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Rukia Kuchiki

Rukia Kuchiki is the current captain of the13th Divisionin theGotei 13. She previously served as the lieutenant of the 13th Division underCaptain Jūshirō Ukitake. Rukia is the adoptive sister ofByakuya Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki noble family, and the younger sister ofHisana Kuchiki. She is a close friend ofIchigo Kurosaki, with whom she shares a deep bond after transferring her Shinigami powers to him. Rukia is also married toRenji Abarai, her childhood friend and fellow Shinigami, and together they have a daughter namedIchika Abarai.

It’s Meaningless To Just Live, It’s Meaningless To Just Fight. I Want To Win!
— Rukia Kuchiki

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Rukia Kuchiki in standard shihakushō.

Rukia Kuchiki is short and petite, with light skin and striking purple eyes. She has black hair that typically reaches her shoulders, with several strands hanging between her eyes. Byakuya Kuchiki has remarked that she bears a strong resemblance to her late sister, Hisana Kuchiki. As a Shinigami of the Gotei 13, Rukia wears the standard black shihakushō uniform.

Seventeen months after Aizen’s defeat, Rukia adopts a new hairstyle, cropping her hair into a short bob that frames her face. She also wears fingerless white tekkō (arm guards) that extend above her elbows, resembling those worn by her brother, Byakuya. As the lieutenant of the 13th Division, Rukia wore her division badge around the shortened left sleeve of her uniform, which extended only to her upper arm.

Ten years after Yhwach’s defeat, Rukia’s hair returns to its original style but is much longer. As the captain of the 13th Division, she wears the traditional white captain’s haori over her Shinigami uniform.

Twelve years after Yhwach’s defeat, Rukia wears her long hair in a sideways ponytail.

    Personality

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Modest Rukia Kuchiki.

    Originally born into a lower class, Rukia retains her modesty even after being adopted into the noble Kuchiki family. She is graceful and “clean” in her demeanor but remains grounded, choosing to interact with ordinary people. However, her cool and reserved nature often causes her to hide her personal struggles, even from close friends. According to Jūshirō Ukitake, Rukia rarely opens her heart and finds it difficult to make lasting friendships.

    Rukia is unfamiliar with the ways of the modern Human World, often displaying confusion about common practices and technology. Despite this, she is skilled at acting, often using her quick thinking to navigate difficult situations—whether it’s avoiding trouble with teachers or convincing the Kurosaki family to let her stay in their home.

    While inhabiting a Gigai in the Human World, Rukia frequently struggles to find clothes that fit her, leading her to occasionally “borrow” clothes from Yuzu Kurosaki. She has a fondness for climbing to high places and has a particular obsession with all things rabbit-themed. She becomes sensitive when anyone insults her rabbit obsession, and her drawings—usually of rabbit-like figures—are often misunderstood, much to her dismay.

    Rukia’s favorite foods include cucumbers, eggs, and rice dumplings.

    Background

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Hisana leaves Rukia behind.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    A young Rukia comes to the rescue of Renji and his friends.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Rukia and Renji say their goodbyes.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Rukia attains Shikai with guidance from Kaien.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Miyako departs for her final mission.

    Approximately 150 years ago, Rukia and her older sister, Hisana, arrived in Inuzuri, the 78th District of Rukongai, after dying in the Human World. Due to the harsh conditions of Rukongai and Hisana’s inability to care for a child, Hisana abandoned Rukia when she was still a baby. This left Rukia to grow up alone, fending for herself in one of the roughest areas of Rukongai. During her time in Inuzuri, she encountered a group of friends led by Renji Abarai, whom she helped avoid trouble after a water theft. She quickly became their spiritual leader, and the group lived together as a makeshift family. The group included Fujimaru, a responsible and witty figure, Kosaburou, a quiet and hardworking member, and Mameji, the timid, good-natured one who often became the butt of jokes.

    Despite their close bond, they grew to hate Inuzuri and its people, but the group stayed together. As the years passed, all their friends died one by one, leaving only Rukia and Renji. At this time, Rukia began to show signs of spiritual power. Ten years after they first met, Rukia suggested that they both become Shinigami and live in Seireitei, the inner sanctum of Soul Society. Renji agreed, and due to their spiritual gifts, they entered the Shin’ō Academy with relative ease. However, they both struggled to stand out amongst their peers from noble families.

    During their time at the Academy, Renji often tried to fit in, but Rukia found it difficult. On one occasion, Renji humorously slept in a tree before the Academy’s welcoming ceremony, only to fall on a headstone and startle a fellow student, Izuru Kira, earning a scolding from Rukia. Two months into their time at the Academy, Renji informed Rukia that he was going to the Human World for field training. While Rukia complained about the apparent unfairness, Renji dismissed it, saying it was all about talent, and that he would prove himself stronger. Rukia, quietly determined, vowed to do the same.

    Around this time, Byakuya Kuchiki took an interest in Rukia, offering her an adoption into the Kuchiki Clan, a noble family. Byakuya’s interest stemmed from Rukia’s striking resemblance to his deceased wife, Hisana, who was Rukia’s sister. During a meeting between Rukia and the Kuchiki Clan, Renji burst in to inform Rukia of his success in passing an important exam. Although the interruption disappointed the nobles, Rukia shared the offer with Renji, who congratulated her despite his own mixed emotions. Rukia accepted the offer and was immediately graduated from the Academy and placed into the 13th Division.

    Rukia’s first day in the 13th Division was somewhat disheartening. Although she asked her fellow Shinigami to treat her like any other recruit, she overheard gossip about the favoritism granted to nobles. Lieutenant Kaien Shiba, however, soon introduced himself to Rukia and scolded her for being too reserved. Rukia was delighted by Kaien’s direct, supportive attitude and felt more comfortable within the Division. That evening, she reported to Byakuya that her day had gone smoothly and that she had not been assigned a Seated Officer position. Unbeknownst to her, Byakuya had arranged for her to remain unseated to protect her, honoring a promise he had made to Hisana. During this time, Rukia worked closely with Kiyone Kotetsu and assisted her on various missions to the Human World.

    In the 13th Division, Rukia developed a close bond with Kaien, who became her mentor and taught her both combat skills and valuable life lessons. He introduced her to the concept of the “heart,” an idea that would shape her worldview. Rukia also admired Miyako Shiba, Kaien’s wife, aspiring to be like her one day. Tragically, when Miyako was killed by a Hollow, Rukia accompanied Kaien and Captain Jūshirō Ukitake to eliminate the creature. Kaien, choosing to face the Hollow alone, was ultimately possessed when the Hollow took over his body after destroying his Zanpakutō. Although Rukia initially obeyed Ukitake’s orders not to intervene, she could not bear to watch Kaien suffer and eventually took action, delivering the fatal blow to her possessed mentor. Kaien, before dying, thanked Rukia for releasing him and apologized for dragging her into the situation. This event left Rukia with deep emotional scars, particularly as she struggled to bring Kaien’s body back to the Shiba family without apologizing due to her overwhelming guilt.

    Forty years after her adoption into the Kuchiki Clan, Rukia was assigned to the Human World on a mission to Karakura Town. When Kiyone and Sentarō Kotsubaki informed her of the assignment, Rukia mistakenly thought it was a transfer order. Captain Ukitake clarified that she would be in Karakura Town for one month and reassured her that the mission would be simple. Despite this, Rukia chose not to inform Byakuya, believing the mission was too trivial to warrant his attention. As she departed for her assignment, she unknowingly set the stage for her fateful encounter with Ichigo Kurosaki, which would change her life forever.

    Equipment

    Ōken Clothing:
    After her training with theRoyal Guard, Rukia dons special clothing designed to protect her as she safely returns to theSeireitei. These garments are crafted from the bones and hair of the Royal Guard members, granting them immense defensive capabilities. TheŌken clothingallows Rukia to withstand the intense friction generated while passing through the 72 barriers that separateSoul Societyfrom theSoul King Palacewithout sustaining any harm.Yhwachremarked that no Shinigami could wear clothing greater than this.

    Rukia’s Ōken clothing consists of a long, white shawl wrapped around her head, which hangs past her shoulders, along with fluffy white earmuffs, a white visor covering her eyes, and a long white cloak worn over her standard shihakushō. These garments are destroyed when Rukia activates her Bankai, causing her to temporarily gain new attire during her transformation.

    Abilities & Powers

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Rukia using Hadō 73.

    Kidō Expert
    • Mastery of Kidō:Rukia excels in the use of Kidō, being top of her class in the Shin’ō Academy. She can quickly switch from Zanjutsu to Kidō in combat without any delay, making her versatile even if she loses her Zanpakutō.
    • High-Level Kidō Usage:Although her Kidō power was considered average upon joining the 13th Division, she has since mastered high-level Kidō, such asHadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui, without the need for incantations.
    • Combination Spells:Rukia is adept at using multiple spells in combination, although she requires incantations for casting high-level Kidō simultaneously.

    Expert Swordsman

    • Zanjutsu Skill:Rukia’s swordsmanship improved significantly after training with Kaien Shiba. She can hold her own against powerful foes, such as the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, who had inherited Kaien’s expert sword skills.
    • Combat Effectiveness:Rukia’s skill allows her to cut down multiple opponents with ease, as demonstrated during her battles withRudbornn Chelute’sCalaveras.
    • Zanjutsu Skill:Rukia’s swordsmanship improved significantly after training with Kaien Shiba. She can hold her own against powerful foes, such as the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, who had inherited Kaien’s expert sword skills.
    • Combat Effectiveness:Rukia’s skill allows her to cut down multiple opponents with ease, as demonstrated during her battles withRudbornn Chelute’sCalaveras.
    Shunpo Expert

    • High Speed: Renji Abarai has noted Rukia’s exceptional speed in combat, making her a valuable ally.
    • Evasion Skills:During her battle in the Menos Forest, Rukia dodged numerous attacks from several Adjuchas enemies, demonstrating her agility.
    • Enhanced Speed Post-Soul King Training:After training in the Soul King Palace, Rukia’s speed improved to the point where she could surprise and strike powerful opponents likeÄs Nödt.

    Hakuda Combatant

    • Hand-to-Hand Combat:Rukia is proficient in hand-to-hand combat, usingHakudaas her primary method of fighting when her Gigai rendered her Shinigami abilities inaccessible.

    Great Spiritual Power

    • Reiatsu Strength:As a captain of the Gotei 13, Rukia possesses great spiritual power and can exert large amounts ofReiatsuwhen necessary. Her Reiatsu is noted to be white in color.

    Keen Intellect

    • Tactical Ability:Rukia has repeatedly displayed keen intellect, using combination attacks to counter the power of stronger enemies, such as the 9th Espada.
    • Extensive Knowledge:She is well-versed in Soul Society’s history and was invaluable in aiding Ichigo Kurosaki during his early days as a Substitute Shinigami.

    Enhanced Strength

    • Physical Strength:Despite her small stature, Rukia has considerable physical strength, as shown when she carried two unconscious adults with ease during a crisis in Seireitei.
    Enhanced Endurance

    • Resilience:Rukia is incredibly resilient, surviving severe injuries and continuing to fight. She withstood being impaled by Aaroniero’sNejibanaand still managed to defeat him before collapsing from her wounds.

    Zanpakutō

    Sode no Shirayuki(袖白雪,Sleeved White Snow; Viz “Sleeves of White Snow”)
    In its sealed form,Sode no Shirayukiis a standard katana with a rectangular tsuba featuring a flame-like pattern on the long sides, curved lines on the short sides, and a reddish-brown hilt.
    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Sode no Shirayuki.

    Shikai

    TheShikaicommand for Sode no Shirayuki is“Dance”(舞え,mae). Upon activation, the blade, hilt, and tsuba turn completely white, with the tsuba becoming a hollow snowflake-like circle and a white ribbon forming from the pommel. Sode no Shirayuki is considered one of the most beautiful Zanpakutō inSoul Society, and its transformation is accompanied by a rush of cold air.

    • Shikai Special Ability:
      Sode no Shirayuki is an ice-type Zanpakutō with multiple techniques referred to as “dances.” Its abilities center around freezing, with the Zanpakutō capable of freezing targets from a distance or creating paths and platforms of ice in midair. Rukia can even freezeQuincyspirit weapons, causing them to shatter.
      The Zanpakutō’s true ability does not spread coldness outward; instead, it lowers the wielder’s body temperature to below freezing, allowing anything the wielder touches to freeze. This unique power enables Rukia to place her body in cryostasis, halting molecular movement and rendering her immune to most external attacks. However, optical attacks can still affect her since her nerves remain active. Rukia can lower her body temperature to the point where she instantly freezes the ground beneath her, creating ice quakes. She can reduce her temperature to absolute zero, but she can only maintain this state for four seconds.

    Shikai Techniques

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Rukia unleashes Some no mai, Tsukishiro, against Di Roy.

    • Some no Mai, Tsukishiro(初の舞・月白,First Dance, Moon White):
      Rukia slashes her Zanpakutō in a circular motion, freezing everything within the circle, including the air above the target. The area inside the circle is frozen, and any target trapped within is shattered shortly after.

    • Tsugi no Mai, Hakuren(次の舞・白漣,Next Dance, White Ripple):
      Rukia punctures the ground in front of her four times in a semi-circle, creating a large ice formation. Ice particles accumulate at the tip of her blade and are released in a powerful avalanche of cold air that flash-freezes anything it contacts, encasing targets in ice.

    • San no Mai, Shirafune(参の舞・白刀,Third Dance, White Sword):
      By gathering moisture in the air at the tip of her blade, Rukia extends Sode no Shirayuki to form a blade of ice, which continues freezing surrounding objects after piercing a target.

    • Ice-Rope Connection:
      Rukia can create an ice extension to connect her hand to Sode no Shirayuki if she is separated from her sword, allowing her to use her Shikai abilities remotely.

    • Some no Mai, Tsukishiro(初の舞・月白,First Dance, Moon White):
      Rukia slashes her Zanpakutō in a circular motion, freezing everything within the circle, including the air above the target. The area inside the circle is frozen, and any target trapped within is shattered shortly after.

    • Tsugi no Mai, Hakuren(次の舞・白漣,Next Dance, White Ripple):
      Rukia punctures the ground in front of her four times in a semi-circle, creating a large ice formation. Ice particles accumulate at the tip of her blade and are released in a powerful avalanche of cold air that flash-freezes anything it contacts, encasing targets in ice.

    • San no Mai, Shirafune(参の舞・白刀,Third Dance, White Sword):
      By gathering moisture in the air at the tip of her blade, Rukia extends Sode no Shirayuki to form a blade of ice, which continues freezing surrounding objects after piercing a target.

    • Ice-Rope Connection:
      Rukia can create an ice extension to connect her hand to Sode no Shirayuki if she is separated from her sword, allowing her to use her Shikai abilities remotely.

    Bankai: Hakka no Togame(白霞罸,Censure of the White Haze; Viz “White Haze Punishment”)

    Rukia’sBankaidrastically changes her appearance and clothing. She dons a white, ankle-length kimono with intricate ice patterns and wide sleeves. The robe features transparent ice at the collar and shoulders, with long ribbons tied at her back, forming loops. An ice formation appears at her chest, and she wears a half-crown of ice around the back of her head. Her hair and eyes turn white, and her blade becomes transparent ice while maintaining its Shikai form.

    Weaknesses

    Zanpakutō

    • Temperature Stability (Shikai, Bankai):
      When using her Zanpakutō’s freezing abilities, particularly when raising her body temperature from absolute zero, Rukia must do so gradually. Failing to thaw slowly could result in severe harm to her own body, as the drastic temperature shift could damage her cells.

    • Mastery Difficulty (Bankai):
      While Rukia’sBankai,Hakka no Togame, is extraordinarily powerful, it is also highly difficult to control. A slight misstep in the use of her Bankai could result in her own death due to the extreme temperatures involved.

    • Time Limit (Bankai):
      Rukia’sBankaiaffects her own body as well as her surroundings. Due to this, the duration for which she can maintain her Bankai is limited. Prolonged use risks damaging her physically, making it necessary for her to carefully manage the time spent in her Bankai state. Upon leaving this form, she must thaw slowly, or she risks inflicting severe damage on herself.

    Trivia

    • Rukia’s favorite foodis cucumber, eggs, and rice dumplings. She has a notable fondness for anything rabbit-themed, often incorporating rabbits into her drawings, which are typically difficult for others to understand.
    • Rukia’s artistic skillsare a running gag throughout the series. Her drawings, while well-intentioned, are often incomprehensible to others, with her rabbit-like sketches being the most frequent.
    • Rukia’s Zanpakutō,Sode no Shirayuki, is regarded as the most beautiful ice-type Zanpakutō inSoul Societydue to its elegant, pure white design.
    • Despite her stature and noble lineage as a member of theKuchiki Clan, Rukia retains a sense of modesty, having grown up in the harsh district ofInuzuriinRukongai. This background continues to influence her down-to-earth personality.
    • Rukia initially struggled with fitting in with noble expectations after being adopted byByakuya Kuchiki. Her adoptive brother, Byakuya, was instrumental in ensuring she was kept out of dangerous assignments, despite Rukia being unaware of his involvement.
    • Rukia’s role in killingKaien Shiba, her mentor and friend, remains one of the most significant emotional turning points in her life. This event left her with a deep sense of guilt, particularly toward theShiba Clan.
    • Rukia’s birthdayis January 14, making her aCapricorn, known for their strong-willed, disciplined nature, much like Rukia’s personality throughout the series.
    • Rukia’s Gigaiform often leads to comical situations, particularly with her having trouble finding appropriately sized clothes. This results in her borrowing clothes fromYuzu Kurosakion multiple occasions.
    • Rukia’s nametranslates to “light” or “flow,” which could be seen as symbolizing her graceful yet steadfast nature.
    • Rukia is one of the few Shinigami to have witnessed and usedBankaidespite originally being considered weaker in terms of raw power compared to other captains.