"I have no interest in whether it is right or wrong. All I care about is executing orders as a captain of the Gotei 13. All who get in my way are my enemies. All enemies must be slain. That is all that matters." |
"Turn around and only an afterimage remains withal." - Tite Kubo[1]
Suì-Fēng (砕蜂 (ソイフォン), Soifon)[note 1] is the commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukidō and the captain of the 2nd Division in the Gotei 13. Her lieutenant is Marechiyo Ōmaeda.
Appearance
Suì-Fēng is a relatively petite woman with gray eyes and black hair. Her hair is worn short with two long braids bound in white cloth, each ending in a large golden ring.[2] 110 years ago, Suì-Fēng's hair was shoulder-length and had a softer look to it. She wears a traditional Shinigami captain's uniform with a sleeveless haori and a yellow obi tied around her waist.[3] Underneath her standard Shinigami captain's uniform, Suì-Fēng wears the uniform of the commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukidō, which has no sleeves and doesn't cover the back, though she does wear long black arm bands.[4] Instead of wearing the standard Shinigami sandals with tabi, she wears traditional Chinese shoes with ordinary white socks.[5]
Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Suì-Fēng's hair is similar to her younger age 110 years ago.[6]
Personality
Suì-Fēng is staunchly loyal, firm, and unbending in her beliefs. She is a hard worker and takes a strong moral stance — she particularly believes in following orders. She is generally reserved and truly not arrogant in any manner like her lieutenant, though she is not above mocking/joking around with her opponents or smirking while in combat, a trait shared with her predecessor. She will not hesitate in the slightest to strike down even her subordinates if they stand in her way. She chooses to ignore all her subordinates, including her lieutenant Ōmaeda, believing that personal struggle builds character.[7] Suì-Fēng, like most female Shinigami, is a member of the Shinigami Women's Association.
Suì-Fēng likes fish, but dislikes meat.[1] She also seems to be quite obsessed with Yoruichi, and often spends her free time dreaming about the days when they fought together and practiced Shunpo.[1] At one point, she even tried to give Yoruichi a heart-shaped box of chocolates with little success. She seems to love anything that resembles a black cat, which is Yoruichi's alternate form, and she has a large collection of black cat shaped merchandise. At one point, Suì-Fēng is given a black cat plushie by Rangiku, who has just returned from a mission in the Real World. [8] It is also known that since Yoruichi's reappearance, she began to collect cat accessories and had the 2nd Division quarters installed with floor-heating (the expenses were covered by her lieutenant).[1] Suì-Fēng once seems to be affectionately admiring pictures of Yoruichi[9]. Later, as part of the photo collecting project of the Shinigami Women's Association she attempts to take nude photos of Yoruichi while she is distracted, but fails miserably.[10] When the Shinigami Women's Association is tasked with designing a new cellphone for Shinigami ladies, she submits a design featuring a black cat's head with a bee body (the cat representing Yoruichi and the bee representing herself), with a private line that would allow her to talk to Yoruichi as much as she wanted. The request was denied. [11]. When Yamamoto commands the Gotei 13 captains to design a Shinigami video game, Suì-Fēng proposed a game with her and Yoruichi as the protagonists. Her lieutenant, Ōmaeda, tells her plainly that she is the only person who will play such a game. [12] This attitude towards Yoruichi also extends to her little brother, Yūshirō Shihōin, whom Suì-Fēng compliments and offers pocket money while visibly blushing upon meeting for the first time in several years.[13]
Suì-Fēng is a person of incredible resolve, not hesitating to do whatever it takes to complete a mission and defeat her enemy; such as during her battle with the Segunda Espada, after being exposed to an attack she orders her lieutenant to remove her arm without hesitation. Very rarely will Suì-Fēng show signs of desperation or emotion on the battlefield, except when it concerns her former master. Despite her cold demeanor and constant attack towards her lieutenant, she has displayed a certain level of faith in him (trusting him to act as a distraction while she carries out a plan). Her stubborn attitude is so great that even now she still seems to hold a degree of dislike for Kisuke Urahara be it because Yoruichi used to tease her about him, or she found his lazy demeanor undisciplined or that she still blames him for her mentor's abandonment over one hundred years previously. This is shown when she asks Hachigen Ushōda to place the shop owner in a barrier for a month in exchange for using her Bankai a second time in one day.
History
  Young Fēng Shāolíng. Suì-Fēng was born Fēng Shāolíng (蜂 梢綾 (フォン・シャオリン), Fon Shaorin)[note 1] into the Fēng house, one of the lower noble houses affiliated with the Shihōin noble house. She was in the 9th Generation of her family and as the youngest of six siblings she joined the Executive Militia of the Onmitsukidō as was tradition in her family. Upon joining the militia, she dropped her given name, Shaolin Fēng, and inherited the code name that her great-grandmother used, Suì-Fēng. Out of her five older siblings, two died on the first mission, then two more on the second. The last one died on the sixth mission.[14][15]   Yoruichi instructs Suì-Fēng. As a member of the militia, Suì-Fēng trained intensely in order to become as strong as the corps-commander, Yoruichi Shihōin, the person she had come to adore. Seven years later, her efforts finally paid off when Yoruichi took notice of her talent and promoted Suì-Fēng to become one of her personal guards. Initially, their differing personalities seemed to clash due to Yoruichi's laid back nature, however, Suì-Fēng dedicated her life to her master, happy to put her life on the line for her. In turn, Yoruichi took Suì-Fēng under her wing as her protégée, and they developed a close relationship as student and mentor.[16][15] Suì-Fēng reports to Yoruichi. Over 110 years ago, Suì-Fēng, in her capacity as a head of the guard, was highly protective of Yoruichi as well as her honor. She had a short temper when it came to Kisuke Urahara toward Yoruichi's intention of putting him up for promotion to be the new captain of the 12th Division because all she saw was his carefree attitude; being lazy and doing bad at his job. Suì-Fēng confronts Yoruichi, concerned that she is overestimating Urahara's capabilities. She explains that she believes it was a mistake to even appoint him as Corps Commander of the Detention Unit, and goes on to say that he is undeserving of such a position. While Yoruichi, without hesitation, admits to the fact that Urahara is not really a hard worker, she dismisses Suì-Fēng's criticisms and playfully insinuates that her focus on him must have romantic connotations, though Suì-Fēng denies it entirely and stalks off.[3]   Suì-Fēng spies on Urahara. After spending the day following Urahara around Soul Society while taking notes, she returns to the 2nd Division barracks to show Yoruichi her evidence of Urahara's lack of competence in his position. Suì-Fēng arrives to find Urahara already there talking with Yoruichi. Suì-Fēng is then told that Urahara will be taking the captain proficiency exam, to which she stands in disbelief. Yoruichi confirms it and further asks that Suì-Fēng attend the exam as well. Yoruichi explains that normally only captains are allowed to attend, but that she has asked special permission to allow Suì-Fēng to attend. Suì-Fēng is at first confused about why she should attend, but Yoruichi tells her there is no need to keep secrets as she knows Suì-Fēng is attracted to Urahara.[3]   Suì-Fēng accuses Urahara of being slothful. Suì-Fēng denies this, so Yoruichi explains that she knows all about how Suì-Fēng having followed him around all day. Suì-Fēng admits that she was following Urahara around, but tells her it was to prove that he is lazy, incompetent, and not worthy of Yoruichi's praise. Suì-Fēng hands her note to Yoruichi, who reads them and comments on how detailed they are, when Urahara doesn't deny any of the information in the report Suì-Fēng is shocked that he would be so truthful to his seemingly unprofessional actions. Yoruichi unsurprised quips that Urahara never changes as well as praising Suì-Fēng for her intelligence gathering skills.[3]   Suì-Fēng is forced back due to Urahara's outburst of Reiatsu. At first Suì-Fēng was happy until she realized that Yoruichi regarded the notes not as intelligence information, but rather as a love letter. Suì-Fēng is reasonably distressed and Yoruichi laughs it off and tells her to loosen up as she wasn't serious. They are then interrupted by the arrival of a squad member who delivers the message that the people Urahara has been looking for has been found, though Suì-Fēng comments on if he doesn't return in time that it will put a strain of the 2nd Divisions reputation as well as Yoruichi. To which Yoruichi simply dismisses tell Urahara to hurry off to his duty and telling Suì-Fēng to come along to help prepare for the captain's proficiency test. She follows Urahara and his men to a remote area where Shinigami defectors are hiding and watches as Urahara enters the building by himself. She then bears witness to his advanced spiritual pressure and is amazed to find he single handily defeated all the defectors with only Hakuda.[3]   Suì-Fēng protests against Urahara's trip to the Nest of Maggots. A day or so after Urahara takes over the 12th Division, Yoruichi is told by an Onmitsukidō member that Urahara has entered into the Detention Unit property with claims that he was previously given approval to be there. Yoruichi can't seem to recall when or even if he asked for permission or whether she granted it, but when asked if she would have him removed seeing as she can't recall she nonchalantly tells her division members to not bother and to allow him to go where he likes. When asked if she has remembered the incident in question, Yoruichi plainly says no. Suì-Fēng becomes distressed and prepares to voice her disapproval, Yoruichi tells her to calm down as its Kisuke they are talking about, stating he must have had an idea of some kind.[17]   Suì-Fēng finds Yoruichi gone. Nine years later, when Yoruichi left Soul Society to help her exiled friend Urahara, she abandoned all of her titles. Suì-Fēng felt shocked and betrayed by Yoruichi's abandonment and the circumstances surrounding them. As a result, she trained herself in order to surpass Yoruichi and take the titles she abandoned. She ultimately unified the Onmitsukidō as well as the Punishment Force after Yoruichi disappeared.[18] |
Plot
Soul Society arc
  Suì-Fēng and Ōmaeda. She attends the captain's emergency meeting regarding the questioning of Gin Ichimaru’s apparent slip of duty in handling the Ryoka.[19] Suì-Fēng later walks through the 2nd Division Headquarters with her lieutenant, Marechiyo Ōmaeda, who complains about how annoying it is that drifters have entered Soul Society, that someone has died and now everyone is questioning whether or not Rukia Kuchiki's planned execution is legitimate. Figuring that the superiors already made their decision he considers the issue pointless conversation. Suì-Fēng tells him that she has no interest in whether it is right or wrong, as she only care about executing her orders as captain of the Gotei 13. All that get in her way are her enemies and all enemies must be slain. Ōmaeda denotes that he understands before Suì-Fēng promptly tells him that the same goes for him as well. She explains that he should know where his loyalties lie and should he get in her way he will become her enemy. Ōmaeda smirks and states that he will remember that.[20]   Suì-Fēng watches the Sōkyoku. Suì-Fēng is among those who attend the execution ceremony, waiting for it to commence beside Ōmaeda. Suì-Fēng comments to him that the attendance is poor, as only the 2nd, 4th, and 8th Divisions have arrived, while the absences of the 5th, 11th, and 12th are expected.[21] Suì-Fēng stands in awe as the Sōkyoku begins to release, noticing its change in shape.[22] Shortly after the arrival of Ichigo Kurosaki, Suì-Fēng bears witness to the destruction of the Sōkyoku by the intervention of Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku, Suì-Fēng yells to Ōmaeda to stop them, but he is too surprised and caught off guard by the entire situation.[23]   Suì-Fēng is attacked by Yoruichi. After Ichigo successfully saves Rukia and hands her off to Renji Abarai, who runs off with her, Suì-Fēng orders Ōmaeda and the other lieutenants present to go after them though they are easily defeated by Ichigo.[24] When Isane Kotetsu's sister, Kiyone Kotetsu, tries to run to her sister's aid, Suì-Fēng immediately attacks Sentarō Kotsubaki and then goes after Kiyone, and is about to finish her off as a traitor, when a masked figure grabs her and drags her away with Shunpo, and as they fall off the side of the cliff, the masked assailant reveals herself to be Yoruichi Shihōin, Suì-Fēng's former mentor.[25] Suì-Fēng meets her former teacher. Suì-Fēng engages Yoruichi in hand-to-hand combat before the two put some distance between themselves up in the trees of the forest they landed in. Suì-Fēng comments that even though they have not seen each other in a long time, Yoruichi has not gotten any stronger. Yoruichi quips that on the contrary she thinks that Suì-Fēng has in fact gotten weaker. Suì-Fēng notes that the Tentōken, that Ichigo was wearing had the emblem of the Shihōin Clan, she asks if Yoruichi gave it to him. Yoruichi plainly admits it as she states that flight was necessary to rescue Rukia at the time. Suì-Fēng states that the Tenshiheisonban, the Shihōin Clan, has also fallen. She notes that the fall of a noble family is not a pretty sight at all. Yoruichi asks why Suì-Fēng is talking so much, maybe she is excited to see her old mentor or is she blowing off steam from her position as Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō. She asks Suì-Fēng if it is stressful being her successor. Suì-Fēng tells her to not get cocky and think that she is still better after all those years. Suì-Fēng states that both the Onmitsukidō and the Executive Militia are now under her control, as Yoruichi's era has ended a long time ago and she proceeds to take out her Zanpakutō and stabs it into the tree.[26]   Suì-Fēng discards her captain's haori. Immediately Yoruichi is surrounded by a cadre of Executive Militia members. Suì-Fēng asks if she remembers that when the Corps-Commander of the Executive Militia draws her sword the execution begins. Everyone who opposes the Corp-Commander will be executed, even if that person was the Corps-Commander once and has since given up on being the Corps-Commander. Before anyone can react, Yoruichi uses her great skill in Shunpo and takes out every Executive Militia member in the area in under a minute, stunning Suì-Fēng. Yoruichi tells her to stop looking down on people so much, as she did give up her role as leader, but there is still one title that she still did not give away. Suì-Fēng takes off her haori and tells then she will take that title from her.[27] Suì-Fēng and Yoruichi fight hand-to-hand. Yoruichi comments on Suì-Fēng's attire, noting that she is wearing the battle suit of the Corps-Commander of the Executive Militia. Suì-Fēng attacks Yoruichi and they begin to fight once again. Suì-Fēng notes that they have reached a draw both gaining a hit on one another. Yoruichi comments on what kind of outfit is Suì-Fēng wearing as it seems to prevent her from seeing her movements. Suì-Fēng asks her if she really thinks it is some trick and uses Shunpo to appear behind Yoruichi and holds her Zanpakutō up to her throat as she releases her Shikai. Yoruichi uses Shunpo to get away, but Suì-Fēng catches up to her and lands an attack. They move apart once again and Suì-Fēng tells her to admit that she is stronger as it may not occur to her that she is holding back. She states that she has become stronger than Yoruichi, and with her death and will make her pay the price for staying away from battle for a hundred years.[28] Suì-Fēng tries to use Suzumebachi to finish off Yoruichi. Suì-Fēng asks Yoruichi if she remembers her Suzumebachi special ability, as a "Hōmonka" appears on her chest. Suì-Fēng explains the mechanics of her Zanpakutō's Shikai. Suì-Fēng appears behind Yoruichi and attempts a second strike, but Yoruichi uses Shunpo to escape, after getting a ways ahead Yoruichi turns around goes on the offensive. Suì-Fēng asks if she now understands that she is stronger than her, and that if she understands then she will end this battle quickly. Suì-Fēng the uses her new technique that combines Kidō and Hakuda together, exclaiming that she has never used it in battle as she has only recently invented it. She notes there isn't even a name for it. Yoruichi, however, tells her it has a name; Shunkō. Suì-Fēng asks her what she is talking about. Yoruichi asks her if she knows why the Executive Militia's leader's outfit has no cloth on the back or shoulders, explaining because it is meaningless. Yoruichi then uses the same technique, but at a more advanced level than Suì-Fēng's, explaining what the technique does in detail to her former protégée. Yoruichi further states that she wasn't planning on using this against her, but warns Suì-Fēng to be careful as even she can't control it perfectly yet as she sends a wave of condensed Reiatsu toward her.[29] Suì-Fēng breaks down and cries. When the smoke clears, the land between them is torn and scorched. Yoruichi asks Suì-Fēng if she now understands why she never showed her this technique, as it is too dangerous. Suì-Fēng goes to attack her, but Yoruichi nullifies it with Hanki, and tells her to stop as it is too soon for her to be using the technique. Suì-Fēng begins to attack Yoruichi again yelling at her that she is stronger and that she should have surpassed her, that Yoruichi should have weakened all these hundreds of years and that she should have grown stronger. She asks how it is possible that Yoruichi is still so far above her after all this time. She then relays all of her pent up feelings at being disappointed, betrayed and abandoned by her former mentor, when she left all those years ago. All the while, Suì-Fēng continues to attack as Yoruichi moves effortlessly out of the way. But then Yoruichi stops the attacks by initiating a Shunkō powered punch, but stopping short of actually hitting Suì-Fēng. Upset and unwilling to fight anymore, Suì-Fēng breaks down and cries, asking Yoruichi why didn't she take her with her.[30] The two reconciled their differences, placing Suì-Fēng back where she belonged; at the side of her ex-commander. After being notified about the treason of Sōsuke Aizen and two other captains, the two women briefly captured Aizen, being the first Shinigami to arrive at Sōkyoku Hill, where Aizen has just obtained the Hōgyoku. Yoruichi blocks his Zanpakutō, while Suì-Fēng herself holds hers to Aizen's neck, threatening to kill him if he moves.[31][32] However, before they are able to detain Aizen, Yoruichi suddenly calls for Suì-Fēng to move as Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen are rescued by Negación fields created by a group of Gillian who break into Soul Society to rescue them.[33] |
Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Suì-Fēng investigates a victim.
Suì-Fēng alongside Yoruichi in her feline form, investigate 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 there way to the train station in time to see a Bount attempting to feast on the soul of a train conductor. Yoruichi transforms back into her true form and 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 confirms that she does, but not in the current form that she is in. She tells Suì-Fēng to go back to Soul Society and give them her report of what's taking place.[34]
Suì-Fēng is stabbed by one of her own men.
Suì-Fēng later attends a captains meeting and is asked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to give a status report. She maintains that she has given orders to station units all over the Seireitei.[35] When Suì-Fēng asks for a status report, one of her men controlled by Ritz attacks her with a Bitto. While the rest of her men hold of the possessed one, Suì-Fēng makes a getaway only to come face to face with the Bount Mabashi, the one behind her being poisoned. Suì-Fēng begins to feel the effects of the deadly poison, but maintains enough strength to fight back and proceeds to attack Mabashi. Realizing that they are two evenly matched in her weakened state and dragging out the battle will only allow the poison to kill her faster, Suì-Fēng releases her Zanpakutō and landing one strike before the poison incapacitates her further.[36]
Suì-Fēng kills Mabashi.
While Mabashi is away thinking her beaten, Suì-Fēng gains an idea and uses Suzumebachi on herself. When Mabashi finally follows her spiritual energy to a different area, he proceeds to taunt her inability to attack due to the poison. He is then interrupted by her Executive Militia, who come to her aid, but are soon taken over by Mabashi's doll Ritz. They hold her so that Ritz can take control of her, but Suì-Fēng uses her spiritual pressure to send them flying away from her and uses the confusion to attack Mabashi a second time with Suzumebachi. Mabashi is surprised at how its possible she can still move and she explains how her Suzumebachi works, she then watches as his body turns to dust.[36]
Arrancar arc
Suì-Fēng is summoned to an emergency captains meeting called by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. She attends the captains' meeting.[37]
Hueco Mundo arc
When Sōsuke Aizen leaves Hueco Mundo for the Fake Karakura Town, she, along with the Gotei 13 other captains appear each one with his lieutenant.[38]
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.
Suì-Fēng is present at the captain promotion ceremony for the new 3rd Division captain, Shūsuke Amagai. When Captain Sajin Komamura asks Captain Shunsui Kyōraku as to who attended Amagai's captain proficiency test, Shunsui says he doesn't know. Suì-Fēng then interjects that it doesn't matter as Amagai will still have to prove himself to the rest of them.[39]
Suì-Fēng has a stand-off with Ichigo after he interrupts Rurichiyo's false wedding.
When Ichigo travels to Soul Society to rescue Rurichiyo Kasumiōji by stopping the wedding, he is interrupted by the arrival of Suì-Fēng and the 2nd Division.[40] He goes to move forward by Suì-Fēng gets in front of him and tells him he is disrespectful to disrupt a noble family wedding. Rukia says that they can explain their actions and Ichigo asks for some time to prove their innocence in any wrong doing. He tries to explain, but Rurichiyo dismisses his attempts and the 2nd Division prepares to capture them. Rusaburō Enkōgawa escapes, then releases his Zanpakutō and crashes down onto the roof causing it to collapse.[41]
Suì-Fēng clashes with Rukia.
When the smoke clears, Suì-Fēng goes to attack Ichigo, but ends up crossing swords with Rukia instead. Rukia tries to explain, but Suì-Fēng will not listen as she uses a Hakuda attack and knocks Rukia away. Suì-Fēng then goes after Ichigo, who is unable to convince her without any evidence. After some swordplay she discards her haori and easily dominates the battle with Hakuda and then releases her Zanpakutō, but before she can attack Rukia uses her Hakuren technique, cutting her off from any further attacks as they make their getaway.[41]
Ichigo stops Suì-Fēng.
Shortly, while debriefing her men on the situation, she is approached by Gyōkaku Kumoi, who asks that she not search the manor. When she disputes this, he plainly reminds her of her social status in the matter. Suì-Fēng is forced to wait until Ichigo and Rukia come out, which they eventually do with Shū Kannogi as a hostage making capturing them not an option. Suì-Fēng later reports the situation at a captains' meeting and makes mention of Kumoi's reluctance of allowing them on the manor grounds, noting that he seemed to be hiding something.[41]
Later, while in Soul Society, Yoruichi helps Suì-Fēng in understanding what truly was going on with the Kasumiōji Clan. She then shows Suì-Fēng a technique taught to her by Kisuke Urahara, allowing Suì-Fēng the ability to break through a barrier placed around the Kasumiōji foundry by royal blood, supposedly making the shield impenetrable.[42]
Fake Karakura Town arc
Suì-Fēng appears with the Gotei 13 to stop Aizen. When Aizen, along with his top three Espada and their Fracción arrive to attack the Fake Karakura Town she along with is among the Gotei 13's members sent to defend it.[43] When Ōmaeda states that he thought Yumichika Ayasegawa, Ikkaku Madarame, Izuru Kira, and Shūhei Hisagi where not going to be there, she states that she had told him, although, she then thinks to herself that she might have forgotten to tell him.[44] Suì-Fēng vs. Ggio Vega. After the fight for the pillars are successfully defended, she engages in battle with Ggio Vega who tries to taunt and distract her with conversation, but Suì-Fēng remains calm and continues to fight. Eventually, Suì-Fēng binds the Arrancar with a Kidō spell, she then releases Suzumebachi.[45] After Suì-Fēng explains that her Zanpakutō's ability, Ggio uses his Cero to escape before she can attack and taunts her for not using her ability fast enough. They then continue to fight with Ggio gaining the upper hand when he kicks her through a building. He then questions her skill as an assassin, as he gives his name and proceeds to release his Zanpakutō.[46] Suì-Fēng is thrown away by Ggio's attacks and sent flying into the side of Nirgge Parduoc's head, knocking him out.[47] Ōmaeda goes to check on Suì-Fēng, but she berates him for acting weak and tells him that he is never to turn his back on an enemy. Suì-Fēng then calls him a disgrace and goes back to fighting.[48] Ggio takes the upper hand in the fight again and pins Suì-Fēng to the side of a building with his fangs. He then proceeds to finish her off, but Ōmaeda jumps in and blocks the attack with his Shikai. He then grabs the Arrancar in a bear hug and tells his captain to attack. As Ggio prepares to blast Ōmaeda with a Cero, Suì-Fēng kicks him away, revealing she had been feigning her loss in order to study the Arrancar's Resurrección. After knocking Ōmaeda back with a punch to the face, Suì-Fēng tells him if he sees an ally losing to attack the enemy from behind or stand aside if the foe is too strong instead of stepping between them.[49] Suì-Fēng goes to Ggio and apologizes for keeping him waiting and promises to show him a real assassination, but then she questions whether or not he will even be able to see it. This prompts Ggio into a rage allowing him to use his Tigre Estoque El Sable battle form. But before he even realizes it she has used her Nigeki Kessatsu technique on him. She apologizes to him again stating that though she said death in two steps he probably only felt one. Ggio then dies. When Ōmaeda questions if Suzumebachi will work hitting to separate spots, Suì-Fēng explains the true mechanics behind the attack.[50] Suì-Fēng battling Baraggan Louisenbairn. After Vega is defeated, Ōmaeda and Suì-Fēng prepare to battle Ggio's master, Baraggan Louisenbairn the Segunda Espada. Yet, the two of them are unable to move Baraggan. Believing that Suì-Fēng is holding back because of the captain's seal, Ōmaeda begins bragging, but Suì-Fēng explains that the seal has not been placed on the captains this time and she is fighting at full power.[51] Baraggan then takes out his Zanpakutō and begins to swing it at them, but they dodge the attack. Suì-Fēng tries to attack him with a kick, but he grabs her leg and throws her into a nearby building. This causes Suì-Fēng to wonder about Baraggan's ability as every time she goes to kick him her attack suddenly slows down. She notices that it is not due to his spiritual energy, but that her own body is getting slower. Noticing that she is wondering about his powers, Baraggan tells her that the Espada each embody an aspect of death, and that his aspect is old age, which in turn gives him power over time. He then shows her by using Sonído to get in close and touches her left shoulder causing the bones in her left arm to break. He then releases his Zanpakutō.[52] Suì-Fēng's arm disintegrates. Suì-Fēng watches in horror as she realizes that with each step he takes on the roof causes it to rot and crumble. She then screams at Ōmaeda to run as he is no match for Baraggan. The Espada releases his Respira which catches Suì-Fēng's broken left arm causing it to begin to rot away to the bone. Realizing what has happened Suì-Fēng begins to panic and screams for Ōmaeda to cut off her arm before it spreads further and she ends up dead. She is then taunted by Baraggan, who finds it funny that even Shinigami are afraid of death.[53] Suì-Fēng explains to Ōmaeda that she needs him to keep Baraggan busy for a while as she has a plan, and leaves.[54]   Ōmaeda catches Suì-Fēng. While Ōmaeda is acting as a decoy and screaming for help, Suì-Fēng is below near a building executing her plan. It is then revealed that she has wrapped a cloth many times around a building and tethered herself to the other end. Suì-Fēng then activates her Bankai.[55] Just as Baraggan seems to be closing in on Ōmaeda to finish him off with his technique "Gran Caída", Baraggan notices the surge of energy from Suì-Fēng's Bankai being released and turns around to face her. Suì-Fēng emerges with her Bankai, Jakuhō Raikōben. Baraggan is somewhat surprised as he has yet to see one, Suì-Fēng explains that she would have preferred not to use it as it offends her pride as a covert ops agent. Suì-Fēng then sets herself up to fire the projectile at Baraggan resulting in a huge blazing explosion.[56]The explosion is powerful enough to not only push Suì-Fēng back, but also her lieutenant. Suì-Fēng's sash rips apart, but she's safely caught by Ōmaeda as they look on at the large cloud caused by the explosion.[57] After the arrival of Hooleer, Suì-Fēng notices Baraggan's figure in the dust, seemingly unaffected by her Bankai, noting that it is impossible for him to have survived.[58] Suì-Fēng witnesses the arrival of the Visored and is noticeably surprised at seeing people she hasn't seen for over 100 years.[59] Hachigen Ushōda then joins Suì-Fēng and Marechiyo Ōmaeda in facing Baraggan. Hachi addresses Suì-Fēng, telling her it's been a long time since they last saw each other. Suì-Fēng acts as if she doesn't know him, to which Hachi comments that he figured she would say as much, and that he is not surprised that she doesn't think well of the Visored.[60] After using some advanced binding Kidō to deter Baraggan, Hachi then calls out to Suì-Fēng, asking her for her help as he needs her Bankai. Suì-Fēng apprehensively comments on how the Visored even knows about her Bankai. Hachi pleads with her that he knows she doesn't want to work with them because of their connection to Urahara, but he reminds her that this is not the time for grudges. Suì-Fēng continues to be uninterested in teaming up with him, to which Hachi relents and tells her he will make a deal with her. Meanwhile, Baraggan loses patience and proceeds to try to destroy the barrier.[61] Suì-Fēng prepares to fire her Bankai inside the barrier. Hachi goes on to explain that Baraggan used his aging on Suì-Fēng's Bankai and made it explode far away from him so that he escaped the explosion. Hachi then deduces that if Baraggan is somewhere where he can't escape the explosion and the explosion is too close to him, then his powers won't be fast enough to keep it away from him. The pinwheel section of the barrier partially opens and Suì-Fēng sticks Jakuhō Raikōben in and asks Hachi to promise her again that the next day, he will seal Kisuke Urahara in one of his barriers for a month. Hachi promises and Suì-Fēng smiles as she fires her Bankai, causing the barrier to seriously rupture and crack.[62] Afterwards, Suì-Fēng collapses and starts falling to the ground, but is caught by Ōmaeda, as Hachi comments on the power of her Bankai since it was able to crack the gates of the four beasts. She explains that normally she can only fire her Bankai once every three days, but here she was able to do it twice in one day. She reiterates that she wants her payment from Hachi. At this point, Baraggan emerges with the left side of his head severely damaged land as he starts releasing Respira, causing the building on which Suì-Fēng was standing to collapse.[63] Suì-Fēng is shocked and wonders if Baraggan really is invincible. She and Ōmaeda start to flee as Hachi erects a barrier to stop the Respira.[64] As the Respira breaks through Hachi's wall, Suì-Fēng calls out Hachi's full name in concern before witnessing Hachi defeating Baraggan by using his own abilities against him.[65] When Ichigo Kurosaki returns from Hueco Mundo, Suì-Fēng, along with the other unoccupied Shinigami and Visored, prepares to protect Ichigo from Aizen and his Shikai.[66] She tells Ichigo that any opening that Aizen presents will only last a moment, and that he will miss his opportunity to strike if he is not ready. Suì-Fēng then tells him that they are not risking their lives on this battle, but are rather fighting to survive. As she leaves to attack Aizen, she tells Ichigo not to fall behind.[67]   Suì-Fēng is cut down by Aizen along with Hitsugaya, Shunsui, and Shinji. As Love and Komamura fall to Aizen, Suì-Fēng appears before him. Aizen calls her mad for coming to fight him directly as it goes against everything taught to members of the Onmitsukidō, and Suì-Fēng says Central 46 was crazy for ever appointing him a teacher at the Shin'ō Academy. As Aizen tells Suì-Fēng not to insult the dead, as she too was fooled. Suì-Fēng insists she was never fooled by him. She then uses her Shunpo to produce about 15 clones of herself, a move that Aizen commends. Then all her clones move to finish Aizen off. Aizen moves to take out his Zanpakutō, but his sword and arm are immediately encased in ice much to his surprise. Before he can react, Suì-Fēng stabs him the in the chest with her Nigeki Kessatsu technique. Aizen notes that it is an interesting technique, but it cannot harm him. Surprising Suì-Fēng, he explains that a battle between Shinigami is a battle of Reiatsu. His Reiatsu will crush her attacks and powers. Aizen is then caught in Shunsui's Kageoni, and stabbed from the back by Hitsugaya thanks to Shinji Hirako's Sakanade.[68] But it is quickly revealed that Aizen deceives them again, using his Zanpakutō's hypnotic power to trick them into attacking Momo Hinamori instead. As Hitsugaya attacks Aizen in a blind rage, Suì-Fēng and the other captain-level warriors are distracted trying to stop him. Aizen claims they are all wide open and proceeds to strike down Suì-Fēng, Shunsui, Shinji, and Hitsugaya.[69] As they fall into the town below, Aizen states that he won't kill them and that they are to watch the outcome of this battle.[70] |
Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Captain Suì-Fēng is one of the Shinigami called to Sōkyoku Hill for an emergency meeting. It is there that she first meets Muramasa, and witnesses her Zanpakutō on Muramasa's side.[71] Shortly afterwards, a fierce battle breaks out between the Shinigami and the Zanpakutō Spirits. When Kazeshini tries to attack Lieutenants Shūhei Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon Iba, who are carrying an unconscious Captain Sajin Komamura, Suì-Fēng blocks the attack.[72] Sometime later, she iarrives with the Onmitsukidō to aid Ichigo, Marechiyo, and Ikkaku Madarame in capturing Hōzukimaru and Gegetsuburi. The former gets away, but Suì-Fēng has Gegetsuburi sent to Mayuri for examination. The next night, Suì-Fēng arrives with the Onmitsukidō and some other Shinigami to save Rukia and Renji from numerous attacking Zanpakutō Spirits.[73] As Gonryōmaru is attacking the Shinigami, the 2nd Division captain goes on the offensive, attacking the Zanpakutō Spirit. She effortlessly dodges a fire blast from Tenken and is nonplussed at the idea of fighting two powerful (lieutenant and captain level) opponents at once. Gonryōmaru attacks Suì-Fēng with electricity, but she dodges and lands a solid kick on him, launching him into a wall. She continues by dodging attacks from Tenken. After briefly ribbing Gonryōmaru, the latter summons a dark cloud that hovers over her.[74]
Suì-Fēng continues to taunt Gonryōmaru and Tenken before taking them both on using Shunkō. The battle is going her way greatly when she is interrupted by Suzumebachi. Suzumebachi manages to get a Hōmonka on her and says that she was close to getting a second sting as well. Suzumebachi then berates Suì-Fēng's sense of style and tells her she sounds stupid when she goes around saying "Yoruichi-sama" this, "Yoruichi-sama" that. To cap things off, Suzumebachi tells her to get a new wardrobe and a boyfriend. Suì-Fēng is shocked at Suzumebachi's personality and questions whether that really is her Zanpakutō. Suzumebachi tells her that if she doubts her then just wait and see what happens when she is stung a second time.[75] Worried that she will not be able to keep up with Suzumebachi's speed in the current area, Suì-Fēng tricks Suzumebachi into following her elsewhere.[76]
Suzumebachi proves to Suì-Fēng how fast she is.
As Suì-Fēng continues to run she is attacked by Suzumebachi though she perfectly dodges so that she does not get hit in the same spot a second time, resulting in a Hōmonka appearing on her shoulder. Suzumebachi congratulates her on her tactics, but notes that the Hōmonka seals are starting to add up, as she now has a total of three. Suì-Fēng begins to ponder why their speed is not the same until Suzumebachi explains that because she is smaller than Suì-Fēng, that regardless of them having the same speed she has more dexterity and therefore she has the advantage and that is the reason why she can attack Suì-Fēng, but Suì-Fēng cannot land a single hit on her. Suzumebachi then begins to taunt Suì-Fēng by talking about Yoruichi causing Suì-Fēng to become upset and strike out at Suzumebachi. Suì-Fēng then tries again to slash at Suzumebachi, who dodges the attacks with ease. Suzumebachi the attempts to sting Suì-Fēng in the eye, but using Shunpo she dodges the attack, resulting in her getting hit on her cheek, where a Hōmonka appears.[77]
Suì-Fēng blocking Suzumebachi's attack with her Shunkō.
Suzumebachi laughs at Suì-Fēng as she tries to determine where to strike her next, flying around Suì-Fēng using her amazing speed to confuse Suì-Fēng. Suzumebachi decides to attack the Hōmonka on Suì-Fēng's cheek but just as her stinger makes contact she is repelled by Suì-Fēng's Shunkō. Suì-Fēng takes her sword and strikes Suzumebachi down. Thus regaining control of her Zanpakutō. Although victorious, the fight has exhausted her and just as Suì-Fēng is about to collapse she is held up by Yoruichi who carries her back to meet the others. Suì-Fēng is present when Yoruichi reveals that she has found where Muramasa is keeping Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.[77]
As Muramasa's Hollow form grows in strength, Suì-Fēng, Suzumebachi and other high-level Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits appear in Karakura Town to aid Ichigo's team in the fight. [78] Together, Suì-Fēng and Suzumebachi began taking down several Gillians, at one point saving Ichigo's friends, though she denies any attempt to aid them. When Suì-Fēng turns her attention to the giant dome that Muramasa has transformed into, Uryū Ishida stops her from attacking by firing a volley of arrows in front of her. When trying to reason with her that Ichigo was trapped inside, Suì-Fēng insists that her mission comes first. Hitsugaya convinces her to instead focus first on taking care of the Menos Grande. As the number of Gillian grows due to the open Garganta, Suì-Fēng and the others combine their Reiatsu to seal the Garganta, preventing more Gillian from arriving.[79] After Suì-Fēng and the others finish off the remaining Gillian, Ichigo emerges from the collapsed down the victor with a dying Muramasa who apologizes for his actions.[80]
Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Suì-Fēng present during the meeting in Ichigo's room.
Suì-Fēng (with her missing arm restored) is present for a captain's meeting called by Yamamoto regarding disappearances in the Dangai. She listens to Mayuri's report that there is a time gap in the Dangai and his request to conduct a study to identify the cause.[81] Suì-Fēng later accompanies other members of the Gotei 13 to the Human World and is present during a meeting in Ichigo's room in the Kurosaki Clinic.[82]
Suì-Fēng negates Inaba's Shunkō.
Yoruichi frees Suì-Fēng from Inaba's seal. She arrives at Inaba's lair at the same time as the Gotei 13 captains and Yoruichi, stopping Inaba from attacking an injured Hitsugaya by throwing knives at him. Suì-Fēng and the captains engage Inaba and his Reigai in battle. During the fight, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng use their Shunkō, but are blocked by Inaba's portals. Kenpachi tells them that Inaba can copy whatever they do. Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng use Hankisosai to counter this and create an opening for Kenpachi and Hitsugaya to successfully strike Inaba. However, Inaba's body dissipates and he reappears. He immediately attacks and injures all four of them.[83]
Suì-Fēng defeated at the hands of Regai-Kenpachi.
As Mayuri fights and talks with Inaba, Suì-Fēng listens with the others. As Mayuri torments Inaba, Suì-Fēng demands that he hurry up and finish him off. Inaba releases the full power of the Reigai and more of the Reigai appear. The two sides engage in battle, and while fighting the Reigai of Byakuya, Suì-Fēng is knocked into the ground by Reigai-Kenpachi Zaraki.[84] She is later treated [85] and joins the other captains to aid Ichigo and Kisuke against their Reigai pursuers.[86] Suì-Fēng quickly teams up with Yoruichi to battle Reigai-Unohana. However, even with their combined attacks, the Reigai is able to effortlessly block their attacks with a barrier. It is surmised that the Reigai have been enhanced even further since their last battle.[85]
Soon, the captains find themselves cornered by the enhanced-Reigai's power. Byakuya, however, realizes a key difference in the Reigai's method of fighting: they refuse to risk fighting outnumbered in fear of being defeated and such won't attack first. Suì-Fēng mocks them for their cowardly battle tactics.[87]
Later, the resurrected Ōko Yushima begins his endgame, using his Renzan: Hajokuri technique to begin destroying the Soul Society. Before the Shinigami can stop him, the Reigai step forward, saying that they will stop their fellow Mod-Soul's chaotic plan as their goal has always been to protect the Soul Society in their own way. The Reigai then destroy Yushima's technique at the cost of their own lives.[88]
The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc
Sometime after Aizen's defeat, her arm has been restored, thanks to the top healing skills of the Gotei 13.[89] Suì-Fēng and most of the captains greet Ichigo when he comes to Soul Society. When he greets her, she complains to Ichigo for not using an honorific when saying her name. When Ichigo asks for Kūgo Ginjō's body so that he can bury him in the Real World, she scolds him for not recognizing Ginjō as a criminal and a murderer.[90]
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc
When Akon and Mayuri Kurotsuchi report about the Wandenreich's infiltration, Suì-Fēng is also present. She is subsequently ordered to prepare for war alongside other captains.[91] When the Sternritter invade Seireitei, Suì-Fēng head out to deal with the invaders.[92]
Suì-Fēng's Bankai is stolen.
Upon entering the battlefield, she confronts BG9. Accompanied by Ōmaeda, she tells her lieutenant that she will be using her Bankai to try to find a way to counter the Wandenreich's method of sealing Bankai. She goes to say that even if they do seal their Bankai, there will be no problem if they simply kill their opponents before their Bankai is sealed away. Suì-Fēng then proceeds to unleash her Jakuhō Raikōben, but it is immediately stolen by her Quincy opponent.[93] When Captain-Commander Yamamoto decides to actually enter the front lines, Ōmaeda senses Yamamoto's Reiatsu as it resonates throughout Seireitei. Ōmaeda then asks his captain what is happening. In response, Suì-Fēng calls him an idiot and says that the Captain-Commander is outraged.[94]
Suì-Fēng and the others mourn Yamamoto's death.
Soon after the battle reaches its climax with the Wandenreich retreating, Suì-Fēng and the rest of the captains mourn the death of their Captain-Commander in the First Division barracks. She is visibly shaken after hearing from Ukitake that Yamamoto's body could not be found as it was likely destroyed by the enemy. After receiving a report about the status of Kenpachi and Byakuya, Suì-Fēng is the first to break down and shouts at the messenger. Lashing out at Kensei for being so composed, it's only with the intervention of Komamura and Shunsui that she is able to calm down.[95] Suì-Fēng and the other captains later gather outside Seireitei to witness the arrival of the Royal Guard.[96]
Suì-Fēng trains on top of a mountain.
After the arrival of the Royal Guard, Suì-Fēng yells at them for beginning to discuss rebuilding so quickly, and states that there are more important things to take care of. However, she is ignored, and one of the Royal Guard members appears behind her, getting hold of her arm. The Royal Guard berates her for not being able to protect Seireitei to the point where even their assistance is needed, but is then hit on the head by another Royal Guard, allowing Suì-Fēng to pull free. Moments later, Senjumaru Shutara approaches with large orbs containing Renji, Byakuya, Rukia, and Tensa Zangetsu, shocking Suì-Fēng and the other captains.[97] After the Royal Guard leaves, Suì-Fēng heads to a mountain top to begin intensive physical training, leaving Ōmaeda behind.[98]
She later returns, having perfected her Shunkō using the wind now that her Bankai was stolen. She rescues her lieutenant from BG9's attack by severing its arm off. She then attacks BG9, sending it flying into a wall, but does not kill it. [99] BG9 emerges from the rubble and tries to blindside Suì-Fēng, but she dodges. After exchanging some banter, BG9 blasts Suì-Fēng. She again avoids his attack using her Mukyū Shunkō, but BG9 comes from behind and grabs her and the two of them disappear in a massive explosion. [100]
Suì-Fēng's Bankai blasts BG9.
As BG9 attempts to experiment upon her, Ōmaeda comes to her and drops a Shin'eiyaku into her hand and tells her that with it she should be able to regain her Bankai, though he admits that he couldn't really understand the complex reasoning behind it. BG9 tells him to speak up as its senses are lowered due to the earlier explosion. It then notes that its connection is not working properly, to which Suì-Fēng weakly replies that the Hollowfied Bankai is impairing its bodily functions. Ōmaeda is surprised that his captain is conscious to which Suì-Fēng points out that there is no way she wouldn't awaken at the sound of Kisuke Urahara's annoying voice. She then releases her Bankai, prompting BG9 to ask how she regained her Bankai. She states that she doesn't know but that BG9 should get hit by it and attempt to analyze it. She asks Ōmaeda to position her and fires it at BG9, causing a massive explosion.[101]
Afterwards, Marechiyo carries Mareyo Ōmaeda and Suì-Fēng through Seireitei and is confronted by a group of Soldat along the way. Lieutenant Momo Hinamori and Captain Shinji Hirako arrive and defeat the Soldat. Shinji orders Momo to tend to Suì-Fēng.[102] Later, after Renji and Rukia arrive at the building the Shinigami were summoned to, Suì-Fēng hits Marechiyo for being too loud before explaining to Rukia and Renji how Momo healed their injuries, prompting them to note she is being kinder than usual. After opening the door to the building, Suì-Fēng finds Yūshirō Shihōin, who thanks her for taking care of his sister.[103] Suì-Fēng is shocked upon learning of Urahara's intention to break into the Soul King Palace.[104] After Kenpachi agrees to leave the search for his lieutenant to the rest of his division, Urahara gives Suì-Fēng a sphere to charge with her Reiatsu.[105] When Shinji trades insults with a newly-arrived Hiyori and claims that the latter is also insulting her, Suì-Fēng promises to kill him if he is claiming that they share the same haircut. After Urahara explains what they will be doing to get to the palace and admits that there may not be a way back, Suì-Fēng admonishes him for thinking they would back down upon learning this.[106]
Suì-Fēng is swarmed by the creatures.
Soon afterwards, Seireitei starts crumbling. Suì-Fēng notes there is no enemy Reiatsu nearby and wonders what is happening, prompting Urahara to state that the Soul King must have died, much to the surprise of the gathered Shinigami. [107] She then watches as Ukitake uses the power of Mimihagi to replace the Soul King, loudly wondering what Mimihagi is.[108] When Yhwach covers the Seireitei in darkness, Suì-Fēng attempts to destroy the veil with her Bankai, but is interrupted by a swarm of black creatures that falls from the sky.[109] Soon, a bound Aizen appears and starts squashing the creatures. Shunsui steps forth and explains he set him free because they need his power, prompting Suì-Fēng and the others to loudly protest.[110] After Aizen wipes out the remaining creatures, Suì-Fēng activates her Bankai and prepares to attempt to destroy the veil again. However, Aizen stops her and says he will instead obliterate it with his Reiatsu.[111]
Equipment
Ginjōtan (銀条反, Stripe of Inverted Silver): A steel sash worn under armor, its contributing weight makes it harder for the wearer to move fast. The tremendous recoil produced by using her Bankai requires that Suì-Fēng be anchored to a nearby stationary object via this cloth-like material.[112]
Powers & Abilities
Suì-Fēng's Battle Data, clockwise. Top: Offense (80), Top Right: Defense (60), Bottom right: Mobility (100), Bottom: Kidō/Reiatsu (60), Bottom Left: Intelligence (60), Top Left: Physical Strength (100). Total: 460/600.[113]
Shunpo Master: As the leader of the Onmitsukidō, she is also highly proficient in Shunpo. She is able to almost keep up with her mentor Yoruichi Shihōin, being able to hit her multiple times with Suzumebachi, but not getting a chance to hit her in the same spot twice, as Yoruichi was faster.[114] She actively uses her mastery of Shunpo techniques, and is highly proficient in evasion in close quarters, as well as from a distance, thus making hitting her almost impossible for all but the most advanced combatant. Her movements are so fast that few would be likely to see an attack by her take place. It has also been noted by Suzumebachi that her Shunpo is the fastest of all Soul Society (excluding Yoruichi).[36][48]
- Speed Clones: Suì-Fēng is able to create at least 15 clones of herself at once using Shunpo. While they are indistinguishable from her true self and mimic her movements, they do not seem to last long.[115](Unnamed)
- Utsusemi (空蝉, Cast-Off Cicada Shell): Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō. It allows for a movement at great, sudden speed, leaving at least one tangible after-image behind.[116]
Hakuda Master: As the leader of the Onmitsukidō, Suì-Fēng is required to be highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, which she had been training in ever since she first joined the Onmitsukidō. She is likely the most proficient hand-to-hand combatant in all of Soul Society, being able to fight evenly with, and gain the upper hand against, her mentor Yoruichi Shihōin. She is also proficient in counterattacking. Her attacks have great speed and agility, leaving little time to counterattack. Additionally, it has proven difficult to actively lay a hand on her unless she allows it.[114][36][41][117][118][119]
- Kazaguruma (風車, Windmill):[120] A Hakuda technique where one throws their body up into the air and makes a shearing movement with the legs to get one leg in front of the other without holding on to the ground. The move can either be done backwards or sideways. When the move is done, with one leg high over the head, the user delivers a devastating kick to the opponent, sending them flying away with tremendous force.[121]
- Takigoi (滝鯉, Waterfall Carp)[122]: A Hakuda technique where one blocks the kicks of an opponent by trapping the opponent's one foot against the forearm and blocking the other foot with the combatant's foot. The move blocks and traps the opponent, who is then open to an attack from the combatant's free hand.[123]
Suì-Fēng's incomplete Shunkō.
Shunkō (Wind) (瞬閧, Flash War Cry; Viz "Instant War Cry"): An advanced technique that combines hand-to-hand combat and Kidō. She fights by surrounding her back and arms with pressurized Kidō. The keisen uniform has no back or sleeves because they will rip apart when the technique is activated.[124] The technique takes the form of wind currents and its incomplete form is concentrated around her right arm. She has enough control to release the Kidō energy as a directed blast that can cause considerable damage to the surrounding area.[15] She can use the technique to a greater degree later on, using it to block a devastating lightning blast and dissipate it, and block a blade attack as well as push it back with only her bare hand, using the energy of the technique as a barrier.[125] She can focus the technique's pressurized Kidō onto specific areas of her body, making the protection exceedingly more concentrated.[126]
Suì-Fēng's completed Shunkō.
- Mukyū Shunkō (無窮 瞬閧, Tireless Flash War Cry; Viz "Infinite Shunkō"): She would go on to complete the technique shorty after her fight with Yoruichi. Suì-Fēng discovered a technique for encircling her body multiple times to make the Reiatsu she emits revolve around her like a vortex indefinitely, therefore once she activates her Shunkō she is able to maintain it for as long as she wants.[127]
Master Swordsman: Suì-Fēng is masterful in swordsmanship, usually only employing her Zanpakutō when facing an opponent with a drawn weapon. She is unique in that her fighting style is different from traditional styles. Suì-Fēng holds the blade horizontally in a reverse grip, using the blade like a large dagger with it pointed backwards towards the bottom of her gripping hand. All strikes are made by sweeping the arm forward, as though throwing a punch, while whipping the blade forward away from the arm quickly in a broad arc. She is quite adept at blocking with the blade in this manner as well. She also fights in the normal style masterfully, making her proficient in two variations of sword fighting.[128][36]
Kidō Expert: As captain of the 2nd Division and the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Suì-Fēng is well versed in art of Kidō, though she prefers to use Shunpo and hand-to-hand fighting techniques. She is experienced enough to mix it with other hand-to-hand combat techniques.[129]
Master Assassin: As the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, Suì-Fēng is one of the foremost masters in the art of assassination. She is known to be skillful in staying hidden. Using Shunpo, she has disabled opponents without them being able to see her, as she did while catching the arrows of Benin in battle. She also used this ability to sneak up on Aizen and temporarily capture him before he escaped to Hueco Mundo.[130] She has studied all the disciplines of the punishment force since she was a child, including poison. Because of this, over the years she has developed a resistance to nearly every poison there is.[36]
Master Strategist & Tactician: As Commander of the Secret Mobile Corps and captain of the 2nd Division, Suì-Fēng\is a capable leader. Suì-Fēng has repeatedly proved herself to be insightful and crafty, capable of quickly understanding any situation that presents itself and adjusting to it effectively. Suì-Fēng has an innate skill to determine what actions should be taken in battle. The tactics she employs are based on subterfuge and confusion. She is adept at lulling her opponents into a false sense of security and allowing them to underestimate her abilities. A common tactic of hers is to gauge the opponent's strengths and weaknesses in the middle of combat.
Great Spiritual Power: As the Captain of the 2nd Division, she boasts a great amount of spiritual energy. Her Reiatsu is golden-yellow.[79]
- Masterful Reiatsu Control: Due to her position within the Onmitsukidō Suì-Fēng is trained in the mastery of hiding her spiritual presence from detection.[131]
Enhanced Strength: Suì-Fēng is strong enough to take on bigger opponents despite her smaller stature, easily overcoming those four times her own size. She is capable of lifting large slabs of concrete that she was buried under with little to no effort.[132] During her fight with Tenken and Gonryōmaru, Suì-Fēng sent the latter flying into a wall with a single kick.[116]
Enhanced Durability: Suì-Fēng is highly durable, able to withstand being kicked into buildings with enough force to go through walls and bring whole sections down on top of her while sustaining no apparent injuries.[132]
Enhanced Endurance: She was able to endure having her left arm cut off, and still remained able to engage in combat for an extensive period of time.[133]
Zanpakutō
Suzumebachi redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc see Suzumebachi (Zanpakutō spirit).
Suzumebachi (雀蜂, Hornet): In its sealed form, it resembles a wakizashi with a yellow hilt reminiscent of a Chinese dao. It is kept sheathed horizontally behind Suì-Fēng's lower back hanging by a rope.
Suzumebachi's Shikai.
- Shikai: It is triggered by the command "Sting all Enemies to Death" (尽敵螫殺, Jinteki Shakusetsu)[134]. Grasping onto Suzumebachi with her right hand, the entire sword glows white and shrinks in size. When the emitted glow dies out, it is revealed that Suzumebachi has now taken on the form of a black and gold gauntlet, with a small chain linking it to a stinger-like blade on Suì-Fēng's middle finger. The "stinger" is about twice as long as the normal length of Suì-Fēng's fingers, slightly increasing her striking distance. The colors and pattern of the Shikai resemble those of a hornet.[135] In this form, Suzumebachi is still capable of withstanding an opponent's sword attacks, as Suì-Fēng can block incoming attacks with the "stinger" and gauntlet portions.[136]
- Shikai Special Ability:
Suì-Fēng executing Nigeki Kessatsu on Ggio Vega.
- Nigeki Kessatsu (弐撃決殺, Death in Two Steps): As its first step, Suì-Fēng stabs her enemy with Suzumebachi's blade. In addition to creating a rather deep wound, the attack leaves a butterfly-shaped stamp on the victim’s body. Spreading from the center of the wound, known as Hōmonka (蜂紋華, hornet's crest; Viz "Bee Crest Flower"), this stamp becomes the target of Suì-Fēng's second attack. If struck in the same spot that was hit the first time, the person will inevitably die, and thus illustrate "Death in Two Steps."[137] When the ability takes effect, a larger crest quickly spreads out from the two smaller ones, completely destroying the victim's body.[138][139] The crests are maintained by Suì-Fēng's will, and are impossible to remove unless she wills it; when Yoruichi was still in charge of the Onmitsukidō, Suì-Fēng could only maintain the crests for half an hour.[140] The mechanics behind Suzumebachi's ability take effect not through the point of entry, but rather the point of actual surface contact.[141] This ability is caused by a venom that Suzumebachi secretes. When it enters the target's body, it spreads throughout their body in a matter of minutes, if not seconds, destroying it without a trace.[142] The effect of the poison takes slightly longer to work for those who have enhanced spiritual power.[143]
- Counter-Poison: Suì-Fēng can use the same venom that Suzumebachi secretes for Nigeki Kessatsu as a counter-poison by stabbing herself.[144]
Jakuhō Raikōben - Suì-Fēng's Bankai.
- Bankai: Jakuhō Raikōben (雀蜂雷公鞭, Hornet Thunder Whip): Upon activating Bankai, a pillar of Reiatsu shoots into the air before fading.[145] Its appearance is that of a gold armor missile launcher base that encases Suì-Fēng's right arm, and comes all the way above her shoulder to form a face shield that she uses to cover the right side of her face.[146][147] The entire Bankai is made up of a large pointed gold cylinder with black markings, twice the size of Suì-Fēng herself.[148] Before she activated her Bankai, Suì-Fēng wrapped a heavy metal sash (Ginjōhan)[112] around the building she stood on,[55] in preparation for the attack's massive recoil and the resulting powerful explosion. She uses her Bankai so rarely that it has remained largely unseen by the members of Soul Society; even her own lieutenant comments on having never seen it before.[149] Suì-Fēng explains that she would prefer not to use her Bankai. She believes that it offends her pride as a Covert Ops agent, because it is too large to hide, too heavy to move, and its attack is too flashy for assassination.[150] While using her Bankai, Suì-Fēng's Reiatsu turns light-blue.[151]
Suì-Fēng firing her Bankai.
- Bankai Special Ability: Being a ranged weapon of the artillery sort, Jakuhō Raikōben has the ability to launch the missile attached to its base. To do so, Suì-Fēng must first raise and aim the huge missile, using the slits present in her face guard to be able to see while doing so. Once targeted, small fins extend from numerous points along the missile, before it is fired. It then tracks its target for a precision strike.[152] After a successful hit, the missile creates a powerful and massive explosion.[153] strong enough to crack the Shijū no Saimon, something Hachigen Ushōda notes to be impressive, and heavily injure Baraggan Louisenbairn.[154]
Weaknesses
Zanpakutō
Recoil (Bankai): The burst of explosive energy after the detonation is powerful enough to not only blow away Suì-Fēng and her lieutenant, but also rip the steel sash she was tied with, despite both of them being a long distance away from the explosion.[155] Should Suì-Fēng not use the sash as an anchor, she can have Ōmaeda hold her down instead.[156]
Superior Reiatsu: In Shikai, Nigeki Kessatsu can be negated by a target of superior Reiatsu, as demonstrated by Sōsuke Aizen.[157]
Missile Limitation (Bankai): She stated that the Bankai attack has a normal limit of firing no more than one missile every three days; doing so more often taxes her noticeably,[154] but despite this claim she is capable of firing a second missile at the same level of power within a small amount of time of firing the first.[158]
Appearances in Other Media
Suì-Fēng appears in most video games. Her Shikai is available in most games, able to take down opponents in two hits, though in some games, it may be harder to execute than in others. Her Bankai first appeared in Bleach: Heat the Soul 7 as one of her EX attacks. She also appears in the OVA The Sealed Sword Frenzy as one of the captains to assist Ichigo in trying to stop Baishin, she also appears in the movies Memories of Nobody, The DiamondDust Rebellion, Fade to Black.
Censorship
The appearance of Suì-Fēng's Onmitsukidō commander outfit has slight changes from the manga in order to make it less revealing. While in the manga the uniform reveals the entirety of Suì-Fēng's back as well small portions of the sides of her breasts, in the anime the outfit has been redesigned to feature a white undershirt that covers her lower back and as well as sides of her upper abdomen. It also does not reveal a portion of Suì-Fēng's thighs as it did in the manga.
Trivia
- In the Zanpakutō popularity poll, Suì-Fēng's Suzumebachi came 15th.
- In the most recent character popularity poll, Suì-Fēng came 25th ( in previous ones, she ranked 44th and 16th in the 2nd and 3rd polls, respectively).
- In the Bleach best bout poll Suì-Fēng's fight with Yoruichi came in ninth place.[159]
- In the English manga, Suì-Fēng first releases her Zanpakutō with romanized Japanese.[160]
- She has a column titled I'll Do Anything to Live[161] and The Road To Assassination.[162] in the Seireitei Communication.
- The Shinigami Women's Association published a Photo Collection of Suì-Fēng named Honey Bee: Suì-Fēng's Beach-side Panic! which is currently stalled. [163]
- When she first appeared in the manga, she did not have her two long braids covered in white ribbon.[164]
Quotes
- (To Marechiyo Ōmaeda) "I have no interest in whether it is right or wrong. All I care about is executing orders as a captain of the Gotei 13. All who get in my way are my enemies. All enemies must be slain. That is all that matters. That goes for you too, Ōmaeda. Don't forget where your loyalty lies. If you get in my way, you too will become my enemy."[165]
- (To Yoruichi Shihōin) "I am stronger than you!! I should have surpassed you already! You should have weakened these past hundred years and I should have grown in strength! Why is this happening? Why are you still above me? How can you still dominate me like that?"[166]
- "Of my five older siblings, two died on the first mission, then two more on the second, then in the sixth mission, the last one died as well. I felt sad somewhat, but more than that, I felt ashamed of their incompetence."[167]
- (Thinking about Yoruichi) "So noble, so beautiful and so terrifyingly strong. She was everything I ever wanted to be. I very strongly admired her. No, that feeling was beyond admiration. I worshiped her."[168]
- (To Yoruichi) "I was extremely disappointed in you! I hated you! I cursed you! I swore to arrest you one day with my own hands! Then to surpass you, I struggled.. gained strength... I will never forgive you, Yoruichi! For betraying my respect and trust I will never forgive you! Why... Why... Why didn't you take me with you Yoruichi-sama?"[169]
- (To Ggio Vega) "And who exactly will you 'eliminate'? Are you saying you will eliminate Komamura and the others? Or that you will eliminate all of us? Depending upon your response, I may eliminate you right now. Although, even if you do not respond, I will still eliminate you."[170]
- (To Ggio Vega) "I have never liked squad camaraderie. I feel that for training purposes, a measure of antagonism between superior and subordinate is essential."[7]
- (To Ōmaeda) "If your comrade is being defeated, you should see it as an opportunity. Rather than standing in the way, you should stab the enemy in the back. And if the enemy is so far above your level that you cannot even manage that, then you should let your comrade die. That is the way of the Onmitsukidō."[171]
- (To Baraggan Louisenbairn) "This Bankai is an affront to my pride as a member of the Covert Ops. With its massive form, I can hardly conceal myself. With its weight upon me, my movements are restricted. And its method of attack is far too flashy to be considered 'assassination'."[148]
- (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Do not make the mistake of thinking that we have entered this battle prepared to die. We fight that we may live. 'Defending the world' is nothing more than a grand excuse. We fight to protect one another, to protect you, and to protect countless others from the hands of Aizen."'[172]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The character's name is presented here as the translation in the Chinese pinyin system first and the Japanese Hepburn romanization second.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Bleach Official Character Book of Souls, page 196
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 81, page 19
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Bleach anime; Episode 206, this only appears in the anime
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 154, page 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 153, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 479, page 11
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 330, page 16
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 97, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 117, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
- ↑ Bleach anime, Episode 164, Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
- ↑ Bleach Akamaru Jump, omake
- ↑ Bleach manga; Colorful Bleach omake
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 612, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, page 8
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Bleach anime; Episode 57
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, pages 10-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter -106, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 196
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 81, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 138, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 147, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 150, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 151, pages 11-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 152, page 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 153, pages 10-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 8-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 12-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 157, pages 7-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 158
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 172, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 177
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 178
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 68
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 99
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 Bleach anime; Episode 100
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 188, pages 17-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 313-314
- ↑ Bleach anime, Episode 168
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 180
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Bleach anime, Episode 181 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "ep181" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 186
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 316, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 319, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 330, pages 16-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 331, pages 1-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 332, page 5
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 Bleach anime; Episode 223
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 332, pages 14-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 333, pages 4-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 355, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 356, pages 8-20
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 357, pages 1-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 358, pages 10-11
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 359, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 360, pages 10-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 361, pages 5-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 364, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 365, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 368, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 369, pages 5-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 369, pages 16-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 370, pages 2-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 370, pages 07-09
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 370, pages 11-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 388, page 19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 389, pages 10-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 391, pages 7-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 392, pages 21-22
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 393, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 230
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 231
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 241
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 242
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 243
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 244
- ↑ 77.0 77.1 Bleach anime; Episode 245
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 253
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 Bleach anime; Episode 254
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 255
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 317
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 320
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 328
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 329
- ↑ 85.0 85.1 Bleach anime; Episode 337
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 336
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 340
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 341
- ↑ Weekly Shōnen Jump; Bleach section, Issue 8 (2012)
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 479, pages 11 & 14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 488, pages 10-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 494, page 18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 496, pages 11-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 505, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 515, pages 12-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 516, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 517, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 539, page 7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 549 pages 11-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 550, pages 7-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 553, pages 4-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 581, pages 2-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 612, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 612, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 613, page 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 614, pages 2-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 615, pages 11-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 616, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 621, pages 11-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 622, page 5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 622, pages 14-15
- ↑ 112.0 112.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 360, page 16
- ↑ Bleach Official bootleg, page 79
- ↑ 114.0 114.1 Bleach anime; Episode 56
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 391, page 10
- ↑ 116.0 116.1 Bleach anime; Episode 242
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 330, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 221
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 222
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book UNMASKED, page 153
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 332, pages 17-18
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book 3 UNMASKED, page 155
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 158, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 198
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 243, only portrayed in the anime.
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 245, only portrayed in the anime.
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 549, pages 14-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 329-333
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 330, pages 16-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 172, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 549, page 13
- ↑ 132.0 132.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 331, pages 6-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 357, page 13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 157, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga, Chapter 157, page 16
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episodes 329-333
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 158, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 333, page 10
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 233
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 158, page 8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 333, pages 8-11
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 100, This is only confirmed in the anime.
- ↑ Bleach anime, Episode 100. The counter-poison ability has not been confirmed in the anime.
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 100, This was only shown in the anime.
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 360, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga, Chapter 360, page 14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 361, page 1
- ↑ 148.0 148.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 360, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; chapter 360, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 360, pages 16-17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 276
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 361, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 360, pages 18-19
- ↑ 154.0 154.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 370, page 3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 361, pages 4-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 553, page 6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 319, page 15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 369, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 392, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 157, page 15 (English print only)
- ↑ Bleach Bootleg; page 181
- ↑ Bleach Bootleg; Jacket Flap of Seireitei Bulletin Cover
- ↑ Bleach Bootleg, page 28
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 82, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 138, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, page 9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 159, pages 15-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 328, pages 18-19
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 333, pages 3-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 389, page 11
Titles
| Preceded by Eventually Yoruichi Shihōin |
Captain of the 2nd Division ? - Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent | ||
| Preceded by Eventually Yoruichi Shihōin |
Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō ? - Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent | ||
| Preceded by Eventually Yoruichi Shihōin |
Corps Commander of the Executive Militia of the Onmitsukidō ? - Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent | ||
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