An Overview of Squad 0 in Bleach: The Elite Shinigami Team of Soul Society Explained

Bleach enthusiasts frequently ask, “What is Squad 0?”as this division occupies a distinctive position in the series’ mythology. The term was first introduced during the Turn Back the Pendulum arc by Kyoraku Shunsui. Squad 0, a legendary faction within the Soul Society, is tasked with safeguarding the Soul King’s palace, and their reputed strength is legendary throughout that realm.

Additionally, members of Squad 0 typically hold significant roles concerning crucial aspects of the Soul Society, distinguishing them from the vast array of characters in Bleach. Notably, the series author, Tite Kubo, was unable to fully realize his vision for these characters in the manga due to health issues, although the recent anime adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc has begun to address this.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Understanding Squad 0’s Role in Bleach

Four members of Squad 0 (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The curiosity surrounding “What is Squad 0?”stems from the ambiguity regarding this division’s role within the Gotei 13. The primary responsibility of Squad 0 is to protect the Soul King and his palace, placing them as the ultimate line of defense in that domain.

Each member of Squad 0 has played a vital part in the evolution of the Soul Society. For instance, Ichibe Hyosube, the leader of the division, is credited with naming various entities within this realm, while Ōetsu Nimaiya is recognized as the creator of the Zanpakuto.

The Members of Squad 0

Senjumaru as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Squad 0 consists of five members, including Kirio Hikifune, who previously served as the Captain of Squad 12 and holds the title “Divine General of the South.”She earned this title for creating the Gikon, which are specialized souls made for the Shinigami. Oetsu Nimaiya, another member, is characterized by his cheerful demeanor and is also the inventor of the Zanpakuto.

Next is Tenjiro Kirinji, known as the “Divine General of the East,”who developed healing Kido techniques essential for the Soul Society. Senjumaru Shutara gained her position due to her creation of the shihakushō, the traditional clothing worn by the Shinigami.

Lastly, the leader of Squad 0, Ichibē Hyōsube, predates even the formation of the Soul Society. He was involved in the events that led to the Soul King’s dismemberment long before the events of Bleach, and at one time held part of the King’s powers in one of his arms, as revealed in the Thousand-Year Blood War anime adaptation.

Squad 0’s Overall Strength

Ichibei as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The question “What is Squad 0?”remains significant partly due to their portrayal during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc in the anime. Tite Kubo established that these five Shinigami possessed strength exceeding the combined might of the entire Gotei 13; however, this was not demonstrated effectively when they faced Yhwach and his elite guard, the Schutzstaffel.

Among them, only Ichibei’s abilities met the high expectations, as he initially overpowered the Quincy King until Yhwach tapped into his most formidable technique, The Almighty, sealing Ichibei’s fate. The rest of Squad 0 was systematically dismantled by the Schutzstaffel with little difficulty, although recent anime adaptations appear to be addressing these discrepancies.

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