Byakuya Kuchiki is the 6th Captain of the 13 Divisions as well as the 28th Head of the very prominent Kuchiki family. First introduced as the main antagonist of the Soul Society Arc, he later became one of the major protagonists of Bleach.
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Apparence
Byakuya is at first easily recognizable, first with five white hairpieces on his head, Kenseikan (牽星箝, Insertion of the Drawn Star), a symbol of nobility, and finally to his long white scarf, made of Ginpaku Kazahana no Uzuginu (銀白風花紗, Silk of the Silver Wildflower), an item worth ten luxury estates, which is owned by the Heads of the Kuchiki Family from generation to generation. He is a rather tall man with black hair, with an atypical hairstyle, due to his Kenseikan, and gray eyes. He wears the shihakushō, the standard uniform of the Shinigamis, accompanied by the haori of Captain, due to his rank. He also wears mittens that cover the tops of his hands as well as his wrists.
After the ellipse, Byakuya abandoned his Kenseikan, returning to a more natural hairstyle. Instead, he wears standard hairpieces to decorate his hair. He also dropped his scarf. His haori is now customized with a high collar and gold filigree on the edges around the collar. 10 years after the Millennium Bloody War, Byakuya is once again wearing 3 Kenseikan on his head.
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Personality
Byakuya is a rather taciturn man who only speaks when the situation requires it. Being the head of the Kuchiki family, he acts and speaks as he should for his rank, in an aristocratic way. He is calm and seems apathetic towards the gaze of others, including what may happen to his little sister Rukia. He is uncompromising about rules and makes it a point to always obey the law. He believes that if even he, the head of one of the 4 Great Noble Families, does not respect the law, no one will. So he does not hesitate for a moment to act in the name of a more peaceful society, both by ordering his subordinates to act in this sense, but also by punishing those who break the law, even if it goes against his own desires.
On the other hand, Byakuya is a man proud of his values, his clan and also of his short marriage with his wife, Hisana. His love for her was so strong, that he broke the traditions of his clan, which did not like the fact that a Rukongai inhabitant was part of the clan, in order to marry her. Even after the death of his wife, who made him promise to find and protect his little sister whom she was desperately looking for for years, Byakuya did not hesitate to integrate Rukia into the clan. But after breaking tradition once again, he solemnly swore on his parents' grave that he would never break the rules again and that he would always obey the laws. Only, when Rukia was accused of a heavy crime punishable by death, Byakuya was caught in a dilemma where keeping one of his promises would break the other. It is when Ichigo Kurosaki finally defeats him at the end of a long fight during which their respective values are put to the test that Byakuya will understand the motivations of Ichigo whom he despised until now and especially that he will ask Rukia for forgiveness for not having done anything to help him.
As the story goes on, he will become less intransigent about the rules, as long as he is not directly involved. When he has to bring the Hitsugaya group, including Renji and Rukia, to the Soul Society, he voluntarily let them go to help Ichigo to save Orihime because nothing and nobody forced him to stop them.
During a fight, he observes the situation before acting and is slightly arrogant towards his opponents that he despises without really looking for a reason to fight them. On the other hand, if they try to hurt what makes him proud, namely his family, his relatives and his house, Byakuya becomes much more involved and does not hesitate to kill his enemy in a cruel way in this case. On the other hand, Byakuya is aware of his own abilities and limits.
History
Kuchiki Byakuya was born into the noble Kuchiki family and grew up in the family mansion of Sereitei. He spent countless hours of training preparing him to take over the Kuchiki clan.
Yoruichi Shihōin would often come to the Kuchiki mansion to come play tag with Byakuya. Seeing this one coming, Byakuya attacks her and insults her, calling her a "Gutter Cat." Then Yoruichi complains to Byakuya about his way of welcoming a guest. This one expresses his displeasure by saying that he will be soon chief of his clan and that he has no time to lose with her. Yoruichi steals the lace tying Byakuya's hair and makes fun of him by quoting "I pity the future of the Kuchiki clan if a chief is
stolen by a girl while playing". She then uses the Shunpo leaving Byakuya angry; he declares that he will make her regret her act, because his abilities are superior to hers.Byakuya was trained by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki.
Fifty years later, Byakuya married Hisana, a commoner from Rukongai. In doing so, Byakuya breaks the rules of acceptance within the Kuchiki family. Five years after the marriage, Hisana falls seriously ill. Feeling her strength fail her, she asks Byakuya to find and adopt her sister, whom she abandoned in the Rukongai as a baby, as her last wish. She also makes him promise never to tell his sister, Rukia, that she was his older sister. A year after Hisana's death, Byakuya finds Rukia at Shin'ō Academy, adopts her, and fulfills Hisana's last wish although he breaks his clan's rules again. He later swore on the graves of his parents not to break any more rules.
Less than forty-nine years later, shortly before Byakuya was promoted to captain of the Sixth Division along with Gin Ichimaru who would become captain of the Third Division, Rukia joined the Gotei 13. The two captains often crossed paths and sometimes engaged in discussions.
When Isshin Shiba, captain of the Tenth Division, gives his report about the mysterious hollow and the past events in the city of Naruki on the west side of the city of Karakura, ByaKuchiki Byakuya was born into the noble Kuchiki family and grew up in the family mansion of Sereitei. He spent countless hours of training preparing him to take over the Kuchiki clan.
Yoruichi Shihōin would often come to the Kuchiki mansion to come play tag with Byakuya. Seeing this one coming, Byakuya attacks her and insults her, calling her a "Gutter Cat." Then Yoruichi complains to Byakuya about his way of welcoming a guest. This one expresses his displeasure by saying that he will be soon chief of his clan and that he has no time to lose with her. Yoruichi steals the lace tying Byakuya's hair and makes fun of him by quoting "I pity the future of the Kuchiki clan if a chief is
stolen by a girl while playing". She then uses the Shunpo leaving Byakuya angry; he declares that he will make her regret her act, because his abilities are superior to hers.Byakuya was trained by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki.
Fifty years later, Byakuya married Hisana, a commoner from Rukongai. In doing so, Byakuya breaks the rules of acceptance within the Kuchiki family. Five years after the marriage, Hisana falls seriously ill. Feeling her strength fail her, she asks Byakuya to find and adopt her sister, whom she abandoned in the Rukongai as a baby, as her last wish. She also makes him promise never to tell his sister, Rukia, that she was his older sister. A year after Hisana's death, Byakuya finds Rukia at Shin'ō Academy, adopts her, and fulfills Hisana's last wish although he breaks his clan's rules again. He later swore on the graves of his parents not to break any more rules.
Less than forty-nine years later, shortly before Byakuya was promoted to captain of the Sixth Division along with Gin Ichimaru who would become captain of the Third Division, Rukia joined the Gotei 13. The two captains often crossed paths and sometimes engaged in discussions.
When Isshin Shiba, captain of the Tenth Division, gives his report about the mysterious hollow and the past events in the city of Naruki on the west side of the city of Karakura, Byakuya is present to hear his speech as well as the other captains of Gotei 13.
Sypnosis
Replacement Shinigami Bow
Byakuya first appears with his vice-captain, Renji Abarai, on a mission to kill Ichigo and bring Rukia back to the Soul Society, following her desertion to stand trial for her crimes. They intercept him on the street but are first interrupted by Uryū Ishida, before Renji manages to defeat him easily. Shortly after Ishida's defeat, Byakuya witnesses Ichigo's arrival and watches Renji engage in combat.
As Renji is hit by Ichigo, Byakuya tells his lieutenant that he is reckless but Renji replies that there is nothing to fear. Byakuya says that Ichigo looks familiar to him because thirty three hours earlier, the Special Forces obtained an image of Ichigo hitting and causing a scar to a Menos Grande. Finally, Ichigo gets the better of Renji and just as he is about to give him the fatal blow, Byakuya cuts Ichigo's sword in half and then pierces him in the chest, hitting the two points that contain his spiritual pressure, so that he loses it.
Then Byakuya asks Renji if something is wrong and Renji answers that he didn't need to attack Ichigo directly as he could have finished him. Byakuya replies that he doesn't always want to be in the front because he is often a spectator and his skills can get dull. When Rukia runs to Ichigo, Byakuya asks her if she would have gone next to ichigo even after everything that just happened, then tells her that he understands how much he looks like "him" referring to Kaien Shiba.
Ichigo clings to Byakuya's leg and asks him to let him go but Ichigo challenges him, telling him that he can't hear him and that he has to look at him when he talks to him. Byakuya is about to strike when Rukia intervenes and hits Ichigo's hand. She asks Byakuya to spare him and tells him that she agrees to return to the Soul Society. Byakuya warns Ichigo that he will die in half an hour from his wounds and that if he survives, he will lose his Shinigami powers. Then Renji opens a Senkaimon and the three of them return to the Soul Society.
Later, at the Soul Society, Byakuya tells Rukia that she will be executed for her crimes. Some time later, he meets Kenpachi Zaraki, the captain of the Eleventh Division and Gin Ichimaru, the captain of the Third Division, who tease him about the conviction of his sister, Rukia, who is considered a criminal. Byakuya replies that people of lower classes cannot understand the feelings of nobles. Byakuya and Kenpachi threaten each other but not Gin who decides to end the conflict by tying Kenpachi up. He apologizes to Byakuya and leaves with Kenpachi.
Byakuya is present at the urgent captains' meeting called by Captain Commander Yamamoto where he remains silent throughout the quarrels between his fellow captains. After Renji's defeat by Ichigo, Renji is taken to a secure place and guarded by the two lieutenants Izuru Kira and Momo Hinamori who want to call the Fourth Division when suddenly Byakuya appears behind them and says that there is no need and orders Renji to be thrown in jail, Hinamori pleads for him but Byakuya answers that he went to the battle alone so it is unacceptable that he is lost. Momo asks him how he can say such things but is interrupted by Izuru who apologizes to Byakuya and herself despite her reluctance.
Later Byakuya interrupts Yamada Hanataro and Ganju Shiba who are trying to save Rukia from the Shishinrō . Byakuya tells Ganju that he felt a weak spiritual pressure heading towards the Shishinrō , he followed it thinking that the person who possesses this spiritual pressure is strong and he was just hiding his reiatsu but it turned out to be just a block of fat. Byakuya severely cuts Ganju's arm when he wants to attack him and tells him to go away. But Ganju tells him that a coward who could be scared by such a wound does not exist in the Shiba family. After hearing his last name, Byakuya apologizes for not hurting him more seriously, Rukia asks him not to kill Ganju but Byakuya ignores his complaints and releases his Shikai, this time he seriously hurts Ganju.
Byakuya is preparing to finish Ganju when he is interrupted by Jushiro Ukitake, who declares that the release of a zanpakuto in Konnakotoru is a first order offence, but he answers him that special orders in wartime make this prohibition lifted. Byakuya and Jushiro feel the arrival of a strong spiritual pressure of captain level. Ichigo lands thanks to an object provided by Yoruichi, this one engages the combat against Byakuya, Jushiro asks Byakuya who is this ryoka but Byakuya answers him that he is nobody.
After a brief exchange of words, Byakuya wonders how Ichigo got his shinigami powers back but he should have resumed his old life as a human. After two failed attempts to use the senka against Ichigo, Byakuya releases his shikai but he is stopped by Yoruichi who knocks Ichigo out. Byakuya tells her that she won't be able to escape, but she answers him that he never won against her in Shunpo. They engage in a Shunpo challenge. Yoruichi, carrying Ichigo unconscious, keeps ahead of Byakuya but she stops on top of a building and tells him that in three days she will have made Ichigo much stronger than him, thus suspending their fight and runs away with Ichigo on her shoulder. Byakuya leaves the area and tells Jushiro that he can do what he wants with the ryoka because they have no more interest.
When he learns that the date of Rukia's execution has been brought forward, Jushiro tries to convince Byakuya to stop the execution but Byakuya pushes him away by explaining that this is the decision of the Central 46 . Jushiro coughs and falls on the ground, Byakuya tells him not to force himself by reminding him the loss of his lieutenant Kaien Shiba. He then declares that Rukia is part of his family and not his own and that he should not interfere in this matter.
The morning of Rukia's execution, Byakuya is in his quarters praying in the shrine of his wife Hisana when he is told that the execution is about to begin, he says goodbye to Hisana and heads to Sokyoku Hill. Before arriving Byakuya meets Renji who has escaped from prison in order to save Rukia. After knowing Renji's intentions, he tells him that he won't let him pass. Byakuya tries to attack Renji with a Shunpo but his Lieutenant blocks him. Byakuya activates his shikai which is blocked by the shikai of this one: Zabimaru. Renji tells him about his desire to surpass him since their first meeting and activates his Bankai.
Byakuya, a little bit surprised, asks him when he acquired his Bankai, Renji answers him that he will never know it because he never paid attention to his subordinates. Then, Renji attacks Byakuya who confirms that it is indeed a Bankai, he uses his shikai which breaks Renji's Bankai, however he rebuilds himself and and the fight continues. Renji tells Byakuya that he succeeded in making him kneel down. Renji attacks again his captain and this one sends a spell of Kido, the way of destruction (Hadô) number thirty three: Sokatsui in order to disturb Renji's movements then to bind him with a way of connection (Bakudô) number sixty one: Rikujokorro. Byakuya releases his Bankai which seriously injures Renji.
Byakuya tells Renji that he should be proud to have a human form after being hit by his Bankai. Renji refuses to give up and throws himself at Byakuya who uses his Bankai to immobilize him. Byakuya tells him about his Bankai which disappeared to leave a simple katana (sword) due to his lack of spiritual energy and threatens to kill him, Renji answers him that he swore to his soul to save Rukia and tries to attack him again but his sword breaks in contact with Byakuya's body then falls down, defeated. Byakuya throws his scarf on Renji and congratulates him for having had so much courage to face him.
Byakuya arrives on the place of the execution of Rukia, refusing to look at her. He is very surprised by Ichigo's intervention. Byakuya watches how Ichigo saves Rukia, who easily gets rid of three lieutenants. Byakuya arrives and attacks Ichigo, he asks him why he still tries to save Rukia but this one returns him the question. Byakuya tells him that even after answering him, he wouldn't understand and tells him that he will kill him and execute Rukia himself.
The fight continues, Byakuya activates his shikai which is countered by a Getsuga Tensho coming from Ichigo. The attack hurts his left hand and then Ichigo asks him to activate his bankai, Ichigo activates it and blames Ichigo who admits his mistake to have tried to stop him with his shikai, Byakuya answers to him and tells him that he speaks as if he had already reached the bankai. Ichigo asserts him that it is the case. Byakuya doesn't believe him and looks at Ichigo activating his bankai: Tensa Zangetsu. Byakuya is surprised and wonders if the katana Ichigo is holding is really a bankai because it looks like an ordinary katana. Before he can attack, Ichigo stands by his side and points the end of his blade on his throat, he asks him if his pride has nothing to do with the execution of Rukia, because if it is the case then he will stop him.
When Ichigo backs away, Byakuya finds it arrogant that Ichigo did not attack him when he had the chance. The fight continues until Ichigo is so fast that Senbonzakura Kageyoshi can't keep up with him. Byakuya starts to use his hand to direct his bankai, causing him to move faster. However, Ichigo pushes Senbonzakura away and before he knows it, Ichigo appears behind him and stabs him. Now aware of the power of Ichigo's Bankai, Byakuya promises to destroy it and activates his Senkei, one of the forms his Bankai can take. They continue to fight while Ichigo's movements become slower and slower, Byakuya raises one of the swords around him, stabs Ichigo's foot and then pierces Ichigo's shoulder with a way of destruction ( Hadô) number two : Byakurai. Byakuya congratulates him for having fought him and tells him that he must understand that it is the end. Byakuya prepares to give him the coup de grace when suddenly the Hollow of Ichigo takes over and stops his attack. Byakuya asks him who he is and the Hollow answers that he is nobody.
Ichigo's Hollow attacks Byakuya and wounds him in the chest then Byakuya dodges a Black Getsuga Tensho. Seeing the Hollow's mask, Byakuya asks him if he is really a hollow but Ichigo comes back to him and breaks the mask. Byakuya tells Ichigo that neither of them have much strength to continue the fight, they agree and decide to finish it and bet on one last blow. When Ichigo asks Byakuya why he doesn't save his sister, this one tells him that he will answer his question if he beats him. Byakuya then uses another form of his Bankai: Shukei Hakuteiken and Ichigo assembles his reiatsu in a getsuga tensho.
The two opponents attack each other simultaneously releasing a powerful reiatsu. Byakuya reveals the reasons of why he could not save Rukia, ichigo answers him that if he had been in his place, he would have fought these rules. This one realizes that Ichigo is not his enemy but that he was only fighting the rules of the Soul Society, he thinks that Ichigo has the same personality as Kaien Shiba. Byakuya then says that Ichigo's will to break his sword and that he won't pursue Rukia. Later, while Sôsuke Aizen commands Gin Ichimaru to kill Rukia, Byakuya saves her, takes the attack in her place. He falls on his knees because of all his wounds. He is treated by the captain Unohana Retsu, Byakuya asks to speak to Rukia and tells her the truth about his past and explains her why he was in conflict with his promises towards Hisana and his parents, what was difficult for him to take a decision when she was condemned then thanks Ichigo, to have helped him to take his decision and to have saved Rukia and apologizes to Her.
Arc des Arrancars
Some time after attending an urgent meeting of the captains, Byakuya heads to the real world to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's team at the behest of Captain-Commander Yamamoto. He secretly allows Rukia and Renji to return to the real world and to proceed with the rescue of Orihime Inoue claiming that he was just ordered to bring them back to The Soul Society and that what they chose to do afterwards, is none of his concern.
Arch of the Hueco Mundo
Byakuya learns from a messenger that Rukia and Renji's Reiatsu have disappeared and the Second Division is looking for them all over the Seireitei.
Byakuya arrives later in Las Noches, just in time to save Rukia from the Septima Espada: Zommari Leroux. Byakuya refuses to answer the question of the Espada who asked him to give him his identity and asks him in return if he is the one who hurt Rukia, Zommari answers that it is not him but that he was going to finish the job.
Byakuya starts the fight and telling Zommari that he didn't understand why fighting him was "Vain" and uses Shunpo. He appears in the back of Zommari but this one imitates him and finds himself in the back of Byakuya. Byakuya asks him what it means, Zommari tells him that it is his Gemelos Sonido, it allows him to create near-clones of himself and claims that it is the fastest sonido in the Espada. Reproaching him for revealing his ability so quickly, Byakuya attacks his clones in succession. When Zommari appears behind him, he tells him that the number of his clones did not stop at two but Byakuya having foreseen the blow, pierces him with the Hadô number four : Byakurai. Suddenly two clones of Zommari appeared and pierced him saying that the total number of his clones was five, Byakuya used the Utsusemi, a technique he learned from Yoruichi, to escape this attack.
After criticizing Byakuya, Zommari releases his Zanpakutō Brujeria which means sorcery and uses Amor, a technique that allows him to take control of a body or thing if he is hit by his eye, and takes control of Byakuya's left leg. Byakuya reacts by cutting the tendons of his leg, Zommari then turns his attention to Rukia who is unconscious but Byakuya places himself between them and protects her with his own body. Hanatarō Yamada arrives at the same time and Byakuya asks him to step back so as not to get involved in the battle.
When Byakuya realizes that Zommari has taken control of his left arm, he cuts the tendons again and then uses Hadô number one: Shō in order to free Rukie who is shackled in the ice and asks Hanatarō to back off with Elle. Zommari reveals to him that he has touched Rukia at the head and thus controls her body and she pierces Hanatarō at the chest. He then asks Byakuya to drop his sword where he will force Rukia to split her throat. Byakuya uses bakudo number sixty-five: Rikujōkōrō to restrict Rukia's movements then releases his Bankai. Zommari, seeing his situation becoming desperate, tries to control the entirety of Byakuya's Bankai blades but Byakuya replies that it is useless as he cannot control one hundred million blades with his fifty eyes. He activates one of the three forms of his Bankai: the Gōkei to finish Espada off.
Zommari gets out of it and tries to take control of Byakuya with the Amor but this one counters with the Bakudô number eighty-one: Danku. He explains to him that after using the Rikujōkōrō against Rukia, he deduced that his power resembled that of Kido and therefore it could also be countered by Kido. Byakuya moves behind Zommari, who asks for his mercy and compassion, then denounces the arrogance of the shinigami who have taken unnatural authority over the Hollow by calling them "evil" and killing them without scruples. Byakuya, impassive, tells him that he fought him because he attacked his pride, referring to Rukia, and kills him.
Byakuya tells Kotetsu Isane that she can come out of hiding and she can start giving first aid to Rukia and Hanatarō. When Rukia wakes up, almost healed, tells Byakuya that he is injured but he tells her that she doesn't have to worry and that she should rest because there is still a lot of fighting to come.
Arch of the False City of Karakura
While Ichigo is being crushed by Yammy Riyalgo, Byakuya intervenes and casts a Kido spell, Hado number thirty three: Sōkatsui on Yammy while Kenpachi cuts one of his legs. An argument breaks out between Byakuya and Kenpachi while the latter tells him to get out of the way, the other retorts that he should stay in his place because he arrived first. Kenpachi answers him that he shouldn't blame him if ever he was shredded by a lost sword. Kenpachi starts to fight with Yammy, Ichigo wants to join him but is interrupted by Byakuya who tells him not to join the fight and that he should rather join the real world. Ichigo protests but Byakuya tells him that his real duty is to protect the city of Karakura and manages to convince him to go to the real world. Then, Byakuya asks Mayuri why he chose to stay in the Hueco Mundo when there are more things on earth that he should be interested in, Mayuri answers him by explaining that he is not plotting anything because there are more interesting corpses here than in the real world and that he will examine those in the real world later. Byakuya is surprised to hear these words coming from Mayuri because it sounds like he already believes in Ichigo's ability to end the war.
Byakuya watches Yammy being beaten by Kenpachi and he is called by Kenpachi who asks him to finish him but Byakuya answers that it is more like a barbarian like him. Yammy gets up and shoots a Cero. They dodge but continue their fight, Byakuya finds Kenpachi and Byakuya declares that he can't believe that Kenpachi thought he was done with the Espada because of the way he did it, feeling sorry for his lack of judgment. Kenpachi, rejecting the comment, says that Yammy was indeed ready to be finished, and provokes Byakuya by telling him that the Espada is obviously too much for him. Byakuya, releasing his Bankai, tells Kenpachi that if Yammy is too much for him, he must prove it.
Kenpachi, appreciating this idea, says that he always wanted to compete with Byakuya. As the two captains move towards each other, Yammy pops up interrupting them, they turn to him, indicating that he is in the way, lash out and punch the Espada in the face. Yammy's huge form is unbalanced by the power of the two attacks, but he survives, gets up, wounded and furious. Kenpachi states that he is surprised that Yammy survived, believing that he lost his mind when he saw him laugh. Cero Espada becomes frustrated with the two captains, his Resurrección changes form. After the transformation, he warns the captains that making him angry is the last thing they should do, as his Resurrección, Ira, increases his strength through anger. He taunts Byakuya and Kenpachi, saying that if they anger him more, he will make their deaths humiliating and painful.
After defeating Yammy, the two captains appear at the exit of a Garganta at the Soul Society. The members of the Fourth Division were waiting for their arrival. One of them says that even though they are standing, they are horribly injured.
After healing their wounds, Kenpachi, Byakuya and Shunsui are scolded by Captain-Commander Yamamoto for losing their respective Haori in battle.
The three captains take the situation lightly and Byakuya declares that he can easily replace this "cheap" cloth, which angers Genryusai Yamamoto who asks them what the haori represents for them, to which Byakuya answers once again with "a lousy outfit". Their answers increases even more the anger of the Captain-Commander who raises the tone.
Disappeared Replacement Shinigami Bow
Byakuya is among those who placed their spiritual energies into the sword prepared by Kisuke Urahara to help restore Ichigo's powers. After Rukia stabs Ichigo with this sword, Byakuya comes out of the Senkaimon accompanied by Renji, Tōshirō, Kenpachi and Ikkaku. Byakuya interrupts Hitsugaya who explains to Ichigo the status of the very first substitute shinigami that was given to Kûgo Ginjô, Hitsugaya says he will give the details later. Yukio sends each of the duels in different dimensions, Byakuya is paired with Tsukishima. Byakuya says that he is lucky, he is the one who fights him, Byakuya thinks that Ichigo is too lenient and he can't imagine killing Tsukishima. Byakuya blocks Tsukishima's attack with his Shikai, he declares that he despises his way of fighting, stealing the memories of his opponents and torturing them, which he considers as cowardice.
Tsukishima inserts his presence in a part of the ground with his sword: The book of the end, creates a trap that Byakuya sets off. Byakuya, managing to escape, asks him how he did it, Tsukishima answers him that it was a long time ago and asks him if he ever heard about his power. Byakuya remembers the moment when he rubbed the ground with his sword and Tsukishima confirms him his thought, his power allows him to insert himself in the memory of objects. Byakuya learns from Tsukishima that he inserted himself into the past of his Zanpakutō when he blocked his previous attack making him aware of all his techniques. Byakuya raises Senbonzakura again but Tsukishima goes behind him, grabs his arm telling him that he will never be reached by his sword again and slashes his chest. Tsukishima tells him that he also knows about Senbonzakura's "no damage" zone and knows that the best tactic to counter his Shikai and Bankai is not to move away but to approach Byakuya to avoid damage. Surprised that Tsukishima has learned so much about his abilities, Byakuya understands that even his Bankai's Gōkei and Senkei attacks would have no effect on him, which the Fullbringer approves by adding this will be the case even for his "Hakuteiken." Byakuya closes Senbonzakura to eliminate his "no damage" zone, but Tsukishima demonstrates the power of his sword by slicing his Zanpakutō into two parts. As Tsukishima mocks him, Byakuya calmly retrieves the severed blade and knocks him down as well as his sword triggers his bankai.
Not knowing where Tsukishima is going to strike, Byakuya takes the risk of allowing his blades to enter his "damage-free" zone. While Tsukishima congratulates his ingenuity and the improvement of the speed of his Bankai, he points out to him that the faster the blades go the more suicidal it is, so he exploits the speed of the Bankai by moving close enough to let the blades hurt Byakuya's hand.Tsukishima even provokes him by asking him to cast a Kidô spell to show him his strength. Byakuya grabs some of Senbonzakura's blades, lets Tsukishima approach him and pierces him. Byakuya thanks him for this wonderful fight, admitting he liked the fight where he finds himself in a desperate situation and thanks to Tsukishima he could live this situation while the Fullbringer collapses. Acknowledging the defeat, Tsukishima asks him if he doesn't feel remorse for killing a man he should be grateful to, Byakuya admits that he regrets not being able to pay him back, but doesn't feel remorse for Tsukishima, as he is the enemy of Ichigo. He later finds Rukia unconscious and asks Renji to take care of her.
With the other captains, they watch Ichigo broken the last dimension. To Rukia's surprise, Byakuya and the other shinigamis turn around to return to the Soul Society. Byakuya reminds her that they were only charged with helping Ichigo make his decision. When Ichigo returns to the Soul Society to request the return of Ginjo's body, Byakuya is informed of his arrival, and is among the captains present to hear Ichigo's request as well as his final decision to agree to remain as a replacement shinigami.
Byakuya and Renji attend the official funeral of Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe. While waiting for the
cremation begins, Byakuya tells Renji about Sasakibe's abilities and loyalty to Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Later he attends a meeting of the captains where he is informed about the infiltration of the Wandenreich, and together with the other captains, is ordered to prepare for war. When the Wandenreich attacks the Seireitei again, Byakuya is sitting in front of a group of Shinigami when they notice the assault. He arrives later to help Renji in his fight against Äs Nödt and Mask De Masculine, quickly beating the latter. He prepares to activate his Bankai to try to find out what the Wandenreich is using to suppress them. However, when activating Senbonzakura Kageyoshi , he is immediately stolen by AS, who used his medallion. Byakuya prevents Renji from using his Bankai, declaring that he should not lose it too. Byakuya is then informed by the sword transmitters, as well as the other captains and lieutenants, by Rin Tsubokura that Ichigo is currently heading to the Soul Society.
As Byakuya is attacked by Äs Nödt's arrows, he relays to a worried Renji, that it would be foolish to attack together, and he has to stand back and watch the fight so that he can get information on how to take down the enemy. Äs Nödt asks Byakuya if he realizes that he is experiencing fear, which makes it difficult for him to mount an effective attack or defense against it. He further details that this fear is the result of a unique ability administered by his Heilig Pfeil. Äs Nödt goes into a speech, clarifying the nature of the fear, and congratulates Byakuya for holding out so long against it. Byakuya tries to strike the Quincy, but, dodging the attack, he counters and goes to impale his hand in Byakuya's chest, severely injuring him. The Quincy explains that this fear is real and not based on reason, so it is not something that can be overcome. Byakuya is about to attack Äs, but the latter steps aside, activates his medallion, causing a ring of "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi" blades to emerge, floating on the Quincy. He uses the blades to attack Byakuya, shredding the captain with his own power.
Äs exposes that there is nothing Byakuya can do in this situation, just as there is no way
that he can win against his bankai using his shikai. Renji tries to intervene by using his own shikai. While Renji is fighting, Byakuya tries to use his Shikai against Quincy, who counters with a storm of blades. The storm of blades is so powerful, that it sends Byakuya into a nearby wall. Byakuya asks Renji and Rukia to forgive him, his Zanpakutō shatters into pieces, and he passes out from his injuries.
Ichigo arrives at the Soul Society and talks to Byakuya about Rukia and Renji, immediately assuring him
that they are alive. Knowing that he will soon succumb to his wounds, Byakuya admits to Ichigo that he is ashamed to let the enemy invade the Soul Society, and regrets letting them kill many Shinigami, bringing sorrow and suffering to their subordinates and families.You, meanwhile, are a human being. By all rights, you should never have been involved in this conflict. Indeed, you should never have even come to this place. Even though Ichigo is a human being who should never have been involved in the affairs of the Soul Society. Byakuya asks Ichigo to protect the Soul Society. After Ichigo leaves, Byakuya thinks about the lack of a response from the replacement Shinigami, noting that this is typical of him and he understands. He drops his Zanpakutō, which disintegrates.
After the battle ends in Soul Society, Byakuya reportedly narrowly escapes death, despite being left in a comatose state. Senjumaru Shutara later brings comatose Byakuya to the Royal Guard "Tenchūren", along with Rukia and Renji, so he can be put in the Royal Palace. Unohana notes that his condition is too critical for him to leave the Seireitei, but the Royal Guard insist on taking them, saying that Byakuya will die if he stays there.
Upon arriving in Reiōkyū , Byakuya and the other wounded are taken into the quarters of Tenjirō Kirinji, where they are placed in his hot springs, "The Blood Pond of Hell," allowing wounded shinigami to be treated with their unique healing properties. Byakuya takes the longest time to heal than anyone who has been there, as well as the only person to have stayed in the hot springs the longest, according to Kirinji. When asked if he is dizzy, Byakuya states that he is much too weak to be stubborn. He then states that he is going to use this time to get back up to speed where he can justify the pride he once held.
Later, after completing his training with the Royal Guard, Byakuya returns to the Soul Society and finds his Bankai through Kisuke Urahara thanks to the Shin'eiyaku. He then arrives to save Rukia as she is overwhelmed by Äs ability, Tatarforas, by cutting through the eyes the generated ability, which saves Rukia.
Äs starts to laugh at Byakuya who was defeated by his hands in their previous fight. Äs then unleashes his attack on Byakuya, the captain only pushing him back with a stronger construction of his Shikai. When Äs thinks it is Byakuya's bankai, Byakuya corrects Quincy, explaining that upon losing his Bankai, he sought a deeper and more refined understanding of his Zanpakutō, and Byakuya thanks his opponent for that. Taking this as an insult, Äs from comes furious and is determined to drive Byakuya into the deepest levels of fear, transforming once again. Byakuya quietly turns his attention to Rukia, applauding her for becoming so strong. He insists that fear is only a choice, he helps Rukia overcome her fear and entrusts her with the finish Äs. After Rukia freezes Äs to death, Byakuya tells her to slowly melt her Bankai so that she doesn't deteriorate. Commenting on how splendid Rukia's Bankai is, Byakuya remarks that it is dangerous and Rukia should always use it carefully before saying that they should go and protect the Soul Society. Later on, seeing light from the distance, the two shinigami head to the location of Kenpachi Zaraki, defeated.On their way, they feel the Reiatsu of the arrival Ichigo Kurosaki. Shortly after, Byakuya uses Senbonzakura to stop Bazz-B and NaNaNa Najahkoop from chasing Ichigo, then joins Rukia, Renji, Hisagi, Ikkaku and Yumichika confront the reunited Sternritters at Ichigo's location.
After the fighters are separated by an explosion, Byakuya fights against Liltotto Lamperd, Meninas McAllon, NaNaNa, Candice Catnipp and Robert Accutrone, quickly beating the last three. Hisagi walks and informs Byakuya that he has defeated one of the Sternritter, only to see that the captain has already defeated three of them. Then Byakuya blocks an attack coming from Hisagi, and asks the lieutenant if he is under the control of someone or an impostor, to which Hisagi answers that he does it for Pepe Waccabrada before attacking Byakuya.
After defeating Hisagi, Byakuya confronts PePe and deduces that his murder will free his puppets,
prompting PePe to proclaim that he is scary before attempting to hit him with Love. After dodging several of PePe's attacks, Byakuya apparently deflects one with his Zanpakutō and shows how PePe cannot take control of anything without a heart, but PePe reveals that he can take control of his Zanpakutō Senbonzakura and it begins to attack Byakuya and draws blood. Byakuya throws Senbonzakura into a wall to protect himself, but Hisagi pulls him out and begins to attack Byakuya with both Senbonzakura and Kazeshini, forcing Byakuya to defend himself with the Hakuda technique because he doesn't believe he could use the Kidō without killing Hisagi. When PePe uses Love Kiss on him, Byakuya remains unchanged, prompting PePe to get angry to activate his Quincy: Vollständig , Gudoero , before immobilizing Byakuya with Love Rope . However, Byakuya is saved by the arrival of Kensei Muguruma and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi zombified, whose kick hits the side of Pepe's head.
Byakuya wonders what happened to Kensei and Rose, Kensei defeats Hisagi before delivering
Senbonzakura to a surprised Byakuya. When Mayuri arrives and comments on how perfect the situation will be to test his new squadron of corpses, Byakuya demands to know what he did to Kensei and Rose, prompting Mayuri to explain how he took control of them with the blood realignment drug. Declaring that he understands, Byakuya shows how Mayuri chose to gamble with their lives instead of letting them die in peace and Mayuri says that he is distorting the truth when he says that it is the wish of all Shinigami to serve the Seireitei even in death. Later, while observing the Auswählen, Byakuya notices that the light is going upwards from the Seireitei and wonders what it is.
Soon after, Byakuya arrives at the laboratory that Urahara has taken over and informs Urahara that Kensei and Rose will be moving with the 12th Division. When black creatures begin to rot in the Seireitei, Byakuya tries to wipe them away with Senbonzakura, but to no avail.
Upon arriving in Wahrwelt with his comrades, Byakuya quickly begins to move through the
city in search of their target. Neither he nor the others see Lille Barro who from his vantage point as Quincy, begins to target those in the group who are lagging behind. Soon after, Byakuya and Renji confront Gerard Valkyrie , and the combination of their attacks, manage to harm Quincy and send him flying into the rubble. After Gerard says that it would take a miracle to defeat him, Byakuya abruptly uses Senbonzakura to finish Quincy off and hits his helmet. After the final blow, Byakuya prepares to turn away, but a giant foot appears and abruptly slams into the ground.
A giant Gerard then stands up, explaining how his Schrift helps him turn his injuries into power and blows the Shinigami back with his voice. Gerard then throws an obelisk towards the Shinigami, scattering them. After Gerard attacks Shinji and Momo, Byakuya attacks him with Senbonzakura, but Gerard easily stops the blade shards with his hand before slamming Byakuya into the ground with his shield.
Hitsugaya arrives to fight against Gerard, Byakuya blocks a blow coming from Quincy, telling
Hitsugaya that he could not hope to take Gerard alone. Hitsugaya tries to joke with Byakuya, but Byakuya only responds half-heartedly as Gerard attacks them again. However, Kenpachi arrives and cuts off Gerard's arm, to the dismay of Byakuya and Hitsugaya. After Gerard regenerates his arm, Byakuya explains the power of his Schrift to Hitsugaya, whom he notes is unusually fixated on Gerard's size. Shortly thereafter, when Kenpachi pulls out his Shikai, Nozarashi , Byakuya admits that their assumption that his Zanpakutō was in a constant state of release was wrong.
When Hitsugaya tries in vain to help Kenpachi, Byakuya tells him that taking part in this confrontation is
useless. However, Hitsugaya replies that Gerard was not someone Kenpachi could take on alone as Kenpachi testifies by removing his eye patch. Byakuya agrees to help in Hitsugaya's plan, where he would break Gerard with Senbonzakura after Hitsugaya freezes the Quincy. As Gerard is subdued Kenpachi, Byakuya attacks Gerard first so that Hitsugaya can attack next, but Gerard sees through their plan and counters both attacks.
Kenpachi suddenly activates Bankai and undergoes a transformation, which creates a big explosion and makes Byakuya flinch. Byakuya and Hitsugaya look at him in fear, Byakuya noting that Kenpachi doesn't even seem to have a conscious attitude. Byakuya and Hitsugaya see Kenpachi jump away, and they look back in shock to see Gerard reform into one piece again. Byakuya and Hitsugaya are almost hit by an explosion of Gerard Hoffnung's sword, and Hitsugaya is hit by Gerard, while trying to catch the falling pieces of Wahrwelt . Gerard attacks Hitsugaya again, but Byakuya catches him with Senbonzakura. Byakuya tells Hitsugaya to deactivate his Bankai, as he is at his limit, but Hitsugaya reveals that when the last petal disappears his Bankai matures.
As Hitsugaya and Kenpachi manage to knock down and freeze Gerard, Byakuya intervenes and unleashes Ikkasen Jinka, sending all the Senkei swords to pierce Gerard's head. Byakuya then catches Hitsugaya as he is collapsing, noting that the captain has pushed his body to its limits with his Bankai. Suddenly, Byakuya and Hitsugaya are engulfed in energy rising to regenerate Gerard. After this happens, Renji and Rukia emerge and talk to Hitsugaya.
Soon after, when Gerard attacks Renji and Rukia, Byakuya grabs them and moves them to a safer place before telling them to join Ichigo in his battle with Yhwach. When Rukia starts to protest, Byakuya tells her not to think highly of herself and proceeds to block another attack from Gerard with his Bankai before claiming that he doesn't need either of them here, prompting Rukia and Renji to thank him before leaving. Byakuya appears next to Hitsugaya and says that he chose his words carefully if Rukia and Renji see the underlying meaning when Hitsugaya points out that they noticed his concern. Listening to Hitsugaya explain how the Shin'o Academy teaches Shinigami to fight for their friends and humans, Byakuya notes that deciding what is right and wrong is a corresponding teaching for Shinigami.
Wanting to fight Gerard, Byakuya is shocked when Yhwach's Auswählen suddenly engulfs and kills Gerard, and watches as Reishi's accumulation rises to the top of the Wahrwelt.
Ten years after the defeat of Yhwach, Byakuya is present during the captains' meeting, where his sister, Rukia, is appointed as the new captain of the 13th Division. However, the Shinigami receive information about Yhwach's Reiatsu manifesting itself in the 55th West Block, and Byakuya heads there. Soifon accompanies Byakuya and tells him that Rukia has left the Soul Society, but Byakuya agrees that Rukia has taken a break and says that he will deal with the problem himself. Byakuya and Soifon then reach Mayuri and see the remains of Yhwach's Reiatsu. However, Yhwach's Reiatsu disappears when Kazui Kurosaki touches it in the human world, shocking the three captains.
Equipments
Clothes of the Ōken: After training in the Royal Guard, Byakuya puts on special clothes to return safely to the Seireitei. these clothes are made from the bones and
of the hair of the members of the Royal Guard and they possess incredible defensive power, allowing Byakuya to withstand the friction that results from breaking through the 72 barriers between the Soul Society and the King's Soul Palace without suffering any damage; Yhwach even notes that no shinigami could hope to wear such a valiant outfit. These clothes take the form of a white turban that covers the top half of Byakuya's head, dragging over his shoulders, a collar covering his mouth, and a white cape with a thick hem that he wears over his shihakushō.
Weaknesses
Shikai Negation: The release can be undone before it ends, as when Shihōin Yoruichi wrapped the blade in a cloth during Byakuya's short battle with Ichigo. However, if the release completes, Senbonzakura is becomes unstoppable.
As one of the 13 Captains of Gotei 13, Byakuya is of a much higher level than Vice-Captains such as Renji Abarai, making him a very powerful character. Being the head of a particularly powerful noble family, Byakuya is an equally strong Shinigami, with a very high Spiritual Power and formidable techniques, the result of hard training.
Being already of a high level during the majority of the story, it is during the Millennium Bloody War Arc that he will perfect his techniques and finally gain enormous power. His mastery of the Kidō, his strong Spiritual Power and his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, make him one of the most formidable Captains of the 13 Divisions.
Master in Tactics: Byakuya is a quick-witted fighter, knowing how to quickly analyze his opponents' strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly. He is also very skilled in the use of his techniques, employing them with impeccable timing, such as summoning a Kidō to destabilize his enemy. He also has a great deal of experience on the battlefield, serving to give him the edge in his fights.
High Stamina: Byakuya is a very tough fighter, able to fight with wounds that are fatal to most Shinigami. He took several deep attacks during his fight against Ichigo and was able to take Gin Ichimaru's attack on Rukia. During his fight against Zommari Rureaux, he voluntarily cut the tendons and the nerves of his left arm and his left leg in order to escape from the possession of his opponent and he managed to defeat him. In his fight against Tsukishima, he had his left arm lacerated by Senbonzakura with which he managed to catch blades to kill his opponent with an improvised attack. And finally, against Äs Nödt, he was pierced in the abdomen and took multiple attacks from his stolen Bankai before finally losing consciousness.
Shinigami abilities
Zanjutsu (斬術, Japanese for "Sword Handling"): One of the 4 fighting techniques of the Shinigami that allows for swordplay. Byakuya is a master swordsman, delivering deadly attacks with little effort.
Hakuda (白打, Japanese for "White Blows"): Although he does not often use Close Combat in his fights, Byakuya is a very skilled fighter in this discipline. He is able to take on Shūhei Hisagi, manipulated by Pepe Waccabrada, while the latter uses his Zanpakutō.
Hōhō (歩法, Japanese for "Agility"): Byakuya is a fighter known for his skill in Shunpo, being one of the best users of this fighting mode, which he learned from Yoruichi Shihōin. He is so skilled in Shunpo that he is still able to perform it with one leg missing.
Senka (閃花, Flash Fleuri): This technique allows him, while moving, to rotate behind the opponent's back in order to attack his vital points at lightning speed. The person hit by this attack can't even tell if he was hit from the front or the back.
Utsusemi (空蝉, Abandonment of the Cicada Shell): Way of the Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō. This technique allows the user to flee at a very high speed, leaving behind an afterimage of him or her for an instant.
Kidō (鬼道, Japanese for "Demonic Way"): Byakuya is a heavy user of Kidō, being able to summon basic spells with great power. He is also able to summon his spells with lethal force without having to state their incantation.
Hadō #1 - Shō (衝, Thrust)
Hadō #4 - Byakurai (白雷, White Lightning)
Hadō #33 - Sōkatsui (蒼火墜, Blue Flame Fall)
Bakudō #61 - Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Branch Flash)
Bakudō #81 - Dankū (斷空, Wall cutting through Space)
Spiritual Power
Byakuya can deploy an immense amount of Spiritual Pressure, making him, along with his variety of techniques, one of the most powerful Captains of the 13 Divisions. His Spiritual Pressure can be felt from a distance and frightens most people affected by it. Ganju Shiba said that Byakuya is the most powerful Chief the Kuchiki Family has ever had and even Kōga Kuchiki will say that there have been few Chiefs within the clan to have had such a level. His Reiatsu is white. After his training at the Royal Palace, Byakuya is able to effortlessly defeat 3 Stern Ritters while facing 5 simultaneously.
Zanpakutō
Senbonzakura (千本桜, Thousand Cherry Blossoms): Senbonzakura is a standard katana. It has an ordinary, bronze guard with an open frame much like a four-pane window. It has a lavender colored hilt, and a white scabbard.
Shikai: His release phrase is Scatter Yourself in the anime (散れ, Chire).
Shikai Special Ability: In Shikai, the blade of the katana splits into a thousand tiny blades that fly through the air, leaving only the handle and tsuba of the sword in Byakuya's hand and, with the way they move, give the appearance of cherry blossoms. The petals instinctively change from attacking to defending, Byakuya can also control the blade fragments with his hands which doubles their speed, allowing him to shred opponents from a distance and pierce almost any defense. To protect Byakuya from his own attacks, in Shikai and Bankai, Senbonzakura has a Woundless Zone (無傷圏, mushōken) which provides a 85 cm diameter circle that Senbonzakura's blades do not enter, unless Byakuya purposely allows the blades to enter, this perimeter is also his weak point. After his training at the Royal Palace, Byakuya has hardened his mastery of Shikai, being able to summon more blades than before.
Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vive Exposition of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms): Byakuya's Bankai is a much larger version of the Shikai. To activate it, Byakuya drops his sword with the tip towards the ground. The sword does not have to be intact for Byakuya to activate his Bankai, as he can simply drop all the pieces at once with both hands. The sword sinks into the ground, as if it were a drop of water. The ripples of energy expand, darkening the surrounding area, and within seconds, two rows of a thousand giant blades rise from the ground. These thousand swords scatter and countless flying blades attack the enemy. No one knows the exact number of blades generated and no one can dodge or even anticipate the movements of these blades. The number of blades is large enough that Byakuya can use them simultaneously for attack and defense. He usually forms them into large masses to instantly annihilate his opponents. As they move through the air like torrents of waves, they give the appearance of cherry blossoms blowing in the wind. In defense, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's blades can completely cover Byakuya, like a shell, making them a formidable defense.
Bankai Special Ability: Byakuya's Bankai has several shapes, obtained by arranging the blades in different patterns. Each shape has a different advantage, such as increasing attack at the expense of defense. This variety of techniques makes Senbonzakura Kageyoshi extremely versatile. These techniques are activated by saying the name of the technique, followed by the name of its Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.
Senkei (殲景, Massacre Scene): The true form of Senbonzakura. This form gathers the scattered petals into a thousand swords placed in a concentric circle in four tiers that circle around Byakuya and his opponent in a continuously moving network in the shape of a column. This technique completely abandons defense in favor of a concentrated attack. Although visually threatening, this form is not intended to have to attack his enemy from all sides, instead he concentrates his Bankai into fewer blades, thus increasing his attack power. Although Byakuya can mentally control these swords, he usually summons them in his hand, one by one, to fight his opponent in a mix. Each of these swords has the appearance of Byakuya's sealed sword. Because of the concentric area, Senkei encloses Byakuya and his opponent in a restricted area, although large enough to fight freely, preventing escape. The most dangerous aspect of Senkei is that Byakuya can attack his opponent with all 1,000 blades simultaneously in one point. But most of the time, he wants to "do the job himself" and will attack his opponent using one sword at a time. Against Ichigo, it is only the second time in his life that he uses this technique in combat.
Ikka Senjinka (一咬 千刃花, One Bite, A Thousand Flowery Blades) : Byakuya attacks his opponent with all of his Senkei blades at once,leaving little chance for his opponent to escape.:
Gōkei (吭景, Panoramic View): This form greatly increases the number of tiny blades. It creates a spherical formation of countless blade fragments, which swirl around the opponent like a cloud before flying off at every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and no possibility of escape.
Shūkei: Hakuteiken (終景: 白帝剣, Final View: Imperial White Sword) : Gathering his last strength into one final assault this condenses each of his blades into one powerful sword, greatly increasing his cutting power. The energy and spiritual pressure released by this form is immense. The blade appears bright white and its aura takes on the shape of a bird, earning it the name Hakuteiken. Byakuya's back is covered with pure white wings and a haloed circle of concentrated spiritual energy. The blade of this form can create aggravated wounds with a single blow.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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