Personality

Soifon is a very loyal and honourable person. At the very core of her personality, she is a dedicated worker who believes in traditions and a strict lawful system of life. She is unwavering in her beliefs on the surface, and tries to stand up as an example for her followers. At times she can act very waspish in her remarks on others behaviour. Despite this, she heads the 2nd division, which is composed of covert operatives who act as soul societies espionage and intelligence gathering experts, and if need be, assassins. Outwardly she appears very reserved and dedicated, but in moments of great import she breaks and becomes a very insecure in her abilities. This goes doubly so when she meets her former captain Yoruichi Shihouin whom she has idolised since she was a child and felt a great honour serving under. This is actually an important part of her character: she has a great respect for Yoruichi Shihouin that borders on obsession: Yoruichi was her stereotypical fairy tale princess when growing up that she always saw from afar. She was overcome with joy when she gained a place serving her in her court. When she got to know the real Yoruichi however, she was astounded at her lack of tact past public formalities and always tried to get her to act like the princess she envisioned, which Yoruichi resisted. Yoruichi's betrayal and exile from soul society damaged Soifon irrevocably and left lasting mental scars.

History

Soifon is from the Fon house. Her real name is Shaoilin Fon. The Fon house has always served the Shihouin noble house for generations, and Shaolin is no exception. She adopted the codename Soifon as a mark of respect to her grandmother who also bore the name. Her family rules and traditions are very harsh: any member of the family who does not graduate and serve the Shihouin clan in the 12 protection squads, and the special forces in particular, is exiled from the family. This practice puts a horrid pressure on their children. Shaolin was no exception: she always tried her best, terrified of losing her family and becoming dishonored. Her brothers all died after graduating on their early missions, leaving Shaolin as the only surviving child of her generation.

Her practice of hardwork eventually paid off, and she gained a position as the head of the guard for her heroine Youichi, who took a shine to her. She adopted her as her protege: an unheard of honor beforehand and one that Soifon initially found very hard to accept. Over time Yoriichi broke through her servile shell and made a connection with the inner Shaolin, helping her break out of the shell her family had instilled in her and become her own woman. The two shared a special bond akin to sisters.

When Yoruichi left soul society to save her friend Kisuke, Shaolin was left feeling abandoned and confused, angry more at the fact Yoruichi betrayed the promise that they would be together as best friends forever, than the fact she betrayed soul society. She then went on to train herself mercilessly to try and surpass Yoruichi, defeat her and earn the titles she was stripped of.

Appearance

Soifon tends to look very reserved in her normal captain robes. She wears her hair short for the most part except for two tails of hair that are bound behind her head, one behind each shoulder. This choice of hair is practical both for modesty and because she is a hand to hand combatant, and long hair might get in the way during combat or obscure vision.

Beneath her robes she wears the female Captains leather armour which is tight fitting and designed for manoeuvrability, it has no sleeves or covering on the back. The reason for this is revealed in her fight with Yoruichi Shihouin, whom designed it: she had designed the 2nd division leaders attire for the use of a special technique known as flash cry, which creates a burning fire across the users back which allows for blasts of energy and protection, like two burning energy wings. This would destroy normal clothing.

Abilities

Like her tutor and friend Yoruichi, Soifon is a master physical combatant who prefers to use hand to hand techniques to defeat her opponents. Her Zanpaktou displays this in its form: becoming a claw-like stinger that covers the middle finger of the hand which automatically kills any opponent who is struck by it twice in the same general area.

She also possesses the standard shinigami abilities that come as part of being a spirit being: the ability to walk on air and use Kidou (demon magic). In the 'real world' she is also able to pass through physical objects as a spirit being.

Zanpaktou

Soifons Zanpaktou is named Suzumebachi, or 'Hornet' in its translated form. This is likely in reference to her very hierarchical and 'wasplike' view of society and rules and regulations, as well as her waspish temperament.

As a normal sword it appears as a Wakazashi with a hilt that looks akin to a chinese Dao sword.

Once in its Shikai released form, it becomes a stinger which is worn as a half glove that covers the palm and the middle finger, the middle finger becomes covered by a metal claw/stinger which can be used to strike at an opponent. The release command is 'sting all enemies to death'. Any opponent struck by this stinger gains a mark that lasts for a long period of time by Soifons will. if struck again in that area they automatically die. It is explained that this is caused by a type of venom it secretes, this is also able to work as an anti-venom, as long as Soifon does not strike an poisoned area twice.

Her Bankai release is unknown, but as a Captain it is safe to assume she has one.