Chapter 38: The Kano Manor

The next morning, Yamabuki Haruto arranged a carriage for the still-weakened Kano Chimaru. She had lost too much blood to walk on her own. Carrying her himself would’ve embarrassed her more than him, so Haruto endured the discomfort of the jolting ride.

He drove the carriage all the way to the Kano family estate in Northern Rukongai.

The Kano were well-known nobles. Word of Haruto’s arrival quickly reached the main household, and their reception was warm—especially when they learned he had saved Chimaru’s life.

Soon, Haruto met the head of the family: Kano Chiharu.

She looked every bit the noble lady—long black ponytail, glasses that gleamed when the light hit them, a loose white kimono masking her figure. Yet when the wind caught her sleeve, Haruto’s self-control faltered for just a moment.

So that’s the infamous elder sister… no wonder her spiritual pressure feels so composed.

Chimaru burst into tears when she saw Chiharu, clinging to her. Chiharu soothed her gently, then bowed to Haruto.

“Thank you, General Staff, for protecting my sister. Please, stay for dinner.”

Haruto had been searching for an excuse to linger—her invitation saved him the trouble.

The estate’s decor was refined but modest, with none of the arrogance typical of noble houses. Haruto had to remind himself: this serene woman, this picture of grace, was rumored to be a demon with a blade in her hand.

Dinner began with dried fruits, followed by venison stew. Chimaru ate eagerly, her appetite restored by family comfort.

Haruto, though, had little attention for food. His mind worked on how to bring up his real intent.

Finally, he spoke. “The responsibility for Chimaru’s injury lies with me. It was reckless to throw recruits into combat.”

Chimaru quickly shook her head. “Instructor, don’t blame yourself. It was my carelessness.”

Chiharu smiled faintly, doting as she dabbed the corner of her sister’s mouth with a handkerchief.

“Instructor, don’t underestimate her,” Chimaru said proudly. “My sister is incredibly strong—you might not even beat her!”

Haruto’s eyes lit up. Perfect opening!

He smirked skeptically. “That so? I find that hard to believe.” He hoped to provoke Chiharu into a duel—he’d throw the fight, then extend an invitation to join the Gotei 13.

But Chiharu only pushed her glasses up, a faint gleam flashing across the lens. “Don’t listen to her nonsense. I’m no warrior.”

Chimaru frowned, confused. Her sister’s spiritual pressure was leagues beyond hers—why refuse?

Haruto, watching carefully, realized she was hiding something. Everyone had their reasons. Forcing her might only backfire.

“Well, it’s a pity,” he said with a dry laugh. “It’s a great loss to the Gotei 13.”

Dinner passed. When Haruto stood to leave, he warned Chimaru: “When you’re recovered, you’ll make up every bit of missed training. Don’t think you’ve escaped me.”

Chimaru pouted miserably.

Chiharu bowed politely. “Goodbye, sir. I won’t see you off.”

As Haruto passed her, he paused. “Your eyes… they remind me of a comrade of mine. Before he joined the Gotei 13… he was a murderer. The first time I met him, he was skinning a man alive.”

Chiharu’s body stiffened, her face lowering as a tremor ran through her.

Haruto walked on without another word.