Minazuki (Zanpakutō spirit)

This article is about the manifested spirit of Retsu Unohana's Zanpakutō. For her Zanpakutō and its abilities, see Minazuki,

is the manifested spirit of Retsu Unohana's Zanpakutō that is seen only during the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc.

Appearance
Minazuki's spirit takes the form of a slim humanoid figure covered in bandages and wearing a very long light green hood (resembling the look of the released Shikai form). Due to its bandages, it is unknown whether it is male or female.

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Minazuki first appears when several Zanpakutō spirits are in a cave waiting for Muramasa's return. It is later seen in Soul Society, along with Sōgyo no Kotowari and Katen Kyōkotsu, as they approach the main office of the 1st Division. They are then confronted by Chōjirō Sasakibe and apparently take Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto as their hostage. Minazuki is seen along with the rest of the Zanpakutō spirits appearing before the Shinigami that have gathered at the Sōkyoku Hill.

Minazuki is later seen with Sōgyo no Kotowari and Katen Kyōkotsu, using their energies on the barrier sealing away Yamamoto. Though it seemingly turns out that Minazuki and the other two elder spirits were being used to break into the barrier rather than keeping it sealed.

When Yoruichi Shihōin leads Jūshirō Ukitake, Kenpachi Zaraki, Shunsui Kyōraku, and Ichigo Kurosaki to a cave where Captain Yamamoto is being held hostage, the Zanpakutō spirits prepare to fight. As Ichigo heads down a tunnel, he encounters Minazuki, who avoids his attacks and retreats along the tunnel seemingly leading him through the tunnel to where Yamamoto is.

Powers and Abilities
Immense Spiritual Energy: As one the Zanpakutō spirits of one of the oldest captains, Minazuki has considerable spiritual power.

Enhanced Speed Minazuki has considerable speed as it was able to avoid all of Ichigo's attacks while leading him down a corridor.