Description
Byakuya has slate gray eyes and long black hair, which he keeps up in intricate white headpieces called kenseikan that symbolize his nobility as the head of the Kuchiki family, one on top of his head and another on the right side. He wears the standard captain uniform along with a white scarf made by the master weaver, Tsujishirō Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from the silver-white, windflower light silk (
ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu) and is a family heirloom that is handed down from generation to generation and is given to each Kuchiki family head. The scarf alone is worth enough to buy ten mansions in the Seireitei. He also wears fingerless white tekkou that cover only the back of his hands.
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. However, when he was younger, he was quick to anger and very hotheaded, as noted by his grandfather. 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. After the events of the Aizen incident, he admitted that law isn't perfect and became more lenient, as well as more protective, of his adoptive sister, Rukia.
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 implies that he 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 if goes to Rukia's meetings, which is only responded by a smile similar to that of Gin Ichimaru's. He also once jokingly remarks that he uses Senbonzakura to cut his hair.
Having descended from noble stock, Byakuya is easily offended if his name is not used properly. As such, he views Ichigo Kurosaki in disdain for always referring to him improperly, although he has never said anything to him to change that. On one occasion, Byakuya 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 asks 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.
Byakuya has shown open disdain for those who have been disgraced or who he finds to be annoying or overconfident. This is shown when he uses unnecessary force against Ganju Shiba, who was little to no threat to him, just because he was a member of the formerly noble Shiba family. He also shows that he bears a grudge toward Yoruichi Shihōin for being better than him at Shunpo as well as annoying him by constantly rubbing his face in it, with this particular grudge spanning 110 years. This goes even as far as him even disliking having to use techniques taught to him by Yoruichi.
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 them, 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. Later, when he tries to board up the secret door, Yachiru reveals another to Byakuya's intense surprise, and his face is shown with dismay.
Equipment
Senbonzakura (千本桜, "Thousand Cherry Blossoms,"; a reference to Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura): A regular katana, with a simple cross guard, which is a simple open frame, much like a four-pane window. It has a light blue handle and white sheathe.
Shikai: It is triggered by the command "Scatter" (散れ, chire).
Shikai Special Ability: 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 Senbonzakura is rendered near-unstoppable. While the blades are supposedly too small to be seen 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.
Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms): is essentially a much larger version of Senbonzakura's Shikai. To activate it, Byakuya needs to drop 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 then scatter and countless flying blades pierce the enemy. No one knows the exact number of blades generated and no one can see the movements of those blades or even dodge them. The number of blades is great enough that Byakuya can use them for defense as well as offense at the same time. He commonly forms them into large masses, designed to obliterate opponents instantaneously. As it moves through the air like torrents of waves, it gives the appearance of cherry blossoms flowing swiftly along with the wind. Byakuya's defensive use allows him to cover himself entirely in these tiny blades, and form a body shield. Unlike his Shikai, his Bankai is entirely 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 three fold. Similar to his Shikai, its attack is triggered with the phrase Scatter.
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 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 (殲景, Slaughterscape; Viz: "annihilate"): 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 Zanpakutō. 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 up 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.
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. It then flies into them from every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and no possibility to escape. It then collapses on itself, obliterating the opponent. 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).
Shūkei: Hakuteiken (終景: 白帝剣, "Endscape: White Emperor Sword";): 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 (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. The blade in this form is dangerous enough to cause aggravated injuries in one single blow. The wings are capable of being used for flight. Whether or not this form allows only one single attack or more is as yet unknown.
So begins...
Byakuya Kuchiki flashtepped into the bar, coming to a walking halt, so as he continued his momentum had his robe, and hair swaying. He walked in a determined and and regal manner, with purpose, direction, and elegance. As he always did. Many people claim to see cherry blossums around him from time to time, adding to his handsomness. Some even say, beauty. Byakuya walked to the bar and ordered a plater of spicy sushi rolls with fried vegetables. He ordered a sake as well.
Byakuya listened to the music and just continued to look on solemnly, beginning to feel even more calm than he usually does. Which isn't possible in his mind. But anyone who really knew Byakuya would be able to tell you that he was emotionless. Which he wasn't as a friend would very much tell you this. Byakuya, after recieving his food, he began eating in a well-mannered organized way. He does everything with precesion and method. Which is how he was taught to use his swordplay. Which is superior to most.
Byakuya looked over at the women snapping her fingers. Finding it annoying, he approached her. "Hello, could you stop that please?"
"Excuse me ma'am, but that is very obnoxious. Do you have a speach impedament?" Byakuya stated, clearly trying to enjoy his meal, and be peaceful. He didn't want any trouble, but is very justice driven.
Byakuya, slightly at a lost. Started to sign at the young women. A skill he learned 50 yrs ago. 'Excuse me, do you sign?' He stated through sign language.
Byaku signed again, what he had mentioned before. Patience through the roof at the movement.
'Maybe you are one who can telecommunicate? Or if not, could you be one who could just write down what you want? I've even met someone who can write there words in thin air, trailing magical lines into beautiful cursive. Maybe you can do this?' Byakuya signed back. Not really understanding why other people didn't actually know sign language.
'I am sorry for upsetting you. I did not know you felt so adamentley about that.' Byakuya just lookled on with facination at was happening around him. A fascinating women who was deaf it seems, and mute. Also, a few people walking in amd one person getting slapped. That was very surprising, although he saw his subordinates getting slapped every now an again.
Byakuya looked on with mild amusment at the way the coworjer was reacting to the slap that had been delivered. He wpndered what would be done to make someone publicallly embaress someone. He only knew justice, and morales. So he was farely sure that he did something to deserve it, however, he would not inquire, for it was not his business and no one was in danger. Byakuya also noticed a gentlemen not far from him, who seemed to be in distress. He looked to be having a mental battle of some sort. Something he was very well aquainted with. The total hypnosis that Aizen used was far worse than this, for you didn't even feel the invasion of the mind. You could just end up dead the next moment. However, he had run into other mentally invasive zanpakto's before.
Byakuya, having enough of the shenaningans happening before him. Drank the portion of sake given to him earlier, and flashstepped out of the bar. Headin to where no would want to go.
Byakuya flashedstepped in. wearing his normal robes, minus his scarf. He was looking to catch up on some basic training. He had been flexing his advance bankai and shikai techniques too much. He felt detached from his basic training. So he came to the dojo, thinking to find some alone time, yet, there were people in the building. He looked about, scanning the room to find a gentlemen with an exceptional spiritual pressure. He thought to seek him out, and talk to him, but that was not his style.
Byaku pulled his sword, and started his training, swinging his sword in a bsic overhead swing. Practicing his footing, and xomposure. Making sure to breathe and properly slash, back, forth, side sweep. He started slow, then sped up with each swing, until it was nothin more than a blur of slashing, eventually it got to the point wear it looked like he was no longer moving.
Byakuya stopped his practice for a moment to address the man who approached him. He looked him over, feeling his spiritual pressure, noting it for recognition later. "Yes, I am 6th captian. What of it?" Byakuya wasn't the most friendly captian, but he was certainly the most justice oriented, and probably the one with most finesse and technique. He would not let anyone escape justice or incompetence in swordplay. He would not stand for sloppiness in technique.
"Have I have nothing to hide. The Gotei 13 captains don't usually involve themselves in pointless battles. But seeing how as wer are outside the seretei, I suppose I will only ask one question before my answer. Did you defeat Kenpachi Zaraki as a way to become captian yourself?" Byakuya asked pointedly, sheathing his zanpakuto.
"Do you have to be so rude? Sure Ex captain. I will spar with you."
"We can take this elsewhere."
Byakuya walked outside, and stood there looking at his sparring partner.
Byakuya decided he would test the boys skill with his normal opening move. He would flashstep past him, slashing at his chest and back, sheathing his sword at the end. He would do this with his normal speed, which is fast enough to catch a cheetah running three times its speed.
Byakuya would turn around and quickly draw his sword, aiming for the strangers neck after that initial move.
Byakuya flashstepped back, but looked as if he had not moved off the ground, he ahd simply moved a few feet off the ground, and was using his reistua stay off the ground. He moved forward again, having drawn his sword, he would keep it that way. With uncaring eyes, he did a double slash at the guys chest and arm.
Byakuya slashed the blade aside, and stepped so fast, there was no sound, and almost no mevment (that was what it looked like.) He had the blade pointed at the mans neck, with his eyes still unemotion. But if you looked closely, you would notice a change in a certain feature of his. Byakuya was aiming for his neck when he said simply. "Die."
Byakuya would continue to move forward, noticing the man stepping back, he would step in and still try to impale the man, simulatneously, you would see his left hand aimed down.
"Sokatsui"...A blindinly powerful surge of powerful blue electricity/energy would surge into the ground. Leaving nothing but cloud and dust for the next few minutes. Byakuya will have flastepped away from the explosion, into the blindspot of the man he was facing.
