The Tonpu Shopping District in Makochi Town.

A street just like any other day. A warm neighborhood where people buy food and supplies while asking after each other's well-being. This is that kind of place.

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

Huh? What's this? Looks good. 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 a refusal, the thug shows blatant displeasure.

Dammit, you're acting like a total moron. What's the problem with a customer wanting to look at something, huh?

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

Whoa, you're still not giving it up?

And emboldened by that laughter, just as the thug raises his hand—.

—Thud. Someone grabs that hand.

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

It was the moment the thug turned his head.

That a dull impact sound—thwack—was heard.

...