Ikkaku Madarame

Ikkaku is aggressive, stubborn and delighted by dangerous opponents. He regards a serious duel as an exchange of respect and dislikes interference once two combatants have committed themselves. Injuries rarely discourage him; surviving a defeat is considered good fortune because it creates another opportunity to fight.

He is intensely sensitive about his bald head and angrily insists that it is shaved. His intimidating conduct is balanced by moments of absurdity, including ritualized dances and arguments with other division members.

Unlike the most unruly Eleventh Division soldiers, Ikkaku accepts responsibility for training subordinates and completing assigned operations. His central flaw is the secrecy surrounding his Bankai. He fears that public knowledge of it would make him a candidate for captaincy and remove him from Kenpachi’s division.

Ikkaku is an expert swordsman and polearm fighter with exceptional strength, endurance and muscular control. He can continue battling through fractures and deep wounds, reset a dislocated joint by flexing and use blood-clotting ointment stored inside Hozukimaru’s hilt.

Hozukimaru’s Shikai is released with “Grow.” The sword and sheath transform into a spear that can separate into a three-section staff connected by chains, allowing Ikkaku to switch between thrusting, sweeping and flexible mid-range attacks.

Ryumon Hozukimaru consists of two large polearms connected by chain to a central axe-like blade. A dragon crest on the central weapon gradually fills as Ikkaku exchanges blows; once fully awakened, the Bankai reaches its maximum destructive power. It is designed for direct offense and provides little defense.

Ryumon Hozukimaru is severely damaged during Ikkaku’s fight with Edrad Liones. Its physical shape is repaired, but a broken Bankai cannot recover its original power completely.

Ikkaku is one of the first seated officers encountered by Ichigo during the invasion of the Seireitei. Their duel introduces the Eleventh Division’s battle culture. After losing, Ikkaku gives Ichigo information and warns him about Kenpachi rather than calling reinforcements.

He later joins the advance force sent to defend Karakura Town from the Arrancar. Against Edrad Liones, Ikkaku reveals his Bankai and narrowly wins. At the false Karakura Town, however, he refuses to use it publicly against Choe Neng Poww, loses his pillar and is reprimanded for placing personal preference above his duty.

Ikkaku subsequently fights Moe Shishigawara during the conflict with Xcution and serves throughout the Thousand-Year Blood War. After Yachiru Kusajishi’s disappearance, he is promoted to lieutenant of the Eleventh Division and later trains Shinigami apprentices.

Kenpachi Zaraki — The captain who defeated Ikkaku before recruiting him. Ikkaku’s greatest ambition is to remain under Kenpachi’s command until death.

Yumichika Ayasegawa — Ikkaku’s closest friend and longtime traveling companion. Yumichika is one of the few people trusted with the secret of his Bankai.

Yachiru Kusajishi — His former lieutenant, who gives him numerous nicknames referring to his bald head and exercises surprising authority over him.

Ichigo Kurosaki — The ryoka who defeats Ikkaku and earns his respect during the Soul Society conflict.

Tetsuzaemon Iba — An old friend who understands Ikkaku’s Bankai secret but criticizes him when loyalty to Kenpachi interferes with his responsibilities.

Shino Madarame — Ikkaku’s younger sister and a Shinigami assigned to Karakura Town.