The bright moon hung in the sky as night settled over the city. Streetlights cast long shadows of two figures stretching across the pavement.
"To thank a friend, you use your tongue to lick," Makima said seriously. Pochita, perched on her shoulder, winked at Cael, as if expecting him to take note.
Gulp. Cael's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, his throat tightening with each heartbeat. His chest felt like it might explode.
Oh god. Makima was too beautiful.
Such an intimate gesture made Cael's mental defenses waver. Even though she was a devil, his heart couldn't help but race.
No. Wait.
This wasn't how things were supposed to go. The plan for Makima's psychological recovery involved friendship, not romance. He couldn't let this continue. Makima had cognitive distortions; she was acting like this because of Pochita's prompting, not because she liked him. Cael had to stay disciplined. Besides, he already had Asa.
"Cough." Cael cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment and returned to the car quickly. "I… I have to go. Get some rest early."
"Okay," Makima waved through the car window. "My house is big. Come by anytime. The dogs at home really like Cael."
"Yeah, I'll bring Denji when I have time."
Cael left in a hurry, three steps taking him two blocks away. He had invested far too many points in charm; his desires were stronger than normal. And Makima—her charisma was undeniably fatal. Right now, Cael felt like dry kindling that could ignite at the slightest spark.
I have to leave, he thought. If I don't, I'll embarrass myself.
Besides, Asa was likely resting. Their relationship hadn't reached its next level yet. He shouldn't disturb her. Looks like it was time to log into Onmyoji and clear a few raids… until morning.
---
Room 606.
Asa Mitaka, dragging two bags of bread, sank into the kitchen chair. She had spent the day under Yoru's insistence searching for Chainsaw Man, to no avail.
Gulp. She poured a glass of water, took a sip, and sighed. "We haven't seen Chainsaw Man in so long. Yoru, do you think he might have left Japan?"
Rip. Yoru took control, grabbing a slice of dry bread. "No. Devils have keen senses. I can smell the chainsaw. He's definitely in Tokyo."
What Yoru smelled was naturally Pochita's scent. Unless Makima revealed herself, Pochita would remain hidden.
"Sigh…" Asa's exhale was heavy with worry.
"Asa, why the sigh?" Yoru asked. "Are you impatient after just one day of looking for Chainsaw Man? Didn't we agree to split control fifty-fifty? Whether it's dating or other things, I have no problem with it."
"It's not that…" Asa hesitated. "I was thinking… more seriously."
"Oh?"
"Last time at the amusement park, didn't we see Chainsaw Man?"
"Yeah."
"The Chainsaw Man who saved the day blew the Bat Devil away in an instant, while Yoru had to struggle just to handle it. I was thinking… Yoru is too weak right now. Even if we find Chainsaw Man, what then? You talk about revenge all the time, but if you meet him, you won't win."
Yoru fell silent, swallowing her bread. After a long pause, her face reddened. "If I could regain my strength from my prime, defeating Chainsaw Man isn't impossible."
Asa gave a small 'tsk,' adding heartlessly, "That doesn't change the fact that you're weak right now. The past isn't the present. You're always comparing yourself to the past. Why not compare to when you were just born?"
"Asa, you…" Yoru choked, unable to respond.
Suddenly, beside Asa's seat, a young girl appeared out of thin air.
"Sister, are you just eating dry bread like that?"
"Waaah—!" Asa jumped back, startled, taking control of her body.
It was Fami, whom they had met before. She tilted her head listlessly, gathering the half-eaten and unopened bread into her arms.
"You… how did you get in?!" Asa demanded. The door had been locked. This person appeared out of nowhere.
Fami ignored her, asking casually, "Sister, can I eat these one and a half bags of bread?"
"I remember now! You're the Hunger Devil!" Yoru exclaimed, revealing Fami's identity.
"Yes. Can I eat them?" Fami repeated, completely unfazed. She tore open the packaging and devoured the bread slices.
A short while later, the bags were empty along with most of a bottle of jam. Fami stood, looking around the kitchen. "I'm here to fulfill the wishes of my two sisters."
"Wishes?" Yoru asked.
"Sisters?" Asa repeated, confused.
"Yes," Fami said, eyes locking onto the fridge. "May I see what's inside?"
"No! Get out or I'll kill you!" Yoru roared.
Fami opened the fridge, scanning it carefully. "Yoru wants the power to defeat Chainsaw Man. Asa wants her relationship with her lover to progress. I can help with both."
Yoru's expression turned serious. "You…"
Asa's face flushed. "Lover? How do you know that?"
Fami silently pulled out ready-to-eat meals. "I had the Eternal Devil imprison the Justice Devil, starving it until it became my pawn. One of the Justice Devil's abilities is mind reading."
Yoru frowned. "To think you can still do this in your current state. Impressive."
"Why help us?" Asa asked.
Fami began eating in front of the fridge. "You're my sisters. Helping my sisters needs no reason."
"What do we need to do?" Yoru asked.
"By agreement, it's Asa's turn first. I'll help her first."
Asa's expression was complicated. "I appreciate the help, but could you not leave the fridge door open? It wastes electricity!"
Fami ignored her, reaching into her clothes to pull out an exquisite pendant.
"Here."
Asa took it. Warmth radiated from the smooth stone, a hawk-shaped pendant engraved with her name on the back.
Her eyes widened. "This is…"
Fami sucked down two cartons of yogurt. "It's a gift for my brother-in-law. It cost a lot, and it fits your style perfectly."
Asa blushed. "Th… Thank you."
"Give it to him. He'll really like it," Fami added listlessly.
Asa unconsciously shifted how she addressed her. "Thank you, Sister…"
Fami sighed, head tilted, not yet finished. Her body dissipated quickly.
"As for Yoru's wish, I'll need more preparation. I'll help you find Chainsaw Man soon."
---