OOC - Gargleblasted Application
OOC:
Name: Rose
Are you over 16?: Yes, 23
Personal LJ: dancing_in_time
Email: ladyotrings@yahoo.com
Timezone: EST
Other contact: AIM: ladyotrings
Characters already in the game: N/A
How did you find us?: I’ve heard a few recommendations, as well as a lucky stumble.
IC:
Character name: Kuchiki Byakuya
Fandom: Bleach
Timeline: Before he meets Zommari Leroux, near the end of chapter 298.
Age: Unknown, but possibly around 150-200. Shinigami do not age like humans and they certainly don’t look their age. Byakuya is quite young for his kind, however, and looks around his mid to late-20s.
~*Magical*~ abilities and strengths: As a Shinigami captain, Byakuya has many different abilities. Not only is he a master swordsman, but he also ranks highly in Shunpo (flash-step) and Kidou (magic). His reiatsu (spiritual pressure) is also immense and can be felt from quite a distance, as well as bring some weaker people to his knees if he is near and exerting it. This reiatsu is a good sign of his high power. He can recognize others’ reiatsu, as well, and even identify them if he knows them well.
Every Shinigami has a zanpakutou, or katana, and Byakuya’s is Senbonzakura. Each zanpakutou is unique and born with their Shinigami, as well as dying with them. They are sentient, having a spirit of their own, but work in tandem with their Shinigami. As their bond and trust deepens, the zanpakutou allows their Shinigami to learn of the blade’s releases, called Shikai and Bankai. As a Captain, Byakuya has reached both.
When Senbonzakura’s Shikai is activated by Byakuya, the blade of the katana literally scatters into one thousand tiny blades, which appear as sakura petals. The blades fly toward the opponent and are controlled as a whole unit by Byakuya swinging the hilt, as if he were still fighting with a normal katana. This attack can stop most opponents on its own, unless they are higher-level, such as another Captain, or someone of similar skill.
Senbonzakura’s Bankai is more complicated. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is very much like the Shikai attack, only multiplied. To activate it, Byakuya drops his zanpakutou, blade-tip down, into the ground, which then swallows it up. Then two rows of a thousand giant sword blades rise on either side of him and those blades scatter into the “sakura petals,” just like in his Shikai. He can use this attack both offensively and defensively, as well as control the blades’ path with his own hand for more efficiency.
His Bankai can also take three other forms for maximum overkill power. Senkei is a more concentrated attack form, as Senbonzakura forms itself into four vertical rows of glowing swords, circling around Byakuya and his opponent. Instead of using the “petals” of his Shikai and Bankai, Byakuya calls each sword to him and fights sword-to-sword. He uses Senkei when he has sworn to destroy an enemy.
Gokei goes back to the “petal” attack, increasing the amount of tiny blades and surrounding the opponent in a sphere of those swirling blades. They then attack at every angle and eventually the sphere implodes, defeating the opponent that way. Byakuya has no defense against Gokei and has had to retreat to save himself from the power.
Shuukei: Hakuteiken is another sword fighting technique, making every tiny blade into one extremely powerful sword. Because of this power, it takes the shape of a bird and Byakuya appears to have bright white wings and a halo, giving him the ability to actually fly. One attack from this sword can cause grievous injury to the opponent.
As for Shunpo, Byakuya is well-known for being quite proficient in it, as well as two techniques. Senka involves moving so quickly, as well as attacking them, that it seems as if he just appears at his opponent’s back, leaving them, and untrained eyes, to wonder where the attack came from and when. Utsusemi is when he moves so quickly that he leaves behind “clones.” This is beneficial in distracting an opponent and giving Byakuya an opening should they fall for his clone.
He has been shown to use Kidou spells up to #81 and can cast them quickly and without the incantation. Because of his strength, he can even make lower level Kidou very dangerous.
How would they use their abilities?: Byakuya would use his abilities mostly to protect, either himself or others whom he feels needs it. He would also fight to uphold the “law” or the ship’s equivalent, but with his own personal discretion. If he feels no loyalty to the ship, he most likely wouldn’t get involved unless he personally felt the need.
Appearance: Byakuya is 5’11” and even though he isn’t a mountain, like some men, he doesn’t need height to be imposing or to get his wishes across. His posture is great, while standing or sitting, and he only slouches if he is badly wounded, but otherwise his pride is too great to let his weakness show on his body. Byakuya appears to be a Lineface all the time, but his expressions are most notable in his grey eyes. They widen when he is surprised and narrow when he is annoyed. If he closes his eyes, it can be taken as a dismissal of whoever he is speaking to, or a sign of weariness because of who is talking.
Despite his baggy clothes, Byakuya is very lithe, and though he is strong, he doesn’t have noticeable muscles. His clothing consists of the standard Shinigami uniform, along with tabi socks, a white obi, and waraji sandals, and as well as tekkou gloves. The signs of his nobility are his white scarf (which is worth the amount of ten mansions) and his hair kenseikan, which symbolize his being Head of the Kuchiki Clan. The kenseikan are worn on the top of his hair, as well as the right side and keep portions of his hair parted and unmoving.
Background/Personality: I have split these up.
Background:
Kuchiki Byakuya was born into the Kuchiki family, one of the four noble houses of Soul Society, and was groomed to be the Head of the family from an early age. However, despite being nobility, he was a very headstrong youth and quick to lose his temper, especially when Shihouin Yoruichi would visit to play tag with him. Of course, this game would usually start with her greeting him with her breasts in his face, thus annoying him to the point of yelling and cursing her name, before she would always win, for her Shunpo (Flash Step, a technique that lets the practitioner move faster than the eye can see) is the fastest in Soul Society. Byakuya has always resented her for this teasing and, honestly, just being better than him at something.
At some point when he was younger, Byakuya’s parents died, though we only know that Soujun (his father) was killed in a Hollow attack while he was still a lieutenant in the Sixth Division of the Gotei 13. These losses might be partially to blame for how Byakuya has shut himself off emotionally. After this, he met Hisana and married her, which the rest of the family frowned upon as it was against the rules to marry outside of nobility and she was from Rukongai and was practically dirt compared to his noble blood, but Byakuya remained loyal to her for the duration of their too short marriage. Hisana had always been sick and after five years, she died, but she also gave Byakuya the mission she had failed to carry out. She had a baby sister, Rukia, that she abandoned when life in Rukongai became too difficult for her, but when she finally had a stable life with Byakuya, she had looked for Rukia. Hisana, however, didn’t want Byakuya to tell Rukia that she was her sister if she were found, as she didn’t feel worthy of the familial attachment. Byakuya promised to look for Rukia.
He became the Captain of the Sixth Division not long after and, one year after Hisana’s death, Byakuya found Rukia at the Shinigami Academy and adopted her as per his late wife’s wishes. Of course, this meant that Byakuya had broken the rules again, so he promised on his parents’ graves that he wouldn’t do it again. By adopting Rukia, this ensured that she would have an immediate position in the Gotei 13 and she was placed in the Thirteenth Division under Ukitake Jyuushirou. Rukia had enough skill to earn a seated position, but Byakuya spoke with Ukitake to keep her unseated for her safety. He was her brother now and had to protect her as part of his duty to Hisana.
Forty years later, Rukia was sent to Karakura Town in the Real World to act as the guardian Shinigami in that town and was to remain there for one month. However, she was gone for longer and with no explanation as to why. The truth is, she gave her Shinigami powers to one Kurosaki Ichigo so he could save his family from a Hollow, thus becoming the guardian Shinigami of Karakura. Byakuya, along with his newly-appointed lieutenant, Abarai Renji, were sent to retrieve her and bring her back to Soul Society. They found her, but were thwarted by Ishida Uryu, one of Rukia’s classmates during her time in Karakura, momentarily before Renji defeated him, and then Ichigo showed up and Renji started to fight him, as well, aiming to kill him for taking Rukia’s powers. The fight started in Renji’s favor, but Ichigo was more powerful than he looked and Byakuya stepped in as Renji started to do worse. Byakuya easily defeated Ichigo and left him to die as he and Renji took Rukia back to Soul Society to be executed for her crimes. Rukia was originally to be executed in twenty-five days, giving Ichigo time to recover and train in order to rescue her.
Ichigo did eventually get to Soul Society, and Seireitei (Court of Pure Souls where the Gotei 13 is located), with some of his friends who were close to Rukia, as well as Yoruichi in cat form and Shiba Ganju, the brother of Shiba Kaien (Ukitake’s lieutenant) who had died at Rukia’s hand. Ichigo met up with Renji relatively early on and defeated him. Byakuya ordered Renji to be thrown in jail without receiving medical attention as punishment for not defeating Ichigo. Two days after Ichigo and the others made it inside Seireitei, Aizen Sousuke, the captain of the Fifth Division, was found dead.
Byakuya himself then came across Ganju and Yamada Hanatarou, a member of the Fourth Division, who were trying to break Rukia out of her new cell. He easily defeated Ganju and was about to kill him when Ukitake showed up and stopped him. Ichigo then showed up and started to face off against Byakuya, who realized Ichigo had gotten stronger. He was about to release his Shikai when Yoruichi, back in her humanoid form, stopped his Shikai from forming. She then stabbed her hand through Ichigo’s stomach and released a drug to knock him out with a plan to take him away from that fight since she knew Ichigo wouldn’t be able to win it yet. Byakuya tried to stop her, but her Shunpo was still too fast for him and she escaped with Ichigo after stating that he would be back in three days and stronger than before. At some point after this, Rukia’s execution was pushed up again to happen on Ichigo’s second day of training.
On the execution day, Renji, having recovered from his wounds and broken out of jail, faced off against Byakuya in a last attempt to stop Rukia’s execution. It turns out that he had used the same area as Ichigo for training and learned his Bankai. However, Renji’s Bankai was still new and hard to control so Byakuya defeated him easily, using his own Bankai. After that fight, Byakuya went to Soukyoku Hill for the execution, making no moves to stop it whatsoever. The execution started, but then was interrupted by Ichigo, having completed his training a day early, and then Ukitake, who brought an old Shihouin relic to destroy the Soukyoku (the powerful zanpakutou that would kill Rukia). Between Ichigo’s efforts and Ukitake and Kyouraku’s, the Soukyoku was destroyed and Renji showed up afterwards, having been healed yet again, and Ichigo literally threw Rukia at him, telling him to run. Ichigo then met Byakuya for a rematch.
Byakuya went into the fight thinking he could easily overcome Ichigo again, but Ichigo had learned quite a bit in the two days of his training with Yoruichi, including how to achieve Bankai. The fight turned out to be challenging for Byakuya, but after he released his Bankai, it looked like he would win. However, as Ichigo’s body refused to move, his inner Hollow took over and attacked Byakuya ruthlessly, nearly overpowering him. But then Ichigo gained control of his body again and finished the fight as himself. Though they both were alive at the end of it, Byakuya had clearly lost. As a reward for beating him, Byakuya told Ichigo that the reason he supported execution was because he was only following the rules and if he, a noble, wouldn’t uphold the law, then who would? Ichigo answers that he wouldn’t follow the rules in that situation, but fight them. Byakuya then said he would no longer stand in Ichigo’s way in regards to saving Rukia.
Not long after, however, Rukia was in danger again, having been brought back to Soukyoku Hill by Kaname Tousen, the captain of the Ninth Division. Aizen, who had actually faked his death, had discovered that a powerful object was hidden inside Rukia’s body. The Hougyoku is an object created by Urahara Kisuke, a former captain of the Gotei 13, and is thought to be capable of destroying the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow, thus making the wielder incredibly powerful. Aizen then took the Hougyoku and ordered Ichimaru to kill Rukia since she was no longer needed. Byakuya arrived at the last second and was stabbed instead. With the Hougyoku in his possession, Aizen, along with Ichimaru and Tousen, publicly became a traitor to Soul Society and left for Hueco Mundo and claimed he would become stronger than a god.
As Byakuya was being healed from his injuries, he told Rukia the truth about Hisana and why he stood by while her execution was ordered, this being because he had made a promise never to break the rules again, even though he had also promised Hisana to protect Rukia. His cold attitude wasn’t directed toward her, but just an effect of his inner conflict. He then thanked Ichigo for helping him see the right in things and apologized to Rukia.
Byakuya didn’t come back into the story until a few months later when Soul Society infiltrated Hueco Mundo to go after Aizen, even though Ichigo had gone earlier, again with his friends plus Renji and Rukia, to save Inoue Orihime. Aizen wanted her for her healing abilities. Byakuya, along with three other captains and lieutenants, as well as Hanatarou, arrived at different areas in Hueco Mundo, almost instantly breaking out into battles. Byakuya came across an unconscious Rukia, who had won her battle, but at great physical cost to her. He arrived at just the right time, as well, for Zommari Leroux was about to kill her. The Espada are the ten most powerful Arrancar under Aizen’s control and are Hollows that have gained Shinigami powers. I have taken Byakuya from before his fight with Zommari, so this is where he would be coming into the game.
Personality:
Byakuya is a man with two faces, and two personalities, to a point. At first glance, one might think him cold and arrogant because he distances himself from others, especially if they are commoners or just not on his level of nobility. And as the current head of his family, this makes sense for him to act in such a way. Nobles do not mix with those below them. He has to live up to the expectations of his rank and birthright and he must act accordingly, even if it means looking down his nose at nearly everyone else. He has stated before that because the Kuchikis are one of the most powerful families in Soul Society, everyone looks to him in order to know what the rules are and how to follow them. If he himself does not uphold those rules, then who will? This is the side that most people will ever see.
Byakuya rarely shows weakness openly. Even if he is injured in battle, he will not show emotions or give the opponent satisfaction in seeing him weak. His pride is too strong and would suffer greatly if he broke in front of someone. There are very few exceptions to this, however. For example, Abarai Renji has managed to bring Byakuya to a knee in battle, even after Byakuya said it could never be done by someone of his level. He did not defeat Byakuya, but even such a small action affects the captain, and his proud nature is wounded.
This pride also justifies the near disgust he has for others who have fallen from grace. The Shiba Clan used to be one of the noble families, so when Byakuya comes across Shiba Ganju, who is helping in Rukia’s rescue, Byakuya attacks relentlessly, nearly killing the other man. In Byakuya’s mind, the Shibas have disgraced themselves and are not worthy of respect. He also corrects people if they do not refer to him respectfully. Ichigo seems to be the only person who has gotten away with calling him by his given name only, though Byakuya is clearly bothered by it. Shihouin Yoruichi, on the other hand, has bothered him since he was younger, and he still is jealous that she is faster than him at Shunpo. She taught him one of her techniques, which he hates using since it reminds him of her.
While this side of him would be normal and acceptable, Byakuya is not so simple. A lot of change has occurred in his life. When he was younger, he was hot-headed and easily annoyed, mostly by Yoruichi who would steal his hair tie and play tag, even though she was always faster. There is a gap between this Byakuya and who he is today that has not been explained in canon, but there are plenty of possibilities. His father, Soujun, never reached captaincy or became Head of the Clan, and was killed in a Hollow attack before he ever could. It is unknown when this happened, but it could have been when Byakuya was a child, and thus easily impressionable. Losing a close parent can’t have been easy for him at all. His mother also died at some point.
Another possibility is his station itself. A respectable Head can’t be rash or lash out because of annoyances only. That would show weakness, and the Kuchikis are not weak. However, Byakuya was never the same after his wife, Hisana, died. And the interesting part is that she was a common street rat. We do not know why he married her, only that he broke the rules of the Kuchiki family in marrying a commoner. After her death, he had promised on his parents’ graves that he wouldn’t break the rules again, but he also had promised Hisana that he would find and protect Rukia, like Hisana had tried to do. So when her execution came up, he was unsure what to do or whose promise to break.
Rukia’s attempted execution is where the “cold” Byakuya really had a change of heart. Having been persuaded by Ichigo that doing the right thing is more important than following some rules, Byakuya has become slightly more lenient in that area. He still considers structure important, but sometimes he bends the rules to help out with the greater good. That way he can keep up appearances and still make a difference. One instance was when Renji and Rukia wanted to help Ichigo save Inoue Orihime from Hueco Mundo, though they weren’t allowed to go. Byakuya had been ordered to bring them back from the Real World, but let them go on his watch because his orders had nothing to do with keeping them in Soul Society.
Despite his cold exterior, Byakuya really does care for those close to him. His family is obviously important to him, and even if he doesn’t openly admit it, he’s very protective of Rukia. He made sure she wasn’t given a seated officer’s position when she joined the Gotei 13 because he knew it would put her in more danger than a normal grunt would see, though befriending Ichigo nullified that. He also has developed respect for Renji after watching the other man work so hard to meet his level and finally was able to touch him in battle. Ichigo has also earned his grudging respect.
Byakuya does not speak unless he needs to, and when he does his words are always meaningful. If he doesn’t like someone, he isn’t afraid to use pretty, but harsh, words to get his point across. When he speaks as such, he can come across as an arrogant noble, though his power does justify a good deal of what he says. Even though he is proud, he also is very private. This is most likely because of his need for order. If anyone were to see him in moments of emotional weakness, if he allows himself that, then it would cancel out the appearance he has in public. Byakuya also like cherry blossoms, walks at night, spicy food, bananas (but not sweets), and is especially fond of calligraphy.
Why should that character be in this game: N/A
Why do you want to continue their history here: N/A
For applicants considering an alternate version of a character already in game, please use this as your chance to explain the key differences between your character and the one already in play: N/A
Have you read up on how the game works?: Yep! The Guide plug-in is called FlamingFerret and characters can make money by taking on missions, freelancing, or being a filthy moocher.
1st person sample: [Video]
[Hello residents! Have a Lineface on the network. No, he is not very thrilled to see you, because not only has he been unceremoniously left with a towel, but also forced to stand in line for God knows how long just to turn in some ridiculous paperwork that he really didn’t see the point in. And this guy knows important paperwork when he sees it. But now that he has seemingly found a quieter place for the moment, he chances talking to the masses.
Yeah, he doesn’t do that much. Consider this special.]
I wish to speak with whoever is in charge. I have heard…things regarding my sudden presence on this vessel and would rather receive a straight answer than operate on rumors alone. I will not repeat this request.
[He pauses , that ever-present frown on his face becoming more apparent.]
If anyone else from Soul Society has also found themselves here, contact me.
[And with that, he finds the button to turn off the Guide. Belatedly. What is technology?]
3rd person sample: Kuchiki Byakuya was a man of two worlds. He lived acutely in both, but never existed in both at the same time. When every day began, the sun’s rays not yet reaching through his windows, Byakuya awoke in an empty bed, in an empty room, and dutifully dressed himself. This morning was no different. In the darkness, he was just a man, small and lonely in the silence. Every morning he remembered when another shared his life, and her delicate smile haunted the first waking moments.
He shed his yukata onto the futon, the wrinkled fabric laying lifeless in the dim light of morning as Byakuya carefully put on his black shihakushou, tying his hakama with his white obi. The man slipped away a little more as every piece of clothing covered his skin, replaced by the other world. During this transformation, Byakuya felt numb, neither remembering his past nor thinking of the day ahead. His movements were mechanical, honed with years of practice and muscle memory.
He then put on his gloves, hiding more of the man’s skin from sight, turning into his station even more. And then came the captain’s haori, its weight over his shoulders not nearly enough to equal the weight of his captaincy.
But his fingers paused over the scarf, as they did every morning. This was where the transformation began its end, where he would shed the man and leave him behind in that dim room, and become the stone that demanded respect, loyalty. He became Kuchiki Byakuya, captain of the Sixth Division of the Gotei 13, a Shinigami.
As he wound the scarf around his pale neck, Byakuya also put on his acceptance of a life bound to decisions not of his own making. A nobleman of his stature has access to nearly limitless funds for whatever he wished, but the knowledge that his Clan relied on him to keep face held him back from a happiness, a freedom he never allowed himself to dream of.
Parting his hair accordingly, however, Byakuya clipped the kenseikan into his raven locks, signifying himself as that stone nobility for all to see. Completely changed, he willingly accepted the burden of the Head of the Kuchiki Clan once again. It was his duty and he would do his best, and more, to fulfill it.
Questions?: None right now!
Did you put your characters name and fandom in the subject: I will!
Name: Rose
Are you over 16?: Yes, 23
Personal LJ: dancing_in_time
Email: ladyotrings@yahoo.com
Timezone: EST
Other contact: AIM: ladyotrings
Characters already in the game: N/A
How did you find us?: I’ve heard a few recommendations, as well as a lucky stumble.
IC:
Character name: Kuchiki Byakuya
Fandom: Bleach
Timeline: Before he meets Zommari Leroux, near the end of chapter 298.
Age: Unknown, but possibly around 150-200. Shinigami do not age like humans and they certainly don’t look their age. Byakuya is quite young for his kind, however, and looks around his mid to late-20s.
~*Magical*~ abilities and strengths: As a Shinigami captain, Byakuya has many different abilities. Not only is he a master swordsman, but he also ranks highly in Shunpo (flash-step) and Kidou (magic). His reiatsu (spiritual pressure) is also immense and can be felt from quite a distance, as well as bring some weaker people to his knees if he is near and exerting it. This reiatsu is a good sign of his high power. He can recognize others’ reiatsu, as well, and even identify them if he knows them well.
Every Shinigami has a zanpakutou, or katana, and Byakuya’s is Senbonzakura. Each zanpakutou is unique and born with their Shinigami, as well as dying with them. They are sentient, having a spirit of their own, but work in tandem with their Shinigami. As their bond and trust deepens, the zanpakutou allows their Shinigami to learn of the blade’s releases, called Shikai and Bankai. As a Captain, Byakuya has reached both.
When Senbonzakura’s Shikai is activated by Byakuya, the blade of the katana literally scatters into one thousand tiny blades, which appear as sakura petals. The blades fly toward the opponent and are controlled as a whole unit by Byakuya swinging the hilt, as if he were still fighting with a normal katana. This attack can stop most opponents on its own, unless they are higher-level, such as another Captain, or someone of similar skill.
Senbonzakura’s Bankai is more complicated. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is very much like the Shikai attack, only multiplied. To activate it, Byakuya drops his zanpakutou, blade-tip down, into the ground, which then swallows it up. Then two rows of a thousand giant sword blades rise on either side of him and those blades scatter into the “sakura petals,” just like in his Shikai. He can use this attack both offensively and defensively, as well as control the blades’ path with his own hand for more efficiency.
His Bankai can also take three other forms for maximum overkill power. Senkei is a more concentrated attack form, as Senbonzakura forms itself into four vertical rows of glowing swords, circling around Byakuya and his opponent. Instead of using the “petals” of his Shikai and Bankai, Byakuya calls each sword to him and fights sword-to-sword. He uses Senkei when he has sworn to destroy an enemy.
Gokei goes back to the “petal” attack, increasing the amount of tiny blades and surrounding the opponent in a sphere of those swirling blades. They then attack at every angle and eventually the sphere implodes, defeating the opponent that way. Byakuya has no defense against Gokei and has had to retreat to save himself from the power.
Shuukei: Hakuteiken is another sword fighting technique, making every tiny blade into one extremely powerful sword. Because of this power, it takes the shape of a bird and Byakuya appears to have bright white wings and a halo, giving him the ability to actually fly. One attack from this sword can cause grievous injury to the opponent.
As for Shunpo, Byakuya is well-known for being quite proficient in it, as well as two techniques. Senka involves moving so quickly, as well as attacking them, that it seems as if he just appears at his opponent’s back, leaving them, and untrained eyes, to wonder where the attack came from and when. Utsusemi is when he moves so quickly that he leaves behind “clones.” This is beneficial in distracting an opponent and giving Byakuya an opening should they fall for his clone.
He has been shown to use Kidou spells up to #81 and can cast them quickly and without the incantation. Because of his strength, he can even make lower level Kidou very dangerous.
How would they use their abilities?: Byakuya would use his abilities mostly to protect, either himself or others whom he feels needs it. He would also fight to uphold the “law” or the ship’s equivalent, but with his own personal discretion. If he feels no loyalty to the ship, he most likely wouldn’t get involved unless he personally felt the need.
Appearance: Byakuya is 5’11” and even though he isn’t a mountain, like some men, he doesn’t need height to be imposing or to get his wishes across. His posture is great, while standing or sitting, and he only slouches if he is badly wounded, but otherwise his pride is too great to let his weakness show on his body. Byakuya appears to be a Lineface all the time, but his expressions are most notable in his grey eyes. They widen when he is surprised and narrow when he is annoyed. If he closes his eyes, it can be taken as a dismissal of whoever he is speaking to, or a sign of weariness because of who is talking.
Despite his baggy clothes, Byakuya is very lithe, and though he is strong, he doesn’t have noticeable muscles. His clothing consists of the standard Shinigami uniform, along with tabi socks, a white obi, and waraji sandals, and as well as tekkou gloves. The signs of his nobility are his white scarf (which is worth the amount of ten mansions) and his hair kenseikan, which symbolize his being Head of the Kuchiki Clan. The kenseikan are worn on the top of his hair, as well as the right side and keep portions of his hair parted and unmoving.
Background/Personality: I have split these up.
Background:
Kuchiki Byakuya was born into the Kuchiki family, one of the four noble houses of Soul Society, and was groomed to be the Head of the family from an early age. However, despite being nobility, he was a very headstrong youth and quick to lose his temper, especially when Shihouin Yoruichi would visit to play tag with him. Of course, this game would usually start with her greeting him with her breasts in his face, thus annoying him to the point of yelling and cursing her name, before she would always win, for her Shunpo (Flash Step, a technique that lets the practitioner move faster than the eye can see) is the fastest in Soul Society. Byakuya has always resented her for this teasing and, honestly, just being better than him at something.
At some point when he was younger, Byakuya’s parents died, though we only know that Soujun (his father) was killed in a Hollow attack while he was still a lieutenant in the Sixth Division of the Gotei 13. These losses might be partially to blame for how Byakuya has shut himself off emotionally. After this, he met Hisana and married her, which the rest of the family frowned upon as it was against the rules to marry outside of nobility and she was from Rukongai and was practically dirt compared to his noble blood, but Byakuya remained loyal to her for the duration of their too short marriage. Hisana had always been sick and after five years, she died, but she also gave Byakuya the mission she had failed to carry out. She had a baby sister, Rukia, that she abandoned when life in Rukongai became too difficult for her, but when she finally had a stable life with Byakuya, she had looked for Rukia. Hisana, however, didn’t want Byakuya to tell Rukia that she was her sister if she were found, as she didn’t feel worthy of the familial attachment. Byakuya promised to look for Rukia.
He became the Captain of the Sixth Division not long after and, one year after Hisana’s death, Byakuya found Rukia at the Shinigami Academy and adopted her as per his late wife’s wishes. Of course, this meant that Byakuya had broken the rules again, so he promised on his parents’ graves that he wouldn’t do it again. By adopting Rukia, this ensured that she would have an immediate position in the Gotei 13 and she was placed in the Thirteenth Division under Ukitake Jyuushirou. Rukia had enough skill to earn a seated position, but Byakuya spoke with Ukitake to keep her unseated for her safety. He was her brother now and had to protect her as part of his duty to Hisana.
Forty years later, Rukia was sent to Karakura Town in the Real World to act as the guardian Shinigami in that town and was to remain there for one month. However, she was gone for longer and with no explanation as to why. The truth is, she gave her Shinigami powers to one Kurosaki Ichigo so he could save his family from a Hollow, thus becoming the guardian Shinigami of Karakura. Byakuya, along with his newly-appointed lieutenant, Abarai Renji, were sent to retrieve her and bring her back to Soul Society. They found her, but were thwarted by Ishida Uryu, one of Rukia’s classmates during her time in Karakura, momentarily before Renji defeated him, and then Ichigo showed up and Renji started to fight him, as well, aiming to kill him for taking Rukia’s powers. The fight started in Renji’s favor, but Ichigo was more powerful than he looked and Byakuya stepped in as Renji started to do worse. Byakuya easily defeated Ichigo and left him to die as he and Renji took Rukia back to Soul Society to be executed for her crimes. Rukia was originally to be executed in twenty-five days, giving Ichigo time to recover and train in order to rescue her.
Ichigo did eventually get to Soul Society, and Seireitei (Court of Pure Souls where the Gotei 13 is located), with some of his friends who were close to Rukia, as well as Yoruichi in cat form and Shiba Ganju, the brother of Shiba Kaien (Ukitake’s lieutenant) who had died at Rukia’s hand. Ichigo met up with Renji relatively early on and defeated him. Byakuya ordered Renji to be thrown in jail without receiving medical attention as punishment for not defeating Ichigo. Two days after Ichigo and the others made it inside Seireitei, Aizen Sousuke, the captain of the Fifth Division, was found dead.
Byakuya himself then came across Ganju and Yamada Hanatarou, a member of the Fourth Division, who were trying to break Rukia out of her new cell. He easily defeated Ganju and was about to kill him when Ukitake showed up and stopped him. Ichigo then showed up and started to face off against Byakuya, who realized Ichigo had gotten stronger. He was about to release his Shikai when Yoruichi, back in her humanoid form, stopped his Shikai from forming. She then stabbed her hand through Ichigo’s stomach and released a drug to knock him out with a plan to take him away from that fight since she knew Ichigo wouldn’t be able to win it yet. Byakuya tried to stop her, but her Shunpo was still too fast for him and she escaped with Ichigo after stating that he would be back in three days and stronger than before. At some point after this, Rukia’s execution was pushed up again to happen on Ichigo’s second day of training.
On the execution day, Renji, having recovered from his wounds and broken out of jail, faced off against Byakuya in a last attempt to stop Rukia’s execution. It turns out that he had used the same area as Ichigo for training and learned his Bankai. However, Renji’s Bankai was still new and hard to control so Byakuya defeated him easily, using his own Bankai. After that fight, Byakuya went to Soukyoku Hill for the execution, making no moves to stop it whatsoever. The execution started, but then was interrupted by Ichigo, having completed his training a day early, and then Ukitake, who brought an old Shihouin relic to destroy the Soukyoku (the powerful zanpakutou that would kill Rukia). Between Ichigo’s efforts and Ukitake and Kyouraku’s, the Soukyoku was destroyed and Renji showed up afterwards, having been healed yet again, and Ichigo literally threw Rukia at him, telling him to run. Ichigo then met Byakuya for a rematch.
Byakuya went into the fight thinking he could easily overcome Ichigo again, but Ichigo had learned quite a bit in the two days of his training with Yoruichi, including how to achieve Bankai. The fight turned out to be challenging for Byakuya, but after he released his Bankai, it looked like he would win. However, as Ichigo’s body refused to move, his inner Hollow took over and attacked Byakuya ruthlessly, nearly overpowering him. But then Ichigo gained control of his body again and finished the fight as himself. Though they both were alive at the end of it, Byakuya had clearly lost. As a reward for beating him, Byakuya told Ichigo that the reason he supported execution was because he was only following the rules and if he, a noble, wouldn’t uphold the law, then who would? Ichigo answers that he wouldn’t follow the rules in that situation, but fight them. Byakuya then said he would no longer stand in Ichigo’s way in regards to saving Rukia.
Not long after, however, Rukia was in danger again, having been brought back to Soukyoku Hill by Kaname Tousen, the captain of the Ninth Division. Aizen, who had actually faked his death, had discovered that a powerful object was hidden inside Rukia’s body. The Hougyoku is an object created by Urahara Kisuke, a former captain of the Gotei 13, and is thought to be capable of destroying the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow, thus making the wielder incredibly powerful. Aizen then took the Hougyoku and ordered Ichimaru to kill Rukia since she was no longer needed. Byakuya arrived at the last second and was stabbed instead. With the Hougyoku in his possession, Aizen, along with Ichimaru and Tousen, publicly became a traitor to Soul Society and left for Hueco Mundo and claimed he would become stronger than a god.
As Byakuya was being healed from his injuries, he told Rukia the truth about Hisana and why he stood by while her execution was ordered, this being because he had made a promise never to break the rules again, even though he had also promised Hisana to protect Rukia. His cold attitude wasn’t directed toward her, but just an effect of his inner conflict. He then thanked Ichigo for helping him see the right in things and apologized to Rukia.
Byakuya didn’t come back into the story until a few months later when Soul Society infiltrated Hueco Mundo to go after Aizen, even though Ichigo had gone earlier, again with his friends plus Renji and Rukia, to save Inoue Orihime. Aizen wanted her for her healing abilities. Byakuya, along with three other captains and lieutenants, as well as Hanatarou, arrived at different areas in Hueco Mundo, almost instantly breaking out into battles. Byakuya came across an unconscious Rukia, who had won her battle, but at great physical cost to her. He arrived at just the right time, as well, for Zommari Leroux was about to kill her. The Espada are the ten most powerful Arrancar under Aizen’s control and are Hollows that have gained Shinigami powers. I have taken Byakuya from before his fight with Zommari, so this is where he would be coming into the game.
Personality:
Byakuya is a man with two faces, and two personalities, to a point. At first glance, one might think him cold and arrogant because he distances himself from others, especially if they are commoners or just not on his level of nobility. And as the current head of his family, this makes sense for him to act in such a way. Nobles do not mix with those below them. He has to live up to the expectations of his rank and birthright and he must act accordingly, even if it means looking down his nose at nearly everyone else. He has stated before that because the Kuchikis are one of the most powerful families in Soul Society, everyone looks to him in order to know what the rules are and how to follow them. If he himself does not uphold those rules, then who will? This is the side that most people will ever see.
Byakuya rarely shows weakness openly. Even if he is injured in battle, he will not show emotions or give the opponent satisfaction in seeing him weak. His pride is too strong and would suffer greatly if he broke in front of someone. There are very few exceptions to this, however. For example, Abarai Renji has managed to bring Byakuya to a knee in battle, even after Byakuya said it could never be done by someone of his level. He did not defeat Byakuya, but even such a small action affects the captain, and his proud nature is wounded.
This pride also justifies the near disgust he has for others who have fallen from grace. The Shiba Clan used to be one of the noble families, so when Byakuya comes across Shiba Ganju, who is helping in Rukia’s rescue, Byakuya attacks relentlessly, nearly killing the other man. In Byakuya’s mind, the Shibas have disgraced themselves and are not worthy of respect. He also corrects people if they do not refer to him respectfully. Ichigo seems to be the only person who has gotten away with calling him by his given name only, though Byakuya is clearly bothered by it. Shihouin Yoruichi, on the other hand, has bothered him since he was younger, and he still is jealous that she is faster than him at Shunpo. She taught him one of her techniques, which he hates using since it reminds him of her.
While this side of him would be normal and acceptable, Byakuya is not so simple. A lot of change has occurred in his life. When he was younger, he was hot-headed and easily annoyed, mostly by Yoruichi who would steal his hair tie and play tag, even though she was always faster. There is a gap between this Byakuya and who he is today that has not been explained in canon, but there are plenty of possibilities. His father, Soujun, never reached captaincy or became Head of the Clan, and was killed in a Hollow attack before he ever could. It is unknown when this happened, but it could have been when Byakuya was a child, and thus easily impressionable. Losing a close parent can’t have been easy for him at all. His mother also died at some point.
Another possibility is his station itself. A respectable Head can’t be rash or lash out because of annoyances only. That would show weakness, and the Kuchikis are not weak. However, Byakuya was never the same after his wife, Hisana, died. And the interesting part is that she was a common street rat. We do not know why he married her, only that he broke the rules of the Kuchiki family in marrying a commoner. After her death, he had promised on his parents’ graves that he wouldn’t break the rules again, but he also had promised Hisana that he would find and protect Rukia, like Hisana had tried to do. So when her execution came up, he was unsure what to do or whose promise to break.
Rukia’s attempted execution is where the “cold” Byakuya really had a change of heart. Having been persuaded by Ichigo that doing the right thing is more important than following some rules, Byakuya has become slightly more lenient in that area. He still considers structure important, but sometimes he bends the rules to help out with the greater good. That way he can keep up appearances and still make a difference. One instance was when Renji and Rukia wanted to help Ichigo save Inoue Orihime from Hueco Mundo, though they weren’t allowed to go. Byakuya had been ordered to bring them back from the Real World, but let them go on his watch because his orders had nothing to do with keeping them in Soul Society.
Despite his cold exterior, Byakuya really does care for those close to him. His family is obviously important to him, and even if he doesn’t openly admit it, he’s very protective of Rukia. He made sure she wasn’t given a seated officer’s position when she joined the Gotei 13 because he knew it would put her in more danger than a normal grunt would see, though befriending Ichigo nullified that. He also has developed respect for Renji after watching the other man work so hard to meet his level and finally was able to touch him in battle. Ichigo has also earned his grudging respect.
Byakuya does not speak unless he needs to, and when he does his words are always meaningful. If he doesn’t like someone, he isn’t afraid to use pretty, but harsh, words to get his point across. When he speaks as such, he can come across as an arrogant noble, though his power does justify a good deal of what he says. Even though he is proud, he also is very private. This is most likely because of his need for order. If anyone were to see him in moments of emotional weakness, if he allows himself that, then it would cancel out the appearance he has in public. Byakuya also like cherry blossoms, walks at night, spicy food, bananas (but not sweets), and is especially fond of calligraphy.
Why should that character be in this game: N/A
Why do you want to continue their history here: N/A
For applicants considering an alternate version of a character already in game, please use this as your chance to explain the key differences between your character and the one already in play: N/A
Have you read up on how the game works?: Yep! The Guide plug-in is called FlamingFerret and characters can make money by taking on missions, freelancing, or being a filthy moocher.
1st person sample: [Video]
[Hello residents! Have a Lineface on the network. No, he is not very thrilled to see you, because not only has he been unceremoniously left with a towel, but also forced to stand in line for God knows how long just to turn in some ridiculous paperwork that he really didn’t see the point in. And this guy knows important paperwork when he sees it. But now that he has seemingly found a quieter place for the moment, he chances talking to the masses.
Yeah, he doesn’t do that much. Consider this special.]
I wish to speak with whoever is in charge. I have heard…things regarding my sudden presence on this vessel and would rather receive a straight answer than operate on rumors alone. I will not repeat this request.
[He pauses , that ever-present frown on his face becoming more apparent.]
If anyone else from Soul Society has also found themselves here, contact me.
[And with that, he finds the button to turn off the Guide. Belatedly. What is technology?]
3rd person sample: Kuchiki Byakuya was a man of two worlds. He lived acutely in both, but never existed in both at the same time. When every day began, the sun’s rays not yet reaching through his windows, Byakuya awoke in an empty bed, in an empty room, and dutifully dressed himself. This morning was no different. In the darkness, he was just a man, small and lonely in the silence. Every morning he remembered when another shared his life, and her delicate smile haunted the first waking moments.
He shed his yukata onto the futon, the wrinkled fabric laying lifeless in the dim light of morning as Byakuya carefully put on his black shihakushou, tying his hakama with his white obi. The man slipped away a little more as every piece of clothing covered his skin, replaced by the other world. During this transformation, Byakuya felt numb, neither remembering his past nor thinking of the day ahead. His movements were mechanical, honed with years of practice and muscle memory.
He then put on his gloves, hiding more of the man’s skin from sight, turning into his station even more. And then came the captain’s haori, its weight over his shoulders not nearly enough to equal the weight of his captaincy.
But his fingers paused over the scarf, as they did every morning. This was where the transformation began its end, where he would shed the man and leave him behind in that dim room, and become the stone that demanded respect, loyalty. He became Kuchiki Byakuya, captain of the Sixth Division of the Gotei 13, a Shinigami.
As he wound the scarf around his pale neck, Byakuya also put on his acceptance of a life bound to decisions not of his own making. A nobleman of his stature has access to nearly limitless funds for whatever he wished, but the knowledge that his Clan relied on him to keep face held him back from a happiness, a freedom he never allowed himself to dream of.
Parting his hair accordingly, however, Byakuya clipped the kenseikan into his raven locks, signifying himself as that stone nobility for all to see. Completely changed, he willingly accepted the burden of the Head of the Kuchiki Clan once again. It was his duty and he would do his best, and more, to fulfill it.
Questions?: None right now!
Did you put your characters name and fandom in the subject: I will!