Rukia Kuchiki

is an unseated Shinigami in the 13th Division under Captain Jūshirō Ukitake. Rukia is the younger sister of Hisana Kuchiki and the adoptive sister of Byakuya Kuchiki, as well as a friend of Ichigo Kurosaki.

Appearance
Short and petite, Rukia has pale skin, violet-colored eyes, and black hair, with one strand of hair always hanging between her eyes. Byakuya has said to Rukia that she strongly resembles Hisana Kuchiki. As a Shinigami of the Gotei 13, Rukia wears a standard Shihakushō.

Personality
Initially born into a lower class, Rukia retains her modesty even as an adopted member of the nobility: she is graceful and "clean", yet chooses to talk to ordinary people. However, her cool and lone demeanor often forces her to hide her personal troubles even from her friends. She likes to climb to high places. Rukia also likes everything that is rabbit-themed or resembles a rabbit, and her drawings are typically rabbit-like. Rukia's favorite foods are cucumber, eggs and rice dumplings. . Rukia instantly takes a liking to the rabbit-like plushie form of Kurōdo.

Rukia is clueless about the ways of the modern Human World. She is an accomplished actress, being able to act her way through a number of tough situations, such as getting out of trouble with school teachers or managing to get a room at Ichigo's house. Ichigo is the only one to always pick up on it and accuse her of pretending. She always has trouble finding clothes that fit her, especially when inhabiting a Gigai in the Human World, leading to her stealing clothes from Ichigo's sister, Yuzu.

History
Rukia and her older sister, Hisana, were brought together to Inuzuri, 78th District of Rukongai after they died in the Human World. Unable to live their while caring for a child, Hisana abandoned Rukia when she was still a baby. Rukia grew up on her own for a considerable amount of time. One day Rukia tripped an adult that was chasing Renji Abarai's group of friends and urged them to follow her to avoid losing the water they had stolen. Rukia joined their group, becoming their spiritual leader and they lived together as a family. They all hated Inuzuri and the people there. Rukia exhibited some spiritual power during this time. Ten years after Rukia joined the group, with all of their friends dead, Rukia proposed that they become Shinigami and live in Seireitei, noting there that she had heard it was pretty there. Renji agreed with. As they were quite gifted with spiritual powers, they entered the Shinō Academy with ease, where they struggled to prove their worth among those from noble families. The night before the welcoming ceremony for the new students of the Academy, Renji slept in a tree, against Rukia’s advice. The following morning, he fell out of the tree and landed on a headstone where a startled Izuru Kira had been praying, for which Rukia scolds him.

Two months after entering the Academy, Renji scolded Rukia for still not fitting in and informed her that he was going to the Human World for field training to practice Konsō for the first time. Rukia complains about this being unfair, but Renji retorts that it is about talent and that he will get stronger. Rukia replies that she will show him that she is the stronger, but trails off. One day, while meeting with Byakuya Kuchiki and his entourage, Renji entered the room to tell her that he had passed an important exam. Disappointed with the interruption, the nobles left and told Rukia that they were eager to hear her answer. After they had left, Renji asked her what they wanted and congratulated Rukia when she told him that they want to have her adopted into the Kuchiki family, have her graduate immediately and assigned to the 13th Division. Rukia thanked him and left. Rukia was told that Byakuya adopted her into the Kuchiki family due to her similarity to Hisana, whom he had married.

Rukia was admitted to the 13th Division without taking their entrance exam. On her first day in the Division, she was shown into a room by a fellow Shinigami, whom she tells to treat her like any other new recruit. After he leaves, she hears him and others talking about her and the favoritism shown to nobles. Rukia is disappointed that it is like that there as well. Lieutenant Kaien Shiba entered the room and introduces himself, scolding her for her weak reply. Rukia was deeply happy that she could have a normal relationship with her superior, rather than being treated as special. That evening, Rukia reported to Byakuya that her first day had ended peacefully and that she did not attain a Seated Officer position. Byakuya then told her to leave. Shortly after joining the Division, Rukia became Kiyone Kotetsu's assistant and went on a mission to the Human World.

During her time in the 13th Division, she became friends with Kaien. One day, seeing that she is gloom, Kaien tells her that as long as she is in his Division, he will stand by her even if he dies. They are interrupted by the drunk Kiyone and Sentarō Kotsubaki who tried to encourage her. Kaien trained and mentored Rukia. Their first training location was Mount Koifushi of Hokutan, the 3rd district of West Rukongai.

Rukia greatly admired Kaien's wife, 3rd Seat Miyako Shiba. She aspired to be like her one day. When Miyako was killed by a Hollow, Rukia, Kaien, and the division's captain Jūshirō Ukitake hunted the Hollow down. Kaien faced the Hollow alone but its special ability destroyed his Zanpakutō. Rukia attempted to draw her sword and help but was stopped by Ukitake. He told her that Kaien's fight was one of honor rather than a fight for his life. If Rukia were to help, Kaien would be saved but his honor would be forever damaged. Meanwhile, the Hollow entered Kaien and possessed him. Ukitake faced the Hollow but his illness allowed the Hollow the opportunity to attack Rukia. Kaien momentarily regained control and thrust himself through Rukia's Zanpakutō. He thanked Rukia and Ukitake for letting him fight for his honor and died in Rukia's arms. Rukia brought the corpse to the Shiba family but was afraid to apologize since she felt guilty about her role in Kaien's death.

Forty years after Rukia’s adoption into the Kuchiki family, Kiyone and Sentarō informed Rukia that she had been assigned to the Human World. Rukia thought this was a transfer order, which Kiyone denies, reminding her of her previous mission to the Human World, which Rukia still failed to remember. Ukitake told her that she was being assigned to Karakura Town for one month and that it should be easy for her. Rukia thanked her captain for telling her. Ukitake asked if she had told Byakuya about it, but she replied that he would not wish to be bothered with such a minor thing. Ukitake offered to tell him for her, for which Rukia thanked him.

Agent of the Shinigami arc
In Karakura Town one Friday evening, Rukia feels a strong presence. Rukia enters the room of Ichigo Kurosaki, who mistakes her for a burglar and kicks her. Surprised that Ichigo can see and touch her, Rukia tells Ichigo that normal Humans cannot see her and informs him of the existence and purpose of Shinigami. Ichigo refuses to believe Rukia's explanation of Shinigami, insulting her. Incensed, Rukia binds him with a Kidō spell. She explains what Kidō is and returns his insults.

Rukia reassures and performs Konsō on a nearby Plus. She explains about Konsō and the duties of Shinigami to Ichigo with the aid of some drawings, drawing on his face when he complains about their quality. She then reveals that she has been unable to sense the Hollow she had been tracking anymore, as a great power is hindering her senses. Ichigo tells her that he can hear something howling. Rukia realizes that it is a Hollow, but notes that something is still impeding her senses and is confused by how Ichigo heard it before her. She rushes out of the room to confront the Hollow, refusing to free Ichigo. She spots Karin Kurosaki lying in the corridor and listens as Karin tells Ichigo what happened. When she collapses, Rukia reassures Ichigo that she is just unconscious. She is shocked when Ichigo breaks free and rushes to stop the Hollow, Fishbone D.

As Ichigo futility attacks the Hollow, Rukia injures it, freeing Yuzu from its grasp. She explains to Ichigo that she has never encountered a Human like him and that he is likely the Hollow's target. Ichigo thinks this means that it is his fault that his family is in danger. Distracted by this, Rukia is struck by the Hollow and forced to shield Ichigo with her body, causing her severe injuries. Realizing that she is unable to continue fighting it, and seeing that Ichigo is truly determined to protect his family, Rukia offers to temporarily turn him into a Shinigami by piercing his chest with her Zanpakutō and transferring half of her power to him. However, Ichigo absorbs almost all of her power and becomes a Shinigami. As she watches the transformed Ichigo making short work of the Hollow, Rukia realizes that it was Ichigo who had been confusing her senses earlier, leaving her wondering just who he is. After defeating Fishbone D, Ichigo collapses and Rukia goes to his side, where she is approached by Kisuke Urahara and offered a Gigai by him.

The following day, Rukia shows up at Karakura High School as a new student under the ruse that her family had to move suddenly. She greets Ichigo in class and quietly threatens to kill him if he reveals anything about her identity. Later, Rukia explains that because she has lost her Shinigami powers, she cannot return to Soul Society. She tells the confused Ichigo that her power is still inside him and explains that his "soul" has become Shinigami, rather than his body. She reveals that she is using a Gigai to recover, enabling normal Humans to see her. She then tells Ichigo that until her powers return, he will have to take over her Shinigami duties, which he refuses to do. Rukia forces his Shinigami form out of his body and takes him to a park where she has received word via her Denreishinki that a Hollow is about to appear. As the Hollow attacks a young Plus, Rukia successfully manipulates the situation to persuade Ichigo to perform her duties.

Rukia arranges for Ichigo to undergo some rudimentary training to improve his combat tactics. Explaining that sneaking up and defeating Hollows in one hit is a basic tenant of fighting them, she urges him to attack the head, noting that he is yet to defeat any Hollows in one blow. Ichigo spurns the idea of attacking from behind, but Rukia tells him to save such ideals for fighting Humans, otherwise he may be killed. As he trains, she studies modern speech by reading a horror manga. They are interrupted by Orihime Inoue, whom Rukia initially does not recognize. Rukia notices a mark on her leg left by a Hollow and asks Ichigo about her, before leaving, refusing to reveal that she has been staying in Ichigo's closet and wearing Yuzu's clothes. That night, Rukia receives a message about a Hollow on her Denreishinki. She tries to warn him of a Hollow attack just as a large hand bursts through the floor. Rukia uses her Gokon Tekkō to force out Ichigo's soul and at her behest, Ichigo slashes the Hollow's head. He only manages to slice off part of its mask, revealing it to be Orihime's brother, Sora. The Hollow flees and Rukia reveals to Ichigo that all Hollows were once Human.

As Ichigo and Rukia rush to Orihime's home, Rukia explains more about Hollows, revealing that they often attack their relatives. When Ichigo is thrown through the appartment's wall and knocked out, she wakens him, warning that if he loses, Orihime's soul will be eaten. Rukia scales a drain pipe and enters the apartment as Orihime is badly injured. Revealing that she can save her with Kidō, Rukia tells the lucid Sora to move out of the way and treats her. When Sora decides to purify himself with Ichigo's Zanpakutō, Rukia says that it is the right thing to do and explains that his sins will be washed away by the sword. When Orihime awakens and starts to ask Ichigo questions, Rukia erases her memory.

When Ichigo remarks that his wounds have healed very well, Rukia tells him that she excelled at Kidō in the Academy before changing the subject by asking him how to open a juice box. Mizuiro Kojima interrupts, noting that Rukia and Ichigo are together again, saying that they get along well. Rukia calls him by name, surprising Mizuiro who formally introduces himself to her for the first time. Ichigo says that his hobby is womanizing, especially older girls, warning Rukia to watch out for him. Keigo Asano arrives and introduces himself to Rukia. As Reiichi torments the group, Rukia ignores him and continues to struggle with the juice box until Yasutora Sado arrives with a talking parakeet. Rukia tells Ichigo the spirit inside of it is just a lonely Plus, which they should send to Soul Society that night. She notes to herself that Ichigo is now caring for other people's safety. When an injured Sado is brought to the Kurosaki Clinic Rukia tells Ichigo that the wound on Sado's back was inflicted by a Hollow.

The next morning, Sado disappears and Rukia searches for him. She later tells Ichigo that she did not find him nor has she received any word about Hollows from Soul Society. After she explains that Hollows can hide in the space between the Human World and Soul Society, Ichigo tries to track the parakeet instead. Rukia claims this is impossible, as she can only sense it when it is close and the spirit of the Plus and parakeet are intermingled. To Rukia's shock, Ichigo finds the Reiraku of the parakeet and begins to follow it. Just as they find Sado, they also come across a weakened Karin. Rukia orders Ichigo to bring her home, so he is not distracted while fighting. Brushing off Ichigo's concerns about her fighting a Hollow, she runs after Sado. Unable to catch up to him due to the restrictions of her Gigai, she curses the SRDI. Rukia is attacked by a Hollow. The Hollow, Shrieker, is left surprised that she survived. Rukia uses Sōkatsui against him, but to no avail, realizing that her powers have not recovered enough. When she is pinned by the Hollow, Sado punches it, freeing her. Realizing that he cannot see Shrieker, Rukia is surprised by his calmness and directs his attacks towards the Hollow.

After they are briefly caught by Shrieker's artillery, Rukia has Sado throw her up to the airborne Hollow. However, she is knocked down by his artillery and injured. Shrieker holds the parakeet hostage and demands that she run. Rukia tells Sado what is happening and runs, dodging attacks from more artillery before being hit again. When Ichigo arrives, she transforms him into a Shinigami and warns him about the leeches. She moves his body away from the fight and tells Sado to hide Ichigo and the parakeet in a safe place. The parakeet says that it is his fault she was injured, as he wanted to bring his mother back to life. Rukia questions him about this. When Ichigo defeats Shrieker, the gates of Hell open to claim the Hollow. Rukia explains about Hell to Ichigo. After examining the parakeet, she determines that he cannot be returned to his body and reassures him about going to Soul Society. She then erases Sado's memory.

With her supplies running low, Rukia visits the Urahara Shop. She stops Jinta from bullying Ururu outside the shop before being shown in to Urahara. She orders various goods and pays for them with the bounty from Ichigo's defeat of Shrieker, shrugging off Urahara's concerns. She also collects a previously ordered Soul Candy dispenser. At school, she gives him the dispenser, explaining that it will allow him to transform into a Shinigami without her help, while placing an artificial soul in his body. She ignores Ichigo's unease with the idea and makes him use it. When she receives an order, she drags him off to deal with it, leaving the artificial soul, Kon, in Ichigo's body. After dealing with the order, they rush back to find that the artificial soul is causing mayhem in their classroom. They attempt to confront it, but he escapes, leading Rukia to believe that it is a Mod Soul.

As they search, Ichigo and Rukia argue until she explains about Operation Spearhead, revealing that according to Soul Society's laws, all Mod Souls must be destroyed. As Rukia naively asks a shopkeeper if he saw Kon, she receives an order. When they find the Hollow, Kon is already fighting it. After it is defeated, Urahara arrives to reclaim Kon. Rukia tells him that she is content with her purchase and tells Urahara not to worry about it. Later, Rukia and Ichigo see a news report about the incident on TV. Ichigo asks what they should do, but Rukia stays silent. Rukia and Ichigo search for a dead animal to put Kon into, but eventually settle for a stuffed toy animal. On the sixteenth of June, Rukia notices that Ichigo is very distracted. After a family meeting that night, Ichigo tells the confused Rukia that the following day is the anniversary of his mother's death, adding that she was killed.

The following day, Rukia is waiting for Ichigo near Masaki's grave. She questions Ichigo about his mother's death, asking if a Hollow had killed her. Angered, Ichigo tells her that he was responsible for Masaki's death. Horrified by this and what she had said to him, Rukia quietly watches Ichigo's family visit the grave. Kon crawls out of her backpack and asks to go home, but Rukia insists that they must be nearby in case a Hollow attacks. When Karin and Yuzu are attacked by Grand Fisher, Rukia senses the Hollow, but is surprised by the lack of any orders on her Denreishinki. She rushes towards them, meeting up with Ichigo on the way. She tells Ichigo that she will not ask about Masaki any more. She transforms him into a Shinigami and carries his body. She finds Ichigo's sisters and sees Ichigo being confronted by Grand Fisher. Rukia tells Ichigo about this infamous Hollow and berates him when he recklessly attacks it. Realizing that Grand Fisher killed his mother, Ichigo stops her from helping him with Kidō and tells her to stay out of the fight. Rukia puts Kon in Ichigo's body and they bring the girls to safety.

When she honours Ichigo's request to stay out of the fight, Kon asks her to save Ichigo. Rukia rushes back to watch Ichigo's battle. Thinking to herself that she cannot interfere as Ichigo is fighting for himself, she remembers the events of Kaien's death and decides not to interfere. When Grand Fisher escapes, Rukia tries to calm the heavily wounded Ichigo, insisting that the fight is over. Ichigo collapses and she sets about healing him and Kon thanks her. Rukia uses up most of her strength to heal Ichigo's major wounds, so she returns him to his body before he is fully healed, reassuring him over the outcome of the battle. Rukia listens as Ichigo talks with Isshin. Afterwards, Ichigo asks Rukia if he can remain a Shinigami for a while longer.

One Sunday morning, Rukia stops Ichigo as he beats Kon clean against a wall, revealing that she has arranged for an implement to clean him with and starts using the school's toilet brush on Kon. Ichigo orders her to take it back. At school, Keigo invites Rukia to the live broadcast of Don Kanonji's TV show and encourages her to do his pose. Rukia declines, politely saying that she is too shy. The following Wednesday evening, Rukia accompanies several of her classmates to the broadcast at an abandoned hospital. She tells Ichigo that he must be tired from his dual life and instructs him to relax. She then reveals that she does not know what the "festival" is about. Ichigo explains it to her, but she still does not understand. He asks Rukia if there really is a spirit there, thinking that the Shinigami would have dealt with it. She replies that it is likely to be a Jibakurai, which can be difficult for Shinigami to detect, and begins to explain what this is.

When the Jibakurai screams, Rukia tells him that it is a Demi-Hollow. As the show begins filming, Rukia turns her attention to the events unfolding, being impressed with Kanonji's entrance. Ichigo asks her if they should perform Konsō on the Jibakurai, but Rukia tells him that it takes months to years to turn into a Hollow. Believing that it would be trouble if there was a struggle with some many people there, she states that they will do the Konsō after the show and seeks to reassure him. However, Don Kanonji jams his staff into the hole in the Demi-Hollow's chest. Rukia condemns Kanonji's actions. When Ichigo is pounced upon by security after attempting to stop Kanonji, Rukia tries to change him into a Shinigami, but is caught too. Urahara frees Ichigo, prompting Rukia to ask what he is scheming. Urahara claims to be there because Ururu and Jinta enjoy the show and frees her. Rukia gives out about him using Soul Society's tools so freely. When the spirit disappears, Rukia realizes that its body is about to reform into a Hollow and searches for it with her Denreishinki. She yells at Ichigo to look above him, attracting the attention of some security guards.

The following day, Rukia and the others are called before the school principal over their appearance on the show. Rukia subdues Kagine by claiming responsibility, allowing the others to flee. When Kagine notices the others are gone, Rukia escapes as well. Keigo thanks her, but Ichigo tells him not to as she was going to sell just him out. Rukia retorts that she was just acting and that she would not sell out a friend. That afternoon, Kanonji invites Rukia for a drive in his car. He gives her loads of sweets and she tells him where Ichigo's home is. As Ichigo is trying to evade Kanonji, an order arrives and they leave the house. As they bicker, they pass Uryū Ishida. Later that week, Rukia and Ichigo arrive at what they believed to be the site of a Hollow attack, but find a Plus cowering in a corner and no Hollow. Ichigo asks her how many times such a thing has happened in the past week, suggesting that her Denreishinki is broken. The two bicker and Rukia insists that it is working and rebuke's Ichigo's suggestion that there is another Shinigami defeating the Hollows before him. Rukia is unable to get the Plus to reveal who saved him, but determines that somebody did in fact save him.

Unable to contact him by phone to see if he can determine if the Denreishinki is broken, Rukia complains to herself about Urahara. Upon receiving an order, she drags Ichigo off, causing him to complain about the rumors about them. Rukia tells him she does not know about them and to complain later. After school, as they fail to find another Hollow, Ichigo complains about the missing Hollows. As Rukia drags his body from its hiding place, she tells him to shut up and return to his body. The pair are approached by Uryū, who states that a new Hollow has appeared. Rukia confirms this when she receives an order and is surprised when Uryū kills it. He then introduces himself as a Quincy. The next day, Rukia removes Kon from his plushie body and tells Ichigo to keep the Mod Soul with him in case Uryū tries to contact him again. Later, she visits Urahara, scolding him for not answer the phone. She asks about the Quincy and Tessai and Urahara inform her of their history and destruction. As they talk, Rukia is confused by the repeated appearance and disappearance of Hollows on her Denreishinki. Seeing a large number of Hollows, Rukia goes outside and notices a spiritual disturbance in the sky.

Later, Rukia is attacked by a Hollow. When her Byakurai‎ spell has no effect against what she regards as "small fry", she is annoyed that her power has not recovered despite being in a Gigai for two months. Kon knocks back the Hollow and the two argue about Kon forgetting what he was supposed to ask her about. Uryū interrupts them and Rukia deduces that he is responsible for the large amount of Hollows. Ichigo then arrives and argues with Kon. Rukia interjects when Kon claims to be able to find her by scent alone, insisting that she does not smell that bad. The group continue arguing until they notice that the Hollows are gathering at the disturbance in the sky. When Uryū leaves, Rukia tells Ichigo about the Quincy and their extermination by the Shinigami. Ichigo chases after Uryū, leaving her alone with Kon. She fends off his advances and goes after them.

Rukia watches in shock as a Menos Grande appears near her. Seeing Ichigo charging towards it, she tries to stop him but is cut off by Urahara. When she insists that Ichigo will be killed if she does not stop him, Urahara binds her with Kidō and tells her to watch the battle, which he claims will be crucial for her and Ichigo. When the Menos prepares to fire a Cero, Rukia urges him to run or he will be killed. She is left stunned when Ichigo severely injures it and it flees. Rukia realizes that news of this event will reach Soul Society. When Uryū turns up at school heavily bandaged, Rukia tells Ichigo not to pay attention to it as it is not his fault. Mahana Natsui invites Rukia to lunch with the girls of the class and asks Rukia what her relationship is with Ichigo. She replies that they are just friends, despite Chizuru's and Orihime's encouragement. Realizing that she has become too attached to the Human World, she ties up Kon and writes a coded note for Ichigo telling him not to look for her and to go into hiding. She then leaves the Kurosaki Clinic.

Lost in thought as she runs, Rukia is surprised by Renji who attacks her. He complains that she has become too soft in the two months that she has been missing and demands that she summon the Human she gave her powers to. When Rukia denies this happened, Renji asks why she is acting like that. Byakuya appears behind Rukia, surprising her. As Renji prepares to attack her seriously, Uryū intervenes. Despite Rukia's attempts to protect him, Uryū is attacked and defeated by Renji. As Rukia notes Renji's increased strength, Ichigo arrives. Angry that he came after her, Rukia watches Ichigo and Renji fighting.

Hoping that Ichigo will run away, Rukia leaps on Renji to distract him. However, Ichigo continues fighting and is heavily wounded by Byakuya. Rukia tries to run to him, but Renji stops her. She tells him that it is her fault that he is dead and asks to go to him, prompting Byakuya to say that Ichigo resembles "him". Ichigo grabs Byakuya's leg, relieving Rukia. However, she quickly kicks his arm away from her brother to prevent Byakuya from attacking again. She tells Ichigo to know his place and accepts her arrest, saying that there is no point in finishing off someone who is clearly about to die anyway. She tells Ichigo that she will not forgive him if he tries to follow her. Renji then opens a Senkaimon and they leave for Soul Society.

Rukia is imprisoned in the Sixth Division’s barracks. Renji visits Rukia in her cell. She refuses his instruction to eat something and makes fun of his eyebrows and new rank. Rukia asks if she is going to be executed. Renji replies that Byakuya is reporting to the Central 46 and that he will most likely appeal for her sentence to be commuted. Rukia disagrees, saying that she knows what type of person he is and that he has not truly looked at her once since her adoption. Byakuya later informs them that Rukia will be executed in twenty-five days time and tells Rukia that they will not meet again until the execution, insisting that it is their final conversation. After Byakuya leaves, Rukia tries to cheer Renji up by saying that she is alright, as it only makes her more determined to escape and making fun of his tattooed eyebrows, angering him.

Soul Society arc
14 days before Rukia’s scheduled execution, Renji escorts a group of Onmitsukidō guards as they transfer her to the Senzaikyū. Once there, he points out to her that they can see the Sōkyoku, which will be used for her execution, from the windows. Before leaving, Renji tells Rukia that there was an unconfirmed report that five Ryoka invaded Soul Society and that one of them matched Ichigo’s description. During her time in the Senzaikyū, she resigns herself to her eventual execution, barely reacting to anything going on in the Seireitei. However, when Renji visits, he tells her that a swordsman vaguely matching Ichigo's appearance was seen among the Ryoka trying to infiltrate the Seireitei wall, which surprises her.

She remains in the Senzaikyū until Hanatarō Yamada and Ganju Shiba arrive to rescue her. She is surprised to see the both of them, but Ganju recognizes her as the Shinigami who killed his brother, and she recognizes the symbol on his clothing as the emblem of the Shiba clan. Ganju, angered by Rukia's past deed, acts hostile towards Rukia, who does not protest any acts Ganju wants to commit, even killing her. However, before the conversation can continue any further, Byakuya arrives to kill Hanatarō and Ganju. Ganju attempts to fight Byakuya, but is defeated. Byakuya continues his attack to kill both Ganju and Hanatarō as Rukia protests, but he is stopped by Jūshirō Ukitake.

As Byakuya and Ukitake discuss the Ryoka invasion, Ichigo arrives on the bridge. Although Rukia is shocked by his arrival, she becomes angry with him attempting to rescue her, insisting that he is no match for her brother. Ichigo ignores her protests and begins to fight Byakuya, seeming to fight on equal ground with the 6th Division captain, but Rukia knows that Byakuya isn't fighting to the fullest of his abilities. The fight is stopped as Yoruichi Shihōin arrives and escapes with Ichigo. Rukia falls unconscious. Ukitake orders his 3rd Seat, Sentarō Kotsubaki to take Rukia back into the Senzaikyū. Rukia awakens after the incident and begins to reflect on her role in Kaien's death during the night before her execution.

When the day of the execution arrives, Rukia is being moved onto Sōkyoku Hill for her execution, but senses Renji falling in battle against Byakuya, only recognizing his spirit energy after it began to drop. Although she mourns for her fallen friend, it is cut brief as Gin Ichimaru arrives. He offers to save her friends for her, which briefly makes Rukia wonder what he would have to gain from such an act, only to learn that he was joking. Rukia is then disgusted that Ichimaru was able to make her want to live again.

She is brought to Sōkyoku Hill, where she asks Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto to let her friends leave after the execution has ended. Yamamoto tells her that he would grant her request. Pleased with his answer, Rukia is placed on the Sōkyoku stand, where she awaits her death as the Sōkyoku transforms to evaporate her soul.

However, Ichigo arrives and manages to stop the Sōkyoku. Rukia is once again upset that Ichigo has attempted to free her, but he ignores her protests. Before the Sōkyoku can strike again, Ukitake and Captain Shunsui Kyōraku destroy it and Ichigo destroys the Sōkyoku's stand, freeing Rukia. Renji arrives moments later, which relieves Rukia greatly. Ichigo throws Rukia to Renji, and orders him to run with her to safety, which he does. While they are escaping, Renji and Rukia are eventually confronted by Kaname Tōsen, who brings them back to Sōkyoku Hill, where Sōsuke Aizen and Captain Ichimaru are waiting for them. Aizen demands that Renji hand Rukia over to him. Renji resists and attacks Aizen while still holding Rukia, but he is quickly overwhelmed. Ichigo returns to defend the pair, but Aizen is able to defeat them both with ease and grabs Rukia.

Aizen then reveals to her that the Hōgyoku is stored deep within her soul. He also reveals that he killed the Central 46 who govern Soul Society and orchestrated the events of Rukia's execution. Wanting the Hōgyoku for himself, Aizen hoped that her death would give him access to it, but settles for a non-fatal alternative, since the execution was stopped. Aizen removes the Hōgyoku from Rukia's body and tells Ichimaru to kill her, but a battle-worn Byakuya arrives and is impaled by Ichimaru's Zanpakutō instead. Before Aizen can proceed to kill them, the remaining captains arrive and are able to subdue Aizen, Ichimaru, and Tōsen. The trio escape with the aid of several Gillian-class Menos arrive who use Negación and take them to Hueco Mundo.

During the aftermath of the battle, Rukia is restrained by a member of the 4th Division as she tries to go to Byakuya's side while he is being healed. Captain Retsu Unohana takes over the treatment of Byakuya and tells Rukia that Byakuya is calling for her. Byakuya tells her about his deceased wife, Hisana, revealing that Rukia is actually Hisana's younger sister. He recounts to her Rukia how Hisana had regretted abandoning her and had kept searching for her while they were married. He reveals that she asked him to find and protect her, as well as why he had sworn to always abide by the rules. He apologizes to Rukia for his actions. During the following week, Rukia decides to travel to Kūkaku Shiba's home and apologizes to both Kūkaku and Ganju for her role in the death of their brother, Kaien. Kūkaku readily forgives her and invites her to dinner. She tells Ichigo that she wishes to stay in Soul Society. Ichigo agrees and leaves with the rest of his friends to the Human World the next day.

Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Rukia remains in Soul Society for a while before appearing back in Karakura Town and rescuing Ichigo from Yoshino, a Bount, and her Doll, Goethe. However, Goethe attacks again, but is stopped by Ryō Utagawa, who retreats with Yoshino. The others meet up with Ichigo and Rukia and rejoice at Rukia's return before informing her about the Bounts and the current situation. Rukia aids Ichigo and the others to rescue Uryū from the Bounts, who say that their leader, Jin Kariya, needs a Quincy in order to enter Soul Society, which the Bounts wish to destroy.

Later on, Rukia is possessed by Mabashi's doll, Ritz. She is then controlled to turn against and fight Orihime, who is unwilling to hurt her friend. Shūhei Hisagi arrives and after being informed about the situation by Orihime, is set on killing Rukia in order to stop the Bount and his doll. However, Rukia overcomes Ritz's possession for a moment, and Orihime is able to free Rukia from the doll's control. She also joins Ichigo's group when they assault the Bounts' cave, but she is left behind by Ichigo and Renji when it becomes apparent that she and the others are unable to fight back against Ugaki's Doll.

After the Bount successfully enter Soul Society, Rukia joins Ichigo and his group in pursuing them. They all split up in Rukongai, and Rukia and Ririn encounter Yoshi. They engage in a fight but since Rukia has still not regained her full powers, she is unable to defeat Yoshi. Yoshi is about to deliver the final blow, but is stopped and defeated by Byakuya, who then sends Rukia back to the Kuchiki house to recuperate. She asks Renji to take her to Sōkyoku Hill, where Ichigo is battling Jin Kariya. She attempts to assist him, but Renji stops her, confident that Ichigo is able to fight Kariya on his own. She watches the fight until it ends with Ichigo's victory. She is taken back to the Kuchiki manor to recover once more. She is visited by Ichigo and Renji, and she recalls how her life changed when coming to Karakura Town. She stays in Soul Society as Ichigo, Uryū, Orihime, and Sado return to the Human World.

Arrancar arc
Tōshirō Hitsugaya and an advance team of Shinigami that includes both Rukia and Renji are sent to protect Karakura Town from the treat of Aizen's Arrancar army. Upon arrival, Rukia drags Ichigo to fight a Hollow and tells Ichigo not to fear his inner hollow, but to rise up and crush it. After Ichigo returns home from school, he brings Rukia with him, and she manipulates Isshin Kurosaki and Yuzu Kurosaki into letting her stay with them, albeit with a false story. She shares a room with Yuzu and Karin, which disappoints her slightly.

When Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez invades the Human World with his Fracción, Ichigo saves Chad from a lethal strike from Di Roy and prepares to fight him. Rukia arrives shortly afterwards, deciding to fight Di Roy in Ichigo's place. Rukia kills Di Roy quickly with her Sode no Shirayuki's Some no Mai ability. Shortly after, Grimmjow senses Di Roy's defeat and confronts Ichigo and Rukia. Sensing Grimmjow's incredible power, Rukia urges Ichigo to run away, but Grimmjow silences her by impaling her with his hand. She remains incapacitated until after Ichigo and Grimmjow's battle.

Sometime after Grimmjow's first visit to the Human World, Ichigo goes missing with nobody able to sense or find him. However, she manages to find Orihime Inoue leaving a warehouse sealed by a barrier, where the Visored were staying, and finds out that Ichigo is there as well. With Tsubaki restored, Orihime regains her attack ability and Rukia and Orihime train in the Soul Society. While there, she notes Orihime's unwillingness for battle and her hesitation while attacking during battle, deciding to advise her against such feelings in her heart if she wants to become an effective fighter in the war to come.

However, the training is cut short, as Espada-level Arrancar invade the Human World. Rukia leaves Orihime behind to assist those in the Human World. She arrives to find Ichigo losing in a battle against Grimmjow again and freezes the Arrancar with her Zanpakutō's Tsugi no Mai ability. She tries to free Ichigo from Grimmjow's blade, but Grimmjow breaks free from Rukia's ice and attempts to incinerate her head with a Cero. She is saved by the timely arrival of Shinji Hirako, who proceeds to fight Grimmjow. The battle is cut short when Ulquiorra Cifer appears and restrains Grimmjow, and they are both taken back to Hueco Mundo via Negación. At first, they are confused as to why the battle was called off, but in the aftermath of the battle, they realize Orihime has gone missing. Discovering that Orihime was taken back to Aizen, Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji attempt to persuade Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto to let them bring Orihime back, but he denies their requests and pulls back Hitsugaya's advance team, sending Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki to ensure their cooperation.

Hueco Mundo arc
Unwilling to give Orihime up to Aizen, Rukia goes to Hueco Mundo with Renji and Ichigo to rescue her. While there, Rukia encounters the 9th Espada, Aaroniero Arruruerie, who soon reveals himself to contain the soul of Kaien Shiba. Saddened that she had not saved her mentor from the control of a Hollow as she had previously thought, Rukia kills Aaroniero so that Kaien can finally be free. Rukia then passes out and the 7th Espada, Zommari Rureaux, appears to finish her off. However, Byakuya Kuchiki appears and challenges Zommari. Zommari uses his Zanpakutō, Brujería, to take control of Rukia's body, but Byakuya stuns her with Kidō and kills Zommari.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

While in the Human World, Rukia learns that Princess Rurichiyo Kasumiōji is being targeted for assassination by Gyōkaku Kumoi. During a fight against several assailants armed with Bakkōtō, Rukia releases her Shikai in response to her opponent Jinnai Dōko's speed and long range sword attacks. She delivers a finishing blow but to her surprise Jinnai breaks out of her ice attack, only to suddenly die from being devoured by his Bakkōtō.

Later on, Rukia opens a Senkaimon back to Soul Society and joins Ichigo, Enryū, and Kenryū to save Rurichiyo after she returned to Soul Society. They are confronted by the 2nd Division for causing chaos at a Noble wedding and Rukia ends up clashing swords with Suì-Fēng so that Ichigo can save Rurichiyo. Rukia manages to escape with Ichigo after they realize that there is something wrong with Rurichiyo.

The two eventually team up with Shū Kannogi and manage to escape underground. However, they are soon discovered and confronted by Captain Amagai. When Amagai realizes that Rukia and Ichigo have good intentions, he decides to help them in their mission to save Rurichiyo. The team are attacked by members of the Gotei 13. Rukia engages in battle with Matsumoto whilst Ichigo and Shu continue to look for Rurichiyo. When the Kasumiōji family's treachery is revealed the Gotei 13 cease attacking Rukia and company. Rukia and Mastumoto are attacked by dozens of Kumoi's soldiers, each wielding a Bakkōtō.

Rukia goes on to find Shū and Ichigo in a similar situation inside the secret part of the noble manor. She takes Shū through the forbidden rooms until they find a secret passage where Rurichiyo was taken. The three find Rurichiyo being held hostage by Kumoi, but are unable to fight him as he threatens to kill her. Captain Amagai suddenly appears and kills Kumoi, taking Rurichiyo with him, to the complete surprise of Rukia, Ichigo and Shū.

Fake Karakura Town arc
Rukia appears with Renji and Chad to stop the Exequias. She dispatches Rudobōn's underlings fairly easily, and taunts the Exequias' captain about it. This angers the Arrancar enough to make him release his Zanpakutō, Árbol, after which he comments that simply defeating his men doesn't mean she can beat him. However, she is eventually able to overpower Rudobōn by freezing his "branches", stating that he shouldn't have showed her his ability. Suddenly, Rudobōn is attacked by Yammy Llargo, which ends their battle. He confronts Chad and Renji as well (though his mind is on his defeat in the hands of Uryū Ishida), and all three of them prepare to engage him in combat.

When Yammy becomes aware of Ulquiorra's demise, he becomes angry, stating that he had been building up spiritual energy to fight Ichigo alongside Ulquiorra, but now only had Rukia, Renji, and Sado to fight. He increases in size, causing his jacket to tear and revealing his Espada tattoo. Renji then tells Rukia and Sado that together they can defeat Yammy, as he is only the 10th Espada. However, Yammy releases his Zanpakutō, revealing to the horrified trio that he is in fact Espada number 0.

After Renji and Sado are defeated, Rukia is caught by Yammy. She uses Hadō #33: Sōkatsui against him and he tells her sarcastically that it hurt him; afterwards he throws Rukia to the ground. She realizes she cannot recover because of the strength of the throw and the air pressure. She hits the ground in an explosion of sand but when it clears she realizes that Ichigo saved her. She asks where Orihime is, to which Ichigo says that she is tending to Uryū's wounds. She then watches Ichigo fly off to fight Yammy, while wondering what had happened to Ichigo above the dome. Rukia notices that his eyes did not look like those of a man victorious in battle, nor were they the eyes of a man who's prepared to slice down his coming enemies. After seeing Ichigo's attack on Yammy, she realizes that his Hollow mask has changed from its previous form.

Sometime after Urahara has sealed Aizen, Rukia arrives in Karakura Town, along with Uryū, Chad, Orihime, and Renji. Her arm is in a sling as they greet Ichigo. However when he suddenly collapses, Rukia along with the rest of the group runs towards Ichigo as he screams. Later, Rukia, along with Ichigo's friends are present in his bedroom when he wakes up. Rukia notifies the surprised Ichigo that he has been unconscious for nearly a month, and that they know from Urahara that he has lost his Shinigami powers. Rukia further explains the stages of losing Shinigami powers, with the first stage bringing intense pain, unconsciousness, and a reversal of the time flow Ichigo's body spent in the Dangai Precipice World, noting it is why Ichigo's hair is shorter. She further states that at the second stage, his reiatsu stabilized and he woke up, but in due time, his remaining spiritual power will completely disappear. Rukia along with everyone else goes outside at Ichigo's request. Rukia knows this is farewell as it becomes harder for Ichigo to see her. She mocks Ichigo's sad face and remarks that she'll still be able to see him, much to his displeasure. Rukia then disappears from Ichigo's sight completely as he bids farewell and thanks her.

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Rukia receives a notification from Yamamoto to meet at the Sōkyoku Hill where it is learned that Muramasa was really the person who called her and all the high-ranking Shinigami of the Gotei 13. Muramasa reveals that he captured Yamamoto and had turned all the awakened Zanpakutō spirits against their Shinigami partners. Rukia manages to escape through a Senkeimon and is taken to the Urahara Shop by Ichigo after a brief battle with her Zanpakutō spirit Sode no Shirayuki. While resting there, Orihime heals Rukia's wounds and Rukia then tells Ichigo, Sado, Uryū, Orihime and others of what had happened in Seireitei and of how Byakuya had been defeated by the spirit of Senbonzakura. Later on, Rukia goes back to Seireitei to find Byakuya. She finds Renji, who tells her that Byakuya's status and whereabouts are still unknown. Soon after, Sode no Shirayuki attacks Rukia again. After Ichigo tries to protect her again, Rukia binds both her Zanpakutō and Ichigo, and tries to kill herself along with Sode no Shirayuki, in order to "set her free". Sode no Shirayuki, who tries to reach out for her, is then stopped by Muramasa.

She is later retrieved and saved by the Fourth Division. Rukia then finds Byakuya in the partially-destroyed Sixth Division office, standing among a pile of fallen bodies. He does not answer her questions and Senbonzakura tosses the broken fragments of her sword to her. Renji arrives to protect Rukia from Senbonzakura's attacks and tries to place him under arrest. However, Byakuya wins and tells his sister that she is not to get involved in the Zanpakutō rebellion and to stay out of his way. Other Zanpakutō spirits sent by Muramasa appear soon after, and Kazeshini prepares finish off Rukia and Renji, but the Onmitsukidō arrive, together with various high ranking Shinigami and Ichigo, and surround them. An all-out battle between the two sides begins. As Byakuya battles the newly arrived Kenpachi Zaraki, Rukia runs towards their duel, only to be caught in the poison of Ashisogi Jizō's Bankai form. She is seen later talking with Ukitake about Byakuya.

When Byakuya and Muramasa enter Karakura Town to free his master, Rukia follows her brother's reiatsu. She uses a Kidō spell to stop Muramasa attacking Uryū. When she witnesses Muramasa bringing forth several Hollow, she questions Muramasa about what type of Zanpakutō he is. Muramasa simply replies that he is a Zanpakutō that will change the world and leaves to continue off with freeing his master. After getting Sado and Orihime to safety, Rukia tries to stop Muramasa with Kidō, but is unsuccessful. Rukia is caught by Muramasa and learns of Muramasa's objective as Kōga is freed from his seal. Ichigo then appears right as Kōga awakens.

To Rukia and Ichigo's shock, Kōga stabs Muramasa and decides to kill him. Rukia watches as Byakuya intervenes and Senbonzakura explains that he had been pretending to still be under Muramasa's control, and that Byakuya had pretended to betray Soul Society so he could find Kōga and put an end to him in order to draw a close the dark chapter of the Kuchiki clan's history. Relieved to learn that her brother is not a traitor, Rukia joins Ichigo in fighting off dozens of Gillian-class Menos released from Muramasa's body.

As the number of Hollows increases, Muramasa's unstable power reabsorbs the Hollows, resulting in him transforming into a Hollow then transforming again, becoming a giant dome that continues to grow, attracting more Hollows and gradually opening a huge Garganta. One of the Hollows attacks Rukia and Orihime. They are saved by Sode no Shirayuki. While Rukia is unable to comprehend how this is possible, the Zanpakutō spirit reveals that she is also with several other Shinigami and Zanpakutō spirits, here to help battle Muramasa. The Zanpakutō spirits and Shinigami fight the Hollows and Muramasa is eventually defeated.

Beast Swords arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

When Soul Society is given a day of rest to recover form Muramasa's attack, two Tōjū attack the Kuchiki manor. When Rukia is overpowered by them, she is saved by Senbonzakura and Sode no Shirayuki. Later, Rukia and Byakuya bring the remains of one of the Tōjū to Captain Kurotsuchi, who explains that several Zanpakutō spirits manifested by Muramasa succeeded in killing their partners and became Tōjū. Hoping to stop this problem quickly, Rukia, Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura search for them. Much to Rukia's annoyance, the two spirits' best ideas to find the Tōjū are to either cause more destruction to lure them out or through a big party. After the latter plan fails, Rukia talks with Sode no Shirayuki, who admits to how weak and foolish she felt for falling to Muramasa's control. Rukia assures her spirit that she has always been of great help and importance to her. Soon afterwards, they encounter a Tōjū. While initially overpowered, Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki combine their powers to subdue it and have it delivered to Captain Kurotsuchi for analysis.

Later, while waiting for new orders, Rukia takes advantage of their free time to talk with Sode no Shirayuki, during which the Zanpakutō tells Rukia how it felt to be lost in her own anger due to Muramasa's brainwashing.

Powers & Abilities
Expert Swordsmanship Specialist: Rukia knows the basic-levels of Zanjutsu, of which she seemed to have only mastered the rudimentary skills. By her own admission, she has less talent in swordsmanship than Kidō. However after much training by her former mentor, Kaien Shiba, her skill drastically improved. She has shown herself to be capable enough to hold her own in a battle, most notably defending herself from attacks from the 9th Espada, while he was using the expert swordsmanship skill of Kaien Shiba.

Kidō Expert: Rukia's greatest strength is her knowledge of Kidō, amongst her known skills are those for binding, healing, and destruction. However, as she said herself, while her Kidō skill at the Shinō Academy were the highest of her class, the sheer power of them were just average when she joined the 13th Division. Through continuous training, she has greatly developed this skill. She has shown she is able to use several high-level Kidō in rapid succession without incantations and still have considerable control and power. She has also shown great skill for using various spells in unique combinations, even using multiple spells simultaneously. Rukia has shown that she is capable of using a level 61 Bakudō spell and a level 73 Hadō spell consecutively, though she needs to chant the incantations for both to perform them.

Enhanced Durability: As a Shinigami, Rukia has a great amount of durability. She was able to withstand being impaled by Aaroniero's Nejibana, in conjunction with his Glotonería, and finish him off before losing consciousness.

Enhanced Strength: Despite her size, she is actually powerful enough to defeat a superior opponent. Even without the aid of her Zanpakutō, she is still a considerable opponent. Her strength is displayed when Ritz is controlling her and she picks up Orihime with her own two hands, able to throw her in the air, despite her size.

Hakuda Combatant: She was also seen in a Gigai fighting enemies with her physical strength (kicking, punching, etc.). She is also capable of having hand-to-hand combat while in her Shinigami state, with augmented strength. During the Bount invasion, she showed herself capable of countering the swift and accurate attacks of Yoshi.

Keen Intellect: Repeatedly in missions, Rukia has shown herself to be very intelligent, as seen from her ability to compensate against stronger opponents with combination attacks. During her forced stay in the living world after losing her powers, Rukia proved herself very resourceful in assisting Ichigo with his new Shinigami duties. Rukia is also very knowledgeable, as shown from her high marks in the Academy and her knowledge of the Soul Society's history.

High Spiritual Power: Rukia's spiritual energy is personified by the element of ice. When Rukia is focused or under stress, her great spiritual energy is manifested as ice particles flowing and falling in the air. She has at times shown a measure of control of her spiritual energy affecting the surrounding area with cold and even freezing the things she touches. Rukia exerts her Spiritual Energy on her Kidō most of the times. She may also use her energy on other occasions. Nonetheless, she is capable of exerting large amounts of Spiritual Pressure. Although Rukia is an unseated officer in the 13th Division, her skills and power is equal to those of a seated officer.

Shunpo Expert: Renji says that Rukia is also helpful and effective because of her high speed. During her battle against the Adjuchas of the Menos Forest, she skillfully dodged multiple attacks from several enemies.

Zanpakutō
Sode no Shirayuki redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales and Beast Swords arcs see Sode no Shirayuki (spirit).


 * In its sealed form, Sode no Shirayuki is a normal katana with a rectangular tsuba with inward-curved corners with curved slits above and below the blade and a series of curved lines embossed on either side of the blade. It has a reddish-brown hilt.


 * Shikai: Its Shikai command is . Rukia holds her Zanpakutō out in front of her and turns it in a circle counter-clockwise. While she is turning it, the blade, hilt and tsuba turn completely white. The tsuba becomes a hollow snowflake-like circle and a white ribbon forms from the pommel. Sode no Shirayuki is regarded as one of the most beautiful Zanpakutō in the Soul Society. The transformation comes along with a rush of cold air in all directions and can potentially cause a cold fog to descend upon the area.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Sode no Shirayuki has control over ice, much like Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Hyōrinmaru, but uses it in a different manner. Like Kaname Tōsen's Suzumushi and Kisuke Urahara's Benihime, Sode no Shirayuki possesses more than one ability in Shikai. Sode no Shirayuki's abilities are labeled as "dances" by Rukia.


 * Rukia calls out the name of the dance while holding her Zanpakutō upside down. The blade glows and then she makes a slashing motion when her target is in position. When she does this, a large ice circle forms around her intended target which freezes everything that touches it. The circle not only freezes the ground but everything within the circle's influence including anything above it up in the air, creating an extending pillar of light that then freezes all within in the circle. Shortly after being frozen, the victim then shatters along with the ice. Rukia appears to be able to control the size of the circle at will.


 * Rukia calls out the name of the dance, and punctures the ground once creating a large ice circle similar to the first dance, then she punctures the ground in front of her four times in a semi circle. She takes a battle stance as the ice particles begin to flow up from the punctures she made in the ground. They build up and then fire toward the target in a massive, powerful pure-white wave of ice from Sode no Shirayuki's blade, in turn encasing the target in a block of ice.


 * Rukia calls out the name of the dance, which allows her to reforge her Zanpakutō with ice particles if it is broken, piercing through objects in its path. After piercing its target, it continues to freeze any surrounding objects, including the battlefield.


 * Rukia stabs the ground which creates a trail of ice in the direction of her intended target. The ice then freezes the target from the base up in a continuing freezing process, as it transforms the target into ice.


 * Bankai: Not Yet Achieved

Relationships
Rukia has encountered many characters in the series. The most prominent of these relationships are listed below:

Ichigo Kurosaki


Rukia has a unique, complex, and dynamic relationship with Ichigo. Her attitude towards Ichigo varies: at times she is a bickering adversary, and at other times, she worries about him and dispatches advice like a wise old sage. Despite their quarrels, the two have a deep understanding of each other, often being the only ones able to talk each other out of a funk.

When Rukia is taken into custody and Ichigo is gravely wounded in an attempt to save her, she assumes that he dies of his injuries. Feeling that Ichigo's death would have been avoided had she never met him, Rukia loses her reason for living and resigns herself to her sentenced execution. Later on Renji tells her that Ichigo not only survived, but is mounting a rescue attempt with his friends. While she is grateful to know that he survived, and that he cares for her enough to risk his life and the lives of his friends to rescue her, she stubbornly refuses to accept his assistance. This is done out of concern for her friends' well-being, however, as she doesn't want another one of her companions to die because of her. Ichigo, however, remains persistent and is eventually able rescue her from the Shinigami Captains. Rukia, although overjoyed at her rescue and his immense increase in power, refuses to thank Ichigo for his help. Respectful of her decision, Ichigo commends her for her choice to remain in Soul Society. This surprises Rukia, who did not expect him to be accept it easily after his attempts to rescue her but quickly regains her composure and silently thanks him for his actions, both in regards to his rescue attempt and his acceptance of her decision to remain in the Soul Society.

Renji Abarai
Having grown up and joined the Shinō Academy together, Rukia has a strong relationship with Renji. However, their relationship changed when Rukia was adopted into the Kuchiki family. Her adoption into a noble family forced their friendship to an end. After arresting her in the Human World, Renji visits Rukia in prison and is horrified to hear that her brother Byakuya will make no attempt to save her from her death penalty. In a futile attempt to cheer him up, Rukia teases him about his funny eyebrows and his new lieutenant status. When Ichigo tries to rescue Rukia, Renji fights him out of rage because he views Rukia's death sentence as Ichigo's fault. After his defeat, he begs Ichigo to save Rukia, and after recovering from his wounds he turns against his fellow 6th Division members to save her himself. At the moment his reiatsu disappears, Rukia becomes distraught over his seemingly fatal loss. After Ichigo, Ukitake and Kyōraku save Rukia, Renji carries her to safety, promising not to let her go even if he dies, causing him to be injured by Aizen. Upon entering Las Noches, Renji berates Ichigo for expressing concern for Rukia's well being, as soldiers on the battlefield, this is seen as an insult to one`s abilities. This demonstrates Renji's confidence in Rukia, which is reciprocated.

Kaien Shiba
Kaien Shiba was the Shinigami who helped Rukia ease into the 13th Division. Rukia often felt overwhelmed and insecure about her standing as a Shinigami, but Kaien was the one who helped her find her footing. As a result, Rukia has great respect and adoration for Kaien. When Kaien was possessed by a Hollow, Rukia was forced to kill him in order to release his spirit, an action that Kaien showed his gratitude for.

Byakuya Kuchiki
Byakuya Kuchiki is Rukia's adoptive older brother. Byakuya's icy demeanor and strictness kept her emotionally distant from him, to the point that she was convinced that Byakuya would support her execution. In reality, Byakuya is very torn over what role he should play in Rukia's execution, due to his conflicting promises to his parents, to always abide by the rules, and to his wife Hisana, to protect her beloved younger sister. After he fought with Ichigo and the subsequent revelation of Aizen's conspiracy, Byakuya saves Rukia from being killed by Gin Ichimaru, which shocks Rukia greatly. After this, she begins to be less wary of him and seems to have formed a genuine bond with him. During his fight with the Espada Zommari Rureaux, he indirectly refers to Rukia as his "pride".

Jūshirō Ukitake
Rukia's superior and captain of the 13th squad. During the Ryoka Invasion, he saves those who came to rescue her when they were found by Byakuya at the entrance to the Senzaikyū. Later it was stated by Yoruichi he did so because they came to save one of his subordinates, Rukia. Ukitake also acts as a mentor to Rukia, often advising her when she needs it and caring for her safety and happiness. He helps to destroy the Sōkyoku to save her.

Orihime Inoue
Rukia and Orihime started their friendship soon after they first met and became significantly closer during the Arrancar Invasion. In preparation for the upcoming war, Rukia takes her to Soul Society and trains her for combat. While being a somewhat stern tutor, Rukia tells Orihime what mistakes she makes and how to correct them, earning a mutual respect of fighting ability between the two. When she returns to the Human World without her, she tells Orihime not to worry as she'd be on the other side waiting. When Aizen has Orihime kidnapped, Rukia is among those that go to Hueco Mundo to retrieve her. Rukia notes she knows what it is like to be alone, hoping her friends do not fall in battle, and feeling a sense of helplessness and can relate to her more than anyone else in that situation.

Appearances in Other Media
Rukia appears in most Bleach video games. In Bleach: Soul Carnival and Bleach: Soul Carnival 2 she has a technique called where she creates an icicle while in the air and lets it drop down on an opponent on the ground.

Dark Rukia
Dark Rukia is an alternate form of Rukia that appeared exclusively in Bleach: Fade to Black. While in this form, instead of her own Zanpakutō, she has a gigantic, double-edged scythe that she easily wields with one hand. Her outfit appears to be completely different, and she is also barefooted. Her deep black hair is now lavender, as well as her eyes. While in this alternate state, her powers have been augmented and she appears to fight differently, as opposed to her normal self. Dark Rukia also appears in Bleach: Heat the Soul 6 and Bleach: Heat the Soul 7 as a playable character.

Trivia

 * Wanting to draw a Shinigami in kimono, Tite Kubo drew Rukia - making her the first of the Bleach characters to be conceived.


 * According to Tite Kubo, Rukia's theme song is Wing Stock by Ashley MacIsaac.


 * Rukia is consistently the most popular female character in the series. In the 4th Shōnen Jump poll, she was ranked as the 2nd most popular character in Bleach, with Tōshirō Hitsugaya being the 1st.


 * Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia's Zanpakutō, is the 2nd most popular Zanpakutō in a recent Bleach poll.


 * In the Bleach best bout poll Rukia's fight with Aaroniero came in seventh place.


 * The soul-removing glove Rukia uses early in the series is colored light blue, gold, orange and white in the manga, while being colored red, black, dark blue, and white in the anime adaptation.


 * Rukia's report on Ichigo titled the Substitute Shinigami Work Diary, along with her illustrations, are slatted for publication in the Seireitei Communication.


 * In episode 155 of the english version of the anime, Rukia states Soren Sōkatsui as Hadō #73, while in the manga and original Japanese version of the anime she states it as Hadō #63. However, Soren Sōkatsu has since been renumbered as Hadō #73 in Masked.

Quotes

 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Even if you save that kid here, nothing will matter if you don't become a Shinigami! Saving him because he's right in front of you!? Don't be naïve. A Shinigami has to treat all spirits equally! You cannot just conveniently save those you can see, those you can reach. Don't save that kid with such half-heartedness. If you want to save him now... accept that you must save all spirits. To go anywhere for them... to even give your life to save them, make that kind of commitment!"


 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "...If I ask, will you answer? ...It's your problem. A deep, deep problem. I have no right to know. I don't have a method of stepping into the depths of your heart without getting it dirty. So I'll wait. When you want to talk, when you think it's okay to talk... Talk to me. Until that time, I'll wait."


 * (Thinking about Ichigo Kurosaki) "Whether I like him, whether I hate him, it's just all so troublesome. Love, companionship and friendship... it's nothing but trouble."


 * "When the time comes when I have to leave, I have to cut myself off from them all. Love, companionship and friendship. It's troublesome. It's really, really nothing but a saddening emotion. All Shinigami shouldn't have these unnecessary feelings. What kind of disgraceful behaviour is this... Rukia Kuchiki?"


 * (To Renji Abarai about Ichigo) "I...I was the one who dragged him into this!! It's my fault he died!! Since it's my fault he died...! Is it so wrong to go to him?"


 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "Don't even try to move one step from there. If you try to follow me... I'll never forgive you!"


 * "We must not shed tears. That is the defeat of the body by the heart. Because, for us, this thing called 'the heart' can become nothing less than proof that one's existence is superfluous."


 * "I'm not scared. I'm content with my life. Meeting Renji and the others, adopted by Nii-sama, Kaien-dono's guidance, then Ichigo's attempted rescue. No pain, no sadness, no regrets. There is nothing for my heart to linger in this world. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And goodbye."


 * (To Orihime Inoue) "In a battle, the ones who get in the way are not the ones that lack power, but the ones that lack resolve."


 * (To Aaroniero Arruruerie while thinking he is Kaien Shiba) "I... I did take your life Kaien. I think that sin is something that will never vanish, no matter how many years pass. If killing me will lift your spirits even a little bit... then I will gladly offer you my life. However, I came to Hueco Mundo to save Inoue... my friend. Until I rescue Inoue Orihime I cannot offer you my life no matter what you may say...!"


 * (Flashback) "At that time I was consumed by a single insecurity. From the start, I had little talent with a sword. My Kidō grades were good when I was in the Shinō Academy, but even that was average among the Gotei divisions. Was it really alright for me to be here? Where does my heart lie? Why am I here in the Gotei divisions?"


 * (To Aaroniero Arruruerie) "I remembered where the heart lies. What's inside you is indeed Kaien's spirit body, but... Kaien is not there... Kaien... left his heart with me!"


 * "I know the loneliness of being a prisoner. I know the joy you feel when your friends come to rescue you and the fear of them being injured and defeated."