Nobutsuna Fujiwara

"Ah, the inevitable question is brought up once again. 'Why are we learning this?' some of you ask, 'Can't we skip this?' the others ask. Let me teach you the reason for your studies. When you come to the Shinō Academy, what is your primary characteristic in comparison to the rest of the world who aren't granted entry? Yes, it is the strength of your reiryoku. In other words? The strength of your soul. The Zankensoki: Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Kidō and Hohō all require that very strength as a centerpiece. Is it not obvious enough? The purpose of these teachings is for your soul to be strengthened, to become a weapon capable of defending the Soul Society for eternity!"

- Nobutsuna to the Shinō Academy students.

Nobutsuna Fujiwara (藤原信綱, Fujiwara Nobutsuna) is a Life Dragon formerly regarded as Kamiizumi (上泉, River Spring) of Yuánrǎng. However, through encountering the man known as, he wished to help him on his quest to guide souls within Soul Society. As a show of his intentions, Kamiizumi adopted a pseudonym and obtained a Zanpakutō. Following the full development of the Shinō Academy, Nobutsuna was elevated as its Head Instructor, a rank equivalent to a Captain in the Gotei 13.