IbaRin

"You and I... I'll get both of us out of this rotten family business."

- Rin to Ibara, Chapter 57

IbaRin is the slash ship between Ibara Obami and Rin Obami from the Kakegurui fandom.

Canon
Ibara and Rin were both introduced in the same panel, set out as both the representatives of the Obami family. Ibara goes on to compete in a game of PIGGY TAX against Yumeko, Itsuki, Kaede, and MIro, while Rin enters (but does not finish) a competition against Kirari. Other than that, there weren't any scenes of them together until Chapter 57.

A deciding factor in the gambling election was introduced; scumcoins. Ibara is shown handing out scumcoins to students around school and using his charm to convince people to hold on their scumcoins for longer. He meets back up with Rin, and Ibara follows him to a secluded area. Rin asks for an update about the scumcoins, and Ibara complies, complimenting on how popular they're making him. Rin replies with a smile that he doesn't really care about his reputation, but that any decent swindler needed a backup plan.

He turns to Ibara, noting in his work at the academy, and promising that he'll tell the folks back home about him. Ibara begins reminiscing about his thanks to Rin. He states that although he couldn't lie at all, Rin helped him stay in the Obami family, who were known as liars. The ravenette agrees, calling him an 'honest man'. Ibara proudly says that with the scumcoin business, he wasn't lying to anybody, to which Rin continues; he's only told Ibara about that which he can speak truthfully about. Ibara internally celebrates his role in helping Rin this way although being a dropout.

Rin finally adds that Ibara has no need to see how the election turns out, subtly dismissing him right afterwards. Ibara has a slightly shocked expression at this, but he says he understands and reminds himself that he couldn't as Rin any questions about the truth because he couldn't face those anxieties.

Quotes
"...Because deep down, I know he's probably lying for my sake."

- Ibara, Chapter 57

"I'm willing to fight! Fight and do what it takes to help Rin-san! That's what I've been put on this earth for!"

- Ibara, Chapter 59

Fanon
Ibara was transported to a (likely metaphorical) scene in which he is a young child with black hair. He's doubled over in front of his superiors, throwing up because of his inability to lie, as an Obami who can't tell a lie is likened to a heron without a break. The only person willing to help a 'cursed child' like Ibara was a young Rin, standing out from the light and holding a hand out to the sick child. Rin extends the offer to outdo the Momobami family name, and in turn will never make Ibara lie to anyone.

Personality-wise, Ibara is an honest and energetic individual, while Rin is a conniving liar, making them total opposites. Despite this, Rin was the only one to lend a hand to Ibara in the Obami family of swindlers, leading Ibara to trust and follow him loyally.

There is a bit of controversy surrounding the ship because they share the last name of Obami, but people typically assume that they're distant relatives or Rin "welcomed" Ibara into the Obami family, making them not biological relatives.

Slash ships are rare in the Kakegurui fandom, as the main cast is mostly made of females and there aren't many male relationships in the series. Nevertheless, the way that Ibara looked up to Rin did not go unnoticed by fans, and ended up having quite a large following in terms of shipping. It's the most popular slash ship in the fandom, unrivaled by any others.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

TUMBLR

TWITTER

Moments

 * While Rin walks down the hall admid gossip about his future position as the Council President, he looks pleasantly surprised to see Ibara waving to him from the hallway.

Trivia

 * The Obami family are known as a family of swindlers.
 * Ibara is apparently physically unable to lie.
 * Rin and Ibara used to share the same hair color (black).
 * His original hair color was black, but was dyed to orange in his later years.