Byakuya Kuchiki

Byakuya Kuchiki is an anime and manga male character who features in Bleach.

Biography

Origin

Captain Kuchiki in Bleach v1 #7.

Byakuya Kuchiki (Japanese: 朽木 白哉, Hepburn: Kuchiki Byakuya) was a male born in the Soul Society where he was a member of one of the noble families that were the Kuchiki Clan. This saw him growing up in the Kuchiki Mansion in the Seireitei where he spent countless hours training in preparation to take over the leadership of the Kuchiki family. From a young age, he went through under his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki who was the Captain of the 6th Division and prepared Byakuya to take over his position in the clan. By this point, Byakuya was rash and had a hot-headed attitude with this being traits that worried his grandfather. During this time, he would train with Yoruichi Shihouin where she would often play pranks on him and goad him into games of tag using flash steps which she managed to win on every occasion.

He was present in a meeting of the Gotei 13 when Isshin Shiba of the 10th Division made his report concerning the arrival of a mysterious Hollow along with a string of events in Naruki City.

Alongside his lieutenant Renji Abarai, the two travelled to the world of the living in order to capture and return with Rukia Kuchiki. Their mission involved taking her back to the Soul Society and to eliminate Ichigo Kurosaki in the process. Captain Kuchiki simply watched as he allowed Renji to take the lead in the fight and stood by as he watched Uryū Ishida arrive at the scene. He then saw Renji defeat Uryū after which Ichigo arrived with Byakuya watching their battle. Lieutenant Abarai came to be surprised by his foe who gained an advantage leading to Captain Kuchiki intervening where he unleashed a strike that cut Ichigo's sword in two and left him with grevious injuries. It was then that Rukia begged her brother to spare his life and agreed to return to the Soul Society. Ichigo defiantly attempted to stop Byakuya by grabbing his leg but the shinigami captain knocked him unconscious where he stated that he human would either die from his wounds or lose his powers from this encounter. It was then that Renji opened the Senkaimon back to Soul Society allowing them and their captive to return back to headquarters. Back home, he was informed that Rukia was to be executed for his crimes and came to accept the decision. Afterwards, he encountered fellow Captain's Kenpachi Zaraki and Gin Ichimaru both of whom began to tease him about Rukia's coming execution for being a criminal. Byakuya, however, cared not about the words of the lower-class who he claimed could not understand the feelings of nobles. This exchange nearly resulted in a fight between Captain's Kuchiki and Zaraki but the latter was stopped when Ichimaru intervened where he took Kenpachi away from the scene.

Soul Society

Byakuya came to attend a captain's meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto where he sat silent whilst many of his comrades bickered with one another. By this point, the Soul Society was invaded by Ichigo Kurosaki and his comrades who had arrived in order to rescue Rukia. Lieutenant Abarai came to confront Kurosaki but was defeated by the human with medics being called to heal his injuries. Captain Kuchiki though denied him any medical aid and instead had his subordinate being sent to the dungeons. This was because Renji had acted alone and last with this being punishment for his actions. Momo Hinamori attempted to argue with the captain but was stopped by Izuru Kira who apologised for her words.

Byakuya later interrupted Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada's attempt to rescue Rukia from the Shishinrō. Byakuya told Ganju he had sensed some faint spiritual pressure going toward Shishinrō, initially thinking it was someone strong hiding their Reiatsu, but it turned out to be a big fat bug. When Ganju attacks, Byakuya, severely damaging Ganju's arm, tells him to be gone. Ganju tells him a coward who could be scared away by such an attack does not exist in the Shiba family. Upon hearing his family name, Byakuya, apologizing for not hitting Ganju harder, ignores Rukia's plea and releases his Shikai, severely injuring Ganju. As Byakuya prepares to finish off Ganju, he is stopped by Jūshirō Ukitake, who states the release of a Zanpakutō in Konnatokoru is a first class offense. Byakuya informs him of the special war time orders, which had been activated, lifting this ban. Byakuya and Ukitake sense the arrival of a strong spiritual pressure at the level of a captain. Ichigo, showing up, attempts to engage Byakuya in combat. Ukitake asks Byakuya who Ichigo is, but Byakuya says he was no one. After a brief exchange of words, Byakuya states he doesn't know how Ichigo has reacquired Shinigami powers, but he should have resumed his normal Human life. After failing in an attempt to use Senka on Ichigo, Byakuya releases Senbonzakura's Shikai, but is stopped by Yoruichi. Byakuya, recognizing her, watches as she knocks Ichigo out. When Byakuya states she will not be able to escape easily, Yoruichi asks him if he ever won even one time against her in a game of tag, and Byakuya asks if they should try again. The two engage in a test of speed using Shunpo, with Yoruichi, carrying an unconscious Ichigo, staying a step ahead of Byakuya. Yoruichi, moving to the top of a nearby building, yells down to Byakuya that in three days, she will make Ichigo stronger than him, and that their fight is on hold until then. She flees with Ichigo with Byakuya leaving the area and telling Ukitake he had lost interest, and that Ukitake can do whatever he wants to do with the Ryoka.

He arrived at the scene of the execution where he was ready to witness Rukia's death but the event was interrupted by the arrival of Ichigo Kurosaki who managed to block the Kikōō (燬鷇王, Blaze Fledgling King; Viz "Firebird King"). Such an act was deemed impossible yet the intruder managed to take down the Sōkyoku and saved Rukia where he passed her to Renji to take her to safety. Byakuya arrived at the scene where he intended to re-capture Rukia and execute her for her crimes but was opposed by Ichigo. Kurosaki was different during this fight where he demonstrated the ability to see and fight Byakuya on an equal footing. Byakuya, taunted by Ichigo, releases his Shikai, only for Ichigo to counter it with a Getsuga Tenshō, which injures Byakuya's left hand. Byakuya, activating his Bankai, injures Ichigo, who admits his error of using only his Shikai. Unimpressed, Byakuya says he is talking as though he has achieved Bankai, which Ichigo claims is the case. Byakuya, not believing him, looks on in disbelief as Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu. Before Byakuya, who is confused by the small size of the Bankai, can attack, Ichigo, getting up close, points the tip of his blade at Byakuya's throat. He asks Byakuya if pride has anything to do with Rukia's execution, because if so, he will step all over it. When Ichigo backs off, Byakuya calls him arrogant for not attacking when he had the chance. They continue fighting, until Ichigo becomes so fast Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is unable keep up with him. Byakuya begins using his hand to direct his Bankai, causing it to move even faster. However, Ichigo fends it off and, before Byakuya realizes it, appears behind him and stabs the captain. Realizing the power of Ichigo's Bankai, Byakuya, promising to destroy it,[58] activates his Senkei technique. As they continue, Byakuya notes Ichigo's movements are becoming slower. Byakuya, calling forth one of the surrounding swords to stab Ichigo in the foot, pierces Ichigo's shoulder with Byakurai. Byakuya, commending him on having made it as far as he did, says he must realize by now this is the end. He prepares for a finishing blow, but Ichigo's inner Hollow, taking over, stops Byakuya's attack. A stunned Byakuya is slashed across his chest. Regaining his composure, he dodges a black Getsuga Tenshō. Seeing the Hollow mask, Byakuya asks if he is a Hollow, but Ichigo, ripping off the mask, apologizes for the Hollow’s interference. Byakuya, agreeing to ignore what just transpired, points out neither of them have the strength to continue this for much longer. They agree to end the battle with the next blow. When Ichigo asks Byakuya why he won’t save Rukia, Byakuya tells him he will answer that question if Ichigo defeats him. Byakuya uses the technique Shūkei, Hakuteiken, and the two, charging at each other, release a torrent of powerful Reiatsu. Both are badly wounded by this, and Byakuya reveals his reasons for not saving Rukia. Ichigo tells him that if he was in his position, he would fight the rules. Byakuya realizes Ichigo was fighting Soul Society's rules rather than him personally, and muses that Ichigo has the same personality as Kaien Shiba. Byakuya, telling Ichigo his ferocity has shattered his blade and he will no longer pursue Rukia's death, leaves the area. Later, when Sōsuke Aizen orders Gin Ichimaru to kill Rukia, Byakuya, saving her life, takes the attack with his body instead. Overwhelmed by his injuries, Byakuya collapses in Rukia's arms. While Captain Unohana treats him for his massive injuries, Byakuya, telling Rukia the truth of her past, explains why he was conflicted for so long between his promises to Hisana and his parents, making it hard for him to determine the role he should take when she was sentenced to be executed. He thanks Ichigo for helping him make his decision to save Rukia in the end, and apologizes to Rukia. A week after Aizen's escape, Renji sits with a recovering Byakuya, who asks Renji if he wished Byakuya was dead. Renji says no as without him, Renji would have no reason to become stronger. They are interrupted by Ichigo and Orihime Inoue, who are searching for Rukia. After they left, Byakuya voiced his concern about Ichigo. When Renji asked about it, Byakuya responded that he was hoping Ichigo would stop using his first name and that he found Ichigo to be very disrespectful. When the Ryoka departed from Soul Society, Byakuya was among those present at the Senkaimon to see them off.

Heuco Mundo

Later on, a new threat emerged to the worlds in the form of the Arrancar. These were Hollows who had evolved into more shinigami-like forms with greater abilities. Aizen had seemingly been assembling them into an army of his own that he came to call the Espada. In response, the Soul Society dispatched Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and a team to the world of the living to watch for intrusions by these Arrancar. Afterwards, Captain-Commander Yamamoto received information that Orihime Inoue had willingly gone to Hueco Mundo. This led to him considering her to be a traitor and that all shinigami units were to return to the Soul Society as a result. Sensing that Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai might refuse orders, the Captain-Commander had sent Captains Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki to force the pairs return to the Soul Society. The shinigami then returned though upon taking his subordinates back to their headquarters. However, Byakuya had stated that he only had orders to bring the pair back to the Soul Society and what they did afterwards was not his concern. This was his way for them to return to Earth in order for them to help Ichigo in rescuing Orihime. Before they departed, he gave them cloaks that would help them travel through the aid deserts of Hueco Mundo. He later took part in the Soul Society's surprise attack on Hueco Mundo where he arrived in Los Noches just in time to save Rukia from the 7th Espada Zommari Rureaux. The pair demonstrate their speed, with Zommari, claiming to have the fastest Sonído among the Espada, explaining his Gemelos Sonído allows him to create quasi-clones. Byakuya, criticizing him for revealing his ability, uses Utsusemi to escape one of Zommari's attacks. After the pair exchange criticisms and taunts, Zommari, releasing his Zanpakutō, uses his Amor ability to take control of Byakuya's left leg. Byakuya responds by severing the tendons of his left leg. Zommari turns his attention to the unconscious Rukia, but Byakuya shields her body with his own. Hanatarō Yamada follows Byakuya onto the battlefield, but Byakuya orders Hanatarō back to avoid him getting caught up in the battle.

When Byakuya realizes Zommari has taken possession of his left hand, he, cutting the tendons, uses Shō to free Rukia from the ice, instructing Hanatarō to fall back with her. Zommari, revealing he has taken control of Rukia's head and thus controls her entire body, has her slash Hanatarō across the chest. He warns Byakuya to drop his sword, or he will force Rukia to slit her own throat. Byakuya, restraining Rukia with Rikujōkōrō, releases his Bankai. Zommari, becoming desperate, tries to use the full range of his power to control Byakuya's Bankai, but Byakuya, stating there are too many blades for Zommari to control, activates his 'Gōkei' technique to crush Zommari. Surviving, Zommari tries to use his power to gain control of Byakuya, who counters by using Dankū. Byakuya explains that when he used Kidō to stop Rukia's possession, he deduced Zommari's ability to possess was somewhat similar to Kidō, so it could be canceled out by Kidō. Zommari, begging for mercy, asks him to show some compassion. He angrily shouts at Byakuya that Shinigami are arrogant, taking an unnatural authority to proclaim Hollows as evil. Byakuya, impassive, states he fought him because Zommari attacked Byakuya's pride and killed him. Byakuya instructs Isane Kotetsu to come out of her hiding place and take care of Rukia and Hanatarō. When Rukia wakes up while being healed, Byakuya, brushing off her concern, tells her to rest, as there is a much bigger fight coming.

As Yammy Llargo is about to crush Ichigo, Byakuya fires Sōkatsui at the Espada, while Zaraki cuts off one of Yammy's legs. The two captains bicker for a while. As Zaraki begins to fight Yammy on his own, Byakuya stops Ichigo from joining the fight, telling him he has to return to the Human World. Mayuri Kurotsuchi appears with a cart, which Byakuya asks him about, before opening a Garganta. Ichigo begins to protest again, but Byakuya reminds him that his true duty is to protect Karakura Town, convincing Ichigo to go. He asks Mayuri why he chose to remain in Hueco Mundo when there must have been more things on Earth which would have piqued his curiosity. Mayuri, assuring him he is not plotting anything, states there are "more interesting" corpses in Hueco Mundo, and he will examine the Human World later. Byakuya says he is surprised to hear such words coming from Mayuri, since it sounds like he believes in Ichigo and his ability to end the war. As Byakuya watches Zaraki take down Yammy, the battle-crazed captain asks Byakuya to finish off Yammy. Byakuya tells him that is a job for a barbarian like Zaraki. Yammy, getting back up, fires a Cero at them. They both dodge the Cero, and as they continue to bicker, Byakuya releases his Bankai. Yammy's huge form is knocked off-balance by their powerful attack, and he uses his anger to transform. He warns the captains that making him angrier is the last thing they want to do, as his release increases in strength the angrier he becomes. After defeating Yammy, Byakuya and Zaraki exit a Garganta in Soul Society. The 4th Division immediately responds to their arrival, taking note that while both are standing, they are horribly injured. After their injuries are treated, Byakuya and Zaraki, along with Shunsui, are scolded by Yamamoto for losing their respective haori. When the captains take the matter lightly, with Byakuya saying he can easily replace the cheap material, Yamamoto grows even angrier.

Overview

Personality and attributes

In appearance, Byakuya Kuchiki was a male with slate gray eyes and long black hair. These were kept in intricate white headpieces called kenseikan (牽星箝, Pulled Star Insert; Viz "Pull Star Silence") that identified him as being of the nobility and head of the Kuchiki Clan where he wore three on top of his head whilst another two on the right side.The scarf was made from Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu (銀白風花紗, Gauze of Silver-White Flurry of Snow in Clear Skies; Viz "Silvery-White Windflower Silk Gauze") that was a family heirloom which had been handed down from generation to generation which given to each head of the Kuchiki Clan.

As a noble, he acted in an aristocratic manner where he always seemed to be serene and apathetic towards other people even when he was actually deeply conflicted. He was also extremely calm even in battle and was rarely surprised by even the most drastic of actions. Ironically, when he was younger, he was quick to anger and very hotheaded, as noted by his grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki.

He always seems serene and apathetic towards other people, even while actually deeply conflicted. He is notably calm, even in battle. He generally acts indifferent, bordering on arrogance, to most situations he is faced with, and rarely views his opponent as being worth his time. Byakuya is easily offended if his name is not used properly.

He liked Japanese cherry blossoms, night-time walks, spicy food, and bananas, but did not like sweets.

Kuchiki was shown to strongly believed in law and order where he worked hard for the maintenance of a peaceful society. He believed that rules were meant to be followed and that superiors were meant to serve as an example for their subordinates. As such, he felt that if someone of his position did not follow the rules then no one else would follow them. As a captain of the Gotei 13 and head of one of the great noble families, he works hard for a peaceful society. He feels that if someone in his position does not follow the rules as a good example, no one else will. He believes that to maintain the order, all law-breakers must be punished, even if it goes against his own wishes. Byakuya feels that "part of a captain's responsibilities is to make sure that the lieutenant's responsibilities are taken care of".

He was shown as being reluctant to use techniques that were taught to him by Yoruichi Shihōin.

Byakuya Kuchiki was the son of Sōjun Kuchiki (朽木蒼純, Kuchiki Sōjun) making him a member of the Kuchiki Clan (朽木家, Kuchiki-ke; lit. "Kuchiki family") that were one of the Four Noble Families (四大貴族, Yondai Kizoku; lit. "Four Great Noble Families"). The noble clan were considered Shōichī (正一位, First Hierarchical Rank; Viz "True First") and considered the first among them. His grandfather was Ginrei Kuchiki (朽木 銀嶺, Kuchiki Ginrei) who was the 27th Head of the Kuchiki Clan and a Captain of the 6th Division. As heir to him, Byakuya came to served as the 28th head of the clan who were one of the four great noble families of the Soul Society.

He came to be married to Hisana Kuchiki (朽木 緋真, Kuchiki Hisana) who was of the lower class and cared for her deeply. She though came to pass away but she asked Byakuya to help find her younger sister who came to be known as Rukia Kuchiki (朽木 ルキア, Kuchiki Rukia). This saw him adopting her into the Kuchiki Clan and making her into one of the noble class. Byakuya despite appearances was shown to be very protective of Rukia. In Hueco Mundo, he intended to kill one of the Espada not because it was his duty but rather because he had dared consider killing Ruikia who was his pride and joy.

Powers and abilities

Byakuya Kuchiki was a soul that resided in the afterlife of the Soul Society where he had the ability to channel and manipulate his spiritual pressure. As a captain of the Gotei 13, Byakuya was extremely skilled in all forms of Soul Reaper combat.

He came to be best known for his skill in Shunpo (瞬歩, Flash Steps) which was a movement technique that allowed the user to move faster than the eye could follow. Byakuya was taught this by the "Goddess of Flash" Yoruichi Shihōin though was never beat her in the technique. Despite that, he was still regarded as one of the most proficient users of this skill within the Soul Society. This was demonstrated when he was able to use Shunpo even after severing the muscles and tendons in his left leg. The more advanced Shunpo technique was taught to him by Yoruichi with this being the Utsusemi (空蝉, Cast-Off Cicada Shell) that was known as the Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō. It allowed him to move at even greater speeds where he could leave an afterimage of himself behind that could confuse an enemy.

Byakuta was shown to possess a high degree of skill and proficiency in the use of high-skill Kidō (鬼道, Demon/Spirit Way; Viz "Demon Arts") techniques. He was shown as being able to use a low-level lightning spell to burn a hole right through her opponent's shoulder.

Among the spells known to him included:

• Hadō #33: Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Fire, Crash Down; Viz "Pale Fire Crash") : by aiming his palm at a target, he was able to create a torrent of blue energy that fired at his target. The blue flames were discharged as a direct blast or a wave depending on the power channelled into it.
• Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light; Viz "Six-Rod Light Restraint") : Byakuya pointed his index finger at a target where he generated a spark of yellow energy that summoned six thin wide beams of light that struck a person's midsection where they held them in place. Upon being struck, the target was unable to move any part of their body making them vulnerable to any number of follow-up attacks.
• Bakudō #81: Dankū (斷空, Splitting Void; Viz "Airtight") : using this spell, he could create a translucent barrier in the form of a large rectangular defensive wall capable of protecting against an enemy's attack. According to Byakuya, this technique was capable of stopping Kido-based attacks up to the power of level 89.

His Zanpakutō was called Senbonzakura (千本桜, Thousand Cherry Blossoms) appeared as a regular katana that had a simple cross guard with an open frame like a four-pane window with a bronze guard that had a lavender hilt-wrapping and a white sheath. The Shikai command was triggered by the uttering of the command 'scatter' (散れ, chire) whereupon the sword separated into thousands of slender, petal-like blades. It was shown that it was possible to interrupt the release by wrapping the blade in cloth thus negating the attack before it could manifest fully. When activated, the thousand blades were too small to be seen by the naked eye and reflected the light in such a way that they appeared as cherry blossom petals. Through his will, Byakuya was able to control the blades and directed their movements where they could shred opponents at a distance where they were able to break through almost any defense. It was shown that whilst he could command them mentally that hand movements did allow him to direct his attacks to be more effective where the blades could move twice as fast.

A denizen of the Soul Society (尸魂界 (ソウル・ソサエティ), Souru Sosaeti; Japanese for "Dead Spirit World"), he was a member of the noble Kuchiki Clan (朽木家, Kuchiki-ke; lit. "Kuchiki family"). Their primary residence within the Soul Society was Kuchiki Manor (朽木邸, Kuchiki yashiki). In time, he came to be a captain of the Gotei 13 (護廷十三隊, Goteijūsantai; lit. "13 Division Imperial Guards"; Viz "Thirteen Court Guard Companies") where he headed the Sixth Division (六番隊, rokubantai; "Squad 6" in the English Dub).

Notes

• Byakuya Kuchiki was created by Tite Kubo where he featured in the setting of the Bleach universe.

Appearances

• Bleach:

External Links

• Bleach Wiki Entry
• Comicvine Entry
• Wikipedia Entry

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