Sayoku Tsujimoto

**Sayoku Tsujimoto** (辻本 左翼, *Tsujimoto Sayoku*) is the 3rd seat and former 4th Seat of the 7th Division, formerly under Captain Sajin Komamura and currently under Captain Tetsuzaemon Iba. He shared his previous position with Jirōbō Ikkanzaka. He also formerly served as the 7th Seat of the 11th Division under Kenpachi Zaraki.

## Appearance

Sayoku is a man of average height and a mature build. He has dark skin and sage green eyes. He also has a spiky, dark brown afro with unkempt fringes on the ends. He wears the standard robes that most Shinigami wear, along with a pair of fingerless black gloves. Before he joined the Gotei 13, he had four ring tattoos, with one just above each wrist and one just above each ankle. However, these tattoos were removed before he entered the academy.

Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Sayoku's afro gains a messier and spikier look, and he wears new gloves that extend to his upper arms. Ten years after Yhwach's defeat, Sayoku wears a modified *shihakushō* with a white hooded shirt underneath his uniform.

## Personality

Sayoku generally carries himself in a serious, yet cool, calm, and collective manner. He has a habit of occasionally speaking out against superiors if he doesn't agree with them on something, but retains his respect towards them. Despite being a former member of the the 11th Division, Sayoku never developed a love for fighting and only focused on getting stronger to impress his brother (although he holds onto his former division's philosophies). He also shares his captain Komamura and lieutenant Iba's strong belief in moral obligation and compassion.

Sayoku is very tactical, observing his opponent's attack patterns before deciding how to counteract them. He cares very much about proving himself as a capable leader, usually by looking out for his comrades on the battlefield. He holds little respect for those who look down on him because of his rank. Additionally, he believes that one does not have the right to betray their comrades without a good reason. This is first shown when he himself went against orders during Rukia Kuchiki's execution because he believed those orders were wrong and unjust, despite his desire to fight by his captain's side.

Sayoku holds a strong hatred towards the system of Central 46 because its strict laws.

Sayoku believes that the best way to build character is by learning from others' mistakes. The most notable example of this is when he finds out the reason behind Kaname Tōsen's betrayal. While he can not forgive his brother for his actions, he claims that Sōsuke Aizen manipulated him. This realization also furthers his hatred towards Central 46, as their denial to give Tōsen's deceased friend justice was the first step to his corruption, and Sayoku hopes to prevent a similar incident from happening. Despite his calm and disciplined nature, he can be quite aggressive in battle and often seeks to instill terror in his enemies.

In his free time, Sayoku likes to practice breakdancing and he owns a boombox that he bought on one of his missions to the Human World. He is also known to cook well and his favorite food is orange chicken while he dislikes Kung Pao chicken because of the spice. He is also self-conscious about his afro and does not like anyone touching it. He recently wrote a serialization titled "The Struggle for Justice" and used some of his brother's old recipes to make it more popular among female Shinigami.

## History

Sayoku grew up in the Rukongai. For many years in his childhood, Sayoku believed that there was no meaning to his life and continuously waited for the coming day when he would finally die. Approximately 100 years ago, Sayoku woke up one day to find that his district region was being attacked by a couple of Hollows. Most of the other residents either have been killed or ran away. One of the Hollows sensed Sayoku and prepared to attack him as he attempted to run away. But before it could do so, Captain Kensei Muguruma and the 9th Division arrived, having just defeated the first Hollow. Two of them then took down the second Hollow. After Sayoku thanked them, he asked about the guy with the mask. Kensei then introduced him to his 5th Seat, Kaname Tōsen, though Sayoku was confused as to why Tōsen did not look at him directly when he greeted him.

A few weeks later, Sayoku woke up one day to find himself in a different location entirely as an unexpected acquaintance walked into his room with some food. Looking confused, Sayoku asked who the man is, stating that he preferred being left to die in peace. The man introduced himself as Tōsen, commenting that Sayoku might not recognize him because he's not wearing his mask. Tōsen goes on to say that Sayoku has a gift that was unusual for someone his age and told him about spriritual pressure. Tōsen stated that Sayoku's spritiual pressure is what caused him to collapse. When Sayoku asked why his eyes are closed, Tōsen responded that he has been blind since birth and that he uses his spiritual pressure to sense people. He then changed the subject and told him that Sayoku shouldn't be giving up his life at such a young age and that he should find a purpose in his life, adding that only when Sayoku's purpose was fulfilled would be able to ask for death.

Soon after, Sayoku quickly took a liking to him because he was the first person who ever treated him like family, thought as time went by, he didn't see Tōsen as much. Not wanting to go back to a life of solitude, Sayoku desired to get stronger and became a Shinigami in hopes to impress his brother. During his time at the Shin'ō Academy, he noticed how some of the older students were picking on the younger students so often and wondered why no one was doing anything about it. So after developing his own sword skills, he became well-known as the most skilled dual-wielder in his class and often assisted his professor in teaching Zanjutsu to the other students. One day at the start of his 5th year, a 6th year student named Yasmin Kuronuno asked Sayoku to train her in swordsmanship. Though slightly surprised that a 6th year was asking him this, he agreed to train her. Later, when Sayoku asked why she wanted to train with him, Yasmin stated that Sayoku was one of most proficient fighters in the school. However, when Sayoku restated the question, sensing vengeance in her eyes, Yasmin was at a loss for words. Sayoku explained to her the difference between justice and vengeance and why she should avoid taking the path of revenge. He then ended their training session, which prompted her to leave.

At some point, Sayoku received a letter written by Tōsen, who was already captain of the 9th Division, though he was saddened that he could not hear from him directly. After graduating from the Shin'ō Academy, he became a member of the Gotei 13, joined the 11th Division, and he rose to the rank of 7th Seat. During his time there, he came to respect the 11th Division for its strength. However, he never developed their squad's love for fighting because he felt that his strength was not acknowledged by the one person he wanted to be proud of him. Some time later, he transferred to the 7th Division, where he came to know his new captain and best friend of his brother, Sajin Komamura. While initially intimated by his captain's large size, he eventually came to look up to Komamura as another mentor and a wise leader who believes in both loyalty and impartiality. From then on, he vowed to one day become a captain capable of upholding those same standards.

## Plot

### Soul Society Arc

Shortly after the Ryoka invade the Seireitei, Sayoku is partnered up with Jirōbō Ikkanzaka to go after the intruders. However, the two immediately get split up when Jirōbō rushes on ahead in a different direction. While concerned with Jirōbō's decision to run off somewhere else, he continues on his own to go after one of the intruders. He runs into one of them, taking a moment to recognize him as the orange-haired Shinigami that everyone is chasing after, prompting Sayoku to engage Ichigo Kurosaki in a battle. After the battle starts off with the two exchanging attacks, Ichigo expresses annoyance at having just finished up a battle with Ikkaku Madarame before having to start another one. Showing surprise at the substitute Shinigami having fought the 11th Division's 3rd seat and defeated him, Sayoku starts to wonder how strong Ichigo really is.

After blocking another attack from Ichigo's sword, Sayoku then proceeds to ask about Ikkaku's condition, wondering if he died. However, Ichigo reveals that he had used some of Ikkaku's ointment to heal both of their injuries. Confused about this, Sayoku asks why one of the Shinigami was saved by the intruder. Ichigo explains that he has no quarrel with Soul Society and he only arrived to save Rukia Kuchiki from execution, as he owes her a huge debt for the protection of his family. Sayoku then theorizes that Ichigo must be either really brave or really stupid to have come all this way for that, but ultimately decides to let him go as he's curious to see how far Ichigo will go before he gets stopped again. He then introduces himself, with Ichigo doing the same before taking his leave.

On the day of Rukia's execution, Sayoku starts to question if sentencing her to death for breaking the law is the right decision. However, upon finding Sajin Komamura to ask about his opinion on the matter, he looks on as both his captain and the 9th Division captain, Kaname Tōsen, alongside their lieutenants, leave to go fight Kenpachi Zaraki and his men who are now aiding the Ryoka. Having already made up his mind, Sayoku leaves to figure out a way to aid the Ryoka on his own. Later when the majority of 11th Divisions members assist Orihime Inoue on their way over to Sōkyoku Hill in search of Ichigo, Sayoku arrives to stop 6th Division's 3rd Seat, Yasmin Kuronuno, from interfering with the rescue. Choosing to stay behind, Sayoku proceeds to fight against Yasmin. When she questions Sayoku's actions, he simply states that he's curious about Ichigo's strength and that he doesn't want anyone to interfere in his battle against her captain. Sayoku and Yasmin leave to fight elsewhere.

As they take a short rest from their battle, Yasmin asks him again why he is going against orders. Sayoku reveals that his real reason for going against orders is due to his belief that Rukia being sentenced to death for transferring powers to a Human is unjust. When Yasmin states that he hasn't changed much, Sayoku states that while he respects his superiors, he's willing to go against orders if he feels that they are wrong or unjust. Noting that Captain Kuchiki has been preoccupied with fighting Ichigo, Sayoku deduces that Yasmin hasn't been given any orders to stop the 11th Division, noting that she was going specifically after Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi when she arrived. Sayoku guesses this has something to do with her mother being the former lieutenant of the 11th Division, noting that she has the same vengeful eyes that she had once before. Sayoku recalls telling her about the difference between justice and vengeance. After a small argument regarding their beliefs, they resume their fight.

Sayoku is later devastated upon hearing that Tōsen is a traitor, alongside captains Aizen and Gin Ichimaru. In the aftermath of their retreat to Hueco Mundo, he is sitting in front of his division's barracks with "Sasuke Sōko", who recently returned five days ago. Claiming that Tōsen left again without a word of goodbye, Sayoku states that he needs to become stronger for himself now.

### Bount arc (anime only)

When Yasmin asks if he has heard the rumors about the rogue Shinigami Maki Ichinose, Sayoku replies that he has. Yasmin then asks how much he knows about Ichinose directly. Stating that he didn't known him very well, Sayoku claims that out of a sense of loyalty, Ichinose left the 11th Division after the former captain was killed. While expressing uncertainty about the rumors, he states that if Ichinose has joined the Bounts, it must have been for a good reason.

When the Bounts invade the Seireitei, Sayoku meets up with his captain, listening on as Shūhei Hisagi reports to them about the large numbers of Shinigami that are attacking other Shinigami. He elaborates that this unusual phenomenon is being caused by the special ability of the Bount Mabashi and his Doll Ritz. When Komamura asks if there is a way to break the control the Doll has over the Shinigami, Sayoku suggests that the easiest way they can deal with the situation is by knocking the possessed Shinigami unconscious. Komamura and Hisagi agree before the three spread out to combat those Shinigami who have been possessed by Ritz.

### The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)

Sayoku appears with Iba, who reminds him and other 7th Division members of their orders to locate Ichigo. However, Sayoku starts having doubts about the situation and decides to run off. (I'll come back to this later)

### Fake Karakura Town arc

When Aizen and his top three Espada arrive at the Fake Karakura Town, he, along with seven other Shinigami, are each left to protect one of the four pillars that keep the Real Karakura Town in Soul Society. He is partnered up with 9th Division lieutenant, Shūhei Hisagi, acknowledging him as the one who formerly served under Tōsen. After slaying some Hollows sent to destroy their pillar, he begins a battle against one of Aizen's Special Unit members, Caliber Crossco. During his battle, Sayoku becomes annoyed with Caliber's premature assumptions about his strength as a 4th Seat, demanding that his opponent goes full strength and give him a "real challenge." While Caliber believes he has no need to do so, he proceeds to release his Resurrección at Sayoku's request and briefly maintains an advantage over him with his arrow-powered Ceros. Admitting to feeling a little overwhelmed, Sayoku finally releases his Zanpakutō to even the odds. He then attacks Caliber again and begins to overwhelm him.

When Caliber, measuring his opponent's strength to be at lieutenant-level, wonders why someone as skilled as him doesn't seem to enjoy fighting, Sayoku confirms this and explains his associations with both his former and current divisions. Caliber then prepares to fire a more powerful Cero from one of his last few arrows, but Sayoku easily blocks it, then proceeds to pin him down. Sayoku then commends his opponent for his fighting skills as well, but says that Caliber has a bad judge of character. He tells him that ranking and power do not always match up in a battle, thus why he calls him premature for thinking he already had an advantage at the start of the fight. He then states that the same could be said about his poor leadership skills as Sayoku deduces that Caliber didn't sense the defeats of most of his comrades. Sayoku then sarcastically states that his opponents has served his purpose and beheads the Arrancar. Afterwards, he is alerted by the destruction of one of the pillars, leading to Ikkaku's defeat. He then looks on as his captain defeats Ikkaku's opponent with his Bankai before briefly turning his attention over to Tōsen.

After the fight begins between Hisagi and Ayon, Sayoku joins up with Yasmin and Tetsuzaemon Iba, suggesting that the latter two attack from the high ground while Sayoku acts as a decoy. After some convincing, Iba and Yasmin reluctantly agree as the three of them prepare to join the fight. Sayoku moves to stand a fair distance behind Ayon as he prepares to attack him with Yasmin following him for a second attack. He moves fast enough to cut him from the side of his right leg, but before he can attack him again, Ayon lifts his leg up to dodge his next attack, rotates it backwards, and severely injures him with a single kick. He gets back up shortly to make another attempt after Iba gets attacked, but Ayon grabs him and fires another Cero before letting him fall.

Sayoku is among the injured Shinigami being healed by Jungo Yukimura and Izuru Kira while Sajin Komamura stands by the barrier as a guard. Sometime later, he wakes up and wonders where Komamura is. He then rushes over to his captain's location to see Tōsen who had just been impaled by Hisagi. With Tōsen returned to his normal form, Komamura tells him that they knew they would cross blades eventually, and that Tōsen then apologizes to them all, asking if they forgive him, though Sayoku looks away and does not answer. He then tells Hisagi and Sayoku that he wants to see their faces, and that he can see in his Hollowification form, which surprises the latter. Upset and on the verge of tears, Sayoku then asks why he left them behind, but before then he can respond, Tōsen explodes, splattering blood across the rubble.

Some time following Aizen's defeat, Sayoku meets up with both Komamura and Hisagi, having decided that the three of them need to talk. After Komamura explains Tōsen's reasons for leaving Soul Society, Sayoku thanks his captain for being a good friend to his brother until the very end. He also tells Hisagi that he should never let anyone, including Sayoku himself, speak ill of Tōsen. Sayoku later visits the grave of Tōsen's deceased friend. He states to himself that while he doesn't like the actions taken by his brother, he now understands why he took them. He then expresses his disappoint at Central 46 for playing a part in his brother's corruption and makes a vow that he will change the system of Soul Society one day. 5 months later, Sayoku finally obtains Bankai.

### Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)

Sayoku, along with the captains, lieutenants, and other high ranking Shinigami, are called to the Sōkyoku Hill under the belief that they have been summoned by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. The truth is that a rogue Zanpakutō Spirit named Muramasa has called them together. He reveals to the Shinigami that he has captured Yamamoto and released all the Zanpakutō of the Soul Society from their spiritual bonds to their Shinigami partners. This is then proven true when all the Zanpakutō spirits appear in manifested and humanoid forms. The Zanpakutō Spirits begin causing much chaos and destruction in Soul Society. Later, Sayoku is walking through Rukongai. After noticing that 3rd seat "Sasuke Sōko" has been knocked out, he senses the presence of Kagekitsume. As Sayoku prepares to fight his Zanpakutō, Kagekitsume reveals that he has no plans on returning to his master. He questions if Sayoku has truly found a purpose in his life before he activates his Shikai.

The two battle, with the fight initially in Kagekitsume's favor. The Zanpakutō spirit reminds Sayoku of Tōsen's leaving Soul Society and later questions Sayoku on his awareness of Tōsen's reason for leaving. However, Sayoku claims that it doesn't matter what Tōsen's reason was for leaving, stating he will not let his brother's actions define him and refuses to make the same mistake. After regaining his Shikai, he tells Kagekitsume that while he does not like fighting, he knows how to use "their" strength to fight for the right cause. Upon defeating his Zanpakutō spirit, Sayoku reveals that his purpose is to show real leadership and set an example for others, but he can not do so without Kagekitsume's help. After returning to sword form, Kagekitsume, freed from Muramasa's control, states that they will lead and become stronger together. Later, Sayoku gets taken over to the 4th Division for treatment.

After recovering, he joins his fellow Shinigami in the Human World to fight Muramasa again. Both he and Kagekitsume fight the numerous Hollows which arise from Muramasa's unstable form.

### Beast swords arc (anime only)

Sayoku talk with Yasmin Kuronuno about Kōga Kuchiki's rash decisions, believing that it was another issue with noble standing, similar to the events with Rukia's execution.

Sayoku, along with a number of other officers of the Gotei 13 and their Zanpakutō confront Zabimaru and Senbonzakura when they accidentally destroy the buildings of the SRDI. Like many other Shinigami, Sayoku has his Zanpakutō return to its original form when Kagekitsume runs out of Reiryoku from helping defeat the final Tōjū.

### Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)

Alongside other members of the Gotei 13, Sayoku appears in the Human World as they, escaping the Dangai, fend off Kagerōza Inaba. After fending off Inaba and forcing him to retreat, Sayoku joins other members of the Gotei 13 as they hold a meeting in Ichigo's room. When they are stationed in the Real World, Sayoku leads Takanami and June to face off against their Reigai counterparts in the streets of Karakura Town. While Sayoku and his doppelganger appear to be evenly matched, Reigai-Sayoku criticizes his original for not having true leadership skills, in an attempt to make Sayoku lose focus and gain the upper hand. However, this only results in the reigai getting knocked back as Sayoku maintains the focus and finds an opening to attack. Sayoku remarks that his opponent was just getting cocky with himself, stating that they both know he shows little remorse for those who treat having leadership skills as a game, though his Reigai still manages to outsmart him and knock him down while stating he needs "real strength" to be a leader. When he notices Takanami and June have both been pushed back, Sayoku realizes that they're at a disadvantage and tries calling out to his comrades shortly before passing out. Overpowered by the Reigai, they are saved by the invention of "Zhí-Fēng", who takes the 4th seats over to the Urahara Shop to be treated.

Sayoku participates in a meeting in Ichigo's room, where he listens to Lieutenant Nanao Ise reporting on the situation in Soul Society. Later, Sayoku, Yasmin, and Takanami arrive to the battle between the lieutenants and the Reigai captains. Sayoku goes to assist lieutenants Iba and Rangiku Matsumoto against Reigai-Komamura. He then attempts to perform a sneak attack on Reigai-Komamura's Bankai, which proves effective. However, the Reigai quickly overwhelms them and they are forced back to join their allies. Seeing how bad the situation is, it is decided they rely on Nozomi's newly acquired Shikai and its ability to absorb and redirect Reiatsu. Sayoku states that they should give her a chance. They launch their attacks on Nozomi, who then directs the accumulated energy on the Reigai, defeating all except Reigai-Byakuya, who retaliates with a blast of his own that knocks out everyone except for Ichigo and Nozomi. Yamamoto then makes his arrival and defeats the last Reigai.

As the Reigai of Kyōraku and Ukitake arrive, an unconscious Sayoku, along with the other injured Shinigami, are taken to June and Orihime to be healed. With the arrival of Captain Unohana, Sayoku and the others are taken to the Shinigami's temporary base where she treats them. However, she states that their condition is severe. He later recovers and returns to Soul Society with the other healed Shinigami to fight the Reigai with the captains. He once again faces his own Reigai counterpart. Despite this assistance, the Reigai still pressure the Shinigami. Captain Byakuya Kuchiki then realizes the truth behind the Reigai's battle style: they value self-preservation the most and won't attack first in fear of being outnumbered.

Later, the resurrected Ōko Yushima begins his endgame, using his **Renzan: Hajō Kūri** technique to begin destroying the Soul Society. Before the Shinigami can act, the Reigai step forward, saying that they will stop their fellow Mod-Soul's chaotic plan as their goal has always been to protect the Soul Society in their own way. The Reigai then destroy the technique at the cost of their own lives.

### The Thousand-Year Blood War arc

When the Wandenreich invade Seireitei, Sayoku and "Sasuke Sōko", alongside their superiors, go out to deal with the invaders. After heading out, Sayoku and the others stay close to their captain while Komamura confronts Bambietta Basterbine. He and the others listen on as Komamura explains that they need to find a way to counter the Wandenreich's ability to seal away Bankai if she decides to do so. However, before Sayoku can respond, he is greatly surprised as Komamura's Bankai is stolen rather than sealed.

Some point later, he and the rest of the 7th Division are found to be lying on the ground from having difficulty fighting against Bambietta Basterbine. When Captain-Commander Yamamoto is detected to be heading to the front lines, Komamura orders Sayoku and the rest of the division to stand up. Rallied by Komamura's words on how shameful it is for the members for the Gotei 13 to be lying down while the Captain-Commander is at the front lines, Sayoku and the other Shinigami quickly rise up.

Sayoku and Sasuke then decide to head out to the battlefield........

Sasuke uses his Shikai

The Quincy knocks Sasuke out

Sayoku senses a dramatic decrease in his captain's Reiatsu after the latter's battle with Bambietta, and thinks that Komamura is dead.

Sayoku decides to activate his Bankai, Tettsui Kagekitsume, for the first time against the Quincy and smashes him down, ultimately defeating him.

Sometime at the end of the war, Iba notes that Sayoku is not the first non-captain to hide their true strength (referring to Ikkaku), with Sayoku explaining his reasons for it.

(He states that he didn't want to activate it during the first invasion at the risk of it getting stolen by another Quincy. He adds that when he did activate it, he already took a risk at killing himself with his Bankai's explosive power, let alone getting it stolen, not knowing if he would be able to control it properly anyway.)

(He also reveals that in his regards to a lesson that Tōsen taught when he was younger, he wanted to die on the battlefield, knowing that he could live up to his duties as a Shinigami and more, believing that the only death he could except from himself is one where his purpose was fulfilled.)

Ten years after the defeat of Yhwach, Sayoku has become the 7th Division 3rd seat under Tetsuzaemon Iba. He is training with his captain and some of their squad members atop a cliff-side training ground. After Iba jumps off the cliff, Sayoku tells the others to take their time before following suit. He then states to Iba that he'll quickly demonstrate the jump one more time to the others before making his way over to the 1st Division barracks for Rukia Kuchiki's promotion to captain of the 13th Division.

### Echoing Jaws of Hell arc

Twelve years after the defeat of Yhwach, Sayoku........

## Powers & Abilities

**Master Swordsman**: Sayoku is a highly skilled swordsman in combat. Sayoku is one of a few Shinigami who can use dual-wielding in Shikai and his skills had previously earned him the position of the 11th Division's 7th Seat. Even when ranked a 4th seat officer, he is capable of holding his own against fighters of Arrancar-level such as Caliber Crossco. He is also one of the only seated officers known to have attained Bankai, which Iba notes makes him the second strongest member of their division.

* **Hook Mastery**: He can use the swords in his Zanpakutō's Shikai for a variety of techniques in battle. Sayoku typically holds both swords of his Shikai in a reverse grip, but occasionally holds them forward. He can either fight with his swords separately or lock them together to create a longer weapon to use in close-range combat against opponents.

**Hakuda Expert**: Sayoku is highly proficient when fighting unarmed. He often resorts to hand-to-hand combat whenever it is needed or when he is testing out his opponent's physical strength. He has shown himself to effectively use this in conjunction with his sword skills. Sayoku's unique form of fighting implements various power moves used in breakdancing.

**Expert Strategist & Tactician**: Sayoku shows himself to be very perceptive and insightful. He was able to determine that Kaname Tōsen was hiding something from him, although he was not aware of Tōsen's agenda with Aizen, and he easily deduced Yasmin Kuronuno's true motives during their fight. In battle, he is very capable of gauging an opponent's skills and attack patterns, even finding ways to use the opponent's techniques against them. He also possesses strong fighting instincts and leadership skills in response to danger.

**Shunpo Expert**: Sayoku is highly skilled in Shunpo, allowing him to arrive at Yasmin's location and stop her from attacking Yachiru Kusajishi. He is proficient enough to keep up with an Arrancar like Caliber Crossco, and he is able to dodge a vast majority of multiple Bala blasts from the latter's arrows.

**High Spiritual Power**: Despite being a 3rd seat and former 4th seat of the Gotei 13, Sayoku boasts a high level of spiritual power. When "Desmino Hanke" briefly blinded him, Sayoku used his spiritual sense to "see" his movements and later used Bankai to defeat the Quincy. His Reiatsu is orange.

**Enhanced Endurance**: Sayoku has a high level of stamina that allows him to withstand head-on attacks. This is evidenced by his ability to take several critical hits from an Arrancar while still effectively countering his attacks. He was also able to take a direct kick from Ayon.

**Enhanced Strength**: Sayoku has a considerable amount of strength. He is capable of kicking a large boulder over a far distance with little to no effort. He easily sent Kagekitsume flying into a solid wall with a single knee strike.

## Zanpakutō:

**Kagekitsume** (過激爪, Radical Claws): The sealed form of **Kagekitsume** looks like a normal katana with an orange gear-shaped tsuba and a black handle.

* **Shikai**: Sayoku's zanpakutō is released by the command **"Ensnare"** (引っ掛ける, *hikkakeru*). The Shikai of **Kagekitsume** is unusual in that Sayoku has to pull out his sheath, and hold out both the sheath and the sword before activating Shikai. When released, they take the form of two Chinese hook swords. Each one has a curved claw-like hook at the end, a small crescent guard next to he hilt with a cutting edge on the inside, and black cloth-wrapping around the handle.

***Shikai Special Ability***: Sayoku's sword works in a unique way where the two individual blades of his Shikai can be used separately or at once through use of the hooks. They can be used for locking the opponent's sword in place or locking with each other to create a longer sword. In the case of the latter, the combined distance increases and while Sayoku swings by holding the handle of one sword, the guard on the other can be used to slash an opponent, though Sayoku is also quite capable of decapitating an opponent with both guards at once by holding the swords backwards.

* **Bankai**: **Tettsui Kagekitsume** (鉄槌過激爪, Iron Mallet Radical Claws): To activate it, he holds up both swords of his Shikai in the same manner as he did with its sealed form and says Bankai. It takes the form of what appears to resemble a combination of a meteor hammer and a Ōtsuchi hammer........

He has bright orange eyes with dark outlines/ wearing a a specially designed suit or armor over his uniform/ no sleeves.....

***Bankai Special Ability***: Sayoku's Bankai works quite differently from his Shikai. In addition to the increase in power, his Bankai can work for both long-range and short-range attacks.

## Weaknesses

#### Combat

**Kidō**: Out of respect for his former division, Squad 11, Sayoku never developed any skill in the use of Kidō.

#### Zanpakutō

**Recoil (Bankai)**: The burst of explosive energy from using both hammers at once is powerful enough to send Sayoku flying back, despite him already being a far distance away from the explosion.

## Trivia

* The theme song chosen for Sayoku is "Who's theme" by artist Nujabes featuring musician Minmi.
* While initially starting out as a single blade in its sealed form like those of most Shinigami, Sayoku's Zanpakutō becomes two completely separate blades in its Shikai.

## Quotes

* (To Caliber Crossco): "*Your victories are determined by how well you can lead your comrades in battle, take charge, plan ahead, and use any tactics necessary that fit well for the whole team. If you can not show true leadership skills for those depending on you, and instead choose to run away from your responsibilities, then you can not be considered a real leader.*"
* (To Shūhei Hisagi): "*If you truly looked up to my brother Kaname like I did, then promise me this: Don't ever let anyone speak ill of him, including me.*"
* (Thinking about his beliefs): "*I've been taught many things in my life: starting and finishing my own battles, showing moral obligation and compassion towards my comrades, fighting for the right causes. But in the end, I just wanted to have a purpose fulfilled in my life, by living up to my duties as a Shinigami and more. Only after I have done that would I have the right to die on the battlefield.* "
* (To Tetsuzaemon Iba when asked why he kept his Bankai hidden): "*Sorry, Lieutenant Iba, but I don't consider myself captain-material. My strength* *isn't there yet. But the biggest challenge has been working pass my brother's* *betrayal. When the time comes where I have to lead, I want to be ready. So please, just give me some more time.*"