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After Aki resolved his anxieties, the Hayakawa household enjoyed a rare period of tranquility.

No need to worry about invading Hell, no need to be wary of anyone. Every day, they went out on patrol, dealt with devils, came home, ate together, bickered, and relaxed.

The Public Safety campaign about the Gun Devil had also quieted down recently, rarely mentioned. From Makima, they learned the Gun Devil had already been killed, its flesh pieces scattered across different countries, now serving as a deterrent.

It seemed the US president had intended to use the Gun Devil for some scheme, but with Makima no longer interested in playing their games, she'd preemptively resolved the issue – using some Control Devil methods.

Upon discovering that his long-time nemesis, the Gun Devil, no longer existed, Aki felt not disappointment, but a profound sense of relief.

It was wonderful that the Gun Devil was gone. It meant the people he cared about wouldn't have to risk their lives fighting it.

Days passed peacefully.

"Denji's birthday is coming up soon."

In the Hayakawa household, Shoko tore a page off the calendar, contemplating the marked date. "Looks like we need to prepare a celebration."

"His birthday... another year has passed so quickly." Aki took a sip of tea. "I need to think about a birthday present for Denji."

"Birthday?"

Hearing the word, Power immediately perked up. "Does that mean we get cake?!"

Power's focus made Shoko chuckle. She ruffled Power's hair. "Of course. We'll invite some friends, buy a big cake, and celebrate together."

"This will be Denji's first proper birthday party. We need to make it special."

Shoko walked to the window, looking down at Denji returning from the supermarket with grocery bags, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I couldn't celebrate his last birthday properly. Let's make up for it this time. Though the gift I prepared for him back then… looks like it won't be used after all... Such a pity."

Hearing Shoko mention the last time she'd tried to celebrate Denji's birthday, Aki fell silent. If he remembered correctly, two years ago, Denji's birthday was interrupted because of his involvement with Public Safety…

[Energy +8100]

"Don't look so glum, Aki. You need to get Denji a gift he'll really like this time." Shoko turned to Aki, a playful smile on her face. "Consider it an apology for what happened before."

"...You're right." Aki smiled.

Only Power, her eyes wide with curiosity, had no idea what they were talking about.

Denji felt like everything was strange today.

Aki and Himeno had rushed off early this morning, apparently on an urgent mission from Makima, requiring them to travel to Osaka to fight a devil.

Power had been called to headquarters. Apparently, the Blood Fiend's power had recovered too well, requiring regular blood drainage to prevent a rampage.

Shoko had also been called away by Makima... to hang out.

In short, Denji was now alone. Though he had the day off because his partners were unavailable for work, he had no idea what to do.

Even if he wanted to hang out with friends… he didn't really have many.

Though he'd become quite close to Beam, the Shark Fiend, and Reze, the Bomb Girl, during recent missions, he couldn't visit them during work hours. They had jobs too, after all.

Visiting Kishibe… well, the old man would just be drinking.

Ultimately, with nothing to do, Denji returned home, lying on his bed staring at the ceiling.

"It's my birthday, but no one seems to remember, Pochita."

Disappointed, Denji mumbled to himself, yawned, and decided to sleep the day away.

...

In his dream, Denji saw that familiar orange figure.

Pochita. He hadn't dreamt of Pochita in a long time. Was it because his life was so fulfilling now that he fell asleep instantly, without dreaming?

Regardless, Denji was happy to see Pochita again, immediately opening his arms for a reunion hug.

But Pochita didn't rush into his arms as it used to. It simply stood there, looking at him intently.

"Denji, are you happy now?"

"...Happy?" Denji was taken aback. He didn't understand why Pochita would suddenly ask such a question.

Ah, was it because of the contract they'd made, where he promised to show Pochita his dreams?

"I think so." Denji pondered. "Everyone forgot my birthday... but I think life is pretty great now! Shoko's back. I wish you could be here with us too, Pochita."

Unexpectedly, despite Denji's positive response, Pochita's expression didn't brighten. Instead, it seemed… saddened.

"Denji, don't say it." Pochita looked at Denji with unprecedented seriousness. "Absolutely don't say those words."

Pochita's strange behavior worried Denji. He instinctively reached out to Pochita, and—grasped only air.

He woke up.

"It was a dream…"

Seeing the darkened room, Denji realized he'd slept through the entire day.

"They're still not back?"

Stretching, Denji got up to turn on the lights. But as he stepped into the living room, the sudden burst of light made him instinctively squint. The ensuing barrage of explosions almost made him pull the cord on his chest, transforming into Chainsaw Man.

But he stopped himself. He realized the explosions weren't gunshots. What rained down on him wasn't painful bullets, but colorful confetti.

As his eyes adjusted to the light, the figures around him made him widen his eyes in surprise. "Shoko, and—everyone?! What are you all doing here?"

Indeed, everyone was there. Aki and Himeno, who were supposed to be on a mission, Power, who'd been called to headquarters, Shoko and Makima, even Reze and Beam, the fiends he'd befriended, were all gathered in his small living room, smiling at him.

"Of course, it's because of you, Denji." Shoko smiled. "Happy Birthday."

Denji had never imagined he'd experience a moment like this, surrounded by friends and family, celebrating his birth.

"You didn't actually think we forgot your birthday, did you?"

Looking at Denji, still stunned as he received gift after gift, Power couldn't resist teasing him. "You actually believed it? You're so dumb!"

"The gift I got you is perfect. You should read more and get smarter!"

Before Denji could react, Power eagerly tore open the wrapping of her own gift and shoved it into his hands. It was a book of brain teasers.

"Power, he's supposed to open his presents later." Aki said无奈地 [wearily/exasperatedly].

Still, Power had managed to resist sneaking a bite of Denji's birthday cake, so he let it slide.

"A birthday party... this is my first time attending something like this." Reze smiled. "It feels… nice."

Though Denji had blown her up, forcing her into Makima's service, during their time together, Reze had discovered she and Denji got along surprisingly well. Perhaps it was because they were similar.

And after working for Makima, she'd realized working under the Control Devil was far more humane than working for those Soviets, who treated Fiends like dirt. Looking back, she should thank Denji for capturing her…

"To attend a birthday party with Lord Makima, Lord Denji, Lady Reze—with so many important people… if I die now, it'd be worth it!" Beam was so excited his hands were trembling.

"You're not supposed to drink at a minor's birthday party… but can Chainsaw Man and Fiends even be considered minors?" Himeno seemed conflicted.

Birthday parties seemed fun. Maybe she should have one too?

Makima sat in her spot, impassively observing everyone. Too noisy. She'd only invite Shoko to hers.

So many people crammed into the small room, chattering away, it was indeed noisy, just like Makima had said. But this noise warmed Denji's heart. He'd never experienced such warmth before.

"Alright, everyone, make way! Time for the birthday boy to make a wish~"

Holding a specially made giant cake, Shoko navigated through the crowd, making her way to Denji.

She expertly placed the candles, lit them, and turned off the lights.

The room was plunged into darkness, illuminated only by the warm orange glow of the candles, highlighting Denji's face.

"Make a wish, Denji."

Shoko smiled. "After you make a wish, I'll give you my present."

"Mm…"

Looking at the beautiful cake and the gentle gazes surrounding him, Denji suddenly felt like crying.

Denji rarely cried. Not when he learned about his crippling debt, not when he was told he had a terminal illness and wouldn't live to adulthood, not even when he was betrayed and cut to pieces by the yakuza.

Not even when Shoko had died in front of him. Back then, his only thought was revenge.

Yet, the countless hardships that hadn't brought him to tears were now easily achieved by happiness.

"I… I don't have any wishes, everyone."

"Because my wish has already come true."

Yes, he'd only ever had one wish: to live a happy life with friends and family.

Denji lowered his head, not wanting them to see his embarrassing tears.

"My life is… really, really happy now!"

"Thank you, everyone—"

But when Denji looked up, the figures before him were gone.

The familiar Hayakawa household had vanished, replaced by that small, cozy shack.

Before him stood a closed door.

"Here we go again…"

Denji scratched his head in resignation. "I know, Pochita. I won't open this door! As long as I can live a happy life, it doesn't matter if I don't remember some things…"

"So, let me go back. It's my birthday."

…

No response.

Pochita, who usually stopped him whenever he appeared outside the door, was silent.

Then, in Denji's stunned gaze, the door collapsed inward.

Revealing the horrors within.