Yoruichi Shihōin

Yoruichi Shihōin is a female anime and manga character who features in Bleach.

Biography

Origin

Yoruichi Shihōin in Bleach v1 #17.

Yoruichi Shihōin (Japanese: 四楓院 夜一, Hepburn: Shihōin Yoruichi) was a female inhabitant of Soul Society where she was a member of the Shihōin clan that were a family of nobles. Her family's prestige meant that there were high expectations from her with her eventually intended to be the new leader of the 2nd Division. She came to be the General Administrator Commander (総司令官 Sōshireikan) of the Stealth Forces (隠密機動 Onmitsukidō, literally "Hidden Secret Movements Organization"), and the Corps Commander (軍団長 Gundanchō) of the Executive Militia (刑軍 Keigun), a sub-division of the Stealth Forces. She was also the first female and the 22nd generational head of the Shihōin family (天賜兵装番 tenshiheisōban), one of the four noble families, and earned much respect in Soul Society while she was there. While her age has not been revealed, she was older than Byakuya Kuchiki and referred to him as "Little Byakuya" since he was a kid. He called her "demon cat", and thought of himself as better than her in spite of her high status and rank; as a result, she was easily able to provoke him with her pranks. Yoruichi and Kisuke Urahara are best friends; as children, they played together every day under the Sōkyoku hill, in the training space that Urahara built when they were children, and later used the area to train together. Urahara also served under her command in 2nd Division as third seat before she recommended him for the position of the captain of 12th Division. While Yoruichi was the stealth forces commander, she took in Soifon as a guard and became her mentor and friend. She taught Soifon most of the techniques she knew.

Yoruichi appeared to be on good terms with the members of the Kuchiki noble Clan as she would often visit the Kuchiki Manor to play tag with a teenage Byakuya Kuchiki. On one such occasion, she was asked to train Byakuya by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki, the Head of the Kuchiki Clan and the 6th Division captain. Upon seeing the arrival of Yoruichi, Byakuya swung his sword at her, calling her a were-cat. Yoruichi, laughing, began to playfully tease him, calling him "Little Byakuya". She complained about receiving such a greeting after coming all the way there to see him. Byakuya yelled at her, saying he didn't want to see the likes of her, and he would be the head of the Kuchiki Clan soon enough, so he had no time to waste on her. While asking if that was the case, she stole the ribbon holding his hair back. Byakuya, quickly turning, swung his sword at her, but she easily dodged it.. Yoruichi came to laugh at him where she exclaimed that if the head of the Kuchiki Clan could get his hair-tie stolen by a girl who is just playing, then the future of the Kuchiki Clan had become bleak, though this was just a ploy to entice him into another game of tag. Not to be defeated so easily, Byakuya told her not to move an inch, but before he could finish, she, telling him he couldn't catch her, used Shunpo to begin the chase. Byakuya stated he could see she wished to incite his wrath, and he promised to make her see the error of her ways, further claiming his Shunpo was far superior to hers.

Nine years later, Yoruichi attended an emergency meeting of the captains of the Gotei 13, where the Captain-Commander was giving an intelligence report on the disappearances of the 9th Division Captain Kensei Muguruma, Lieutenant Mashiro Kuna, and the other high-ranking members of their division, stating they had previously been sent out to investigate the disappearance of other division members, and declaring he will choose 5 captains to form an investigation team. When a very winded and frantic Urahara showed up to ask that he be allowed to go with the investigation team, as he had previously sent his Lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki to the site of the disappearances, he was summarily told no by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. When he protested, he was chastised by Yoruichi, who told him he was acting pathetic and that he should get a grip on himself. She further stated he sent Hiyori himself, and for him to lose his composure like that only insulted her. The Captain-Commander continued naming the members of the investigation team, telling Yoruichi she was to standby for further orders. The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46. It immediately became evident they had been set up by Aizen, but were given no right to defend themselves and prove their innocence. As a result, they were quickly given their sentences. For 'committing crimes against researching and invoking forbidden phenomenon' and 'deceiving and inflicting grievous injury to fellow Shinigami', Urahara was sentenced to become Human and to be exiled to the Human World. For 'using forbidden Kidō techniques', Tessai was sentenced to life imprisonment in a Level 3 detention area. Before either of their sentences could be executed, a masked Yoruichi, entering the building, knocked the guards unconscious and rescuing the disgraced former captains, bringing them to a secret underground area. In this secluded area, she revealed how mad she was at them for excluding her from their plan. She revealed she had brought the eight Hollowfied Shinigami and the prototype Gigai Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him and Tessai. Tessai stated his fear about Yoruichi's safety, but she calmly stated they should not worry about her, as she would escape somehow. When she left Soul Society, she left behind her titles and positions, and was thus relieved of her high status.

As a result, Soifon succeeded her as head of the stealth forces after Yoruichi's escape from Soul Society. During her time in Soul Society, she created many techniques that included the flash steps, and taught some of them to Byakuya. A century ago, she helped Urahara, Tessai, and the Visoreds in their escape from Soul Society and abandoned her high status.

Soul Society

Yoruichi first appears in feline form to deliver a warning to Urahara about the Soul Society moving to capture Rukia Kuchiki. After arriving in Karakura Town in feline form, Tessai Tsukabishi revealed to Jinta Hanakari she was Kisuke Urahara's best friend. Later, Yoruichi sits outside of Urahara's shop looking at the sky. When Urahara comes out and asks her what she is looking at, Yoruichi talks out loud in a male voice, telling him to stop acting, as he knows full well that 'they' have already come. After Rukia Kuchiki is taken back to Soul Society, Ichigo begins training with Urahara to regain his Shinigami powers. At the same time, Yoruichi offers to train Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado in the use of their powers, warning them his lessons are strict and difficult with them readily accepting the offer. They track down Uryū Ishida, who is somewhat surprised to see them. Orihime explains they must engage in training lessons if they are to go to Soul Society, to which Uryū asks who their master will be. Orihime tells him, knowing he will be skeptical, their trainer has been standing next to him the entire time. Uryū is surprised, explaining that there can't be a Human that stealthy. Yoruichi speaks up, telling Uryū it is she who will be training them. Uryū predictably freaks out at the notion of a talking cat. After regaining his composure over the issue, Uryū calmly states he can't believe there is such a thing as a talking cat. Yoruichi tells him the issue is not about him, but about the necessary training in order to save Rukia from Soul Society. Though coming around to the idea, Uryū declines to train with them, as he has plans to train on his own, and, rather than saving Rukia, he just wishes revenge on the Shinigami who previously defeated him. Yoruichi resolves that he has no desire to go to Soul Society, and that they must go and train before it is too late.

Yoruichi proceeds to train Chad and Orihime in an abandoned warehouse, but they could not call on their powers. Yoruichi exclaims that at this rate, no matter how long they train, they could not go to Soul Society. She states that if they can't find their powers and freely call upon them, they are as good as dead in Soul Society. Urging them both to remember the first time their powers manifested, she reaches the conclusion that their powers were activated when they were put in a position to protect others. Therefore, in order to activate their powers, they should think back on what they were trying to protect at the time. It is through Yoruichi's words that Orihime comes to understand that she wishes to protect Ichigo; this realization brings forth her powers in the form of the "Shun Shun Rikka". Yoruichi tells Orihime that the next thing she must learn is to control her powers, as they are now attacking him. Yoruichi turns his attention to Chad, asking him why he wishes to go to Soul Society. Shortly thereafter, Chad, gaining access to his power, uses its ability to punch a huge hole in the wall, much to Yoruichi's surprise. Both Orihime and Chad are glad to have gained free use of their abilities, thus allowing them to go to Soul Society. Yoruichi tells them they have no time to celebrate, as they just damaged property and need to get out of there before they attract attention. As the group prepares to go to Soul Society through Urahara's Senkaimon, Yoruichi decides to act as their guide. Once Urahara explains to them the dangers of using the passage, Yoruichi states only those who know what their hearts think will be able to follow him. When Ichigo states everyone gathered is determined to go, Yoruichi reminds him that if he loses, he will never return. Ichigo is firm in his resolve to win, and Yoruichi applauds his response. It is from this point on Yoruichi acts as a guide through the journey in the Dangai, the space between Soul Society and the Human World.

After arriving in Soul Society, Yoruichi informed the group of the seriousness of the situation, and explained their location and the composition of Soul Society. Ichigo runs towards the Seireitei, but a huge wall blocks his path. Ichigo is stopped by a giant, who Yoruichi says to be the Seireimon Gatekeeper Jidanbō, one of the elites in Soul Society and guardian of the west gate. She tells everyone that it won't be easy to get past the guardian and they should prepare a plan, but she is ignored by Ichigo, Chad, and Orihime. Yoruichi and the others witness Ichigo's unlikely victory over Jidanbō. As per the rules, Jidanbō lets Ichigo and his friends pass through the gate, but is surprised by the unexpected arrival of Gin Ichimaru. As Gin cuts off Jidanbō's left arm, Yoruichi realizes her mistake, as she had not foreseen the arrival of a captain. She notes that though Ichigo and his friends are powerful, they are no match for a captain, and if they confront him head on, the worst scenario will come to pass. Before Ichigo can react, he, along with Jidanbō, is pushed out the gate by Gin's Shikai. After it is determined Ichigo is alright, he apologizes to Yoruichi for allowing the gate to close. Yoruichi says there is no need to blame himself, for if they had made it through the gate, the results would have been the same; he would still have to face Gin, so in turn he should be happy he is alive. The souls who live in the Rukongai come out of their dwellings. Yoruichi explains that anyone who is not guided into Soul Society by a Shinigami is considered an intruder, making Ichigo and his friends troublemakers in the eyes of Soul Society. As such, the souls were hiding because they were afraid. While resting among the citizens of Rukongai, Yoruichi discusses his plan to enter into the Seireitei without using the gate. Yoruichi asks Elder-Dono, the citizen whose house they are occupying, where they can locate Kūkaku Shiba, noting she is a drifter and difficult to find. Yoruichi leads the group into the open area outside of the village, exclaiming that Kūkaku prefers open areas and solitude. Yoruichi tells the group that even though the location of the house changes constantly, the house is always the same style and easy to identify. Not long after, they come upon the house. Before arriving, they are stopped by twin guard/servants Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko, who refuse to allow them to pass. After noticing Yoruichi, however, the twins, allowing them passage, lead them underground into the house. Inside, Kūkaku happily greets Yoruichi, who asks Kūkaku if she can help them. Yoruichi explains the situation and plan to Kūkaku, who agrees to go along. After undergoing the necessary training to use Kūkaku's Fireworks cannon to enter the Seireitei, the group prepares to leave. Ichigo asks if they will have to use the orb technique he learned to get through and if Yoruichi, being a cat, can achieve the same results. Yoruichi, telling him to place the orb on the ground, climbs on top of the orb and creates a seamless barrier, stating this sort of thing is like breathing to him. As Kūkaku prepares to shoot the cannon, the group enters the cannon. While inside, Yoruichi tells them to not wander off by themselves once they reach the Seireitei, and they are to run if they encounter a captain-class enemy, as their objective is to rescue Rukia and not to engage in unnecessary risks.

The team succeeds in penetrating the barrier protecting the Seireitei, but the destabilization of the spiritual energy powered cannonball causes them to split. As the team begins to separate, Yoruichi assures Ichigo they will find a way to survive, but he must worry about himself first. The group breaks up in four separate directions, with Yoruichi left all by himself. She maintains this way is probably better. Yoruichi finds herself hurtling toward a group of waiting Shinigami, but she bounces back and onto the top of a nearby building before she can be caught. Running around in cat form, Yoruichi, keeping track of the progress of all of the others, rescues Ichigo after his fight with 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. She takes Ichigo to a secret underground area, where he recuperates. Ichigo, eventually waking up, thanks Yoruichi for saving his life, but, realizing the urgency of helping their friends, gets up too fast, reopening his wounds. Yoruichi, pushing him back down, assures him they all are fine. Yoruichi tells Ichigo that he needs to rest, and that if it were not for the Hollow mask he wore at his torso, he would have sustained a serious injury. Ichigo, surprised at the broken Hollow mask, explains that he had thrown away the mask previously. Yoruichi, surprised, tells Ichigo he will take it for safe-keeping, but Ichigo states he wants to keep it. Yoruichi, becoming angry, demands he give the mask over to him. Ichigo states he is surprised by how strong Yoruichi must be, running around carrying Ichigo all this time without getting hurt. Yoruichi states it was no real problem once she returned to his original form. Yoruichi recalls she has never shown Ichigo his true form, and does so, revealing himself to be a woman. She quips how she loves transforming into her true form, as it always leaves everyone surprised. Taking out an object, she tells Ichigo she will explain how she carried him there, but before she can proceed, Ichigo, becoming frantic, tells her to put on some clothes. She teases Ichigo about him being so innocent, embarrassing him. She shows him the object she used to get him to the secret underground area. She reveals its function and how to use it, claiming it is a unique item in Soul Society. Ichigo, intrigued by Yoruichi's identity, asks who she really is. Before she can answer, they both sense an intense Reiatsu, which Ichigo identifies as belonging to Byakuya Kuchiki. Ichigo immediately rushes off, explaining to Yoruichi he has to save Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō, as they went off in the direction the Reiatsu is coming from. Ichigo, taking out the artifact, uses it to get to his friends faster. Yoruichi, annoyed, tries to stop him, but he runs off anyway. She follows on foot.

Yoruichi, alongside Soifon, later actively begin to pursue the Bount once they learn of the Bount's plan to invade Soul Society, and also saves Ichigo when he is unable to defeat Jin Kariya. Yoruichi also rescued the Bount Koga Gō and took him to the home of Ran'tao, the Bount's creator, where he was nursed back to health. Subsequently, Yoruichi and Urahara rescue Ichigo from death at the hands of the arrancar Yammy. Though she appears to easily defeat Yammy, it becomes apparent from her injuries afterward that her opponent was stronger than she expected due to his tough skin. She appeared again to take Orihime to the training room under Urahara's shop to prevent Aizen from gaining interest in her abilities.

Arrancar

She later approached Urahara as they both sensed a disturbance that was coming to Karakura Town. This was actually two members of the Espada namely Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Llargo both of whom were searching of someone of interest on behalf of their master Aizen. This turned out to be Ichigo who battled the Arrancar Yammy to save his friends Orihime and Chad after both had come upon the Espada. Despite his efforts, he was defeated and nearly killed had Urahara and Yoruichi not appeared to save them. Urahara managed to block the Espada's Chikasumi no Tate and Yoruichi easily managed to defeat him but the enraged Arrancar attempted to attack her from behind but she brutally knocked him to the ground. Despite his defeat, Yammy once more attempted to kill Yoruichi when she went to help Orihime by firing a point blank Cero blast at her but this was blocked by Urahara but countering it with a similar attack. He then attempted to demonstrate how he countered Yammy's attack but firing a blast of spiritual energy from his Zanpakutō at Yammy who was saved by Ulquiorra who had deflected the attack. He then incapacitated his comrade and decided to depart with Yoruichi attempting to trick him into continuing their fight. However, Cifer had no intention of falling for her bait and stated that if he fought at full power then Yoruichi's injured allies would perish. He then departed with Yammy as he opened a portal so that the two Espada could return to Heuco Mundo. In the aftermath, Yoruichi attempted to recover as her arm was injured in the fight and she commented that she and Urahara had underestimated the strength of the Arrancar. Later, while at Urahara's shop, Yoruichi recuperates from an injured left arm and leg. When Urahara expresses concern about her state, Yoruichi admits she was foolish to fight him without using Shunkō, though she didn't think the Arrancar's skin would be so hard. She confirms the Arrancar are tougher than either she or Urahara had anticipated. She appears again to take Orihime Inoue into the training room under Urahara's shop so he may speak to her about the upcoming battle.

She would later participate in the battle against Aizen who was looking to sacrifice Karakura Town in order to gain access to the Soul Society and confront the Soul King. In preparation, Urahara and her prepared special equipment and tactics for the eventual confrontation. When Urahara and Isshin Kurosaki immobilize Aizen, Yoruichi appeared wearing armor on her arms and legs, and attacked Aizen from above. She smashed into his back with such force that it destroyed the surrounding area, and landed a direct punch with even more force, causing damage to an entire block. Urahara yelled for Yoruichi to move away and put some distance to their foe. Aizen quickly recovered and before Yoruichi could fully dodge his counterattack he ended up destroying the armor on Yoruichi's left leg. As Aizen emerged from the rubble with his new form severely cracked, he asks them if this is all they have, stating that they better hurry up and make the next move, as he plans to crush them all, one by one, into tiny fragments, down to the very last remnant. Urahara would express his surprise at how the armor he created was destroyed by Aizen with one blow with Yoruichi telling him off for not building the armor properly. Urahara warned Yoruichi to keep away as they prepare to face the next attack, but she remarks that she will be fine as long as Aizen does not attack her exposed leg. Aizen's next blow takes her completely by surprise. Managing to escape Aizen's assault at the cost of her right arm-guard, Yoruichi complains to Kisuke when he asks if she is alright. She tells him she was able to block the attack because of the "half-finished" armor, but she would have simply dodged it without the armor. After they stop arguing, Kisuke launches a Kidō blast at Aizen. Yoruichi, taking advantage of this, attempts to attack Aizen, but he, anticipating their ploy, blocks her attack. She follows up with a Shunkō assault, knocking him to the ground, but Aizen blocks her next attack. Urahara interrupts by immobilizing Aizen with Benihime. Yoruichi, along with Kisuke and Isshin, are defeated by Aizen, who leaves for the real Karakura Town in Soul Society.

When Ichigo regains his powers, he notices Yoruichi's power was used to help restore his own. She is in her cat form, perched atop Kisuke Urahara's head, when Ichigo returns from Soul Society after collecting Kūgo Ginjō's body.

Thousand-Year Blood War

During the second Wandenreich invasion, while Ichigo and his friends are preparing to return to the Soul King Palace via a replica of Kūkaku's cannon, Yoruichi appears when Orihime is feeling self-conscious about her new outfit and slaps Ichigo before scolding him for stating Orihime is showing too much, as it is clear she was deceived by a maniac and does not want to wear it. When Urahara welcomes her and asks her what happened, Yoruichi reveals a set of bottles underneath her cloak, prompting Urahara to explain to the others how she joined Hiyori's team and collected the large amount of energy created by closing the distortion between the worlds. Yoruichi later accompanies Ichigo, Orihime, Sado and Ganju as they are launched towards the Soul King Palace. When Orihime mentions how similar it is to the time they rescued Rukia Kuchiki, she comments on Yoruichi being a cat at the time, prompting Yoruichi to say that she can still transform into a cat. Later, Yoruichi and the others arrive at the palace, where Yoruichi has her fall cushioned by Orihime's Santen Kesshun. Yoruichi notices Ichibē Hyōsube's head lying on the ground and rushes toward the main palace alongside the others after he revives himself and explains the situation. Eventually, Yoruichi and the others arrive at the main palace, where they confront Yhwach. Soon afterward, Yoruichi expresses shock when Ichigo's right side is enveloped in Blut Vene veins upon touching Yhwach's sword.

Overview

Personality and attributes

In appearance, Yoruichi Shihōin was a slender and well-endowed woman of average height with her having dark skin, golden irises, and black hair. Her hair was waist-length and kept in a ponytail with chin-length bangs that were framed on the the sides of her face. Her mastery of Hohō led to her holding the title of Flash Goddess (瞬神, Shunshin; Viz "Flash Master") on account of her incredible speed. She also had the unusual ability to transform into a small black cat for long periods of time where in this form she had a distinctive male voice and golden eyes.

She was shown as being an intelligent and witty person. Yoruichi had an intimate knowledge of Soul Society and its workings, as she was the former leader of the Onmitsukidō and the Second Division's captain.

Typically, she was quite laid-back and playful with her often teasing or flirting with those younger than her.

Although of noble birth, she acted differently from other nobles. For instance, she instructed a young Soifon to call her by her first name instead of by her title, but reluctantly settled for being called "Yoruichi-sama" ("Lady Yoruichi" in the dub). She also transforms into her human form directly in front of Ichigo on several occasions just to see his reaction to seeing her naked, which she found decidedly humorous. Another note of her eccentricity is that she speaks in a dialect that elders use, such as identifying herself as 'washi' (a term that usually old men define themselves with) instead of more feminine terms like 'watashi' in both her human and animal forms.

She believed in a person's instinct and commented that all living creatures used it to obtain their natural powers when the time comes that they needed them.

Yoruichi seemingly preferred to spend most of her time in her cat form. This went to the point that she sometimes forgot to put on clothes when she took her shinigami form as she had grown used to not needing garments due to being in cat form for so long. She especially took delight in transforming in front of people to see their shocked reaction due to her cat form making her sound male.

Much like Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi tends to avoid battles, preferring to help after a fight is over, but she will step in if she thinks her side cannot otherwise win. She was responsible for training Chad and Orihime prior to their entrance into Soul Society. She also supervised Ichigo Kurosaki's bankai training using the methods developed by Kisuke Urahara.

Her status as a noble, former 2nd division captain and prior leader of the stealth forces meant that she was intimately knowledgeable of Soul Society and its workings.

It was known that she had a younger brother named Yūshirō Sakimune Shihōin (四楓院 夕四郎 咲宗, Shihōin Yūshirō Sakimune) who came to be the 23rd head of their family.

Powers and abilities

As a member of a noble family and head of the stealth forces, Yoruichi has acquired many powerful abilities and artifacts. One of her most important and unique abilities is that she can shapeshift into a black cat at will. It is unknown if this ability possesses any time limit, but it is unlikely considering she has used it for so long that she is unused to her human form and dislikes wearing clothing (much to Ichigo's chagrin). As a cat, Yoruichi can still channel spiritual power and move with incredible speeds, though she is physically limited by the form. Her transformation also allows her a complete disguise in multiple ways; aside from the physical transformation, her voice as a cat is deep enough for most to assume that she is male.

Yoruichi is also highly skilled in the use of flash steps (瞬歩 shunpo), a high speed movement ability. Though this is by no means a unique skill, as most seated officers are capable of performing it to various degrees, Yoruichi holds the title Goddess of Flash (瞬神 shunshin, English TV: "Flash Master") because she has mastered this ability to such an extent that she can appear to be in several places at once and wipe out entire stealth forces squadrons in moments. The full extent of her abilities remain unclear, but she was able to outrun Byakuya while carrying an unconscious Ichigo over her shoulder. She was able to perform around 300 steps before feeling out of breath; she states that it must be the result of being out of practice after doing so.

Yoruichi was also skilled with flash release (瞬閧 shunkō), a technique that combines hand-to-hand combat and kidō. It concentrates high-pressure kidō energy around the body, allowing it to be fired at opponents.

Yoruichi also taught Byakuya some techniques of her own creation involving flash steps, including one called utsusemi (空蝉, lit. cicada, in reference to their molting) which allows a person to move out of harm's way by creating another image of themselves. Yoruichi used a similar technique in her short battle with Byakuya, creating an image of her which was sliced by Byakuya, but appearing a split second later unharmed.

Among the techniques known to her included:

• Taketonbo (竹蜻蛉, Bamboo Dragonfly): a Hakuda technique which involves a simple, yet effective, throw which suddenly and violently flips an opponent upside down.
• Raiōken (雷王拳, Thunder King Fist) : a Hakuda technique involving a series of ultra-high-speed punches delivered using both arms. When performing this technique while wearing Anti-Hierro Armor, Yoruichi severely cracked Aizen's first form, destroying the surrounding portion of Karakura Town in the process.[130]
• Shunkō (Lightning) (瞬閧, Flash War Cry) : an advanced technique which combines Hakuda with Kidō. This technique surrounds her back and arms with pressurized Kidō based on the element of lightning. The keisen uniform has no back or sleeves because they will rip apart when it is activated. Apart from enhancing her arms and legs for combat, the technique allows her to instantly neutralize an opponent's movement. The Kidō itself can be controlled and fired at opponents from her body, which creates massive explosions. Yoruichi's version of the technique was developed and studied by her a century ago; therefore, the technique is complete and the compressed Kidō is visible. While using this technique, her Reiatsu takes the form of white lightning.

A long, beige, bone wand-like artifact, with a small, white, bird-shaped skull, and four protrusions, similar to finger bones, extending from the back of the skull. By channeling Reiryoku into the wand, it produces a tentacle, which acts a harness, and a single bat-like wing manifests from the four bone protrusions, which acts as a one-handed hang-glider. No skill or previous experience is required to use this item. Other items she used included:

• Tentōken (天踏絢, Heaven-Stepping Adornment) : a brown mantle, with a large drawstring closure at the collar and a large brooch displaying the Shihōin Clan crest. Like the wand, the Tentōken requires no skill or previous experience to use. It appears to be superior to the wand, since it allows one to hover in mid-air, and does not immobilize one of the user's hands.
• Anken (暗剣, lit. "Dark Blade") : small knives which Yoruichi hid in her boots that could launch them at a target with a swing of her leg.

Another item, though not in Yoruichi's possession, is the device used by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku to destroy the Sōkyoku. It is a large, shield-like item with the Shihōin family crest stamped on it and a long cord connected to it. When the cord is wrapped around Sōkyoku and two zanpakutō are stabbed into two vertical slots running from its top, their energy flows through the cord and destroys Sōkyoku. Jūshirō Ukitake had it in his possession under some sort of seal. She also wielded a set of metal gloves and boots, invented by Kisuke Urahara, designed specifically to counter an Arrancar's Hierro during hand-to-hand combat. They are exceptionally durable, protecting the wearer's limbs even during the moment of their destruction.

It is known that Yoruichi possesses a zanpakutō, but she relies nearly exclusively on hand to hand combat, shunkō and flash steps. However, although she never carries it during the main storyline, it is shown during a flashback when she tells Ichigo about Kisuke Urahara as the previous 12th division captain. She briefly uses a sword during the "Sealed Sword Frenzy" OVA to dispatch a hollow. She also uses it in the anime during Soifon's flashback about becoming Yoruichi's protégé, where it resembles a kodachi or wakizashi. In this scene, she is shown to have worn her zanpakutō horizontally down her back, in a similar fashion to how Soifon carries her own zanpakutō.

As a noble, she was known to had resided at the Shihōin Mansion in the Seireitei. Within the Soul Society, she was once the head of the Onmitsukidō (隠密機動, Secret Tactics; Viz "Stealth Force") that was the second largest group of Shinigami. At one point, she had been a member of the Gotei 13 and held the rank of Captain where she headed the 2nd Division.

Notes

• Yoruichi Shihōin was created by Tite Kubo where she featured in the setting of the Bleach universe.
• In an Interview with Tite Kubo, he commented that Yoruichi as one of his two favorite female characters in the series (along with Rangiku Matsumoto) and that he "has a lot of fun drawing her and creating stories with her."
• According to Tite Kubo, the author of Bleach, Yoruichi prefers to drink milk, which fits in with her practice of transforming into a cat, most of the time

In other media

Television

• In Bleach, Yoruichi Shihōin appeared in the setting of the anime adaptation where she was voiced by Japanese actress Satsuki Yukino with her being voiced by English actress Wendee Lee in the dub. While in her feline form, Yoruichi, alongside Suì-Fēng, investigates Human disappearances in the Human World. Noting that the culprit is moving fast and attacking at an alarming rate, Suì-Fēng sends her findings to Captain Ukitake in Soul Society. Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng make their way to the train station in time to see a Bount attempting to feast on the soul of a train conductor. Yoruichi, transforming back into her true form, proceeds to attack the Bount to stop her from feeding on the helpless man. The Bount gets away, and Suì-Fēng asks Yoruichi whether she knows the person, to which Yoruichi replies that she does, but not in the current form she is in. She tells Suì-Fēng to go back to Soul Society and give them her report of what is taking place. Later, she begins to actively pursue the Bount once they learn of the Bount's plan to invade Soul Society, and saves Ichigo when he is unable to defeat Jin Kariya. Later, after the defeat of Kariya and the other Bount, Yoruichi rescues the redeemed Bount Gō Koga and takes him to the home of Ran'Tao, the Bount's creator, where he is nursed back to health. Yoruichi briefly aids Ichigo in his fight against Hanza Nukui, freeing him from the special ability of Saiga. She tells the would-be assassin his cohorts have all been defeated. Upon realization of this, Hanza makes his retreat. Later, while in Soul Society, Yoruichi helps Suì-Fēng in understanding what was truly going on with the Kasumiōji Clan. She shows Suì-Fēng a technique taught to her by Kisuke Urahara, allowing Suì-Fēng to break through a barrier placed around the Kasumiōji foundry by royal blood, supposedly making the shield impenetrable. Yoruichi later shows up to explain to the vengeful Shūsuke Amagai that he was misguided, and the truth of the matter is documented in her family's historical records.

Video games

• In Bleach: Brave Souls, Yoruichi Shihōin appeared as a playable character in the setting of the mobile video game.
• In Jump Force, Yoruichi Shihōin appeared as a playable DLC character in the setting of the crossover fighting video game where she was voiced by actress Satsuki Yukino.

Appearances

• Bleach:

External Links

• Bleach Wiki Entry
• Comicvine Entry

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