Baishin

Baishin is consumed by the pursuit of strength. Before his imprisonment, he sought to improve his swordsmanship by merging with his Zanpakutō, valuing power more highly than the danger posed by an irreversible transformation. The fusion left him violent and unstable, and his ensuing rampage killed scores of seated Soul Reapers.

After escaping, Baishin speaks little and treats other people chiefly as sources of spiritual energy. His fixation masks a desire to end the condition he created: he believes that absorbing enough power will finally force his body and sword apart.

Baishin’s permanent fusion with his Zanpakutō gives him a body covered with natural blades, including prominent weapons extending from his shoulders. He is an accomplished swordsman and a fast combatant capable of using Shunpo. He can launch blades as projectiles and endure injuries that would incapacitate an ordinary Soul Reaper.

Contact with Baishin’s blades allows him to shave away and absorb an opponent’s spiritual energy. This strengthens him while weakening the person he has struck. The name, sealed form and release command of his Zanpakutō are never disclosed.

After taking in a large amount of Ichigo’s spiritual pressure, Baishin invokes Bankai. His transformed body becomes encased in bladed armor, with numerous swords available for close combat or ranged volleys. The release greatly increases his power, though it does not free him from his fusion.

Four hundred years before the OVA, Baishin’s experiment caused him to lose control and slaughter sixty-three seated officers, including lieutenants. Six captains were dispatched against him; two died in the confrontation, while the survivors sealed him inside a statue in the Human World.

When the seal breaks, Baishin attacks spiritually powerful targets and clashes with Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki. Tōshirō Hitsugaya forces him to retreat, while Yoruichi Shihōin concludes that he is collecting spiritual energy to separate himself from his Zanpakutō.

Baishin subsequently absorbs Ichigo’s power and activates Bankai. Ichigo defeats him in their final battle, and Baishin dies after his body and sword are at last divided. He accepts the outcome peacefully because the separation fulfills the goal behind his attacks.

Ichigo Kurosaki is Baishin’s principal target and final opponent. Baishin sees Ichigo’s vast spiritual pressure as the key to ending his fusion.

Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki confront Baishin shortly after his escape. He overwhelms them while attempting to increase his power.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya drives Baishin away during an early engagement. Yoruichi Shihōin investigates his behavior and correctly identifies the purpose of his energy absorption.