"She what?" Yoruichi exclaimed in shock to Yuzu. The older twin shook her head as she packed up the belongings of her twin.
"Kotetsu-san told me Karin wants to go home." Yuzu said. "She doesn't want to be here anymore."
"I got that but... did she mention why?" Yoruichi asked.
"... she says this place is evil." Yuzu said. "She wants nothing to do with it. She doesn't want to continue learning under you, Urahara-san and Tsukabishi-sensei nor does she want to learn sōnshō from Kuna-san. She just wants to be left alone."
Yoruichi was in pure disbelief. "I... what happened to her?" Yuzu could understand why she was so concerned. Yoruichi would never admit to it but she enjoyed Karin's company. They shared a certain bond and Karin took to Yoruichi's instructions very well. They were kindred souls so to see Karin suffering said a lot to Yoruichi.
"I wish I could say I know but... I'm at my wits end." Yuzu sighed.
"Did she say anything else?" Yuzu shook her head no.
"She's back to being silent again." Yuzu sighed before stopping to pack and massaging the sides of her head. "Yoruichi-san, I can't take her back like this. I can't leave her here either. She can't interact with anyone anymore. She doesn't want to say anything."
"Yuzu, I think it's about time we admit to ourselves that what Karin went through was severely traumatic." She said. "We're all at fault here because we ignored just how deep this goes." Yuzu didn't say anything. "How about therapy?"
"My aunt is a therapist. Her, Haruki and Mayaka will be moving to Karakura for a while." Yuzu said. "My aunt can't leave them home alone."
"Is she the quincy?" Yuzu nodded. "I can't complain, I brought Karin here thinking she'd get help then I remembered why I left in the first place. They handled th so poorly."
"They really did." Yuzu sighed. "And no one apologised. And by no one, I mean all those stupid men in their gaudy bathrobes."
Yoruichi couldn't help the chuckle that escaped their lips. "That's one way to put it." She sighed. "But you have a point. They don't apologise... they never do because they never like to admit that they are wrong." They were silent for a bit. "Have you... discussed what you're going to tell the school?"
"... the truth, or at least half of it." Yuzu said. "It's fair that people know that she currently has mental health issues so that people can tread lightly and stay away. I know Karin will have it but... we can't do anything else at this point."
"Kotetsu-fukutaichō has informed me that Karin would like to leave." The sōtaichō said to Hitsugaya after summoning him to his office. Hitsugaya was tired of this man. Never has he been so tired of a person before. Hitsugaya simply nodded. "She does not think too highly of us."
"If I was in her position, I wouldn't either." Truthfully, Hitsugaya doesn't... and he hasn't for a long time. Long before he entered the tenth, he knew. He had deluded himself for a long time thinking that he did.
"I'm hoping that your allegiance to Soul Society is not dwindling because of what happened." The sōtaichō said and Tōshirō said nothing in response. "I'm expecting Kuchiki-taichō to leave for the world of the living with them as well."
"Have you received my request to allow Kuchiki-fukutaichō and Abarai-fukutaichō to accompany him?" He asked
"Yes. They are free too join him."
"And my other request?" He asked.
"It is being considered and will be decided at the next meeting. Have you discussed your next moves?" Hitsugaya nodded. "Very well. You may leave." Hitsugaya didn't even bow like he normally did and made a beeline for the door. "Hitsugaya-taichō." Yamamoto called after him just as he was about to twist the doorknob. "Remember your place. You are still a part of this court squad."
"Would I be allowed to abdicate?" The silence that came afterwards told him everything he needed to know. They were finally saying the quiet parts out loud. "I'll make sure to keep you updated... even if you decide not to read the reports." He left.
"Did you hear?" Yoruichi went to Mashiro's room to check in on her. Mashiro nodded and Yoruichi closed the door behind her. "So... what do we do?"
"Nothing." Mashiro shrugged. "Forcing sōnsho on someone is a terrible idea... especially since the whole process requires certainty. That's why I became like this."
"Is it wise to let her stay like that?" Yoruichi asked her old 3rd seat.
"On one side, no, for obvious reasons. On the flipside, yes." She said. "Maybe for me it was different but living in the human world, I had to deal with my zanpakutō less because I'm not fighting nor am I in constant danger. The same can be said for Karin. I say we monitor the situation but right now, focus should be on her getting better."
Yoruichi nodded. "Are you going back home with us today?"
"I can't manage that." Mashiro shook her head. "I'm still too weak." She said and Yoruichi nodded.
"Okay. I'll stay with you then," Yoruichi promised. She just hoped they were making the right decision.
"Here, let me help with that." Karin looked up at her older brother who was offering to carry her bag for her but she simply brushed past him. She was too tired and wanted nothing more than to be at home. She ignored the whispers behind her. She had to get used to them now.
Is this how Haru-baachan felt? Karin thought to herself as she remembered the sweet old lady who she met through Tōshirō. Everyone treated her like a crazy old woman when she was the sweetest person she ever knew next to her own grandmother. Karin missed her. She missed a lot of people. She wondered if she'd find them in Rukongai. Were they living in the more decent districts or were they amongst the severe poverty? Karin contemplated whether death would be better than living but after seeing this place, she was convinced that it was hell.
She just had to keep her distance and mind her own. If things went according to plan, by March this will all be a lousy memory on top of the many other lousy ones,
"Karin, if you ever need anything, don't be afraid to send me a message." Kotetsu-fukutaichō told her. "I'll come to you if I have to."
Karin offered her a small smile and nodded. She wished her visit to the fourth was on a better note. They were all good people. She wanted to interact more with them on how they conducted their own medical facilities. But Soul Society was not a place she wished to be in.
She looked before her as the other members of the fourth reached out to wish her a speedy recovery and wellness. Rukia, Renji and one of the captains stood before her. She wondered why they were with them but she didn't bother to ask. Everyone else was present — even Orihime but she failed to understand why. It didn't really matter because it was none of her business anyways.
"We're about to leave." Yuzu told her reassuringly before latching onto her, hooking they arms together. Karin frowned but hummed in agreement nonetheless. Even though everyone here felt like complete strangers, Yuzu was the only person who she could trust. But at the same time, she didn't want to burden her sister at all.
Just as they were about to leave, they were surprised by the arrival of another person who flash stepped before them. "Hitsugaya-taichō?" Rukia wondered.
"Is there something we forgot?" Renji asked and Tōshirō shook his head.
"I just have a small message for Kurosaki before she leaves." He said, looking to her father and brother for what looked like silent permission and her father nodded.
Karin felt fear and discomfort creep up her spine as he walked over and she took a step back, as if to hide behind Yuzu but he seemed to read that off of her and stood at a careful distance. Karin calmed down slightly when she realised that it was just him. The memories of what she now knew was his doppelgänger was the one causing the mistrust but it was hard to move past that. She was taken off guard by him bowing. "For all the trouble that you have encountered here, I apologise greatly for it. We failed to protect you and only ended up causing more harm than good." He straightened back up.
"I cannot promise you a peace of mind and I can't undo the harm that has been done, but there is more that needs to be done and that, I will do." He reached into his haori and pulled out an envelope. "You deserve answers as well and I'm prepared to give them to you... but I shouldn't be inconsiderate of whether you are ready to hear it. In your own time, when you are ready, everything is here." He offered her the envelope and she looked at it before taking it hesitantly. "I won't keep you waiting then." He turned around. "Abarai,"
"Hitsugaya-taichō." He responded
"You will be in direct communication with Matsumoto." He ordered. "I will be requiring updates frequently. Do not lag, understood?"
"Yes!" He affirmed as he bowed and Hitsugaya nodded in approval. Karin knew for the longest time that he was a captain. Even from the way he would speak and say certain things. But it was different seeing it in action... especially given the contrast between him and Renji in age. She imagined how prominent it must've been back when he still looked like a nine year old.
"Kotetsu." He turned.
"... yes?" She asked.
"I submitted a proposal to Yamamoto-sōtaichō. You have six personal recommendations... mine included." He said.
"Eh?" She looked confused.
"The Fourth only deserves good leadership. Sorry it took us this long to realise it." He turned to the others. "Have a safe trip," He said before disappearing.
"What just happened?" Ichigo looked confused at Renji and Rukia who were amazed.
"He... requested that Isane becomes captain." Rukia said.
"We're home!" Isshin announced happily as they entered the threshold but Karin wasted no time going up the stairs. Everyone audibly heard a door close. An awkward silence filled the air after the fact and they missed someone stepping out of the kitchen.
"Oh, you're back." A woman announced with Mayaka-chan holding the back of her apron.
"Obaa-chab!" Yuzu happily said before going over to hug her.
"Hello, Yuzu-chan." She smiled.
"I thought you were only arriving tomorrow." Isshin said before going over to greet her.
"I was, but the children told me everything so I decided to come earlier." She explained. "Sorry, my Japanese is still... uh... shit for a lack of better words."
"I think you sound fine." Yuzu said.
"I see Ichigo is here, angry faced as usual." She giggled and Ichigo frowned.
"Hi Aunt Gina." Ichigo muttered.
"She's the quincy." Yuzu explained to the people in the doorway who were confused, especially the shinigami. "My mom's sister."
"Not that I care... quincies are asinine anyways." Gina failed to read the weird tension in the room, considering that she was married to a quincy once upon a time. "Lots of new faces... except Chad. Wow, you have grown." Gina announced.
"Buenos noches, señora." He greeted
"Buenos noches." She started to rant in Spanish and Chad let out a friendly laugh and nodded in response before thanking her.
"Can we keep the Spanish to a minimal for everyone else's sake?" Ichigo told off his friend and aunt.
"Hmm, Karin understands me just fine. It's not my fault you failed at learning one of your native languages." She said and Ichigo scowled even more. "Where is she?"
"In her room." Yuzu said. "She rushed up as soon as she got home."
"Okay." Gina nodded. "Haruki!"
"Huh?" The fourteen year old poked her head out of yhe kitchen.
Gina looked annoyed at the way she addressed her and berated her in Spanish before ordering her to do something. Haruki relented and apologised before starting to set the table. "Well, I made food in case anyone was hungry. I don't know how long of a trip it is so once Haruki is done, everyone can serve themselves. I'll go check on Karin."
"I'll help Haru-chan." Yuzu offered and Gina made her way upstairs.
"I should get going..." Orihime announced.
"How come?" Yuzu asked. "You can stay for dinner at least."
"I have work in the morning and should get back to Shizuoka before the last train leaves." Orihime said before turning to the Renji, Rukia and Kuchiki-taichō. "Uh... I don't live here in Karakura but I still have the keys to my relatives' apartment here. They aren't renting it out to anyone at the moment so you can stay there in the meantime." She said, giving Rukia the keys.
"Oh! Thank you!" Rukia smiled.
"Thanks for showing, I really appreciate it and I'm sure Karin does." Ichigo told her and Orihime smiled before reaching out to hug him.
"We'll always be friends." She said. "And you can always count on me." She pulled away before attacking Tatsuki in a bear hug.
"Orihime, you're killing me." Tatsuki wheezed and Orihime released her.
"Love you too!" She cooed and her best friend rolled her eyes before she reached out to Chad in a tight bear hug and the big oaf looked embarrassed.
"Uh... Inuoe-sa—"
"Thanks for everything, Sado-kun." She pulled away before moving back towards the door. "Give Karin my warm wishes." Orihime bid everyone goodbye before leaving.
"Oh, abuelita should be coming soon as well." Haruki told Yuzu as she placed some plates on the table.
"Obaa-san?" Yuzu wondered in surprise
"Obaa-san..." Ichigo repeated, just as confused.
Karin was sitting on her bed when someone knocked on the door. She was expecting it to be Yuzu or her father but to her surprise, she heard: "Can I come in?" In Spanish and recognised that it was her aunt. Karin stood up and walked over to the door before opening it. "Hi, Rin." She smiled
"Tià?" Karin mused in surprise.
"May I enter?" She asked again in Spanish and Karin let her in. "I'm glad you're back. Must've been a hard trip."
"It was..." Karin responded.
"I'm not going to take too much of your time because you probably need to rest." She said. "But I'm here for you. Tomorrow, we'll start therapy and work from there."
"Is that allowed?" Karin asked
"I don't know any other quincies who work in psychology." She said. "And I can't send you to randos." Karin nodded in understanding. "Your abuela is concerned about you."
"Yeah... I was supposed to call ages ago when I got to soccer camp." Karin said.
"She'll be here next week," Karin's eyeballs almost popped out of her sockets.
"She's coming?" Karin asked
"Yeah. She misses you... and she hasn't seen your siblings since they were children." Gina sighed. "We can't fix everything... but we can help you get through this, okay?" Karin nodded. "I made food but if you don't want to eat with us, I can send Maya to give you food. She's also excellent at cuddling."
"Why not Haruki?" Karin asked
"You don't like that she talks too much." Gina said and Karin nodded. It was true. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Karin said before flopping on her bed tiredly. She pulled the envelope out of the top of her bag and looked at it. She was desperate to read it. But she was afraid of what she would find inside: either it is everything she wanted to hear... or a whole lot of nothing.
Knowing him, it was bound to be the former.
Tōshirō was not one to waste anyone's time so everything on it would be of essence. The way he talked to her caught her off guard but she understood where it came from. The way everyone addressed him was what shocked her the most. From what she heard around the fourth, he was one of the most respected captains around. It would only make sense why the sōtaichō despised her so much. The fact that he also advocated for Isane to become Captain was evident to just how much power he held.
Now she felt like she was fifteen again... insecure to knowing someone that important. Soul Society was a mess and she got to see that for herself first hand. With the way Tōshirō spoke about it, she wondered why he never bothered to leave. But after today, she recognised that he was one of the few chances Soul Society stood at being the place it was meant to be. He couldn't give up on that.
She heard the door open before fast shuffling foot steps came in. She turned and noticed it was big eyed Mayaka holding a plate of food and staring at her. Karin smiled at how cute she was. "Alright, come here." She said and Mayaka put the plate of food on her bedside table before hopping onto her bed and joining her to give her a hug. Mayaka always gave the best hugs... but on top of that, she was quiet. Karin knew it was insensitive to note because it was out of her control but Karin only wished everyone else would understand that she doesn't want to talk.
Gina was met by Isshin standing by the door. "Were you eavesdropping?"
"No, I was waiting for you." No joke, no gimmicks, no eccentricities, just straight to the point. He's serious about something. Gina looked at him expectantly.
"What's wrong?"
"Before we left Soul Society, my old subordinate approached Karin to give her a message." He explained. "The two of them were friends... or something of the sort."
"Okay?" Gina shrugged. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"How she acted when she saw him was important." He mentioned. "She was standing next to Yuzu and as he walked over, she took a step back and looked like she wanted to hide behind Yuzu."
Gina could see where he was going with this. "It's a trauma response." He nodded. "Are you implying that this boy... did something to her?"
"No." He said. "The situation is more nuanced than that. He hasn't seen her in over a year... but she last saw him six months ago." Now Gina was lost.
"So who is lying?"
"Neither of them are." He said. "That's what I want you to find out."
Kensei was surprised to be walking around and finding Hitsugaya-taichō standing by a tree outside the compound tenth. It was late and Kensei was going to meet Shinji and Rose at a bar in District 2, South Rukongai. He was not expecting the young captain to be out this late, or even to be smoking a cigarette. He seemed like a very 'by the books' kid so this was surprising.
"Are you even old enough for that yet?" Kensei tried to joke but the kid just looked at him with a raised brow.
"Muguruma-taichō, is there something you need from me?" He asked.
"Just trying to make conversation, no need to get your panties in a twist." He said and the young captain sighed before picking up a tin can and stubbing the cigarette against it. Kensei almost laughed. He truly was a 'by the books' kid even when it looked like he was doing some delinquency. Kensei was pretty sure anyone else would have just littered and stubbed it on the floor.
"Join me for a smoke?" Kensei offered, pulling out a box from his own pocket and Hitsugaya looked confused. "Like I said, just trying to make conversation." Tōshirō sighed before putting the can down instead of in the trash can and pulling it his own box and picking another one out. Kensei already had his lighter out and offered it to him and he took it skeptical. Was this kid skeptical of everything? "How's the girlfriend?"
Hitsugaya looked like he almost regretted staying to have another cigarette before relenting. "She's gone. She asked to be sent back to the world of the living."
"I guess that's better for everyone." Kensei said. Hitsugaya didn't respond to that. "Did Mashiro leave with them?"
"She's still weak." Hitsugaya said. "She stayed behind."
Kensei nodded. "I should tell her to stop leaving my shit in that cupboard even if I forget where I put it." Hitsugaya looked up in confusion. "You gave her the box, right?" Hitsugaya blew out a puff of smoke and didn't say anything. "I'm not an idiot, kid. Contrary to what you believe. The water was a cute trick by the way."
"Are you going to report me?" Hitsugaya asked. It wasn't a question but a statement. Almost came off as a threat. The kid had balls but then again, you don't become a captain from being a wuss.
"'Course not." Kensei scoffed. "In the end, boy genius figured it out so all's well it ends well, hakuna matata, all that good shit." Kensei sighed. "Look kid, I'll admit I had a hand in this shit going south. I could have vouched for Mashiro doing it in the first place."
"Then why didn't you?" Hitsugaya asked
"I have my personal reasons." Hitsugaya scoffed and Kensei chortled at him. "Wanna judge someone for mixing business with pleasure, kid?" The older captain teased and Hitsugaya ignored him as he reached the end of his cigarette and picked up the can again. "You know kid... something is off to me about all this..."
"What?" Hitsugaya asked before watching Kensei toss the cigarette on the ground and step on it. He looked mildly annoyed but let it go, dumping the tin in the nearby trashcan.
"I've known Mashiro a long time." He said. "Long enough for her family to have trusted me with the knowledge of zanpakutō corruption to watch over their daughter because God knows how spacey and loopy she is. Something was off about your girl though..."
"You're wasting my time." Hitsugaya said
"Normal, documented corruption all had one thing in common, the spirit would take over when the wielder used their shikai. All your girl had to do was wake up and be a totally different person," Kensei said. "Even though they inhabit the same body, the spirit always needs permission or a pathway to take over. There's a reason why we call it 'releasing' when we activate our shikai: We consent to the spirit being released. It makes it sound as if the spirit had all access to your girl... but at the same time, couldn't take over whenever they pleased. Maybe that's just me though..."
Kensei nodded before leaving the kid behind to his thoughts. He changed his course of directions, making a mental note to apologise to Rose and Shinji in the morning for taking a rain check.