Gotei 13 (Sigma)

The  (護廷十三隊, Goteijūsantai; 13 Division Imperial Guards, 13 Court Guard Squads in the English dub, 13 Court Guard Companies in the English manga) is the primary military branch of Soul Society and the main military organization most join after leaving the academy.

History
While the history of the Gotei 13 remains largely unknown, the organization was founded by, who has stood at the head of the group since its inception.

The first generation of the Gotei 13 consisted of Yamamoto, and 11 other captains. considers this generation to be the strongest version of the Gotei 13.

According to, the original Gotei 13 were "defenders" in name only, comprising nothing less than a brutal mob of killers, but it was for this very reason they were a force to be feared. It is noted the Gotei 13 underwent dramatic changes after the extermination of the, mellowing out in the ensuing peace, having now found a sense of justice upon discovering things to protect and treasure.