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- "I finally understand why my father respected Ashido so much. As far as duty and commitment goes there's quite a few Captains I've met who could learn a great deal from him. It's amazing. I trained under one Ashido but I can honestly say I barely knew him. I'm glad I got this chance to rectify that."
- —Akira expressing his opinion of Ashido.[src]
Ashido Kanō (狩能 雅忘人) is a Shinigami formerly of the 11th Division in the Gotei 13, under Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki. He resides in the Forest of Menos under the desert sands of Hueco Mundo, having lived in the land of Hollows for centuries. Having lost his companions one-by-one, he survived alone, hoping to kill as many Hollows as possible to protect Humans and keep his promise to his fallen friends. Over the years, he remained alone until he encountered the wayward Rukia Kuchiki, whom he rescued. He intended to leave the Forest with Rukia and her friends, but ended up staying behind to cover their retreat. Ashido survived yet again and continued his solo crusade to dispatch as many Hollows as he could.
In the year following the Blood War, Ashido once more found himself acting the part of a guide. After fleeing from his twin brother, Akira Hiroshi purposefully escaped to Hueco Mundo, where he was found by Ashido. Rather than leave immediately, Akira remained with Ashido to hone his skills. During Akira's tutelage, the pair encountered reclusive former Espada member Gundinger Drelairn, developing something of a complex relationship with the Arrancar. For the last nine years of Akira's exile, Ashido likewise protected Asuka Natsume, who was one of Hotaru's followers who tried to kill Gundinger and ended up trapped in the Forest as a result. When Akira left the Forest and formed the Ryū Order in order to stop Hotaru, Ashido remained behind in the Forest with Gundinger to monitor the escalating situation between the Tres Pilares and the remnants of the Wandenreich. After a brief game of cat-and-mouse with Averian in the Forest alongside Gundinger, the two escaped the Forest and travelled to the World of the Living to rejoin Akira and Asuka.
Appearance[]
Ashido wearing his preferred Hollow mask and fur cloak.
Ashido is a tall broad-shouldered man of little expression with brownish-red hair and straight eyebrows, who wears a ragged Shinigami uniform with no footwear, with a fur cloak draped over his shoulders adorned with various Hollow masks.[2] He commonly uses these masks as shields to deflect Cero.[3] Prior to its destruction protecting Rukia, Ashido wore a gazelle-shaped Hollow mask.[4] This mask held sentimental value for Ashido, for it belonged to the Hollow who killed his best friend.[5] Before coming to Hueco Mundo Ashido wore an untarnished Shinigami uniform and during one fantasy of the future had he escaped the Forest with Rukia and her friends, he saw himself in this same uniform living a life of peace in Soul Society.[6] As a Lieutenant, he once wore the customary badge denoting his office.[7]
Personality[]
- "My new mission won't fail. The Espada topside, and those Quincy? I'll monitor them for Akira, because they pose a real threat to the Spirit Cycle, but they're secondary. This ancient Hollow -- this Averian? He's a bigger threat than any of them. That's who I'll be watching for and, surprisingly, Gundinger agrees with me. Wants to join me, in fact! Says something as powerful as that shouldn't exist, Arrancar or not, and that some threats just need to be dealt with. Doesn't mind teaming up with a Shinigami, he says, but snaps that it's a one-time thing. Heh. Seems Akira changed him too."
- —Ashido stating his new goal to act as a check on the Espada, Wandenreich remnants, and Averian.[src]
Ashido's expressions show little deviation.
Ashido's existence has been one of constant battle, with little deviation, over nearly two centuries.[6] He does not, however, seek out battle for battle's sake, instead picking and choosing his battles. This attitude he found to stand in stark contrast to the present day members of the 11th Division, who continually goaded Ashido for battle upon his return, even after he defeated them.[7] When he engages in combat he does not become excited nor does he engage in reckless action, and he is quick to point out when others do -- namely Ichigo, Renji, and Akira.[5][8] He has been alone for so long, with few exceptions over centuries, that he has essentially lost all facial expression. Whether he is at peace or in battle, his overall mood stays the same.[2] This is true even when conversing with others, whether in a social setting or during battle.[9] Even a sudden assault by Zaraki didn't elicit shock, for he simply fought back calmly.[10]
Despite his isolation, Ashido did not shun company,[11][12] and he did not shy away from it upon returning to the Seireitei.[7] He attacked Rukia not because he wanted to harm her but simply to determine her strength, claiming that the weak do not survive long in the Forest, and opened up to her very quickly regarding his past once he was finished testing her.[4][5] Had things been different, Ashido would have willingly left the Forest with Rukia and company.[3] After meeting her again years later, Ashido harboured no animosity towards Rukia, and only showed concern regarding the result of their mission to rescue Orihime Inoue.[9]
He seems to convey his emotions and thoughts more clearly when writing, rather than when speaking, as Akira has described him as being really quiet.[12] When he continued writing in Akira's journal after the latter left the Forest, Ashido went into some detail regarding his feelings for both Akira and Gundinger and wrote about how the former had changed him.[1] In his own entries, Akira talked about how Ashido, and by extension Gundinger, wouldn't voice such feelings aloud.[13] That said, Ashido is more readily talkative and emotive to those from his past, namely Shunsui. He regarded Shunsui as a close friend and confident.[7]
Since meeting Rukia, however, his mind has begun to wander, and he occasionally catches himself daydreaming about a possible life outside the Forest.[6] At first, Ashido didn't quite know what to think of his new companion -- Akira's knowledge of Ashido's counterpart gave him an insight into Ashido's history and motivation, which was information Ashido himself had not provided him with. As such, Ashido found this somewhat unnerving. After a frank discussion, the two reached something resembling an understanding and Ashido agreed to take Akira under his wing.[14] It took roughly two years for the two to be completely at ease in one-another's company, however. It was during these two years that Akira got to truly know Ashido, realizing why Kenji respected his counterpart so much, for Akira claimed that some Captains in the Gotei 13 could learn a great deal about duty and commitment from Ashido based on his example.[15] Although initially wary of Akira, whom Ashido thought was childish and naive,[13] he came to greatly value the young Visored's company and actually missed him when he left the Forest to pursue his own mission.[1]
Ashido came to hold a humorous view on how often he saw company after Rukia's visit, considering he had been alone before that for nearly two centuries. Not only did Akira and Asuka gravitate towards the elder Shinigami but Ashido also found himself forming a strange form of friendship with Gundinger Drelairn.[16] The latter surprised even Ashido -- Gundinger being an Arrancar -- because he initially met Gundinger when the latter attempted to kill Akira,[17] but the pair eventually worked together to kill Quincy who had been attacking Gundinger.[15] By the time Akira was ready to leave the Forest, Gundinger actually informed Ashido and Akira of potential shifts in the balance of power in the Forest to better avoid conflict.[18] The pair had even set aside their many differences in order to work together should Averian appear.[1] This friendship, between an Arrancar and a Shinigami, surprised many, not just the two men themselves.[19]
Ashido's rarely seen shocked expression.
A consummate survivor, Ashido has been forced to adapt to his surroundings: he would either thrive or die, and thrive he did. He collects Hollow masks and uses them as shields to deflect Cero, which is a function unseen elsewhere.[3] In addition, he carries these masks on his cloak like trophies of the hunt,[2] and he actually became upset when his favourite mask was broken -- a rare show of emotion on his part.[5] He quickly discovered that the trees within the Forest aren't plants but are rather composed of a quartz-like mineral, thus making them inedible.[20] One edible source Ashido discovered was snow grass.[21] Akira has speculated that the meat Ashido has been noted to eat is, in fact, Hollow meat, and he has preferred to live in ignorance of this fact, despite consuming it himself.[11] Ashido has claimed he likely has more experience with the Menos and Hollow than most Shinigami in Soul Society.[22]
Despite his situation, Ashido has a rarely seen sense of humour and is more than capable of cracking a smile under the right circumstances, one case being when Akira managed to successfully decorate a makeshift Christmas tree in their cave hideout.[23] Akira and he also created "Hollow Ricochet": a game involving Ashido redirecting Akira's Cero to hit marked targets to earn points which, according to Ashido, doubled as a training-aid for Akira.[24] In later years, he also enjoyed making fun at Akira's expense, once calling his young charge "clueless" when the conversation turned to Asuka Natsume.[25]
History[]
- "In order to protect Human souls, and keep the promise I made with those who lost their lives, I’ve stayed here and fought."
- —Ashido stating his reasons for staying in Hueco Mundo.
Ashido studied calligraphy either during his studies at Shin'ō Academy, or during his Shinigami career as an optional club.[1] His tenure at Shin'ō Academy took place when the curriculum still covered information on the Quincy, as he was familiar with their abilities when he came face-to-face with the former Wandenreich Soldat in Hueco Mundo. He came to hold the view that they posed a significant danger to the Cycle of Souls.[15] Additionally, he was active in Soul Society in the period prior to Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's battle with Sōya Azashiro.[26] Unlike his counterpart, who had heard of the Yuengiri prior to meeting Kenji Hiroshi, this Ashido had no knowledge of the philosophy.[27]
Ashido prior to the Forest.
Centuries before the events of the Winter War, Ashido was attached to the 11th Division in the Gotei 13, under his friend and Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki,[28] serving as the latter's Lieutenant.[7] In his off-duty hours, he often met Kurayashiki, Kyōraku, and Ukitake for drinks.[9] His unit, which comprised a number of close and personal friends, fought a group of attacking Hollow. He and his friends pursued the retreating Hollow through a Garganta, which led them into the Forest of Menos. Despite their best efforts, however, Ashido's friends were killed one-by-one until only Ashido himself remained. Taking up the mask of the gazelle-like Hollow who killed the last of his friends, Ashido, enraged, killed the surrounding Hollow and resolved himself to a life of constant battle in order to protect Human souls.[3][5]
The Soul Society was aware of Ashido's disappearance, with one report claiming that he and his unit had been missing for quite some time. In actuality, Ashido had been missing-in-action for almost two hundred and fifty years.[28] In addition, Kuruyashiki was convinced that he was still alive, believing his friend capable of handling a Vasto Lorde.[26]
The Guardian of the Forest of Menos.
Ashido's life consequently became one of constant battles against the residents, with little deviation over centuries.[6] He became quite well-known amongst the more intelligent Hollow, chief amongst them the Forest's Guardian, with whom Ashido had fought numerous times over the years.[5] Many years later, he refused to leave the Forest before he could settle matters with the Guardian, stating his last duty in the Forest would be to kill him.[3] Despite his familiarity with the Forest, and its denizens, there were areas he either avoided or did not explore. One such area was the territory of Gundinger Drelairn.[17] Another was the Forest's heart, which was where Averian dwelt.[29]
Ashido stayed behind so Rukia and her friends could escape the Forest.
Around the time of the Winter War Ashido began noticing changes in the resident Hollow. Shortly after, he came to the rescue of another Shinigami in the Forest and took her back to his hideout, where he quickly tested her strength.[4] This Shinigami introduced herself as Rukia Kuchiki, and Ashido was quick to explain his past and motivations, with him even taking Rukia to the site where his friends had lost their lives.[5] Ashido agreed to lead Rukia to the exit and help her find her friends, and would have fled the Forest with them had the group not come under attack by the Adjuchas.[3]
Ashido stayed behind to cover Rukia and her friend's retreat. At an unspecified time during the Wandenreich invasion of Hueco Mundo, Ashido fought against the child version of Cien Granz, because the Arrancar remarked that he needed to become stronger, and attacked him.[30] The battle ended in Ashido's favour and once more resolved himself to a life of battle, until he met Akira Hiroshi a short time after.[6]
Synopsis[]
Renascence Beginning[]
- Main article -- Renascence Beginning.
9th Division Assault arc[]
Intervening Years[]
Bleach: War for the King's Seal[]
- Main article -- Bleach: War for the King's Seal.
Hunger and Greed arc[]
- Reaper Abroad: Monitoring the Balance
- Hunger and Greed: Unveiled
- Hunger and Greed: Herding Wolves
- Hunger and Greed: Predation (mentioned)
- Hunger and Greed: Cat Amongst the Pigeons (mentioned)
- Vampiric Entry (cameo)
- Hunger and Greed: Doubling Down (mentioned)
- Hunger and Greed: Rallying Ants
- Hunger and Greed: On the Run (mentioned)
- Hunger and Greed: Calm Before War
- Hunger and Greed: Requiem
Soul Society arc[]
Equipment[]
- Hollow masks: Ashido carries several Hollow masks attached to his fur coat.[2] These masks have the potent effect of deflecting incoming Cero, and have thus far been shown deflecting Cero blasts from Menos-class Hollow, full-blown Adjuchas, and even Visored.[5][24] One of these masks, shaped like that of a gazelle, was worn over Ashido's own face.[4] This particular mask held sentimental value for Ashido as it belonged to the Hollow who killed his best friend.[5] By subtlety shifting his own position and angle of defence, Ashido could partially control the trajectory of the reflected Cero.[3] Akira and he created a game based around Ashido's ability to deflect Cero, which the pair dubbed "Hollow Ricochet".[24]
Powers and Abilities[]
Great Spiritual Energy: Prior to his arrival in the Forest, Ashido was held in high esteem by Kenpachi Kurayashiki, for he confidently stated that Ashido was capable of handling a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow.[26] This was despite Ashido's official position as a Lieutenant at the time of his imprisonment,[7] and Vasto-Lorde being considered Captain-class by the Soul Society.[31] Per the onset of the Winter War and Blood War that followed, Ashido was easily at Captain-level without even releasing his Zanpakutō, with Rukia specifically mentioning that he was strong even without using Bankai.[4][5] He likewise proved Kurayashiki's belief correct, for he fought the child version of Cien Granz sometime during the Wandenreich invasion of Hueco Mundo, eventually training the Arrancar.[30] Ashido himself stated with confidence that he could defeat Gundinger if they fought, but admitted that the effort required to do so would draw far too much attention.[17] Additionally, he wasn't overwhelmed by Kenpachi Zaraki's sudden assault, managing instead to counterattack.[10] Unlike Akira, whose Hollowfication made stealth next to impossible when used, Ashido had firm and disciplined control of his reiatsu output, and was rarely noticed unless he wished to be.[27]
Zanjutsu Mastery: Ashido's preferred combat form is swordsmanship. Even without releasing his Zanpakutō, Ashido dispatches Hollow of varying levels, from Gillian to Adjuchas, with swordplay alone.[5] As a former member Lieutenant of the 11th Division,[7] he excelled in Zanjutsu.[28] In fact, Kurayashiki believed him able to handle a Vasto Lorde-class Hollow.[26] Ashido proved his skill by battling and surviving against the child version of Cien Granz sometime during the Wandenreich invasion of Hueco Mundo, proving his former Captain correct in his assumption.[30] Amongst Shinigami he employs a very rarely seen method of combat incorporating the use of a shield, for he frequently fights his battles one-handed whilst employing a Hollow mask capable of deflecting Cero in his off-hand.[5][3] He possesses the requisite strength, skill, and speed to instantly dispatch multiple Gillian at range with the mere force of his swing.[4] His skill extends to engaging other swordsman, including those formerly of the Espada,[17] and he was more than capable of easily dispatching the former Soldat of the Wandenreich.[15] In a reversal of their established roles, Ashido began to learn the Wan'nesu from Akira in the first year of the latter's exile, and continued to do so over a sixteen-year period.[27] When he finally left the Forest, Ashido was able to clash with Kenpachi Zaraki when the latter attacked him in a Captain's meeting, and almost gouged his eye out in reply.[10]
Enhanced Senses: Ashido is a remarkably perceptive man.[14] He was capable of sensing Ichigo and Renji's battle with several Hollows from a considerable distance away.[5] He later proved himself capable of discerning the unique feel of Akira's reiatsu during the brief time his Hollow mask was donned and determine his location from that alone.[6] His sense of spiritual power is inferior to Gundinger's Pesquisa however, for Gundinger was able to defend him from a surprise attack from Averian.[19] He was able to react to Zaraki's sudden assault with enough time to parry and counter.[10]
Stealth: Although he had no prior affiliation to the Onmitsukidō, as he served in the 11th Division as the Lieutenant,[7] Ashido has lived, fought, and stalked his way through the Forest of Menos for centuries.[14] He was able to evade the surrounding Menos and Hollow after rescuing Rukia easily,[4] and remarked that Ichigo and Renji where reckless in their manner of battle, inferring that they attracted unwanted attention.[5] Additionally, he is intelligent enough to know when to fight and when not to fight, as battles in the Forest can quickly be interrupted, leading to a numerical disadvantage.[17] His stealth mastery extended to the suppression of his own reiatsu, for he is rarely sensed unless he wishes to be, and is annoyed when the likes of Akira give away their location unnecessarily.[27]
Hollow Knowledge: Ashido possesses unique knowledge regarding the combating of Hollow unseen elsewhere. Though initially an accident, he learned that discarded Hollow masks have the ability to deflect Cero, a trait he has exploited with abandon over centuries.[3] He also demonstrates advanced knowledge of Hollow classifications, which includes the rare Vasto Lorde class, which he explained to Rukia.[5] After encountering Akira, he came to know the various strengths and weaknesses of Visored,[6][14] and later added a more diverse knowledge of Arrancar.[17] His ability to redirect Cero saw marked improvement through the development of a game alongside Akira referred to as “Hollow Ricochet”. Ashido became fit to redirect Cero with the needed finesse to hit marked targets with ease.[24]
Kidō: Although originating from the 11th Division, which usually foregoes Kidō usage in favour of martial dominance, Ashido has notable skill in Kidō. Rukia stated that the various lights illuminating his hideout used Kidō.[4] He later admitted that it was “an easy trick”.[14] He frequently experimented with his Kidō abilities as a way to distract himself and pass the time within the Forest.[12] Ashido's abilities enabled him to momentarily bind Averian whilst simultaneously erecting a reiatsu dampening rectangular barrier, allowing Gundinger to open a Garganta without Averian's reiatsu collapsing the portal.[19]
Enhanced Strength: Ashido possesses notable strength, and the force of his attacks quickly tired Rukia.[4] When putting forward sufficient effort, he has been known to create a tornado-like blast some have mistaken for Tenran, through sheer muscle power.[32] Additionally, he was capable of parrying a surprise strike from Zaraki.[10]
Hohō Expertise: Ashido is capable of employing Shunpo with enough skill to swiftly remove himself from an area even whilst carrying a passenger and remain undetected by countless Hollow.[4] Travelling alone, he is able to swiftly travel through the Forest without alerting nearby Hollow, and attack by exploiting the element of surprise.[6] In battle, he is capable of swift movements to evade an opponent's attacks whilst simultaneously closing the distance to strike in close-quarters, or move quickly to shield allies.[5] He was swiftly fit to appear in-front of Ichigo and Renji to defend them from several Cero blasts, whilst deflecting every blast effectively.[3]
Zanpakutō[]
Tsuchikusai (土臭い, Earthy Smell). Ashido possesses a Zanpakutō whose sealed form is that of a katana with green-coloured hilt-wrapping and a chipped guard.[4] The sheath is brown.[5]
- Shikai: Ashido releases Tsuchikusai with the command "Inhale" (吸). Upon release, Ashido's reiatsu manifests as a light drizzle, producing a pleasant aroma in the immediate area when the rain makes contact with the ground. His physical sword remains in its sealed form with no visible change.
- Shikai special abilities: Ashido's Zanpakutō is a sub-set of the Kidō-type classification, specifically Kaidō, and doesn't differentiate between friend and foe. It equally effects anyone within the range of Ashido's reiatsu, causing their wounds to heal at an accelerated rate.
- Bankai: Kusaru Tsuchikusai (腐る土臭い, Rotting Earthy Smell). Ashido initiates Bankai by driving his Zanpakutō into the ground and declaring its name. Once invoked, Kusaru Tsuchikusai overflows with a dark, viscous, foul-smelling substance that rapidly rots the surrounding foliage, whilst continuing to coat the blade. The rain seen previously is likewise replaced by this same liquid, drawing comparisons to a "rain of blood".
- Bankai special abilities: The core power of Kusaru Tsuchikusai is a twisted version of its prior healing effect, equally applied to everyone in the vicinity of Ashido's reiatsu, including Ashido himself. It rapidly strips flesh from bone only to then rapidly heal said damage, burning through the target's own reiryoku reserves to facilitate its effect, with no let-up throughout its duration. This results in a unique physical phenomenon, with what appears to be steam constantly rising from the bodies of everyone within range, as if they were overheating. Kusaru Tsuchikusai leans more favourably in Ashido's favour, however, due to the nature of wounds inflicted by the blade itself. Any wound inflicted by the blade of Kusaru Tsuchikusai necessitates a greater degree of reiryoku to heal than the wounds caused by the falling rain, allowing Ashido to literally exhaust his opposition in a war of attrition. Unfortunately, observers are not exempt from Kusaru Tsuchikusai; it is thus only suitable when Ashido himself is fighting one-on-one or surrounded by enemies and with no support.
Wan'nesu[]
The Wan'nesu (ワンネス, The Oneness) is the style of Zanjutsu practised by the reclusive Yuengiri native to the Shard that Akira Hiroshi calls home.[33] Unlike the style used by the Kenji Hiroshi and Van Satonaka of Ashido's own Shard, Ashido learned the evolved form taught by Akira's father. This included the techniques of Armoury (造兵廠, Zouheishou) and Battle Aura (一戦霊気, Issenreiki).
Armoury[]
- Main article -- Armoury.
Armoury is an evolution of the Wan'nesu style native to the Shard that Akira Hiroshi and his father called home, which was conceptualized by Rozeluxe Meitzen and perfected by Van Satonaka.[34] Ashido learned it from Akira during the young Visored's sixteen-year stay in the Forest of Menos.[27] The concept of Armoury, which can be invoked on an item or a particularly vivid memory, is sometimes referred to as a Raiment (衣服, Ifuku), and requires the user visualizing the concept and applying it to themselves in a manner similar to how one brings a Kidō spell into creation.[35]
- Kurayashiki raiment: As Ashido's superior and close friend, Kenpachi Kurayashiki made a lasting impression on Ashido that persisted throughout the years. Kurayashiki's belief in Ashido's survival and combat abilities were ironclad, a belief echoed by Shunsui.[26] Upon visiting his friend's memorial, and having a brief meeting with Shunsui, Ashido's resolve to keep his promise to his friends and do Kuruyashiki's part against Averian, sparked the source of this particular raiment.[7]
- Kurayashiki raiment special abilities: The raiment associated with his former Captain produces a mimicry of Kurayashiki's Zanpakutō, Gagaku Kairō. As such, Ashido manifests a large sphere, roughly the size of a bear, with a set of teeth as its sole distinguishing feature.[36]
Ashido invoking Armory.
- Gazelle mask raiment: Using the concept of Armoury on the broken halves of his old mask, together with his mask-laced cloak, Ashido invokes a transformation similar to that of Resurrección. In Ashido's case, he invokes the negative memories associated with the Hollows who killed the last of his friends.[34] Ashido's Armoury causes reiatsu to solidify onto his right-arm, taking the form of an arm-mounted blade, its overall appearance invoking a similar appearance to the Hollow responsible for killing the last of Ashido's friends. In addition, a spiked shoulder-guard forms on his right-shoulder, secured in place via a strap.
- Gazelle mask raiment special abilities: The raiment associated with the Gazelle-like Hollow produces an effect very similar to Hollowfication. When first seen by Akira, he compared it to the temporary Hollowfication underwent by Shinigami who ingested the Shin'eiyaku.[37]
- Power Augmentation: The original intent behind Hollowfication was to bring about an enhanced being whose power alone was greater than either a Shinigami or Hollow would be capable of reaching on their own.[38] Ashido achieves this without actually undergoing Hollowfication. With Armoury, Ashido experiences heightened ceilings of power, whilst expressing a unique duel-type spiritual signature not unlike that of an Arrancar.[39]
- Rukia Kuchiki raiment: As the first person with whom Ashido had interacted with in centuries, the meeting proved to be quite illuminating on Ashido's part. He began thinking of a life outside the Forest, to the point of daydreaming.[6] Additionally, he retained a warm friendship with Rukia after meeting her again unexpectedly when he warned the Gotei 13 about Averian.[9]
- Rukia Kuchiki raiment special abilities: The raiment associated with Rukia produces various ice-related abilities inspired by the Manifestation of Rukia's Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki. In terms of power, it is comparable to a typical Shikai release.
- Icy Wind: Rukia's raiment alters the expression of Ashido's reiatsu. He can direct his reiatsu in the form of an icy wind from his free hand, the power of which he can control. He can slow an opponent's movements or freeze them solid, given enough time.
Author's notes[]
Behind the scenes[]
- Unlike the version of Ashido used in the author's primary works, this iteration of the character draws more from the extended material, particularly the novels. Other small titbits, also from the novels, were pulled to flesh out the article, especially his personality. One false aspect, which crept in due to mistranslations, was Ashido's status as a Lieutenant. Rather than remove it, I opted instead to retain it. Given his abilities, and relation to Kuruyashiki, having Ashido as his Lieutenant never felt like a stretch.
- As far as Ashido being Akira's mentor went, this route was taken to present Ashido with a challenge he likely hadn't experienced before: helping a younger person who had little confidence in himself at the time.
- Ashido's Zanpakutō was created by studying the Bankai of Shunsui, Kuruyashiki, and Shinji, whilst keeping the battle-loving philosophy of the 11th Division in mind. The name and rain is derived from Petrichor and Geosmin. The flip between its healing function in Shikai to damaging effect in Bankai was inspired by bloodletting.
Trivia[]
- Ashido was supposed to appear in the manga, but was cut due to time constraints.[2]
References & notes[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ashido's Journal entry: January 8th, 2019
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bleach manga; Volume 29, The Slashing Opera
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Bleach anime; Episode 149
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 Bleach anime; Episode 147
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 Bleach anime; Episode 148
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Morning Prince Exiled
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Hunger and Greed: Calm Before War
- ↑ Journal entry: June, 2012
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Hunger and Greed: Rallying Ants
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Hunger and Greed: On the Run
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Journal entry: October, 2003
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Journal entry: November, 2003
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Journal entry: January, 2019
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Reaper Abroad: The Forest of Menos
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Journal entry: May, 2005
- ↑ Journal entry: July, 2010
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 Journal entry: February, 2005
- ↑ Journal entry: September, 2018
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Hunger and Greed: Herding Wolves
- ↑ Bleach Official Character Book 2 MASKED, page 130
- ↑ Bleach light novel; Can't Fear You're Own World Volume 3, pages 396-404
- ↑ Ashido's Journal entry: January 17th, 2019
- ↑ Journal entry: December, 2003
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Journal entry: March, 2009
- ↑ Journal entry: August, 2015
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You I, p. 34
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 Journal entry: April, 2004
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Bleach novel; Spirits Are Forever With You
- ↑ Bleach: War for the King's Seal blog
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You II, ch20 pgs.450-495
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 197, page 16
- ↑ Bleach game; Brave Soul, Ashido (Speed)
- ↑ Yuengiri
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Armoury
- ↑ Bleach chapter 81
- ↑ Bleach novel; Spirits Are Forever With You, Chapter 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 553, pages 6-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 175, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 282, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach: Official Character Book 2 MASKED, page 199