Marrying Unohana Retsu from Bleach

"If those Quincies remain as they are now, simply guarding their own territory, the Gotei 13 will not concern ourselves with them for the time being."

"However, should they cross the line, I will use Ryūjin Jakka to personally show them how the Gotei 13 protects the Soul Society and 'guards' the Seireitei."

Yamamoto's eyes burned like torches, a terrifying spiritual pressure radiating from him.

Even Araki, who had earned the title of Kenpachi by defeating the previous holder, Unohana, and was now a captain himself, couldn't help but blink at the sheer force of Yamamoto's spiritual pressure.

"Then I feel relieved," Araki said, a faint smile on his face as he looked at the imposing figure of Yamamoto.

Even as a fellow captain, Araki felt a shiver down his spine when Yamamoto displayed such power. 

Any other member of the Gotei 13, even a lieutenant-level Shinigami, would likely have been rendered unconscious by the oppressive spiritual pressure.

This was the strength of the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni.

With his concerns assuaged, Araki discussed the plan to deal with the Quincies with him in the 1st Division's meeting room.

It was more of an exhortation than a plan.

Besides explaining the Quincies' abilities in detail, Araki's most frequent advice was, "Be careful." He repeated it countless times, emphasizing the need for caution when facing the Quincies, especially their leader, and urging Yamamoto to seize any opportunity to eliminate him decisively and with full force.

Eventually, Araki was practically driven out of the 1st Division barracks by the notoriously stubborn and decisive Captain-Commander, who believed firmly in action over hesitation.

Unohana, Araki's lieutenant, was also ushered out.

"That old man Yamamoto... he doesn't listen to reason." Araki muttered, scratching his cheek as they stood outside the 1st Division barracks. "If he doesn't heed my advice, he'll suffer the consequences."

He was likely the first captain ever to be kicked out of the 1st Division barracks by Yamamoto himself for talking too much. It was a unique distinction, one unlikely to be repeated.

Most captains of the Gotei 13 were terrified of being summoned by Yamamoto, let alone engaging him in extended conversation. 

Even those who hadn't been "invited" lived in constant fear of the Captain-Commander. They would instinctively quicken their pace, sometimes even using Shunpo, when passing by the 1st Division barracks, desperate to avoid his attention.

Araki, however, had managed to exasperate him.

Since becoming captain of the 11th Division, Araki had certainly made a name for himself in the Seireitei.

"So, Captain Araki... what do we do now?" Unohana asked, having followed him out.

"Well," he sighed. "Since that old man won't listen, Retsu, let's return to our division."

He had never imagined they would be expelled from the 1st Division barracks. With no other option, Araki led Unohana back to the 11th Division.

Once there, he returned to his office, effectively isolating himself. He issued an order to the entire 11th Division: only he and Unohana were permitted to enter his office. 

No one was to disturb him for any reason. Even casual encounters in the barracks were to be avoided. Any questions were to be directed to Unohana.

He suffered from a peculiar condition: a "100% inability to communicate with rough men" disorder. It made him restless and irritable, and when he felt that way, he had the urge to fight.

Thus, his self-imposed isolation wasn't out of laziness but for the safety of his division. It was a selfless act.

Therefore, while Araki was nominally the captain of the 11th Division, Unohana effectively ran the division. The squad almost felt as if nothing had changed.

He simply couldn't be bothered with unnecessary socializing. In the Gotei 13, those who had served for decades were considered veterans, and few lived long enough to retire. 

He saw little point in forming deep bonds with people around him; he hoped they would survive Yhwach's invasion, but even then, their limited lifespans meant they would eventually pass on.

Araki was the kind of person who became attached even to animals. He feared the pain of loss after forming attachments, a common burden for immortals. Shinigami above the third level of spiritual power and those below existed in different realms of time.

Several months passed.

Then, a "guest" arrived at the 11th Division barracks, seeking Araki. This visit served as a stark reminder to the squad members that their captain had indeed changed.

Outside the barracks stood a tall figure with short, silver-gray hair and matching eyes. He looked young and handsome, though not quite as striking as Araki. 

Compared to the often rough and intimidating members of the first generation Gotei 13, this man exuded a gentle, almost gentlemanly air.

Wearing a dark Shinigami uniform and a light white haori, he smiled politely at the guards. "Please inform Captain Araki that Chōjirō Sasakibe, lieutenant of the 1st Division, requests an audience. I understand Captain Araki doesn't usually receive visitors, but if you mention my name, he might make an exception."

This polite young man was Chōjirō Sasakibe, Yamamoto's loyal lieutenant and one of only two lieutenants in the Gotei 13 permitted to wear a white haori. 

His strength was undoubtedly at the captain level, and his Zanpakutō, Gonryōmaru, was renowned for its unique ability to affect the weather. 

The other lieutenant permitted to wear a white haori was, of course, Unohana, a special privilege granted by Yamamoto.

"Captain Araki? That name sounds familiar..." one of the guards muttered. "Oh, right! That's our captain's name."

"Is there... a problem?" Chōjirō asked, slightly taken aback.

"I apologize, Lieutenant Sasakibe. The 11th Division is primarily managed by Captain Unohana," one of the guards explained. "As for Captain Araki, we're not sure if he's even in the barracks. Please allow us to inform Captain Unohana and inquire about Captain Araki's whereabouts."

"Captain Unohana?" Chōjirō frowned.

While it was common for squad members to refer to a respected lieutenant as "captain" within their own division, especially when the captain was absent, it was unusual to do so when addressing an outsider. 

And the guards hadn't used the prefix "Lieutenant." It was as if they truly believed Unohana was the captain.

Furthermore, Chōjirō could clearly sense Araki's spiritual pressure within the barracks. Yet the guards seemed clueless about his location. 

It was perplexing. Surely, even the most disorganized division would know where their captain was?

"What's going on here?" he wondered. "Could Araki have relinquished the captain's position back to Unohana?"

He recalled Araki once saying, "A relationship needs to be interesting to last." Chōjirō had never understood what he meant. For him, loyalty to Yamamoto was enough.

"You're the lieutenant of the 1st Division, correct?" A clear voice interrupted his thoughts.

He looked up and saw Unohana, wearing her white haori, approaching. She had likely sensed his spiritual pressure.

"Captain Unohana." The guards immediately bow respectfully.

"Lieutenant Unohana. Hello, I'm here to see Captain Araki," Chōjirō said, finally adding the "Lieutenant" prefix.

"Kondo, Gen, remember what I say; it might be okay to privately call me captain, but you should pay attention to proper etiquette in public." Unohana gently chided the guards before turning to Chōjirō with a smile. "Lieutenant Sasakibe, you've arrived. Captain Araki is waiting for you in his office."

"Really?" Chōjirō felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. He had the distinct impression that Unohana was subtly mocking him.

He couldn't shake the feeling that Unohana had changed. She seemed both more benevolent and more sinister.

And so, we are about to enter the Quincy arc...

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