One of the most iconic characters in Bleach, Rukia Kuchiki has been an essential character since the beginning of the series. Being Ichigo's mentor at the beginning of the series, Rukia has since become a strong character in her own right while still providing Ichigo with her brand of support.
Being the more experienced Soul Reaper between her and Ichigo, it is only natural that Rukia has some very memorable and often gut-wrenching quotes to her name. From her sage words of wisdom to her witty one-liners, these iconic quotes of Rukia's are sure to stick with fans for a long time.
7 "My Name Is Not Soul Reaper. I Am Rukia Kuchiki."
On the surface, this quote would seem insignificant, as it is just Rukia introducing herself to Ichigo. But one must also remember the awkward-turned-desperate circumstances of how Rukia met Ichigo for this quote to hold any significance.
Due to Rukia barging into Ichigo's room while searching for the hollow Fishbone D, the two did not get off to a good start, which was not helped by Ichigo not believing Rukia's claims of her being a Soul Reaper. It is only when the two are driven into a corner by Fishbone D that Rukia formally introduces herself.
6 "In The Eyes Of A Soul Reaper, All The Spirits Of This World Are Equal! Getting Involved Simply Because Spirits Are Nearby Or They Need Help Isn't How It Works!"
Being the more experienced Soul Reaper out of her and Ichigo, Rukia is well-versed in the art of cutting down Hollows and sending spirits to Soul Society. This means that Rukia also knows that being a Soul Reaper is a very strict commitment, as she explains to Ichigo when the spirit of a little boy is attacked by the Hollow Hexapodus.
Since this quote can be found in the second episode of the anime, the overall scene perfectly establishes Rukia as Ichigo's senior in addition to a capable Soul Reaper in her own right. In conjunction with Ichigo performing his first Konso, the entire scene also gives viewers a good example of how strict a Soul Reaper's job can be.
5 "What Disgraceful Behavior Is This, Rukia Kuchiki?"
One of the first instances of the melancholy plaguing Rukia at the time, this quote displays Rukia's initial distaste at becoming ingratiated in the Human World. Her melancholy at the time was not helped by the fact that she was completely powerless and trapped in a Gigai, thus making her unable to perform her duties as a Soul Reaper.
However, despite her scoffing at the ideas of love and friendship, the montage of funny moments as Rukia broods implies that she still enjoyed her time with Ichigo in the Human World. It is later revealed that Rukia's initial aversion toward befriending others stems from and is amplified by her deep guilt of killing her mentor and friend, Kaien Shiba.
4 "The Only Person I Saved Was Myself... I'm Detestable. I'm Not Worthy Of Being Saved. I'm Not Worth Shedding Blood Over... Ever."
On the topic of Kaien Shiba, Rukia's relationship with the previous Squad 13 Lieutenant can be said to be Rukia's strongest relationship in the series. Up until the time of his death, the two of them were true friends who spent a lot of time together; it was Kaien who taught Rukia swordplay and his own views on hearts.
Rukia's friendship with Kaien made it all the more heart-wrenching when she ended up killing him after he was possessed by a Hollow called Metastacia. Although Kaien clearly bore no ill will toward her in the end, Rukia still cursed herself for doing so, to the point that she felt that Ichigo's attempts at saving her at the time of her execution were useless.
3 "I Am Not Sad. I Have No Regrets. I Am Not... Leaving Behind My Heart."
While most people would curl up into a ball and cry at the thought of their execution, throughout the Soul Society arc, Rukia somehow copes with her impending fate rather well. Even on the day of her sentence, Rukia opts to reflect on the good that has happened in her life instead of cowering and crying.
By reflecting on her adoption into the Kuchiki family as well as meeting Ichigo and Renji, Rukia not only shows how brave she is in the face of death, but she also proves how truly grateful she is to have met people who care for her. But before she can take her feelings to the grave, she is rescued by a rejuvenated Ichigo, who had managed to master his Bankai finally.
2 "In Battle, The Ones Who Get In The Way Aren't The Ones Who Lack Power, But The Ones Who Lack Resolve."
During the Arrancar arc, Rukia was finally able to regain her lost power and Zanpakuto and prove herself a viable asset against the Arrancar. However, upon learning Aizen's goals and being outclassed by the bloodthirsty sixth Espada Grimmjow, Rukia, like everyone else in Karakura Town, realized that she was not prepared to face Aizen's Arrancar army.
After happening upon a worried Orihime, Rukia learns that Orihime has been left out of the impending battle against Aizen. It is here that Rukia tells Orihime that what she lacks is resolve, not power, before taking her back to Soul Society to train.
1 "You May Have His Spiritual Body, But You Don't Have His Heart. Kaien... Left His Heart With Me!"
The Hueco Mundo arc not only gave Rukia another opportunity to show off her icy Zanpakuto Sode no Shirayuki, but it also provided a satisfying conclusion to her guilt around the death of her mentor. The latter was especially apparent due to her opponent, the Noveno Espada Aaroniero Arrurruerie, having the ability to shape-shift into Kaien due to devouring Metastacia.
Taking advantage of her hesitance to strike her mentor's visage, Aaroniero was able to gain the upper hand on Rukia and even managed to deal a critical wound on her with Kaien's Zanpakuto. However, Rukia managed to overcome her hesitance and deal a fatal injury to Aaroniero with San no Mai: Shirafune while proclaiming that Kaien's heart was with her all along.