Awakening, Karin's Promotion

It was about two days before Karin opened her eyes to the world in Squad 13's barracks Captain Unohana perched over her. "Well now I see someone's finally awake." The woman said gently looking down at Karin who sat up too quickly and held her head moaning, "Too fast..." Unohana smiled and asked, "Aside from your minor head rush...how are you feeling?" Her blue eyes watching the younger woman carefully.

"I think I'm okay just a little tired from stupid Zaraki's stunt...what the hell was he thinking anyway?" Karin muttered sourly to herself before looking up at the Captain. "I didn't kill anyone did I?" Karin asked unsure of what happened it all seemed a blur after so long of forcing Zaraki off she felt something darker come to the surface of her mind and before she knew it she was out like a light. The captain smiled, "No you didn't kill anyone and you proved your theory with Muramasa setting a lot of people here in the seireitei at ease."

Karin perked up, "The power lock...it worked! Yes!" she continued cheering excited much to Unohana's amusement as she began to laugh softly at the eager display.

Muramasa you did it! It worked!

We did it Karin...together.

His soft voice trilled from inside her mind.

I am glad you are awake. I was worried after the first day.

I'm okay I guess since my body wasn't use to the restriction I needed to sleep it off. Thanks for stopping me.

Anytime. Shall we enjoy dinner when we return to the world of the living then...just the two of us?

Karin blushed warmly with a soft smile much to Unohana's curiousity, I can't wait. Karin shook her head as she looked back at Unohana but, not before feeling a surge of warmth in her chest. "So I assume Zaraki's still alive then?" Karin added with a wry grin. Unohana nodded with a smile, "Yes, unfortunately he is still breathing but, he was rendered comatose." Karin just sighed, "I guess the Head Captain wants to talk to me doesn't he?"

Unohana nodded, "Yes he wants to hear how everything went from your view that you can recall." As she stood reaching a hand towards the younger woman. "I'll take you there now and call for a Captain's and Lieutenants meeting as was previously requested by the Head Captain for once you woke."

Karin nodded, "Okay," and followed her out only to meet up with her brother and Captains Jushiro, Kyoraku, and Byakuya. "Hey everyone might as well let you know we're heading to the Head Captain now if you want to come along." They just grinned as Jushiro said, "Of course Karin it will save some time as far a gathering everyone for the meeting goes."

Karin smiled hesitantly at that worried about what the Head Captain would say about the comatose captain in the barracks of Squad 4. She looked ahead until she had a hand clapped on her shoulder and looked up to see Byakuya, "You did nothing wrong Karin...Zaraki's condition is of his own making and the Head Captain is aware." Karin stood up straighter hearing that as she followed him saying, "Thanks Bya-nii!" surprising everyone present much to Byakuya and Karin's amusement who went back and forth teasing eachother like siblings Toshiro and Rangiku joining in for the fun of it.

"Well now Ichigo it seems your sister is going to be just fine...she's in for a shock though isn't that right Jushiro?" Shunsui remarked as they followed the quartet down the road Nanao looked at her captain a question on her lips, "Is Jushiro going to make Karin his?" She received a confirming grin making her smile and giggle in excitement muttering, "This is great!" She had met Karin during her training with Byakuya and they found they got along rather well through Rangiku both of them disliking Momo for the most part."I can't wait to see her reaction!"

Jushiro blushed slightly in embarassment and smiled, "I am wondering about her reaction as well...I find myself incredibly fond of her and she shows great potential as a future captain." He pasued sharing a glance with Shunsui as they both recalled her setting their own sensei in place, "I feel she will be a great asset to my squad at least until the time comes for her to move even higher." Ichigo just grinned, "Damn already picking her up Byakuya's gonna be disappointed."

Jushiro just laughed, "I've already spoken to him about it. He was disappointed he admitted at first but, he realizes my squad has been lacking a lieutenant for quite some time and understands that she could do well for me and my third seats if you get my meaning." Everyone laughed knowing the overly protective third seats were about to get a reality check from their new lieutenant soon. No more over reacting third seats to overwhelm Jushiro's independence if Karin had anything to say about it.

As they entered the meeting room they found the others had already been assembled via Hell Butterfly. The Head Captain called for the girl and Ichigo to come to the front. "Captain Kurosaki and Karin Kurosaki please step forward." As the two siblings stepped forward the Captain addressed Ichigo, "Captain when the hollow first manifested in your mind did you too have an episode similar to Karin's?" Ichigo nodded, "Yes the only difference was that I was kept in a forcefield under the supervision of Shinji Hirako and the other vizords. I also didn't have someone deliberately trying to attack me I was in a controlled situation so please take note of those differences."

The Head Captain nodded, "Noted Captain, now Karin Kurosaki when you first felt the hollow stirring you sent a manifested Muramasa for assistance did you not?" Karin nodded affirmative, "That is correct sir...I had only just started testing my theory on a power lock the zanpakto could place on their shinigami partner to prevent disaster so I sent for help. I was uncertain if the method would work since it was the first attempt." "I see when did you come up with the method to be tested?" Karin looked at the Head Captain, "Not long after I first manifested Muramasa in the world of the living he shared Kouga Kuchiki's past with me...which I was not impressed in your part by the way but that aside," Karin paused not noticing the proud and amused glances from some of the captains ignoring the annoyed stares from others. "I felt that since the power of attack comes from a combination of both the shinigami's spiritual pressure and the zanpakto's nature itself that the zanpakto partner could restrict most of the damage that their shinigami partner could cause seeing as they draw power from the other to begin with, does that make sense?"

The Head Captain nodded, "Yes, your logic in the matter is unquestionable as the zanpakto is manifested with a personality of their own while being merged with a piece of their partner's soul. I have to say I'm impressed and with the display Muramasa and you performed in your inbalanced state I would say that your method was not only logical but successful. I congradulate you on your ingenuity along with your partner." He looked down at Karin Kurosaki, "Now on to another matter your training has been completed for minium field requirements and I have been approached by several Captains who held interest in you becoming a part of their squads. You have shown skills in politics, creative tactics, and personability. I would have you named lieutenant of a squad."

Karin looked up shocked about to protest but the Head Captain held up his hand, "We are aware you cannot be here always to lead a squad but, a Captain was still quite adamant about making you his lieutenant. So for when you are in the seireitei during your breaks between school and when you are not needed in the world of the living. Let it be known to all squads that from this day forward that I have named you lieutenant of Squad 13 under Captain Jushiro Ukitake's guidance. May your journey from here forth bring you honor and success Lieutenant Kurosaki."

Karin frozen in shock bowed hesitantly and muttered, "Thank you Head Captain." She then moved over to Jushiro and said softly, "I guess this makes us partners huh?" Jushiro smiled and clapped her on the shoulder. "Welcome Lieutenant to my squad!" Karin smiled and playfully glared between him, the Head Captain, and Byakuya who all held smirks. "Just how long have you been plotting against me?" Was her next question before her brother and Renji began laughing along with the other captains and lieutenants except for Momo who glared coldly at her back.

"Oh just about since your training began...I just became more persistant after the incident with Zaraki two days ago." Jushiro said chuckling as he guided her back towards the barracks while she laughed along side him before stopping and tapping her chin making him pause to stare along with Nanao and Shunsui who had followed behind them.

"Karin, what is it?" Nanao asked curious. Karin turned and grinned, "I know what my first order of business as Jushiro's lieutenant is going to be!" Shunsui grinned he could tell she was scheming already, "And just what would that be?"

Karin gave Jushiro and mischievious glance making him falter slightly laughing hesitantly, "Time to kick those two overprotective third seats out of the office away from the captain and get their butts in line!"

Shunsui started laughing outright along with Nanao and Jushiro, "I knew it!"