OK, first things first. This is not a fanclub or a pairing thread or a debate at that. This is simply to question the relationship between Ichigo and Rukia. You see, my favorite character's are Ichigo and Rukia. I also happen to like the interaction between them, as they can be funny, touching, sweet and downright hilarious. As I've visited some forums (and because of my intuition : ) ), I have noticed that people tend to pair Ichigo and Rukia. Well, I don't mind. I really like seeing them together.

Back to the topic. I read an interview with Tite Kubo, the manga artist of Bleach, because I was kinda curious to know what really is the relationship between Ichigo and Rukia. This is what he said when asked:

What do you think the bond is that these two have with each other?

It’s not friendship but it’s not an amorous feeling either. With these 2’s relationship, I think there is no other relationship like them in other works where despite both standing in a very close position with each other it is not romance (laughs)
But in this year’s movie there is a scene where Ichigo says Rukia is his “Precious nakama” and I think that explains the of their relationship well.

So, no offense to any IchiRuki fans out there, but doesn't this mean that there is no IchiRuki? Correct me if I am wrong. I really like Ichigo and Rukia together..they are on top of my list being my two favorite characters. This interview made me pretty dissappointed as I thought that there was something else between them other than a really deep friendship. What are everyone's thoughts on this?