I already re-added it to the Bleach page, but I'm bringing it here for this page to avoid unintentionally sparking an edit war.
Manga
In Bleach, Rukia Kuchiki is described as powerful enough to be a lieutenant (the third-highest officer rank in the military), but is basically an unranked foot soldier. We later find out that this is because her big brother, trying to protect her, used his influence to keep her from being promoted. Near the end of the series, however, she's finally promoted to lieutenant.
Having read the trope, I don't agree with your assessment, Wyldchyld. The trope is that someone who meets the qualifications for a higher rank is serving amongst the D-list. While the Gotei is a meritocracy where power determines rank, we're ALSO told that nobility are almost always higher rank due to higher spiritual power and that this is actually expected (remember, her first conversation upon joining the Thirteenth was being embarrassed to tell Byakuya that she did not earn a seat). Further, it seems that Rukia's exceptional spiritual power (which we're told would easily qualify her for a seat) is well-known amongst her peers. Having read the trope and applied it to Bleach's in-universe standards, I cannot see how it does not fit here.
Here is an except from the description which I think helps my point:
" This is usually aristocratic birth, a college education, or specific training, but there are other possibilities."
Rukia, we're told, specifically had the training and power to become a seated officer.
I already re-added it to the Bleach page, but I'm bringing it here for this page to avoid unintentionally sparking an edit war.
Manga
Having read the trope, I don't agree with your assessment, Wyldchyld. The trope is that someone who meets the qualifications for a higher rank is serving amongst the D-list. While the Gotei is a meritocracy where power determines rank, we're ALSO told that nobility are almost always higher rank due to higher spiritual power and that this is actually expected (remember, her first conversation upon joining the Thirteenth was being embarrassed to tell Byakuya that she did not earn a seat). Further, it seems that Rukia's exceptional spiritual power (which we're told would easily qualify her for a seat) is well-known amongst her peers. Having read the trope and applied it to Bleach's in-universe standards, I cannot see how it does not fit here.
Here is an except from the description which I think helps my point:
" This is usually aristocratic birth, a college education, or specific training, but there are other possibilities."
Rukia, we're told, specifically had the training and power to become a seated officer.