"Lieutenant Kurotsuchi Nemu is an artificial entity created from the Gigai technology and Gikon technology by Captain Kurotsuchi. The same blood flows in Nemu and Captain Kurotsuchi, hence be it interest or how to spend free time, she will have many similarities as Captain Kurotsuchi." - Tite Kubo
Nemu Kurotsuchi (涅 ネム, Kurotsuchi Nemu) is the lieutenant of the 12th Division of the Gotei 13 serving under Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
Appearance
Slender and youthful, Nemu is a well-endowed woman with green eyes. Her black hair is pulled back into a long braid, with slightly parted bangs. Her uniform consists of a short black kimono, which extends to mid-thigh, with a white nagajuban underneath. The sleeves of her kimono are not as wide as those worn by most Shinigami, and the upper parts of the sleeves are puffed. She wears a traditional wide white obi, fastened with a red cord. On her left sleeve is her lieutenant's armband. She wears white gloves, which only cover the back of her hands and wrists, and a dark red choker.[3][4]
Personality
Because she was abused and mistreated in every possible way by her "father/creator", Mayuri, Nemu is a very shy, withdrawn, and introverted individual, preferring to stay silent in her captain's presence. Her expression is almost always melancholic, and it is rare to see her smile or show any real joy in her distinctive green eyes. Despite Mayuri's seeming lack of care for her existence, she is very loyal to him, willing to badly injure herself just to give him an advantage in battle.[5] Unlike her "father", however, she seems to have compassion for others, saving Uryū Ishida's life as thanks for not killing Mayuri.[6]
Being the daughter of Mayuri, they share several similar traits. One such trait is their food preference. Nemu, just like her father, likes pike fish and dislikes onion. They share an interest in Human experimentation and their main free-time activity, which is reading every single character published in Seireitei Communication.
Nemu is being considered to be the next vice-president of the Shinigami Women's Association, supposedly because she carries out President Yachiru Kusajishi's orders just as faithfully as those of her father. Such orders included building hidden tunnels and a hideout on the Kuchiki grounds for the members of the association to use. Surprisingly, Nemu shows great joy at the prospect, displaying otherwise repressed emotions.
History
Little is known about Nemu besides that she is the artificially created "daughter" of Mayuri Kurotsuchi. He used a combination of Gigai and Artificial soul technologies to bring her into existence.[1]
Plot
Soul Society arc
Nemu is seen alongside Mayuri during an interrogation of Ikkaku Madarame after the latter loses to Ichigo Kurosaki. Though saying nothing, her father tells her to keep quiet prior to the two of them being interrupted by Kenpachi Zaraki, who is also in search of Ichigo.[7]
Later, when Mayuri is tracking Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue, he sends some of his subordinates to escort them, only to detonate bombs planted on them (unknown to the subordinates themselves) once they have located them and 11th Division member Makizō Aramaki, who had been interrogating them.[8] After Makizō and Orihime flee, Uryū battles Mayuri. In the initial stages of the battle, Nemu, grabbing Uryū's spirit arrow, tackles him as a distraction while Mayuri tries to strike him down. She is only partially successful, as Mayuri strikes Uryū's arm while simultaneously cutting a large gash in Nemu's back. Due to the injury, Nemu lets go of Uryū, prompting Mayuri to scold and beat her for doing so. Nemu apologizes to him, but Mayuri dismisses it, stating he did not expect much of anything from her anyway.[9]
Mayuri is interrupted when talking to Uryū as Nemu begins to cough, finding it hard to breathe, and pleads with him to give her Hojiku-Zai, as she thinks her lung is wounded, and if it stays that way, her vital systems may stop functioning. Mayuri, walking over to her, begins stomping on her prone body, causing Nemu to scream out in pain. Mayuri yells at her for trying to play him, as he knows her body will not fail from that level of injury. When Uryū pleads with him to stop, Mayuri explains he knows what she is capable of, as he created her using Gigai and Artificial soul technology. He goes on to say she is his daughter, and no one gets to tell a father how he should treat his own daughter. He slams Nemu's head against the wall, prompting Uryū to yell at him to stop. He leaves Nemu alone, who, lying motionlessly (since Mayuri's Zanpakutō paralyzes the individuals it cuts) during the duration of Mayuri and Uryū's battle, watches them fight.[10]
At the conclusion of the battle, she witnesses Uryū, in his Quincy: Letzt Stil, nearly kill Mayuri, only for the captain to liquefy himself and escapes. as Uryū begins to feel the poison from Mayuri's Bankai taking over again, Nemu, calling out to him, tells him the antidote can be found on her left arm under her lieutenant badge. Uryū asks her if she would feel more comfortable laying down, but Nemu tells him she is fine how she is. He tells her she should take the antidote first, but she says it is okay, as, having the same blood as Mayuri, she isn't affected by the poison. When Uryū somewhat hesitates while taking the antidote, Nemu asks him if he thinks it is a trap, and if so, he should give her some first to prove she is telling the truth. Uryū plainly states that is not the issue, as it makes no sense to poison a dying man. Nemu thanks him, as if he had aimed for Mayuri's head, he would have surely been killed. Uryū states it was an accident, and he had intended to kill him. Nonetheless, Nemu, thanking him again for sparing Mayuri, says the antidote is just a small gift of gratitude. Uryū tells her he doesn't get it, asking wouldn't it be better that someone like him does not exist. Nemu states she does not know, but when she saw Mayuri still alive, she was happy. She cautions him to leave quickly, as after sensing Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, members of her division will be on their way. Uryū, thanking her for the antidote as he sets it down, bids her farewell.[11]
When Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen are revealed to be traitors, both she and Mayuri have recovered from their encounter with Uryū, and she asks her captain if he will assist the other captains in capturing Aizen. Mayuri tells her he has no interest in doing so.[12]
Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Mayuri, figuring out a secret of the Bount from the deleted data he has been trying to retrieve wonders how he will be able to capture a live Bount to study. He has discovered why the Bount specifically need a Quincy, and that the answer lies in the abilities of Uryū Ishida. Realizing he can use one to achieve the other Mayuri instructs Nemu to get research material 9-141 out of storage, deliver it into the Real World, and give it to the Quincy.[13]
Nemu meets Uryū in the World of the Living as he tries unsuccessfully to regain his Quincy powers near a waterfall. She notes that it has been some time since last they met. He asks her why is she there, but she responds by attacking him. After a small fight, she easily subdues him. Nemu explains the combat was a test to determine whether Uryū had actually lost his Quincy powers. She asks him if he wants power, and he responds that he does not want things to end with him not having been able to do anything. Nemu states she understands, and that she will lend him some of her power. Nemu presents Uryū with research material 9-141, which he immediately recognizes. Stating it is a Quincy battle accessory given to top Quincy from many hundreds of years ago, Nemu explains that the SRDI has had it in their possession for research purposes. Detailing that the artifact has the ability to control spiritual force, Nemu says if he’s a true Quincy, this will be helpful.[14]
After the Bount invade Soul Society, Nemu returns to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Some time after the Bount infiltrate Seireitei, Jin Kariya, arriving, attacks everyone inside. Nemu survives the encounter, as Kariya's main focus is searching for the Jōkaishō. Ichigo Kurosaki and Yasutora Sado, arriving, help her out of the debris from Kariya's attack. Heavily injured by Kariya's attack, she is sent to recover.[15]
Hueco Mundo arc
She is brought along by Mayuri to Hueco Mundo, invading the world with her father, Kenpachi Zaraki, Yachiru Kusajishi, Hanatarō Yamada, Byakuya Kuchiki, Retsu Unohana, and Isane Kotetsu.[16]
While there, she is one of the people who face-off against Szayelaporro Granz, and is seemingly injured at some point in the battle. When Mayuri calls for her, Szayelaporro is angered that he cannot understand why Mayuri lives, to which Mayuri explains how he is able to counter his ability. After realizing he cannot harm Mayuri, he takes Nemu hostage with one of his tentacles/wings. Nemu states Szayelaporro has made a mistake, and capturing her will not make her a hostage. In response to this, Mayuri calls forth his Bankai, Konjki Ashisogi Jizō, to eat Szayelaporro.[17]
After having his Bankai eat the Espada, Mayuri proceeds to argue with Uryū before Nemu interrupts, apologizing, asking if Mayuri can help release her. Mayuri ignores her until she begins to scream out in pain, focusing everyone's attention on her. As Nemu's stomach begins to expand, they hear a voice ask if Mayuri actually thought he had killed him, and realize it is Szayelaporro, who explains his most important ability, Gabriel, which allows him to be reborn through anyone he is touching. He sucks the life from Nemu, causing her face to wither, as she is drained of her body fluids and he is reborn anew from her mouth.[18] As Nemu's withered body lies upon the ground, Mayuri, walking over to her, inspects her current state.[19] However, one of the many poisons inside Nemu drastically enhances Szayelaporro's state of mental perception, to the point where one second feels like an eternity to him, and she is critical in bringing about his defeat.[20]
Mayuri calls to her, but, remembering she is incapacitated, he restores her through questionable and quite possibly very explicit and erotic means, given Nemu's utterances and Renji and Uryū's expressions, though Mayuri insists Renji and Uryū are being quite perverted to jump to such conclusions, and orders her to open the door to Szayelaporro's laboratory, where the group discovers two bodies hanging from the ceiling.[21][22]
Fake Karakura Town arc
Nemu is seen with Mayuri, pushing a loaded wagon behind him, as they arrive at the battle against Yammy Llargo. After a short conversation, where Mayuri explains he has discovered the technology required to open a Garganta, Mayuri tells Nemu to ready the Garganta device so they can send Ichigo back to the World of the Living. Nemu immediately begins setting up large pillars single-handedly.[23] She is seen alongside Mayuri, atop the pillars, acting as the focus points to open the Garganta.[24]
Beast Swords arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Nemu accompanies Mayuri and the staff of the SDRI on field research. Upon their return, they discover the SDRI's buildings have been ruined by Senbonzakura and Zabimaru.[25]
Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
When a time gap is discovered in the Dangai, Nemu accompanies Mayuri into the Dangai to conduct a survey to identify the cause. She uses a three eyed device with a paper printout to study the Dangai's wall. While Kenpachi Zaraki and Mayuri are arguing, Nemu notices something is coming, and a bright light erupts from the Dangai's wall.[26]
She later accompanies the members of the Gotei 13 to the Human World when the Reigai take over the Seireitei, and confronts Kagerōza Inaba while he is fighting against Ichigo.[27] She sits quietly next to Mayuri as he explains to the other members of the Gotei 13 in Ichigo's room about the Reigai.[28]
Nemu appears as her Reigai attacks Rukia Kuchiki, quickly defeating it by impaling it through the heart with her hand. Rangiku Matsumoto appears, and the three go to find Nozomi Kujō, but Rukia, revealing herself to be a Reigai, turns on them, having defeated the real Rukia. The Reigai, swiftly defeating Nemu and Rangiku, tosses them over the edge of a bridge to the water below.[29] They manage to get out of the water, but afterwards collapse. Fortunately, they are found by Orihime, who starts to heal them.[30] Later, Ichigo overlooks Nemu's healing process.[31] After recovering, she and the other healed Shinigami, returning to Soul Society, aid the captains in battling the Reigai.[32]
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc
While the lieutenants discuss the situation with the Wandenreich and recent disappearances of Hollows and Rukongai residents, Nemu listens as Izuru deduces Shinigami were likely involved in the disappearance of the Rukongai denizens. When he asks Nemu what her captain is hiding, she states Mayuri did not give her any information on that case. Izuru indicates he will report his conclusions to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, prompting her to reply she is certain Mayuri did not do anything wrong.[33]
When the Wandenreich return to invade Seireitei, Nemu is with her captain as he curses his fellow captains for not waiting until he had finished his analysis of the enemy's ability to seal Bankai.[34] Following the Royal Guard's visit, Nemu goes with her captain to his room, where they lock themselves in and deactivate the surveillance bugs. They start to develop something that no one else in the SRDI has seen before.[35]
Later, during the Wandenreich's second invasion, Nemu emerges from her captain's room alongside Mayuri and into the transformed SRDI wearing bizarre outfits. She remains silent during Mayuri's explanation of creating a room with absolutely no shadows.[36]
The next day, Nemu accompanies Mayuri when he confronts Giselle Gewelle.[37] When the zombified Bambietta Basterbine begins launching bombs at them, Nemu pulls Mayuri away as he tells her to use "that". After being told to use a setting of three seconds, Nemu throws several spherical devices at the bombs.[38]
Powers & Abilities
Enhanced Strength: Nemu has a substantial amount of strength, even by Shinigami standards. She effortlessly excavates Szayelaporro's hidden laboratory using only her bare hands. She can throw large blocks of stone with ease.[39] She can catch a Quincy spiritual arrow with her bare hand.[40] She can effortlessly lift a large column over her head.[41]
Hakuda Expert: As Nemu normally does not carry her Zanpakutō, she relies on her hand-to-hand combat skill in battle. She is a very swift attacker when fighting, and commonly employs kicks as her main combat skill.[42] She defeated her Reigai with one strike to the chest, showing she can defeat enemies quickly by targeting a weak point.[29]
Body Modification: Much like he has done his own body, Mayuri has implanted various modifications and chemicals within Nemu to use against his opponents. She possesses within herself an augmentation chemical which ultimately results in Szayelaporro Granz's defeat. [43] Nemu is mostly immune to the poisons used by Mayuri, including the deadly one used in his Bankai.[44] It is these modifications which allow Mayuri to revive her when she is in a deathlike state.[45]
- Tedoriru (手ドリル, Hand Drill): She can twirl her hand and forearm like a drill and move her arms at excessive speeds. This technique is capable of breaking through solid rock.[46]
- Enhanced Endurance: Her body was designed by Mayuri to have much more endurance than that of a normal person. She can take wounds which would be fatal to another person and survive, as she demonstrated upon being stabbed by Mayuri during his fight with Uryū. Mayuri himself noted she was designed to take much more punishment than any normal Human or Shinigami could ever sustain.[47][48]
Chemistry Expert: Though not as knowledgeable as her father, Nemu does know many things regarding the chemicals used by Mayuri in his work, enough to keep an antidote in case anyone becomes poisoned by him.[49]
Shunpo Expert: Nemu can move at high speeds, as seen when attacking Uryū Ishida to determine whether he still has his Quincy powers.[42] When Bambietta Basterbine launched bombs at her and Mayuri, Nemu quickly grabbed Mayuri and moved him outside the range of the explosion without either of them being harmed in the process.[50]
High Spiritual Power: Being a lieutenant of the Gotei 13, Nemu boasts a high spiritual energy.
Zanpakutō
Nemu's Zanpakutō takes the form of what appears to be a thin katana with a green hilt and a seemingly warped guard.[51] However, she does not usually have it on her person.
- Shikai: Not Yet Revealed
- Bankai: Not Yet Achieved
Appearances in Other Media
Nemu is a playable character in Bleach: The Blade of Fate and Bleach: Dark Souls. She appears in Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, where she can use Kidō. Nemu is a playable character in the Bleach: Heat the Soul series from the third game on-wards.
Censorship
The method of Nemu's "death" and Szayelaporro's revival in the anime was seriously toned down from the version in the manga. In the manga, Szayelaporro pierces Nemu's naval and bursts out whole from her mouth, while she rapidly withers away. In the anime, Szayelaporro exits Nemu's mouth as a cloud of pink vapor before reforming, while Nemu's skin color turns pale gray.[52] [53]
Trivia
- In an omake, it is revealed that when taking photographs, Nemu says "butter" instead of "cheese."
Quotes
- (To Szayelaporro Granz) "It would appear that you are making some kind of mistake. Attempting to use me as a hostage will achieve nothing."[54]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 158
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bleach: Official Bootleg KaraBuri+, page 112
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 93
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 28
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 122
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 126, page 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 93, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 120, page 21
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 122, pages 14-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 123, pages 5-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 126, pages 1-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 172, pages 16-19
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 87
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 88
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 102
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 298, page 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 303, pages 8-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 304, pages 13-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 305, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 306, pages 1-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 306, pages 11-18
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 200
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 381, page 3
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 263
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 317
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 319
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 320
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Bleach anime; Episode 322
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 323
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 325
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 339
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 489, page 5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 497, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 539, pages 2-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 547, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 590, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 590, pages 8-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 306, pages 13-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 122, page 14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 380, page 14
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 Bleach anime; Episode 89
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 305, pages 19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 126, pages 2-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 305
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 306, pages 11-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 123, pages 5-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 303, pages 8-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 126, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 590, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach artbook; All Color but the Black
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 304, pages 8-18
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 199
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 303, page 13
Titles
Preceded by Hiyori Sarugaki |
Lieutenant of the 12th Division ? - Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |