Emi Hanako

**Emi Hanako**(笑花 *Hanako Emi*) is a Shinigami of the 11th Division, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant. A prodigy of sorts, Emi graduated from the academy at a very young age, the basics of Shinigami coming easy to her. Emi has since bonded and trained with her Zanpakuto **Kokutei**, and has become a rather potent combatant, earning her the Lieutenant rank she now carries. This upset many of the Shinigami in the 11th division, as they were jealous of her sudden rise to power, and resented her for not using a melee-type Zanpakuto. Despite this, members of the 11th Division will still carry out her orders, as they are obligated to listen to higher ranked members, regardless of their opinions.

## Appearance

Emi is an adorable, young looking girl, with a slim, small figure. She has long, black hair, tipped with brown edges, and soft pink eyes, matching her reserved, kind nature. Her hair is styled in slightly wavy, long, thick strands, and reaches down to her back/waist.

Emi's outfit consists of the usual Shinigami attire, although tinted in brown. On top of it, she also wears a pink haori, filled with triangles around its entirety. Emi also wears two white earrings with a sun printed on them. Like most Shinigami, she carries her sword on her hip, sheathed until she is preparing for battle.

## Personality

Being a Lieutenant, Emi does carry a certain level of dignity, especially towards those ranked above her. Fully aware that she isn't of noble origin, Emi works hard to make sure she does not falter, for it could mean losing the respect of those above her, and risk her position. In addition to being a workaholic, Emi has a kind, soft, and loving soul, always serving others before herself, never allowing her strength or status to blind her from the troubles of others. Because of this, she is also very humble, and rarely brings up her position unless absolutely necessary. This can sometimes make others think she is a pushover, as she doesn't usually abuse her authority. This completely changes if someone badmouths her captain, however. Anyone who talks bad of her captain instantly loses her respect, and she will not tolerate such disrespect, considering her captain is the strongest. Although she wouldn't physically hurt her allies, there is no telling what she would do to an enemy that insults her captain.

Despite their resent towards her quick rise through the ranks, Emi is very protective of her division, and hates to see them getting hurt. Due to this, she is always helping them with their injuries after battle, with no regards for if they request it or how injured she is. Emi loves to take care of others, and feels happier with a healthy squad. She is often quick to give others medical advice as well, which many subordinates typically don't like, while others adore being treated by her. Emi isn't gullible; she knows that some people will try to take advantage of her kindness, so she will never allow herself to be left open for manipulation. The only person she truly opens up with is her captain, as they have been through many trials and tribulations together, and their bond is one that can't be broken. This results in her natural demeanor being a bit of a show from time to time, as she usually doesn't like to show anger except in certain circumstances.

During times when she is alone with her captain, Emi shows a lot more emotion, feeling more comfortable when she is alongside him. She has an admiration for him higher than anyone else in Soul Society, and will never leave his side as his right hand. Out of all the people she cares for after battle, she always cares for Kenpachi first, never allowing her captain to go uncared for. Amongst Kenpachi, who she calls Yama-san, Emi feels that she can be at rest, as she feels safer letting her guard down in her captain's presence. This is how she releases stress from her duties, and takes a break from constant work. Despite any problems she may face in her duties, the fact of the matter is that her captain was the one to recognize her abilities when no one else would, and for that she owes him a great debt, training every day to repay it.

## History

Originating in the 80th district, Emi began as a child with no influence at all. She never got to try any food, and always lived in solitude. Since souls do not need any food or drink, Emi obviously easily survived, despite never getting to taste even a single bite of food. Despite living in the worst of slums, Emi never complained, helping others in town while never asking for anything. She seemed to live a solemn afterlife, as she never really talked to or bonded with anyone there despite living there for years. Somehow not being matched with a family in the soul world, Emi never really got to experience this time with anyone; it was like the only way she knew how to express her emotions was through smiling, as sad as it sounds.

Life went on like this for a while, until one fated day: when she discover her immense Reiryoku. It was unleashed unintentionally when a hollow broke into her district and attacked her. Unconsciously using her Reiatsu, she killed the hollow with pure spiritual pressure, much to her dismay. After this sudden occurrence, she was transferred to Shin'ō Academy, where they taught her how to control and manifest her potent spiritual power. Emi excelled in school, constantly gaining top of her class, due to her ability to catch on to things quickly and her unbreakable work ethic. Filling in the gaps between her and the other students, Emi was able to graduate, and would then be recognized by Kenpachi for her strength, as she climbed through the ranks to eventually become Lieutenant.