Chapter 51: Gambling and Drugs Are Irreconcilable

"Brother Haruto, look, I got my salary! I'll buy some snacks for Chimaru tonight. She hasn’t had snacks in a long time! By the way, why didn’t the Captain call your name?" Sasakibe Chōjirō chattered excitedly.

"Hmph, what do kids know? I told the Captain to put my name at the end. That way I look righteous," Yamabuki Haruto replied, though he felt like a cat’s claws were scratching at his heart. Of course, he couldn’t show his impatience in front of his little brother—it’d be far too embarrassing.

"You really are amazing, Brother Haruto! I always thought you were unreliable, but you’re actually so noble. I’ll go back first!" Chōjirō scampered off happily.

Meanwhile, inside the First Division barracks, Yamamoto Genryūsai called out another name:

"Kano Chimaru. Though you are not an official member of the Gotei 13, whenever someone is injured you always give your utmost care. Your contribution is invaluable. Come forward."

Chimaru blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected she’d receive a share. Smiling sweetly, she bowed and hurried up to collect her salary.

Yamabuki Haruto’s eyes locked on the Captain’s purse. Now there was only one left. Surely, finally, it was his.

"Kano Chiharu," Yamamoto announced. "Though you have only been among us a short while, your strength and commitment have been proven. This is yours."

The elegant elder sister bowed with grace, her presence serene. Haruto’s stomach dropped. The purse… was empty.

Gone. Completely gone. What about him?!

Desperate, Haruto hurried after Yamamoto, plastering on his most respectful smile. "Captain… um, did you perhaps forget something? My salary? You left me out. I haven’t been paid yet!"

Yamamoto looked at him with eyes that twinkled faintly. "Forget you? Impossible. You are my most dependable subordinate."

Relieved, Haruto accepted the purse the Captain finally handed him—only to nearly drop it the moment he felt its weight. Too light. Much too light. Dread pooled in his stomach. He opened it.

Inside were not coins, but two pieces of paper.

IOUs.

Haruto’s face turned green. He had completely forgotten about that cursed mahjong game… and the month’s wages he had lost!

"Do you remember now?" Yamamoto asked calmly.

Haruto forced a smile uglier than tears. "I… remember."

"And you have not even repaid everything. You’ve only covered my share and Saitō’s. Shihōin expects his portion next month. Half your next salary will be deducted as well." Yamamoto sipped his tea without the slightest shift in expression.

Haruto almost spat blood. Gambling and drugs—he swore to the heavens—they could never coexist with him again!

Yamamoto returned to his paperwork. "Since you’re here, stay. The students at Shin’ō Academy are waiting for your instruction."

"Captain… could I perhaps have a half-month advance? I can’t make ends meet like this," Haruto pleaded weakly.

"The Gotei 13 provides food and lodging. You will not starve. What need is there for panic?" Yamamoto dismissed him.

Resigned, Haruto trudged to the Academy. The students were already in uniform—white robes for the boys, red hakama for the girls. After being tormented under Yanagisawa’s brutal lessons, they were relieved to see a new teacher, hoping desperately he would not be as sadistic.

Haruto glared at them with the grim look of a man whose salary had been stolen. "From today, I am your instructor. Unlike Yanagisawa, I focus on practical knowledge. You will learn directly from official members of the Gotei 13. Come in."

Four seated officers entered—masters of swordsmanship, hakuda, shunpo, and kidō.

The students gasped. Real veterans who had fought against Hollows! Their respect rose instantly.

As for Haruto? He slipped away to catch up on his sleep. If they weren’t going to pay him, why not take a nap?

He slept soundly until someone poked his nose with a straw. Blinking awake, he saw Kano Chimaru smiling impishly.

"Chimaru? Why are you here instead of training?" Haruto groaned, turning over to bury his face in his sleeve.

"Instructor, wake up. The sun is setting. My sister said she has something important to tell you." Chimaru tugged at him.

Haruto sat up with a sinking feeling. Chiharu wanted to speak with him? That devil-woman? Surely this couldn’t be good.

Still, they were all comrades now. She wouldn’t cut him down on sight… probably.

After dismissing the students, Haruto followed Chimaru to the Kano household. Dinner was already prepared.

When someone treats you kindly for no reason, Haruto thought, they’re either a traitor or a thief.

This girl better not be planning to kill him to tie up loose ends.

"Let’s talk over dinner. Chimaru, return to the barracks," Kano Chiharu instructed gently.

Curiosity blazed in Chimaru’s eyes, but she obeyed—at least until she slipped back and crouched beneath the window to eavesdrop. She was no match for the two inside, though, and both Haruto and Chiharu knew she lingered.

Haruto leaned forward. "This is about Chimaru, isn’t it?"

Chiharu nodded. "I know her too well. She has no talent for combat. I don’t want her placed on the front lines. Is there… a safer role within the Gotei 13?"

Haruto softened. So that was it. She was just a sister who cared too much. Byakuya Kuchiki, he thought with a smirk. Looks like you weren’t the first siscon after all.

"I understand. But what about Chimaru herself? Would she accept it?" Haruto asked.

In truth, he had long wanted to establish a division focused on healing and support, but manpower was scarce. Assistants were needed, and as the Gotei 13 grew, internal affairs would pile up. He couldn’t juggle everything forever.

"Leave that to me. I will persuade her," Kano Chiharu promised.