Kenpachi (剣八, Sword-Eight) is the title that is only given to the strongest Shinigami. It is an ironclad rule that there can be only one Kenpachi per generation, meaning that the predecessor must die for the killer to succeed the title. To inherit this title, the candidate must kill the current Kenpachi in battle. The title is traditionally held within the 11th Division of the Gotei 13. There have been a total of 11 holders of this title. Claimants include: