Lieutenant's First Order of Business, Reflective Goodbyes
Karin had been quite serious about her mission to get the two third seats off Captain Ukitake's back and had so far succeeded by keeping them distracted with teaching her some of the ropes giving Jushiro a break in general much to the captain's appreciation. Karin had been learning furiously to begin with and had set it up with the Head Captain so that even while in the world of the living she would be able to fulfill her duties as Jushiro's lieutenant via computer communication which Kurosutchi had no choice but to do as commanded.
The Head Captain and Jushiro were impressed with Karin's abiltiy to plan ahead as far as communication by making Jushiro an email account and other such communication sources for the two of them to keep in touch about reports and budgets back in forth that way he wouldn't have to deal with the third seats all the time while she was gone. Her idea had actually helped the entire Court Guard by having similar systems set up between the lieutenants and captains allowing work and information to be commuted for more efficiency rather than carry paper reports everywhere and losing missing pages.
Now Jushiro was enjoying the show as Karin kept the two energetic lieutenants from forcing their over-attentive concerns on him. The thirds were not to pleased with their lieutenant at the moment but, in turn she wasn't pleased with them either. Karin didn't pull rank but her sentence was none the less commanding and had a powerful impact of the two third seats.
"Are you disrespecting Captain Ukitake's position by attempting to coddle him?" That sentence shocked the entire audience but more so the two third seats who froze in horror. Jushiro went to stop Karin but three hands restrained him Shunsui, Byakuya, and Unohana simply shook their heads. "Trust your lieutenant Jushiro she knows what she's doing." Shunsui mutterd quietly. Jushiro nodded a bit hesitant about it.
"What? No we were just!" Kiyone and Sentaro attempted as Karin held up her hand, "You were attempting to coddle him and make him go inside when he didn't wish to as if he were an invalid incapable of making responsible decisions for himself."
Karin looked down on them as they bowed their heads in shame and smiled softly lightening her tone now that they were listening, "Jushiro is a captain of wisdom and experience. He may have a condition but, he is still more than capable of leading a squad. He knows that your concerned and knows that you care but, please while being concerned don't overdue it. He is stronger than most give him credit for and he deserves the respect his position demands. Is that too much to ask?"
Kiyone and Sentaro charged at Karin hugging her, "Thank you Lieutenant!" they then approached Jushiro and bowed, "We apologize sir and we will be more careful from now on." Sentaro continued, "Lieutenant Kurosaki is right! You are our captain and you are strong I'm sorry if my actions were an inconvenience to you!" Kiyone took over, "We care about you Captain but we shouldn't smother you please let us know if we ever cross the line again, sir!" They then left to attend to the duties their lieutenant had assigned for them.
Karin turned to the captains and asked, "I wasn't to harsh was I?" Retsu began to laugh, "Not at all Karin I am impressed with the way you handled them." Jushiro looked at her appreciative as if he wanted to hug her, "I was worried at first but, you made a point without being cruel about it just professional...Thank you."
Karin rubbed the back of her neck embarassed, "It's no big deal. You just need to tell them in a way that isn't personal it all."
Byakuya hummed in agreement, "Very true Karin none the less well done higher ranking officials attempted the same result without success."
Karin just shrugged and said, "Well I have to pack since I am heading back for college prep in the morning. So I'll see you guys." As Karin began to walk away Jushiro called out to her, "Karin we should have a dinner tonight with the rest of the squad to say goodbye and good luck!" Karin turned and grinned, "That's cool but you might want to enlist Rukia's help to throw it if that's the case since I've got packing and reports to do Captain." She finished with a wink before turning the corner towards her room.
Retsu looked at Jushiro, "Why don't we ask Ichigo and Rukia to help? They will want to wish her luck maybe Captain Histugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto as well." He nodded before calling over one of his squad members who was happy to help and moved with precision. Before they even realised it Ichigo and Rukia stood there with a grinning Renji along with Yumichika and Ikkaku. "Well let's throw a beautiful going away party for Karin, shall we?" The fifth seath asked as his mind began planning already.
Karin remained in her room none really the wiser as she was packing her badge and the clothing she would need to take home with her as she heard a knock on her door. "Come in," Karin called slightly distracted as she packed. Nanao opened the door and entered closing it behind her, "Hey Karin...so you're leaving tomorrow huh?" Karin paused and turned towards Nanao and smiled softly, "Yeah...Dad and I made a promise that I wouldn't let Soul Society conquer my chances at living like a normal human."
She glanced out the window knowing she should elaborate for her friend, "My family and I are proud of Ichigo don't get me wrong but, he sacrificed everything about his human life to help Soul Society. Noble but, it robbed him of any chance at a future in the world he was born into. When we die we will be part of Soul Society...our heritage guarantees it. Should we focus both our lives on this world when there is another one to explore? The world of the living offers so much knowledge and information to us. You guys have missed out on alot of medical advancements because you focus so much on the Kido healing arts." Karin paused and looked at her fellow lieutenant.
"I never thought about it that way," Nanao mused thinking about all the points her friend made and asked, "You said medical advancements...do you think?" Nanao's voice trailed off as Karin grinned. "I've thought about that but until I get Unohana to agree to let me see his medical file I can't be sure." Nanao paused thoughtfully and made a gesture. "You've given me a lot to think about...I'll let you finish packing and see you before you leave okay?"
Karin nodded and answered, "Sure! See you Nanao." As her friend closed the door Muramasa appeared beside her. His green eyes gazed at her carefully, "Do you think it's wise to try and alter Soul Society in such a manner?" Karin looked at Muramasa, "They already have the technology and medical knowledge between squads 4 and 12 to make an impact on their medical treatments Muramasa. I'm not giving them anything except and idea to branch out and instead of just guarding the world of the living...I want them to learn from them. They have the tools," she paused as she shrugged and closed her bag. "They just need to know how to apply them is all. Does that thought really seem harmful to you?"
Muramasa shrugged, "I honestly don't know I merely wanted to see what you thoughts were on the matter." He smirked at her, "I could look anytime but, then we'd never have anything to talk about. I happen to like our conversations." Karin smiled and kissed his cheek, "I like our conversations too Muramasa and you're right. Some things I have to be careful about when it comes to the world of the living and Soul Society but, I can still help with the small things." Her partner just gazed at her softly making her blush and giggle under her breath.
"What has you laughing?" her beau asked softly a small quirk to his lips showing his amusement. Karin just answered back, "Nothing really I just enjoy having you near I feel warm and happy when you are and I'm glad you can come with me when I go back...I'm leaving so many friends behind it's nice to know I'm not leaving you behind too."
Muramasa pulled Karin against him and said, "You never have to worry about leaving me behind. I'm always with you even when it seems I'm not there." Karin smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "That's true...for the both of us"
**An Hour Later**
Karin and Muramasa had been enjoying some quality time before the night was almost done when a knock came to Karin's door. "Come on in." Karin called she was sitting indian style on the bed going over some photos from the more amusing times with Muramasa behind her looking over her shoulder as Retsu Unohana walked in. "I came to get you for dinner Karin. I also wanted to ask you about some things in your world. I know from your brother that there are advancements in the medical and technological fields that we may or may not be able to access here and wanted to know...has there been any successful treatments or cures for tuberculosis?"
Karin smiled softly, "You're thinking what I'm thinking for Captain Ukitake aren't you?" Unohana smiled and nodded. "Yes there has been success for such treatments and sometimes even cures in the world of the living. However, My dad and Uryu's dad are both doctor's. My dad runs his own clinic and may be able to offer some insight however Uryu's dad works in the hospital so as far as specifics go he may have more information to offer you." Karin answered honestly, "It's no guarantee with how long he's had it but, he may be able to get some help."
Unohana nodded, "Thank you, I will be sure to ask them both when we meet again soon while you're at school." Karin nodded and moved with Muramasa to follow the Captain to the evenings festivities.
As they arrived Karin couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle her friends were making, "There goes Rangiku and Shuuhei drunk again!" Karin said laughing over the loud music much to Muramasa and Unohana's delight. Karin saw her captain and moved towards him with a smile. "You just brought the idea to my attention four hours ago...how did you pull all this off?!" She asked grateful.
Jushiro smiled, "You have a lot of friends and people who care for you here...when they heard we wanted to throw a party together to say goodluck they all offered to help out!"
Karin smiled and hugged her captain and her close friends as they came and saw her minus the overly drunken goofballs, mainly consisting of Ikkaku, Rangiku, and Shuuhei. She was happy that her leaving wasn't overly depressing as Nanao gifted her with a book of pictures and letters she and their friends had written to Karin for when she left.
After the party drew to a close she and Muramasa returned to her room for the night sleeping peacefully before departing come morning for the world of the living.
