Seven dogs and one cat.
And there were three of them in total: demons and weaponized humans.
It's certainly cramped when you cram so many creatures into one room.
Watching the dogs yawn at a close distance, almost touching her, Reze nodded with interest.
"I see."
"what"
"Well, it's just a normal room. I thought there would be a magic circle drawn in blood since they said a demon lives there."
"If you want to see it, give me some paint. From your arm. Fresh paint."
The one-room apartment is about 10 tatami mats in size, a bare room with no posters or decorations, but it has all the necessary furniture for daily life. The only thing that gives it a sense of everyday life is probably because there's no money to spend on hobbies. It's not surprising considering he owns seven large dogs.
Reze said, "Excuse me," and stepped through the beaded curtain, sitting down in front of the low table in the middle of the room.
Next, Nayuta sat in a formal kneeling position, and Denji followed shortly after, sitting cross-legged beside her.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
Nayuta sits with her back perfectly straight. Combined with the refreshing impression of her sailor uniform, she possesses a refined elegance that could easily pass for that of a slightly stiff young lady.
"I've heard about you from Denji and Kishibe."
He stared intently at Reze with his glassy eyes and began to recount her history.
Reze is an agent from the Soviet Union.
They were once after the heart of the chainsaw that Denji possessed.
However, the plan failed, he was captured and controlled by Makima, and was defeated by Chainsaw Man once again, ending up as a corpse.
And so, it was supposed to have been confiscated by the Public Security Bureau and left there—or so it seemed.
"Oh, you know a lot!"
Nayuta leaned forward slightly and lightly tapped the table with her palm. It was a faint sound, but even so, the sensitive dogs crouched down in fear.
Nayuta looks like a mannequin.
But everyone in the room knew that something unsettling was lingering in their hearts.
"The Public Security Bureau wouldn't revive it without a reason."
Despite the visibly displeased tone of her voice, Reze confessed nonchalantly.
"That's correct!"
He gently extends the back of his hand to the large dog beside him, letting it sniff his scent.
"I made a deal with Mr. Kishibe, and I've started working for the Public Security Bureau. It's what you might call a career change."
She rests her elbows on a modern-style low table and props her chin on her hand. As she leans her upper body to the side, her bangs fall softly.
"By the way, the job involves... monitoring you guys."
"...See? I knew it. There was something more to it."
"Whaaaat?!"
Denji argues in an exaggerated manner.
"Didn't you come here to see me?!"
"Haha, that's true. I chose this job because I wanted to see Denji. My feelings for him haven't changed."
"Huh, seriously...?"
Denji's face was stunned, and the words "I'm so happy!" were written on his forehead.
Nayuta glared at him with eyes that looked like he was looking at something filthy.
"Denji is way too easy to fool."
"Uh, no, I don't want to."
For a moment, Nayuta lowered her eyelashes and clenched her fists with a blank expression.
"I mean, they're always talking about having a girlfriend at school..."
"Oh my, oh my?"
Reze tilted her head.
"How did you know?"
"Who do you think I am?"
The demon of control puckers its lips just a few millimeters.
"We keep an eye on the movements of those thieving cats."
Reze swayed her body back and forth, saying "Hmm?", and her eyes crinkled at the corners with a smug grin.
"I get it, you're controlling something? A small animal? Or a human? You naughty one~"
"If you imagine as you please"
"It doesn't really matter either way. As for me, I'm just happy to have been able to meet Denji like this."
Leaning heavily on his arm, the woman leaned her face close and asked.
"Hey, hey, should we really do it?"
"a?"
"Oh, no, I mean... Should we really try saying 'girlfriend'? I'm the girlfriend. You're the boyfriend. Okay?"
"Oh, oh...?"
"Hmm? Not answering immediately will result in a penalty, you know? Denji, do you dislike me?"
"I love you!"
Immediate answer.
A tremendous grinding sound came from both of Nayuta's fists on his knees.
"...I've become a little stronger. News of the Demon of Domination's resurrection must have spread to other countries. Fear has spread."
"Oh really? How much stronger have you become?"
"I can crush an apple with my bare hands."
"Scary?!"
He turned his sub-zero eyes towards Denji, who was leaning back.
"...I wonder if I can take down even the scoundrels."
"No, please stop!"
"Oh, well then,"
Leze straightened his posture and made his suggestion.
"How about we make a deal? I'd like to live together. It would be convenient for my work."
"What are you talking about?"
Nayuta crosses her arms. It seems she's trying to show hostility, but her expression doesn't change, so it doesn't come across that way.
"If you agree, I won't date Denji."
"Huh? What? No wayyyy...?"
Nayuta seemed to have been caught off guard for a moment.
Even demons have one or two weaknesses. In this girl's case, it was Denji.
"...What kind of deal is that? What position are you speaking from?"
"Well, I mean as her ex-girlfriend."
"you know what..."
Nayuta placed a finger between her eyebrows, as if trying to suppress a headache. Her sighs continued for a long time. Her frustration seemed to be palpable.
"Please, I'm begging you. If I can't live here, I've been told I'll have to live with some kind of demon. They say I'm used to dealing with demons, right? Isn't it unbelievable to have to live with a demon in my private life?"
"I'm a devil too. Are you trying to pick a fight?"
Reze wore a confident smile, as if to say, "I know all of this."
Nayuta averted her gaze slightly downwards.
I can't read the true intentions of the woman in front of me.
I don't know what they're thinking.
Is Reze a thieving cat trying to steal Nayuta's treasures?
Or are they public security officers prioritizing their role as monitors?
(That's the look on his face. Though to an outsider, he appears expressionless.)
The wavering of their gaze, the fluctuations in their breathing, and the silence.
A trained agent can interpret it to some extent.
"They're just like humans," Reze thought.
Before I knew it, the surrounding dogs were anxiously watching their owner, Nayuta.
The girl seemed to notice it and reflect on her actions.
Close your eyes and exhale.
He's probably trying to clear his mind of distracting thoughts.
"There's no way I'm letting you live here."
Is it a demon? Or a human?
I was intrigued by its existence, which seemed to be both.
"Well, it's certainly tough for three people to sleep here."
"That's not it. It's because I find it unpleasant."
"I see."
Reze nodded dramatically. "That's one way of looking at it," she said, her face serious as she nodded. She blinked her eyelashes slowly, pausing for a moment, before offering an alternative.
"Okay, then, just for today. Just let me stay the night for today."
"No"
Nayuta objected.
Denji agreed.
Reze also agreed.
Therefore, the overnight stay was approved by majority vote.
Nayuta had a look on her face that clearly showed she wasn't convinced at all.
When did this turn into a discussion about majority rule?
Why does Reze, who isn't even the homeowner, have the right to vote?
Why is Denji such an idiot in the first place?
(...Something like that, I guess.)
Now then, Reze said, clearing her throat discreetly.
In a situation like this, an ordinary demon would take forceful action to get their own way.
I will never give in.
Moreover, Nayuta is a demon of control. She possesses the ability to control others.
I try to imagine what Makima would do.
Will it be intimidation, or force? They might use other creatures they control to eliminate the obstacle by staging an accident. For example, they might have a dog there bite the person.
But.
"..."
Nayuta just had a sullen expression on her face.
If we're willing to use any means necessary, we could probably do something about it.
I understood that using the power of control to satisfy one's own selfish desires is fundamentally forbidden, and I was simply enduring it.
(Hmm...)
The document stated the following:
Nayuta has declared that she will "not easily use her power of domination" in order to portray herself as a friendly demon capable of coexisting with humans.
It's just the devil's opinion, after all. But it might be worth considering.
"...So, it's decided then that you'll be staying the night! What should we do about dinner? Shall we go to a family restaurant?"
"make"
Nayuta came on without hesitation.
Nayuta moved briskly around the kitchen and quickly prepared dinner for three.
The way they smoothly arrange the finished dishes without even making a sound of the dishes clinking together is truly impressive.
"I hate having to go through all that trouble, but I also don't like the idea of people thinking I'm incompetent at taking care of my own life."
While saying that...
The table is filled with large platters piled high with colorful side dishes.
Reze could only round her mouth in admiration.
Nayuta glanced at it, a slight smile playing on her lips, as if to say, "See the fruits of my labor?"
What's with that face?
...But, if you think about it...
The Control Devil's reputation has plummeted because of its predecessor, Makima. It's probably the worst of all the devils. Nayuta might be working hard all the time to change that perception.
"I made this. And this, and that too."
"I know. I've been watching you all this time."
"I made it all."
"Hmm...? That's right, it's amazing, isn't it?"
"debt"
And so the dinner party began.
Leze, with a mischievous, nagging expression, tasted each dish one by one, saying, "Let's see..." She chewed, nodded, and swallowed.
"Wow, this is delicious. I'm surprised."
I return the sincere praise.
Denji also chimed in, stuffing his mouth with food.
"Right? It's much tastier than the one I made."
Nayuta couldn't help but smile.
"Yes. It's delicious, delicious."
As she said this, Reze thought to herself, "That's really impressive."
Cooking is a skill, and mastering it requires time and effort. Nayuta must have worked hard. Reze couldn't immediately believe that fact. She had never heard of a demon who worked hard at something.
"...Phew, that was delicious."
Hayakawa Nayuta.
The Control Devil was forced upon Denji.
Her demeanor was far more human than I had imagined. One could say she was imitating, but considering how many people struggle to behave properly even when acting, her approach could be described as socially conscious.
Moreover, their attitude towards me, an intruder, is fairly gentle.
To be honest, I didn't think they would even give me a proper talk.
I had expected it would take at least three days before we could have a smooth conversation, so I never imagined I'd be treated to a meal on the very first day.
(Hmm)
Things have gone a little off track, but if it's for the better, then there's nothing to complain about. In fact, I'm even hoping we can deepen our relationship even further while this momentum continues.
He pulled his school bag closer and took out a 350ml can.
"So, shall we have a celebratory party?"
With a grin, he placed them on the table. One, two, three...
"Is this alcohol?"
"Yes, it's alcohol. Doesn't it look delicious?"
This is the way to become friends: frank conversation and sharing a little secret.
"What...? Is that really acceptable for a supervisor?"
"I grew up in the Soviet Union. It's a country where 100% of minors drink alcohol."
"This is Japan, isn't it?"
*pshhh*
"Oh, it's open."
"Once you open a can, you have to drink it."
"Is this some kind of test?"
"Hmm?"
"The question is whether Denji and I can uphold morality."
"No, no, no, no... That's not it. I just want to have a party. I want to become friends with you all."
"..."
"Oh, you look like you can't believe it."
Nayuta picked up the silver beer can with three fingers. She brought it in front of her and carefully examined the ingredients list.
"Let's get along, okay..."
"Yeah. My job is to keep an eye on you guys, but you don't want things to be tense, right? If we're going to be friendly, I'd rather we get along well, but not to the point of being called colluding."
"Yeah, I think so too."
Denji agreed.
"..."
Nayuta stared at the can so intently that it seemed like she was trying to bore a hole through it, then reluctantly and slowly placed her fingers on the pull tab.
*pshhh*
"No comment regarding collusion."
"I did it."
And then Denji's opening sound plays.
"Well then, I'd like to propose a toast. Let's see, to celebrate my reunion with Denji-kun."
"I don't want to celebrate."
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"...cheers"
A modest feast began.
From discussions about taste preferences to amusing anecdotes about dogs, the feast began in a surprisingly harmonious atmosphere.
Of course, this is nothing more than a facade of peace. Denji is the only one who doesn't realize that this is merely a stage of caution and a test run.
Reze takes a big gulp of her chu-hi.
Yes, it's delicious.
"So, what exactly is your relationship with Denji?"
Nayuta's sharp voice rang out.
The girl seemed determined to seize the opportunity to learn more about their past. She gulped down her can of beer in one go and stared intently at Reze, her expression completely sober.
"Hmm? My relationship with Denji? Well, I guess it's a bit of an adult relationship?"
"That's enough of that."
"Oh dear, sir/madam, you don't look well. We've only just started talking."
"I really don't need that kind of thing."
"Oh dear"
Reze thinks behind her smile.
Hayakawa Nayuta.
The demon of domination.
I can't help but see through Makima, but she's quite different from that witch.
He's clever and understands his own position well, but...he's still a child.
And he's become quite infatuated with Denji—just one individual.
He doesn't seem like a demon. He's closer to humans.
Even though they're both demons of domination, they can be so different.
It doesn't feel right to just dismiss it as individual differences. If they have the same abilities as Makima, it's only logical that they would develop in the same way.
But the reality is different. Why?
...If we can think of it in the same way as humans, then "environment" must play a significant role in growth.
How were you raised?
Makima and Nayuta. I don't know anything about Makima's past, but I know for sure about Nayuta. She was raised by Denji. ...Is that all it takes to change someone so much?
No. It's not just that. It's a huge difference.
They say it's all a lie.
You really did teach me how to swim, right?
...
Denji's frankness is precious. It reaches the core of those who are affected.
Reze looked at Nayuta meaningfully and shrugged.
"Hmm, shall we talk seriously? Well, I guess we're kind of like Romeo and Juliet."
"What's that?"
"Don't you know? A man and a woman from rival families..."
"I know what you're saying. I just want you to be more specific."
"Ah, so... two people who are attracted to each other! But their circumstances won't allow it! A poignant and sad love story! Ta-da... something like that?"
I glanced at Denji, who responded with a reluctant "Yeah, something like that?"
Then, a dramatic change occurred in Nayuta.
Wow, that's amazing, Reze thought.
The peristaltic movements beneath the skin, the wriggling of muscles—feelings that ordinary people would likely not perceive. Right now, a fierce surge of emotions is raging within her, desperately seeking an outlet.
However, he doesn't show it at all. To outsiders, he maintains a perfectly normal poker face.
"Oh, really?"
That's how you can pretend to be calm.
A technique of control that suppresses the vibrant energy of adolescence.
I've never seen a person like this before... or rather, a demon.
...Denji, you shouldn't say careless things.
If this kid explodes, it's your fault, okay?
"Denji, you should tell them."
"Huh? Me?"
"That's right. I think Nayuta would like to hear it from you too."
"Well, I'm not very good at explaining things..."
Okay, minus 10 points.
That's not it. She wants to hear your feelings from your own mouth. Why can't you understand that?
"Hmm, let's see..."
"I won't get angry, so just tell me."
"Um, that was the day after I went on a movie date with Makima-san..."
"What? A date with Makima?"
The muscles around Nayuta's cool, calm eyes are twitching.
He's clearly in a bad mood. It seems the rumors about him having an inferiority complex towards Makima are true.
I believe there were two reasons.
One reason is that I can't help but compare myself to my predecessor, who was far too great as a demon.
Secondly, because she's someone Denji still has feelings for.
...I wonder if Denji understands all of that? I doubt he does.
Denji just says whatever he thinks.
"I told you I wouldn't get angry!"
Wow.
Are you really going to say that in this context?
Reze felt sorry for him, even though it didn't concern her.
Poor Nayuta-chan.
"...I'm not angry."
"That's a lie! Absolutely a lie!"
"I'm not angry. Don't make me say it twice."
"Ugh... damn, I get it."
"What? Got a problem with that?"
"There aren't any!"
"Okay, let's continue. Hurry up."
"Hmmmm, the first time we met was... oh yeah, in a phone booth! It started raining, so we went inside the phone booth, and then Reze came in later."
"Taking shelter from the rain? Was it just a coincidence?"
"Well, I guess so."
He didn't say anything in particular. Inwardly he was astonished, thinking (of course he went to make contact on purpose), but he found it amusing to watch Denji's face as he pondered their encounter, so he watched him with a grin. And it was also amusing to see Nayuta getting annoyed when she caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye.
"Well, then Reze came into the phone booth, and when I saw her face, she was super cute,"
"Huh?"
It almost makes you burst out laughing.
Denji, are you doing this on purpose?
"I knew you'd get angry!"
"I'm not angry."
"No way!"
The conversation continued in this hesitant manner.
Denji recounted his memories of the night while Nayuta glared at him at every turn.
The battles we fought.
The fact that they didn't capture Reze.
I once got stood up waiting at a cafe.
Reze thought.
There's no need to add anything to the last point. It doesn't benefit anyone.
The explanation, which had taken a considerable amount of time, was finally over.
Nayuta, with a face like a Japanese doll, emitted a mechanical frequency of "Hmmmm" and summarized as follows:
"What kind of movie-like experience are you having?"
"Even if you say that..."
"I guess I should thank Makima for this."
Oh?
Are you gonna do it, huh?
Denji had a confused look on his face, but this essentially meant, "Thank you, Makima, for getting rid of my rival." Reze was quite annoyed. What does this devil think of human life?
...Well, I'm not really in a position to say that.
Nayuta, you're mistaken about one thing.
I wouldn't take away someone important to you.
I do like it, I guess. I would like people to see it, I guess.
I felt too inferior to stand beside them. The Soviet-made weaponized humans had killed too many people.
I can't be as supportive as you are.
So, it's just right to tease them like this, keeping a certain distance and teetering on the line between truth and lies.
Nayuta, you don't need to worry.
...But I'm not going to tell you that.
Nayuta suddenly stands up. She leans closer to Denji and rests her forehead against the boy's chest.
It's probably meant to be a warning to Reze. It's so obvious that it's actually kind of endearing.
"Pochita, can you hear me? Denji's been really mean. Can I teach him a lesson?"
"picture?"
"I think it would be good for it to experience some pain. Like, physically, a sharp stab. ...Huh, is it okay? Because it will be fixed if you pull the starter? ...Yeah, yeah, I see, got it, thanks."
"Hey, that's scary! Pochita would never say something like that!"
Reze narrowed her eyes.
I thought it would be more fun to pretend to be in a bad mood.
Right in front of her, Nayuta was deliberately flirting with Denji. She probably meant it as a way to spite him, but to Reze, it was just plain amusing.
Denji.
Nayuta.
And then there's Japan, a country so bland it makes you yawn.
Not bad.
Reze's heart swelled with anticipation, as her second life was finally about to begin.
"Okay, I have a question for Nayuta-chan!"
"what"
"Do demons have sex drives? If they have sex, can they have children?"
"Wha... what?!"
"Hahaha"
They both burst out laughing at the same time.
"Well, I've heard a little about you guys from Captain Kishibe. Is there perhaps some kind of relationship between you two?"
Nayuta's lips trembled as she looked at something she couldn't believe, but she cleared her throat and quickly regained her composure.
"I didn't do it."
"How about a kiss?"
"I didn't do it."
"What?! You haven't done it yet?!"
"It's not necessary."
Nayuta has a look on her face that shows she is genuinely displeased.
Reze glanced sideways at Denji.
He had an indescribable expression on his face.
"Hmm... Oh really? I see."
As she said this, she leaned closer to Denji and placed the backs of her hands on his. She intertwined her fingers with his from above, and brought her lips close to his ear as if to show off, and whispered.
"Want me to practice with?"
"Huh, what!?"
Clang
The empty can, which had been emptied, fell onto the table.
"...I see."
Nayuta glared at Reze, letting out a deep sigh that seemed to reach the depths of hell.
"I finally get it. That's how Soviet agents operate—by unsettling their opponents and taking control of the situation."
"Ouch, ouch, ouch!"
She dramatically clutches her chest.
"Hey Nayuta, that's a landmine."
That's what I told them.
"Oh! The phone's ringing! ...It's my superior at Public Security! I forgot to give my regular report, so I'll step out for a bit. Hello?"
He turned his back to me in a flash.
I can feel the gaze of the demon of control piercing me there.
She probably thinks this:
Leze doesn't want to talk about the Soviet era.
The past might be one of our weaknesses.
That was merely information that Reze had deliberately given.
The important thing was to give the character an easily understandable image. That was Reze's usual method.
A simple method is to expose one apparent weakness. Once a weakness is identified, people feel like they understand the person. Understanding brings a sense of relief. And when people feel relieved, their guard is down.
Then just repeat.
Familiarity can turn into trust.
Reze thinks this isn't even a particularly impressive technique.
In the secret room where I grew up, there are others who are more adept at ruthless methods.
...no.
To be precise, they "were there".
"Tonight, I'll be staying at the Hayakawa house. ...Yes, yes. That's right. I've also gotten permission from the homeowner."
Reze thinks while on the phone.
I'm not particularly plotting anything. But I don't know any other way of life.
Kill someone, or deceive someone.
It'll probably stay like this forever.
But that's unavoidable.
It's presumptuous of me to think I can be happy now, when I'm standing on a bed of countless corpses.
I'm not pessimistic at all.
Because I have Denji.
Having someone by your side who watches you and tells you they like you—what a blessing that is.
Considering the guinea pigs that perished in the past, this is an unexpectedly fortunate situation.
So this is enough.
I'm going to live this way forever.
"Oh, please don't say that. I'm fine. Really."