Tinted Ice

Chapter 4: Dilemma

Setsumi now knew the person who would would wield her was worthy of her trust. She could let go, and leave all her power in Karin's hands. Together they would conquer. Together they would defeat Grimmjow, and no help would be needed.

Urahara and Toshiro remained watching the glorious battle. Toshiro was trusting Urahara that Karin would win. He also found a way to trust Karin. Over the weeks they spent together training with Setsumi, they have grown close. Karin shows no sign of change, but Toshiro was growing soft

Karin did not like distractions and always stayed focused. Her guard was never down, unless she was being cocky. That is one of her hidden weaknesses, her being cocky. While fighting Grimmjow she got distracted and got injured. Her focus returned and she and Setsumi would dominate.

Grimmjow was surprised watching Karin and her Zanpakuto glow. Karin was full of power and her wounds were fully healed. Setsumi was ready to consume Grimmjow with her cold abilities. As Grimmjow remained off guard, Karin found an opening. She struck a little distance above the hole in his stomach. He didn't notice she came, but he felt the pain spreading on his body. After the pain consumed his body, a frost like substance began to spread. Grimmjow tried to stop it but it was spreading too quickly. His whole body was covered and he was immobilized. He stood there consumed by the ice with a painful expression.

Grimmjow was defeated.

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Toshiro's lieutenant came to Karakura Town to retrieve the Arrancar body. The captain of the 12th Division, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, had experiments already planned for the body. Of course, his lieutenant, Nemu, was going to help him. Matsumoto came and left instantly because Kurotsuchi said that he couldn't wait to get his hands on Grimmjow. Apparently it was urgent.

Toshiro was going to stay awhile since Karin still needed help learning how to master the art of the Zanpakuto. He and Urahara agreed to teach her how to reach her Bankai. If she was like a regular Shinigami, that training would take years. If she was like Ichigo, it would take no time.

The training began a few days after the Arrancar encounter. Before the training, they had found the soul of the boy who ran away during the fight against Grimmjow. Karin was able to use the bottom of Setsumi to send it to Seireitei. This was her first performance of a Konsō.

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Still, before the training was supposed to begin, trouble arose. The captain of the 1st Division found out about Karin. She had the powers of a Shinigami and has not officially become one. Ichigo left town to be a full-time Shinigami. Karin did not feel the need to do the same. She loved Karakura Town and was not willing to leave it. Of course, this caused more problems.

The captain, Genryūsai Yamamoto, did not approve of a human having Shinigami abilities and not converting into one. He, himself came to town to offer the title to Karin.

"Kurosaki Karin, I am here with a proposal. Seeing that you have mastered many techniques, those of a Shinigami, I need you to choose. Will you give up your powers or become a full-time Shinigami like Kurosaki Ichigo? Choose wisely." Said the captain unhesitant. He meant what he said, and was willing to stop at nothing.

"With all of my respect, I want to keep the abilities I have earned, but there is no need to become a full-time Shinigami. As you are, I am willing to fight for the position I am in Yamamoto-taichou." Replied Karin bowing and meaning every word she said.

"Do not be surprised child when disaster strikes. It won't be long. You will regret saying that," Yamamoto said. "By the way, I have never lost a battle in all my years of living in Seireitei."

Yamamoto left with a serious Karin staring. She does not like threats because they only make her do what she is not supposed to do. They took her off track. This time was different, she liked the threat given to her. Now she was going to train for her Bankai with everything she's got. Nothing would come in her way, except a certain Toshiro.

"Karin, just convert into a Shinigami. It's for your own safety." Announced Toshiro.

"Toshiro, I understand," said Karin with a satisfied Toshiro across from her. "But I am stubborn. I will fight to stay in the position I am in."

Toshiro replied with a smirk," Alright, but know I'll fight along with you."

Their conversation ended with both smiling at each other. Then their Bankai training finally began. Karin knew that she was not going to become a Shinigami and she was not going to lose her bond with Setsumi. Therefore she was going to train, pass her limit, and conquer this dilemma.