Kuchiki Byakuya

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.[4] He also wears fingerless white tekkou that cover only the back of his hands.
edit 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.[5] 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.[3] 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.[6] He also once jokingly remarks that he uses Senbonzakura to cut his hair.[6] In one of the omake chapters, Byakuya claims that life in general is not supposed to be entertaining, and even makes up an idea for a game that is not really meant to be amusing.

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.[6] 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.[7]

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 (his face is not shown when he sees the room's interior). 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.
edit History
Byakuya as a teenager, approximately 110 years before the start of the storyline.

Byakuya was born into the Kuchiki family, one of the four noble families. Byakuya grew up in the Kuchiki mansion in the Seireitei of Soul Society. He would spend countless hours training, in preparation of taking over the leadership of the Kuchiki family and the 6th Division from his grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki.[8]

Yoruichi Shihōin appeared to be on good terms with the members of the Kuchiki noble family, as she would often visit the Kuchiki manor to play tag with Byakuya. On one such occasion, approximately 110 years ago, she is presented to a training Byakuya by his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki family as well as the 6th Division captain. Upon seeing the arrival of Yoruichi, he swung his sword at her and called her a demon cat. Yoruichi laughed and playfully began to tease him, calling him "Little Byakuya," complaining about why she received such a greeting after she came all the way there to see him. Byakuya yelled at her that he would never want to see the likes of her and that he will be the head of the Kuchiki clan soon enough so he has no time to waste on her. This prompted Yoruichi to steal the ribbon holding his hair back, Byakuya reacted by quickly turning and swinging his sword at her, but she used Shunpo to move to the roof of a nearby building. Yoruichi laughed at him and exclaimed that if the head of clan Kuchiki could get his hair tie stolen by a girl at play, then she would worry about the future of the clan. Not to be defeated so easily, Byakuya told her not to move an inch, but before he could finish speaking, she told him that he couldn't catch her just as she used Shunpo again to begin the chase. Byakuya plainly stated that he could see that she wished to incite his wrath, and he promised to make her see the error of her ways, further making the claim that his Shunpo is far superior to the likes of hers.[9]

Fifty-five years ago, Byakuya married Hisana Kuchiki, who was a commoner from Rukongai; therefore, he broke the rules by accepting her into the noble Kuchiki family. Five years later, she became sick and was near death. Shortly before her passing, Hisana asked Byakuya to find and adopt her biological sister, Rukia, whom she had abandoned as a baby. She also made him promise that he would not tell Rukia about her real family, for she believed that by abandoning Rukia when she was younger, she was not worthy to be called her sister.[10]
Byakuya about to adopt Rukia Kuchiki into the Kuchiki clan.

One year later, Byakuya found Rukia at the Shinigami Academy and immediately adopted her into the Kuchiki clan. By adopting her, Byakuya respected his late wife's final wish, but had broken the rules of his clan again. He later swore upon his parents' graves that he would never break the rules again, no matter what. As a result, he, though entirely apathetic on the surface, is actually deeply conflicted with the matter of Rukia's execution; should he intervene, it would require breaking the promise to his parents and the rules again, but should he do nothing, he would fail to fulfill the last promise he made to his dying wife to protect Rukia as his own sister.[11]

Less than 49 years ago and not long before Rukia joined the Gotei 13, Byakuya became the captain of the 6th Division. Gin Ichimaru became captain of the 3rd Division at the same time, and Gin would commonly start pointless conversations with Byakuya during times they crossed paths.[12]
edit Plot
Agent of the Shinigami arc
Byakuya Kuchiki's first appearance. Note the absence of his haori.

Byakuya first appears on a mission with his lieutenant, Renji Abarai, to capture Rukia Kuchiki and return her to Soul Society and kill Ichigo Kurosaki. He stands and watches as his lieutenant Renji Abarai attacks Rukia. [13] He stands by as Uryū Ishida enters into the conflict between Renji and Rukia.[14] Shortly after Renji defeats Ishida, Byakuya bears witness to the arrival of Ichigo and watches as Renji engages him. When Renji is almost hit by Ichigo, Byakuya tells his lieutenant that he is being too careless, but Renji simply states that Ichigo is nothing to worry about. Byakuya explains to him that he knew Ichigo looked familiar, as 33 hours ago, they used the Special Forces to get his image. They then sent a Menos Grande into the Human world and Ichigo gave it a scar. Renji laughs at the idea that Ichigo would be capable of such a thing.[15]

Eventually, Ichigo turns the tables on Renji and strikes back. He prepares for a killing strike, but in an instant, realizes that the majority of his sword has been cut off. He realized that Renji didn't do it and Ichigo sees it as impossible that Byakuya could have, as he is so far away. Then Byakuya drops Ichigo's blade and prepares to unsheathe his Zanpakutō. Before Ichigo realizes it, Byakuya is behind him and he has a grievous wound on his chest.[16] The attack was so fast that Ichigo can't tell whether he was attacked from the front or the back.[17] Byakuya then asks Renji if something is wrong. Renji tells him there was no need for him to directly attack Ichigo, as he could have finished him. Byakuya tells him not to be like that, for if he is always the spectator, his skills may degrade.[18]

When Rukia runs to Ichigo's body, Renji stops her. Byakuya then asks her whether she would still go to Ichigo's side after all that has just happened. He then tells her that he understands as he does resemble him (referring to Rukia's former mentor and lieutenant Kaien Shiba). Ichigo comes to and grabs Byakuya's pant leg. Byakuya tells him to let go, but Ichigo defiantly tells him he can’t hear him and he should look at him when talking to him. Kicking his arm away, Rukia then scolds Ichigo for not knowing his place and tells Byakuya that she is ready to leave, accepting her punishment. She then asks that Byakuya leave Ichigo be, to which he agrees. He states that those two attacks were vital, his chest and collarbone have been thoroughly injured, and he should die in a half hour and even if he does happen to live, not even a speck of Shinigami power will be left in him. He then has Renji open a Senkaimon back to Soul Society.[19]

Later, in Soul Society, Byakuya comes across Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the 11th Division and Gin Ichimaru, captain of the 3rd Division, with them both teasing him about Rukia being sentenced to death, saying that he is depressed, as a noble family wouldn't stand to have a criminal as a member. Byakuya says that he didn't think lower class people could understand the feelings of nobles. Kenpachi counters by telling him that he is very bright, and since he is so bright why doesn't Byakuya allow him to finish Rukia off before she is executed. Byakuya states he didn't know that with Kenpachi's level, he could actually kill people. Kenpachi tells him to try him and the two were about to engage in combat, but Gin stops Kenpachi by tying and carrying him away all while apologizing to Byakuya.[20]
Soul Society arc

Byakuya is present during the captain's emergency meeting called by General Yamamoto. However, he remains silent throughout the constant bickering between his fellow officers.[21][22]
Byakuya suddenly appears behind Hinamori

Upon Renji's defeat by Ichigo, Renji is brought to a secure location and watched over by his Izuru Kira, lieutenant of the 3rd Division and Momo Hinamori, lieutenant of the 5th Division. Distraught, Momo asks Izuru to call for the 4th Division medics. Byakuya then appears behind Momo and tells them that there is no need, as Renji is to be thrown in jail. When Momo tries to plead with him, Byakuya plainly tells her that he doesn't want excuses, since Renji was alone when he fought and he has no reason to have lost. Momo asks him how can he say that, but she is stopped by Izuru, who apologizes to Byakuya before a reluctant Momo does the same.[23]

Byakuya later interrupts Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada's attempt to rescue Rukia.[24] Ganju decides, out of the two, he would take on Byakuya.[25] Byakuya tells him that he could sense some faint spiritual pressure going toward Shishinrou, at first he thought it was someone strong holding back his spiritual pressure, but it was nothing but a big fat bug.[26] Ganju goes to attack Byakuya, but before he knows it, Byakuya is past him, severely damaging Ganju's left arm. Byakuya tells him to be gone, but Ganju tells him that he doesn't know how it is among the nobles, but a coward that could be scared away by such an attack does not exist in the Shiba family.[27] Upon hearing his family name, he apologizes for not hitting Ganju harder, but he questions what Byakuya can do from so far away. Rukia looks on and realizes what is about to happen and screams to Byakuya to stop. Byakuya releases his Shikai and he is practically shredded by Byakuya's Shikai. Ganju falls to his knees as Hanatarō and Rukia stare in disbelief.
Jūshirō stops Byakuya from killing Hanatarō

As Byakuya raises his sword to finish Ganju off, he is stopped by Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the 13th Division. He tells Byakuya that he thinks that is enough and he explains that the release of a Zanpakutō in Konnatokoru is a first class offense. Byakuya tells him that it is a war time situation, causing the ban on releasing a Zanpakutō to be lifted. Ukitake wonders if the lifting of the ban has something to do with Captain Aizen’s death.[28]

Byakuya and Ukitake then sense the arrival of a strong spiritual pressure at the level of a captain.[29] Ichigo then shows up and tells Rukia that he has come to save her and he goes to engage Byakuya in combat.[30]

Ukitake asks Byakuya who Ichigo is, but Byakuya simply says that he is no one.[31] Ichigo tells Byakuya that he has been standing around all carefree and didn't even move when he was talking to Rukia. Byakuya states there’s no reason that he would he need to sneak up on the likes of him and that Ichigo thinks too highly of himself. Byakuya then releases his spiritual pressure, forcing Rukia and Hanatarō to their knees. As Ichigo pulls out his Zanpakutō, Byakuya notes that Ichigo has not even budged to his spiritual pressure and remarks at how it seems as though Ichigo has gained strength. Byakuya tells him that he doesn't know how he has reacquired the power of a Shinigami, but he should have just gone back to his normal Human life. He uses Shunpo to get behind Ichigo, who blocks his attack with his Zanpakutō. Ichigo tells him that he saw every single step Byakuya made. They move apart and Byakuya tells him that he sees that Ichigo has improved and that in that case, he will show him the decisive difference in strength. Rukia screams at Ichigo to run as Byakuya releases his Shikai.[32]
Byakuya's shikai release being stopped by Yoruichi

Yoruichi arrives just in time to stop the release of Senbonzakura's Shikai, surprising both Byakuya and Ukitake.[33] Hanatarō asks Rukia if she knows who Yoruichi is, who says she’s heard the name before. Byakuya notes that she is the former Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō and the former Corps Commander of the Correction Corps. Ichigo asks Yoruichi if she has come to save him and thanks her but tells her that he is determined to defeat Byakuya. Before Ichigo can react, Yoruichi is in front of him and she impales him with her hand right into his bandaged chest wound, and Ukitake comments that she must be trying to save his life by releasing a strong tranquilizer directly into his body. Yoruichi acknowledges Ukitake as Byakuya comments that she won’t be able to get away so easily. Yoruichi asks him if he ever win even one against her in a game of tag and Byakuya asks if they should try again. Then the two engage in a test of speed using Shunpo with Yoruichi carrying an unconscious Ichigo, while still staying a step ahead of Byakuya. He quickly gains on her, and cuts her across the chest with his blade. However, it was a decoy, and Yoruichi remarks to him that he can't catch her with that level of Shunpo. She quickly moves to the top a nearby building and yells down to Byakuya that in three days she will make Ichigo stronger than him. Until then, the fight between the two will be on hold. As she uses Shunpo to leave she tells Byakuya that he can follow her if he chooses, but the "Goddess of Flash" will not be caught so easily.[34]

Byakuya then proceeds to leave the area, with Ukitake asking him where he is going. Byakuya continues to walk away, stating that he has lost his interest and that Ukitake can do whatever he wants to do with them.[35]

Later, after hearing of the execution date being moved up, Ukitake tries to convince Byakuya to do something, Byakuya tells him that he has already heard from a Hell Butterfly. Ukitake tells him that he will get to the point, but Byakuya interrupts him telling him that he doesn't care. He explains that the execution has been moved to tomorrow and as that is what has been decided, he will honor their decision. The stress of the situation causes Ukitake to succumb to his illness. Byakuya tells him not to stress as this isn't the first time he has lost a subordinate to his inability, and therefore it won't make a difference if he loses more. Byakuya then states that Rukia is a member of his family and not Ukitake's, so even if she is killed, it shouldn't concern him.[36]

Byakuya is then seen at in his quarters praying at the shrine to his wife when he is told that the execution is about to commence. He then says goodbye to Hisana's picture and leaves to the execution grounds.[37]

Sometime later, Renji has escaped from jail and is beating his way through his fellow 6th Division members to get to Rukia, so that he may save her from execution. He then feels a strong spiritual pressure. He looks to the top of a tower and sees Byakuya on top looking down at him. Byakuya asks him where he is going. He tells Byakuya that he is going to save Rukia, and asks if Byakuya will allow him to pass by peacefully, to which Byakuya tells him he won’t allow him to.[38]

Byakuya uses Shunpo and appears behind Renji, but when goes to attack he is surprised that Renji blocks him. Renji notes that Byakuya attempted to use "Senka", which is his favorite technique. He comments on how he has seen the move countless times, and after so many times of following Byakuya's movements with his eyes, his body is fast enough to follow, too. Byakuya remarks that Renji is talking as if he has already won.[39] Byakuya then releases his Shikai, but before it can release, Renji stops it with his Shikai, to Byakuya's surprise. Renji reiterates that Byakuya's sword can no longer kill him. He tells him that it’s not because he's his lieutenant, but because even before he joined the Gotei 13, the only one he has ever wanted to surpass was him. Byakuya notes that Renji just released his Zanpakutō without calling its name. Before he can finish what he was going to say, Renji releases his Bankai.[40]
Byakuya fights Renji's Bankai

Byakuya is somewhat surprised and asks since when has Renji been able to perform Bankai. Renji plainly tells him that he will never know, since he never did care about his subordinates. Renji asks Byakuya again to save Rukia and in return Byakuya tells him that he will not say the same thing twice. Renji goes to attack Byakuya, who uses Shunpo to move to the top of a nearby tower. Renji attacks the towers and only succeeds in knocking Byakuya off, but even then, Byakuya blocks the large Bankai with his Zanpakutō. Byakuya concedes that Renji's power is truly at the level of Bankai, but he feels that it’s time for the battle to end. Byakuya then releases his Shikai, destroying Renji's Bankai. However, just as abruptly as Renji's Bankai falls apart, it reconstitutes itself. Renji then explains that he knows the technique of Senbonzakura well, and explains that Zabimaru's segments are connected by his spiritual energy and they cannot be cut apart by knives. Byakuya is noticeably surprised at this revelation. He then slams Zabimaru into the ground, but Byakuya gets away, barely causing him to land in a kneeling position. Renji comments that Byakuya's knee has touched the ground and that it is time to end this conflict.[41]

Byakuya gets up and tells him if he wants to put an end to it, that's fine, but the curtain that falls down at the end shall be pulled down by the blade of his sword. Renji defiantly tells him that he has already told him that he knows his sword in and out and the sword that will pull down the curtain will be his, as he goes to attack. Byakuya uses Hadō #33 Sōkatsui to cause a great amount of destruction in the area, causing Renji to have to use his Zanpakutō for protection. Renji realizes that the move has allowed Byakuya to hide his movements and he goes on the attack again, but Byakuya uses Shunpo to confuse him causing him to lose control of his Bankai. Byakuya then tells him that he is the fool as he didn't use Kidō to blind him, but to disrupt the rhythm of his Bankai. Byakuya tells Renji the biggest flaw of Bankai. He then tells Renji that it is too early for him to use Bankai in battle. Renji refuses to give up and says that he knew that but says his Zanpakutō is not only bulky but durable, and even if it loses one or two segments it can still fight. Byakuya then uses Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō, stopping Renji in his place. Byakuya then tells Renji to put away his sword and he will live, unless he is still dreaming about defeating him. He then asks Renji if he forgot or if it has never occurred to him that he, too, has Bankai.[42] Byakuya then releases his Bankai, which obliterates the building behind Renji, shredding him. Renji falls and Byakuya tells him, in story form, that the difference between them is class.[43]
Byakuya defeats Renji

Byakuya explains the power of his Bankai and tells Renji that he should be proud, as someone who after being struck by his power, is still able to retain the form of his body. Renji stirs and Byakuya takes notice and tells him not to move as it will only shorten his life. But Renji refuses to give up and begins to stand and lunges at Byakuya, who use his Bankai technique Senkei to incapacitate him. He states that he is sure that Renji knows that his Bankai is now gone, and explains that if Renji chooses to get up, he will kill him sooner. Renji tells him that he swore to his soul to save Rukia, and stands.[44] He then runs toward Byakuya, attempting to attack him, but his sword breaks upon contact. Renji falls to the ground and Byakuya takes off his scarf, throws it on top of Renji's body and tells him congratulations, as his fangs actually reached him; he then leaves Renji there.[45]

Byakuya arrives at Rukia's execution, and when Rukia looks at him, he turns his head away.[46] Rukia thanks Byakuya even though he still refuses to even look at her.[47] As Rukia's execution commences, Byakuya is greatly surprised by the interference and arrival of Ichigo Kurosaki.[48] After Ichigo saves Rukia he gazes upon Byakuya.[49] After Ichigo easily dispatches three lieutenants, he ends up crossing swords with Byakuya.[50]

Byakuya asks Ichigo why he keeps on trying to save Rukia, but Ichigo questions why Byakuya isn’t trying to save her. Byakuya brushes it off as a pointless question and states that even if he was inclined to answer, Ichigo wouldn't understand. The two clash and push themselves apart. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that he will kill him and with his own hands, he will carry out Rukia's execution, but Ichigo states that won’t happen. The two then charge toward each other.[51]

Byakuya states that he finds it interesting that Ichigo was able to master Shunpo, but before he can finish Ichigo interrupts him, taunting Byakuya, stating that he hasn't scratched him once and telling him to hurry up and use Bankai. Byakuya tells him that his taunts are meaningless and he won’t change his mind about Rukia's fate or Ichigo's. He then releases his Shikai, but Ichigo blocks that attack with a blast of spiritual energy.[52]

The effect of Ichigo's attack results in a large explosion, which injures Byakuya's left hand, prompting him to ask if that attack was an ability of his Zanpakutō. When the smoke clears, a large fissure is evident where the attack took place. Ichigo confirms what the ability is, and explains that its name is Getsuga Tenshō. Once again, Ichigo tells him to fight with his Bankai. Byakuya remarks at how arrogant the name of the attack is, but he decides that since Ichigo wants to see his Bankai, he will show it to him and then releases it. Ichigo uses his Getsuga Tenshō to attack Byakuya, but it’s blocked by Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, which crushes him into the ground. The smoke clears and an injured Ichigo lays upon the ground. Ichigo begins to get up and he admits his error at using only his Shikai. Byakuya, unimpressed, and says that he is talking as though he has already achieved Bankai, but Ichigo says that’s exactly it.[53]

At first, Byakuya doesn't believe him, and Ichigo says he will have to show him. Ichigo then releases his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu while Byakuya gazes in disbelief, and asks why his Zanpakutō’s shape looks like that of a sealed Zanpakutō. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that it seems that he enjoys stepping on their pride, so he will carve on his body the penalty for violating their pride. Before Byakuya can attack, Ichigo gets up close, pointing the tip of his blade at Byakuya's throat, and asks him if that pride has anything to do with Rukia's execution, because if so, he will step all over it.[54]
Byakuya tries to catch Ichigo by directing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's movements with his hands.

When Ichigo backs off, Byakuya calls him arrogant and tells Ichigo he will regret not attacking when he had the chance and shouldn't count on getting another one.[55] The two clash, but neither hits the other as both equally dodge the others attacks. Eventually, Ichigo becomes so fast that Byakuya makes note that his speed is amazing to the point that Senbonzakura Kageyoshi can't keep up with him. Although Byakuya keeps attacking, Ichigo shows off his great speed by moving around him in a circle, escaping his attacks. Ichigo taunts him by asking if he is going too slow for him, and comments on how he can go even faster. Byakuya tells him not to get cocky and uses his hand to direct Senbonzakura Kageyoshi at Ichigo, causing it to move even faster. However, Ichigo is able to fend off Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Byakuya gazes in disbelief, thinking how it's impossible, as he deflected all of them. Before Byakuya realizes it, Ichigo is behind him taunting him, before Byakuya grabs Tensa Zangetsu, wounding himself. He then realizes the power of Ichigo's Bankai and promises to destroy it.[56]

Ichigo moves away and Byakuya reveals Senbonzakura Kageyoshi's true form, using the technique "Senkei". Ichigo stares in disbelief, but Byakuya assures him that the thousand swords will not strike him all at once.[57] They continue to battle and Byakuya asks him why his movements have become slower. Ichigo taunts him, saying he swore Byakuya was so slow that he thought he wasn't moving at all. Byakuya then calls forth one of the surrounding swords, stabs Ichigo in the foot and then uses Hado #4 Byakurai, shooting a hole through Ichigo's right shoulder. Byakuya pulls the sword from Ichigo's foot and he falls to the ground. Byakuya then tells Ichigo that he is at his limit and he explains Senkei. Ichigo finally realizes that he is the one that had gotten slower. Byakuya commends him on having made it as far as he did, having accomplished the wins he attained and even surviving Senbonzakura Kageyoshi intact, but tells him that he must realize by now that this is the end. He then raises his sword for a killing blow, only for Ichigo to grab the blade with his hand to stop it. Byakuya is surprised and asks how it is possible, but he then realizes that something is wrong and asks who this is. Ichigo looks up with his face half covered by a mask as he screams that he is nobody.[58]
Byakuya is surprised by Ichigo's inner Hollow.
The final fight of Byakuya and Ichigo.

Ichigo goes into an insane rage as his inner Hollow takes over and he slashes Byakuya across his chest wounding him. He then shatters Byakuya's blade with his bare hand. Byakuya regains his composure and calls forth another sword just as the crazed Ichigo charges at him. Ichigo..