Rukia Kuchiki/Anime Continuity

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

Appearance
Short and petite, Rukia has light skin and purple eyes. Her hair is black, with several strands of hair always hanging between her eyes. Byakuya has stated she strongly resembles her sister, Hisana Kuchiki. As a Shinigami of the Gotei 13, Rukia wears a standard shihakushō.

Bount arc (anime only)
Rukia arrives in Karakura Town as Ichigo battles the Bount Yoshino Sōma. After Ryō Utagawa retreats with Yoshino, Sado and Orihime arrive, and the group welcomes Rukia, who tells them she has been assigned to Karakura Town again. Rukia notices the Mod-Souls Ririn, Kurōdo, and Noba, loving Orihime's rabbit plushie. At the Kurosaki Clinic, Rukia is told of the Bount situation. Rukia states Soul Society does not know anything about them. After Renji arrives, Rukia tells Orihime and Sado it is odd that there are now three Shinigami in the area. Rukia reveals she intends to go back to school during her stay, and later manipulates her classmates' memories of her, allowing her to resume her school life.

Rukia and the others go to see Uryū in Karakura Hospital. At the hospital, water starts pouring out of a sink. As more water comes flooding into Uryū's room when the door is opened, it begins taking the form of two balls. The water attempts to drown Uryū, but the group escapes from the room. When the water follows them, Rukia uses Shakkahō to evaporate it. Encountering Hō and Ban, they flee from the hospital, attempting to evaporate the water as they go. As they fight the Bount pair, Rukia, Renji, and Ichigo are swallowed up by the water. Ganju and Hanatarō, arriving, use fireworks to defeat the two Bount.

When Ririn notices traces of the Bount on a nearby rooftop, Rukia states she can sense the missing Uryū's Reiatsu as well. However, they find no one there. From the damage to the area, they deduce Yoshino and an unknown person were there. Sado finds Uryū's bandage on the ground, and Ichigo asks Rukia if they can track Uryū's Reiraku, but Rukia states they cannot, as Uryū is purposely hiding his Reiatsu. Later, Orihime tells the group of a mansion, which they go to. After confirming Uryū is inside, they split up. Once closer, Rukia tells Ichigo she can sense seven Bounts inside, stating they should act while they have the element of surprise.

Exploring the mansion, they find nothing, and Rukia states something is messing up their senses. A small floating object begins attacking them. Using Kidō, Rukia defeats it, but as more enemies attack, the two of them run away, meeting up with the Mod-Souls. After Noba uses his powers to make the enemies disappear, Rukia asks them what they are doing there. The Mod-Souls state they had encountered the same enemies in the mansion and could not overcome their numbers. The enemies find them and attack again, forcing Rukia and the others to run away. They encounter Jin Kariya and the other Bounts.

Kariya, introducing himself, reveals he knows of Rukia. Ryō asks them if they are afraid of the Bount, angering Rukia. After Ichigo calms her down, she states Kariya has a "repulsive glare," warning Ichigo to be careful. Ryō tries to attack Rukia, but Ichigo stops him. Rukia and the others successfully escape, leaving Ichigo behind. When Kurōdo asks if he will be all right on his own, Rukia tells him Ichigo is just buying time for them to find Uryū. She states that after they find Uryū, they will use Noba's ability to get Ichigo out of the mansion.

Upon encountering Maki Ichinose, Rukia, surprised to see a Shinigami, asks if and why he is with the Bount. Ichinose asks her why she is in a Gigai, saying she should use her Zanpakutō. Rukia, telling him she cannot, fires Kidō at him, but it has no effect. He states she has not used her true power against him, but Rukia reveals this is all she can do. After she again asks Ichinose why he is with the Bount, he tells her his motives. Ichinose, sensing Ichigo's battle, leaves before Rukia can stop him. Turning her attention to healing the Mod-Souls, she is worried that she will not be able to heal them in her current state, but realizes they are pretending to be unconscious. The group, saving Uryū and Yoshino Sōma, escapes as the mansion is shelled.

Yoruichi explains what Soul Society has learned about the Bount to Rukia and the others. Rukia deduces living Humans' souls are needed for their plans. Later, Rukia and Ichigo return to the Kurosaki Clinic after fighting a Hollow to find the house filled with booby traps laid out by the Mod-Souls. Ririn and Kurōdo stage a Bount attack using special suits from Urahara. Not recognizing them, Rukia fires Kidō at them. Noba teleports them to safety, but Rukia and Ichigo think they are attacking him. They chase Ririn and Kurōdo around the town. While trying to hit them with her Kidō, Rukia strikes Zennosuke Kurumadani by accident. The Mod-Souls surround Rukia with a bunch of rabbits before Noba ends the battle by removing their suits.

While patrolling the town, Rukia and Ichigo sense Renji's Reiatsu disappear. Ururu and Jinta arrive with a new Bount sensing headband, which they give to Ichigo. When he heads off to find the Bount, Rukia, Ururu, and Jinta search for Renji. They find Orihime and Kurōdo. When Orihime asks about Ichigo, Rukia tells her he went to find the Bount, saying she should go and back him up. However, they are attacked by the Bount Yoshi. Rukia orders Ururu to go after Sado, and tells Jinta to look for Renji. As Rukia battles Yoshi, Orihime protects Rukia with Santen Kesshun. They fight for a while before Rukia and Orihime try to escape. As they flee, Yoshi, attacking them, is stopped and chased off by Mabashi. His doll, Ritz, attacks Rukia, who struggles to keep up with its speed. While protecting Orihime, Rukia is struck by Ritz, and it enters her chest, allowing Mabashi to seize control of her. The Bount forces Rukia to attack Orihime.

Ritz makes Rukia leave her Gigai, causing her spiritual power to increase. Kurōdo tells Orihime they need to attack Mabashi, but Rukia attacks them once more. Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi arrives, but before Rukia can attack him, she regains partial control of herself. She tells Orihime to attack her before falling back under Ritz's control. Reluctant to battle her friend, Orihime, hugging Rukia, surrounds them both with her Santen Kesshun, causing Ritz to retreat from Rukia's body while screaming in pain. Ichinose, taking Mabashi, retreats from the area.

At the Urahara Shop, Ichigo notices Rukia's wounds. Telling him not to worry, she urges Orihime to focus on her own injuries rather than healing her. Rukia, calming an agitated Renji, informs him the other Shinigami are heading to the Bount's hideout. She tells him if he lets his feelings get to him, even the simplest things will be messed up. As the group prepares to go to the Bount's hideout, Kon states that he is going so he can protect Rukia. She dismisses him as only being good for stopping a couple of bullets.

At the Bount hideout, the group is attacked by eye-like creatures under the control of Gesell. Rangiku Matsumoto, arriving, helps destroy them. Orihime tells Rukia not to push herself, since she has not fully recovered from her last battle. Rangiku states she was told by Hisagi that Rukia had her soul damaged before, and it takes more time for the soul to recover than the body. Ichigo tells Orihime to stay and heal Rukia's injuries. Soon after, the Mod-Souls hear the sounds of Ichigo and Kariya battling. Rukia, getting up, states she has to hurry on despite her injuries. Before she can go, Uryū confronts the group. Finding Kariya, Rukia watches as the Bount successfully leave for Soul Society.

As Rukia and the others arrive in Soul Society, she notes the Bount have already fought some Shinigami. After a long search, the group finds Kūkaku Shiba's home. The next day, the group decides to look for the Bount. Rukia tells Ichigo she has to go back to her division. As she is walking through Rukongai, Yoshi, who Rukia notes is more powerful than before, confronts her. Rukia fights her with the help of Ririn, but Yoshi simply heals her injuries, forcing Rukia to hide so she can tend to her own. Just as Yoshi finds her, Byakuya arrives.

Rukia is brought to the Kuchiki Manor, where she is healed by several Shinigami. Later, she, waking up, realizes she was rescued. Noticing the pillow next to her is warm, she believes Byakuya was recently there. Later, Rukia is moved to the Sixth Division's barracks. She wakes up due to a commotion outside. Concerned about Ichigo, she tries to leave the barracks. When Renji spots her, Rukia asks him to take her to Sōkyoku Hill, where Ichigo is battling Kariya. Once there, she attempts to assist him, but Renji stops her. Shortly after, she tells Uryū, Sado, and Orihime not to aid Ichigo. She suggests Ichigo is the only one who can stop Kariya since they carry similar burdens. Trying to cheer up Orihime, she says Ichigo will definitely win.

After Ichigo's victory, Rukia is taken back to the Kuchiki Manor to recover. She is visited by Ichigo and Renji, recalling how her life changed when she went to Karakura Town. She stays in Soul Society as the others return to the Human World.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
While in the Human World, Rukia is notified of Hollows in Karakura Town. She and Ichigo go to fight them. Finding it odd that more than fifty Hollows have appeared all at once, they split up to fight them. After learning Ichigo encountered someone in a Gigai, Rukia goes to Urahara's store to ask about it, but Urahara is not there, and the others refuse to tell her anything. Rurichiyo Kasumiōji joins their class in school the following day.

After helping fend off an attempted attack on Rurichiyo, Rukia learns the girl is being targeted for assassination by Gyōkaku Kumoi. Rukia hears Rurichiyo's family name is Kasumiōji, which she recognizes as a house of high nobility from Soul Society. Kenryū, amazed Rukia is from the Kuchiki Clan, bows his head to her. When Kenryū asks Ichigo to be Rurichiyo's bodyguard, Rukia forces him to do it while deciding to personally help too.

After Rurichiyo is attacked by an assassin, Rukia and Ichigo, arriving on the scene, engage the assassin, who manages to temporarily immobilize their weapons. As Kenryū escapes with the princess, Rukia and Ichigo defeat the assassin. When Rurichiyo is targeted again, Rukia fights Jinnai Dōko. She uses her Shikai in response to his speed and long range attacks. She delivers a finishing blow, but, to her surprise, Jinnai breaks out of her ice attack, only to be devoured by his Bakkōtō.

When Rurichiyo returns to Seireitei on her own, Rukia opens a Senkaimon and she, Kenryū, Enryū, and Ichigo go to Soul Society to find her. Despite not being granted access to the Kasumiōji compound, they sneak in. They are confronted by the 2nd Division for causing chaos at a Noble wedding and Rukia clashes swords with Suì-Fēng, so Ichigo can save Rurichiyo. After they realize the Rurichiyo they are talking to is an imposter, Rukia and Ichigo, with Shū Kannogi's help, escape underground by having Shū pose as a hostage. However, they are soon discovered and confronted by Captain Shūsuke Amagai. When Amagai realizes Rukia and Ichigo have good intentions, he decides to help them in their mission to save Rurichiyo. He tells them of his problem with Kibune, and they agree to work together to solve both problems.

As they head to the Kasumiōji Manor, they, discovered by Captain Hitsugaya, are attacked. Rukia engages in battle with Rangiku. When the Kasumiōji Clan's treachery is revealed, the Gotei 13 cease attacking Rukia and company. Rukia and Matsumoto are attacked by dozens of Kumoi's soldiers, each wielding a Bakkōtō. Rukia finds Shū and Ichigo in a similar situation inside a secret part of the 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, appearing, kills Kumoi and takes Rurichiyo with him, to the complete surprise of those present. Later, Rukia watches as Ichigo battles and defeats Amagai.

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Rukia receives a notification supposedly from Yamamoto to meet at the Sōkyoku Hill, where it is learned Muramasa was really the person who called her and all the high-ranking Shinigami of the Gotei 13. Muramasa reveals he captured Yamamoto and has turned all the awakened Zanpakutō Spirits against their Shinigami partners. Rukia, escaping through a Senkaimon, 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 tells Ichigo, Sado, Uryū, Orihime, and the others of what happened in Seireitei, and how Byakuya had been defeated by the spirit of Senbonzakura.

Later on, Rukia, going back to Seireitei to find Byakuya, finds Renji, who tells her Byakuya's status and whereabouts are still unknown. Soon after, Sode no Shirayuki attacks Rukia again. After Ichigo tries to protect her, Rukia binds Sode no Shirayuki 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 stopped by Muramasa.

Rukia is taken to the 4th Division barracks to recover from her battle. She apologizes to Ichigo for going off alone. When Ichigo questions her reasons for doing so, Rukia says she has a bad feeling about the situation with Byakuya.

Later, with Renji's permission, Rukia, searching Byakuya's office for a clue, falls asleep at his desk. She awakens to find the 6th Division barracks has been attacked by her brother. Byakuya does not answer her questions, and Senbonzakura gives her the remains of Sode no Shirayuki. As Byakuya tells her to stay away from him, Senbonzakura attacks her. Renji, arriving, protects Rukia. He tries to place Byakuya under arrest, but Byakuya defeats him.

Soon, other Zanpakutō Spirits, sent by Muramasa, appear, and Kazeshini prepares to finish off Rukia and Renji. Before he can, the Onmitsukidō, various high ranking Shinigami, and Ichigo surround them. An all-out battle between the two sides begins. Rukia pleads with Byakuya to put an end to his betrayal, but to no avail. As Byakuya battles the newly arrived Kenpachi Zaraki, Rukia, running towards their duel, is caught in the poison of Ashisogi Jizō's Bankai form. Later, she talks with Ukitake about Byakuya.

When Byakuya and Muramasa enter Karakura Town to free Muramasa's master, Rukia, following her brother's Reiatsu, uses a Kidō spell to stop Muramasa from attacking Uryū. When she witnesses Muramasa bringing forth several Hollows, she asks Muramasa what type of Zanpakutō he is. Muramasa, stating he is a Zanpakutō who will change the world, leaves to continue freeing his master. After getting Sado and Orihime to safety, Rukia unsuccessfully tries to stop Muramasa with Kidō. As Kōga is freed from his seal, Rukia, caught by Muramasa, learns of Muramasa's objective. As Kōga awakens, Ichigo appears.

To Rukia and Ichigo's shock, Kōga, stabbing Muramasa, decides to kill him. Rukia, watching as Byakuya intervenes, listens as Senbonzakura reveals he had been pretending to still be under Muramasa's control, and Byakuya had pretended to betray Soul Society so he could find Kōga and, by putting an end to him, close the dark chapter of the Kuchiki Clan's history. Relieved 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. He transforms again, becoming a giant dome which continues to grow, attracting more Hollows and gradually opening a huge Garganta. As 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 she is 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)
When Soul Society is given a day of rest to recover from 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 reveals several Zanpakutō Spirits manifested by Muramasa, having succeeded in killing their masters, 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 create more destruction to lure them out or throw a big party. After the latter plan fails, Rukia talks with Sode no Shirayuki, who admits to how weak and foolish she feels for falling to Muramasa's control. Rukia assures her spirit 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, combining their powers to subdue it, have it delivered to Mayuri for analysis.

Later, in the destroyed sections, Rukia comments upon the strangeness of walking side-by-side with her Zanpakutō Spirit. As Sode no Shirayuki agrees, Rukia states she thought it was all over back then.

She inquires what her master means, prompting Rukia to recall when Senbonzakura handed her back Sode no Shirayuki's broken katana. As Rukia reveals she felt suffocated when she saw her broken form, Sode no Shirayuki apologizes for her master's suffering. She states Mayuri reversed the damage, as they successfully regenerated her previously destroyed form. Rukia states she is suspicious of Mayuri's methods, but is eternally grateful for him saving her.

Sometime later, Rukia returns to the Human World, and Urahara tells her and Ichigo that a high school girl possessing a small pink bear charm was attacked. Ichigo questions if a Tōjū was responsible, and Rukia suspects that one is, despite the Soul Society's inability to locate one. Rukia and Ichigo later arrive at an area where another high school girl was just attacked. Rukia tries to track the Tōjū's Reiatsu, but she is unable to. She notes that this Tōjū's Reiatsu is different from a normal Tōjū's, and they should probably investigate the area more closely. Upon closer inspection, they notice that the girl who was attacked was carrying a pink bear charm as well.

While patrolling Karakura Town, Rukia picks up the Tōjū's Reiatsu. She tells Ichigo that it was detected somewhere near Karakura High School, which surprises him.

They finally track down the Tōjū, who they find attacking Orihime. Ichigo manages to save her from the Tōjū's attack, and Rukia moves Mai Suzuki to a safe distance away from the battle. Rukia notes that the Tōjū is merged with a Human, which is why they were unable to track down the Tōjū sooner. Ichigo asks Rukia what they should do, and Rukia answers that if the Tōjū's host has lost her mind and body to the Tōjū, then they have to kill her. Orihime stops them from fighting, noting that the Tōjū's host, Kyōko Haida, hasn't been fully absorbed into the Tōjū yet. Orihime pleads for the Tōjū to set Kyōko free, but she refuses, unless Orihime offers to replace her instead. Orihime tells her that neither she, nor anyone else would want to be used as a host for her possession, which greatly angers the Tōjū. As the Tōjū continues to attack Ichigo, Orihime calls out to Kyōko, who begins to resist the Tōjū's control. Rukia notices this and tells Orihime to use her Sōten Kisshun, which should be able to separate Kyōko from the Tōjū. Orihime complies, and after Kyōko is separated, Ichigo kills the Tōjū with his Getsuga Tenshō. At the end of the incident, Rukia erases Mai's memories.

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Rukia stays in Karakura Town in the month after Aizen's defeat. One day, Rukia and Ichigo return back to the Kurosaki Clinic, where they are greeted by Kon. As Ichigo complains about him being outside of his room, they are interrupted by a Hollow alert. They immediately leave their bodies with Kon and Chappy. Rukia notices a Senkaimon opened nearby, but since it is unrelated to the Hollow sighting, she shrugs it off. As they continue, Rukia sees Orihime, Sado, and Uryū below, with Ichigo declining an offer for help. After they return to Kurosaki Clinic, Rukia stares at the girl whom Kon brought back to the clinic, as Ichigo berates him. Rukia notices she cannot sense the girl's existence, and that she was found where the Senkaimon opened earlier.

Rukia sends a message about this to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Later, Rukia reveals to Urahara that she received urgent orders to appear before the S.R.D.I. with Ichigo, stating she has never heard of such an order before. As Rukia and Ichigo travel through the Dangai, she tells him they can take their time, as the Kōtotsu was destroyed by Aizen a month ago. However, they are forced to run when it inexplicably regenerates. Rukia is caught by Ichigo, who uses his Bankai's speed to outrun the Kōtotsu. When they exit the Dangai, they are separated when Ichigo falls to the ground.

After Ichigo is apprehended, Rukia breaks him out from his cell and informs him they must escape through the Hakuto Gate in order to leave Seireitei. As she reveals a time-gap has formed between the Human World and Soul Society, they are approached by Ikkaku and Renji. As Renji explains why Ichigo is being suspected, Rukia, starting to understand the mastermind's motives, faces off against Renji.

When Rukia asks Renji why he is doing this, he states he is merely following orders. Taunting Rukia, he tells her if she does not fight, he cannot guarantee they will live. Rukia is saved by the timely intervention of Yoruichi, with whom she and Ichigo escape. As they arrive at Yoruichi's hideout, she explains the concept of Reigai to her, stating it is highly likely someone from the 12th Division could be implicated in this. As this is happening, Rukia, noticing Ichigo's disappearance, vows to aid him in his infiltration of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.

When they enter the S.R.D.I, Rukia, knocking repeatedly upon Hiyosu's door, knocks him out with a Kidō spell. Going to his computer, she realizes an order was given to apprehend the mysterious girl. Rukia asks Ichigo what they will do next, but berates him when he suggests returning to the Human World. Yoruichi, appearing beside them, tells them she will assist them in getting to the Senkaimon, despite the possibility the Reigai are guarding it.

As Rukia arrives alongside them, the Reigai, alerted to their presence, proceed to surround the pavilion. Rukia, charging at the Reigai, blocks a thrust from Renji's Shikai, pushing her back momentarily. Trying to attack Renji, her blade is restrained by that of Shūhei's Zanpakutō. As Ichigo returns to Rukia, they are surrounded by the fakes. Meanwhile, Yoruichi, revealing her trick to the Reigai, detonates her portable Gigai alongside Rukia's, and they attempt to use the diversion to escape through the Senkaimon. As they run, Rukia berates Ichigo for screwing up on the timing for the Gigai. Before they are able to enter the Senkaimon, Yoruichi is thrown back by Byakuya, causing Rukia to look back in concern. As Yoruichi holds Byakuya and the other Reigai off, she tells Rukia and Ichigo to proceed through, as she can handle herself. Rukia, emerging in the Human World, asks Orihime if she is alright.

As Inaba prepares to fight against Ichigo, she comments upon the bizarre nature of his Reiatsu. While they are fighting, Rukia warns Ichigo not to over-exert himself, but he activates the powers of his Hollow mask. After Ichigo is defeated by Inaba, she, raising her sword, protects him from Inaba. However, as the real versions of the Gotei 13 appear, Inaba is thrown off balance by Renji's sword. After Inaba retreats, the Gotei 13 meet in Ichigo's room. Rukia and the others learn from Mayuri Kurotsuchi what Kagerōza Inaba's role in the Shinigami Research Institute was, and what Nozomi's role in recent events may be. After Reigai-Rangiku kidnaps Nozomi, Rukia, along with Ichigo, Renji, and the real Rangiku, arrive to help her. Rukia places her sword to the Reigai's throat in an attempt to stop her.

Later, while searching for Nozomi, Rukia is confronted by her Reigai counterpart. As a train roars above them, Rukia battles her Reigai. Stating the Reigai's skills are unparalleled and it has a greater fighting ability than her own, she wonders what she can do to defeat her. When Reigai-Nemu joins the fight against Rukia, the real Nemu Kurotsuchi comes to her aid shortly thereafter, and Rukia concentrates on her Reigai. As they both attack each other with their Shikai, Rukia, defeated, falls into the river. Later, Ichigo and the others oversee Rukia's healing process. After she is healed, Rukia joins everyone as Urahara gathers information on the situation in Soul Society.

After Ichigo goes missing and Sado suggests they go to Soul Society, Rukia and Renji tell him to trust in the captains' abilities. As Urahara says he still cannot find Ichigo, Kon tries to reassure everyone, but Rukia stops him. After Ichigo awakens at the Urahara Shop, Urahara reveals Inaba is really after data on Mod Souls. When asked about Mod Souls, Rukia, taking over, explains with her drawings. Ichigo says it has been a while since she ruined things like that, but Kon encourages her to go on. Nozomi, popping in, says she sucks.

Rukia is with Ichigo when he introduces Nozomi to his family, telling them she is Rukia's relative. After Isshin, Karin, and Yuzu leave to do some shopping, Rukia receives an order about a Hollow on her Denreishinki. After Ichigo defeats the Hollow, Ikkaku and Yumichika ask him how Nozomi is doing. Rukia asks why they are interested, but they do not reply. At his shop, Rukia asks Urahara about Nozomi. Telling her he thought it was unusual he could not sense any Reiatsu from her when they first met, he reveals he became certain she was a Modified Soul when she healed Ichigo, noting her power was similar to Kidō, but different, possibly artificial. They wonder what Inaba wants with Nozomi.

Rukia participates in a meeting in Ichigo's room, where she listens to Nanao Ise report on the situation in Soul Society. Later, Ichigo, Rukia, Uryū, and Sado spar with Nozomi in order to help her to awaken her Zanpakutō. With their help, Nozomi succeeds in releasing her Shikai. Afterwards, she helps the other Shinigami in fighting the Reigai, joining Renji against Reigai-Byakuya. Despite their combined effort, the Reigai, easily brushing off their attacks, forces them back. Ultimately, she and Renji are pushed back to join their allies. In a desperate decision, everyone decides to rely on the Reishi-absorbing power of Nozomi's newly acquired Shikai. They fire their attacks at her, allowing Nozomi to absorb it all and redirect it at the Reigai as an enormous blast, defeating them. As the dust settles, Reigai-Byakuya, having narrowly survived the attack with "Dankū, counterattacks with "Sōren Sōkatsui", knocking Rukia and everyone, but Ichigo and Nozomi out. As Reigai-Byakuya prepares to finish them, Yamamoto, arriving, defeats the Reigai with a powerful blast of fire.

After awakening, Rukia, showing her respect, bows before the powerful captain and explains the situation. Shortly afterwards, Inaba, arriving, engages Yamamoto. As Ichigo and Nozomi join the captain in fear of the replicating powers of Inaba's "Raikū", they attempt a multi-directional attack to exploit Raikū's limited range of replication, only for the attack to fail. After Inaba uses the collective power of Yamamoto's flames and Ichigo's "Getsuga Tenshō" against Yamamoto, who counters, the two are launched to the ground, knocking Yamamoto out and only battering Inaba. Rukia joins Ichigo, Renji, and Kon in defending Nozomi. Inaba, laughing at the Shinigami's belief of understanding Nozomi's feelings, reveals he and Nozomi are actually the same being split in two. The three, attacking Inaba, are easily defeated.

Later, Inaba has succeeded in capturing Nozomi, while the Shinigami forces in the Human World have all been greatly injured. Ichigo has lost the last of his powers, forcing everyone to regroup at Urahara's Shop. After discussing their options, Kisuke theorizes they can restore Ichigo's Reiatsu with the remaining Reishi still in the Kōtotsu from earlier. After Ichigo successfully acquires his Reishi, Ichigo and Urahara prepare to return to Soul Society to use Inaba's Reigai technology so they can restore Ichigo's powers. Before going, Urahara asks Rukia and the others to act as a diversion in the Dangai while he and Ichigo go through a different entrance.

Later, after succeeding in their mission, Rukia and the others return to Urahara's Shop. There, they grow impatient from not getting any news from Urahara and Ichigo. Ultimately, Rukia and the others decide to go back to Soul Society with the now healed Shinigami. There, they learn Ichigo has regained his Reiatsu, but, growing unstable, has transformed into a Hollow again. They find him bound by a mysterious Shinigami. Before Yushima can strike down Ichigo, Rukia, rushing over, forces Yushima back. The man reveals he is a fusion of both Nozomi and Inaba, and, by extension, has all their respective powers. Despite Rukia and the others' combined effort, Yushima quickly defeats them. As Yushima moves to kill Rukia, the Hollowfied Ichigo blocks the attack with his body.

Following the attack, Ichigo returns to normal, albeit deprived of his Reiatsu again. Rukia fends off Yushima long enough for her friends to join her. Rukia follows Uryū's lead in setting up his "Sprenger". While succeeding in restraining Yushima long enough to use the technique, Yushima counters with a "Hajokuri" spell, dispelling the attack and subduing his enemies again. As Yushima prepares for victory, Nozomi's essence, emerging, restrains Yushima. Ichigo tries to reach Nozomi again, but Yushima, regaining control, strikes at Ichigo, only to be blocked by Renji and Rukia. After they are knocked away, Reigai-Nemu appears with medicine to stabilize Yushima's fusion. Before taking the medicine, Reigai-Nemu kicks Yushima aside, revealing itself to be Kon in the Reigai's body. Greatly disturbed by the sight, Rukia, removing Kon from the Reigai, places him back in his plushy. Afterwards, Kon gives Ichigo a Mod Soul Pill of his Reishi, restoring Ichigo's powers.

Ichigo engages Yushima, fighting on even grounds with the resurrected opponent. Ultimately, Kon, unable to stand waiting on the sidelines, insists everyone should join the fight. Rukia starts the attack with a barrage of ice pillars, only for Yushima to absorb them. While the group's attacks are ultimately defeated, they give Ichigo an opening to strike Yushima hard. After a final clash, Ichigo defeats Yushima.

Powers & Abilities
Hakuda Combatant: While seldom used, Rukia is proficient in hand-to-hand combat, using it as her main method of combat when she was in a depowering Gigai. During the Bount Invasion, she countered the swift and accurate attacks of Yoshi, a fierce combatant herself.

Enhanced Strength: Despite her size, Rukia is still a considerable opponent, being able to lift and throw a Human even when depowered.

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


 * In its sealed form, Sode no Shirayuki is a normal katana. It has a rectangular tsuba with a vaguely flame-like pattern on the long sides and a curved line on the short sides, 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 Soul Society.


 * Shikai Special Ability: Sode no Shirayuki is an ice-type Zanpakutō. Sode no Shirayuki possesses multiple techniques, labeled as "dances" by Rukia. Besides ice techniques, Sode no Shirayuki's general ability is freezing. Sode no Shirayuki can freeze a target from a distance, or used in a different manner, create a path or platform of ice in midair.


 * Rukia calls out the name of the dance while holding her Zanpakutō upside down. The blade glows, and she makes a slashing motion when her target is in position. When she does this, she draws a circle with the tip of Sode no Shirayuki. The space within that circle and anything inside freezes. The circle not only freezes the ground, but everything within the circle's influence, including anything above it in the air, creating an extending pillar of light which freezes all within the circle. Shortly after being frozen, the victim shatters along with the ice. The ice pillar will not shatter if the victim is not caught within it.


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

Quotes

 * "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."


 * (To Sode no Shirayuki) "I can never forgive anyone who attempts to destroy what I must protect."