Sōjirō Kusaka (草冠 宗次郎, Kusaka Sōjirō) was a former student of the Shinō Academy who possessed the same Zanpakutō as his childhood friend and rival Tōshirō Hitsugaya, but was killed by the Onmitsukidō for this eventuality on the orders of the Central 46. He clung to life due to the Ōin, which was one of the legendary Kyūtai, and made an appearance midway through the Winter War only to be cut down by Hitsugaya, though he clung to life for a second time. Sōjirō's seemingly lifeless body was discreetly recovered and healed by The Outsider following his battle with Hitsugaya, and he made a return as a Battle Doll controlled by Averian. He reappeared following the Collapse as a member of the Kikkashō criminal organization, seemingly with no memory of his past, or Hitsugaya.