Background of the Espada

"Espada" is Spanish for “sword,” and it’s the name for the top-ranking Arrancar. The Arrancar reside in Hueco Mundo and are under the command of Sousuke Aizen. Read on to learn more about the Espada.

Characteristics of the Espada

The Espada consists of the top 10 Arrancar, who are ranked by their strength. They are given a number in Spanish between 0 and 9, which is tattooed somewhere on the Espada’s body. They also have a hole on their body that indicates their past as Hollows.

Hierarchy and Rules of the Espada

The Espada have the authority to command the other Arrancar in Aizen’s forces. Higher-ranked members can give orders to lower-ranked Espada, and their missions tend to see more than one Espada working together. In these cases, the highest-ranking member commands the others.

An Espada can be demoted by either losing strength or by Aizen determining that they are no longer useful to him. An Espada that is demoted out to the top 10 becomes a Privaron Espada, losing their rank and being assigned a three-digit number.

An Espada ranked fourth or higher cannot release their Zanpakuto within Las Noches, Aizen’s fortress in Hueco Mundo.

Exclusive Powers and Techniques of the Espada

Caja Negacion is Spanish for “Negation Box.” This power allows an Espada to trap an Arrancar in an alternate dimension. However, if it’s used against another Espada, the captured one can break out within a few hours.

Gran Rey Cero is Spanish for “Grand King Zero.” This is a more powerful version of Cero, an attack blast of concentrated spiritual energy. For this technique, the Espada draws blood from their Cero-generating appendage with their Zanpakuto. As they charge their Cero, they mix their blood with it to turn it into a Gran Rey Cero. Espada cannot discharge one within Las Noches, since it would be powerful enough to destroy the fortress.

The Members of the Espada

• Cero (0): Yammy Llargo, who wields the Zanpakuto Ira. His Aspect of Death is Rage.

• Primera (1): Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerback fuse and wield Los Lobos. Their Aspect is Solitude.

• Segunda (2): Baraggan Louisenbairn, the previous King of Hueco Mundo, wields Arrogante. His Aspect is Time.

• Tres (3): Was first Nelliel Tu Oderschvank who wielded Gamuza, later replaced by Tier Harribel representing Sacrifice and wielding Tiburon.

• Cuatro (4): Ulquiorra Cifer wielding Murcielago, with his Aspect being Emptiness.

• Quinto (5): Nnoitra Gilga, who wields the Santa Teresa with the Aspect of Despair.

• Sexta (6): Formerly Luppi Antenor with Trepadora, now Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez , wielding Pantera and representing the Aspect of Destruction.

• Septima (7): Zommari Leroux wielding Brujera and representing Intoxication

• Octava (8): Szayel Aporro Grantz wielding Fornicaras and representing Madness

• Noveno (9): Aaroniero Arruruerie wielding Glotoneria with the Aspect of Greed
  
  
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As you can see, the Espada have powers and abilities to complement their strength, which make them formidable foes for Ichigo and his friends.