Character Profile: Tsubaki

Tsubaki is one of Orihime Inoe's Shun Shun Rikka and the only one capable of direct attack. He is a bit of a hot-head and often irritated, striking anyone who gets on his nerves. That doesn't exclude Orihime as he has been seen beating her on more then one occasion.

Being strictly offensive his defensive capabilities are quite limited, having been injured on several occasions. His power is tremendously affected by Orihime's anger and killing intent, however, Orihime's timid nature prevents him from being as strong as he could be and this has lead to his injuries in the past.

At some point in the fight with the Arrancar's, Tsubaki is injured beyond Orihime's ability to repair him. Hachi, however, asks Hiyori to bring Orihime to the Vizards hideout and he repairs Tsubaki.

When he is healed Orihime is overjoyed and, much to Tsubaki's dismay, hug's him. He responds in his typical manner, pushing away from her and even pulling her lip at one point. With Tsubaki back and in good health Orihime now felt she could fight but Hachi advises her not to. Tsubaki had nothing to say about this.

Koten Zanshun (孤天斬盾 "solitary heavenly cutting shield") is Orihime's offensive technique.

This incantation calls forth Tsubaki, who forms a thin barrier on either side of himself. When he flies towards an enemy and makes contact, Tsubaki forms a shield within the enemy and "rejects" their physical bond formations, cutting through them as a Zanpaku-To would.

Though Tsubaki's attacks can cut through almost anything Orihime's general dislike of combat and hesitance to use any kind of force inhibits the effectiveness of his offensive capabilities. This makes him easy to counter and injure.

This may also suggest that the full effectiveness of this technique and Tsubaki's true strength is yet to be seen.