Bleach: How Much Has Rukia Changed Since Season 1?

One of the key factors in the massive success of Bleach is its memorable and iconic female cast, and there’s no better example than Kuchiki Rukia, the series’ deutaragonist. Throughout the story, fans see her grow from humble and difficult origins to a powerful and accomplished member of the Gotei 13. Bleach is acclaimed for the excellent character growth of many characters. They evolve in every way to showcase a person’s real soul-searching and how harsh and good experiences shape people.

Rukia is a character that has seen her fair share of tragedy and loss. She’s someone who doesn’t stop looking for greater heights. She confides in her loved ones and supports them in turn. Behind her brash exterior is a deeply caring and kind person, somewhat of a reflection of her best friend Ichigo. And like him, she’s learned so much from the wise mentors surrounding her; her captain, Ukitake Juushirou, her older brother Kuchiki Byakuya, and Shiba Kaien, who would shape Rukia’s life in many ways.

Hostile and Difficult Origins

Rukia lived her early years in the Rukongai district, where she grew up mostly by herself and poor. She eventually meets a group of poor children stealing food from a vendor, one of them being Abarai Renji. Rukia, Renji, and their friends tried to live in those harsh conditions for a long time until the kids started dying in different ways. The two of them then decide to join the Soul Reaper academy and become Soul Reapers to lead a better life. Rukia’s origins would shape a big part of her personality, having a bold exterior and the courage that she needed to survive, and her friendship with Renji would be a key part of her life moving forward.

Sometime after the two were enlisted at the academy, Rukia met the Kuchiki Clan, one of the noble families, and they adopted her into the family for reasons unknown to Rukia at the time. This was the first time she met Kuchiki Byakuya, who would now be her older brother. After that, her relationship with Renji grew distant, leaving the two in constant heartbreak. The Kuchiki family would allow her, along with other excellent performances, to quickly enlist in the Gotei 13, in Squad 13, led by the kind and wise Ukitake Juushiro, one of the oldest and most powerful soul reapers around.

This is where she would meet Shiba Kaien, her lieutenant, and a member of the Shiba noble family. Kaien treated Rukia no differently from the others for being nobility and instead acted as a mentor to the young girl. Kaien was the life of Squad 13, charming, cheerful, and caring. Rukia looked up to Kaien more than anyone, he was the one who taught them all she needed to know starting in Gotei 13. Kaien died at the hands of Rukia by his own will, as a parasitic Hollow possessed him. Kaien’s death would pain Rukia and Captain Ukitake for many years.

The Soul Society Arc Changed Her Life

Rukia became stronger with each passing year, but she wouldn’t become a lieutenant. After giving her power to Ichigo, Rukia is sentenced to death by Central 46. After Ichigo and Renji save her, Byakuya reveals the truth to her. After Rukia finds out about her late sister Hisana, who is Byakuya’s wife, her bond with her brother grows ever closer, as it did with Renji. Rukia soon regains her powers, so she joins active duty in the Gotei 13 just in time for the war against Aizen Sosuke’s Arrancar Army. During her deadly battle with Novena Espada, Aaroniero, she faced yet another trial by fire, killing the Hollow that took Kaien’s life.

After Aizen’s defeat, Ichigo loses his powers and connection with Soul Society. During that time, Rukia finally became the lieutenant of Squad 13. She then assists Ichigo in his battle along with the Xcution members. Rukia’s closeness with Ichigo has been a defining factor in her life, as it grounded her to the pleas of humans, and it also motivated her to grow ever stronger alongside him. Ichigo’s efforts in saving her allowed her to reconcile with Renji after many years, and finally have a proper sibling relationship with Byakuya, who had treated her coldly for so long.

Reaching Greater Heights

When the war against the Wandenreich started, neither Rukia nor her friends could hold their own against Quincy and their powerful abilities. After being seriously wounded, Rukia, Renji, and Byakuya were taken to the Royal Palace where they trained with Squad 0. During Quincy’s Second Invasion, Rukia, Renji, and Byakuya join the battle, showcasing their newfound power.

Rukia had the opportunity to battle Sternritter F – The Fear, Äs Nodt, who had almost killed her brother and stolen his Bankai previously. Rukia used her newly attained Bankai, Hakka no Togame, decimating the transformed Quincy in a single blow. Rukia’s bankai is incredibly powerful, but it takes a toll on her, reflecting how every breakthrough she’s had has come with grief and pain. Byakuya compliments Rukia on her new bankai and her growth, giving Rukia the acknowledgment she always wanted from her older brother. Byakuya had given Rukia the cold shoulder for years, and now he sees his sister as his equal, strengthening the sibling bond between them.

Rukia Kuchiki is a character that has faced tremendous hardship and loss, but she never let it defeat her. Instead, she continuously grew from it. Growing ever more courageous and stronger. Always surpassing herself, reaching such heights as to stand next to her loved ones. Her relationships with her brother Byakuya, her beloved Renji, and her best friend Ichigo have been a defining part of her life. Rukia is an icon for strong female characters in Shōnen anime. The ice princess from Bleach never ceases to amaze.