Chapter 50: Salary Payment

At this time, Tsunayashiro Fūka had already arrived at the training ground.

He didn’t see clearly what had happened just now, so he absolutely refused to admit that he lost.

This time, he was determined to go all out from the start.

His Zanpakutō, Enra Kagano, was a peculiar blade that had been passed down within the Tsunayashiro clan since ancient times. It did not possess a fixed form, but instead could copy the Shikai of other Zanpakutō—including those of infamous, borderline broken ability such as Ryūjin Jakka and Kyōka Suigetsu.

“I already know what the strongest Zanpakutō in the world is! With this, I’ll definitely be able to become a captain. Everything in the universe returns to ash—Ryūjin Jakka!”

The moment Tsunayashiro Fūka faced off against Shikatōri Bayunsai, he immediately copied Yamamoto’s legendary flame blade.

But what he didn’t realize was this: Ryūjin Jakka was not considered the strongest because of its flames alone—it was feared because its wielder, Yamamoto Shigekuni Genryūsai, was the strongest Shinigami in a thousand years.

It was Yamamoto who made Ryūjin Jakka feared, not the other way around.

And Tsunayashiro Fūka had clearly failed to grasp this truth.

He thought he was invincible with Ryūjin Jakka in his hands.

Outside the grounds, Yamabuki Haruto was already counting down under his breath.

“One… two… three—”

BOOM!!!!

Once again, Tsunayashiro Fūka was launched out of the training ground like a ragged sack of rice, eyes rolling back, froth bubbling at his mouth.

Yamabuki sighed. Here we go again. He hurried over and started treating him.

“Thanks to this guy, I’m becoming a field medic whether I like it or not…”

When Fūka finally regained consciousness, he looked utterly miserable.

“If you ask me… you should really just give it up,” Yamabuki advised.

He genuinely meant it for the man’s sake. He knew all too well what kind of monsters the first generation captains of the Gotei 13 were. Fūka was certainly strong—strong enough to be a vice-captain without question—but competing for captaincy was another matter entirely.

“There are thirteen divisions! Thirteen captains!” Tsunayashiro protested. “Don’t tell me Soul Society can really find that many freaks stronger than me. If they can’t… Chief of Staff, let me take one slot, won’t you?”

His eyes were filled with desperate sincerity, and Yamabuki couldn’t bear to crush him outright.

“…I’ll do my best,” Yamabuki finally muttered.

After Tsunayashiro staggered off, Yan Shunji (the scarred, veteran uncle-figure) approached.

“The Captain wants us to swap duties temporarily,” Shunji said flatly. “You’ll handle teaching at Shin’ō Academy, while I take charge of live combat drills for the divisions.”

“No problem… but I might borrow a few of your trainees now and then,” Yamabuki sighed, glancing after Fūka’s stumbling figure. Dreams are good, but reality’s still cruel…

Yan Shunji’s gaze slid to the training field. “That new girl is strong.”

Of course she’s strong! Yamabuki nearly snapped. She chased me halfway across Rukongai and tried to cut me in half in front of the Captain!

But outwardly, he only muttered, “…She’s a reserve captain candidate like us. Best to get used to each other.”

He groaned inwardly. This family’s going to kill me with stress one of these days…

Sure enough, Shikatōri Bayunsai strolled calmly from the grounds, her face completely placid—as if she hadn’t just pummeled a noble half to death. If not for the fact Fūka carried noble blood, she would’ve finished him off with a single strike.

Yamabuki could only watch with pity. He’d suffered firsthand under this woman’s relentless pursuit. Now it was Fūka’s turn.

The next day.

Yamabuki had planned to sleep in for once.

But before he could enjoy a proper nap, Sasakibe Chōjirō barged in.

“Vice-Captain Yamabuki! Vice-Captain! Are you awake?”

“…No, I’m not. Go away. It’s my day off.”

“Don’t close your eyes! This is important!” Sasakibe tugged at his ear until Yamabuki snapped, “Oi, brat! Unless you’ve got a very good reason, I’ll make you regret this—!”

“The Captain called for you!” Chōjirō blurted. “He said… it’s time for salary payment!”

Yamabuki’s eyes went wide as dinner plates. Salary? After all this time? His first proper paycheck in Soul Society?

“You should’ve said so earlier!” He shot out of bed like lightning.

“…I did,” Sasakibe muttered.

In record time, Yamabuki threw on his uniform and bolted to the Captain’s office. Sure enough, every captain and reserve officer was present—even Tsunayashiro Fūka had dragged himself here for payment.

Seriously? You’re a noble. Do you really need a paycheck that badly?

“Shihōin Chihiro,” Yamamoto called.

The noblewoman stepped up, smiling, and received a heavy white purse brimming with coin.

Yamabuki’s heart raced. That’s it. That’s my future! Finally, all my hard work as Vice-Captain of the 1st Division, Chief of Staff of the Gotei 13, and instructor at the Academy—my blood, sweat, and tears—will be rewarded handsomely!

“Saitō Furofushi.”

Another hefty purse.

“Yan Shunji.”

Not quite as large as the others, but still a respectable sum. And with food and lodging provided by the Gotei 13, it was more than enough to splurge.

Yamabuki’s turn had to be next. He tensed with excitement.

“Kirinji Tenjirō.”

“…Fine, fair enough. He’s our only proper healer. Gotta respect the medics.”

“Tsunayashiro Fūka.”

“…Wait, WHAT?” Yamabuki nearly choked. How’s he ahead of me?

But he forced himself to calm down. Patience. He’s a noble and a founder, sure. I’ll let it slide. My turn is next.

“Bee Kite.”

“…WHO?!” Yamabuki almost exploded. That’s just a regular grunt! How the hell is he ahead of me?

But then he steadied himself, tapping his philtrum with his thumb. No, no. The Captain’s just testing me. He wants me to show selflessness. That must be it.

Still, his eyes twitched uncontrollably as he watched the pile of purses shrink smaller and smaller…