Bleach has several villains that play different roles in the story.
Bleach has several villains that play different roles in the story. They all make a mark on the plot and make the show an unforgettable experience. When it comes to the show’s hero, the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, is impressive, but he might not be as compelling as Byakuya Kuchiki. The villain’s journey as a hero is captivating, and his personal story arc is arguably one of the best. When he acts as a villain and a hero are compared, one realizes how far his character has come.
While Rukia was being taken to Soul Society to be punished for the crime of passing powers to a human, Ichigo fought with Renjki to ensure that he did not let it happen. Byakuya Kuchiki intervened by a quick sword strike, which almost killed Ichigo. He showed little mercy and left him to die. Byakuya was known for his cold efficiency, and he cared little about anything else. He was one of the most violent enemies of Ichigo at one point. Byakuya had broken the law twice himself, once by marrying a commoner and then by adopting Rukia. He had learned from his experience that the law must be followed even if it cost someone’s life. Therefore, he showed little mercy to his sister Rukia when she broke the law.
When Ichigo later entered the Soul Society, he had turned Renji to his side. He was determined to get back Rukia and ensure that her life was protected. However, Byakuya showed little mercy and injured Renji so severely that he could no longer fight. When he confronted Kaien Shiba’s brother Ganju who wanted to avenge his fallen brother, he too was struck down by the ruthless captain.
However, his stance on law and morality changed when he faced Ichigo, who was determined to protect Rukia. He later made peace with Ichigo’s group and admitted that his blind obedience was dangerous not just for his family but also for the Soul Society. When he had to fight the Arrancars, he did not hesitate in standing up for the people he loved, which was unlike him. He started not only out of duty, but he started putting an equal value on his loved ones’ lives.
When he was inflexible and followed law without exception, Byakuya was a thuggish tool. He used to fight for the law, but all he did was create misery wherever he went. However, realizing that family is just as essential and following the law is not necessarily always the only right way of acting, he underwent a lot of change. He understood the importance of following one’s guts and loyalty to friends and family.
Source URL - Bleach: Byakuya Kuchiki’s Journey from a Villain to Hero
