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{{Quotes|1|Just as my mother decided to cast aside her curse of her own will, I choose with my own will to take that curse upon myself. And besides, even if I do become cursed, I will...No... I have a feeling the one I love will be the kind of man to scoff at the notion of a curse and laugh it off as ridiculous.|'''Nanao Ise''' in '''"[[Chapter 651|{{Color|White|The Theatre Suicide SCENE 5}}]]"'''}}
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{{Quotes|1|Just as my mother decided to cast aside her curse of her own will, I choose with my own will to take that curse upon myself. And besides, even if I do become cursed, I will...No... I have a feeling the one I love will be the kind of man to scoff at the notion of a curse and laugh it off as ridiculous.|'''Nanao Ise''' in '''"[[Chapter 651|{{Color|White|BABY,HOLD YOUR HAND}}]]"'''}}
 
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| weight = 48 kg (106 lbs)<ref name="bootleg"/>
 
| weight = 48 kg (106 lbs)<ref name="bootleg"/>
   
| affiliation = [[Gotei 13]], [[Soul Society]]
+
| affiliation = [[Gotei 13]], [[Soul Society]], [[Ise Clan]]
 
| profession = [[Shinigami]]
 
| profession = [[Shinigami]]
| position = Co-Lieutenant of the 1st Division <br> Vice-President of the [[Shinigami Women's Association|S.W.A.]] <br> Head of the Ise Family
+
| position = Co-Lieutenant of the 1st Division <br> Vice-President of the [[Shinigami Women's Association|S.W.A.]] <br> Head of the Ise Clan
 
| previous position = Lieutenant of the 8th Division
 
| previous position = Lieutenant of the 8th Division
 
| division = [[Image:1.jpeg]][[1st Division]]
 
| division = [[Image:1.jpeg]][[1st Division]]
Line 47: Line 47:
   
 
==Appearance==
 
==Appearance==
Nanao is a slim and youthful girl with long black hair normally kept pinned back, with flat bangs that hang to the right side of her face. Nanao also wears a standard Shinigami outfit. She has slightly light blue eyes that have a deep tint of violet and wears glasses with a slight oval shape to them.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 100, pages 5-6</ref> As a child, she had rounder glasses with chin-length hair that framed both sides of her face. <ref name="-100p4-6">''Bleach'' manga; Chapter -100, pages 4-6</ref>
+
Nanao is a slim and youthful girl with long black hair normally kept pinned back, with flat bangs that hang to the right side of her face. Nanao also wears a standard Shinigami outfit. She has slightly light blue eyes that have a deep tint of violet and wears glasses with a slight oval shape to them.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 100, pages 5-6</ref> As a child, she had rounder glasses with chin-length hair that framed both sides of her face.<ref name="-100p4-6">''Bleach'' manga; Chapter -100, pages 4-6</ref>
   
 
Seventeen months after [[Sōsuke Aizen|Aizen]]'s defeat, Nanao has her bangs tucked behind her right ear.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 551, page 3</ref>
 
Seventeen months after [[Sōsuke Aizen|Aizen]]'s defeat, Nanao has her bangs tucked behind her right ear.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 551, page 3</ref>
Line 54: Line 54:
   
 
==Personality==
 
==Personality==
She is a very serious and pragmatic person who often puts up with her captain's silly antics, but like all lieutenants, she is extremely respectful of her captain and follows his instructions without hesitation. She is almost always carrying a heavy book. Nanao is often accosted by her captain, whose teasing takes various forms. Nanao's usual reaction is to scold him or hit him with something, usually a fan. When she is particularly annoyed she takes off her glasses, though her face has never been seen while doing so. Apparently this act is quite frightening, as most people who see it are reduced to gibbering wrecks just by witnessing it.<ref>''Bleach'' anime; Episode 169, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book</ref> Even the sadistic, cold-hearted [[12th Division]] captain, [[Mayuri Kurotsuchi]] fell victim to this intimidating spectacle.
+
She is a very serious and pragmatic person who often puts up with her captain's silly antics, but like all lieutenants, she is extremely respectful of her captain and follows his instructions without hesitation. She is almost always carrying a heavy book. Nanao is often accosted by her captain, whose teasing takes various forms. Nanao's usual reaction is to scold him or hit him with something, usually a fan. When she is particularly annoyed she takes off her glasses in an act so frightening that most people who see it are reduced to gibbering wrecks just by witnessing it.<ref>''Bleach'' anime; Episode 169, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book</ref> Even the sadistic, cold-hearted [[12th Division]] captain, [[Mayuri Kurotsuchi]] fell victim to this intimidating spectacle.<ref>''Bleach'' anime; Episode 89, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book</ref>
   
In her free time, she likes to go shopping, but even more to read, and often visits the library. She is on good terms with fellow reader [[Momo Hinamori]]; she even brought her books during her hospitalization. Nanao also has an article serialization in ''Seireitei Communication'', titled "Please be Moderate", which is very popular, especially among the male readers. Nanao is known to be an excellent calculator, a skill very handy, given that she has to do even most of her captain's paperwork. Her favorite food is sweet bean jelly, and she does not like powdered green tea, a trait which is interestingly shared with her captain.<ref>Bleach Official Bootleg, page 100</ref>
+
In her free time, she likes to go shopping, but even more to read, and often visits the library. She is on good terms with fellow reader [[Momo Hinamori]]; she even brought her books during her hospitalization. Nanao also has an article serialization in ''Seireitei Communication'', titled "Please be Moderate", which is very popular, especially among the male readers. Nanao is known to be an excellent calculator, a skill very handy, given that she has to do most of her captain's paperwork. Her favorite food is sweet bean jelly, and she does not like powdered green tea, a trait which is shared with her captain.<ref>Bleach Official Bootleg, page 100</ref>
   
 
Nanao is the Vice-President of the [[Shinigami Women's Association]], but is usually the one who attempts to maintain and control the meetings due to the juvenile actions and behaviors of President [[Yachiru Kusajishi]]. Yet while she attempts to be the main moderator, Yachiru usually has higher say on everything from budget decisions to activities done by the club making any of Nanao's comments or advice worthless. She is also frequently at odds with [[Shinigami Men's Association]] leader [[Tetsuzaemon Iba]], of whom she usually forces her superiority and control regarding the influence and power she and the Women's Association have over his association.
 
Nanao is the Vice-President of the [[Shinigami Women's Association]], but is usually the one who attempts to maintain and control the meetings due to the juvenile actions and behaviors of President [[Yachiru Kusajishi]]. Yet while she attempts to be the main moderator, Yachiru usually has higher say on everything from budget decisions to activities done by the club making any of Nanao's comments or advice worthless. She is also frequently at odds with [[Shinigami Men's Association]] leader [[Tetsuzaemon Iba]], of whom she usually forces her superiority and control regarding the influence and power she and the Women's Association have over his association.
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==Plot==
 
==Plot==
 
===Soul Society arc===
 
===Soul Society arc===
  +
[[Image:Ep35NanaoWatchesSado.png|thumb|left|190px|Nanao observes as Sado roams the [[Seireitei]].]]
When [[Yasutora Sado]] makes his way to the [[Eighth Division]]’s offices, Nanao is talking to [[Shunsui Kyōraku]], asking him if she should handle Sado, as he's only a Ryoka. Kyōraku teases her and calls her “Nanao-chan!”, to which she responds by asking him what he means and smacks his hand with a fan.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 102, pages 13-16</ref> She later spreads flower petals so that Kyōraku can make his grand entrance in front of Sado. But when he starts teasing her, she gets mad at him and dumps the rest on his head.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 106, page 2</ref>
+
While her captain, [[Shunsui Kyōraku]], relaxes on the floor beside her, Nanao notices that one of the [[Ryoka]], [[Yasutora Sado]], is managing to make his way through the [[Eighth Division]] barracks. While observing the [[Human]] run, she asks Kyōraku if she should go out and take care of Sado since he is only a mere Ryoka that is causing havoc. In response to her query, Kyōraku rebuffs her request and begins to teasingly call her “Nanao-chan!” which causes her to become irritated and to smack him on the head with her fan.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 102, pages 13-16</ref> She later spreads flower petals so that Kyōraku can make his grand entrance in front of Sado. But when he starts teasing her, she gets mad at him and dumps the rest on his head.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 106, page 2</ref>
   
  +
[[Image:Ep38NanaoFinishingBlow.png|thumb|right|190px|Nanao preparing to deliver a finishing blow to [[Yasutora Sado|Sado]].]]
During the fight between Kyōraku and Chad she stays out of the picture, and then receives a message from the [[Onmitsukidō]], informing her of the murder of [[Sōsuke Aizen]]. She runs to Kyōraku to tell him, and then as they turn to leave, she notices that Chad, who has been cut by Kyōraku, is not dead. She asks permission to deliver the finishing blow, but Kyōraku says no and instead tells her to take him to the [[Fourth Division]].<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 108, pages 1-7</ref>
 
  +
Nanao does not get involved in the fight between her captain and Sado, preferring to observe the events from the sideline. A messenger from the [[Onmitsukidō]] arrives and informs her that [[Sōsuke Aizen]], Captain of the [[Fifth Division]], has been murdered. As soon as Kyōraku defeats Sado, she runs to his side to update him of the news she has just learned. Both of them turn to leave the battlefield but Nanao notices that despite being cut down by her captain, Sado is still alive. Upon this discovery, she gathers a dens amount of [[Reiatsu]] around her right hand and requests permission to deliver the killing blow to the Ryoka. Much to her surprise, Kyōraku denies this request and instead advises her to bring the injured Sado to the [[Fourth Division]] for medical attention.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 108, pages 1-7</ref>
   
[[Image:Ep38NanaoFinishingBlow.png|thumb|left|190px|Nanao preparing to deliver a finishing blow to [[Yasutora Sado|Sado]].]]
+
[[Image:Ep51NanaoShunsuiExecutionMorning.png|thumb|left|190px|Nanao and Kyōraku prepare for the execution.]]
Much later, during the day of [[Rukia Kuchiki]]'s execution, she finds Kyōraku at his usual spot sleeping up on a roof. She puts up once again with his teasing as she tries to hurry him to the Sōkyoku Stand. As he asks her what he should do, she tells him that no matter what she thinks or advises, he would still do what he wanted to. “Don’t worry,” she also said, “I will follow you at a safe distance... so that I will not get dragged into anything.”<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 138, pages 12-14</ref>
+
On the morning of the scheduled execution of [[Rukia Kuchiki]], Nanao seeks out her captain in order to inform him of the time. She finds him lying down on a roof, having previously fallen asleep while relaxing. She wakes him up in order to prompt him to leave for the event but Kyōraku soon begins to teasingly flirt with her in his usual way. She tries to tolerate his words but soon she angrily admonishes him for his attitude while snapping a reed from his mouth and asserting that they should leave for the Sōkyoku Stand. Kyōraku sits up reluctantly, clearly conflicted about the execution, and asks Nanao what she thinks he should do about it. Nanao insists that no matter what she thinks or advises, he would still do what he wanted to. “Don’t worry,” she also says, “I will follow you at a safe distance... so that I will not get dragged into anything.”<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 138, pages 12-14</ref>
   
[[Image:e055%20-%2029.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Nanao being suffocated by [[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto|Yamamoto]]'s Spiritual Pressure.]]
+
[[Image:Ep55YamamotoPetrifiesNanao.png|thumb|right|190px|Nanao being suffocated by [[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto|Yamamoto]]'s Spiritual Pressure.]]
After the failed execution, Nanao follows Kyōraku and [[Jūshirō Ukitake]] to the place where they could battle Yamamoto without getting anyone else implicated. She then describes the spiritual pressure that is Yamamoto's, but while trying to take out her Zanpakutō, she is caught in Yamamoto's stare and is suffocated by his spiritual pressure. Kyōraku breaks the eye contact to save her, and transports her to a safer spot through the use of Shunpo. She then realizes that it is not only difficult to win against Yamamoto even with two captains on their side, but it is near impossible.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 154, pages 17-18</ref> <ref name="c155p3-7">''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 155, pages 3-7</ref>
+
After her captain and [[Jūshirō Ukitake]] help [[Ichigo Kurosaki]] in preventing the execution of Rukia from taking place, she follows the duo as they seek an area that they can battle [[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto]] without involving others. Yamamoto follows them and Nanao immediately begins to notice that Yamamoto's power is intense so she decides to try and help her captain fight him. As soon as she reaches into her robe, Yamamoto begins to exert an immensely dense amount of Reiatsu that completely paralyzes her and even prevents her from breathing as well. Kyōraku soon shields her from the power, apologizing that she was hurt by his decisions, before he swiftly carries her to a safe distance away from the battle where she can recover. Left alone, she wonders to herself that despite Kyōraku and Ukitake teaming up together, the task of defeating Yamamoto is still nearly impossible.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 154, pages 17-18</ref> <ref name="c155p3-7">''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 155, pages 3-7</ref>
   
 
===Bount arc (anime only)===
 
===Bount arc (anime only)===
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===Arrancar arc===
 
===Arrancar arc===
In a flashback of Captain-Commander [[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto]]'s, Nanao appears beside [[Shunsui Kyōraku|her captain]] to help Captain [[Jūshirō Ukitake]], [[Sentarō Kotsubaki]], and [[Kiyone Kotetsu]] search for clues to [[Sōsuke Aizen]]'s master plan. She points out there is some data that is unrelated to the [[Hōgyoku]]. They then stumble upon information that Aizen is trying to make a copy of the [[Ōken]] using [[Karakura Town]].<ref>''Bleach'' anime; Episode 125</ref>
+
Nanao assists Shunsui, [[Jūshirō Ukitake]], [[Sentarō Kotsubaki]], and [[Kiyone Kotetsu]] search for clues to [[Sōsuke Aizen]]'s master plan in the [[Central 46 Compound#Daireishokairō|Daireishokairō]]. She points out there is some data that is unrelated to the [[Hōgyoku]]. They then stumble upon information that Aizen is trying to make a copy of the [[Ōken]] using [[Karakura Town]].<ref>''Bleach'' anime; Episode 125</ref>
   
 
===The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)===
 
===The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)===
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*'''[[Zanpakutō#Bankai|Bankai]]''': Not Yet Achieved
 
*'''[[Zanpakutō#Bankai|Bankai]]''': Not Yet Achieved
  +
  +
==Weaknesses==
  +
'''Inexperienced Swordsman''': Due to Nanao's lack of experience with a sword -fight, she was unable to suppress her fear and pain, finding it difficult to even hold herself steady in her first fight.<ref>''Bleach'' manga; Chapter 653, pages 5-7</ref>
   
 
==Appearance In Other Media==
 
==Appearance In Other Media==
Line 168: Line 173:
 
*Prior to its revelation in the manga, Nanao's Zanpakutō was shown in the artbook [[All Colour But The Black]] to be either a ''[[wikipedia:Wakizashi|wakizashi]]'' or ''[[Wikipedia:Tantō|tantō]]'', with a rectangular [[wikipedia:Tsuba|''tsuba'']] decorated with diamond shapes on its corners and question-mark shapes on its broad sides. She kept it concealed within her sleeve.<ref>''Bleach'' artbook; All Color but the Black</ref>
 
*Prior to its revelation in the manga, Nanao's Zanpakutō was shown in the artbook [[All Colour But The Black]] to be either a ''[[wikipedia:Wakizashi|wakizashi]]'' or ''[[Wikipedia:Tantō|tantō]]'', with a rectangular [[wikipedia:Tsuba|''tsuba'']] decorated with diamond shapes on its corners and question-mark shapes on its broad sides. She kept it concealed within her sleeve.<ref>''Bleach'' artbook; All Color but the Black</ref>
 
*Nanao writes a serialized article in the [[Seireitei Communication]] called {{translation|''Please Don't Get Carried Away''|大概にしてください|Taigaini Shi te Kudasai}} which is one of the top three most popular columns and is very popular among the male readers. The column resounds with readers' problems and complaints.<ref>''Bleach'' Bootleg; page 100</ref>
 
*Nanao writes a serialized article in the [[Seireitei Communication]] called {{translation|''Please Don't Get Carried Away''|大概にしてください|Taigaini Shi te Kudasai}} which is one of the top three most popular columns and is very popular among the male readers. The column resounds with readers' problems and complaints.<ref>''Bleach'' Bootleg; page 100</ref>
 
 
{{Clear}}
 
{{Clear}}
   
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}}
 
}}
 
{{succession box
 
{{succession box
| before = Unnamed Mother
+
| before = [[Unnamed Ise]]
| title = Head of the House of Ise
+
| title = Head of the Ise Clan
 
| years = ? - Current
 
| years = ? - Current
 
| after = Incumbent
 
| after = Incumbent
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[[Category:Kidō Experts]]
 
[[Category:Kidō Experts]]
 
[[Category:Shunpo Experts]]
 
[[Category:Shunpo Experts]]
  +
[[Category:Ise Family]]

Revision as of 20:06, 23 April 2016

Overview

"The desk-work expert who takes care of the division's administrative matters on behalf of her captain, who hardly performs any normal tasks." - Tite Kubo[1]

Nanao Ise (伊勢 七緒, Ise Nanao) is the co-lieutenant of the First Division of the Gotei 13, under Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, and Vice-President of the Shinigami Women's Association.

Appearance

Nanao is a slim and youthful girl with long black hair normally kept pinned back, with flat bangs that hang to the right side of her face. Nanao also wears a standard Shinigami outfit. She has slightly light blue eyes that have a deep tint of violet and wears glasses with a slight oval shape to them.[3] As a child, she had rounder glasses with chin-length hair that framed both sides of her face.[4]

Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Nanao has her bangs tucked behind her right ear.[5]

As a young girl, Nanao had short black hair kept in a bob, and wore a simple white kimono.[6] Upon entering the Shin'ō Academy, she grew her hair out and began wearing glasses in addition to the standard student uniform.[7]

Personality

She is a very serious and pragmatic person who often puts up with her captain's silly antics, but like all lieutenants, she is extremely respectful of her captain and follows his instructions without hesitation. She is almost always carrying a heavy book. Nanao is often accosted by her captain, whose teasing takes various forms. Nanao's usual reaction is to scold him or hit him with something, usually a fan. When she is particularly annoyed she takes off her glasses in an act so frightening that most people who see it are reduced to gibbering wrecks just by witnessing it.[8] Even the sadistic, cold-hearted 12th Division captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi fell victim to this intimidating spectacle.[9]

In her free time, she likes to go shopping, but even more to read, and often visits the library. She is on good terms with fellow reader Momo Hinamori; she even brought her books during her hospitalization. Nanao also has an article serialization in Seireitei Communication, titled "Please be Moderate", which is very popular, especially among the male readers. Nanao is known to be an excellent calculator, a skill very handy, given that she has to do most of her captain's paperwork. Her favorite food is sweet bean jelly, and she does not like powdered green tea, a trait which is shared with her captain.[10]

Nanao is the Vice-President of the Shinigami Women's Association, but is usually the one who attempts to maintain and control the meetings due to the juvenile actions and behaviors of President Yachiru Kusajishi. Yet while she attempts to be the main moderator, Yachiru usually has higher say on everything from budget decisions to activities done by the club making any of Nanao's comments or advice worthless. She is also frequently at odds with Shinigami Men's Association leader Tetsuzaemon Iba, of whom she usually forces her superiority and control regarding the influence and power she and the Women's Association have over his association.

History

652Young Nanao

Nanao as a young girl in the House of Ise.

Nanao Ise was the daughter of Shunsui Kyōraku's deceased older brother and the previous head of the entirely female House of Ise.[11] As a young girl, she overheard her mother entrusting the House's Zanpakutō, Shinken Hakkyōken, to Shunsui. After her mother died, Nanao was taken in by an elderly couple who were relatives of her family and entered the Shin'ō Academy, where she excelled in Kidō despite being unable to imprint on her Asauchi. During her tenure at the academy, Nanao saw Shunsui visiting the headmaster and recognized his hairpins as being identical to those belonging to her mother. Upon graduating, Nanao was surprised to learn that she had been placed in the 8th Division despite having put the Kidō Corps in her assignment preferences, and eventually saw Shunsui again, where she noticed that he had changed his kimono and removed his hairpins; this allowed her to recognize him as the man whom her mother entrusted something precious to.[12]

Nanao-chan

Nanao 100 years ago.

Nanao was notable for being in the Eighth Division when she was a little girl, and enjoyed being read to by former Lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru, something they did regularly each month around the time of the first. Eventually, between the period of time when Lisa was forced to hide alongside the other transformed Visored and the present day, she worked her way up from being Shunsui's subordinate to his lieutenant. [4]

Plot

Soul Society arc

Ep35NanaoWatchesSado

Nanao observes as Sado roams the Seireitei.

While her captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, relaxes on the floor beside her, Nanao notices that one of the Ryoka, Yasutora Sado, is managing to make his way through the Eighth Division barracks. While observing the Human run, she asks Kyōraku if she should go out and take care of Sado since he is only a mere Ryoka that is causing havoc. In response to her query, Kyōraku rebuffs her request and begins to teasingly call her “Nanao-chan!” which causes her to become irritated and to smack him on the head with her fan.[13] She later spreads flower petals so that Kyōraku can make his grand entrance in front of Sado. But when he starts teasing her, she gets mad at him and dumps the rest on his head.[14]

Ep38NanaoFinishingBlow

Nanao preparing to deliver a finishing blow to Sado.

Nanao does not get involved in the fight between her captain and Sado, preferring to observe the events from the sideline. A messenger from the Onmitsukidō arrives and informs her that Sōsuke Aizen, Captain of the Fifth Division, has been murdered. As soon as Kyōraku defeats Sado, she runs to his side to update him of the news she has just learned. Both of them turn to leave the battlefield but Nanao notices that despite being cut down by her captain, Sado is still alive. Upon this discovery, she gathers a dens amount of Reiatsu around her right hand and requests permission to deliver the killing blow to the Ryoka. Much to her surprise, Kyōraku denies this request and instead advises her to bring the injured Sado to the Fourth Division for medical attention.[15]

Ep51NanaoShunsuiExecutionMorning

Nanao and Kyōraku prepare for the execution.

On the morning of the scheduled execution of Rukia Kuchiki, Nanao seeks out her captain in order to inform him of the time. She finds him lying down on a roof, having previously fallen asleep while relaxing. She wakes him up in order to prompt him to leave for the event but Kyōraku soon begins to teasingly flirt with her in his usual way. She tries to tolerate his words but soon she angrily admonishes him for his attitude while snapping a reed from his mouth and asserting that they should leave for the Sōkyoku Stand. Kyōraku sits up reluctantly, clearly conflicted about the execution, and asks Nanao what she thinks he should do about it. Nanao insists that no matter what she thinks or advises, he would still do what he wanted to. “Don’t worry,” she also says, “I will follow you at a safe distance... so that I will not get dragged into anything.”[16]

Ep55YamamotoPetrifiesNanao

Nanao being suffocated by Yamamoto's Spiritual Pressure.

After her captain and Jūshirō Ukitake help Ichigo Kurosaki in preventing the execution of Rukia from taking place, she follows the duo as they seek an area that they can battle Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto without involving others. Yamamoto follows them and Nanao immediately begins to notice that Yamamoto's power is intense so she decides to try and help her captain fight him. As soon as she reaches into her robe, Yamamoto begins to exert an immensely dense amount of Reiatsu that completely paralyzes her and even prevents her from breathing as well. Kyōraku soon shields her from the power, apologizing that she was hurt by his decisions, before he swiftly carries her to a safe distance away from the battle where she can recover. Left alone, she wonders to herself that despite Kyōraku and Ukitake teaming up together, the task of defeating Yamamoto is still nearly impossible.[17] [18]

Bount arc (anime only)

Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the plot arc. 

She is sent on the behalf of Captains Ukitake and Hitsugaya to request the presence of a sleeping Captain Kyōraku in the archives.[19] She is one of the several Gotei 13 captains and lieutenants to gather in a single room, to have a meeting held by Captain Ukitake.[20] She, her captain, and Captain Ukitake watch over the reconstruction of part of the Seireitei.[21] She informs Yamamoto that Ukitake and Shunsui have found documents from Ran'Tao and that it contains information about the Jōkaishō. She is then ordered by Yamamoto to tell Ukitake to continue searching through the documents.[22] She is with her captain and Captain Ukitake when Captain Hitsugaya informs them of the situation and Hitsugaya states that they should be getting new orders from Yamamoto soon. [23]

Arrancar arc

Nanao assists Shunsui, Jūshirō Ukitake, Sentarō Kotsubaki, and Kiyone Kotetsu search for clues to Sōsuke Aizen's master plan in the Daireishokairō. She points out there is some data that is unrelated to the Hōgyoku. They then stumble upon information that Aizen is trying to make a copy of the Ōken using Karakura Town.[24]

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)

Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the plot arc. 

Shortly after Shūsuke Amagai is appointed the new 3rd Division captain, Nanao informs Kyōraku that the 3rd Division is holding a party for their new captain. When Kyōraku tells her that sake usually tastes better in mid-day, she responds "I wouldn't know".[25] During the Menos invasion, she claims that it is strongly reminiscent of a trick.[26] Later on, she interrupts her captain and Captain Ukitake and reports that fights between different divisions are breaking out across the Seireitei.[27]

Beast Swords arc (anime only)

Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the plot arc. 

After Muramasa's defeat, Nanao reports to Kyōraku and Ukitake about the Tōjū. Knowing that only Captain Kurotsuchi can figure out a way to solve this problem, Shunsui sends Nanao with a box of sweets to bribe the scientist to help them. Kurotsuchi initially refuses to help, but Nemu accepts the sweets and apologizes for her captain's lack of interest.[28] Later on, after several items go missing in the Fourth Division compound, she assists in the investigation of the underground sewers. During the journey, she, along with Hanatarō Yamada, Ikkaku Madarame, and his Zanpakutō, Hōzukimaru, run into a powerful squid-like Tōjū and are washed away by the overflowing sewer water caused when Hanatarō triggered a booby trap. Soon after, she meets Hanatarō's Zanpakutō, Hisagomaru. Suddenly, the squid-like Tōjū reappears and attacks the group. After the Tōjū's defeat, Nanao and her search party return above ground, where she is congratulated by her captain.[29]

264Nanao puts

Nanao with Katen Kyōkotsu.

Later, she is sent by her captain on a mission to defeat another Tōjū along with the much quieter half of Katen Kyōkotsu. She initially finds the girl disturbing to be around, due to her aggressiveness and the way she tortures the Tōjū they were sent to kill. As a result, Nanao uses a Kidō spell on Katen Kyōkotsu while the spirit is battling the Tōjū, but her interference allows the Tōjū to escape. She enlists the help of Rangiku Matsumoto in order to try and get the girl to come out of her shell, but both women fail drastically. Afterwards, she notices that the spirit likes flowers, and thus places one in her hair as a gift. Suddenly, both are ambushed by the Tōjū from before. Before the Tōjū can move in to make the kill, however, they are saved by Captain Shunsui Kyōraku's timely arrival. Later, at a party, Katen Kyōkotsu puts a flower in Nanao's hair, signifying that they are friends. [30]

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)

Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the plot arc. 
Nanao Hell Butterfly explodes E317

A Hell Butterfly vanishes behind Nanao.

In the Human World, Rangiku and Nanao complete their share of the cleansing of the area around Karakura Town. They had been setting up barriers for the past month. Rangiku suggests that they celebrate, prompting Nanao to note that Rangiku has seemed somewhat depressed recently. Rangiku receives an order to return to Soul Society. Nanao opens a Senkaimon and the pair enter the Dangai, noting that while it is the designated path, it is creepy. As Rangiku notices something odd, their Hell Butterflies turn into energy. The following day, Nanao and Rangiku arrive in Seireitei and are brought before Captain Yamamoto. When questioned, they insist that only three hours have passed since Hitsugaya ordered them to return.[31]

Ep331CrisisMeeting

Nanao updates the others on the situation.

Later, Nanao appears with other members of the Gotei 13 in the Human World as they escape the Dangai and fend off Kagerōza Inaba.[32] After fending off Inaba and forcing him to retreat, Nanao joins other members of the Gotei 13 as they hold a meeting in Ichigo's room.[33] A few days later, the Shinigami gather in Ichigo's room once again. Nanao reports that Retsu Unohana has escaped Seireitei, has informed her that the Reigai are very powerful without their limiters and that Captain-Commander Yamamoto's wounds will take time to heal. As they discuss what to do with Nozomi, who wishes to help fight Inaba, Nanao insists that without knowing what her powers are, they cannot put her at risk as Inaba is targeting her.[34] While in the Human World, she assists Captain Unohana in treating the wounded.[35]

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc

While the captains are in a meeting, the lieutenants gather and discuss the situation with the Wandenreich and recent disappearances of Hollows and Rukongai residents. She listens as Izuru deduces that Shinigami were likely involved in the disappearance of the Rukongai denizens.[36] When the Wandenreich attack Seireitei, Nanao notices the assault and rushes outside.[37]

File:C547 SeireiteiDesolation.png

Nanao stands by Shunsui as the Wandenreich invade.

Nanao visits Shunsui after the Wandenreich assault and complains that he does not answer her when she knocks on the door. Shunsui states that this may be the last time they meet and apologizes. Shunsui later becomes Captain-Commander and appoints her as his co-lieutenant of the 1st Division along with Genshirō Okikiba when he moves to that Division.[38] She is also present with Shunsui when the Wandenreich invade Soul Society for the second time.[39]

File:551Hakuden Keppeki.png

Nanao stops Haschwalth with a barrier.

Nanao stands close by her captain as he is confronted by Jugram Haschwalth, who is prevented from approaching or attacking due to a specialized Kidō barrier, Hakudan Keppeki. She explains the ability of the barrier, to which Haschwalth acknowledges who she is and her skill in Kidō. He then asks her whether the other captains are capable of this Kidō spell, to which she admits they are not. Haschwalth states that it is unfortunate because if they had been they would have been able to die fighting instead of being executed. She and her captain are then startled by an explosion not far from where they are.[40]

559Shunsui moves

Shunsui moves in front of Nanao to protect her from Haschwalth's attack.

She and her captain then listen to Kisuke Urahara's message regarding Bankai recovery.[41] Later, when Haschwalth draws his sword and states it is his role to tip the balance in favor of the Wandenreich, Shunsui moves in front of Nanao as the wall behind them is destroyed. Revealing he had gradually absorbed the Reishi on his side of the barrier, Haschwalth notes it took him a considerable amount of time to do so and says it is a splendid technique. Asking Haschwalth if she should feel honored, Nanao makes a motion with her hand, causing a wall of hexagons to appear as she reveals she created a new wall while Haschwalth was absorbing Reishi. When Haschwalth notes this wall appears to have been made with a different technique, Nanao confirms this and explains how the wall is comprised of smaller hexagonal plates joined together before asking Haschwalth if it appears to be weaker because it is not a single wall. Haschwalth confirms this before noting the appearance of it being weak is too obvious to be true. As the Sternritter prepares to attack, he receives an order to leave, surprising Nanao.[42]

613Nanao confronts

Nanao confronts Kenpachi over ignoring his duties to search for Yachiru.

Upon observing the light of Auswählen light rising up from the Seireitei, Shunsui tells Okikiba and Nanao that he may have to leave the Seireitei, saying that the Soul King Palace is in danger.[43] Later, Nanao is present in the laboratory being used by Urahara.[44] When an angered Kenpachi Zaraki begins to approach Urahara after the latter prevents him from leaving to search for his lieutenant, Nanao confronts him and reminds him that he has a duty to perform here and that his division members will be able to search for Yachiru much faster than he can. After a minute or two, Kenpachi admits she is right and backs off, prompting Urahara to give a sphere to Nanao to charge with her Reiatsu.[45] While in the laboratory, after the door to the palace begins to disintegrate, Nanao notes that the absence of Ukitake's vast amounts of Reiatsu is causing this, but she is interrupted by Lisa, who has arrived with the other Visored in shihakushō, and informs Nanao that there's no way they're going to let things go.[46]

When the Shinigami enter the Royal Realm, Nanao runs alongside Shunsui through the city as Lille Barro begins sniping the Shinigami. However, he does not hit Nanao, and she accompanies Shunsui as he manages to get close to Lille.[47] Shunsui applauds Nanao's Shunpo skill, and he tells her that she should return to the others since the situation is dangerous. However, Nanao refuses, and Shunsui instead tells her to tell the others to go on without him, which she accepts. Before Nanao leaves, she tells Shunsui that if he dies, she will shave his chest hair off.[48]

650Nanao wakes

Nanao wakes Shunsui up.

Nanao returns to the other Shinigami, saying that they should go on ahead and she will return to assist Shunsui.[49] Soon afterward, Nanao finds Shunsui heavily injured and closing his eyes, prompting her to wake him up and beg him to take her Zanpakutō despite the promise he made to her mother. When Lille appears behind Nanao and attacks, Shunsui moves both of them to a pocket dimension within Lille's shadow using Kageoni and confirms that Nanao knows about her mother before deciding to return her Zanpakutō to her as Kyōkotsu appears behind Nanao.[50]

651Nanao emerges

Nanao emerges from a shadow on Lille's forehead.

Nanao expresses disbelief at Kyōkotsu being her Zanpakutō, only for Shunsui to correct himself by saying that Katen Kyōkotsu created the younger girl in order to store Nanao's Zanpakutō. After explaining the history of the Ise family and its curse tied to their inherited Zanpakutō, Shunsui reveals that Nanao's mother, his step-sister, entrusted the Zanpakutō to him, which he gave to the younger girl of his Zanpakutō spirits to hide, prompting the girl to pull the wrapped Zanpakutō out of her face. Nanao states that she understands Shunsui did not want to give the Zanpakutō back to her before revealing that she has decided to accept the curse and that she believes the person she decides to love would also believe the curse is ridiculous. Shortly afterward, Nanao emerges from a shadow on Lille's forehead before blocking a blow from him with the wrapped Zanpakutō, sending her flying down onto a building below. As Lille demands to know if she will challenge him alone, Nanao unwraps her Zanpakutō, Shinken Hakkyōken.[51]

File:652Nanao attacks.png

Nanao attacks Lille.

When Lille wonders what kind of sword she is carrying and notes that he cannot even see the blade, Nanao notes that this is good because Shinken Hakkyōken reflects the power of the entity it is fighting and is currently diffusing the light from Lille's eyes. Nanao leaps toward Lille, who asks her if she plans to cut him down with that sword before blocking her strike with his arm, which is severed at the wrist. As Nanao expresses shock at Lille parrying her blow despite seemingly being caught off-guard, Lille claims she has wasted her one chance to kill him while forming a ball of energy to attack her with.[52] Nanao admits that she did not expect fighting with a sword to be so frightening and begins panicking over a wound on her leg caused by her attack. However, Shunsui emerges from Nanao's shadow and takes hold of her hand while telling her that they will go together before assuring her that he will always be behind her. As Nanao realizes that Shunsui has always been there to support her, Lille attacks them with Trompete, only for Nanao to reflect the power of the attack back at him with Shinken Hakkyōken, causing Lille to disintegrate.[53]

As they watch Lille's remains fall, Nanao collapses from shock and is caught by Shunsui, who commends her for her effort. When Shunsui prepares to head off and meet up with the others, Nanao protests against this due to his wounds, which Shunsui promptly collapses from.[54]

Powers & Abilities

559Hexagons appear

Nanao develops a new barrier to stop Haschwalth.

Kidō Expert: Nanao is skilled enough to perform low- and mid-level spells without incantation.[29][30] Nanao claims she was appointed to her position as lieutenant solely due to her ability in Kidō. She is skilled enough to easily create intricate and advanced spells like Hakudan Keppeki within a small amount of time when given the right information.[55] She was also skilled enough to quickly create a new seemingly more powerful hexagonal barrier to stop Haschwalth, despite stating it looks weaker, which he complemented her even more for because he would have to resort to a more violent method to break through it.[56] As a student in the Shin'ō Academy, Nanao specialized in and focused on Kidō because she was unable to imprint on her Asauchi, allowing her to graduate with her Kidō grades alone.[57]

Shunpo Expert: Initially, Nanao is only proficient enough in Shunpo to keep up with most lieutenant-level Shinigami. When Shunpo masters Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake were fleeing Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, she was able to keep up with both captains, though she was exhausted from struggling to keep up after a while.[58][59] However, by the time that the Gotei 13 invade Wahrwelt, Nanao improves her Shunpo skill to the point where she can keep up with her captain's speed without tiring, something which Shunsui compliments and praises her for.[60]

High Spiritual Power: Being a lieutenant of the Gotei 13, Nanao boasts a high spiritual energy.

Zanpakutō

651Shinken Hakkyoken

Shinken Hakkyōken in its Shikai form.

Shinken Hakkyōken (神剣•八鏡剣, Divine Sword, Eight Mirror Sword; Viz "Divine Eight Mirror Sword"): Shinken Hakkyōken is a holy sword held by the Ise family, a Shinto family. Because they are in charge of rites and rituals, the members of the family do not have their own individual Zanpakutō, instead the head of the house inherited and used Shinken Hakkyōken, which is passed down from generation to generation.[61]

  • Shikai: Shinken Hakkyōken takes the form of an ornate medium-sized bladeless sword with a flat end. Its "blade" is decorated with four inlaid diamonds, resembling the design commonly found on the wrapped hilt of a katana, and its forte possesses a tassel on either side. Instead of a tsuba, there is a ornate band guard covering an inch of the blade with tassels hanging from either side of it. The handle of Shinken Hakkyōken is only somewhat shorter than the "blade", and possesses two tassels attached to the ring at its end.[62]
652Nanao severs

Nanao severs Lille's hand with Shinken Hakkyōken.

Shikai Special Ability: Purportedly, Shinken Hakkyōken has the power to take the power of a god into itself and disperse it off into the eight directions.[63] The blade itself reflects the power of the godly opponent that its wielder is facing; when confronted by the sword while in the true form of his Quincy: Vollständig, Lille Barro was unable to even see it due to how bright it appeared to be,[64] and actually lost his left hand to a blow from the sword, despite having been able to phase through most of Shunsui Kyōraku's attacks prior to this. A blow from the sword results in energy being dispersed in multiple directions at once.[65] Nanao can also reflect attacks back at their users by holding the blade in front of her; when used against Lille's Trompete, a large blast of energy that destroyed most of the area in its path, Shinken Hakkyōken protected a thin strip of land while erasing a vertical section of Lille's body, causing him to disintegrate into energy shards.[66] However, the energy dispersed by the sword can harm Nanao herself if she is not careful.[67]

Weaknesses

Inexperienced Swordsman: Due to Nanao's lack of experience with a sword -fight, she was unable to suppress her fear and pain, finding it difficult to even hold herself steady in her first fight.[68]

Appearance In Other Media

Nanao appears as a playable character in the Bleach: Heat the Soul series from the 3rd to the 7th, where she carries her book with her in battle and can attack with a Reiatsu-enhanced palm at close range, similar to what she tried to use to finish off Sado.

Trivia

File:Nanaosword.png

Nanao's Zanpakutō (hidden in her sleeve)

  • Prior to its revelation in the manga, Nanao's Zanpakutō was shown in the artbook All Colour But The Black to be either a wakizashi or tantō, with a rectangular tsuba decorated with diamond shapes on its corners and question-mark shapes on its broad sides. She kept it concealed within her sleeve.[69]
  • Nanao writes a serialized article in the Seireitei Communication called Please Don't Get Carried Away (大概にしてください, Taigaini Shi te Kudasai) which is one of the top three most popular columns and is very popular among the male readers. The column resounds with readers' problems and complaints.[70]


Quotes

  • (To Shunsui Kyōraku) "What is wrong with you, Captain Kyōraku? That Ryoka is still alive. Shall I finish him off?"[71]
  • (To Shunsui Kyōraku) "You don't want to give me this sword, do you, Captain? Is it for my sake? Just as my mother decided to cast aside her curse of her own will, I choose with my own will to take that curse upon myself. And besides, even if I do become cursed, I will...No... I have a feeling the one I love will be the kind of man to scoff at the notion of a curse and laugh it off as ridiculous."[72]
  • "I never knew that it felt so terrifying to hold a sword in your hands and fight. A cut... It might have been sliced open by those scattered light beams just now. It hurts... So this is how much it hurts to be injured in battle. It hurts... I'm scared... My legs...won't move..."[73]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 139
  2. 2.0 2.1 Bleach Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 100
  3. Bleach manga; Chapter 100, pages 5-6
  4. 4.0 4.1 Bleach manga; Chapter -100, pages 4-6
  5. Bleach manga; Chapter 551, page 3
  6. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, page 5
  7. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, page 6
  8. Bleach anime; Episode 169, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
  9. Bleach anime; Episode 89, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
  10. Bleach Official Bootleg, page 100
  11. Bleach manga; Chapter 561, page 2-5
  12. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, pages 5-10
  13. Bleach manga; Chapter 102, pages 13-16
  14. Bleach manga; Chapter 106, page 2
  15. Bleach manga; Chapter 108, pages 1-7
  16. Bleach manga; Chapter 138, pages 12-14
  17. Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 17-18
  18. Bleach manga; Chapter 155, pages 3-7
  19. Bleach anime; Episode 69
  20. Bleach anime; Episode 75
  21. Bleach anime; Episode 97
  22. Bleach anime; Episode 105
  23. Bleach anime; Episode 107
  24. Bleach anime; Episode 125
  25. Bleach anime; Episode 168
  26. Bleach anime; Episode 179
  27. Bleach anime; Episode 183
  28. Bleach anime; Episode 257
  29. 29.0 29.1 Bleach anime; Episode 259
  30. 30.0 30.1 Bleach anime; Episode 264
  31. Bleach anime; Episode 317
  32. Bleach anime; Episode 319
  33. Bleach anime; Episode 320
  34. Bleach anime; Episode 331
  35. Bleach anime; Episode 335
  36. Bleach manga; Chapter 489, pages 2-3
  37. Bleach manga; Chapter 494, page 3
  38. Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 1-4 & 13
  39. Bleach manga; Chapter 547, page 6
  40. Bleach manga; Chapter 551, pages 3-7
  41. Bleach manga; Chapter 552, page 14
  42. Bleach manga; Chapter 559, pages 2-6
  43. Bleach manga; Chapter 604, pages 5-6
  44. Bleach manga; Chapter 612, page 10
  45. Bleach manga; Chapter 613, pages 8-10
  46. Bleach manga; Chapter 617, pages 13-14
  47. Bleach manga; Chapter 644, page 11
  48. Bleach manga; Chapter 645, pages 3-4
  49. Bleach manga; Chapter 646, page 2
  50. Bleach manga; Chapter 650, pages 11-17
  51. Bleach manga; Chapter 651, pages 5-17
  52. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, pages 1-4 & 12-13
  53. Bleach manga; Chapter 653, pages 5-17
  54. Bleach manga; Chapter 654, pages 2-5
  55. Bleach manga; Chapter 551, pages 4-5
  56. Bleach manga; Chapter 559, pages 3-7
  57. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, page 8
  58. Bleach manga; Chapter 154, page 17
  59. Bleach anime; Episode 55
  60. Bleach manga; Chapter 645, page 3
  61. Bleach manga; Chapter 651, page 15
  62. Bleach manga; Chapter 651, page 16
  63. Bleach manga; Chapter 651, page 15
  64. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, pages 2-3
  65. Bleach manga; Chapter 652, pages 11-12
  66. Bleach manga; Chapter 653, pages 13-17
  67. Bleach manga; Chapter 653, page 7
  68. Bleach manga; Chapter 653, pages 5-7
  69. Bleach artbook; All Color but the Black
  70. Bleach Bootleg; page 100
  71. Bleach manga; Chapter 108, page 9
  72. Bleach manga; Chapter 651, pages 12-13
  73. Bleach manga; Chapter 653, pages 6-7

Titles

Preceded by
Chōjirō Sasakibe
Lieutenant of the 1st Division
2003
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
Unnamed Ise
Head of the Ise Clan
? - Current
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
Eventually Lisa Yadōmaru
Lieutenant of the 8th Division
? - 2003
Succeeded by
Incumbent


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