Hitsugaya Toushiro trailed the girl home, running from rooftops to rooftops. He thought he wasn't seen, had thought that she didn't notice, until she suddenly stopped in front of her house and raised a hand, as if bidding him goodbye, before entering her house. His eyes widened in shock, before quickly resuming his composure. Kurosaki Karin… what a unique girl. As expected of the little sister of Kurosaki Ichigo. He thought of the game just now, of how strong she held up to the middle schoolers despite being younger and hurt, of how she didn't care of her own safety, only of her friends, of her strong smile despite everything, and found an emotion welling up inside him. What feeling it was, he couldn't identify, but he knew that from that day on, he would be worried about her safety for every waking moment that he couldn't see her. He sighed. There has been an increase in the number of Hollows appearing, due to either the upcoming war or the number of humans in Karakura that has high spirit reiatsu. Either way, Kurosaki Karin would be at risk because of her spiritual powers. And now he felt like he has a duty to protect her. He sighed again. Things were getting more and more complicated.


24th June, sunny

Yes! Today we won those arrogant middle schoolers! That'll teach them to play by the rules! Boy, would I love to see them eat spaghetti up their noses. To tell the truth, I was actually a little worried about the game when I was injured. The guys were concerned about me, so I tried to act like it was nothing, but it actually hurt like hell. It took all my willpower to not scream out in pain when I had to run. Still, I had to hang it there for the team. I was the one who accepted the challenge, and they were already disheartened enough without me being injured. But I couldn't do anything as the middle school brats scored goals after goals.

Then Toushiro came. Like I knew he would. He's not the type to dishonor a promise. I had a feeling that he actually didn't plan on playing, but did it because I was injured. I saw the expression on his eyes when he was looking at the bruise. Normally I would have complained, but we really needed help, so I let it slide. And, man, I knew he was good, but he was incredible out there in the field! He weaved through those brats with ease! The style he had while doing it too! I mean, I could watch him play all day and never get bored! It was a stroke of good fortune that made me meet this soccer prodigy. He's a nice guy too. The way he let me make the last goal… sort of touched me. Usually guys would want the glory for themselves, wouldn't they? Yet he was kind enough to give me that honor, then act like it was nothing later. Still, it was undeniable that he had won the game for us.

He always had a shroud of mystery about him. Now I know why. He's a shinnigami, just like Ichi-nii. He protected me, when the monster was about to hit me. Not that I'll let him make it a habit. I'm able to protect myself. Okay, fine, I'll admit that the ball I shot at that monster had no effect, but still… And… it was nice being the one protected once in a while. Not to mention that Toushiro look quite… nice in his shinigami outfit.

Oh God. Damn Dairy, I just realized something. I think… I've fallen in love with Toushiro-kun!

Karin looked up with a start at her sudden realization. Her pulse quickened at the thought that she might be in love with Toushiro-kun. Shit. No way. I'm not the type of girl who's so easily infatuated. No. No way. After this string of denial, she suddenly banged her head on the table repeatedly. Stupid 'bang' stupid 'bang' stupid 'bang'. She laid her head on the table, exhausted. Okay, I'll just pretend nothing happened. Right, that's what I'll do. I couldn't be in love. As she reassured herself, she walked weakly over to her bed and pulled the covers over her. Physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted, she fell asleep immediately, with an image of Toushiro still stuck in her head.


Yamamoto-Genryusai Shigekuni, the Soutaichou stared at the shimmering pool. In it, reflected the image of Hitsugaya Toushiro, the Tenth Division captain, revealing his identity to a human girl by dashing out in front of her to protect her from the Menos Grande's attack. He was aware that that girl was Kurosaki Ichigo, the substitute shinigami's younger sister, and thus, is also able to see shinigamis. He was also aware of what the young captain has been doing in the living world lately – playing a human game called soccer with that girl. He clutched his walking stick tightly as the pool showed an image of the girl ruffling his hair. What improper behavior! he fumed silently. The walking stick shook slightly, then stopped as he regained his composure. The reflection of the pool now showed Hitsugaya's irritated face. I have my heart set on making you my successor, he thought, nothing must jeopardize that.

"You called for me, Soutaichou?"

Yamamoto turned. A masked man, wearing the Twelfth Division captain's cape, cocked his head in an unnatural manner.

"Kurotsuchi-taichou. I want you to erase this girl's memories." He pointed to the image in the pool with his stick, cusing ripples to distort Karin's face. "Erase Hitsugaya-taichou's existence from her, especially today, when his identity as a shinigami was revealed. Considering her high reiatsu level, I think a stronger dosage is required. Make it so that even if she sees him again, she'll forget about it the second day."

"I have an idea on how to go about doing this, but there will be some… after effects." Mayuri said thoughtfully.

"It is unfortunate should there be any repercussion, but that sacrifice is necessary for the greater good of the Soul Society. I want you to get on this immediately. This is classified top-secret. You must tell no one about this, or… you know the consequences," the old man warned.

"Of course, Soutaichou. I'll get on it immediately," Mayuri bowed slightly, and left the room.

Yamamoto sighed, and tapped the pool once more with his stick. The pool became a normal one, one that reflected only an aged man. Forgive me for doing this, Kurosaki Karin. He looked at his reflection, and thought, I really am getting old. Maybe age made me too soft-hearted for my own good. He then turned and strode out of the room without so much as a backward glance.


A black butterfly flew into a little girl's room. It flew gracefully, as if it was dancing in the air, elated to be free. Then it landed lightly onto the girl's nose. The girl's eyes suddenly shot opened, and her body was levitated a few inches above the bed, white light glowing from her body. The butterfly, as if absorbing the light, turned grey, and finally white. Her eyes closed again, as the light faded, and she landed back on her bed with a small thud. Unnoticed, the white butterfly flew gleefully out of the window of Kurosaki Karin's, its mission accomplished.


Whoo hoo! I've finally finished this chapter! Had this idea running about in my head for quite a while now, just couldn't find the time to type it out. Pls review to tell me your comments!

(p.s. Karin's not really the type to write 'Dear Diary', so i had her writing 'Damn Diary' instead. It sounds more like her, don't you think?)