Unohana

Biodata

Background and History

Before joining the Gotei 13, Unohana pursued swordsmanship by challenging increasingly strong opponents across Rukongai. When no one could match her, she killed on a growing scale and became feared as the Sword of Death 48 88. Hearing that powerful fighters were gathering in Seireitei, she went there to find a worthy opponent 24 42.

Unohana fought her way toward Central 46, defeating Saitō Fubōfu and Gen'en Kinra and killing more than half of the sages. Yamabuki Chidori finally stopped her in a duel that left both fighters wounded; he spared and treated her despite Central 46's demand for her execution 42 43 45 46. She subsequently joined the Gotei 13 as the 11th Division's temporary Captain, with Chidori serving as her Lieutenant 48.

Unohana and Chidori later married 143 146. After Shijima Chiru's resignation, Unohana transferred to the 4th Division, adopted the name Retsu, and turned the division from an assassination-focused unit into a medical and logistical service. Her reputation as a kind Captain eventually eclipsed her history as the Sword of Death 157.

Appearance

Unohana has long black hair and a youthful, refined appearance. Her gentle smile often leads strangers to underestimate her 22 42 46.

• She usually keeps her hair tied; during fierce combat, she has torn off its ribbon and let it fall loose 44 131.
• She carried her Zanpakutō even with her wedding gown 143.

Personality

Unohana is courteous and composed, but she once sought lethal fights for the pleasure of testing her swordsmanship. A strong opponent can still draw out her bloodthirsty side, even after long periods of peace 24 48 131 154.

As Retsu, she is a trusted physician and an approachable Captain. She accepts applicants to the 4th Division without entry requirements, jokes with her subordinates, and remains calm while directing emergency treatment 157 159 199.

Abilities and Skills

Swordsmanship

• Unohana is reputed to have mastered every school of swordsmanship. She reads an opponent's openings and uses angles outside their field of vision to conceal her attacks 42 338.
• She uses Sen no Sen to anticipate an attack before it begins and has explained advanced swordsmanship principles to Chidori during their duel 44.
• Her technique lets her contend with stronger opponents, but young Kenpachi Zaraki's increasing strength and stamina eventually overwhelmed her 154 155.

Zanpakutō: Minazuki

• Minazuki can take the form of a flying manta ray 131.
• Unohana obtained Bankai by fighting and defeating her Zanpakutō spirit 59.
• Her Bankai, Kajōtenketsu, turns her blade and surroundings blood-soaked. Contact with its blood accelerates causality, rapidly carrying living flesh toward death and decay; its effects also deteriorate Unohana's own body 45.

Kidō and Medicine

• Unohana uses healing Kidō and can diagnose injuries while treating a patient 340.
• She can cast Bakudō #81: Splitting Void without an incantation, blocking three simultaneous Cero attacks 214.
• She directs battlefield surgery and emergency care, including treatment of wounded Soul Reapers during a Hueco Mundo rescue mission 199.

Relationships

• Yamabuki Chidori — Husband and former 11th Division Lieutenant. Their first duel ended when he spared her; they continued to spar and develop techniques together 45 48 143.
• Soi Fon — Daughter. Unohana cares for her during Bankai training and advises her on confronting her Zanpakutō spirit 429.
• Kenpachi Zaraki — A powerful opponent whose childhood duel with her ended when Chidori intervened. Centuries later, Unohana acknowledged that Zaraki had surpassed her 154 155 437.
• Shiba Isshin — Former 4th Division member who studied medicine under her and never defeated her in sword sparring 198.
• Huo Ying / Akane Youka — Attached to Unohana and hoped to serve in her division; Unohana protected a bystander during Huo Ying's destructive training bout 249.

Notable Quotes

“A person's birth is the cause, and death followed by becoming dust is the effect. My blade does nothing at all. It merely speeds up that process.” 45

“What a perfect battle!” 45