiosity, Aizen kept a close eye on Isshin and Masaki and by extension, learned of Ichigo when he was born.[71] Curious about Ichigo being a special case due to his mixed heritage, Aizen decided to aid Ichigo's development for his plans. To this end, he had Rukia Kuchiki stationed in Karakura Town. Aizen also put into place obstacles which would force Ichigo to grow stronger, including the Hollow which attacked his family and the Menos Grande which appeared when Uryū Ishida used the Hollow bait.[72]

Plot[]

Soul Society arc[]

When Rukia Kuchiki is brought back to Soul Society with the Hōgyoku concealed within her body, Aizen manipulates everyone into an elaborate conspiracy by killing all the members of Central 46[73] and beginning to move Rukia's execution date up.[74] He begins to plant suspicion within Soul Society, initially speaking of the possibility of a conspiracy with 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai,[75] and tries to use Gin Ichimaru's intrusion in repelling Ichigo Kurosaki and the Ryoka to orchestrate suspicion among the gathered captains, particularly 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who witnesses a conversation between the two personally.[76] Later, Aizen uses his Zanpakutō's ability to trick everyone into believing he has been killed,[77] and has Gin lead everyone to believe that Gin himself is the murderer.[78] Aizen sets up his lieutenant, Momo Hinamori, to believe he was killed by Hitsugaya, her childhood friend, to get her out of the way.[79][80][81][82] Because of the nature of Rukia's sentence and execution method, the Gotei 13 splits into factions and the captains begin to fight among themselves. During the turmoil, Gin executes the overt aspects of the plan, which begins to be revealed when 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana begins to suspect there is something wrong with Aizen's supposedly dead body.[83] Using a camera fly, Aizen watches a Hollowfied Ichigo fighting 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki from the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. At this moment, Gin approaches Aizen and wonders if Ichigo has already undergone Hollowfication. When Ichigo regains control over his body, Gin becomes disappointed, but Aizen tells him there is nothing to worry about. Stating everything is going according to his plan, Aizen says it all begins now.[84] Inside the Central 46 Compound Aizen reveals himself to be alive to his lieutenant, and apologizes for how heartbroken she must have felt as he caresses her head. Aizen hugs Hinamori and claims to have no idea how badly he had hurt her. As Aizen explains that it had to be her and that he had to stay hidden to do something, which is why he faked his death and had her receive his letter, Hinamori assures him that it is alright and that knowing he is alive is enough for her. Aizen tells Hinamori that their time together was a joy to him and thanks her, only to bid her farewell as he shoves his Zanpakutō through her chest. Left speechless by this, Hinamori looks up at Aizen, who merely stares coldly at her and pulls his Zanpakutō out, leaving Hinamori to collapse, before departing alongside Gin.[85] As Aizen and Gin prepare to leave, Hitsugaya arrives and is shocked to see Aizen standing alongside Gin. Aizen assures Hitsugaya that he is here in the flesh before noting to Gin that Hitsugaya is back sooner than expected. With Gin apologizing and assuming that his lieutenant, Izuru Kira, must have failed, a confused Hitsugaya wonders what they are talking about, which leads Aizen to reveal that he is referring to the tactic of dividing and conquering, the most basic way of weakening an enemy. Hitsugaya then demands to know where Hinamori is, and as Aizen points out that he should already know, Hitsugaya angrily rushes past him and Gin to the dark room, where he discovers Hinamori lying on the ground. Aizen expresses embarrassment at Hitsugaya having found her and apologizes for him finding out like this before suggesting that he should have chopped up Hinamori and hidden the pieces. When a stunned Hitsugaya asks Aizen and Gin how long they have been conspiring together, Aizen answers that they have done so from the beginning, clarifying that he has never considered anyone but Gin to be his lieutenant ever since he became a captain. With Hitsugaya accusing him of having deceived Hinamori and the other Shinigami this whole time, Aizen claims that he never thought of it like this and that he perceived it as none of the other Shinigami recognizing his true identity. Demanding to know how Aizen could be so cruel, Hitsugaya reminds him that Hinamori joined the Gotei 13 and worked hard just to be at his side, only for Aizen to acknowledge this as making her very easy to manipulate and pointing to this as the reason he requested her to join his division. As Hitsugaya stares at him in astonishment, Aizen instructs him to remember that admiration is the state furthest from understanding.[86] In response, Hitsugaya grasps his Zanpakutō and activates his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru. As Hitsugaya declares that he is going to kill Aizen, the latter simply admonishes Hitsugaya for making rash threats because it makes him seem weak and slashes Hitsugaya across the chest, leaving him to collapse in shock while bleeding heavily as Daiguren Hyōrinmaru breaks apart.[87] Commenting on how nice it is to see ice at this time of year, Aizen is stopped by Unohana, who has figured out something is wrong with his corpse doll, only for Aizen to bring out his corpse doll and disclose to Unohana and her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, the true abilities of his Zanpakutō. This allows Unohana to deduce the ritual for being affected by the hypnosis, after which Aizen reveals Kaname Tōsen has always been his subordinate because he cannot see. Aizen has Gin bring the two of them to Sōkyoku Hill, where Tōsen had brought Renji and Rukia to him.[88] When Aizen asks Renji to put Rukia down, Renji refuses. Commenting on Renji's stubbornness, Aizen says that it is acceptable if Renji wishes to hold on to Rukia, but he will have to leave the arms he is holding her with behind. Drawing his sword, Aizen attacks Renji, but Renji is able to draw his sword in time to dodge Aizen's attack, leaving only his right arm damaged. Applauding his ability to dodge, Aizen expresses happiness with the improvements in Renji's skill because he was one of Aizen's subordinates. Telling Renji he does not want things to be harder because while he finds it difficult to hold back his strength, Aizen states he finds it unbearable for a subordinate to die.[89] Challenging this assertion, Renji asks Aizen why he killed Momo. When Aizen states it was an act of compassion because he has trained Momo so she could not live without him, Renji says Aizen is not the captain he knew, prompting Aizen to state he was the same man, but neither Renji nor anyone else had realized what he was. When Renji attacks Aizen with his Shikai, Aizen blocks it with his bare hand and easily cuts the segments of the blade apart while also cutting up Renji. When Renji refuses to give up Rukia, Aizen prepares to kill him, only to be stopped by Ichigo.[90] Ichigo teams up with Renji, but even after using Renji's strongest attack with his Shikai to create an opening for Ichigo, the attack fails. Displaying his power by blocking Ichigo's blade with a single finger and nearly cutting him in half, Aizen cuts down Renji and approaches Rukia.[91] Beginning to drag Rukia off, Aizen explains his plans to the critically injured but still conscious Ichigo, only for 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura to appear and attack him.[92] Critically injuring Komamura with Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi, Aizen removes the Hōgyoku from Rukia's body using information obtained from Kisuke Urahara's research hidden in the chambers of Central 46. Surprised the procedure did not kill Rukia and having no further use for her, Aizen orders Gin to kill Rukia as he prepares to leave, only for 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki to save Rukia by taking the blow himself.[93] Turning around, Aizen prepares to draw his Zanpakutō in order to finish Rukia himself, but is stopped by Yoruichi Shihōin. When he is threatened with death from 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng's Zanpakutō if he moves, Aizen calls Yoruichi a nostalgic face and notes how not even Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng will be able to come after him while fighting the hypnotized Gatekeepers. As Kūkaku Shiba and Jidanbō Ikkanzaka arrive to assist them, Gin is restrained by 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto and apologizes for being unable to help Aizen. As they are surrounded by every captain and lieutenant of the Gotei 13 still capable of moving, Aizen smiles[94] and says it is time. Realizing something is wrong, Yoruichi runs away and tells Suì-Fēng to get away. When Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen are bathed in light, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto calls the others off and reveals Aizen, Tōsen, and Gin became completely untouchable the moment they were covered in this light, called a Negación, a separate world created by Menos Grande when rescuing one of their own which transports them to Hueco Mundo.[95] While leaving, Aizen removes his glasses and changes his hairstyle by combing a hand through it. As his glasses evaporate into dust, Aizen announces his goal to stand atop of the world in the heavens and take the place of the absent gods, something no one has ever done before. Before finally ascending into the portal created by the Menos' arrival, he bids farewell to all of the Shinigami present and tells Ichigo he was very interesting for a Human.[96]

Arrancar arc[]

From there, Aizen changes his clothing style to resemble the Arrancar, and begins to create several Arrancar. At some point, he finds Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck and is impressed by the mountain of dead Hollows nearby. When Aizen asks Starrk if the Hollows were killed by him, Starrk tells him the Hollows just died. When Aizen makes an offer to Starrk to join him as an ally, Starrk believes Aizen to be strong and agrees to join him.^[97] Later, Aizen sends Grand Fisher and two other powerful Hollows to the Human World.^[98] Grand Fisher is killed by Isshin Kurosaki,^[99] and the other two Hollows are killed by Ryūken Ishida.^[100] Isshin and Urahara theorize Aizen sent these pseudo-Arrancar to the Human World to look for information on Ichigo.^[101]

Later, Aizen sends Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Llargo to find Ichigo and report on his progress. They almost kill Tatsuki Arisawa, Yasutora Sado, and Orihime Inoue, and Yammy manages to kill a large amount of people in the park.^[102] After the mission is completed, Ulquiorra and Yammy head to a meeting consisting of Aizen and 20 other Arrancar (including fellow Espada members Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Tier Harribel). Ulquiorra uses Solita Vista to show what he has seen to the others and Aizen. After Grimmjow and Shawlong Koufang question Ulquiorra and Yammy on why they just did not kill them as ordered, Aizen states he is impressed with Ulquiorra's work.^[103] Later, Grimmjow and his Fracción (Shawlong, Edrad Liones, Nakeem Grindina, Yylfordt Granz, and Di Roy Rinker) invade Karakura Town without orders, prompting Kaname Tōsen to travel there, bring back Grimmjow (his Fracción were killed during their unauthorized mission), and punish Grimmjow himself when Aizen refuses to take action.^[104]

Later, after examining Orihime's powers, Aizen decides to initiate another invasion on Karakura Town, letting Ulquiorra pick the members of the invasion force, though Aizen personally sends Grimmjow as well. Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Yammy, Luppi Antenor, and Wonderweiss Margela go to invade Karakura Town to capture Orihime.^[105] Ulquiorra succeeds in forcing Orihime to join Aizen's side and brings her to Las Noches, where he has her display her power by restoring Grimmjow's amputated left arm and reveals to the Arrancar present how Orihime's powers are rejection, meaning she can "reject" anything which has happened.^[106]

Hueco Mundo arc[]

Calling the Espada to a meeting, Aizen invites them to have some tea.^[107] As they are drinking their tea, Aizen reveals to them the presence of Ichigo, Uryū, and Sado. When the Espada begin to dismiss the group as not dangerous, Aizen warns them to not underestimate the trio and reveals their exploits in Soul Society. When Aizen identifies Orihime as the missing member of their group and states they have come to rescue her, Grimmjow begins to leave and states he is going to go eradicate the threat in Aizen's name. Stopping him, Aizen resorts to intimidating Grimmjow with his Reiatsu when the latter hesitates to back down. As Grimmjow is brought to his knees by Aizen's immense Reiatsu, Aizen tells the other Espada to return to their palaces and wait patiently. Telling them not to be overconfident, Aizen says they do not to be afraid because no one can defeat them as long as they are with him.^[108]

At one point, Aizen has Orihime brought to his room by Loly Aivirrne and Menoly Mallia. After sending the two Arrancar away, Aizen shows Orihime the Hōgyoku. Asking Orihime to interpret him showing her the Hōgyoku as a sign of his trust in her, Aizen asks Orihime to use Sōten Kisshun to undo some minor damage which has occurred to the Hōgyoku from being repeatedly reawakened.^[109]

Following the arrival of Ichigo and company at Las Noches, Aizen is informed of Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio's death by a messenger. Unsurprised by Dordoni's demise, Aizen expresses surprise at Ichigo struggling against him. Cornering the messenger by catching him in a lie of omission, Aizen demands to know who sent the Exequias after Dordoni. When the messenger does not answer, Szayelaporro Granz intervenes and reveals he is the one who did so before begging Aizen's forgiveness, which Aizen grants him. As Szayelaporro turns to leave, Aizen tells him to make his reports more thorough next time, shocking Szayelaporro, before asking him if the Reiatsu record he obtained from Dordoni will aid in his research. Confirming this, Szayelaporro leaves. Following his departure, Gin, who had been present in with Aizen the entire time, asks Aizen if he is enjoying himself even though his subordinates are losing, prompting Aizen to confess the emotion he is feeling at the moment is akin to enjoyment.^[110]

After Aaroniero Arruruerie, Szayelaporro, Zommari Rureaux, Grimmjow, and Nnoitra Gilga are defeated by Ichigo, his friends, and the invading Shinigami captains, Aizen has Coyote Starrk bring Orihime to him. Telling Orihime to smile and wait where she is while they go and destroy Karakura Town, Aizen has Tōsen use Bakudō #77. Tenteikūra. Using this, Aizen reveals his true motivation behind the capture of Orihime to Ichigo and the others: by kidnapping Orihime, he inspired Ichigo and his friends to attempt a rescue, thereby depriving Soul Society of a valuable military asset, and when four captains assisted in her rescue, adding to the three which had already defected, Soul Society was left at half its regular strength, so he and his forces are now ready to attack. Leaving with Gin, Tōsen, Tier Harribel, Baraggan Louisenbairn, Starrk, and their Fracción to invade Karakura Town, Aizen leaves Las Noches in the hands of Ulquiorra.^[111]

Fake Karakura Town arc[]

Leaving to destroy Karakura Town, Aizen seals the portals Ichigo and the others used to access Hueco Mundo, effectively stranding them there until his return, and leaves Ulquiorra in charge of Las Noches.[112] When Soul Society substitutes the town for an abandoned duplicate, Aizen muses on how he will have to travel to Soul Society to destroy the real town after he and his forces defeat the remaining captains. Before his group is able to take action, Aizen is trapped within Yamamoto's Jōkaku Enjō with Gin and Tōsen and is unable to fight. Claiming such action would be unnecessary, Aizen states the power of his Espada alone will be enough to defeat the Gotei 13.[113] When Momo arrives in the fake Karakura Town to assist Rangiku Matsumoto, Aizen has a somewhat intrigued look in his eyes upon sensing his former lieutenant, whom he assumed he killed, is alive. When Gin asks him if anything is wrong, Aizen says Momo's presence will not make any difference.[114] Arriving in the fake Karakura Town alongside Wonderweiss, Hooleer extinguishes Jōkaku Enjō with its breath. Stating the smell of death is splendid, Aizen walks free with his two comrades and says the smell fits the occasion. As everyone is alerted to Aizen's presence, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira fears Soul Society may have lost, only for the Visored to arrive.[115] After a short battle against a group of Gillians, Shinji Hirako confronts Aizen. Attempting to slash at Aizen, Shinji is stopped by Tōsen as Aizen looks on.[116] As the battle continues, Baraggan comes close to his death and throws his blade at Aizen in a desperate attempt to kill the person responsible for Baraggan losing his position as King of Hueco Mundo, only for Baraggan's Respira to destroy the axe before it can even reach Aizen, who looks away. As both Starrk and Harribel notice this, Starrk notes Aizen has nothing to say at Baraggan's passing.[117] Observing Starrk's defeat as he falls to the ground,[118] Aizen subsequently takes notice of the fight between Tier Harribel and Hiyori Sarugaki, Lisa Yadōmaru, and Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Stopping the fight between Gin and Shinji, Aizen tells Gin this is enough and states it is time to end this fight. Using Shunpo, Aizen appears near Harribel's battle and slashes her straight across her torso with his Zanpakutō, seriously wounding her. As Harribel expresses surprise, Aizen tells her it appears she is not strong enough to fight for him before telling Gin and Tōsen it is time to go.[119] As Aizen laments to Harribel how he alone is more powerful than all of the Espada he went through so much trouble to gather, an enraged Harribel impales him with her sword. As Aizen states dealing with her is such a pain, a surprised Harribel realizes she attacked an illusion and has been stabbed in her left shoulder by Aizen. Telling Harribel he will never let her raise her sword to him again, Aizen withdraws his sword. As Harribel falls to the city below, Aizen tells everyone to come at him.[120] When Shinji warns the other Visored to not approach Aizen too quickly, Aizen says they already died 100 years ago, so they have nothing to fear. Charging Aizen, an enraged Hiyori is bifurcated by Gin.[121] Going to Hiyori's side, Shinji angrily stares down Aizen, who states there is finally life in Shinji's eyes. As Aizen says he will unsheathe his sword especially for him, Shinji approaches his former lieutenant to engage him in battle. When Shinji tells the others to wait for Ichigo to arrive, Aizen asks Shinji why he would put his faith in Ichigo. When Shinji tells Aizen he does not expect him to understand because he does not even trust his own followers, Aizen says only the weak rely on others. When Shinji questions how he can say this with all the followers he has, for he is sure Aizen has asked them to trust him, Aizen states he is wrong because he never asked them to trust him at all. Revealing he told them to come with him, but he has never told them to trust him and has told them to not trust anyone, including himself, Aizen laments there are not many strong enough to do that. Aizen further explains how everyone wishes to believe in something bigger than themselves, and he will become the god everyone is forced to put their faith in.[122] Commenting on Aizen drawing his blade, Shinji asks Aizen if he is scared. When Aizen remains silent, Shinji says there is no point in ignoring him because he still has to be uneasy no matter how strong he is. Quoting Aizen's own words from 100 years ago about how Shinji had never opened up to him, Shinji tells Aizen he does not have a clue what kind of powers his Zanpakutō has because of this. Telling Aizen he is wrong if he believes Kyōka Suigetsu is the only Zanpakutō with the ability to control other people's senses, Shinji releases his Zanpakutō, Sakanade.[123] The release of Shinji's Shikai prompts Aizen to note it is an interesting shape for a katana. As the ability of Sakanade takes effect and reverses the world around them, Shinji attacks and manages to cut Aizen. After another attempt, Aizen figures out the ability and uses Kyōka Suigetsu to alter Shinji's senses to throw him off, allowing himself to easily cut Shinji before stating the ability is child's play.[124] Moments later, he looks down as Komamura yells up at him. As the sky begins to crack, Ichigo breaks through behind Aizen.[125] As Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō hits a barrier which Aizen had created, Aizen taunts Ichigo, who attacks again. Dodging, Aizen continues his taunts. When Ichigo begins to waver, Komamura appears beside him and tells Ichigo not to be disheartened, for provoking his opponents is Aizen's forte. He and the other Shinigami and Visored prepare to help Ichigo fight Aizen while avoiding witnessing the release of his Shikai.[126] When Hitsugaya starts the attack, Aizen mocks this, prompting Hitsugaya to state someone needed to start. Becoming angry, Hitsugaya releases his Bankai.[127] Attacked by Hitsugaya, Aizen dodges every attack from Hitsugaya.[128] As Aizen prepares to counterattack, Komamura and Love Aikawa attack him, but Aizen stops them. When Komamura activates his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Aizen slices through it, cutting off Komamura's arm. As Aizen attacks Komamura once more, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi tries to attack Aizen, only for Aizen to pull Rose towards him and slash him, sending Rose falling to the ground.[129] Defeating the remaining Visored, Aizen calls them "Pseudo Arrancar".[130][131] Moving in front of Aizen, Suì-Fēng mocks him and creates several clones of herself with Shunpo. As the clones attack, Hitsugaya encases Aizen in ice as 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku emerges from a shadow to attack him. As Hitsugaya attacks him, Aizen glances at him and notes Hitsugaya does not plan ahead due to his young age. Noticing Shinji holding Sakanade, Aizen realizes it is too late to react because he is in the inverted world as Hitsugaya impales him.[132] Being the only one who has not yet seen Aizen's Shikai, Ichigo shouts at the captains, causing them to realize Aizen used Kyōka Suigetsu and switched places with Momo. Having been lying down next to Izuru and 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba, Aizen gets up and walks away after his illusion is revealed. Believing it is Momo who is walking away, Izuru and Iba try to follow him, but are cut down. When Shinji angrily asks Aizen when he cast the illusion, Aizen asks them when they began thinking he was not using Kyōka Suigetsu. Overcome with anger at being fooled by Aizen into attacking Momo, Hitsugaya charges at Aizen while Shunsui warns him to wait. Telling them they are all completely open, Aizen cuts down Hitsugaya, Shunsui, Suì-Fēng, and Shinji.[133] As Aizen defeats the last of his attackers, Yamamoto draws his attention with a huge pillar of fire. Stating Yamamoto is too late and the Gotei 13 will crumble with his defeat, Aizen taunts Yamamoto before stabbing him. Pulling Aizen in, Yamamoto says he can tell it is not an illusion. Activating Ennetsu Jigoku, Yamamoto states everything caught within it will burn. Appearing behind Yamamoto in his Resurrección, Extinguir, Wonderweiss sends Yamamoto crashing to the ground below as Aizen reveals Wonderweiss was made for the sole purpose of stopping Yamamoto's abilities.[134] Employing his hand-to-hand combat skills, Yamamoto defeats Wonderweiss.[135] When Aizen says Yamamoto's flames were all stored within Wonderweiss, Yamamoto attempts to contain them as Wonderweiss' body explodes. Afterwards, as Aizen approaches, a battered Yamamoto uses Hadō #96. Ittō Kasō.[136] Pouncing on Aizen, Ichigo sends him crashing through a nearby building. As the wound he sustained from the attack closes up, Aizen reveals he has placed the Hōgyoku, which instinctively heals its master, in his chest. Complimenting Ichigo's Reiatsu, Aizen states Ichigo has grown as he had planned, surprising Ichigo. Listing various important occurrences in Ichigo's development, Aizen claims they all happened as he desired.[137] When Aizen explains how he found Ichigo to be the perfect subject for his research, Ichigo says Aizen must be lying because of what he said in Soul Society. Revealing he was lying back then, Aizen begins to say why he thought Ichigo would be perfect, but is interrupted by the arrival of Isshin, who states Aizen has said too much.[138] When Isshin moves Ichigo away, Aizen notes this was a smart move.[139] When Aizen asks Gin how long he has been watching, Gin states he did not see an opportunity to help. Attacking Aizen, Isshin sends him crashing through multiple buildings.[140] As their battle continues, Isshin notes Aizen is tiring, prompting Aizen to reveal he has reached the limit of his Shinigami self and the Hōgyoku has begun to understand his desires.[141] Saying the Hōgyoku possesses a will of its own and he only became aware of this after becoming its master, Aizen reveals the true power of the Hōgyoku is not removing of the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow, but capturing and materializing the hearts around it. Claiming it has brought about the events surrounding Ichigo, Rukia, and Urahara, Aizen states Urahara misunderstood the nature of the Hōgyoku because the breakdown of the barrier between Shinigami and Hollow was his own desire. Claiming Ichigo, Sado, and Orihime all got their powers from the Hōgyoku, Aizen explains more about it before being interrupted by Gin knocking Ichigo into a nearby building. As Ichigo talks to Isshin, Gin asks Aizen if he interrupted his speech. As Aizen says he had reached the end of his speech, his body is enveloped by the Hōgyoku. Stating the Hōgyoku deserves its name, Aizen is interrupted when he is shot from behind by Urahara, whom he welcomes onto the battlefield.[142] After Urahara says it has been a long time since last they met, the two banter about Aizen's fusion with the Hōgyoku. Stating it is not fusion, Aizen claims he has subjugated the Hōgyoku, which Urahara had failed to master. Glaring down at Aizen, Urahara admits it is true he was unable to master it in the past. Questioning his statement, Aizen says he must be unable to admit defeat. Retracting the question, Aizen impales Urahara and tells him he has already lost the chance to command the Hōgyoku. As Urahara's body bursts, Urahara appears and uses Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō. Revealing he saw the portable Gigai trick in Yammy's report, Aizen admits he let his guard down, for he never thought Urahara would use such a petty trick, and asks Urahara what he will do after constricting him. Asking Aizen why he believes Urahara would only use this level of Bakudō, Urahara uses Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku and Bakudō #73. Kuyō Shibari. When Urahara begins chanting an incantation, Aizen asks him if he believes Aizen will allow him to use this Kidō. Stating it is too late to stop it, Urahara fires Hadō #91. Senju Kōten Taihō. After the smoke explosion dissipates, Urahara notes Aizen has let down his guard because of his newfound power. Confirming this, Aizen appears behind Urahara and attacks him. When Aizen notes the Hōgyoku has made him invincible and he has no need to dodge a level 90 Kidō, Urahara says he was talking about how Aizen would never have come into physical contact with him twice without a plan. Trapped by spiritual energy cuffs at his wrists, Aizen stares in shock. As Urahara explains the nature of the seal, Aizen is enveloped in a pillar of light.[143] As the smoke clears, Aizen appears behind Urahara in a new form and states this would have worked if he had not subjugated the Hōgyoku. As Aizen says the Hōgyoku is beyond Urahara's comprehension and this battle is a waste, Urahara unsheathes his Zanpakutō. As Isshin comes up from behind, he and Urahara restrict Aizen with chains. Expressing confusion, Aizen demands to know what is going on as Yoruichi Shihōin attacks him from above. Smashing into his back with great force, Yoruichi pummels Aizen into the ground. As Urahara tells Yoruichi to move away, Aizen recovers and destroys the armor on Yoruichi's left leg. Emerging from the rubble with his new form severely cracked, Aizen proclaims he will destroy all of their attacks.[144] noting Yoruichi's armor must be special for her to survive his attack, Aizen states he plans on destroying this.[145] Having shattered more of Yoruichi's armor, Aizen watches as Yoruichi and Urahara bicker again. Asking Aizen why he is staring at him, Urahara says Aizen is showing interest again. When Aizen reveals he finds Urahara interesting because he is the only one in Soul Society who exceeds his intellect, Urahara attacks Aizen, but Aizen blocks it and Yoruichi's sneak attack. As Aizen is about to counter her, Yoruichi activates Shunkō and knocks Aizen to the ground, but her next attack is blocked. Intervening, Urahara binds him with Shibari, Benihime and uses Hiasobi, Benihime, Juzutsunagi, creating a massive explosion. Afterwards, Isshin attacks Aizen with a Getsuga Tenshō.[146] Emerging from Isshin's attack with a large crack down his new form's face, Aizen defeats Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi, and gathers Gin as he heads off towards Soul Society.[147] Arriving at the Dangai with Gin, Aizen notices the approaching Kōtotsu. Destroying it, Aizen asks Gin what he was afraid of and states reason only exists for those who cannot live without it. As the two reach the Dangai's exit, Aizen declares they will go to the edge of reason.[148] As they arrive, Aizen notices they are not in Karakura Town because he destroyed the Kōtotsu.[149] As they walk, they come into contact with a man who turns to dust upon getting close to Aizen due to his spiritual power. When Gin spots Tatsuki Arisawa, Aizen identifies her as Ichigo's ally.[150] When Aizen and Gin approach, Tatsuki and Keigo Asano are able to withstand his power. When Keigo runs, Aizen says they will start with Tatsuki.[151] When Don Kanonji hits him with a blast of energy, Aizen emerges from the smoke unscathed. As Kanonji reaches to hit Aizen, Rangiku arrives.[152] Rushing in, Gin says he will take care of her and takes Rangiku away as Aizen says Gin is an interesting child.[153] Catching up to Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro Kojima, Aizen is about to kill them when Zennosuke Kurumadani shows up and uses his Shikai's special ability to trap Aizen under rubble, though he breaks free. As the Humans and Zennosuke run away, Gin returns,[154] prompting Aizen to ask him what happened to Rangiku. When Gin claims he killed Rangiku, Aizen admits he is surprised because he thought Gin had feelings for her. Likening himself to a snake, Gin says he has no feelings.[155] When Gin asks Aizen about his plans, Aizen reveals them. Stating this is good, Gin places his hand on the blade of Kyōka Suigetsu. Throwing up his sleeve, Gin releases Kamishini no Yari from under his arm and impales a surprised Aizen through the chest. As Gin reveals the one weakness in Aizen's Zanpakutō, a bleeding Aizen tells Gin he knew Gin would betray him. Revealing the true ability of his Bankai, Gin places his hand up to Aizen's chest and activates Korose, Kamishini no Yari. As Aizen curses him, Gin watches as Aizen's chest begins to dissolve from the inside out, leaving a gaping hole with the Hōgyoku floating in the middle.[156] As Aizen's body continues to erode, Gin grabs the Hōgyoku, but Aizen throws Gin away. Gin runs off with the Hōgyoku, leaving a slowly dissolving Aizen to fall to the ground. Uttering Gin's name, Aizen yells in rage as a pillar of light surrounds him. As the pillar of light splits to reveal Aizen's new winged form, the Hōgyoku in Gin's hand disappears and rejoins Aizen, who tells Gin the Hōgyoku is under his control whether it is in his body or not. Appearing behind Gin, Aizen cuts him deeply with one swing of his sword.[157] Recalling his failure with his own Hōgyoku, Aizen thanks Gin and throws him through a building.[158] Arriving at the scene, Rangiku goes to Gin's side. Closing in on them, Aizen is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ichigo.[159] As Aizen says he is disappointed Ichigo has not evolved, Ichigo states he wishes to move their fight away from his friends. Thinking Ichigo cannot harm him, Aizen refuses. Grabbing Aizen, Ichigo brings him outside Karakura Town. Throwing him into the ground, Ichigo tells a stunned Aizen he will finish the fight in an instant.[160] Commenting upon Ichigo's words, Aizen theorizes about the nature of his power. As he and Ichigo clash, leveling a nearby mountain, Aizen notes he and Ichigo have both reached the peak of their evolutions. Noting he understands the dimensions of his Ichigo's evolution and his own are very different, Aizen states he can bring himself to crush Ichigo's sword with a single blow. When Aizen attacks, Ichigo stops it with his bare hand. Expressing surprise, Aizen tells Ichigo to not get so excited. Proclaiming he will crush Ichigo with Kidō, Aizen uses a full incantation of Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi. As Aizen gloats at the full power of his Kidō, Ichigo destroys it and tells Aizen he is stronger as he attacks.[161] As Aizen moves away in a flash of light, Ichigo taunts him.[162] When the diamond on Aizen's head opens up, he transforms once more. Firing an energy blast which damages Ichigo's left arm, Aizen uses a circular blast which surrounds his body, but Ichigo destroys it with a wave of his sword. As a shocked Aizen looks on, Ichigo tells him he will end the fight with Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō.[163] As Aizen looks on in wonder at the new form Ichigo is taking,[164] Ichigo explains what Saigo no Getsuga Tenshō is and its costs. Amazed at how he still feels absolutely nothing from Ichigo despite this new transformation, Aizen theorizes Ichigo may have surpassed him. As an enraged Aizen proclaims such a thing is impossible, Ichigo uses Mugetsu, enveloping the battlefield in darkness.[165] Ichigo's attack envelops Aizen and severely wounds him. After Aizen crashes into the ground, the Hōgyoku regenerates his wounds. As Ichigo moves to finish Aizen, his powers begin to fade. When Kyōka Suigetsu begins to fade as well, Aizen tries to finish off Ichigo, but an energy spike emerges from his chest before he can do so. Arriving, Urahara takes responsibility for the attack and reveals he fired a Kidō into Aizen's body on the back of another Kidō before Aizen achieved complete transformation. When Urahara explains it is a seal because he believed Aizen would not be able to be killed, more spikes of energy emerge from Aizen's chest. Proclaiming he hates Urahara, Aizen demands to know why someone of Urahara's intellect allows himself to be controlled by "that thing". Realizing Aizen is referring to the Soul King, Urahara notes Aizen has seen it and tells Aizen Soul Society would be rent asunder without the Soul King's existence. Proclaiming victors must always speak of the way the world should be and not the way it is, Aizen is sealed within Urahara's Kidō.[166] Ten days later, Aizen sits bound to a chair by many black bands, where he is standing trial under the authority of the judges of the Central 46 for high treason and a list of many other crimes. When they sentence him to 18,800 years in Muken, the 8th and lowest level of the underground prison, Aizen states it is comical to receive judgment from the likes of them. Silencing him, a judge calls him a traitor and warns him to not get cocky just because he is immortal. Ordering Aizen's eye and mouth bound at once, the judge raises his sentence up to 20,000 years.[167]

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc[]

During the Wandenreich's invasion of Soul Society, Yhwach reveals Aizen was being held underneath the First Division. Yhwach goes to speak with Aizen, who identifies the Quincy king, to the latter's surprise, while also deducing from the surrounding Reiatsu that Soul Society was being invaded. Yhwach offers Aizen a place in the Wandenreich as a Special War Power, citing their shared goal of Soul Society's destruction. Aizen refuses, finding it absurd that the Quincy king would ever walk the same path as a Shinigami. Yhwach departs, stating that while he saw the imprisoned Shinigami as a threat, it would be too time-consuming to either kill Aizen or restrain him, a decision Aizen agrees to be wise. Unbeknownst to Yhwach, Aizen's eyes and mouth were bound, so he was speaking to an illusion Aizen created with Kyōka Suigetsu, allowing Aizen to confirm Yhwach had already witnessed Kyōka Suigetsu's release and was thus, susceptible to it.[168][169] Subsequently, Aizen took advantage of the opportunity and used Kyōka Suigetsu to alter Yhwach's perception of time, making him spend more time with Aizen than he initially believed.[170] Later, after the death of the Soul King, Kyōraku visits Aizen in his underground prison and asks Aizen to respond to him.[171] Upon hearing no response, Kyōraku determines that either Aizen is against conversation, or the seals placed on him restrict his ability to speak. He then begins using keys that can unlock his seals, noting that he can only use up to three of them, and he starts by unlocking the seal over his mouth.[172] After unlocking the seal over Aizen's mouth, Kyōraku states that most people who have had their mouths sealed for two years wouldn't be able to talk right away, but it would not be the same case for Aizen. Aizen verbally agrees with Kyōraku, and proceeds to walk towards him. Kyōraku is shocked to find Aizen removing other seals on his own, despite the one over his mouth being the only one unlocked, and Aizen notes that he still has two keys left to use.[173] When Shunsui unlocks his left eye and ankles, Aizen notes he has not changed at all, which Shunsui decides to take as a compliment. Aizen states he never asked Shunsui to free him and asks him why he came down here with keys if he had no intention of doing this, prompting Shunsui to reveal he had to store the keys within his own body and could only use three of them. Hearing this, Aizen realizes that Central 46 predicted he would attempt to take the keys by killing Shunsui, which would trap him in Muken forever. As Shunsui asks Aizen to get in the seat behind him so they can go to the surface, an attendant attempts to bind Aizen once more, only to have his hands partially destroyed by Aizen's Reiatsu. Aizen explains how the binding only limits his Reiatsu's range instead of sealing it completely before asking Shunsui if he intends to have Aizen lend his power to the Gotei 13. When Shunsui states they are simply in the same predicament, Aizen wonders what kind of fresh air he could breathe if Yhwach is already done with Soul Society.[174] Soon afterward, as black creatures begin pouring into the Seireitei, Aizen is brought to the surface, and the other Shinigami notice his presence as his Reiatsu begins crushing the creatures. Aizen mocks the Shinigami for trying to destroy the creatures with their Zanpakutō before instructing them to crush them with Reiatsu as he is doing.[175] Upon seeing the shocked faces of Rukia and Renji, Aizen mockingly greets them and congratulates Rukia for being promoted to the role of lieutenant within the 13th Division, suggesting it was good that her abilities were finally being recognized. When Rukia becomes enraged about his presence, he calmly reveals that Kyōraku had released him.[176] When the argument between the other members of the Gotei 13 subsides, Aizen politely asks Kyōraku to undo the seals binding him to the chair but Kyōraku insists that he cannot do that, which causes Aizen to query why he won't. When Kyōraku reminds him that he is only permitted to remove three of Aizen's seals, the former Captain sighs, commenting that he is expected to stop Yhwach from a chair, suggesting that he won't have the power to do this while restrained. Kyōraku asserts that he knows Aizen can do something about the monsters attacking and in response, Aizen uses Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi in a devastating blast that causes the other Shinigami to flee suddenly into the laboratory. When the dust from the destruction settles, Aizen reveals that he is surprised that the chair he is bound to was able to survive the blast intact. He decides to bring down the Soul King Palace by using his Reiatsu to widen the cracks caused by his blast.[177] Aizen gathers a dense amount of his Reiatsu around himself and shoots it towards the Soul King Palace, panicking many of the Shinigami, but the attack dissipates randomly about him. Kyōraku reveals that the chair was created to cap his Reiatsu. Mayuri comes forward, revealing that he created the chair, and other technologies like it, in order to keep criminals who currently can't be killed in check. He shows Aizen the object that he uses to control the chair, mocking him for thinking he could defeat the chair specifically designed to keep his power in check. Upon learning that the researcher is in control, Aizen challenges Mayuri in pitting his technology against Aizen's power to see which would win. However, Aizen is soon interrupted by the arrival of NaNaNa Najahkoop, who uses his abilities to attack Aizen but is soon shocked that the bound prisoner does not even pass out from the attack despite being an easy, stationary target.[178] Five minutes later, Aizen recovers and converses with Shunsui about the Sternritter helping the Shinigami access the Soul King Palace. Upon realizing that those who stopped him are going to get to the palace before he can, Aizen notes Ichigo is a man who is hard to forgive.[179] Having been left behind in Seireitei by the Gotei 13, Aizen watches with interest as fragments of Lille Barro rain down from the Soul King Palace while wondering what is going on up there.[180] Much later, Yhwach goes back to Soul Society, and Aizen welcomes him to his Soul Society. Yhwach destroys Aizen's chair, releasing him of his bindings, and Aizen remarks on the amount of trouble Ichigo gave Yhwach in combat up in the Soul King Palace. Yhwach replies that Aizen was the one who was defeated by Ichigo, and Aizen thanks him for freeing him from his chair, as he now has the means to stop the Quincy Emperor. Yhwach questions why it would be in Aizen's interests to defend Soul Society, and Aizen replies that this has nothing to do with interests, but is only him repelling those who would try to rule over and control him. Their conversation is then suddenly interrupted as Ichigo and Renji Abarai attack Yhwach from behind.[181] After Yhwach begins attacking Ichigo, Aizen attacks him while disguised as Renji with his Bankai active, only for Yhwach to sever his left arm while deciding to crush him with his own hands. Returning to his normal form with his Zanpakutō intact, Aizen seemingly protects Renji from Yhwach, who ridicules him for this, before using Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu, which ruptures the ground around them and forms a large energy dragon in the air above as he rushes forward. Despite this, Yhwach merely points out that Aizen's sword is cracked before sending him hurtling back with an energy blast. When Aizen, disguised as Ichigo, appears behind him with Tensa Zangetsu, Yhwach stops his blade before pointing out how even Kyōka Suigetsu is useless before his power. After seemingly shattering Tensa Zangetsu and blowing a hole in Ichigo's torso, Yhwach prepares to destroy Soul Society; however, Aizen, having been impaled by Yhwach's hand, merely notes that Yhwach's vision of Ichigo attacking him is interesting as the real Ichigo impales and attacks Yhwach.[182] As Yhwach collapses into a puddle of darkness, Aizen commends Ichigo for adapting to his use of illusions so easily and explains how he had successfully used the power of Kyōka Suigetsu against The Almighty before noting that Ichigo was the final part of his plan due to the illusions not affecting him. Admitting that he never thought Ichigo's lack of exposure to his Shikai would benefit him like this, Aizen is caught off-guard when Yhwach's darkness suddenly erupts and engulfs him.[183] Ichigo defeats Yhwach soon afterward, and Aizen is later imprisoned again and bound in another chair. Ten years later, Aizen senses that the last remnants of Yhwach's Reiatsu have disappeared. He recalls Yhwach's final words about how his defeat meant the continuation of death and the fear accompanying it, but reflects that in such a world people would never have the hope and the courage that kept death at bay.[184]

Inventions[]

• Hōgyoku (崩玉, Crumbling Orb; Viz "Breakdown Sphere"): Aizen claims to have arrived at the conclusion of the Hōgyoku — an artifact to dissolve the existential barrier between Shinigami and Hollows — before Kisuke Urahara, though Aizen failed to complete it. Finalizing the Hōgyoku meant having to sacrifice to it the Souls of hundreds upon hundreds of Shinigami and Rukongai citizens (who bore Shinigami potential), but Aizen's Hōgyoku was never satisfied. After analyzing experimental data pertaining to Urahara's Hōgyoku, Aizen learned that it, too, was incomplete and so decided to steal it, to offer to his own Hōgyoku.^[185] Produced as a culmination of Aizen's Hollowfication research, his (then still imperfect) Hōgyoku is what gave the Visored their Hollow powers. The Hollowfication itself seemed to spread infectiously through wounds and only had the desired effects upon Souls with high Reiryoku; those infected would exhibit symptoms of illness and fatigue before vomiting up a white, fluid substance that would start forming the beginnings of a Hollow's mask, before proceeding to transform the victims' bodies and warp their minds. Otherwise known about the original (imperfect) Hollowfication process is that a victim's agitation would accelerate it,^{[186][187][188]} the result being that a Shinigami became a primarily Hollow-like humanoid, via a highly unstable transformation that induced mindlessness and aggression.^[189]

• Hollow Research and Cultivation: Over more than a century, Aizen extensively researched Shinigami and Hollows in a quest to remove the boundary separating them. Apart from Hollowfication, his research led him to create, via Shinigamification (死神化, Shinigami-ka; Viz "Soul Reaper-fication"), Hollows with Shinigami-esque abilities,^[190] e.g.: specimens that could mask their Reiatsu,^[191] a Hollow that could shatter a Shinigami's Zanpakutō via touch or fuse with them,^[192] and even a Hollow using a Shinigami's Soul as a base;^[193] however, by Aizen's admission, all of these ended up being failures. After his defection from Soul Society, Aizen with the perfect Hōgyoku began to spawn Arrancar far more powerful than those who are naturally occurring, in order to bolster his army,^[194] and even custom-modded an Arrancar for the sole purpose of sealing Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's Ryūjin Jakka.^[195] Ultimately, Aizen was even able to grant Kaname Tōsen full-fledged Hollow powers, which entailed both a Hollow's mask^[196] and a Resurrección like an Arrancar's.^[197]

• 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"): A small cube simulating the effects of Negación, trapping someone in a sealed-off pocket dimension from which there is no escape. However, this assumes that the tool is being used as intended; the Caja Negación was meant to punish weaker Arrancar for disobeying their commanding Espada, and more powerful Arrancar (namely the Espada themselves) can escape given enough time.^[198]

Equipment[]

• Reiatsu-Concealing Cloak: A cloak invented by Urahara that completely insulates the wearer's Reiatsu, hiding their presence.^[199] Aizen copied it using a sample, while also kneading Kidō into his version to make himself blend into the background with it, becoming near-invisible; Aizen wore this cloak to make a successful sneak attack on Isshin Shiba about 20 years ago.^[200]

Powers & Abilities[]

Genius Intellect: Other than his raw strength, Aizen's most fearsome trait is his intellect, made apparent by his consummate skill in the Shinigami battle arts, his genius as a scientist and strategist, and his mastery of the human psyche. The latter is so great that Aizen can flawlessly manipulate all but the most astute people through sheer charisma, deceit, and mind games (though aided in no small part by Kyōka Suigetsu's illusions); Aizen's ability to predict what someone will do down to the last detail after analyzing their minds, motives, and past actions is likewise second to none. Perhaps most notable about Aizen's intellect is his brilliance as a schemer and tactician: he can formulate extremely complex, multi-phase plans that span decades, involve the manipulation of countless people while Aizen remains effectively hidden in plain sight, and can be adapted to permutations via built-in backup plans. For over a century and despite his public duties, Aizen kept virtually everyone in the Seireitei (from the Gotei 13 to the authorities of Central 46) in the dark about his machinations, manipulating them for his own ends while never once letting his façade as a kindly and innocent Shinigami officer slip.^[201][202] By Aizen's own reckoning, Kisuke Urahara is the only individual in all of Soul Society whose mind is more brilliant than his own.^[203]

• Master Strategist & Tactician: A master of strategy and tactics, Aizen can plan years if not decades in advance. His schemes tend to be highly complex, impeccably timed, and entail him predicting and steering people's actions like pieces on a chessboard. For over a century Aizen remained dormant in Soul Society, masquerading as a kind and well-meaning Gotei 13 officer; by successfully framing Urahara for the Visored's Hollowfication 101 years ago (tricking the judiciary of Central 46 by planting false evidence and using his Zanpakutō ability to forge an alibi), he forced the handful of people aware of his crimes into exile, eliminating them as threats.^[204] A hundred years later, Aizen showed his strategic acumen by devising a plot to steal Urahara's Hōgyoku, which had been buried within Rukia Kuchiki's Soul. This plot involved sending Rukia to the Human World, where Aizen foretold her meeting Ichigo Kurosaki and committing the crime of relinquishing her powers to the boy;^[205][206] soon after, Aizen seized control of the Seireitei's governance by secretly killing and supplanting Central 46, to orchestrate Rukia's arrest and planned execution via the Sōkyoku; Aizen sowed chaos by faking his own murder and making his cohort a suspect, while also predicting the precise circumstances around Ichigo and co. infiltrating the Seireitei, to save Rukia on Urahara's orders, and using them as extra diversion; all this was to allow Aizen to retrieve the Hōgyoku, with Aizen further creating a contingency should Rukia's execution be thwarted (which came to pass), proving his flexibility.^[207] In yet another show of his foresight and knack for plans within plans, Aizen had Orihime Inoue abducted to Las Noches under the pretense of needing her powers to awaken the Hōgyoku, but in truth used her as bait to lure Ichigo and his friends to Hueco Mundo, knowing that several captains would follow, and subsequently trapped them all so that, with the Gotei 13's military might halved, his assault on Karakura Town may better succeed.^[208] In his own words, Aizen even foresaw and subtly instigated Ichigo's entire journey, including his major battles, because he had taken an interest in the boy's development.^[209]

• Master Manipulator: Aizen is a cunning manipulator who, for over a century, deceived Soul Society about his true character; as Shinji Hirako's lieutenant he would capitalize on his captain's distrust of him, making Shinji remain emotionally distant and thus fail to notice Aizen's machinations until it was too late.^[210] Aizen later exploited his lieutenant Momo Hinamori's adoration of him to leave her blind to the truth about him, and easy to manipulate.^[211] In the days leading up to Rukia's execution, as per his divide-and-conquer strategy,^[212] Aizen made Renji Abarai,^[213] Tōshirō Hitsugaya,^[214] and Momo (via a fabricated note)^[215] chase red herrings, convincing Renji that Rukia's execution was unjust while giving Tōshirō and Momo conflicting targets at which to aim their suspicions about Aizen's fake murder.^[216] When having Orihime kidnapped, Aizen put her in a multi-layered psychic cage to ensure the girl's cooperation, portray her as a traitor to all except her friends, and put the latter at odds with the Gotei 13.^[217] In battle, Aizen often taunts opponents to make them slip up, and he knows how to make someone despair with words alone.^[218][219] Key to Aizen's manipulation tactics are his charisma and confidence, which draw others in and made even the Arrancar flock to his banner,^[220] as well as his deductive and people-reading skills, allowing him to foretell one's actions to a degree that borders on premonition. By studying and observing others, Aizen can infer their pattern of thinking and motives, or events that have transpired around them; e.g., his plan to steal the Hōgyoku hinged on Aizen predicting in detail how Rukia, Ichigo, and others would act.^[207][221] When Ichigo arrived at Fake Karakura Town, Aizen discerned what had happened at Las Noches, as well as the boy's mental state, with one look at his face.^[219] Aizen even claimed to have known about Gin Ichimaru's desire to betray him from the very start.^[222]

• Master Combatant: Aizen's genius extends to battle: from his mastery of the Shinigami arts to his shrewd analyzing of enemies' strengths and weaknesses, to his habit of planning out scenarios well in advance. Despite his arrogance, Aizen is highly cautious going into battle (or was until he started transcending),^[223] even placing protection spells on himself to cover his worst blind spots.^[224] On the off-chance that Aizen will come up against an opponent stronger than him, he prepares countermeasures to avoid facing them directly, such as modifying an Arrancar for the sole purpose of defeating Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, by sealing Ryūjin Jakka.^[225][226] In the rare event that an opposing power catches Aizen off-guard, he remains calmly observant in order to devise an impromptu counter, as seen when he fell victim to Shinji's Sakanade, which inverted his perception; after being struck once, Aizen re-adjusted his brain's sensory input and reflexes to be able to fight backwards, a feat that astonished Shinji.^[227] In keeping with his manipulative nature, Aizen often relies on verbal warfare, using taunts to goad adversaries into letting their guard down and, ideally, into taking fatal missteps during combat.^[218][219]

• Knowledge: An erudite man who has done much research into the world's history and esoteric secrets, Aizen is privy to information that is unknown to most in Soul Society, such as the existence of the Ōken and its method of creation,^[228] as well as the Soul King's true nature.^[229] During the Quincy Blood War, Aizen was already aware of the Quincy King Yhwach's identity before their first meeting, plus the existence and name of the Wandenreich,^[169] and later was the only one in the Seireitei who, sensing the change in Yhwach's Reiatsu when the latter absorbed the Soul King, correctly deduced that the torrent of eyeball monsters that had come down from the sky was, in fact, the Soul King's surplus power pouring out of Yhwach.^[230]

• Master Scientist: A scientist at heart, Aizen has proven himself to be a highly ingenious man. His crowning achievement is the creation of the Hōgyoku, which Aizen claims to have conceived of earlier than its other creator, Urahara.^[185] With a single piece of data to go off, Aizen was able to deduce the truth about the Hōgyoku — that it has a mind of its own, reads people's hearts, and realizes their deepest desires — well before Urahara ever did.^[231] Aizen's greatest scientific breakthroughs other than (but facilitated by) the Hōgyoku are in the fields of Hollowfication and Shinigamification, which taught him much about the ontological relationship between Shinigami and Hollows. Since his days as a lieutenant 110 years ago, Aizen engaged in unprecedented Hollowfication experiments on the Souls of Rukongai citizens and Shinigami, while arousing no suspicion from authorities;^[232][233] one such experiment was the Visored's Hollowfication, which doubled as verification of the Hōgyoku's true nature.^[234] Ultimately refocusing his efforts on Hollows, Aizen endowed some with abilities like those of Shinigami^[190] and even created a Hollow specimen purely from Shinigami Souls.^[193] Yet, these experiments were themselves only precursors to Aizen's eventual mass conversion of Hollows into perfect Arrancar using the Hōgyoku;^[194] Aizen even created the sole modified Arrancar in existence in order to seal the power of the strongest Zanpakutō.^[195] Otherwise, Aizen's ability to make sophisticated technology is demonstrated through his emulation of Urahara's cloaking technology, after sampling it,^[200] and his invention of the Caja Negación.^[198]

Immeasurable Spiritual Power: Even by the standards of captain-level Shinigami, Aizen's spiritual power is utterly enormous. Upon explaining that someone with twice a captain's Reiatsu can, via momentary fusion, awaken a dormant Hōgyoku, Aizen proved himself easily capable of said feat.^[235] When disposing of Tier Harribel, Aizen boasted that the collective power of all ten Espada was inferior to his alone,^[236] and Gin Ichimaru observed that Aizen's unrivaled strength is why the ragtag Espada had been united and subjugated in the first place, before adding that none of the Shinigami could hope to defeat Aizen even if they came prepared for all eventualities.^[237] While Aizen himself has declared his power to be without equal in Soul Society,^[238] he did at one point concede inferiority to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, citing the latter's extremely powerful Zanpakutō as the reason.^[239] Still, Aizen has defeated most of his captain-class opponents without a modicum of effort or being injured, often with just singular sword strokes or Kidō spells;^{[240][241][242]} during an 8-on-1 battle against the Gotei and Visored, facing no less than seven current and former captains by himself (two of which were using Bankai), Aizen dispatched all of them single-handedly, in rapid succession.^[243][244] After spending a year and a half sealed in Muken, Aizen was sought out by Yhwach as a recruit,^[245] with Aizen's enormous Reiatsu leading the Wandenreich to designate him as a Special War Power.^[246] Upon his release from prison, Aizen had to be seated in a chair special-made to keep his power in check (confining his Reiatsu to the space around him),^[247] and after witnessing the destruction wrought by Aizen's unincanted Kurohitsugi, Urahara surmised that Aizen was now stronger than during his fight against Ichigo.^[248] Ten years later, it is revealed that Aizen's colossal Reiatsu has been central in keeping the Gates of Hell sealed shut, alongside Yhwach's.^[249] Aizen's Reiatsu is violet.^[250][251]

• Masterful Reiatsu Control: Aizen's power makes his mere presence feel monstrously overwhelming even to a Gotei 13 lieutenant.^[252] Aizen himself noted that it takes a lot for him not to "crush an ant" (referring to 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai) in his path,^[253] and even without conscious exertion, the weight of his Reiatsu left 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki too weak to stand.^[254] Orihime Inoue likewise felt crushed by Aizen's presence and barely managed to remain standing in front of him, as though all strength was being sucked out of her.^[255] More impressive still, a brief spike of Aizen's Reiatsu could bring the 6th-strongest Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, to his knees, leaving him panting and in a cold sweat.^[256] By the time of his release from Muken, Aizen's Reiatsu has grown so potent that it can form an invisible shield around him, disintegrating the bodies of Shinigami who stray too close (similarly to what he could do to Humans after transcending).^[257] When a torrent of the Soul King's power was sent down by Yhwach to swallow the Seireitei, Aizen easily repelled it with his own Reiatsu, the eyeballed creatures that made up said torrent being squashed in Aizen's presence.^[258] Subsequently, Aizen was able to project his Reiatsu as a massive upwards beam which, in his own words, could have destroyed the Reishi-dense Shakonmaku (after it had been fissured by his Kurohitsugi beforehand) and shot the faraway Soul King Palace out of the sky,^[259] had it not been for Aizen's chair confining his Reiatsu.^[260]
  • Power Nullification: With his Reiatsu alone, Aizen can cancel out the abilities of those weaker than him, such as Suì-Fēng's Nigeki Kessatsu (shrugging off a second strike despite its sure-kill effect)^[261] or NaNaNa Najahkoop's The Underbelly (remaining conscious after being hit despite his restraints leaving him extra-vulnerable to the Sternritter's Schrift, a feat NaNaNa deemed monstrous).^[262]

Kidō Master: Aizen is a master of Kidō, well-versed in Hadō and Bakudō alike. He can cast high-ranking spells without a chant, first seen when he disabled 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura using Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi, albeit only at a third of its potential power.^[242] Aizen can use mid-level Hadō spells to great effect by speaking only the name, neither type nor number,^[263] and can silently conjure small yet sturdy energy shields to block attacks at close range (even keeping one such shield, invisible while inert, affixed to his nape in order to make up for the blind spot).^[264][265] A century ago as a lieutenant, Aizen already had superlative Kidō skill, easily blocking Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō from Kidō Corps Captain Tessai Tsukabishi — the then-foremost Kidō master in Soul Society — with an unincanted Bakudō #81. Dankū.^[266] Following his release from Muken, even Hadō spells in the 90s are no longer unwieldy for Aizen, as he can cast them at full power with ease and no incantation: Aizen could summon Kurohitsugi at massive size, while still in his Reiatsu-limiting chair, and at sufficient power to destroy all nearby debris while tearing open the Seireitei's Shakonmaku;^[267] he later performed Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu, the highest-level offensive spell of all, against Yhwach.^[268]

Shunpo Master: Aizen's mastery of the Shinigami arts extends to Hohō. He is so fast that most enemies cannot keep up, losing sight of him or failing to register Aizen striking them until after the damage manifests, to the point where Aizen could cut down four fighters of captain class (two of which were notable Shunpo masters in their own right) in one fell swoop.^{[240][241][269]} Aizen outmaneuvered a Hollow-masked, Bankai-using Ichigo effortlessly, closing in on the boy right in front of his eyes to lay a hand on his chest, before Ichigo could even move in response, and then still dodged a point-blank sword swing.^[270] Aizen has evaded near-simultaneous close-range attacks coming from multiple current and former captains, including ones using Bankai and even while blindsided.^{[271][272][273]}

Master Swordsman: Aizen is a master of Zanjutsu, preferring to end engagements by delivering single blows of high speed and flawless precision. He can fell captain-level opponents with simple maneuvers, often as he blitzes past them faster than they can react to,^{[240][241][269]} and by putting extreme weight behind his blade can cut cleanly through very sturdy targets, like Renji's Shikai,^[274] Komamura's armored Bankai,^[275] or an Espada's steel skin.^[276][277] Aizen's skills are such that he could fight off four Gotei 13 captains (two of which were using Bankai) and four Visored (three being ex-captains) at nearly the same time, finding openings to defeat them all with one or two strokes each.^[243] Similarly, Aizen could fend off a Hollow-masked Bankai-mode Ichigo while barely trying, with his sealed Zanpakutō.^[209]

Hakuda Master: Despite his clear penchant for swordsmanship, Aizen excels in hand-to-hand combat. His forte seems to be intermixing Hakuda and Zanjutsu, often blocking and using enemies' own weapons against them with his free left hand while using his sword-wielding right hand to attack; Aizen has repeatedly blocked opponents' swords mid-attack with his bare hand, creating openings to land a counterblow.^{[278][279][280][281]} Other showings of Aizen's melee prowess are when he used a kick-and-slash combo to fend off a tag-team assault of two former captains coming from opposing sides,^[282] or when he easily caught Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi's Shikai whip one-handed, then pulled the ex-captain in with his own weapon to strike, before wrapping up yet another former captain in the same whip to, again, pull within slashing distance and cut down, all in a matter of seconds.^[283][284]

Immense Strength: Aizen's unassuming size belies his physical strength, which far exceeds the average captain's. He easily stopped a charging Ichigo's Bankai blade with an outstretched index finger (though Ichigo was worn out from fighting Byakuya Kuchiki prior) and then nearly bisected the Ryoka with one stroke,^[285] leaving him barely held together by his spine.^[286] Aizen has caught barehanded the Shikai blades of Renji's Zabimaru (before proceeding to slash it apart)^[278] and Komakura's massive Tenken.^[280] With one swing from a distance, Aizen was furthermore able to lop off the arm of Komamura's giant Bankai warrior while cutting into its armored chest, before dispatching Komamura directly with a follow-up slash.^[275] During his release from Muken, immediately after Shunsui Kyōraku had used a single key to undo the seal on Aizen's mouth, Aizen was able to move freely from his bindings, as well as speak, without any further intervention from Shunsui.^[287]

Hōgyoku Fusion: Although Aizen was supposedly rejected by the Hōgyoku's will during the climax of his battle vs. Ichigo,^[288] thus losing the transcendent powers that he had awakened, Aizen nonetheless (despite outwardly returning to his original pre-Chrysalis form) remained inseparably fused with the wish-granting orb.^[169] By Urahara's estimate, Aizen has somehow grown even stronger during his time sealed (relative to when he faced Ichigo),^[248] although if that too was made possible by, or otherwise relates to, the Hōgyoku is unclear.

• Immortality (不死, Fushi): Aizen's fusion with the Hōgyoku has, to some degree, immortalized him. He survived being vertically bisected by Ichigo's ultimate attack, Mugetsu, and quickly regenerated. Urahara's stratagem to defeat Aizen entailed secretly embedding a sealing Kidō into him when he was at his most vulnerable, pre-metamorphosis, since Urahara knew that killing Aizen once fully fused with the Hōgyoku would be nigh-impossible.^[289] The Central 46 has cited Aizen's immortality as the reason for why he was not given a death sentence, implying that he is expected to outlive his 20,000-year prison sentence.^[290] Likewise, Mayuri Kurotsuchi has counted Aizen among the Muken prisoners who, for one reason or another, cannot be killed by any executioner in Soul Society, as their heart never stops beating.^[291] Even Yhwach, aware of Aizen's fusion with the Hōgyoku, admitted that killing the latter would be a time-consuming task.^[169]

• Immense Endurance: Whether due to the Hōgyoku's influence or not, Aizen retains an extremely resilient body. After being freed from Muken, he used Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi on himself, point-blank, in a failed attempt to destroy the chair he was bound to, yet remained entirely unhurt.^[292] Later when a Soul King-empowered Yhwach returned to the Seireitei, Aizen withstood a blast of the Quincy King's dark Reiatsu, which annihilated the very chair that had remained intact after Kurohitsugi, and emerged without a scratch.^[293] Once the final battle to defeat Yhwach was underway, Aizen was unfazed by having his arm torn off and a hole blown through his chest,^[294] and ultimately survived being swallowed by Yhwach's chaotic darkness.^[295][296]

Zanpakutō[]

Kyōka Suigetsu (鏡花水月, Mirror Flower, Water Moon): Aizen's Zanpakutō appears as an ordinary katana with a metallic-gold tsuba that is of hexagonal shape, a tsuka with green wrapping (leaving traditional rhombus gaps) and a golden kashira, as well as a green (black in the anime) saya. Kyōka Suigetsu does not outwardly change between its sealed and Shikai forms.

• Shikai: The release command, "Shatter" (砕けろ, kudakero), is spoken to both activate and deactivate the Shikai.^[297][298] The sword's sealed and Shikai states being identical, plus Aizen's ability to release silently,^[299] helps the release go unnoticed.

Shikai Special Ability: Called Kanzen Saimin (完全催眠, Complete Hypnosis), Aizen's Shikai ability is to control the five senses, allowing Aizen to make his enemies misperceive everything about someone or something: form, shape, mass, feel, smell, etc. The hypnotic ritual — that is, the sole condition to place a target under Kanzen Saimin — is Aizen showing them his Shikai release. If they see it once, the target will be under the hypnotic spell ever after, succumbing to it with every new release no matter how long ago they were hypnotized;^[300] e.g., the Visored remain affected even after 110 years. The hypnosis itself is flawless, as even if a victim is aware of it, they cannot resist its influence.^[301] In combat, Aizen's illusions tend to leave his enemies entirely at his mercy, as they cannot rely on anything they see, hear, touch, or smell being real. For this reason, it was believed that no one in Soul Society or anywhere else had as much a chance to defeat Aizen as Ichigo, since he was never hypnotized.^[302] Aizen frequently conjures illusory copies of himself to act as decoys (or substitutes himself with another person) while hiding his own movements, allowing him to attack with impunity while his foes remain helplessly distracted.^{[303][304][305][306][307][308]} Though usually simple, Aizen's illusions can be made very intricate: he was able to forge a corpse version of his body to fake his death (which was not discerned as fake even after close inspection from a medical specialist)^[309][310] and could place a spell on the entire Central Underground Assembly Hall to make it look like the dead Central 46 was alive and in session, while Aizen and his two accomplices hid inside.^[311]

• After Aizen's final Hōgyoku evolution, Kyōka Suigetsu began disintegrating.^[312] Despite this, the sword would later return to Aizen fully intact,^[313] allowing him to retain access to Kanzen Saimin. More than that, Aizen was somehow able to hypnotize Yhwach while still fully sealed in Muken.^[314][169] After being freed later on, Aizen used Kanzen Saimin on Yhwach to undermine The Almighty itself, by substituting himself with Ichigo in the future foreseen by the Quincy King. However, in contrast to his previous uses of Kanzen Saimin, Aizen implied that he was not fully aware of what Yhwach was falsely perceiving, and also that he would have had no control over Kyōka Suigetsu's influence on Ichigo had the latter been exposed to its release; at the same time, Yhwach's hypnosis only lasted until he revived himself.^[315][316]

• Bankai: Not Revealed.

Former Powers & Abilities[]

Prior to his attack on Fake Karakura Town, Aizen fused himself with the Hōgyoku, embedding the orb directly into his flesh below his chest.^[317] As the Hōgyoku began to understand and respond to the desires of its new master (主, shu), namely to evolve into a transcendent being (超越した存在, chōetsu shita sonzai) beyond Shinigami and Hollows, Aizen progressed through five total transformations^{[318][319][320][321][322]} called Fusions (融合, Yūgō).^[323] In the aftermath of him surviving Ichigo Kurosaki's Mugetsu, Aizen lost his "transcendent" powers and reverted back to his original form. Kisuke Urahara has claimed that the Hōgyoku's will rejected Aizen,^[288] though Ichigo, after having felt Aizen's loneliness during their battle, instead surmised that the Hōgyoku had reacted to Aizen's hidden desire to be just like every other Shinigami.^[324] Although Aizen lost access to said transformations, he retained his immortality and exceedingly vast Reiatsu,^[290][257] and by the time of the Quincy Blood War has outright surpassed his Fusion forms.^[248]

Hōgyoku Transformations

First Fusion (第1の融合, Daiichi no Yūgō):[323] Aizen's initial Fusion state, with the Hōgyoku firmly embedded in his body, below his chest. No physical changes occur initially, though after some time, amid his fight with Isshin Kurosaki, the Hōgyoku starts enveloping him in a white, cloak-like substance[325] that soon covers half his face.[326] Regeneration: Even in this preliminary Fusion stage, the Hōgyoku instinctively protects its master, healing Aizen from any injuries he sustains in a way that is reminiscent of, yet wholly distinct from, a Hollow's High-Speed Regeneration; even a deep gash is regenerated within a matter of seconds.[327] Enhanced Durability: Aizen's durability is bolstered greatly by his fusion with the Hōgyoku. He withstands a point-blank Hadō #96. Ittō Kasō with primarily superficial burns, then takes a point-blank Getsuga Tenshō from a Bankai-mode, Hollow mask-wearing Ichigo immediately after, the resulting gash quickly healing over.[328] Aizen later emerges unfazed after being sent crashing through several buildings,[329][330] is only slightly perturbed by an energy beam piercing straight through his chest,[331] and endures being struck by a fully incanted Hadō #91. Senju Kōten Taihō without being hurt in the slightest, boasting afterwards that for him, even a Hadō in the 90s no longer warrants dodging.[332] Even after having the Reiatsu vents in his wrists blocked by a seal from Urahara, thus being burned from within by his own power, Aizen emerges fine, merely having entered his next evolutionary stage.[333][334] Enhanced Strength: Aizen's physical strength becomes great enough for him to tear through a captain-level Shinigami's flesh with a nonchalant sweep of his hand.[335] Second Fusion (第2の融合, Daini no Yūgō):[323] After having the Reiatsu vents in his wrists sealed and being caught in an explosion of his own spiritual power, Aizen emerges unscathed as an eerie, phantom-like figure.[336] In this so-called Chrysalis Stage (蛹籃の時, Yōran no Toki) of his evolution,[337] Aizen's attire seems to have become part of his body, with a pure-white layer encasing him from head to toe like a full-body suit or cocoon. On Aizen's face only his eyes remain uncovered, now purple and lacking differentiated sclerae, irises, and pupils. The suit fits tightly over Aizen's upper body but loosens below his waist, where it splits into four tails (with the inside visible as black, or purple in the manga). Aizen's legs are also covered in white up to his feet, which resemble heeled boots. The Hōgyoku remains firmly stuck below Aizen's chest, with four purple lines extending from it crosswise, one up to his face.[338] After a brief struggle against Yoruichi Shihōin, Aizen's Zanpakutō becomes fused with his right hand. Under damage, Aizen's white suit will crack and fold like a solid shell,[339] and if an opening is made in it a purple, spectrally glowing substance becomes visible beneath.[340] Enhanced Speed: Aizen is so blindingly fast during his Chrysalis Stage that captain-level opponents have trouble registering his movements,[341] including the likes of Yoruichi, the Flash Goddess.[342] In one fell swoop Aizen manages to incapacitate three former captains.[343] Enhanced Strength: After suffering a beatdown from Yoruichi, Aizen releases a shockwave fast enough to catch Yoruichi off-guard, and strong enough and shatter the Anti-Hierro armor around her left leg.[344] Enhanced Durability & Endurance: Aizen's resilience during his Chrysalis Stage allows him to withstand highly destructive attacks without incurring damage, while shrugging off any injuries he does receive.[345] He is hit by massively strong punches from an armored, Shunkō-using Yoruichi, leveling an entire city block, and walks away with only his suit fractured, otherwise seeming fine.[346][347] Even when engulfed by an enormous fire blast conjured by Urahara's Shikai, Aizen takes only cosmetic damage, and after subsequently being hit point-blank by Isshin's Getsuga Tenshō, he still remains unperturbed, despite the suit portion around his head being ripped open.[348][349] Regeneration: Aizen keeps on regenerating if injured, as seen when, after his white suit has been thoroughly fractured, it quickly returns to a pristine condition.[350] Enhanced Spiritual Power: Aizen's Reiryoku swells up enormously when he enters the Chrysalis Stage, such that low-level attacks (like a Hadō in the 30s) cannot reach him.[351] Most notably, even captain-level Shinigami can no longer perceive Aizen's Reiatsu, with Isshin surmising that only someone who stands on the same level as Aizen can possibly sense him.[352][353] Aizen later affirms that indeed, in evolving to a plane beyond Shinigami, just as two-dimensional entities cannot interfere with three-dimensional ones, he too has reached a point where, unless he purposely lowers himself to their level, neither Shinigami nor Humans can so much as sense his Reiatsu.[322] Third Fusion (第3の融合, Daisan no Yūgō):[323] After the Chrysalis Stage has concluded, the white casing around Aizen's head breaks and falls off, unveiling his face. Apart from his eyes, now featuring silvery-white irises and purple sclerae, as well as his hair that grown to waist length, Aizen still resembles his original form.[354] Overwhelming Reiatsu: Post-Chrysalis, Aizen has grown so powerful that he willingly lets the Dangai's Kōtotsu collide with him, causing it to blow up without touching it, despite said Cleaner being a force of nature deemed impossible to harm using Reiatsu; hence, Aizen boasts that his power has become so great that reason itself no longer applies to him.[355] In a similar vein, though unable to perceive his Reiatsu, Human Souls cannot bear the sheer weight of Aizen's presence and will disintegrate if they draw too close, causing Aizen to leave a trail of corpses in his wake during his stroll through Karakura Town;[356] by Aizen's own claim, any Human who comes into direct contact with him will cease to exist,[357] and a Human of minimal Reiatsu even maintaining her bodily shape while within a few meters of Aizen impresses him.[358] Likewise, Aizen's aura can passively turn to dust material objects at close range,[359] or make large chunks of debris levitate around him.[360] Even when Gin Ichimaru, a captain-class Shinigami, was touched by Aizen ever so briefly, his flesh was destroyed at the point of contact.[361] Fourth Fusion (第4の融合, Daiyon no Yūgō):[323] After Aizen suffered a fatal blow from Gin's Korose, Kamishini no Yari, which ate a giant hole into his torso,[362] a violet Reiatsu erupts from Aizen's chest and forms a pillar into the sky, which Aizen promptly emerges out of fully healed, now in his Fourth Fusion state;[363] Aizen notes that conquering his fear of oblivion was necessary for his evolution, to become a transcendent being (超越した存在, chōetsu shita sonzai) beyond Hollows and Shinigami.[320] In this Fourth Fusion, Aizen's white robe has become a full-length dress that flares out, ending at his feet in tattered edges, and is still form-fitting above his waist (with a purple-streaked neckline). The irises of Aizen's eyes vanish, as do his eyebrows, a black vesica piscis mark appears in the middle of his forehead, and Aizen's hair (without his signature strand) grows even more. The Hōgyoku is now set into the middle of a white cross upon a gaping, Hollow-like hole in Aizen's chest. Most striking about Aizen's new form are his three pairs of lepidopteran wings, including tailed hindwings,[364] with the forewings becoming pointier when Aizen faces Ichigo.[365] Kyōka Suigetsu remains fused to his right hand.[366] Hōgyoku Link: Even if the Hōgyoku is physically removed form Aizen's body, he can forcibly will it back, claiming that since the artifact belongs to him, their link cannot be severed.[367][368] Teleportation: Aizen's Fourth Fusion allows him to teleport; he can de-materialize himself in one place, dissolving into purple shards of energy, before re-materializing his body a chosen distance away, out of the same shards.[369][370][371] (Unnamed) Enhanced Kidō Prowess: Aizen's new form greatly heightens his Kidō capabilities. Aizen is seen bringing forth Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi at a massive size upon speaking the full incantation, creating a massive black construct within which, by his own claim, a torrent of gravity swirls that distorts time and space itself; still, Aizen's empowered Kurohitsugi is easily shattered by Ichigo with a single swipe of his arm.[372] Enhanced Strength: Aizen's fourth form allows him to exert massive force with minor movements. He easily tears Gin's arm off in a swift tug[373] before blowing him through a building.[374] The sheer force of one of Aizen's sword swings, even when blocked by Ichigo, tears the ground behind the latter open, creating an artificial cliff.[375] Regeneration: Aizen can still regenerate in this form, as shown when a deep cut made into his shoulder by Ichigo was closing at high speed.[376] Final Fusion (最終融合, Saishū Yūgō):[323] Reacting to Aizen's anger upon being overpowered by Ichigo, the Hōgyoku forces one last transformation upon Aizen, which the latter assumes is because the Hōgyoku does not want to see a Human getting the better of him. First, the vesica piscis on Aizen's forehead bursts open, revealing the presence of a third, vertically positioned eye with a black sclera and white iris. This eye starts to bleed while its iris moves erratically, then Aizen's face cracks, and he is engulfed in blood and purple Reiatsu before emerging in a vaguely Hollow-like form. His face has been split and pulled to the sides to reveal a black, demonic, skull-like visage complete with two exposed rows of teeth, no discernable nose, and three whited-out eyes; the black coloration goes down Aizen's neck while the rest of him remains, mostly, white. Aizen's body no longer features any outward trace of clothing, lending more definition to his musculature. His lower legs have blackened, and his feet turned into singular spikes; Aizen's hands are likewise black, the left being tipped with claws while the right remains fused onto Aizen's sword (also black). Going down Aizen's torso is a trio of holes, with the Hōgyoku suspended in the top one. Aizen's six wings have widened into sheets and feature single large eyes (white irises, black sclerae) in their center, long tails, and are attached to thick tendrils that each terminate in a skull-like face (similar to Aizen's own, but white and with mouths only).[377] Fragor (フラゴール, Furagōru; Spanish for "Din/Clamor"):[323] Aizen can make one of his wings' skulls open its mouth and shoot a small, bluish-purple energy ball from it. Upon hitting something, this ball creates an exceedingly large, columnar explosion akin to a nuclear blast, large enough that it can be seen and its shockwave felt kilometers away from the blast site. The explosion, leaving behind a vast crater, was strong enough to severely burn Ichigo post-Dangai training, despite the latter having remained unfazed by Aizen's prior attacks; still, Ichigo remained unhindered by the damage.[378] Ultrafragor (ウルトラフラゴール, Urutorafuragōru; Spanish for "Ultra/Beyond-Din/Clamor"):[323] Aizen grabs hold of his enemy while the eyes on his wings open wide. All six of the wings' skulls then use Fragor, the six balls merging into a single ring of bluish-purple energy to enclose the enemy. Upon creation, this ring pulsates with power before solidifying, and subsequently spawns three bigger and equally solid rings around itself in a concentric formation.[379]

Weaknesses[]

Zanpakutō[]

Sight Requirement: Because Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai release must be seen for victims to succumb to the hypnosis, it does not work on the blind^[380] or those who have not seen its release.^[302]

Minute Flaws: While Kyōka Suigetsu's illusions are close to perfect, those perceptive enough may, upon thorough examination, notice slight differences in a given illusion compared to the real thing, even if they cannot discern exactly what is wrong. 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana detected that something was amiss with Aizen's fake corpse, even though she did not realize what it was until seeing Aizen alive.^[310]

Reiatsu Presence: The Reiatsu of Kyōka Suigetsu may give away its presence to those caught in the Kanzen Saimin if they are in direct contact with the weapon (especially if the blade enters their body).^[381]

Negation via Touch: The only sure-fire way to escape the hypnosis' effect is to touch Kyōka Suigetsu's blade before the hypnosis takes hold, a fact that only Gin Ichimaru ever found out.^[59]

Appearances in Other Media[]

Video Game Appearances
Blade Battlers	Blade Battlers 2nd	The Blade of Fate	Bleach: Dark Souls	The 3rd Phantom	Flame Bringer
Tasogare ni Mamieru Shinigami	Shattered Blade	Versus Crusade	Heat the Soul	Heat the Soul 2	Heat the Soul 3
Heat the Soul 4	Heat the Soul 5	Heat the Soul 6	Heat the Soul 7	Soul Carnival	Soul Carnival 2
Hanatareshi Yabou	Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society	Erabareshi Tamashii	Soul Resurrección	J-Stars Victory Vs	Brave Souls
Paradise Lost	Jump Force	Rebirth of Souls

Novel Appearances
Letters From The Other Side	The Honey Dish Rhapsody	Spirits Are Forever With You	The Death Save The Strawberry	WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU	Can't Fear Your Own World

• Aizen is an unlockable character in many of the Bleach video games. Because he is the central antagonist, he is often the final boss, such as in Soul Carnival.^[382]
• Aizen makes use of his Zanpakutō's abilities throughout most of the games, but Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi is one of his signature attacks. In Shattered Blade, Versus Crusade, The 3rd Phantom, The Blade of Fate and Dark Souls, Aizen can use other Kidō spells like Hadō #33. Sōkatsui and Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō.^{[383][384][385]}
• In Soul Resurrección, Aizen appears in his Second, Third, and Final Fusions, but is only playable in his Third Fusion. In these forms, he can use Kidō and is the game's final boss. Additionally, he is the only character who can move while blocking, though he is also the only character who walks and does not run.^[386]
• In Soul Resurrección, Aizen's Ultrafragor ability, upon completion, creates a massive explosion which does heavy damage.^[387]

• Aizen is playable in all his forms in Bleach: Brave Souls, including a special one released to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the game. Here, Aizen has gained a power beyond Bankai and his final Hōgyoku fusion from the manga by instead fusing the Hōgyoku with Kyōka Suigetsu, drastically altering his appearance similar to the Hōgyoku Resurrección of the Espada.

• Aizen retains the third, pupil-free eye on his forehead from his final fusion while keeping his face, eyes, and hairstyle from his third and fourth fusions, though his hair is now long enough to reach his black shoe and his face has gained symmetrical purple line patterns extending from the outer corner of each eye over his cheeks and temples. He is clad in a form-fitting, white-hemmed black robe, with the section covering his pectorals, shoulders, and neck being white and marked with two short lines on either side at the bottom, two bands of white diagonally encircling his lower torso to meet at the front, and the bottom of the white hem expanding triangularly downward around his midsection; the Hōgyoku, now with four eight-sided purple crystals surrounding it in radial symmetry, floats in a void in the center of Aizen's chest. Clad in white and flaring outward at the biceps with eye-like designs that form flower-like epaulettes, Aizen's arms are no longer connect to his body and instead float next to his shoulders, filled with the same void that houses the Hōgyoku in his chest. Behind Aizen float six wings, resembling glass mirrors at the front and a blank white at the back; the upper two wings resemble thin and angular ovals, while the bottom four wings are shaped like sharp-edged eyes and feature large eye designs mirroring Aizen's own on the back.
• In this form, Aizen is a ranged strong attack character with the "Heart" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" and "Captain Killer" abilities. All of his attacks have a chance to inflict both Weaken and Drain at the same time, making him the first character able to inflict two status ailments, and his second strong attack is a slow-moving vortex. He has two Innate Abilities built in at ★5: "Dodge Soul Reaper Damage 50%" and "Paralysis Duration -100%". His unlockable skills are "Bruiser +20%", "Damage Inflicted At Full STA +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +2", "Havoc +20%", "Hit Hidden Enemy Chance: 100%", "Sharpshooter", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Focus +30", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Aizen's special is Mugen Hōka (夢幻崩華, Illusory Crumbling Blossom), where his foes fall into a mesmerizing illusion that inflicts immense damage, Weaken, and Drain.

• Aizen is also playable in his Muken form, which was released as part of the commemoration for the Thousand-Year Blood War arc gacha tie-in. In this form, Aizen is a ranged strong attack character with the "Mind" Attribute and the "Hollow Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack, and he is unique among other characters as the first to display a 3-way third strong attack; if tapped as a normal strong attack, Aizen will unleash his weaker, incantation-less Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi in a weakened state, but if the player holds down the strong attack, the Kurohitsugi will charge to a stronger version, and at the second phase of the charged move, Aizen will start the full incantation of the Kidō, resulting in a massive blast that covers the entire screen and dealing massive damage once the third phase is reached. His unlockable skills are "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +1", "Last-Ditch Survival 100%", "Sprinter +1", and "Start Barrier +10", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Focus +30", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Aizen's special is Hadō 99: Goryūtenmetsu (破道の九十九『五龍転滅』, Five Swirling Dragons of Destruction), where Aizen summons five dragons comprised of Reiatsu that devour everything in their path, inflicting immense damage and Weaken.

• Additionally, Aizen is playable in a variant of his Muken form known as "The Agony". In this form, Aizen is a ranged normal attack character with the "Technique" Attribute and the 'Arrancar Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack other than his second Strong Attack, which is a barrier and boost move. His Gauge Trigger is "Normal Attack", and he has two innate Gauge Effect skills built in: "Bruiser +100%" and "Damage Taken -50%". He also has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Read All Affiliation Dodges", "Fire Duration -100%", and "Sprinter +1", and his unlockable skills are "Gauge Effect Strong Attack Recharge 30%", "Bruiser +40%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Enhancer +10 secs.", "Flurry +1", "Guard Break + Hit Hidden Enemies", "Increased Status Ailment Chance Against Speed Attribute Enemies +10%", "Multi-Barrier +2", "Poise", and "Status Ailment Attack Boost +80%", while his Soul Trait is "Normal Attack Damage +20%". Meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Damage Taken -10%" and "Attack +90", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Long Stride" at level 5 and "Normal Attack Damage +30%" at level 10. Aizen's special is Hadō 90: Kurohitsugi (破道の九十『黒棺』, Way of Destruction 90: Black Coffin), where he seals his enemies in a jet-black coffin that surges with gravitational waves, inflicting immense damage and Weaken.

• Aizen is also playable in his Second Fusion form, drawing from his fight against Isshin Kurosaki, Kisuke Urahara, and Yoruichi Shihōin. In this form, Aizen is a melee character with the "Espada Killer" ability - as a Senkaimon Quest reward character, he is available in five different versions, each with a different Attribute, and he has a chance to inflict Weaken with his first and third Strong Attacks, with his second being a healing move. His unlockable skills are "Berserker +60%", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Medic", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Traits are "Damage Inflicted At Full STA +20%" and "Strong Attack Damage +20%". Aizen's special is You Will Know Despair! (絶望するといい, Zetsubō suru to ii), where he unleashes a blast of incredible Reiatsu that inflicts immense damage and Weaken.

• Additionally, Aizen is playable in a form drawing from his appearance during The Hollowfication Incident. In this form, Aizen is a ranged strong attack character with the "Speed" Attribute and the "Squad Zero Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Drain with every attack. He has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Full Stamina Only Increased Strong Attack Damage +40%", "Poison Duration -100%", and "Sprinter +1", and his unlockable skills are "Berserker +40%", "Bruiser +20%", "Damage inflicted at full STA +20%", "Debilitator +2 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +1", "Guard Break + Hit Hidden Enemies +1", and "Status Ailment Spiritual Pressure Boost +80%", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -14%"; meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Spiritual Pressure +90", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Poise" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +30%" at level 10. Aizen's special is Moonlit Blade (月夜の白刃, Tsukiyo no Hakujin), where he performs a slash with the moon at his back that deals immense damage, inflicts Drain, and has a very small chance to instantly kill whoever it hits.

• Aizen is also playable in a variant based on the Party Time theme. In this form, Aizen is a melee normal attack character with a "Power" Attribute and the "Espada Killer" ability. He has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Weaken Duration -100%", "Guard Break", and "Dodge Arrancar Damage 50%", and his unlockable skills are "Party Power Attribute Soul Reaper Normal Attack Damage +20%", "Berserker +50%", "Bruiser +60%", "Flurry +1", "Killer Effect +30%/+50% in Guild Quests", "Melee Damage +10%/+30% in Guild Quests", "Poise", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Trait is "Normal Attack Damage +30%". Meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Damage Taken -10%" and "Focus +30", while Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Normal Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Normal Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Aizen's special is Illusory Tearoom (幻影のティールーム, Gen'ei no Tīrūmu; Japanese for "Tearoom of Illusions"), where an invitation he procures to a secret tea party leads to an illusion that inflicts immense damage and has a very small chance to instantly kill.

• Additionally, Aizen is playable in a variant based on the White Day theme. In this form, Aizen is a melee strong attack character with a "Heart" Attribute and the "Captain Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Paralysis with every attack. His unlockable skills are "Berserker +40%", "Bombardment +1", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Long Reach +20%", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%"; when Resurrected, his unlockable skills are "Berserker +40%", "Bombardment +1", "Bruiser +30%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Long Reach +20%", and "Sprinter +1", while his Soul Traits are "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%" and "Confusion Duration -55%". Meanwhile, his Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Focus +30", while his Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. IGD: Aizen's special is Enchanted Flower (花が魅せる真実, Hana ga Miseru Shinjitsu; Japanese for "Truth-showing Flower"), where Aizen uses Kyōka Suigetsu to create a beautiful illusion that inflicts immense damage and Paralysis on anything it touches.

• Aizen has a few exclusive personal attacks in certain games:
  • In the Heat the Soul games as of Heat the Soul 4, his super move is Imashime (戒メ, Admonition), where upon connecting with a stab, the victim is forced into an illusion of them sinking into a hole of darkness on the ground, until the illusion shatters and Aizen forcefully removes the blade from the said victim.
  • In Blade Battlers, he has these respective moves:
    • His neutral special move is merely his Zanpakutō's name, where he launches an illusion in the form of a clone of himself as a projectile that sword-thrusts forward (midair version fires it at a downwards again). Upon connecting the grounded version, he can input again to immediately teleport to his foe launched from the clone for a followup upwards spinning slash, called Gen'ei (幻影, Illusion) (his neutral string finisher). His directional special is instead the Hadō #63. Raikōhō, when used in the video games by Aizen is normally a continuous vortex blast of lightning (save for in the DS games).
    • His Finishing Super in the first game is merely a Menos Grande Summon (大虚召喚, Menosu Gurande Shōkan), via unveiling a Descorrer of Gillian Hollows from the sky far away that are gestured by Aizen to fired a combined series of Cero blasts at the victim and converge into a single beam blast. Blade Battlers 2nd alongside Ulquiorra and Grimmjow, regulate this to their power-up states instead with the beams being interval hazards around the battlefield.
    • In the second game, his EX Super is instead Kyōka Suigetsu: Kasumi (鏡花水月・霞, Mirror Flower Water Moon: Mist), where akin to his neutral special calls forth an illusion clone where it slashes at an enemy target. Upon connecting, Aizen himself dash-slashes through the victim, then brakes to sheath his blade, causing a distored-color vertical slash effect to strike at said victim (which knocks them away).
      • When powered-up with the Menos Grande Summon, the EX Super instead becomes Kyōka Suigetsu: Kagerō (鏡花水月・陽炎, Mirror Flower Water Moon: Heat Haze), where he chuckles with his right hand placed upon his face. Any enemy target within close proximity to him is instantly damaged and knocked away via the screen briefly shattering through an unknown illusion effect.
• In the DS games Blade of Fate and Dark Souls, the Aizen's entire moveset consists of Kidō spells (which some other characters share) while having the slowest base walking speed of the cast. The spells he uses are Sōkatsui (as a spiraling vortex fire blast akin to Byakuya's), Byakurai (arcing lightning like Rukia's version), Shakkahō (a flamethrower like Hinamori), Rikujōkōrō (a tracking stationary energy paralyzing mote like Byakuya) and Raikōhō (as a blue high-speed projectile that zips around the screen and pauses in midair after each single zip, but cannot be RF/Reinforced with Spiritual Power). Bakudō #1. Sai (shared with Rukia) is instead used as his grounded throw, while the Kurohitsugi is his default Super.
  • His Level 3 Super has him activate his Zanpakutō's ability, where it causes afterimages to follow Aizen. Upon inputing any of his special moves however (save for his normal super), the afterimages perform the attacks on their own which allows him to pile multiple Kidō spells at once for the duration until he runs out of reiatsu.
• Aizen's initial playable crossover appearance was in J-Stars Victory Vs., with a similar mechanic to Ichigo (as the other sole playable Bleach character in the roster) being able to Shunpo-cancel some of his string inputs (and some of his string inputs involve already teleporting to his victims to flank them mid-way, likely implying usage of illusions). However, his main playstyle involves the various utilities of his Kidō spells. Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō as his neutral special, Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi as his forward special and Bakudō #81. Dankū as his guard special.
  • Uniquely in this game, he can charge both the former 2 specials which causes him to fully recite their incantations. When Rikujōkōrō is fully charged, the binding state lasts longer with more overall gradual damage than the base version, while if Kurohitsugi is fully charged, the coffin size is massively increased on top of its damage output. However, the 2 v 2 nature of J-Stars often requires Aizen to be sufficiently covered by his ally as charging his spells take a long time, normally around 8 seconds on average in spite of their massive reward (also in tandem with proper field placement of Dankū as it launches away any foes that come into contact with it). Dankū however, cannot be charged, given it also does not have a confirmed incantation.
    • His Victory Burst Super however, is called the Hōgyoku Jūzoku (崩玉従属, Crumbling Orb Subordination), where he calls upon the Hōgyoku from his hand, and causes it to emit a vertical beam of energy that blasts and damages foes within his vicinity. Afterwards for the rest of the Victory Burst duration, Aizen is powered-up subtly by the Hōgyoku itself as indicated with a faint smokey aura of reiatsu coming from his upper body.
• He then later appears in Jump Force, playable in his Quincy Blood War appearance.^[388][389] While his moveset is somewhat altered with motions recycled from J-Stars, the Kidō spells he retains as his special abilities are Dankū and Kurohitsugi, though he also (re)gains use of the Raikōhō. Kurohitsugi however, is reworked to instead inflict gradual damage in a murky purple-mist radius around Aizen when he is charging/enhancing it, and he no longer recites the incantation while charging while instead using a different set of quotes. Abilities/special moves naturally having super armor also makes it harder to interrupt Aizen during the charging period unlike in J-Stars, though he is still left majorly vulnerable to specific bypasses such as a universal throw. Dankū on the other hand, appears much larger than in J-Stars and once again cannot be charged/enhanced while instead having fairly far grounded pushback on hit.
  • His Awakening Super however as he no longer has access to the Hōgyoku unlike in J-Stars, is Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu. However, the dragons summoned are instead absorbed into Aizen and through to his sword, as he then dives down to his foe to skewer them, and forcefully removes his blade from their body.
• Aizen does not appear and is not referenced in any of the films; however, in the second OVA, he drinks coffee at the very end with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen.
• Aizen has his own Bleach Beat Collection, where he sings Shinsen and Kyōka Suigetsu.
• Aizen features in the sixth volume of Bleach "B" Station's second season, as well as the fourth season's fourth volume.
• BuriCon - Bleach Concept Covers features Ukitake performing "Ichirin no Hana " alongside Momo Hinamori.
• Aizen appears in the first through seventh editions of the Rock Musical Bleach, where he is played by Kengo Ōkuchi.

Censorship[]

• In episode 60 of the original Japanese broadcast of the anime, the blade Aizen thrust into Momo is censored. However, this was later uncensored in the Adult Swim broadcast and Viz Media's home video releases.
  • In the same episode, Aizen's Zanpakutō wasn't coated with blood after being removed from Momo, as it was in the manga.^[390]

• Aizen slashing Ichigo on Sōkyoku Hill is toned down in the anime. In the manga, when Aizen slashes Ichigo, the former is shown using his Zanpakutō to slash Ichigo, leaving the latter missing a large portion of his stomach.^[391] Whereas in the anime, Aizen's Zanpakutō and the missing portion of Ichigo's stomach aren't visible.^[392]
• In the manga, after slashing Renji, Aizen removed the latter's blood from his Zanpakutō while walking towards Rukia.^[393] In the anime however, Renji's blood wasn't visible on Aizen's Zanpakutō.^[392]

Trivia[]

• "A gaze of a sunny spot." (Viz: "That luminous gaze.") - Tite Kubo^[29]
• Aizen's theme songs, as chosen by Tite Kubo, are "Stand Ablaze" by In Flames^[394] and "Allegro non troppo", the fourth movement of Symphony No. 5 in D Minor by the composer Dmitri Shostakovich.^[395]
• Aizen was ranked the 13th most popular character in the second character popularity poll, 18th in the third (which also featured his glasses being ranked 47th with 134 votes), 23rd in the fourth, 11th in the fifth,^[396] and 5th in the tenth.^[397]
• Kyōka Suigetsu was ranked 18th in the first Zanpakutō poll and 7th in the second.^[398]
• In the second best bout poll, Aizen's fight with Gin Ichimaru ranked 4th, his fight with Shinji Hirako and his later fight against the Gotei 13 and the Visored both ranked 22nd, his fight against Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin in addition to Isshin Kurosaki ranked 38th, his fights with Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto both ranked 41st, his fight with Renji Abarai ranked 58th, and his fight with Zennosuke Kurumadani ranked 83rd.^[399]
• Aizen had a column in the Seireitei Communication titled The Yin of the Pine Needle, which is now suspended.^[400]
• The Shinigami Women's Association published a Photo Collection showcasing Aizen named The Smile of the Sun, but it was cancelled.^[401]
• Before the true nature of Kyōka Suigetsu, it was believed to be a water-type Zanpakutō that used diffused reflections of fog and water to confuse Aizen's enemies into attacking each other.^[402]
• In the manga, Aizen cut down Hitsugaya before the latter attacked him.^[403] In the anime however, Aizen's brief battle with Hitsugaya was extended. Hitsugaya charges at Aizen and impales him with Daigūren Hyorinmaru, only to realize he was caught in an illusion cast by Kyōka Suigetsu, before being cut down by Aizen.^[404]
• In the anime, the three guardians Aizen has summoned to Sōkyoku hill weren't shown. Instead, Kūkaku Shiba arrived with Jidanbō Ikkanzaka and used Raikōhō to attack Aizen before he was subdued by Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng.^[405]
• Solely in GC: Tasogare and in the first Blade Battlers, Aizen is playable with his hair swept back but still wearing his old captain's uniform.
• Aizen's character may draw inspiration from the following:
  • Aizen (愛染) is a Buddhist term referring to amorous passion, using the love (愛) kanji rather than the one for indigo (藍), as in Sōsuke's name. Also, Aizen Myō'ō (愛染明王; lit. "Love-Stained Wisdom King) is a love deity venerated in Esoteric Buddhism, said to transform worldly lust into spiritual awakening; he was originally a Hindu deity, Rāgarāja, before being introduced into Buddhism and eventually adopted by Esoteric sects in Japan. Aizen Myō'ō is sometimes depicted bearing the Cintāmaṇi (Japanese: 如意宝珠, Nyoihōju; lit. "Wish Jewel"): a pearl-like, wish-fulfilling jewel conceptually similar to the Hōgyoku; a Shingon rite involving Aizen and the jewel is called Jewel Ritual of King Aizen (如法愛染王法, Nyohō Aizen'ōhō).
  • The name of Aizen's Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu (鏡花水月; lit. "Mirror Flower, Water Moon"), hints at its illusionary powers; the moon reflected in water and a flower in a mirror are things that can be seen but not held, something that is visible yet has no substance. It is a four-character idiom (originating in Chinese) for seeing and desiring something which is a dream and cannot be easily grasped in hand, teaching people about temptations; the Chinese saying is itself based on Sanskrit metaphors common in Mahāyāna Buddhism.

Klub Outside Trivia[]

• According to Q&A #142 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", it was Aizen who recommended to Unohana to transfer Izuru Kira from the Fourth Division to the Third Division.^[406]
• According to Q&A #158 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Aizen was aware of Mimihagi's presence inside Jūshirō Ukitake, hence why Aizen adressed Ukitake specifically when he claimed "no one has stood upon the heavens".^[406]
• According to Q&A #471 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Aizen never needed to wear glasses or had bad eyesight; he only wore fake glasses to appear more "gentle".^[406]
• According to Q&A #676 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", Aizen had known (about?) Urahara before the latter had even met Yoruichi.^[406]
• According to Q&A #701 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", after Aizen defeated Hitsugaya in the Central 46 Compound, the reason he did not even attempt to do so to Unohana was because, while Aizen was confident he could still win, he believed the attempt would be more exhaustive than he would like.^[406]

Quotes[]

References[]

Titles[]

Preceded by Shinji Hirako	Captain of the 5th Division ? - 2001 A.D.	Succeeded by Shinji Hirako

Preceded by ?	Lieutenant of the 5th Division ? - ?	Succeeded by Gin Ichimaru

Navigation[]

Gotei 13
1st Division	Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku • Lieutenant Nanao Ise • Lieutenant Genshirō Okikiba • Harada Nobuhiro
2nd Division	Captain Suì-Fēng • Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda • Hanyū Reijirō • Togawa Yasuharu • Ryūta Masamichi
3rd Division	Captain Rōjūrō "Rose" Ōtoribashi • Lieutenant Izuru Kira
4th Division	Captain Isane Kotetsu • Lieutenant Kiyone Kotetsu • 3rd Seats Yasochika Iemura & Hanatarō Yamada • 8th Seat Harunobu Ogidō • Kyugohanin‎
5th Division	Captain Shinji Hirako • Lieutenant Momo Hinamori
6th Division	Captain Byakuya Kuchiki • Lieutenant Renji Abarai • 9th Seat Mihane Shirogane • Rikichi Yuki
7th Division	Captain Tetsuzaemon Iba • Lieutenant Atau Rindō
8th Division	Captain Lisa Yadōmaru • Lieutenant Yuyu Yayahara • 3rd Seat Tatsufusa Enjōji • Tomokane Ibara • Tadakichi Inokashira
9th Division	Captain Kensei Muguruma • Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi • Lieutenant Mashiro Kuna • 20th Seat Toshimori Umesada
10th Division	Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya • Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto • 7th Seat Kōkichirō Takezoe
11th Division	Captain Kenpachi Zaraki • Lieutenant Ikkaku Madarame • 3rd Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa • Goteitaishi • Makizō Aramaki
12th Division	Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi • Lieutenant Akon • Hachigō Nemuri • Niko Kuna • Hiyosu • Rin Tsubokura
13th Division	Captain Rukia Kuchiki • Lieutenant Sentarō Kotsubaki • Zennosuke Kurumadani • Ryūnosuke Yuki • Shino Madarame
Former Members
Promoted	Captain Kirio Hikifune • Tenjirō Kirinji • Senjumaru Shutara
Left Service	Captain Yoruichi Shihōin • Gin Ichimaru • Shūsuke Amagai • Sōsuke Aizen • Sajin Komamura • Ginrei Kuchiki • Love Aikawa • Kaname Tōsen • Isshin Shiba Lieutenant Marenoshin Ōmaeda • Chikane Iba • Seinosuke Yamada • Ginjirō Shirogane • Jinemon Kotsubaki • Yachiru Kusajishi • Hiyori Sarugaki 4th Seat Jirōbō Ikkanzaka
Dishonorably Discharged	Captain Kisuke Urahara • Captain Sōya Azashiro‎‎ • 3rd Seat Kōga Kuchiki • 4th Seat Kagerōza Inaba
Killed In Action	Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto Captain Retsu Unohana • Kenpachi Kiganjō • Jūshirō Ukitake • Kenpachi Kuruyashiki • Kinroku Izuhara • Batsu'unsai Katori • Entetsu Kumoi • Danjirō Obana • Furuoki Ōtogawa • Furōfushi Saitō • Saizō Sakahone • Nobutsuna Shigyō • Chika Shihōin • Chigiri Shijima • Uhin Zenjōji Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe • Sōjun Kuchiki • Nemu Kurotsuchi • Kaien Shiba 3rd Seats Heizō Kasaki • Miyako Shiba • Rikū Togakushi 4th Seat Shinobu Eishima • 5th Seat Taketsuna Gori 6th Seats Izaemon Tōdō • Asuka Katakura • Hidetomo Kajōmaru Yasu • Tesuzō