Is Tessai a Soul Reaper in Bleach? Explained

Modified Oct 10, 2024 03:30 GMT

Is Tessai a Soul Reaper in Bleach? Explained (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Tessai Tsukabishi, once the captain of the Kido Corps in Bleach, is a Shinigami, also known as a Soul Reaper. As a Kido expert, he has an outstanding knowledge of high-level spells and forbidden techniques, making him one of the top Kido practitioners in Soul Society.

Although he was not part of Gotei 13 anymore, he became an important character, taking part in important events like the Hollowfication incident. His boundless power and advanced abilities suggest he is a Soul Reaper despite being in the Human World in a way of his own.

Exploring the origins of Tessai Tsukabishi in the Bleach series

Tessai Tsukabishi (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Tessai is a Shinigami (Soul Reaper), specifically a former captain and Kido master. His Kido skills and knowledge of forbidden techniques are central to his past role in Soul Society.

He is the former captain of the Kido Corps in Soul Society and a close friend of Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin. Over 100 years ago, Tessai was involved in investigating the disappearance of Kensei Muguruma and his squad. Although initially assigned to the mission, Tessai allowed Shunsui Kyoraku's lieutenant, Lisa Yadomaru, to take his place.

Sensing something amiss, Tessai accompanied Urahara on a secret investigation, confronting Sosuke Aizen after discovering his involvement in the Hollowfication of several Shinigami.

During the confrontation, Tessai used advanced Kido techniques, such as Hado #88 Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho, but was surprised when Aizen blocked his spell with Bakudo #81, Danku, without incantation. Despite their best efforts, Aizen and his subordinates escaped, and Tessai focused on saving the injured Shinigami.

Kisuke Urahara (Image via Studio Pierrot)

He used forbidden techniques - Jikanteishi and Kukanten'i - to transport the victims to the 12th Division headquarters, where Urahara attempted to reverse the Hollowfication using his Hogyoku. Unfortunately, this process failed.

The following day, Aizen framed Tessai and Urahara, and they were sentenced to severe punishments by Central 46. Tessai was to be imprisoned for life for using forbidden Kido. However, they were rescued by Yoruichi, who aided their escape to the Human World using prototype Gigai that blocked their Reiatsu. Tessai now lives in exile, hiding with Urahara and working in his shop.

Bleach: Powers and abilities of Tessai Tsukabishi

The original Gotei 13 (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Tessai Tsukabish is one of the greatest Kido masters. Though no longer serving in the Gotei 13, he retains the immense powers and skills of a Shinigami. Tessai's mastery of Kido is unparalleled, demonstrated by his ability to cast high-level spells without incantations, such as Bakudo #99 and Hado #88. His Hado spell caused massive destruction even after being partially blocked by Sosuke Aizen's defensive Kido.

Tessai also possesses knowledge of forbidden Kido, including techniques that manipulate time and space. This ability allowed him to teleport the Visored to Urahara's lab and freeze time to prevent the progression of Hollowfication. Having repeatedly treated Ichigo and his friends after battles, he is proficient in healing Kido.

Highly intelligent, Tessai is knowledgeable about spiritual energy and has a deep understanding of the Soul Society's history, including the demise of the Quincies. He also has a keen sense of perception, as seen when he anticipated Urahara's actions.

Although primarily a Kido specialist, Tessai is also skilled in Hakuda, or hand-to-hand combat, and he can easily shatter a Hollow's head with a single palm strike using a technique called Tessho. His immense physical strength and durability further enhance his fighting abilities. He has shown the ability to endure powerful attacks and even reacted casually to being knocked around by Rukia or Ichigo.

Tessai's Zanpakuto remains unrevealed, including both its Shikai and Bankai forms. However, his immense spiritual power confirms his status as a Shinigami, making him a powerful force despite his current non-combatant role.

Final thoughts

Yoruichi, Tessai, and Urahara as shown in the Bleach anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite living in exile, Tessai Tsukabishi's immense skills, knowledge of forbidden techniques, and strong spiritual power affirm his significant role in the Soul Society's history and his enduring legacy as a formidable Soul Reaper.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali