Winter in South Rukongai brought catastrophe to its residents, especially in the Inuzuri District.
The biting cold accelerated the loss of spiritual particles from souls, causing a faster drain for spirits with lower spirit class. Water alone couldn't compensate for the depletion of spirit particles, and the consumption required the consumption of spirit-made sustenance.
Already plagued by food shortages, the Inuzuri District suffered further during the winter, with inflated food prices and scarce funds to spare.
As time passed, temperatures plummeted to their lowest. After a heavy snowfall, the world transformed into a white expanse, a cold that seeped into the bones of every soul.
The frigid temperatures led to a decrease in the density of spiritual particles in the air, thus slowing down absorption rates. The souls couldn't replenish their energy by absorbing the free-floating spiritual particles, furthering their struggle.
The heavy snowfall blocked their path to fetch water, leaving the trio in the clutches of hunger.
Cold and hunger accelerated their spirit particle consumption, causing even Yamahiko to shiver uncontrollably.
Rukia, with only a third-level spirit class, suffered rapid particle depletion. Half a year of rigorous training seemed to fade away.
In this dire moment, Renji Abarai gazed at Yamahiko and Rukia, expressing concern, "Without sustenance, we risk depleting too much of our spirit."
Frowning, Rukia questioned, "But where can we find food?"
Renji surveyed the vicinity and suggested, "We may have to resort to theft."
"Theft?"
Yamahiko's eyes widened as he regarded Renji.
Renji nodded affirmatively and asserted, "Yes, it's our only option. We can't let ourselves starve."
Rukia inquired, "So, where should we pilfer from?"
In a hushed tone, Renji disclosed, 'I've been scouting recently. I noticed the Murata family has been making buns. We could steal a few.'
After pondering for a moment, Rukia proposed, "What if we ask them for some first? Maybe they'd help us."
Renji shook his head, explaining, "Impossible. The Murata family is relatively well-off in the Inuzuri District, but they barely have extra. They wouldn't give any to us."
Rukia nodded in understanding and agreed, "Then theft it is."
Renji beckoned them and declared, "Let's proceed."
Bracing the cold, they advanced, sensing the freezing air. Wading through the thick snow layer, they headed towards the front of the village. Indicating a nearby house, Renji directed, "That's the Murata family's place. The room on the right is the kitchen, where the buns are already steamed. There's a small window in the kitchen. Only Yamahiko can fit through. I'll lure them out from the main entrance. Yamahiko, you enter through the side window and steal the buns. Rukia, you'll provide cover. Await my signal."
Yamahiko and Rukia shared a glance and concurred, "Understood."
Arriving beneath the kitchen window, Yamahiko strained to hear movement inside. He gestured to Renji, who acknowledged with a nod.
Renji took a deep breath, approached the front door, and knocked.
Shortly after, the wooden door creaked open, revealing a man who questioned Renji's presence, "Why is it you?"
Renji, is well known in the Inuzuri District for his tough demeanor and living with orphans, was not to be trifled with.
The man gave Renji a disdainful look, stating, "Whether you starve or not doesn't concern us. Be on your way."
Renji persisted, "Please, just a bit of food. My younger brother and sister are close to starving."
The man's response was again cold, dismissing Renji with, "Your hunger isn't our problem. Go away!'
Undeterred, Renji grasped the man's arm, prompting resistance. However, Renji clung tightly, preventing the man from pulling away.
At this juncture, the man's wife emerged, inquiring about the commotion.
In the midst of this, Yamahiko pushed open a window, and Rukia positioned herself, aiding Yamahiko's ascent.
With Rukia's assistance, Yamahiko reached the window, slipped inside, and landed on the ground. He made his way to the buns steaming in the kitchen.
Upon lifting the lid of the steamer, an enticing aroma wafted out.
'Ah.'
Yamahiko reached out to take a bun but recoiled from the heat. Despite the burning sensation, he persisted, gathering a few buns in his arms. He dashed back toward the window.
Although the window was high, Yamahiko had brought a stool, allowing him to reach it. Balancing himself, he inched up, inadvertently knocking the stool over.
"What was that sound?"
Hearing the noise, the homeowner's wife hurried back inside. In the meantime, Yamahiko had successfully climbed through the window.
Recognizing Yamahiko's actions, the homeowner's wife realized what was happening and yell out, "Someone's stealing things!"
"Stealing things?"
Learning this, the homeowner turned his anger toward Renji, accusing, "So, you were stalling me while others stole? You brat, I'll teach you a lesson."
Without hesitation, the man lunged at Renji, forcing him to the ground. A beating ensued, yet Renji, who is a fourth-level spirit class, wasn't easily intimidated.
However, Renji acknowledged his wrongdoing in stealing and offered no resistance, enduring the assault.
Inside the kitchen, the homeowner's wife aimed to catch Yamahiko, but he had already escaped through the window. Landing on the ground, he followed Rukia around the corner, only to witness Renji's torment.
At the sight of Renji and Rukia, the homeowner bellowed, "Don't run! Drop the items."
He attempted to chase them, but Renji clung to his legs, urging, "Run!"
Although hesitant, Yamahiko followed Rukia back into the house. Realizing he couldn't catch them, the homeowner continued his attack on Renji.
Returning to the house, Rukia retrieved the buns from her arms. There were three in total, exuding steam and a mouthwatering scent.
Yamahiko's gaze fixed on the sizeable, white buns, eliciting saliva. After nearly half a year without a proper meal, he was famished.
Witnessing Yamahiko's state, Rukia handed him a bun, insisting, "You should eat first."
Yamahiko shook his head, still resolved to wait for Renji.
Undeterred, Rukia gently placed the bun in Yamahiko's arms, urging, "Take it. Renji will be back, Soon."
Yamahiko examined the bun but remained determined to eat only when Renji returned. After all, Renji was enduring a beating for their sake.
Observing Yamahiko's determination, Rukia conceded.
Just then, the door curtain rustled, and Renji entered the room. Bruised and battered, his clothes were in tatters.
Rukia promptly stood and inquired, "Renji, are you alright?"
Renji waved his hand dismissively and reassured, "I'm fine, just some superficial injuries."
Seeing Renji's condition, Yamahiko felt guilty and apologized, "Big brother Renji , if I hadn't knocked over the stool, we might not have been caught."
Renji tousled Yamahiko's hair affectionately and comforted, "Don't worry about it. You completed the mission; that's what matters."
Rukia chimed in, "We have three buns—enough for each of us."
'Alright.'
Renji took one of the buns, and they all began to savor the precious food with ravenous enthusiasm.
In South Rukongai's unforgiving winter, within the Inuzuri District, they feasted despite the external cold and the uncertainty of their next meal. Despite their harsh circumstances, a small spark of warmth ignited within Yamahiko.