Chapter 27: Learning Curve

Squad 1 Barracks, Soul Society

Yamamoto glances over all of the captains present, before shifting his glare on Ukitake, "Captain Uktitake… you will explain to me why two Vasto Lorde class hollows appeared in the world of the living and were not dealt with despite the presence of five captains."

Ukitake grimaces, "Head Captain… the hollow named White proved to be too powerful for captains Kuchiki and Zaraki. As you know, they are in critical condition. Captain Unohana herself is working to keep them alive as we speak."

Yamamoto grunts, "I also hear that Captain Aizen is critically wounded as well. What were you and Captain Shiba doing with this time?! Your failure is inexcusable! Am I going to have to kill this hollow myself?!"

Yamamoto slams his cane on the ground, as if to emphasize his point. The remaining captains look at Ukitake with a mixture of disapproval and confusion.

Meanwhile, Gin Ichimaru smirks at the scene, his eyes peering out between narrowed slits, "So someone actually managed to back Captain Aizen into a corner? What kind of person could do that; I wonder…"

Ukitake sighs, "It would be better if I showed you… please, Vice-Captain Abarai, bring them in."

Renji walks through the door to the meeting room, dragging a begrudging Isshin and Yuzu with him.

The captains stare at the sight in confusion.

Toshiro gasps, "Why is Captain Shiba in reishi cuffs?!"

Yamamoto grunts, "What is the meaning of this? Who is that girl you have brought here? Explain yourself."

Ukitake nods, "The girl's name is Yuzu Kurosaki. She is Captain Shiba's other daughter… she is also a Quincy."

Isshin scowls as a few of the captains let out surprised gasps. Yamamoto's eyes widen slightly at this information. Yuzu looks worriedly at her father, who attempts to give her a reassuring look.

Ukitake continues, "That isn't all. Vice-Captain Abarai told me that before Captain Aizen passed out, he mentioned something about Quincies. I have reason to believe that other Quincies are the ones who attacked Captain Aizen, as some unexplained explosion occurred near where he was fighting. The girl may know something about them, so I saw fit to bring her in for questioning."

Yamamoto nods, "I see… you indeed made the right call…"

The Head Captain regards the red-haired Shinigami, "Vice-Captain Abarai!"

Renji stands at attention, "Yes, sir!"

The living legend makes a motion with his hand, "Take the girl to the cell down the hall. Seize her cross if you haven't already. The Central 46 will decide what to do with her."

The red-haired man nods before walking out of the room with the girl.

Isshin wears an expression of dread as Ukitake pulls something out of his robe, wearing a disgusted look on his face, "I have already seized the girl's Quincy Cross, Head Captain."

Yamamoto gazes at his student, "Very well. You are to keep that cross with you until further notice."

Ukitake nods as Mayuri speaks up, "The Central 46 need not decide what to do with this girl. I shall study her and—"

Isshin roars, "LAY A HAND ON MY DAUGHTER AND I'LL KILL YOU, KUROTSUCHI!"

The clown-looking captain becomes silent at this.

Yamamoto slams his cane on the ground, declaring, "Isshin Shiba! The implications of your daughter being a Quincy are severe, especially if she had a hand in what happened to Captain Aizen. The Central 46 will want to hear about this. The fate of both you and your daughter will depend on them."

Isshin gives the Head Captain a worried look, prompting the older man to continue, "The best I can do for you is to keep your other daughter out of this—she mustn't know her sister is here, let alone is captured."

Isshin nods his head slowly, still wearing an expression of dread, "Thanks…"

Yamamoto glances at Ukitake, "Remove his cuffs…"

Ukitake gives a worried look at Yamamoto, "But…"

The older captain glares at his student, "Isshin Shiba isn't so much of a fool as to retaliate against us here in the open. If he does, things will only end up worse for his daughter… both of his daughters."

Ukitake nods slowly, removing the cuffs. Isshin rises to his feet, glaring at Ukitake before glancing back at Yamamoto.

An older man with slicked back hair and a moustache, named Chojiro Sasakibe, Yamamoto's Vice-Captain, appears next to Isshin, "Please come quietly…"

Isshin lets out a sigh as he follows Sasakibe out of the room.

Yamamoto leaves the room with both of them as he glances at Ukitake, "Captain Ukitake is to assume the Head Captain position while I am gone. Ensure all Vice Captains are updated on this, as well as Rukia Kuchiki. We must ensure that Karin Shiba does not know of this… not yet anyway."

The ancient captain glances at Soi Fon, "Anyone who speaks openly of what is discussed regarding Yuzu Kurosaki without the approval of the Central 46 is to be executed, understood?"

Soi Fon bows, "Yes, Head Captain!"

As Yamamoto leaves, Ukitake clutches his hands into fists, scowling, "As you wish… Head Captain…"

Shino Academy

Karin sits in the cafeteria across from Shino and Ryunosuke, who both wear the traditional Shinigami black Shihakusho.

Shino remarks, "We owe you big time, Karin! It's thanks to you that we were able to get into Squad 13!"

Karin shrugs, "It's no problem, really. Sensei vouched for you…"

Ryunosuke nods, smiling at Karin, "In any case, you look well Karin. Your appearance is quite different from when we first met…"

Karin's appearance had indeed changed quite a bit—looking easily a year older. The preteen's hair had grown out somewhat, now worn in a ponytail tied in some bandages reminiscent of her cousin, Kukaku. The girl's bangs split down on each side of her forehead, which is adorned by a white headband. Furthermore, the girl's forearms are wrapped in bandages as well, as if to suggest heavy use in sword training to the point where they are necessary to prevent further calluses. Finally, the girl's figure is overall more mature.

Ryunosuke wonders aloud, "I wonder why your body is aging so fast, actually… Souls are supposed to age slowly in the Soul Society…"

Karin shrugs, "Maybe it's because my soul is still connected to my human body back home…"

A snobbish, ill-mannered voice cuts in, "Or you could just be weak."

The group glares at Katsumi as Shino addresses the girl, "You aren't a part of this conversation!"

Karin shakes her head, giving Shino a reassuring look before regarding the noble, "What do you mean by that?"

Katsumi scoffs, "You mean you don't know? Souls in the Soul Society age differently depending on their Reiryoku. The more Reiryoku you have, the slower you age, typically."

The Shiba girl furrows her brow, "You mean I don't have much Reiryoku?"

The noble smirks, "Honestly, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise. You are just human, after all…"

Katsumi leaves the group as Karin ponders something in her head, "I haven't been able to speak with my Zanpakuto for a while… could these things be connected? I feel like I haven't made any progress…"

Ryunosuke and Shino notice Karin's troubled expression, prompting the latter to declare, "She's probably wrong, Karin. Ryu and I haven't aged much at all since we met you and we all know you're stronger than we are!"

Karin nods slowly, "Thanks…"

Shino sighs as both she and Ryunosuke get up to leave, "Well… we'll see you later, then."

Karin replies automatically, "Yeah, see you later."

The Shiba girl walks off, stopping at an open door, finding Rukia inside.

The girl regards her mentor, "Hey Sensei, can I ask you for advice?"

Rukia glances at Karin briefly, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she is still not used to the girl's older appearance due to her comparatively faster aging than everyone else. By this point, the two are roughly the same height, making them eye level.

After a moment, Rukia shakes her head as she gathers a few documents on the desk behind her and rushing out the door, "Not now, Karin. I've been summoned to an important meeting. The captains have returned from the world of the living."

Karin's eyes widen, "Did they get White?"

The raven-haired women sighs, "I don't know… the purpose of this meeting seems to be so that the captains can report… something…"

Rukia then walks off in a rush, "I'll see you later."

Karin nods slowly, deciding, "Well shit, looks like I'll have to find advice elsewhere…"

Squad 1 Barracks

Rukia arrives at the Squad 1 Barracks, running through the halls before she comes up on a large set of doors, leading to the room the captains meet in. The raven-haired woman lets out a sigh before entering.

Ukitake stands at the end of the room, surrounded on both sides by captains and vice-captains alike. Notedly, Squad 4 is not present.

The white-haired man regards Rukia, "You are the last person, Kuchiki. Please come stand over here…"

Ukitake gestures next to him, causing Rukia to sweat in anticipation as she takes her place adjacent to her captain. Renji watches Rukia intently, wearing a slight scowl as the woman seems to be deliberately ignoring him.

Ukitake sighs before beginning his report, "First of all, the hollow White is now a Vasto Lorde. With the help of another hollow, it was able to hospitalize captains Kuchiki and Zaraki."

All of the Vice-Captains present, except for Renji and Momo, let out gasps, as this is news to them.

Rukia relays a worried look, "Brother!"

On the other side of the room, Yachiru wears a downcast expression, "Kenny…"

There are whispers amongst the Vice-Captains, prompting Captain Komamura to step forward, "Silence! Captain Ukitake is not yet finished!"

The murmuring is completely cut off.

Kyoraku smirks before whistling, "You'd make old man Yama proud, Sajin…"

The man's smartass comment goes ignored, however, as Ukitake gives an appreciative nod to Squad 7's captain, "Thank you, Captain Komamura."

Komamura steps back in line, prompting Ukitake to continue between labored breathes, a sign that his illness is acting up, "Captain Aizen was critically wounded in the world of the living, most likely by Quincies. We're not sure if there's a connection, but Isshin Shiba's daughter, Yuzu, is a Quincy. We brought her back with us here for questioning."

There is silence before Squad 9's Vice-Captain, Shuhei Hisagi, a scarred man with black hair and the number '69' on his left cheek, steps forward, "Pardon me for asking, Captain, but what is a Quincy?"

Ukitake gives a serious look, "I'm not sure of their full range of abilities, myself, but a Quincy is a spiritually adept human who can kill hollows. By doing this they can throw the worlds out of balance, so the Soul Society has traditionally frowned upon them. I actually thought the Quincies were extinct before discovering Isshin's daughter…"

Shuhei nods before stepping back behind Tosen.

Rukia, meanwhile, looks at Ukitake with a horrified expression.

The veteran captain continues, "Currently, Head Captain Yamamoto has taken Isshin Shiba to the Central 46 for questioning. Both Yuzu and Isshin's fates are in the hands of the Central 46."

Ukitake glances at Rukia, who matches his gaze with a dread-filled one, "Karin Shiba is not to find out about this… that is a direct order from Head Captain Yamamoto…"

Ukitake regards the rest of the group, "If so much of a word about Yuzu Kurosaki gets out, the one who spoke it will be executed."

Soi Fon steps forward, smirking as she lays a hand on the hilt of her Zanpakuto, "I'll carry out the punishments myself for anyone who breaks this oath of silence."

This causes many of the Vice-Captains to gulp, a sign that they take the threat seriously.

Rukia gasps in horror, not believing all that she is hearing.

Ukitake glances at the ground in disgust, "You all are dismissed…"

Central 46 Chambers

Many shocked and angry voices call throughout the chambers of the Central 46:

"What?!"

"You dare to have married a Quincy?!"

"The Shiba Clan truly has fallen…"

Isshin stands in the center of the chamber, unfazed under the bombardment of shocked voices.

After another moment of this, the speaker calls out, "Order!"

The council falls into a silence after a few moments before the speaker continues, "Isshin Shiba, your marriage to a Quincy, while a breach in tradition, is not something that is punishable by death given the current laws of the Soul Society. However, the same cannot be said about your daughter potentially being allies with the individuals who assaulted Captain Aizen. If the Quincies have yet again grown to become a hostile threat to the Soul Society, then we must do with them as we did 200 years ago. We'll need her to go through an interrogation, so we know everything she knows. After Captain Aizen wakes up and gives his account, we shall then deliver our final judgement onto her."

Isshin takes this in for a moment before the speaker finishes, "As Head Captain Yamamoto suggested, the information regarding Yuzu Kurosaki will be kept confidential until we have passed our judgement… That will be all, Captain Shiba."

Shino Academy

After a while longer of wandering around the school, Karin sighs dejectedly, "Everyone else was busy, so I hate to say it, but this is my final option…"

Karin approaches one of the doors in the dorm but is cut off by some ninja looking guy who shows up out of nowhere, "Lady Tsunayashiro is not expecting any visitors. Leave."

Karin sighs again, "Should've expected as much…"

Katsumi's voice calls out from inside the room, "Oh, is that you, Shiba? Coming to see me? How interesting… let her in."

The bodyguard nods before opening the door, allowing Karin to enter. The girl takes in the surroundings of the dorm, finding it oddly not far off from her own set up.

Katsumi notices her gaze, "What is it Shiba? Surprised to find a room far cleaner than the pig stie you surely live in?"

Karin glares at the girl, "Oh shut up! I'm just surprised your dorm isn't as high class as I expected. It looks… normal."

Katsumi's eyes widen slightly, "Well I never exactly get to experience normal, so…"

Karin raises a brow as Katsumi trails off wearing an uncharacteristically bashful expression.

Just then, the noble clears her throat, "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Shiba?"

Karin gives the girl a serious look, one that causes Katsumi to flinch.

The black-haired girl lets out a begrudging sigh before declaring, with a face as red as a tomato, "I need your advice."

Katsumi is wide eyed, speechless for a moment as asking for help from a rival is the last thing she or anyone would expect from someone as proud as Karin.

Karin stammers, adding further clarification, "Don't get the wrong idea, this won't make us friends! I just need help talking to my Zanpakuto! Once I get my Shikai, I will win our next duel!"

Katsumi blinks, remaining silent for another moment before she starts to giggle loudly.

"Hey this isn't funny! I'm being serious here!", Karin yells at the girl with an angered expression.

Katsumi wipes a tear from her eye as her giggling subsides, "Apologies, Shiba, it's just that I never expected you to swallow your pride like that! I do say I'd like to see it more often!"

Karin growls at the girl, "Well, are you going to help me with my Zanpakuto or not?! Because if not—"

The white-haired girl cuts her off, "I do believe I shall… as your situation interests me."

Karin raises a brow, "What do you mean?"

Katsumi huffs, shaking her head, "It should be impossible for Shinigami who haven't achieved Shikai to communicate with their Zanpakuto, but based on what you told me just now and during our duel, you were able to speak with your blade… perhaps I too could improve myself if I learned where that talent of yours comes from… achieving Bankai is one of my goals, after all."

Karin shrugs, "I doubt it. Also, I have two Zanpakuto spirits."

This causes the white-haired girl to let out a gasp, raising an accusative finger at Karin, "Have you told your mentor of this? I don't think she would have gone without helping you achieve Shikai if she knew this!"

Karin raises her brows in surprise, "I haven't… also, what's the big deal? I thought dual Zanpakuto were just unheard of…"

Katsumi shakes her head, "It's not just that… it's everything involving your Zanpakuto…"

Karin shrugs, "Well so long as I make progress towards Shikai, I don't mind letting you in on some of my secrets I guess…"

Katsumi brushes her hair to the side, "And I suppose I can also take pity on you and your helpless case just this once… if only to learn what makes you so special as far as your Zanpakuto goes! I'll make a suitable rival of you yet, Shiba!"

Karin sighs, seeming to be losing her patience, "Can you start helping me already then!"

Katsumi's eyes widen slightly before smirking, "Of course—you can sit across the table there."

Karin gives her a questioning expression, "Sit? But I thought I was going to get Zanpakuto training?"

Katsumi holds back a scoff, choosing instead to simply nod, "And that is why I shall teach you how to meditate."

The white-haired girl lights incense around the room as Karin sits down.

The noble then takes her seat across from the dark-haired girl, "Close your eyes and focus inward on your sense of self. Imagine your power and I'm sure you'll find yourself before it."

Karin can't help but notice the lack of insults or jabs from the other girl, which she could quite honestly get used to. After about a minute of silent meditation, Karin finds herself back inside her inner world.

Karin's Inner World

Immediately upon entering her inner world, Karin finds herself in the crosshairs of her blue Zanpakuto spirit, "How dare you sink so low as to get help from that brat! Have you no pride, girl?!"

Karin growls, snapping back at her Zanpakuto, "Well I had to go to somebody while my Sensei was busy!"

The blue-haired spirit crosses her arms, "On the topic of Rukia, it has been quite some time since we last sparred with her! You're neglecting your Zanpakuto's needs!"

The dark-haired girl snaps, "THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT?!"

The blue-haired spirit scoffs and looks away, "Evidently, you don't understand…"

"Nor do I, for that matter…" a rough voice calls out from above.

Karin and the blue-haired woman look up at the giant tree to find the old man jump down from it, "…you are far too impulsive. If I allowed you full control, the girl would be dead within a week."

The blue-haired woman growls at the bearded man, "You're the one who confused Karin during that duel! We would have won if not for you, old man!"

The old man snorts, "Unlikely. It was you who lost us the duel. Your instructions were impatient. Better to wait patiently for the right moment to strike."

The blue-haired woman sticks her tongue out at the old man, "Oh yeah? Well, I think you're incredibly boring and your outfit stinks too!"

The old man grits his teeth, "If she followed your example, she'd become an impulsive failure who never amounts to anything meaningful!"

The woman gives the old man a serious look, "If you feel that way, then why aren't you letting me tell her my name?"

Karin's eyes widen at this as she shifts her gaze to the old man, as if demanding an explanation.

The man glances at Karin, offering his explanation, "The girl ought not tread down the path of a Shinigami… it is too dangerous."

Karin raises a brow, "I thought you were both my Shinigami powers?"

The blue woman shakes her head, "I told you we are both your Zanpakuto in a manner of speaking, not that we are both your Shinigami powers. I alone represent that side of you. This stinky old guy represents another side of your powers… I'd prefer to remain as disconnected from him as possible."

"The feeling's mutual, I assure you.", the old man clarifies.

Karin wears a contemplative expression for a moment before her eyes widen, "Are you… my Quincy powers?"

The old man looks at Karin for a moment, choosing not to answer the question as he closes his eyes.

Karin looks about to say something else when a blue sword of flames materializes before the old man.

The girl concludes, "So, you are… from what dad told me, Quincy can use spiritual weapons like that…"

The old man remains silent, having already given his answer to her question.

Karin balls her hand into a fist before shouting at the man, "In that case, you should stand aside and let her take control! I chose the path of the Shinigami!"

This prompts the blue woman to nod in approval before a shadow creeps around her, seemingly restricting her in place.

The old man finally speaks, "You did NOT choose the path of the Shinigami! You walked into it and are pursuing it out of your own impulsive desire to become powerful! I won't allow you to continue down this path and throw your life away when you don't even have a reason to fight!"

Karin snaps at the man, genuinely angry, "But I do! I have to become strong enough to kill the hollows! I have to avenge Ichigo and mom! I have to—"

"No! You do not need to do that!", the old man's voice comes out harsh to Karin.

Karin's expression turns to one full of dread as the old man continues, "Seeking revenge for the diseased is the fastest way to find yourself among them! Besides which, what are you hoping will happen if you do slay every hollow—that your family will come back? Please, there is no way to bring them back! Even if you did, it's likely that they would have forgotten about you."

Karin balls her hand into a fist, looking at the ground, whispering, "I know…"

The old man isn't done yet, however, as he continues to lay into Karin, "You have been putting on a brave face since your mother died, which has only solidified with the loss of your brother… you're trying to cope with the loss despite knowing the helplessness of it deep down…"

Karin grits her teeth, "I know…!"

The old man continues, "You are naively trying to act strong like your brother, but you don't have your own reason to fight. You are too weak to ever hope to measure up to his strength of character."

Karin snaps at this, "I KNOW THAT! DAMN YOU, I KNOW THAT! BUT—"

Karin starts to sob, earning a sympathetic look from the blue woman as rain starts to come down hard in the inner world.

Karin looks up at the old man with a pleading look, "—but what else am I supposed to do? Ichigo's gone and it's all my fault…"

The old man looks at her with sympathy before closing his eyes, "You have to find your own reason for fighting—one that is yours and yours alone. Not Isshin's revenge on a hollow that you yourself have never met, nor to honor your family… It must be a personal reason that you have found for yourself—one that you think is actually worth fighting for. Only then can I accept that you are ready to handle our power—your power…"

The rain drowns out all of Karin's senses as she finds herself being sent back to reality.

Shino Academy

Karin wakes up to find herself lying on the ground. She raises her head to find Katsumi looking at her with mild concern, before immediately shifting to an indifferent expression when matching Karin's gaze, "Your Zanpakuto must not like you, Shiba…"

Karin sits upright, wearing a dread-filled expression, "Yeah…"

Katsumi lets out a sigh while maintaining a softened gaze, "It's no fun if you don't talk back, Shiba. I daresay I prefer your rebellious side to this sorry state I see now."

Karin grits her teeth before snapping at the girl, "Of course you wouldn't get it! You haven't had to experience the horrible things I have—things that I hate myself for!"

A bodyguard comes into the room at the first sign of the yelling, but Katsumi snaps at them, "Stay out of this!"

This prompts the bodyguard to leave the room hesitantly.

Karin chuckles at the sight, having affirmed her previous belief, "Yeah. You're a perfect little princess who has gotten and done everything she could possibly want…. I bet you don't have any amount of self-hate in your body!"

Katsumi growls at Karin, "Is that what you think… truly?"

Karin looks at the girl without any sympathy, "Why wouldn't I? You've acted like a pompous bitch ever since I met you."

This prompts Katsumi to elaborate, "While I understand your losses are grievous, it is incredibly presumptuous of you to assume I do not doubt or hate myself."

Karin looks at the girl with confusion, prompting Katsumi to state, "I don't have the luxury of expressing doubt or self-hate as a noble, which I doubt you could understand… As an heir to the Tsunayashiro Clan, I have been raised to be something I don't want to be!"

Karin's eyes widen, not expecting her rival to give her life story.

Katsumi slams her fist on the table, "I want to protect the people of the Soul Society, but at every turn I have been told that a Shinigami's position is below me… If you think a life where your dreams are constantly being crushed is ideal, then you really are a close-minded fool!"

Karin looks down, "I'm sorry… I didn't know…"

Katsumi sighs, "Well that makes two of us…"

Karin raises a brow at this, prompting Katsumi to elaborate, "I wasn't aware that your entire family was slain by hollows when I made that remark about your mother on the day we first met… I realize now that was foolish of me…"

Karin sighs, "Water under the bridge… but why did you follow up and taunt me after that class?!"

Katsumi looks down at Karin's demand, "I was always taught to remind others of their place, even if it meant threatening them… 'the Noble clans must maintain their supremacy, or else order will be lost' is what my grandfather always said."

Karin snorts, "Well that sounds dumb. It sounds more like the clans are power hungry fools than actual leaders!"

Katsumi's eyes widen as she wears an urgent expression, "You mustn't say such things, Shiba!"

The dark-haired girl shrugs carelessly.

The white-haired girl's expression settles, "I'm serious, Shiba, you could get into a lot of trouble… think of your cousins."

Karin's expression gets serious at this, "Fine, I'll try not to go bad mouthing nobles…"

Katsumi sighs, "Also, don't repeat anything I told you outside of this room. If my grandfather found out I had an emotional outburst like this, I very well could be removed from the academy!"

Karin nods, "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. I'm not so loose lipped as my sister."

Katsumi raises a brow, "You have a sister?"

The Shiba girl looks at Katsumi with a slightly surprised expression, "Oh, that's right. I never told you about Yuzu…"

"We never talk Shiba…", Katsumi states with a deadpan.

Karin rubs the back of her head sheepishly, "Well, would you like to learn about her?"

The noble considers this for a moment before nodding, "Sure, why not?"

Karin explains, "I have a sister back home named Yuzu, who I have to be strong in front of. I can kind of see where you're coming from in terms of that…"

Katsumi listens on in mild interest and is amused by how Karin seems to glow up at the explanation of her sister. She also found the antics of the Kurosakis and by extension the Shibas to be quite amusing as well, earning a chuckle here and there.

Katsumi then states slyly, "Since we have exchanged secrets and information, we can call it even for now Shiba."

Karin raises a brow, "But I didn't tell you about my Zanpakuto…"

The noble waves her off, "Seems I lost interest in that… from the looks of it, there is nothing that I can learn from you that would help me achieve Bankai anyway, since it involves subduing the Zanpakuto."

Karin shrugs as the two of them rise to their feet.

Katsumi opens the door to her dorm, "As fun as this has been Shiba, I am afraid I can't afford to spend any more time with you today… although it has been surprisingly not as unpleasant as I thought it would be."

The dark-haired girl nods, "Yeah. You're alright yourself, Princess."

As Karin makes her way out, Katsumi decides to assert what exactly their relationship is, "Best of luck achieving your Shikai, Shiba. It will give me an excuse to knock you down in the dirt again!"

Karin snorts, "In your dreams, Princess! I'm kicking your ass next time we fight."

The white-haired girl merely chuckles as she watches Karin walk down the hallway, "I shall look forward to it, then—our next dance!"

Squad 1 Barracks

Yuzu sits with her back facing the bars of her cell as she hears multiple footsteps approaching. The girl hears the cell door being unlocked and someone walk in.

The familiar jovial voice of her father regards her, "Hey kiddo… you've grown a lot since the last time I saw you! I hardly even recognize you now!"

Isshin chuckles for a moment before he settles into a serious tone, noting how Yuzu is dead quiet, "Things must be pretty hard for you right now, huh…"

Yuzu doesn't respond. Yamamoto and Sasakibe stand in the doorway near the room the cell is in, eying the pair of Kurosakis dubiously.

Isshin sighs, "I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to stop being a Quincy."

Yuzu reacts negatively to this, spinning around to snap at him, "No! Mom would want me to follow in her footsteps!"

The Shiba man grumbles, "Ryuken told you that…"

Yuzu wears a troubled expression, "Ryuken didn't force this on me, dad! I chose the path of a Quincy for myself, even when he forbade me! He couldn't get involved because of… reasons…"

Isshin frowns, "I know that… and do these 'reasons' have anything to do with what happened to Captain Aizen?"

Yuzu looks away guiltily, which earns the interest of Yamamoto, who gazes intently at Isshin.

The younger captain sighs, "You can tell me about your 'reasons' later… I want to make one thing clear; your mother would've liked one of you children to become a Quincy like her, that much is true; however, she would not have wanted any of you to throw your lives away recklessly. She was a proud Quincy, but she was even more proud to be a wife and mother… which Ryuken seemed to have forgotten at the time…"

Yuzu perks up, now with tears in her eyes.

Isshin continues, "Masaki was the center of my world… I'd do anything to see her again… but with each passing day, I see more and more of her in you kids… especially you, Yuzu. You've inherited many of Masaki's best qualities… I never thought you would've chosen a path of violence…"

Yuzu cries out to her father, "B-but you and Karin were talking behind my back that night after Ichigo's funeral! You told Karin about all of this! YOU wanted to hide it from me! You guys cut me off, but I'm not a baby anymore!"

Isshin scowls, "I was trying to keep you safe! That's what your mother would've wanted! That's why you need to stop being a Quincy now! I…"

Isshin calms down a bit before giving his daughter a sad look, "I can't lose you too…"

Yuzu's breath hitches as her eyes widen. The girl looks to the ground in shock.

Isshin sighs, "So please, Yuzu… don't make yourself an enemy of the Soul Society…"

Yuzu nods slowly, wiping tears from her eyes, "Alright, dad… but, from now on, whatever you tell Karin, I want to know too…"

The girl's father smiles slightly, "Fair enough… I'm sorry for neglecting you before, Yuzu."

Yuzu embraces her father, both of them weeping lightly in the moment.

Isshin rubs his daughter's back, "I won't let anything hurt you or Karin… from now on, we'll never be apart again…"

Yuzu weeps on her father's shoulder a bit longer.

Yamamoto glances at Sasakibe, "Keep an eye on Captain Shiba. The Central 46 didn't give a hard deadline for the interrogation, so we can question the girl about the other Quincies later… if Captain Shiba causes any issues, deal with him as you see fit."

Sasakibe bows as Yamamoto leaves the doorway, heading towards his office, away from the weeping Kurosakis.

Author's Note:

The next chapter will touch on Ichigo and the aftermath of the battle in Karakura Town.