Ashisogi Jizo is Mayuri's Zanpakutō. Ksitigarbha, known as Jizo in Japan, is a bodhisattva who watches over children and the underworld. In Japan, he is depicted as a baby dressed like a Buddhist monk. Ashisogi Jizo’s Zanpakutō form features what looks like a giant baby’s head on it. Its hilt is wrapped in cloth, with several spiky protrusions resembling leaves just below the blade.
Shikai
The Shikai command for Ashisogi Jizo is "Rip" (掻き毟れ, kakimushire). In its Shikai state, Ashisogi Jizo transforms into a deformed trident with curved, serpentine blades and a guard shaped like a baby’s head. This shape reflects Ksitigarbha’s depiction. The weapon retains Mayuri’s sword’s normal hilt.
Shikai Special Ability: The baby’s mouth secretes a poisonous vapor in this form. The weapon functions similarly to spider venom; when an opponent is stabbed by Ashisogi Jizo, it severs the brain signals controlling the neural impulses for movement in the victim’s limbs, regardless of where they were struck. Unlike regular paralysis, the pain receptors and nerve endings remain unaffected, so the victim can still feel pain in paralyzed limbs. During the Bount arc, it was shown that healing the stab wound does not immediately remove the inflicted paralysis.
Bankai
Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo (金色疋殺地蔵; Golden Leg-Cutting Jizo) returns Mayuri’s Zanpakutō to its sealed state and produces a giant caterpillar in a red cape with a grotesque baby’s head and a silver halo.
Bankai Special Ability: The creature breathes a lethal poison derived from Mayuri’s blood, which is deadly to anyone who inhales it, except for Mayuri and Nemu. Numerous blades can extend from its chest, allowing it to impale opponents. Only Mayuri has the antidote for its poison, though Nemu usually carries it. Mayuri can alter the composition of the poison, ensuring no foolproof antidote can be developed or immunity gained against it. He has also modified Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo to self-destruct and return to its sealed state if it attacks him, suggesting it is sentient and organic, similar to Captain Retsu Unohana’s Minazuki.
Ashisogi Jizo also has the ability to transform Mayuri into a liquid when he stabs himself with its blade. This doesn’t kill him but leaves him unable to attack or be attacked, making it an effective escape tool. He reforms after a few days. It’s unclear whether this ability is entirely due to Ashisogi Jizo, as Mayuri specifically relates the ability to himself rather than opponents. His various physical modifications may play a role in the effect.
