The Tonpu Shopping District in Makochi Town.

A typical, everyday street. A warm place where people buy food and goods while greeting one another. That is the kind of place this is.

However, as is often the case in such places, several typical thugs were loitering around.

Huh? What's this? Looks nice. Hand it over.

A thug reaches out to snatch an item without the shop owner's permission. When the owner blocks the item and carefully expresses refusal, the thug shows blatant displeasure.

Dammit, you're acting like a total moron. What's the problem with a customer wanting to see an item, huh?

As he tilts his head threateningly, laughter erupts from the other thugs surrounding them. Laughter filled with clear intent to intimidate and mock.

Oho, still not handing it over?

Empowered by the laughter, just as the thug raises his hand—.

—Snap. Someone grabs that hand.

Hah? What the, which bastard is interfering...?

It was the moment the thug turned his head.

Thwack— the sound of a dull impact echoed.

...

And, approximately 10 minutes after that sound.