Much like the fan-favorite Substitute Shinigami, Urahara resides within the Human Realm (and keeps a wide berth from Soul Society), preferring to live out his days in (relative) peace by running a Shinigami-friendly convenience store in Karakura Town. Do not allow the deception of his appearance and menial position to take root, as the laid-back Mr. Hat-and-Clogs is one of the most powerful forces in existence.
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Urahara’s Amazing Aptitude
Urahara could quite possibly be the most intelligent man around; he has already claimed that title according to the Aizen (who has a genius-level intellect himself.) His keen perception translates beautifully into thorough strategizing, making him a mastermind who always thinks three steps ahead. This man of mystery is deadly even without a weapon, as he spent many years perfecting his skills in unarmed combat, and, much like Mayuri, he rarely requires his Zanpakuto to get the job done. Urahara can also move at the speed of light, is capable of keeping up with even the great Yoruichi, and can replace himself with a Gigai replica in the blink of an eye.
Mr. Hat-and-Clogs is also an expert at delivering an all-out Hado assault, defending with Bakudo, or treating wounds with his Kaido capabilities; a master of magic. His Kido skills are almost unmatched, and he rarely needs to utter a word (never mind an entire incantation like many others) to activate the effects of the spellwork. Despite his vast power, Urahara ensures to keep his swordsmanship up-to-scratch, and this highly-skilled warrior also has multiple Shikai techniques, including:
Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame
Urahara is a rare breed of Shinigami that is not accompanied by a Zanpakuto of the same gender, and, when he calls upon his Bankai, the stunning Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame gets to come out and play. This colossal marionette-type woman fights independently from the shopkeeper, who uses his original weapon during battles. Fortunately, Urahara’s Bankai also grants him the god-like ability to virtually reconstruct anything he makes contact with by essentially creating LEGO blocks out of his surroundings (inanimate or otherwise.)
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With Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame by his side, any foe that Urahara touches faces near-instant dismemberment, if he is feeling particularly sadistic that day. Alternatively, the former Captain can manipulate and rebuild objects to improve their strength and structure (such as enhancing armor) or clear a pathway through whatever obstacles are blocking a possible escape. He has the bonus healing potential of repairing breakages (including wounds), however, the effects of his Bankai are not permanent, and also only last whilst in his Zanpakuto’s range.
More Than Just a Pretty Bankai
Urahara regularly helped Ichigo to transform into his Shinigami state before he acquired the adequate equipment for the job, and provided a safe haven of sorts for the inexperienced fighters back in the day. The Urahara Shop is a reliable source of supplies for the rogue Shinigami team, not to mention an endless well of wisdom for when Rukia and Ichigo find themselves in a pickle.
This easy-going mastermind teaches Rukia everything she needs to know about the Quincy and even gives her a unique, untraceable Gigai, and unintentionally gifts her Kon, too. He helps Sado (aka Chad) and Orihime get acquainted with the supernatural world once their powers are revealed and personally prepares Ichigo for his first visit to Seireitei (which is the catalyst for the Substitute Shinigami’s first Hollow transformation.)
All that being said, most of the events in Bleach would not have occurred without Urahara’s Keikaigi skills, which allow him to create a passageway between the realms known as a Garganta. The over-experienced merchant helped Ichigo and his friends travel into Seireitei and Hueco Mundo (the first time around) and has returned in the Thousand Year Blood War to provide safe passage once again (and more!)
The Fall of Kisuke Urahara
Viewers may notice that this particular Shinigami does not wear the traditional uniform of the Gotei 13, but is evidently powerful enough to qualify for a position. Well, he once did, as the Captain of the 12th Division and Commander of the Detention Unit, Urahara held quite a significant status among the Soul Reapers. Unfortunately, about a century ago, his curious mind picked up the wrong scent, and his investigations began to encroach upon Aizen’s treasonous territory, which was bound to uncover his sinister plans.
Through some careful manipulation, Aizen managed to frame both Urahara and the Kidō Corps Captain, Tessai Tsukabishi, for the villainous hollowfications that had recently been discovered. The pair were subjected to a trial, but nothing about it was fair, and so the faithful Yoruichi took matters into her own hands. The fearless femme fatal rescued them from the middle of the ill-fated interrogation, and she made her escape to the Human World along with Urahara and Tessai (and a few others), where they all currently remain exiled today.
Yoruichi may be a wandering soul who is always off on her own mission, but she never strays too far from her bestie, Urahara. This feisty feline may have been defeated by Aizen in Fake Karakura Town, however, the Bleach novel, “We Do Not Always Love You” confirms that she survived the ordeal. Sandal-hat’s appearance in the Thousand Year Blood War has prompted viewers to be on the lookout for her striking purple hair (or black, depending on her chosen form), as Urahara and Yoruichi rarely pass up the opportunity to hang out together!
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