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Tessai Tsukabishi (握菱 鉄裁, Tsukabishi Tessai) is an employee of Urahara Shop and a childhood friend of Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin. One hundred years ago, he was the Captain of the Kidō Corps in Soul Society. He was forced into exile by Sōsuke Aizen and is currently hiding in the Human World with Urahara in an untraceable Gigai while helping out in his shop.

Appearance[]

Tessai Tsukabishi is a tall, muscular, lightly tan-skinned man. His hair is cornrowed and he has a large handlebar mustache, which is connected to his long sideburns. He wears a pair of rectangular-shaped glasses. His attire consists of a white muscle shirt with regular pants and a blue apron.[2]

During his time as Kidō captain, he wore the standard Shinigami robes with an ornate dark blue robe with a large upturned collar and the symbol of the Kidō Corps on it. He also carried a shakujō. His hairstyle was cornrowed but was styled into little horns, while his mustache was longer.[3]

Personality[]

Tessai is a quiet, stern, and level-headed man who often acts as a source of discipline to Jinta Hanakari's mischievous behavior, but does have a sentimental side. He is very loyal to Kisuke Urahara and takes meticulous care of the shop, actually bursting into joyful tears if anyone compliments his work. Conversely, his instant reaction is extreme irritation when someone snubs it.[4] He is also known to buy TV-advertised medicines, which do not always work or else have unpleasant side effects, much to Urahara's chagrin. In addition, he is among the few who find Orihime Inoue's strange food ideas tasty. Though he is a former captain, he generally takes a subservient role to Urahara even when he held an equal position in Soul Society.

History[]

Before he became a captain in his own right, Tessai grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in the Seireitei of Soul Society, with his childhood friends Yoruichi Shihōin and Kisuke Urahara.[5] At some point in time, he became the captain of the Kidō Corps in Soul Society and was rarely seen in public.[6] Tessai is at least 200 years old, as he informed Rukia Kuchiki that is the length of time since he last heard the word "Quincy", which he says "brings back memories".[7]

Kidō Corps

Tessai arrives at the captain's meeting.

Approximately 101 years ago, Tessai and his lieutenant Hachigen Ushōda were called to the emergency meeting being held by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto in order to be a part of the investigation team, looking into the disappearance of 9th Division Captain Kensei Muguruma and his squad. Upon their arrival, Captain Ukitake makes note of the fact that he hasn't seen Tessai in some time and Captain Shunsui Kyōraku states that it's an honor to be in his presence. Tessai is then told by Yamamoto to go to the investigation site, but Shunsui questions the Captain-Commander on whether it was a bad idea to send both the Kidō Corp's captain and lieutenant when they had no idea of what awaited them. Yamamoto asks him what he would suggest to which Shunsui replies that it would be best to send his lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru, as she could use the experience from the situation. Yamamoto agrees to the substitution and Shunsui asks Tessai if he is fine with stepping down from the mission. Tessai tells him that he doesn't mind and that he will accept the offer and take a break.[8]

Aizen confronted by Kisuke

Confronting Aizen with Urahara.

Later that night, Tessai confronted Urahara as the latter snuck out of Seireitei to make an investigation of his own. Tessai complimented Urahara on the unique aspect of his cloak (which hid his spiritual energy), while the latter was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the Kidō captain. In Tessai's presence, Urahara asked if he was there to stop him. Tessai noted that he saw the look on his face earlier and knew what he would do. He also reassured a stunned Urahara by telling him that he would be accompanying him to pursue the investigation team as he couldn't let him go alone, sensing something bad was going to happen that night.[9]

Ep212TessaiUsesHadō88

Tessai Tsukabishi using Hadō #88.

Later that night, Urahara and Tessai made their timely arrival to stop then 5th Division Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen from dispatching his captain. Urahara and Aizen got into a short discussion about what has transpired at the site when Aizen and his subordinates began to walk away from the area. Tessai then yelled for Urahara to move as he cast Hadō #88 Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō to try to stop Aizen. Aizen countered the spell by using Bakudō #81. Dankū, Tessai is surprised that a lieutenant could block his Kidō with a spell of that level without incantation. He apologized to Urahara for letting them escape.[10]

Ep212UraharaTessaiTryHelping

Tessai and Urahara tend to the injured Shinji.

Upon seeing the advanced state of the investigation team's injuries, Tessai told Urahara they can worry about Aizen and his subordinates later, and that right now they have to help Shinji and the others. Urahara told him that they can't treat them on site with their level of advanced state. Tessai figured that Urahara of all people must know how to deal with it as he appears to know about the phenomena of "Hollowfication", since Tessai himself had never heard of it. Urahara confirmed that he does, but is unsure as to if it will work. Tessai told him that he will take the eight injured investigation squad members back to the 12th Division quarters just as they are, as he is sure Urahara can save them with the equipment there. Urahara then questioned how he would accomplish such a thing, to which Tessai answers by using Jikanteishi and Kūkanten'i. Tessai explains that they are both forbidden techniques, so he asks that Urahara close his eyes and cover his ears. Upon their arrival at the 12th Division headquarters, Urahara explained to him what Hollowfication is and how he came to know the term. Tessai was then shown the Hōgyoku by Urahara, as the latter elaborated that this creation of his could possibly save Shinji and the other victims.[11]

Ep212YoruichiArrives

Yoruichi saves Tessai and Urahara.

However, it ended up as a failed process, not having the desired effect Urahara expected.[12] The next day, Urahara and Tessai were arrested under the orders of the Central 46. It immediately became evident that they had been set up by Aizen, but were given no rights to defend themselves and prove their innocence. As a result, they were quickly sentenced with Urahara being sentenced to become Human and to be exiled to the Human World for "committing crimes against researching and invoking forbidden phenomenon" and "deceiving and inflicting grievous injury to fellow Shinigami." Tessai was sentenced to life imprisonment in a Level 3 detention area for "using forbidden Kidō techniques".[13]

Ep212YoruichiBerates

Being berated by Yoruichi.

Before any of their sentences could be executed, however, both were rescued by 2nd Division captain, Yoruichi Shihōin, who brought them to a secret underground area. In the secluded area, she berated them on how mad she was for not letting her in on their plan and went on to explain that she had brought the eight Hollowfied Shinigami, along with the prototype for the new Gigai that Urahara was working on. With that epiphany, Urahara resolved to make ten Reiatsu-blocking Gigai to aid him, Tessai, and the eight victims escape to the Real World, where they would find a way to undo the Hollowfication process.[14]


Plot[]

Agent of the Shinigami arc[]

Ep7LetsGo

Tessai and company head out to recover Kon.

After his exile, Tessai's life becomes a humble employee of the Urahara Shop. He is often seen helping Urahara with various manual tasks around the shop, one of which is keeping Jinta in line.[15] When Ururu Tsumugiya mistakenly gives Kon to Rukia Kuchiki in place of the Soul Candy she ordered from the shop, Tessai decides not to blame Ururu for her error, saying that the contents could be trouble and asks Kisuke what they should do.[16] Tessai accompanies Kisuke, Ururu, and Jinta in a bid to recover the Mod-Soul before it causes any trouble.[17] Tessai and the others find Kon and Urahara removes the Mod-Soul from Ichigo's body.[18] During Don Kanonji's first trip to Karakura Town, Tessai accompanies Urahara, Ururu, and Jinta to the abandoned hospital where he is filming his TV show. When Kisuke transforms Ichigo into his Shinigami state, Tessai carries Ichigo's body as the group escape from the authorities. [19]

Ep11DiscussingQuincy

Tessai explains the history of Quincies to Rukia.

When Rukia questions Urahara about the Quincy, Tessai comments that he has not heard anything about them for roughly two hundred years.[7] During Uryū Ishida's challenge against Ichigo Kurosaki to prove the Quincy superiority against the Shinigami, Tessai informs Urahara that several cracks in the sky are merging and that preparations have been completed.[20] He joins Kisuke and his fellow employees in fighting off countless Hollows with his bare hands, [21] allowing Ichigo and Uryū to battle a Menos Grande. When Ichigo defeats the Menos, Tessai tells Jinta and Ururu that Urahara has found the right person. When Jinta says that Ichigo won without even trying and asks if he is really that strong, Tessai says that he answers that he is, and that he will learn to control his power sooner or later.[22] Urahara then asks Tessai to repair the crack in the sky. Tessai removes some equipment from the bag he has been carrying and tells Kisuke that it is not a problem.[23]

Ep18TessaiCatchesIchigo

Tessai catches Ichigo after Ururu kicks him.

When a cat arrives at Urahara's shop, Tessai tells Jinta that its name is Yoruichi, and it is Kisuke's only relative.[24] Later, when Ichigo nearly dies from injuries from Byakuya Kuchiki, Tessai lies on top of Ichigo after he has been healed. When he regains consciousness, Tessai calls Urahara,[25] who promises to train Ichigo and make him strong enough to attempt to rescue Rukia. Once Ichigo has fully recovered, he returns to Urahara's shop and is brought to an underground area beneath it. As Urahara talks about the training ground, Ichigo tells Tessai that Kisuke has a habit of ignoring his customers and ranting.[26] While Ichigo is fighting Ururu, he is knocked into the ground by her, prompting Tessai to ask if he is dead. Urahara replies that it is a good question, but he eventually emerges from the smoke.[27] When Ururu kicks Ichigo into a large rock, Tessai catches Ichigo, cushioning his impact with the rock.[28]

Ep18TessaiSeversChain

Tessai cuts Ichigo's Chain of Fate.

Tessai then severs Ichigo's Chain of Fate[29], and pins him to the ground, which disappears from underneath them. They plummet into a large shaft, at the bottom of which is a special gas that will speed up Ichigo's Encroachment, to force Ichigo to become a Shinigami quickly, or else face becoming a Hollow. Tessai uses a high-level Bakudō to prevent Ichigo from using his arms to scale the sides of the shaft.[30] After three days in the shaft, Ichigo begins to transform into a Hollow. When the Bakudō restraining Ichigo begins to break, Tessai uses a more advanced version of it, which Jinta comments will kill Ichigo. Tessai responds that he must restrain him before he completes the transformation into a Hollow. Before the final part of the spell strikes him, Ichigo escapes in a large explosion resulting from the awakening of his Shinigami and Hollow powers.[31] Tessai later emerges from the Shattered Shaft uninjured, with just his glasses cracked, causing Jinta to call him a monster.[32] Along with Jinta and Ururu, he watches as Ichigo and Urahara fight in the third and final lesson, ensuring the safety of the two when the fighting gets too close to them. [33][34] When Ichigo releases his Shikai, Tessai stares in silence at the unusual shape of it.[35]

Soul Society arc[]

Ep20TessaiThanksOrihime

Tessai cries with pride when Orihime compliments his training area.

When Ichigo, Orihime, Uryū, and Yasutora Sado arrive in Urahara's underground training area, Tessai is touched by Orihime's comments about the hidden area.[36] Together with Urahara, Tessai activates a Senkaimon to allow the group and Yoruichi to travel to Soul Society.[37] After Rukia is rescued, Ichigo and company return to the Human World. As they exit the Dangai, they appear in the sky above Karakura Town. When Ururu wraps them up in a ball of fabric, Jinta prepares to strike them with his bat. Tessai, however, appears behind him and calls out "Tessai Death Catch". He grabs the ball, squashing Jinta between it and himself. Tessai sets the group down on a flying rug.[38]

Arrancar arc[]

Ep121TessaiHealsUruru

Tessai heals Ururu.

When Ururu is severely injured fighting the Arrancar Yylfordt Granz, Tessai heals the hole in her chest.[39]

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc[]

Tessai knocks Jinta out for throwing a baseball at a kid without a glove and carries him into the store.[40] Inside, he restrains Jinta once he regains consciousness, warning him that Karin Kurosaki is in the middle of shopping.[41] Orihime and Sado are brought to the Urahara Shop suffering side effects from Tsukishima's Book of the End ability. They are left in the care of Tessai and Isshin.[42]

Powers & Abilities[]

Kidō Master: As the former Grand Kidō Chief of Soul Society's Kidō Corps, Tessai is one of the greatest Kidō masters in Soul Society. He has demonstrated the ability to use various high-level Kidō at full power with complete control, including a level 99 Bakudō[43] and level 88 Hadō[44] spell, both without incantation, the latter of which caused tremendous destruction to a large part of the forest it was fired in, despite having the majority of its power blocked by Aizen's defensive Kidō.

  • Forbidden Kidō: He has displayed very extensive knowledge of forbidden techniques such as time and space manipulation, which allowed him to teleport the Visored to Urahara's lab and freeze time around them to halt the Hollowfication process.[11]
  • Kaidō (回道, Turn Way): He possesses highly proficient skill in healing Kidō, having repeatedly healed Ichigo and his friends when battle-worn and healing Ururu after she was grievously impaled by Yylfordt Granz.[39]

Keen Intellect: Tessai is a very intelligent man. As the former captain of the Kidō Corps, he has advanced knowledge and understanding towards the flow of spiritual energy. He is also very knowledgeable of past and present events such as with the events of the Quincy's demise.[7] Tessai is highly perceptive toward a person's demeanor, knowing Urahara would go in search for his then-lieutenant Hiyori Sarugaki despite being ordered not to.[45]

Hakuda Expert: While specializing in Kidō, Tessai is a capable physical fighter, allowing him to fight off countless Hollows unarmed.[21]

  • Tesshō (鉄掌, Iron Palm)[46]: A open palm strike that can effortlessly shatter a Hollow's head to pieces with a single strike.[21]

Enhanced Strength: Tessai possesses great physical strength, made apparent by his ability to smash a Hollow's head to pieces with a single, open-palmed thrust.[21]

Enhanced Durability: In addition to his tremendous strength, Tessai is a highly resilient man. When Rukia kicked him from behind, she only succeeded in hurting herself while Tessai barely registered her presence from it.[47] Also, when he was overwhelmed by Ichigo's awakening of his Shinigami powers, he emerged unfazed and merely complained about his glasses being damaged, causing Jinta to comment that he is like a monster.[32]

Immense Spiritual Power: As a former Kidō Corps captain, Tessai boasts a great amount of spiritual energy, allowing him to use multiple high-level Kidō without tiring.

Zanpakutō[]

Tessai's Zanpakutō has not yet been revealed.

Appearance in Other Media[]

Video Game Appearances
Blade Battlers
Blade Battlers 2nd
The Blade of Fate
Dark Souls
The 3rd Phantom
Flame Bringer
Tasogare ni Mamieru Shinigami
Shattered Blade
Versus Crusade
Heat the Soul
Heat the Soul 2
Heat the Soul 3
Heat the Soul 4
Heat the Soul 5
Heat the Soul 6
Heat the Soul 7
Soul Carnival
Soul Carnival 2
Hanatareshi Yabou
Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society
Erabareshi Tamashii
Soul Resurrección
J-Stars Victory Vs
Brave Souls
Paradise Lost
Jump Force
Movie Appearances
Memories of Nobody
The DiamondDust Rebellion
Fade to Black
The Hell Verse
Live-Action Film
BURN THE WITCH
Novel Appearances
Letters From The Other Side
The Honey Dish Rhapsody
Spirits Are Forever With You
The Death Save The Strawberry
WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Can't Fear Your Own World


  • Tessai makes minor appearances in most video games, usually with Kisuke Urahara to perform some attacks.[48]
  • He is a playable character in Heat the Soul 6 and 7. His appearance is that of his time in Soul Society with his dark robe and his shakujō.[49]
  • Tessai has also appeared briefly in Bleach: Fade to Black, but had no role in the film.[50]

Censorship[]

  • When Tessai destroyed the head of a Hollow, blood wasn't shown coming from the Hollow's head compared to the manga.[51][52]

Trivia[]

  • When Kisuke Urahara first addressed Tessai, the name was written in katakana テッサイ (Tessai).[53] However, 100 years ago, during his entrance into the 1st division barracks for a mission briefing, his name was written in kanji 鉄裁 (Tessai)[54]
  • During the battle against the Menos Grande, the anime depicted Tessai with a beard.[55]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 47
  2. Bleach anime; Episode 6
  3. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, page 8
  4. Bleach anime; Episode 136
  5. Bleach manga; Chapter -97, page 20
  6. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, page 8
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Bleach manga; Chapter 36, page 12
  8. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, pages 8-13
  9. Bleach manga; Chapter -97, pages 19-21
  10. Bleach manga; Chapter -98, pages 1-14
  11. 11.0 11.1 Bleach manga; Chapter -98, pages 15-19
  12. Bleach manga; Chapter -97, pages 1-3
  13. Bleach manga; Chapter -97, pages 3-12
  14. Bleach manga; Chapter -97, pages 13-20
  15. Bleach manga; Chapter 13, pages 5-7
  16. Bleach manga; Chapter 14, page 3
  17. Bleach manga; Chapter 15, page 20
  18. Bleach manga; Chapter 16, pages 17-18
  19. Bleach manga; Chapter 29, pages 12-15
  20. Bleach manga; Chapter 45, pages 2-4
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Bleach manga; Chapter 48, page 2
  22. Bleach manga; Chapter 50, page 5
  23. Bleach manga; Chapter 50, page 18
  24. Bleach manga; Chapter 51, page 11
  25. Bleach manga; Chapter 57, page 5
  26. Bleach manga; Chapter 59, page 12
  27. Bleach manga; Chapter 60, pages 1-2
  28. Bleach manga; Chapter 60, page 14
  29. Bleach manga; Chapter 60, page 18
  30. Bleach manga; Chapter 61, pages 12-16
  31. Bleach manga; Chapter 64, pages 3-8
  32. 32.0 32.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 65, page 15
  33. Bleach manga; Chapter 66, page 5
  34. Bleach manga; Chapter 67, page 6
  35. Bleach manga; Chapter 67, page 11
  36. Bleach manga; Chapter 70, pages 1-2
  37. Bleach manga; Chapter 70, page 13
  38. Bleach manga; Chapter 182, pages 3-7
  39. 39.0 39.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 213, page 6
  40. Bleach manga; Chapter 427 pages 12-14
  41. Bleach manga; Chapter 428 pages 15-16
  42. Bleach manga; Chapter 474 page 2
  43. Bleach manga; Chapter 61, page 16
  44. Bleach manga; Chapter -98, pages 10-11
  45. Bleach manga; Chapter -101, pages 18-19
  46. Bleach Official Character Book 3 UNMASKED, page 156
  47. Bleach manga; Chapter 36, page 6
  48. Bleach video game; Bleach: Heat the Soul 6
  49. Bleach video game; Bleach: Heat the Soul 7
  50. Bleach movie; Bleach: Fade to Black
  51. Bleach anime; Episode 14
  52. Bleach manga; Chapter 48, page 2
  53. Bleach manga; Chapter 13, page 8
  54. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, page 9
  55. Bleach anime; Episode 14

Titles[]

Preceded by
?
Kidō Corps Commander
? - 1900 A.D.
Succeeded by
?


Preceded by
?
Grand Kidō Chief of the Kidō Corps
? - 1900 A.D.
Succeeded by
?


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