description About
Considered something of a prodigy, he was the lieutenant of the 13th Division under Jūshirō Ukitake. He was reluctant to take the position, feeling that there were others more deserving of the job. His greatest desire is to protect those close to him regardless of the law or the personal consequences. Though he had a good relationship with all of his subordinates, he was particularly close with Rukia Kuchiki; he taught her how to fight and helped her find a place within the 13th Division. Unlike other Soul Reapers, Kaien treated Rukia like any other, not judging her by the name Kuchiki, which in turn helped her to gain some self-confidence. After his wife, Miyako, was killed by a hollow, Kaien went out to kill the hollow to seek revenge. He was possessed by the hollow in the process and attacked Rukia, who killed him in self-defense. Though he thanked her for doing so and apologized for his actions, Rukia forever feels guilty about her role in his death.