"It was," Rukia confirmed, laying a hand on her chest. She wasn't exactly pleased about it, but she had a vague idea as to why it was necessary. "My strength, speed, and access to kidou are no longer present. You may have already guessed, but I was not human."

It had nothing to do with her stature; she was naturally short, and her frame appeared delicate due to genetics, and possibly malnourishment at a young age.

"I am a shinigami -- a soul reaper."