In the thick, seamless metal containment room, only the harsh white ceiling light illuminated the dry bloodstain at the corner of Kenji's mouth. He was nearly depleted of strength. The gnawing hunger pangs, combined with the exhaustion from using his power beyond his limit, made his small body tremble uncontrollably. He hadn't eaten anything since before the raid. His fear for his parents' fate was the only thing keeping him strong enough to bargain.
He looked at Makima, the woman who came with both danger and sweet promises. He remained silent for a moment before a hoarse voice escaped his throat.
"If... if I agree to be good... what about Mom and Dad?"
Makima smiled, a smile that was both warm and chilling at the same time. "They are being held for legal questioning, but if you accept my offer... I will ensure they are safe and free. They will be released to start a new life somewhere no one will bother them. I guarantee it."
Kenji took a deep breath. His body signaled an intense need for food, but his mind remained focused on the most critical matter.
"I agree..." Kenji whispered, and then added with a voice that gained a fraction of confidence, "But I have a small trade-off."
Makima raised an eyebrow slightly. She assessed the boy before her and asked, "What trade-off, little one?"
"First... I want Mom and Dad to receive a lot of money, enough so they don't have to work hard anymore, and can go to the quiet, safe place they planned to go." Kenji paused before asking the crucial question that gave him hope. "And... will I be able to visit them?"
Makima gazed at him with eyes that were calm yet powerful. "That is a good question, Kenji. In your new world, your needs will naturally come first... You will be allowed to visit them." She paused briefly, letting her words sink in. "But that visit can only happen once you prove you are valuable enough to do so, and only when I permit it. Your safety is paramount."
Kenji nodded in understanding. It was a limitation he could accept. If he was a good boy and worked hard, he would see his parents.
"And... and third..." The boy uttered the simplest demand, his voice trembling as if he couldn't control his physical need.
"I'm very hungry... Can I have some food?" Kenji scanned the empty room. "I want three chocolate-filled donuts... and a hot, grilled hamburger with gooey cheese... and two cups of cold strawberry pudding."
The Binding of Innocence
Makima stared at Kenji with genuine surprise. The fact that a boy with such immense power didn't demand authority, but only the safety of his family, the chance to see them, and delicious fast food, made her instantly understand the key to controlling him.
"Three donuts, one hamburger, and two cups of pudding..." Makima repeated softly before letting out an uncontrollable laugh—a laugh that sounded like steel chains clanking in the dark. "That is an exceptionally worthwhile bargain, Hirachi Kenji. I accept your offer in its entirety."
She extended her hand to him. "From now on... you are the most important living weapon of Public Safety, and you are under my direct supervision. You will receive everything you desire, as long as you obey my commands."
Kenji lifted his bruised hand to meet hers. This contact carried not only hope but also the transfer of complete control to the Control Devil, who had been waiting for this very weapon. His hunger had served as the tool for his quick decision.
The Beginning of the Weapon
Makima did not let go of Kenji's hand. She squeezed her fingers gently, an expression of the bondage that had just been forged.
"Very good, Kenji," she said. "You are now completely mine."
She turned toward the reinforced glass and commanded in a crisp voice, "Handle this boy's parents according to the agreement. Provide the necessary funds, and completely erase all records of their existence." Then, she changed her tone. "And... order that food set for this boy immediately. Three donuts, one cheeseburger, and two strawberry puddings."
Makima turned back to Kenji, her smile chillingly gentle. "Don't worry about your hunger. From now on... you will never starve again." She emphasized the promise. "Tomorrow, you will wake up in a new location, and the training will begin... You must grow stronger to complete the missions that await you, so you can earn the reward of visiting your beloved family."
"Are you ready to become my most valuable asset?"