The Yamai sisters' mission abroad had come to an end.
For three days, they assisted over forty countries that lacked the ability to handle devil-related disasters. Their battle-hardened, berserker-like fighting style had left an impression on many, accelerating the progress of their main mission.
Their journey through Hell had also yielded significant gains. Within the Origin Land, they had fought and defeated at least three to four hundred devils, spreading the names of the Wind Spirits Kaguya Yamai and Yamai Yuzuru across the entirety of Hell.
Though the system had not indicated the completion of the main mission, nor had it updated the progress bar as it had before, it was evident that they were close to achieving their objective.
The next day, they returned to Japan.
"Welcome back."
Japan, Tokyo—Public Safety Bureau Headquarters.
Inside Makima's office, the woman greeted the Yamai sisters with a calm smile upon their return.
The assassins sent by the superpowers had all been dealt with.
Whether it was the Undying Brothers, Hikaru Ko, and her four lovers, or the Puppet Devil, every last one had been eliminated.
With external threats eliminated, and Denji's safety secured, Japan was finally experiencing a moment of peace.
But for Makima, one unresolved question remained.
It concerned the true identities of the Yamai sisters and their hidden abilities.
After patiently listening to the Yamai sisters' debriefing on their missions abroad, Makima swiftly shifted the topic.
"I believe I've already shared enough with you."
"Response—this is a secret between Yuzuru, Kaguya, and our other sisters."
To Makima's surprise, the Yamai sisters refused to answer.
Yes—after a day of deliberation, they had decided on their approach: saying nothing at all.
Ultimately, they were spirits from another world. No matter how much they tried to fit into this world's setting, logical inconsistencies were bound to arise.
At first, they had considered claiming to be Qliphoth Devils, born from the eighth sephirah, Hod (Glory), while the Kotori they summoned was born from the fifth sephirah, Gevurah (Severity), with their remaining eight sisters each representing different sephirot.
But why would people fear the Qliphoth? Why would they fear Glory?
Furthermore, more than half of the people in this world likely didn't even know what the Qliphoth was. How strong could devils from it possibly be?
After much contemplation, they simply abandoned the idea.
Because they realized something—they weren't obligated to explain anything to Makima in the first place.
Makima was curious?
Then let her stay curious. Why should they feel obligated to answer just because she asked?
Though officially, they were members of Public Safety under Makima, in reality, Makima had no true authority over them. The Yamai sisters never considered her their superior.
The only reason Makima could even issue them tasks was because they had granted her the power to determine who would be Windborne Yamai each month.
This was why, whenever Makima requested their help, her approach was vastly different from how she treated Denji and Power.
She treated her subordinates like dogs.
But with the Yamai sisters, she had to be polite and persuasive, ensuring that they were willing to carry out her requests.
Otherwise, if they found staying in Tokyo unpleasant and decided to leave, Makima would suffer a major loss, as she would no longer have access to two top-tier fighters.
Seeing that both Yuzuru and Kaguya refused to divulge any information, Makima could only nod in understanding.
Everyone had their secrets.
Devils even more so.
While she was intensely curious about the Yamai sisters' true nature and the existence of their alleged other sisters, she had no means of forcing them to speak.
"Regardless, this time, you both played a crucial role in holding back the Devil of Darkness, ensuring everyone's safe return."
Having reached this conclusion, Makima decided to drop the subject.
"Go and check in with the others. Denji and the rest have been looking forward to your return."
Meanwhile, across the ocean, in the United States.
Inside the White House, the President of the United States sat in silence, listening to his aide's latest report, his gaze solemn.
Since yesterday, he had received nothing but bad news.
Their assassins had failed.
China had lost its most elite devil hunter.
Germany's most feared bounty hunter, Santa Claus, had disappeared without a trace.
Three world powers had united in an attempt to stop Makima, yet none had succeeded.
Just moments ago, the Wind Devils—Kaguya Yamai and Yamai Yuzuru—had returned to Makima's side.
"Contact the presidents of the Soviet Union and China for me."
After a long silence, the President exhaled deeply and gave his orders.
"The war between humanity and the Domination Devil is not over. We may have lost the first battle, but that does not mean we have lost the war."
"Sir, I don't think they will agree to fight Makima again," his aide said bitterly. "Right now, she is practically invincible. Unless we go for total war, we stand no chance against her."
Hearing this, the President clenched his fists.
Total war—though it was a harsh phrase, it was, in reality, an understatement.
They were aware of Makima's contract with the Prime Minister of Japan. Any harm inflicted upon her would be transferred to the Japanese population, meaning the most straightforward way to kill her was to erase Japan entirely.
"Total war is the last resort," the President said gravely. "Do as I say—no matter what, I need to speak with the Soviet and Chinese leaders. Humanity cannot submit to the devils. Makima must be stopped."
"Understood..."
His aide gave a complicated nod before leaving the room.
As the office doors closed, the President opened a drawer and retrieved a perfectly maintained handgun.
Feeling its weight in his hands, his expression grew even darker.