Marrying Unohana Retsu from Bleach

Why did Araki immediately think of Retsu Unohana?

Do you even need to ask? Of course, it's because Unohana has the best figure in the world.

Araki's ancestor once said, "A woman whose chest blocks her view of her toes is a peerless beauty."

Araki decided to respect him and adhere to his ancestor's teachings.

Naturally, it's also because Retsu Unohana is incredibly powerful and long-lived, perfectly aligning with the conditions of Araki's contract.

Unohana Retsu was one of only two known captains from the original Gotei 13 who, a thousand years later, still held captaincy within the Gotei 13. Moreover, she is the original Kenpachi of the Gotei 13. In terms of combat strength, she is the pinnacle of all female Shinigami in the Soul Society.

First, since the effectiveness of Araki's Fullbring is determined by the strength of the first person bound to it, and since its power correlates directly to the spiritual pressure of that individual, Araki—a devout admirer of strength—naturally has a unique affection for powerful individuals.

Given these conditions, Retsu Unohana is the only logical candidate for binding with Araki's Fullbring, The Eternal Bloom.

Of course, while this was Araki's plan, reality is often harsh and unforgiving.

The truth is, many obstacles lay ahead.

For instance, Araki had arrived too early in the timeline. The original Gotei 13 hadn't even been fully formed yet. A certain individual, destined to dominate the Soul Society for a millennium, was still working as the head instructor of a private swordsmanship dojo, tirelessly "educating" students.

Yes, that's right... The future Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni—the one who would wield the oldest and strongest Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, and suppress the Soul Society for a thousand years—was still teaching in his dojo. 

Incidentally, this was the same man who gained a scar in the shape of a "乀" on his head during Araki's "graduation ceremony." That dojo, known as the "Genji Dojo," would later become the precursor to the Shin'ō Spiritual Arts Academy.

As for the future Kenpachi, Unohana Yachiru—the one who would sweep through the Soul Society's swordsmanship schools with her Zanpakutō—she was still on her journey of growth and far from her peak strength.

At this point, even if Araki bound Unohana to The Eternal Bloom, he wouldn't receive the maximum feedback.

Thus, Araki decided to wait and observe for a while.

And so, after teaching countless students in Genji Dojo over many years, his master—now nicknamed "Cross-scarred Yamamoto" due to yet another scar gained from a duel with an admirer—invited Araki to join him in establishing the Gotei 13 in the Seireitei.

Araki resolutely refused his master's invitation, sparking a heated argument, and took the opportunity to leave Genji Dojo to settle in Rukongai.

Upon settling in Rukongai, Araki experienced the diverse cultures of the various numbered districts, spending several centuries there.

During this time, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni continued to bide his time, ultimately forming the Gotei 13 and crushing all opposing forces in the Soul Society.

Meanwhile, Araki was not idle. He accumulated experience and grew stronger, quite literally watching his experience bar steadily rise over the centuries.

Although he considered using his accumulated experience to develop other skills, he ultimately decided against it. After all, as an unnamed, hair-gel-loving individual once said, "A shinigami's battle is a battle of spiritual pressure."

To fulfill his wish of gaining the "love" of the first Kenpachi, Unohana Yachiru, and linking with her through his Fullbring, Araki knew he had to defeat her in a direct confrontation. And without sufficient strength, such a feat was impossible.

As for Saitō, Araki met her after settling in District 1 of Rukongai, Junrinan. Araki always suspected that their encounter was orchestrated by a certain meddlesome, bald, and irritable old man.

After all, why would Saitō, who was blind, not seek treatment at the Fourth Division's infirmary but instead hover around him? Wasn't it obvious that a scheming bald elder knew about Araki's soft heart and tendency to help those in need?

Especially petite and curvy ones...

Ahem…

Araki never expected that his "daily good deeds" would result in a certain tsundere girl obsessively pestering him for decades, almost like a yandere.

While a yandere might be a great attribute for a fictional waifu, in reality, it could easily turn into a nightmare.

"Phew…"

Returning to the present, Araki exhaled deeply, grabbing a rolling pin he usually used for making noodles.

"Room."

With a soft chant, a transparent domain radiated from Araki's body, enveloping half of District 1 in Rukongai without anyone noticing.

"Buzz~"

With a faint hum, a Zanpakutō with an elegant wooden sheath materialized in his hand.

"Long time no see, Yakushi Ruriko."

Looking at the Zanpakutō in his hand, Araki's stoic expression finally softened as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

This was Araki's own Zanpakutō—Yakushi Ruriko. A name deeply tied to Buddhism.

However, Zanpakutōs with connections to Buddhism weren't uncommon in the Soul Society.

For example, the strongest ice-type Zanpakutō in the Soul Society, Hyōrinmaru, likely draws its name from the eighth and coldest level of the Buddhist Eight Cold Hells: Maha Padma.

Similarly, Captain Komamura's Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō references Buddhist themes, as do Kisuke Urahara's Benihime and the Central 46's Muken prison.

Based on this, he speculated that the Soul Society in Bleach symbolized Buddhism in some capacity.

As for his Yakushi Ruriko, its name clearly reflected its connection to the Medicine Buddha.

In terms of healing capabilities, even when compared to all healing Zanpakutō and Kidō masters in the Soul Society, Yakushi Ruriko stood unrivaled.

And this was only its Shikai form.

As for its Bankai, Araki couldn't help but anticipate its potential.

"Three days is enough for me to master Bankai."

Now that Araki's spiritual pressure had reached a level comparable to senior captains of the original Gotei 13, he made up his mind to master his Zanpakutō's Bankai first, then challenge Unohana Yachiru, and link his Fullbring's power to her.

Araki already had a plan to defeat Unohana. Though a bit underhanded, it could bring him victory.

With his decision made, Araki left his noodle shop and headed toward the less populated districts of Rukongai.

Mastering Bankai might cause a significant disturbance, and District 1 was not a suitable training ground.

As Araki left, he encountered some regular customers of his noodle shop.

"Araki, heading out early to buy ingredients?"

"Business must be good today."

"Make me a fresh bowl of pork bone ramen when you get back."

"The best noodles in Junrinan are still yours, Araki."

Smiling faintly, Araki replied, "Haha, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. The shop is closing soon."

"Closing? When will it reopen?"

"It won't."

Tossing the shop key to one of the customers, Araki continued on his way with a faint smile.

And so, the hundred-year-old noodle shop finally closed its doors for the first—and last—time.

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