The 13 Soul Reaper captains.







The 13 Soul Reaper lieutenants.







Soul Reaper court divisions


The Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊 goteijūsantai?, "13 Division Imperial Guards", or "13 Court Guard Squads" (in the English dubbed version), is the central organization which most Soul Reapers join. It is split into thirteen divisions, some of which have certain specializations. The 4th Division, for example, is the medical/supply division, while the 12th Division is the research/scientific division. Other military-forces exist apart from the Gotei 13 and serve more specialized capacities. The Kidō Corps (鬼道衆 kidōshū?) is a reclusive group that specializes in kidō and is left in charge of the gateway connecting Soul Society to the human world. The Stealth Forces (隠密機動 onmitsukidō?, literally "hidden secret movements organization"), typically led by the captain of the 2nd Division, are tasked with surveillance, covert operations, and imprisoning potentially problematic Soul Reapers. The Zero Division, a secret group composed only of former captains, protects the royal family.

The Captains (隊長 Taichō?, literally "Unit Commander") are the leaders of the thirteen divisions. Each controls a specific division with the exception of the Commander-General (総隊長 sōtaichō?, "Head-Captain" in the English dub), who acts as both captain of the 1st Division and the leader of the Gotei 13; the implication is that this is an ex officio position. With one exception (Kenpachi Zaraki), all captains are able to perform the bankai of their zanpakutō. To achieve the position of captain a Soul Reaper must display great expertise with Soul Reaper abilities and battle tactics, and must be approved by either their fellow captains or the members of their division.

Lieutenants (副隊長 fukutaichō?, literally "Vice-unit Commander") are the adjutants to the captains in each division. In terms of rank, they hold the 2nd Seat in the division. In the case of a division captain's death, departure, or other circumstances making them unable to perform their duties, the lieutenant acts as the substitute captain until another captain can be assigned.[7] The Seated officers (席官 Sekikan?) hold ranks from 3rd Seat to 20th Seat. While the single digit ranks are usually only assigned to a single officer, the lower ranks will often be held by several. Higher digit ranks may also lead secondary teams within the division; for instance, Hanatarō Yamada is the 4th Division's 7th seat and leader of the 14th Advanced Relief Team therein.