Byakuya Kuchiki, Angel of the Cherry Blossom [Approved 1-1++ / 0-5+ Bankai] [Henrex]

Coding In Template By: [THEFROST]

"Principle lodged in the eyes."
- Tite Kubo

Name: Byakuya Kuchiki
Alias: The Thousandth Cherry Blossom, 28th Head of the Kuchiki, Former Captain of Squad Six, Angel of the Cherry Blossom, Nii-san (Rukia)
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male

Association/Affiliation

Gotei, Seireitei, & Soul Society: As his home and where his allies, friends, and family reside, this is another one of Byakuya’s top loyalties, outside of his family. To begin things: His personal feelings towards the Gotei. These are something that Byakuya finds to be the most complex and complicated thing than anything else. For him, he is worried about the Gotei. He knows that the Gotei 13 hierarchy has lasted for quite a long time, before being minimized to the Gotei Reformed. While he was able to accept that it was a necessary change to the organization, it was done in such a way that only made the Gotei feel more empty than it should have been. Finally, it became the version of the organization that people know (at the time of writing this), the Gotei United. With Ibiki Suika as the Captain Commander, and with most of the organization filled to near the brim with members that have shown and proven themselves to be able to handle themselves, Byakuya’s worry has, for the most part, dissipated over the years.

But, there is still something that he is wary of as of recently. With two reformations of the Gotei in a relatively small time span, it makes him think that this may end up changing the Gotei to such an extent, that the Gotei that he knew, loved, and sought to protect and serve for will be gone. As for the Seireitei and Soul Society? Concern for its safety. While Byakuya has no doubt that the new inventions and defensive measures put up by the new age of Shinigami are more than enough to at least help protect them, his concern rises as the threat of war, and the recent invasion of Soul Society looms over the Seireitei like a chilling omen. It is something that has caused Byakuya’s guard to solidify even further, which has caused him to act a great deal more than what he normally would have, in past times. With the constant threat hanging over both his head and the rest of the Soul Society’s head, Byakuya Kuchiki’s loyalty to his home has seemed to be burned even further into his soul.

Kuchiki Family: The Kuchiki Family is -- like Soul Society, the Gotei, and the Seireitei as a whole -- one of Byakuya’s prime loyalties. As the 28th Head of the family, it should not be a surprise that loyalty and care to the members of it are one of his top priorities. While this is a prime case for Rukia Kuchiki, his adoptive sister, this has also been known to extend to other members of the Kuchiki Family, such as Yoko Yuri Kuchiki -- a girl that Byakuya has been known to treat with as much love and care as Rukia. However, like Rukia, this has also sparked quite a bit of fear deep within him as of recent times. During his quest of self-improvement, he caught wind of the situation with Yoko and the mysterious virus from the Human World, leading him to worry about her well-being, as well as being a contributor to his recent ending of this quest, returning to the world once more.

Rukia Kuchiki: Love, care, and fear. That is what he feels for his adoptive sister. In order to continue to abide by his promise to Hisana, Rukia has always been someone that Byakuya cares deeply for, despite his icy demeanor and his unmoving pride. He has smothered her because of this, with his previous lack of affection for her growing in the passing time. This can go as far as to Byakuya outright stating that he’s proud of her, that he loves her, or even being subtle -- such as when he gave Rukia and Renji safety cloaks to protect them against Hueco Mundo’s harsh sands. However, he still has quite a deal of fear for Rukia’s safety, which has only been increased as the times have moved on. Power is so much larger in this day and age. And with Rukia in the midst of it, Byakuya fears that his promise to Hisana might be broken very soon.

Ichigo Kurosaki: Reckless and rude. Those are the first words that come to mind when he thinks of this man. While he does respect Ichigo’s skill and power, along with his feats, but that does not excuse him of the irritation that he feels whenever Ichigo addresses people like Yamamoto or himself without the full respect that they deserve, especially when it comes to figures like Yamamoto. But, nevertheless, Byakuya is fully aware that he is practically powerless to it, and has learned to simply adapt to it, however maddening it is to hear him simply disregard their status and importance.

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto: The previous Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, and the man who originated the organization. While he is long since dead, Byakuya still respects Yamamoto to this day, his actions becoming ever more resolute in order to continue the man’s legacy. Since Yamamoto’s death in Ender’s War, many say that this news is what caused Byakuya to isolate himself for even longer so that he could make sure that when he came out -- he would have an absolute certainty that there was a sense of change in the connection between himself and Senbonzakura.

Kenpachi Zaraki: A true barbarian. This man -- although Byakuya manages to hold a semblance of respect to him for his achievement and place as a Captain in the olden days -- still finds this man highly disturbing as he believes in nothing but power, and fun within his fights -- an aspect that Byakuya finds entirely repulsive. Although he has only mentioned this aloud once -- before/during the fight against Yammy Llargo -- it is still something that bothers him to this day. As a result of this, Byakuya has been known to avoid Kenpachi altogether, as he believes that such a barbarian does not deserve or need his presence.

Appearance Written:

Appearance Image:




Level-Headed: Byakuya often does not seem to display any emotion whatsoever. That is because he has an immense amount of control over himself; almost as if he had beaten it into himself that he must always be in control of his actions and emotions. He rarely shows his outer emotions to anyone; friend or foe, unless they have taken him past the point of his shell. Negative emotions easily escape his shell and apply themselves through his outer shell. Positive emotions are much more difficult to escape his shell, and you can easily tell when he has released them.

Internal Conflict: However, despite his powerful outer shell, his inner one is almost in a perpetual state of conflict. He has a duty to defending the rules of soul society, an extremely powerful duty towards it. However, the problem happens when someone e cares about breaks a rule; and he is left with having to make the decision for himself on whether to help them or not. IN the end, when pushed all the way, he himself discovered that between the laws and his vows, he chose his vows.

Noble Birth: Byakuya is most definitely a noble being. He holds himself in an impassioned way, as befitting a person of nobility. This outer shell is very difficult for one to break, as they are well trained, a very part of his being and closely related to his determination in obeying the rules. However, because of this, he feels an immense link to anything having to do with his nobility and treats pride as a very real and very valuable thing, which should not be broken under any circumstances.

Fighting Style: His fighting style is very stationary; this is reflected in the way his Zanpakuto has manifested itself. It requires he himself to have to expend as little energy as possible unless he really wants to kill his opponent. Most of the time, he stands there, completely relaxed, only making one or two blows if he can to finish off an opponent, and failing that uses his Shikai so that he doesn't have to move much from there, merely swinging his sword to rapidly cut down and punish his opponents.

Impatient: However, he really is an impatient person. He dislikes having to go through long fights, as well as having to wait to get what he wants. While he mostly has this under control, he used to be extremely arrogant about it. It is still possible to see this nature reflected in his actions, however. It is most obvious in the way he prefers to take down opponents, striking them down quickly and effortlessly, or else putting his all into it to make sure that they are killed. He doesn't like drawn out things; when he runs into a problem, he does his best to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Obey The Law: Byakuya has a strong affinity for the law. He greatly dislikes any who break the law and attempts to rapidly perform Punishment on them. He very rarely says that he intends to kill anyone, and instead merely desires to greatly harm them so that they can learn the errors of their ways, and become productive members of society once more. He also carries out the law without hesitation; as those who break the laws bring nothing but conflict and strife to all of society. Overall, Byakuya has a hard shell but truly does have some compassion. This is shown in his love of the law; which he carries out for the good of society. He may be impatient beneath his noble surface, but this was a process that developed gradually, over time in his life; it is not his true nature. This often leads to him coming off as arrogant at times, because of how he views his own nobility; although it is not normally his intent to seem as if he has an ego.

Pride: Perhaps the hardest trait to ignore is Byakuya's pride. He firmly believes in his position in life, and strongly detests those who would challenge it. These individuals are the ones whom he dismisses the quickest and finds starting a physical conflict against the easiest. For Byakuya Kuchiki, holding onto the idea of one's self is extremely valuable.

Future Persona Shit, Don't Look:

Byakuya was born into the Kuchiki family and grew up in the Kuchiki mansion in Seireitei. He would spend countless hours training, preparing to take over the leadership of the Kuchiki family. Yoruichi Shihōin would often visit the Kuchiki Manor to play a game of tag with Byakuya. On one such occasion, approximately 110 years ago, she is presented to a training Byakuya by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki. Upon seeing Yoruichi, he attacked and insulted her.

Yoruichi playfully teased him, complaining about his greeting after coming all the way there to see him. Byakuya, expressing his displeasure at seeing her, stated he would be the head of the Kuchiki clan soon enough, so he had no time to waste on her. Yoruichi, stealing his hair tie, exclaimed that if the head of Kuchiki clan could get his hair tie stolen by a girl at play, she worried about its future. She used Shunpo to escape from him, leaving an angry Byakuya, claiming his superiority, promising to make her see the error of her ways.

Fifty-five years ago, Byakuya married Hisana Kuchiki, a commoner from Rukongai, breaking the rules by accepting her into the noble Kuchiki family. Five years after the marriage, she became sick and was near death. Hisana asked Byakuya to find and adopt her biological sister, Rukia, whom she had abandoned as a baby, as her final wish. She made him promise he would not tell Rukia she is her sister. One year later, Byakuya, finding Rukia at the Shin'ō Academy, immediately adopted her into the Kuchiki clan. By adopting her, Byakuya respected his late wife's final wish but had broken the rules of his clan again. He later swore upon his parents' graves he would never break the rules again, no matter what.

Less than 49 years ago, not long before Rukia joined the Gotei 13, Byakuya became the captain of the 6th Division. Gin Ichimaru, becoming captain of the 3rd Division at the same time, would often start conversations with Byakuya when they crossed paths.

Byakuya first appears on a mission with his lieutenant, Renji Abarai, to capture and return Rukia Kuchiki to Soul Society and kill Ichigo Kurosaki. He watches as Renji attacks Rukia, and stands by as Uryū Ishida enters the conflict between the two. Shortly after Renji defeats Ishida, Byakuya, bearing witness to the arrival of Ichigo, watches as Renji engages him. When Renji is almost hit by Ichigo, Byakuya tells his lieutenant he is being too careless, but Renji simply states Ichigo is nothing to worry about. Byakuya explains he knew Ichigo looked familiar, as 33 hours ago, Special Forces obtained his image after he fought a Menos Grande, giving it a scar.

Eventually, Ichigo gains the upper hand against Renji. As he prepares for a finishing strike, Byakuya cuts Ichigo's sword in two and subsequently inflicts a grievous wound on his chest. Byakuya asks Renji if something is wrong, who tells him there was no need for him to directly attack Ichigo, as he could have finished him. Byakuya tells him not to be like that, for if he is always the spectator, his skills may degrade. When Rukia runs to Ichigo's body, Byakuya asks her if she would still go to Ichigo's side after all that has just happened, and tells her he understands, as he does resemble "him". Ichigo, coming to, grabs Byakuya's leg. Byakuya tells him to let go, but Ichigo defiantly tells him he can’t hear him, and he should look at him when talking to him. Kicking his arm away, Rukia scolds Ichigo and tells Byakuya she is ready to leave. She asks Byakuya to leave Ichigo be, to which he agrees. He states Ichigo should die from his injuries in a half hour, and if he does survive, his Shinigami powers will be gone. He has Renji open a Senkaimon back to Soul Society.

Later, in Soul Society, Byakuya informs Rukia she is to be executed for her crimes. Later, he comes across 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki and3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru, both of them teasing him about Rukia being sentenced to death as a criminal. Byakuya says he didn't think lower class people could understand the feelings of nobles. Byakuya and Kenpachi bicker and threaten each other, but Gin steps in, ending the dispute, and they leave.

Soul Society Arc

Byakuya is present during the captain's emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, where he remains silent throughout the bickering between his fellow captains. Upon Renji's defeat by Ichigo, Renji is brought to a secure location and watched over by lieutenants Izuru Kira and Momo Hinamori, who discuss calling for the 4th Division's medics. Byakuya tells them there is no need, as Renji is to be thrown in jail. When Momo pleads with him, Byakuya tells her that since Renji went alone to fight, it is unacceptable that he lost. Momo asks him how he can say that, but she is stopped by Izuru, who apologizes to Byakuya before a reluctant Momo does the same.

Byakuya later interrupts Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada's attempt to rescue Rukia from the Shishinrō. Byakuya tells Ganju he had sensed some faint spiritual pressure going toward Shishinrō, initially thinking it was someone strong hiding their reiatsu, but it turned out to be a big fat bug. When Ganju attacks, Byakuya, severely damaging Ganju's arm, tells him to be gone. Ganju tells him a coward who could be scared away by such an attack does not exist in the Shiba family. Upon hearing his family name, Byakuya, apologizing for not hitting Ganju harder, ignores Rukia's plea and releases his Shikai, severely injuring Ganju.

As Byakuya prepares to finish off Ganju, he is stopped by Jūshirō Ukitake, who states the release of a Zanpakutō in Konnatokoru is the first-class offense. Byakuya informs him of the special wartime orders, which had been activated, lifting this ban. Byakuya and Ukitake sense the arrival of a strong spiritual pressure at the level of a captain. Ichigo, showing up, attempts to engage Byakuya in combat. Ukitake asks Byakuya who Ichigo is, but Byakuya says he is no one.

After a brief exchange of words, Byakuya states he doesn't know how Ichigo has reacquired Shinigami powers, but he should have resumed his normal Human Life. After failing in an attempt to use Senka on Ichigo, Byakuya releases Senbonzakura's Shikai but is stopped by Yoruichi. Byakuya, recognizing her, watches as she knocks Ichigo out. When Byakuya states she will not be able to escape easily, Yoruichi asks him if he ever won even one time against her in a game of tag, and Byakuya asks if they should try again. The two engage in a test of speed using Shunpo, with Yoruichi, carrying an unconscious Ichigo, staying a step ahead of Byakuya. Yoruichi, moving to the top of a nearby building, yells down to Byakuya that in three days, she will make Ichigo stronger than him, and their fight is on hold until then. She flees with Ichigo. Byakuya, leaving the area, tells Ukitake he has lost interest, and that Ukitake can do whatever he wants to do with the Ryoka.

After the date of Rukia's execution is moved up, Ukitake tries to convince Byakuya to try to stop it. Byakuya simply brushes him off, saying he will honor Central 46's decision. When Ukitake's illness flares up, Byakuya tells him not to become worked up over it, reminding him of the loss of his former lieutenant. Stating Rukia is a member of his family and not Ukitake's, he insists it does not concern Ukitake.

On the morning of Rukia's execution, Byakuya is in his quarters, praying at the shrine to his wife, when he is told the execution is about to commence. He, saying goodbye to Hisana's picture, departs for the execution grounds. Before reaching Sōkyoku Hill, he encounters Renji, who, having escaped from jail, has fought his way through his fellow 6th Division members in a bid to save Rukia. Upon learning of Renji's intentions, Byakuya states he will not allow him to do so. Byakuya tries to use Senka to defeat Renji swiftly, but his lieutenant blocks the attack. Byakuya attempts to release his Shikai, but Renji stops it with his own Shikai. Renji, telling Byakuya of his long-standing desire to surpass him, activates his Bankai.

Byakuya, somewhat surprised, asks Renji when he acquired Bankai. Renji tells him he will never know since he never cared about his subordinates. Renji attacks his captain, who affirms he is indeed using Bankai. Byakuya uses his Shikai to attack Renji's Bankai, seemingly breaking it apart. However, it reconstitutes itself, briefly forcing Byakuya to his knee. As Renji tries to attack again, Byakuya uses Sōkatsui, disrupting the movements of his Bankai, before binding Renji with Rikujōkōrō. Byakuya, releasing his Bankai, grievously injures Renji.

Byakuya tells Renji he should be proud to still retain the form of his body after being struck by his Bankai. Renji, refusing to give up, lunges at Byakuya, who uses his Bankai to immobilize him. Commenting on the disappearance of Renji's Bankai, he threatens to kill him. Renji, telling him he swore on his soul to save Rukia, attempts to attack him again, but his sword breaks upon contact, and he falls to the ground, defeated. Byakuya throws his scarf on top of Renji, congratulating him on having given Byakuya a superficial injury, before leaving.

Byakuya, arriving at Rukia's execution, refuses to look at his sister. As Rukia's execution commences, Byakuya is greatly surprised at the arrival and interference of Ichigo. Byakuya looks on as Ichigo saves Rukia, and after Ichigo easily dispatches three lieutenants, Byakuya attacks him. When Ichigo asks Byakuya why he is not trying to save Rukia, Byakuya, brushes it off, states Ichigo would not understand. The two clash and Byakuya state he will kill Ichigo and execute Rukia himself.

Byakuya, taunted by Ichigo, releases his Shikai, only for Ichigo to counter it with a Getsuga Tenshō, which injures Byakuya's left hand. Byakuya, activating his Bankai, wounds Ichigo, who admits his error of using only his Shikai. Unimpressed, Byakuya says he is talking as though he has achieved Bankai, which Ichigo claims is the case. Byakuya, not believing him, looks on in disbelief as Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu. Before Byakuya, who is confused by the small size of the Bankai, can attack, Ichigo, getting up close, points the tip of his blade at Byakuya's throat. He asks Byakuya if pride has anything to do with Rukia's execution, because if so, he will step all over it.

When Ichigo backs off, Byakuya calls him arrogant for not attacking when he had the chance. They continue fighting until Ichigo becomes so fast, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is unable to keep up with him. Byakuya begins using his hand to direct his Bankai, causing it to move even faster. However, Ichigo fends it off and, before Byakuya realizes it, appears behind him and stabs the captain. Realizing the power of Ichigo's Bankai, Byakuya, promising to destroy it, activates his Senkei technique. As they continue, Byakuya notes Ichigo's movements are becoming slower. Byakuya, calling forth one of the surrounding swords to stab Ichigo in the foot, pierces Ichigo's shoulder with Byakurai. Byakuya, commending him on having made it as far as he did, says he must realize by now this is the end. He prepares for a finishing blow, but Ichigo's inner Hollow, taking over, stops Byakuya's attack.

A stunned Byakuya is slashed across his chest. Regaining his composure, he dodges a black Getsuga Tenshō. Seeing the Hollow mask, Byakuya asks if he is a Hollow, but Ichigo, ripping off the mask, apologizes for the Hollow’s interference. Byakuya, agreeing to ignore what just transpired, points out neither of them has the strength to continue this for much longer. They agree to end the battle with the next blow. When Ichigo asks Byakuya why he won’t save Rukia, Byakuya tells him he will answer that question if Ichigo defeats him. Byakuya uses the technique Shūkei, Hakuteiken, and the two, charging at each other, release a torrent of powerful reiatsu.

Both are badly wounded by this, and Byakuya reveals his reasons for not saving Rukia. Ichigo tells him that if he was in his position, he would fight the rules. Byakuya realizes Ichigo was fighting Soul Society's rules rather than him personally and muses that Ichigo has the same personality as Kaien Shiba. Byakuya, telling Ichigo his ferocity has shattered his blade and he will no longer pursue Rukia's death, leaves the area.

Later, when Sōsuke Aizen orders Gin Ichimaru to kill Rukia, Byakuya, saving her life, takes the attack with his body instead. Overwhelmed by his injuries, Byakuya collapses in Rukia's arms. While Captain Unohana treats him for his massive injuries, Byakuya, telling Rukia the truth of her past, explains why he was conflicted for so long between his promises to Hisana and his parents, making it hard for him to determine the role he should take when she was sentenced to be executed. He thanks Ichigo for helping him make his decision to save Rukia in the end, and apologizes to Rukia.

Arrancar Arc

Sometime after attending an emergency captains meeting, Byakuya travels to the Human World to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's team on Captain-Commander Yamamoto's order. He secretly allows Rukia and Renji to return to the Human World to assist in the rescue of Orihime Inoue, stating he was only ordered to bring them back to Soul Society, and what they chose to do afterward was none of his concern.

Hueco Mundo Arc

Byakuya is told Rukia and Renji have disappeared, and that the Second Division is looking for them throughout Seireitei. Byakuya later arrives in Las Noches just in time to save Rukia from the 7th Espada, Zommari Rureaux. Byakuya, refusing to tell the enemy who he is, asks him if he is the one who injured Rukia. Zommari tells him he is not the one, but he was going to finish the job.

The pair demonstrate their speed, with Zommari, claiming to have the fastest Sonido among the Espada, explaining his Gemelos Sonido allows him to create quasi-clones. Byakuya, criticizing him for revealing his ability, uses Utsusemi to escape one of Zommari's attacks. After the pair exchange criticisms and taunts, Zommari, releasing his Zanpakutō, uses his Amor ability to take control of Byakuya's left leg. Byakuya responds by severing the tendons of his left leg. Zommari turns his attention to the unconscious Rukia, but Byakuya shields her body with his own. Hanatarō Yamada follows Byakuya onto the battlefield, but Byakuya orders Hanatarō back to avoid him getting caught up in the battle.

When Byakuya realizes Zommari has taken possession of his left hand, he, cutting the tendons, uses Shō to free Rukia from the ice, instructing Hanatarō to fall back with her. Zommari, revealing he has taken control of Rukia's head and thus controls her entire body, has her slash Hanatarō across the chest. He warns Byakuya to drop his sword, or he will force Rukia to slit her own throat. Byakuya, restraining Rukia with Rikujōkōrō, releases his Bankai. Zommari, becoming desperate, tries to use the full range of his power to control Byakuya's Bankai, but Byakuya, stating there are too many blades for Zommari to control, activates his "Gōkei" technique to crush Zommari.

Surviving, Zommari tries to use his power to gain control of Byakuya, who counters by using Dankū. Byakuya explains that when he used Kidō to stop Rukia's possession, he deduced Zommari's ability to possess was somewhat like Kidō, so it could be canceled out by Kidō. Zommari, begging for mercy, asks him to show some compassion. He angrily shouts at Byakuya that Shinigami are arrogant, taking an unnatural authority to proclaim Hollows as evil. Byakuya, impassive, states he fought him because Zommari attacked Byakuya's pride (referring to Rukia) and kills him. Byakuya instructs Isane Kotetsu to come out of her hiding place and take care of Rukia and Hanatarō. When Rukia wakes up while being healed, Byakuya, brushing off her concern, tells her to rest, as there is a much bigger fight coming.

Fake Karakura Town Arc

As Yammy Llargo is about to crush Ichigo, Byakuya fires Sōkatsui at the Espada, while Kenpachi Zaraki cuts off one of Yammy's legs. The two captains bicker for a while. As Kenpachi begins to fight Yammy on his own, Byakuya stops Ichigo from joining the fight, telling him he has to return to the Human World. Mayuri Kurotsuchi appears with a cart, which Byakuya asks him about, before opening a Garganta. Ichigo begins to protest again, but Byakuya reminds him that his true duty is to protect Karakura Town, convincing Ichigo to go. He asks Mayuri why he chose to remain in Hueco Mundo when there must have been more things on Earth which would have piqued his curiosity. Mayuri, assuring him he is not plotting anything, states there are "more interesting" corpses in Hueco Mundo, and he will examine the Human World later. Byakuya says he is surprised to hear such words coming from Mayuri since it sounds like he believes in Ichigo and his ability to end the war.

As Byakuya watches Kenpachi take down Yammy, the battle-crazed captain asks Byakuya to finish off Yammy. Byakuya tells him that is a job for a barbarian like Kenpachi. Yammy, getting back up fires a Cero at them. They both dodge the Cero, and as they continue to bicker, Byakuya releases his Bankai. Yammy's huge form is knocked off-balance by their powerful attack, and he uses his anger to transform. He warns the captains that making him angrier is the last thing they want to do, as his release increases in strength the angrier he becomes.

After defeating Yammy, Byakuya and Kenpachi exit a Garganta in Soul Society. The 4th Division immediately responds to their arrival, taking note that while both are standing, they are horribly injured. After their injuries are treated, Byakuya and Kenpachi, along with Shunsui, are scolded by Yamamoto for losing their respective haori. When the captains take the matter lightly, with Byakuya saying he can easily replace the cheap material, Yamamoto grows even angrier.

Current Day

Surprisingly, Byakuya Kuchiki has remained mostly in the shadows ever since the end of the events in the Fake Karakura Town. He has remained in the Kuchiki Family Manor ever since, rarely leaving other than for official business, or extremely important matters. After the victory over Yammy Llargo, Byakuya has remained in solitude for one main reason -- to come to a better understanding of himself, and Senbonzakura. Thus, for a very long time, Byakuya would remain in the quiet, nigh-abandoned home of the Kuchiki in states of deep meditation to enter his Inner World and confront his Zanpakuto spirit for days upon weeks on end. This lasted for so many months and years, that he had lost count. But now, Byakuya Kuchiki is back. With this new connection between the master and spirit, the pair will continue to obey and enforce the law that they have worked so hard to protect and cultivate for the future generation.



Immense Spiritual Prowess: As one of the oldest captains in what was previously known as the Gotei 13, Byakuya has always shown to have a tremendous amount of spiritual power. This does not just come down to simply his spiritual pressure, what many consider to be the weight of one’s spirit energy, but rather, goes even further. As someone with extreme skill in Kido, it should not come as a surprise that Byakuya has quite the vast amount of energy within his body that is able to be used at his beck and call. This allows him to use highly draining attacks (in terms of spirit energy) without too much of a drawback as some others might have, such as being able to cast Bakudo #81, Danku, in quick succession against the Arrancar Zommari. Thus, it should be noted that Byakuya as a whole should not be underestimated.

Master Swordsman: With one of the sharpest Zanpakuto to ever exist, Byakuya is quite reliant on his Zanpakuto in a fight. As a result of this over the hundreds of years of the usage of the weapon, his skill in the way of the sword is among some of the best. Able to wield both his Sealed Zanpakuto as well as Shikai with masterful skill, this is another one of Byakuya’s largest skills. While he is by no means the best -- preferring to keep his skill between Kido and Zanjutsu at an equal -- he is most certainly among them due to his position as Head of the Kuchiki Family, former status as the 6th Division Captain, as well as being able to prove this in combat with the usage of various Zanjutsu techniques known to the Shinigami, and even going as far as to using the common style of the samurai of Japan, Iaido, in combination with Zanjutsu techniques, or even using this with Senbonzakura’s powers in order to gain an advantage or deliver a killing blow.

Shunpo Master: Being trained by the Flash Goddess herself, Byakuya is a very well-versed fighter when it comes to the art of Shunpo. Being able to keep up with Yoruichi Shihoin -- although still never able to beat her -- as well as other Shinigami who are considered masters in the skill, Byakuya is quite a deadly force. This has even gone as far as to when it comes to the techniques of Shunpo that Byakuya has mastered in 400 years, Senka (閃花, Flash Blossom) and Utsusemi (空蝉, Cast-Off Cicada Shell), which have been improved to where Byakuya has been able to move even faster to use Senka with even further efficiency, and for Utsusemi to be used multiple times in succession if the moment were to call for it. Furthermore, his skill has even shown to be able to use Shunpo itself after severing the muscles and tendons in his left leg in his fight with Zommari. While he has still never been able to beat Yoruichi, he is certainly not far behind her.

Kido Master: Through the countless examples in his past, Byakuya has always been known to use Kido as a secondary skill for him. The third skill that he specializes in of the Shinigami racial skills as well as his most versatile, outside of Shunpo, Byakuya has been shown to have a vast knowledge of Kido spells and their effects, allowing him to easily deduce what Kido spell would work best against his enemy. It also has been shown that Byakuya’s skill ceiling with Kido numbers is rather high, able to produce multiple high-level Bakudo spells in quick succession and without an incantation, driving this fact even further. However, this does not only come from extremely powerful spells. With such a large amount of power, Byakuya is able to even increase the power of spells such as Byakurai, Hadō #4, to the point of burning a hole in Ichigo’s shoulder in a single usage of the spell. So, one should always take extreme care when entering combat with Byakuya, for even if his sword is gone, he still has quite the arsenal left to attack with.

Hakuda Proficiency: This is one of Byakuya’s lesser skills, as a sword is always seen in his hand, with his fights rarely ever coming down to hand to hand combat. However, being someone who managed to have a Captain position 400 years ago, Byakuya has at least a semblance of skill within the realm of Hakuda. While his full potential is unknown, he does at least have enough of a skill level to be able to defend himself accordingly against most other attackers, whether it be from a blade or hand. While those who are extremely skilled have potential to overpower him, it is not a situation that Byakuya finds himself in very often, as not many disarm him very often, and his sword is rarely not used.

Master Tactician: As someone who has a very “solitary” battle stance, Byakuya is someone who prefers to analyze an enemy, rather than attempt to just override them with raw power. Thus, it should be noted that he is quite skilled at doing this, able to deduce attacks movements within minutes or even seconds of witnessing them. While this does not mean he is able to avoid attacks instantly, or that he can instantly know the weaknesses of attacks or anything like that, this does however, grant him a slightly better vision of the battlefield, a natural increase of perception, such as when he fought against Zommari and was able to deduce that the ability of his Resurreccion was similar to a Shinigami’s Kido, with him being able to come to the conclusion that it would be able to be countered with Kido, leading Byakuya to test this theory with the uses of Bakudo #81: Danku, which soon brought upon the demise of the Arrancar. Furthermore, this has even shown to go as far as to pre-battle strategy, with Byakuya being able to make preparations for when he enters the field, always making sure that he has everything he needs, as well as looking out for the munitions of his allies.

Immense Endurance & Durability: Being a former Captain in the Gotei, Byakuya has a rather high level of endurance and durability. While these mainly tie-in as one with his feats in the two sections of physical health, he has been known to be able to take many powerful hits without much of an issue, having taken a direct hit to the chest from Gin Ichimaru’s Shikai, Shinso, something that would normally pierce right through him and kill him. Later, another showcase of this was against Ichigo Kurosaki, able to withstand a strike from his Inner Hollow, while Ichigo was also in Bankai, as well as withstanding a direct hit from a Kuroi Getsuga Tensho, still being able to fight -- as well as still being able to just stand. However, this has also been something that shows Byakuya’s iron will, and his ability to do what is necessary. During his fight against Yammy and Zommari, Byakuya was willing to sever his own tendons and muscles in an instant, without even flinching. So, like many Shinigami, Byakuya is by far easy to take down.

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