Byakuya Kuchiki

+
----
-




Name: Byakuya Kuchiki

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown, appears to be mid-thirties.

Personality:
Byakuya Kuchiki is the 28th head of the noble Kuchiki clan, one of the
four great noble families in Soul Society. As such, Byakuya acts in an
aristocratic manner — he seems always serene and apathetic towards other
people, even when he is actually deeply conflicted. He is also
extremely calm, even in battle, and is very seldom surprised by even the
most drastic of actions. Ironically, when he was younger, he was quick
to anger and very hotheaded, as noted by his grandfather, much like his
lieutenant, Renji Abarai, and Ichigo Kurosaki. Due in part to his status
in Soul Society, he generally acts indifferent, bordering on arrogance,
to most situations that he is faced with as seen from how he rarely
views his opponent worth his time. Despite this trait, Byakuya is a very
perceptive man and is fully aware of the limits of his abilities and
usually anything he states in comparison to an opponent is justified.
Byakuya
strongly believes in law and order. As the head of one of the great
noble families and as a Captain in the Gotei 13, he always works hard
for a peaceful society. He feels that if someone in his position does
not follow the rules as a good example, then no one will follow them. He
believes that to maintain the order, all law-breakers must be punished,
even if that goes against his own wishes. In spite of his icy and regal
manner, Byakuya cares for and protects those important to him.
Byakuya
is popular among the female Shinigami of Soul Society, and was voted
number one in the "Captain we desire to release a photo book for" poll
taken by the Shinigami Women's Association. He likes Japanese Cherry
Blossoms, night time walks, spicy food, and bananas, but he does not
like sweets. Similar to Sōsuke Aizen, he excels in calligraphy. He
apparently is very fond of Calligraphy being the representative or
possibly President of the Calligraphy Society.
As astonishing as it
may seem, Byakuya seems to have a comedic side, as he not only attends
the Lieutenant's meeting when Renji's absent, but also attends the
meetings of the Shinigami Women's Association when Rukia's absent. As he
puts it, "part of a Captain's responsibilities is to make sure the
Lieutenant's responsibilities are taken care of," to which Renji asks
why he goes to Rukia's meetings, which is only responded by a smile
similar to that of Gin Ichimaru's. He once jokingly remarks that he uses
Senbonzakura to cut his hair. In one of the omake chapters, Byakuya
claims that life in general is not supposed to be entertaining, and even
makes up an idea for a game that is not really meant to be amusing.
Byakuya
comically shares Rukia's poor artistic talent. During a sand-sculpture
contest he creates the "Seaweed Ambassador," which despite its crude
form, Rukia adores and believes Byakuya surpasses her in creativity. The
Seaweed Ambassador has made several appearances in other omake
chapters.
Having descended from noble stock, Byakuya is easily
offended if his name is not used properly. As such, he seems to view
Ichigo Kurosaki in disdain for always referring to him as such, though
he never said anything to him to change that. Ichigo seems to be the
only one to refer to Byakuya very informally (even his wife referred to
him as "Byakuya-sama") so far with the exception of Yachiru, who refers
to Byakuya by the nicknames "Bya-kun" or "Byakushi," but it is possible
that Byakuya lets it slide, given that Yachiru is a child. He once calls
Ichigo to his mansion in order to have a talk with the young Substitute
Shinigami, but they were interrupted by Yachiru's appearance, who asked
Ichigo to follow her elsewhere. After Ichigo's disappearance, it is
revealed that Byakuya wanted Ichigo to refer to him properly, and to
stop calling him by only his first name. When Byakuya talks with Ichigo,
he calls him by his full name, Ichigo Kurosaki. In some golden cups, he
sees his house had been altered by some tunnels, which are revealed to
be Yachiru Kusajishi's handiwork. In one of the most recent, he
discovered that Yachiru, Nemu Kurotsuchi, Rangiku Matsumoto, Nanao Ise,
Isane and Kiyone Kotetsu, Soifon, and Yoruichi were having a tea party
in his house, without his knowledge (his face is not shown when he sees
the room's interior). Later, when he tries to border up the secret door,
Yachiru reveals another to Byakuya's intense surprise, and his face is
shown with dismay


Appearance:

Byakuya wears the standard Captain uniform along with a white
headpiece called a kenseikan and a white scarf made by the master
weaver, Tsujishirō Kuroemon III.
The scarf is made from the
silver-white, windflower light silk and is a family heirloom that is
handed down from generation to generation and is given to each Kuchiki
family head. Ten large houses can be built for the cost of just one of
these scarves. He also wears white gloves that cover only the back of
his hands

Powers: Master Swordsmanship
Specialist: Byakuya is masterful at swordsmanship, capable of flawless
precision and lethal attacks without much effort.
Flash Step Master:
Byakuya is probably best known for his usage of Flash steps. Although
having been taught by, but never beating "Goddess of Flash" Yoruichi
Shihōin, he is still easily one of the most proficient users of this
skill in all of Soul Society.

• Senka (閃花, Flash Blossom): a
  special Shunpo technique where one moves to their opponent's back,
  directly attacking and sealing one's "Saketsu" and "Hakusui" in one
  strike (effectively cutting them off of their spiritual energy flow).
  This attack is his favorite to use.The movement is so fast that an
  opponent may not be able to tell whether he was attacked from the front
  or the back and even an outside observer may find it impossible to tell
  what the movements are.
  
• Utsusemi (空蝉; Cicada,
  referencing their molting): Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou. It allows
  for a movement at great speed, leaving an afterimage behind. It is a
  technique taught to him by Yoruichi Shihōin.
  

Kidō
Master: Byakuya has displayed his knowledge of high level Kidō spells,
able to cast several in quick succession without the incantation and
with almost no effort and still possessing formidable power. He has been
shown to use spells up to level 81 and possesses advanced knowledge of
Kidō application and consistency. He can use low-level spells with
devastating effects, as well as a counter to attacks. He even uses a
low-level lightning spell to burn a hole right through Ichigo's
shoulder.
Hand-to-Hand Combatant: While used less often, Byakuya has
shown a highly proficient skill in this area. In the anime, Byakuya was
able to effortlessly knock out several Shinigami guards stealthily with a
single strike each.
Master Tactician: Byakuya is a highly
perceptive fighter, being able to almost immediately determine an
opponent's attack patterns and weaknesses.He is also a crafty tactician,
as demonstrated from how effectively he uses his Kidō to confuse his
opponents. He can discern the motives and abilities of his opponents and
effectively uses his knowledge to end the battle in his favor.
Enhanced
Durability: While not having the most imposing appearance compared to
other Shinigami captains like Kenpachi Zaraki, Byakuya has shown to be a
very resilient fighter. During his fight against Ichigo, despite
gaining several major injuries, Byakuya was still able to continue
fighting effectively and even ignored his wounds to the point that he
seemed unfazed by them. At the end of the fight, he was still able to
perform an impressive Flash Step to leave. During his fight with the 7th
Espada, Byakuya's durability proved great enough for him to willingly
damage himself to escape from his enemy's possession attack and
continued to fight as if he was unaffected.
Immense Spiritual Power:
He is capable of exerting a vast Spiritual Pressure, which, in league
with his already admirable combat skills and finesse, makes him one of
the most formidable captains. His spiritual pressure is so great it can
be felt from a great distance and it has the tendency to make people
perspire in fear. In the anime, his spiritual pressure is white. It is
implied by Kōga Kuchiki that he is among the few immensely strong heads
of the Kuchiki clan, further elaborating on his power level.


Zanpakutô Spirit:
Senbonzakura appears as a masked samurai in full-body armor. He has
long, dark brown hair tied with a silver ribbon and wears a golden
forehead plate that resembles a half-cherry blossom. From what little is
seen from when his mask was broken apart, he appears to resemble
Byakuya to some degree.
Much like his master, he is portrayed as
serious and uninterested in small-talk. However, unlike Byakuya, he has
occasional emotional outbursts and can be rather impatient. According to
Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, this is likely a reflection of
Byakuya's inner nature from his younger years. Senbonzakura also cares
for Sode no Shirayuki much like Byakuya cares for Rukia. Unlike his
partner, Senbonzakura is more cheerful and humble, willing to relax and
enjoy partying, even to the point of passing out from too much drinking.
He tends to keep his mask on at all times, even while taking a bath,
and he also has a spare mask at hand, should his current one break

Sealed Zanpakutô:


Shikai Description:
In
its Shikai, Senbonzakura's blade separates into a thousand slender tiny
blade fragments, which then fly away from the hilt, leaving only the
sword's handle in Byakuya's hand. The release can be negated before it
completes, such as when Yoruichi Shihōin wrapped the blade in cloth
during Byakuya's short battle with Ichigo. However, if the release
completes itself, then Senbozakura is rendered near-unstoppable as a
result. While the blades are supposedly too small to see normally, they
reflect light in such a way as to appear as cherry blossom petals. By
swinging Senbonzakura's hilt Byakuya can control the blade fragments at
will, allowing him to shred opponents at a distance and break through
almost any defense.

Release: Scatter

Bankai:
Byakuya's Bankai has several forms, achieved by arranging the blades in
different patterns. Each form presents a different advantage, such as
increasing offense at the expense of defense. This makes Senbonzakura
Kageyoshi one of the most versatile Bankai in the series. These
techniques are activated by saying the name of the technique, followed
by the name of his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

• Senkei:
  The true form of Senbonzakura is seemingly created by his blood, which
  glows and turns into spiritual energy mixing with the tiny blades of his
  Bankai. This unites the scattered petals into complete glowing swords,
  numbering in the thousands, that form four rows. These rows float just
  above the other, and circle around Byakuya and his opponent in a
  continuously moving, column-like array. It abandons defense in favor of a
  concentrated offense. Though visually menacing, this form is not meant
  for attack from all sides; rather, it is to concentrate his power into
  fewer blades, thus increasing his attack power. While Byakuya can
  mentally control these swords as he does his regular blades, he commonly
  calls them to his hands for actual melee combat. When in his hand they
  lose their glow, and take the form of his sealed zanpakuto. While they
  seem solid in this state, the swords can just as easily dissipate back
  into the multitude of tiny blades that they are made of. It seems to
  take fewer blows from a Senkei blade to gravely injure an opponent than
  the multiple cuts needed from the unfocused Bankai. The Senkei also
  cages himself with his enemy, allowing neither combatant to move very
  far from each other, though the area is still large enough for
  maneuverability. The most effective use of the Senkei form is that it
  allows for use of all the swords at the same attack level, making it
  highly versatile as a way to effectively defeat an enemy unaware of the
  danger of the situation. It is extremely rare for him to use this
  ability, doing so only when he has sworn to cut down the opponent with
  his very own hands. Ichigo was the second being to ever witness the
  ability
  Enlarge this imageReduce this image Click to see fullsize
  
  
• Gōkei
  : This form increases the number of tiny blades immensely. It creates a
  spherical formation of over 100 million tiny blade fragments, which
  swirl around the opponent like a cloud. It then flies into them from
  every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and no possibility to
  escape. It was strong enough to completely obliterate a very large
  building from the inside out, and the resulting shockwave generated by
  the attack is so powerful that Byakuya himself has to Flash Step away
  (Byakuya is normally immune to the cutting effects of his own Bankai,
  evident by the fact that he could wield the swords generated by its
  Senkei formation with bare hands without cutting himself).
  
• Shuukei
  Hakuteiken: This condenses each and every single one of his blades into
  a single, potent sword, drastically increasing its cutting power. The
  spiritual energy and pressure of this form released is immense. The
  blade appears bright white and its aura takes the form of a bird,
  earning it the name Hakuteiken. Pure white wings form on Byakuya's back,
  as well a halo-like circle, made of concentrated spiritual energy. It
  is unknown whether these wings are merely an aesthetic effect or if they
  can be used to fly. The blade in this form is dangerous enough to cause
  aggravated injuries in one single blow. Whether or not this form allows
  only one single attack or more is as yet unknown.
  

History/Background:
Little is known about Byakuya's early history, except that 510 years
ago before the current time he was a young boy, rash and hotheaded and
somewhat similar to Ichigo in personality. He would spend countless
hours training, in preparation of taking over the leadership of the
Kuchiki family and the 6th Division from his grandfather, Ginrei
Kuchiki.

He used to be teased, usually it seems to his
annoyance, but still regularly played tag with the older Yoruichi
Shihōin using Flash Steps, though he never was able to beat her, a score
that upholds to the current time.

Around 455 years before the
current time, Byakuya married Hisana, who was then a commoner from
Rukongai; therefore, he broke the rules by accepting her into the noble
Kuchiki family. Shortly before her death, Hisana asked Byakuya to find
and adopt her biological sister, Rukia, whom she had abandoned as a
baby. She also made him promise that he would not tell Rukia about her
real family, for she believed that by abandoning Rukia when she was
younger, she was not worthy to be called her sister.

One year
later, Rukia entered the Shinigami Academy. Shortly after, Byakuya found
her and 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 that he would
never break the rules again, no matter what. As a result, he, though
entirely apathetic on the surface, is actually deeply conflicted with
the matter of Rukia's execution: should he intervene, it would require
breaking the promise to his parents and the rules again, but should he
do nothing, he would fail to fulfill the last promise he made to his
dying wife to protect Rukia as his own sister.
Byakuya first appears
on a mission with his lieutenant, Renji Abarai, to capture Rukia Kuchiki
and return her to Soul Society and kill Ichigo Kurosaki. He stands and
watches as his lieutenant Renji Abarai attacks Rukia. He stands by as
Uryū Ishida enters into the conflict between Renji and Rukia. Shortly
after Renji defeats Ishida, Byakuya bears witness to the arrival of
Ichigo and watches as Renji engages him. When Renji is almost hit by
Ichigo, Byakuya tells his lieutenant that he is being too careless, but
Renji simply states that Ichigo is nothing to worry about. Byakuya
explains to him that he knew Ichigo looked familiar, as 33 hours ago,
they used the Special Forces to get his image. They then sent a Menos
Grande into the Human world and Ichigo gave it a scar. Renji laughs at
the idea that Ichigo would be capable of such a thing.
Eventually,
Ichigo turns the tables on Renji and strikes back. He prepares for a
killing strike, but in an instant, realizes that the majority of his
sword has been cut off. He realized that Renji didn't do it and Ichigo
sees it as impossible that Byakuya could have, as he is so far away.
Then Byakuya drops Ichigo's blade and prepares to unsheathe his
Zanpakutō. Before Ichigo realizes it, Byakuya is behind him and he has a
grievous wound on his chest. The attack was so fast that Ichigo can't
tell whether he was attacked from the front or the back. Byakuya then
asks Renji if something is wrong. Renji 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, Renji stops
her. Byakuya then asks her whether she would still go to Ichigo's side
after all that has just happened. He then tells her that he understands
as he does resemble him (referring to Rukia's former mentor and
lieutenant Kaien Shiba). Ichigo comes to and grabs Byakuya's pant 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 then scolds Ichigo for not knowing his place and tells
Byakuya that she is ready to leave, accepting her punishment. She then
asks that Byakuya leave Ichigo be, to which he agrees. He states that
those two attacks were vital, his chest and collarbone have been
thoroughly injured, and he should die in a half hour and even if he does
happen to live, not even a speck of Shinigami power will be left in
him. He then has Renji open a Senkaimon back to Soul Society.
Later,
in Soul Society, Byakuya comes across Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the
11th Division and Gin Ichimaru, captain of the 3rd Division, with them
both teasing him about Rukia being sentenced to death, saying that he is
depressed, as a noble family wouldn't stand to have a criminal as a
member. Byakuya says that he didn't think lower class people could
understand the feelings of nobles. Kenpachi counters by telling him that
he is very bright, and since he is so bright why doesn't Byakuya allow
him to finish Rukia off before she is executed. Byakuya states he didn't
know that with Kenpachi's level, he could actually kill people.
Kenpachi tells him to try him and the two were about to engage in
combat, but Gin stops Kenpachi by tying and carrying him away all while
apologizing to Byakuya. Byakuya is present during the captain's
emergency meeting called by General Yamamoto. However, he remains silent
throughout the constant bickering between his fellow officers
Upon
Renji's defeat by Ichigo, Renji is brought to a secure location and
watched over by his friend Izuru Kira, lieutenant of the 3rd Division
and Momo Hinamori, lieutenant of the 5th Division. Distraught, Momo asks
Izuru to call for the 4th Division medics. Byakuya then appears behind
Momo and tells them that there is no need, as Renji is to be thrown in
jail. When Momo tries to plead with him, Byakuya plainly tells her that
he doesn't want excuses, since Renji was alone when he fought and he has
no reason to have lost. Momo asks him how can he 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. Ganju decides, out of the two, he would take
on Byakuya. Byakuya tells him that he could sense some faint spiritual
pressure going toward Shishinrou, at first he thought it was someone
strong holding back his spiritual pressure, but it was nothing but a big
fat bug. Ganju goes to attack Byakuya, but before he knows it, Byakuya
is past him, severely damaging Ganju's left arm. Byakuya tells him to be
gone, but Ganju tells him that he doesn't know how it is among the
nobles, but a coward that could be scared away by such an attack does
not exist in the Shiba family. Upon hearing his family name, he
apologizes for not hitting Ganju harder, but he questions what Byakuya
can do from so far away. Rukia looks on and realizes what is about to
happen and screams to Byakuya to stop. Byakuya releases his Shikai and
he is practically shredded by Byakuya's Shikai. Ganju falls to his knees
as Hanatarō and Rukia stare in disbelief.
As Byakuya raises his
sword to finish Ganju off, he is stopped by Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of
the 13th Division. He tells Byakuya that he thinks that is enough and he
explains that the release of a Zanpakutō in Konnatokoru is a first
class offense. Byakuya tells him that it is a war time situation,
causing the ban on releasing a Zanpakutō to be lifted. Ukitake wonders
if the lifting of the ban has something to do with Captain Aizen’s
death. Byakuya and Ukitake then sense the arrival of a strong spiritual
pressure at the level of a captain. Ichigo then shows up and tells Rukia
that he has come to save her and he goes to engage Byakuya in combat.
Ukitake
asks Byakuya who Ichigo is, but Byakuya simply says that he is no one.
Ichigo tells Byakuya that he has been standing around all carefree and
didn't even move when he was talking to Rukia. Byakuya states there’s no
reason that he would he need to sneak up on the likes of him and that
Ichigo thinks too highly of himself. Byakuya then releases his spiritual
pressure, forcing Rukia and Hanatarō to their knees. As Ichigo pulls
out his Zanpakutō, Byakuya notes that Ichigo has not even budged to his
spiritual pressure and remarks at how it seems as though Ichigo has
gained strength. Byakuya tells him that he doesn't know how he has
reacquired the power of a Shinigami, but he should have just gone back
to his normal Human life. He uses Shunpo to get behind Ichigo, who
blocks his attack with his Zanpakutō. Ichigo tells him that he saw every
single step Byakuya made. They move apart and Byakuya tells him that he
sees that Ichigo has improved and that in that case, he will show him
the decisive difference in strength. Rukia screams at Ichigo to run as
Byakuya releases his Shikai.
Yoruichi arrives just in time to stop
the release of Senbonzakura's Shikai, surprising both Byakuya and
Ukitake. Hanatarō asks Rukia if she knows who Yoruichi is, who says
she’s heard the name before. Byakuya notes that she is the former
Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō and the former Corps Commander of
the Correction Corps. Ichigo asks Yoruichi if she has come to save him
and thanks her but tells her that he is determined to defeat Byakuya.
Before Ichigo can react, Yoruichi is in front of him and she impales him
with her hand right into his bandaged chest wound, and Ukitake comments
that she must be trying to save his life by releasing a strong
tranquilizer directly into his body. Yoruichi acknowledges Ukitake as
Byakuya comments that she won’t be able to get away so easily. Yoruichi
asks him if he ever win even one against her in a game of tag and
Byakuya asks if they should try again. Then the two engage in a test of
speed using Shunpo with Yoruichi carrying an unconscious Ichigo, while
still staying a step ahead of Byakuya. He quickly gains on her, and cuts
her across the chest with his blade. However, it was a decoy, and
Yoruichi remarks to him that he can't catch her with that level of
Shunpo. She quickly moves to the top a nearby building and yells down to
Byakuya that in three days she will make Ichigo stronger than him.
Until then, the fight between the two will be on hold. As she uses
Shunpo to leave she tells Byakuya that he can follow her if he chooses,
but the "Goddess of Flash" will not be caught so easily. Byakuya then
proceeds to leave the area, with Ukitake asking him where he is going.
Byakuya continues to walk away, stating that he has lost his interest
and that Ukitake can do whatever he wants to do with them.
Later,
after hearing of the execution date being moved up, Ukitake tries to
convince Byakuya to do something, Byakuya tells him that he has already
heard from a Jigokuchō. Ukitake tells him that he will get to the point,
but Byakuya interrupts him telling him that he doesn't care. He
explains that the execution has been moved to tomorrow and as that is
what has been decided, he will honor their decision. The stress of the
situation causes Ukitake to succumb to his illness. Byakuya tells him
not to stress as this isn't the first time he has lost a subordinate to
his inability, and therefore it won't make a difference if he loses
more. Byakuya then states that Rukia is a member of his family and not
Ukitake's, so even if she is killed, it shouldn't concern him. Byakuya
is then seen at in his quarters praying at the shrine to his wife when
he is told that the execution is about to commence. He then says goodbye
to Hisana's picture and leaves to the execution grounds.
Sometime
later, Renji has escaped from jail and is beating his way through his
fellow 6th Division members to get to Rukia, so that he may save her
from execution. He then feels a strong spiritual pressure. He looks to
the top of a tower and sees Byakuya on top looking down at him. Byakuya
asks him where he is going. He tells Byakuya that he is going to save
Rukia, and asks if Byakuya will allow him to pass by peacefully, to
which Byakuya tells him he won’t allow him to.
Byakuya uses Shunpo
and appears behind Renji, but when goes to attack he is surprised that
Renji blocks him. Renji notes that Byakuya attempted to use "Senka",
which is his favorite technique. He comments on how he has seen the move
countless times, and after so many times of following Byakuya's
movements with his eyes, his body is fast enough to follow, too. Byakuya
remarks that Renji is talking as if he has already won.[39] Byakuya
then releases his Shikai, but before it can release, Renji stops it with
his Shikai, to Byakuya's surprise. Renji reiterates that Byakuya's
sword can no longer kill him. He tells him that it’s not because he's
his lieutenant, but because even before he joined the Gotei 13, the only
one he has ever wanted to surpass was him. Byakuya notes that Renji
just released his Zanpakutō without calling its name. Before he can
finish what he was going to say, Renji releases his Bankai.
Byakuya
is somewhat surprised and asks since when has Renji been able to perform
Bankai. Renji plainly tells him that he will never know, since he never
did care about his subordinates. Renji asks Byakuya again to save Rukia
and in return Byakuya tells him that he will not say the same thing
twice. Renji goes to attack Byakuya, who uses Shunpo to move to the top
of a nearby tower. Renji attacks the towers and only succeeds in
knocking Byakuya off, but even then, Byakuya blocks the large Bankai
with his Zanpakutō. Byakuya concedes that Renji's power is truly at the
level of Bankai, but he feels that it’s time for the battle to end.
Byakuya then releases his Shikai, destroying Renji's Bankai. However,
just as abruptly as Renji's Bankai falls apart, it reconstitutes itself.
Renji then explains that he knows the technique of Senbonzakura well,
and explains that Zabimaru's segments are connected by his spiritual
energy and they cannot be cut apart by knives. Byakuya is noticeably
surprised at this revelation. He then slams Zabimaru into the ground,
but Byakuya gets away, barely causing him to land in a kneeling
position. Renji comments that Byakuya's knee has touched the ground and
that it is time to end this conflict.
Byakuya gets up and tells him
if he wants to put an end to it, that's fine, but the curtain that falls
down at the end shall be pulled down by the blade of his sword. Renji
defiantly tells him that he has already told him that he knows his sword
in and out and the sword that will pull down the curtain will be his,
as he goes to attack. Byakuya uses Hadō #33 Sōkatsui to cause a great
amount of destruction in the area, causing Renji to have to use his
Zanpakutō for protection. Renji realizes that the move has allowed
Byakuya to hide his movements and he goes on the attack again, but
Byakuya uses Shunpo to confuse him causing him to lose control of his
Bankai. Byakuya then tells him that he is the fool as he didn't use Kidō
to blind him, but to disrupt the rhythm of his Bankai. Byakuya tells
Renji the biggest flaw of Bankai. He then tells Renji that it is too
early for him to use Bankai in battle. Renji refuses to give up and says
that he knew that but says his Zanpakutō is not only bulky but durable,
and even if it loses one or two segments it can still fight. Byakuya
then uses Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō, stopping Renji in his place. Byakuya
then tells Renji to put away his sword and he will live, unless he is
still dreaming about defeating him. He then asks Renji if he forgot or
if it has never occurred to him that he, too, has Bankai. Byakuya then
releases his Bankai, which obliterates the building behind Renji,
shredding him. Renji falls and Byakuya tells him, in story form, that
the difference between them is class.
Byakuya explains the power of
his Bankai and tells Renji that he should be proud, as someone who after
being struck by his power, is still able to retain the form of his
body. Renji stirs and Byakuya takes notice and tells him not to move as
it will only shorten his life. But Renji refuses to give up and begins
to stand and lunges at Byakuya, who use his Bankai technique Senkei to
incapacitate him. He states that he is sure that Renji knows that his
Bankai is now gone, and explains that if Renji chooses to get up, he
will kill him sooner. Renji tells him that he swore to his soul to save
Rukia, and stands. He then runs toward Byakuya, attempting to attack
him, but his sword breaks upon contact. Renji falls to the ground and
Byakuya takes off his scarf, throws it on top of Renji's body and tells
him congratulations, as his fangs actually reached him; he then leaves
Renji there.
Byakuya arrives at Rukia's execution, and when Rukia
looks at him, he turns his head away. Rukia thanks Byakuya even though
he still refuses to even look at her. As Rukia's execution commences,
Byakuya is greatly surprised by the interference and arrival of Ichigo
Kurosaki. After Ichigo saves Rukia he gazes upon Byakuya. After Ichigo
easily dispatches three lieutenants, he ends up crossing swords with
Byakuya.
Byakuya asks Ichigo why he keeps on trying to save Rukia,
but Ichigo questions why Byakuya isn’t trying to save her. Byakuya
brushes it off as a pointless question and states that even if he was
inclined to answer, Ichigo wouldn't understand. The two clash and push
themselves apart. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that he will kill him and
with his own hands, he will carry out Rukia's execution, but Ichigo
states that won’t happen. The two then charge toward each other.
Byakuya
states that he finds it interesting that Ichigo was able to master
Shunpo, but before he can finish Ichigo interrupts him, taunting
Byakuya, stating that he hasn't scratched him once and telling him to
hurry up and use Bankai. Byakuya tells him that his taunts are
meaningless and he won’t change his mind about Rukia's fate or Ichigo's.
He then releases his Shikai, but Ichigo blocks that attack with a blast
of spiritual energy.
The effect of Ichigo's attack results in a
large explosion, which injures Byakuya's left hand, prompting him to ask
if that attack was an ability of his Zanpakutō. When the smoke clears, a
large fissure is evident where the attack took place. Ichigo confirms
what the ability is, and explains that its name is Getsuga Tenshō. Once
again, Ichigo tells him to fight with his Bankai. Byakuya remarks at how
arrogant the name of the attack is, but he decides that since Ichigo
wants to see his Bankai, he will show it to him and then releases it.
Ichigo uses his Getsuga Tenshō to attack Byakuya, but it’s blocked by
Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, which crushes him into the ground. The smoke
clears and an injured Ichigo lays upon the ground. Ichigo begins to get
up and he admits his error at using only his Shikai. Byakuya,
unimpressed, and says that he is talking as though he has already
achieved Bankai, but Ichigo says that’s exactly it.
At first, Byakuya
doesn't believe him, and Ichigo says he will have to show him. Ichigo
then releases his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu while Byakuya gazes in
disbelief, and asks why his Zanpakutō’s shape looks like that of a
sealed Zanpakutō. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that it seems that he enjoys
stepping on their pride, so he will carve on his body the penalty for
violating their pride. Before Byakuya can attack, Ichigo gets up close,
pointing the tip of his blade at Byakuya's throat, and asks him if that
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
and tells Ichigo he will regret not attacking when he had the chance and
shouldn't count on getting another one. The two clash, but neither hits
the other as both equally dodge the others attacks. Eventually, Ichigo
becomes so fast that Byakuya makes note that his speed is amazing to the
point that Senbonzakura Kageyoshi can't keep up with him. Although
Byakuya keeps attacking, Ichigo shows off his great speed by moving
around him in a circle, escaping his attacks. Ichigo taunts him by
asking if he is going too slow for him, and comments on how he can go
even faster. Byakuya tells him not to get cocky and uses his hand to
direct Senbonzakura Kageyoshi at Ichigo, causing it to move even faster.
However, Ichigo is able to fend off Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Byakuya
gazes in disbelief, thinking how it's impossible, as he deflected all of
them. Before Byakuya realizes it, Ichigo is behind him taunting him,
before Byakuya grabs Tensa Zangetsu, wounding himself. He then realizes
the power of Ichigo's Bankai and promises to destroy it.
Ichigo moves
away and Byakuya reveals Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's true form, using the
technique "Senkei". Ichigo stares in disbelief, but Byakuya assures him
that the thousand swords will not strike him all at once. They continue
to battle and Byakuya asks him why his movements have become slower.
Ichigo taunts him, saying he swore Byakuya was so slow that he thought
he wasn't moving at all. Byakuya then calls forth one of the surrounding
swords, stabs Ichigo in the foot and then uses Hado #4 Byakurai,
shooting a hole through Ichigo's right shoulder. Byakuya pulls the sword
from Ichigo's foot and he falls to the ground. Byakuya then tells
Ichigo that he is at his limit and he explains Senkei. Ichigo finally
realizes that he is the one that had gotten slower. Byakuya commends him
on having made it as far as he did, having accomplished the wins he
attained and even surviving Senbonzakura Kageyoshi intact, but tells him
that he must realize by now that this is the end. He then raises his
sword for a killing blow, only for Ichigo to grab the blade with his
hand to stop it. Byakuya is surprised and asks how it is possible, but
he then realizes that something is wrong and asks who this is. Ichigo
looks up with his face half covered by a mask as he screams that he is
nobody.
Ichigo goes into an insane rage as his inner Hollow takes
over and he slashes Byakuya across his chest wounding him. He then
shatters Byakuya's blade with his bare hand. Byakuya regains his
composure and calls forth another sword just as the crazed Ichigo
charges at him. Ichigo then fires a spiritual blast, which Byakuya
notices, with surprise, is black. Before he realizes it, Ichigo attacks
him from behind, but Byakuya survives and asks if he is a Hollow.
However, before Hollow Ichigo can finish Byakuya off, Ichigo rips off
the mask, apologizes for the Hollow’s interference and tells him they
should start from the beginning. Byakuya agrees to forget what just
transpired, but points out that neither of them have the strength to
continue this for much longer and decides that they must end it with the
next blow. Ichigo agrees but asks again why Byakuya won’t save Rukia,
to which he answers back that he will tell him if he defeats him.
Byakuya then uses the technique "Shūkei, Hakuteiken", which amazes
Ichigo, who states the he has no technique like that, since all Zangetsu
taught him was Getsuga Tenshō. Thus, he states that he will just place
all of his strength into one attack. The two charge at each other,
releasing a torrent of powerful spiritual pressure.
In the end,
Ichigo is wounded but so is Byakuya, who tells Ichigo that the reason
why he supports Rukia's death sentence is because he believes in
following the rules, even if the rules mean the death of a family
member. The concept of personal feelings is overridden by the rules and
he states that emotions are useless and he never had them to begin with.
Ichigo tells him he doesn't understand, and if he was in his position,
he would fight the rules. Byakuya finally understands that Ichigo never
was fighting him, but Soul Society's rules and he thinks that Ichigo has
the same personality as Kaien Shiba, who he remembers as being
infuriatingly liberal. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that his liberalness
has shattered his blade, and therefore, he can no longer pursue Rukia
and he leaves the area.
Later, when Sōsuke Aizen orders Gin Ichimaru
to kill Rukia, Byakuya pulls her out of the attack and takes it instead.
Byakuya collapses in Rukia's arms due to all his injuries. While being
treated for his massive injuries by Captain Unohana, Byakuya calls for
Rukia and breaks a promise he made to his wife by telling Rukia the
truth of her past. He also explains why he was conflicted for so long
between his promise 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 then thanks Ichigo for helping him make his decision to
save Rukia in the end and he apologizes to Rukia.
Byakuya later
reappears to retrieve Tōshirō Hitsugaya's team on Genryūsai Shigekuni
Yamamoto's order, and secretly allows Rukia and Renji to return to the
Human World to assist in the rescue of Orihime Inoue, stating that he
was only ordered to bring them back to Soul Society and that what they
chose to do afterwards was none of his concern
Byakuya, along with
Jūshirō Ukitake and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, is told that Rukia
Kuchiki and Renji Abarai have disappeared and that the Second Division
is looking for them all throughout Seireitei.
Byakuya later arrives
alongside Captains Kenpachi Zaraki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Retsu Unohana
in Las Noches after the titanic battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez.
He arrives in time to save Rukia from the 7th
Espada, Zommari Leroux. Upon his arrival Zommari asks him who he is.
Noting that Byakuya must be a captain since he is wearing a haori, he
then states his name and title and asks Byakuya to do the same. Byakuya
plainly states that he doesn't need to answer him as he is his enemy. He
then lets Zommari know that he also has a question to ask, he asks him
if he is the one that has injured Rukia. Zommari tells him that he is
not the one but he was going to finish the job.
Zommari goes on to
say that if Byakuya intends on saving injured Shinigami, all his efforts
would be futile. Byakuya, using Shunpo, asks Zommari what he means by
“futile.” Zommari uses Sonido to move behind Byakuya, who blocks his
attack. Byakuya then sees more of Zommari and asks what is that he is
doing. Zommari explains that it is Gemelos Sonido, stating that among
the Espada, his Sonido is the fastest, as by adding in additional steps
he can create quasi-clones. Zommari goes on to state that Byakuya
shouldn't feel embarrassed if he is in too much shock to follow along.
Byakuya tells him that, on the contrary, Zommari is the one who should
be shocked, because he just revealed his entire hand to him. He then
attacks Zommari and slashes him across his chest, but finds that he in
fact is behind him. Zommari attempts to attack him from behind stating
that Gemelos Sonido is not limited to two copies, but Byakuya states he
figured as much and uses Hadō #4 Byakurai, shooting it under his right
arm directly into Zommari's chest. Zommari falls down from the attack
but it is revealed to just be a copy and Byakuya is now surrounded by
them. Zommari states that the number of clones through Gemelos Sonido
can grow to five maximum. The two remaining clones attack from both
sides with the real one stabbing Byakuya through with his sword from the
front. Zommari tells him farewell, stating that the reason for his
defeat was the arrogance that kept him from telling Zommari his name.
Immediately afterwards, though, Zommari realizes that Byakuya is not
there and his sword has only pierced through his empty haori. Byakuya
then appears far behind Zommari and states that he used the Way of
Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi, which he hadn’t wanted to use
because Yoruichi Shihōin taught it to him. He states to Zommari that he
is the arrogant one, but he should not despair, because he will not lose
due to that arrogance, but simply because of a difference in power.
Zommari
claims that he is not arrogant and says that because Byakuya is captain
class, he thinks of them on the same level and attacks him in that
manner. Byakuya plainly says the idea that an Arrancar would think of
itself as an equal to him is already a form of pride itself. Zommari
responds that arrogance seems to be a part of Byakuya's nature.
Therefore, he will take his pride and pulverize it through the very core
of his being. Zommari releases his Zanpakutō and then he makes a
gesture which causes Byakuya to go into battle stance, though nothing
happens. Zommari then asks if something is wrong, stating that Byakuya's
intuition told him that he was going to attack but that nothing had
occurred. Using his power, he takes possession of Byakuya's left leg,
and explains how his power works. He then questions Byakuya's intellect,
informing him that this power is just beyond his understanding. Byakuya
then severs the tendons to his left leg, stopping Zommari's control
over it. Instead, Zommari turns his attention to the unconscious body of
Rukia, but Byakuya shields her body with his left hand. Zommari is
amazed that Byakuya can move that fast with an injured leg, and applauds
his skill as a captain.
Hanatarō Yamada follows Byakuya to the
battlefield, but Byakuya orders Hanatarō back, because there is no
guarantee that he can continue fighting without swallowing him up as
well. When Byakuya realizes that Zommari has taken possession of his
left hand, he cuts the tendons. When Hanatarō tries to stop him from
injuring himself Byakuya uses Hadō #1 Shō to push Rukia away and tells
Hanatarō to fall back. Zommari notices that Byakuya was rather quick to
throw away his own arm and leg with no hesitation, instantly regarding
that which is stolen from him as an enemy, even if it’s his own body.
The fact that he can make such cool-headed decisions is impressive,
though Zommari finds that it foolish and careless. He then questions
whether Byakuya intends to fight an Espada of his power with only half
his body, telling him that he is being presumptuous. Byakuya tells him
that he has already told him that their power levels are as distant as
the earth is from the heavens. Zommari then explains the full scope of
his powers, mentioning that he has taken control of Rukia's head, thus
taking control of her entire body, and after having her slash Hanatarō
across the chest, he warns Byakuya to drop his sword or he will force
Rukia to slit her own throat. Byakuya then restrains Rukia with Bakudō
#61 Rikujōkōrō, freezing Rukia's possessed body in place, surprising
Zommari. Byakuya then releases his Bankai. Zommari becomes desperate and
tries to use the full range of his power to control Byakuya's Bankai,
to which Byakuya explains that he would never be able to take control of
over a million blades due to only having fifty eyes. Byakuya then
states that the situation Zommari currently is in is what they would
call futile. Byakuya activates his "Gōkei" technique to crush Zommari.
Zommari
survives this encounter by retreating into the lower half of his
Zanpakutō's released state. Though heavily injured, Zommari tries using
his power to gain control over Byakuya, who counters by using Bakudō #81
Danku. Byakuya explains that when he used Kidō to stop Rukia's
possession, he figured out that Zommari's ability to possess was
somewhat similar to Kidō, so in turn it could be cancelled out by Kidō.
Zommari becomes irate and begins to use his power multiple times in
order to try to take control of Byakuya, but to no avail. Byakuya uses
Shunpo and appears behind Zommari and puts his sword to the Arrancar's
throat. Zommari begs for mercy and 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 that he was not fighting Zommari because of Shinigami protocol,
but because Zommari attacked Byakuya's pride (referencing Rukia) and
kills Zommari with a slash from the shoulder down. Zommari, in his final
moments, shouts out his praise to Aizen before he dissipates into the
wind.
Byakuya then instructs Isane Kotetsu to come out of her hiding
place and take care of Rukia and Hanatarō. Rukia Kuchiki wakes up while
being healed and is shocked to see his haori missing and him injured,
but Byakuya merely brushes off her concern and tells her to rest as
there is a much bigger fight forthcoming.
As Yammy Riyalgo is about
to crush Ichigo, Byakuya arrives on scene with Kenpachi Zaraki. He fires
a huge Sōkatsui blast at the Espada, while Kenpachi cuts off one of
Yammy's legs, making him fall over. After a complaint from Kenpachi for
delivering the first blow, he dismisses it as nonsense, since he had
been the first to arrive and that Kenpachi should "learn his place".
Kenpachi however ignores Byakuya and tells him not to complain if he
gets sliced into pieces alongside Yammy. As Kenpachi begins to fight
Yammy, Byakuya stops Ichigo from joining the fight, telling him he has
to return to the Human World. Mayuri appears with a cart of spoils from
Szayel, which Byakuya asks him about before Mayuri opens the Garganta.
Ichigo begins to protest again, but Byakuya reminds him that his true
duty as the substitute Shinigami of Karakura Town is to protect the
town, convincing Ichigo to go.
Byakuya continues to watch the fight
between Kenpachi and Yammy from the sidelines. He addresses Mayuri
Kurotsuchi, who had taken a seat on a column behind Byakuya, without
turning to face him. He asks him why he chose to remain in Hueco Mundo
when there must have been more things on Earth that would have piqued
his curiosity. Mayuri assures him that he was not plotting anything, and
adds that there were more "interesting corpses" in Hueco Mundo at that
time. After the war ended, he would go down to Earth to examine the
corpses there. Byakuya says that he is surprised to hear such words
coming from Mayuri, since it sounded like he believed in Ichigo and his
ability to end the war, to which Mayuri says that he did not expect to
hear such words from Byakuya either.
As Byakuya watches Kenpachi take
down Yammy, the battle-crazed captain asks Byakuya to finish off Yammy.
Byakuya asks him what is he talking about to which Kenpachi responds
that he figures Byakuya must be bored standing around so he figures he
would at least allow him to finish the Espada off. Byakuya deduces that
Kenpachi expects him to clean up his mess, and asks who does he think he
is talking to. Kenpachi states that he doesn't like to kill weaklings,
but Byakuya states that he will not as a savage like him is better
suited to the task. Kenpachi takes offense to what was just said to him
but before he can do anything about it Yammy makes his presence known by
confirming he is not down for the count yet, slamming his large hand
down in between the two. The two captains look up at Yammy as he
prepares to fire at Cero at them, as the large blast is fired they both
dodge the attack prompting Byakuya to state that he can't believe that
Kenpachi thought he could finish off the Espada the way he did, pitying
his poor judgement. Kenpachi brushes the comment off stating that to him
Yammy is ready to be finished off, but the Espada is obviously too much
for Byakuya. To challenge this Byakuya releases his Bankai and tells
Kenpachi that if Yammy is not to much for him then he should prove it.
Kenpachi likes this idea stating that he has always wanted to compete
against Byakuya. The two captains move toward each other and then turn
toward Yammy stating that he is in the way as they both lash out and
strike the Espada in his face.

Yammy's huge form is knocked off
balance by the powerful attack inflicted on him by the two captains, but
he survives and gets back up, injured and infuriated. Byakuya calmly
comments on Yammy's persistence. The Cero Espada then becomes frustrated
with the two captains, and his Resurrección changes form. After
transforming, he warns the captains that making him angrier is the last
thing they would want to do, since his release, Ira, increases in
strength the angrier he becomes. He then taunts Byakuya and Kenpachi,
saying that if they make him even angrier he will make sure that their
deaths are humiliating and painful.

During the fight, Kenpachi
and Byakuya were easily able to tag-team Yammy. Yammy then tried to
crush both Kenpachi and Byakuya, but was not successful. Instead,
Byakuya released his Bankai and then proceded to use Gokei on Yammy's
head. The attack decapitated the Cero Espada. With that, Aizen's screams
could be heard from where Ichigo Kurosaki and Gin Ichimaru had defeated
the former Captain.