Who is Shunsui Kyoraku?
Shunsui, one of the strongest captains the Gotei 13 has ever had (only after being forced to go to the Bleach version of military school), likes to spend his time sleeping, drinking alcohol (roping anyone he can find to join him even if they are underage) and flirting with any female he comes across, especially his Lieutenant Nanao Ise who works extremely hard to make up for the inactivity of her commander. When he does decide to become serious and fight an enemy (which is not very often), he treats the whole affair like one big game in which he will happily cheat to win by lurking in shadows and stabbing people in the back whilst they fight up to three other opponents.
The Real Shunsui
To start with, let’s have a look at a man behind the swords. Shunsui is the second son of the Kyoraku Family, a high ranking family in Soul Society (the place where spirits live). Being the second son he wouldn’t have been trained as head of the family like his older brother, instead he would have been trained academically and would have become a doctor or lawyer or something. Alas Shunsui hated studying and training, preferring to spend his time chasing after girls (a man after my own heart ^_^). Unfortunately for him the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 (basically an army full of samurai warriors) saw through his laziness and saw his potential and he was sent off to the Bleach version to military school – Shino Academy. Here he met his best friend Jushiro Ukitake and the pair quickly topped their class and became the personal favourites of Yamamoto himself. They would go on to become the first graduates of the Academy to go on and become Captains of the Gotei 13, Shunsui leading the 8th Division.
So what’s so amazing about Shunsui? His laid back demeanour and lack of work ethic make him an instantly likeable character. Add to the fact he knows he can do squat-all and get away with it because his pretty lieutenant Nanao will pick up his slack, leaving him plenty of time to drink alcohol and sleep – he’s definitely living the life. You’d think someone like that would be arrogant and cocky but Shunsui is one of the most humble, respectful guys you’ll ever meet. And his insight is something else. My favourite quote of his is “Don’t try to be a good guy. It doesn’t matter who owes who. From the instant they enter into a war, both sides are evil” He doesn’t try and justify fighting because to him it’s wrong whichever way you look at it which is probably why he tries to avoid a fight whenever he can. But when he does fight…damn!! He’s an ‘all’s fair in love and war’ type of guy and will do whatever it takes to win. I wouldn’t be surprised if he took his opponent’s mother hostage just to get an opening. But all in all, a very cool dude.
Katen Kyokotsu
Shunsui’s swords, Katen Kyokotsu, have to be one of my favourite in the Bleach universe. Whilst every other Shinigami in the Bleach universe has one sword, Shunsui’s zanpakuto (in typical go-against-the-grain Shunsui fashion) exist as two separate swords and what gorgeous swords they are! A pair of beautifully designed scimitars with those lavish red tassels…definitely one of the best looking Shikai. And on top of that she has a personality to match her sharp looks. Imagine. She only allows Shunsui to use the abilities she wants him to use and only when she feels like letting him use them, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mind being ordered around by a woman like that ;).
Abilities-wise Katen Kyokotsu is pretty sweet. Before we actually knew what she could do it was pretty much assumed she had the ability to manipulate wind because of her release command (Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer) and Kubo Tite, being the troll that he is, “confirmed” this with Bushogoma which basically a big swirling wind prison. When we found out what he ability really was I can honestly say we were all surprised – the ability to “make children’s games real”. That’s a pretty ambiguous statement but it has a vast amount of potential with a million different possible techniques. The techniques we have seen have all been creative but some are lacking in quality whilst others are just amazing. The greatest and most unique thing about Katen Kyokotsu is the fact that it is it can be as harmful to Shunsui as it is to his opponent – she doesn’t play favourites. If you have a grasp of the game concepts then Shunsui’s greatest asset could also become his greatest weakness.
Bushogoma (meaning Lazy Spinning Top, the equivalent of Beyblades ) ensnares the opponent in powerful tornado-like winds, buffeting them and obscuring their view. This is a nice opening technique which gives Shunsui time to lead into a number of other techiques.
Takaoni (meaning Mountain Ogre) was stopped by Starrk before Shunsui use it but I can’t see how the “If you’re higher, you win” will be anything amazing. Maybe it makes the person’s attack stronger if they are above their opponent.
With Kageoni (Shadow Ogre) you “lose if you step on a shadow”. This is a really effective attack since you don’t have to be near your opponent to hit them since shadows can stretch quite far depending on the lighting. Being allowed to hide in shadows is also a cool ability.
Irooni (Colour Ogre) is definitely my favourite of Shunsui’s abilities because, unless he tells you how it works (or you’re just that guy like Starrk was), you’re pretty much a sitting duck. Only being able to cut a certain colour is an unusual technique, even by Bleach standards, especially since cutting a colour you aren’t wearing (or wearing a little of) will do minimal damage and vice-versa. This technique could be a game changer especially against people like Kenpachi. The only thing I don’t like about this technique is the way it was used to plotkai Starrk, the Primero Espada who was in Ressurecion Form. Defeating an Espada with a Shikai (I don’t condone Rukia’s win either btw) is just disrespect on Kubo’s part. Staark deserved much better but that’s a topic for another blog post. 
Possible Bankai
I think Shunsui’s Bankai will be similar to Tousen’s as in it won’t be a weapon as such but rather a space/area/dimension. I think he will retain a pair of swords (probably the same as his Shikai) whilst the Bankai is active. As for abilities I think the game theme will be carried over as well as the unbiasedness of the Shikai. The ability will be something along the lines of everyone within the boundary of the Bankai takes it in turns to make up a rule that everyone within the boundary is forced to follow or suffer the consequences. The games only end when someone dies.
Future Captain-Commander?
Out of all the current Gotei Captains I feel Shunsui is the best candidate to take Yamamoto’s job should the old timer decide it’s time to retire or kick the bucket. He has over 200 years of experience as a Gotei Captain, his battle prowess is unmatched by all but a very few individuals and his zanpakuto is as deadly and versatile as he is. His insight was remarkable enough to be commended by the Captain-Commander himself. His laid back demeanour would be a change to the Gotei, certainly making him more approachable by his subordinates and fellow captains but whether this would be a good change or not, I’m not sure.
Ukitake has the wisdom but his health is waaaaaay to temperamental and his Zanpakuto’s ability is pretty limited (whether his Bankai makes up for this we’ll find out). Unohana certainly has the many admirable qualities but her role as a medic is too important for her to have additional duties put on her. Kenpachi has the power but he’s all about battle, forget politics. Shinji and Byakuya will make excellent candidates in about a hundred years. In my opinion the only thing they lack is the experience.
Conclusion
Shunsui is a pretty epic character. He’s a lazy, alcoholic who chases women but he’ll still take you out before you know what happened with a zanpakuto which is just as unique as he is. His only let down is he doesn’t get as much screen time as other characters even though he’s much cooler and stronger. Some more information and developments about his past, his relationships with Ukitake, Lisa and Nanao would also be greatly appreciated and maybe a situation where he loses his cool and goes berserk!! But all in all…EPIC!!!
Character Rating: 9/10
Mizuoni Manga 