Rurishika Ueno

by ghostriax

**Rurishika Ueno** (上野 璃紫佳, *Ueno Rurishika*) is the co-lieutenant and former 3rd Seat officer in the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13, under Captain Suì-Fēng.

OC by ghostriax

## Appearance

Rurishika is hinted to be of Mexican and Japanese descent. She is dark-skinned with plumb lips and a long nose. Her eyelashes and hair are light-pink, and is tied in two high-buns with flyaways. Her eyes are ruby red, with a beauty mark, and her facial expression rarely changes. She wears a stylized top of the Executive Militia corp with a loose skirt, a white sash, long black tabi socks, and black 3-inch platform shinigami sandals. She wears gold earrings on her left ear by Ōmaeda Gem-Precious Metals.

110 years ago, Rurishika's hair was a messy, shoulder-length mullet that covered one of her eyes.

Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, her twin unruly buns are lower on her head and her bangs are even lengths.

## Personality

Since her early childhood, Rurishika was very quiet and cynical. Born into an apathetic clan, who views their branch-house members, liker her, as expendable and intimacy has lost all meaning, cynicism has been ingrain in her since day one.

As stated by 2nd Division members, Rurishika is intimidating and difficult to talk to. It doesn’t help that she’s monotone and appears completely emotionless. The best way to describe her is “the product of the old Onmitsukidō.” Prior to Aizen's defeat, she was distrustful of her Captain, (or any Captains) often disobeying their orders. She's straightforward and blunt, and at times deadpan sarcastic.

Although relatively calm, she's easily annoyed, though they are not shown through her expression. She can be difficult to talk to, though when around her childhood friend Akon, she is shown to be extremely talkative. Akon has mentioned that Rurishika isn't "difficult to talk to", but that she has a hard time understanding others when they are speaking too fast. She's somewhat money driven, but it's only seen to apply to Omaeda.

Rurishika likes bagels and rice flavor latte's (horchata). She's well verse in the art of sandwich making, due to her mentor Sasakibe's adoration of Western cuisines.

Because she's monotone, reserved and rarely tends to show many emotions, Rurishika is perceived to give a cold impression to others. However, it is shown that she is capable of caring for and has many long-term friendships, such Akon, Chōjirō Sasakibe, Shinji Hirako, Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa.

Despite being a seated officer, Rurishika doesn't have a strong sense of loyalty to the Gotei 13. Her cynicism is the root of her mistrust, especially with the loss of her Zanpakuto at the hands of Central 46. She never goes out of her way to put herself in a fight and protect others. She's solely cares for her responsibility to care for the Nest of Maggots inmates, though this changes during TYBW. The death of her mentor Sasakibe, makes her protective of those close to her and take a more active role when a fight presents itself.

At some point after Aizen's defeat, with Shinji, Rose, and Kensei rejoining the Gotei 13, resuming their former positions as captains. Rurishika is seen to hang out outside of Squad Two more often and be a bit more social. Regaining her Zanpakuto and healing her relationship with it, is also a huge factor of Rurishika being overall more social.

Rurishika is popular among the male Shinigami, due to her modeling appearances in Omaeda Gem-Precious Metals magazines. Many know her as the "Gem-Precious Model."

## History

Rurishika was born into the Ueno Clan, a lower-level clan under the Noble Shihōin Clan. The clan is separated into two parts: the main family and the branch family. The main family deals with legal affairs and runs the clan, and the branch family are servants that join the Onmitsukido. Rurishika is part of the branch family.

The clan's purpose is to offer skilled assassins, in exchange for money, food, and resources. These resources are not distributed equally, and are monopolized by the main family. So the branch family is in poverty, struggling to survive. Branch family members hold a great resentment for the Shihōin Clan, partially blaming them for not holding the main family accountable regarding the distribution of assets.

#### **Joining the Onmitsukido**

Rurishika served under the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, Yoruichi Shihōin and quickly rose a First Rank Assassin, and became the youngest to hold the title. Her predecessor Kisuke Urahara, would bring Rurishika to the Nest of Maggots to hang out with Akon. Her reserved nature, made the situation very awkward and intimidating, despite the two being close in age. When Akon mustered the courage to asked how it was like ‘outside the prison’, the two discovered that both are essentially ‘trapped’ in a place not meant for kids (Akon in the Nest of Maggots, and Rurishika in the Onmitsukido).

When Yoruichi merged the Onmitsukido with Squad Two, she was given the opportunity to learn her Zanpakuto name. Revealed to have a lightning-type, she begins to train under Chōjirō Sasakibe. During training, they were interrupted by 5th Division captain, Shinji Hirako and recently promoted lieutenant, Sōsuke Aizen. Chojiro had missed the previous Lieutenant meeting, and had asked Aizen to cover him, thus he had come by to report the meeting. When the two are talking, Rurishika separates herself from the two, and Shinji catches her sharp eyes directed at his Lieutenant. He immediately understood that Rurishika did not like Aizen, and boldly called her out on it. She doesn't deny it, and even challenges the idea of having to like someone just because everyone around them has nice things to say about them. It intrigues Shinji to come across someone else who is suspicious of Sōsuke Aizen. He playfully asks if she likes him then, further commenting that he would appreciate if a cute-girl idolizing him vs his lieutenant. Rurishika dismisses his jokes, and blankly states that she has no idea who he is. Offering his hand, he introduces himself as the Captain of the 5th Division, Rurishika accepts his handshake, introducing herself as an Executionist of the 2nd Division.

#### **Becoming a Corps Commander / Seated Officer**

When Kisuke Urahara is promoted to Captain, Rurishika replaces him as Corps Commander of the Detention Unit/ 3rd Seat of the 2nd Division. Around the same time, Akon is pardoned to join the 12th Division as an assistant in the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. With Akon and Rurishika essentially released from their perspective prisons, Rurishika began to open up and truly befriend Akon. They would explore the Soul Society together, during these trips they would meet and befriended the captains and lieutenants of the time, such as Rose, Lisa and Shinji.

#### The Past Arc

Rurishika is caught accidentally spying on the Hollowfication incident. Aizen sends out Gin to kill her and the two clash. Rurishika manages to surprise Gin with the use of her Shikai, paralyzing Gin. Aizen ends up letting her go, claiming that if she ever reported it no one would believe her.

Submitting a very detail report regarding what really happened, she is summoned to speak to Central 46. She's asked to give her report once again, and ends up giving a longer and more detailed report, verifying her truth. Despite this her report is deemed a hoax, as "the evidence is deemed far more important than any testimony." Captain Kyoraku had witnessing Aizen in his office during the time of the incident. Central 46 tried her for false accusation intended to damage a captains' reputation, and was ordered to give up her Zanpakuto. The loss of her Zanpakuto plus witnessing the Hollowfication of her close friends, causes her to experience unnerving nightmares, and in turn extremely apathetic and distrustful of others.

## Plot

### Soul Society Arc

#### The Sneak Entry Arc

Rurishika is first seen walking with Captain Suì-Fēng and Lieutenant Ōmaeda through the 2nd Division Headquarters. Ōmaeda complains about how annoying it is that Ryoka have entered Soul Society, the death of Captain Aizen and now everyone is questioning if Rukia Kuchiki’s planned execution is legitimate. Figuring that the superiors already made their decision he considers the issue pointless conversation.

Suì-Fēng tells them that she has no interest in whether it is right or wrong, as she only cares about executing her orders as captain of the Gotei 13. All that if they get in her way, they are her enemies, and all enemies must be slain. Ōmaeda denotes that he understands before Suì-Fēng promptly tells him that the same goes for him as well. She explains that he should know where his loyalties lie and should he get in her way he will become her enemy. Ōmaeda smirks and states that he will remember that.

Suì-Fēng then turns to glare at Rurishika, asking her to speak up. She brings up the fact that Central 46 didn’t send the Captain that’s responsible for conducting the assassination to the human world and execute Rukia Kuchiki. It hits a nerve on Suì-Fēng, and Ōmaeda jumps in bringing up Kuchiki royal family status. Rurishika rejects the ideal, explaining that if the Kuchiki Family had any influence they wouldn’t have a public execution. Suì-Fēng asks, what she’s implying. Rurishika responds by saying that she’s only pointing out key things that are going on within, but everyone is too preoccupied with what’s going on outside to notice that Central 46 orders are not to be trusted. Suì-Fēng makes a backhand comment, aware of Rurishika disdain towards higher authority, and then states that her only concern should be guarding the execution.

#### The Rescue Arc

Rurishika is assigned to guard Rukia Kuchiki's execution. At the Sōkyoku, she thinks back at everything that has been happening, and decides that she is completely in the right to question the situation. Disobeying Suì-Fēng order, she decides to leave her post and search Central 46. She easily infiltrated and is stunned to discovered that all forty-six members were brutally killed some time ago. Before she's able to inform anyone, she is immediately cut down by Gin.

She is later found by Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Isane, and is then hospitalized. Rurishika wakes up a week later after Aizen's betrayal, and is immediately greeted by Akon, who was waiting for her to wake up. After she is checked and discharged, Akon gets to the point, asking if the nightmares regarding the incident that happened 100 years ago, was a real life experience. Rurishika avoids the question, and tells him that she needs to check on the 'Nest.' But Akon stops her, begging Rurishika to talk to him.

Unable to talk about it, especially in an area surrounded by nosy shinigami, Rurishika tells him she will at a later time. Rurishika ends up sneaking into Akon office and hands him an old diary. She explains that she did what Akon suggested, to write down her nightmares. Her diary goes into intense detail of what she saw 100 years ago and how she was punished by Central 46 for reporting it, losing her Zanpakuto.

### Bount Invasion Arc (anime only)

During a captains meeting to address the recent betrayal of Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, Captain Kyoraku brings up Rurishika's report regarding Aizen and the Hollowfication Incident. It is revealed that 100 years ago, she reported Aizen as the true culprit of the Hollowfication experiments and theorized his betrayal but her report was deemed a hoax, and was punished by Central 46, confiscating her Zanpakuto.

Captain Hitsugaya's speaks up, wondering why Central46 didn't at least investigate before labeling her report a "hoax." Captain Kyoraku reveals that he had seen Aizen, or what we know now, an illusion of him, during the time of the incident, thus Central 46 tried Rurishika for "a false accusation intended to damage multiple high ranking-officers reputation."

When the Bount threat to the Soul Society became a serious threat, and suspicion arrises of a traitor within the Captains, Rurishika is directly asked by Head Captain Yamamoto to look into the possibility of Captain Kurotsuchi being the traitor. She refuses the order, as she does not believe that Captain Kurotsuchi would betray the Soul Society, especially when it did not benefit him. Captain Yamomoto instead asks her to prove her words to be true, but again Rurishika refuses, commenting that "You should have asked me 100 years ago to prove my words to be true, maybe then I would be much more wiling to follow your orders."

With Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake in the room, Kyoraku wonders out loud if with her report finally proving to be true, will she be gaining her Zanpakuto back, but there was no answer.

### Arrancar Invasion Arc

While training with Sasakibe, the two are interrupted by Captain Kyoraku, claiming to have a present for Rurishika. Tucked into his hands is Rurishika's zanpakuto. She hasn't seen it nor heard from it for ages, and is stunt-lock. Captain Kyoraku vocally awes as this is the first time he see's a hint of emotion on Rurishika face, and compliments her cute expression. Having been apart for over 100 years, Rurishika has lost her connection with her Zanpakutō, and thus is unable to use Shikai.

Rurishika is then assigned by her captain, to go to the WOTL and check up on Yoruichi, who was recently injured by the Espadas. It suprises Omeada to see that Rurishika easily accepted the assignment, as she rarely does anything that is asked by her Captain. After checking on Yoruichi, Rurishika true intention is revealed. She seeks information on Shinji/ the Vizords whereabouts. After looking around Karakura Town, she comes to the conclusion that they are strictly concealing themselves from other spiritual beings, thus is unable to find them. She wonders if she should bother asking Kisuke, knowing he will most likely feign ignorance.

When a second group of Arrancars invade Karakura Town, Rurishika doesn't step in, calmly sipping tea in Kisuke's Shop. Despite the various battles between shinigami and arrancars happening concurrently, she is able to distinguish Shinji's spiritual pressure and is about to take the chance to find him. She's interrupted by Yoruichi, asking her why she isn't helping Renji out, who is fighting an arrancar right outside their shop. Rurishika is cold and blunt, stating that it's obvious why, because she doesn't care for the sixth division lieutenant. Yoruichi shakes her head, and makes a comment how she hasn't changed much. Changing the subject, she says that Suì-Fēng sent her to help her out and recuperate, so she should stay at the shop and help her bathe.

A few days later, Rurishika ends up leaving the WOTL, resuming her main duties.

#### Battle at Fake Karakura Town Arc

When Aizen along with his top three Espada attack Fake Karakura Town, Rurishika is one of the many shinigami assigned to protect the barrier surrounding the Fake Karakura Town. She's standing guard with Lieutenant Sasakibe, staying out of the fights and keeping watch. During her watch, she is suddently reunited with the Vizords. Shinji tells her they need to get through the barrier and enter the battle zone, and that they can catch up and 'chit-chat' after the battle. Rurishika lets them through, despite Chojiro's ordering her not to.

### Zanpakuto Rebellion Arc (anime only)

Rurishika is mentioned to be in the WOTL. Though Omeada has no idea why, the others speculate it’s to catch up with Shinji.

### The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc

When she receives the news of Chojiro Sasakibe's death via hell butterfly, she drops. She’s later seen at the funeral with swollen eyes, paying their last respects to him. She begins to reminisce about their time together. Sadly she feels like she has no time to think about him, having to prepare for war right after the funeral.

Rurishika gets informed that the Nest has fully relocated further down, protecting the inmates from whatever is to come. When the Wandenreich attack, Rurishika notices the blue pillars appearing across the Seireitei. As per her captain's orders, she focuses on eliminating the foot guards. Sometime after the battle's conclusion, Rurishika is seen to be by Akon side at the 4th Division, who is currently unconscious due to the severity of his injuries.

## Powers & Abilities

### **Combat**

**Onmitsukidō Prodigy:** Rurishika is considered a gifted prodigy in the Onmitsukidō. The youngest to gain the title, First Rank Assassin.

**Masterful Reiatsu Control:** Rurishika's most defined skill is her tremendous Reiatsu Control. Such exact use allows her to fight with maximum efficiency. She is also trained in the mastery of hiding her presence from detection.

* **Super-Enhanced Strength:** Rurishika's notable skill is her super-enhanced strength, easily overcoming those four times her own size. Her tremendous Reiatsu control is a vital part of her enhanced strength and fighting style. By building up reiatsu into any part of her body, she is able to release it on contact. The attacks are strong enough to break through Hierro. She can also use this increased in strength to lift the Gatekeepers.
* **Enhanced Durability**: Rurishika is highly durable, able to stop any force targeted at her, such as blades and kicks, with a single hand, without sustaining any injuries. If injured, she's able to ignore most injuries without noticeably affecting her performance. She's also capable of using her Reiatsu to negate kido attacks.

**Hakuda Master** : As the Corps Commander of the Detention Unit, she is required to be highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat because the Detention Unit's prison, the Nest of Maggots, is a weapons-free zone. Anyone who enters must be able to, or be under the protection of one able to, completely protect themselves with only their bare hands.

**Master Assassin:** Rurishika is one of the foremost masters in the art of assassination, right after Suì-Fēng. She has studied all the disciplines of the punishment force since she was a child, including poison. Because of this, over the years she has developed a resistance to nearly every poison there is.

**Shunpo Expert:**

* **Utsusemi (空蝉, Cast-Off Cicada Shell)**

**Swordsmen Expert:** While preferring to fight her opponents barehanded, Rurishika does engage in sword combat when the moment arises. Rurishika is proficient enough to cross swords with captain-level enemies, training under Chojiro Sasakibe.

* Being Chojiro's disciple, Rurishika has a similar sword fighting technique to him.

**Infiltration Expert**: Rurishika is an expert at infiltration.

**Kidō Practitioner**: Rurishika claims she has poor skills in Kido, hence why she's unable to preform Shunko.

**Reiatsu Power:** Rurishika spiritual power has the same effect as her Zanpakutō, as it is an elemental representative of lightning. It feels like getting indirectly struck with lightning. It's jolting, and may lead to excruciating pain, rendering them unconscious. If it is ever let out in large amounts, it can cause a seizure and temporary loss of vision. High ranking officers describe it as a static shock from an electric plug. Captains say it's like a small pinch.

When you're around her for a long time, one's hair will start to fly upward and can get fluffy. You’re also prone to get a little zap from physical contact, which she does on purpose to get a reaction from you.

### Zanpakuto

It's sealed form, it resembles a kodachi with an oval-gold guard. It's hilt and sheath are pink. It is kept horizontally behind her lower back.

**Shikai:** Unknown

* ***Shikai Special Ability:*** Unknown

**Bankai:** Unknown

* ***Bankai Special Ability:*** Unknown

## Relationships

### Primary

Chosen family bonds. These are the souls that Rurishika 100% trusts.

#### Chōjirō Sasakibe

When Rirushika gains a lightning-type zanpakutō, she begins to train under Chōjirō Sasakibe to help her master it. Their awkward relationship grows to a father-daughter dynamic. He brings her to the Tea Ceremony Clubs, and his English Society Trips. Part of their training schedule is to learn how to make western deli, that they both take very seriously.

#### Akon

Akon knows her the best, having known each other since they were kids. When Rurishika lost her zanpakuto, Akon turned to be one of the few people Rurishika continued to trust. His absolute answers, methods, and logical mind makes hims extremely trustworthy to a cynic such as Rurishika. He's the only one that calls her "Ruri."

#### Shinji Hirako

Shinji and Rurishika connected through their suspicious of his then-lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen. Because Shinji can read right through her, he doesn’t take her “cynical” personality so seriously and easily gets along with her. In fact, he responds to her cynicism with deprecating dark humor. It's through her brotherly relationship with Shinji, that has helped her be nicer with her words, and although it always comes across as deadpanned sarcasm. It also aligns her loyalties with the Vizords.

### Tertiary

Peers she has come to meet and value their presence, but doesn't actively seek them out.

#### Kisuke Urahara

With both being in the Onmitsukidō, Kisuke was initially skeptical of having such a young child in the organization. He began to take her to the Nest of Maggots so Rurishika can socialize with a young inmates around her age, that being Akon. Kisuke understands her cynical point of view and won’t push any moral judgments on her. When Kisuke is promoted to a Captain, he recommends Rurishika to be the new Corps Commander of the Detention Unit.

## Trivia

* She attends Captain Byakuya Kuchiki's Calligraphy Club and the Tea Ceremony Club
* She is the face of Omaeda Gem-Precious Metals magazines
* The Shinigami Women's Association is trying to released a photo collection on Rirushika, but her pay rate is really high...