Squad Zero, also known as the Royal Guard, are not just elite Shinigami — they are the architects of the Soul Society itself.
Long before the Gotei 13 existed, these five individuals shaped the systems, tools, and laws that govern life and death in the Bleach universe.
They do not patrol the Seireitei. They do not answer to the Central 46. Their sole duty is to protect the Soul King and maintain the structure of reality.
This article breaks down each Squad Zero member individually — their origins, powers, why they were elevated, and what they are doing now in the canon timeline.
Ichibē Hyōsube — Leader of Squad Zero
Ichibē existed before names themselves had meaning. He is the one who named Zanpakutō, Shinigami, and even concepts tied to power. In Bleach, naming is not cosmetic — it defines existence.
Powers & Abilities
- Ichimonji (Zanpakutō): Erases names by covering targets in black ink, stripping them of identity and power
- Name Manipulation: Can rename opponents, fundamentally altering what they are
- Immense Reiatsu: Overwhelms even god-level beings
Ichibē’s abilities are absolute because they attack the concept of identity itself, not the body.
What He Is Doing Now
After the Thousand-Year Blood War, Ichibē remains in the Royal Palace, continuing his role as the ultimate enforcer of balance. He does not rebuild — he observes, ready to erase anything that threatens the system again.
Ōetsu Nimaiya — Creator of the Zanpakutō
Ōetsu invented the Zanpakutō, making him directly responsible for how every Shinigami fights. Without him, the Gotei 13 would not exist.
Powers & Abilities
- Sayafushi (Zanpakutō): An incomplete blade so sharp it cannot be sheathed
- Blade Mastery: Total understanding of Zanpakutō creation and behavior
- Combat Precision: Kills with minimal effort when serious
Ōetsu doesn’t rely on flashy techniques. His lethality comes from perfect craftsmanship and absolute confidence.
What He Is Doing Now
Ōetsu continues overseeing Zanpakutō creation and maintenance in the Royal Realm. His focus remains on ensuring the Shinigami remain armed — but never independent of the system he built.
Tenjirō Kirinji — Creator of Shinigami Healing
Tenjirō created the healing techniques that all modern Shinigami rely on. Without him, most captains would have died long ago.
Powers & Abilities
- Hot Spring Blood Pond: Restores blood and spiritual pressure
- White Bone Hell: Strengthens skeletal structure
- Extreme Speed: Faster than most captains, earning him the nickname “Lightning Fast Tenjirō”
Tenjirō’s healing is brutal but effective, rebuilding Shinigami stronger than before.
What He Is Doing Now
Following the war, Tenjirō remains stationed in the Royal Palace, maintaining the recovery systems that allow the Soul Society to survive catastrophic conflict.
Senjumaru Shutara — Weaver of the Soul Society
Senjumaru designed the Shinigami uniforms, tools, and spiritual bindings. Her work defines structure, rank, and containment.
Powers & Abilities
- Thread Manipulation: Controls spiritual threads capable of binding even elite enemies
- Creation Mastery: Can instantly fabricate weapons, traps, and seals
- Dimensional Control: Her creations can warp space and immobilize opponents
Senjumaru fights like an engineer, not a warrior — controlling the battlefield through preparation.
What She Is Doing Now
She continues maintaining and upgrading the Soul Society’s infrastructure from the Royal Realm, ensuring that rebellion is impossible without detection.
Kirio Hikifune — Creator of Artificial Souls & Spiritual Nutrition
Kirio pioneered artificial soul technology and spiritual nourishment, laying the groundwork for gigai, mod souls, and later scientific experimentation.
Powers & Abilities
- Spiritual Food Creation: Converts spiritual energy into nourishment
- Mass Reiatsu Manipulation: Her true form stores vast spiritual power
- Area Control: Can overwhelm enemies through sheer spiritual density
Kirio’s abilities turn sustenance into a weapon.
What She Is Doing Now
Kirio remains in the Royal Palace, overseeing the spiritual ecosystem that sustains Squad Zero and the Soul King’s domain.
Why Squad Zero Is More Dangerous Than the Gotei 13
The Gotei 13 enforces the law. Squad Zero defines it and makes the law. They are not the ones who have to listen to anyone but the one to whom everyone listens.
Each member represents a pillar of the Soul Society:
- Ichibē — Identity
- Ōetsu — Weapons
- Tenjirō — Survival
- Senjumaru — Structure
- Kirio — Sustenance
They are not heroes. They are system administrators.
