Rukia Kuchiki (朽木 ルキア, Kuchiki Rukia?) is a Soul Reaper who is assigned hollow extermination duties in Ichigo's hometown. Though her physical appearance is that of a teenage girl, in reality she is ten times older than Ichigo. At the opening of the story, Rukia is forced to transfer her powers to Ichigo and assume a temporary lifestyle as a regular human.[9] She registers at the local high school and takes up residence in Ichigo's closet, while teaching him how to be a substitute Soul Reaper in her place.[10] Rukia was one of the first characters of the series created by Kubo, her design being the one he decided to use for all the other Soul Reapers
