In the world of Tite Kubo's fantasy anime Bleach, high schooler Ichigo Kurosaki is thrust into battle against Soul Reapers like Captain Kuchiki to rescue Rukia, and later, the good guys team up to challenge Sosuke Aizen and his arrancar army. All of reality is at stake in this final battle, and Captain Kuchiki wouldn't dare miss it.

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Since the early days of Bleach, Byakuya Kuchiki has ranked among the most popular characters of all, from his aristocratic and gentlemanly demeanor and look to his prominent role in the story and his gorgeous but deadly combat power. Fans were dazzled when this stern Captain gave up his rigid adherence to the rules to save Rukia's life from Aizen's schemes, and he became a proper big brother figure from then on. So, here are ten pieces of fan art starring this vital Bleach character.

10 Overwhelming Power

This first piece of Captain Kuchiki fan art is a fine way to start. In this stunning piece, the Captain has realized that negotiations and talk is not going to work, so he releases the full power of his shikai, Senbonzakura.

The harsh pink glow effect really stands out, and it helps the viewer realize just how powerful and overwhelming Captain Kuchiki's might really is. His posture is just right to send those petals after an opponent, and that face makes it clear that he's not here to take prisoners.

9 Focused Shikai

In this second piece of Captain Kuchiki fan art, we once again get Byakuya in the middle of combat, and his shikai is out and ready to win the day. This time, the artist opted for a more restrained look, placing Byakuy against a darker background that looks like a Japanese mansion's living room.

Byakuya has his head turned, and maybe he's shielding his face from the power he's about to let loose! With that hand extended to the viewer, and the gorgeous shikai power glowing on his fingers, we're sure he's about to deliver the final blow.

8 A Nice Chat

Our third piece of fan art today is a more peaceful one. This time around, Byakuya is surrounded with pink petals, but not from his shikai. Instead, he must be walking under a few blossom trees, and the effect is both realistic and lovely to look at. It's springtime around these parts.

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Meanwhile, Byakuya is looking pretty relaxed today, and it appears he's in the middle of a conversation. Maybe he's walking with Rukia and explaining how to become a proper Kuchiki noblewoman, or this is the past and he's having a nice chat with his wife, Hisana.

7 Have A Drink On Me

In the world of cosplay and fan art, it's great fun to reimagine some of our favorite characters in a new setting, or wearing new clothes, or anything else they didn't get a chance to do in the original material. Captain Kuchiki got the same treatment here.

We can totally imagine the Captain entering a gigai body to explore the human world and its many bounties, and it seems he's discovered the joys of Japan's many bars and restaurants. That black coat and white tie and shirt are neatly reminiscent of his Captain's robes, and besides, they simply look great on him.

6 Unlikely Trade

A zanpakuto is no ordinary sword. It is magical, and it even has a will of its own. A Soul Reaper is their zanpakuto's master, and the sword's release is an expression of the wielder's will and personality. But suppose they got swapped?

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This amusing fan art pictures Ichigo and Byakuya exchanging swords, and by the looks of it, Ichigo doesn't mind the trade as much as Byakuya does! Captain Kuchiki must think that Zangetsu is a clumsy and brutish weapon compared to his own sword. Well, at least he will get super speed from the bankai!

5 Fear My Bankai

Speaking of bankai, it is time to check out some fan art that features Byakuya's own, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Rarely will he go to this length defeat an opponent, but he used it against Ichigo on Sogyoku Hill, then again against the septima Espada, Zommari Rureaux.

This artist gives us a colorful rendition of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi firing up, and we can see the sword itself sinking into the ground as the petals and sword wall appear around the Captain. Even his robes are fluttering and flaring out from the sheer power he's releasing, a great touch to add.

4 Beneath His Notice

One thing to know about Captain Byakuya Kuchiki: being a nobleman and a powerful Soul Reaper, he is quick to look down on others and scorn them. Most of the time, this attitude is justified, but it doesn't win him any friends, and after meeting Ichigo, he mellows out somewhat.

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In this intriguing fan art, we get a post-timeskip Captain Kuchiki haughtily looking over his shoulder, probably at someone (a Sternritter?) he defeated in combat. But unlike Kenpachi, we're sure Byakuya finished the job.

3 Come See The Sights With Me

In our eighth piece of fan art, we are treated to a somewhat ambiguous but lovely scene. There's no fighting or bloodshed to be done here; instead, Byakuya is leading Rukia to a festival, and those robes and lanterns really add to the festive atmosphere.

So, what brought this about? Maybe the Wandenreich threat has finally put down, and Byakuya decided to treat Rukia to a fun evening at the festival. After all, they are both closer than ever, and Byakuya is now truly grateful for all the good things in his life. Most of all, his little sister!

2 Evening Blossoms

Next up is a richly colored scene depicting Byakuya Kuchiki at the Kuchiki manor (we think), and the sun is setting after a long day. This fine evening, Byakuya is in a good mood, and he's in the middle of a walk across the grounds. He likes walks, a good chance to clear his head.

We like the dense coloring of this piece, contrasting sharply with the more stark color palette of the anime. Byakuya is wearing a new set of robes, perhaps some nice clothes Rukia bought for him, and he has a charming sense of wonder on his face. Just what is on his mind...?

1 Fighting Spirit

Our final piece of Byakuya fan art features a fascinating combination of elements. This looks a bit like a traditional wall scroll, what with that art style and all, and the blossoms on the piece fit Byakuya's shikai just right.

He is also decked out in new robes, and they look good on him, we must say. He also has his hair in a practical ponytail, and that action pose shows us that playtime is over! We're sure his zanpakuto will be drawn any second now.

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