Isshin Kurosaki was always an early riser. Even during his long retirement in the World of the Living, he was an early riser. Today was no exception. Normally he would get up, hastily get dressed, then attack one of his children in his usual morning ritual. Karin, however, was the only unfortunate offspring in the Soul Society, and given the events of yesterday, Isshin was more inclined to attack Central 46 that morning…albeit with the intent of pulling an Aizen. However a calmer Isshin prevailed and he decided to forgo the morning attack today. So as he was getting dressed, he didn't notice the door to his and Masaki's room slowly sliding open. Masaki was still sound asleep in their bed on the floor so she couldn't have alerted her husband to…

"GOOD MORNING DAD!"

Suddenly the retired Eleventh Division Captain found himself flattened between the back wall and his daughter's foot. Needless to say, Masaki was awake at this one. Karin wasn't dressed in her usual Soul Reaper uniform, seeing as how Central 46 had essentially given her the boot the evening before. Instead she wore a darkish purple kimono with a yellow flower pattern. She still had her white tabi socks on and Hekireki Megami was still at her side.

"Ngh, Mornin' Karin!" Isshin grunted from against the wall.

"Ichigo suggested I try this sometime. I never knew how exhilarating it was!" Karin said with a Kenpachi styled grin. About that time, Toshiro appeared at the doorway, in full uniform only lacking his Squad Ten Haori.

"What's happening? What's going-…" Toshiro said but froze when he saw Karin squishing her father against the wall. Masaki turned to him with a helpless smile.

"It seems Karin has finally turned the tables on her father, Captain Hitsugaya." Masaki said as Karin flash stepped over to the doorway next to Toshiro.

"I figured, since I didn't have to be anywhere today, I might as well make the most of it." Karin said as Toshiro looked at her curiously.

"You're in denial, aren't you?" Toshiro asked as Karin frowned.

"I guess I am. But I spent most of last night trying to find the positive side to this. First would be the fact I don't have to do any paperwork for a while. Second would be that my club memberships are still active and I can still submit stuff for my Seireitei Newsletter article. All that's really changed is that I don't have any command over other Soul Reapers at the moment." Karin said.

"I suppose then, that you plan on doing what you want today, instead of reporting to the Squad Five barracks." Toshiro said as Karin nodded.

"I'll drop by the Squad Ten barracks for lunch if you want? I'll bring plenty of watermelon." Karin said as Toshiro hid a smile. If there was one unforeseen advantage to Karin's losing her position, albeit temporarily, it was the fact that she and Toshiro could spend more time together, and Toshiro had just now realized it.

"I'd like that. Bring Mai too." Toshiro said as Karin smiled.

"Well that goes without saying." She said as she kissed him on the cheek.

It was mid-morning and Karin was practicing with her Zanpakuto in the front yard of the estate grounds. She was still in the same kimono, only now she had her sandals on. Mai was asleep in a baby carrier in the nearby gazebo. Toshiro had long since left for his Division Barracks and Masaki had also reported to the Squad Four Med Center. Isshin was at the Academy, preparing for his lecture.

"My-my, so the rumors are true." Shunsui Kyoraku said as he walked onto the Kurosaki Estate grounds.

"What rumors, Captain Kyoraku?" Karin asked curiously.

"Hey, you can knock off the titles with me, little Karin. You might be on inactive duty but you're still a Captain." Shunsui said as Karin sheathed her Zanpakuto.

"And yet you're avoiding the question." Karin said.

"No, not avoiding it. Sidelining it. I was talking about the rumor that you're becoming domesticated." Shunsui said, confusing Karin.

"Say what?" She asked.

"That you're getting settled in to a domestic lifestyle already. Being a dutiful wife and moth-." Shunsui said before finding a soccer ball kicked hard into his stomach.

"First, I'm not even married yet, and second, I'm not that dutiful." Karin said smugly, knowing full well what the occasionally perverted Shunsui was implying.

"Apparently you've not lost your skill with the soccer ball either." Shunsui said, rubbing his stomach, as Karin smirked.

"I practice when I can. But I get the feeling you're not here to simply talk." Karin said as Shunsui shrugged.

"Not unless inviting you to join in on some riveting conversation over sake this afternoon with Jushiro and I at the Squad Eight Barracks is what you call an ulterior motive." Shunsui said, earning a smile from Karin.

"Thanks but I've got Calligraphy Club this afternoon after lunch with Toshiro. But if you don't mind waiting till this evening, I'll join you then." Karin said as Shunsui pulled his straw hat over his eyes slightly.

"Sounds like a plan to me. I'll let Jushiro know about the change in times. Oh and if you get bored, just swing by my Barracks. We can play some of that fantastic western human card game Kaichou told me about." Shunsui said as he turned to leave, but Karin rolled her eyes.

"It's called Poker, and with you involved, I'd be wearing fifteen layers of clothing by the time I'm through!" Karin taunted as Kyoraku left. Shunsui, try as he might, just could not win at a game of strip poker. Blessedly Nanao hid his cards after his fifth consecutive loss so the rest of the Soul Society was spared the sight of a naked Shunsui Kyoraku. Karin sighed as she drew her Zanpakuto again and held it in a kendo stance. She continued practicing for a while until, she swung around only for her Zanpakuto to collide with someone else's blade. Karin's eyes widened in shock at who it was.

"I don't recall making an enemy of you, Kurosaki, but if you wish to do battle, you will lose." Captain Soi Fon said as she blocked with Suzumebachi. Karin quickly sheathed her sword and bowed in apology.

"Sorry about that Soi Fon. I was just practicing. Your reputation as Captain of the Punishment Force is well placed as usual." Karin said as Soi Fon gave a nod of understanding.

"I figured as such." Soi Fon said, sheathing her sword.

"Forgive me for being blunt Captain, but why are you here? You never come to my estate except when there's a Women's Association meeting being held here, so there must be a good reason…not to imply you aren't welcome though." Karin said as Soi Fon glanced around.

"You seem to have forgotten what today is." Soi Fon said as Karin grimaced.

"Yeah. I have, haven't I?" Karin asked sheepishly.

"The others will be along soon." Soi Fon said as Karin sighed heavily.

"I'll go get ready." Karin said. She then glanced towards Mai and then to Soi Fon.

"Do you mind watching Mai for a moment? You're probably one of the few Captains I trust to keep her safe." Karin said as Soi Fon nodded. Karin then disappeared into the estate. She emerged a few seconds later in the same outfit only wearing a red baseball cap. By now however, Lieutenants Kira, Hisagi, Ise, Iba, Isane, third seats Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentaro Kotsubaki, and Hanataro Yamada, had arrived.

"Is this everyone?" Karin asked as they began to form a large circle on the grass and sit down. Karin, taking their movements as a yes, moved to join the circle.

"Alright, this month's meeting of the I-Don't-Understand-Humans Support Group shall come to order. Let me start first with Shuhei. I've discovered the reason for why some humans snicker when you pass by them in your Gigai." Karin said as Shuhei arched a curious eyebrow.

"Really?" he asked.

"I was in Karakura recently and I conferred with my sister and cousin and we're in agreement. I'd rather not go into specifics but if you would please make sure that, in future, that the number tattooed on your cheek is removed from your Gigai." Karin said as Shuhei looked confused.

"Why my tattoo? It's to honor ex-Captain Kensei Muguruma, one of my heroes." Shuhei said as Karin sighed heavily.

"Yeah, don't mention that either. Not that I don't respect your choice of heroes. Kensei's a good guy to respect, he and I being fellow Visoreds after all. But I'd rather not have to explain why the number sixty nine has a humorous meaning to humans of the perverse nature." Karin said as Shuhei shrugged and wrote the instructions down on a notepad.

"Alright, that's settled, any new business?" Karin asked as a flurry of hands flew up. It was going to be a long meeting.


At Noon…

"They what?" Toshiro exclaimed as one of his seated officers cringed fearfully.

"It's exactly as it sounds, Captain. The report sent to us by Captain Abarai in the World of the Living, explains that there was some kind of field that was blocking all of the reinforcements senses. Ex-Captain Kisuke Urahara disabled the signal, allowing Captain Abarai and the reinforcements to rise up and drive off the Hollows. He even reports that the Loyalist Arrancar and the Visoreds joined in the fight along with the Karakura Defense Squad. Hollow numbers have since dropped significantly." The officer said as Toshiro seemed contemplative.

"I see. I suppose then that the reinforcements will be returning soon. Was there anything else in Captain Abarai's report?" Toshiro asked as the officer nodded.

"Yes sir, Captain Abarai mentioned something about the local Captain making some kind of temporary comeback." The Officer said, causing Toshiro's eyes to widen but he remained silent.

"Forgive my ignorance Captain, but what does Captain Abarai mean by, Local Captain?" the officer asked. Toshiro would have answered but the door to the office opened.

"I can answer that." Karin said as she entered carrying a basket in her right hand, and carrying Mai in a baby carrier in the other. Mai started happily cooing at the sight of her father. Karin had removed her cap and had added a set of bamboo kenseikan, giving her something of a noble appearance.

"Captain Kurosaki!" the Officer yelped as he noticed her. Karin simply moved to the pair of couches with a table between them and placed the basket on the table while sitting Mai on one of the couches.

"The Captain, that Renji's report is likely mentioning, is my older brother. Captain Ichigo Kurosaki. He's in charge of the Karakura Defense Squad. The Squad's sole duty is to protect the Spirit Nexus in the World of the Living, and Karakura Town in Japan is the current location of the Spirit Nexus." Karin explained as Toshiro joined her at the couches.

"Ichigo Kurosaki? The man who killed Aizen?" the Officer asked in surprise. Toshiro whirled around towards his subordinate with an impatient glare.

"That's Captain Ichigo Kurosaki to you, and unless you have something more to report, then you are dismissed." Toshiro said. The Officer froze for a second before bowing and departing, closing the door behind him.

"You could've been a bit nicer about it. Ichigo doesn't really care if people call him Captain or not. I only used to as a means of pestering the big strawberry." Karin said as she started setting out their lunch, a container of watermelon being the one Toshiro went for immediately.

"Be that as it may, I require all members of my squad to show their superiors, even superiorly ranked Soul Reapers of other squads, the respect they deserve." Toshiro said as Karin chuckled.

"You know, I remember a time when you used to fuss at Ichigo for his failure to address you properly." Karin said as Toshiro let a small smile form on his face.

"Things change. I got over his insubordination when he was made a Captain following that whole incident with the LeBlancs." Toshiro said as Karin scowled.

"Thanks for the memories of that little incident." Karin said.

"You view that as a bad time. I don't argue it was a bad thing, but I do know that there were several positives." Toshiro said as Karin arched a curious eyebrow.

"Oh? And what's that?" Karin asked. Toshiro smiled at her, running a hand through Mai's hair while doing so.

"For starters, it's when we learned our true feelings for each other." Toshiro said as Karin smiled back at him.

"That's true. It's also when I became a Soul Reaper and became a Vizard." Karin said as Toshiro nodded.

"Hard to believe it's only been twenty three years since that day." Toshiro said as Karin ran a hand through her hair.

"That long already? Damn where has the time gone. I see what you mean. Time really flies here in the Soul Society." Karin said as Toshiro smirked.

"By the way, why did you add those kenseikan to your hair?" Toshiro asked.

"I have calligraphy club at Captain Kuchiki's mansion after this. I figured that, since I'm on inactive duty, and technically a member of one of the four noble clans, I should at least look like a noble for once." Karin said.

"Then if you'd like, I'll take Mai for the rest of the day." Toshiro said as Karin smiled.

"She could use some Daddy time." Karin said as she picked up a cup of tea.

"Oh and by the way, Captain Kyoraku invited me to some sake with him and Captain Ukitake this evening. I thought I may as well accept. I have nothing better to do." Karin said as Toshiro's previous smile vanished.

"You say that lightly but I know you well enough to know better." Toshiro said as Karin glared at him.

"I'm not asking you to rally the Captains in my defense against Central 46. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it and we're far away from it at the moment." Karin said as Toshiro nodded understandingly.

"If you insist."


Later at the Kuchiki Manor…

Most of the club members, Ukitake and Unohana being the only major members aside from Byakuya, were waiting patiently in the meeting room of the calligraphy club. Byakuya sat at the head of the group as servants set out the brushes, ink, paper, and rolls of warm towels to wipe off any ink that got on their hands.

"So, shall we begin?" Jushiro asked as he reached for a brush, only to have his hand swatted by Unohana.

"Not until we're all here, Captain Ukitake." Unohana said with her polite smile.

"But I thought that-…" "Please wait till we are all gathered, Captain Ukitake." Unohana said sweetly as Jushiro sweat dropped, fearfully.

"Yes ma'am." He said as he glanced away from her. Finally one of the Squad Six officers entered.

"Pardon me, Captain, but there's a woman here in regular clothes, saying she's here for the meeting. I tried to detain her but she's most insistent. What do you want me to do with her?" the officers said.

"The woman in question is the, presently inactive, Captain of Squad Five and member of the Kurosaki clan, Karin Kurosaki. Regardless, you will address her as Captain Kurosaki, at all times. Are my instructions clear?" Byakuya asked as the officer sweat dropped and bowed humbly.

"Y-Yes Captain. My apologies." The Officer said as he bowed away, revealing Karin at the doorway.

"I apologize for my late arrival." Karin said with an apologetic bow, while simultaneously shooting the insubordinate officer a death glare.

"You're right on time, actually." Unohana said as Karin took her place, sitting across from the two senior Captains, with her own former Captain at her right.

"You're looking absolutely stunning today. Your kenseikan look perfect on you. Perhaps you could get a few like Byakuya and wear them all the time." Jushiro said but Karin sweat dropped.

"I-I don't think I could easily do that." Karin said, confusing Jushiro.

"I believe I've missed something." He said sheepishly.

"Twixt the four great noble clans, each has a different style of kenseikan, each of them equally as valuable as the other. The bamboo variants are available to all and when worn by a member of one clan while in the house of another it acts as a symbol of humility and respect towards the host." Byakuya explained.

"Ah, I see." Jushiro said.

"Besides, I actually like these bamboo ones better than the metal ones. They don't weigh my head down as much." Karin whispered to Jushiro who smiled.

"Now that we are all gathered, let us begin." Byakuya said as they began their work. After a moment, Karin was carefully writing the kanji for "Dance" which was what her daughter Mai's name meant, when a migraine hit. As she put her hands to her head in pain, she didn't notice the pitying looks she was receiving from Unohana and Ukitake. When it finally passed, she looked down at her paper and scowled. She had put a big black mark through the center of her work.

"Karin Kurosaki…" Karin heard Byakuya say. She turned and turned white as a sheet at what she saw. Byakuya's face was now spattered with black drops of ink from when Karin's migraine hit.

"C-C-C-Captain! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-…" Karin yelped as Byakuya calmly used his towel to clean his face.

"Has Captain Kurotsuchi been able to find a solution to your migraine problem?" Unohana asked but Karin sighed.

"No. He hasn't gotten to me with any results. I think perhaps he has forgotten me." Karin said as Unohana resumed her writing.

"Perhaps you should consider paying him a visit." Jushiro suggested as a Squad Six member entered the room and whispered something to Byakuya.

"Perhaps I will. Only I'll wait until after the Women's Association Meeting tomorrow. I'm kinda relishing some of this free time, even though Toshiro's itching to pull an Aizen on Central 46." Karin said, confusing Jushiro. The Officer was still whispering to Byakuya.

"I've heard this term before. What exactly does Pulling an Aizen mean?" Jushiro asked.

"It's a term some of the members of my Squad developed before I became Captain. It basically is a metaphor for going and betraying everyone for a specific reason. Like going and murdering a Captain or Central 46 for doing something to wrong you. I know that Squad Three calls it, pulling an Ichimaru, and Squad Nine calls it pulling a Tosen. But most everyone else calls it pulling an Aizen. Toshiro was on the verge of doing that when he heard Central 46 put me on inactive duty." Karin explained.

"I've heard." Unohana said. They then detected a spike in Byakuya's spiritual pressure that made them all turn towards him. The officer was still whispering in his ear.

"Thank you for the update." Byakuya said as the officer bowed and disappeared. Byakuya then climbed to his feet.

"Something up, Captain?" Karin asked.

"I am afraid I must attend to a personal matter. You may continue with your calligraphy if you wish. My servants will be on hand should you need anything." Byakuya said before he turned towards the door and started to leave.

"I hope he's not too mad at me for the ink splatter." Karin mumbled as she started again on her writing.

"I don't think so. I believe he knows it was an accident. You served as his Lieutenant for twenty years, so you should know how he reacts." Jushiro said as Karin blushed.

"I have to consult Renji on a regular basis and compare notes on what Captain Kuchiki is thinking sometimes. Even then we're still either wrong or we just never find out." Karin said as Unohana chuckled.

"Captain Kuchiki has changed much over the years. I remember when he was very vocal of his opinions." Unohana said as Jushiro chuckled as well at the memories.

"He was such a hotheaded little fellow. Now he's one of the most unflappable people I know." Jushiro said as Karin nodded in agreement.

"That may be so, but in the years since my nephew Kaien was born, I've had an opportunity to see a different side of him." Karin said, earning interested looks from the two Captains.

"Maybe he sees something in young Kaien. You both share the same nephew, after all." Unohana said as Karin sighed and glanced at a back wall where two of Byakuya's previous artistic creations sat framed on the wall. It was the eloquently written kanji of Kaien's and Hisana's full names.

"I believe that perhaps Kaien is an opportunity for my Captain. I've sensed a small change in him whenever he would go to the World of the Living for a visit. The mere prospect of seeing Kaien made him seem…joyful." Karin explained as Unohana gave a sad smile.

"I fear that we shall never truly understand his thoughts." Unohana said as she resumed her writing.


End Chapter 29.

Uso!

Ametsuchi vs. Ametsuchi

Inside Kaien's inner spirit world, San sat on the lone bridge near the Tori arch marked "Hebun," swinging her legs over the endless black void. Nearby she heard the sound of a pen scratching against paper. She glanced over to see Tsuki, drawing pad and pen in hand, drawing something.

"Alright, Tsuki, what are you doing?" San asked as she climbed to her feet and started walking over towards her twin.

"I'm trying to draw mother but I just can't seem to get the kimono right." Tsuki replied as San glared at what was supposed to be Sode no Shirayuki. In reality it was a stick figure with a small hexagon on the head and a boxy looking shirt and skirt, akin to what you might find on a women's bathroom sign. San sweat dropped at the image.

"It looks better than normal. Maybe your skills are improving." San said as Tsuki looked at her in surprise.

"Really? You think so?" Tsuki asked. San put her hand on Tsuki's head and looked her in the eyes.

"Uso." She said, turning quickly away, leaving a blindsided Tsuki behind. Tsuki then scowled and grabbed the ribbon that connected them. She then masterfully spun the ribbon up and around so that it lassoed San around the neck and with one strong yank, pulled San over the edge of the bridge. Luckily, being Zanpakuto spirits made them invincible in their spirit world so the worst that could happen would be they could strangle each other for a while.

"What did you say?" Tsuki asked her sister as she dangled by the neck over the edge over the bridge.

"Will you two knock it off?" Kaien roared as he appeared. San magically reappeared on the bridge, the ribbon free from around her neck.

"Sorry." The twins said sheepishly.

"Geez! Sometimes I swear you guys are like little children at times! I can't believe you're my Zanpakuto!" Kaien groaned, earning hurt looks from his Zanpakuto.

"You don't really mean that-…" "…-do you Kaien?" the twins asked. Kaien sighed towards them.

"I suppose not." Kaien said as the twins sighed with relief.

"Oh good." San whispered, looking up at their wielder who then flashed a sneaky smile.

"Uso." Kaien said before vanishing, leaving the twin spirits cussing at him as soon as they realized the duplicity.

Kaien wins.

End.