Author's Note: After my missing chapter blunder I had a double hit. When I posted this chapter somehow it turned into code ugh. I swear Murphy's law is determined to get me.
BUT NOW I am back with a REAL update! Lol! I should finish the next chapter really soon as well, Ive kept you guys waiting long enough.

Also thank you Mysterious guest for your review! I am so happy you are enjoying this!

Happy readings!

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Chapter VI

Middle-ground

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Isshin Kurosaki arrived, Byakuya Kuchiki stepped in after him.

The ice captain ironically froze in place at the sigh of his old captain wearing shinigami robes, Toshirou was transported back to his younger days. But something was imposing and scary about Isshin's posture.

Kyoraku also noticed, because his ever-resting smiley face was nowhere to be seen now. Isshin's presence weighted the topic more than expected. Ichigo and Karin looked back surprised, eyes wide to see their father there.

"D-dad?" Ichigo hesitated for a moment.

"I imagined this would have happened, I just didn't expect you to come so soon, Isshin." Kyoraku tilted his head addressing the old companion.

"Really? I suppose you didn't account for my son's zeal." Isshin chuckled slightly and Ichigo lowered his eyes.

"I just want Karin to come home, dad! They are using her on their schemes!" Ichigo protested again.

Karin was about to shout back at her older brother when Isshin spoke up firmly.

"I am not here just as their father."

Everyone in the room hesitated.

"I am Isshin Shiba. Of the Shiba clan. And so are my children, although we don't have the same status as we did, I expect that Soul Society still recognizes the nobility of my house."

Karin and Ichigo became visibly unsure, they have never seen their father speak like this. Kyoraku removed his hat.

"And what does Isshin Shiba of the Shiba Clan wants? I thought we had agreed on taking in your daughter for training." The commander asked.

"I agreed momentarily to appease the commander and protect my child from any intentions of sealing or imprisoning her. I had planned to come here to renegotiate this all along. My son's arrival just sped up the process."

"Do you think she is unsafe here? You know we can't let someone with such a large spiritual pressure parade in the human world." Kyoraku pushed on.

"I know that without proper training Karin is in great danger, and will put others in the same danger as well if she remains home like this."

Karin's shoulders dropped at her father's statement, Ichigo, noticing his sister's misery, softened his gaze and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Which is why she should stay with her people."

They all looked up to Isshin.

"What are you proposing Isshin?" Kyoraku asked.

"I'm saying Karin will stay with her clan. In the Shiba Clan, no one can claim any schemes are going on, at the same time she won't threaten the human world."

"Is that so? And what of her training?"

Isshin continue unfazed, and his lips turned into a wide grin.

"Naturally I will be in charge of it. We are the only wielders of fire zanpakutos. No one is more qualified to train her than me. The Shiba Clan formally claims Karin Kurosaki."

Byakuya stepped forward standing next to Isshin.

"The Kuchiki clan supports the claim of the Shiba claim. They are still a noble house of Soul Society, and these traditions must be respected. Gotei 13 has no right to keep a member of a great noble house from their kin. I hope we haven't descended so low into desperation to dishonor an ancient house."

Ichigo was stunned by Byakuya's actions. He was aware of his father's clan but never expected them to be treated like nobility.

Kyoraku sighed. "If you two play like that, I have no choice but to heed the claim. Karin Kurosaki will be trained and hosted by the Shiba Clan." He chuckled and turned to Karin. "You are stirring quite a lot of commotion. But I hope you know you will always be welcome here, despite your brother's suspicions."

Karin turned to the commander and nodded, a little embarrassed.

"I wouldn't have come if I thought I was in danger. I trust the friends I made here." She spoke up despite her awkwardness and looked straight toward the commander.

"Then it is settled. I hope we can still visit Kurosaki-chan in Rukongai."

Isshin grinned at Kyoraku.

"If the Kuukaku welcomes you, then there is no issue. Cmon kids." He gestured for Karin and Ichigo to follow after him. Ichigo did so promptly but Karin hesitated a bit, looking back at Toshirou, too bad she had to leave like that, just when they were finally able to talk things out. He looked at her with a similar regretful expression, although slightly less obvious, or perhaps it was just Karin's wishful thinking.

"Oi! Karin, let's go!' Ichigo called out to her, he didn't want her to stay there a second longer it seemed.

Karin turned and rushed after her brother. Toshirou flinched as he watched them walk away.

Once they were rather far from Kyoraku's office, Isshin stopped in his tracks.

"Ichigo..."

The orange-haired shinigami looked at his dad rather puzzled. "Hm? what?"

And that was when Isshin turned abruptly and headbutted Ichigo!

"AARGH! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"

"YOU JUST HAD TO MAKE A WHOLE BIG DEAL OUT OF THIS DIDNT YOU? I HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL YOU IDIOT! YOU THINK I WOULD HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE TO JUST TAKE YOUR SISTER?!"

"IT'S NOT MY FAULT! YOU NEVER TOLD ME ANYTHING! HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW?!"

"YOU CANT ACT SO RECKLESSLY!"

Karin sighed in annoyance at the typical Kurosaki antics.

Back in the office Toshirou still looked at the door. "Captain Hitsugaya." Kyoraku called and Toshirou looked back at him. "You are dismissed." The commander spoke with a sly and knowing smile. Toshirou bowed his head and walked out. He imagined Toshirou wanted to speak to Isshin after it's been over 20 years.

"Ah. Thank you, commander."

Toshirou rushed after the Kurosaki family.

"Captain Shiba!" He called out for the first time in over 20 years, the words were almost foreign to his lips but held a nostalgic weight on him. Hearing the call Isshin stopped and so did his kids.

"Ah! Toshirou! We didn't really have time to greet each other did we?" Isshin grinned widely as Ichigo rubbed his forehead, groaning and mumbling like a teenager.

"We didn't. I hope you've been well." Toshirou spoke courteously.

"Huh? You know each other?" Karin asked curiously.

"He was my third seat, my sharp and adorable little girl!" He would have made Karin hit him with the cutesy addressing if the information wasn't so shocking to her.

"What?! I mean...I knew you were...a captain but you never told me you two...wait a minute..hold on!" She was utterly confused and Ichigo was just a few brain connections behind her.

"Were you aware I was his daughter back when we met?!"

"Ah sort of? It took a while to connect Ichigo and you to captain Shiba because of you both use the name Kurosaki..."

Isshin looked curiously at his daughter and his lips turned upward in a ridiculous smile.

"Oooooh? You two know each other from days past? HAHAHAHHAHA! Isn't that a funny coincidence or should I say fate!"

"Don't be absurd captain, there is nothing fateful about all of this." Toshirou dismissed Isshin's playful tone, and Karin frowned.

"Is that so? hehe still, if you kids were friends then don't let me get in the way! Come visit Karin whenever you want to!"

"What?! DAD!" Ichigo protested only to receive a second headbutt! "OW!"

"I trust you will take good care of my little girl when I'm away." He petted Karin's head and she blushed.

"Dad! Cut it out! Besides, I thought you said YOU were going to train me!" Isshin scratched his cheek.

"Well, I will. But it won't be like a daily thing, I can't leave your sister on her own. Kuukaku can take care of the daily business." He crossed his arms and nodded, Karin didn't question him, he was right after all. She could imagine Yuzu going absolutely bonkers without any of them at home for long. "Cmon let's go get your things, you said you were in Hirako's division right?" Isshin pouted childishly. "I should be offended they didn't put you in my old division. huff huff."

Toshirou and Karin exchanged knowing glances but neither said anything about Toshirou's attempt to be responsible for Karin's training.

"Yeah." She replied.

"Can we just go now? How long do you pretend to keep dilly-dallying?" Ichigo complained.

"Ah true, it was good seeing you again Toshirou!" Isshin petted the white-haired captain on the head, ruffling up his hair. Needless to say, Toshirou became visibly annoyed. He stayed behind as the family walked away, he noticed Karin wasn't in a great mood. Her eyes were constantly downcast as they left. Shouldn't she be happy to have the help of her family? Or could it be she wanted to stay in Seireitei?

When the family stopped by the barracks where they were greeted by Momo.

"Awn you're leaving already? I thought you would stay a little with us." The lieutenant looked quite disappointed.

"Ah you guys can still come to visit if you want. I will be staying in Rukongai" Karin tried to cheer up the girl who had welcomed her so warmly before.

"Eeee you really made a bunch of new friends in just a day!" Isshin was grinning like a dork, but they didn't take too long chatting and Hinamori returned Karin's things and off they went.

Ichigo was grumpy the whole way to Rukongai, like a child who didn't get his way, and that was quite obvious. Ichigo was adamantly against Karin training at all, and this unspoken tension would soon end one way or another.

They arrived at the Shiba household…as horrid as Ichigo remembered, a house between two giant arm-shaped pillars.

"I'm staying….here?" Karin asked already regretting her father's choices.

"You will fit right in!" Isshin grinned ever so certain. Ichigo rolled his eyes, he knew exactly what was coming.

And that was when two large men, looking exactly the same, with colorful robes and tiny red hats dropped in front of them.

"SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS!"

"Ah, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko. Good to see you guys again!" Isshin greeted them with a big smile.

"Yo." Ichigo greeted the familiar faces. Their weirdness did not faze him anymore…at least that.

"OOOOOH! Master Isshin!"

"Hey…aren't you gonna greet me too?" Ichigo pouted.

"Master is waiting for you insideeeee!" The gigantic duo bobbled their heads side to side frenetically before leading them in.

"So you have finally arrived, uncle." Kuukaku spoke as they entered, she was sitting on her usual spot, smoking and she had the same defiant grin as she always had.

"Kuukaku." Isshin greeted the head of the family. "As we agreed, I brought Karin over. I already owe you a lot for helping out my eldest son."

"They are part of the Shiba clan, even if you left us. I learned long ago that you and your family are trustworthy, so you can stop with all that babble."

Karin was a little stunned, Kuukaku was nothing like the 'big names' of Seireitei. Over there they were all posh and formal, and here was this woman who didn't seem to give a furry rat's bum about what other people thought.

Her mood surely began to get better and her spirits were lifting. She wanted to know more about this woman.

"Ay ay always so straight forward. Hehe. Cmon Karin, say hi to your cousin!"

"Nice to meet you." Karin bowed her head slightly and Kuukaku bursted into laughter.

"Kid you really don't have to act like that. We are family here!"

"You didnt treat me that nicely when I first came around…" Ichigo complained, again.

That little mumble earned him Kuukaku's fist right into his head.

"WHY IS EVERYONE HITTING ME TODAY?!"

"That's because you keep saying dumb crap, Ichi-nii." Karin replied dryly.

"Ah whatever! Anyways Karin is staying here right? So who is gonna train her? You?"

He asked Kuukaku.

"You do know I am one of the best kido users around here right, you punk?" She grinned "What do you take the Shiba clan for huh?"

Ichigo sighed.

"Fine. I know when I'm beaten. Karin…" He called his sister. "You know that if anything happens I will be here to help right?". He was earnest in his words, Karin knew that. But to her, this was a broken record. She was tired of the same speech.

"No Ichi-nii. Is time for me to help." She frowned defiantly at her brother. Ichigo was taken aback but he didn't push her, he only groaned.

"I swear you people are making me insane!"

"Now now! That's enough! It's dinner time and Im starving! You two stay over for eating too!" Kuukaku demanded, Isshin immediately accepted, Ichigo was a little hesitant. But the loud growl from his stomach rattled him out.

"By the way, where is Ganju?" He wondered. Ichigo hadn't seen him when they arrived.

"My brother is out doing some errands, he should be back soon Come on now! Let's eat!"/span/p

Kuukaku really must have seen this as some sort of family reunion occasion, because dinner was quite the fancy spread. When Ganju arrived it was chaos all over again. He and Ichigo provoked each other to no end until Kuukaku would put an end to their banter with some very dangerous explosive threats. The two knew better than to test Ganju's sister.

During dinner, Isshin and Kuukaku talked loudly having quite a lot of fun themselves. Karin was amused, it actually felt like family dinner. Everyone was loudly talking and eating, teasing and recalling old stuff. She smiled content. Maybe staying here wouldn't be that bad.

"Hey little cousin! You will soon realize we are much better than those assholes at Seireitei!" Ganju called to Karin, very friendly, he seemed quite excited about her staying over.

"I'm counting on that!" Karin grinned back with equal excitement. "Don't think that just because I'm Ichigo's younger sister that I will be easier to deal with."

"So you're not the nicer sibling?" He chuckled light heartedly.

Karin laughed in reply "No I'm the smart one."

"Hey!" Ichigo protested and they all laughed.

As the night went on with lively merriment at the Shiba clan household, there was far less cheerfulness in the 10th division's barracks.

Toshirou was feeling uneasy, to say the least. Quite a bit frustrated at how things turned out. He sat by the window, watching the clear night sky of Soul Society.

He was so close, finally managed to get past Karin's animosity and they would finally talk about the mystery and connection between their zanpakuto. And now she left before he could do anything. He sighed heavily in frustration.

Just then, Matsumoto entered the room

"Oh dear, captain, you're sighing while looking at the moon? If someone walked in on you they would say you are in love." She teased

"Quit it, Matsumoto. I'm not in the mood."

"Hmm really? I thought that seeing Isshin again would make you less troubled."

"It was...weirder than I anticipated. I feel...like I'm doing something dishonest." He muttered closing his eyes.

"Dishonest?" Matsumoto tilted her head slightly confused. "How so?"br /br /"Kar- Kurosaki-san sees me as her friend, but I'm just trying to figure out what is going on with Hyorinmaru. And it feels like I'm using her goodwill to get my own answers. I don't know if it's because she is Isshin's daughter or not...but it bothers me."

Matsumoto could tell her young captain wasn't simply stressed. But she had grown quite used to him overthinking every single thing.

"Just because you want to understand what's going on, doesn't mean you cannot be her friend too. Are you sure that's all you want?"

Toshirou groaned.

"Yes I am sure! What else would it be?!"

"Matsumoto rolled her eyes and shrugged.

"Gee I wonder what. I don't know kinship? attraction?" She began to list reasons counting on her fingers. And none of them helped with his mood at all.

"ATTRACTION? To that little brat?! Have you lost your mind?!" He yelled at her annoyed, Matsumoto giggled.

"You are overthinking captain. Just visit her in the morning. Is no big deal if she stays here or at Rukongai. Get your answers, and see if you are satisfied then. I'm going out for a drink I would ask you to come but you are too busy sulking so I will get goiiiinnng."

Toshirou rolled his eyes. His lieutenant was hopeless.

"Hyorinmaru...why won't you say anything..." He sighed again shaking his head and leaning against the wooden window frame.

"I will only be disappointed if I cannot be your friend…"

He could hear her voice in his head. After so much that went on, she still wished to be his friend. The thought of becoming this disappointment in her eyes by denying her friendship felt like tieing a knot in his stomach. Was that what he wanted? Was Matsumoto right after all? Did he want her friendship? Was this strange connection between their Zanpakutos some kind of fated kinship?

Perhaps that was the question he really wanted to be answered.

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