Tsubaki

Tsubaki is irritable, blunt and impatient with Orihime’s hesitation. He strikes companions who annoy him and demands that she focus on learning to defend herself instead of asking questions.

His aggression is tied to his function. Because Orihime instinctively avoids killing, Tsubaki often lacks the conviction needed to reach his full offensive potential.

Koten Zanshun places two points of a shield on either side of Tsubaki. He flies through a target and rejects the fusion of matter along the shield’s path, effectively splitting whatever he penetrates.

The technique’s strength depends on Orihime’s determination and hostile intent. Doubt makes Tsubaki vulnerable, and unlike the three-spirit defensive shield, he usually approaches the enemy alone and can be counterattacked directly.

After further training, Tsubaki joins Baigon, Hinagiku and Lily in Shiten Kōshun, a counterattack barrier that absorbs an incoming blow and releases an explosion from the shield.

Tsubaki interrupts Shun’ou’s explanation when Orihime first meets the Rikka and pushes her to attack Numb Chandelier. He later fights Hollows, Shinigami and Arrancar as her sole original offensive spirit.

Yammy Llargo catches and crushes Tsubaki, damaging him so severely that Orihime cannot summon him. Hachigen Ushōda recognizes the resemblance between their powers and reconstructs Tsubaki, allowing him to return to Orihime.

Orihime Inoue is Tsubaki’s creator and the source of his strength. His frustration with her pacifism coexists with complete commitment to protecting her.

Shun’ō is the companion he most often interrupts. Ayame, Baigon, Hinagiku and Lily are his fellow Rikka.

Yammy Llargo destroys his body, while Hachigen Ushōda restores him.