Unohana

Biodata

Background

Before becoming the Fourth Division Captain, Unohana was known as Yachiru Unohana, the First Kenpachi. She fought for pleasure, killed numerous opponents, and searched Soul Society for powerful challengers. She learned Kaidō so that she could prolong her battles 24 26.

During a battle with Kenpachi Zaraki when he was a boy, Zaraki sealed his own power. Unohana blamed herself and came to regard helping him regain it—and inherit the title of Kenpachi—as her mission 24 63.

Appearance

Unohana has long black hair reaching her waist, deep violet eyes, and a dignified, tranquil bearing 3 45 57.

• Clothing: She wears a white Captain’s haori and has also been seen in a plain kimono and a pink kimono 109 115 211.
• Scar: She has a scar below her neck; when Liu Hao offered to remove it, she said she had not decided 115.

Personality

Unohana is usually gentle, composed, and authoritative. When Liu Hao’s Reiatsu ran wild, she recognized that he was trying to control it himself and directed Isane to stabilize his injuries rather than forcibly intervene. She also accepted his initial refusal to leave a companion behind in Rukongai 3.

Beneath that calm demeanor, Unohana retains a fierce love of battle. Watching Liu Hao and Imperial Princess fight awakened a desire she said she had not felt since her encounter with the young Zaraki 26. She remains committed to her self-appointed mission concerning Zaraki, even after Liu Hao argues that neither of them needs to die for the Kenpachi title 63 65.

Abilities & Skills

Swordsmanship

As Yachiru, Unohana was said to have mastered every school of Kendo in Soul Society. During Liu Hao’s training, she exploited gaps in his defenses and forced him to release his Shikai to continue 24 25.

• She recognized that Liu Hao’s unfamiliar swordsmanship was a self-created style 24.
• She fought Imperial Princess using swordsmanship before releasing her Bankai 27.

Bankai: Minazuki

Unohana’s Bankai transforms the surrounding space into a sea of blood 27.

• The sea strengthens Unohana, weakens her opponent, and erodes living things caught within it 27.
• In her duel with Imperial Princess, their strongest attacks neutralized the sea and undid the Bankai 27.

Kaidō and Medical Care

Unohana is a skilled healer who uses Kaidō to treat severe injuries. Tenjirō Kirinji taught her healing techniques before her service in the Fourth Division 3 214.

• She helped stabilize Liu Hao when his uncontrolled Reiryoku threatened to tear his spirit body apart 3.
• She treated Tōshirō Hitsugaya after Aizen wounded him and later cared for other casualties at Sōkyoku Hill 109 113.
• At Karakura Town, she treated Hiyori Sarugaki, Isshin Kurosaki, Kisuke Urahara, and Yoruichi Shihōin 177 191.
• After the battle with Aizen, she personally cared for Liu Hao during his seven days of unconsciousness, tending his damaged meridians and soul 206.

Kidō and Reiatsu Control

• Barrier: Unohana formed a transparent Kidō barrier around the training space to contain the effects of Liu Hao and Imperial Princess’s fight 25 26.
• Detection: She spread her Reiatsu through the captains’ meeting room to probe for a hidden presence after Liu Hao hinted that Aizen was watching 44.

Relationships

• Liu Hao — Her subordinate, trainee, and confidant. He joined the Fourth Division partly to repay her for saving him, later sought her training, and resolved to prevent her predicted death. After Aizen’s defeat, he decided to pursue her romantically; her feelings remained uncertain 15 24 30 207.
• Isane Kotetsu — Her vice-captain and medical colleague. Unohana entrusts her with division affairs, investigations, and the selection of Medical Guard Team members 3 22 23.
• Kenpachi Zaraki — Her former opponent and the focus of her mission to restore his sealed power. Liu Hao later challenged that mission and fought Zaraki in an effort to protect her 24 63 216 226.
• Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto — The Captain-Commander with whom she shares intelligence about Aizen and Yhwach. She vouched for Liu Hao’s warnings after checking aspects of his predictions 45 46 81.
• Sōsuke Aizen — A fellow captain whom she grew wary of after investigating Liu Hao’s avoidance of Kyōka Suigetsu. She later confronted him at Central 46 22 109.
• Tenjirō Kirinji — Her former teacher in healing techniques. Upon his return, he provoked her about Liu Hao’s healing abilities 214.

Story Role

Liu Hao and the Medical Guard Team

Unohana and Isane saved Liu Hao and his companions after a Hollow attack in Rukongai. Unohana offered Liu Hao, Renji, and Rukia a chance to enter the Seireitei, though they initially chose to remain with Kenta 3. At graduation, she supported Liu Hao’s request to join the Fourth Division despite Aizen’s attempt to recruit him 15.

After Aizen requested Liu Hao’s transfer years later, Unohana agreed to refuse it and investigated why Liu Hao avoided Aizen’s Shikai demonstrations. She then ordered Isane to form a Medical Guard Team from members with combat potential and interested academy students 22 23.

Unohana agreed to train Liu Hao after he revealed what he knew about her past and his wish to avert her death. Their training led to her duel with Imperial Princess and the release of Minazuki 24 27.

Warnings and Aizen’s Rebellion

Liu Hao told Unohana about Aizen’s ambitions, Yhwach’s return, and a future in which she died fighting Zaraki. She chose to look for evidence, and Metastacia’s attack on a Thirteenth Division patrol supported part of his warning 30 31. She later affirmed her belief in Liu Hao before Yamamoto 46.

Unohana arranged Liu Hao’s spar with Hitsugaya, then warned him when rumors of his victory were used to question the captain’s fitness 38 42. During Aizen’s rebellion, she confronted Aizen at Central 46, treated Hitsugaya, and explained his pursuit of the Hōgyoku to Isane 109.

Karakura and Aftermath

At Karakura Town, Unohana treated the wounded while Liu Hao fought Aizen. Afterward, she cared for Liu Hao throughout his recovery and told him of Aizen’s imprisonment and the Visored’s return to captaincy 191 206.

Before Liu Hao departed for the Soul King Palace, he prepared to face Zaraki as part of his promise to protect Unohana. During their battle, Zaraki’s self-imposed seal began to break 216 226. Unohana was later present when Liu Hao returned to Soul Society and discussed plans to find a way into the Wandenreich 242.

Notable Quotes

“There is more than one road to the Seireitei. If you have the chance in the future, you can still come.” 3

“A longing I haven’t felt in a long time was awakened, that’s all.” 26

“Either I train him and die by his sword, or I cut him down and become the strongest myself.” 63