Even though Unohana Retsu had long concealed her true nature, her reputation as an enigmatic and terrifying powerhouse persisted.
Her long tenure as a captain—ever since the Gotei 13's earliest formation—cemented an impression in the minds of all Soul Reapers. Among them, even Yamamoto Genryūsai himself acknowledged her capabilities.
Today, the three individuals conducting the captain's assessment of Gosuke Shigure were all elite figures.
In the Gotei 13, only the strongest captains could perform such evaluations—Shinigami whose mastery allowed them to battle while still holding back, capable of precisely measuring another's strength.
Take Hitsugaya Tōshirō, for example. Despite achieving Bankai at a young age and becoming a prodigy, his own command of it remained imperfect for years. He may hold the rank of captain, but he would not yet be considered qualified to assess another's readiness for the title—particularly for something as sacred as the title of Kenpachi. His evaluation would likely begin and end in brute force rather than comprehensive analysis, which would run counter to the true purpose of an assessment.
Gosuke Shigure stood quietly, waiting.
Then, to his surprise, Unohana Retsu herself stepped forward.
Though she bore a gentle expression, as she approached him, it shifted. That signature calmness now held weight—a calm before the storm.
"Captain Unohana?" Gosuke murmured, surprised.
Though he knew Unohana Retsu had once been Kenpachi, he hadn't expected her to participate directly. Her image as a serene healer from the 4th Division made this development all the more jarring.
But Gosuke's assumptions were wrong.
Unohana spoke, her voice steady and sharp:
"Do you understand the meaning of Kenpachi?"
Gosuke furrowed his brow but replied, "Kenpachi is the title given to the strongest Soul Reaper, the one who has defeated the previous Kenpachi in battle."
She nodded slightly but corrected him. "Your answer is correct... but incomplete. The name Kenpachi does not merely signify strength. It refers to the swordmaster who has mastered all schools, all forms—eight thousand styles of swordsmanship. The title embodies infinite variation. Limitless paths."
She did not share her former name—Yachiru Unohana. Nor did she tell him directly that she had once borne the title Kenpachi, the very first. But her words contained that weight.
Gosuke responded with polite understanding. Of course, he already knew this part of the lore, but he played the role of an attentive student. In this life, he was Gosuke Shigure—he didn't need to reveal more than that.
Unohana's voice lowered slightly, filled with quiet reflection:
"I've lived long enough to be considered a master of kendo. At the request of the Head-Captain, I'll be your evaluator today."
She recalled the recent meeting with Yamamoto Genryūsai.
At first, she'd declined to take part. She had given up the name of Kenpachi long ago after her defeat at the hands of a younger warrior—Zaraki. Since then, she'd dedicated herself to healing and tempering her once-violent spirit.
But Yamamoto had insisted.
Kenpachi Mole City was now imprisoned. The title was once again without a bearer. And Kenpachi must never be chosen lightly. Only through the crucible of combat could a true successor be determined.
"If he isn't worthy," Yamamoto had said, "then giving him the name Kenpachi would disgrace the title."
That sentiment stayed with her.
Unohana had seen seven successors take on the name after her. None of them were perfect. None of them surpassed the one who had bested her. But all of them upheld the dignity of the name.
She still hoped to one day see him—the one who defeated her—return to Seireitei and reclaim the name he once earned. But until then, perhaps someone new would arise. Someone... like Gosuke Shigure.
Kyoraku Shunsui had spoken well of him. Claimed he defeated Kenpachi Mole City. If that were true, then he had earned this chance.
Unohana would be the judge of that.
"Well then," Gosuke said softly, "I'm in your care, Captain Unohana."
Without another word, Unohana drew her Zanpakutō.
Her approach was fluid and silent—deceptively gentle until, in a flash of speed, she slashed directly at him.
There was no Shikai. No Bankai.
Her Zanpakutō, Minazuki, was primarily a healing and transport tool in its sealed form. In Bankai, it transformed into something far more terrifying—corrosive and blood-soaked. But for this assessment, raw skill was enough.
Her expertise in Hakuda, Kidō, and Shunpo was world-class. But above all, her swordplay was the greatest among captains.
Gosuke Shigure reacted instantly.
Using Shunpo, he glided away from the incoming slash and, in the same motion, drew his own Zanpakutō.
No release—just steel.
Their swords clashed.
The collision of their blades sent a shockwave rippling through the training ground.
At the edge of the field, Yamamoto and Hikifune Kirio had already used Shunpo to reposition themselves, observing the combat closely.
Hikifune—herself no slouch in strength—murmured in awe, "Such precision... what exceptional swordsmanship."
Yamamoto said nothing. But the glint in his ancient eyes showed his focus.
Unohana had modestly claimed she was merely a grandmaster in kendo. But that was false humility.
She was once the sword—Yachiru Unohana, the first Kenpachi. Known as Yachiru of the Eight Thousand Styles.
Each of her slashes was a masterclass—some direct and overwhelming, others twisting and deceptive, but all carrying immense sword pressure. Against any normal Soul Reaper, even one attack would be fatal.
Yet Gosuke matched her.
No Kidō. No Zanpakutō release. Just his own blade, footwork, and calm perception.
He flowed with her movements, matching each attack with elegant parries and measured counters.
Unohana's expression didn't change, but her interest deepened.
This was a true exchange of blades—not a battle of power, but one of understanding.
And Gosuke Shigure was proving himself worthy.