Standard disclaimers apply to the fictional characters of BLEACH used in this story. They are the property of the esteemed Kubo Tite-sensei, and I have no claim over them. Please don't sue.
-.-
"I apologize on Masaki-sama's behalf, Shiba-san. I did not think she would get this tired." Katagiri bowed informally to the tall man walking next to her. On his back was Masaki, dead asleep.
Today was the last day before the Ishida family returned from their trip. Masaki had the brilliant idea of going to the amusement park and lined up for almost all of the rides. Katagiri stayed behind on the more extreme rides and watched in fascination as Isshin managed to keep up with the upbeat Kurosaki daughter. It was also amusing to see the ex-Shinigami's reactions.
Isshin grinned at her. "Don't worry about it, little lady. She's light as a feather. You don't have to be so formal with me either. Just call me Isshin."
Kanae bit back a retort. If he insisted on giving her a nickname, she didn't see what the problem was. It wasn't as if they knew each other for a long time. "It would be rude."
His laugh was short and easygoing. "I won't force you then."
She looked at him. It was strange that he was still loitering about Karakura. She would think that he would have returned to Soul Society by now, given that Masaki was healed and all. From his first appearance that night, she knew immediately that he was no ordinary Shinigami. He wore the Captain's overcoat. Surely he had more important things to do than to hunt Hollows.
Her eyes shifted over to the snoozing brunette girl. Was he staying because of Masaki?
"You must be wondering why I'm still here, right?" Isshin smiled disarmingly at her startled look.
"No, it is none of my business," Katagiri replied. It really didn't matter if she knew or not, but she felt her curiosity piqued.
The black-haired man looked forward with a grim smile. "You see, I gave up my powers so if I returned to Soul Society, then I'll be executed on the spot for treason. I'm not saying that I'm a coward or that I am avoiding my responsibilities, but I guess I've found something dearer to me to protect."
"Dearer to you?" Kanae noticed how his smile became softer and less sad. What could be more important to him than his prestige title as Captain in Soul Society, where he commanded a large number of Shinigami?
"Yeah," he answered absentmindedly. Then he focused his gaze on her and said, "I'm sure you understand."
She stared back at him and then to Masaki and it fell into place.
-.-
AN: Rolling, and rolling, and rolling. Sorry there wasn't any Ryuugiri action here. I needed this chapter to push the story forward.