Happy Birthday, Denji

Himeno knows something about me. I wonder if Public Safety will take action.

They probably would. Aki using Devil powers without consequence was a huge temptation. Nobody wanted to sacrifice body parts every time they used their abilities.

Humans lacked a Devil's regeneration. Lost limbs were gone for good. Even recoverable injuries took time and caused pain.

If every Devil Hunter made a deal like Aki's, their suffering would end.

But Shoko would be tortured daily…

She wasn't concerned. She was a Devil, however weak. A few fatal wounds were nothing a little blood couldn't fix. And the pain? Pain control, baby!

When will they come for me? I should say goodbye to poor Denji.

She wouldn't reveal the truth, but she could at least treat him to a nice meal. A farewell dinner.

They'd meet again when the main story began. I wonder how many energy points Denji will generate then?

Hee hee hee… Stifling her laughter, Shoko limped towards the shack, carrying groceries bought with Aki's money.

Moonlight bathed the path home, a silver ribbon across the grass.

Denji walked briskly, Pochita trotting happily beside him.

Another productive day. He'd slain two Devils, significantly reducing his debt, even pocketing 500 yen.

At this rate, repaying his deadbeat dad's 40 million yen debt wasn't a distant dream.

Then he could save up, buy a new house. Preferably near the city outskirts. Shoko seemed to prefer nature.

He could get some pets. Would she like cats or dogs? But they might fight with Pochita… She probably liked Pochita best, right?

He wouldn't need to work so hard as a Devil Hunter anymore. Occasional jobs for extra cash would suffice. He could do construction work in the city. With frequent Devil attacks, there was always demand for repairs.

He could provide for Shoko and Pochita. She wouldn't need to do… that kind of work anymore.

She liked reading, so while he worked, she could stay home, read with Pochita, drink tea, and prepare dinner. She'd greet him at the door with a warm "Welcome home."

That life… wouldn't it be amazing?

Denji grinned. Happiness was within reach. Just a little more effort.

And it all started when he met her.

His first full meal, his first hug, someone waiting for him at home… He sometimes wondered if it was a dream. But seeing her smiling face dispelled all doubts.

If this wish-fulfilling life was a dream, he hoped it would last.

Spotting the shack, he quickened his pace.

"Shoko, I'm home—"

He opened the door to darkness, not unusual.

Shoko had installed electric lights, but she preferred keeping them off to avoid attracting the yakuza's attention. They only used them late at night when Denji returned.

But when he pulled the light cord, nothing happened.

"? What's going on, Shoko, are you—"

"Woof!"

Something moved in the darkness, rushing towards him. Even Pochita was startled.

Too late. In the brief moment Denji had opened the door, unguarded, the figure reached him.

A loud bang—

Pop!

"Happy birthday, Denji."

"...Huh?" Denji, already in a fighting stance with Pochita, stared at the suddenly illuminated room, confetti raining down on him.

He looked at the culprit—the woman smiling and holding a party popper.

"Birth...day?" Denji blinked. "Is it your birthday, Shoko?"

"You don't even remember your own birthday? How pathetic." Seeing Denji's confusion, Shoko smirked, gesturing to the surprisingly tidy room.

Unlike the garbage-filled hovel of a year ago, the room, while still small, was cozy. A clean floor, organized belongings, a soft mattress, and a simple cake on the table in the center. It could almost pass for a normal child's room.

"Now that you're back, let's eat. I, the magnificent Shoko, baked this cake myself. Remember to offer a prayer of gratitude before consuming it." Snatching Pochita from Denji, Shoko sat at the table, nuzzling the soft Devil.

"Make a wish before blowing out the candles. It might come true."

"I…" Denji wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

Shoko smiled warmly, her usual arrogance softened by a gentleness Denji had come to recognize.

"This is… the first time anyone's celebrated my birthday…" Denji sat down, looking at the slightly lopsided but lovingly made cake. "Thank you…"

"You'll have many more birthdays," Shoko said, pushing the cake towards him. "Won't you?"

Whether you'll be smiling on those birthdays remains to be seen…