Shinigami
Administrator
“Give them nothing, but take from them.. everything.”
“If you lack the will, your strength too will fall short.”
“Strength will always crumble under greater strength.”
“When death comes I will welcome it openly, gladly, and with a smile on my face.”
Shikikan (指揮官; “Commander”), Kagayaki Taichou (輝き隊長; “Captain of Radiance”), Koushou Taichou (隊長光照; “Shining Commander”), Kirakira (煌; “Sparkles"), Seiginomikata (正義の味方; “Shining Knight"), Higen no Kongou (金剛飛元; “Higen of the Diamond”)
Character Name: Higen Kagayaki
Higen Kagayaki (陽元輝) is the Captain of the 1st Division, and is the Fifth Captain Commander of the Gotei 13. Before becoming Captain Commander, Higen spent a good portion of his career as a Lieutenant of Division One, before becoming the Captain of 10th Division (十番隊; Jūbantai, “Squad Ten”), managing the war efforts on the front often referred to as “The World of The Living” before his promotion to Commander under unfortunate circumstances. As the Commander, Higen is undoubtedly the Strongest Shinigami in all of Soul Society, and is known for his Valiance, Honor, and Experience in battle.
Name Translation:
(陽元; “Origin Sun”) - (輝; “Radiance”)
Actual Age: 978
Physical Age: Late 40s, Early 50s
Race: Deceased
Deathday: April 22nd
Gender: Male
Height: 6’11
Weight: Inexplicable Mass
Blood Type: O-
Voices:
English— John Demita
Japanese— Kazuhiro Yamaji
Affiliation:
Gotei 13,
Soul Society
Profession: Shinigami
Title: Head Taichou (隊長; Captain Commander)
Position: Captain Commander; Acting General of The Gotei 13
Division: First Division (一番隊; Ichiban-tai, “Squad One”)
Previous Division: Tenth Division (十番隊; Jūbantai, “Squad Ten”)
Partner(s): Fuyuko Kasumi, Akarui Gekko
Previous Partner(s): Shobatsu Murosaki, Shizuka Hyouzoku
Base of Operations: Soul Society; Seiretei, 1st Division Barracks—Chasm of Crystal
Notable Features
Part 1: The towering figure that is Higen’s frame reigns tyrannically over majority of both his peers and subjects which offers the possibility to be easily spotted in any crowd despite his attire. His rough exterior is made up of long, unruly locks of deep green often left unkempt or fashioned in a messy ponytail. A thick, scruffy beard hides a chiseled chin and jawline, leaving spiky mutton chops to climb the side of his face towards his ear. With eyes of tarnished sapphire he often peers in disappointment; a rather torpid and stale expression constantly fixated upon his face, offering nothing but an unimpressed demeanor. Every bit of muscle latched to his bones is cut exquisitely, his body a temple of strength and performance rivaled by few. As both a Standard Shinigami and a Captain, Higen has continuously failed in his upkeep of traditional uniform. He is often found without a Shihakushō (lit. "死覇装," Garment of Dead Souls) while still sporting the black hakama issued upon inception.
100 Years Later: As the years have passed, his time of trying to keep up with Honoka in terms of youthfulness have come to an end. The age of his soul begins to show on his person. Despite his body which is perhaps in the best shape in all of Soul Society, his mannerisms, facial features, and hair are dead giveaways at the Veteran’s age. His longer and unruly mane extends in length and remains unkempt. Where his face was formerly bare, a long, sifu-like mustache finds comfort just above his lip, while his formerly jagged and scruffy beard flows long and smooth like silk. A few more wrinkles appear on both his cheek and forehead and he is often told he is the embodiment of wisdom in appearance.
Personality
A troubling childhood and a rough, ghastly life as a career-criminal both enforced defining qualities into the man, never to be changed. A rough exterior was formed as the bellwether to a reticent, skeptical nature. The times in which he’d trusted people were decades apart, as he became reputable as one to always have their guard up. His pilotage over his own ship and the outlaws that came with it instilled a natural leadership within him, while also brooding a festering ruthlessness. It was here where Higen truly cultivated the ability to kill without thought, worry, or conscience.
Death is a humbling experience, at least for most. For Higen, however, it only contributed to his egotistical ways. His arrival to Soul Society was confirmation of his vanity, proof that his journey was not meant to end, and that he was indeed special. This “second chance” instilled an unwavering happiness within him, compelling him to vow to live out the rest of his days in positivity. This revelation was also one of the pivotal factors in his enrollment into the Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院, Spiritual Arts Academy, “Shin’ō Academy”) where he developed a love for the Shinigami way, and started to become less of a recluse.
As with almost any military, the Gotei 13 transformed Higen into a man of both duty and valor; one likely to praise the aptitude of a strong captain while growing quite literally sick at the thought of a hollow. The already disreputable creatures were now looked at as vermin, simply there for extermination. The details of a hollow’s makeup or any knowledge of what it once was have little significance to him, a man who prides himself on ridding the world of them entirely.
Overtly annoying and inexplicably boisterous, Higen has built the reputation of a brigand in a Haiori, only known as otherwise by those who have had the pleasure of knowing him personally or serving under him at a time. He is an incontestably vain, sake-drinking, wild-spirited, individual who’s favorite things to do are having a nice time, training hard, and marveling at his own strength.
Many of the naiveties of Higen’s youth escape him now, a veteran of many battles, a mentor to many—a hero. While others would have perhaps been emboldened by the fame, the attention, the glory; Higen himself views it all as a curse. The burden is heavy, and as if it hadn’t been heavy enough before, the weight of the entire Gotei 13 now rests on his shoulders. Left into his hands by someone many believe to be a madman, Higen finds it difficult to put together the pieces of mistrust, confusion, and passivity that were left behind. There is hardly a soul in Society that would question the Commander’s wisdom. Perhaps not all-seeing like his predecessor, but a man of the people. It is his understanding and empathy towards the common folk, the normal foot soldier, and everyone and everything else in Soul Society that makes him a prolific voice to follow. His outlook towards many things has shifted drastically, perhaps once a man of hatred, Higen has found solace in quelling such thoughts, even towards the Vizards that had come about just over one-hundred years ago. The strongest of the bunch, Captain Tenzen Oda, did not hesitate to offer his life should he lose control, knowing that the at-the-time Tenth Division Captain would not hesitate to take it. It was this consciousness, this sacrifice, that showed that even with a monster growing within him, there is still the heart of a shinigami winning the battle within.
Reiryoku Level: Immense Spiritual Power ✦ Reiryoku Control: Masterful Reiryoku Control
To say he has the Spiritual Power befitting that of a captain would be an egregious understatement. Before acquiring any skills other than being a somewhat naturally gifted hand-to-hand combatant, Higen’s massive pool of reiryoku was one of, if not the only thing that drew him to the radar of a seated position. his natural affinity for spiritual energy and his ability to expel it with nearly unmatched force set him apart. Before the century and beyond that was spent under the tutelage of his former Captain, Higen lacked the ability to appropriately control the oppressive force of his spiritual power, causing it to seep through his very pores. After years of rectification, however, he has a fine control over the conflux of energy present within him. This gargantuan amount of reiryoku goes hand-in-hand with how much expulsion is required through the proper usage of Hitsumishi and the power that it boasts. As more years have come to pass Higen’s overall fear of the powers that reside within him have not only subsided—but have been weaponized. The subconscious tether that limited him for years on end has become nonexistent, a fragment of a forgotten past. The Commander’s power in itself when exerted in full is presumably enough to combat the roster of Captains in force. When expelled the very essence of his spiritual pressure makes Bakudō (縛道, Way of Binding; Viz "Binding Spells") of a less than masterful opponent obsolete, whilst he is able to combat most Hadō (破道, Way of Destruction; Viz "Path of Destruction") with his own, purely from the force and abundance of his reiryoku.
Although it hasn’t always been, Higen’s ability to control his reiryoku has become masterful in a way that contends with how the term “masterful” is perceived. While not being able to completely erase his presence or conduct kido with little to no effort like other masters may be able to, he has mastered what he sees as similar to a gray area in between reiryoku and reiatsu. He often uses the term Senren (洗練煉錬; “Refinement”) to describe how he molds his spiritual energy into his physical being. The initial eureka was a byproduct of his first encounter with an Arrancar’s Hierro (鋼皮; “Steel Skin”); Both disgusted with the fact that these grotesque creatures could have something so beneficial, and impressed with its actual usage, Higen used it as a basis for formulating his Senren. Centuries of honing this control has created this innate technique unique to himself, which further contributes to his indomitable durability.
Sensing Reiryoku: Expert Sensing Ability
Higen has cultivated his ability to both track and inspect both allies and enemies alike. His ingenuity in spiritual dissection allows him to appropriately determine a target’s strength, and possibly even the makeup of their reiryoku. Though sometimes struggling with cloaked or hidden signatures in a given area, his specialty revolves around isolating a single signature in a group of many, making his presence paramount for identifying a single individual in the clutter of an army of souls brimming with reiryoku. Higen is also capable of performing Reiraku (霊絡, Spirit Coils; "Spirit Ribbons") in order to better identify and locate a target(s) those who have ingested Higen’s own Koorizatou (氷砂糖, Rock Candy; “Crystallized Sugar), expand the Commander’s sensing capabilities a thousand fold. Each consumer has digested A small yet potent portion of Higen and Hitsunishi’s reiryoku. He is able to not only find and access each of these individuals across a multitude of dimensions, but can also use them as a man array to expand his senses when attempting to locate non-consumers. When using Reiraku, those who have eaten the Koorizatou have their spirit ribbons appear as a vibrant green instead of the usual white.
Reiatsu: Master ✦ Reiatsu Type: Standard
With such a titanic force of energy constantly quelling within, it is a relief more than it is a skill to release it with oppressive force. The amount of pressure his spiritual essence exerts as a whole makes it difficult to suppress it completely. When he so chooses to release it at full, it is very remnant of the sun itself; Not in terms of color or heat, but the conspicuous vibrancy that it radiates visibly. It is said to be able to be seen from continents-length away, like a passing comet in the sky; a true beacon in the night. The actual physical manifestation lacks translucence and has been described as “thick” in nature, more like a physical, flowing force than an incorporeal aura. While it emits no heat, his reiatsu can flow like a massive pyre, fluttering and waving in the wind, or galivanting towards the sky in as vibrant green frames. While there is no lightning that Higen can conjure under his will, his reiatsu can still crackle like a web of electricity, and crash like a loud and echoing thunderclap. Higen is capable of encompassing the entirety of Soul Society with his Reiatsu, an emerald embrace to coat the whole of the Gotei 13 within. Higen’s reiatsu is destructive in nature, shattering the reishi around it as it is released in full. It has been described as a massive sword or fist, bearing down on your body until it is completely crushed. The Knight could very well be called the King, as his spiritual pressure forces those it impacts to bow at his feet, or lay beneath him completely.
Reiatsu Effects: Blinding, Paralysis, Physical Damage
The very force alone of Higen’s reiatsu is capable of breaking bones, caving rib cages, bending spines and morphing the figure of those who dare to challenge it. In the same breath, those that survive injury could find themselves completely paralyzed by its oppressiveness, frozen stiff and in place for the Commander to punish as he sees fit. But perhaps the most notable effect of Higen’s reiatsu would be its ability to emit perhaps the brightest light ever seen. It mimics the sun one thousand times over, burning brightly as it is released in a verdant glow. It is enough to permanently blind a witness from prolonged exposure, burning the sclera, and even causing bleeding from the eye.
Reiatsu Color: Vibrant Green ✦ Reiatsu Shape: Shining Knight
Higen’s moniker of the Knight did not only come from his heroism, but also from the manifestation of his reiatsu as a Knight-Avatar. When controlled properly, a massive armored knight takes shape around Higen, glowing in an emerald green.
The extremely vibrant and blinding light that is emitted from the Commander’s Reiatsu combined with the shape it takes when released is one of, but the primary reason Higen was dubbed The Shining Knight
Zanjutsu Level: Swordsman
Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship; Viz "Art of the Sword")
As soon as it was possible Higen abandoned that large, clumsy Asauchi (浅打, “Shallow Hit”) given to him in the academy and chose to forsake it for something more fitting for his style of fighting. Upon his zanpakuto’s manifestation into a smaller weapon, he abandoned the ideals of polished zanjutsu almost completely, developing something much more feral and freelance. He knows close to the bare minimum of what’s required of a higher seated officer or lieutenant in terms of sword skills, but still manages to take down foes with ease. His success stems from his raw strength and power, opposed to poise and technique. He wields his weapon similar to a combat knife, holding it incorrectly and hardly ever using both hands. It gets the job done, however he is sure to be exposed in this department when facing a much more experienced swordsman.
Known Techniques: Ryodan
Hohō Level: Shunpo Expert
Hohō (歩法, Step Method; Viz "Fast Movement")
Often mistaken for a tortoise because of his indisputable size, Higen is actually a formidable Hoho technician. He is quick on his feet, and his size increases the overall momentum in which his body is propelled. He often uses this to his advantage, hammering his foes with consistent bashing from a multitude of angles due to the consistency in his changes in speed. With enhanced stamina he is capable of using shunpo for extended durations at a time, and sometimes multiple uses in a quick succession to both confuse and disorient those who may oppose him. He lacks the ability to perform any advanced Hoho techniques, but with unparalleled physicality his natural footspeed is a supplement to his quickness in transit or on the field of battle, most notably present in the speed of his reflexes and limb movements. Most of this is obsolete, however, as most times the Commanders opts out of utilizing Hoho completely. The physical specimen that he is, it his raw strength in every area of his body that forgoes the usage of technique. Not unlike a former kenpachi, Higen is capable of keeping up with masters in the movement arts off of pure physicality alone. Every muscle working to propel him from one location to another.
Known Techniques: Shunpo
Hakuda Level: Masterful Hakuda Combatant
Hakuda (白打, White Hits; Viz "Hand-to-Hand Combat") .
If there is an imminent threat, or rather a threat of any kind, this is the method of combat chosen by Higen since his inception. Why wield a weapon when your body is one? Not only has Higen learned a plethora of Hakuda techniques and then mastered them, but he has also forsaken the usage of most of them for techniques of his very own that he has deemed far more useful.
A true master, Higen has turned every extremity he has into the most dangerous of weapons, able to kill with any portion of his figure that he sees fit. At both close and long ranges he remains monstrous, able to devastate his enemies with whichever chosen extremity, or create massive shockwaves or destruction to overwhelm his opponent with a single blow. A single flick of the finger is momentous, bone shattering, and can leave an opponent annihilated without the proper measures of defense. He is more than raw power, however; he is also perfect technique. Influenced also by his Senren (洗練煉錬; “Refinement”), Higen created the Gakepuchhi (崖っ縁; “Cliff-Edge”) Form, a profound hakuda style that focuses on molding reiryoku onto specific parts of the body to make them sharp on the exterior. This technique alone is what allows Higen to combat masters of the sword with just his body, able to harden and sharpen specific portions to clash indefinitely against opposing combatant’s weapons.
His knowledge of the body and its many vitals and weaknesses is extensive all-while being obsolete. The cataclysms created from the sways of his legs during kicks, or the oceans moved by the fluidity and power of his palm during thrusts have little to no concern with small vital areas as they seek complete erasure. Throughout his tenure as commander, he has even further delved into the art that is destruction through parts of your body. Higen has conjured a “reverse”, to nearly every Hakuda technique ever conceived, which allows him to reverse engineer the technique to create a skill with an adverse or different effect just as—if not even more devastating than its parent technique.
Known Techniques: - Ikkotsu - Sokotsu - Kagamibaraki - Oni Depokin –
Kido Skill Level: Kido Specialist
Kidō (鬼道, Demon/Spirit Way; Viz "Demon Arts")
Though not the biggest fan of its usage, Higen is completely capable of conducting some degree of Kido spellwork with a commendable amount of skill. However, he lacks the ability to produce a single offensive spell, only able to produce barrier-esque spells because of the consonance shared between them. Even so, it remains his weakest department, and despite his Lieutenants advancements to help him branch out in the demon arts, he’s showing no potential growth, and seems to be at the limit of his capabilities in this department.
Known Spells: - El Escudo - Seki - Tozansho - Hanki – Danku
Higen Kagayaki (陽元輝) is the Captain of the 1st Division, and is the Fifth Captain Commander of the Gotei 13. Before becoming Captain Commander, Higen spent a good portion of his career as a Lieutenant of Division One, before becoming the Captain of 10th Division (十番隊; Jūbantai, “Squad Ten”), managing the war efforts on the front often referred to as “The World of The Living” before his promotion to Commander under unfortunate circumstances. As the Commander, Higen is undoubtedly the Strongest Shinigami in all of Soul Society, and is known for his Valiance, Honor, and Experience in battle.
Name Translation:
(陽元; “Origin Sun”) - (輝; “Radiance”)
Actual Age: 978
Physical Age: Late 40s, Early 50s
Race: Deceased
Deathday: April 22nd
Gender: Male
Height: 6’11
Weight: Inexplicable Mass
Blood Type: O-
Voices:
English— John Demita
Japanese— Kazuhiro Yamaji
Profession: Shinigami
Title: Head Taichou (隊長; Captain Commander)
Position: Captain Commander; Acting General of The Gotei 13
Division: First Division (一番隊; Ichiban-tai, “Squad One”)
Previous Division: Tenth Division (十番隊; Jūbantai, “Squad Ten”)
Partner(s): Fuyuko Kasumi, Akarui Gekko
Previous Partner(s): Shobatsu Murosaki, Shizuka Hyouzoku
Base of Operations: Soul Society; Seiretei, 1st Division Barracks—Chasm of Crystal
Notable Features
Part 1: The towering figure that is Higen’s frame reigns tyrannically over majority of both his peers and subjects which offers the possibility to be easily spotted in any crowd despite his attire. His rough exterior is made up of long, unruly locks of deep green often left unkempt or fashioned in a messy ponytail. A thick, scruffy beard hides a chiseled chin and jawline, leaving spiky mutton chops to climb the side of his face towards his ear. With eyes of tarnished sapphire he often peers in disappointment; a rather torpid and stale expression constantly fixated upon his face, offering nothing but an unimpressed demeanor. Every bit of muscle latched to his bones is cut exquisitely, his body a temple of strength and performance rivaled by few. As both a Standard Shinigami and a Captain, Higen has continuously failed in his upkeep of traditional uniform. He is often found without a Shihakushō (lit. "死覇装," Garment of Dead Souls) while still sporting the black hakama issued upon inception.
100 Years Later: As the years have passed, his time of trying to keep up with Honoka in terms of youthfulness have come to an end. The age of his soul begins to show on his person. Despite his body which is perhaps in the best shape in all of Soul Society, his mannerisms, facial features, and hair are dead giveaways at the Veteran’s age. His longer and unruly mane extends in length and remains unkempt. Where his face was formerly bare, a long, sifu-like mustache finds comfort just above his lip, while his formerly jagged and scruffy beard flows long and smooth like silk. A few more wrinkles appear on both his cheek and forehead and he is often told he is the embodiment of wisdom in appearance.
Personality
A troubling childhood and a rough, ghastly life as a career-criminal both enforced defining qualities into the man, never to be changed. A rough exterior was formed as the bellwether to a reticent, skeptical nature. The times in which he’d trusted people were decades apart, as he became reputable as one to always have their guard up. His pilotage over his own ship and the outlaws that came with it instilled a natural leadership within him, while also brooding a festering ruthlessness. It was here where Higen truly cultivated the ability to kill without thought, worry, or conscience.
Death is a humbling experience, at least for most. For Higen, however, it only contributed to his egotistical ways. His arrival to Soul Society was confirmation of his vanity, proof that his journey was not meant to end, and that he was indeed special. This “second chance” instilled an unwavering happiness within him, compelling him to vow to live out the rest of his days in positivity. This revelation was also one of the pivotal factors in his enrollment into the Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院, Spiritual Arts Academy, “Shin’ō Academy”) where he developed a love for the Shinigami way, and started to become less of a recluse.
As with almost any military, the Gotei 13 transformed Higen into a man of both duty and valor; one likely to praise the aptitude of a strong captain while growing quite literally sick at the thought of a hollow. The already disreputable creatures were now looked at as vermin, simply there for extermination. The details of a hollow’s makeup or any knowledge of what it once was have little significance to him, a man who prides himself on ridding the world of them entirely.
Overtly annoying and inexplicably boisterous, Higen has built the reputation of a brigand in a Haiori, only known as otherwise by those who have had the pleasure of knowing him personally or serving under him at a time. He is an incontestably vain, sake-drinking, wild-spirited, individual who’s favorite things to do are having a nice time, training hard, and marveling at his own strength.
Many of the naiveties of Higen’s youth escape him now, a veteran of many battles, a mentor to many—a hero. While others would have perhaps been emboldened by the fame, the attention, the glory; Higen himself views it all as a curse. The burden is heavy, and as if it hadn’t been heavy enough before, the weight of the entire Gotei 13 now rests on his shoulders. Left into his hands by someone many believe to be a madman, Higen finds it difficult to put together the pieces of mistrust, confusion, and passivity that were left behind. There is hardly a soul in Society that would question the Commander’s wisdom. Perhaps not all-seeing like his predecessor, but a man of the people. It is his understanding and empathy towards the common folk, the normal foot soldier, and everyone and everything else in Soul Society that makes him a prolific voice to follow. His outlook towards many things has shifted drastically, perhaps once a man of hatred, Higen has found solace in quelling such thoughts, even towards the Vizards that had come about just over one-hundred years ago. The strongest of the bunch, Captain Tenzen Oda, did not hesitate to offer his life should he lose control, knowing that the at-the-time Tenth Division Captain would not hesitate to take it. It was this consciousness, this sacrifice, that showed that even with a monster growing within him, there is still the heart of a shinigami winning the battle within.
Reiryoku Level: Immense Spiritual Power ✦ Reiryoku Control: Masterful Reiryoku Control
To say he has the Spiritual Power befitting that of a captain would be an egregious understatement. Before acquiring any skills other than being a somewhat naturally gifted hand-to-hand combatant, Higen’s massive pool of reiryoku was one of, if not the only thing that drew him to the radar of a seated position. his natural affinity for spiritual energy and his ability to expel it with nearly unmatched force set him apart. Before the century and beyond that was spent under the tutelage of his former Captain, Higen lacked the ability to appropriately control the oppressive force of his spiritual power, causing it to seep through his very pores. After years of rectification, however, he has a fine control over the conflux of energy present within him. This gargantuan amount of reiryoku goes hand-in-hand with how much expulsion is required through the proper usage of Hitsumishi and the power that it boasts. As more years have come to pass Higen’s overall fear of the powers that reside within him have not only subsided—but have been weaponized. The subconscious tether that limited him for years on end has become nonexistent, a fragment of a forgotten past. The Commander’s power in itself when exerted in full is presumably enough to combat the roster of Captains in force. When expelled the very essence of his spiritual pressure makes Bakudō (縛道, Way of Binding; Viz "Binding Spells") of a less than masterful opponent obsolete, whilst he is able to combat most Hadō (破道, Way of Destruction; Viz "Path of Destruction") with his own, purely from the force and abundance of his reiryoku.
Although it hasn’t always been, Higen’s ability to control his reiryoku has become masterful in a way that contends with how the term “masterful” is perceived. While not being able to completely erase his presence or conduct kido with little to no effort like other masters may be able to, he has mastered what he sees as similar to a gray area in between reiryoku and reiatsu. He often uses the term Senren (洗練煉錬; “Refinement”) to describe how he molds his spiritual energy into his physical being. The initial eureka was a byproduct of his first encounter with an Arrancar’s Hierro (鋼皮; “Steel Skin”); Both disgusted with the fact that these grotesque creatures could have something so beneficial, and impressed with its actual usage, Higen used it as a basis for formulating his Senren. Centuries of honing this control has created this innate technique unique to himself, which further contributes to his indomitable durability.
Sensing Reiryoku: Expert Sensing Ability
Higen has cultivated his ability to both track and inspect both allies and enemies alike. His ingenuity in spiritual dissection allows him to appropriately determine a target’s strength, and possibly even the makeup of their reiryoku. Though sometimes struggling with cloaked or hidden signatures in a given area, his specialty revolves around isolating a single signature in a group of many, making his presence paramount for identifying a single individual in the clutter of an army of souls brimming with reiryoku. Higen is also capable of performing Reiraku (霊絡, Spirit Coils; "Spirit Ribbons") in order to better identify and locate a target(s) those who have ingested Higen’s own Koorizatou (氷砂糖, Rock Candy; “Crystallized Sugar), expand the Commander’s sensing capabilities a thousand fold. Each consumer has digested A small yet potent portion of Higen and Hitsunishi’s reiryoku. He is able to not only find and access each of these individuals across a multitude of dimensions, but can also use them as a man array to expand his senses when attempting to locate non-consumers. When using Reiraku, those who have eaten the Koorizatou have their spirit ribbons appear as a vibrant green instead of the usual white.
Reiatsu: Master ✦ Reiatsu Type: Standard
With such a titanic force of energy constantly quelling within, it is a relief more than it is a skill to release it with oppressive force. The amount of pressure his spiritual essence exerts as a whole makes it difficult to suppress it completely. When he so chooses to release it at full, it is very remnant of the sun itself; Not in terms of color or heat, but the conspicuous vibrancy that it radiates visibly. It is said to be able to be seen from continents-length away, like a passing comet in the sky; a true beacon in the night. The actual physical manifestation lacks translucence and has been described as “thick” in nature, more like a physical, flowing force than an incorporeal aura. While it emits no heat, his reiatsu can flow like a massive pyre, fluttering and waving in the wind, or galivanting towards the sky in as vibrant green frames. While there is no lightning that Higen can conjure under his will, his reiatsu can still crackle like a web of electricity, and crash like a loud and echoing thunderclap. Higen is capable of encompassing the entirety of Soul Society with his Reiatsu, an emerald embrace to coat the whole of the Gotei 13 within. Higen’s reiatsu is destructive in nature, shattering the reishi around it as it is released in full. It has been described as a massive sword or fist, bearing down on your body until it is completely crushed. The Knight could very well be called the King, as his spiritual pressure forces those it impacts to bow at his feet, or lay beneath him completely.
Reiatsu Effects: Blinding, Paralysis, Physical Damage
The very force alone of Higen’s reiatsu is capable of breaking bones, caving rib cages, bending spines and morphing the figure of those who dare to challenge it. In the same breath, those that survive injury could find themselves completely paralyzed by its oppressiveness, frozen stiff and in place for the Commander to punish as he sees fit. But perhaps the most notable effect of Higen’s reiatsu would be its ability to emit perhaps the brightest light ever seen. It mimics the sun one thousand times over, burning brightly as it is released in a verdant glow. It is enough to permanently blind a witness from prolonged exposure, burning the sclera, and even causing bleeding from the eye.
Reiatsu Color: Vibrant Green ✦ Reiatsu Shape: Shining Knight
Higen’s moniker of the Knight did not only come from his heroism, but also from the manifestation of his reiatsu as a Knight-Avatar. When controlled properly, a massive armored knight takes shape around Higen, glowing in an emerald green.
The extremely vibrant and blinding light that is emitted from the Commander’s Reiatsu combined with the shape it takes when released is one of, but the primary reason Higen was dubbed The Shining Knight
Zanjutsu Level: Swordsman
Zanjutsu (斬術, Swordsmanship; Viz "Art of the Sword")
As soon as it was possible Higen abandoned that large, clumsy Asauchi (浅打, “Shallow Hit”) given to him in the academy and chose to forsake it for something more fitting for his style of fighting. Upon his zanpakuto’s manifestation into a smaller weapon, he abandoned the ideals of polished zanjutsu almost completely, developing something much more feral and freelance. He knows close to the bare minimum of what’s required of a higher seated officer or lieutenant in terms of sword skills, but still manages to take down foes with ease. His success stems from his raw strength and power, opposed to poise and technique. He wields his weapon similar to a combat knife, holding it incorrectly and hardly ever using both hands. It gets the job done, however he is sure to be exposed in this department when facing a much more experienced swordsman.
Known Techniques: Ryodan
Hohō Level: Shunpo Expert
Hohō (歩法, Step Method; Viz "Fast Movement")
Often mistaken for a tortoise because of his indisputable size, Higen is actually a formidable Hoho technician. He is quick on his feet, and his size increases the overall momentum in which his body is propelled. He often uses this to his advantage, hammering his foes with consistent bashing from a multitude of angles due to the consistency in his changes in speed. With enhanced stamina he is capable of using shunpo for extended durations at a time, and sometimes multiple uses in a quick succession to both confuse and disorient those who may oppose him. He lacks the ability to perform any advanced Hoho techniques, but with unparalleled physicality his natural footspeed is a supplement to his quickness in transit or on the field of battle, most notably present in the speed of his reflexes and limb movements. Most of this is obsolete, however, as most times the Commanders opts out of utilizing Hoho completely. The physical specimen that he is, it his raw strength in every area of his body that forgoes the usage of technique. Not unlike a former kenpachi, Higen is capable of keeping up with masters in the movement arts off of pure physicality alone. Every muscle working to propel him from one location to another.
Known Techniques: Shunpo
Hakuda Level: Masterful Hakuda Combatant
Hakuda (白打, White Hits; Viz "Hand-to-Hand Combat") .
If there is an imminent threat, or rather a threat of any kind, this is the method of combat chosen by Higen since his inception. Why wield a weapon when your body is one? Not only has Higen learned a plethora of Hakuda techniques and then mastered them, but he has also forsaken the usage of most of them for techniques of his very own that he has deemed far more useful.
A true master, Higen has turned every extremity he has into the most dangerous of weapons, able to kill with any portion of his figure that he sees fit. At both close and long ranges he remains monstrous, able to devastate his enemies with whichever chosen extremity, or create massive shockwaves or destruction to overwhelm his opponent with a single blow. A single flick of the finger is momentous, bone shattering, and can leave an opponent annihilated without the proper measures of defense. He is more than raw power, however; he is also perfect technique. Influenced also by his Senren (洗練煉錬; “Refinement”), Higen created the Gakepuchhi (崖っ縁; “Cliff-Edge”) Form, a profound hakuda style that focuses on molding reiryoku onto specific parts of the body to make them sharp on the exterior. This technique alone is what allows Higen to combat masters of the sword with just his body, able to harden and sharpen specific portions to clash indefinitely against opposing combatant’s weapons.
His knowledge of the body and its many vitals and weaknesses is extensive all-while being obsolete. The cataclysms created from the sways of his legs during kicks, or the oceans moved by the fluidity and power of his palm during thrusts have little to no concern with small vital areas as they seek complete erasure. Throughout his tenure as commander, he has even further delved into the art that is destruction through parts of your body. Higen has conjured a “reverse”, to nearly every Hakuda technique ever conceived, which allows him to reverse engineer the technique to create a skill with an adverse or different effect just as—if not even more devastating than its parent technique.
Known Techniques: - Ikkotsu - Sokotsu - Kagamibaraki - Oni Depokin –
Kido Skill Level: Kido Specialist
Kidō (鬼道, Demon/Spirit Way; Viz "Demon Arts")
Though not the biggest fan of its usage, Higen is completely capable of conducting some degree of Kido spellwork with a commendable amount of skill. However, he lacks the ability to produce a single offensive spell, only able to produce barrier-esque spells because of the consonance shared between them. Even so, it remains his weakest department, and despite his Lieutenants advancements to help him branch out in the demon arts, he’s showing no potential growth, and seems to be at the limit of his capabilities in this department.
Known Spells: - El Escudo - Seki - Tozansho - Hanki – Danku
Skills and Abilities:
Titanic Physical Strength & Durability • Higen views his body as a temple to be worshipped, and has dedicated nearly every second of His Shinigami career into honing, polishing, and indefinitely refining every portion of his physical being. His size is evidence enough, though with closer inspection the many fluctuating contortions and ripples along his figure are the cogs of a well-oiled machine. Each muscle reverberates like a piston from the lower end of his back all the way to the bulk of his shoulder with a simple punch. Turning to the left or right simply spawns a web of muscles to sprout more visibly along the sides of his torso, truly exemplifying a rare specimen. His skin, like gleaming silver, holds not a single blemish. In all forms of the word he is flawless. It is this very makeup that enforces his ability to withstand nearly all attacks that would otherwise be fatal. Small attacks by weaker parties simply graze off his skin, as if the man wears a permanent suit of armor. The Commander redefines impervious, the only blade to ever breach his flesh being the sharpest in perhaps Soul Society’s history. It is for this same reason that he no longer carries a distinguished weight. His muscles—always at work—constantly are exerting their strength. Every step he takes is cratering, his stance completely and utterly unmoving. It is as if his body is constantly at its peak, weighing him down, anchoring him to this world and any other.
Dynamic Leader • While not in his plans and definitely not his first choice, Higen has adapted over the years and become one of the most adored captains by their division initially. His natural presence is brightening, and everyone in the Tenth Division, as well as the First Division seems to be consistently in good spirits. He is a beacon, as well as an anchor, keeping everyone on their toes and practicing effective leadership, communication, while still overseeing his division, along with the entire Gotei 13, with a stern fist. He has the perfect blend of qualities for a leader; Although his vanity may seem like a detriment, it is that very vanity that instills pride in his division and the members that occupy it, seeing them all as a reflection of himself. His leadership is only further exemplified by his promotion to Captain Commander, sharing that same leader spirit with the entirety of the Gotei 13 now.
Impregnable Warlord • Age is experience, and Higen’s been around long enough to know. A veteran of many battles, there is hardly any aspect of war that doesn’t fall under his umbrella. He is knowledgeable as both a large-scale strategist, as well a fulminant field general. It is this same nature that applies to his intuitiveness in battle, allowing him to use his many fights in the past as an endless database of reference mid-combat, assisting in finding solutions to even the most cumbersome of problems.
Equipment: Gigai (義骸, “Faux Body”)
Titanic Physical Strength & Durability • Higen views his body as a temple to be worshipped, and has dedicated nearly every second of His Shinigami career into honing, polishing, and indefinitely refining every portion of his physical being. His size is evidence enough, though with closer inspection the many fluctuating contortions and ripples along his figure are the cogs of a well-oiled machine. Each muscle reverberates like a piston from the lower end of his back all the way to the bulk of his shoulder with a simple punch. Turning to the left or right simply spawns a web of muscles to sprout more visibly along the sides of his torso, truly exemplifying a rare specimen. His skin, like gleaming silver, holds not a single blemish. In all forms of the word he is flawless. It is this very makeup that enforces his ability to withstand nearly all attacks that would otherwise be fatal. Small attacks by weaker parties simply graze off his skin, as if the man wears a permanent suit of armor. The Commander redefines impervious, the only blade to ever breach his flesh being the sharpest in perhaps Soul Society’s history. It is for this same reason that he no longer carries a distinguished weight. His muscles—always at work—constantly are exerting their strength. Every step he takes is cratering, his stance completely and utterly unmoving. It is as if his body is constantly at its peak, weighing him down, anchoring him to this world and any other.
Dynamic Leader • While not in his plans and definitely not his first choice, Higen has adapted over the years and become one of the most adored captains by their division initially. His natural presence is brightening, and everyone in the Tenth Division, as well as the First Division seems to be consistently in good spirits. He is a beacon, as well as an anchor, keeping everyone on their toes and practicing effective leadership, communication, while still overseeing his division, along with the entire Gotei 13, with a stern fist. He has the perfect blend of qualities for a leader; Although his vanity may seem like a detriment, it is that very vanity that instills pride in his division and the members that occupy it, seeing them all as a reflection of himself. His leadership is only further exemplified by his promotion to Captain Commander, sharing that same leader spirit with the entirety of the Gotei 13 now.
Impregnable Warlord • Age is experience, and Higen’s been around long enough to know. A veteran of many battles, there is hardly any aspect of war that doesn’t fall under his umbrella. He is knowledgeable as both a large-scale strategist, as well a fulminant field general. It is this same nature that applies to his intuitiveness in battle, allowing him to use his many fights in the past as an endless database of reference mid-combat, assisting in finding solutions to even the most cumbersome of problems.
Equipment: Gigai (義骸, “Faux Body”)
Koorizatou (氷砂糖, Rock Candy; “Crystallized Sugar”) • For centuries, Higen has continuously constructed and expanded upon chasms of crystal beneath both the First and Tenth division barracks. The massive open area is home to an endless amount of corridors and mazes composed entirely of Hitsumishi’s crystal. The crystal does not vanish when Higen seals unless he wills it. The crystal, and the entire massive room encompassed by it, is consistently absorbing Higen’s reiryoku. When a piece of the Crystal is broken off by Higen and Higen only, and combined with a candying process in order to make a delicious treat, there also comes a replenishing snack capable of fully imbuing the consumer with the reiryoku of the commander himself. This may allow them to fill emboldened, but also lends a portion of said reiryoku to fill the perhaps depleted reservoirs of whomever had chosen to digest the crystal. Despite its extremely useful function, it also serves as a super tasty candy that has become extremely popular over the last century throughout all of Soul Society.
Kanpekishi (完璧な石; Lit. “Flawless Stone) • A Talisman that also acts as pretentious Kido invention. The gem is the catalyst to a massive, impassable barrier. Its purpose is to directly wall off a massive area to keep things out, or vice versa. It was gifted to him by the Kido Corps upon his promotion to Captain, but was said to had been under construction for at least fifty years prior. More than likely its usage will serve him best in protecting an entire town in the World of the Living from Invasion. On the other hand, he may also use it to encase himself and an opponent inside, limiting the chance of causing friendly casualties with his destructive nature. One singular wall of this verdant barrier is said to be equal to the composition of about twenty-five fully incanted Danku spells.
Sokubaku (束縛; Lit. “Shackles) • When training Higen sometimes wears a pair of banded weights on his wrists and ankles. They resemble an iron-like color in appearance and seem to slightly limit his movements. Each individual piece amasses one million tons. This is usually his go-to option for handicapping himself when training with weaker subordinates, though, after a near seven-hundred years of training with this method, they aren’t as much as a hindrance as intended.
Inventions & Signature Techniques
Senren (洗練煉錬; “Refinement”) • Less of a technique, and more like a passive intertwined control over one’s reiryoku and body, Senren is what separates Higen from other Shinigami physically. It is not uncommon for a skilled shinigami to focus and then expel reiryoku at a certain point in their body to brace for impact, but it is different when that very process is constantly in motion from head to toe. Maintaining this consistently is a byproduct of multiple centuries of application, further contributing to Higen’s renown durability. Constant layers of this natural armor form and multiply interlocking over his skin and flesh one thousand times over, making the man near-impossible to harm. If an enemy has never tested this durability before, it is even more impenetrable.
Gakepuchhi (崖っ縁; “Cliff-Edge”) • Through the usage of the aforementioned senren, Higen is capable of creating a thin layer of both his reiryoku and reiatsu just above his skin. Utilizing his masterful control of his spiritual essence, he then continues to refine these participles over and over and over again until they are sharp, capable of piercing the most sturdy of barriers, armors, and protective efforts. When focused in a single point; in example the tip of his two fingers; he is even more capable of initiating a piercing thrust, driving through anything in his path as an unstoppable object.
Below are a list of Hakuda techniques is which Higen has invented a reverse or inverse of each technique’s initial function, creating perhaps an entirely new technique.
Sōkotsu (双骨, Double Bone) • While the initial technique focuses a double punch into a single annihilating force in order to localize its damage, the inverse allows the force to run wild, exploding outward in a massive blast of both reiatsu and concussive force. This is capable of completely eradicating a large group of enemies.
Tesshō (鉄掌, Iron Palm) • The initial technique capable of eradicating a single target with a thrust of an open palm. In the inverse, Higen utilizes a back-handed strike that creates enough concussive force to uproot the earth beneath him, and create a torrent of violent reiatsu to combat an enemy.
Sandbag Beat • The parent technique releases a torrent of punches to completely overwhelm and destroy an opponent. The inverse, however, utilizes the same momentum generated by what would usually be punches, to bombard an enemy behind the user with elbows, whilst still generating an offensive effort from the front with their fists. This allows Higen to have no blind side when utilizing a technique that demands a lot of your focus and attention, and formerly left you susceptible to attacks from behind.
Zanpakuto Name: Hitsumishi (羊牛角石; Gem-Horned Ram)
Zanpakuto Appearance:
After having its size suppressed Higen’s intentions were to convert the blade into a Tantō ((短刀, "short sword"), in which he succeeded in both shape and aesthetics. However, because of his massive frame, the weapon is more like a Kodachi (小太刀, “short tachi sword”) in size (About 48cm from the tsuba to the blade’s tip). The hilt is banded in a bright green cloth leading to a golden, ornate guard with engravings reminiscent of a field of flowers.
Zanpakuto Spirit: Hitsumishi
Hitsumishi’s humanoid manifestation takes the shape of a tall, dark man dressed in traditional Samurai attire and headdress with eyes glowing the same vibrant green present when Higen exerts his reiatsu. Diamond-like horns protrude from the helmet, and seem to consistently radiate and hum with energy. A cobalt blue metal alloy enforces the breastplate, greaves, and gauntlets, creating an outfit clearly akin to battle armor. Hitsumishi is a stern and loyal spirit, though has no problem going blow for blow physically or verbally with Higen. Often, he acts as a ruthless counterpart to Higen’s more grounded mindset, playing a large part in his decisions to completely decimate or spare his foes.
Higen’s inner world is an impression of a massive valley often completely enveloped in fog. The mountains surrounding the valley seem to be composed completely of a bright, hardened gem, with peaks reaching thousands of feet in height. At the epicenter of the valley is a massive field of incandescent flowers that never wilt or wither, surrounded by dead, crimson trees. Hitsumishi has said that the weather in the valley is directly dependent on Higen’s state of mind. The sun shines when he’s happy, the skies grow dark when he’s sad, and a raging storm sweeps through the entire valley when he’s enraged. During his early days of attempted mastery and any time during training, Hitsumishi terraforms the area completely to dismay Higen and to show him the value of specific techniques. He often describes this as the “The best way to turn you into both the impenetrable object and the unstoppable force”, referring to Higen.
Release Phrase: Hitsumishi’s release phrase is “Shimmer” (耀赫; “Kagayou) and sometimes even heard said as “Shine” (光る; “Hikaru”)
Shikai: When released into Shikai, Hitsumishi takes the shape of two dark blue metallic gloves with spikes adorning the knuckles. They seem to shine endlessly, often sparkling in the face of an opponent.
Shikai Special Ability:
Hitsumishi’s special ability is known as Ganjouhara (原頑丈岩乗; Lit. “Solid Field”). When in its released state Higen has the ability to release an impenetrable crystalline substance from the gloves directly, or summon it through the manipulation of reishi around him. His tendencies have him releasing the crystal after the impact of his strikes more often than not, but he holds the potential to create anything from constructs in distinct shapes (I.E massive fists), to large fields of crystal spikes to shape the battlefield to his liking. When encased in or directly impaled by the crystal, an opponent will have their reiryoku sapped from them at a steady rate, stored by the shikai for use of its other abilities; Higen can also imbue any conjured crystal with his own reiryoku at will. Lastly, Higen has the ability to increase the brightness of the gloves to enhance the already blinding effect, however it only seems to work effectively at a somewhat close range.
Choujou (頂上; Lit. “Mountain Peak”) • This ability immediately surrounds Higen in a crystal bedding, petrifying him completely for a brief moment. Attempting to shatter the crystal by normal means (IE. Physical attacks of any magnitude), like all of the crystals nq present during shikai will ultimately fail. This ability can be used as a near-instantaneous form of protection; if reiryoku has been absorbed at any time during the current release, it is transmitted directly back into Higen’s Vessel through this technique.
Yaten (夜天; Lit “Night Sky) • This ability could be considered a parent, or subsidiary technique to Urusai Kouu. After fueling his crystal with his own reiryoku, and not reiryoku he has absorbed, the crystals explode; Instead of the crystal shards themselves being weaponized, the reiryoku stored within becomes reiatsu, refined, focused, and molded into an endless bombardment of diamond-shaped projectiles. The projectiles are capable of piercing, burning, and cauterizing those in which they have struck. On impact, they explode into a localized blast that’s size depends on the amount of reiryoku embedded into the technique.
Urusai Kouu (煩さい降雨; Lit “Loud Rainfall”) • This ability requires a sufficient amount of energy to have been absorbed in order for it to be properly used. On the clasp of a fist, Higen can instantly destroy all crystals he has created with Hitsumishi causing them to explode in a burst of violent spiritual energy which also sends serrated shards of crystal flying over a massive area.
Bankai: Monosugoi Hitsumishi (物凄い羊牛角石; Earth-Shattering Ram with Horns of Diamond)
Bankai Special Ability:
The ability to create forests of crystal increases threefold while in bankai, though quickly becomes lost in the shadow of the new abilities untapped by the Higen and his zanpakuto. This ability is known as Funsai (粉砕; Lit. “Shatter”). As the name suggests, this gives Higen the ability to quite literally shatter anything encroached by his mighty fists. Clashing both of his fists together also emits this ability in a shockwave across a large area, leading to mass devastation. This form of the ability’s utilization is often never used, seeing as though there’s no way for the shockwave to differentiate between friend and foe. In this form Higen can create invisible plates of reishi anywhere around him, similar to the plates naturally formed by skilled users of shunpo to participate in combat mid-air. He can then, concurrently shatter these plates, giving the impression that he has the ability to break the very air itself. This ability is not however exclusive to reishi and physical matter, but can break down the very composition of reiryoku-fueled attacks into pieces all-the-same. When used at a maximum potency, the Bankai itself has been deemed capable of shattering the walls between dimensions and realms, although it is extremely taxing on Higen in the process.
Formerly, the bankai appearance was identifiable by the massive gauntlets worn on Higen’s hands, wrists and forearms, along with the cracks within his flesh and bone. This incomplete form, however, is now abandoned. After a proper understanding of the Bankai’s strengths and weaknesses, along with the mental capacity required to upkeep its usage, The appearance of Monosugoi Hitsumishi has shifted ever so slightly. The gauntlet now completely extends over his right arm to connect to a massive pauldron on his shoulder. It is pitted completely, reiatsu overflowing from the circular indent. On his left arm an additional worldbreaker gauntlet appears, similar to the gauntlets in the bankai’s previous appearance. Layered over a black sleeveless half-shikashuhou is something constructed by the great smiths of the Eighth Division, Seirei Sōtei Nawa (精霊装丁縄; “Spirit-Binding Rope”. The Spirit-Binding Rope does as the name suggests. It binds the spirit, it binds the soul, and binds the composition of one’s body so that it may keep its integrity under the most grueling of circumstances. For Higen, it eliminates the possibility of his own bankai causing his body and soul to shatter after extended usage. It quite literally holds him together.
Hari (玻璃頗梨; Lit. “Glass”) • This ability allows Higen to do the most dangerous thing possible: completely shatter himself. To his own benefit, it is only temporary. Completely shattering his being, he becomes incorporeal for a brief moment,unable to be harmed by any means. When he returns to his fully manifested form the amount of time he is able to maintain his bankai is considerably less, forcing him to choose when to use this ability wisely.
Personal Relationships:
Shobatsu Murosaki • The Head Captain, The Captain Commander, An entity more than a man. Shobatsu Murosaki is a figurehead of strength for the entire Seireitei but for Higen he offers more. His release after the Shattered Dimensions event was looked at as a mistake, and in response, his power was challenged. Higen, no exception to this challenge, saw the might of the man first hand, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Later, he’d become his lieutenant, and spend many hard, rigorous years training under his sword, and performing tasks at his will. During his time in the first division Higen was a pivotal weight in the scales of balance, doing his very best to influence the man’s judgement on the world, often tilting closer to the more sensible options. It is for this very reason that Shobatsu saw Higen’s potential as a leader, and forced him to take the exam for Captaincy. Higen has since followed closely in the Commander’s footsteps, often his largest advocate, even up until his final breaths before being condemned back to Muken. Now, as his successor, the great judicator is absent from his mind most days, a fragment of a different time. The respect he garners for him, however, is boundless. Higen would not be the man, or warrior he is today without Shobatsu Murosaki.
Fuyoko Kasumi • Higen’s second in command. Although he naturally shares a distinct relationship with every member of his division that he comes across, his relationship with Lieutenant Kasumi is different. She keeps him grounded, and despite her age she is often the one influencing factor in Higen’s important decisions. His sometimes whimsical and immature nature is reared back by Fuyuko, and she often acts more like a parent than a subordinate. Despite her ability to adequately defend herself, Higen’s protection of her is unwavering. Often forcing his other seated members to fight in her stead so that he ensures nothing happens to her. He often states “I’d be lost without you”. Her dark and sinister nature is often ignored by the Knight, able to see right beneath the skull and bones to reach the delicate flower she truly is.
Honoka Oki • A terrifying old woman. Her youthfulness startles Higen, as he himself seems to look much older than his elder. After being President of the Shinigami Men’s Association for close to two centuries, Higen’s rivalry with the Women Association’s Leader is endless. They often compete with each other for creating better events, but at the end of the day expect each other as rivals and share a drink often. Honoka also replaced Higen as Lieutenant of Division 1 after his promotion, leading them to have plenty to talk about regarding the Head Captain. Since the Former Head Captain’s imprisonment and the abandonment of Honoka’s post, their relationship has since suffered. Higen often pretends to the public that her whereabouts are unknown, but has had his very own wife visiting and keeping tabs on the Oki as a whole for the past century. He hopes that her actions have not left their relationship beyond repair, but he is not against making the difficult decisions.
The Vizards • In the past, Higen’s honor has been a thing of limitation, something that prevented his growth and clouded his vision. He was a fool to not see the value in which the vizards presented. Although tainted, there is no doubt in his mind that they are among the most volatile of the Seiretei’s weapons. Should a threat ever arise, those three are essential for the survival of the Gotei 13. After training with them for a century, every single day, one would think a relationship or comradery would have come from it. No; it was simply a man putting three soldiers to a never ending test, through a gauntlet. If anything, he has learned to respect them at the very least. Their ability to remain in control and win the never ending battle for their souls is enough to show Higen that they value being Shinigami, over the abomination they were forced to become. Should the moment arise, however, he would not hesitate to eliminate them from existence.
Kyomu Mukuro • Ever since Higen proctored the young assassin when he was recommended for Captaincy there was something he saw in the boy. The boy, since turned man, has become a warrior worth respecting. His underhanded tactics may not be ones for Higen to envy, but his value to the Gotei 13 cannot be overstated. It is with Kyomu that Higen is more lenient, knowing that nothing he does is without reason or purpose. Some may find it odd to trust a serpent, but the Phantom’s word holds heavy to the Captain Commander. Higen views him as an ally, and a comrade, while simultaneously not holding anything past the 2nd Division Captain.
Yu Nakamoto • The prodigal boy who rose to the rank of Captain has since always been one Higen felt the need to protect. It wasn’t until the Fairy talked himself into a hole during the Captain’s meeting that Higen realized he needed to be forced into a role of maturity. Forcing the Fourth Division Captain to join the front lines was perhaps one of the best things that could have been done. He has shown strides and grown exponentially. His potential is limitless, and Higen will do whatever it takes to make sure it is realized.
Shizuka Hyouzoku • Higen’s very own punching bag, just happens to be a man whom he views as a brother, or a son. Perhaps the hardest part of leaving 10th Division behind was leaving Shizuka whom he had trusted with his life. A valiant warrior, a fool, and a man that would die for him if he said the word. There is no task that Higen would not trust Shizuka with, and it gives him great joy to see him act as interim Captain of Tenth Division in Higen’s stead.
Omoni Hageshi • Higen and Captain Hageshi have been close for far too long. They have trained together, drank together, fished together, and conquered their enemies side by side. They were so close, at one point there were even rumours of a romance. Rumours that were completely false, of course. Besides his own wife, there is no woman he deems more fierce. She is fighter in which Higen has the utmost confidence. It makes him, and all his might, feel so much safer while Omoni lives.
Akarui Kagayaki-Gekko • Higen’s wife, partner, rock, anchor. The words to describe Akarui are endless. Anyone who has seen the two interact in the past would assume they despised each other. They spent centuries and beyond arguing, bickering, invading each other’s space whilst both a part of the 1st Division. After the events concerning the former Commander they had found comfort within each other. The scorpion insisted they marry, and who was Higen to refuse? It was not in his nature to resist the woman, and it never had been. Their love is one often seen behind closed doors. They hardly show public displays of affection and often treat each other professionally. Their jobs and duty to the Gotei 13 come first.
Haruki Kagayaki-Gekko • The Soldier is always the bad parent. He spends time away, he lacks emotion and empathy. His skin has rolled over into stone. All of these things Higen is one-hundred percent guilty of, but that does not make him devoid of love for his Son. Haruki often goes years without seeing his father, spending most of the time at the Gekko Compound whilst his mother and father perform their duties. A military stronghold is no place for a child, no matter who’s child it is. When Higen does have the time, however, he makes sure to instill nothing but the best values into his son, who he knows will grow into a powerful Shinigami in the future.
Likes: Training, Strength, Alcohol, Art
Dislikes: Reading, Paperwork, Fattening Foods
Hobbies: Excessive Training, Flexing, Shinigami Men’s Association
Favorite Food(s): Sashimi, Miso Soup
Battle Theme:Kyōi
Casual Theme: Sunshine
Seretei Communication Column: Have you Submitted any columns in the SCC? If so what were they about?
Biography:
There it was. That final glimpse, an abyss of blue completely entrenching everything around him. A downward spiral, a final plunge. A bubble, and then another.. One more.. That last one. As it all faded to black it was difficult to gather how it happened, hard to differentiate between the cold of death and the frigid waters of his passing. The dark was stagnant, devoid of anything, and then there was light. Who would’ve imagined that was how it would happen? The young sailor cast’ overboard in the swell of a storm, a gift for those beneath the blue.
When he received his ticket there was nothing but confusion, as it had seemingly been for all of those around him too. His arrival to Soul Society was surprisingly welcoming, and allowed him to assess and gauge the amount of right and wrong he had done during his time on the mortal plane. When he reached into his memory to try and find parts of himself, it was vague and distorted, his soul reborn anew. He had become someone, something different.
An enrollment into the Shin’o Academy followed shortly after the discovery of his somewhat substantial spiritual power, and after completing the full course and graduating he proceeded in his military career in joining the Gotei 13. His career started in an unseated position in Division One, under the Leadership of Kashuke Shunkan. Years would pass before he took his spot as the fifth seat of that very same division just before the Shattered Dimensions Event.
While the Seireitei was in turmoil, not unlike other dimensions, Higen was one of the few to step up, and upon Shobatsu Murosaki’s release he was soon taken under his wing and promoted to his lieutenant. Centuries passed, allowing for undeniable growth which compelled the Head Captain, against Higen’s own wishes, to promote him to Captain.
Little did he know his relationship with the Head Captain all those years was the very thing that prepared him for that moment, allowing him to establish himself as a prominent, and respectable leader. Higen has spent every day after his promotion preparing for the worst, never once getting to comfortable as he has seen first hand the threats that can easily shatter a world into pieces. As commander, his watch has become even more vigilant, standing as the leader of the only force that can come between the world and its destruction.
Character Appearance:
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