Denji sprinted through the chaotic streets, undeterred by the panic and explosions surrounding him. His face remained stoic and focused, showing neither fatigue nor fear. Upon reaching the Public Safety headquarters, he burst through the doors, finding a scene of frantic activity as people scrambled to respond to the unfolding crisis.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9yPXr66WF
Ignoring the chaos around him, Denji scanned the room until his eyes locked onto Arai, who appeared panicked, covering his ears amidst the commotion. Denji approached him with urgency.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyvY0EuuUJ
Denji: "Arai, I assume. Figures, because you look like 'em. Come with me; I'll explain on the way."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOuV72raBL
Arai, confused and anxious, nodded, recognizing Denji's capabilities. As they left the building, Denji guided Arai back to the apartment complex, providing a brief overview of the dire situation.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9fDMIYYU8
Denji: "So basically, dimensional rifts are tearing open, spitting out alternate versions of everyone. Currently, only two alternates have come through – one is me, and the other is Power. The alternate me killed Alternate Power, and he has also killed Aki and severely injured Makima."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rxnAbbwBF
The weight of the news shook Arai to his core, his voice cracking with anxiety.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoyexMosEy
Arai: "Where is Makima now?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8EN8MFvCE
Denji glanced back at Arai, then continued in the direction they were headed.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xsb46EJ2I
Denji: "Alternate me implanted some device in her skull, sealing away her abilities and forcing her to remain conscious. To make matters worse, she's now just a severed head, alive and aware. The alternate me consumed the rest of her."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWjk3x9uGS
Arai recoiled at the revelation, his hesitation evident as he took a step back.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kRAP39HA7
Arai: "Wait! How do I know you're the real Denji? What if you're one of the alternates?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbkYrMU6Mg
Denji halted abruptly, turning to fix Arai with an intense glare.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgpfmdZteb
Denji: "Super, Power, Himeno, and I have formed a faction called 'Team Prime.' Our members wear the uniform I have on now. Super specifically sent me to recruit you."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmPIQkcfF8
Despite Denji's explanation, Arai remained wary, his tone laced with distrust.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCdDIDkbk5
Arai: "But how can I be sure you're not lying? You could be one of them, pretending to be you."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmfh2pbCLV
Denji pivoted fully to face Arai, his expression serious and determined.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH96Q12yvN8
Denji: "Arai, I only learned about this myself less than an hour ago. I know as much about that alternate me as you do. But here's the thing – if I were that alternate, I would have already attacked you. The fact that I haven't should be assurance enough. Now, pull yourself together and make a decision. We don't have time to waste."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8pygMVI0r
With that, Denji turned back around and resumed walking.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8UBK32NaW
Denji: "If you choose to stay behind, that's on you. But mark my words, when more alternates arrive, you'll regret not listening. You'll be alone, vulnerable, viewing everyone as an enemy. And that'll make you a prime target. If you're eager to meet your end, then by all means, stay behind."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOzaj61Ut0
Arai paused, allowing Denji's words to sink in. After a moment of contemplation, he made his decision and followed behind. Denji, still forging ahead, noticed Arai trailing behind and offered a slight smile, reassured by his choice. Together, they reached the apartment building, where Denji led Arai to Super, who was pacing in the hallway.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpjM34MsPd
Denji: "Super, I brought him."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJlCOLXgDM
Super shifted his focus to them, nodding in approval.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w79nYguzr
Super: "Good. Did you brief him on the situation?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvBYKjIdAD
Denji affirmed with a nod.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OMaoaqq5F
Denji: "Yes, I gave him a quick rundown."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ78AnGKNQK
With a decisive clap of his hands, Super conjured a flash of light that enveloped Arai, revealing him in the same uniform as the rest of the faction, solidifying his place among them.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9GHLd1uEC
Meanwhile, Power and Himeno sprinted along the rooftops, scanning the area for Kishibe. They leaped down from the buildings to the ground and scanned their surroundings before dashing off again. As they raced at high speeds, a loud crash echoed through the air, bringing them to a sudden halt.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQn23zQXu6
There, before them, Kishibe crashed to the ground and swiftly regained his footing. He stood battered and bruised, his typically impassive expression now replaced with determination and seriousness.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChm2gjDcqj
Himeno placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed him.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9wHiWmPgg
Himeno: "Kishibe, we've come to recruit you to our faction. Will you come with us?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Km6updHbt
A deep yet familiar voice resonated through the air.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0oQ10FqtI
???: "Ah, Himeno... It's been a while, hasn't it? Fascinating to encounter so many familiar faces..."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8EQfB27Ue
Silence fell over the group as they looked up at the hole Kishibe had crashed through. From the shadows within, a figure emerged, dressed in a long black coat with a suit underneath, hair loose, a blindfold covering his eyes, and a sword strapped to his back. Despite his unusual appearance, Himeno immediately recognized the figure's identity.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NQh5CsuFv
Himeno: "Aki, is that you?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBSDxiiE3w
Alt Aki: "Bingo, Himeno. You've always had a knack for stating the obvious..."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMEBTH1Kh1
Power observed the scene unfolding, while Kishibe clenched his fists in response.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxbwOiDF0c
Kishibe confronted the alternate Aki, his frustration evident.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVwQymtMqY
Kishibe: "Why the hell are you using past tense words like 'were' and 'was'? Have you lost your mind?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ975oB7vmL0
The alternate Aki casually stepped out, gracefully landing on his feet. He retrieved a flask from his coat pocket, took a swig, and then pointed at the trio.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrfc30hi1c
Alt Aki: "Because, Kishibe, you two are supposed to be dead. Yet here you are, and the genius Kishibe decided to attack me."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGelXU5qmp1
Power interjected.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj9yaWLkRs
Power: "Are you blind or just stupid? There's more than two people here, you idiot."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KVfDch8GO
The alternate nonchalantly put away his flask.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEgUox7AZB
Alt Aki: "Eh, whatever. Not like you matter."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKOI4EVaec
Power took a step forward but was blocked by Himeno.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewiyW8lVbQ
Himeno: "Aki, I have a question. Did you go through a rift? Because, in this reality, you're supposed to be dead."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXsb9ojiXM
Alt Aki: "I don't know. I remember getting pulled through something, blacking out for a while, and then waking up in this strange place. I guess that could make sense."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiSLDbuQUX
Kishibe expressed his disbelief.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasj9iGqGfy
Kishibe: "That's nonsense. Are you telling me that rifts are opening up and spitting out alternate versions of us?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU3ijv6X1M
Himeno interjected, attempting to explain.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAeEO8EyCc
Himeno: "That's what we were going to explain once you came with us."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZel40hASDz
Power, growing impatient, suggested a more forceful approach.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlneqXUPPx
Power: "Talking to him clearly isn't working. Let's just drag him to Super, and he'll make him join us."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbQ6zUF7cK
Himeno disagreed, considering the potential risks.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPlVUFzKQl
Himeno: "No, we can't risk it with another alternate running loose. Even though he's Aki, he's not our Aki. We can't trust him."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2Ks5uIzxl
The alternate Aki, now calmly smoking a cigarette, listened to their conversation. Kishibe sighed, preparing for another confrontation, while the alternate casually extinguished his cigarette.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvSlbWnpm8
Alt Aki: “I have no desire to engage with any of you. My interest in you is non-existent. I only defended myself when provoked. In my current base, you pose no threat. However, I lack the inclination to ruthlessly eliminate you.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx8N9II224
Himeno: “So, you're not our enemy? You won't harm us?”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYrBmls2zX
The alternate affirms.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g58Pw46iu
Alt Aki: “I have more pressing concerns than wasting my efforts on you three. Simply refrain from interfering, and we need not cross paths.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJAOvaPW51
Turning away from the trio, the alternate adds:
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID0NMFYoEr
Alt Aki: “Do not pursue me. It would not end favorably.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0QIzsi4r8
With those words, the alternate disappears in a blur, leaving the group to their own devices. Power clicks her tongue in annoyance and crosses her arms, Himeno shakes her head in disbelief, while Kishibe struggles to grasp the situation.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGbPgQAGfR
Himeno and Power seize Kishibe, swiftly ushering him away before he can interject further. They escort him back to the apartment complex and lead him to Super's presence. Standing before Super, Denji, and Arai, the trio awaits Super's address.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAhikAAE6I
Super steps forward, his gaze intent as he addresses Kishibe.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMbH333GJv
Super: “Listen, we're organizing a faction for identification and support. Recently, I was pulled into a rift and thrust into battle against a god. My temporary allies and I emerged victorious, but the conflict was on a scale beyond comprehension. Now, rifts are opening, disgorging alternate versions of ourselves. Aki fell to an evil, cannibalistic alternate Denji, and Makima was incapacitated by him as well. So, here's the bottom line: join us for solidarity, or face a gruesome fate when more adversaries arrive. It's your call.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgbkC6GjIU
Kishibe exhales deeply, processing the gravity of the situation. He adjusts his appearance, smoothing down his hair and brushing off his coat.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCKHm15sbH
Kishibe: “Given my own encounter with an alternate, and seeing your dedication, I'm in.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaV4rBrVQV
Super's brow furrows in response.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhejqEQMgr
Super: “You've faced an alternate? Who was it?”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTJJNynRbZ
Himeno provides the answer.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFFqd2e2gf
Himeno: “It was an alternate version of Aki. He claimed non-hostility and mentioned other priorities.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPuyWOBLHW
Super absorbs this information with a nod.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXvHhwqGdg
Super: “If he poses no threat, he's not our focus. We maintain neutrality until events unfold. That means our primary objective remains targeting Alternate Denji, our greatest adversary.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwwe3419AW
Super claps his hands, a flash enveloping Kishibe as he's fitted into the faction's uniform. Kishibe speaks up.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhWnBQkTA4
Kishibe: “So this alternate Denji killed our Aki and harmed Makima. Sounds like he's some sort of malevolent Denji, perhaps even a cannibal. 'Evil Denji' or 'Cannibal Denji' should suffice if we encounter more alternates.”
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wI9K6WYIB
Super nods in agreement.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjiDfdUtqV
Super: "Alright, now that we've gathered most of everyone—"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB7hdAcIBi
Denji interjects.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDShVrMx4c
Denji: "What about that crazy chick? You know, Kobeni?"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvzKGhP1Yn
Super: "Ah, right... I almost forgot about her. I'll go fetch her. Meanwhile, the rest of you, head out into the city and keep an eye out for Cannibal Denji. Stick together; our unity is our greatest strength."
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhdrqjixl4
Everyone nods, acknowledging the directive, albeit mostly out of apprehension. As Super assumes leadership of the situation, he retrieves his phone and the slip of paper bearing Kobeni's number. He dials the number, waiting patiently for a response..
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3krIClBAV
