Rukia Kuchiki is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Bleach, created by Tite Kubo. She is a Soul Reaper, tasked with maintaining the balance between the human world and the afterlife. Rukia is known for her strong sense of duty and her skilled combat abilities, particularly with her zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki. Rukia comes from the noble Kuchiki family, which adds complexity to her character as she navigates her responsibilities and personal relationships. Throughout the series, she forms a close bond with the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, and plays a crucial role in the story's development.