Bleach: Top 10 Facts That Fans Should Know About Kuchiki Rukia
Rukia Kuchiki is a member of the Soul Society, known as a Soul Reaper, who can see ghosts and guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. She was also the one who gave Ichigo Kurosaki his shinigami powers. It’s quite safe to say that if it wasn’t for her, Ichigo wouldn’t be the main protagonist we know now.
She has always been a fan favorite ever since the first episode. Her strong will, tragic past, and powerful abilities have captured the hearts of many around the world. But there is much more to her than meets the eye.
In this article, we will be diving deep into the character of Rukia Kuchiki, introducing her to those who may not be familiar with her, and providing 10 facts that fans should know about her. From her powers and abilities to her relationships and impact on the series, this article will give readers a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating character.
10. Rukia is Fond Of Rabbits
Rukia Kuchiki has a deep affection for rabbits. Their cute, long ears captured her heart, to the point where Ichigo had to remind her to stay focused on their mission. Despite her love for the animal, she dislikes being judged for her interest in collecting rabbit-themed toys and can become defensive when confronted about it.
9. How Old Is Rukia Kuchiki?
Rukia may appear as a mere high schooler, but she is an ancient being, boasting an age of over a century and a half. Throughout her long life, she has honed her fighting skills to ensure her survival.
8. What is Kuchiki Rukia’s Bankai?
Like many Shinigami, the Bankai is the pinnacle of their abilities. It's a formidable technique that grants them a significant boost in power, including a physical transformation. Rukia's Bankai, Hakka no Togame, transforms her into an ice queen, granting her increased powers similar to Ichigo's Bankai. Her ability to freeze her opponents instantaneously makes it her most potent skill by far.
7. She Has A Talent In The Use Of Kido
Rukia's true expertise lies in her mastery of Kido, a form of magic used by Soul Reapers. She has memorized a vast array of spells, each requiring a specific number and incantation for activation. While this type of magic is powerful, it is also difficult to use in combat, making it impractical for most Soul Reapers.
However, Rukia has made it her focus and can use it with relative ease, despite it being time-consuming and requiring a clear mind to recite. Her reliance on Kido makes her attacks predictable, but the devastation it causes when it hits its mark is undeniable.
6. Why She Was Named Rukia
Rukia is a name with dual meanings in different languages. According to Tite Kubo, the creator of the series, Rukia's name originates from the Latin word "Lucia" meaning "light", referring to her role in the story as a "ray of light" for the protagonist Ichigo, introducing him to the supernatural world and ultimately changing his life.
Additionally, in Arabic, her name is similar to "Ruqyah" or "Rukyah" which is an exorcism method used to release an evil spirit or "sihr" that may possess people. This is fitting for Rukia's role as a Shinigami, whose duty is to defeat and purify evil spirits known as "Hollows."
5. She Is A Hit With The Fans
In the early episodes of Bleach anime, Rukia Kuchiki is often depicted fighting Hollows while wearing a short skirt which emphasizes her long legs. The camera frequently frames her in a way that highlights her physical attributes.
This style of fanservice becomes a recurring trend throughout the series, with many scenes focusing on Rukia's physical appeal. This is particularly evident in her transformation into Dark Rukia, in which she is dressed in a kimono that accentuates her legs and her curves. Overall, Rukia's attire is designed to appeal to the audience and showcase her as a sexually attractive character.
4. Rukia Died A Few Times Already
Rukia possesses exceptional control over her body, a key factor in her fighting abilities and effectiveness against Hollows. One of her signature techniques involves reducing her body's temperature to near-fatal levels, effectively putting herself into a temporary state of death. Despite this, she can move by utilizing her Reiatsu to control her movements and maintain her nerve function, preventing her death from becoming permanent.
3. Rukia Does Not Have Feelings For Ichigo
Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki share a bond unlike any other in the anime world. They are incredibly close friends and lived together for an extended period before Rukia eventually moved out of Ichigo's room.
While their friendship is incredibly strong, it is devoid of romantic attraction. They would do anything to protect each other and share their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Even though they understand each other intimately and are both considered attractive, they have never felt the need to take their relationship to a romantic level.
2. She Killed Her Teacher
Rukia has lived a long and eventful life, and she has seen more than her fair share of traumas. One of the most painful memories from her past is the death of her mentor, Kaien Shiba. Rukia held Kaien in high regard, he was the one who taught her how to fight the hollows.
Unfortunately, an experimentally designed Hollow managed to infect Kaien and Rukia was forced to kill him. This act of killing her mentor, who she revered, haunted Rukia for many years. But finally, she had the opportunity to apologize to Kaien's family, which brought her some closure.
1. Byakuya Kuchiki Cares For Her
Rukia Kuchiki's older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, is often portrayed as aloof and indifferent, but in reality, he deeply cares for his younger sister. To ensure her safety, he goes to great lengths to prevent her from being promoted to a higher rank, believing that it will keep her from harm's way.
However, Rukia's determination and her passion for fighting Hollows leads her to take part in many dangerous battles, proving that despite her brother's concerns, she is a skilled warrior and eventually earns the promotion to Captain.