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Sōsuke Aizen took it upon himself to rank his new subordinates but based his assessments on their reiatsu output (or spirit energy level) alone, without really taking their strength, abilities, or Resurrección into account. The Espada’s assigned number (ranging from 0-9) is, therefore, not a clear-cut indication of their potency on the battlefield (particularly when the final forms come out to play.)
9 Szayelaporro Granz: Octava (8th)
Status: Deceased (courtesy of Mayuri)
Zanpakutō: Fornicarás
Resurrección: This weapons specialist is also apparently an accomplished sword swallower because that is the technique Szayelaporro uses to activate his Resurrección, which causes him to blow up like an ominous balloon. Globuous protrusions emerge from his back, each oozing with purple gloop, which can create a clone of whomever it makes contact with, and this copycat will possess all the unique abilities of the original body.
Szayelaporro can also make mini-voodoo dolls of his victims that will reflect the damage it receives back onto their corresponding counterparts (and the sadistic scientist loves to specifically target their organs). He can also create a cocoon of sorts out of his enemy’s body, rehabilitating himself within and bursting forth, born anew and revitalized (with fatal consequences for the host).
8 Zommari Rureaux: Séptima (7th)
Status: Deceased (at Byakuya’s hand)
Zanpakutō: Brujería
This bulking Arracar’s Sonído skills are so astute that he can essentially create up to five clones of himself as a result of his incredible speed (in much the same way that Yoruichi can.)
Resurrección: Zommari’s release form incorporatesBrujería, which transforms along with its wielder and encapsulates his lower half in a spherical all-seeing pink structure while his torso becomes completely covered in eyeballs.
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Anything within his extensive sight of vision will subsequently fall under Zommiri’s control, with each peeper holding authority over one specific target. Similar to Soifon’s Shikai, those affected will receive a floral sun-shaped symbol on whichever body part has fallen victim to his gaze, and he can only govern their entire body if the enemy’s head (and therefore, mind) is scrutinized.
7 Aaroniero Arruruerie: Noveno (9th)
Status: Deceased (killed by Rukia)
Zanpakutō: Glotonería
This curious creature can consume the corpse of a Hollow and subsequently absorb its Reiatsu along with any special powers it may have had, and there is no boundary to Aaroniero’s potential as he can continue this process indefinitely (unless someone intervenes.) This Arrancar can completely obliterate Zanpakutos simply by making contact with the blade and can telepathically distribute information to large groups with ease.
Resurrección: If Aaronierodidn’t already look strange enough, he becomes even more grotesque in his upgraded form, which is more teeth and tentacles than anything else. The new HP Lovecraft look is empowered with the ability to draw upon the powers of every devoured soul stored within, of which there are allegedly 33,650 victims to monopolize.
6 Tier Harribel: Tres (3rd)
Status: Alive (but taken hostage by Yhwach)
Cero: Harribel’s yellow Cero stems from her blade and follows the wide arc of her sword’s swipe.
Zanpakutō: Tiburón
Resurrección: With this new-and-improved Shark-inspired look, Harribel has the ability to produce and manipulate water, and, with her Reiryoku-infused sword, she can fire powerful energy projectiles at her foes (up to three at a time.)
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Lady Halibel can raise the temperature of surrounding water and therefore nullify most ice-based attacks with ease, and can even create a tsunami-styled wave from her blade with enough force to put any Waterbender to shame. Additionally, the Queen of Hueco Mundo can launch larger shark-tooth-shaped water bullets from her Zanpakuto, which can be discharged at a rapid rate.
5 Yammy Llargo: Cero (0)
Status: Unconfirmed (left for dead)
Yammy is a particularly dangerous Hollow because he can siphon the souls from living beings and use their spirit energy to enhance his own; however, those with enough Reiryoku can negate this attack.
Cero: He can launch a potent red blast capable of creating a chasm in the ground.
Zanpakutō: Ira
Resurrección: Generally speaking, Yammy claims the 10th ranking position in the Espada but ascends to the top spot (0) when his Resurrección comes out to play. The already-large brute proceeds to expand to behemoth proportions and gets the corresponding boost in strength in the process. Yammy’s Cero is also more lethal and has a broader reach, while his power potential seems to be uncapped, increasing incrementally depending on how enraged this monstrosity gets.
4 Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez: Sexta (6th)
Status: Alive
Cero: This rebel is known for firing his red Cero at point-blank range with lethal consequences, and Grimmjow also has his blue Gran Rey Cero at his disposal (although Aizen would prefer he didn’t.)
Zanpakutō: Pantera
Resurrección: Grimmjow certainly sends out some strong big cat vibes with his release form while throwing destructive sound amplification attacks into the mix. The handsome panther is apparently also an explosives expert who can simultaneously produce up to five miniature missiles from his elbow to catch his opponent unawares. His most proficient attack, however, is Desgarrón, whereby Grimmjow’s claws become elongated Reishi blades that can be propelled at his foes, with ten projectiles at his disposal.
3 Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck: Former Tres (3rd)
Status: Alive
Cero Doble: Whether in her child form or fully-grown state, Nel can essentially swallow an incoming Cero and redirect it back at her attacker. Adult Nelliel can add to that attack with her own Cero, enhancing its potency significantly.
Zanpakutō: Gamuza
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Resurrección: Taking inspiration from Greek Mythology, Nelliel transforms into a centaur-type beast empowered by a colossal lance and a no-nonsense attitude. It can be thrust through the air at blistering speed with enough angular momentum to become an oversized drill bit that is nearly impossible to evade. However, this particular skill is not used often, as Nelliel prefers peaceful reconciliation to unnecessary conflict.
2 Ulquiorra Cipher: Cuatro (4th)
Status: Deceased (during the Hollow Ichigo battle)
Cero: He releases fast-charging green energy blasts with ambidextrous capabilities.
Zanpakutō: Murciélago
Resurrección: Ulquiorra is the only known Espada to have two Resurrección release forms, both of which adopt strong vampiric, bat-like qualities in appearance. While in this state, this overpowered emo can produce viridescent energy spears out of thin air that explode on contact, much like a lightning strike, but with a much wider range of destruction.
While powered up, Ulquiorra’s Cero becomes as dark as his soul and takes on similar qualities to Ichigo’s iconic Getsuga Tenshō attack. He can also become a Dementor of sorts by sapping the joy from his surroundings, spreading melancholy and misery in his wake.
1 Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck: Primera (1st)
Status: Deceased (thanks to Shunsui)
Cero: Hecan fire a blue Cero in quick succession without having to strike a pose first.
Zanpakutō: Los Lobos
Resurrección: Unlike most of the warriors in Bleach, Starrk does not often brandish a blade but rather opts for duel-wielding pistols (although his weapons essentially hold Lilynette within, who is still sentient and conscious in this form.)
Starrk can fire up to a thousand Ceros from his new weaponry with about as much speed as a machine gun, or he can conform to tradition by invoking enough spirit energy to create a pair of swords (similar to a Quincy’s.) As a last resort, this deadly duo can trade these in for a pack of wolf spirits to tear apart their enemies on command.
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