Zero Ukitake

Zero Ukitake (浮竹ゼロ, Ukitake Zero) is an aging Shinigami who existed very much as a hermit in the Human World until Kenji Hiroshi recruited him into The Ryu Order. A current Commander among the Rukon Patrol Teams aiding in the defense of Soul Society against the Arrancar Averian, Zero was a mentor-type to Kentaro Hiroshi.

Appearance
Zero is often described as having a face of stone due to the angular set of his features with a set of gray eyes which are described as intense and unwavering. He is a very tall man, standing at a height even higher than Kenji Hiroshi and has a muscular and well-toned physique. Zero has shoulder length hair graying at the temples, held by a leather headband. He wears an average Shihakushō with a color-shifting cloak over the top which makes him seem like parts of him have seemingly disappeared.

Personality
Zero, although a skilled and well respected leader, rarely talks about himself. He projects an air of calm authority while appearing in public; though he shows a very different personality when he gets to know someone and finds them trustworthy, as he often speaks to Kentaro Hiroshi, giving the youngster much needed wisdom and advice in times of uncertainty and a person to talk to with troubles if he cannot go to his parents. While the other members of his team are present, he normally takes a quick look around to make sure they aren't listening in before he speaks his mind. This is to avoid being seen as favoring one member over another. Zero is a calm man who is often believed to show little to no emotion, especially during times when others may get emotional.

History
Zero's history is largely unknown as he left the Soul Society after a currently unknown event and became a hermit in the Human World.

Introduction Arc

 * The Realities of War
 * The Battle of Zaraki District
 * The Footsteps of Fate

Powers and Abilities
Immense Spiritual Energy: Zero has spiritual energy which is at that of an average Captain-class. His spiritual energy is blue in color.

Master Swordsmanship Specialist: The skill Zero has with a sword is incredibly high, as he taught Kentaro almost everything the youngster knows and uses; including his aptitude for a reverse-style grip. Zero's skill in Kendō and the unorthodox reverse-grip has earned him quite a reputation among swordsman.

Shunpo Expert: Zero is proficient enough in shunpo to be able to perform high-level skills such as Senka. He is known to be quite swift in his movements.

Zanpakutō
Fusegu (ふせぐ, lit. To Defend Against) is the name of Zero's zanpakutō. The weapon itself has a rather plain and simple appearance, and is straight instead of the usual katana utilized by most Shinigami. The guard is circular and adorned by small jewels of varying shapes and sizes.

Shikai: Fusegu is released with the command Allow Me, followed by the name of the zanpakutō. To activate, Zero usually holds the blade out in front, the blade pointing downwards as he recites the release phrase. When released into Shikai, the only difference between sealed and released is the golden color the blade takes.


 * Shikai Special Abilities: Fusegu focuses on strengthening Zero himself, making it very much a melee-type as it offers him no special abilities when released. Instead, Zero gains greater stamina and physical prowess, a greater capacity to resist forces which may compel him to go against his own wishes, and greater resistance to injury.

Bankai: Not yet Revealed, though Zero has said the name of his Bankai is Fusegu Isshiki (ふせぐいっしき, lit. To Defend Against Everything).

Behind the Scenes
Zero's appearance is that of Lan Mandragoran from my favorite series of books, The Wheel of Time written by the late, and in my opinion, the best fantasy author whose ever written a book, Robert Jordan.

His zanpakutō is based on the Warder Bond of the same series, in that is makes Zero more resistant to damage.