Chapter 124: The Deal with the Devil
**Chapter 124: The Deal with the Devil
Although the *Edgerunners* anime garnered some attention with its teaser and theme song, it would be a while before the full series was completed and aired. After generating some buzz, *Edgerunners* went back into the background.
Lin Qingshan's *Chainsaw Man* continued its steady progress, even climbing to the third position in popularity. Yet, it wasn't the only manga creating a stir. Besides the two long-running, well-established series, Yang Shuzun's *Divine Clan* was making rapid strides.
The protagonist Yang Mingfei, despite not appearing to be an S-class bloodline, gained a significant power-up with the introduction of the little devil, Yang Mingze. Not only did Yang Mingfei pass the bloodline test with Yang Mingze's help, but the devil also provided him with additional power.
With this power, Yang Mingfei not only gained prominence at the academy but also helped the frontline god-slaying team decipher the dungeon map. However, *Divine Clan* soon took a dark turn. Characters who had previously interacted with Yang Mingfei before enrollment met their tragic ends.
Brother Ye sacrificed himself to help his partner and lover, Yaki, escape the dungeon. Unfortunately, Yaki also met a grim fate, killed by the second-generation deity Samson who hunted down the remaining members of the god-slaying team.
Only thanks to Chen Nuo Nuo's baby brother and the force of a reservoir gate was the mythic strongman finally defeated. Yet, the cost was devastating for the Kasar Academy—except for Chen Nuo Nuo's brother, all other members of the god-slaying team were killed.
Despite the tragic plot twist, fans were thrilled. In that week's voting, *Divine Clan* rose to the fifth position.
[Translator: sauron]
"Just as I thought!" Yang Shuzun, delighted by the news, exclaimed, "I've figured it out! This is the secret to skyrocketing popularity!"
Determined to follow this approach, he planned to continue introducing high-popularity characters only to later kill them off. He was confident that by mirroring Lin Qingshan's *Edgerunners* style, his series would gain even more popularity.
Lin Qingshan, however, was unaware of Yang Shuzun's strategy. He also did not know that in this parallel world, Yang Shuzun's *Divine Clan* was influenced by his own *Edgerunners* approach of killing off characters.
Meanwhile, in *Chainsaw Man*, after the battles with the Bat Devil and the Leech Devil, Aki Hayakawa discussed the combat methods of Devil Hunters. Visiting Denji in the hospital with fruit, Aki noted Denji's recovery and remarked on how, despite Denji merging with Pochita, he was effectively no different from a devil.
"Injecting blood has healed you. You're really no different from a devil," Aki said while peeling an apple.
Denji looked at his unscathed hand and then at Aki, "Aren't you also in contact with devils?"
Aki explained, "Devil Hunters fight devils by forming contracts with them."
He revealed the bandages wrapped around his left arm, explaining his contract with the Fox Devil, which granted him power in exchange for consuming a part of his body—this time, his skin.
"I see," Chen Wenrui realized, "It's just a method of fighting through deals with devils. But… it's like negotiating with the tiger."
Similar to the cybernetic modifications in *Edgerunners*, the powers in *Chainsaw Man* come with risks. While the current devils might not seem overly dangerous, Chen Wenrui sensed an underlying threat, much like the risk of cyberpsychosis from advanced cybernetics.
After Aki clarified the basic power system of *Chainsaw Man*, he approved of Denji's actions, acknowledging Denji's bravery and his role in saving people during the crisis.
However, Aki also saw Denji as reckless, naive, and lacking social morals, a consequence of his wild upbringing without parental guidance. Despite understanding, Aki planned to discipline Denji to mold him into a competent Public Safety Devil Hunter.
Meanwhile, Aki had suspicions about Power's actions. Although he hoped Denji would reveal any deceit by Power, Denji remained silent, which relieved Power, who was being watched by Himeno and prompted her to ask Aki to release her handcuffs.
Himeno, concerned, warned, "Aki, is this okay? If this devil kills someone outside, it'll be your responsibility."
Aki was not deterred, releasing Power's handcuffs and stating, "We're Public Safety Devil Hunters. Whether it's devils or devils-in-human-form, if they're useful to us, that's what matters."
Aki acknowledged that their work involved a risky dance with devils, aiming to protect humanity despite the inherent dangers.
After leaving the hospital, Aki reported to Makima about the situation. Soon after, Denji returned to Aki's home, but another unexpected visitor arrived...
(End of Chapter)