my back as your shield

The first main relationship between Renji and other characters that must be tackled is, of course, that of Renji and Rukia. Renji's background with Rukia goes back to when they were children and growing up in the same district of Rukongai, where they worked together with their friends in stealing to simply survive in the high crime area. Rukia and Renji were alike in that they both had shinigami powers, unlike their other friends, and after all of their friends died over time, they decided to dedicate the rest of their lives to becoming shinigami and entering the academy.

Soon after being admitted into the academy, Rukia was adopted by the Kuchiki family, which gave Renji his first glimpse of nobility and his first goal in life. Regardless, Renji worked hard to become an accomplished shinigami that was someone Rukia could depend on, and whether or not you agree that he had romantic feelings for her (there's no doubt, in my mind), Renji obviously cares a great deal for Rukia - possibly more than anything else.

First and foremost, Ichigo seems to be the human that started this whole mess, and got Rukia into trouble. That in itself makes Renji want to kill him, I'm sure - a pity that Ichigo is the one who ultimately saves Rukia as well! After quite a few fights and mutual feelings of dislike, these two finally are working on the same side and more or less getting along. I personally think they're too much alike to ever exist in the same room together for very long, but their mutual care (affections?) toward Rukia make it work out some how.

Ah, but of course, who this shrine is for. I've got essays on this, so go back and check 'em out.