Rukia Kuchiki

Rukia and her older sister, Hisana, were brought together to 78th District of Rukongai after they died in the human world. While Rukia was still a baby, Hisana abandoned her since she could not continue to support them both. Rukia grew up on her own until she met Renji Abarai and other children her age. They worked together to steal food in order to survive and became a family. At this time, Rukia and Renji showed signs of having spiritual power. After ten years, their family had all died except for Rukia and Renji. They desired a better life and joined the shinigami academy.

At the shinigami academy, Renji was admitted into the top class and Rukia into the second ranked one. Renji and Rukia started growing furthur apart as Renji got furthur ahead in his training due to his elite status. The emotional distance continued until Rukia was asked to join the Kuchiki family. Renji expressed happiness for Rukia's opportunity but both did not admit that they disagreed with the arrangement since they would likely never see each other again. Rukia reluctantly joined the family and was immediately inducted into the 13th Division without having to graduate or take a squad entrance exam. Unknown to Rukia, Byakuya had adopted her in order to fulfill the last wish of his wife who was also Rukia's sister, Hisana Kuchiki.

In the 13th Division, she was not given a seat position. It is later revealed that this was due to Byakuya Kuchiki's influence since he did not want her sent on dangerous missions. She became friends with the division lieutenant, Kaien Shiba and greatly admired his wife, 3rd Seat Miyako Shiba. When Miyako was killed by a hollow; Rukia, Kaien, and the division's captain, Jūshirō Ukitake hunted the hollow down. Kaien faced the hollow alone but the hollow's special ability destroyed his zanpakutō. Rukia attempted to draw her sword and help but was stopped by Ukitake. He told her that Kaien's fight was one of honor rather than a fight for his life. If Rukia helped, Kaien would be saved but his honor would be damaged forever. Meanwhile, the hollow entered Kaien and possessed him. Ukitake faced the hollow but his illness allowed the hollow the opportunity to attack Rukia. Kaien momentarily regained control and thrust himself through Rukia's zanpakutō. He thanked Rukia and Ukitake for letting him fight for his honor and died in Rukia's arms. Rukia brought the corpse to the Shiba family but was afraid to apologize since she felt guilty about her role in Kaien's death.