Tinted Ice

Chapter 3: Trust Me

It had been months now since the Kurosaki and Shinigami encounter. Urahara Kisuke was still Karin's mentor, but he needed some help. Karin's abilities were stronger than her older brother's. Soon she could surpass him easily. Though her powers had grown, she needed help controlling them. Like the Ice Shinigami she had an encountered, her powers were of the cold. Because of his knowledge, Urahara contacted Toshiro to be his assistant.

When Toshiro agreed to the training, he noticed that Karin was ready to claim her Zanpakuto. She had to connect with the new spirit that would wield her power in the form of a sword. Soon she could find its name.

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After weeks of the connection training, it was safe to say that Karin would not be like Zaraki Kenpachi. He never found the name of his Zanpakuto, and when he wanted to, it was too late. So he fights with his monstrous power wielding a powerless Zanpakuto.

Karin found her Zanpakuto long and thin. It was the color of the purest white. Just like Karin, it was light, slick, and fast. It seemed like they would get along. Knowing the qualities of the sword, Karin knew her name. The Zanpakuto Karin would fight with was Setsumi, meaning snow beauty. As she began to materialize in Karin's pale hands, a smile grew on everyone's faces. It was fate, Setsumi and Karin were going to be a beautiful duo.

Setsumi had to adjust to Karin's fighting style. Since they were so alike, it was no problem. Before Setsumi could officially transform, Karin had to find out how to call to her.

"Consume Setsumi!" Yelled Karin as her Zanpakuto fully transformed. Now with everything she sliced, ice would consume the enemy. Urahara and Toshiro were amazed at how graceful they were together. Then they all were on their way to find a hollow. This was Karin's first hollow test with her new Zanpakuto.

Luckily, there was a hollow at the park where Karin saved Toshiro. It was targeting the spirit of a lost boy trying to find its mother. Karin was determined to take the hollow down, and send the spirit of the boy to Seireitei.

As the spirit ran from the hollow, Karin got in between them. This led to the hollow stopping in its tracks. As the hollow tried to stabilize its stance, Karin was already ahead of it. She jumped swiftly prepared to slice its arm off. She missed the first time, but that didn't stop her. Instead her motivation and determination increased drastically.

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During the training Karin had with Toshiro and Urahara, Toshiro seemed to have had developed new feelings. He did not understand, but they caused him to become overprotective of Karin. This caused him to do weird things.
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Karin kept missing at the hollow. She also noticed how small and powerful it was. Now she noticed it was the level of an Arrancar. These were highly intelligent and powerful. Also noticing this, Toshiro screamed out to Karin.

"Watch out Karin! This is an Arrancar in disguise, we don't know how powerful it can get!

" I know! Don't worry about me, I can beat it!" Said Karin reassuring Toshiro.

Karin was distracted, this left an opening for the Arrancar level hollow. There was no need for a disguise, so it unmasked itself. Now part of a hollow mask showed on the face of the Arrancar. The rest of the body looked like a muscular human. He had blue hair, white suit, and a number six now showing on his back. Also, there was a large hole under his toned chest and a scar across the whole front of his upper body.

He was the Espada number six of the group Aizen once had in Hueco Mundo. His name was Grimmjow Jaggerjack. Ichigo also fought against him. He had no business to attend in the real world, and seemed to be alone.

Grimmjow attacked Karin while she was distracted. Karin tried to dodge, but the sword of the enemy left a scratch on her left arm. Red splashed upwards and on to the concrete below them. Toshiro had to step in, but Urahara stopped him with an intrigued face.

"Slow down Hitsugaya-san, don't underestimate Kurosaki. She is stronger than you think. She has barely scratched the surface of her Zanpakuto's abilities." Said Urahara using his 'cane' to stop Toshiro.

Toshiro did not respond with an annoyed and worried expression. Karin seemed to be struggling. Soon she would awaken the true power of Setsumi. Before Karin could call out to Setsumi once more, she was covered in injuries. Blood tinted her white sword along with her clothes.

"Setsumi, with your power, come aid me. Together we eliminate the darkness. You just have to show me how! Trust me with your power!" Yelled Karin as her wounds began to heal.

Now a surprised Grimmjow awaited the great and powerful duo known as Karin and Setsumi.

"Trust me Setsumi, shine your brightest," continued to yell Karin. "Trust me." Said Karin with a soothing voice to her Zanpakuto.

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A/N: How about this? In the next chapter, you will know the result of the intense battle. Stay tuned!