Rikichi Yuki (行木 理吉, Yuki Rikichi)[1] is an unseated officer of the 6th Division.
Appearance[]
Rikichi is a young male of average height with black hair and grey eyes. He has a tattoo above his left eye, in admiration for Renji Abarai. His hair is parted on the left and fans out at the tips. Also, on the left side of his head, three RCA cables are tied to his hair. Besides the standard Shinigami uniform, he wears a thin rope sash connecting the supply kit on his back.
Personality[]
The only reason Rikichi joined the 6th Division was because Renji was his hero. His admiration reached so far that he broke Hanatarō Yamada out of jail to save him.
Plot[]
Soul Society arc[]
Rikichi with Renji.
Rikichi is present at the 6th Division Barracks, badly trying to control a Jigokuchō, when Renji arrives to visit the prisoner, Rukia. When Renji sees him struggling, he kicks Rikichi on the head before advising him to learn more control over the Jigokuchō. When Renji asks about Rukia, Rikichi informs him that she hasn't moved since the previous night.[2] After Renji fights Ichigo and loses, Byakuya Kuchiki orders for him to be imprisoned. When Renji escapes from the 6th Division's barracks, Rikichi is among the Shinigami sent out to capture him, but is the only one not to be injured and wonders why his lieutenant is attacking his own men.[3]
Rikichi stands over Renji as he is healed by Hanatarō.
In order to prevent Rukia's execution, Renji fights against his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, only to fall by his Bankai. Afterwards, Rikichi breaks Hanatarō Yamada out of jail so he could heal Renji's wounds. He explains that he knew to get Hanatarō, since he wanted to save Rukia as well, and he would thus help Renji. Rikichi expresses his disappointment in how Renji lost to Ichigo Kurosaki and then broke out of his cell to help him, going so far to attack his own men. He then declares that he joined the Sixth Division to follow Renji in whatever path he chose, so no matter what, he wanted Renji to survive. Giving his Lieutenant a fresh shihakushō, Rikichi insists that he follow his own path, smiling when Hanatarō begs Renji to help save Rukia. Renji happily agrees.[4]
Bount arc (anime only)[]
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
When the threat of the Bount becomes apparent, Rikichi is given a letter by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto which is addressed to Byakuya. The letter tells Byakuya to investigate the Bounts and to keep watch over Mayuri Kurotsuchi.[5]
Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)[]
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.
Along with other members of his squad, Rikichi is knocked unconscious during the commotion when Byakuya attacks the 6th Squad's barracks.[6]
Powers and Abilities[]
Spiritual Power: As a Shinigami and a seated officer, Rikichi possesses higher-than-average levels of Reiryoku.
Zanpakutō[]
Rikichi's Zanpakutō.
Rikichi's Zanpakutō takes the form of what appears to be an ordinary katana, with a curved, rectangular guard.[7]
- Shikai: Not Yet Revealed.
- Bankai: Not Yet Achieved.
Appearances in Other Media[]
- In Bleach: WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU, set three years after the Quincy Blood War, Rikichi has been promoted to the 3rd Seat of the 6th Division. He introduces both Renji and Rukia to his younger brother, Ryūnosuke Yuki, who has temporarily come back to the Soul Society on Kisuke Urahara's behalf to deliver a wedding gift for Renji and Rukia.[8]
Trivia[]
- Rikichi was voted the 45th most popular Shinigami character in the fifth character popularity poll.[9]
References[]
- ↑ Bleach 13 Blades., page 84
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 59, pages 3-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 140, pages 2-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 149, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 87
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 241
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 140, page 3
- ↑ Bleach WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU; Chapter 12
- ↑ 13 BLADEs., page 253
