Bleach: Who is Kirio Hikifune?

Bleach is a popular shonen series that started on 5 October 2004. It is known for its character designs, intense fights, and a storyline that kept the fans hooked for years. From its plethora of characters, there is one that stands out: Kirio Hikifune, a member of the enigmatic Royal Guard, also known as the Zero Division. She also holds the title of Master of Grain. Despite her limited screentime, her contribution to the Soul Society has been monumental and is, therefore, adored by fans.

Kirio Hikifune was a former captain of the 12th Division in the Gotei 13. This was before Kisuke Urahara was appointed to this position. As a captain, Kirio was highly respected and loved by her subordinates and fellow captains. Due to an undisclosed reason, she left her position. But most of the people were told that she had retired.

However, it was later revealed that she had left because Kirio was offered a better position. She was promoted to the Royal Guard, a group of elite Soul Reapers directly serving the Soul King. This fact was kept a secret because of the classified nature that comes with the job requirement. The promotion was seen as an honor because she got a spot among the five most powerful and influential Soul Reapers.

The Zero Division is also called the Royal Guard. Being a part of this squad meant the person should devote their life to protecting the Soul King and maintaining the balance between the worlds. They are supposed to safeguard the very existence of reality itself. Kirio Hikifune was given the responsibility of creating artificial souls (Gikongan). They were used in combat and reconnaissance.

Her character in Bleach has undergone a significant visual change. Initially, she appears as a plump, jolly woman and emits a motherly vibe. Her onscreen presence was comforting, it was seen when she welcomed Ichigo and his friends to the Royal Palace. However, Kirio transforms, emerging as a slim, elegant woman with a regal appearance.

This was possible because she was merging her spiritual energy into food, which caused her body to swell. When she did not eat any food with spiritual energy or had exhausted her powers, her appearance changed to look much slimmer than before.

During the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, she played an important role. After the Wandenreich attack on the Seireitei, Ichigo and Renji are sent to the Royal Palace to train and prepare for the battle against Yhwach and his army. It was Kirio Hikifune who was responsible for their fast development. She provides them with spiritually-enhanced meals to ensure that they recover faster.

It might look like a small contribution, but this helped Ichigo and Renji reach the level required to face the Quincy invasion. It proved that she was good at her role as a Royal Guard because she was more than just a fighter. She even became a pillar upon which the Soul Society was built.

Kirio Hikifune’s abilities and powers in Bleach

As a member of the Zero Division, Kirio Hikifune was immensely powerful, far beyond the capabilities of regular Soul Reapers. Her signature ability was cooking food infused with spirit particles, which can drastically increase the power and recovery rate of anyone who eats it. It allowed anyone to undergo intense training without worrying about being able to recover from it.

She can also weave spiritual particles into physical objects, including clothing items that become a good defensive barrier. Kirio makes a special garment called Shihakushō (Soul Reaper robe) for Ichigo to help him stabilize his spiritual presence.

Similar to other high-level Soul Reapers, Kirio has an overwhelming spiritual pressure. Though the series does not show it during her combats, it is heavily implied that she can easily fend off strong enemies.

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In conclusion, Kirio Hikifune in Bleach has symbolized the power of knowledge and motherly nurturing nature. Moreover, she is one of the few characters who is openly strong. As the anime series is continuing with the Thousand-Year Blood War, fans hope to see more of her and see her in her full potential as a member of the Zero Division.

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