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Retsu Unohana (卯ノ花 烈, Unohana Retsu), formerly known as Yachiru Unohana (卯ノ花 八千流, Unohana Yachiru), was the former captain of the Fourth Division in the Gotei 13. She was one of the oldest and most experienced captains, and was Soul Society's best healer. Her lieutenant was Isane Kotetsu. She also formerly served as the first Captain of the Eleventh Division,[3] where she was the first person to wield the name "Kenpachi".[4] After she was cast into Hell, Unohana gained the epithet of "Death Sword" (死剣, Shiken).[5]

Appearance[]

523Unohana's scar

Unohana wears her hair down, exposing her chest scar.

Unohana has the appearance of a slender and very youthful woman with blue eyes and black hair. She wears the standard Shinigami captain shihakushō apart from using an obi instead of the normal sash, which hides her well-endowed bosom. Her hair is long and is always worn as a large braid down the front of her body. Over 100 years ago, she did not have the large braid, instead styling in front of her as a loose ponytail. While maintaining a kind and gentle look at most times, during her battle with Kenpachi Zaraki, her eyes appear gloomy and menacing. She also wears her hair down for the first time, exposing a notable scar in-between her collarbone, inflicted by Zaraki when the latter was young.[6] Before he inflicted that scar on her, she did not tie her hair in front of her, instead wearing it down at all times.[7]

Unlike most Shinigami who carry their Zanpakutō in their sash, Unohana has a large string attached to the sheath of her Zanpakutō and carries it over her shoulder, or has her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, carry it for her whenever they are together on the battlefield.[8]

Personality[]

Unohana has a gentle and warm personality that augments her appearance. Unohana is a soft-spoken, polite, and caring woman who uses honorifics when addressing everyone, including her subordinates and the enemy. She rarely shows any signs of panic or distress, and has a great sense of duty, shown in the times that she orders Hanatarō Yamada’s imprisonment and Isane Kotetsu’s chasing of Renji Abarai when he runs away with Rukia Kuchiki. Despite her sense of duty, she will also heal almost anybody around her, including Renji after he was defeated by his captain, Gantenbainne Mosqueda when she arrived in Hueco Mundo, and the Visored, referring to them as allies despite Shinji Hirako's reluctance to do so. With her grace and kind manners, she lets others know quietly that while she may be soft, she is not to be taken lightly. Despite her gentle nature, several members of the Eleventh Division[9] and even her fellow Captains fear her.[10]

523Unohana's true personality

Unohana's expression while bloodthirsty.

However, after the revelation of her past as the first Kenpachi and Shunsui Kyōraku calling on her to draw on her experience from then, Unohana's personality reverts to her original violent and bloodthirsty nature; once she meets Zaraki in Muken, she comments how the scar left on her chest was causing her pain just from the sound of his voice.[11] Unohana herself says that she is infatuated with crossing blades,[12] and firmly believes in taking any actions necessary — even sleight of hands such as hidden daggers — to get ahead in battle.[13][14] According to Yhwach, Yachiru was infamous for being a brutal and cold-blooded killer,[15] which she demonstrated by massacring the Quincy of the Lichtreich when they first invaded Soul Society.[16]

Unohana likes strong-flavored food, preferring it to bland tasting dishes. In her free time, she climbs mountains throughout Rukongai; during these excursions, she collects medicinal herbs. Once a month, she holds an ikebana class for the members of her division[17] and she is also the President of the Ikebana Club.

History[]

Ep376YoungKenpachiWoundsYachiru

Unohana is injured in her fight with a young Zaraki.

At some point in the past, she named herself Yachiru Unohana[18] and was known as the most diabolical criminal to ever exist in Soul Society.[19] Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto sought her out and she joined him, becoming one of the founding members of the Gotei 13. Unohana laid the foundations of what would be known as the 11th Division and became its first captain, as well as the first Kenpachi. During this time, Unohana was taught medical techniques by Tenjirō Kirinji; she sought this knowledge in order to prolong fights.[20]

Approximately one thousand years before her death, Unohana fought alongside Yamamoto and the rest of the first Gotei 13 captains against Yhwach and his Quincy army.[16][21]

Some time after becoming a captain, Unohana undertook a mission to eliminate the warriors on the edges of Rukongai. Having lost interest in fighting, Unohana wandered from place to place in search of something that would please her sword, and came across a young boy who would one day be known as Kenpachi Zaraki. Attacking her on sight, the boy was able to injure her, causing the woman to once again enjoy fighting. However, despite being the one left standing at the conclusion of their battle, she realized he was stronger and was better suited to become Kenpachi.[22][23] Sometime later, Unohana left the Eleventh division and became Captain of the Fourth Division.

Ep206UnohanaSurprisesUkitakeKyoraku

Unohana surprises Ukitake and Kyōraku with her presence.

Approximately 110 years ago, Unohana was present for a promotion ceremony that took place at the 1st Division Headquarters, along with the rest of the assembled captains. She witnessed the arrival of the newly appointed Captain of the 12th Division, Kisuke Urahara. Her lieutenant at this time was Seinosuke Yamada.[24]

Ep210RetsuOrders

Unohana receives orders she disagrees with.

9 years later, Unohana was present at an emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto where he decided to create an investigation team to locate the missing 9th Division members. When he gave out orders, Yamamoto ordered Unohana to prepare the relief stations for casualties, but she interrupted him and asked if it wouldn't be better for her to tend to the wounded there. Yamamoto plainly told her that he couldn't send healers out without knowing what the situation was like.[25]

Unohana was present when Isshin Shiba made his report about the mysterious Hollow known as White.[26]

Plot[]

Soul Society arc[]

Ep45UnohanaScolds

Unohana scolds Hanatarō.

Retsu Unohana attends a captain's emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto. However she says nothing at this time and remains silent throughout the bickering between her fellow officers.[27] After Sōsuke Aizen's apparent death, she examines the body and confirms to Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen that he is truly dead.[28] When Hanatarō Yamada is brought before her by the 13th Division after aiding an enemy, she determines that Hanatarō must be imprisoned on account of the fact that he is a Seated Officer in her Division and may have accidentally aided in the harm that the Ryoka had supposedly done within Seireitei.[29]

Ep54UnohanaExplainsCruelty

Unohana explains why Yamamoto lied to Rukia.

While attending the execution, Isane Kotetsu expresses open regret that Yamamoto lied to Rukia regarding the release of the Ryoka, but Unohana explains to her lieutenant that despite the harshness of such a lie, it also allows Rukia to die peacefully with the idea that her friends' lives would be spared.[30] After Ichigo Kurosaki arrives on the scene and destroys the Sōkyoku stand, Suì-Fēng orders all lieutenants to follow the fleeing Renji and Rukia. Isane, concerned about the order, looks at Unohana, and the latter calmly tells her to go, only to see the former lose to Ichigo.[31]

Ep55IsaneWakesOnMinazuki

Unohana treating her lieutenant.

After defeating the lieutenants, Ichigo starts his battle with Byakuya Kuchiki while the captains then head off to their respective battles. Unohana releases Minazuki, even though the actual process is not shown, and saves all those hurt during the initial battle. She keeps Isane with her on top of Minazuki while her Zanpakutō heals the rest of her patients inside of its stomach. Arriving at the Relief Station, Unohana asks Minazuki to release everyone, and seals it back while calling for her subordinates to tend to the injured personnel for the time being. She then asks Isane to follow her to the Central 46 Chambers.[32]

Ep60SentanHakuja

Aizen and Ichimaru escape Unohana and Isane.

They arrive at the scene in time to see Aizen defeat Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Captain Unohana announces her presence to the traitors while citing her own suspicions surrounding Aizen's staged death. She also goes on to claim that the residence area in Central 46 Compound was the only place he could hide and mentions the use of an elaborate corpse doll on his part. Aizen then points out the mistakes in her analysis, while also commending her for seeing through his deception. The first was that he was not here to hide, and the second was immediately shown as he releases his Zanpakutō in front of Unohana and explains Kyōka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis. He then proceeds to tell Unohana about the third member of his group, Kaname Tōsen. He and Gin Ichimaru then teleport to Sōkyoku Hill, leaving them behind.[33] Unohana immediately requests Isane to find out his exact location and inform everyone of Aizen's betrayal, including the Ryoka. She then takes steps to heal Hitsugaya and Momo Hinamori, both of whom were critically injured by Aizen before her arrival.[34]

Ep62UnohanaArrives

Unohana arrives at Sōkyoku Hill after Aizen's defection.

After ensuring that both would escape death for the moment, she leaves them in the care of Isane and travels via Minazuki to the Sōkyoku stand, where she tells Yasochika Iemura, the 3rd Seat of her division, that the Ryoka do not require help. She then settles down beside Byakuya Kuchiki and gently scolds him, saying that he has pushed himself too hard. She then calls Rukia over upon Byakuya's request, during which he reveals his reason for allowing her execution.[35][36]

A week after Aizen's insurgency, Unohana stops two 11th Division members from creating a ruckus at the 4th Division’s Relief Station, and unsuccessfully tries to convince Hitsugaya to speak to an unconscious Momo, who is still recovering from her injuries.[37]

Hueco Mundo arc[]

Ep196UnohanaFacesRudbornn

Unohana and Kotetsu surprising the Exequias by their appearance.

Unohana and Isane appear alongside Captains Kenpachi Zaraki, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Byakuya Kuchiki in Las Noches after the titanic battle between Ichigo and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Her initial appearance effectively stops the approaching Exequias from doing further harm to Yasutora Sado, to which their leader, Rudbornn Chelute, calmly orders a retreat.[38] She then stops Isane from pursuing them, claiming that they are only there to heal the injured, not start more fights.[39]

She proceeds to heal Sado and Gantenbainne Mosqueda, and orders Isane to go to the location of Byakuya Kuchiki as she feels something is wrong with Hanatarō, who was originally sent with Byakuya.[40]

Fake Karakura Town arc[]

Unohana appears alongside Mayuri Kurotsuchi after the latter announces that he can get Ichigo Kurosaki back to Karakura Town through a Garganta. She offers to accompany Ichigo back to Karakura Town, claiming to have faith in Mayuri's abilities, but not without adding a remark of how if he fails, Urahara will be disappointed, obviously irritating him. Before leaving with Ichigo, she orders Isane to remain behind and assist their remaining forces in Las Noches.[41]

UnohanaGarganta

Unohana dives into the Garganta.

When Mayuri and Nemu open up the Garganta, Ichigo and Unohana jump in and head towards Karakura Town. As they are travelling, she asks Ichigo about his fight with Aizen, when learning that Aizen defeated him without using Shikai, Unohana is somewhat relieved. She then informs him that he is the only one who can stand up to Sōsuke Aizen because he has not seen his Shikai. She tells Ichigo that his advantage is that not only does he have captain-class Reiatsu, but also that he hasn't seen Aizen's Shikai. She finally warns him not to witness Aizen's Shikai, stating that once he does, the war would be over.[42] Ichigo thanks her and tells her that he will defeat Aizen.

UnohanaIchigoGarganta288

Unohana strengthens the path.

As they make their way back to the living world, Unohana notices that Ichigo is making a path that is weak and brittle and asks that she be allowed to take the lead. Ichigo protests, saying it's unnecessary until she asks again even more politely, scaring Ichigo into submitting to her will. Once Unohana is in front of Ichigo, he comments on how she can make such a clean and sturdy path with captain-class Reiatsu, making note of the difference between them. Unohana asks him what he is referring to, stating that his Reiatsu isn't so different from her and as his wounds are healed, it is possibly because his Reiatsu is too rough and thus unsuited for the particular task. Ichigo objects, stating that if his Reiatsu was at full strength, he would be able to do better. Unohana doesn't believe his reasoning until Ichigo explains that the condition of his Bankai's shihakushō is able to give a clear example of how much Reiryoku he has left. Orihime had already healed him, but told him that it would take longer to replenish his Reiryoku, and since he went to help Rukia and the others, his Reiatsu never did get fully replenished.

Ep288UnohanaOffersRestoration

Unohana offers to restore Ichigo's Reiatsu.

He then points to his sleeve that he has left and says this is how much Reiatsu he currently has at the moment. Unohana then thinks to herself that it is impossible, as there is not even half of his shihakushō left, causing her to wonder if his Reiatsu is only at half. Unohana then realizes that she must have mistakenly thought that Ichigo's Reiatsu is at full strength because it was comparable to a captain's. She then asks Ichigo to run in front while she restores his Reiatsu to full strength as they travel. Ichigo questions if she is capable of doing that while they are running to which Unohana answers by explaining how healing Kidō works and that restoring the Reiatsu once a body has physically healed is an easy task. Unohana then acknowledges to herself that if Ichigo's Reiatsu is only at half strength, then he may just be the trump card they need to defeat Aizen.[43]

Ep310ShinjiThanksUnohana

Shinji thanks Unohana.

She later makes it back to the Human World and goes to where Hachigen and Hiyori are.[44] Unohana finishes healing Hiyori Sarugaki and tells the Visored that she should be alright for the time being. Lisa Yadōmaru asks if that means that she might not survive, to which Unohana explains that healing through Kidō is no different from medicine. Unohana notes that she has finished fixing her physical structure. So as long as Hiyori doesn't give up on living, she will eventually wake up. Whether or not she gives up, is something she thinks Shinji Hirako would know better than her. As she begins to walk away Shinji tells her that he owes her one. Unohana stops and asks him why does he thank her, as she doesn't require thanks for saving the lives of her "allies". Shinji responds that he never said they were her allies as the Visored look on in surprise making him question what Hiyori would say in the situation. He simply says again that he owes her one.[45]

The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc[]

When Kisuke Urahara explains about his intentions to restore Ichigo's power in front of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto tells him to bring him the sword which will allow Urahara to do so. Unohana asks if he intends to agree to Urahara's plan and he replies that they were saved by Ichigo and thus it is their turn to save him, no matter the means. He then orders the captains and lieutenants to give their Reiatsu to the sword.[46] Some time later, Unohana is present when Ichigo meets with the captains to request the return of Kūgo Ginjō's body.[47]

The Thousand-Year Blood War arc[]

Ep372IsaneDrySkin

Unohana notices the effects of Yamamoto's Bankai.

Unohana attends a captain meeting where she is informed about Wandenreich's infiltration, and is ordered to prepare for war alongside the other captains.[48] After the invasion of Soul Society begins, she eventually receives information on the Sternritter's ability to steal an individual's Bankai from the 10th Division. Unohana then notes that, upon examining their Reiatsu, the captains of the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Divisions had also had their Bankai taken.[49] Some point afterwards, Unohana and several other members of the Gotei 13 are surprised to sense Yamamoto enter the front lines as their Captain-Commander's Reiatsu resonates throughout Seireitei.[50] As she notices Yamamoto's Bankai take effect on Seireitei, Isane comments about her skin suddenly becoming dry. Unohana then distracts Isane from the situation by remarking on her acting rather girly. As she does so, she hopes that Yamamoto ends the battle soon, before he destroys Soul Society with his own power.[51] Unohana and other captains are then later shocked to sense that Yamamoto had actually died at the hands of Yhwach.[52]

515Unohana displays

Unohana displays her loyalty to Yamamoto's last order.

During the aftermath of the battle for Soul Society, Isane begins to express concern about the decision for the 4th Division to remain inside. Mentioning that they might've been able to save more people, Unohana cuts her off and reminds her not to act on emotion. Seeing her begin to cry, the captain tells her to save her tears as the decision was the last order from the Captain-Commander.[53] Unohana and the other captains later gather outside Seireitei to witness the arrival of the Royal Guard.[54] Tenjirō Kirinji asks Unohana if she has been using the healing techniques he taught her, noting that there appears to have been a lot of deaths. When Senjumaru Shutara attempts to take Byakuya, Renji and Rukia to the Royal Guard's Tenchūren so that they can be taken to the Royal Palace, Unohana notes that their condition is too critical for them to leave Seireitei. However, the Royal Guard insist on taking them as Unohana's powers are not enough to heal Byakuya.[55] Later, as Shunsui Kyōraku meets with Central 46, he invites Unohana in, saying that she will be in charge of teaching Kenpachi Zaraki Zanjutsu, calling her Yachiru Unohana, the first Kenpachi.[4]

Ep375KenpachiVsUnohana

Unohana and Zaraki commence their fight.

Later, after Zaraki had recovered from his injuries somewhat and leaving a letter for Isane,[56] Unohana leads Zaraki into the lowest level of the Central Great Underground Prison under orders from Kyōraku to train the 11th Division captain to become strong enough to combat the Wandenreich. Revealing to have scarred each other's bodies in the past, both captains finally put their long-kept contempt for each other into actions and begin their battle to the death.[57]

524Unohana pins

Unohana pins Zaraki to a wall.

As Unohana and Zaraki fight, the former is shown to be able to retain the upper hand against the latter, deflecting his blows with her free hand and feet. Praising Zaraki for removing his eyepatch at the start of the fight, Unohana goes on to note that it also means that the strength he was currently displaying was his absolute limit. Calling him weak, the 4th Division captain wounds Zaraki with a hidden knife, and states that those who hold their weapon in one hand while doing nothing with the other, look as if they aren't enjoying the fight. Noting that she had changed from the person he had looked up to, Zaraki calls her out for using tricks she hadn't in their last fight. Knocking his sword from his hand and pinning him against the wall, Unohana tells him that she did not change at all; he just hadn't given her the opportunity to use those tricks on him when they fought last time.[58]

Ep376KenpachiLandsBlow

Zaraki lands a devastating blow on Unohana.

Wondering if he has gotten weaker, Zaraki explains that he had used to be bored with fighting before he met Unohana, and that when he fought her, he felt fear for the first time. Enjoying the fight due to this feeling, ever since then he had wanted to fight like her. Realizing that he may be about to die without being able to defeat her, Zaraki can only shed a single tear as Unohana pierces his throat with her blade. Noticing the man almost pass out, Unohana mentions he had seemed defeated for a moment. Disregarding her question and continuing to fight her, Unohana thinks to herself that Zaraki won't die, as he becomes stronger every time he comes close to dying, which is the mistake she made and the sin she imposed on him.[59] As she reflects on their previous fight, Unohana continues to inflict great wounds on Zaraki and heals them, noting that the limits he unconsciously placed on himself during their original battle are being gradually removed. She pledges to continue this until he surpasses her as a stronger Zaraki lands a devastating blow on her.[60]

Ep376UnohanaFatallyWounded

Zaraki fatally impales Unohana.

After receiving a devastating blow, Unohana reveals that she learnt how to heal just to prolong her fights. Recovering from her wound, she quickly unveils her Bankai and begins to attack Zaraki once more. As the latter begins to overpower her, the woman thinks back to when they had first met once more, and how upon the conclusion of their first ever battle she had acknowledged him as worthy of the title of "Kenpachi". Content in the knowledge that he had finally unlocked his full potential thanks to her brutal guidance, Unohana smiles briefly before being impaled.[61]

Unohana congratulates Zaraki and tells him he has finally won. He pleads with her not to die as she laments to herself that she no longer has anything to give and that he now has everything and that he has gained a lot in the exchange. She determines that she can now die happy knowing she has fulfilled her duty and that he can celebrate in her place.[62]

Echoing Jaws of Hell arc[]

Twelve years after Unohana's death, the Gotei 13 captains performed the Konsō Reisai ceremony before her grave in Soul Society to allow the Reishi comprising her body to return to the soil; unbeknownst to them, this ritual instead cast Unohana into Hell, where she gained the epithet of "Death Sword" (死剣, Shiken).[63]

Equipment[]

  • Daggers: Aside from her Zanpakutō, Unohana also carries with her a set of dagger-like blades, which she can use against her unsuspecting opponent during combat.[64]

Powers & Abilities[]

Ep376YachiruHealsInjuries

Unohana heals herself in the midst of battle.

Master Healer: Unohana learned healing techniques from Tenjirō Kirinji.[65] Though she originally learned healing Kidō to prolong her fights, Unohana since became the most knowledgeable on health-related matters in all of Soul Society,[66] highly proficient in conventional healing techniques and herbal healing. Her knowledge of anatomy is great enough that upon examination of Aizen's "dead body", she concluded it was not Aizen or even real.[67] She is also able to heal more than just Shinigami, as shown when she heals Yasutora Sado, a Human, as well as Gantenbainne Mosqueda, an Arrancar.[39]

Kidō Master: Unohana has advanced knowledge of Kidō and the flow of spiritual energy. Her knowledge and mastery of healing Kidō are unrivaled within Soul Society. Unohana is well-versed in a variety of Kidō, highly masterful in healing Kidō and is able to easily use high-level Hadō and Bakudō spells without incantation.[68]

  • Kaidō (回道, Turn Way): As the captain of the 4th Division, Retsu is highly proficient in Kaidō, having taught the technique to the members of her division.
Ep375UnohanaImpalesKenpachi

Unohana subdues Zaraki with Zanjutsu.

Master Swordsman: Unohana's personal specialty is sword fighting, particularly in the art of Kendō.[2] She is said have mastered all the countless styles of swordsmanship that exist in the world, hence the meaning behind her previous name, "Yachiru".[19] Her skill level in swordsmanship is far superior to even the current Eleventh Division captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, as she is able to easily best him for a considerable amount of their fight after centuries of not engaging in melee combat. During their battle, Unohana easily overpowered and fatally wounded Zaraki several times,[23][69][70][71] only losing when Zaraki grew powerful enough to kill her.[72] Unohana is also adept in sleight-of-hand, able to seamlessly launch her concealed dagger blades with deadly accuracy.[64]

Shunpo Practitioner: Unohana is proficient enough in this skill to be as fast as the average captain.

Hakuda Combatant: During her fight to the death against Zaraki, Unohana deflected his sword swing using the back of her free hand to create an opening for her own attack and subsequently blocked Zaraki's sword hand mid-swing with her foot, stopping his attack while simultaneously leaving him exposed.[73]

Immense Spiritual Power: As one of the oldest captains in the Gotei 13 and therefore one of the most experienced, Unohana has a tremendous amount of spiritual power. Alongside Genryūsai, she is one of the first captains who were noted to be the strongest generation of the Gotei 13, making her one of its most powerful combatants in history. Unohana has acknowledged that no one but Kenpachi Zaraki's power exceeds her own.[74]

Keen Intellect: Along with her general skill of healing, she is able to detect the smallest details in her patients. This aids her in her healing. She can detect anomalies and problems lesser healers would not. She can tell by a simple look what type of medical attention, if any, is needed.[39] She is also a keen analyst with great attention to detail, able to quickly determine how to counteract any ailments a person may have.[75] Her powers of perception were great enough to deduce that Aizen's elaborate illusion of a corpse doll wasn't real, and that Aizen was perpetuating a much larger scheme.[67]

Zanpakutō[]

Minazuki redirects here. For the manifested spirit that appears in the anime-only Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc see Minazuki (Zanpakutō spirit).

SJUnohana's Zanpakuto

Unohana's sealed Zanpakutō.

Minazuki (肉雫唼, Flesh-Drops' Gorge): In sealed form, Minazuki is slightly longer than an ordinary katana, and resembles a nodachi. The tsuba has an oval shape, and the handle is red. Instead of tying it to her obi, Unohana carries her Zanpakutō over her shoulder by a rope strap in "Tachi style", or lets Isane carry it for her.

Ep55UnohanaShikaiMinazuki

Unohana's Shikai, Minazuki.

  • Shikai: Its release command and the process of its transformation is unknown. In its Shikai form, Minazuki becomes a giant, green, one-eyed manta ray-like creature that can be used for transportation, with the ability to fly and sprout a pair of legs to land upon. When Unohana decides to seal it, Minazuki melts into a slurry of flesh that enters her scabbard before returning to its sealed state.[76]
Shikai Special Ability: Minazuki possesses the ability to heal; when wounded individuals are placed within its mouth, they are swallowed and stored inside its stomach. The stomach acids of Minazuki are strong healing medicines and ointments which gradually soak over the wounded, curing their injuries. It can carry at least six people within its stomach. At Unohana's command, Minazuki will regurgitate the people out of its mouth onto the ground.[2][77]
Minazuki

Unohana's Bankai, Minazuki.

  • Bankai: Minazuki (皆尽, All Things' End): When initiating the release, Unohana cuts her hand alongside the edge of her blade.[78] The blade of Unohana's Zanpakutō liquefies into a thick, viscous, blood-like[79] substance. At the same, the blood-like substance also appears around Unohana and her opponent. Once the majority of the liquid flows off the Zanpakutō, the remainder solidifies into a shortened katana.
Bankai Special Ability: The blood-like substance unleashed by Minazuki can be manipulated for potent offensive and defensive maneuvers. The slashes from Unohana's main sword can form large and sharp blades from the blood-like substance to swiftly attack her enemies from long distances. She can also create smaller blades by performing rapid slashes in all directions, creating a loose sphere that protects her from attacks. Additionally, she can use Minazuki to rapidly heal any injuries she sustains without requiring Kaidō.[80]


Appearances in Other Media[]

Video Game Appearances
Blade Battlers
Blade Battlers 2nd
The Blade of Fate
Dark Souls
The 3rd Phantom
Flame Bringer
Tasogare ni Mamieru Shinigami
Shattered Blade
Versus Crusade
Heat the Soul
Heat the Soul 2
Heat the Soul 3
Heat the Soul 4
Heat the Soul 5
Heat the Soul 6
Heat the Soul 7
Soul Carnival
Soul Carnival 2
Bleach: Hanatareshi Yabou *
Bleach Advance: Kurenai ni Somaru Soul Society
Erabareshi Tamashii
Soul Resurrección
J-Stars Victory Vs
Brave Souls
Paradise Lost
Jump Force
Movie Appearances
Memories of Nobody
The DiamondDust Rebellion
Fade to Black
The Hell Verse
Live-Action Film
BURN THE WITCH
Novel Appearances
Letters From The Other Side
The Honey Dish Rhapsody
Spirits Are Forever With You
The Death Save The Strawberry
WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU
Can't Fear Your Own World


Video Games[]

Konoka and Retsu Third Phantom

Unohana with Konoka Suzunami in Bleach: The 3rd Phantom.

  • Unohana is seen in Hanatarō Yamada's super B and has a model in Bleach: Shattered Blade with a one player and two player costume, yet she is not a playable character.[81]
  • Bleach: The 3rd Phantom is the first video game to feature Retsu Unohana as a playable character. However, she is a non-combatant character and uses various healing methods while in play but can also use offensive Kidō such as Shakkahō.[82]
  • She appears in Bleach: Brave Souls, being a healer character in most of her forms. She has one form where she is not a healer and fights with her zanpakutō, Minazuki, in a manifested form instead.[83]
BBSTYBW Unohana

Yachiru Unohana from a thousand years ago in Brave Souls.

  • In her first non-healer form, she is a melee strong attack character with the "Speed" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" and "Captain Killer" abilities, with every attack being able to inflict Weaken. She has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Sprinter +2", "Team Stamina Recovery +20%", and "Full Stamina Only Reduced Strong Attack Cooldown 6%", and her unlockable skills are "Havoc +20%", "Frenzy +2", "Devastation +40%", "Debilitator +5 sec", "Long Stride", "Poise", "Marauder", "Complete Status Immunity", "Damage inflicted at full STA +20%", "Spiritual Pressure Boost +80%", and the brand-new "Rampage +2%", she is the very first summonable unit to have dual Soul Traits, "Increased Strong Attack Damage +20%" and "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%". Meanwhile, her Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%", and "Strong Attack Recharge Time -7%", while her Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong attack damage +30%" at level 2, "Start Power-Up Item +2" at level 5, and "Increased Special Move Uses +1" at level 10. Yachiru's special is Bankai! Minazuki! (卍解『皆尽』, Final Release, "All Things' End"), where she activates her Bankai, surrounding her environment in a misty blood-like substance and unleashes a bloody-slash while finishing it with a downward bisection, causing immense damage and inflicting Weaken with a very small chance to instantly kill.
BBSUnohana's Bankai, Minazuki

Promotional artwork of Unohana's Bankai, Minazuki, from Brave Souls.

  • Her appearance in the Her Thousand Year Blood War Arc version draws from her appearance during her final fight with Zaraki, referred to specifically as Yachiru Unohana. In this form, she is a melee normal attack character with the "Heart" Attribute and the "Captain Killer" ability whose second Strong Attack is a healing move. Her unlockable skills are "Berserker +40%", "Flurry", "Long Reach +20%", "Medic", "Poise", "Sprinter +1", "Ignore Brave Battle Invincibility", and "Half Stamina Only Increased Normal Attack Damage +30%", while her Soul Trait is "Damage Taken -16%" and "Increased Normal Attack Damage +16%"; meanwhile, her Arena Traits are "Normal Attack Damage +13%" and "Attack +90", while her Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Healing Effect +30%" at level 5 and "Normal Attack Damage +30%" at level 10. Unohana's special is Bankai, Minazuki (卍解『皆尽』, Final Release, "All Things' End"), where she activates her Bankai, covering the surrounding area in a mist of blood-like substance while her blade drips with the same fluid, before swiftly moving forward and slashes at the opponent, healing herself and her teammates while inflicting immense damage with a very small chance to instantly kill.
BBSBeyond Bankai Unohana

Unohana after gaining a power beyond Bankai.

  • Unohana is also playable as an alternate-universe version of herself introduced as part of the Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You tie-in event who gained a power beyond Bankai, causing her to gain a large and long pale green robe patterned after Minazuki with a black midsection that is encompassed by a thick white border and adorned with an orange circle in the bottom center, longer hair with red streaks ending in red tail-like tendrils with pointed arrowhead tips, the large orange eyeball of Minazuki floating behind her head and staring forward with the blood-like substance of her Bankai forming the shape of its head around it, and a long, curved sword composed of the same substance.
  • In this form, Unohana is a melee strong attack character with the "Technique" Attribute and the "Hollow Killer" ability who has a chance to inlict both Weaken and Drain with every attack and whose third Strong Attack is a charged attack that also heals her. She has three Innate Skills built in at ★5: "Sprinter +1", "Medic", and "Full Stamina Only Reduced Strong Attack Cooldown +6%", and her unlockable skills are "Berserker +20%", "Bruiser +20%", "Damage Inflicted at Full STA +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy +2", "Havoc +20%", "Marauder", and "Weaken Defense", while her Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%"; meanwhile, her Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Spiritual Pressure +90", while her Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Damage to Weakened Enemies +20%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +30%" at level 10. Unohana's special is Merciful Splendor (慈悲なる極彩色, Jihinaru Gokusaishiki), where she converts what she absorbs from her foe into energy and attacks to inflict immense damage, Weaken, and Drain.
BBSSwimsuit Unohana 2

Unohana wearing her swimsuit from episode 228.

  • Additionally, Unohana is playable in a swimsuit form, based on her appearance in episode 228 of the anime. In this form, Unohana is a ranged strong attack character with the "Technique" Attribute and the "Arrancar Killer" ability whose first Strong Attack is a healing move. Her unlockable skills are "Adrenaline +20%", "Berserker +10%", "Bruiser +20%", "Frenzy +1", "Havoc +30%", and "Sprinter +1", while her Soul Trait is "Recover 25% Stamina Between Quest Areas"; when Resurrected, her unlockable skills are "Adrenaline +20%", "Berserker +10%", "Bruiser +30%", "Frenzy +1", "Havoc +30%", "Medic", and "Sprinter +1", while her Soul Traits are "Recover 25% Stamina Between Quest Areas" and "Strong Attack Recharge time -10%". Meanwhile, her Arena Traits are "Freeze Duration -65%" and "Focus +30", while her Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Unohana's special is Minazuki (肉雫唼, Flesh-Drops' Gorge), where her Zanpakutō transforms into a giant creature that inflicts immense damage to her opponents and significantly restores all team members' health.
BBSSwimsuit Unohana

Unohana wearing a swimsuit.

  • Unohana is also playable in a second swimsuit form. In this form, Unohana is a ranged strong attack character with the "Speed" Attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Weaken with every attack. She has three Innate Abilities built in at ★5: "Paralysis Duration -100%", "Read Shinigami Dodges" and "Sprinter +1". Her unlockable skills are "Inheritance Zones Only Increased Power Link Slot Potions +5", "Berserker +20%", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy", "Guard Break", "Havoc +20%", and "Weaken Defense", while her Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%"; meanwhile, her Arena Traits are "Strong Attack Damage +13%" and "Focus +30", while her Arena Abilities other than "All Stats +5%" are "Strong Attack Damage +10%" at level 5 and "Strong Attack Damage +20%" at level 10. Unohana's special is Shoreline Encounter (渚のハプニング, Nagisa no Hapuningu; Japanese for "Event on the Beach"), where she administers aid to an injured volleyball player, healing all team members and while inflicting immense damage and Weaken to her opponents.
BBSMachine Society Unohana

An alternate-universe Unohana from the Machine Society.

  • Additionally, Unohana is playable as an alternate-reality version of herself from a technology-oriented Soul Society known as the Machine Society. In this form, Unohana is a ranged strong attack character with the "Mind" attribute and the "Shinigami Killer" ability who has a chance to inflict Freeze with every attack and moves around on the back of a mechanical steampunk stingray called Mechazuki (メカヅキ, Mekazuki). Her unlockable skills are "Berserker +20%", "Bruiser +20%", "Debilitator +5 secs.", "Devastation +40%", "Frenzy", "Guard Break", "Havoc +20%", and "Sprinter +1", while her Soul Trait is "Strong Attack Recharge Time -12%". Unohana's special is Madame's Cerulean Excursion (貴婦人の蒼穹遊覧, Kifujin no Sōkyū Yūran), where Mechazuki emits shining particles that inflict immense damage and Freeze.

Movies[]

  • Unohana is in the first three movies, usually tending to the victims of the damages caused by the event of the movie.[84]

Music[]

Trivia[]

DatabookUnohanaBattleStats

Unohana's Battle Data, clockwise. Top: Offense (100), Top Right: Defense (80), Bottom right: Mobility (70), Bottom: Kidō/Reiatsu (100), Bottom Left: Intelligence (100), Top Left: Physical Strength (90). Total: 540/600.[85]

  • "Genuine elegance." - Tite Kubo[85]
  • The theme song that Kubo chose for Unohana is "Cold Light Of Day" by the band Halo on their album Lunatic Ride.[86]
  • Unohana was voted the 38th most popular character in the third character popularity poll and 26th in the fifth.[87] In the tenth poll, she ranked 20th.[88]
  • Minazuki ranked 39th in the first Zanpakutō poll and 23rd in the second.[89]
  • In the second best bout poll, Unohana's fight with Kenpachi Zaraki ranked 6th.[90]
  • Being one of the founding members,[19] she has been one of the Gotei 13's two longest tenured captains alongside fellow captain Yamamoto.
  • Though now known by the name Retsu, which means "violent" or "fierce", Unohana used to be called Yachiru, during the time when she was the First Kenpachi. Yachiru means "Eight thousand/many flows" or "Eight thousand/many exiles".
  • U-no-hana (卯の花) is the name of the Deutzia genus of flowers, which bloom in April, the fourth month of the year; additionally, the month of June is sometimes called Minazuki (水無月, Month of Water), in reference to the flooding of rice fields.
  • When Unohana first appeared, her Zanpakutō had a curved blade, similar to that of a scimitar.[91]
  • Unohana has a column in the Seireitei Communication titled 'Tis the Season and another column titled Every Nook And Cranny.[92] She also publishes recommendations for sweet shops.[93]
Ep228UnohanaScarless

Unohana without her scar in the anime.

  • In the anime adaptation of the swimsuit omakes and Bleach by the Beach color spread, created a few years before the reveal of her single scar and history with Zaraki, Unohana appears in her swimsuit with her hair let down and is visibly missing her scar, which lies between and right below her clavicles in the manga.[94] She picks out[95] and wears this same swimsuit with her hair let down in the manga as well, but is only seen wearing it from the side, obscuring the front of her chest.[96]
    • In the Thousand-Year Blood War anime adaptation, the scar erroneously appeared in the flashback of the first battle between the Gotei 13 and the Lichtreich,[16] long before Unohana and Zaraki first fought, which was later established to have happened several hundred years prior to their rematch.[97] It was fixed in the home media release.

  • According to Q&A #542 by Tite Kubo on his fansite "Klub Outside", the Shikai form of Minazuki can alter its size, becoming as small as a puppy at minimum.[98]


  • Quotes[]

    • (To Sōsuke Aizen) "I thought you would be here, Captain Aizen. No. I should not call you 'Captain' anymore, should I? Treacherous reprobate, Sōsuke Aizen."[99]
    • (To two 11th Division Shinigami) "While it is good to be energetic, please remain quiet inside the hospital. As long as you are still inside this building, your lives are in our hands. Please do not forget that."[100]
    • "There is only one Kenpachi every era. That is a rule, and also an unavoidable destiny. Because when a strong person finds another strong one, they stop using the sword just for themselves. Suddenly, their sword is used to either kill or raise the other strong person."[102]
    • (Thinking about Kenpachi Zaraki) "I am strong. Stronger than anyone but you. That is why I must take your life this day. A hundred times, or even a thousand. That is why I must bring you healing. No matter how many times it takes. Until you are restored...to your true self. Until finally, you can surpass me, and move on to far greater heights...Come."[103]

    Battles & Events[]

    Quincy Blood War[]

    Battles[]

    Participants Chapter(s) Episode(s) Result
    Unohana vs. Kenpachi Zaraki Chapter 523, 524, 525, 526, 527 Episode 375, 376 Loss

    References[]

    1. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 17; (Unohana was a founding member of the Gotei 13, making her at least this old.)
    2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bleach Official Character Book Souls, page 193
    3. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 17
    4. 4.0 4.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 15-16
    5. Bleach manga; NO BREATHES FROM HELL, page 67
    6. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 15
    7. Bleach manga; Chapter 525
    8. Bleach anime; Episode 60
    9. Bleach manga; Chapter 180, page 3
    10. Bleach manga; Chapter -108, page 13
    11. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 14-17
    12. Bleach manga; Chapter 526, page 15
    13. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 7-19
    14. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 3-4
    15. Bleach manga; Chapter 511, page 10
    16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 Bleach anime; Episode 373
    17. Bleach Official Bootleg
    18. Bleach manga; Chapter 520, page 16
    19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 17
    20. Bleach manga; Chapter 517, page 6
    21. Bleach anime; Episode 372
    22. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 4-13
    23. 23.0 23.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 15
    24. Bleach manga; Chapter -107, page 7
    25. Bleach manga; Chapter -102, page 7
    26. Bleach manga; Chapter 533, page 11
    27. Bleach manga; Chapters 82-83
    28. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, pages 6-7
    29. Bleach manga; Chapter 128, pages 1-2
    30. Bleach manga; Chapter 149, page 20
    31. Bleach manga; Chapter 152, pages 1-11
    32. Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 3-7
    33. Bleach manga; Chapter 171, pages 6-18
    34. Bleach manga; Chapter 172, pages 6-14
    35. Bleach manga; Chapters 178
    36. Bleach manga; Chapter 179, pages 4-6
    37. Bleach manga; Chapter 180, pages 3-5
    38. Bleach manga; Chapter 298, pages 13-16
    39. 39.0 39.1 39.2 Bleach manga; Chapter 299, page 2
    40. Bleach manga; Chapter 302, page 19
    41. Bleach manga; Chapter 380, pages 15-16
    42. Bleach manga; Chapter 381, pages 15-16
    43. Bleach manga; Chapter 382, pages 1-7
    44. Bleach manga; Chapter 389, page 9
    45. Bleach manga; Chapter 422, pages 3-6
    46. Bleach manga; Chapter 461, pages 13-15
    47. Bleach manga; Chapter 479, pages 11-12
    48. Bleach manga; Chapter 488, pages 10-14
    49. Bleach manga; Chapter 497, page 7
    50. Bleach manga; Chapter 505, page 7
    51. Bleach manga; Chapter 507, page 5
    52. Bleach manga; Chapter 511, page 13
    53. Bleach manga; Chapter 515, pages 1-3
    54. Bleach manga; Chapter 516, pages 12-14
    55. Bleach manga; Chapter 517, pages 6-16
    56. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 1-3
    57. Bleach manga; Chapter 523, page 9-17
    58. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 4-12
    59. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 13-17
    60. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 1-17
    61. Bleach manga; Chapter 526
    62. Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 1-7
    63. Bleach manga; NO BREATHES FROM HELL, pages 64-67
    64. 64.0 64.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 7-10
    65. Bleach manga; Chapter 517, page 8
    66. Bleach manga; Chapter 526, pages 5 & 15
    67. 67.0 67.1 Bleach manga; Chapter 171, pages 7-13
    68. Bleach anime; Episode 325
    69. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, page 5
    70. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 1-2
    71. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 13-15
    72. Bleach manga; Chapter 526, pages 14-17
    73. Bleach manga; Chapter 524, pages 5-6
    74. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 11-13
    75. Bleach anime; Episode 245
    76. Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 2-4
    77. Bleach manga; Chapter 154, pages 3-4
    78. Bleach anime; Episode 376,
    79. Bleach manga; Chapter 527, page 1
    80. Bleach anime; Episode 376
    81. Bleach video game; Bleach: Shattered Blade
    82. Bleach video game; Bleach: The 3rd Phantom
    83. Bleach video game; Bleach: Brave Souls
    84. Bleach movie; Bleach: Fade to Black
    85. 85.0 85.1 Bleach Official Bootleg, page 87
    86. http://www.j-bleach.com/special/
    87. 13 BLADEs., page 253
    88. https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/bleach-popularity-poll-results-sept-2022?wpsrc=Twitter&utm_campaign=CAR_BleachOctPollResultsTwitterLinkclick_vizwebsite&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social
    89. 13 BLADEs., page 254
    90. 13 BLADEs., page 255
    91. Bleach manga; Chapter 109, page 7
    92. Bleach Bootleg; Jacket Flap or Seireitei Bulletin Cover
    93. Bleach Bootleg; page 181
    94. Bleach anime; Episode 228
    95. Bleach manga; Volume 26, page 184
    96. Bleach manga; All Colour But The Black, Women of Bleach color spread
    97. Bleach anime; Episode 376
    98. Klub Outside official site
    99. Bleach manga; Chapter 171, pages 3-4
    100. Bleach manga; Chapter 180, page 2
    101. Bleach manga; Chapter 422, page 3
    102. Bleach manga; Chapter 526, pages 13-14
    103. Bleach manga; Chapter 525, pages 13-17

    Titles[]

    Preceded by
    Title Created
    1st Kenpachi
    ? - 2003 A.D.
    Succeeded by
    2nd Kenpachi
    Preceded by
    Position Created
    Captain of the 11th Division
    ? - ?
    Succeeded by
    2nd Kenpachi
    Preceded by
    Chigiri Shijima
    Captain of the 4th Division
    ? - 2003 A.D.
    Succeeded by
    Isane Kotetsu


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