In Hueco Mundo, Aizen is first seen wearing Arrancar clothes over his Shihakusho. Prior to his transformation Aizen wore full clothing similar in style to the Arrancar.
Prior to his departure from Soul Society, he appeared as a mild-featured man with brown scholarly hair enhanced by square glasses. He wears the standard Shinigami uniform with a captain's haori. However, during his ascent to Hueco Mundo, he removed his glasses and swept a hand through his hair, revealing menacing eyes and a very different hairstyle (swept back hair, with a strand hanging in his face). As he had previously revealed to Renji Abarai, the Aizen they all knew never existed and this would seem to be a visual representation of that claim.
edit Personality
Despite his current villainous status and former position of authority, Aizen is a surprisingly polite, soft-spoken intellectual, often addressing his subordinates by their given names. He rarely shows any sign of alarm or distress and often has entire situations planned out well in advance. Whenever confronted, Aizen is casual and uncaring, attempting to draw out a conversion and make small talk, which often infuriates the one he is talking to.
Aizen initially appeared to be a very kind, well-respected captain and was looked up to by many, especially his Lieutenant Momo Hinamori. However, this was just a mask to disguise his manipulative and very dangerous nature. In truth, he cares very little for his underlings (both past and present), and is willing to use almost everyone around him as pawns in his twisted game of "chess". In his own words, Aizen claims to be unaffected by any form of morals or ethics as he views them as mere restriction on his potential. He is, therefore, willing to stop at nothing to further his selfish ambitions, including manipulating or killing anyone if he deems it to be necessary. He is fond of long, complicated, and somewhat convoluted plots, many of which do not have any real reason until he reveals them, and frequently appears to toy with his underlings for amusement. Unlike most of the other Shinigami who appear to have some kind of honor and kindness, including some Espada, Aizen lacks genuine compassion and honor.
During his time as a captain, he was known to like tofu, but he disliked boiled eggs. In his free time, he often read and he also gave a special lecture of calligraphy at the Shinigami Academy, given that he excelled in this branch of arts. This optional course was immensely popular among the Shinigami students, and many of them felt great sorrow at Aizen's "sudden departure".[3]
As the commander of his army of Arrancar, Aizen controls his new minions either through acquired respect or fear. Ulquiorra Cifer, one of his noticeably loyal subordinates, revealed in a conversation with Orihime Inoue that they are all "here to further Aizen's ambitions". For more rowdy individuals like Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, he keeps them in line through intimidation and mind games. The Arrancar Iceringer also claims that they follow Aizen because he has no fear, something which beings born from fear and despair find inspiring. Other Arrancar occasionally follow Aizen for reasons unique to themselves, such as Szayel Aporro Granz, who follows Aizen with the hopes that he will eradicate the world of all non-Hollows.
To date, the equally manipulative Gin Ichimaru is the only person who seems to be able to see through Aizen's manipulation. Ichimaru has also shown that he has some sense of Aizen's emotions and feelings, correctly identifying that Aizen was enjoying the invasion of Ichigo and his friends and their successes within Las Noches,[4] as well as picking-up on the fact that Aizen had registered the arrival of Hinamori in battle of Fake Karakura Town and was surprised by it.[5] By contrast, Kaname Tōsen has shown no such understanding and has fallen victim to one of Aizen's more minor mind games when Aizen off-handedly manipulated him into punishing Grimmjow for him while Aizen himself kept up his appearance of benevolence.[6]
Aizen's true objective is to overthrow the king of the Soul Society. As he and his fellow traitor captains departed the Soul Society, he told Jūshirō Ukitake that "no one has stood on the top of the world", not even the gods, but he aspires to "stand in the heavens and end the unbearable vacancy on the world's throne". To do this, he needs the Ōken (王鍵, Royal Key), a tri-pronged golden key that opens a portal to the dimension in which the Spirit King resides. While the location of the key is known only to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Aizen knows how the original was created and how to manufacture another. To do this, 100,000 souls need to be gathered together (which will kill all the entities used) and vaporize a significant portion of the area used in its forging. His sights are therefore set on Karakura Town, which has an unusually large concentration of spirit particles.[7]
According to Kisuke Urahara, since mastering the Hōgyoku, Aizen has become less cautious in battle; noting that before he "subdued" the device Aizen would not have allowed him to use level 90 Kidō. And Aizen admits that his new powers allow him to let his guard down. [8] Also due to this newfound power, he has gotten more of a seemingly arrogant attitude, often not even thinking his attacks or defense through anymore like he used to.
edit History
Aizen as Shinji Hirako's lieutenant.
Approximately 110 years ago Aizen was seen making his way to the 5th Division living quarters of his captain, Shinji Hirako. He and Shinji had a discussion about style and trends before they made their way to the promotion ceremony being held at the 1st Division headquarters. As they got there, Aizen witnesses Hiyori Sarugaki attack his captain and the two got into a childish argument. He followed behind while the other captains congregate and have a brief discussion on the status of the Gotei 13. Overhearing Shunsui Kyōraku mention that the previous captain of the Squad 12 was promoted, Aizen interrupted and asked what Kyōraku meant by it. Aizen initially conjectures that the promotion was to Central 46. However, Shunsui explains that it had nothing to do with the Central 46 and that the previous Squad captain Hikifune had been accepted into the Zero Division also known as the Royal Guard. Aizen was left surprised at the revelation.[9]
The following night, after Kisuke Urahara's appointment as the new captain of the 12th Division, Shinji had a short talk with him about his new role. While leaving Shinji asks, "How long do you plan on watching us from over there?" Using his hand, Shinji revealed Aizen concealed behind some form of camouflage. Aizen complimented his captain and asks him when he sensed him there, to which Shinji replies ever since he was in his mother's womb, and orders Aizen to follow. Aizen noted that won't do at all. Aizen then comments on how scary a person Shinji was, to which Shinji replies that Aizen was the scary one.[10]
The very next night, Aizen saw Gin Ichimaru killing the 3rd seat of their division, and informs him that he was impressed by his skill. Aizen then asked him how he found the fight, to which Gin stated he found it pathetic.[11]
Aizen with Shinji Hirako, his 5th Division captain.
9 years later, Shinji and Aizen were walking around the Seireitei when they came across Urahara, Hiyori and 3rd Seat Mayuri Kurotsuchi. While Shinji once again engaged in a childish fight and argument with Hiyori, Aizen asks Urahara if he had heard the news to which Urahara tells him he hasn't. Shinji proceeded to take up the tale and tells Urahara about the series of strange deaths that had taken place in Rukongai. Shinji also informed him that the 9th Division had been sent to handle the investigation.[12]
With the disappearance of the 9th Division, captain-commander Yamamoto called an emergency meeting and assembled a team to investigate. After coming into contact with Hollowfied 9th Division members the investigation team was dispatched by an unseen assailant.[13] Aizen was seen wandering around at night by captain Shunsui Kyōraku and some other Shinigami on guard, while the investigation team was still out searching.[14]
It was later revealed that 9th Division 5th seat, Kaname Tōsen, was behind the betrayal of the 9th Division, having stabbed Kensei Muguruma in the back and killed Kasaki, Shinobu Eishima and Todō Gizaeimon, who had accompanied Kensei. He subsequently subdued the team sent to locate the missing 9th Division members using his Bankai. When captain Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division, asked him why he betrayed his captain, he was surprised to be answered by his own lieutenant Aizen, who stated that Tōsen didn't betray anyone and that he is, in fact, very loyal, and he just faithfully followed his orders.[15]
Shinji admits he was not as surprised as he seemed to be, and Aizen asked if he suspected him, stating that he had expected that much from his captain. Shinji then explains how he had known something was dangerous about Aizen and that he couldn't be trusted. It was for those reasons that Shinji chose him to be his lieutenant, so that he could keep an eye on him. Aizen told him that he was grateful, as due to his deep seated doubts he didn't suspect a thing. When Shinji states that he already made it known that he had suspected him, Aizen elaborated stating that he didn't realize that for the whole past month, it wasn't him walking behind him. Aizen proceeded to explain the power of his Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. Aizen informs Shinji that if he was as close to Aizen as other captains were to their lieutenants he would have been able to see through it by picking up on subtle differences between Aizen himself and Aizen's double. It was his lack of trust that kept them from getting close and as such, allowed Aizen to fool Shinji. He also explains that he could have always refused to be Shinji's lieutenant but decided against that action because his captain's suspiciousness made the position ideal to carry out his plans. Aizen thus laid the blame for Shinji and his comrades' current predicament at the feet of Shinji. Provoked by this, Shinji's anger triggered a speed-up in the Hollowfication process. Aizen thanked him for being so easily provoked and makes a note of the observed connection between Hollowfication and agitated emotions.[16]
As he got ready to kill Shinji and the others, Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi arrived to stop Aizen from dispatching his captain. Aizen and Urahara had a brief discussion about what was transpiring, with Aizen acting innocent at first until Urahara notes that the investigation team doesn't have simple injuries, but were in fact going through Hollowfication. Aizen commended Urahara on his deduction and reveals himself to be behind the disappearances in the Rukongai. As Aizen had been engaging in early experiments on Shinigami/Hollow hybrids, which involved using an unknown device to cause spirits to transform into Hollows, he was responsible for turning his former captain and seven other Shinigami into Vizard, though Aizen refuses to go into any of those details.[17]
Aizen proceeded to leave the scene of the crime with his henchmen, stating that "there's nothing more to do there". To stop them from retreating, Tessai performed Hadō #88. "Hiryugekizokushintenraiho" spell against them, only to be countered by Aizen using Bakudō #81. "Danku", allowing them to escape.[18]
Captain Aizen and Lieutenant Ichimaru.
Some point after the Hollowfication incident, Aizen became Captain of the 5th Division and made Gin his lieutenant. Aizen continued to experiment on Hollows and while testing out a new breed of Menos Hollows capable of concealing their reiatsu, Aizen’s interest was piqued by the then first years Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai. Realizing their potential, Aizen took them all into his division. While the obedient and loyal Kira and Hinamori became the lieutenants of the 3rd and 5th Divisions under Gin and Aizen, respectively, Renji proved to be too rebellious and was transferred to the 11th Division (later transferring to the 6th to become that squad's lieutenant).[19][20]
Gin and Tōsen later became captains of the 3rd and 9th Divisions, respectively, but remained loyal only to Aizen. According to Aizen, even when Hinamori was his lieutenant, he always thought of Gin as his subordinate.[21]
At some point during their captaincy Aizen, Gin and Tōsen, secretly visit Baraggan Luisenbarn, King of Hueco Mundo and Lord of Los Noches. He and Baraggan engaged in a light conversation and he asked Baraggan to look at his Zanpakutō, he then asked Baraggan if he was happy in his position and if he would join him in a new world where he will be granted more power. Baraggan dismissed this notion stating that there was no power higher than his. Aizen then releases his Shikai and showed Baraggan the decimation of his army and subjugating him in turn. Baraggan promises to seek Aizen's destruction for all eternity.[22]
About fifteen years ago, Aizen had become aware of the birth of Ichigo Kurosaki.[23] Understanding the significance of his birth, he had decided to aid his development for his plans. To this end, he had Rukia Kuchiki stationed in Karakura Town. He also put into place obstacles that would force Ichigo to grow stronger, including the Hollow that attacked his family and the Menos Grande that appeared when Uryū Ishida used the Hollow bait.[24]
edit Plot
Soul Society arc
Aizen's fake dead body created by Kyōka Suigetsu.
When Rukia Kuchiki is brought back to Soul Society with the Hōgyoku concealed within her body, Aizen quickly manipulates everyone into an elaborate conspiracy. Aizen first kills all the members of the Central 46 Chambers and begins moving Rukia's execution date up.[25] He then begins to plant suspicion within Soul Society, initially speaking of the possibility of a conspiracy with Renji Abarai (without explicitly saying he was behind it) and tries to use Gin's intrusion in repelling Ichigo Kurosaki and the Ryoka to orchestrate suspicion among the gathered captains, particularly Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who witnessed the conversation personally.[26][27] He later uses his Zanpakutō's ability to trick everyone into believing that he has been killed and has Gin leading everyone to believe Gin himself is the murderer.[28]
Aizen reveals Gin to be his subordinate
He also sets up his lieutenant, Hinamori, to believe that he was likely killed by Hitsugaya, her childhood friend, to get her out of the way.[29] Because of the nature of Rukia's sentence and execution method, the Gotei 13 splits into factions and the captains begin to fight amongst themselves. During the turmoil, Gin executes the overt aspects of the plan, which begins to be revealed when 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana begins to suspect that there is something wrong with Aizen's supposedly dead body.[30]
Aizen reveals himself by nearly killing his lieutenant and defeating Hitsugaya. He is however suddenly stopped by Unohana who has figured out something was wrong with his corpse doll, only for Aizen to reveal his corpse doll and disclose to Unohana and her lieutenant Isane Kotetsu the true abilities of his Zanpakutō. This leaves Unohana to deduce the ritual for being affected by the hypnosis, after which Aizen reveals that because of this Kaname Tōsen has always been his subordinate.[31] Aizen then has Gin bring the two of them to Sōkyoku Hill where Tōsen had brought Renji and Rukia to him.[32]
Aizen easily destroys Renji's Shikai
Aizen attempts to kill Renji but his blow is stopped by Ichigo
There he gently orders Renji to put Rukia down. As Renji refuses, he comments on Renji's stubbornness, and says that, in deference to Renji's feelings, it is acceptable if he wants to hold on to her but that he'll have to just leave the arms he's holding her with behind. Aizen then draws his sword and attacks Renji, but Renji is able to draw his sword in time to dodge Aizen's attack leaving only his right arm damaged. Aizen applauds his ability to dodge and expresses happiness with the improvements in his skill since he was one of Aizen's subordinates. Aizen tells Renji that he doesn't want things to be harder, because he finds it difficult to hold back his strength. He states that as Renji's former superior officer that he finds it unbearable for a subordinate to die.[33] As Renji challenges the assertion, and asks Aizen why he killed Hinamori. Aizen explains that it was an act of compassion, seeing as he'd trained Momo so that she could not live without him. Renji says that Aizen is not the captain he knew, and Aizen states that he was the same man, but that neither Renji nor anyone else had realized what he was. As Renji attacks with his Shikai, Aizen blocks it with his bare hand and easily cuts the segments of the blade apart while also cutting up Renji. Since Renji still refuses to give up Rukia, Aizen prepares to kill him, only to be stopped by Ichigo.[34]
Ichigo teams up with Renji, but even after using Renji's strongest attack with his Shikai to create an opening for Ichigo the attack fails. Aizen displays his prowess by effortlessly disposing of them, first by blocking Ichigo's blade with a single finger and nearly cutting him in half. He then begins to drag Rukia off, while explaining his plans to the critically injured but still conscious Ichigo. He critically injures the 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura with a level 90 Kidō spell as Komamura attacks him. Afterward, Aizen removes the Hōgyoku from Rukia's body by using information from research by Kisuke Urahara hidden in the chambers of Central 46.
Aizen as he ascends to Hueco Mundo.
Surprised that the procedure didn't kill her, and having no further use for her, he orders Gin to kill Rukia as he prepares to leave. However Byakuya Kuchiki saves Rukia by taking the blow. Aizen turns around and is about to draw his Zanpakutō in order to finish her himself, but is suddenly blocked by Yoruichi Shihōin. He is threatened with death from Soifon's Zanpakutō if he so much as moves. He calls Yoruichi a nostalgic face but he still appears confident. Aizen then notes how not even Yoruichi and Soifon will be able to come after him while fighting them. Kūkaku Shiba and Jidanbō arrive to assist. Gin is suddenly restrained by Rangiku Matsumoto, prompting him to apologize for being unable to help Aizen. They are suddenly all surrounded by every captain and lieutenant of the Gotei 13 still capable of moving. However Aizen just smiles and says that it is time. Realizing something is wrong Yoruichi yells for Soifon to get away, and runs away herself just in time. Aizen is suddenly bathed in light along with Gin and Tōsen and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto calls the others off. He explains that Aizen, Tōsen, and Gin were completely untouchable the moment they were covered in that light, called a Negación, a separate world created by Menos Grande when rescuing one of their own, to transport them to Hueco Mundo.
While leaving, Aizen removes his glasses and change his hair style by combing a hand through it. His glasses evaporate into dust. He then proceeds to announce his goal to stand atop of the world in the heavens and take the place of the absent gods, something no one has ever done before.[35]
Arrancar arc
Aizen on his throne in Las Noches.
From there, Aizen changes his clothing style to resemble that of the Arrancar, and begins to create several Arrancar. At some point he also finds Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerback and is impressed with the Arrancar. He asks if the mountains of Hollows were killed by him and Starrk tells him that they just died. He then makes an offer to Starrk to join him as an ally. Starrk believes Aizen to be strong and agrees to join him.[36] He eventually sends Grand Fisher and two other strong-leveled Hollows to the living world.[37] Grand Fisher is killed by Isshin Kurosaki and the other two are killed by Ryūken Ishida.[38][39] Isshin and Urahara contemplate that Aizen sent these pseudo-Arrancar to Earth to look for information on Ichigo.[40]
Later, he sends Ulquiorra Cifer and Yammy Riyalgo to find Ichigo and report on his progress. They almost kill Tatsuki, Chad, and Orihime, and Yammy manages to kill a square radius of people in the park.[41] After the mission is completed, Ulquiorra and Yammy head to a meeting consisting of Aizen and 20 other Arrancar (including fellow Espada members Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Tia Harribel). Ulquiorra, who can crush his left eye, uses the dust from it to show what he has seen himself to the others and Aizen. Grimmjow, Shawlong, and Di Roy question Ulquiorra and Yammy on why they just did not kill them as ordered, though Ulquiorra claims that Ichigo does not pose much of a threat to Aizen or the Espada.[42] Grimmjow and his Fracción (Shawlong, Edrad, Nakeem, Yylfordt, and Di Roy) later invade Karakura Town without orders, causing Kaname Tōsen to travel there and bring back Grimmjow (his Fracción were killed during their unauthorized mission) and punishes Grimmjow himself, when Aizen refuses to take action.[43]
Later, after examining Orihime Inoue's powers, Aizen decides to initiate another invasion on Karakura Town, letting Ulquiorra hand-pick the invasion force; though Aizen personally sends Grimmjow as well. Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, Yammy, Luppi, and Wonderweiss Margera go to invade Karakura Town to capture Orihime.[44]. Ulquiorra succeeds in forcing Orihime to join Aizen's side and brings her to Las Noches, where he has her display her power by restoring Grimmjow's amputated left arm, explaining to the Arrancar present that Orihime's powers are rejection, meaning she is able to "reject" anything that has happened. Orihime also restores Grimmjow's Espada tattoo (at Grimmjow's request). Grimmjow immediately kills his replacement, Luppi, with his newly restored arm.[45]
Hueco Mundo arc
Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen after their defection from Soul Society.
Aizen calls the Espada to a meeting and invites them to have some tea.[46] As they are having their tea, Aizen reveals to them the presence of Ichigo, Ishida and Chad. When the Esapda start to dismiss them off-hand, he warns them not to underestimate the trio, revealing to them their exploits in Soul Society and identifying Orihime as the missing the member of their little group, whom the others have come to rescue. At this point, Grimmjow begins to leaves, stating that he is going to go eradicate the threat in Aizen's name. However, Aizen stops him and resorts to intimidating Grimmjow with his Reiatsu pressure when the latter hesitates to back down, bringing Grimmjow to his knees. He then tells the other Espada to return to their palaces and wait patiently. Telling them not to be overconfident but not to be afraid either because as long as they are with him, no one can defeat them.[47]
At some point, Aizen has Orihime brought to his room by Loly and Menoly. After sending the two Arrancar away, Aizen shows Orihime the Hōgyoku. He asks her to interpret him showing her the Hōgyoku as a sign of his trust in her and asks her to use her power of event rejection to undo some minor damage that has occurred to the Hōgyoku from being repeatedly reawakened.[48]
Following the arrival of Ichigo and company to Las Noches itself, Aizen is brought the news of Dordonii Alessandro Del Socacchio demise by a messenger. Aizen is unsurprised by Dordonii's demise but expresses surprise that Ichigo struggled against him. He then corners the messenger by catching him a lie of omission and demands to know from the messenger, who sent the Exequias after Dordonii. The messenger does not answer but Szayel Aporro Granz intervenes and reveals that it was him. Szayel begs Aizen's forgiveness, which Aizen grants him but as Szayel turns to leave, tells him to make his reports more through next time. This shocks Szayel, as Aizen goes on to ask him if the Reiatsu record he obtained from Dordonii will aid in his research. Szayel replies in the affirmative and leaves. Following his departure Ichimaru, who had been present in with Aizen the entire time, asks Aizen if he is enjoying himself even though his subordinates are losing. Aizen confesses that the emotion he is feeling at the moment is akin to enjoyment.[49]
Aizen reveals his true plans
After the Espada no. 9 through to no. 5 are defeated by Ichigo, his friends and the invading Shinigami Captains, Aizen has Starrk bring Orihime to him. He tells Orihime to smile and tells her to wait where she is while they go and destroy Karakura Town. He orders Tōsen to cast the Tenteikūra spell and using that he reveals to all his true motivation behind the capture of Orihime. By kidnapping her, he inspires Ichigo and his friends to attempt a rescue, thereby depriving Soul Society of a valuable military asset. Furthermore, when four captains assist in her rescue, adding to the three that have already defected, Soul Society is left at half its regular strength. Thus, he and his forces are now ready to mount their challenge and he leaves with Gin, Tōsen and Espada no. 3 through to no. 1 to invade Karakura Town, leaving Las Noches in the hands of Ulquiorra.[50]
Fake Karakura Town arc
As he leaves to destroy Karakura Town, he seals the portals the intruders used to access Hueco Mundo, effectively stranding them there until his return and leaves Ulquiorra in charge of Las Noches.[51] Though Soul Society is able to substitute the town for an abandoned facsimile, Aizen only muses that he will have to travel to Soul Society to destroy the real town after he and his forces (Ichimaru, Tōsen, the top three Espada and their Fracción) defeat the remaining captains. Before his group is able to take action, Aizen is trapped in Yamamoto's fire prison with Ichimaru and Tōsen and is unable to fight. Nevertheless, he claims that such action will be unnecessary, for that the power of his Espada alone will be enough to defeat the Gotei 13.[52]
When Hinamori arrives in the Fake Karakura Town to assist Matsumoto, he has a somewhat intrigued look in his eyes upon sensing that his former lieutenant, whom he assumed he killed, was alive. When Gin asks him if anything is wrong, Aizen calmly states that Hinamori's presence won't make any difference.[53]
Aizen, Gin and Tōsen free from Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's fire prison by Fūrā.
Fūrā arrives in the Fake Karakura Town alongside Wonderweiss Margera and blows out the fire prison where Yamamoto had encased Aizen, Gin and Tōsen in. Aizen comments that the smell of death is splendid as he walks free with his two comrades, believing the smell fits the occasion.[54] Everyone is alerted to his presence, which noticeably scares Izuru Kira, who fears that Soul Society may have lost. However, the Vizard arrive and after a short battle against a group of Gillians, Shinji Hirako confronts Aizen. Shinji attempts to slash at Aizen, but is then stopped by Kaname Tōsen as Aizen looks on.[55]
Shinji confronts Aizen.
As the battle continues and as Baraggan comes close to his death, he launches his blade at Aizen in a desperate attempt to kill the person responsible for him losing his position as King of Hueco Mundo. But his own Respira destroys the axe before it can even reach Aizen, who simply looks away. Both Stark and Harribel notice this, and the former even comments on the fact that Aizen has nothing to say at the Segunda's passing.[56]
Aizen observes Starrk's defeat as the Primera Espada falls to the ground[57] and subsequently takes notice of the fight between Tia Harribel and Hiyori Sarugaki, Lisa Yadōmaru and Tōshirō Hitsugaya.[58] He stops the fight between Gin and Shinji, telling Gin that was enough and states that it is time to end this fight. Using Shunpo, he appears near Harribel's battle, surprising her. He slashes her straight across her torso with his Zanpakutō, dealing her a serious wound. Her face shows surprise as he tells her that it appears that she is not strong enough to fight for him. After this, he tells Gin and Kaname that it's time to go.[59]
Aizen slashing Harribel.