Shibata, Yuuichi

柴田優一

Shibata appears in episodes 3, 4, and 5. He is a young boy's soul trapped in a parakeet's body, a condition resulting from a promise made by the Hollows who killed his mother. Chad cares for him and protects him from Shreiker, the Hollow responsible for his mother's death while Yuuichi was still alive. After Ichigo defeats Shreiker and sends him to the underworld, he performs a konso on Yuuichi, telling him that his mother is waiting for him on the other side.
During the "Rukia Rescue" arc, Ichigo and Chad encounter Yuuichi in his human form, living with an adopted family in the Soul Society. Honoring his promise to Yuuichi, Chad lets him ride on his shoulders while they are in the district. Yuuichi has not yet found his mother, but he has not given up hope and continues his search.