Renji had pretty much been expecting either that, or an outright attack, as retaliation. He wasn't going to be caught so easily, not after centuries spent avoiding far nastier things than some soggy, sticky pancake. He moved his head to the side, letting Rhode's missile sail past and splat on the floor, then reached over and grabbed the back of Allen's shirt, hauling the boy out of his seat one-armed.

"It's a waste of time," he said, keeping an eye on Rhode now. She'd no doubt be throwing more at him, and he wasn't all that interested in getting pancake in his hair.