One of the most dynamic affinities in all of Bleach would have to be between Kaien Shiba and Rukia Kuchiki of the 13th Division. Long before Rukia met our hero, Rukia was just starting out her days as a member of the 13th division under Captain Ukitake and shared 3rd Seats Kiyone & Sentaro. Before she became the Lieutenant of the 13th division, she was under the mantle of Kaien Shiba, who had a prominent influence in Rukia's upbringing as a Shinigami. Kaien, much like Ichigo, spoke truth, had confidence, comedy, bravado, and most of all - Honor. It is unfortunate that the man whom Rukia once admired was taken over by the hollow, Mestastacia, and Rukia had no other choice but to end the Shinigami's life. This not only became one of the most difficult things Rukia had to do, but she's, for so long, had to carry the burden of being titled "The Shinigami that killed Kaien Shiba." This creates unease with the remaining Shiba siblings as they, for the longest time, have held a grudge against Rukia. It wouldn't be til later that they would forgive Rukia and that there was from the start no cruel intention of killing Kaien, but that it had to be done to save his life and to end the hollow's life that dwelled within his fallen friend & mentor. Kaien was content with Rukia ending his suffering because he knew that it would be a lot on Rukia and since her days in the Gotei 13, she's matured - adapting the teachings of her Kaien in hopes to become a better person who does good, is willing to protect her friends at all costs, have confidence in her abilities, and most of all - have her honor.
It wouldn't be til later that Rukia would have to cut down the splitting image of Kaien Shiba, who was, from the start, the 9th Espada. The 9th Espada's abilities allows it to consume the abilities of hollows and one the hollows that the 9th Espada devoured is the same hollow that killed Kaien Shiba. It not only acquired Mestastacia's abilities, but also the abilities of the fallen Shinigami. Rukia knew that Kaien would no longer be the same person she once knew before and struck down the 9th Espada, as well as cutting ties with Kaien once and for all. To Rukia, the 9th Espada (I know he has a name, but his name is irritating to spell, lol) stepped on Kaien's honor by utilizing his Zanpaktou abilities, face, and especially memories. The 9th Espada trampled Kaien's image by manipulating Rukia into killing her comrades, but Rukia knew this was the 9th Espada's doing and that the REAL Kaien wouldn't say that to Rukia.
In her endeavors since then, Rukia has matured, adopted the teachings of her former mentor and friend, and now seeks to do the same as she assists Ichigo and his friends in defeating the Vandenreich. Rukia has grown stronger not only physically, but mentally. She knows now that the heart of her universe can't be easily shaken.
I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity.
Bleach Hakusho's March schedule will be up this Thursday. As always, you stay classy Bleach fans.
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