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.
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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.
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Denji: "Arai, I assume. Figures, because you look like 'em. Come with me; I'll explain on the way."
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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.
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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."
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The weight of the news shook Arai to his core, his voice cracking with anxiety.
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Arai: "Where is Makima now?"
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Denji glanced back at Arai, then continued in the direction they were headed.
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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."
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Arai recoiled at the revelation, his hesitation evident as he took a step back.
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Arai: "Wait! How do I know you're the real Denji? What if you're one of the alternates?"
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Denji halted abruptly, turning to fix Arai with an intense glare.
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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."
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Despite Denji's explanation, Arai remained wary, his tone laced with distrust.
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Arai: "But how can I be sure you're not lying? You could be one of them, pretending to be you."
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Denji pivoted fully to face Arai, his expression serious and determined.
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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."
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With that, Denji turned back around and resumed walking.
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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."
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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.
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Denji: "Super, I brought him."
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Super shifted his focus to them, nodding in approval.
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Super: "Good. Did you brief him on the situation?"
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Denji affirmed with a nod.
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Denji: "Yes, I gave him a quick rundown."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Himeno placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed him.
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Himeno: "Kishibe, we've come to recruit you to our faction. Will you come with us?"
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A deep yet familiar voice resonated through the air.
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???: "Ah, Himeno... It's been a while, hasn't it? Fascinating to encounter so many familiar faces..."
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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.
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Himeno: "Aki, is that you?"
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Alt Aki: "Bingo, Himeno. You've always had a knack for stating the obvious..."
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Power observed the scene unfolding, while Kishibe clenched his fists in response.
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Kishibe confronted the alternate Aki, his frustration evident.
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Kishibe: "Why the hell are you using past tense words like 'were' and 'was'? Have you lost your mind?"
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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.
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Alt Aki: "Because, Kishibe, you two are supposed to be dead. Yet here you are, and the genius Kishibe decided to attack me."
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Power interjected.
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Power: "Are you blind or just stupid? There's more than two people here, you idiot."
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The alternate nonchalantly put away his flask.
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Alt Aki: "Eh, whatever. Not like you matter."
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Power took a step forward but was blocked by Himeno.
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Himeno: "Aki, I have a question. Did you go through a rift? Because, in this reality, you're supposed to be dead."
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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."
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Kishibe expressed his disbelief.
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Kishibe: "That's nonsense. Are you telling me that rifts are opening up and spitting out alternate versions of us?"
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Himeno interjected, attempting to explain.
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Himeno: "That's what we were going to explain once you came with us."
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Power, growing impatient, suggested a more forceful approach.
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Power: "Talking to him clearly isn't working. Let's just drag him to Super, and he'll make him join us."
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Himeno disagreed, considering the potential risks.
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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."
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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.
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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.”
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Himeno: “So, you're not our enemy? You won't harm us?”
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The alternate affirms.
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Alt Aki: “I have more pressing concerns than wasting my efforts on you three. Simply refrain from interfering, and we need not cross paths.”
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Turning away from the trio, the alternate adds:
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Alt Aki: “Do not pursue me. It would not end favorably.”
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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.
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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.
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Super steps forward, his gaze intent as he addresses Kishibe.
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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.”
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Kishibe exhales deeply, processing the gravity of the situation. He adjusts his appearance, smoothing down his hair and brushing off his coat.
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Kishibe: “Given my own encounter with an alternate, and seeing your dedication, I'm in.”
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Super's brow furrows in response.
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Super: “You've faced an alternate? Who was it?”
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Himeno provides the answer.
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Himeno: “It was an alternate version of Aki. He claimed non-hostility and mentioned other priorities.”
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Super absorbs this information with a nod.
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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.”
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Super claps his hands, a flash enveloping Kishibe as he's fitted into the faction's uniform. Kishibe speaks up.
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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.”
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Super nods in agreement.
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Super: "Alright, now that we've gathered most of everyone—"
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Denji interjects.
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Denji: "What about that crazy chick? You know, Kobeni?"
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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."
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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..
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