Chapter 161
Even if he really wanted to cause trouble, he could only do so in secret. At this point, Shunsui Kyōraku became wary of him.
Being watched by the captain of the Eighth Division is not a pleasant thing.
So.
Even if Aura Michibane Tsunayashiro Tokinada, she's not necessarily more charming than Haruto —since she hasn't obtained the "Tsunayashiro Tokinada Enrakyōten," Tsunayoshi Tokina's only strength lies in her verbal skills, and Haruto is quite confident in that area as well.
"..."
Haruto opened his eyes.
Today, Jinzen's practice ends here.
He's been incredibly busy these past two weeks: nurturing his Zanpakuto, reading historical materials about the Thirteenth Division, training his Kidō in Rukongai, and even taking on raids from the First Division to earn some extra money.
No way.
Haruto is now dirt poor.
Byakuya was punished by Ginrei Kuchiki for stealing sake from the house and then went into seclusion to break through his cultivation level. During this time, he was nowhere to be seen. Without Byakuya to connect the two sides, Haruto had no way to go out and eat some night grass to fatten himself up.
In addition, the security situation in Rukongai has improved considerably recently...
Haruto can only slowly save money through official channels.
After all, with the Seated Officer, even if Haruto received his salary every two weeks, it wouldn't be enough to inflate his skinny frame back to its former glory.
Certainly.
Haruto was able to recover to human form so quickly mainly thanks to the help of the Kotetsu Clan — Isane had been living in the Fourth Division for more than half a month, and because her daughter's attitude was a bit strange, Kotetsu Nanako even went to the World of the Living to ask Ayaka about the situation.
Then he hurried to the Thirteenth Division and met Haruto, who was emaciated and had finally managed to emerge from the library.
To Haruto's surprise, Kotetsu Nanako didn't come to confront him, but rather to express her apologies on behalf of Isane.
Although he knew that the Kotetsu Clan was headed by women.
However, this attitude was truly difficult for Haruto, who was used to seeing rural boxers and diverse x·n types before his transmigration, to adapt to.
Then!
Haruto immediately stated that their friendship remained pure and promised not to reveal the matter: Although the Kotetsu Clan had some eccentricities, they were still an ancient noble family with a rich history, and they took matters of female chastity very seriously.
At that time...
Haruto's biggest feeling is:
If there's even the slightest advantage to the ancient and corrupt aristocratic system of Soul Society, it's probably that it allows for the legitimate creation of a harem.
――――
Volume 1: Chapter 098, Chōjirō Sasakibe
First Division.
As the head division that commands the Gotei 13, joining it is extremely difficult.
But.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of the First Division, then the British Classroom, which is held every month in the division's barracks, is the best choice for students of the Shin'ō Academy or other division members. The person in charge of this project is the First Division Vice-Captain: Chōjirō Sasakibe.
Of all the vice-captains, he was the only one qualified to wear a haori: although it was only a white haori covering half of his body, it was enough to show his status.
As for strength...
Soul Reaper are not immortal; a lifespan of a thousand years is only achievable by Captain-level. So, how strong would Shigekuni Yamamoto Chōjirō Sasakibe for two thousand years since before the Gotei 13 were established, be?
Anyone with a discerning eye wouldn't be mistaken.
"Alright."
Chōjirō Sasakibe clapped his hands.
That concludes today's lesson. You can all go back to your studies and work now.
Unfortunately.
Chōjirō Sasakibe's habits are the exact opposite of Shigekuni Yamamoto's, making it quite difficult to glean any insights into the Captain-Commander's preferences from him.
Moreover, the British Classroom was merely a personal hobby of Chōjirō Sasakibe, and new recruits in the First Division were already scarce, making such a "Western-style" condition even more of a once-in-a-century opportunity... Captain-Commander Kotori didn't like this kind of thing.
So.
"Haruto, please stay."
When encountering a like-minded junior like Haruto, who possesses a unique understanding of Western culture and even occasionally makes surprising remarks—
It's only natural that they would show extraordinary enthusiasm.
Chōjirō Sasakibe even felt a little regretful:
He should have attended the graduation ceremony of this year's Shin'ō Academy in person, otherwise Ukitake wouldn't have gotten such a great deal.
"Vice-Captain Sasakibe?"
Haruto pretended to stop walking.
"Regarding your point about modern Western etiquette, specifically the part about the butler and maid... there are still some things I don't understand."
Chōjirō Sasakibe is steady yet flexible in his actions, and he is not hesitant to ask others for advice when he doesn't understand something... After all, he has long since reached the age of fifty.
"Good!"
Haruto readily agreed.
The British Classroom is open once a month, and Haruto has been there three times since then, finally piquing Chōjirō Sasakibe's interest.
He didn't rely on the connections of the Chikane Iba Haruto; he had his own stepping stones and could have used those connections for more important things.
――――
Half an hour later.
"I see, I see!"
Chōjirō Sasakibe had a look of sudden realization on his face.
The theory of "skinning service" from Akihabara had a huge impact on Chōjirō Sasakibe, who admired traditional Western culture.
But.
The fact that Chōjirō Sasakibe was able to withstand the pressure from Shigekuni Yamamoto and develop his own style within the First Division demonstrates that he must have an exceptionally strong ability to withstand pressure and adapt.
"Western culture has developed to such an extent that it seems I've been somewhat stuck in the World of the Living."
"So it seems..."
Chōjirō Sasakibe stroked his goatee.
"I should change my name to a Western one first, or how about 'Sasakibe Chōjirō Tadashi'? What do you think, Haruto?"
Apart from that strange Sebastian, the rest is actually the full name of the Sasakibe.
"Please spare me, Vice-Captain Sasakibe."
Haruto smiled bitterly.
Whether the Captain-Commander can accept this is another matter, but I certainly don't want it to reach his ears in this way.
"Hmm..."
Chōjirō Sasakibe's silver hair is always meticulously styled and extremely fashionable; it's possible that Aizen got his hair gel from him.
"In that case, we definitely need to consider this carefully."
Chōjirō Sasakibe also felt that he had taken a bit too big a step. Even though he had toned it down a lot in the last millennium, he knew that person's temper all too well—maybe in the end, even this British Classroom would not be able to stay open.
"Haruto."
"Vice-Captain Sasakibe."
Haruto initially addressed her as "Sasakibe- senpai," since the other party's title of vice-captain was, in a sense, undeserved.
However, Chōjirō Sasakibe was even more proud of his position as vice-captain.
"Although you haven't been here long, you've really helped me a lot."
Chōjirō Sasakibe's interest was in cultivating tea trees, but unfortunately, every time he brought back black tea leaves from the World of the Living, his attempts to cultivate them ended in failure.
However, after Haruto's guidance, Chōjirō Sasakibe's new seedlings finally didn't die directly in the seedling stage.
"If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."
For example...
"Lightning-type Kidō or something."
Having lived for so long, Chōjirō Sasakibe was naturally well aware of Haruto's little schemes; however, from Chōjirō Sasakibe's perspective, he didn't dislike young people having ulterior motives... This at least proved that they had a positive attitude.
Compared to the generally somber atmosphere of the First Division, this was a change he was happy to see.
As Shigekuni Yamamoto's adjutant, he sometimes handled more intelligence than the Captain-Commander. Coupled with his broad knowledge due to his age, Shunsui Kyōraku probably didn't even know a fraction of what he did.
Chōjirō Sasakibe already knew that Haruto had obtained the Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō from Tessai Tsukabishi.
No, thank you.
However, Haruto's answer was beyond his expectations.
"?"
"I'll study the ways of the Kidō myself."
Haruto certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to say something like "I've already mastered it"; moreover Haruto, he'd have to consider whether he was qualified to say such a thing in front of the wielder of the strongest lightning-type Zanpakuto.
This is Soul Reaper has been immersed in the power of lightning for two thousand years.
Don't be fooled by the fact that Chōjirō Sasakibe Quincy at the very beginning of the bloody battle. You should know that he is a character that Yhwach has been thinking about for a thousand years.
"If I really need your advice, I will visit you in person to ask for your help."
"And you..."
Chōjirō Sasakibe clearly didn't quite understand Haruto's thoughts.
"The reason I came to study in the British Classroom is because I heard that the Vice-Captain Sasakibe has a habit of bringing back flower seeds from the World of the Living to cultivate."
"A female friend of mine is very fond of flower arranging, so I'd like to ask you for a few flowers that are not commonly found in Soul Society..."
Haruto turned his head to look outside the British Classroom, where there was a garden with flowers and plants carefully trimmed by Chōjirō Sasakibe.
"I wonder if you would be willing to part with it?"
"... Female friends?"
This was the first time Chōjirō Sasakibe had heard such a request.
"Yes."
"To express love or to apologize?"
However, he was deeply influenced by Western culture, and most other elderly people certainly wouldn't have asked so directly.
Whether they can accept it so quickly is still up in the air.
Both are true.
What's your relationship?
Chōjirō Sasakibe's questions became increasingly probing, clearly showing considerable interest in the gossip among young people.
My harem.
Haruto answered very decisively.
"... Ha ha!"
Chōjirō Sasakibe was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and patted Haruto on the shoulder.
"Don't talk about parting with something anymore."
"I do have some varieties that I just brought back from the World of the Living, which should perfectly meet your requirements."
Even if they didn't share the same ideals, they at least got along very well.
However.