Runlin An's streets were quiet in the afternoon sun.
The flagstones had grown warm, and the wooden houses on either side cast neat shadows.
An occasional patrol passed through, its footsteps echoing along the empty street.
Yan Si strolled along with his hands tucked into the sleeves of his Shinigami uniform, heading for his usual tavern to have a drink.
"Get lost, baldy!"
A shrill yell shattered the afternoon calm.
Yan Si knew that voice. Sarugaki Hiyori.
He looked up and saw a white-clad figure flying backward down the middle of the street.
The figure arced through the air, fast enough to smash into a nearby shop door.
Yan Si stepped forward and caught him firmly by the back.
The impact was strong, but Yan Si's hand held steady. As soon as the man stopped, he clapped a hand over his nose. Bright red blood seeped between his fingers.
It was Hirako Shinji, the Fifth Division Captain, clutching his nose with his face twisted in pain.
Yan Si looked down at him and spoke calmly.
"Captain Hirako, you can't go after my fan. Hiyori's still young."
"Bullshit!" Hirako Shinji took his hand from his nose. Blood was still flowing, but he shouted anyway.
"Why would I go after someone that young? No looks, no chest. No legs, no chest. No waist, no chest. Who would go after her?"
He pointed at himself as he spoke.
"If I were going after anyone, it'd be Miss Rangiku Matsumoto from the Ninth Division. Or at the very least, Miss Yadomaru Lisa from the Eighth Division. Why would I go after Hiyori of all—"
He never finished.
"Die, you bald bastard!"
Hiyori charged from the other end of the street, leaped, and planted both feet squarely in Hirako Shinji's waist.
Bang!
Hirako Shinji went