Toshiro and Yoruichi had arrived at Urahara's shop to find not only Urahara, Tessai, and Ichigo, but Yuzu as well.

"Oh, Yuzu I didn't know you were here." Yoruichi said with a hint of surprise as Yuzu shrugged with a smile.

"I was out of some ingredients for breakfast and Mister Urahara's shop was the only place open at this time of the morning. I knew Ichigo was coming here so I asked if I could tag along. I left Rukia and Momo with the cooking until I got back." Yuzu explained.

"She also wanted to meet whoever they were sending from squad four." Ichigo said as Kisuke chuckled.

"Well he's here but he's having some trouble with his Gigai. Hey Hanataro! You need any help?" Kisuke shouted to the back room.

"Uh I'll be out in just a second!" Hanataro replied from the back room.

"Hanataro? They sent Hanataro?" Ichigo asked surprised.

"Why not? He's familiar with the town and he's excellent with his medical care. Captain Unohana personally recommended him for the job." Kisuke explained as said fourth squad member emerged in a green polo shirt and khaki pants.

"Oh hi Ichigo, long time no see." Hanataro greeted.

"Yeah it has been Hanataro. How've ya been?" Ichigo asked.

"Oh I've been fine…As long as I stay away from the squad eleven guys that is." Hanataro replied meekly.

"Well the only squad eleven guys you have to worry about here are Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ikkaku, and Yumichika but they've got their own things to worry about." Ichigo said as Yuzu finished paying for the groceries.

"Okay Ichigo I'm all ready." Yuzu said as Ichigo nodded.

"Oh Hanataro Yamada this is my sister Yuzu." Ichigo introduced as Hanataro bowed humbly.

"Oh hi there." Hanataro greeted before stumbling over and falling flat on his face.

"Oh dear are you okay?!" Yuzu asked as she helped him up.

"I'm okay. I do this all the time." Hanataro replied sheepishly as he picked himself up.

"Come on let's go before you hurt yourself again. See ya Mister Urahara, Tessai, Yoruichi, Toshiro." Ichigo said as he Yuzu and Hanataro headed out the door.

"I see squad four sends one of their best." Toshiro said wryly.

"Hanataro's heart is in the right place and his skill is unquestioned. He's just a little timid is all. But that's not what we're here to talk about. I was going to tell both you and Ichigo but I didn't expect him to bring Yuzu with him. You'll have to be the one to break it to him then." Kisuke said as Toshiro arched an eyebrow.

"Break what to him? What is this about Kisuke?" Toshiro asked.

"It's about something that we discussed during Karin's training yesterday." Yoruichi replied as she sat down next to Kisuke.

"Something we talked about yesterd-…oh I see…the possibility of Karin's having an inner hollow." Toshiro said as he glanced away from them in thought.

"Yes and there's something you should know. See when Tessai, Jinta, Uluru, Yoruichi, and I arrived on the scene yesterday, we saw Karin take a mean blow from the LeBlanc. We hurried over to her as fast as we could and surprisingly the damage wasn't as bad as we first thought. At first we thought it was because she had somehow managed to cushion the blow or break her fall…but then when we were putting her on the stretcher, we found something that Yoruichi recognized." Kisuke said as Toshiro arched an eyebrow.

"What did you find?" Toshiro asked as Yoruichi pulled over an object wrapped in purple cloth from behind the counter. She carefully unwrapped it revealing a white skull like mask. The mask was very similar to Ichigo's hollow mask but without the red markings. Instead there was a single blue curved stripe that ran from the right side of the right eye and arced upward as it went straight over to the right side of the mask. The left side of the mask had a large crack in it and part of the left eye socket was broken off.

"We found this. It fell from Karin's kimono when we picked her up to put her on the stretcher. I remember finding a mask just like this when I rescued Ichigo from death after his battle with Kenpachi Zaraki during his mission to rescue Rukia from execution." Yoruichi explained.

"So my suspicions were correct. Karin has an inner hollow." Toshiro said as he took the mask in hand and gazed at it with a disheartened look on his face.

"You were probably right on how she got that inner hollow. When a living human gains the power of a soul reaper, they heavily damage their soul chain, which in turn allows for encroachment. Yuzu's chain of fate was protected because the King's key not only reinforces the soul chain but makes it that the only way to separate the key from the soul is for the soul to be killed. Karin doesn't have that kind protection placed on her soul chain and so when she gained her Zanpakuto; it damaged her soul chain resulting in the birth of her inner hollow. At the time, her inner hollow is still young and immature but as she grows more powerful her inner hollow will too. The fact that this mask appeared following her wounds is a sign that the hollow will eventually manage to manifest itself within Karin's soul. You might also be wondering why it's happening so fast…well the reason for that is simple. Ichigo got his powers through Rukia when she first arrived and so his inner hollow didn't manifest until after he lost his powers and regained them by having his chain of fate severed by me prior to his rescue attempt. That method takes longer for the inner hollow to manifest but the way Karin gained her powers is quicker. That's why it's against the rules for still living humans to go to the Soul Society." Kisuke explained as Toshiro sighed.

"What should we do then?" Toshiro asked.

"We? You're her boyfriend aren't you?" Kisuke asked, receiving an icy stare from Toshiro.

"So you want me to tell her?" Toshiro asked impatiently.

"She respects you more than just about anyone else Toshiro. Why else would she ask you to come and help with her Bankai training?" Yoruichi asked as Toshiro nodded understandingly.

"I understand. I will inform her myself then." Toshiro said as he turned and walked away, tucking the mask under his shirt.



Later at the Kurosaki Clinic…

"Well except for a little discomfort, I'd say you're in prime condition." Hanataro said as he removed his rubber gloves. He had just finished Kaichou's examination.

"Admit it; this is the first time you've seen a female's parts isn't it?" Kaichou asked teasingly as she put on her usual cowgirl attire. Hanataro turned a bright shade of red.

"Well-um-I-um-see-I-uh." Hanataro stuttered.

"Relax Yamada, I was just playing with you. I'm sure you've seen them before." Kaichou chuckled.

"You're worse than Yoruichi I swear." Ichigo grumbled as he walked by the door. Kaichou smirked and morphed Hensen Tatsujin into a long black cane and slowly followed/hobbled out after him.

"Think about it Ichigo. Yoruichi's part cat and cat's are a bit…well I want to say slutty but I never know when Shihoin is listening." Kaichou replied with an innocent smile.

"You've been hanging around her too long then." Ichigo grumbled.

"You're just sulky because you learned your first name is the same first name of my Bankai. By the way that was not my doing, your mom had some cousin named Ichigo and the fact my Bankai is Ichigo Hensen Tatsujin is strictly coincidental." Kaichou explained as Ichigo turned and gave her an annoyed glare.

"Somehow I don't believe you." Ichigo replied.

"Well I didn't think you would but I gave it a shot. When I met your mother she knew all about Soul Reapers from your father, even though she had never seen a Bankai in action. She asked for the name of my Bankai and I told her. I didn't know she was going to name you after it. If you want to know why, talk to your father." Kaichou explained as Ichigo sighed.

"I better be about my duties. Zaraki and Kuchiki could probably stand to have a break from each other by now." Kaichou said as she headed out, passing Karin sitting glumly on the couch.

"Well hello there Karin. Kinda early to be glum for a Sunday don't you think?" Kaichou asked curiously.

"I had this weird dream last night. Like I was talking to my Zanpakuto and then this strange girl that looks almost exactly like me appears but she's got paper white skin and white Soul Reaper clothes. Her eyes were also the eerie black color too." Karin said as Kaichou shrugged.

"Hmm…dreams can mean a multitude of things. If you'd like I can come over some time later today and we can talk about it." Kaichou suggested as Karin shrugged.

"Sure why not?" Karin replied and Kaichou nodded.

"Good then I'll be seeing you later then." Kaichou said as she walked out the door, passing Toshiro as he approached the clinic.

"Captain Hitsugaya." Kaichou greeted with a nod.

"Captain Wrangler." Toshiro greeted back with a nod as they passed.

"Hey Toshiro, you're right on time. Ichigo and Rukia are coming with us to the soccer field for practice today. You coming this time?" Karin asked as Toshiro gave her a serious look.

"We need to talk. We have an urgent matter to discuss." Toshiro said as he took her by the arm and led her to her room.

Meanwhile Nel walked down the stairs and towards the door.

"Where are you going Nel?" Momo asked curiously as she exited from the bathroom.

"I'm going to Orihime's house. Tatsuki, Orihime, and I are going to the Visoreds warehouse to see if we can't enlist the Arrancar's help with honing Tatsuki's skills." Nel replied.

"Okay then. Hope that plan works." Momo said as she headed to the couch.

Up in Karin's room, Toshiro closed the door behind them, thoroughly confusing Karin.

"What's going on Toshiro?" Karin asked impatiently.

"You need to stop your Bankai training." Toshiro said bluntly.

"Huh? Why?" Karin asked confused.

"Because if you don't stop, you'll wind up losing control." Toshiro said as Karin started getting angry.

"Lose control of what Toshiro?!" Karin asked.

"Your soul!" Toshiro replied. Karin was blind sighted and sat down on her bed in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Karin asked worriedly. Toshiro sighed and revealed the Hollow mask.

"Do you recognize this?" Toshiro asked as Karin looked at it curiously.

"Strangely it does look kind of familiar. It's a hollow mask I know but I feel like I have seen it before." Karin said as she ran a hand over the mask. Instantly she flashed back to her dream and shivered.

"Toshiro what is this? Is this…mine?" Karin asked in horror as Toshiro nodded.

"Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin found this after you were knocked unconscious. It supposedly helped to cushion your landing." Toshiro said as Karin looked at it in stunned silence.

"I think I know what this means. It means I'm going to become a hollow doesn't it?" Karin asked worriedly.

"Not unless I have anything to say about it. My advice is to seek out the Visoreds. Despite their appearance, they are actually former Soul Reaper Captains and Lieutenants who gained Hollow abilities. They even helped your brother to overcome his inner hollow, perhaps they can help you to deal with yours." Toshiro said as Karin looked lost in thought.

"Thanks Toshiro. You've given me something to think about." Karin said as Toshiro nodded.

"If you want me to stay, I will." Toshiro said as Karin shook her head.

"No, I just want to be alone for a moment. I'll see ya at the soccer field for practice." Karin replied as Toshiro gave an understanding nod and headed for the door.



Meanwhile…

In a small tea shop a couple blocks down the road from the Vizard warehouse, Byakuya sat at a table drinking tea as he looked out the window at a couple of blooming cherry blossoms.

He was wearing a sharp white silk dress shirt with his trademark scarf and his kenseiken (the white hair rolls). He also had a pair of brown dress pants and black dress shoes. A brown buisness suit sat draped over the back of his chair.

"This body is a pain in the ass." Kenpachi mumbled as he approached and sat down at Byakuya's table. He wasn't wearing his hair up in the spikes like normal and his eye patch was missing (though his soul reaper form still had both the hair and the eye patch). He wore a black polo shirt with matching pants. He was however wearing a pair of black combat boots.

"Need I remind you that you should not discuss things like that so freely at the present time." Byakuya said calmly.

"It's bad enough to be shoved in this damn wimpy outfit but to have to take the bells from my hair, now that's just insulting." Kenpachi replied.

"I am beginning to wonder if Wrangler will arrive soon if at all." Byakuya said, ignoring Kenpachi's complaining.

"Let's find out. Any sign of Wrangler?!" Kenpachi asked over his shoulder to Yachiru who sat on her knees by the window in eager expectation.

"None yet Kenny!" Yachiru replied. She was wearing almost an exact duplicate of Kenpachi's outfit except in her size and she had white tennis shoes on.

"She's probably too exhausted from using her Bankai last night." Byakuya said as he sipped his tea.

"Normally I would be exhausted and thanks for the squad four guy by the way." Kaichou said as she suddenly appeared at the table sitting between the two, startling Kenpachi and making Byakuya blink in mild surprise. She was in her old human attire from when she first appeared in the world of the living. (A/N: see chapter 4 for a description)

"Where the hell did you come from?" Kenpachi asked in surprise as Kaichou quickly ordered a cup of Jasmine tea before answering.

"I flash stepped into the ladies room and then Gigai shaped myself into this body." Kaichou replied as Yachiru sat down on a highchair between her and Kenpachi.

"Hey Blackie! We missed you! Didn't we Kenny?" Yachiru asked happily.

"Well I missed you too Yachiru." Kaichou replied as she ruffled the young girl's hair.

"So what's the plan fellas?" Kaichou asked.

"Plan?" Byakuya asked.

"Yes I mean like…when we check into the hotel, what's our story to explain the "two to a room" thing?" Kaichou asked. There was an eerie silence for a moment.

"Oh you two are sad. Fortunately I've created a cover story. The three of us are old school chums and Yachiru is Kenpachi's daughter. How's that sound?" Kaichou asked as the three shrugged.

"Sounds good to me." Yachiru replied as she happily munched down on a plate full of small sweets. After a moment, Byakuya saw something out the window.

"Isn't that the Arrancar that's sided with Ichigo Kurosaki? And is that the Inoue girl?" Byakuya asked curiously.

"It is actually, now that you mention it…and that's Tatsuki with them. I wonder where they're going." Kaichou replied.

"Should we go after jiggles, firecracker, and Nelly?" Yachiru asked as Kaichou shrugged.

"Let's see what they're planning. But I also sense a familiar spiritual pressure nearby. But why would it be out here I wonder."Kaichou said as she scratched her chin.

"Yeah a fourth person is following them. I say we check it out. It may be one of those Arrancar." Kenpachi said with a determined look.

"It does not feel like one of the Arrancar or even one of the Visoreds. It instead feels familiar as if I sensed it last night." Byakuya replied.

"You're right about that. The Reiatsu is too familiar. Who could it-? Now what the hell would she be doing out here?" Kaichou pondered quietly. She had remembered whose Reiatsu it was.



Meanwhile…

Nel, Orihime, and Tatsuki arrived outside the Vizard warehouse and they could sense both the Visoreds and the Arrancar inside.

"So this is where the Arrancar are hiding? Seems kinda fitting." Tatsuki said with a lump in her throat.

"Don't worry Tatsuki. I will make sure that they don't harm you." Nel said as she led them inside. As they entered, Nel could sense that their presence was known to the others. Soon enough, they heard footsteps approaching from within the shadows.

"My, my, what have we here? Neliel and Orihime Inoue. How very curious you decide to come here willingly." Grimmjow's voice said as he emerged from the shadows in his Arrancar form and with his hands in his pockets.

"Grimmjow." Nel said calmly. Orihime was silently shaking in place in fear of Grimmjow. She still recalled their last meetings in Las Noches.

"That Gigai of yours suits you Neliel. But why are you here? More news from the Soul Society regarding our fate?" Grimmjow asked curiously.

"No but a chance to prove to the Soul Reapers that you are on our side now." Nel replied. Grimmjow arched a curious eyebrow.

"Sounds interesting. Go on Neliel." Grimmjow said.

"This is Tatsuki Arisawa. She's a friend of both Ichigo's and Orihime's. She has the ability to augment her already formidable martial arts skills with spirit based fire powers. She needs to refine these skills further and if you helped her then it would be at least one step towards proving that you are true to your word." Nel explained.

"Hmm…sounds interesting. I'll have to give it some thought." Grimmjow said as he scratched his chin. He then felt a hand on his shoulder from behind. The hand belonged to Halibel in her Gigai.

"No need for thought Grimmjow. We would be honored to help the human girl learn to use her powers more effectively." Halibel said as Tatsuki bowed appreciatively.

"I am honored by any aid you can provide." Tatsuki said as Halibel nodded then turned towards the shadows.

"Apache! Mila-Rose! Sun-Sun!" Halibel shouted into the shadows. Immediately her three Fraccion Sonido'd into the room and knelt before Halibel.

"Kindly escort Miss Arisawa and Miss Inoue to the underground training room. I will be overseeing Miss Arisawa's training personally." Halibel ordered as she turned to leave.

"Yes Ma'am." The three replied in unison before following her orders.

"Don't be afraid. They won't harm you." Nel reassured as the three Fraccion escorted the two humans inside. Grimmjow watched them leave. At the same time Shinji emerged from the shadows.

"Was that Orihime Inoue and Tatsuki Arisawa I just saw passing by?" Shinji asked curiously.

"Yeah. Apparently Arisawa needs help refining her powers. Neliel here thought her fellow Arrancar might help." Grimmjow explained as Shinji smirked.

"Finding these moochers some work eh?" Shinji asked with a chuckle.

"Sort of." Nel said as she started heading after Orihime and Tatsuki. However she stopped when she, Shinji, and Grimmjow sensed a strange yet somewhat familiar spiritual pressure coming from the entryway.

"Uh Neliel. I think you've got company." Grimmjow said as he redirected Nel's attention towards the door. She froze in shock as she saw who it was.

"I was told that this was the place to try and control a person's inner hollow. And it looks like I found the right place." The person said.

It was Karin Kurosaki.



End Chapter 39.

Soul Reaper Illustrated Guide.

Kon was pacing on the floor of Ichigo's room.

"This isn't fair! I haven't been featured as anything more than Nel's whipping boy! How could one with a Valley of the gods that rivals my Orihime be so mean?!" Kon sighed as the door opened.

"Ichigo? Are you alright? I heard-…Kon?" Hanataro asked as he entered and saw Kon.

"What?! Oh Hanataro it's you! You're back!" Kon exclaimed as he leapt at the seventh seat.

"It's good to see you too Kon. I think?" Hanataro said with partial confusion.

"Hey with you here we can resurrect Radio Kon! Want to do it again for old time's sake?" Kon asked as Hanataro arched a confused eyebrow.

"But didn't you get severely injured by the guest star by the end of every episode?" Hanataro asked as Kon blinked in realization.

"Oh I-I did didn't I? Oh the hell with it I JUST WANT TO BE FEATURED MORE!!!" Kon yelled as Hanataro shrugged.

"Oh okay then. Let's do it." Hanataro said as he turned towards the camera.

"Starting with the next chapter we will be having the new Radio Kon segment so please stay tuned." Hanataro said with a smile.

To Be Continued…