Author's Note:
Greetings, my wonderful readers! Here we go with chapter 9! It's time for Karin's Bankai training! Since I won't be revealing what her zanpakuto spirit is for another two chapters, I won't be diving into her actual training outside of this chapter. I still hope you enjoy it, though!
I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is reading the story! It makes me happy knowing that the HitsuKarin fanbase is alive and well :-D Thank you for the reviews, and for adding AATH to your favorites list! it warms my heart to hear your thoughts, and know you're enjoying it. I really appreciate it!
Alright, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
One month later...
The holidays had come and gone, and Karin's Shikai training had gone far better than either of them had expected. They trained for hours every day, and the results were showing. Karin now had full mastery of every one of her Shikai abilities, and had just finished learning how to utilize them to their greatest effect on the battlefield. She was even inventing new ways to utilize her control of wind, and was enjoying surprising her teacher with new techniques she'd invented on her own. Now, just a short month later, Toshiro was confident that she was ready for Bankai training; an opinion he shared with Kisuke and Yoruichi. Both of them had been brought in every day for observation, and as additional combatants. He'd really been pushing Karin the past month, and trying to get her used to dealing with multiple enemies at once to broaden her offensive and defensive strategies utilizing her Shikai. Overall, she'd been able to hold her own very well against the three of them, all things considered; and when he'd mentioned to the two former captains that he thought she was ready for Bankai, they both were in agreement.
Currently, Toshiro was sitting in the living room; waiting for Ichigo and Isshin to return home from training with Kazui. Karin was at a friend's birthday party, and he needed to talk with them about his plans to send her to Soul Society. Ultimately, they couldn't refuse to let her go; but he thought he owed them the courtesy of letting them know she'd be gone for a few days. After all, Bankai training was strenuous and dangerous; if anything happened, they deserved to know what was going on.
Just as the clock struck 8:00 pm, in came the two Kurosaki men; a tired, but happy, young boy lagging behind them. "Alright, Kazui, head on upstairs. I'm sure your mom has your bath and PJs ready." Ichigo said to his son; watching as the carrot-top waved at Toshiro before heading up to the bathroom.
Hanging their coats up, and taking off their shoes, Isshin and Ichigo both looked over at the now-standing captain of the 10th division; already knowing he wanted to talk with them. Toshiro had texted them both earlier in the day to ask if he could have a word when they got home, and they'd agreed. They figured it had something to do with Karin's training, but weren't entirely sure; so, they were curious to see what he had to say.
Once they rid themselves of their winter attire, they proceeded over to the white-haired man; inquisitive looks on their faces.
Toshiro stood with his hands in his pockets, looking from one Kurosaki to the other. "Thank you both for making time for this. I'm sure you're tired, so I'll keep it brief: I've been in talks with Kisuke and Yoruichi, and we're all in agreement that Karin is ready to start Bankai training. Head Captain Kyoraku has given her clearance to go to Soul Society for it, so she'll be gone tomorrow to Friday."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes slightly at the young captain; concern mixed with suspicion evident on his face. "Only Wednesday to Friday? That doesn't seem like enough time, unless…are you planning on using that same thing that Yoruichi used with me when I learned Bankai to rescue Rukia?"
Toshiro nodded in reply; causing Ichigo to tense up. "Toshiro, why use the shortcut? You know it's dangerous. You've been happy to let her powers progress naturally up till now, so what's changed? Is there something Shunsui's not telling us?"
Toshiro shook his head in reply. "No, there's nothing wrong. Normally, I would prefer to let her powers continue to grow naturally, but it takes a Shinigami approximately five to ten years to achieve Bankai that way, if they manage it at all. I can't be here for ten years to train and advise her, and Shunsui doesn't want to wait that long. If she wasn't a Kurosaki, I doubt he'd endorse this plan; but she is, and he knows how naturally gifted she is…just like you, Ichigo." he said; bringing his hands out of his pockets, and crossing his arms over his chest.
Ichigo nodded once in reply as he waited for the captain to continue; curious to see what else he had to say.
Seeing that the elder Kurosaki was waiting on him, Toshiro continued. "Personally, I'm confident she's ready for this. Yoruichi will be joining her, and heading up her Bankai training while I stay here to get things ready for when she returns."
At that, Ichigo raised a curious eyebrow. "Hang on a minute, you're her teacher; why aren't you the one heading up her Bankai training, and going with her?" he asked; skepticism in his voice.
Keeping his gaze locked with Ichigo's, Toshiro replied. "Because Yoruichi knows this method of training well; having both heard about it from Urahara, and used it to train you. I think she'll be more useful as the main instructor, while I stay here, and get the training room upgraded with Kisuke. When they get back, I'll resume my role as her instructor."
Ichigo let the information sink in; suspicious that there was something Toshiro wasn't telling him, but accepting the explanation for the time being. "Alright, I guess that makes sense. I may not like it, but I trust you guys, and my sister. If you think she can do it, then I'll support you…for now. Thanks for the heads up, Toshiro; and tell Yoruichi to take good care of Karin while she's gone." he said, before walking towards the stairs, and making his way up to his room.
As Toshiro watched Ichigo's retreating figure, he glanced quickly over at Isshin; curious that the Kurosaki patriarch hadn't said anything yet. Looking inquisitively over at his former captain, he raised an eyebrow in question. "What's on your mind, Isshin? You're only this quiet when you're thinking."
Isshin brought his gaze from the floor in front of him to his former third seat; crossing his arms over his chest. "Does you staying here also have anything to do with you potentially being a hindrance to the training? I know you, Toshiro; it's hard for you to sit back and watch if the people you care about are struggling. Karin's going to be facing her zanpakuto spirit, and it won't be pretty to watch. Anyone's instinct would be to jump in, and help their friend. Did Yoruichi talk with you about this?"
Toshiro's facial features tensed ever so slightly, but enough for Isshin to notice. It was easy to forget that the ex-captain had achieved his rank for a reason; he was far more than what he portrayed to most of the world. Nodding slightly, Toshiro sighed in resignation. "Yeah, that's part of it. I had similar problems when I was training Matsumoto, but her zanpakuto spirit was more interested in manipulation and evasion than fighting. I have a feeling that Karin's will be very different, given her personality; so, Yoruichi told me I should hang back for this one." he replied; hoping Isshin wouldn't pry further as he thought back on his conversation with the former Shihōin clan head.
Flashback…
"Captain Hitsugaya, could I have a word?" Yoruichi asked as she motioned for the 10th division captain to follow her outside. He and Karin had just finished training for the day, and the young Kurosaki was currently ensconced in conversation with Tessai regarding some Kido spells she wanted him to teach her.
Nodding in reply, Toshiro made his way outside with the dark-skinned woman. Once they were out of earshot, Toshiro got right to the point. "What's this about, Yoruichi? You look troubled." he said; watching her closely.
Yoruichi sighed lightly, before putting a hand on her hip as she made eye contact with the young captain. "I think you should stay here, and let me handle Karin's Bankai training alone."
Toshiro was surprised, to say the least; visibly losing his composure as confusion overtook his face. "Why would you suggest that? I'm her teacher; this is part of my job. Besides, I'd like to be there to keep an eye on her." he replied; his facial features hardening. There was no way he was missing this training; absolutely not.
The former captain of the 2nd division gave him a sympathetic look, before putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's because you'll be worried about her that I'm asking you to stay here, Hitsugaya. It'll be hard watching her get pummeled repeatedly by her zanpakuto spirit…I'm worried that you wouldn't be able to stand it, and you'd jump in to try and help her. Let's face it, it isn't difficult for you to see her exhausted and worn down right now because you're the one in charge; so, when she's tapped out, and at her limit, you can choose to relieve the pressure, which you frequently do. In this training, that won't be an option; she'll only have three days to achieve Bankai, so she'll have to push herself beyond her limits. It'll hurt watching her struggle and suffer, and I don't want you to see that. This is something she needs to do without you."
The young captain's features softened slightly as he looked at Yoruichi; sadness and understanding in his eyes. He knew she was right; he could regulate how difficult things were for Karin right now, because he was the one making the decision when to continue, and when to stop. During Bankai training, he would have to sit back, do nothing but observe, and only give guidance when needed. This training was very dangerous, and risky; could he just sit back and watch her struggle? He wasn't sure, if he was honest.
Yoruichi could tell he was thinking over her words, so she gave him a minute before she continued. "It's not a bad thing to love and protect someone, Toshiro; but you can't let that get in the way of her training. You've done a great job with her instruction so far, but you've been in control of it all. I think it would be too difficult for you to sit back, and watch the woman you're in love with get beaten and bloodied by her own zanpakuto spirit. Trust me on this one, okay? I promise I'll take good care of her." she said; genuine sympathy for him in her eyes.
Toshiro held her gaze for a few moments before letting his shoulders sag in defeat. "As much as I'm going to hate this…alright; I'll stay here. Just, please, make sure she comes back to me in one piece." he replied; a hint of anxiety and desperation in his voice that surprised Yoruichi. She still wasn't used to this more emotional, expressive Toshiro.
The former Shihōin clan head smiled softly back at him; nodding in agreement before removing her hand from his shoulder, and walking back toward the shop; leaving a quiet, and troubled-looking Toshiro standing outside.
End Flashback…
He hadn't wanted to agree, but he knew it would ultimately be for the best. He was getting too protective of Karin already, and it was starting to show in his training with her; how much worse would it be for them both if he was fighting himself while trying to train her? Ultimately, having a few days to himself to train alone, and re-connect with Hyorinmaru would be good for him; help him separate his personal and professional emotions again so he would be ready to help Karin get a good handle on wielding her Bankai.
"Toshiro?"
Hearing his name startled the white-haired man out of his thoughts; focusing once again on the man in front of him. "Sorry, what did you say, Isshin?"
Isshin raised a curious eyebrow in reply. "You seem pretty lost in thought; something troubling you?" he asked, his inquisitive eyes making the young captain feel like the older man could read his every thought.
Reconstructing his hard, stoic façade, Toshiro shook his head. "No, nothing at all. I just hope Yoruichi does as good a job with Karin as she did with Ichigo. I have no reason to doubt that she will, but Karin is my student; It will be strange not being there as her instructor this time."
Isshin nodded in reply; a look in his eyes that the young captain couldn't quite place, and a soft smile on his face. "I understand, Toshiro, but don't worry; I have a feeling everything will go smoothly. Trust your student. You've taught her well, and I'm sure she won't let you down."
The white-haired man gave his former captain a small smile in reply. "I'm sure she won't, either." he said, before checking his watch, and looking back up at the Kurosaki patriarch. "Thank you for the talk, Isshin; I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go to bed. It's getting late, and I'll be seeing Karin and Yoruichi off first thing tomorrow morning." he said; turning towards the stairs, and making his way up.
Isshin watched his former third seat disappear from view as his smile grew slightly. 'I understand how you're feeling, Toshrio…more than you realize.' he thought as he made his way up the stairs himself, and to his room; ready for a good night's sleep.
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Toshiro didn't even hear Karin come in at 11:30; having fallen into a deep sleep about an hour ago.
Making her way into her room, and shutting the door behind her, Karin checked to see if her boyfriend was asleep. Once she ascertained that he was out cold, she quickly changed into her pjs, and crawled into bed facing him. She needed to be up in about six hours, but she took a moment to watch the steady breathing of the man next to her. It was rare that he was asleep before her, so she enjoyed seeing his peaceful face on the few occasions that it happened. Reaching up, she gently stroked his cheek before leaning over, and giving him a light kiss on the nose. "Goodnight, Toshiro." she whispered, before settling in next to him.
Unconsciously, Toshiro's arms encircled her, and pulled her close to him so she was snuggled into his side.
Content and comfortable, Karin quickly joined her boyfriend in a deep sleep; not stirring until her alarm went off at 5:30 the next morning. When the beeper rang out, she groaned, and buried her face further into the strong, muscular chest her head was resting on. She felt Toshiro chuckle slightly, before leaving her to huddle further into her sheets as he got up to shut the alarm off.
Throwing the covers over her head, she was almost back to sleep when she felt a heavy mass land on her side. Squawking in surprise, she flung the sheets off, and looked distastefully at the clothes resting on top of her before glaring at her smirking boyfriend. "I swear, when this is over, I'm gonna kill you. No one should need to get up before there's daylight." she said as she grabbed her clothes, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
Toshiro's amused smirk grew slightly. "Good luck trying, and tell that to the farmers, Karin." he said as he reached for the hem of his shirt; pulling it up, and over his head as he made his way over to her closet. He'd started keeping a few daytime shirts in there, just in case he had to be up and about around the same time as the rest of the house, and he couldn't get to his room easily without being seen or sensed. Today, he just didn't want to run the risk of waking anyone up; so, he'd slept in his usual everyday black sweatpants, and made sure he had one of his casual grey t-shirts ready.
He was reaching for his t-shirt when he felt slender arms snake around his waist, and soft lips give him a peck on the cheek. "Leaving aside the fact that it's gonna be nice to not have to listen to you and Kisuke gang up on me with critiques, I will miss this for the few days I'm gonna be gone." she whispered softly in his ear, before releasing him, and making her way over to her bureau to grab her comfortable, at-home athletic wear.
Toshiro smirked slightly; grabbing his shirt, and putting it on before walking quietly over to his girlfriend. Karin didn't notice him approaching her until she turned back around, clothes in hand, and almost bumped into his chest. Surprised, she backed up a couple of steps, until her back hit the wall; Toshiro pinning her there with his body. Before she could process what was happening, he leaned down, and captured her lips with his in a hungry kiss; parting them with his tongue, and pulling a surprised gasp from her as he kept her pressed against the wall.
Dropping her clothes, Karin's eyes shut instantly as she brought her arms up as high as she could manage in her restricted position; fisting his shirt tightly, and pulling him as close as physically possible.
Toshiro kept her pinned for a few minutes, before her alarm began beeping again; the ten-minute snooze having now gone by. Reluctantly separating from her, he cursed under his breath, and mumbled, "I thought I shut that damn thing off."
Karin smirked in amusement, before bringing one hand up behind his neck to pull him back down for one more deep kiss, which he readily melted into. It only lasted for a few moments, but when Karin released him, she could see the suppressed desire in his eyes. "I hope you enjoyed that, cause it's gonna have to suffice for the next three days." she said as she extricated herself from her boyfriend's grasp.
Toshiro grumbled discontentedly in reply; causing Karin to chuckle. "Yeah, I know, but I won't be gone long." she said; grabbing her clothes from the floor, and giving him a playful smirk. "Now, are you gonna let me get changed in peace, or were you planning on staying to watch?" she asked; amusement in her eyes as a dark shade of pink settled over Toshiro's face, and he shot her an annoyed glare. Making his way over to the door, he glanced over his shoulder at her. "I'll see you downstairs in five minutes." he said, before closing the door behind him.
A cocky smile made it's way onto Karin's face as she watched him go. 'He's stupidly cute when he's flustered. The entertainment factor is just an added bonus.' she thought, before getting back to the task at hand.
It only took her a couple of minutes to change, and wash up, before making her way downstairs. She was surprised to find her entire family, minus Kazui, already awake, downstairs, and waiting for her so they could say goodbye, and good luck. She gave each of them a hug, with Isshin and Ichigo giving her the typical 'Be careful, stay focused, and don't do anything I wouldn't do' speech.
She could see the worry on Yuzu's and Orihime's faces, but they smiled at her; with her twin telling her to make sure she came back safe and sound.
Karin asked Orihime to give Kazui a hug for her, before she popped her gikongan in her mouth, exited her body, and made her way over to the door with Toshiro, who was already out of his gigai. She gave one final wave goodbye to her family before she and her teacher shunpo'd out of sight.
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They arrived at Urahara's a few moments later; Kisuke and Yoruichi already outside, and waiting for them. Toshiro nodded to the pair in greeting, while Karin walked over to the former Shihōin clan head. "Morning, Yoruichi! You ready for this, because I know I am! I'm excited to finally see a little bit of Soul Society."
Yoruichi smiled back at the energetic young woman. "I'm as ready as you are, Karin. One thing's for sure: your training will be less of a hassle than your brother's was." she replied; her smile morphing into a smirk.
Karin smirked back; amusement in her eyes. "It's true; he's definitely a pain in the ass." she said, before her smirk faded to an uncertain smile. "I hope I can meet your expectations. I promise I'll give it everything I've got."
Yoruichi put a hand on the young woman's shoulder, and squeezed it lightly. "I'm sure you will, Karin. I have every confidence in you…as does your teacher." she replied; a soft smile on her face, and knowing look in her eyes, as she gestured over Karin's shoulder at the white-haired man behind her. Releasing her grip on her temporary student, Yoruichi took a step back. "Go say goodbye, and we can get going. If we leave soon, I can take you around some of Soul Society before we go to the Study Chamber."
Karin nodded in reply, and made her way over to her visibly anxious boyfriend. She knew he'd be worried about her while she was gone, but she was sure it was best for him to stay here. While she would've rather had him there with her, and had been looking forward to touring Soul Society with him, Yoruichi's reasoning was sound, and they all knew it.
She smiled at him reassuringly before being pulled into a hug. "Try not to worry too much, okay? I'll be fine; I've got Yoruichi with me." she said; squeezing him tightly, and burrowing her face in his neck.
Toshiro held her close, and enjoyed this last bit of contact he'd have with her for the next few days. "Easier said than done, but I'll try not to. Be careful, and remember everything we've been working on. I know you can do this." he replied; releasing her from his grasp, and smiling softly at her.
Returning the smile with one of her own, Karin rose on her tip toes, and gave him a quick, chaste kiss before turning to walk back toward her temporary teacher and Urahara. "Alright, let's get going." she said; reaching the two former captains.
Kisuke nodded in reply, before opening a senkaimon for them; both he and Toshiro watching as the women waved goodbye, and walked through the opening.
In a flash, the senkaimon disappeared, and it was now just the two men standing outside the shop. Kisuke looked over at the now stoic young captain to his left; analyzing him closely. While his face portrayed indifference, Kisuke could see the hidden worry in his eyes, and tenseness of his body. Placing a hand on the young man's shoulder, he focused his attention back on the spot where the senkaimon just was. "Don't worry, Hitsugaya, she'll be fine; she's too stubborn to fail." he said; a slight smile on his face.
Toshiro smirked slightly in reply; knowing Kisuke didn't expect a response, as the elder Shinigami withdrew his hand, and brought it back to his side. A moment of silence ticked by before the ex-captain looked back over at his white-haired companion. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that, though. It just seems too unnatural."
Glancing over at the older man, Toshiro raised a curious eyebrow. "What seems too unnatural?" he asked; confusion in his voice.
Kisuke smirked at him slightly, before raising his fan up to his face. "The fact that you're a closet romantic. You can be so sweet and cuddly with her; it almost makes me wonder if you and Kon swapped personalities."
Toshiro glared at the ex-captain; wishing he could wipe the smirk he was sure that fan was concealing off of the older man's face. "I am nothing like that perverted chew toy. Mention my softer side one more time, and there will be consequences, Urahara."
Chuckling slightly, Kisuke turned, and began to walk back into the shop. "Now there's the Captain Hitsugaya I know. Get back home for breakfast; I'm sure you're hungry. I'll see you back here later." he said; closing the shop door behind him.
Sighing in irritation, Toshiro took one last look at the spot where his girlfriend had disappeared, and shunpo'd back to the house. 'Alright, time to start my own training'
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Karin and Yoruichi landed softly on top of a large building; a massive gate behind them. Karin looked around, and tried to take in her first view of Soul Society. The place stretched as far as the eye could see; though she'd expected that. She could tell without having to ask that they were in the Seireitei; seeing different barracks spread out across the city from their current vantagepoint. "Wow, this place is amazing! What's the population here?" she asked, looking over at Yoruichi.
The dark-skinned woman shook her head slightly. "To be honest, I'm not really sure now. A lot of people and Shinigami were killed during the Wandenreich invasion, and I don't know that they ever did an official tally of the surviving souls."
The smile on Karin's face faded into a sad frown. It happened so long ago now that she'd forgotten about the immense casualties Soul Society suffered from the Thousand Year Blood War. It made her sad to know that there were so many people, people that Toshiro had known very well, who had lost their lives during that time; people she would have loved to meet, but wouldn't get the chance to now. 'I know that everything happens for a reason, but it's still hard to accept the reality.' she thought as she looked back out over the city.
The Shinigami had done an excellent job rebuilding after the war. Looking around, Karin wouldn't have been able to tell that most of this place had been reduced to rubble just twelve years ago.
She was so caught up in sight-seeing that she didn't sense the presence making its way toward them until Yoruichi coughed rather loudly; clearly trying to get her attention. Turning around, Karin came face-to-face with a tall man who looked to be early middle age. He had on a straw hat, an eyepatch over his right eye, and a pink flowery kimono over his captain's haori and shihakusho. Recognizing the signature items from Toshiro's stories, Karin bowed slightly in greeting. "Hello, Head Captain Kyoraku; It's an honor to meet you."
Shunsui smiled at the girl; pleased that she knew who he was. 'Good. I'm glad Captain Hitsugaya's been teaching her about the people in the Gotei 13.' he thought; extending his hand toward her. "Miss Kurosaki, it's a pleasure to meet you as well. Please, call me Shunsui." he replied as Karin took his hand, and the two shook in greeting. "Karin," she said; a smile on her face.
Looking over to Yoruichi next, Shunsui gave her a welcoming smile. "It's good to see you again, Yoruichi. How is everything in the world of the living?"
The dark-skinned woman smiled back at him; crossing her arms over her chest. "It's good to see you too, Shunsui. Things are going well, actually; It's been pretty boring since the war, to be honest. I've enjoyed my time assisting in Karin's training over the past several months."
Shunsui nodded approvingly, before turning to face her fully. "That's good to hear. I'm sure Captain Hitsugaya has been appreciative of the help. Now," he said, turning first to Karin, then back in the direction he came from, "let's give Karin a bit of a tour around the Seireitei, shall we?"
The raven-haired Kurosaki watched the head captain of the Gotei 13 begin walking away, and toward a rather stern-looking but pretty young woman waiting for him at the top of the stairs that led down to the bottom of the building. She noticed the dark-haired beauty had a lieutenant's armband on, and saw the insignia for "1" on it. 'Ah, that's his lieutenant.' she thought; observing the pair. Amused, she saw Shunsui approach the woman, and yell "Oh, my sweet Nanao! Lovely, lovely, Nana-owe!" he whined, as the lieutenant irritatedly shoved her clipboard into her captain's face, and walked away; Shunsui looking dejected as he watched her go. Smirking to herself, Karin couldn't help thinking that she just might like it here more than she thought she would.
Shunsui proceeded to introduce her to the captains of the 2nd – 12th division (minus Rangiku, who grabbed her in a suffocating hug as soon as the older woman saw her, and asked how her captain was doing), their lieutenants (minus Renji and Ikkaku, as she already knew Renji, and Ikkaku remembered her from when he stayed in Karakura town as part of Captain Hitsugaya's team), and the third seat of the 4th division, Hanataro Yamada. She'd instantly hit it off with Isane, her sister Kiyone, and Hanataro; as well as Ikkaku and Momo. She'd been especially interested in meeting the pretty young lieutenant of the 5th division for a few reasons. Toshiro had told her about his shared past with Hinamori, and how they'd grown apart from each other during their time in the Gotei 13 until Aizen defected. He also confessed to having loved her since he was a child, only to finally realize over their ten years of peace after the war that she would never see him as anything more than a close friend. They even had a conversation about it three years ago; and, while she told him she'd always love him, she just didn't love him romantically. To her, he was her best friend, her confidant, and her brother. She just didn't see him the way he wanted her to; so, he accepted it as best he could, and moved on. While it had taken some time, it hadn't hurt him nearly as bad as he'd thought it would. Just one year after making that decision to put everything behind him, he'd gotten over her completely, and cherished the good friend he had in her. She'd even started dating her fellow lieutenant, Izuru Kira, last year. According to Toshiro, the two had been friends since their academy days, and he'd secretly adored her for years as well. In the end, everyone had ended up with the person they were meant to be with, and everyone was happy…at least for now.
Karin had enjoyed talking with the petite lieutenant, both about Toshiro, and each other, before the 11th division captain came charging over to her; demanding she fight him. After that, Shunsui had ushered her away from the 5th division barracks rather quickly; with her promising to Momo that she would stop back over, and visit some more before she went back home.
By the time they'd finished their tour, it was late morning, and Yoruichi was anxious to get started on training. So, wishing the young Kurosaki luck, Shunsui made his way back to the 1st division while Karin and her teacher made their way over to Sokyoku hill.
Karin was surprised to find it was such a barren place; it actually reminded her a lot of the Study Chamber in Urahara Shop. She had a feeling that this landscape was the inspiration for Kisuke's aesthetic choices.
Following Yoruichi into the secret training room under the hill, the dark-skinned woman sealed them in, and brought out what appeared to be some type of doll-like contraption. It vaguely resembled a human body, and was about the size of a typical man. Karin studied it curiously, before shooting an inquisitive look toward her teacher.
Smirking back at her, Yoruichi explained the strange-looking device. "This is the Tenshintai; one of Kisuke's earlier creations. It forcibly manifests the spirit of a zanpakuto into the physical world when stabbed. In order to achieve Bankai, you will need to subjugate your zanpakuto's spirit. Normally, it takes a minimum of ten years to be able to manifest one's spirit on one's own, and achieve Bankai; not to mention the many years of combat experience required before that happens. The Tenshintai provides a shortcut to all of that; however," she said, her expression turning serious. "the materialization only lasts for three days. Using it for any longer than that would be dangerous, so you have a time limit. This will be the most difficult part of your training to date, Karin. I cannot guarantee your safety, and I cannot help you; you succeed or fail on your own. Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked; observing the young Kurosaki closely. She wondered what she would see in the raven-haired girl's face after explaining everything, and she was pleased to see only determination and fire in her eyes; not a hint of hesitation or fear. 'Good, Karin. That's the kind of attitude you'll need in order to get through this successfully.' she thought as she waited for the young woman's reply.
Karin smiled confidently back at her; unsheathing her zanpakuto, and walking over to the strange-looking device. "I'm ready. I know everyone believes in me, and I won't let them down…I won't let Toshiro down. I won't let all this training, and hard work, be for nothing, so let's do this!" she said; stabbing the device with Todoroku Kaze. The doll was immediately enveloped in blue light, and, just a moment later, her zanpakuto spirit was standing before her. The spirit leveled its piercing greyish-white eyes at her; watching her the way a predator stalks its prey. "So, child, you and your teachers believe you are ready to challenge me? A bold assumption."
Karin met the spirit's gaze; determination in her eyes. "Stop treating me like I'm inferior, Todoroku Kaze. I'm not a child, and I'm more than ready for this. It's time to establish that I'm the alpha in this partnership, and I deserve your respect. I'm your master, not your dependent."
Keeping its eyes on Karin, the spirit stalked ever closer to her; releasing bursts of wind with each step it took as various types of weapons consisting of brass knuckles, a whip, spears, swords, and many others materialized around them. "Then show me, Karin; show me you have the will and ferocity to claim dominance. One of these weapons belongs to your Bankai, and that is the only weapon that can subjugate me. If you concentrate, it will call out to you; but first you must prove your worth. Now, show me you deserve to be called my master!"
Yoruichi watched as Karin quickly glanced around, grabbed a spear that was lying just a few feet from her, and met Todoroku Kaze head on; a powerful burst of wind erupting from the collision, and sending debris flying in all directions.
The serene alto of the spirit's distinctively female voice contrasted with its fierce appearance. Seeing the spirit for the first time, things started connecting in the former captain's mind about her conversation with Karin from a couple days ago regarding the dreams the raven-haired Kurosaki and her teacher seemed to share when separated. During a conversation between the two women, Karin had asked about the strange incidents; revealing that she and Toshiro had been meaning to ask Kisuke about it for some time, but just hadn't gotten around to it yet. Karin had wondered if the same thing would happen while she was gone for Bankai training, and wanted to see if Yoruichi could provide any explanations. Unfortunately for her, the former Shihōin clan head hadn't been able to think of how it was possible for two people to be linked in a way that allowed them to access each other's inner worlds. Such a thing had never happened before, so not even Kisuke had been able to supply any definite answers when they broached the subject with him later that day.
Putting the pieces together now, the phenomenon was understandable. 'Her link with Hitsugaya makes a lot more sense now.' she thought as she observed the spirit; a smirk on her face. 'Yin and Yang, if ever I saw them.'
Watching as Karin and Todoroku Kaze traded blow for blow, Yoruichi wondered if she would prove to be just as talented, determined, and quick-witted as Ichigo when he was here for the same purpose. For her sake, Yoruichi hoped that was the case; but only time would tell now…
Alright, what did you think?! Anyone getting closer to figuring out what her spirit is? We all know that Karin is always the alpha female, but I guess Todoroku Kaze hasn't figured that out yet, haha.
Don't you just love Shunsui and Nanao? Lol! Of course the head captain would make sure to meet his newest ace in the hole while she was in Soul Society, so I just had to include him :-D I wanted to make sure I also included her meeting quite a few of the other Shinigami, as they end up being mentioned later on in the story as well.
Looking forward to seeing you all back for chapter 10!
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