Nnoitra Jiruga (Achrones150)

"Back then... Nel was too much of a bitch to give me the honor of death in battle. She seemed so insisting on sparing me and leaving me with the humiliation of lying in my own shit. Sayin' I wasn't a warrior.... but a wild beast that she could stomp into the ground. But Tia... there was no mercy in her eyes. She was so ready to slaughter me where I stood, and she hated me for the bastard I am.... and I enjoyed every minute of it!!! She was even better than that Shinigami fuck in my Espada days... guess when I think about it, there's really no difference between male and female. We all started out as creatures who lived to consume everything in their path, as well as tear the hell out of each other. Even if she's the calm and ice-cold cunt, and I'm the hot-blooded butcher, that fightin' instinct will never change. I've proven myself to be her equal... even she had the guts to say it to my face."

- Nnoitra, about Tia Harribel

Nnoitra Jiruga (ノイトラ・ジルガ, Noitora Jiruga), sometimes romanized as Nnoitora Jiruga, is the former quinto (5th) Espada in Sōsuke Aizen's army. Struck down by the ferocious Zaraki Kenpachi, his Hierro barely saved him from being killed, but was unable to move. He was healed by Senkaku Ningensei, with the motive of seeking to restore order within Hueco Mundo. Nnoitra's own personal goal is to prove himself as the strongest fighters of Hueco Mundo, using Senkaku as a means to seek a feared and respected reputation.

Appearance
Nnoitra is the tallest Espada, excluding Yammy Riyalgo (whose height varies under certain circumstances), dwarfing even Chad by at least a foot (around 30 cm). This fact is emphasized by his very thin and lanky body. His face is frequently set in a huge smile which reveals his upper teeth, similar to Shinji Hirako. His black hair hangs past his shoulders, concealing the left side of his face and a large white eyepatch. The eyepatch hides his mask fragments, consisting of a small set of jawbones and teeth, surrounding his Hollow hole. The tattoo signifying his rank as 5th Espada is located on his tongue. His clothing consists of a modified Arrancar jacket with an overblown spoon-like hood and an opening starting at the neckline, showing most of his midsection, and closing at his waist. He wears the standard hakama but the ends of his pant legs close inside extended and curved boots. When he was the 8th Espada, Nnoitra's hair was shorter and messier, he lacked the spoon hood, and he wore his jacket's collar upturned.

Recently, more particularly after his battle with Tia Harribel, Nnoitra decides to change into a more casual attire in order to suit his position as an Ex-Espada. He wears an army-like attire, fitted with a vest-jacket mix, a white shirt underneath, and matching pants. The boots he now wears have lost the curved toe-tip. He still has the eyepatch in order to cover up his Hollow fragments and hole to avoid unwanted attention. Santa Teresa is still carried with a chain around his waist in the midst of combat.

Personality
Personality-wise, Nnoitra is extremely rude and lecherous, accented by his snake-like eyes and perverted attitude towards Orihime, rudely referring to her as "pet-sama". He even went as far to ask Ulquiorra Cifer how well he "disciplined" her. When seemingly trapping Harribel in a death-hug, he sadistically states to her that he would be waiting for her to "scream his name" - an obvious sexual reference. He is quite possibly the most foul-mouthed character in the series, even more so than Grimmjow. He was a firm believer in male chauvinism and had openly insults (and regularly attacked) the former 3rd Espada. It becomes clear that he holds the same grudge towards Tia Harribel for her position as the 3rd Espada, even after the Winter War's end; after seemingly overwhelming Grimmjow and about to kill him, Nnoitra instructs Grimmjow to tell Harribel that he would be looking forward to seeing her in Hell. However, this attitude changed in his personal duel with and loss to Hallibel. He seems to have gained a loathing respect for her for being so willing to put him to death, showing the ruthlessness Nel had failed to give him. His overall goal is to prove himself to be the absolute strongest of the Espada and does not wish to waste his time killing those he dubs "weak". During his time as an "exile", and during his fight with former comrade Grimmjow, he has declared himself soon to reach the power that the Primera Espada once had. However, he has no qualms attacking stronger opponents who are already injured, a trait both Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez berate him for. He also loathes looking weak, and thus, will refuse all forms of assistance offered to him during an ongoing battle, as seen when he struck his lone Fracción, Tesla, for running over to his side (and releasing Orihime Inoue in the process) after Nnoitra was blasted by Nelliel's Cero Doble. He does, however, appear to have at least some amount concern for his sole Fracción's well-being (unlike Grimmjow, who did not even mourn for his deceased companions), having attempted to warn Tesla to withdraw from battle after he determined via his pesquisa that Kenpachi Zaraki was stronger than he had initially anticipated. This concern is shown even more towards his comrades in Team Ningensei; despite seemingly having constant bickering with teammate Melina Herselia, he still treats her like a brother would a sister, or a father would a daughter, even voluntarily giving her a piggy back ride.

One of Nnoitra's most notable characteristics is his insatiable bloodlust and hunger for battle, which exceeds even Grimmjow's and rivaled only by Kenpachi Zaraki's philosophy of literally living to fight time and again. Nnoitra's idea of a fulfilling end to his life would be to die on his own two feet while drowning on his own blood. Because fighting is his way of life, he continually strives to be stronger, and it is later revealed that he considers himself indebted to Aizen for allowing him to exceed his natural fighting limits. To appease his craving for a good fight, he even defies a direct order from Aizen to patiently lie in wait for Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends when they try to infiltrate Las Noches in a bid to free Orihime Inoue.

In his later moments during his battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, he begins to show signs of weakness and desperation, and becomes increasingly frustrated over his inability to overcome the powerful Captain. This stems from an inferiority complex he developed while serving as 8th Espada, due to his apparent inability to beat his opponents. Whenever his opponents refuse to kill him during a battle, particularly Kenpachi and Nelliel, Nnoitra takes it as a direct affront to his pride, because in his mind, neither Nelliel nor Kenpachi seem to think of him as their equal or superior. This shows a more honorable side of him as even he wishes to be treated as equally as every other opponent he has treated. Ironically, he treated virtually everyone of his opponents the same way, unfairly and through dishonorable methods. He also does not hesitate to use any means - even unfair ones - in order to prove his superiority in the battlefield.

Nnoitra's Past
Several years earlier Nnoitra held the rank of 8th Espada. He once laid waste to an entire colony of an Arrancar prompting Nelliel to ask him why as he was given no order to do so. Nnoitra stated that no one ever ordered him not to kill them. Nelliel reminded him that Aizen's order were to "seek the Vasto Lorde", she noted that murdering entire colonies stood against that order. He responded that not everyone was loyal to Aizen and if they resisted they were rebels and killing rebels was like helping Aizen. He further reasoned that if he could take them out then they were not Vasto Lorde, stating that he was following orders just fine. He then informed her that she had gotten awfully uptight over a couple hundred Hollows. Nelliel suggested that he should think before he speaks, as they themselves were once Hollows just like those he killed; it was their own good fortune that they had evolved beyond that, nothing more. Nnoitra taunted her to attack if she felt she could beat him if it made her mad. She plainly responded that she was shocked as even becoming an Arrancar, Nnoitra was nothing more then a child. Nnoitra questioned her comment but was attacked and seemingly knocked unconscious. When he woke up he saw that she was sitting near him reading a book while a dead Hollow lied nearby. He asked her why she helped him, and Nelliel simply told him that she did not 'help him'. She simply prevented the Espada from losing a member by putting an end to his suicidal behavior. Nnoitra explained that he couldn't stand her and that she would obviously know that, so why would she keep following him around. She simply stared at him and stated that its because he was weaker than her.[1] Sometime later Nnoitra continued to kill Arrancar and Hollow alike, determining they were unfortunate for facing him. Nelliel noted to him that it was an Arrancar he just killed to which he responded he knew that and wanted to state as a fact something he would only explain once. Something he wanted her to know if she insisted to continually follow him around, that no matter who it was he would not be benevolent or merciful.

Sometime later he challenged her to a fight to which Nelliel explained once again that she would not draw her blade against the likes of him. Stating that he would not draw her into his demented world. Nnoitra told her that she was over thinking as the only reason they needed to draw their blades against each other was for the simple sake of drawing their blades. Nelliel noted that she did not understand that reasoning. She then asked what drives his blood lust. Nnoitra simply stated that gasping for his final breath in the heat of battle to have his entire being defined by that moment. Nelliel questioned this philosophy noting that it would be a temporary high. He agreed to the truth of that but stated that nothing else could fill that void. He was given power and he would use it kill anyone standing in his way until he died on his feet taking in his last breath.

During this time he would constantly challenge the then 3rd Espada Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck to battle, each time she would easily defeat him. It was during one of these battle she went to leave and he told her that it was a battle to the finish. When she asked him if he wanted her to finish him off she told him that she simply refused and further told him to stop talking all big. She stated that there was a time when they ceased being Human, and became beasts. Now, as Arrancar they had regained their sense of reason. She explained to him that rational people, when going to battle need a reason to fight and he had none. Nnoitra screamed at her that he had a reason, and that he could not stand her. Nelliel detailed that it wasn't a reason, just an instinct, as he was a beast and she didn't recognize him as a warrior. Therefore she had no reason to bear the life of someone not a warrior. After Nelliel left, Nnoitra was approached by Tesla who offered him a hand. In response he threw his Zanpakutō at him hitting the structure behind the Arrancar. Nnoitra told him not to act friendly with him, as just because he lost it didn't mean that they were of the same level. When Tesla asked why he had to pick on Nelliel and no other Espada, Nnoitra explained that it was because he hated her for being a female that was able to out rank a man on the battlefield.

Sometime later Nnoitra teamed up with Szayel Aporro Granz (who was not an Espada at the time) to perform a sneak attack on Nelliel as well as test a device he created. As Nelliel was searching for her Fracción she was confronted by Nnoitra who asked her if she was looking for something. Nelliel stated it was none of his business and asked if revealing his weapon was a form of intimidation. She advised him if he didn't want to look weak, to keep it and move on. There was an explosion which gets Nelliel's attention, and once the smoke settled she saw her Fracción, Pesche Guatiche and Dondochakka Bilstin, gravely wounded. She turned to Nnoitra and asked him if he forcibly removed their masks as she becomes enraged.[5] They initiated in a fight and because of a device made by Szayel, it created a fake image of Nnoitra and distracted Nelliel's attention. By exploiting the opportunity, Nnoitra attacked Nelliel and she was hit from behind causing a wound to her head and her mask to break on the front left side. The attack scared her forehead and left her unconscious. He took her unconscious body and stated that she would probably call this an act of a beast but it didn't matter any to him. He was approached from behind by Szayel who asked if there was anything else to which Nnoitra responded that his job was already over. Szayel asked him if he needed to be so cold as they worked as partners, for that he should at least be allowed to admire their end. Nnoitra detailed that he doesn't remember being his partner and that they just happened to have the same motives. Nnoitra threw Nelliel off the side of Las Noches so that he could increase his power by the time she returned. Nnoitra told Szayel they were going, but Szayel told him that he would appreciate it if he lost the presumptuous tone, but Nnoitra told him that he wasn't even an Espada anymore. Szayel stated that if not for the equipment that he prepared Nnoitra wouldn't even have had the chance to attack Nelliel and then asked if he should really be speaking to him that way. Nnoitra looked over the side of Las Noches at Nelliel and her Fracción's prone bodies and was surprised as she reverted into a child. Szayel noted that he had not anticipated this and he had never seen anything like it before. He deduced that her reiatsu was leaking out of the wound on her mask, and her spiritual body shrank as a result. Nnoitra stated he didn't care why it happened as he gloated over her and stated that as it was unlikely for them to get the chance to cross swords with each other again noting that it was a shame.

Days as an Espada
Nnoitra's is first seen during the creation of Wonderweiss Margera; he is shown with his back facing Ulquiorra and Yammy Riyalgo as Aizen explains to the Espada present the process of awakening the Hōgyoku from its inert state. Nnoitra appears again during Aizen's meeting about Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado and Uryū Ishida entering Hueco Mundo to save Orihime Inoue. After Aizen warns the Espada to treat the intruders with caution, Nnoitra Jiruga makes a comment stating that they look weak. She warns him to that if he had listened to what Aizen just said he would have heard him state that they should not take the intruders lightly. Nnoitra tells her that is not what he meant and tells her not to get testy before asking her if she is scared. Harribel just gives him a cold stare. Grimmjow interrupts the brewing confrontation by attempting to walk out against Aizen's orders. She alongside the other Espada sit silently while Aizen subdues Grimmjow with his Spiritual Pressure to keep him in line.

A little later, he waylays Ulquiorra and attempts to start a conversation with him about Orihime Inoue. Nnoitra asks how is his handling of the girl, explaining how he knew all about how Aizen had entrusted her care to him. He then asks how far along he has gotten in "taming" her, but Ulquiorra ignores him and walks away calling him degenerate scum. Undeterred Nnoitra uses Sonido to move in front of him and asks Ulquiorra to not get so testy as he is only asking if everything is going well. Ulquiorra cant comprehend why Nnoitra really cares as its trivial but tells him not to worry as Orihime has been under Aizen's spell even before she arrived in Hueco Mundo. Nnoitra then questions if Aizen has used Kyōka Suigetsu as usual, though Ulquiorra assures him that this situation was not that big of an issue to warrant its use. He further explains that the moment that she was invited there multiple psychological cages were put in place, by putting her friends in danger she was forced into a situation where she couldn't refuse and made her surrender. Following that they gave her the 12 hour period to say goodbye to one of her friends. Nnorita still doesn't get the significance of the psychological cage that was being spoken about. Ulquiorra further explains that she is basically set to believe in her own mind that they are not the enemy and then she will follow them of her own free will. He also makes note that by allowing her to say goodbye to a friend of her own choosing, will allow her to leave evidence of her free will in the event so she will be looked as a traitor to her friends. Finally understanding Nnoitra states that plan is well thought out and would expect nothing less of Aizen, though Ulquiorra corrects him stating that such things to Aizen are nothing more then a game. If she is trapped then that is good, if she is not then that is okay as well, as either way she does not have the power to escape from Hueco Mundo or even the will to turn against them.

Challenging the Ryoka
Nnoitra later appears right after Chad defeated Gantenbainne Mosqueda, wondering if he is the first one to get there. Chad immediately charges at him, despite Gantenbainne's attempts to tell him to run. Nnoitra stands giving Chad a large opening to attack which he does, punching Nnoitra in the stomach with his Brazo Izquierda del Diablo. However, this does not so much as hurt Nnoitra who asks Chad if that is his best shot. Nnoitra then takes his Zanpakutō and cuts Chad's Brazo Derecha de Gigante in half as well as cutting him across the chest in the process. Nnoitra tells him that he is nothing more then a weakling. Afterwords Nnoitra sits down and rests until he is interrupted by Tesla, his Fracción. Tesla asks him if he is going to finish Chad off by Nnoitra tells him no, seeing that if he kills a thousand nobodies whose going to admit that he is the strongest. He explains that there is no value in taking a nobody's life. Before he can finish his sentence he senses something. He then tells Tesla that the closest reiatsu has been take by Aaroniero, he then tells him they are leaving as he has found a huge reiatsu and that he is going to go crush it. Before he leaves he senses that Chad is still alive as he watches him get back up. Chad rushes at him to attack but it is blocked by Tesla who then takes him out. He asks Nnoitra if they should go only to be greeted with his blade by his throat. Nnoitra asks him who told him to get involved. Tesla apologizes, noting that enemies to to put all their power in one final attack and if by some chance he was hit, but Nnoitra interrupts him stating that it would not as there is not a single person in heaven or on earth that can break him. He tells Tesla not to forget that, as he is the strongest Espada.

Nnoitra is later seen watching Ichigo Kurosaki fight Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, silently watching the battle; studying Ichigo's attacks until they finished. When Grimmjow is defeated, Nnoitra attacks him, seriously wounding the 6th Espada. He further states that Grimmjow is a bad loser and that Ichigo is his opponent now. Ichigo asks him who he is wondering if he is an Espada but Nnoitra doesn't respond. When he attempts to finish Grimmjow off Ichigo blocks the attack, asking him why he would try and attack someone who can't move. Nnoitra deflects Ichigo away from him and tells Grimmjow how he can't stand him, seeing that he first losses to the enemy and then has his life saved by him. He then asks Ichigo his name, telling him he will remember it for the short time he will be alive. He then throws his Zanpakutō destroying the ground where it lands though Ichigo dodges the attack. Nnoitra is immediately upon him attacking him relentlessly when Orihime tries to intervene Nnoitra has Tesla subdue her prompting Ichigo to tell him to let her go. Nnoitra laughs at him and sticks out his tongue showing that he is the 5th Espada and stating that it means that the trash he just got all beat up fighting and barely won against he is stronger than him and its over for Ichigo stating that he is sorry as he has already forgot his name. They continue fighting with Nnoitra noticing that Ichigo is moving well against him, he asks if this isn't the first time he has faced someone with a long weapon. Ichigo responds that it is in fact the second. Nnoitra is unimpressed as he changes direction and attacks Ichigo from behind. Orihime yells as him to stop, as to how can he do such a thing when Ichigo is already Injured. Nnoitra plainly tells her to shut up, asking her if she is stupid. Making note that he is doing this because he is injured. He states that this is a battle so its not going to be fair, fighting is a monster born with from unfairness and intolerance. He continues making his speech noting Ichigo is foolish to think no one will come after him after busting into the enemies headquarters. He then admits that he was watching Ichigo's fight with Grimmjow from the very beginning and he already knows everything he is a capable.

Ichigo goes to attack but Nnoitra states that he is to slow as he places his Zanpakutō up to counter Ichigo who dodges it and gets close enough to attack the Espada. Nnoitra grabs Ichigo's blade with his barehand even sliding it along the length of the blades edge with no injuries much to Ichigo's surprise. Nnoitra draws Ichigo in closer and tells him that he guesses the blade just looks sharp telling him that he dodges and Ichigo loses before he head-butts him sending him flying into a nearby structure. As they fight, Nnoitra notices Nel, recognizes her stating she has become pathetic and asks if her broken mask aches. Ichigo then questions how does Nnoitra know Nel. Nnoitra explains that he wondered why she was here figuring Ichigo brought her but states he realizes now Ichigo brought her not knowing who she really was. Ichigo is confused not know what Nniotra means so the Espada explains that she is Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, an ex-Espada. Nel tries to deny the accusation prompting Nnoitra to step on her but Ichigo blocks the attack and while Ichigo is telling Nel to not worry he is kicked himself sending him flying. Nnoitra comments that it does seem as though she has lost her memory, but after getting her head broken its no wonder she has forgotten all that has happened. Ichigo questions what does he mean broken, Nnoitra explains as he picks Nel up by her head that he is the one broke her head. Ichigo yells at him to stop and becomes enraged charging at him but Nnoitra counters only for Ichigo to get in close and slash him down the center of his chest. But Ichigo then realizes his blade has made contact but done nothing. Nnoitra asks if he has already forgotten that there is no way he can cut him with that blade. He then kicks Ichigo again sending him further away, explaining that Nel always made him mad just like Ichigo is doing right now, thus why he broke head from behind and threw her out of Las Noches. Ichigo screams at him to let her go and rushes to attack him but Nnoitra counters and throws Nel away in the process. As he goes over to a wounded Ichigo he states that its time to end this as he grabs Ichigo's sword arm and breaks his wrist. Seeing Ichigo hurt triggers Nel's transformation into her original form much to Nnoitra's surprise.

Rematch of Bitter Rivals
Nnotira states that she has returned to her original form. Before he realizes it she uses Sonído to move Ichigo to a safe distance away from him. After a small talk with Ichigo who reassures her they are still friends, Nel resolves to face Nnoitra though Ichigo is uncertain at first it is revealed her former rank as 3rd Espada. Nelliel rushes to attack Nnoitra and cuts him across the chest before he can react surprising him entirely. He tries to attack her but she effortlessly kicks his Zanpakutō away pushing him off balance sending him a distance away from her. He eventually stops himself and fires a Cero at her, causing Ichigo to scream out trying to warn her. Nelliel simply places her hand up stopping the blast entirely much it Nnoitra's surprise. She then sucks the entire blast into her mouth fires a Cero Doble at him causing a large explosion. Telsa lets Orihime go as he runs off to aid his master but no sooner than he does that he is sent flying away into nearby debris. Nnoitra appears injured along his right side, asking Tesla who told him to let go of that woman to which he apologizes. Nnoitra smiles at Nelliel and asks what is wrong, he was hit by a Cero that she absorbed and then added her own to it...so why is he still alive? He notes that her face is asking that. He then admits that he forgot about her Cero Doble, her trademark technique. He then explains to her that she doesn't get it as she has forgotten one thing. Since she left Las Noches, he asks her how many years have passed since she disappeared? He then states that she shouldn't think the power of the current Espada is the same as when she was an Espada and that the number on her back is meaningless now. The two Arrancar continue to battle with both facing each other evenly. As they fight Nnoitra asks if she remembers calling him a beast and even saying their strengths weren't even. He then gloats asking how does it feel being beaten to death by the same beast. Nelliel then kicks his Zanpakutō away as Nnoitra goads her, Nelliel tells him its such a pity as it will be difficult to transform again after only just returning to her original form. Therefore she didn't want to resort to it, and she begins to release her Zanpakutō. Nnoitra realizing what she is doing moves to stop her but isn't fast enough and is forced back by the release of reiatsu. He is quickly overwhelmed as Nelliel uses her "Lanzador Verde" technique which he tries to stop with his Zanpakutō but the attack succeeds on getting through regardless slamming him against a slab or rock. Nelliel goes to Nnoitra and tells him that its over but he should not despair as she will not take his life. In an instance she reverts back into a child to everyone's surprise. Nnoitra steps on her and laughs then kicks her prompting an enraged Ichigo to attack again, only to be slammed into the ground. After getting bored with fighting Ichigo he commands Tesla to finish him off, to which Tesla releases his Zanpakutō and proceeds to beat Ichigo mercilessly. Nnoitra then forces Orihime to watch as Ichigo is brutalized.

Final Duel
Kenpachi comes to Ichigo's aid as he blocks an attack by the Arrancar Tesla. The Arrancar tries to attack but before he realizes Kenpachi has dealt a fatal slash wound down his chest. Finished with Tesla, Kenpachi looks to Nnoitra to be his next opponent. When Ichigo questions what Kenpachi is doing in Hueco Mundo, he only responds by kicking Ichigo stating that he is in the way of the field of battle. Kenpachi then explains that Kisuke Urahara was asked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to send them to Hueco Mundo in preparation for the Winter War. Nnoitra finally decides to attack and is blocked though still impressing Kenpachi with his strike. Nnoitra then asks Kenpachi his name, with both men giving their name and rank. The two opponents continue to fight with Kenpachi getting close to dealing a fatal blow to Nnoitra but his sword wont cut when it makes contact on the Espada. Nnoitra manages to cut Kenpachi on his left shoulder and laughs telling him that his Hierro is unsurpassed by any current and former Espada. He then goes on to taunt Kenpachi that his blade will never be able to cut him.

Kenpachi, undeterred, continues to fight Nnoitra with even more ferocity much to the Espada's surprise. Nnoitra then dodges and moves himself to a significant distance so that he can swing his weapon and launch it at Kenpachi. Dodging it, Kenpachi grabs the chain the weapon is attached to and reels Nnoitra in grabs him by the face and slams him into the ground and attempts to skewer him with his Zanpakutō before the Espada narrowly escapes. Kenpachi questions why he dodged his attack, deducing that if he moved, it must mean the attack was dangerous. Kenpachi states that though Nnoitra claims that he can't be cut by Shinigami swords, he still seems to have some soft spots on him. Dismissing it entirely, Nnoitra jumps up and attacks him from above, though Kenpachi catches his blade with his bare hands then states that he has met a lot of annoying people and they all said that his sword can't cut them. But he has never meant anyone whose eyes and throat can't be cut and he stabs his sword into Nnoitra's covered left eye and out the back of his head. Unaffected Nnoitra grabs his wrist much to Kenpachi's surprise, as the Espada moves himself in closer and thrusts his hand into Kenpachi's chest.

Nnoitra retracts his hand from the wound he just made and states that he bets Kenpachi can't understand what just happened. He then uses the tip of Kenpachi's Zanpakutō to lift up his eyepatch, showing that under it is the remnants of his hollow mask as well as the placement of his hollow hole. Nnoitra then explains that it is impossible for a person to have his head pierced and still be alive, as Kenpachi's sword did not reach his brain but simply went right through him. When Kenpachi starts to laugh he enrages Nnoitra who attempts to kick him, but Kenpachi grabs his ankle and apologizes for laughing. He then explains that if he is unable to cut him it means no matter how many times he slashes, the Espada won't die, thus removing the joy of killing him. On the other hand Kenpachi notes that if he cuts him enough times, he will die. Ecstatic at the idea that he can look forward to slicing his opponent up, the two continue to clash. After a few strikes Kenpachi finally succeeds in cutting Nnoitra's forearm. They continue fighting on, fiercer than before, until Kenpachi cuts him again, as well as taking off a piece of the Espada's sword. Kenpachi then announces that it appears that he has finally gotten use to Nnoitra's Hierro strength. Kenpachi makes note that he did not have enough practice; therefore, his moves have not been as quick and he cannot control his own strength. He then thanks Nnoitra for warming him up and then asks that he be allowed to use his Zanpakutō to express his gratitude. He thrusts at Nnoitra who dodges and then prepares his own attack only to be cut again by Kenpachi. Trying again to gain a upper hand, Nnoitra fires a Cero at Kenpachi, who simply deflects it away from him with his hand. The Espada is somewhat surprised, but follows up with another hand thrust attack in order to impale Kenpachi once again. His movements are off and he only succeeds in removing Kenpachi's eyepatch as well as leaving himself open to be slash directly down his chest by Kenpachi. Kenpachi then realizes that his eyepatch has been ripped off, and tells Nnoitra that now he sees what happens when his eyepatch is ripped off, still confused about the power increase until it is explained to him what the eyepatch really is. Infuriated, Nnoitra finally releases his Zanpakutō, which doubles his arms and heals the injury Kenpachi inflicted when his eyepatch was torn off. Nnoitra then asks how it feels seeing an Espada release their Zanpakutō for the first time. Though all he gets in response to his question is a smile from Kenpachi, who tells him that he has nice reiatsu and that it's been a long time as it was like the reiatsu itself is sharpening his blade. Undeterred, Nnoitra tells him to come and cut him with his newly sharpened blade. Kenpachi wastes no time and goes on the offensive, but is surprised when his attempts are blocked and he is dealt a grievous wound across his chest. Nnoitra then sends Kenpachi flying away from him as he mocks him.

Noticing that there is no movement from a unresponsive Kenpachi, Nnoitra sets his sights on Yachiru, but Kenpachi recovers and manages to cut off one of his arms. When Nnoitra comments on Kenpachi playing dead, he is corrected when Kenpachi states he was just thinking that with four arms Nnoitra is just going to keep blocking his blade, so seeing as he couldn't think of anything, his next best step was to just cut the arms off one by one. Nnoitra tells Kenpachi that he is crazy if he thinks he can cut off his arms and notes that he can't even cut off the one he already did, as he displays his ability to regenerate his arm. He then goes to attack, but Kenpachi blocks him, and is soon thrown back into a nearby structure. As Nnoitra mocks him, Kenpachi kicks out of the rubble and grabs him by the face and slams him into the ground, then he attacks as he manages to pin Nnoitra down, but Nnoitra reveals his two hidden arms and pierces Kenpachi's abdomen. Nnoitra then tells Kenpachi that he is going to use all six of his arms to to take him out.

Endgame and Defeat
Nnoitra then generates another scythe weapon and tells Kenpachi that it is over. However, Kenpachi beings to laugh hysterically, much to Nnoitra's surprise. He then admits to how much he is enjoying the fight and notes that it isn't the end because the fight has just begun. Kenpachi then cuts through a nearby structure sending it flying at Nnoitra. The two go at with full force, with Kenpachi sustaining many injuries in the process. Nnoitra then cuts off a piece of the same structure, but Kenpachi cuts it in half before it can crush him. The two continue to fight with Kenpachi gaining more wounds but relentlessly still continuing to fight with no stopping. After being critically wounded by Nnoitra, Kenpachi begins to realize that at this rate, he will end up dead. He then reluctantly decides to use kendō, though he admits that it's been quite some time since he has used it. When Nnoitra becomes confused, Kenpachi explains that the Captain-Commander made him learn it when he first joined the Gotei 13, but he never liked it and asks Nnoitra if he knew a sword is more powerful when you use two hands instead one. Nnoitra becomes bored with the conversation and charges at Kenpachi, who grips his sword with both hands and swings it down. Kenpachi manages to land a powerful blow, dealing Nnoitra a fatal wound to his chest almost severing him in half. He is surprised that the Espada is still alive and then turns to walk away. Nnoitra yells at him asking where he is going as the fight isn't over. Kenpachi explains he doesn't know what he is talking about, as the blow finished him and he is not about to be bothered with finishing someone off who can't even fight back. Undeterred, Nnoitra gets up and tells him the fight isn't over and taunts him to come back and continue fighting. Finally Kenpachi gives in as Nnoitra moves to attack him, but Kenpachi lands another blow to his chest and Nnoitra falls to the ground. As he does, Nnoitra makes eye contact with Nel who awakens in time to see his defeat.

Joining Team Ningensei
Sometime later, Nnoitra was found in a comatose state, his immense spiritual energy having kept him barely alive. Senkaku Ningensei, the man who came across him, recognized him as the former Quinto Espada as well as having been a severe threat to the Soul Society. However, interested in his abilities, he decided to save the man by using his water abilities to heal his injuries. After Nnoitra awakened, and upon discovering he had been healed, he grew enraged after seeing he hadn't died the death he had wanted. He attacks Senkaku, and they engage in a brief skirmish. However, Senkaku eventually calms Nnoitra by insisting that he didn't do it out of pity, but rather because of his great strength. He appealed to Nnoitra's desire to be the strongest, offering his training in order to help him climb up that path. Interested, Nnoitra accepted the proposal, and thus was the first member to be recruited of Team Ningensei.

Grimmjow vs Nnoitra: Venganza del Rey
Nnoitra is seen killing several Adjuchas-class Hollows with Melina Herselia looking on. He is seemingly irate, snapping at Melina at her constant teasing of him, to the point of threatening her to silence. When she falls silent, he acts cocky, complimenting her on not messing with the strongest Espada. When Melina questions it due to him only being the Quinta (5th) Espada, Nnoitra immediately dismisses her, stating that the number on his tongue doesn't mean anything, and gloats that he would become the new Primera. However, he is interrupted by the laughter of Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Nnoitra takes no hesitation in mocking the former Sexta (6th) by pointing out his defeat by Ichigo Kurosaki. Grimmjow, however, retorts by stating Nnoitra's inability to face him head-on. Nnoitra arrogantly states that fighting directly wouldn't have made much more of a difference, and challenges Grimmjow to a fight in order to prove such. When Melina offers to assist, he casually shuts her down.

Grimmjow attacks Nnoitra barehanded, causing Nnoitra to berate him, catch his fist, and attempt to cut him in two. However, much to his shock and anger, Grimmjow's Hierro is able to withstand Santa Teresa's cutting edge. He catches the blade and hurls Nnoitra into one of the sand dunes. Initally dismissing it as a fluke, Nnoitra attempts to cut Grimmjow again via a series of attacks, but Grimmjow is able to block each one with his arms, proving that the Sexta's Hierro had strengthened. Grimmjow unleashes a Cero on Nnoitra, but the man's own Hierro resists it. Thinking back to his fight with Kenpachi, he discovered the Captain's method of cutting through his own Hierro; by adjusting to Grimmjow's reiatsu. In this method, once Nnoitra attacked again, cutting a shallow wound into the Sexta's shoulder. With confidence returning, Nnoitra locks himself into a swordlock with Grimmjow while belitting him. After a few words, Grimmjow fires another Cero point-blank into Nnoitra's face, but it does nothing more than aggravate him. Nnoitra fires his own right back, throwing Grimmjow back. However, Grimmjow is virtually unscathed, taunting Nnoitra on the weak display of power. Infuriated, Nnoitra screams out that he would not lose to Grimmjow. After Nnoitra dispells a Gran Rey Cero fired by Grimmjow, he hurls Santa Teresa at him by the chain, which catches him off-surprise and wounds him even further. In an attempt to retaliate, Grimmjow makes a fatal error by stabbing into Nnoitra's Hollow hole - a mirroring error made by his Captain opponent. Taking advantage of this, Nnoitra gravely wounds Grimmjow and temporarily restrains him, about to finish him off. However, Grimmjow releases his Resurrección Pantera in order to force Nnoitra away. In response, Nnoitra releases Santa Teresa, intent on sealing Grimmjow's fate.

The two are able to fight on par with one another for a moment, until Grimmjow uses Desgarrón on him. As Nnoitra is blocking one, Grimmjow uses Sonído to re-appear behind Nnoitra and hit him with another, severely injuring him. Grimmjow closes in for the final kill, but Nnoitra, coming to his senses, blocks him in time and uses his two hidden arms to gravely wound Grimmjow. As the fight continues, Grimmjow slows down, suffering more and more damage. When Nnoitra is about to finish him off, a female Arrancar accomplice of Grimmjow intervenes by kicking Nnoitra away. Nnoitra becomes livid, attempting to finish both Diosa and Grimmjow with a Cero blast. However, Diosa easily deflects it with one hand, berating him on his lack of emotional control. Despite this, Nnoitra attempts to stop them when they leave, but is stopped himself by Melina, who warns him that she would be easily able to kill him in his exhausted state. Reluctantly, Nnoitra abides, and gives her a piggyback-ride on her request. They return to Senkaku.

The Demon and the Shark: Nnoitra Jiruga vs Tia Harribel
Nnoitra is sparring with Senkaku, with Melina as a spectator. Although Senkaku is capable of fighting on par with Nnoitra, with both of them in their release states, Nnoitra is still able to deal a blow to the side, although not critical. After a compliment from Senkaku, Nnoitra gloats, though his arrogance is immediately crushed by Senkaku and Melina's own mockery. However, the duel is immediately stopped by Senkaku, when the three sense three other powerful signatures headed their way.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsmanship Specialist: Nnoitra is highly masterful with his unique Zanpakutō. He uses his skill to become somewhat of a savage brute, as the lack of true law in Hueco Mundo allowed him plenty of opportunity to engage in battle against Hollows and other Arrancar alike. He effortlessly wields his large Zanpakutō with ease, taking advantage of its unique shape to maximize his attacks. He is highly capable of using it as a ranged projectile as well as he does with it in hand. He is commonly seen using brute strength to hack down an enemy's defense. Defensively, at least in terms of his released form, he uses one pair of arms as defense, abruptly switching which arms would defend. His other two arms would serve to attack the opponent. This results in unpredictability in Nnoitra's fighting pattern, and can easily overwhelm and fight off an aggressive opponent. He was able of fighting on even ground with Tia Harribel, the former 3rd Espada of Aizen's army. Enhanced Hierro: Nnoitra holds the self-proclaimed title for the strongest Hierro of all Arrancar (including the Espada past and present) allowing him to withstand almost any attack with no sign of injury. In his fight with Grimmjow, he showed no signs of injury from the Arrancar's attacks, including a point-blank Cero unleashed during a sword-lock. In his Cero duel with Harribel, when his Cero Doble got overwhelmed, he was able to survive the attack himself with only scratches, proclaiming himself to be invincible to his opponent afterwards. However, she and Kenpachi Zaraki eventually found the necessary requirements to harm him after a brief trial-and-error duel, sharpening their reiatsu in order to cut through Nnoitra's Hierro. This showed that while his Hierro is strong, all the opponent has to do in order to overcome it is by "adapting" to its density with their own reiatsu.

Enhanced Pesquisa: Nnoitra is capable of using an advanced version of Pesquisa (ability to sense people with Spiritual Pressure). While the technique normally works by using a meditative state and functions like sonar, all Nnoitra needs to do is put his hand to a grounded surface. His Pesquisa is even able to gauge the amount of spiritual pressure an opponent has, which he uses to identify potentially strong opponents.

Cero: His Cero attacks are uniquely golden, and are fired from the tip of his tongue as opposed to using his hands or fingers like most other Arrancar do. However, the strength of his Cero is virtually unknown, as it is usually deflected, reflected, or dispelled. It was powerful enough to neutralize Grimmjow's Darts as well as Harribel's Ola Azul attack.
 * Cero Doble: A unique ability to swallow enemy attacks and fire them back while blending the user's own Cero into it, drastically increasing the power. Having known it by experience from and watching Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, Nnoitra eventaully decided to take up the ability for his own. The merging of the attacks seem to give both Nnoitra's Cero and the reflected attack a mixed color. This was first utilized against Harribel in order to counter her Cero, but was neutralized by her Gran Rey Cero.
 * Gran Rey Impacto Cañón Cero: A technique only usable by the leaders of the Arrancar, particularly the Espada. After his loss to Harribel, Senkaku taught him the technique in order to satisfy Nnoitra's need to trap opponents with his bare hands. To perform it, Nnoitra clenches his hands into fists and presses his knuckles flat against the enemy's body. He then releases a burst of Cero energy from each fist that passes through the enemy's skin, dealing no external damage, and directly attacks the enemy's insides. Being attacked by this Cero technique can make one ache so much that they are doubled over in extreme pain, and is described as being like "trauma". Using it on a limb, such as an arm or leg, can leave the muscles so damaged that the limb goes numb. When used on the torso, the victim can sometimes begin to cough up blood from the internal damage. However, the technique is also dangerous to Nnoitra. Using it even once can leave him extremely winded, panting and gasping for air. Firing it repeatedly can put him in physical pain. Therefore, Nnoitra uses it only when his opponent is truly helpless to stop it.

Vast Spiritual Power: Nnoitra has an incredibly high Reiatsu, and is able to fight on par with Kenpachi Zaraki, a captain well known for high reiatsu. It is because of this high spiritual power that Nnoitra has strong Hierro. He is also just below the power level of the top four Espada, who are strong enough to destroy Las Noches simply by releasing their power. Notably, over the years after the Winter War, Nnoitra's power has drastically increased for him to be placed in the top four Espada's power levels, though to what extent is unknown. It is noted by Coyote Starrk that he possesses a reiatsu "as foul as his mouth".

Enhanced Strength: Despite his thin and fragile appearance, Nnoitra is frighteningly strong and can effortlessly put a lot of destructive power behind his large Zanpakutō with devastating results. Just by spinning his Zanpakutō by the chain-link he can create whirlwinds. His brute force was enough to temporarily restrain Grimmjow, but he had to be forced back by spiritual pressure. His blows can be enough to break the bones an opponent's arm. as when he stopped an enhanced sword strike from Tia, but her Hierro greatly reduced the damage to a mere stunning sensation.

Sonído: Nnoitra has been shown to use Sonído when discussing Orihime Inoue with Ulquiorra Cifer. He has also been shown using it in battle, being fast enough to overwhelm a battle-worn Ichigo using his Bankai as well as catch up with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, even when both of them released their forms. His skill in the use of Sonído is so great that he can even keep up with the likes of Harribel to keep her from decapitating him, as well as fight up to exceeding speeds she is capable of. He was able to avoid a three-way-attack on his person and re-appear behind Harribel two times.

Battle Tactician: Though he obviously cannot be compared to the geniuses of the Espada, Nnoitra has shown some extent of perception and memorization of his oponent's style of fighting. During his attack on the battle-worn Ichigo Kurosaki, he accurately predicted that it wasn't the first time that Ichigo had fought an opponent with an extensive weapon, due to the Kurosaki swiftly evading his attacks. During his battle with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Nnoitra found that Grimmjow's Hierro had strengthened to the point of where Santa Teresa couldn't even scratch him. Thinking back to how Kenpachi cut through his own Hierro, he adjusted his reiatsu to Grimmjow's, and was able to slice through the Sexta Espada's Hierro once more. He was able to recognize the Cero Oscuros used against him by Grimmjow as Ulquiorra Cifer's signature technique. When Harribel used a technique similar to Zommari Leroux's Genelos Sonido and created 12 clones of herself, Nnoitra was able to correctly guess which one was the real version, as proof of simply being around her during their Espada days. He was able to utilize the Cero Doble, a technique that was seemingly unique to Nel, against Harribel without being formally taught.

Expert Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Nnoitra possesses at least some skill in hand-to-hand fighting, as shown when he delivered a punch and a kick to Ichigo's face before attempting to break the bones in his wrist. Mimicking the fighting style of Kenpachi, Nnoitra also utilizes grabs, slams, and holds, as shown when he forced Ichigo's face into the ground, and later on Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in their vengeance match. He also, after dodging a three-way attack and getting behind his opponent, utilized a "bearhug" on Tia Harribel in an attempt to crush her to death.

Immense Endurance: Nnoitra has been noted by Senkaku Ningensei as a very tenacious fighter. In his Espada days, he possessed enough stamina to fight three opponents (Ichigo Kurosaki, Nelliel, and Zaraki Kenpachi) in a row and still have enough power to nearly kill Kenpachi.

Zanpakutō
Santa Teresa ((聖哭螳螂 (サンタ テレサ), Santa Teresa; a common Spanish language name for "Mantis religiosa", or in English, "Praying Mantis," Japanese for "Sacred Crying Mantis"): Nnoitra's Zanpakutō is uniquely different from the Zanpakutō of many of the other Espada since, unlike the basic sword shape of most Arrancar, Santa Teresa takes the form of a giant axe-like weapon bearing two crescent moon-shaped blades fused together at the backs, with a large looped chain connected to the shaft at the end of the handle. The chain is connected to Nnoitra's waist, allowing him to perform long-ranged attacks. During flashbacks to Nnoitra's time as the 8th Espada, it had only one crescent moon blade on his Zanpakutō, as opposed to the two that it features now.
 * Resurrección: The release command is Pray (祈れ, inore). Nnoitra gains an extra set of arms, which take on an insect-like carapace and clawed hands, with each hand holding a large scythe-like weapon as well. The scythes themselves resemble the appendages of a praying mantis, and have a small golden tassel at the end of each staff. He also gains a golden marking extending from his forehead to below his right eye, as well as a pair of horns on his head, his left horn longer than his right, resembling a crescent moon. His hollow mask also changes, becoming torn, with the teeth extending over the hole itself. The weapons are used by him to both defend and then rapidly attack his opponent, as is seen in his fight with Kenpachi.


 * Resurrección Special Ability: In this state his physical abilities are enhanced.


 * Cero Parejo (ツインセロ, Twin Cero): Nnoitra's own personal signature technique. Normally, one would require both hands in order to utilize this ability. However, due to Nnoitra possessing six, this ability is greatly augumented. By retracting the blades back into the folds of his wrists, Nnoitra extends all of his hands towards his enemy and unleashes the attack upon him/her. The focus of it is not meant to annihilate an enemy directly, but rather to destroy their attack by disrupting the flow of its energy. This attack had the power to annihilate Tromba, Harribel's strongest water technique. This technique was taught to him by Senkaku.


 * Enhanced Gran Rey Impacto Cañón Cero: Nnoitra's Gran Rey Impacto Cañón Cero is greatly enhanced in this state. By using all six of his hands in a manner similar to Cero Parejo, he can increase the range of damage and can put the target to near-death or kill him/her instantly.


 * Instantaneous Limb Generation: Nnoitra can grow an extra set of arms for a total of six, he keeps one set hidden, which he can grow out instantly to perform surprise attacks.


 * Weapon Generation: Nnoitra can grow his scythe-like weapons out of the folds of his wrists, allowing him to replace lost or damaged weapons easily. He can also retract the weapons back within his folds when he has no further use of them.


 * Physical Augumentation: In this state, his strength is enhanced even further, allowing him to overwhelm Kenpachi Zaraki during their battle. Using only four of his arms, he was able to stop a Cero Oscuras from Grimmjow and dispell it with his raw strength alone. With his bare hands, he was capable of tearing two holes in Grimmjow's stomach, even when the both of them were in Resurrección. His speed also takes on a more drastic increase; within a heartbeat, he was able to vanish from his spot on the ground to meet Harribel face-to-face in the air. In a surprise body-hold on her, his strength rivaled that of her own, and he could barely restrain her long enough to position her for a point-blank Cero Perejo.


 * High-Speed Regeneration: Nnoitra has the rare ability to instantly heal injuries while in his released from. The power also allows him to regenerate severed limbs. However the weakness of High-Speed Regeneration is that it cannot heal injury to in the internal organs or the brain and will cease working once either scenario happens.


 * Enhanced Hierro: His already potent Hierro strength increases even more. In this state, even Grimmjow's Resurrecion proved itself incapable of cutting through him, and his strongest attack had to be used just to cause major wounds to Nnoitra. In his fight with Hallibel, his Hierro saved him from disintegration at the hands of Hallibel's Cero Oscuras, though it still critically injured him in the process.

Trivia

 * Nnoitra's aspect of death is Despair.
 * In the Bleach best bout poll Nnoitra's fight with Kenpachi came in tenth place.
 * In the fanon, Nnoitra shares a relationship with Melina Herselia that can be compared with the likes of Coyote Starrk/Lilynette Gingerback and Kenpachi Zaraki/Yachiru Kusajishi.

Quotes

 * (To Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez) "No matter how strong you get, I'll always be one step over you. Better hope you have a better chance of life in actual Hell... and if you see that bitch Harribel, tell her I'll be looking forward to seeing her when I get there."


 * (To Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez) "Good enough for me. 'Cause I'm gonna enjoy using all six arms to carve the life out of your carcass... Killin' you would take all'' the fun out of that."


 * (To Tia Harribel) "There's nothing much to say about it. I crushed 'em both and fought your predecessor, until she reverted back to that weak kid form of hers... yeah, I was about to finish up and meet you there for some actual fightin'... but... that.... that was when I met my opponent. I'd never thought I'd duel with a Shinigami so brutal, so bloodlusting, and so ferocious in my entire life! It was even better than crushing those weakling Hollows, Arrancars, and what-not back then! My only regret now is that I won't be able to cross swords again with him, now that the whole fuckin' war's over and done with."


 * (To Tia Harribel) "If I can't cut you to pieces, then I'll just crush every bone in your body until I have you squealing... And I'm ready for you to start screamin' my name!"


 * "Back then... Nel was too much of a bitch to give me the honor of death in battle. She seemed so insisting on sparing me and leaving me with the humiliation of lying in my own shit. Sayin' I wasn't a warrior.... but a wild beast that she could stomp into the ground. But Tia... there was no mercy in her eyes. She was so ready to slaughter me where I stood, and she hated me for the bastard I am.... and I enjoyed every minute of it!!! She was even better than that Shinigami fuck in my Espada days... guess when I think about it, there's really no difference between male and female. We all started out as creatures who lived to consume everything in their path, as well as tear the hell out of each other. Even if she's the calm and ice-cold cunt, and I'm the hot-blooded butcher, that fightin' instinct will never change. I've proven myself to be her equal... even she had the guts to say it to my face."