Haha, Dead!

Power, Affection Level 8, Charge Efficiency 720%!

Aki Hayakawa, Affection Level 8, Charge Efficiency 720%!

Makima, Affection Level 10, Charge Efficiency 950%!

Denji, Affection Level 10, Charge Efficiency 1000%!!

These were the outstanding results of Shoko's months of hard work.

She hadn't spent as much time with Power, but given another month or two, Shoko was confident she could reach level 10. Power, in her own way, already considered Shoko an important person in her life. The remaining affection could be easily gained through shared experiences or simply spending more time together.

As for Aki, he was likely still suspicious of her motives, unsure whether her past attack was an act of protection or genuine hostility, and uncertain about the sincerity of her feelings towards Denji. Once these misunderstandings were cleared, his affection would likely return to its previous high.

Heh, doesn't matter. Everything will be resolved today.

"You seem happy today."

In a small restaurant, Aki, Himeno, Power, Denji, and Shoko waited idly for their lunch. Seeing Shoko humming cheerfully, Aki asked, "Something good happen?"

"Nothing in particular. It's just… this is the first time I've been on a mission with everyone, right? I've been stuck in the office with Makima. It's nice to be out and about." Shoko replied cheerfully.

Makima was reporting to the Japanese cabinet today, a task Shoko couldn't participate in, so she had temporarily rejoined her original squad.

Aki smiled wryly. "This job is dangerous. If a fight breaks out, stay back. It's safer at headquarters with Makima."

"Sure, sure~"

Shoko's gaze drifted to Himeno, who was profusely apologizing to Denji. Denji, surprisingly magnanimous, seemed to have forgiven her. Thanks to Shoko's intervention the previous night, Denji seemed to have no intention of throttling Himeno today.

"Where did you take Denji last night? I thought he'd be raising hell after Himeno-senpai… you know…" Aki asked curiously.

"Don't underestimate Denji. He'll grow up to be a responsible adult someday." Shoko smiled. "As for what we did, that's a secret. Ask Denji, if he's willing to tell."

"Food!!! I'm starving!!!"

While they chatted, Power, who had been waiting patiently on an empty stomach, finally lost her patience. "It's been half an hour! How long does it take to make ramen?!"

"Here, have some snacks."

Shoko stuffed some snacks into Power's mouth, finally pacifying the boisterous Blood Fiend.

"Such uncouth behavior. Doesn't even know basic restaurant etiquette. Clearly lacking in proper upbringing."

A stranger in a black trench coat, sitting nearby, spoke disdainfully, glaring at Power and her companions.

"...Let's go somewhere else."

Power's Fiend identity was sensitive, and Aki didn't want to cause a scene, so he decided to leave.

However, Shoko, already aware of what was about to transpire, knew they wouldn't be leaving so easily. The attackers were likely already surrounding them.

If I remember correctly, this guy's the Katana Man, but he uses a gun in his initial attack. He targets Denji first, then Aki, then Himeno, before Power interrupts… A very efficient way to cripple their fighting strength.

So, what should I do…?

As Shoko pondered, Katana Man revealed himself as the grandson of the yakuza boss Denji had killed. He was here to avenge his grandfather and steal Chainsaw Man's heart.

Even scum have families, huh.

With a silent sigh, Shoko acted almost simultaneously with Katana Man.

Before anyone could react, Katana Man drew his gun. Shoko kicked Denji out of the line of fire, shoved Aki aside, and tackled Himeno and Power, shielding them as they rolled behind a nearby table.

"Aki!"

"Vrrrooom!"

The roar of a chainsaw and the appearance of a monstrous fox head transformed the restaurant from a bustling eatery into a scene of devastation.

Everyone present was clearly combat-ready, but they had foolishly tried to rush Katana Man, seemingly forgetting the danger of a gun at close range. If not for Shoko's intervention, the situation would likely mirror the original events.

"He's not alone. Go help Denji and Aki." Taking cover behind the table, Shoko smiled at Power and Himeno. "I'm not much of a fighter. I'll leave this to you."

"...Sorry, I think I misjudged you. Thank you."

Himeno stared at the bullet holes in the table beside her, still shaken. If not for Shoko, she might have been the one riddled with holes.

But now wasn't the time for gratitude. Armed assailants were a serious threat, and Denji and Aki might not be enough to handle them.

"Shoko..." Unlike Himeno, who rushed into the fray, Power hesitated.

"It's okay, Power. Go on. They're tough." Shoko smiled. "I'll be fine. Just a scratch. But if you don't hurry, Denji will steal all the glory. Have I ever lied to you?"

Once Power finally joined the fight, Shoko sighed and removed the hand she'd been using to cover her chest.

Her clothes were soaked in blood.

A single bullet, perfectly placed, had pierced her heart, the Devil's sole weakness.

As long as their heart remained intact, a Devil could regenerate from almost any injury. Conversely, even if their body was unharmed, a destroyed heart meant certain death.

Even with Power's attempts to stop the bleeding, Shoko was beyond saving.

She had considered taking a few more hits during the fight, just to be sure, but the bullet had been surprisingly accurate.

Looking at the blood staining her palm, Shoko managed a weak smile.

It's fine. Everything's going according to plan.

"Hell, huh..."

With a soft sigh, Shoko closed her eyes.