Kenji Hiroshi (FC)

Kenji Hiroshi (健児博), known to some of his friends as Kenny, is a formerly of the 11th Division in the Gotei 13, under Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. Currently he is a member of the 9th Division, initially under Captains and Kazuya Kuchiki. He later served as the 3rd Seat of his Division under Captain Sajin Komamura and Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi, and was active during the war with The Coven.

In addition to his standard duties as a Shinigami, Kenji contributes to, and is a popular author, contributor, editor and illustrator for the Seireitei News Magazine; he wrote the popular series called The Cataclysm. As the 3rd Seat of his Division he also counts himself amongst the 9th Division's elite Commando Unit. Following the Kenji has investigated and documented a number of reported earthquakes in both the  and.

Kenji eventually discovered that the 9th and 10th Seated Officers of the 9th Division where actually the twin sons of an alternate version of himself: Hotaru, who wished to return home using any means at his disposal, and Akira, who wished to return home by seeking more peaceful means. Kenji, after much soul-searching, joined with the younger twin Akira to try and redeem Hotaru, and accepted responsibility for his actions; this ultimately led to much distrust amongst his colleagues, for Hotaru had sided with The Coven in an effort to return Akira and he to their own world. Kenji was thus ostracised and was described in one meeting of the as being a "dangerous future element".

Appearance
Kenji is a fair-featured and youthful-looking man with piercing crimson-coloured eyes and raven-black hair. As is typical of the Commando unit he serves in, Kenji wears a form-fitting white-coloured haori over his standard Shinigami attire with Komamura 9th Division emblazoned on the back. Like almost every member of the Ninth Division past and present, Kenji wears a sleeveless kosode. In emulation of Shūhei Hisagi, Kenji wears two black armbands coiled around his left bicep, in addition to sporting a 69 tattoo on his left forearm. These armbands have been shown to possess explosive qualities.

Personality
As evidenced by his former membership of the 11th Division, which is seen as the premier fighting force of the Gotei 13 who specialised in swords-only combat, Kenji likes a good fight; he still frequently spars with his former comrades, and has even challenged Lieutenants; amongst them Takeji Yatsunishi. Even after transferring to the 9th Division, Kenji continues to wear his Zanpakutō with him at all times in keeping with the tradition of his former Division. Whilst members of the 11th Division often sought glory in battle, with some even remarking that if they're going to die they'd rather die fighting, Kenji proved a more reserved and calculating fighter. Kenji did not believe in the "might is right" philosophy, and thus transferred Divisions. He also did not restrict himself to the study of. Kenji studied Kidō under Kazuya Kuchiki, with a similar mindset to that of regarding his training. He is also noted to be fearless, for he stared down an Adjuchas-class Hollow whilst only moments earlier rescinding an order for reinforcements.

Kazuya's death, coupled with the murder of Takeji almost immediately after and the death of so many of his comrades at the hands of The Coven, caused something to wither in Kenji; he reckoned that a piece of himself had died right along with them. This feeling quickly turned to a burning resolve to avenge the deaths of Takeji, his Captain, and his squad-mates; all of his anger was directed solely at Megumi, for she was the only member of The Coven whom Kenji had personally laid eyes on. Van and Kei where largely responsible for helping Kenji come to terms with these events. His later role as a teacher attached to the Shinigami Kidō Association further helped Kenji reconcile with his anger, and he eventually became a kind and approachable instructor who advocated Kazuya's teachings regarding Kidō. Whilst Van is a joker, Kenji tends to be more respectful and reserved; he is a particularly effective leader and teacher, and helped Ace become a more effective officer through kind but firm reprimands. Hisagi valued Kenji for his leadership skills and was particularly thankful when he returned to active duty following the wounds he sustained against The Coven. His trials since The Coven attack served to mature Kenji, both in terms of personality and combat ability. His maturity helped him greatly when he volunteered himself as a Kidō instructor.

In his downtime Kenji is a busy author; he writes a popular series called The Cataclysm, which has consistently featured in the Seireitei News Magazine; even his companion pieces have proved very popular. In addition he is a competent illustrator, and he can often be found drawing whenever the dread that is writer's block sets in. By no means does he limit himself to his own works however; Kenji has extended himself through various topics, and often shadow-writes for others. He worked alongside Rikuri Ukitake during her modelling career, but ended up making a fool of himself by mistaking her for someone else. Despite this setback he ended up having a successful partnership with Rikuri because he made her laugh. Kenji frequents the Yume bar operated by his close-friend and squad-mate Kei Yume, and it is here that he mulls over his various articles before submitting them for review.

Literary works

 * Kenji's Bare-bones Breakdown to Being a Shinigami -- one of Kenji's earliest works which was posted when he was still a student at the Shinō Academy. It detailed the bare-bone basics of a 's duty, but proved very unpopular. Kenji used pieces of this work to explain to Michael Davis what is meant to be a Shinigami.


 * The Cataclysm -- an ongoing and highly popular episodic series written by Kenji, with frequent insight from Hisagi, who also serves as the works main editor. The book features a highly fantasised version of the Gotei 13 and focuses on the adventures of main characters Kenji Hiroshi, Van Satonaka, Kei Yume and Shiju Shūdō as they battle against an ancient evil.


 * Data-book Tribulations -- a companion piece to The Cataclysm which expunges on the fantasy setting of Kenji's established series with a thorough timeline, which Hisagi worked on as the main editor. The piece was also highly anticipated because it featured the backstory of Kei Yume.


 * Illustrations of Rikuri Ukitake -- Kenji worked alongside Rikuri Ukitake during her modelling career, and posted numerous columns and illustrations in the Seireitei News Magazine, not to mention other more specialised publications before Rikuri called time on her career. As the publications that once featured Rikuri are now considered rare memorabilia, it is considered very difficult for anyone to obtain the articles where Rikuri featured; some do, however, still exist and are traded in certain areas of the Rukongai.


 * A Lieutenants Guide to Hearty Subordinates -- a multi-series issue published by Kenji that features 2nd Division Lieutenant Kazuo Hanazawa and his love of cooking, with all proceeds going to Kazuo; each issue featured Kazuo dressed in a Chappy the Bunny-styled apron with white frills, with a serious expression, always armed with the obligatory spatula as he detailed his various recipes. The issue, which was widely believed to have replaced 's The Path of Justice as the most popular recipe guide, was immensely popular; Kazuo was known to cook for his squad-mates, and many turned out in mass to support their Lieutenant.


 * The Yonkō of Hakuda -- Despite great anticipation for the final product the article received a horrible debut; Seireitou Kawahiru never showed up for the interview, and the article thus comprised only the Yonkō's known history with a flashy cover-page.


 * Follow-up! The Four Realms Theory -- a follow-up to his failed article with Seireitou, Kenji sought out the latter's student -- Minato Kuramoto -- to discuss Hakuda. Minato proved far more forthcoming than his teacher, and explained in detail how Shinigami only ever reach the first realm, Kiai, because their Zanpakuto prevents Kiroku from being possible. The article proved popular with members of the 2nd Division, as well as those in the who wished to take the title of Yonkō from Seireitou.


 * An Obituary: Kazuya Kuchiki and the Noble Art -- an obituary for Kazuya Kuchiki, who Captained the 9th Division and served as Kenji's Kidō teacher, was written by Kenji shortly after Kazuya's death.

History
Ken, known by the alias of Kenji, originated in the poorer districts of Northern. He sought out the life of a to better his own existence and escape poverty, and eventually entered into the  on his third attempt. Kenji made it his goal to emulate Shūhei Hisagi, who was viewed as the ideal template for a Shinigami.

After graduating and entering into the 11th Division, Kenji met the Lieutenant of the Eighth Division, Takeji Yatsunishi, and eventually developed a friendly rivalry with him. The two met frequently for sparring sessions.

Kenji would eventually transfer to the 9th Division after receiving a promotion to the post of 3rd Seated Officer, where he would work closely with Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi as a member of the latter's elite Commando Unit. Shortly thereafter Kenji contracted Izumi Ōmura for the production of specialised pens and ink for his personal use. As a member of the 9th Division Kenji contributed greatly to the Seireitei News Magazine as an author and illustrator. Prior to Rikuri Ukitake calling quits on her modelling career, Kenji was one of her illustrators; Rikuri's image made Kenji quite a bit of. Kenji famously mistook her for someone else however, but managed to land a lucrative contract with her in the end because he managed to make her laugh, despite making himself appear as an idiot in the process.

During the waged by the Gotei 13 against, Kenji ended up working closely with  in the vicinity of. As Eikichirō remarked that things where about to get underway, Kenji looked on in silence whilst documenting what he felt at the time in his notebook. His musings would later contribute to the popular arc of his novel which depicted his characters engaging the Privaron Espada under Aizen's control.

When the of the  under  assaulted the, Kenji was visiting the barracks of the 3rd Division on an errand from Lieutenant Hisagi. He stands with Lieutenant when the Quincy begin their invasion, but is powerless against the onslaught and is grievously injured alongside Izuru. Kenji's wounds are light in comparison to Izuru's however but he is nevertheless treated by Captain and soon returns to the battle. Kenji is one of the lower-ranked Shinigami who enters Wahrwelt. When Hisagi is shot by, resulting in extensive injuries, Kenji attempts to stabilise his Lieutenant. He also fell into Lille's sights but was intercepted by Captain-Commander before he could pull the trigger, and thus escaped further injury.

The Coven War

 * Main article -- Bleach: The Coven War.

Prologue

 * Dawn of the Coven
 * Towards the Future: Kenji's Resolve
 * Towards the Future: Cave of Fulmination
 * Towards the Future: Human World Investigation
 * Towards the Future: Answers and Questions
 * Towards the Future: Finalisation

Blank period

 * Blank period: The Noble Art

Act I

 * A Giving Soul
 * A New Chapter
 * Back From the Dead: Kensei Muguruma!?

Equipment

 * Backpack: Kenji is known to carry a backpack slung over his right shoulder, which is typically more common amongst members of the 4th Division than those of the 9th Division. In addition to medical supplies he also carries an assortment of writing implements and various other miscellaneous items.


 * Hitsuboku (筆墨, Pen and ink): Kenji uses specialised pens and ink; the ink, when applied directly to the bloodstream, releases a potent sleeping agent. The tip of his pen can be ejected at extreme speeds to quickly facilitate use of the agent, and is considered by Kenji to be his "ace in the hole". Both the pen and ink are made specially by Izumi Ōmura of the 12th Division.


 * Senten (穿点, Piercing/Drill Point): medical equipment usually carried by the 4th Division, which has the effect of knocking out weak -- or weakened -- individuals with only a single drop. Produces a heightened and longer lasting effect when used in conjunction with Izumi Ōmura's specialised sleeping agent.


 * Explosive Armbands: Like his Lieutenant, Kenji wears two black armbands coiled around his left bicep, which have been shown to possess explosive qualities.

Powers and Abilities
Potential and Growth Rate: Like his known counterparts, Kenji has a remarkably advanced growth rate coupled with bagfuls of unrealised innate potential.

He is also a member of the 9th Division's elite Commando Unit. After meeting the nature spirit known as in Northern Rukongai, Kenji and Van where infused by a small measure of its power. Kenji's reiatsu is electrically charged; when exerted electricity is shown to dance along his limbs. Due to his skill in Kidō Kenji is noted to possess masterful control of his reiatsu. Nine years following The Coven's attack, Kenji was able to defeat a weakened Adjuchas without assistance.

Kidō Expertise: Despite originating from the 11th Division, which encourages melee-only combat amongst its members to the point one must possess a melee-type Zanpakutō, Kenji is a remarkably skilled practitioner of Kidō. Despite never being attached to the Fourth Division or Kidō Corps, Kenji can heal wounds as competently as some members of the 4th Division; for he was capable of stabilising Hisagi and treating the grievous wounds he suffered against Kensei, to the point he declared that members of the 4th Division weren't needed. Kenji can thus be described as a direct benefactor of Kazuya Kuchiki's Captaincy; the man advocated the study of Kidō amongst the members of the 9th Division, and Kenji studied under him diligently prior to his death. Kenji's skills where particularly noteworthy as even Megumi, who defeated him rather easily, admitted that he was very nearly at the skill-level expected of a Kidō master outside the ranks of the ; lofty praise, considering her own inclinations towards the noble art and general attitude to those with little skill regarding it. His skills continued to improve even after Kazuya's death; Kenji has shown himself fit to launch a spell into the weaker innards of his targets on the back of a separate spell, such as, with explosive results. Two years after volunteering himself as a Kidō instructor, Kenji's abilities advanced even further; to the point of skilfully manipulating the shape and consistency of spells to achieve results beyond their usual function. The further passing of time saw his skills continue to grow. When he rescued a teenage Michael Davis from an Adjuchas-class Kenji demonstrated the ability to exchange incantations with extended hand gestures whilst mixing the effects of    to create fast-moving chunks of explosive concrete which hit their target with devastating effect, before dispatching the Hollow with.

Zanjutsu Expertsie: As a former member of the 11th Division, which was viewed as the primary combat division of the Gotei 13, Kenji was undoubtedly a skilled swordsman; he frequently sparred with then-Lieutenant Takeji Yatsunishi. Even after joining the 9th Division his skills did not atrophy; as the security force for the entire Gotei 13, Kenji had more than enough opportunities to advance his skills. He also improved under Sajin's watchful eye in a similar manner to how he studied under Kazuya. He has been shown to favour a swift accelerated sliding manoeuvre that leads into a powerful slash as an opener.

Hohō: Kenji is capable of using Shunpo to the level expected of a Lieutenant, and has shown himself fit to keep up with then-Lieutenant Takeji Yatsunishi in their many sparring sessions.

Enhanced Durability: Kenji survived being impaled by several lightning-coated javelins launched at him by Megumi and still retained the ability to fight back. The injuries he sustained, coupled with the burns received in Megumi's counter-stroke, where severe enough that it necessitated Kenji's treatment by Captain Tsukada of the 4th Division. Van noted that Kenji was lucky to have survived his wounds.

Enhanced Endurance: Kenji has a noticeably high tolerance for pain. He retained consciousness despite being impaled by numerous javelins and burned by intense flames. He also fled his sickbed to attend his Captain's funeral despite significant pain and discomfort.

Keen Intellect: Kenji is noted to be quite intuitive. As a journalist he is known to be a quite effective investigator, which extends to other avenues of his Shinigami duties. He is capable of calmly analysing a situation and picking the most effective counter in a short period of time, even during the heat of battle.

Zanpakutō
Aoi Inazuma (青い稲妻, Blue Lightning). Kenji's Zanpakutō takes the form of a paired and, thus making it a  combination. The katana sports blue hilt wrapping and a square guard inlaid with lightning motifs which he wears at his waist in the traditional style threaded through his ōbi. The wakizashi has red hilt wrapping and a bronze circular guard which he wears strapped horizontally across his back. Kenji is also one of the few males whose Zanpakutō is confirmed as a female; Aoi Inazuma's spirit form takes the shape of a teenage woman with green-coloured hair and black eyes.


 * : Kenji releases his Zanpakutō with the command "Strike" (打撃, Dageki), followed by him rubbing both blades past one-another, which are then connected by a long rope at the base. When its Shikai is activated, Aoi Inazuma's daishō straightens and produces two -like prongs near the base and tip that appear like fangs, which continually produce surges of lightning. Even in Shikai the length of the katana and wakizashi remain unchanged and are used in the traditional style of Zanjutsu by Kenji.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Aoi Inazuma allows Kenji to manipulate lightning and electricity in multiple different ways. He can also shape a large quantity into a lightning clone, which he uses to throw off opponents, or mix it with various Hohō-related techniques to take his foes by surprise or hold their attention. It was this that led his contemporaries to claim that it was one of the most balanced Zanpakutō that they had ever seen. Kenji has demonstrated a number of effective uses for Aoi Inazuma; blasting foes with high-intensity shocks, augmenting the height and speed of his movements, blocking attacks with a shield of lightning, and even as a set-up for stronger attacks. He could also employ the electrical current as a means of cutting through fortified defences with casual ease. Due to the absorbing qualities of Inazuma Kyūshū, Kenji is essentially immune to the effects of lightning; overcharging him can prove dangerous however, for all involved because it often results in him slipping into the Raijin state.


 * Inazuma Kyūshū (稲妻吸収, Lightning Absorption): the most noteworthy aspect of Aoi Inazuma. Kenji is capable of absorbing natural and unnatural sources of lightning or electricity to replenish his own reserves of reiryoku, or as a means of augmenting his various natural abilities. When channelled to the edge of his Zanpakutō, which drastically augments his cutting power, Kenji becomes fit to slice through fortified defences with almost casual ease.


 * Seitennohekireki (青天の霹靂, A Bolt Out of the Blue): should Kenji actually succeed in absorbing a bolt of lightning, he can actually seize control of and direct that phenomenal power as a one-shot attack. During the process Kenji applies his own power to the seized bolt to drastically augment its destructive power.


 * Raijin (雷神, God of Lightning): an extension of Inazuma Kyūshū and a deeper manifestation of Aoi Inazuma's power overall, which Kenji releases automatically upon passively absorbing a currently unspecified quantity of lightning or electricity. Particularly potent sources of lightning can force Kenji into this state after being hit only once. Hisagi likens Raijin to the Zanpakutō of, for he describes Raijin as "the true form of Aoi Inazuma". All of Kenji's physical abilities are drastically augmented upon transitioning to this heightened state, but just as lightning itself is short and destructive, Kenji's time in this form is limited. He also becomes desensitised to the effects of stronger reiatsu; thus he can continue fighting against even significantly stronger opposition, when usually he'd be driven to his knees. At present he also is not in complete control of himself; Kenji acts on complete and blind instinct, which unfortunately can make him more of a hindrance than a help at times when Raijin is invoked.


 * Enhanced Speed: Raijin greatly bolsters Kenji's base speed. He was fit to close the distance between himself and Megumi almost instantaneously.


 * Enhanced Durability: Raijin greatly desensitises Kenji to pain; to the point even extreme injury appears to barely affect his performance.


 * Weakness: Just like a single bolt of natural lightning disappearing as quickly as it appeared, Raijin is a temporary power-up that saps Kenji into complete exhaustion the moment the power-up fades.


 * Enhanced Kidō: In the years following The Coven's initial attack, Kenji learned to mix the lightning energy generated by Aoi Inazuma into various Kidō spells. He notably enhanced Hadō #78 in this manner to create a circular blade of lightning capable of destroying an Adjuchas-class Hollow.


 * : Aoi Inazuma Kasō (青い稲妻火葬, Blue Lightning Cremation): Not yet achieved.

Kenji Hiroshi

 * Main article -- Kenji Hiroshi.

Kenji Hiroshi, known and feared throughout the spiritual realms as the "Archon of Storms", is an alternate version of Ken who appears as the primary protagonist of Bleach: Sun and Moon Chronicles, the main protagonist of both parts of Bleach: War of the Worlds, whilst appearing in the form of a recurring protagonist in Bleach: Cataclysm.

Rōnin Shiba

 * Main article -- Rōnin Shiba.

Rōnin Shiba, known by his nickname of Kenji, is another alternate version of Ken who appears as a recurring supporting character in Bleach: Resurgent Phantom and Bleach: Tower of Night, whilst appearing in Bleach: Cataclysm in the form of flashbacks.

Behind the scenes

 * Throughout the course of the series, Kenji develops from a protagonist into an anti-hero.


 * Aoi Inazuma was the original Zanpakutō of the author's primary character and was used throughout the events of Bleach: Sun and Moon Chronicles by Kenji Hiroshi.

Trivia

 * The ongoing series that Ken writes in the Seireitei News Magazine, which is known in-story as The Cataclysm, is actually Kenji-Taichō's primary fanon universe.
 * Kenji's fellow Division members, Hotaru and Akira, are actually the twin sons of his counterpart. Kenji is thus far unaware of this particular fact.

References & notes
