"We've got a betting pool going, and I put good money on you lasting the longest among the new recruits. Don't make me lose my investment."
Laughter erupted from several of the other members. Some genuine, some dark, all of them watching Ren with varying degrees of interest.
Ren felt his stomach twist slightly.
Betting pool.
They were betting on whether he'd survive.
"I'll do my best." he said, keeping his voice steady.
"You better." Shuu waved them off dismissively.
"Now get out of here before you break something else. You're burning daylight, and Matsuno doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Ren and Shiinchiro backtracked through the destroyed doorway, the metal frame now bent beyond recognition, wood hanging in sad splinters and carefully circled around to the front of the building.
The moment they were out of earshot, safely around the corner and out of sight, Shiinchiro grabbed Ren's arm with both hands.
