Shoko, Captured!

"This team consists of Public Safety elites. Even without guns or Devil powers, capturing you is child's play." The suited man smiled at Shoko. "You're outmatched. Why not surrender peacefully?"

"That's true, but—oh?" Shoko deflected a sudden attack from behind, preparing to kick her assailant. Her attacker retreated, leaving Shoko stumbling.

"How sneaky, humans. Such a cheap attack." She frowned at the suited man. "You preach surrender while attacking? Worse than a Devil."

"We need to bring you back with minimal casualties. Restraints aren't so important." The man grinned. "You did play with Hayakawa's feelings. We're even. No one's worse."

Good point. Why bother with morals in a fight?

"Guess I'll blow us all to hell—"

"Wait." The suited man raised his hand. "We prefer to avoid conflict. Unlike Devils, we die. Since you seem capable of civilized communication, let's settle this civilly."

"Huh?" Shoko raised an eyebrow. "You don't think I'd just give up, do you?"

The man chuckled. "Of course not. But what about your… ward?"

"..."

A battered, unconscious Denji was dragged into view.

"Collaborating with dangerous Devils is a crime."

"He seems tied to a yakuza group, too. We're mostly Devil specialists, but we can handle yakuza for the sake of public safety."

"We were planning a visit anyway. Seems you've brought him to us."

Okay, a hostage situation.

Shoko was speechless. She was about to become the pre-game version of Mitsuki.

But at least Makima wasn't present. Otherwise, she'd be after Denji's Pochita by now.

They thought Denji could be used as leverage. Her "caring mother" act had worked.

Too bad, it's all an act.

Pochita wasn't here. She didn't need to pretend anymore. If she wanted Pochita's power, Denji's death would help. No middleman in the favourability farm.

Shoko's expression turned cold. Meanwhile, Aki grew anxious. "Wait—Captain, he's just a normal boy! We shouldn't harm civilians!"

"Aki-kun, you're not cut out for Public Safety." The man remained impassive. "She's right. Soft-hearted Devil Hunters don't last."

"You should toughen up." Shoko glanced at the worried Aki. "Using a spare tire to threaten a Devil? So naive."

[Energy +6000]

"What... what are you saying…?" Aki's voice trembled. The familiar girl seemed like a stranger.

"Weren't you… taking care of him? Treating him like your family?"

"...It was all an act." Shoko toyed with her hair. "It was useful to placate him."

"He's disposable. If you kill him, all the better."

"..."

Her usual sunny smile now sent shivers down Aki's spine.

[Energy +60000]

"You—" Before Aki could speak, the suited man interrupted. "I see. Too bad. But no matter. If you don't care about the boy, we can discuss other terms. We are a government institution; we hope to avoid conflict."

A sharp blade pierced Denji's thigh, carving flesh as his body was moved. He moaned in pain.

"We can dispose of these liabilities."

"Hold on, Captain, that's—!" Another hand dragged a protesting Aki away. The man placed his foot on Denji's head. "Now, let's negotiate."

"..."

Shoko stared at him, tempted to blow them all to hell.

But that would kill Denji. Chainsaw Man needed to exist.

She'd be captured anyway, so she might as well do it gracefully.

The Public Safety wanted her as a power source. They wouldn't kill her.

As a Devil, death was just a trip back to Hell.

Shoko sighed, dropping the lighter.

"I surrender."

But first, a little more energy farming...

Everything was so loud…

His body ached, as if he'd been beaten and stabbed.

Denji forced his eyes open, seeing his blood spreading across the alley floor.

He saw severed limbs lying in it.

"...Huh?"

"You're awake, Denji…" She was covered in blood. Kneeling on the ground before him, her left arm missing.

"Sorry you have to see me like this…"

She brushed dirt from his face with her remaining hand, giving him a familiar smile. "Someone with a home can't look like a stray."

She turned to the figures before them. "Honor your promise. Don't hurt him."

"Shoko..."

Denji tried to speak, to shout.

Why? Why was this happening? Today was his birthday!

She'd just gone to buy a lighter…

Why was she hurt? Why was her arm gone? Why was she surrendering? Why was she telling them not to hurt him?

Why?

"Denji, take care of yourself."

She didn't look back. Her voice, which had always teased him, was gentle now, like a farewell.

He didn't want her to leave!

But all he could do was fall on the ground, reach out for her.

And watch as she…

Shattered into pieces.

Her head rolled to his feet.

[Energy +500000]