Nozomi Kujo

Nozomi is guarded, blunt and determined not to become dependent on strangers. Her evasiveness comes from uncertainty about her own memories and fear that anyone protecting her will be injured.

She softens through Kon’s persistence. Beneath her defensive behavior, she is compassionate and willing to risk herself to protect people who accept her.

Nozomi possesses a Zanpakutō called Arazome Shigure, released with the command “Descend.” Its Shikai becomes a broad, cross-shaped blade capable of absorbing spiritual attacks and releasing the accumulated energy in a concentrated counterattack.

The weapon has a finite capacity. Absorbing more power than it can contain causes the blade to crack and places Nozomi in danger.

As a Modified Soul, she can conceal herself inside a Gigai and has spiritual abilities resembling those of a Shinigami.

Nozomi appears in the Human World while Kageroza’s Reigai duplicates replace members of the Gotei 13. She initially refuses to explain why she is being hunted.

Nozomi and Kageroza are two Modified Souls created when the essence of scientist Ōko Yushima divided. Kageroza captures and fuses with her to reconstruct Yushima, but Nozomi resists from within. After the fusion is undone, she sacrifices her remaining power to help destroy Yushima and fades away after thanking Kon.

Kon becomes Nozomi’s closest friend and most persistent protector. Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki and their allies shelter her.

Kagerōza Inaba is her counterpart and pursuer. Both originate from Ōko Yushima, whose divided essence they carry.