Chapter 115: Dark-Bellied Loli vs. Perverted Chief of Staff

“Why is this brat here?” Yamabuki Haruto groaned, exasperation etched on his face.

“Brother Haruto, you’re back? I’m living here from now on. Please take care of me,” Hachiuma Chiyo said, her eyes glinting with fox-like cunning.

Haruto paused, then narrowed his eyes. “If memory serves, this is my house. You don’t have my permission to stay, do you?”

Chiyo donned a pitiful look, grasping Haruto’s hand. “Brother Haruto, you’re my savior and teacher. You wouldn’t let me wander the streets, prey to villains, would you?”

Haruto considered, then grabbed her by the scruff, dashed to the door, and kicked her out with a thud. “I would.”

He slammed the door shut.

Keep this imp here? I want a quiet life with Unohana!

Chiyo sprawled on the street, stunned. That scoundrel kicked me out! Am I that unappealing? I may be small, but plenty would like my charm, right?

“Open the door! I cooked the food! Let me eat before you toss me out! I’m penniless—I’ll starve!” Chiyo pounded the door.

“Don’t you have a mansion? Sell it, and you’ll live like a queen,” Haruto shot back, unmoved.

No women in my heart, my sword stays divine.

“Fine! If you won’t take me in, I’ll spread word in Seireitei that you abandoned a beautiful girl to starve. I’ll write your name before I die, nailing you to shame forever!” Chiyo sobbed, playing the aggrieved child.

Haruto gritted his teeth. She’d do it, that brat. Losing face wasn’t an option.

Reluctantly, he cracked the door open.

Chiyo slipped inside, her tears morphing into a smug grin faster than a Shinigami’s Shunpo. Even a Kabuki actor would envy her.

“One meal. Then you’re gone. Shin’ō Academy feeds its students—you won’t starve,” Haruto said coldly.

Seeing Haruto’s resolve, Chiyo pivoted to Retsu Unohana. “Sister Unohana, I’m so pitiful, all alone. That mansion’s too big, too scary. Can I stay? I’ll cook daily!” She hugged Unohana’s arm, whining.

An ordinary woman might’ve caved. But Unohana? The first Kenpachi, who’d felled countless foes? She’d only taken Chiyo under her wing to sate a curiosity: what would it feel like to slice her open?

Maybe tonight, Unohana mused, smiling silently. It wasn’t her house—she couldn’t decide.

As Chiyo pressed her plea, a hand seized her head. Before she could react, Haruto slammed her against the wall with a crack, splintering the plaster.

Chiyo slid down, blood trickling from her forehead.

“Ow, ow, ow!” she wailed. “What kind of man smashes a loli’s head into a wall? You’re a pervert! A total pervert! Get a psychologist! How can you hurt a cute girl like me?”

Haruto smirked. “I’m the Gotei 13’s best healer and counselor. I’m fine. Pervert? Never.”

“You don’t deny it? So you admit it?” Chiyo’s blood streamed down her face, horror-movie ready. “The Chief of Staff’s a pervert? I worry for the Gotei members you’ve ‘counseled’! Are you driving good Shinigami mad? At least stop my bleeding!”

Unohana laughed, her eyes gleaming not with warmth but with a butcher’s anticipation, her Minazuki practically humming.

No one in the Gotei 13 is normal, Chiyo thought, shivering.

“Kick me out, fine, but I’m broke! Shin’ō Academy provides meals, not money. Find me a job?” Chiyo pleaded.

“Fine. My Yamabuki Clothing Store needs help. But as a child laborer, you get half pay,” Haruto said, grinning coldly.

“Half?!”

“Take it or leave it. Sign this contract, and I’ll protect you.” Haruto produced a contract like a conjurer.

“Three hundred sixty-four days a year, twelve hours daily, no insurance, self-responsible for injuries…” Chiyo read, aghast. “This isn’t a job—it’s slavery! Have you no conscience?”

She glanced at Unohana, who’d drawn Minazuki, smiling. “Chiyo-chan, don’t fear. I won’t kill you. I’ve never cut a little girl—it might feel nice. I’ll avoid vitals. Haruto’s the best healer; he’ll fix you, no scars. Come here!” Unohana advanced, blade gleaming.

Chiyo spun, signed the contract, and pressed her fingerprint. “Boss, protect me!”