The Lost Shinigami

by makoto x chelia

Takumi Urahara, believing himself to be a human who could see spirits yet with no real powers within the crazy world of Shinigami's, and Hollows, went through life trying his best with what little he had to work with, but that changed when he met a certain Shinigami, the same for Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki, and their adventure began, digging into his past, to fight for the future.

16. Training!

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Clarent excalibur; Thank you, I'm happy you like the chapter! Yeah, it was quite heartfelt huh~? I could see Hiyori and Toshiro having a fight later on down the road yeah, it would be fun~ Nemu shall be returning rather soon, and aiding in the rescue somehow. That would be quite the funny running joke~ I like it~ We are yeah, we'll see some training here, and some growth from some other characters. That could be a cool fight for Yuzu, and yeah, Nanao's a cool character, so yeah she can~ And yeah, I have a fun scene like that planned for later~

Vizard Masky; He does yeah, and he will begin explaining a few things in this chapter. You could be right about Aizen. It does yeah, it seems that he has some allies within Soul Society. Lets hope he is, knowing Takumi he wont take this easily, and will do everything he can to clear his name. And thank you!

Oblivious IJ; Maybe a little, but some very difficult things are gonna happen.

SomeDudeThatReads; It just seems like something Nemu would do~

ShadowUzumaki55; He did yeah, he fought a good number of people, his Father, Renji and Byakuya, and considering his opponents, he did quite well to get as far as he did. She did yeah, it seems that Rukia's fallen for him without even her realizing that. Some people do, some people don't, we'll be getting more into that as the story goes on. Aizen might do yeah~

Andrew123456; Their relationship is going to be quite complex, I can't reveal much but it is going to be something between them that makes them quite good rivals in my opinion, and yeah, he can use thunder now on small scales though he's not delved into that yet, perhaps he will now, when he achieves Bankai, it would be on higher levels.

Skull Flame; It seems that he was yeah~ We'll find out more in the future about Takumi~ He did yeah, and yeah it could have, good thing Takumi had some backup in the form of Yoruichi. It seems to be, their relationship will be expanded upon as we go forward. She might have known him yeah~

Sllver crow; Thanks very much! Yeah, we dived right into it~ Yeah, Takumi can be quite cunning when he wants to be, and has to be. He was yeah, Shunsui and Nanao were the people sent with Byakuya and Renji, we'll learn more about Shunsui's, and Nanao's relationship to Takumi in the future~ Yeah, Rukia might be promoted sooner than canon, she certainly has the skills. He did yeah, Byakuya saw Rukia's feelings written on her face. Hehe, yeah, they have a fun dynamic between them. Maybe it would have yeah~ Perhaps he subconsciously remembers that and thinks he worked it out by seeing it glowing. He did quite well yeah~ Quite the goodbye between them. It seems that he was apart of it yeah. We'll see what Squad, or Squads, he was apart of. He would have known them yeah, their relationships we'll explore at a later date. It could be because of the Vizards~ Some people know the truth since they know Takumi, like Shunsui, if he didn't believe Takumi was innocent, then he would have tried to capture him. Yeah, it would be cool. I can understand that, it isn't really offensive naturally. Maybe they could be. Or Half Angel. That would be pretty cool to see~ Well, I can't reveal their relationship, we'll see that as we go through the story. I guess they could be. They could merge, that would be pretty cool. Yeah, that would be pretty interesting. She could get it earlier, it would be pretty interesting to see her use it. Sure, that would be pretty interesting for a Phenex Oc. Sure, that would be fun~

A fan; From Bleach? That's a hard question. I would say Gin, but he was already a somewhat good guy, perhaps Starrk, I always liked him, and it could be cool seeing him helping out the Shinigami.

SomeDudeThatReads; Kisuke made a barrier at that time to contain Takumi, so it also blocked off spiritual energy so they didn't notice. And thanks very much!

Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!

---

Training!

Sitting within her little cell, Rukia's eyes went across the wooden bars before her. Her kimono was white, her eyes displayed little resistance. Her mind wandered to Takumi, and what he was doing right now, if he got away, if he was still injured, or if he had been found, and was on the way to the holding cell they were in.

Sitting on a lone chair, she glanced at the guard, who didn't make eye contact with her.

However, the door opened soon enough, revealing Renji who was still in bandages after his slice by Takumi.

"Rukia, I thought you'd like to know, Takumi Urahara hasn't been found."

Rukia felt a load release from her mind and body.

"I see, so he managed to get away."

"Yeah, he's as crafty as ever. So, can you stop being depressed now, and eat something?"

Rukia's eyes flickered.

She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten, though it seemed as if it didn't matter at the moment.

"I'm not eating because I'm depressed, I'm just not hungry." Her eyes looked Renji up and down in his outfit, which was a flowery kimono. "So, a Lieutenant is wearing such girly looking clothing."

A tick mark appeared beside Renji's head.

"Oi! Don't make fun of the clothes I wear! I wonder what you wore while in the human world huh?!"

"Heh...I wore human clothes, idiot."

Renji huffed, folding his arms in slight annoyance.

"Whatever, you spent too much time there, you've become different. And those skills you used on me, did you really learn them from Takumi?"

"I saw how he fights with Kido, and swordsmanship, that's all."

"You must have known staying with him would eventually lead to this." Rukia didn't refute it. "But, why did you stay if you knew?"

Rukia had asked herself that very question many times, and she never came to a good conclusion, besides one thing.

"Because, he saved my life, our lives Renji. You must remember."

Renji's eyes tossed left.

"Of course I remember. You think I like what happened back in the human world?"

"No, I couldn't imagine that you did...so, did you come to tell me when my execution date is?"

"Of course!" Though he used a joking tone, Rukia took it seriously, and her head bent downwards. "H-Hey I was just kidding. We were worried about you, you know? I'm sure Captain Kuchiki is pleading for you to have a lighter sentence right now."

Rukia didn't believe that was true at all, in fact she knew it wasn't.

"No, that can't be true. Because, in the forty years I have been within the Kuchiki family, he never once looked in my direction."

Renji pursed his lips, and hoped that Rukia wasn't speaking the truth, he was sure that Byakuya wouldn't let her die...though even he had his doubts.

---

Falling…

That's how Takumi felt.

Everything felt sore.

His hands, his arms, his legs, his body.

Everything felt like he had been hit many different times in that area.

Heat was pooling inside of him, he felt like he was falling. His body wasn't sure how he was going to continue on…

But then his eyes shot open, and saw that Orihime was sat beside his bed with her fairy friends floating around her, and a orange barrier around his body, shocking him.

"O-Orihime-chan…? What's going-"

"Taku-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!" Orihime burst into tears, hugging onto Takumi tightly. "I-I was so scared that you weren't going to wake up! Your arms were damaged, and your entire body had so many cuts! I was so scared! But you're awake! You're really here!"

Takumi moved his arms, and was surprised.

He recalled what Byakuya had done to him, cutting his tendons, and left him without the use of his arms. It seemed maddening almost what was going on.

He looked around, and saw that he wasn't in his room.

He wasn't in Orihime's room.

In fact, when he looked outside, it wasn't any place in Karakura that he recognized.

So he didn't know where they were.

"Orihime-chan, where are we?"

Orihime rubbed the back of her head.

"We've been taken to a different city Taku-chan."

"A different city? But why…?"

Orihime looked over Takumi's body, seeing that he had been healed, and was glad.

But she also felt worry about what was going to happen next.

"I don't know that much about it Taku-chan, but I was told that you were being pursued by the Soul Society."

"You did huh..."

"Yes, Tessai-san came into my room and kidnapped me!"

Takumi gave her an astonished face.

"H-He did what!?"

Takumi couldn't believe what he had heard from Orihime, kidnapping her...it seemed quite insane.

Orihime stood up dramatically, and waved her hands above her head.

"I was just about to go to bed, when I heard a noise at my window! Stood there, was Tessai-san, with his lips pressed against the glass, and said "You're coming with me little lady~" in a scary voice! I almost fainted but then he said you were in danger, so I came right away! You've been unconscious for just over a day Taku-chan!"

"My arms, have been healed..." His eyes went to Orihime, who was panting slightly. "Did you heal me Orihime-chan?"

Orihime smiled gently.

"Of course, I'd always heal Taku-chan."

Takumi gave a thankful expression on his face.

"Thank you..." Takumi flexed his hands, and legs. "It seems that everything is working."

"Taku-chan, I was told a little about what was going on, Kuchiki-chan has gone to the Soul Society, hasn't she?"

"Yeah...she was taken back to the Soul Society..." Takumi placed a hand to his forehead. "I couldn't save her in the end..."

"It's not your fault Taku-chan, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just glad you're safe."

"Yeah...but she's in the Soul Society now, and she could be getting executed-"

"Not for a month." Kisuke spoke as he entered the room with Yoruichi in human form. "It usually takes a month to decide about executions."

"Great, then that gives me sometime to prepare."

Orihime, Yoruichi and Kisuke all understood what he was saying, but Kisuke was against it.

"Takumi, you can't go to the Soul Society. We barely managed to escape as it was. If you go there, then you're going to your death."

"Then tell me why they want me to die in the first place. They mentioned something about a crime...what crime was it?"

Kisuke exhaled slowly, while Yoruichi stepped forward.

"Alright-"

"Yoruichi-san."

Kisuke berated, but Yoruichi shook her neck.

"He deserves to know." Kisuke bit his lower lip. "Takumi, the reason why you are being chased by the Soul Society, is because someone framed you for a crime that you didn't commit. They used something about you as a reason as to why you were doing what they were doing."

"A-And what where they doing?"

"Experimentation of souls, turning them into Hollows, and vice versa."

Takumi and Orihime released a gasp.

"L-Like Hiyori-chan and the others?"

"Yes, that's right." Kisuke continued. "But, it wasn't you, it was that person who was doing these things. However, because of...it's because of me that he decided to frame you. I was banished from the Soul Society in order to save you from your death. But I didn't care about being banished. All I cared about was your life...but, what he did to you, was crueler than anything...he did this to you, because of me Takumi. When I said that your suffering was my fault, it was true, because if you hadn't of been my child, then he might have left you alone, but because you were my son...he'd do anything to hurt me, and targeting you...is what would hurt me the most."

"Is that why I don't remember the Soul Society? He did something to me, and that light inside of me..."

"It's complicated Takumi, there's many things that I need to tell you about. But there's things that you aren't ready to know about yet...Takumi, I know you want to protect Rukia Kuchiki-san, but I can't let you go Takumi to the Soul Society-"

"So, they want me because they think I did these things?"

Takumi interrupted, Yoruichi nodding.

"That's right-"

"Then I'm not running."

Kisuke furrowed his eyebrows.

"What do you mean?"

Takumi placed a hand over his chest, showcasing his determination.

"Let me prove my innocence. This guy has to be in the Soul Society, right?" Takumi asked Kisuke who nodded. "Then let me go back, and let me prove that I didn't do these things. I wouldn't experiment on living people, that's not who I am. I know the boundaries, even me back then, I just couldn't believe I'd do something like that."

"Of course we know that, even members of the Soul Society who knew you knew it wouldn't be you who did this, but this person...they made it look like you had done it, and I couldn't obtain evidence against him before they were going to sentence you to death, and lock me away. The Soul Society is very old and traditional in the ways of dealing with these kinds of situations. Sitting down and speaking to them isn't going to change their minds."

"Then as I said, I'll have to make them see that I didn't do anything. I have to clear my name, and it is about exposing the bastard that did this to me, and to those poor people that he had turned into Hollows and save his future victims, also it is about you, Father, and what he did. He could still be plotting against the Soul Society as we speak, and if we agree with their rules or not doesn't matter, we need Shinigami, to balance the souls, and also stop Hollows. Throwing off that balance could cause chaos."

Takumi thought that he was doing the right thing.

Not just for himself, or Rukia.

But the Soul Society at large.

He wanted to also help them out, if he truly was from there, then he believed he had a duty to make sure that they were also protected, and even if he didn't have any duty, they also help balance out the world, if they were destroyed, then the world would be thrown out of balance, Takumi wasn't an idiot, so he understood what he would have to do now.

Kisuke on the other hand, while understanding Takumi's thoughts on the matter, was also highly worried.

"If you go back Takumi, it will be very dangerous. They could execute you before you even had a chance to try and get evidence-"

"Taku-chan's not going to stop." Orihime interrupted, surprising everyone. "I don't understand much about the Soul Society, and I don't know about this incident you're speaking about Urahara-san, but I do know Taku-chan, and he isn't a monster that would hurt others in experimentation like they believe. And also, Taku-chan wont leave Kuchiki-chan within the Soul Society to face down crimes, while hiding away. I know Taku-chan, he would believe that's the cowards way, and Taku-chan isn't a coward, I've seen that many times, and I know Taku-chan wont stop until he's saved her, because that's the kind of person Taku-chan is."

Takumi was touched by Orihime's words.

She truly did know him inside and out.

It didn't matter if he was from another world, this was the reason he truly did love her.

"She's right, I have to go and save her. And I'll do it with or without your help Dad. I have a month, so I'll train for about half that time, and then invade the Soul Society."

"It's going to be dangerous-"

"If it was me, would you not go?"

Takumi interrupted Kisuke who was caught in surprise.

"...That's a question you should know the answer. I wouldn't let you die Takumi. I'd do anything to make sure that you're safe."

"Then, why can't you see that I can't let Rukia-chan die? I'm not scared of the Soul Society. I know they're powerful, I saw that when I fought Byakuya, and if that's Captain level, then I need to train big time. I came at him with everything, and he still managed to beat me. Even if I have to go alone. From what you said, you saved me from the Soul Society, abandoning your home in the Soul Society, right?"

Takumi explained the best that he could, but Kisuke wasn't having any of it.

"You're not going, and that's the end of it."

Kisuke turned around, and walked away from the area, leaving Orihime, Takumi and Yoruichi in the room.

---

The atmosphere was intense, Takumi's eyes went to Yoruichi who bowed her neck.

"Let me talk to him."

"You're not against me going to the Soul Society?"

Yoruichi to his astonishment, shook her head.

"You're going to attempt it whether I want you to or not. However, that's just because you're like your Father, so damn stubborn, but also willing to do what is right. Takumi, Kisuke puts himself through too much when it comes for you. He blames himself for a number of things that happened to you. He thinks that if you weren't his child...then that monster wouldn't have done what he did to you."

Takumi exhaled slowly, as Yoruichi began walking out.

"Yoruichi-chan. This guy that framed me..."

Yoruichi glanced back at him, and gained a soft smile.

"The man that framed you, is a cold person, and he most likely felt threatened by your Father, but also, you Takumi." Yoruichi turned fully back to him. "Back then Takumi, you were highly intelligent for a child, even Kisuke was surprised by your intelligence, and some people felt threatened by that, however you truly were the sweetest kid I had ever met, you didn't care about being better than anyone, all you wanted to do was make peoples lives better. You were one of the youngest Shinigami's to ever be ranked in a high position through hard work and dedication to the Soul Society."

"I was...I had a high rank?"

Yoruichi let out a small laugh.

"You did, you were gifted, but you also trained diligently, and worked hard to attain your rank, and that hasn't changed, even now. You're still just as sweet, and also a hard worker. And know this Takumi. Your Father loves you. Even if his words sound harsh, he does what he does to keep you safe."

"I know...that's why I have to repay his kindness, by showing others kindness. Rukia-chan doesn't deserve to die Yoruichi-chan. She's not done anything wrong, and I couldn't save her that night, I should have been strong enough to save her. If I can do something, and can clear my name...then we don't have to run anymore. We can live normally again. That's all I want right now, to live again in Karakura with you, and Dad, and the others. I know it's going to be risky, but we can't keep running, especially if this psycho is threatening the Soul Society, and the world we live in. We need to stop him."

Yoruichi's lips curled upwards.

"Hahaha, it's as you say Takumi. I am also tired of running away. Lets take the fight to them, right?"

"Yes, that's right Yoruichi-chan. They want me, they can have me. But, I'm not going to be their prisoner, I'm going to expose the evils of the Soul Society, and help protect it from these people. It's been too long, it's time for me to go back home, and make a huge entrance."

Takumi said with a strong expression on his face, while Yoruichi adopted a smile.

"You're right Takumi, leave this with me...heeeeh, even now, you think of others before yourself, it's beautiful Takumi."

Yoruichi turned and left the room, while Takumi nodded again and again.

Orihime's eyes went towards Takumi who stretched his arms upwards.

"I best get to training."

"Ooh, me too!"

Takumi's eyes went towards Orihime in bewilderment.

"E-Eh?"

He barely could believe what she had just said.

"Yes, I'll be going with you Taku-chan, lets train together, and become stronger!"

"B-But you can't go. It's too dangerous."

Orihime put her finger out towards Takumi, as if she was scolding him.

"Now, now, Taku-chan. If you're going to a corrupted society hell bent on capturing you, then you need to have allies beside you. I remember you playing those games where you have to be strategic, and have allies beside you. You can't do this alone Taku-chan, I'm going to be here with you."

Takumi shook his head.

"It's too dangerous Orihime-chan. You could die."

"And you could die if you go alone. I don't want to lose you either Taku-chan. I know that I might not be that strong, but I will train very hard to become stronger, and use these powers to fight beside you Taku-chan."

Takumi knew that once she had set her mind to it, she wasn't going to stop until she accomplishes her goals.

"Heeeeh...I guess it doesn't matter what I say, does it?"

Orihime shook her head side to side, showcasing her loving and adoring smile.

"Nope, because if you wont follow commands, then neither will I. Besides, Kuchiki-chan is apart of our group. I'm not just going for Taku-chan, I'm going for Kuchiki-chan also, and helping to save her from this fate."

Takumi ran a hand through his blonde hair, releasing a simple yet effective laugh.

"Haha, I guess we're two of a kind, aren't we Orihime-chan?"

"I guess so Taku-chan."

Takumi and Orihime smiled at the other, while Takumi thought it was too danger, he couldn't deny that even if he brought it up again, she could say the same thing. She understood the dangers it seemed, and still wished to go.

In his eyes, he knew what might happen, but he was going to have to do his best, even if he only had himself, and with Orihime, he knew that his chances would grow. He even knew that the chances of doing it were low, but he wasn't the type to just sit back, and wait for things to happen, he was going to take action, no matter how difficult the task was, no matter what stood in his way.

---

Yoruichi found Kisuke sitting on a balcony, overlooking the city they were currently in. moving slowly, she sat down beside him, and looked towards him, seeing his eyes unmoving from the area of the city.

"Kisuke, what are you thinking about?"

"You should know."

Yoruichi laughed lightly.

"I was trying to give you an opening there to let you open up to me. But if you're not going to do that, then I guess that I'll have to speak up." Yoruichi exhaled deeply. "Takumi, is going to go to the Soul Society."

"Yoruichi-san, how could you say that?"

"You know he's going to get there. He's your kid, he's very resourceful, he'll find a way to the Soul Society, and try to save her. Wouldn't you rather arm him with the best possibilities than not arming him at all? Didn't you prepare for this outcome?"

"I did, but I also didn't want to believe that this outcome would come. I can't go with him to the Soul Society Yoruichi-san."

"But, I can. And I care about that boy, you know that I'd do anything I can to protect him. But, you also have to understand he has to make his own decisions, you can't shield him from the world forever Kisuke. He's his own man, and if this is the path he's taking, then as his Father, shouldn't you stand beside him? Either way, what I'm trying to say is, don't underestimate him, isn't that what happened when you fought him briefly? He also managed to fight Byakuya Kuchiki, and drew blood from him, wounding him several times. And that's before training. Just think what he'll do after training."

"But if he goes back there, then he'll...you know what will happen Yoruichi-san."

"You know that man will come for Takumi again and again no matter where he is, and Takumi understands, yet he's still willing to save her despite knowing it could lead to his death, because of what you've drilled into him, his sense of justice, and not willing to give up. He's willing to take the risks, and I know you both together can achieve amazing results, so can't you and he come up with something?"

She spoke kindly, Kisuke threw his hands up into the air.

"Haaaah, if you say that, then Father and son will have to work together~"

He gave a hollow laugh, thinking about the situation at hand and what that could mean for the future of Takumi, and what might happen to him if he went to the Soul Society, what a certain someone would do to him if he got his hands on him again...he couldn't allow that to happen, but he knew that Takumi was stubborn, just like he was.

"So, are you going to sit here and mope for a while before finally joining in? Or, are you going to just skip the moping and give Takumi the best chance that he could have?"

Kisuke scowled at Yoruichi who smirked back.

"Fine...you're right in the end, he's going to do what he needs to do. I guess that I'll have to help him out."

"Wise choice."

Kisuke released a chortle, throwing his neck backwards, releasing small breaths out of his nose, and hoped that he would be able to help Takumi out enough for him to finally be able to get out of this situation, and keep him safe.

---

Sometime later, Kisuke walked towards Takumi who was readying himself to begin training with his sword with Orihime beside him about to begin her own kind of training within a rocky terrain outside of the city that they were in, when he stopped him while raising his hand.

"Alright Takumi."

"Are you going to stop me?"

Kisuke released a breath as Yoruichi appeared beside him.

"Not quite."

"Then what are you going to do?"

Kisuke let out a small sigh, cracking his neck side to side.

"Though I wish you would reconsider, I very much wish that you would do that, Yoruichi-san has convinced me to help you out, so...I'll do it on two terms."

"What are these terms?"

"Yes. The first one is, you allow me to train you my way."

"Okay, and the other?"

Takumi didn't even need to think about it.

If his Father trained him, then he knew he'd grow in power.

"Take allies with you."

Takumi raised an eyebrow, glancing at Orihime, then back at Kisuke.

"Like who do you have in mind?"

"Haha, haven't you been gathering allies since the beginning of your journey as a Shinigami?" Takumi furrowed his eyebrows, understanding what he was talking about now. "Karin Kurosaki, Yuzu Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, and Giselle Gewelle. They also have great potential to be powerful. If you're going to go to the Soul Society, then take them with you. I can't physically go, but if you agree to take them with you, then I'll accept this."

"It isn't up to me if they wish to go, it is their own choice."

Takumi retorted, Kisuke acknowledged that swiftly.

"Of course. But, those are my terms."

"I accept them."

He didn't hesitate in saying anything other than that.

He had no choice.

He had to become powerful, and he knew that he'd gain power from working with his Father, and Yoruichi rather than trying to do it on his own. Besides, he needed to have the ability to travel to the Soul Society, which Kisuke possessed at this moment in time, so this was his only choice at this moment in time.

Kisuke chortled, dusting his hands, as Takumi stepped forward, clenching his fist.

"Now, this young boy who was once a simple inventor, has to take on the Soul Society, to rescue Rukia Kuchiki-chan from a corrupted society!" Orihime's eyes widened happily as Takumi thrusted his hand to the sky. "With my friends beside me, we will head into the belly of the beast, and slice it apart, to show how flawed their society is, and-"

"What are you, the protagonist of a Shounen Manga or something?"

Karin demanded, moving closer with Yuzu and Giselle.

Takumi huffed.

"I'm the protagonist of my own life."

Karin looked on with a baffled expression on her face.

"W-What the hell does that even mean?"

Takumi went to answer, when Orihime stepped forward.

"Also!" Orihime announced, thrusting her hand to the sky. "This shy maiden with her six Princess shielding flowers, shall stand beside Taku-chan, and become the female protagonist of this story, and together, we shall save the Soul Society from themselves!"

"These people have lost it." Karin sweat dropped, as Yuzu cocked her neck. "Besides, I'm the protagonist, this is my journey, you're here for the ride. You're like my party members." Yuzu gave her a quizzing look. "I've been playing a lot of RPG's lately." Yuzu slowly nods her head, Karin's eyes going towards Takumi and Orihime. "Now, party members, it's time to support me in becoming stronger."

""We're the protagonists!""

Takumi and Orihime argued with Karin who narrowed her eyes, while Giselle slapped her hands on her face.

"Well, I don't know about protagonists, but I'm the deuteragonist~"

"What's a deuteragonist?"

Yuzu's question to Giselle was met with a goofy smile.

"Secondary to the main character in a game, or manga, or anything really~"

"Oh...then I could be like that too."

"Yup, you surely can~"

Karin and Takumi squared off while Orihime did a cutely angry expression that didn't look threatening at all.

Kisuke wondered what they were doing for a few moments…

But it then came to him that they were trying to make light of the situation, so they could be in a good head space for their training, which he found to be quite a good idea, considering they all knew they'd have to be serious soon, they decided to just have some fun like teenagers should do.

"Anyway, there they are. They've actually already agreed to come and help out, I just wanted to know what your thoughts were about it Takumi."

Takumi gazed at them, while they pulled closer, they seemed to be ready for battle.

But there was one thing Takumi noticed was Tessai crying in the corner.

"W-What happened to him?"

Karin let out a breath.

"He jumped us while we were eating dinner, I attacked him with a fork. He scared me, so I retaliated with force."

Takumi gave an odd look towards Karin who said that nonchalantly.

"W-Wonderful...but, you do know what's happening, right?"

Yuzu raised her hand.

"Of course we do, you're going to the Soul Society, so we're going to go with you."

Giselle nodded, and continued.

"Naturally, we're going to have to go with you Takumi-kun. Look what happened when we weren't with you."

Karin showed a smile on her face, which was rare for her.

"Yeah, she's right. We couldn't let you go on your own. Besides, I have to thank Kuchiki-san myself."

Takumi drew a question mark above his head.

"What for?"

Karin scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

"Heeeh, because of the experiences that we've shared. I'm not going to go into the sentimental crap, but this has been a life changing experience. Thanks to her, we finally got to avenge our Mother, and we got to learn much about ourselves, and our powers, Yuzu and I, I mean. Also, it helped us become friends, and I'm happy about that."

"Awwww, I knew you liked Taku-chan Karin-chan~"

Karin's eyes snapped upon Orihime.

"No! I didn't even mean like that!"

"But, maybe a little bit..."

"No! I can't stand him!"

"Ooh thanks."

Takumi spoke with a dejected look, Karin grabbed her head in frustration.

"J-Just shut up! I'm confused right now! It doesn't matter anyway! I meant as a love interest! I guess you're an alright friend!"

"I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or insult honestly."

"I'd take it as a compliment."

Karin breathed out roughly.

Takumi chuckled, and did just that.

"Anyway, back to what I was saying...it's dangerous. But even then, you're going to go?"

Giselle glanced at the girls, then at Takumi.

"We all have reasons for why we're going, so don't worry about that. We are all determined to do what is necessary to achieve our goals. It is simply to save a friend, or something else that we are going for."

Takumi could see that they were determined, and understood the risks, so he didn't have a leg to stand on in the end, and could only agree with a bow of his neck.

"Alright then, I guess we should begin training."

"Right you are Takumi!" Kisuke's eyes went to Yoruichi. "Yoruichi-san, you have something to teach Takumi, don't you?"

Yoruichi moved forward to Takumi.

"Yes, that's right Takumi. I want to teach you something that many others don't know about, and only very limited people have ever been able to pull off. However, I'm sure that you can manage to pull it off Takumi, so what do you say?"

"S-Sure, I could do that. So what is it?"

Yoruichi smirked, and drew closer to Takumi's ear, giving it a sensual lick, drawing an annoyed look from Orihime, Giselle, and Yuzu, even a mild look from Karin herself, she didn't look pleased.

"Don't worry about that, it's a technique I'm picky about teaching, but for you my adorable Takumi, I'll gladly reveal the secrets~"

"O-Okay, s-sounds great!"

"Ooh, it is great, very great~"

Takumi chuckled as he felt Yoruichi's hands crawling across his body, running up and down his chest, while Orihime bit her bottom lip, trying to make sense of what she was seeing, and how she should try and intervene.

"While you're doing that Takumi, I'll also be training you in various different battle techniques to prepare you for the Soul Society, and as in the case with Karin-san, I'll be helping you attain your Shikai."

Karin's eyes flashed when Kisuke said that.

"I'm going to get an awesome power like Takumi's?! Something even better maybe?!"

Karin couldn't hide her astonishment.

To be able to use her Zanpakuto in a new and interesting way, it was something she had to admit was something she would want.

Kisuke released a bellowing laugh.

"Hahaha, something like that! Every Zanpakuto is different after all, so who knows what's going to happen! But, for sure, it is going to be interesting to see you attain your Shikai!"

"Alright then, now we're talking!"

Karin seemed to be excited for it, while Yuzu and Giselle glanced at each other.

"Hey Giselle-san, what are we going to do? We aren't Shinigami's or anything, so I am not sure what we are supposed to do."

Kisuke, having heard what Yuzu had said, gave a wide smile on his face.

"Even though you aren't Shinigami, I still have a few things that you girls could learn."

Giselle waved her hand.

"No thanks, I'm gonna practice my power of the Zombie. Might come in useful in case we need to Zombie anyone."

Kisuke shuddered.

"S-So, you're going to make more Zombie Chizuru's then?"

"No, there's only one Zombie Chizuru's in this world, and she's it. No, I'm going to try and master it to a point that I can take over peoples bodies quicker, and easier with my blood, so we can build an army if we have too."

Kisuke could get that, then he turned to Yuzu.

"Yuzu-san, I'll have someone help train you to concentrate your spiritual power more, so you don't waste as much energy drawing in so you can fire off more arrows. Also, general training is going to be what you need to achieve now."

"Oooh, thank you very much Urahara-san!"

Kisuke waved a paper fan in front of his face, showcasing a happy go lucky expression on his face.

"Ooh, Orihime-chan. While Takumi is busy with training, I've got someone to help you train as well!" Orihime tilted her head curiously, only to see Hiyori jump down. "There she is."

"W-Wait!" Takumi panicked, as Hiyori smirked. "D-Don't you think she's a little extreme!? She doesn't take it easy on me, she might kill Orihime-chan!"

"Baldy shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you!" Hiyori chastised, Takumi blinked in hard surprise that Hiyori was so angry. "Women need to be tough, I'm going to show the Princess here about how to be strong willed, and how to destroy her enemies!"

"But, she's really a gentle flower! You can't turn her into a hardened battle warrior!"

Takumi argued with Hiyori who didn't look pleased in the slightest.

"Then I'm going to turn her into a fierce warrior that will obliterate her enemies! She can do this! She is all powerful!"

Hiyori snapped while Orihime waved her hands up and down.

"Ooh wow, so I'm going to be trained by Hiyori-san huh~? That's going to be great!"

Takumi wasn't so sure about that.

He was scared for Orihime's safety at this point.

"Erm, Orihime-chan, she's actually a very dangerous person, perhaps it would be better if you didn't follow her..."

"It's alright Taku-chan, I'm going to do my best!"

"But..."

"She said she's fine with it baldy." Takumi cringed at Hiyori's words. "Don't interfere with our training, focus on your own. By the time I'm done with this girl, she'll be able to deal with Seated Officers of the Gotei 13 easily." Her eyes drifted to Orihime, who smiled gently. "You want to help your precious Taku don't you?"

"Ooh yes, that's right Hiyori-san!"

"Then lets begin."

"Yes!"

Takumi wasn't so sure about that.

He was worried about Orihime, and what Hiyori was going to do with her, or to her.

Takumi watched as they walked off, and hoped that she would be alright.

"Either way, training begins now! We'll be training for ten days, and then it will take a further seven to open the doorway, so that will leave you thirteen days to rescue Kuchiki-san!" Kisuke announced, his eyes dragging themselves to Karin. "Follow me young Kurosaki, and I'll assist you in acquiring your Shikai."

"Alright then, lets get going."

Karin walked off with Kisuke, while Giselle went off on her own. Yuzu went with Tessai so he could help her train, while Takumi glanced at Yoruichi, seeing that she was looking at him with a passive, yet also expression that was quite adorable.

"So, what are we going to do Yoruichi-chan?"

"Right. So I'm going to teach you something that it very difficult to learn. You have to be a master of Hakuda, and Kido, and combine them together. It is a skill that requires dedication and time to learn. But if you learn it, then combining its power with your Zanpakuto, will allow you to become even stronger than ever before."

"Great, that sounds awesome! So, what's that called anyway?"

Yoruichi gained a large grin.

"It's called Shunko."

"Shunko...huh. Alright then, lets get to training."

Yoruichi chuckled deeply, disappearing in a flash of speed, appearing behind him, taking his Zanpakuto, and throwing it away at a good distance. His eyes went back to her, seeing that her hand was caressing his back, and moving lower.

"No need for Zanpakuto right now, time to learn to fight with your hands and feet Takumi."

"Right-"

Yoruichi didn't waste time, and delivered a hard punch to Takumi's back.

His eyes popped out of his head, and was flung backwards, smashing across the ground before he came to his feet, to see Yoruichi appeared beside him, her foot swinging for his face, so he went to block it with his hand, when Yoruichi disappeared, appearing behind him, and delivered a double kick to his back, slamming him down into the ground, which shattered upon impact.

"Y-Yoruichi-chan!"

"Your enemies aren't going to take it easy on you. Like Byakuya Kuchiki." Takumi recalled Byakuya, as Yoruichi pointed her fingers down. "You remember, don't you? How he managed to beat you. The next time you meet within the Soul Society, he isn't going to start off at no power, you're going to have to be on his level from the beginning."

"I know that!"

"Then show me your power Takumi! Show me why you're Kisuke's son! That man is resourceful, and strong. Show me that you're even better than he is, show me the potential I know you have inside of you Takumi!"

Takumi turned to see Yoruichi firing off a Byakurai blast at close range, so Takumi did the same thing, the lightning bolts clashing together in a violent thunderstorm of electrical energy, forcing Yoruichi backwards, while she jumped in the air, moving faster and faster than Takumi could hope to achieve at that moment.

She appeared beside him, so he swung his hand outwards, but she wasn't there.

It was an afterimage technique that Takumi wasn't expecting, then he felt a foot kick him from behind, slamming him so hard that his body was lifted forward, and shot away from Yoruichi's body.

Takumi skidded in the air, turning to see Yoruichi right on him, so he placed his hands outwards, and announced "Bakudo 37: Tsuriboshi!" creating a net of Kido energy, a bouncy energy, Yoruichi's foot hit the net, and was pushed backwards by the elastic movements of the net, only for an wide arc of yellow energy to rip through the net, heading for Yoruichi's body, managing to cut her leg due to the speed that he used.

But then he appeared above her, with his leg outstretched, and slammed it downwards, forcing Yoruichi to block it with her arm, Yoruichi smirking at the sight.

"Now you get it. Fighting doesn't always mean coming up with a complicated strategy, it sometimes means having to adapt to situations as they come about Takumi, and that's what you're going to be doing now as I build up your body to handle the Shunko's power."

"Right, understood!"

Takumi came at Yoruichi, who did the same thing, and continued to train for a good while.

---

The next night, having had trained for two full days, Karin sat within her room, her hands behind her neck, and she let out a small growling sound.

"Damn, couldn't awake Shikai today either..."

She hated it.

She had tried contacting her Zanpakuto spirit, but she couldn't get into contact with him or her, whatever it was going to be.

While she was thinking about it, there was a knock at her door.

"Karin-chan, it's me. You've not come for dinner yet, are you not hungry?"

Karin let out a small breath.

"I'm fine thanks Takumi."

She replied with a calmness that surprised Takumi.

"Are you sure you're okay? You called me Takumi instead of idiot."

"I'm fine...actually, come in for a sec." Takumi did so, entering, and sat down on a nearby chair. "Say, you've awakened your Shikai, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"So, why can't I? I'm trying my best here, but the spirit doesn't want to know me. It's like the spirit is basically saying "Stop bothering me!" or something like that. I just...ugh, I don't want to fall behind you guys while you grow stronger and stronger."

Takumi could see that Karin was struggling.

She was unsure of how she was going to proceed with her training, and it frustrated her, he knew that feeling all too well.

"It will come Karin-chan. I didn't get it right away either. I got mine under a high stress situation. Opening up a dialogue with my Zanpakuto can be difficult, but it isn't impossible. I'm not saying you will have to take that extreme to gain your own, but it will take time."

"Even then, I want to become strong, like you guys are. Seeing you Takumi, can I be that strong?"

"Karin-chan, you can do anything you put your mind too. Sounds cheesy I know, but remember Yuichi-kun? You saved him, without me being there. You stepped forward during the invasion of Karakura from Hollows, and stopped that Dondochakka-san, and fought him hard. Your Zanpakuto will be watching all of this. I'm not sure how it is for everyone, but my own wished to see something from me that made her want to become closer with me. Maybe your Zanpakuto is waiting for the same thing, that something that tells him or her that you're ready for their power."

Karin rubbed her chin in thought.

"So, my Zanpakuto might come out if I keep pursing my own way of growing stronger?"

"Exactly! I'm sure that they are just waiting for your chance to shine, and for you to overcome whatever it is that's blocking your connection. Give it time, don't become frustrated, and just do your best."

Karin adopted a light smile.

"I guess you're right. Thanks Takumi, I just feel like I'm not doing anything, just sat there with my Zanpakuto on my lap, while you guys are growing in power."

"Trust me Karin-chan, you're not just sat there. You are improving in your own way and not falling behind us. You're probably going to be one of the strongest out of all of us. As I've said before, your power is strong, right now it is unrefined, refine that power of yours, and it will allow you to compete with many high levelled opponents."

Karin felt good about that.

It just made her feel as if she wasn't dead weight, useless.

Now she was going to do her best in everything that she was doing now.

---

The next day, which was the third day of training, everyone was getting into a good rhythm of training, Orihime was getting stronger with Hiyori's help, so was Yuzu with the help of Tessai, and Giselle was off doing her own thing. Takumi was able to keep up with Yoruichi more and more, showcasing his speed increase, and he also got trained by Kisuke in between helping out Karin.

Speaking of Karin however, she wasn't having so much luck.

"Damn!" Karin snapped, her eyes going for Kisuke's. "My Zanpakuto isn't interested in speaking to me! I've sat here for like two days now, and it doesn't respond to me!"

"It just takes time."

Kisuke soothed, but Karin was becoming impatient.

Though she remembered what Takumi had said, she still felt as if she was just sitting around and wasting time, and thought about what she could do to impress her Zanpakuto spirit, so she could work with them and use their power.

"But we don't have time. We only have so long, if I don't attain Shikai, then I'll be lagging behind the others."

Kisuke pursed his lips.

"Maybe so, but it can't be rushed. You have to connect to your inner desires, your soul Karin-san. It might be difficult, but you've got to think about what's at stake. Your Zanpakuto responds to your souls own desires."

"My souls desires huh..."

"Right, your Zanpakuto is apart of you, something you fight with, not something you fight against. Hear the voice of your Zanpakuto, they're always calling out to their master. That's all the Zanpakuto wants, to start a dialogue with their Shinigami, to help them become stronger, and I'm sure that's what yours wants as well. But you're not focusing on that, you're just focusing on what might happen in the Soul Society, and what your friends are doing. You have to think about yourself, and how you can become strong. It doesn't matter what the others are doing."

Karin believed she understood what he was saying.

Though it was easier said than done.

She laid her Zanpakuto across her lap, and closed her eyes.

She thought about her Zanpakuto, and speaking to it.

Whatever it would be…

But her mind kept drifting back to what the others were doing, and how strong they were training while she was just sat there, trying to speak to her Zanpakuto.

Karin then said "No." slapping her cheeks.

She knew that she'd have to focus.

She was doing just as much as they were.

She was trying to become strong in her own way.

She remembered what Takumi had said…

"Please, I'll prove my strength, just let me talk to you..."

In the end, that's all she could do.

She had to plead with the spirit.

She was willing and waiting to prove herself to her Zanpakuto spirit...

---

After sometime had passed, Karin's eyes shot open to reveal that she was within a different world all together.

The buildings were the wrong way up...or rather, she was standing on the side of the building, a large skyscraper, with many filling around her. Rain fell in the wrong direction. It was going upwards to the sky, rather than going downwards like rain should.

"W-Waaaaaaaaah!"

Karin screamed, quickly thrusting her body backwards, trying to cling onto the building.

Her eyes looked at the rain flowing in the wrong direction, and at the buildings around.

She couldn't see anything for miles, other than buildings.

No people, no nothing.

"This isn't like Inception, is it?"

Karin's first thoughts were that, echoing them out within the abyss of skyscrapers.

"Hahaha! Inception huh?!"

A laughing could be heard ringing out through the area.

Karin recognized the sound of the voice that was laughing as well…

It was her own.

"What are you doing standing there girl?!"

Karin's eyes shot left to see a standing sideways version of her waving at her.

However, unlike Karin, this version was wall white, the inverted version of her. Even the hair was bright white. The eyes however, looked so dense...so evil looking. They reminded her of a Hollows eyes, always just staring at her form, with a creepy grin on her face.

"W-Who the hell are you?! Why do you have my face?!"

Karin demanded from the being before her.

A copycat, or something else, she didn't know.

All she knew was that this being before her, was something out a horror movie.

The maniacal grin spread across her face scared her.

"Hahahahahaha!" The White Karin laughs. "You don't know who I am?! That's rich, that truly is rich coming from you!"

"W-What does that mean?"

Karin demanded, only for the white Karin to lick her lips sensually, something the normal Karin wouldn't do, but seeing her other self do it, was very surprising.

"How cute, you coming in here, making it rain."

"Rain...why is it raining?"

Karin had to wonder that.

She also thought about asking why it was raining the wrong way.

But the White Karin just grinned at her, which was very unnerving.

"I'm not good enough to be a Shinigami!" White Karin gave a judging tone to Karin. "That's what you think, right? Watching your friends growing stronger, and all you do is sit on the ground trying to talk to me! Hahahaha! That's so precious Karin-chan!"

"Talk to you...I was trying to reach my Zanpakuto..." Karin's mind began to work, and pulled closer. "But, that would mean..."

"Ding, ding, ding~ We have a winner~ Can you tell who I am?"

Karin believed she understood what was going on at that moment.

"You're...my Zanpakuto? But, you look like a Hollow..."

Karin didn't understand it.

Takumi never said his own resembled a Hollow when she had asked. In fact, he said that she looked different to him. But hers looked exactly like her, only a Hollow like version of her, without the mask of course, but the eyes were a dead giveaway.

Hollow Karin releases a chortle, which sends shivers down Karin's spine.

"Ooh, the girl catches on quickly. Hey, maybe you aren't as stupid as you think."

Karin felt hurt by the Hollow Karin saying that.

"I...I don't think that..."

"Yes you do." Hollow Karin spoke with an indifferent tone. "You think that Yuzu is smarter than you are, Takumi's stronger than you are, Orihime's suited to more support than you are, and Giselle...well, she's in her own world."

"Yeah, she surely is..."

Karin sweat dropped that she actually agreed with her Hollow/Zanpakuto.

"But, that's what you think, isn't it Karin-chan~? Thinking that your friends are better than you are, makes me sick! You are powerful! Stronger than anyone, and you act as if you're not!"

Karin didn't expect that.

This was like she was on a ride she couldn't get off.

But this was more terrifying as this rung true, she just didn't want to admit to it.

"I...I...I..."

Karin was lost for words.

This Hollow was targeting her inner doubts, and she didn't know how to break out of them.

"I, I, I, what Karin?" Karin backed away as the Hollow chuckled darkly. "You drive me crazy! You suppress your feelings all the damn time!"

"I have to do that!"

Karin snapped back, but the Hollow slammed her hand against the building, cracking it deeply.

"To spare others feelings, right?" Karin gave a single nod. "Then, what about your own feelings? Do you not matter at all?"

"Of course I do, but I have to not be a burden on others..."

"So, you're willing to be a burden now because you don't accept yourself at all? Because that's what you are, if you don't accept your own powers, and begin expressing yourself, you'll be left behind." Hollow Karin cups Karin's chin, and pulls her closer, grinning ear to ear. "I have an idea, how about I take over your body?"

"N-No..."

Karin meekly said.

This thing was going to take over her body?

What could she even do against something like that?

The Hollow Karin however gave a wicked grin that sent worry through her system.

"Shhhh, don't worry, it wont hurt a bit. I'll be all your desires made whole. We'll show the world your naughty side Karin~ Ooh, maybe I'll go and touch that Takumi boy~ Hahaha, don't deny it, you've thought about him naked before, haven't you?"

"Never! I don't even like him like that! And if I did, then-"

"You'd suppress it for Yuzu blablabla~" The Hollow acted disinterested in Karin, while petting her face with her thin fingers, which felt like ice crawling across her skin. "Heard it all before Karin, and I'm not impressed. Hmmm, taking you over, now that sounds pretty good. In fact...lets do this Karin, I'll be the one in control from now on..."

Hollow Karin pulled closer, and closer to Karin, who felt afraid of what was going to happen next…

Then she felt her world turning upside down.

Her body fell off the building, and she saw that the rain began falling against her skin. But, the rain then turned into thick blades. Each and everyone seemed to be unique in design, but she didn't know which was hers, and which were other peoples.

Her eyes went to the Hollow who gave her a condescending look.

"Goodbye Karin."

Karin's eyes began to close, as the darkness threatened to swallow her whole...

---

Meanwhile, in the real world, an eruption of energy surrounds Karin's body, forcing Kisuke backwards, and the others to stop training when a shrill scream came from Karin herself, engulfing the area around them.

"K-Karin?!"

Yuzu panicked, and went to run over to her, when Giselle stopped her.

"Don't, something's going on. I sense...but, that can't be..."

Giselle seemed to be in disbelief…

Takumi looked stunned as a mask began to form on Karin's face. A Hollows mask at that. She thrashed around, as waves of power tore through the ground around her, breaking it, destroying it out of existence.

Red beams of energy flashed into the sky, turning it into a darkened blood colour. Cries from Karin's soul erupted outwards.

Takumi felt worried for Karin, turning to his Father for answers.

"What the hell is going on? Is she the same as Hiyori-chan and the rest of them? But I don't understand something. How's that possible?"

Hiyori paused her own training, glancing at Kisuke who bit his lower lip.

"She's a freaking Vizard!?"

"It seems that she might be, Takumi, Hiyori-san. I always thought there was a chance...but to see this happening now...if she doesn't regain control soon, then she wont regain control ever again."

Yuzu, having heard what Kisuke said, snapped at him.

"You can't let my sister simply die while some Hollow takes over her body! Do something!"

"I could but it isn't going to be me that does it."

"Then...I-I will do something to save my sister!"

Yuzu broke away from Giselle's hand, and rushed forward.

"Yuzu-chan wait!"

Takumi called as Orihime cupped her hands over her mouth.

"Ooh my God, Karin-chan's soul is screaming right now...those cries are that of pain and anguish..."

Takumi mentally agreed with her, as he rushed forward to Yuzu, just as she got beside Hollow Karin. Hollow Karin's yellow eyes shot for Yuzu, who put on a pleading expression, seeing how her sister was growing in power, and also, her screams were becoming louder and louder.

"Karin, it's me, Yuzu! Please don't worry, we're going to help you out!"

Yuzu tried to connect with her sister.

But the Hollow wasn't having any of it.

Raising her fist, she went to strike Yuzu, when Takumi grabbed Yuzu, flashing her away from Hollow Karin. Her eyes went towards Takumi, who looked right back at the Hollow Karin's own, not wavering for even a second.

"Takumi-kun, Karin is..."

Yuzu didn't know how to say it.

She was immensely worried about her sister, and what could happen to her.

"Don't worry, Karin-chan's still in there somewhere, fighting. You have to remind her of you Yuzu, that's what Karin loves more than anything." Yuzu looked confused, as Takumi pointed towards her. "You Yuzu-chan, she loves you more than anything in this world. If anyone that can reach her, then it is you."

"But, what can we do Takumi-kun…? I'm scared for Karin..."

Takumi understood that, and went to speak when Kisuke did instead.

"Takumi, this is a good challenge, subdue Hollow Karin there. Then I can have something to help Yuzu-san here help out Karin-san."

Takumi looked at the Hollow, and saw how it was thrashing around.

Takumi knew it would be difficult.

But he had to do this for Karin, so he stepped forward, cocking his Zanpakuto.

"Ravage, Kinhime."

A lightning bolt shoot down, overcoming his sword, and changes to that of the zigzagged lightning bolt.

His eyes meet the Hollows eyes, and her body began to undergo what seemed to be a transformation.

"Usually, the Hollow hole is formed, but in her case, the mask is being formed first. Just what is Karin-chan? And why is this happening with her?"

Takumi thought about it.

But he couldn't come to a good answer at that moment.

"Karin-chan! Listen to me, I want to help you! But, I don't want to hurt you either! So please listen to me, and let me help you!"

The Hollow took an aggressive step forward, and opened her mouth.

From her mouth, a Cero began to form.

"Holy crap, Cero!"

Giselle announced, and went to step in, when Takumi swung his blade forward, creating a thin needle of electricity, which pierced Karin's head, and sent off a shock to the head, Hollow Karin's head shot upwards, as she unleashed the Cero into the sky, encompassing the sky in the brilliant crimson energy.

"S-She's really powerful..."

Orihime could sense it.

Hollow Karin's energy output wasn't a joke.

"It seems that you're not going to respond to reason...alright then Karin-chan, I'll help you out! Sorry about this!"

Takumi takes a step forward, as Hollow Karin let out a growling sound, and shot forward at a high speed, gripping the sword that she had, and swung it for Yuzu, so Takumi parried the blade, however Hollow Karin's strength was quite impressive, forcing Takumi off his feet, so Takumi did a back flip, slamming his foot into Hollow Karin's upper body, using his new found strength from Yoruichi's training to push her backwards and swung out his blade, shooting off a bolt of electricity at the Hollow Karin.

Hollow Karin let out a cry, and swung out her sword, which shot off an energy slash towards Takumi, who flashed out of the way, only for Hollow Karin to appear right beside him, thrusting her blade towards him.

"Karin-chan! Please stop if you're in there!"

Takumi parried the blade away from his form, and then swung his sword outwards, shooting off a bolt of lightning at close range.

Hollow Karin crossed her blade, and took the shot of electricity, which forced Hollow Karin backwards, skidding through the air, before the Hollow opened her hand, gathering what seemed to be red energy.

"Bala..."

Hiyori murmured, and went to step in, when Kisuke stopped her.

"Don't interfere."

Hiyori erupted into a mild rage.

"Oi Urahara! What is it with you trying to let your son die?!"

"I'm not trying to let my son die, I'm seeing how he's going to change the Soul Society. He needs to stand on his own feet. I wont be able to step in during the Soul Society, and he has to deal with the unexpected battles that will crop up like this."

"Even then, this seems dangerous..."

"It is, but this is real life."

Hiyori knew that was true, but she didn't want to see Takumi, or Karin, hurt because of this.

Hollow Karin thrusted her hand forward, shooting off a blast of red energy for her body.

Swinging out his blade, Takumi shot off a needle of electricity, coming into contact with the energy, and forced it to explode. However, Hollow Karin continued firing off more and more Bala bullets towards his form, more than he could handle with the levels of speed that he had.

So rather than take it, he created a shield of electricity before him, and blocked off the shots from Hollow Karin's power. The energy damaged the shield, but the shield regenerated itself with the power of his Zanpakuto, which impressed Yoruichi.

"It seems that our little Takumi is becoming a man after all, he's handling himself against a friend that needs to be stopped."

"Thinking practically, he knows that Karin-san is under there, but he also knows that if he took it easy on her, he'd have lost the fight, and lost Karin-san. He understands that sometimes it is a necessary component to battle to fight those who you care for to save them."

Yoruichi agreed with that mentality, showcasing her slight worry, but also appreciation for how far Takumi had come since the beginning of the time he became a Shinigami thanks to the power that Rukia had given him.

When Hollow Karin stopped the Bala barrage, Takumi dashed forward at high speeds. Hollow Karin growled angrily, and pierced the earth with her sword, which sent off a radical burst of intense energy, that shattered the ground and sent that off towards Takumi.

Knowing that he'd have to counteract that, he placed his hands outwards, and announced "Hado 57: Daichi Tenyo!" activating the Kido which began lifting up pieces of the broken earth, akin to telekinesis, and launched them at Karin's body, while he used his blade to coat them in electricity.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!"

Hollow Karin roared angrily as she was bombarded by the attacks of the ground from Takumi's floating debris. And because of the electricity surrounding it, it also shocked her body in different areas, which impressed Kisuke.

"He's really coming along quite well, mixing in Kido with his Zanpakuto more and more."

"Yes, it seems that is the case."

Yoruichi watched with pride as Takumi used this chance to charge up his Zanpakuto's power, the electricity swimming around his form, becoming heavier, and heavier forms of lightning, which he pierced into the ground.

From around Karin, sparks of electricity began to form as she was being bombarded by the rubble around the area. The electricity continued to form around her, but became sharper, and also more thick, staying in the air around her body.

The Hollow tried to touch the lightning, but her hand was repelled by the electricity.

"Electric Cage!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!"

Announcing that, the cage formed fully, and began shrinking around Karin's form, the bars made of electric shocked Karin's form as it grew smaller and smaller, sending the electricity through Hollow Karin's body.

"Hey, if you're going to do something Dad, do it now! I can't keep her pinned forever!"

"Right you are." Kisuke flashed to Yuzu, hugged her form, and then appeared before Hollow Karin. "Now Yuzu-san, I'm going to help you enter Karin-san's subconscious, so you can do what you need to do to help your sister."

"Y-Yes, leave it to me!"

Yuzu spoke with a strong expression on her face, as Kisuke began doing what he needed to do.

---

Karin fell through the earth, with the blades swimming around her.

Her eyes darkened more and more, her body felt heavier.

Hollow Karin kept above her, and spoke to her in condescending words to her.

"You're useless."

"...Maybe you're right..."

Karin didn't have the strength to fight against the Hollow.

Melancholic feelings began to fill her mind and soul.

The Hollow was taking over, and she couldn't fight it anymore…

"You're not going to be able to get control over your body."

"...I guess you're right..."

Hollow Karin showed a toothy grin.

"Hey, I'll go to the Soul Society, and rescue this Rukia for you, how about that?"

"Whatever..."

Karin had given up.

She couldn't face down the Hollow.

It was too powerful.

It felt like she was dying.

Her hand swam through the air, feeling different blades touching her hand, as her eyes darkened, closing...

"Karin!"

Karin's eyes shot open.

Hearing Yuzu's voice, she saw Yuzu before her, trying to reach out to her.

"Y-Yuzu...Yuzu!"

"Karin! It's okay! I'm here now! I'll always come for you!"

Hollow Karin's eyes became annoyed.

"So sisters come. Pleasant." Hollow Karin cupped her fingers together, and placed it towards her, red energy forming. "Get lost pest."

Yuzu gasped as the energy grew larger, and larger.

Karin watched with a heavy heart…

She had to do something.

Anything to help out her sister.

She wasn't going to allow the Hollow to harm her sister.

No matter what the Hollow did to her, it didn't matter...

"N-No! Stop it! Stop it now!"

Hollow Karin gave a sly grin.

"What did you say?"

Karin steeled herself, and stopped herself from falling, her eyes shooting for the Hollow itself.

"I said, stop it! You are not harming my sister!"

"And why's that?"

The Hollow demanded from Karin who showed a grin.

"Everything you said, was true. I don't express myself more than I should, nor do I admit how I feel about the people around me. But you also have to understand something about me."

Hollow Karin raised her eyebrows.

"And what's that?"

Karin swam up to Yuzu's body, and embraced her sister tightly.

"Anyone that targets my sister, and they'll have to answer to me!"

Upon hearing her words, Hollow Karin let out a laugh.

"Finally."

"What?"

Karin demanded, as the Hollow directed her hand downwards.

As she did, a sword came up from the sea of swords falling down to the ground, and she clutched it tightly within her hand. The blade itself looked like a khyber knife, with a beautiful cloth wrapped around the handle, which extended outwards a good deal, but wasn't encumbering, and the cloth was a mixture of white, and black. The sword itself, half of it was white, where the blade was, and the other half was black, to Karin it looked rather beautiful.

"You've finally begun moving forward. Hah, and you were ready to give up as well. But, it seems that sister here wouldn't let you fall."

"I never would! Karin is the strongest person I know, and she wont allow you to take over her!"

Yuzu spoke with assured feelings, Karin looked on with pride.

"Yuzu...you're right." Her eyes shot for the Hollow, who raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to give my body up to you! I don't care who you think you are, I'm Karin Kurosaki, and I'm going to the Soul Society! So tell me what your damn name is, I need your power, but I wont be your slave either!"

Hollow Karin began clapping her hands together.

"You've passed, the first test."

"F-First...y-you mean there's others?!"

"For now, no. But in the future...remember this Karin, you aren't alone. Show any weakness, and I'll be right there, ready to take over."

Karin steeled herself, not allowing her to bend to the will of the Hollow before her.

"Don't worry about that, I'll be strong."

"Wonderful. So, you want to know my name, is that right?"

"Right."

Hollow Karin released a chortle, and cupped Karin's ear, once making it over to her, and whispered her name.

Then she pulled back, and placed her hands behind her head.

"There, you can go now."

"T-That's it? No fight or anything? No tricks?"

"Can't be bothered fighting right now. Besides, you'd not be a good opponent right now, when you're stronger, we'll be having a battle. Keep yourself alive until then, Karin."

Karin shuddered, but looked at Yuzu who gave her a nod.

Karin nodded also, and grabbed the blade within Hollow Karin's hand.

"Don't worry, I will be doing."

Once she said that, Yuzu and Karin disappeared, leaving Hollow Karin to herself, and she laughed to herself.

"What an interesting girl."

The Hollow watched as the sun began to come out, which made the Hollow smile to herself.

---

Back in the real world, Karin's eyes opened, as the Hollow features around her fell away. Takumi released the cage, as Karin fell forward, clutching her Zanpakuto in her hand, and stared at it with a smile on her face, while Takumi noticed that from her robes, a Hollow's mask fell out, landing on the floor, narrowing his eyes at the sight of it.

"Karin!"

Yuzu caught her sister in her arms, and peered down at the exhausted looking Karin.

"Hey Yuzu...thanks for coming." Her eyes went to Takumi. "And thanks for stopping me from hurting others."

"No problem."

Karin nodded slowly, but then her pissed off eyes went to Kisuke.

"As for you, did you know that a freaking Hollow was inside of me?! How does that even work anyway?!"

"I-I don't know! Perhaps it was from when your Mother was attacked or something!"

"You little!" She held out her sword, and showed it to Kisuke. "Meet Zangetsu!"

Kisuke was happy that Karin had finally achieved Shikai, and felt the power coming off of her.

But Kisuke then became fearful when seeing Karin's eyes.

"Hehehe, you're not going to do anything, are you?"

"No, just come here, I want to talk."

Karin's voice was low, which worried Kisuke immensely.

"N-No, lets keep distance between us."

Karin shook her head, and stood up.

"No, lets talk. Come here. My sword has something's to say."

"Karin-san..."

"Get here!"

Karin charged for Kisuke who let out a cry and began running away while she chased him with her oversized blade, but she handled it as if it was a normal sized shape, the others began to laugh, while Takumi bent down to the mask, picking it up, and held it tightly.

"Karin-chan's got Hollow powers, and its melded with her Shinigami powers...that wouldn't come from a Hollow attack, not a normal one. Something must have happened to either her Father, or Mother, or both for this to have happened...but, if she has Hollow powers, then she's like Hiyori-chan and the others, I guess they'll try and recruit her...but more importantly than that, if she's got a Hollow inside of her, she's got a power boost, but it could be dangerous...I'll have to keep watch over her just incase...but, with Yuzu-chan around, I'm sure that she'll be able to ground Karin-chan in our world, their bond is rather beautiful after all."

Takumi gave a delighted smile as Karin continued chasing after Kisuke with her sword, and managed to even slice his hat completely in half, which he found to be amazing to see, since Kisuke was quite fast.

But more than that, it was a chance to have some levity in the situation and prepare for what was going to come next.

---

Meanwhile, within the Soul Society, Nemu had finally gotten her interview with Toshiro. For 'support' Rangiku, Toshiro's very busty Lieutenant came along, and couldn't help but smile wickedly towards the smaller girl, who in turn scowled up towards her.

"What are you smirking for Matsumoto?"

"I'm just surprised you decided to do an interview, is all. I didn't know I wasn't allowed to smile~"

"When you smile, it means something not good is about to happen. Also, I only chose to do so under the advice of Hinamori, saying that this would be good for Nemu Kurotsuchi's development with her new personality seemingly coming through. Though I do feel complex about this situation."

"Just complex about the situation?" Rangiku hid a smile as her eyes went to Toshiro's bust. "Nothing else, you feel complex about?"

A tick mark appeared above the white princesses head, which made Rangiku snicker.

"For that comment, you can have double paper work."

"Ooh come on! I was kidding!"

"Don't care."

Rangiku snorted as Nemu entered the room.

Her face remained stoic, as she sat down on a chair, with a table separating her, and Toshiro. Rangiku sat a distance behind Toshiro, and watched with keen eyes.

"Thank you for attending this interview."

"R-Right, but I'm still a bit unclear what you're going to ask."

Toshiro wanted confirmation, so Nemu bent her neck.

"Yes, confirmation is about to be given. Please answer the questions as honestly as you can, it will help with my research."

"Okay...I'll do my best I guess."

"Yes, feel relaxed, these questions will not take long." Nemu brought out some official looking papers. "Now to begin." Nemu continued. "What is your bust size?"

"I'm leaving."

Toshiro went to stand when Rangiku placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Wait Captain, she's just asking for your bust size, don't become angry."

"I don't get why that matters though."

Nemu raised her head.

"I am interested to see where you rank between different females within, and out of the Soul Society. If you choose to answer this question is your decision."

"A-Ah, okay..."

Toshiro quickly gave her bust size, which made Rangiku laugh.

Toshiro's eyes shot for her, so she 'zipped' her mouth closed.

"Yes, now what is your ideal partner?"

Toshiro wished she hadn't come to the meeting now, it was so complicated with Nemu.

"Erm...well, I guess...strong...is that good?"

"Yes, that is fine." Nemu wrote down some words on some paper, before looking back up. "Would you say you're more attracted to blonde, white, red, or black haired people?"

"I-I've never thought about it before..."

"Ooh, I like myself a blonde! Whites not bad either~"

Rangiku chimed in, Toshiro shooting her eyes for Rangiku who once again 'zipped' her mouth.

Nemu then produced three pictures.

One was Takumi, one was Renji, and the final one was a man who had 69 tattooed on his face, and she placed them before Toshiro.

"Out of these three individuals, who would be your ideal choice?"

"Between them?" Toshiro wanted to make sure, seeing Nemu nod. "Well...erm..."

"Don't pick Shuhei, that 69 tattoo might be what he's into~ And God Renji, don't pick him, he'll be whipping you hahaha~"

Toshiro gave Rangiku a questioning look, seeing that her face was red.

She also noticed a sake bottle within her hands, indicating that Rangiku was a little drunk.

Rangiku then 'zipped' her mouth once more, igniting annoyance within Toshiro's eyes.

She sighed deeply at her Lieutenant's actions, as her eyes went over Takumi, Renji, and the newly named Shuhei.

"Erm...between them...I suppose on looks alone...though I am sure that individual is..." Her finger went to Takumi, Nemu looked with keen (for her) interest, and wrote down some notes. "...I guess it would be him. But, I'm not so sure..."

"I see, so you would choose that individual. It seems that my theories about you and him being interlinked are coming true. How would you feel if he became your boyfriend?"

"H-He's a criminal though, right? That's Takumi Urahara-"

"Wait, that's Takumi Urahara?!" Rangiku yelled, grabbing the picture, and looked at it intently, before her face turned even redder. "Damn, he's quite cute~ Those beautiful sparkling eyes that seem to go on forever, and that face of his, he looks so adorable~ I want to cuddle him, he doesn't look like a crazy killer to me~"

Toshiro gave Rangiku worried looks, while Nemu raised an eyebrow.

"I see, so you are also interested Lieutenant Matsumoto?"

Rangiku showed a playful smile.

"Maybe~"

"Then, I'd like to interview you after Captain Hitsugaya, who has confirmed feelings for Takumi Urahara."

"I never confirmed anything!"

Toshiro yelled, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears, as Rangiku bellowed happily.

"Sure, I'll let you interview me! I'm really loving the new you Nemu-chan!"

Nemu bowed her head.

"I am honoured for your words. Then, allow me to finish my interview with Captain Hitsugaya, then we can begin."

"Yup, you go for it Nemu-chan~"

Toshiro placed her head on the table, not quite sure what to make of her current life, and just carried on with the interview, hoping it would end soon.

---

That night, Takumi was working on something's that he would be taking to the Soul Society. Some medicines, some Gigai's, and some other things that he thought he might need. He was taking what was convenient to carry, and also what would be the most useful.

He even had BG5 before him, and was modifying him somehow, wondering what they were going to do next.

Orihime knocked on the door, so he spoke "Come in." so she did so, walking in to see all of these different things scattered around.

"Taku-chan, it's late. Aren't you tired from training?"

"A little yeah, I wanted to get in as many things as I could before we leave."

Orihime could understand that, but she was also worried about his health.

"Taku-chan, don't push yourself too hard. I know you feel guilty about Kuchiki-chan being captured, but it wont do any good if you push yourself too hard."

Takumi released a small yawn.

"Perhaps you're right. But, I can't just stay, you know, not moving. I have to keep myself busy, or I'll think about what happened during that fight with Byakuya...he managed to beat me...I knew that people out there were powerful, but he was...very strong, on a different level than me. That's why I have to become stronger in order to defeat him."

Orihime pulled closer to Takumi's form, wrapping her arms around his upper body.

His eyes broadened slightly, turning to see Orihime's smile.

"I know you'll become very strong Taku-chan."

"I hope so-"

"No, no hoping. I know you will Taku-chan."

"But, how could you know?"

Orihime gave a wink, which made him blush slightly.

"Because you always push yourself further than anyone else. I know that you've got this Taku-chan, and we'll all be beside you. It might be difficult, but with us together, I'm sure that we'll be able to do something, and change the Soul Society."

"Yeah, I hope we can. It seems that some of their laws are barbaric. I know that they're different to the human world, and they have different customs, but they also seem to have similar things to us. Rukia-chan didn't seem that different to us. Besides the fact that she didn't know how to put in a straw into a juice box~"

Orihime released a small laugh.

"Hehehe, I remember that Taku-chan, that was quite funny~"

"Yeah, she was wacky like that~"

Takumi let out a bellowing laugh which Orihime matched.

But soon, Takumi and Orihime's heads came together, leaning against the other.

"You can still back out Orihime-chan."

"So could you Taku-chan."

"You already know what I'm going to say, so I'll save that for now."

"And you know what I'm going to say Taku-chan."

Takumi did know, but he still felt worried about her, and what could happen to her.

"I know...even then, Orihime-chan, I'll protect you while we go to the Soul Society."

Orihime smiled softly, but shook her head, confusing him.

"Nope, we'll protect each other."

"Haha, you're right. I'm counting on you Orihime-chan, lets shake up the Soul Society together."

Orihime inclined her neck, continuing to embrace Takumi's body tightly.

But then fireworks began going off behind them, outside.

Bewildered, the pair stood up, and went to the balcony, stepping outside, and watched as many dazzling fireworks filled the sky with their flashing beautiful lights. The popping noise was loud, but watching it was beautiful.

Takumi glanced down, seeing Karin and Yuzu looked up at the sky, and showcased grins on their faces.

Giselle sat on the roof, and overlooked the fireworks, and smiled to herself, while Yoruichi and Kisuke sat nearby, overlooking the fireworks.

"It's kind of like the festival, isn't it Orihime-chan?"

Orihime nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, that's right Taku-chan, it's really beautiful."

Takumi, and Orihime stayed silent for a little while, just watching the fireworks pop in the sky, and fill it with beautiful colours.

But then Orihime turned back to Takumi, and tilted her head.

"Taku-chan, can we return here? After rescuing Kuchiki-chan?"

"Return here huh?" Orihime wondered what he was going to say, before his hand enclosed around her own, giving her reassurance. "Yeah, we'll have a private display, just for us next time, Orihime-chan."

Orihime's face softened, watching as Takumi stared at the sky.

She felt wonderful in that moment.

Everything just seemed so perfect.

The light of the fireworks, the fact that they were relatively alone.

She knew that maybe this wasn't the time to bring it up, but if she didn't, she knew that she wouldn't forgive herself.

This could be the last time she very well could do this.

She pulled closer to Takumi, placing her head on his shoulder.

"Taku-chan, do you remember when we went out with Nel-chan? About how I wanted to talk to you about something?"

"Yeah, do you want to talk now?"

"Yes...Taku-chan, I just wanted to say..." Her eyes went towards his own, as the popping of the fireworks grew louder, and louder. "...I'm glad that I have met you Taku-chan. Everyday has been so much fun, and also, you've been beside me, supporting me, and also...Taku-chan, I want to stay beside you, always."

"Stay, beside me..."

Orihime leaned forward, allowing her fingers to touch his cheek.

Feeling the heat from her, and the coolness of her fingers, their eyes met with one another's.

"Taku-chan...I want to always support you as you have me. Just watch Taku-chan, I'll be right beside you in the Soul Society, all of the way."

"Yeah, we'll be together, and get Rukia-chan back."

Orihime's face shifted between happiness, and also, something a little more sadder.

"Taku-chan...do you like Kuchiki-chan?"

"Of course, she's our friend."

"No...I mean, do you like her...romantically?"

"A-Ah well..."

Orihime's face lifted up softly.

"It's okay Taku-chan if you do like her like that. She's got many amazing qualities-"

"But, you're also equally amazing."

Orihime gasped when he said that.

"Taku-chan I..."

"If it wasn't for you, I'd still be that kid that sat by himself, and was weird. Who didn't really talk to anyone, you helped me become more sociable, and also, while I was doing that...I began feeling deeper emotions for you..." Orihime's face curled upwards, but Takumi's own cast downwards. "...it's so confusing, I'm not sure what to say...it's like a battle is within my head...there's you, the girl I've...had feelings for, for so long...and then there's Rukia-chan, this girl that turned my world into something else...but I just…"

Orihime understood what he was trying to say.

She could always tell.

"You like both of us."

A sheepish expression overcame his face.

"Yeah...is, that wrong? I don't really know myself...I'm more used to knowing the science behind why things work, technology, medical science and other things like that...when it comes to feelings and matters of the heart, I'm not sure how to handle them..."

"Well, don't worry Taku-chan, you're doing a great job already!"

"I-I am?"

Orihime giggled, hugging onto Takumi even tighter.

"Yes, that's right Taku-chan, you've done amazing until now, I'm happy...I never thought I'd be able to compete with Kuchiki-chan...but hearing you say you like me...that made my heart soar...because the truth is Taku-chan...even if I have to share you with Kuchiki-chan, then I'd be fine with that, if I could be beside you Taku-chan!"

Hearing her declaration, Takumi breathed in and out slowly.

His cheeks turned redder and redder.

"I see...then I want to be beside you always as well, Orihime-chan."

Orihime's lips curled upwards, and pulled closer.

Takumi did the same thing.

With the fiery explosions ringing out in the sky from the fireworks, their lips met in the middle.

The first time they had kissed one another, under the starry sky.

Meshing together again and again, their kiss turned passionate, full of their love, his fingers running through her long hair, and her hands wrapped around his torso, their kiss lasted just over a minute, but for them it felt like a lifetime of their feelings exploding into one another.

When pulling away, Takumi pushed a bang of her hair behind her right ear, and declared something to her.

"Lets save Rukia-chan, together."

"Yes, I'd love that Taku-chan."

Neither said anything for a while afterwards, and just enjoyed one another's company as he held her in his arms, just watching the night pass them by.

---

Days had passed since she had been taken back to the Soul Society, she wondered why Central 46 was taking so long in deciding her judgement, she thought that they'd be quick about it, so they could put her out of her misery, this almost felt like torture for the young Shinigami. Renji had come most days, and kept saying that he didn't know anything.

But after waiting as patiently as she could, Byakuya had decided to finally show himself.

"Captain Kuchiki sir, can I presume that it is going to be good news?"

Renji remained optimistic, and hoped that Byakuya would pull through.

But, that's not how it came to pass.

With his normal stoic attitude, Byakuya dropped a bombshell upon them.

"Rukia, you shall be executed in one month, at Sokyoku Hill."

The news hit the pair like a truck.

Rukia though was more prepared for it than Renji was, so she understood that this was a fact of life.

For keeping Takumi safe...she began accepting this, as her death.

Renji on the other hand let out an impassioned cry.

"But Captain! This can't be serious! Didn't you-"

"Renji." Byakuya cut him off, holding his same cold look within his narrowing eyes. "This has been decided by Central 46, it isn't a place for you nor I to interfere." His eyes went towards Rukia who barely could match his eyes. "The next time we see one another, will be at your execution."

"Yes...brother."

Rukia merely said those words, unable to say her true emotions.

Renji on the other hand couldn't accept it.

"But, Captain! You can't, she's your sister! Can't you do anything else?! Sir!"

Byakuya ignored Renji's plight, while Rukia played with her fingers, looking down at her lap, and her eyes blinked several times over.

"A Shinigami isn't meant to cry about their fate...so I wont show depression or fear. I realized this might happen to me...but, in the end, I crumble under the emotions...but for this, I can do this. I saw amazing things in the human world, for the first time in a long time, I felt truly alive, ever since I had been with Kaien and the others back in Squad 13, it felt like I was home..."

Rukia lamented on what her transpired within the human world.

Her experiences, her joy, her happiness.

Even though this was her death sentence, she knew that those experiences were a lifetime worth, and she wouldn't have given them up for the world.

In the end, she had learned to live happily, attend school like a normal teenager would, and most of all, she had fallen in love...she wouldn't have given that up for the world.

---

End chapter!

So, we had the training chapter this time, and some more revelations. As people guessed, it seems that he was framed for some crimes, and though Kisuke's against it, after some encouragement from Yoruichi, he decides to lend assistance, and help Takumi, Orihime, Karin, Yuzu and Giselle grow stronger for the invasion of Soul Society. Takumi's gonna learn Shunko from Yoruichi, while Karin also learned about her inner Hollow, that seemed to be after Karin's body to control, but also seems to encourage Karin in her own way, and with some trials, managed to unlock Shikai. Nemu got her 'interview' which greatly embarrassed Toshiro, but for the introduced Rangiku (who was a bit drunk) loved having the banter between her and Toshiro in good fun. And then at the end, Orihime and Takumi had a heartfelt conversation, revealing feelings, and finally kissed one another, along with Rukia learning about her months execution at the end.

We'll see the results of their training soon, what Kisuke's taught Takumi, among others with them all showcasing their abilities during the Soul Society arc.

Anyway, there's a question I'd like to ask you all, something a few people have asked about before, and that's Hanataro, and if Hanataro should be a girl or boy in this story. Since Hanataro's gonna be appearing soon, and will have a marginally larger role in the story than canon, I thought I'd ask your opinions.

Well, until next time where we head for the Soul Society, thanks for reading!

Takumi; Orihime, Rukia, Yuzu, Karin, Nemu, Giselle, Liltotto, Soi Fon, Yoruichi, Hiyori, Nelliel, Tier, Rangiku, Toshiro (fem), Nanao.