Espada

Bio

The Espada (十刃, (エスパーダ), Esupāda; Spanish for "Sword", Japanese for "Ten Blades")

There are only ten Espada at a time and they are the most powerful Arrancar. Each Espada member is chosen for their superior combat ability and then assigned a number from 1 to 10 (1 presumably being the strongest) that indicates their rank and relative power level, which is tattooed somewhere on their body. They are extremely strong and are on a Soul Reaper Captain level of power. Ulquiorra has a second resurrection. It is not known if the other Espada have a second resurrection too. The second resurrection puts Ulquiorra beyond even Ichigo with the power of bankai and vizard. Each member of the Espada represents a different aspect of death. In CFYOW, It was stated the Espada held millions of Souls and it was also stated that if they were to die(3 Espada), the balance of the worlds would be broken.

Being Aizen's most direct subordinates, the Espada are privy to several of Aizen's plans, such as his goals of destroying Karakura Town and creating the King's Key and the location of the Hogyku within Las Noches. Aizen's respect for Espada's abilities is reflected in their manner of addressing them, sitting at the head of the same table with them, while discussing the events.

Aizen merely treats the Espada as tools. In accordance with this, Aizen is not at all distressed over the deaths of the Espada and calmly congratulates the intruders in Las Noches for their victories against the Espada as he leaves for Karakura Town.

Line up changes

Grimmjow's arm was cut off as punishment by Kaname Tosen. Because of that Grimmjow was dismissed from the Espada and Luppi was then accepted in his place. Soon after, Grimmjow's lost arm was regenerated by Orihime Inoue, and Grimmjow killed Luppi to regain his spot as the sixth Espada. When Yammy use his released form his number change from 10 to Zero. Grimmjow, Nelliel, Luppi, and Tier are the remaining members of the Espada.

Members

The members of the Espada are ranked in power, each Espada member has their own tattoo representing their power level and rank somewhere on their body. Each Espada has their own aspect of Death.

History

The creation of the Espada was one of Aizen's great goals. The original Espada already existed before Aizen's defection from the Soul Society and acqusition of the Hogyoku. Since then, the Espada rankings and composition has changed.

At the past at a point, Nnoitra Gilga was the 8th Espada while Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck was the third Espada and Syazel wasn't a member at all. During this time, Aizen often sent the Espada to search for Vasto Lorde level members.

Before his Death, Aaroniero Arruruerie was the sole member of the current Espada who was also part of the First Generation Espada. He was the only Gillian-Class Espada to obtain the rank 'Espada'. Most we Adjucha class or Vasto Lorde.

Powers and Techniques

• Caja Negacion (反膜の匪 (カハ・ネガシオン), kaha negashion; Spanish for "Negation Box", Japanese for "Anti-Membrane of Negation") Is a variant of the Gillian exclusive Negacion used to punish lower class Arrancar by trapping them eternally in a dimension. However if used on an Espada, it will only last a few hours. The reaitsu they obtain is to much for the dimension.
• Cero Oscuras (黒虚閃 (セロ・オスキュラス), sero osukyurasu; Spanish for "Dark Zero", Japanese for "Black Hollow Flash") is a Cero variant which uses an order of magnitude of power compared to a regular cero and is used by an Espada in their release state.
• Gran Rey Cero (王虚の閃光 (グラン・レイ・セロ), guran rei sero; Spanish for "Grand King Zero", Japanese for "Royal Hollow Flash") is a Cero mixed with the users blood to increase the damage casualties of the cero. The result of the attack is strong enough to disrupt the fabric of space. It is forbidden to use a Gran Rey Cero while under the canopy of Las Noches

Trivia

• In the Anime when Shawlong Kufang describes the Espada, 11 silhouettes are shown when they are actually 10 Espada.
• While not an Espada, Wonderweiss Margela is classified to have Espada level Spiritual Energy
• In bleach CFYOW, Luppi's aspect of death is revealed to be destruction like Grimmjow
• In BBS, Nellies aspect of death is shown to be lamentation.