Kidō Research

Kidō (鬼道, "demon way", or "spirit way" sometimes translated as Demon Arts; Viz "Soul Reaper's powers"; "Spells") is one of the four basic Shinigami combat forms, at least according to Sōsuke Aizen.
Kidō is the technique that Shinigami use to focus their Spiritual Energy into magic spells of various powers. These spells serve a wide variety of uses such as healing, defense, or combat.
The Kidō Corps is a branch of Soul Society's military which excels in the mastery of Kidō.

Each spell is graded on a scale from 1 to 99, the latter being the most powerful and the most difficult to perform. The scale is a measure of difficulty, as there can be multiple spells which share the same level. To use Kidō, a Shinigami must recite the specific incantation for the spell, which is often long and requires a few seconds to speak.
This weakness can be negated by Shinigami capable of using Eishohaki, a technique that releases Kidō without a spirit chant. While it decreases the time needed to release the Kidō, it drastically weakens the spell While anyone well versed in Kidō can use this technique, it is most effective when done by a skilled practitioner, otherwise the spell could utterly fail. The most skilled experts are capable of using this technique to amazing effect.
The power of a spell relies on the power of the user, as even a low-level spell can be utterly devastating when utilized by a high-class Shinigami.
Kidō Types


There are three main types of Kidō: binding spells, destruction spells, and healing spells.

• Bakudō (Binding spells): are a broad category of defensive spells which block or repel attacks or freezes enemies in place.
  

• Hadō (Destructive spells): refer to offensive spells which harm an enemy or cause damage to things.
  

• Healing spells: do not have known names, numbers, or incantations to cast, and simply heal the target. As the user holds his hands above the patients wounds, his/her palms glow with green spiritual energy to facilitate healing. For the mechanics of healing, the patient's Reiatsu is replenished first. Then the body's Reiatsu works with the healer's Reiatsu to heal the patient's body.
  

Kidō Combat


Though Kidō is commonly used by Shinigami in combat, it has several weaknesses that make it difficult to use for that purpose. All of the spells have fairly long incantations and require concentration; because of this, the person using the Kidō leaves themself open to attack during the duration of the incantation. In addition, if an opponent is familiar with Kidō, there is the possibility of them identifying the spell by its incantation before it can even be used. However, highly skilled Kidō users can use various techniques to counter these weaknesses, such as Eishohaki and "Double Incantation", which involves mixing the incantations of two or more Kidō spells together to save time and confuse ones opponent. A rarer use of Kidō is mixing various spells (such as Bakudō and Hadō together) for unique effects, which is the mark of skilled user. Kidō is commonly seen used in instances of surprise attacks rather then all out assaults, being most effective when one's opponent doesn't see it coming.

Spell Listing


Bakudō


Bakudō (縛道, "Way of Binding") (A broad category of Defensive, Communication, Binding, Tracking and Sealing spells.)

Spell #	Spell Name	Spell Information	Spell Picture
1.	Sai (塞, Restrain)	Locks a target's arms in place behind their back.[4] Incantation: unknown.
4.	Hainawa (這縄, Crawling Rope)	An energy rope entangles the target's arms.[5] Incantation: unknown.
8.	Seki (斥, Repulse)	Creates a round shield that seems to temporarily paralyze and repel whatever strikes it.[6] Incantation: unknown.
9.	Geki (撃, Strike)	Engulfs the target in red light, completely paralyzing them.[7] Incantation: "Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!" ("自壊せよロンダニーニの黒犬!! 一読し・焼き払い・自ら喉を掻き切るがいい!")
9.	Hōrin (Disintegrating Circle)	Causes an orange hued tendril with spiraling yellow patterns to erupt from the users hand and attempt to trap a target. the end of it remains in the hands of the user allowing them to control the path of the tendril before and after capture. The Kidō is able to connect with another one of itself if both have captured a target and bind them together.[8] Incantation: "Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your own throat!" ("自壊せよロンダニーニの黒犬!! 一読し・焼き払い・自ら喉を掻き切るがいい!")
21.	Sekienton (赤煙遁, Red Smoke Escape)	Creates a blast upon activation and is used like a ninja's smoke bomb.[9] Incantation: unknown.
26.	Kyokko (曲光, Curved Light)	Hides the target from sight, by bending light. The spell has the ability to totally hide the presence and reiatsu of the user or specified object.[10] Incantation: unknown.
30.	Shitotsu Sansen (嘴突三閃, Beak-Piercing Triple Beam)	Forming a golden triangle with one's finger, it shoots three beams of light that pin the target to one place on a surface, slamming into his or her body in three places in a shape of an equilateral triangle.[11][12] Incantation: unknown.
37.	Tsuriboshi (吊星, Suspending Star)	Creates a star-shaped cushion of Spiritual Energy, which anchors it to nearby objects with "ropes" of spirit particles. It can stop falling objects, acting like a safety net.[13] Incantation: unknown.
39.	Enkosen (円閘扇, Arc Shield)	Summons a shield of condensed reiatsu to block opponents' attacks.[14] Incantation: unknown.
58.	Kakushitsuijaku (摑趾追雀, Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows)	Tracks and locates any spiritual force the user focuses on. To activate it, the user must draw a circle on the ground, cut into four parts with a specific character in each. The incantation animates the circle, causing various numbers to appear within until the specific set is found. The number set seems to be a variation on longitude and latitude.[15] Incantation: "Heart of the south, eye of the north, finger of the west, foot of the east, arrive with the wind and depart with the rain." ("南の心臓　北の瞳　西の指先　東の踵 風持ちて　集い雨払いて散れ")[16]
61.	Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light)	Summons six thin, wide beams of light that slam into a target's midsection, holding them in place. The target is then unable to move any part of their body including the parts that were not struck by the beams.[17] Incantation: "Carriage of Thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!" ("雷鳴の馬車 糸車の間隙 光もて此を六に別つ!")[18]
62.	Hyapporankan (百歩欄干, Hundred Steps Fence)	A rod formed of energy is thrown towards the target before it disintegrates into numerous short rods which are used to pin the target to the surroundings and render them immobile.[19] Incantation: unknown
63.	Sajo Sabaku (鎖条鎖縛, Locking Bondage Stripes)	Similar to Bakudō No. 4, but stronger, this spell binds the arms of a target.[20] Incantation: unknown.
73.	Tozanshō (倒山晶, Inverse Mountain Crystal)	Creates an inverted pyramid-shaped barrier around the caster.[21] Incantation: unknown.
75.	Gochūtekkan (五柱鉄貫, Quintet of 1 kan Iron Pillars)	Summons five incredibly tall and thick pillars which are connected to each other by chains to pin a target to the ground.[22] Incantation: "Walls of ironsand, a priestly pagoda, glowing ironclad fireflies. Standing upright, silent to the end." ("鉄砂の壁、僧形の塔、灼鉄熒熒、湛然として終に音無し[22]
77.	Tenteikūra (天挺空羅, Heavenly Rickshaws in Silken Air)	Transmits messages mentally to anyone within an area of the caster's choosing. In addition to reciting the spell, the user must draw specific markings on their arms, which are animated by the spell to convey the messages. The messages can be spoken either by the caster or by another within the vicinity of the caster.[23] Incantation: "Black and white net. Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts. Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clouds, blue line. Form a circle and fly though the heavens." ("黒白の羅！二十二の橋梁 六十六の冠帯 足跡・遠雷・尖峰・回地・夜伏・雲海・蒼い隊列 太円に満ちて天を挺れはし)[24]
81.	Danku (斷空, Splitting Void)	Creates an energy barrier in the form of a rectangular wall. According to Byakuya, it is capable of stopping destructive spells up to #89.[25] This is seen also when Aizen uses it to block Tessai's Hadō #88.[26] Incantation: unknown; although Tessai hinted that it has an incantation when he fights Aizen.
99, Part 1.	Kin (禁, Seal)	Binds the arms of a target to their back like Bakudō #1, but with spiritual fabric and iron shafts.[27] Hachigen has displayed a far stronger version that ties the target's arms on the back in addition to wrapping the spiritual fabric around the entire body, and continues to pin the target with the spiritual fabric stacked to the ground around the target with several iron shafts in an "X" shape.[28] Incantation: unknown; although Shinji Hirako hinted that there is an incantation.
99, Part 2.	Bankin (卍禁, Great seal)	This spell covers the target from head to toe with spiritual fabric (First Song), stabs them with numerous metal bolts (Second Song), and then smashes them with an immense metal cube (Final Song).[29][30]. The full power of the seal is still unknown as Ichigo broke the first two seals before the metal cube landed on him during his Shattered Shaft training. Incantation: First Song: Halting Fabric (初曲・止繃, Shokyoku: Shiryū). Second Song: Hundred Linked Bolts (弐曲・百連閂, Nikyoku: Hyakurensan). Final Song: Great Seal of 10,000 Forbiddings (終曲・卍禁太封, Shūkyoku: Bankin Taihō).[29]

Hadō


Hadō (破道, "Way of Destruction") (A category of Offensive spells.)

Spell #	Spell Name	Spell Information	Spell Picture
1.	Shō (衝, Thrust)	Pushes the target away from the caster.[31] Incantation: unknown.
4.	Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning)	The user fires a concentrated, powerful lightning bolt from their finger.[32] Incantation: unknown.
11.	Tsuzuri Raiden (製本電, Bound Lightning)	Electric current flows through any object the user touches and is able to lead electricity, damaging any target that is in contact with the object the current runs through.[33] Incantation: unknown
31.	Shakkahō (赤火砲, Shot of Red Fire)	Fires a ball of red energy at a target.[34]: Incantation: "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!" ("君臨者よ！血雨の仮面·万象·羽ばたき·ヒトの名を冠す者よ！焦熱と争乱、海隔て逆巻き南へと歩を進めよ！")[34]
33.	Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Fire, Crash Down)	Fires a burst of blue spiritual energy at a target in a similar manner to #31, but over a wider area and with more power.[35] Incantation: "Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws." ("君臨者よ！血肉の仮面·万象·羽ばたき·ヒトの名を冠する者よ！真理と節制、罪知らぬ夢の壁に僅かに爪を立てよ！")[36]
54.	Haien (廃炎, Abolishing Flames)	Fires a blast of purple spiritual energy that will incinerate a target completely when it makes contact.[37] Incantation: unknown.
58.	Tenran (闐嵐, Orchid Sky)	A widening tornado-like blast is fired towards the target.[38] Incantation: unknown
63.	Raikōhō (雷吼炮, Thunder Roar Cannon)	Fires a massive wave of yellow energy at a target.[39] Incantation: "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!" ("散在する獣の骨！尖塔・紅晶・鋼鉄の車輪　動けば風　止まれば空　槍打つ音色が虚城に満ちる！")
63.	Sōren Sōkatsui (双蓮蒼火墜, Twin Lotus Blue Fire, Crash Down)	Essentially a doubled version of #33 (labelled as #73 in anime), this spell fires two shots of blue fire with greater potency than the single-shot variety.[40] Incantation: "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! On the wall of blue flame, inscribe a twin lotus. In the abyss of conflagration, wait at the far heavens." ("君臨者よ！血肉の仮面・万象・羽ばたき・ヒトの名を冠す者よ！蒼火の壁に双蓮を刻む 大火の淵を遠天にて待つ")
88.	Hiryugekizokushintenraiho (飛竜撃賊震天雷砲, Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon)	Fires a gigantic electricity blast of spiritual energy resulting in an truly enormous explosion.[41][42] Its full strength is however unknown since Aizen used Splitting Void before it could hit him. Incantation: unknown.
90.	Kurohitsugi (黒棺, Black Coffin)	Forms a box of black energy around a target, which is then pierced by dozens of energy "spears", lacerating the one inside from head to toe. Its appearance and function is reminiscent of a common magician's trick, as well as certain torture devices used during the Spanish Inquisition. The spell is very difficult to use, as even Aizen could only unleash a third of its power when he used it on Sajin Komamura. [43] Incantation: unknown.
96.	Ittō Kasō (一刀火葬, Single Blade Cremation)	A forbidden spell[44] used by Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. It is a spell that causes a huge pillar of fire to erupt from the ground in the shape of the tip of a katana.[45] It is a forbidden technique that can only be activated by using one's own charred body as a catalyst. Aizen calls it the spell of sacrifice.[46] Incantation: unknown.

Spell # Spell Name Spell Information Spell Picture

12.	Fushibi (伏火, Ambush Flare)	Momo Hinamori uses this spell in conjunction with Shot of Red Fire and a Kidō net that has entangled her opponents resulting in a large explosion around them all. Rangiku Matsumoto states that it is number 12, but does not specify whether it is a Destructive or a Binding Spell although from the name and effect, it is highly likely to be a Binding spell.[47] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Hakufuku (白伏, White Crawl)	This technique muddles the consciousness of its target. Momo Hinamori uses this spell while imprisoned to knock out a guard and destroy everything within a certain radius of herself.[48] The Bleach Official Character Book Souls states that it is a Binding spell.[49] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Kyōmon (鏡門, Mirror Door)	Tōshirō Hitsugaya used this to seal Momo Hinamori's hospital room. It creates a glass-like barrier which is difficult to break from the outside, but quite simple to break from the inside.[50] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Garganta (黒腔, ガルガンタ; Garuganta; Spanish for "Throat")	The technique used by Hollows to move to and from Hueco Mundo. Urahara, Mayuri and Tōsen have demonstrated the ability to use the technique. It literally tears open the dimensional fabric separating the worlds, revealing a tunnel of whirling, torrential energy that must be focused and solidified to create a discernible pathway. Incantation: My right hand is the stone that bridges worlds. My left hand is the blade that binds reality. The black-haired shepherd is hung from a chair. Stratus clouds come, and I strike down the ibis.[51]
Unknown	Hachigyou Sougai (8 Joined Twin Cliffs)	A barrier developed by the Vizard Hachigen Ushōda. The barrier is a double dislocation barrier, which has the ability of erasing whatever is within it from existence and removing the space it takes up from an outsider's inner consciousness, making it so that one is not even able to perceive it is there. The very thought of getting close to it doesn't even occur to those outside it. It is so powerful and unique in composition that it cannot be undone by Shinigami Kidō.[52][53] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Ryubi no Jomon (竜尾の城門, The Gate of Dragon Tail)	Hachigen Ushōda used this barrier technique to block Barragan Luisenbarn's aging ability. The technique works by creating over a dozen pillars which are arranged by hand gestures, making them form a gigantic shield or door like barrier between the caster and the opponent.[54] Together with Koko no Jomon, Kigai no Jomon and Hoyoku no Jomon, it forms Shiji no Saimon. Incantation: Brethren-in-arms withdrawing for the distance of 8 sun and standing still; blue bolt, white bolt, black bolt, red bolt; sinking into the ocean together seeking redemption.
Unknown	Koko no Jomon (虎咬の城門, The Gate of Tiger Fang)	This technique is another one of Hachigen Ushōda new Kidō barrier techniques developed after he became a Vizard. This barrier appears out of nowhere and takes the shape of a watermill. It's inner section can be opened up like a set of fangs allowing one to attack through the barrier. Together with Ryubi no Jomon, Kikai no Jomon and Hoyoku no Jomon, it forms Shiji no Saimon.[55] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Kikai no Jomon (亀鎧の城門, The Gate of Turtle Shell)	This technique is another one of Hachigen Ushōda new Kidō barrier techniques developed after he became a Vizard. This barrier is created by many small hexagons combining to form a honeycomb-like structure. Together with Ryubi no Jomon, Koko no Jomon and Hoyoku no Jomon, it forms Shiji no Saimon.[56] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Hoyoku no Jomon (鳳翼の城門, The Gate of Phoenix Wings)	This technique is another one of Hachigen Ushōda new Kidō barrier techniques developed after he became a Vizard. This barrier is created from an obelisk and many planks combining to form a sort of lampshade resembling enfolding wings and a crude bird's head/body. Together with Ryubi no Jomon, Koko no Jomon and Kikai no Jomon, it forms Shiji no Saimon.[57] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Shiji no Saimon (四獣の塞門, The Gate of Four Beasts)	This technique is another one of Hachigen Ushōda new Kidō barrier techniques developed after he became a Vizard. This barrier is formed by combining Ryubi no Jomon, Koko no Jomon, Kikai no Jomon and Hoyoku no Jomon. When the four barriers comes together they create a rectangular prison like barrier around the opponent.[58] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Unnamed Hexagonal Barrier	This technique was used by Sōsuke Aizen against Ichigo Kurosaki. It is a powerful barrier which can be placed upon a part of the body and it activates when an attack reaches the point where it is cast. When the attack hits the barrier, a hexagonal shape appears. Aizen cast it on the back of his neck to protect his blind spot from attacks and it is powerful enough to withstand a point-blank black Getsuga Tenshō.[59] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Unnamed Barrier	This technique was used by Sōsuke Aizen. Aizen summoned his barrier to block a sneak attack by Shunsui Kyōraku.[60] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Unnamed Spell	This technique was used by Shūsuke Amagai. By throwing special sheets of paper into the area, Amagai can form a green orb of bright light around himself, teleporting himself and anyone he touches to any desired location. While teleporting, the said people's Reiatsu is completely masked.[61] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Unnamed Pyramid Barrier	This technique was used by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. It forms a green pyramid-shaped barrier around the caster. It is immensely strong, able to resist all but the strongest of attacks. [62] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Shisō Kekkai (四葬結界, Quad Burial Barrier)	This technique was used by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, and is the seal used to lock away Kōga Kuchiki. Four spears are used to trap the target by their hands and legs. The target rises up into sky and is then sealed in a black coffin-like box with chains wrapping around it. The four spears then pierce the box all at once.[63] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Unnamed Barrier	This technique was used by Ginrei Kuchiki. While it has not been explained, it forms a green barrier around one's person, that causes Muramasa's attacks to pass through the user. Ginrei explains that one must shut off one's heart to prevent Muramasa from entering their inner world.[64] Incantation: Unknown
Unknown	Kongōbaku (金剛爆, Adamantine Blast)	This technique was used by Kōga Kuchiki. A blast of spherical, red energy similar in strength to a Sōkatsui blast. While both number and classification of this particular spell is not expressly stated, it is clearly a Destructive spell.[65] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Gaki Rekkō (牙気裂光, Raging Light Fang)	This technique was used by Kōga Kuchiki. A spell that makes a circle of energy, before firing blasts of green light from its center in a cage-like formation. While both number and classification of this particular spell is not expressly stated, it is clearly a Destructive spell.[66] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Hyōga Seiran (氷河晴嵐, Glacier Vapor Storm)	This technique was used by Kōga Kuchiki. A spell that fires a massive wave of ice capable of freezing its targets and surrounding area as well as destroying a group of Menos Grande through sheer power. It is also strong enough to go through Danku, which can block any Destructive spell numbered 89 or less. While both number and classification of this particular spell is not expressly stated, it is clearly a Destructive spell.[67] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Jikanteishi (時間停止, Temporal Stasis)	A forbidden spell[44] used by Tessai along with Spatial Displacement. It is a spell that halts time in a specific area.[68] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Kūkanten'i (空間転位, Spatial Displacement)	A forbidden spell[44] used by Tessai with Temporal Stasis to teleport a specified portion of space from one point to another, transporting even other active Kidō spells.[69] Incantation: unknown.
Unknown	Keikatsu (啓活, Opening Revival)	Used in Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, it is healing technique that several characters (even those outside of 4th Division) can use. It heals one individual.[70]
Unknown	Meiyu (明癒, Luminous Healing)	Used in Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, it is a healing technique that heals up to five individuals within a small area.[70]
Unknown	Shimoku (紫木, Purple Tree)	Used in Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, this ability causes the opponent to become poisoned.[70]

Non-Spells


Yoruichi activating Shunkō.

• Shunkō (瞬閧, Flash Cry): An advanced technique that combines hand-to-hand combat and Kidō energy to explosively increase a Shinigami's offensive capabilities. A high-pressured Kidō surges throughout the user's body, enhancing their arms and legs for battle. The Kidō itself can also be controlled and fired at opponents from the body.^[71] Shunkō first appeared being used by Captain Soifon in her fight against her old master, Yoruichi Shihōin. Soifon states she invented the technique of combining Kidō and Hakuda so recently that she had no experience with it in battle, let alone enough time to give it a name. Yoruichi, however, reveals Shunkō is the technique's name, and that she invented and learnt the ability long before Soifon. The keisen uniform has no back or sleeves because the fabric will rip apart when the user's back and arms are filled with Kidō. Though Yoruichi's Shunkō is perfected, unlike Soifon's version, she still has difficulties controlling it.
  

Hanki (反鬼, Reverse Demon): This technique is an ability Yoruichi used during Shunkō, which nullifies an opponent's Kidō by hitting it with a Kidō of perfectly opposite speed and energy. The ability can even neutralize an opponent's movements. (Somewhat erroneously named Hanki Sōsai in the Viz translation, as sōsai (相殺) means "mutual cancellation", referring to the ability's effect.) ^[72]


The Kidō Cannon preparing to fire.

• Kidōhō (鬼道砲, Kidō Cannon) — In Bleach: Memories of Nobody, the Kidō Cannon is a high-intensity energy weapon powered by Kidō. It consists of a crystalline focus point attached to the top of a massive pole, with several smaller crystal structures circling up towards the main one. It is powered by hundreds of Shinigami working in concert, creating an energy blast capable of obliterating a small dimension. The blast forms into several animal shapes which roar just before contact. The power of the blast is such that, in addition to destroying its target, it also causes a small amount of damage to both the Human world and Soul Society. Despite its power, it is not a reusable weapon, as it burns into a pile of scrap after being fired.^[73]
  

Ran'Tao using her Kidō Gun.

• Kidō Gun- This weapon was developed by the Bount creator, Ran'Tao. It is similar to the Kidō Cannon; however, unlike the Kidō Cannon, which can only be fired once, this weapon holds more resemblance in functionality to a shotgun. It fires concentrated spheres of spiritual energy that can be quite harmful, as it was capable of severely injuring Jin Kariya. It is unknown as to where the Kidō Gun's energy source is derived from.