Madarame Ikkaku is the lieutenant of the 11th Division of the Gotei 13, a former 3rd officer under the command of Zaraki Kenpachi. He is known as a fierce and gambling fighter, for whom battle is the highest pleasure, and an honest one-on-one duel is the only worthy kind of fight. Despite his rudeness and hot temper, Ikkaku is deeply devoted to his captain and does not seek promotion, preferring to fight and die under his command. He masterfully wields a sword and polearm, and his zanpakutō Hōzukimaru conceals not only a deadly form, but also a bankai known only to a select few. After the war with the Wandenreich, Ikkaku becomes lieutenant of the 11th Division and continues to live for battle, training a new generation of fighters.