Shinigami
Administrator
"I'm going to kill you. Please... do not bear me any ill will."
"Your threats don't really intimidate me. They invigorate me."
"You're not scared, are you? Fear can make even the mightiest of men fall."
"If you aren’t prepared to die by my hand at this very moment, then your motive for antagonizing me isn't worth the loss."
Yūna (悠那, Bringer of Peace, VIZ. "Yuna"), Butterfly Boy (蝶幼児, Chōyōji, VIZ. "Butterfly Boy"), Kidō Prince (鬼道王子, "Kidōoji"), Captain Nakamoto (中本市大将, "Nakamoto Taichō", The Fairy (妖精, Yōsei, VIZ. "Fairy")
Character Name: Yū Nakamoto
Yū Nakamoto (中本市ゆう) is the captain of the Fourth Division (四番隊, yonbantai; "Squad 4") in the Gotei 13. Before becoming captain, Yū also spent a substantial part of his time in Soul Society in the Fifth Division, (五番隊, gobantai; "Squad 5") excelling as far as becoming the division's third seat as well as becoming a very prominent Kidō Corps member before his eventual transfer. As the Fourth Division's Captain, he is undeniably the greatest medical mind in the Soul Society and is equally notorious for his incredible speed and quick wit.
Name Translation:
(ゆう, "masculine") - (中本市, "one who lives")
Actual Age: 303
Physical Age: 17
Race: Soul
Birthday: March 21
Gender: Male
Height: 160.02 cm (5'3 ft.)
Weight: 65.32 kg. (118 lbs)
Voices:
English — Khoi Dao
Japanese — Satoshi Hino
Affiliation:
Profession: Shinigami
Title: Captain, Head Doctor
Position: Captain of the Fourth Division
Previous Positions: 3rd Seat of the Fourth Division, 3rd Seat of the Fifth Division
Division:
Former Division(s):
Partner(s): Omoni Hageshī
Base of Operations: Seireitei, Soul Society
Notable Features
Part 1: Yū is noticeably below average height especially for his age group, towered over by most of the men and even some women his age or younger in Soul Society. Known for his delicate looks, he has vibrant, turquoise eyes and pouty lips. Due to his hair ending just above his shoulders and his soft expression, he has often been confused for a girl which, for lack of a better word, pisses him off. Despite this, Yū refuses to cut his hair for reasons unknown, the most plausible reason being he can't remember a time where it was short and has a deep fear of looking... ugly. In times of stress or when he seems to be forever occupied, Yū will often tie his hair up into a ponytail with one of the many hairbands found on him or scattered in his office/room. As a captain, on top of his Shihakushō he wears the signature captain's haori with the fourth division insignia emblazoned on the back; He tends to wear his haori more like an oversized blanket, than a robe. Unlike majority of the captains and other lower-seated officers, Yū has made virtually no customizations to the uniform required of Shinigami, acting as proof for how much of a 'stickler' to the rules he can sometimes be.
100 years later: After all this time... Yū hasn't grown even a centimeter. Similar to his lack of growth in height, virtually everything else about the Fairy's appearance has stayed virtually consistent– the only shocking difference being his hair. Having finally overcome his deep fear regarding his physical appearance, Yū's messy mop of a hairstyle has now been cut considerably shorter and styled to have a fringe that parts to both sides with one long bang in between the two. He has known to not smile as much anymore and his teal eyes have lost the light of optimism they once held, but in turn no longer shake or widen in fear in the face of danger. Apart from his hair, Yū's outfit has also undergone some minor modifications. His once oversized haori has been exchanged for a more tailored alternative, now sporting no sleeves. Alongside this haori change, the Captain also now wears the standard Fourth Division company relief bag when out on missions with the kit's teal strap worn over his right shoulder and across his torso. Parallel to the relief bag, his zanpakutō is also strapped onto his back.
Personality
A century of blood has no doubt birthed a more refined Yū Nakamoto from the boy he once was prior, but his warmth still burns as strong as ever. Even though he is less likely to deliberately show it, Yū is very compassionate and maintains a hopeful and positive outlook, even in the face of danger. Despite his kindness, he isn’t willingly naive and no longer believes in seeing the best of people nor rumors about them; Instead, he solely judges individuals only based on what he has seen from them himself. Even though he is relatively polite to everyone he encounters even when first meeting adversaries, Yū is not as soft-spoken anymore; Every word he speaks holds real meaning and weight behind it whether it be a threat, a command, or a promise. Yū has also grown a higher respect for the Soul Society and is much more dutiful, willing to fulfill his assigned objectives under any means necessary if it ensures the safety of his soldiers.
While his peace-mongering ways are nothing but a memory, it is still not characteristic of Yū to be proactively aggressive without some form of a veritable threat opposing him or his goals. He’s rather modest in battle when his life isn’t in danger and on most occasions will verbally announce his lack of interest in engaging in combat with adversaries. But, when an enemy does display an intent to kill, the Fairy is quick to reciprocate. Breaking his code of pacifism wasn't an easy feat by any means, but years and years of playing by the rules only made his life unbearably harder and in the end, solely resulted in more casualties on his side that mere honor and fairness were unable to redeem. These realizations resulted to form a harsher side of Yu Nakamoto; He is no longer above mincing words if it will help get the point across, and especially isn't opposed to spilling blood under “honorable” means if it's the easiest solution. This has led to Yū evolving from a pacifist into a cold-blooded pragmatist, aptly becoming a more-refined version of the one thing he once vowed he would never become.
His confidence and unwillingness to fight without some viable reason can at times come off as the Captain being too aloof, even cowardly– a stark contrast to his incessant need to "prove himself" in his earlier years as Captain. Whether it comes off as laziness or sheer presumptuousness is irrelevant to Yū Nakamoto as his fully realized, self-acknowledged confidence is all that he needs. He has gained insurmountable strength during his time on the field and has fully stepped into his role as a protector now, both in battle and in the hospital. Yū has found more self-fulfillment in the past few decades than ever in his life now that he’s been granted more opportunities to help others when it matters most, leading him to grow much wiser than many other Shinigami in Soul Society from the experience alone.
Reiryoku Level: Great Spiritual Power
Yū possesses a healthy amount of spiritual power and it is due to his sheer control that makes it seem as if his powers are limitless; His control is so great that he is able use multiple high-level Kidō without any signs of fatigue or stress. In fact, a majority of his feats seem incredible and almost unheard of due to how "fresh" he is. Starting from his early days at the fourth division, reiryoku control was emphasized especially for those who would go on to eventually learn Kaido with the intent of essentially becoming the life support of Seireitei. Years and years of pure control were emphasized to build a solid foundation for all healing-focused shinigami and the paths they would later pursue. Born a natural talent for it, mastering control was a breeze for the young captain, especially helped by the fact that he had an above-average amount of spiritual power than his peers growing up. However as he still isn't done growing yet, his already magnificent power still has room to grow and he is rumored to hold the potential to surpass even the strongest of Shinigami in both the past and present.
Sensing Reiryoku: Master
A skill all healing-focused shinigami have to be at least somewhat proficient in to ensure they assist all in need of aid in the midst of a chaotic battlefield, sensing Reiryoku has become almost a sixth sense to Yū. Fine-tuned to pick up, focus and even scout for significantly weaker reiryoku signatures, Yū's sensing skill is almost akin to a hunting dog as he is able to pursue a trail for miles without ever losing his path. Possessing a sharp memory as well, once he picks up on someone's distinct reiryoku signature, he's seemingly forever able to recognize it from that point on allowing him to realize when someone he has already met is approaching before they're even in view or earshot. Those with larger reiryoku pools generally can be sensed from an even greater distance than usual.
Reiatsu: Master
Able to spread the reach of his reiatsu for what seems to be miles, it isn't hard to find Yū when he wants to be found. Deeming it necessary for all shinigami to readily locate his presence so they can flee to him for emergency aid, Yū has perfected the art of exerting his reiatsu to extend across entire battlefields so its effects can reach those it is intended for. Just as skilled as he is at exerting his reiatsu, he is just as capable of suppressing it, as well as others' signatures in emergency situations where it more often than not, can save his life.
Reiatsu Effect(s): Relief, Paralysis
Yū possesses the attribute to choose his reiatsu effect to give off a sense of relief or to assert dominance. Typically when entering a war-torn battlefield with the intent of saving those in need, his reiatsu can be felt throughout the entirety of the field as a relieving presence. Easily mistaken as an elemental-type due to the warmth those who sense his reiatsu feel, soon they are able to realize that this warmth isn't physical, but a warmth that comes from deep within. While Reiatsu literally means "Spiritual Pressure," Yū's unique reiatsu attribute is this "absence of pressure", which aids in the consolation effect he aims to bring. When asserting his reiatsu more, it can even restore nearby Shinigamis' reiatsu as if he was healing them directly and rally those who are near the brink of death to keep fighting for their life and uphold the oaths they swore to fulfill. On the rare cases Yū finds a need to intimidate, he is able to shift his reiatsu to have an untamed, paralyzing effect, which is especially helped by the initial surprise people tend to have when they discover this type of aura is even present within someone as demure and polite as him.
Reiatsu Color(s): Light Blue
When exerted, his reiatsu juts out of his spine in the form of a pair of blue, butterfly wings. Aiding in his ability to fly in the air more swiftly and with more control, a notable amount of speed is added to his every movement. Not only just for speed, Yū can also use his wings offensively. When Yū flaps his wings, a shockwave is produced that is capable of pushing back even a captain-level shinigami if enough force is applied. In terms of defense, the wings are able to wrap around him as an energy cocoon to provide a solid defense against incoming attacks. It's unclear just how far his wings can reach but he has shown the ability to shield multiple full-grown shinigami with his wings alone.
Because of this wings' vibrant hue and their massive size, in turn making Yū's frame appear even smaller than usual– he is often mockingly referred to as The Fairy. (妖精, Yōsei, VIZ. "Fairy")
Zanjutsu Level: Expert Swordsman
Yu’s unusual disinterest for violence is noticeably reflected in his sword ability (or lack thereof) as he is clearly uncomfortable in brandishing his zanpakutō in the traditional sense of cutting down his foes. Rarely seen on the offensive, the majority of his zanjutsu skill comes from deflecting incoming projectiles or destroying obstacles in front of him; In fact, the closest he's gotten to actual sword combat is parrying incoming attacks solely to create space for a mid-to-long range attack. He has grown comfortable wielding his zanpakuto in an offensive manner, primarily using it as a medium to cast kido in wide-ranging arcs yet aside from that, doesn’t utilize his blade much in comparison to the rest of his arsenal.
Known Techniques: Shitonegaeshi,
Hohō Level: Shunpo Master
Undermined by most, members of the Fourth Division undergo an extensive and physically taxing curriculum while training as their jobs are arguably the most important in all of Soul Society. New recruits are immediately put into starter classes where they are educated on how to use their spiritual power to heal, as well as how to move with great speed and precision in order to act swiftly for performing first-aid. As a part of the Fourth Division, it would only be fair for its' leader to be equally proficient in Shunpo as he is in his healing abilities. Rival to almost none asides from his fellow Captain Kyomu Mukuro, who finds it as his own specialty, Yū's speed is astoundingly superior and one should definitely fear the idea if he was to use this speed to his advantage in attacking more often. Asides from his small build, he's virtually impossible to land a direct hit on. Able to weave and bob through a flurry of even the most unpredictable punches, kicks, and attempts of a takedown, Yū casually has become effectively untouchable to even those who boast themselves to be Hakuda masters.
Taking Shunpo to an even greater level, Yū has mastered the highly advanced Speed Clone technique to a frightening degree. As the technique allows the user to create afterimages of themselves to confuse the opponent as well as conceal their true movements, Yū has time and time again tasked himself to surpass the limits set before him. Not only is he able to manifest these clones which is a feat in itself, but he is capable of treating numerous patients at once via his afterimages, even possessing the ability to hold short conversations with those he is treating in order to get a full diagnosis.
Known Techniques: Utsusemi, Speed Clones
Hakuda Level: Hakuda Practitioner
Being classified to have an above-basic mastery in this fighting style is a fact possible due to his speed and his surprisingly durable build. Yū has never been seen performing Hakuda techniques, as he views them to be even more barbaric than Zanjutsu. Classifying it as a style for brutes, Yū has shown no interest in the past and has never found a reason to learn due to his overwhelming knowledge in the other Shinigami combat forms. With that being said, if unable to evade incoming Hakuda assaults, (a rare feat) adversaries will find their attacks surprisingly ineffective against the Fairy's solid frame. While he has yet to have to throw a punch, the captain's strength is still something to not underestimate as he's able of carrying his weight several times over and withstand even the most brutal of hits.
Known Techniques: None
Kidō Level: Kidō Master
Nicknamed by his peers as he excelled through the 5th Division ranks as the Kidō Prince (鬼道王子, "Kidōoji"), Yū knows no better form of combat more than he knows Kidō. He has demonstrated the ability to use various high-level Kidō at full power with complete control, some with no incantation, and some even without moving. A surprise to those who write him off as just a healer, Yū's mastery of Kidō far surpasses those even within the many Kidō organizations of the past and present, as well as arguably the most notable spell casters throughout history. His sheer knowledge of spells is so vast that he's been likened to a Wizard, having designed numerous spells that are so extremely unique from each other they appear as myths that have come to life. It's a wonder to most how Yū become so dedicated in the art of Kidō, and if one asks he's quick to answer "Kidō is the best way for me to get my hands dirty... without my actual hands getting dirty."
Possessing the skill of casting kidō in rapid succession, Yū is able to fire out low-level and high-level kidō alike so quickly that they appear simultaneously, fooling even those most knowledgeable in kidō to think it was a completely brand-new technique. Yū has also shown the knowledge of setting up kidō-based traps and barriers as well as breaking barriers set up by noble families that are "spiritually superior" with noticeable ease. Due to this, Yū is frequently tasked with creating various barriers and binding spells that are capable of hiding reiatsu to conceal his and others' presence, as well as amplifying his reiatsu to allow those wounded to know where he is located. Yū has also displayed the ability to transport objects virtually anywhere if present in a barrier, but it is unknown if time-space based abilities are the source behind this or another power. His mastery reaches as far as to easily display extremely difficult combinations of spells, as well as forbidden techniques that deal with advanced soul engineering and the manipulation of spatial boundaries as seen by his self-made Tenkyūden. (天宮殿, "Celestial Palace") Even his fellow Captains and other Kidō masters can readily admit that when Yū reaches his prime, his skills have the potential to enter into a league of their own.
Known Techniques:
Bakudō (縛道, 'Way of Binding'; VIZ. "Binding Spells")
Sai, Hainawa, Seki, Geki, Hōrin, Sekienton, Kyokkō, Shitotsu Sansen, Tsuriboshi, Enkōsen, Kakushitsuijaku, Rikujōkōrō, Hyapporankan, Sajō Sabaku, Tozanshō, Gochūtekkan, Tenteikūra, Kuyō Shibari, Dankū, Kin, Bankin, Inemuri, Hakufuku, Shibireyubi, Tanma Otoshi
Hadō (破道, 'Way of Destruction'; VIZ. "Path of Destruction")
Shō, Byakurai, Tsuzuri Raiden, Fushibi, Shakkahō, Ōkasen, Sōkatsui, Haien, Daichi Tenyō, Tenran, Raikōhō, Sōren Sōkatsui, Zangerin, Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō, Senjū Kōten Taihō, Goryūtenmetsu
Most important of all, nothing and no one can beat Yū's prowess in Kaidō. (回道, Turn Way) Able to restore multiple targets' reiatsu to their full potential as well as heal their wounds with ease, whether it be directly, via his zanpakutō, through his reiatsu effects, a healing barrier or all together in a combined effort, there isn't a shinigami nor any type of spiritual being alive who can provide better medical assistance– a fitting skill for his role as the Fourth Division's captain. However, while his standard kaidō are extremely beneficial when performed onto others, the limits to what he can restore onto himself are virtually nonexistent.
Rumored to be “the closest, viable thing to immortality”, it's said Yu Nakamoto’s true power lies not in his kidō mastery nor his ability to aid others who are injured, but his own sheer inability to die for good. He has been shown to operate regularly without his innards, move freely without limbs, and regenerate from bisections that would otherwise spell the end for any other Shinigami. Anything short of a decapitation is simply a hindrance to the Captain, able to achieve a full recovery no matter how severe the injury is. This also spills over into his body’s own endurance, able to fight for days on end while steadily healing himself over the course of a battle. As a result, a majority of Captain Nakamoto’s victories have been accomplished through merely outlasting his opponents and then performing his final strike when they’re beyond the point of exhaustion.
Skills and Attributes: Human Anatomy Studies, Unwavering Spirit
Human Anatomy Studies
A requirement for all members of the Fourth Division; Shinigami must fully understand the anatomy and physiology of Shinigami, and seated members must as well understand the functions of humans and hollows alike, as if they were their own.
Unwavering Spirit
A product of living his life by the tenets installed by the Fourth Division and fulfilling his oaths; Yū is seen unbothered by the numerous effects reiatsu is able to give off, even when coming from noticeably stronger adversaries. His duty, as well as the duty of all healing-type shinigami on the field is threefold: they are never allowed to stop medical treatment unless every single one of their allies is dead, they are never allowed to step on the front-lines as the chance of their death increases the entire team's chance of certain death, and they are not allowed to die unless everyone else on their team is already dead. In order to fulfill what is expected of him, Yū has undergone resistance training to withstand the effects of his adversaries' reiatsu exertion. However, phantom pain effects that are incurred are still felt, albeit with no visible discomfort. While only few adversaries in this world and the next are capable of maybe breaking his otherwise unwavering spirit, the only undeniable exception are those with elemental types as he's unable to literally stop the varying effects that can occur from taking place.
Inventions: Chiryōyō Kidō, Yozakura, Shukketsuten Tsukimi, Tenkyūden
Chiryōyō Kidō (治療用鬼道, 'Healing Kidō'; VIZ. "Healing Spiritual Arts")
These spells do not have known numbers or incantations to cast, and simply heal the target. As the user holds his/her hands above the patient's wounds, his/her palms glow with green spiritual energy to facilitate healing. When one heals with regular healing kidō, they perform Reiatsu restoration first. By doing so, one can attempt to recover the physical body using the patient's restored Reiatsu and the healer's external Reiatsu. Therefore, restoring the Reiatsu when the physical body is in a fully healed state is no trouble at all.
Seimeikasseihō (生命活性法, 'Purify by expiatory sacrifice', VIZ. Life Refreshing Method) ––– A healing spell that uses the practitioner's own reiryoku to heal the target, which takes the form of a green-colored light. The healing is facilitated through physical touch and requires no incantation to use. Its' effectiveness is based on the practitioner's own control as it is capable of treating the most severe wounds and purifying even the most foreign of poisons.
Shōreikōsō (奨励構想, 'Plan of Inspirational Encouragement' VIZ. Encouragement Plan) ––– A healing spell similar to Seimeikasseihō, however the amount of damage that is restored is also bestowed on the patient as a one-time shield to nullify damage equal to the sustained injury. Upon its initial cast, the spell memorizes the source of damage and further reinforces the afflicted area to prevent similar damage from occurring once more. This ensures an attack of equal force to be rendered ineffective and allows the target less downtime to recover and grants more time to plot a counterstrike. This spell expends more reiryoku and takes longer to cast, due to its increased effectiveness.
Shikikōyōsaku (士気高揚の策, 'Plan of Morale-Lifting', VIZ. Morale Boost) ––– A healing spell that uses the practitioner's own reiryoku to heal multiple targets, which takes the form of a green-colored light. It can be cast as an emerald rain, as a cloud, or as a simple shockwave outwards of light. Unlike Seimeikasseihō, physical touch is not required to facilitate the healing, and instead requires greater concentration. Captain Nakamato's butterfly wings and reiatsu effect both reflect similar qualities to Shikikōyōsaku, however, casting the spell itself displays more potent and immediate results.
Shinseiji (神聖地, 'Sacred Soil', VIZ. Sacred Earth) ––– A healing spell that uses the practitioner's own reiryoku to create a designated field where multiple targets can receive healing. By allocating a prepared amount of reiryoku into a large, circular field around the user, targets within the field are able to have their reiryoku slowly regenerated without the practitioner's direct attention. This, coupled with Shikikōyōsaku or an erected, healing barrier, allows the user to attend to other situations while the wounded recover untouched.
Gyakutai (虐待, 'Abjuration', VIZ. Shield Oath) ––– A healing spell that can also be classified as a supplementary spell. This spell uses the practitioner's reiryoku to create a Reiryoku Pact (霊力協定, Reiryokukyōtei) with a singular target. As a result, all damage that either party undergoes, is dispersed in half with the other party receiving the other portion of the damage. The reiryoku pact can only be ended by the original caster, and is often used when treatment is unable to be administered for the time being. However, this same concept also applies to any healing received as well, with the other party also receiving half the healing that is administered.
Yozakura (夜桜, 'Night Sakura'; VIZ. "Night Flower")
A seven-layered barrier of light that can be manifested in a matter of seconds, Yu's flower-viewing shield takes the form of an iridescent cherry blossom. Each flower petal layer has the defensive power to withstand a bala and altogether, is boasted to stand firm against a fired cero, however, it could be possible that a handful of stronger Arrancar might be able to break through all seven layers, all depending on their strength in comparison and the range of fire.
Shukketsuten (出血天, 'Bloodied Sky'; VIZ. "Bleeding Days")
An extremely high-level Hadō developed while Yū was a member in the kidō corps; With a round of 3 snaps, three giant columns of superheated spiritual energy are summoned from above and descend at an immense pace, resulting in a massive explosion upon impact. While the spell is typically initiated by three snaps to later be accompanied by three beams, some have claimed to see Yū snap up to ten times before the spell is activated, in turn summoning ten beams to create an unbelievably large eruption.
Tsukimi (夜桜, 'Moon-Viewing'; VIZ. "Inner Reflection")
A technique created while active in the Kido Corps and now regarded as one of Yū's greatest achievements in the Kaidō field, Tsukimi allows the doctor to communicate and understand his patients' on a much more deeper level. Initially, this spell was invented with the intention of feeling the pain of his patients, allowing him to become an expert at diagnosing and treating them in a moment's notice. This later became useless once the angel gained more in-depth knowledge of anatomy, now able to detect any anomalies in his patients with his eyes alone.
Now what came was a more psychological connection; This kidō technique allows Yū to literally sense and experience a person's emotions and feelings through mere touch. The angel is capable of discovering and bearing the weight of even the deepest traumas, otherwise unknown to all, from just a few seconds of exposure. He has also shown the ability to manipulate emotions to a degree, using this to cheer up an otherwise sad individual or more likely, to efficiently calm an enraged Shinigami by influencing them to be less hostile. While Yū is unable to control direct movement, he has displayed the power of manipulating consciousnesses, able to quickly sedate someone if needed to the point of being registered as comatose and has even shown the ability to delve into victims' memories-- and to a degree, able to erase them over time. Individuals with stronger willpower (typically, Captain level or above with a mastery in Kidō) are the hardest minds to invade as it requires constant physical contact with the target; Stronger subjects are also able to nullify this power partially, left to be in a half-conscious state at best. Conversely, the captain can just as easily awake people from comas, however, this has shown to sometimes not be the best action as other body functions sometimes don't follow suit.
Tenkyūden (天宮殿, 'Celestial Palace'; VIZ. "Heavenly Castle")
Incantation: "Hundred shadows cast, hundred fates foretold, the spirits of fallen heroes rise, The master of the sixfold shield, reach into the heavens, and defend us from Hell."
After transferring from the Fifth Division, Yū refined the kidō techniques and principles he was taught growing up to create a multitude of new spells that would further propel him to Kidō master. A number of his most infamous spells fall under the parent technique Tenkyūden which the young captain classifies as his "own unbeatable class of barriers." Boasted to match and even surpass boundaries erected by those of noble blood, these barriers are blue in color with their most noticeable characteristic being the moving panels that make up the surface of the barrier, as well as the paper slips that hover and orbit around his constructs. In truth, they make up the automated "repair system" of the manifested defense, filling any gaps or strengthening weakened areas that may occur when under attack. (pictured below) They also have a tendency to glow when in effect, as well as produce crystal-like shards within its radius.
Yū has demonstrated various talents via Tenkyūden, such as defending against incoming attacks by using it as a flat shield similar in conception to Dankū, however with a stronger defense. (albeit, also a higher cast time) The captain is also capable of isolating and trapping opponents within constructed barriers, making objects and people alike within the barrier appear invisible and indistinguishable, as well as even treating allies and himself within a barrier. While technically forbidden and unknown to almost all, Yū has even managed to manipulate time-space within the confines of a barrier, designing a form of restoration similar to both Orihime and Hachigen Ushōda which he dubs Sōshūfuku. (贖罪, Absolute Restoration) However, unlike the other two, Yū is under extreme scrutiny from the Central 46 as a captain, who have explicitly outlawed usage or even holding knowledge of any kidō involving the manipulation of time and space. Due to this, Yū rarely performs this aspect of Tenkyūden unless no other choice presents itself to him; Luckily, former Commander Murasaki had seemingly turned a blind eye whenever the Captain had carried this out. Now with both the Central 46 and Commander Kagayaki unable to perceive his every action in the past, present and future, Yu has grown more familiar and now further understands the lengths he can go with this reality-shaping power.
Derived Spells
Tenkyūden: Sōshūfuku, Tenkyūden: Amenochōetsukaikōbu, Tenkyūden: Teni Muhō no Kiwami, Tenkyūden: Shokuzai, Tenkyūden: Sennen Jurin
Tenkyūden: Sōshūfuku
(天宮殿: 贖罪, 'Celestial Palace: Absolute Restoration'; VIZ. "Heavenly Palace: Perfect Recovery")
A technique derived from the original Tenkyūden; In regards to the rules established by the Central 46, Sōshūfuku's mere existence breaks one of the most rules as a forbidden kidō due to its nature of time manipulation. Asides from possessing like qualities to Orihime's Sōten Kisshun, Sōshūfuku can be utilized on any type of material form, whether it be to reverse the damage on a building to an entire battlefield if he wills it. However, another key difference is the requirement that any event Yū wishes to undo must be witnessed by his own eyes first in order to be performed correctly. As it is mainly used on a greater scale and his kaidō prowess alone is already great, this ability was not developed as a healing method; Yū often will explain this is because if a targeted individual shifts by even a centimeter during the procedure, it can permanently dislodge a joint or muscle, bringing on an undeserved and painful eternity. Due to this not being an entirely large issue in regards to inanimate objects, Yū has found this skill most useful for covering his tracks or repairing damage to areas that have been subject to violence.
As the technique has never been performed on any organic being whether it be a shinigami, human, or hollow being with the intention of restoring physical form, its biggest flaw is its untapped potential to revive the dead. With that being said, Yu is able to bring anything else back to life including abstract properties such as lost memories or forgotten ideas. As a result, Sōshūfuku doubles as an ability that helps preserve knowledge and is a vital tool for recalling key moments that may have otherwise been past recollection. While he has yet to attempt it, the technique has the potential of even repairing broken zanpakutō, however the relationship between a zanpakutō's wielder and the spirit is a bond that transcends the rules of Tenkyūden; With that in mind, it's unknown if this technique could still be a viable option for Yū to repair his own zanpakutō if he ever needs to.
Tenkyūden: Amenochōetsukaikōbu
(天宮殿: 贖罪, 'Celestial Palace: Heaven Transcending Aperture'; VIZ. "Heavenly Palace: Heaven Transcending Aperture")
A technique derived from the original Tenkyūden; Amenochōetsukaikōbu is a special technique allowing Yū to transfer objects between two distinct barriers. There is no limit to what can be transferred between two barriers, but the accuracy reduces immensely when trying to transport several items. This forces Yū to focus on an anchor when transporting objects as everything surrounding the anchor remains in the same orientation before sending it off. While it can be done, individuals can be teleported this way as well, however the usage of Shunpō far outpaces this technique making it unnecessarily taxing and plain inefficient.
Tenkyūden: Shokuzai
((天宮殿: 贖罪, 'Celestial Palace: Atonement'; VIZ. "Heavenly Palace: Atonement")
A technique derived from the original Tenkyūden; Shokuzai is a special barrier that registers the damage it absorbs and upon command, is able to release it all in a controlled blast. When commanded, the barrier collapses upon itself into a much smaller cube; Due to the sudden compression of the barrier and its' absorbed contents, spiritual energy wildly coalesces around it and if low enough to the ground, easily forms a deep crater underneath it due to its' astounding weight. Just when it seems that the reduced cube cannot grow any smaller, it then combusts in a wild explosion, annihilating whatever was once in the barrier at its largest size and the entire area around it for several meters.
Tenkyūden: Sennen Jurin
(天宮殿: 千年従臨, 'Celestial Palace: Thousand-Year Subjugation'; VIZ. "Heavenly Palace: Millennium of Reflection")
A technique derived from the original Tenkyūden; Sennen Jurin is an isolation barrier, more specifically a Twofold Dislocation Barrier. (二重断層結界, Nijū Dansō Kekkai) Essentially identical to Hachigyō Sōgai, Sennen Jurin has no corporeal form to be broken and because of its' property of others being unable to even perceive its presence, the barrier is highly effective in concealing either a specific person's location or on a greater scale, the existence of an entire city.
Tenkyūden: Teni Muhō no Kiwami
(天宮殿: 転移無法の極み, 'Celestial Palace: Pinnacle of Perfection'; VIZ. "Heavenly Palace: Healing Pagoda")
A technique derived from the original Tenkyūden; Teni Muhō no Kiwami is a barrier that is intended to heal those within it using the energy of the barrier as its catalyst. This allows Yū to attend to other matters whether it be with another individual who needs his help or as a quick method of protection against a strong opponent. As the spiritual energy that makes up the solid foundation of the barrier is as well the fuel necessary to heal his patients inside, the barrier itself grows gradually weaker as the person(s) inside recover. While it is a double-edged sword, its efficiency is unmatched and allows those within moments to prepare to either jump back into the fray or plan their retreat upon the barrier's expiration.
Equipment: Company Relief Bag, Denreishinki, Gigai
Company Relief Bag –– A standard assistance kit that all shinigami of the fourth division possess, it is essentially an advanced first-aid kit stashed with medical supplies, pills, potions, homemade concoctions, antidotes, ointments, and herbs to treat a variety of injuries, afflictions and life-threatening illnesses.
Gigai (義骸, "Faux Body") –– Now able to travel to the World of the Living on assignments, Yu has gotten comfortable with using his Gigai, adorning it in the Karakura High uniform. Unique to others' gigais, Yū is able to leave his freely, with his artificial body dissipating into a kaleidoscope of butterflies; This same effect is also seen sometimes when Yū teleports elsewhere.
Zanpakuto Name: Ichikō (巫子, "Shaman Child", viz. Priest's Child)
Zanpakuto Appearance: Ichikō is a standard katana with a rounded, rectangular tsuba. Since his Shikai can be activated without the need to draw, almost no one has seen the true shine of his blade. As he rarely finds a need to pull his sword from its dark sheath, on the occasions he does, it's clear to those witnessing that it is noticeably clean of any rust, weariness from usage, and impurities. (both literal and metaphorical)
Zanpakuto Spirit:
Ichikō is one of the few zanpakutō with a female spirit wielded by a male Shinigami and as such her physical manifestation is of an abnormally tall woman; She's described to have floor-length black hair that is parted at the center, violet eyes and very large breasts. Her dress is black and adorned with gold and she has a circlet that resembles green branches. Possessing the same even-tempered disposition as each other with Ichiko maybe being too easygoing at times, Yū is noticeably more at his ease in the presence of his zanpakutō spirit; However, this could also be attributed to the absence of stress in his inner world compared to the worries he tends to have in the real world.
The two of them have a fairly good relationship, although Ichikō's concept of their relationship is extremely backwards, oftentimes referring to Yū as her pet with herself as the boy's owner. As a result, she can be quite aggressive at times on the rare occasions Yū makes a questionable decision, scolding him as if he were a child of hers.
Inner World:
Yū's inner world is a silent garden, void of any life besides flora. Not a chirping bird nor a buzzing bee will be found in this seemingly dense garden, the sound of light rain being the only audible thing. Perpetually stuck in sunrise, Yū's favorite time of day, the young captain tends to find himself meditating into his inner world just to recollect his thoughts in the midst of his hectic schedule. Despite rain constantly sprinkling 24/7, nothing in this world seems to gets wet– almost as if as if the rain is just a filter over his eyes. Scattered throughout the garden are numerous stone gazebos where one can take shelter from the phantom rain... as if it it makes any difference.
Release Phrase:
"Light rise and demons fall, Ichikō."
Shikai:
In its Shikai form, Ichikō (巫子, "Shaman Child", viz. Priest's Child) is promptly engulfed in a white light before unfurling and dispersing into what seems to be hundreds of indiscernible light figures. While at first they seem to be just orbs floating aimlessly, when commanded by Yū, they take the shape of butterflies, drawn to those in pain and lacking reiryoku. The few that have seen his Shikai activation describe it as a heart-stopping moment, time seems to slow down to those who witness the birth of the butterflies and praise it as one of, if not, the most beautiful zanpakutō among Soul Society's current Shinigami.
Shikai Special Ability: Hōfuchō (豊富蝶, "Abundance of Butterflies"; viz. "Butterfly Profusion")
These butterflies are able to produce silk at a fascinating rate, with a small group of them able to cocoon a full-grown man in just under a minute. Their silk isn't just ordinary thread however; Formally named Shinseinaitō, (神聖な糸, "Healing Thread") this variety of thread is coated in a plethora of medicines intended to aid those they wrap. Those who are the closest to their final breath are the priority target upon release as a full cocoon forces the patient to into a dormant state, halting whatever damage they have inflicted from worsening. As a result, the patient's bodily functions also come to a halt.
While the thread that makes up the cocoon's form is coated in a rather potent chemical coagulation to assist in healing, the real recovery process happens from within the insect-made shell. Similar to how caterpillars are broken down into mere enzymes to later reform into butterflies, individuals entrapped in Yū's cocoons are correspondingly reduced into a liquid form of spiritual energy and are reformed as a whole all within the cocoon. As the process is considered a rebirth or more specifically, a "metamorphosis," Yū is able to regenerate anyone to peak state no matter how brutal or life-threatening the injury or illness seems to be.
Since the silk that produces these cocoons are extremely sticky when freshly produced, they can be transported like bodybags after a short amount of time or in rare instances, immediately hung from trees or atop caves. In cases where full cocoons aren't needed, appropriately sized wraps for broken bones can be made on the fly as well as partial crossbody wraps to target certain organs. In the instance there is a complication or unforeseen injury that requires more aid, the butterflies are able to multiply automatically to increase their productivity.
Asides from healing and gifting reiryoku, these incorporeal butterflies are able to become tangible when necessity calls for it to be, to become a shield of sorts against incoming assaults. Reverting back to its light form and simultaneously outstretching and flattening to protect the target, their shield form is surprisingly durable and can withstand an overwhelming amount of damage when compared to its thin frame. As Yū's zanpakutō, these butterflies therefore are a direct extension of himself, granting him the ability to receive information from them as well as relay information, if needed.
Some describe his Shikai to be the perfect recovery solution for the aftermath of a large battle and as such, Yū has become an important staple in the fourth Division even before becoming its Captain.
Bankai: Nijitsubasa Ichikō (虹翼巫子, "Rainbow-Winged Shaman Child")
Naturally not the largest fan of violence as he rarely takes the initiative, usage of his Bankai means Yū has found himself in a situation where there's no other choice except to retaliate. Similar to when Yū initially releases his Shikai, an indiscernible amount of butterflies (but not all) rush back to his side, reverting back into their light form to retake the shape of his blade upon coalescence. Almost immediately after his weapon is reformed, without even touching the blade it immediately lunges at his chest, piercing through his heart.
Bankai Special Ability: Akumaharai no Teishokuga (悪魔祓いの抵触害, "Contradictory Bane of the Exorcist"; viz. "The Devil's Trickery")
A metaphoric sacrifice of sorts, upon the initial wound entry being formed, his reiatsu amplifies nearly tenfold with its natural effects intensifying as well. Besides the boosted recovery rates of shinigami being tended by his still-present butterflies, the same cannot be said for those he has deemed a foe. All those within the range of his reiatsu that he sees as a threat are subject to his values. In essence, Yū's Bankai enforces the practice of nonviolence and those who dare to defy him are punished accordingly. Put simply, his Bankai's special ability ensures that whatever damage his adversaries intend to give to him, they will receive solely based on their mere attempt. For example, if someone moves with the intent of gutting him in the abdomen, the mentioned opponent will instead find themselves immediately gutted before they even have the chance to fully take hold of their blade. The same can be said for those who choose to attack via hakuda– whatever physical harm they intend to deal with said technique will be instantly received on their end when they even think of moving to strike.
The principles for kidō are a bit different as there is more variance in regards to timing when the damage will be reversed. Some may take longer due to having to recite incantations while some don't even need to lift a finger to cast their kidō. However, the result is all the same: kidō that is cast aimed to harm an adversary will instead target the caster in the exact instant it is cast. There have been a number of times where self-titled kidō specialists have unintentionally blown themselves up with their own destructive power, leading uninformed witnesses to assume Yū simply possesses an unnatural power they have dubbed Shikkō Gisei Hadō. (犠牲破道執行, "Forced Sacrificial Way of Destruction")
As the young captain technically isn't performing the action itself, he still finds ways to wash his hands of his short-lived guilt by reassuring himself he isn't to blame for the deaths of hundreds who stood against him; Yū kindly describes his Bankai as the "final attempt I'm giving you to make your retreat." With that being said, Yū is also subject to this rule, forcing a tense deadlock that can only be resolved with the mentioned opponent's immediate withdrawal. More often than not, Yū has inadvertently slain countless opponents caught in the heat of the battle who foolishly thought they could sneak in a killing blow only to find themselves incapacitated before they even had the chance to rethink their ways.
– As he rarely finds himself in a situation dire enough to release his Bankai nor a situation where he can perform his Bankai safely, only a very select few of Shinigami know the full extent of his zanpakutō's ultimate form. This small group is comprised of the Captains who were seated before Yū's own promotion, including Kyomu Mukuro, Higen Kagayaki, Itsuki Asakura, former Commander Shobatsu Murasaki and the now deceased Mahō Kojima. The rest of Soul Society's knowledge of Yū's Bankai is based solely on rumors, the most popular theory being that his power in some way involves his eyesight and that whatever his eyes lay upon, he is able to destroy in a blink.
– Despite his high ranking, Yū would prefer to simply be called "Yū" rather than his official title, "Captain Nakamoto." However, Yū always emphasizes on addressing others by their formal title, viewing it as a form of politeness towards even those technically ranked below him.
– Yū is a regular practitioner of bikram yoga and claims it is the best solution to help clear his mind when he feels overwhelmed. He frequently recommends it to his peers, who often don't participate again after their first session.
Personal Relationships:
Due to rarely having free time, his only real relationships are with his medical team and only a handful of the captains. Even then the amount of times he has spoken with his fellow captains privately are few and far between to even qualify them as close friends. Regardless, Yū considers all as a friend and treats everyone with respect and kindness so long as that mutual respect is given back to him. If not, well, almost everyone's life will eventually be in his hands should they ever be injured in battle so it's just a common safety precaution to be on a friendly basis with him.
Likes: Karaoke, The smell and initial warmth of fresh laundry, Cute animals
Dislikes: Alcohol, Sweets, Arrogance
Hobbies: Yū barely has time for hobbies but he's recently taken up sewing to calm his nerves and he's not that bad at it.
Favorite Food(s): Rich meats, Anything with cheese (bonus points if the cheese is gooey)
Theme: The Fairy
Alternate Theme: Battle Theme