Reclaiming Love!

The turmoil that began in Tokyo quickly spread across Japan.

Under Makima's leadership, Public Safety launched a brutal crackdown on those involved in the recent attacks. It was a swift and merciless purge, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake.

Since many yakuza were implicated, the operation earned public approval. But high-ranking officials were uneasy. Makima, once content with maintaining a facade of subservience, was now openly flexing her power, intervening in human affairs with ruthless efficiency.

Yet, their hands were tied. The leadership of the Special Divisions had been decimated, leaving them firmly under Makima's control. Appointing Kishibe, the strongest Devil Hunter, as the nominal head of the Special Divisions was meant to be a check on Makima's power, but he was clearly no match for her.

Humanity's first line of defense against devils was now controlled by a devil. It was a grim reality. Fortunately, Makima seemed to have other priorities, giving humanity time to regroup and plot their counterattack.

"I'm too old for this overtime crap. Is this even legal?"

In the training arena, Kishibe took a swig from his flask, turning to address the three approaching figures. "The Zero-Point Family, right?"

"It can't be helped, sensei. These are troubling times. Please bear with us." Aki sighed. "Thanks again for today."

"No respect for your elders, Aki."

Kishibe stowed his flask, his expression flat. "Zero-point man yourself, and you bring along a zero-point fiend and another zero-point man. Annoying."

"Annoying or not, this Great Power will crush you today!" Power shoved her glasses, which she'd acquired from who-knows-where, further up her nose. "Today, it's a battle of intellect!"

"Don't underestimate us. We've been training hard for days..." Denji cracked his knuckles, a determined glint in his eye. "We're strong now."

Over a month had passed since Shoko's death. Denji, initially consumed by a thirst for revenge, had calmed down, returning to his usual self.

A key factor was the discovery of the attackers' remains – or rather, the pulped messes that were their remains. Found in their hideout, devoid of any other living beings, they'd clearly been victims of an overwhelming force.

Common thugs and powerful devil hybrids alike, all crushed. Even someone like Katana Man, capable of resurrection, couldn't recover from that. Denji had no one left to avenge. His enemies were already gone.

But Makima hadn't given him time to dwell on it. She'd immediately approached him, Aki, and Power, revealing the possibility of retrieving Shoko from Hell – a feat beyond their current abilities.

To strengthen them, she'd enlisted Kishibe, Aki's former mentor and the current, albeit nominal, head of Public Safety, to train them.

Kishibe's strength was undeniable. His title as the Strongest Devil Hunter was well-deserved, and training the trio was child's play. His approach, however, differed drastically between Aki and the other two. Aki was human, while Denji and Power were practically devils themselves. He could push them to their limits, using the most brutal methods to teach them the true meaning of combat.

"You brats are pretty cocky. I guess wanting to invade Hell warrants some cockiness." Kishibe sighed, seemingly weary. "Fine, let's see what you've learned."

He glanced at Aki. "You… made a contract with the Future Devil?"

Aki nodded silently. "The Fox Devil was injured in the fight with Katana Man and unilaterally broke our contract. I can't rely on the Curse Devil for regular combat anymore..."

"With your skills, you can handle most devils on Earth without contracts. But for Hell… the Future Devil is definitely a better choice than the Fox, though I've never been to that hellhole myself."

"So, the price?"

"...I'd rather not say."

Normally, Aki wouldn't hide anything from Kishibe, his mentor.

But this… he didn't want Denji and Power to know.

The Future Devil had a voracious appetite. Of its two previous contractors, one lost half their lifespan, the other all five senses. Yet, its demand from Aki was merely to reside in his eye, witnessing his future.

In the Future Devil's words – because Aki's life was destined for a tragic end.

Aki didn't fear death, no matter how gruesome. He simply didn't want Denji and Power to worry.

They'd suffered enough with Shoko's death.

"...I see you've made up your mind." Kishibe didn't press the issue, simply looking away. "This is why I hate you zero-point people."

"Zero-point, maybe, but your crazy ideas are one hundred percent. That should keep you alive as Devil Hunters, at least."

"Now, let's begin today's lesson."

Before he finished speaking, Kishibe's knife clashed against Aki's sword, sparks flying.

"Beam from the Soviet Union, Quanxi from China, Santa Claus from Germany."

In a darkened room, Makima sat alone on the sofa, eyes closed, reciting a list of chilling names. "Angel, Spider, Future, Blood, Violence… Control."

"And Chainsaw Man."

"All the pieces are in place."

Makima opened her eyes, her spiral pupils gleaming in the darkness. "It's time to bring her back."