The following day, Denji finds himself lying in bed, Power beside him. He opens his eyes, a mild headache lingering as he attempts to piece together the events from the day before. Glancing down, he sees Power, peacefully asleep and nestled close. A faint smile crosses his face, and he gently nudges her awake. She stirs, rubbing her eyes.
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Power: “Finally awake, huh? You passed out after dealing with that gross Eternity Devil mess.”
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Denji: “Oh, right... We were stuck in that hotel for days, weren't we?”
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Power nods approvingly, acknowledging Denji and Super's successful confrontation with the devil.
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Power: "You and Super really tore through that devil! Just what I'd expect from my partner." She pauses briefly before continuing, her tone taking a suggestive turn. "You know, Denji, I think you've earned a reward for all your hard work."
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Denji is left momentarily speechless, visibly taken aback by her unexpected offer. Power moves closer, settling on top of Denji, a playful and seductive smile on her face.
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Denji (Thoughts): *Could this be it? My first time?*
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Power leans in, closing the distance between them, and delicately strokes Denji's face.
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Power: "I might not be familiar with human intimacy, but I've watched some movies... I believe this is how they do it."
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Denji is utterly surprised by her words, and he stays motionless as Power gently strokes his cheek. Power gazes deeply into his eyes and kisses him on the lips. As she pulls away, Denji is left in a dazed state, and Power chuckles lightly. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts the moment, capturing their attention.
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Aki (from the other side of the door): “Hey, lovebirds! Get up, it's time for breakfast.”
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Power: “Well, looks like we'll have to continue this some other time.”
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Denji, regaining his composure, nods in acknowledgment. Power swiftly leaves the room, heading to breakfast. Denji, deep in thought for a moment, shakes off the lingering surprise and gets out of bed. Closing the door behind him, he makes his way to the living room and takes a seat at the table.
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Aki groans in frustration as Power urges him to finish preparing the plates. The front door's knob rattles as keys are inserted, and it creaks open. Super enters, closing the door behind him, and walks into the living room, appearing bruised and battered.
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Super takes a seat at the table, opposite Denji, and lets out a deep sigh, a sense of relief evident on his face.
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Denji: “Hey, what happened to you? You look like you've been through something.”
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Super: “Yeah, I'm fine. Something bizarre occurred in the hospital, though.”
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Denji: “Bizarre? What happened?”
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Super: “There was some kind of rift. It opened up and pulled me through. I teamed up with some others, and after some intense events, we got sent back here. It was wild.”
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Denji: “Whoa, a rift? That sounds cool—”
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Aki, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation, interjects with a serious tone.
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Aki: “And dangerous.. Super, if what you're saying is true, and there's a random rift opening in places like a hospital, there's a chance more could appear, and it might lead to serious consequences. This isn't something to take lightly.”
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Super nods, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
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Super: “Yeah, we got filled in on the situation. This 'Shattered Dreamer' was in a brawl with a fusion of two guys called 'Vegito.' Their intense fight likely caused those rifts to open up.”
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Aki: “If that's the case, those guys must be dangerous. Who sent you back? And who were the other people with you? We need to figure this out.”
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Super: “I passed out during the fight, and the next thing I knew, I woke up back in the hospital. I assume Vegito kept his promise and sent everyone back after we helped him defeat The Shattered Dreamer. During the fight, I was in combat, another guy supplied energy, and I even managed to copy a new move.”
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Aki: “So, you got involved in a rift due to a dimension-level battle between two possible gods. How many people did you team up with?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAm0QkjVSm8D
Super: “Let me think... It was Vegito, the guy supplying energy, two other identical-looking guys... and that's it, five of us.”
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Aki: “I see, so it was like a five-way fracture... And about that ability you mentioned copying, can you demonstrate it?”
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Super: “Sure, but it's a pretty cataclysmic move, so I'll have to show you the simplest version.”
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Aki nods in understanding and steps back. Denji watches closely, and Power, next to him, observes as well. Super takes a familiar position and chants.
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Super: “Ka... Me...”
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A blue orb of energy appears between his hands and shines brightly.
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Super: “Ha... Me...”
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The orb glows even brighter, absorbing specks of energy around it.
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Super: “HA!”
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Super pushes his arms out in front of him, firing a large blue beam of energy that breaks through the wall and shoots across the sky. Super quickly stops, and the beam dissipates.
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Super: “Yeah, that's basically it. But it can do much more damage than that when you put all your energy into it.”
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The room fell silent; everyone was stunned by the display. Aki shook it off and spoke.
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Aki: “Okay, that was interesting. So, I clearly now know this is a real situation. I’ll schedule a meeting with Miss Makima, and we will go from there.”
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Super: “Alright.”
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Meanwhile, on a train headed to Kyoto, Makima and a worker are riding in silence. Makima’s phone vibrates in her pocket; she takes it out, seeing a direct call from Aki. She answers the phone, and with a calm tone, she inquires about his call.
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Makima: “Hello, yes Aki?”
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Aki (On the phone): “So, Super just got back from the hospital and dropped a pretty big bombshell on us. Apparently, in the hospital, a rift opened and pulled him through. He says he and some others inside the rift fought and killed this ‘Shattered Dreamer’ guy. He says he fell unconscious after the battle and woke up in the hospital. I inquired for further detail, and he even demonstrated a move he learned from the interaction that has some pretty damaging effects even at its lowest. As for proof, I’d argue that his current condition is proof enough. Unless he fell asleep and got the kick beat out of him, no one can leave a scratch on him, and he’s got bruises everywhere. I called to schedule a meeting so we can discuss this situation further. I fear something bad may happen if we don’t try and confront this problem.”
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Makima takes a moment to absorb all the information she had just been told, then takes a deep breath.
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Makima: “Thank you for telling me this, Aki. I share the same concern. If what you say is true, this may be a huge issue. God knows when another one of those rifts could appear, let alone what comes out of it. I’m headed to Kyoto right now, I was out for a while. Meet me there at that sushi restaurant I like, you know the one. Bring Denji, Super, and Power as well. If something does go down, I assume they can handle it.”
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Aki (On the phone): “Yes, ma’am, we should be there by 3:00.”
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Makima: “Very well, goodbye, Aki.”
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She hangs up the phone and looks out the window at everything passing by. Contemplating the information she was told, she ponders how to take care of the issue if it turns out to be true. Suddenly, without warning, Makima and her worker are both shot in the back of the head, receiving several more rounds from individuals with their faces covered.
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Back over to Aki, he sets his phone down on the table and stands up.
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Aki: “You all got dressed, we’ve got a meeting with Makima, and we need to be there by 3.”
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Super puts his hand on his chest, instantly changing into a suit. He also places his hand on Denji’s chest and does the same for him.
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Aki: “Or... just do that. That's fine too.”
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Eventually, they all get outside to the car. Aki drives, Super calls shotgun, and Denji and Power sit in the back. Aki backs out of the parking spot and drives out onto the highway.
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Aki (Driving): “Okay, Super. Makima is gonna want every detail, so you have to try your best to remember everything that went down.”
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Super: “I’m aware. I don’t quite remember everything in great detail, but I do remember a few things, like The Shattered Dreamer claiming to be a god, and Vegito somehow matching him in power; he might be a god as well.”
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Denji (From the backseat): “So it was like a battle of gods?”
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Power (From the backseat as well): “A battle of gods! Why wasn’t I invited?”
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Super: “Anyways, the fight was as follows. I appeared from a rift first, then there was a shirtless guy wearing a towel as a cape. Me, him, and Vegito took on The Shattered Dreamer for a while, then we fired off a pretty huge beam.”
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{Flashback}
Super regenerates completely and harnesses Vegito's teleportation ability. He teleports beside Damian, urging him to get up and assist Vegito.
Super: "Get up, human! We need to help that guy and find a way out of here."
Damian swiftly responds, determined to contribute to their efforts.
Damian: "No need to tell me twice."
The trio acts swiftly, converging on The Shattered Dreamer with a synchronized assault. Super delivers a powerful punch to The Shattered Dreamer's jaw, following it up with a forceful kick to the face. At the same time, Damian strikes The Shattered Dreamer in the gut. Their combined effort propels The Shattered Dreamer a considerable distance away.
The three then rapidly reposition themselves, preparing for a devastating counterattack. Vegito begins charging a Final Big-Bang Kamehameha, Super follows suit by copying Vegito's technique, and Damian channels his energy into both their attacks. The power of their combined blasts radiates with tremendous force.
As Vegito and Super release their devastating blasts, the beams converge and surge toward The Shattered Dreamer, engulfing him in a powerful display of energy. However, from a rift that suddenly opens behind the trio, two more figures are unceremoniously ejected.
Damian quickly notices the newcomers, who turn out to be Goku and Goku Black.
Goku Black: "What's going on? Where are we?"
Goku: "Is that Vegito? How did we end up here?"
Damian urgently addresses them.
Damian: "No time to explain. We need your help to defeat this formidable foe. He's likely the cause of our predicament."
Goku: "Well, I don't have any issues with helping out."
Goku Black: "Indeed, it's a good opportunity to test our strength."
Goku: "Let's do it!"179Please respect copyright.PENANAKa7XZEeLxq
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Goku, unleashing his Super Saiyan 4 power, combines it with Mastered Ultra Instinct, while Goku Black ascends to Super Saiyan Rosé 4. The two Saiyan warriors stand beside Vegito, who intensifies his energy, aiming to obliterate The Shattered Dreamer's body.
Together, they unleash their powerful blasts, their combined energy forming a destructive force. Super, however, starts to waver as his energy depletes rapidly. Damian swiftly extends his energy to Super, rejuvenating him and restoring his strength to continue the assault.
As The Shattered Dreamer's body continues its relentless regeneration, Damian urges them to put forth even more power. Vegito, Goku, and Goku Black heed his call.
Vegito: "Goku! Goku Black! Full power on 3!"
Goku and Goku Black respond with determination.
Goku and Goku Black: "Right!"
With their combined might, they synchronize their energy, simultaneously launching a final assault on The Shattered Dreamer.
Vegito: "1... 2... 3... GO!"
Vegito, Goku, Goku Black, and Super, energized by Damian's support, unleash a collective, thunderous cry as they tap into their full power. Their combined strength sends shockwaves through their very plane of existence, causing the shattered space around them to distort and flash with chaotic colors.
The quartet channels their maximum strength into their respective energy attacks. Vegito ascends to the Celestial Ascendant Super Saiyan form, tapping into his true full power. Goku and Goku Black undergo their transformations, with Goku achieving the Omni-Super Saiyan form, and Super bursting into his fiend form, his massive frame engulfed in raging flames. The resulting beam is a dazzling fusion of black, white, and red, representing the betrayed, the pure, and the evil, respectively.
The colossal beam expands until it consumes the entire space, obliterating the shattered realm itself. As the radiant energy surges forth, The Shattered Dreamer's relentless regeneration is finally overcome, and his body begins to disintegrate. He lets out a scream that resonates with both pain and unbridled rage. His final words echo through the chaotic maelstrom.
The Shattered Dreamer (Final Words): "CURSE YOU DAMN FOOLS! I AM BALANCE! I AM GOD! I WILL NOT BE DESTROYED! I WILL NOT! I'LL LIVE ON! THIS IS NOT THE LAST OF ME! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!!!!"
The Shattered Dreamer's final scream reverberates through the realm before his complete destruction. The immense beam streaks across the Omni-Verse, its brilliant power lighting up the cosmos before gradually dissipating. As the dust settles, everyone lands on the ground, catching their breath.
Super, exhausted and drained, reverts to his normal size and passes out.
{End Flashback}
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Super: “And yeah, that's what I can remember near the end of the fight. After that, it's a bit blurry.”
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Aki (Driving): “Huh? That all happened.. That must’ve been some fight.. In all seriousness, that Shattered Dreamer sounded pretty powerful, and he mentioned something about coming back? I feel that we are taking this too lightly.”
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Super: “While he did mention something about returning, I don’t think it’s true. I watched him die with my own eyes..”
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Aki: “I know, but still, it's not bad to be cautious..”
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After a few minutes of driving, they reach the sushi place in Kyoto. Confusion sets in as they find that Makima hasn’t arrived yet. They decide to grab a seat and wait for her. Meanwhile, at the train station, several people exit the train screaming and running away. Makima calmly steps out of the train, seemingly unfazed by the blood covering her. Security rushes in, aiming their guns at her.
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Security Guard 1: “Put your hands up!”
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Makima casually walks right past them, not leaving before speaking calmly.
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Makima: “You never saw a thing.”
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The guards, now somewhat hypnotized, respond in emotionless tones, claiming they didn’t see a thing.
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Makima: “Good. Now please dispose of all the dead bodies on board the train.”
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The guards nod and immediately get to work. Makima then turns around and starts leaving the station. Meanwhile, with Aki, Denji, Super, and Power, they wait patiently for her arrival, enjoying their food and drinks. Suddenly, a man from the other side of the room speaks to them.
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Samurai: “You guys can actually stand the taste of this stuff?”
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Denji turns and looks at the man with a confused expression.
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Denji: “Yeah, it’s pretty good.”
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Samurai: “Heh, figures. You start eating crap from an early age, and your appetite goes to crap.”
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Power slams her fist on the table and yells.
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Power (Angry): “Do not speak to us in such a casual manner!”
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The man leans back in his seat and pulls a picture out from his coat.
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Samurai: “My father was a nice man. He used to spoil me rotten with all the stuff he gave me. Even though he might have been morally questionable, he was a kind soul. You remember him, don't you, Denji?”
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The man shows him the picture. Denji seems to recognize the man in the photo and gets angry.
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Denji: “What the hell do you want from me?”
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Aki: “Denji, do you know that guy?”
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Samurai: “I heard the Gun-Devil is after your heart.”
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He reaches into his coat again, pulling out a gun, and proceeds to aim it at the group. Time seems to slow as the man shoots Denji in the head, Aki in the stomach, and Super in the chest. Moving quickly, Power gets up and uppercuts the man’s jaw before yelling at Aki.
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Power: “Now, Topknot!”
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Aki gets the message and, while holding his wound, quickly raises his other hand, forming a wolf head with it and getting a view of the man through the gaps in his fingers.
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Aki: “Kon!”
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Right then, a giant kitsune fox head pops out of the ground, destroying the entire building and trapping the man inside its mouth. Aki coughs as he fans the dust away from his face. He looks around, seeing Denji lying bleeding out on the floor, with Power trying to stop it, and Super holding his chest as the wound regenerates.
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Fox-Devil: “Hayakawa, you’ve put something truly outrageous in my mouth this time... It’s neither human nor devil.”
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Suddenly, the Fox-Devil is split clean in half from the middle. At that moment, the same man with katana blades protruding from his arms and head rips through the devil's head and jumps down to the ground. The Fox-Devil disintegrates behind him. Aki looks at him, completely shocked. He draws his sword and prepares for battle.
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Katana Man: “Stay out of my way, little devil hunter. This doesn't concern you.”
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Aki: “Where the hell did you get a gun? They're only available for the police or devil hunters!”
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Katana Man: “Mind your business.”
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Aki holds up his sword and charges at Katana Man. Katana Man swings his blades at him, which Aki barely dodges. Aki quickly rushes behind him after the dodge and shoves the blade through Katana Man's chest.
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Mysterious Voice: “Three.”
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Despite the pain, Katana Man turns around, attempting to slash at Aki. Aki, determined, pulls out his sword, getting hit and flung backward. Struggling to rise, he swiftly charges back at Katana Man. The blades slash through the air, landing a single blow on Aki, who resiliently tanks it, retaliating by thrusting the blade through Katana Man's chest once again.
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Mysterious Voice: “Two.”
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Aki withdraws the sword, deftly dodging another slash from Katana Man, and plunges the blade into Katana Man's arm.
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Mysterious Voice: “One.”
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With a quick pull, Aki retrieves the sword and sprints backward, creating distance before executing a strategic turn.
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Aki: “Now, strike!”
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Mysterious Voice: “Zero.”
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In a sudden twist, Katana Man finds himself engulfed in darkness. A colossal skeletal figure emerges, its two heads biting down on both of Katana Man's shoulders. He screams in agony, blood gushing from his body. To the onlookers, he lies lifeless on the ground, the battle concluded in a macabre dance of blades and shadows.
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Aki lets out a deep sigh, dropping his sword. He turns towards Super, making his way over while tightly gripping his wound, determination pushing him through the pain. Super, now healed, strides over to Aki. Placing his hand over the wound, he activates his healing magic. Within seconds, Aki is restored completely, as if the gunshot had never occurred.
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Aki expresses his gratitude, "Thanks, Super. Now, let's get out of here—"
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Akane: "Nice moves... Curse-Devil, right? Interesting." She strides over to Katana man's body, assisting him to stand.
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Akane: "Do you know why you lost?"
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Katana man sighs, offering his answer: "Because I underestimated him."
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Akane: "So what are you going to do this time?"
179Please respect copyright.PENANAM5dGDVKTT8
Katana man: "Overestimate him."
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Akane: "Good, go get 'em."
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Akane steps back, observing from a safe distance. Katana Man assumes a peculiar kneeling position, akin to preparing for a sprint. In less than the blink of an eye, a powerful gust of wind whisks through, and Katana Man materializes behind Aki. Blood trickles down from the blade on his head, freezing everyone in place until Aki's chest is suddenly engulfed in a dangerous surge of blood. Aki groans in pain, collapsing to his knees in shock.
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Katana Man turns around, facing Aki, whose back is turned.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAX3rsLZHr76
Akane: "Welp, go ahead and finish him."
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Katana Man: "One of the fiends got away, with our target."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAFd4kskEi0h
Akane: "Well, finish him and that other fiend off, and then go find them."
179Please respect copyright.PENANANphzuVLOmC
Katana man poised to strike Aki, Super swiftly appeared behind him, brandishing Aki’s sword and mimicking the Curse-Devil's abilities. With a forceful thrust, Super impaled the blade through Katana man's heart, sending him collapsing to the ground, writhing in pain. Super conjured two identical swords, piercing the second through Katana man's spine and the third through the back of his stomach.
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Katana man screamed in agony, bleeding profusely on the ground. Akane observed from a distance, seemingly indifferent. Aki, clutching his chest in pain, observed the unfolding scene. Super knelt down, whispering to Katana man.
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Super: “Three… Two… One… Zero...”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAJSmUs9qhDC
A repetition of Katana man's previous demise ensued, sealing his true demise this time. Super spat on his lifeless form and redirected his focus to Akane, who pointed at him.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAFKdKTE5Jt6
Akane: “Snake, swallow him whole..”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAA2uq2CE8H5
In a split second, a colossal white serpent surfaced from the ground, ensnaring Super within its gaping maw. The serpent swiftly swallowed Super, evoking a satisfied grin on Akane's face. However, her momentary triumph was abruptly curtailed as the air resonated with a revving sound emanating from within the snake.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAwEy2sHVh1R
To Akane's astonishment, Super burst forth from the serpent, seamlessly assimilating Denji's hybrid form and tearing through the snake as if it were mere paper. Witnessing this spectacle, Akane's eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back. Super concluded his dismantling of the snake, then positioned himself directly before Akane. His visage now bore a demonic, mechanized quality with elongated, jagged fangs and a chainsaw handle protruding from the back. Formidable chainsaws materialized from his forehead and arms, mirroring Denji in appearance and attire.
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Akane stammered in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the sight before her.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAwi4Fk4reOY
Super, now replicating Denji's appearance, responded nonchalantly, "I'm the Imitation Devil, or fiend now, I guess... Nice to meet you. I assume that you are 'dead,' yes? Don't answer that; it's a rhetorical question, and I already know the answer."
179Please respect copyright.PENANABEbL6UVoxY
The notion of an Imitation Devil seemed to baffle Akane, and she stuttered, "Wha- I-Imitation Devil!? But you're—"
179Please respect copyright.PENANAaiXv2sRK9b
Cutting her off, Super, still mirroring Denji, remarked, "Just a myth? I know, shocker. I'm real."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAyXuZkYH6Iq
Akane, grappling with the inconceivable, protested, "This isn't possible. You can't be—"
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Interrupting her with a hint of dark humor, Super, embodying Denji, quipped, "You know, I love bad guys because nobody cares if I brutally murder them."
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Akane slightly flinches at his statement, and takes several more steps back. Super, slowly approaches her, dragging the chainsaw blades across the ground.
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Akane, stuttering nervously, pleaded, "Hey, l-listen! I-I'm just doing my job! I-I just need the Chainsaw Man's heart!"
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Super, imitating Denji, responded indifferently, "Too bad, I don't care. I'll make this as quick as possible for you."
179Please respect copyright.PENANA8fYPNCVFyG
With a swift slash, Super cuts Akane cleanly in half. She falls lifeless to the ground, blood pooling around her. Super reverts to his normal form, looking down at the split corpse. Meanwhile, in the middle of the forest, a familiar rift opens, glowing brightly before spitting out someone.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAiUXKEdifBW
The newcomer stands to their feet, adorned in a black trench coat, a gray t-shirt, black pants, and black sneakers. Their hair is messy, a brownish-orange hue, and their teeth are sharp and slightly yellow. Dark outlines accentuate their eyes, giving them an appearance eerily reminiscent of Denji.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAx7z1KqzX6y
Alt Denji mutters, "What in Dante’s 9th fucking inferno just happened.." as he surveys the forest around him. With a sigh, he retrieves a device from his coat and tosses it onto the ground. The device generates a massive holographic grid, spanning the entire forest. A holographic screen materializes, and an AI voice provides information.
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AI: “Forest area expands for 45 miles. Locating the nearest sign of civilization… Civilization, located, City Kyoto, head north..”
179Please respect copyright.PENANARTkwSzISSa
Denji retrieves the device, preparing to head north. However, before he takes a step, the rift disgorges another person and swiftly seals. Denji glances back to identify the newcomer—none other than Power, who rises to her feet.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAMd5pWfieDX
Alt Denji eyed Power with a sinister smile as he acknowledged her presence.
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Alt Denji: "Power, you're here too."
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Alt Power feigned innocence in her response.
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Alt Power: "Denji? What's happening?"
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Alt Denji: "Calm down. We got pulled through a rift and transported here. I assume we're in an alternate reality."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAErGe9dJ5pG
Alt Power's tone took a subtle turn, hinting at hidden motives.
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Alt Power: "I see. Shouldn't the strongest devil want to establish dominance over this world?"
179Please respect copyright.PENANAYP0QnWut3P
Alt Denji: "Maybe, later. Right now, I'm a bit hungry. Kyoto is north. Let's head in that direction and go from there."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAPfJJdHrNbE
Alt Power, still maintaining a façade of cooperation, added a hint of calculation.
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Alt Power: "Understood. The food supply should be sustainable for at least a couple of years if you don't consume it all like you did in the previous world."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAiW9JevJ62p
Alt Denji, with a dismissive smirk, retorted.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAqo3lSPdrky
Alt Denji: "Oh, shut it. Those pathetic humans deserved to be eaten quickly. Let's just get to the city and begin."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAzS0CXiTHmn
Denji strides forward, heading north, with Power hastily trailing behind. Meanwhile, Super tends to Aki's chest wound, helping him back onto his feet. Aki groans, feeling the effects of the recent attack.
179Please respect copyright.PENANACoU6lflVKq
Aki winces as he stands, expressing his gratitude.
179Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZDRAzjkiJ
Aki: "Damn, he got me good. Thanks, Super."
179Please respect copyright.PENANA6MFnRc52w3
Super: "Yeah, no problem. Let's just find Denji and Power and get out of here."
179Please respect copyright.PENANAuUAvOpNTp8
Aki: "No, we need to figure out what those guys meant. They were after Denji's heart."
179Please respect copyright.PENANABQ0LLN5ziL
Super: "Yeah, seems like everyone is after his heart, and not in a good way. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'll say it – both of them are dead. They won’t be giving us much information.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANA6iofJfBA4n
Aki: “Yeah, no shit. Fine, let's regroup and figure all this mess out. First, it's goddamn rifts, now the Gun-Devil is after Denji.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAtVsz4SF4Kg
Super: “Yeah, let's get back to the others–”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAp7TEPePfbj
Suddenly, several masked men armed with guns surround them. Super is caught off guard, and Aki instinctively reaches for his sword, but realizes it’s not with him; instead, it's embedded in Katana man's chest. Aki sighs and gets behind Super, not seeing many other options.
179Please respect copyright.PENANACABb50AFBb
Out of nowhere, one of the guys is crushed and explodes, splattering blood all over the place, courtesy of some unseen force. The remaining men panic and start shooting. Most of the bullets find their mark in Super, while Aki remains covered behind him. Super grunts with each impact but valiantly shields Aki. One by one, the rest of the assailants meet the same gruesome fate as the first until none are left standing.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAX0GZeo4D5W
Super regenerates, and Aki cautiously moves from behind him. The sudden entrance of Makima, nonchalant and composed, catches their attention.
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Aki (Surprised): “Miss Makima?”
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Makima: “Aki, Super, I see some events have unfolded in my absence..” She wipes some blood off her shirt.
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Aki: “Well, yes.. A guy, presumably a hybrid like Denji, attacked us.. And a girl working with him also attacked us, but Super killed them both.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAKVcsXqFx1g
Makima looks past them, eyeing Katana man’s impaled corpse and Akane's decapitated remains. She then directs her attention back to them.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAK5LTU96mUT
Makima: “I see, and what were they after?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAuaiZZbMPZK
Aki: “Denji’s heart, ma’am. They are working for the Gun-Devil.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAkyKfv1yj7b
Makima: “And what became of him?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAtsKf3MuZRo
Aki: “He was shot in the head; Power took him to safety.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAq5YsKB2YJO
Makima: “Very well, I had a little altercation with some guys brandishing guns on the train. I'll just say what happened to these guys here would be considered merciful... Because of these events, we’ll have to reschedule this meeting.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAH4vM8QTVFz
Aki: “Understood, Miss Makima... Please excuse us.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANA1DdRH5QjLs
Makima nods, prompting a nod from Aki. They go their separate ways—Aki and Super heading off to look for Denji and Power, and Makima in her own direction. Hours pass, and frustration builds as Aki and Super search the city, checking every possible location for Denji and Power.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAtB2tQT0m0W
Super: “Where the hell are those two? I feel like we’ve been looking forever.”
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Aki: “We have to keep looking. We can’t leave them by themselves out here.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAPW0oOzz67k
Super: “Yeah, yeah, let's just hurry this up.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAvme1IAz7o3
The two walk down the city sidewalk, and as night falls, their search continues with no sign of Denji and Power. Frustration lingers. Eventually, they pass an alleyway where a noise catches their attention. They redirect themselves and walk down the alley. Aki, still lacking a weapon, stays behind Super. Super stops and signals for Aki to do the same, then calls out into the darkness.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAMMLNy0ByOa
Super: “Who’s there? Come out, cowards.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAMrQ824Q7S8
A silent chuckle resonates from the darkness, and the Denji from the alternate reality, along with his version of Power, steps out of the shadows. Super regards him with slight hints of confusion, while Aki appears skeptical.
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Alt Denji: “Well, I did not expect this today. Aki Hayakawa and this guy. Tell me, Aki, why do you hide behind this person? Are you scared?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAifZxyDv3ew
Aki: “Denji, what are you talking about? It’s Super. Don't you recognize him?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAqyIzkJaaPH
Alt Power: “Ah, it seems he confuses us for his Denji and Power. Shall we deliver the news flash?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAGARguGYHSp
Alt Denji: “Well, I see no reason why not. You see, Aki and Super, we are not from this reality. We were pulled from our world by a rift and spat out here.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAcjPh3x55tR
Aki's eyes widen at this revelation, and his jaw nearly drops from the shock.
179Please respect copyright.PENANA8NvZA5szvN
Alt Denji: “That's right.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAl33hYzymql
Super: “That must mean that battle must have had more consequences than we think. The consequences must be dire, because that fight was a day ago, and things are still happening.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAlEiColi3te
Aki: “I cannot handle all of this. We’re stalling right now, so let's get the obvious question out of the way. Are you two good or not?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAIaRD7gv0Ag
Alt Denji: “Heh, why lie? We’re bad, very twisted and evil according to normal people.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAPyhu5WQVHA
Alt Power: “Normal people, which we eat, and sometimes torture for fun!”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAeMoRhxoZlQ
Aki: “Well, shit.”
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Super: “Goddamn, they didn’t even sugarcoat it. They just flat out said it, no holding back at all. Well, guess we gotta kill 'em.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAen4IP5EEYR
Alt Denji laughs, and Power laughs along with him. Super is confused by their laughter, and Aki is as well. They stop laughing, Power uses her blood and makes a large scythe. Super gets positioned and manifests a sword.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAjMSzci1UPS
Alt Power: “Ah, this one can create weapons from thin air. Very interesting. Too bad it won't be enough.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAbd370cDgtO
Super: “You know what, yeah. I won’t waste my time actually fighting you.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAdTRvz9KYB8
Super drops the sword and aims his hand at her chest. Then in just the blink of an eye, a large blade made of light envelops his hand and pierces right through her. Her eyes widen, and she drops her scythe as she looks down at the blade piercing through her chest, while Alt Denji simply shrugs.
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Super: “Yeah, I learned how to manifest light in my free time, so I made it deadly, and yeah. This is the result.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANASwVhK1BHRf
Aki: “So you're the reason most of my shirts have holes burned in them. I knew it.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANA0mhKPJvKz2
Alt Power (Still somehow alive): “T-Tis, painful. How is it possible that one could manage this?”
179Please respect copyright.PENANATOGzQTqYbg
Super retracts the blade of light, and Power falls onto her knees. Super does a specific movement with his hand, and all the blood in Power’s body begins to drain.
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Alt Power: “W-What? What is this?! How is this p-possible?! D-Denji! Help!”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAHSpbLZE62s
Alt Denji gazes down at her with a sinister expression, his eyes betraying a dark intent. Delving into his coat pocket, he retrieves a cybernetic-looking cube, casually tossing it onto the ground. In response, Super swiftly erects a luminescent shield, encapsulating both him and Aki within its protective embrace.
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The cube emanates a haunting blue glow, and minuscule beams of light erupt from its core, weaving a complex pattern throughout the surroundings. These beams dance with an eerie grace, exploring every nook and cranny but deliberately avoiding Alt Denji, thanks to a potent force field enveloping him. The cube concludes its radiant spectacle, ceasing the emission of beams.
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Abruptly, Alt Power, having borne the brunt of the luminous assault, undergoes a gruesome metamorphosis. Her form is disintegrated into several gory fragments, which cascade to the ground, creating a macabre mosaic. A pool of blood forms around the remains, a testament to the brutality of the scene. Super dismisses the protective shield, revealing Aki's stunned expression.
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Alt Denji: “I never needed her... She was a manipulative piece of shit... Anyways, Laser cube, self-destruct.”
179Please respect copyright.PENANA6unaxa6FBH
The cube ignites once more, now radiating a menacing red glow. Violently trembling, it heralds impending destruction. In a swift motion, Super seizes Aki by the collar of his shirt and yanks him out of the alley. Alt Denji chuckles malevolently, relishing the spectacle. The cube culminates its cataclysmic purpose, erupting into a colossal explosion that obliterates the buildings lining the alley.
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The entire vicinity succumbs to chaos, engulfed in flames, billowing smoke, and the anguished cries of civilians drowning out all other sounds. Halting their escape, Super and Aki pivot to witness the unfolding devastation. From the inferno emerges Alt Denji, nonchalantly traversing the flames, adorned with an utterly demonic expression.
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Aki: “Oh my god, we have to do something about him!!”179Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ypcm6ZcWc
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Super: “Screw that, you must be actively trying to die..”
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Aki: “We can’t just let him run rampant around the city! We gotta do something about him–”
179Please respect copyright.PENANAYgnnZEUGsE
In a sudden and brutal turn of events, Alt Denji aimed his weapon at Aki's chest. The force of the gunshot sent Aki stumbling backward, gasping for breath as a crimson cascade of blood spilled from the wound. Each subsequent shot further ravaged his body, the impacts tearing through him with merciless precision. Super, paralyzed by shock, could only witness the gruesome scene unfolding before him as Aki succumbed to the relentless barrage of bullets.
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Aki's desperate gasps for any bit of air to make up for the blood filling his lungs became drowned out by the gunfire, and his body, weakened and battered, finally collapsed to the unforgiving ground. Blood pooled around him, staining the pavement beneath. In a tragic tableau, Aki lay motionless, his life force ebbing away.
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In a final act of defiance, Aki summoned the strength to extend his arm, pointing away from the harrowing scene. It was a poignant signal, urging Super to escape the impending danger and carry on without him.
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Super: “N-no, I can’t leave you here..”
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Aki coughs up blood, his insistence on Super to run reiterated through feeble signals. Super hesitates, torn by conflicting emotions, but the piercing screams from above snatch his attention. Alt Denji, now reveling in a macabre display, tears apart innocent civilians and savors their flesh like a wild beast in a feeding frenzy. The gruesome scene unfolds, and Super, after a regretful moment of contemplation, swiftly turns away and flees the unfolding carnage.
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Aki, left behind, continues to cough up blood, his life force draining onto the ground beneath him. The smoke from the raging flames obscures his vision as he lies in the throes of inevitable demise. Gazing up at the night sky, Aki resigns himself to these final moments. Suddenly, a figure emerges in the corner of his weakening vision – Alt Denji, his eyes glowing with an ominous, bright orange hue.
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Alt Denji: “Oh, Aki... I've got plans for you. Just close your eyes and go into the light. Sweet dreams.”
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Aki, lying on the ground, bleeding out, coughs several more times, each painful spasm accompanied by the expulsion of more blood. A solitary tear traces a path down his cheek, and with a final, heavy exhale, he succumbs to the grasp of death.
179Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3JKYGRMF8