This is a theory I posted on bleachworld and other forums, too. But since I don't have much to work with in terms of the manga, a lot of it is speculation. It basically details who Isshin is, the relationship between Isshin and Ichigo's Mom (Masaki), why they left Soul Society, and what that means for Ichigo and the plot.
The Royal Guard
My idea is that Ichigo's Mom, Masaki, was the daughter of the Spirit King of Soul Society. The Spirit King and his family are not particularly strong. That's why, to be protected, they have their own guard.
From that first "Turn back the Pendulum" chapter (chapter 108), I few things became clear to me:
1. The royal guard is a rank above captain.
2. Therefore, you should be "captain level" to be in the guard.
3. You must "accept" the position. I say this because the actual language used when Shunsui described it is something like "Hikifune accepted the promotion to the Royal Guard" instead of "Hikifune was promoted to the royal guard."
And, yes, for you Shunsui, Ukitake, Unohana, and Yama-ji fans, that means that just because you are offered the position (even multiple times), that doesn't mean you have to accept.
So how does the Royal Guard work?
My guess is that it works in exactly the same way as the rest of the thirteen squads of Soul Society. And I say that because it was called "the Zero division" and given a number like the rest. So what does that mean? Well, I think it means that just like any other squad, it is composed of members of rank, with a vice captain and a captain. I would imagine that simply to join the zero division, you must be a person of captain rank and ability. I can only dream about the power you must have to be a captain in that division, or even a vice captain :devestated.
The captain could probably defeat Yama-ji, and even the vice captain could probably fight evenly with him.
So, in other words, one main difference between the zero division and the other divisions is its density of power. It likely has far less members than any other normal soul society division, but each member of the division has tremendous power and ability. They are the Spirit King's personal army and guard, after all. So here's where a lot of the speculation comes into play.
What was Isshin's role while in Soul Society?
It is my belief that Isshin was the vice captain of the Royal Guard when he lived in Soul Society. Who was the captain? I have no fucking clue. But my theory on how these things work is this: the captain of the Zero division is the Spirit King's personal body guard at all times, unless otherwise ordered by the king to carry out some duty or mission. The Spirit King had only one daughter (Ichigo's soon to be mother and heir to the throne of Soul Society). Her personal body guard at all times was the vice captain of the zero division, otherwise known as Kurosaki Isshin. You can see why the two of them might grow close over time. In fact, I think they fell in love.
But their relationship was not meant to be. The Spirit King's family was of the highest royalty, and Kurosaki Isshin was just a very gifted and powerful soldier. Their love was not accepted in Soul Society, so they ran away. Now, you may ask, "why the **** did they run to some shitty little place like Kurakura town?"
Their leaving Soul Society was well planned and well executed. Isshin had been in contact with a rogue, who used to be a captain of the twelfth division of Soul Society. He was a rogue, Isshin heard, who performed nasty expirements on his fellow captains and Soul Society brethren, transforming them into hollows. Isshin knew that this man had been banished from Soul Society, and for good reason, but he also knew that he had created the first technology department of Soul Scoiety. He knew that this man could help him. As a high ranking member of the Zero division, he had access to top secret records, and he used this information to contact and track down the man whom he was searching for:
And what Did Urahara give to the pair who left Soul Society--the thing only he could create? Untraceable Gigais. Soul Society could not locate them no matter how hard they tried. And likely Urahara explained what really happened involving the Vizard, Aizen, and the hogyoku. Now Isshin knows the truth about those things and likely made friends with Urahara. Now let's move on to more of Isshin.
Isshin and that Night
First thing's first. Isshin is at least "Captain level." Why? Ignoring the basics of the laws of badassery (essentially the amount of badass + amount of win multiplied by the length of one's penis), Isshin just comes off as someone who's powerful. But let's ignore that for now, and just look at what we already know. Just look at his clothes. Those are captian level garbs :hm.
So Shinji doesn't recognize him. If that's so, he can't be the Kenpachi who was missing at the captains meeting in "Turn back the Pendulum." He's either someone who came before Shinji, after Shinji, or was there while Shinji was there, but whom Shinji didn't know about. Now consider that fact while you consider that no one we know of recognized the name "Kurosaki." In other words, the Royal Guard theory is looking pretty good because squad zero seems at least to be completely separated from Soul Society.
Now let's try to gauge Isshin's power and see if it fits with this idea. His spiritual pressure was felt by Shinji and Ichigo, both of whom looked reasonably shocked at the amount of spiritual pressure coming from Isshin. Also consider that Isshin was fairly far away at the time and wasn't even using his shikai.
Isshin then confronts the Gandfisher and talks about "captain class shinigami" (like he owns them) and how they keep their zanpakuto at a manageable size. He explains to the grandfisher that captain level shinigami do this so that they don't carry around gigantic swords and that you can't judge a shinigami's strength by the size of his zanpakuto. He ends with this:
[/spoiler]
We later learn that Isshin's spritual pressure has actually decreased from what it used to be, and that he hasn't been in a shinigami's body for 20 years. And yet he's still that strong--strong enough to defeat the grandfisher in 5 seconds! He's definitely strong enough to be in the royal guard, strong enough even to run it from what I gathered. Now look here, and we may have solved it:
This picture gives us a lot of important information that we didn't have before:
1. Isshin's spiritual pressure has decreased, and Urahara is worried that Ishin will blame him for it.
2. Isshin is "back in a shinigami's body" and
3. It's been 20 years since he was in a shinigami's body.
All of these things add weight to the idea that Urahara helped Isshin escape from Soul Society with a gigai. Isshin hadn't been in a shinigami's body in 20 years. In other words, we know that until 20 years ago, he was technically a shinigami working for Soul Society. That tells me that until 20 years ago, he was a member of the royal guard (I personally think vice captain).
lulz Isshin > you
Ichigo's Parents
So what the hell happened to Masaki? Well, that was already explained. My guess is that Isshin had a problem being an equal to Masaki. He had spent most of his life serving and protecting her, but they were supposed to be equals in marriage. Equals as parents. It was probably hard for Isshin to stop himself from always trying to protect her from everything. And so when the grandfisher attacked and Isshin wasn't around, it must have destroyed him inside his heart that he couldn't be there for the one woman he was meant to protect. It's sort of ironic. In a sad way :cry.
And if you pay close attention to the early parts of the manga, you'll see that even in death he treats her as a sort of goddess, as someone above himself. He goes and asks her picture for advice, even.
Now this idea has several implications, but the most important is probably this one:
Ichigo and the heir to the Spirit King
That's right...you heard me. Ichigo is technically the heir to the throne of Soul Society. As the first born son of his mother, he is next in line for the throne. The Spirit King may not know of him, but if this theory is true, Ichigo is probably next in line. That could shake up some controversy, and even usher in a line of kings (with Ichigo as the first) who are extremely strong, who fight in battle themselves, and who actually head the Zero Division with ability instead of relying on others. Now consider that Aizen's plan involves infiltrating the Spirit King's realm with the key and taking the king's place. Taking his place involves killing him. And Ichigo will kill Aizen. "Holy shit! A vacancy on the thrown! Whatever can be done!? Oh my gawd, Ichigo's who now!? :zomg" ....Well, I think you get what I mean.
Also, it's likely that Ichigo will take Orohime as his wife. Why? Well, as you know, hime is Japanese for princess. Coincidence? I motherfucken doubt it /joke.
End
Click the spoiler if you want a quick summary of the thread:
That's all for now, but I will update as more information becomes apparent and as I think of more things to add to this. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it.
The Royal Guard
My idea is that Ichigo's Mom, Masaki, was the daughter of the Spirit King of Soul Society. The Spirit King and his family are not particularly strong. That's why, to be protected, they have their own guard.
You must be registered for see images
From that first "Turn back the Pendulum" chapter (chapter 108), I few things became clear to me:
1. The royal guard is a rank above captain.
2. Therefore, you should be "captain level" to be in the guard.
3. You must "accept" the position. I say this because the actual language used when Shunsui described it is something like "Hikifune accepted the promotion to the Royal Guard" instead of "Hikifune was promoted to the royal guard."
And, yes, for you Shunsui, Ukitake, Unohana, and Yama-ji fans, that means that just because you are offered the position (even multiple times), that doesn't mean you have to accept.
So how does the Royal Guard work?
My guess is that it works in exactly the same way as the rest of the thirteen squads of Soul Society. And I say that because it was called "the Zero division" and given a number like the rest. So what does that mean? Well, I think it means that just like any other squad, it is composed of members of rank, with a vice captain and a captain. I would imagine that simply to join the zero division, you must be a person of captain rank and ability. I can only dream about the power you must have to be a captain in that division, or even a vice captain :devestated.
The captain could probably defeat Yama-ji, and even the vice captain could probably fight evenly with him.
So, in other words, one main difference between the zero division and the other divisions is its density of power. It likely has far less members than any other normal soul society division, but each member of the division has tremendous power and ability. They are the Spirit King's personal army and guard, after all. So here's where a lot of the speculation comes into play.
What was Isshin's role while in Soul Society?
It is my belief that Isshin was the vice captain of the Royal Guard when he lived in Soul Society. Who was the captain? I have no fucking clue. But my theory on how these things work is this: the captain of the Zero division is the Spirit King's personal body guard at all times, unless otherwise ordered by the king to carry out some duty or mission. The Spirit King had only one daughter (Ichigo's soon to be mother and heir to the throne of Soul Society). Her personal body guard at all times was the vice captain of the zero division, otherwise known as Kurosaki Isshin. You can see why the two of them might grow close over time. In fact, I think they fell in love.
But their relationship was not meant to be. The Spirit King's family was of the highest royalty, and Kurosaki Isshin was just a very gifted and powerful soldier. Their love was not accepted in Soul Society, so they ran away. Now, you may ask, "why the **** did they run to some shitty little place like Kurakura town?"
Their leaving Soul Society was well planned and well executed. Isshin had been in contact with a rogue, who used to be a captain of the twelfth division of Soul Society. He was a rogue, Isshin heard, who performed nasty expirements on his fellow captains and Soul Society brethren, transforming them into hollows. Isshin knew that this man had been banished from Soul Society, and for good reason, but he also knew that he had created the first technology department of Soul Scoiety. He knew that this man could help him. As a high ranking member of the Zero division, he had access to top secret records, and he used this information to contact and track down the man whom he was searching for:
You must be registered for see images
And what Did Urahara give to the pair who left Soul Society--the thing only he could create? Untraceable Gigais. Soul Society could not locate them no matter how hard they tried. And likely Urahara explained what really happened involving the Vizard, Aizen, and the hogyoku. Now Isshin knows the truth about those things and likely made friends with Urahara. Now let's move on to more of Isshin.
Isshin and that Night
You must be registered for see images
First thing's first. Isshin is at least "Captain level." Why? Ignoring the basics of the laws of badassery (essentially the amount of badass + amount of win multiplied by the length of one's penis), Isshin just comes off as someone who's powerful. But let's ignore that for now, and just look at what we already know. Just look at his clothes. Those are captian level garbs :hm.
You must be registered for see images
So Shinji doesn't recognize him. If that's so, he can't be the Kenpachi who was missing at the captains meeting in "Turn back the Pendulum." He's either someone who came before Shinji, after Shinji, or was there while Shinji was there, but whom Shinji didn't know about. Now consider that fact while you consider that no one we know of recognized the name "Kurosaki." In other words, the Royal Guard theory is looking pretty good because squad zero seems at least to be completely separated from Soul Society.
Now let's try to gauge Isshin's power and see if it fits with this idea. His spiritual pressure was felt by Shinji and Ichigo, both of whom looked reasonably shocked at the amount of spiritual pressure coming from Isshin. Also consider that Isshin was fairly far away at the time and wasn't even using his shikai.
Isshin then confronts the Gandfisher and talks about "captain class shinigami" (like he owns them) and how they keep their zanpakuto at a manageable size. He explains to the grandfisher that captain level shinigami do this so that they don't carry around gigantic swords and that you can't judge a shinigami's strength by the size of his zanpakuto. He ends with this:
You must be registered for see images
[/spoiler]
We later learn that Isshin's spritual pressure has actually decreased from what it used to be, and that he hasn't been in a shinigami's body for 20 years. And yet he's still that strong--strong enough to defeat the grandfisher in 5 seconds! He's definitely strong enough to be in the royal guard, strong enough even to run it from what I gathered. Now look here, and we may have solved it:
You must be registered for see images
This picture gives us a lot of important information that we didn't have before:
1. Isshin's spiritual pressure has decreased, and Urahara is worried that Ishin will blame him for it.
2. Isshin is "back in a shinigami's body" and
3. It's been 20 years since he was in a shinigami's body.
All of these things add weight to the idea that Urahara helped Isshin escape from Soul Society with a gigai. Isshin hadn't been in a shinigami's body in 20 years. In other words, we know that until 20 years ago, he was technically a shinigami working for Soul Society. That tells me that until 20 years ago, he was a member of the royal guard (I personally think vice captain).
lulz Isshin > you
Ichigo's Parents
So what the hell happened to Masaki? Well, that was already explained. My guess is that Isshin had a problem being an equal to Masaki. He had spent most of his life serving and protecting her, but they were supposed to be equals in marriage. Equals as parents. It was probably hard for Isshin to stop himself from always trying to protect her from everything. And so when the grandfisher attacked and Isshin wasn't around, it must have destroyed him inside his heart that he couldn't be there for the one woman he was meant to protect. It's sort of ironic. In a sad way :cry.
And if you pay close attention to the early parts of the manga, you'll see that even in death he treats her as a sort of goddess, as someone above himself. He goes and asks her picture for advice, even.
Now this idea has several implications, but the most important is probably this one:
Ichigo and the heir to the Spirit King
That's right...you heard me. Ichigo is technically the heir to the throne of Soul Society. As the first born son of his mother, he is next in line for the throne. The Spirit King may not know of him, but if this theory is true, Ichigo is probably next in line. That could shake up some controversy, and even usher in a line of kings (with Ichigo as the first) who are extremely strong, who fight in battle themselves, and who actually head the Zero Division with ability instead of relying on others. Now consider that Aizen's plan involves infiltrating the Spirit King's realm with the key and taking the king's place. Taking his place involves killing him. And Ichigo will kill Aizen. "Holy shit! A vacancy on the thrown! Whatever can be done!? Oh my gawd, Ichigo's who now!? :zomg" ....Well, I think you get what I mean.
Also, it's likely that Ichigo will take Orohime as his wife. Why? Well, as you know, hime is Japanese for princess. Coincidence? I motherfucken doubt it /joke.
End
Click the spoiler if you want a quick summary of the thread:
That's all for now, but I will update as more information becomes apparent and as I think of more things to add to this. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it.
