Byakuya Kuchiki

**Byakuya Kuchiki** (朽木 白哉, *Kuchiki Byakuya*) is the 28th head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the four great noble clans in Soul Society. He is also the captain of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13. His previous lieutenant was Ginjirō Shirogane and his current lieutenant is Renji Abarai.

## Appearance

Byakuya has slate gray eyes and long black hair, which he keeps up in intricate white headpieces called *kenseikan*, which symbolize his nobility as the head of the Kuchiki Clan, wearing three on top of his head and another two on the right side. In addition to the standard captain uniform, he wears a white scarf, which is woven by the master weaver Tsujishirō Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from silver-white, windflower light silk (*ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu*) and is a family heirloom, having been handed down from generation to generation and given to each head of the Kuchiki Clan. The scarf alone is worth ten mansions in the Seireitei.[4] He wears fingerless white tekkō which only cover the back of his hands.

17 months after Aizen's defeat, Byakuya wears hairpieces at the back of his head, but it is noted that these hairpieces are not *kenseikan*.[5]He wears a variation of the captain haori, featuring a high collar with light gold edges and small, light gold tassels attached to the corners. The white scarf is no longer part of his attire.[6][7] Ten years after Yhwach's defeat, Byakuya returns to wearing three *kenseikan* on top of his head.[8]

## Personality

As the 28th Head of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya acts in an aristocratic manner. He always seems serene and apathetic towards other people, even while actually deeply conflicted. He is notably calm, even in battle. He generally acts indifferent, bordering on arrogance, to most situations he is faced with, and rarely views his opponent as being worth his time. Byakuya is easily offended if his name is not used properly. As such, he views Ichigo Kurosaki with disdain for always referring to him improperly. When Byakuya talks with Ichigo, he calls him by his full name. Byakuya is very perceptive, fully aware of the limits of his abilities, and anything he states in comparison to an opponent is usually justified. Despite consistently stating himself to be far stronger than opponents like Zommari, Byakuya retains a formal tone, always using "watashi" which is a formal way of referring to oneself. When he was younger, he was quick to anger and very hot-headed, as noted by his grandfather.[9]

Byakuya strongly believes in law and order. As a captain of the Gotei 13 and head of one of the great noble families, he works hard for a peaceful society. He feels that if someone in his position does not follow the rules as a good example, no one else will. He believes that to maintain the order, all law-breakers must be punished, even if it goes against his own wishes. Byakuya feels that "part of a captain's responsibilities is to make sure that the lieutenant's responsibilities are taken care of".[10]

During the years between Rukia's adoption and her death sentence, Byakuya's pride and calm demeanor made her believe he never cared about her because he had never once looked at her. In spite of his icy and regal manner, Byakuya cares for and protects those important to him. This holds especially true to Rukia as he loved Hisana dearly and unconditionally, having promised Hisana he would protect Rukia no matter what. After the events of the Aizen incident, he admits law isn't perfect, and becomes more lenient towards Rukia. Although, he tries to maintain a balance between following orders and breaking the law by exploiting loopholes in his orders. In addition, he also provided Rukia and Renji with safety cloaks to protect them against Hueco Mundo's rough terrain.[11]

Because of his promise to Hisana, Byakuya smothered Rukia despite his pride by making sure she would never become a seated officer because of the risks that involve missions for such positions.[12] He also comes to learn about his mistakes of keeping his feelings to himself and becomes more open about how much he cares for Rukia and others that are close to him such as Renji.[13]

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 does not like sweets. Byakuya excels in calligraphy.[3]

## Equipment

* **Ōken Clothing**: After training with the Royal Guard, Byakuya dons special clothing in order to safely return to the Seireitei. These clothes are made from the bones and 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 Soul Society and the Soul King Palace without suffering any damage; Yhwach notes that no Shinigami could hope to wear greater garb.[181] These clothes take the form of a white, turban-like headpiece covering the upper half of his head and trailing off to his shoulders; a tasseled muffler covering his mouth; and a white cape with a thick, light-colored hem worn over his *shihakushō*.[182]

## Powers & Abilities

**Master Swordsman**: Byakuya is a master of swordsmanship, possessing flawless precision and performing lethal attacks with little effort.[184][69]

**Shunpo Master**: Byakuya is arguably best known for his skill in Shunpo. Having been taught by, but never beating "Goddess of Flash" Yoruichi Shihōin, he is easily one of the most proficient users of this skill in all of Soul Society.[185] He remained able to use Shunpo after severing the muscles and tendons in his left leg.[186]

* **Senka** (閃花, *Flash Blossom*): A Shunpo technique where one, moving to their opponent's back, directly attacks and seals one's "Saketsu" and "Hakusui" in two rapid strikes, effectively cutting them off from their spiritual energy flow. This attack is his favorite to use.[187] The technique is so fast, an opponent may not be able to tell whether they were attacked from the front or the back, and even an outside observer may find it impossible see the movements.[188]

* **Utsusemi** (空蝉, *Cast-Off Cicada Shell*): Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō. It allows for movement at great speed, leaving an afterimage behind. It is a technique taught to Byakuya by Yoruichi Shihōin.[189]

**Kidō Master**: Byakuya has considerable knowledge of high level Kidō spells, casting several in quick succession, with no incantation and almost no effort, and still possessing formidable power. He has used spells up to level 81, and possesses advanced knowledge of Kidō application and consistency. He can use a low-level spell repeatedly in rapid succession and with devastating effects, as well as a counter to attacks. He uses a low-level lightning spell to burn a hole right through Ichigo's shoulder.[190][191][69][105]

**Hakuda Combatant**: While used less often, Byakuya is highly proficient in this area. Byakuya stealthily knocked out several Shinigami guards with a single strike each.[98] After discarding his Zanpakutō during the battle against PePe, Byakuya used Hakuda to defend himself from Shūhei Hisagi's rapid attacks with both **Senbonzakura** and **Kazeshini**.[192]

**Master Tactician**: Byakuya is a highly perceptive fighter, almost immediately determining an opponent's attack patterns and weaknesses.[193] He is a crafty tactician, effectively using Kidō to confuse his opponents.[194] He can discern the motives and abilities of his opponents, and effectively uses his knowledge to end the battle in his favor.[195]

**Immense Spiritual Power**: He can exert an immense amount of Spiritual Pressure, which, in addition to his already admirable combat skills and finesse, makes him one of the most formidable captains. His spiritual pressure can be felt from a great distance, and it has the tendency to make people perspire in fear.[196] Ganju Shiba has stated Byakuya is the strongest leader in the entire history of the Kuchiki Clan,[197] and Kōga Kuchikihas stated few, if any, of the Kuchiki Clan leaders have been as powerful as Byakuya is, further elaborating on his power level.[198] His Reiatsu is white.[105] Following his training within the Royal Palace, Byakuya easily dispatched three Sternritter while fighting five of them simultaneously.[199]

**Enhanced Endurance**: While not having the most imposing appearance compared to other Shinigami, Byakuya is a very resilient fighter. During his fight against Ichigo, despite gaining severe injuries, Byakuya continued fighting effectively, even ignoring his wounds to the point where he seemed unfazed by them. At the end of the fight, he was able to remain standing and performed an impressive Shunpo to leave,[200] and later survived being impaled by Gin Ichimaru's **Shinsō**, taking the blow in Rukia's place.[201] During his fight with the 7th Espada Zommari Rureaux, Byakuya willingly damaged himself to escape from his enemy's possession attack, and continued to fight as though unaffected, eventually obtaining victory.[202] During his fight with Tsukishima, he had his entire left arm mutilated by Senbonzakura, and used that same arm to catch its blades and thrust them at the Fullbringer, ultimately defeating him.[203] Byakuya managed to survive a multitude of devastating injuries during his battle with Äs Nödt, including having his stomach ripped out[204] and being viciously attacked by his own Bankai.[205]

**Enhanced Durability**: Byakuya was able to resist the unique healing properties of Tenjirō Kirinji's hot springs without rotting away after being fully healed; Kirinji even stated he stayed in longer than anyone else.[206]

### ZanpakutōEdit

**Senbonzakura** redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the *Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc* see Senbonzakura (Zanpakutō spirit).

**Senbonzakura** (千本桜, *Thousand Cherry Blossoms*): Senbonzakura is a regular katana. It has a simple cross guard, with an open frame much like a four-pane window. It has a bronze guard, with lavender hilt-wrapping, and a white sheath.

* **Shikai**: It is triggered by the command **"Scatter"** (散れ, *chire*).[207]

***Shikai Special Ability***: In its Shikai, Senbonzakura's blade separates into a thousand tiny, slender blade fragments, which fly away from the hilt, leaving only the sword's handle in Byakuya's hand. While the blades are supposedly too small to be seen normally, they reflect light in such a way as to resemble cherry blossom petals. By swinging Senbonzakura's hilt, Byakuya can control the blade fragments, allowing him to shred opponents at a distance and break through almost any defense.[208] The blades can be used for defensive purposes, as they can protect Byakuya from an incoming sword swing.[209] In order to protect Byakuya from his own attacks in both Shikai and Bankai, Senbonzakura possesses a **Hurtless Area** (無傷圏, *mushōken*; lit. "*Woundless Zone*"; *Viz* **"Safe Zone"**) where it does not cut anything within 85 cm of Byakuya unless he himself allows the blades to enter the area.[210][211] During Byakuya's training with the Royal Guard, he obtained a finer understanding of his Shikai, granting him greater control and the ability to form more solid constructs at a greater scale.[212]
* **Bankai**: **Senbonzakura Kageyoshi** (千本桜景厳, *Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms*): Byakuya's Bankai is a much larger version of Senbonzakura's Shikai. To activate it, Byakuya drops his sword straight down. The sword phases into the ground, as though it were a pool of water. Energy ripples expand out, turning the surrounding area dark, and within seconds, two rows of a thousand giant blades rise up from the ground. Those thousand swords scatter, and countless flying blades pierce the enemy. No one knows the exact number of blades generated, and no one can dodge or even see the movements of these blades.[213] The number of blades is great enough that Byakuya can simultaneously use them for offense and defense. He commonly forms them into large masses to obliterate opponents instantaneously. As they move through the air like torrents of waves, they give the appearance of cherry blossoms flowing swiftly along the wind.[214] Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's defensive use allows Byakuya to cover himself entirely in these tiny blades, forming a body shield.[96] Unlike his Shikai, his Bankai is mentally controlled. While Byakuya can control the blades with his mind alone, using his hands allows him to do so more effectively, making the blades increase in speed threefold.[215] Similar to his Shikai, its attack is triggered with the phrase *Scatter*.[216]

**Bankai Special Ability**: 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 variety of techniques makes Senbonzakura Kageyoshi extremely versatile. These techniques are activated by saying the name of the technique, followed by the name of his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.
* **Senkei** (殲景, *Slaughterscape*): The true form of Senbonzakura. This unites the scattered petals into complete glowing swords, numbering in the thousands, which form four rows. These rows float just above each 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 concentrates his Bankai into fewer blades, thus increasing his attack power. While Byakuya can mentally control these swords, 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 Zanpakutō. It seems to take fewer blows from a Senkei blade to gravely injure an opponent than the multiple cuts needed from the unfocused Bankai. Senkei seals Byakuya in with his enemy, allowing neither combatant to move very far from each other, though the area is still large enough for maneuverability. The deadliest aspect of the Senkei form is that it allows for use of all the swords at the same attack level, making it a way to effectively defeat an enemy unaware of the danger of the situation. It is extremely rare for Byakuya to use this ability, doing so only when he has sworn to cut down the opponent with his very own hands. Ichigo is the second being to ever witness the ability.[217][60] This technique requires Byakuya's blood to activate.

* **Ikka Senjinka** (一咬 千刃花, *One Bite, Thousand Bladed Flower*): Byakuya attacks a single target with all of his **Senkei** swords at once. Fitting to Senkei focusing solely on offense, it is Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's ultimate attack.[218]

* **Gōkei** (吭景, *Mawscape*): This form increases the number of tiny blades immensely. It creates a spherical formation of innumerable blade fragments, which swirl around the opponent like a cloud before flying into them from every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and no possibility of escape. It proceeds to collapse in on itself, obliterating the opponent. When used, it completely obliterated a very large building from the inside out, and the resulting shockwave generated by the attack forced Byakuya himself to Flash Step away.[219][220]

* **Shūkei: Hakuteiken** (終景: 白帝剣, *Endscape: White Imperial Sword*): This condenses each and every one of his blades into a single, potent sword, drastically increasing its cutting power. The spiritual energy and pressure released by this form is immense. The blade appears bright white, and its aura takes the form of a bird, earning it the name **Hakuteiken** (白帝剣, *White Imperial Sword*). Pure white wings form on Byakuya's back, as well as a halo-like circle, made of concentrated spiritual energy. This form's blade can create aggravated injuries in a single blow.[221] The wings can be used for flight.[222]

## Weaknesses

**Release Negation (Shikai)**: 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, Senbonzakura is rendered near unstoppable.

**Hurtless Area Complication**: If the enemy enters the Hurtless Area, this allows them to exploit an opening in Senbonzakura's otherwise invincible attack range. As Shūkurō Tsukishima explained, the trick to avoid Senbonzakura's blades is not to retreat, but to get closer.[210] Although Byakuya can compensate this weakness by allowing the blades to enter the Hurtless Area, since it is the range in which he can safely react and redirect missed attacks, by increasing the speed of the blades *within* this range, Byakuya can accidentally injure himself if his timing is distorted even slightly.[223]

## TMNT X Pokemon

Byakuya acts cold-hearted and emotionless towards others including the villains.

## Trivia

* *"Principle lodged in the eyes."* - Tite Kubo[3]
* His theme song, as chosen by Tite Kubo, is Giovanni Mirabassi's "Je Chante Pour Passer Le Temps."
* Byakuya is ranked 7th in the most recent popularity poll, with 4,010 votes.[243]
* His Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, was voted the 5th most popular Zanpakutō in a Bleach poll, and its Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (all forms), placed 25th.[244]
* In the Bleach best bout poll, Byakuya's fight with Ichigo came in first place, while his fight with Renji came in sixth place.[245]
* He has a column in the Seireitei Communication titled *All About Etiquette*.[246]
* The Shinigami Women's Association attempted to publish a Photo Collection showcasing Byakuya, called *Prince of Silence*, but it is now experiencing difficulties.[247]

* In the manga, his scarf, kenseikan, and tekkou are shown to be silver white, but in the anime, they are all shown to be light green.
* Byakuya has created an imaginary character named **Wakame Ambassador** (ワカメ大使; *Wakame Taishi*) who he is particularly fond of and often creates themes based around him. He suggests the character become his divisions entry into the *Jump Fiesta*[248], creates food and snacks of the same shape as the creature[249][250] along with a sand sculptor at the beach[251] and has been known to dress up as the ambassador.[252]

* + The Wakame Ambassador appeared as both a small and larger mini-boss in the game, Bleach: Soul Carnival 2.[253]
* In the manga, Byakuya sliced apart the segments of **Hihiō Zabimaru**.[254] In the anime, however, **Hihiō Zabimaru** merely collapsed to the ground while in midair.[230]
* In the anime against Zommari, Byakuya was erroneously shown with Senbonzakuya's hilt because it was not yet disclosed Senbonzakura's hilt reforms when Byakuya deactivates his Bankai.[255][256] In the manga, Byakuya was not shown with Senbonzakura's hilt when Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is active.[257]

## Quotes

* (To Renji Abarai) "*Shall I tell you the difference between you and I? It's level. It's like the story of the monkey trying to capture the moon. No matter how he struggles, it's just the moon's reflection on the water he sees. So he only sinks into the water. Time after time, he sinks.*"[259]
* (To Renji Abarai) "*With your ability, you will find it impossible to make me fall on even one knee.*"[260]
* (To Renji Abarai) "*Be proud, as someone who, after being struck by this power, is still able to retain the form of his body.*"[261]
* (To Renji Abarai) "*Congratulations. Very admirable. That time, your fang definitely reached me.*"[262]
* (To Rukia Kuchiki) "*After adopting you, I swore in front of my parents' grave that it would be my last time in breaking the rules, and from that time on, no matter what happens, I would follow and defend the rules to the very end.*"[263]
* (To Rukia Kuchiki) "*When you were sentenced to death, I was dumbfounded. The oath to my parents to follow and defend the rules, or the promise to Hisana to protect her sister. Which one should I keep? Ichigo Kurosaki, you have my gratitude. Rukia, I am sorry.*"[264]
* (To Jin Kariya) "*Regardless of who or what they are, anyone who disturbs Soul Society will be cut down.*"[68]
* (To Zommari Rureaux) "*I have already told you. You and I, our levels are as distant as the earth from the heavens. Must I spell it out for you? I have discarded my left arm, discarded my left leg, and yet even so, I have not nearly lowered myself to your level.*"[265]
* (To Zommari Rureaux) "*At what point did I ever claim that I was cutting you down in my capacity as a Shinigami? To justify the actions I have taken I need but one reason. You raised your blade in contempt of my pride.*"[266]
* (To Muramasa) *"It is really quite simple. My desire is to uphold my self-respect. That is all."*[99]
* (To Sode no Shirayuki) *"If it is for the sake of my pride, there is nothing I won't destroy."*[100]
* (To Kōga Kuchiki) "*I can't believe you called your own sword a tool and attacked it. You don't deserve the title of ‘Shinigami’."*[104]
* (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "*Do not overestimate yourself, Ichigo Kurosaki. There is none among the captains of the Gotei 13 to whom the aid of one such as yourself could be considered significant.*"[267]
* (To Kenpachi Zaraki) "*I decline. Finishing off a weakened opponent is a job better suited for a barbarian such as yourself.*"[268]
* (To Shūkurō Tsukishima) "*I have nothing but contempt for the way you do battle. Rather than face your opponent in fair combat, you prefer to toy with your enemy, stealing away the things they hold dear. You are a coward. A shameless coward who deserves to die. Now, face me like a man. Before you have even finished swinging down your blade, I will strike you down and toss your worthless body aside.*"[269]
* (To Shūkurō Tsukishima) "*I had always believed that battle was an art to be perfected through meticulous training and preparation. But today, for the first time, I was able to comprehend the thrill of indulging one's more primal instincts. You have my thanks. This battle was an enjoyable one.*"[270]
* (To Shūkurō Tsukishima) "*True enough, I owe you a great debt. And you have my thanks. However, you are Ichigo Kurosaki's enemy. And thus, no matter the debt you are owed, I will strike you down without hesitation.*"[271]
* (To Ichigo Kurosaki) *"I fear I will not last much longer. As a Captain of the Gotei 13, to be unable to defeat the foul intruders who dirty the soil of Seireitei, who have brought about the deaths of many soldiers and brought sadness to those soldiers' subordinates and families... to lose my life in defeat at the hands of such wretches brings me great shame. You, meanwhile, are a human. By all rights, you should never have become involved in this conflict. Indeed, you should never even have come to this place. Yet now, at the end of my life, I ask you to forgive me the vile hubris of making one request of you. Please... protect Soul Society."*[272]
* (To Tenjirō Kirinji) *"I have learned all too well that I am still far too weak to allow myself to grow headstrong. As I have been lucky enough to survive, I must strive to once more achieve strength enough to justify the pride I once held."*[273]
* (To Rukia Kuchiki) *"Fear is never born from nothing. It is born from the tiny insecurities that linger within our hearts."*[274]
* (To Rukia Kuchiki) *"If you wield your blade without regard for your own life, you will find yourself unable to protect anything."*[275]