The popular anime and manga series ‘Bleach’ has two characters who share a long and complex history together, Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki. Their close bond is shown to begin ever since their childhood as friends in Rukongai to becoming Shinigami at the Shinō Academy together. While their relationship faces many hurdles and obstacles, their care and affection for each other remain strong throughout, making them one of the most shipped characters from the anime and manga series.
Renji and Rukia met as children living in the 78th district of South Rukongai, the most impoverished area of Soul Society. They find comfort in each other during their hard times and work together to survive their harsh conditions. Both Renji and Rukia show a talent for Shinigami arts early on and decide to join the Shinō Academy to become a real Shinigami in ‘Bleach.’
Renji And Rukia’s Strong Bond Comes From Their Childhood Friendship
As children in Rukongai, Renji, and Rukia were dependent on each other for protection and companionship. Rukia often defends the other children in Rukongai from harm, showing immense signs of care and affection even from a very young age. Renji is impressed by Rukia’s skill with Kido and encourages her to try becoming a proper Shinigami.
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They celebrate small victories together and even grieve together as one. The death of both their friends pushed them to join the Shinō Academy to have more power to help others. Even after joining different divisions, their bond from their childhood paved the way for their strong affection and helped evolve their relationship in the future as well.
Their Distance Only Brought Them Closer
Tragedy stroked their relationship relationship when Rukia was adopted into the noble Kuchiki clan, situated far above Renji’s station. While happy for her, Renji was lonely without his closest friend and companion.
Their duties often conflicted with one another after their assignment with different captains as well. Renji’s jealousy over Rukia’s new life estranged them for a while. However, his care for her well-being remained, which is evident as they made it through this rough patch and eventually got married to one another, even having a daughter together.
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Renji and Rukia share one of the most beloved and purest relationships in ‘Bleach’. Their friendship tested their devotion to each other, which eventually culminated in them getting married to one another and even having a daughter. No change in status or distance could break the bond of the two who relied on each other to survive in a harsh anime world.
