Kōan Sugita

Kōan Sugita (杉田洪庵, Sugita Kōan) was a renowned scientist, brilliant inventor, and prolific journalist who greatly contributed to technological advancement in the hundreds of years before  founded the. Although mainly known for his work on the project, he was also involved in many formulative theories that would later serve as the bedrock for later innovations. In fact, many of his contributions, in particular his notes on prosthetic limbs and artificial souls, either aided or inspired Kisuke in creating and, eventually, the  itself. While Kōan’s writings are extensive, they are difficult to access as they are stored within the, with only captains and other high-ranking officers of the capable of accessing them. This is because, while his research was fundamental in improving the technology in the, he later fell into controversy towards the end of his career due to his contradictory views on the nature and mechanics of the , which eventually escalated into rumors of treason, resulting in his own self-imposed banishment. Obstentiously he was declared as “exiled,” although in reality the Gotei 13 sent out an assassination force and took significant efforts to ensure he did not survive to be extradited to. Kōan died in obscurity on the sands of, and for two centuries his work was forgotten until his books eventually fell into the hands of Kisuke Urahara, who carried on and surpassed his legacy.

Inventions and Discoveries
Artificial Soul Theory:

Codifier:

Sekiseki Discovery and Extraction:

Hell Butterfly Project:

Prothetic Limb Research:

Senkaimon Project:

"Dangai Generator" Theory:

Special Abilities
Kidō Expert:

Zanpakutō
Mozō no Kasumi (模造 の 霞, “imitation mist”) was a Kidō-based illusion type Zanpakutō whose attacks mainly manifested in the form of mist. Its appearance was that of an ordinary katana, with a rectangular tsuba and a dark blue hilt wrap. The sheath was black.
 * Shikai: The release was “Enshroud” (立ち籠める, tachi komeru). While in its released state, Kōan's Zanpakutō resembled a trident or a, with pointed prongs and a long, black shaft that appeared to be made out of lacquer or polished bamboo.
 * Shikai Special Ability: After releasing his Zanpakutō, the area surroungding an opponent would become shrouded in a heavy mist. From there, he was able to tap into the emotions of his foe and create illusions based on their fear. He could also achieve a mirror-like effect based on the mist where he created identical illusions of himself, which made it nearly impossible to tell which direction a real attack would come from.

Trivia

 * The names of Kōan and Sugita were taken from and, respectively. This was meant as an homage, as both were important scientists who embraced western medicine during the  period.