Super pants heavily as he sprints through the dimly lit streets of the city, flinching at the distant roar of a massive explosion echoing from the opposite direction. Amidst the chaos, a spark of inspiration strikes him – he recalls mastering a form of teleportation. While maintaining his swift pace, he raises two fingers to his forehead, concentrating on sensing the energy signatures of Denji or Power. Sensing Power's energy nearby, he instantly teleports to her location.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0RgYKYYDH
In the midst of a somber forest, Super arrives and approaches Power, who is kneeling beside Denji. Though she acknowledges his presence, Power's focus remains fixed on Denji. Without hesitation, Super extends his hand toward the gaping, gruesome wound in Denji's head. A radiant green light emanates from Super's palm as he begins the process of healing. Gradually, the wound seals shut, and the flow of blood ceases, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the forest.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9jX2MV6AS
Denji's eyelids flutter as he leans forward, Power lending her support to keep him upright. With a slight slur in his voice, Denji speaks up.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbkLmj8tiC
Denji: "What the hell happened?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQD5yO6WOj
Rubbing his forehead where the wound once marred his skin, Denji winces. Meanwhile, Super turns away momentarily, his expression darkening as memories of Aki flood his thoughts. After a deep breath, he turns back to face them.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfKRH4c2pc
Super: "Listen carefully. Aki... he's gone."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv9ckXZqJU
The blunt revelation catches both Power and Denji off guard, leaving them stunned into silence. Super continues, providing further details.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHuj8yS0kz
Super: "He was shot and killed by an alternate version of you, Denji. The resemblance was uncanny—same hair, same face, every detail. Messy locks, jagged teeth, and those eerie orange eyes. He had his own version of Power too, but he dispatched her with some sort of laser-firing box."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgplbbciFJZ
Power and Denji were left reeling in disbelief, unable to grasp the gravity of what they had just been told. Super presses on, his tone grave.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pVcj3agam
Super: "I wish I could say I was making this up, but it's the harsh truth. I could have intervened, but something held me back... And now, Aki's gone."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM96j26orrl
With Power's assistance, Denji rises to his feet, cursing softly under his breath before speaking up.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9Ky3uxOK8
Denji: "It just doesn't make sense... How could another version of me and Power even find their way here?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5n1N4sGtJ
Super takes a momentary pause, gathering his thoughts.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXERBG06lkP
Super: "They likely arrived through the same rift I mentioned earlier. And if that's the case, this might only be the beginning. The battle was on an unimaginable scale, and if more waves come through, that other Denji might not be our only concern."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjB9p2G4Ga
Power's voice cuts through the air, thick with anger and frustration.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYFaC4v9Xp
Power: "Damn it Super, what have we gotten ourselves into?!"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyNu258pB8
Super takes a moment, his expression composed as he responds to her question.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4py94uCK2
Super: "From what I can piece together, more rifts will open, spewing beings from dimensions beyond our own. Confusion will escalate into anger, anger into rage, and rage into utter chaos. We're on the brink of an all-out war, and we may be powerless to prevent it."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjSCZdwue3
A shiver runs down Power's spine as she clenches her teeth in frustration. Denji's fist tightens as he speaks up.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq2TGr0vvN
Denji: "So, because of one battle with some godlike assholes, we're now faced with a fight for our lives to maintain control over our own dimension? But as long as you're with us, Super, we'll be okay, right? You can replicate their abilities and tactics."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGt59Hwjqn
Super shakes his head solemnly.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy0sMTPJ3o
Super: "Yes, I can mimic their abilities, but consider this: if there's an alternate version of you and Power, then it's highly likely that others from our dimension have counterparts as well. And eventually..."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHeSK6rL6a
Power swallows hard, and Denji's gaze falls.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2rYGzwl2W
Power: "There'll be an alternate version of you..."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg6gq1KcYN
Super's tone is heavy with grim realization.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDiZ2YnIXR
Super: "Unfortunately, yes. And I fear they won't be as benevolent as I am. If that's the case, we may be facing an insurmountable threat."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ7uVK8BcM
Denji's gaze remains low, and Power feels the weight of the situation pressing down on her. Super, though outwardly composed, is not untouched by the gravity of their circumstances.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uJ2jKpuou
Super: "Here's the plan, you two. Stick together at all costs. Do not separate for anything. We need to gather as many allies as possible and inform Makima. Despite her flaws, we'll require her assistance to spread the word and utilize her capabilities."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd0K6PBNE5
Denji and Power nod in acknowledgment.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ctEQWrJIS
Super: "Once Makima is in the loop, we must deal with that alternate version of Denji wreaking havoc, devouring people like a maniac."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi57UoaIZYn
Denji cringes at the thought.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRYMn4b2HZ
Denji: "Eating people? That's disgusting."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJmAd9KpdE
Power adds her thoughts.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf2EQU9VoL
Power: "But why us? There must be others more capable of dealing with him."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA4m8PaqUw
Super responds firmly.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ9WNHD6AO
Super: "He killed Aki. We can't let that slide. Even though we barely knew him, he was like family. We can't allow his death to be in vain."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBp3tEvuSH
Both Denji and Power nod, fully grasping the importance of their mission. Super continues to lead the discussion.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvEQSSQ1Mt
Super: "Now that we have our plan set, we need to establish some form of identification to avoid confusion with our alternates."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b6uW081JX
Denji: "That's a solid plan. But how do we go about it? Specific clothing? Markings? Colors? Code names?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAQJI9WoeX
Super scratches his head, pondering the options.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB0TrKIOjJ
Super: "Those choices are quite specific. It almost sounds like you're suggesting we form a faction."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWseKU76IAd
Denji: "Exactly! That's what I meant. Let's create one. We can't keep calling ourselves Special Division 4, considering the circumstances. And we can use the elements I mentioned for identification."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVMAWJZ0v6
Super considers the idea before nodding.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J2iEhfezh
Super: "That could work. Let's get started on that. I'll ask some questions, and you answer quickly, okay?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53uiGJnX2n
Denji: "Got it."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rDw3Hc8AQ
Super: "Color?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c7RPKruFA
Denji: "Red."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZcXixwomH
Super: "Uniform?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ME9Ihr09Y
Denji: "Long black coats, suits underneath, and a red band."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmzJtOo4Tf
Super: "Name?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuuoSATJYt
Denji: "Team Prime."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLO6YxFv9X
Super: "Logo?"
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK7c4glRx4
Denji: "A chainsaw."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSJzNKdLuX
Super takes a moment to absorb the rapid responses.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx3KOjDbX1
Super: "You've thought this through quickly. I guess that's our plan, then."
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mecGMVG5L
Super claps his hands, and in a flash of light, the trio's attire transforms into long black coats over black suits, adorned with red bands bearing a chainsaw logo on their sleeves. Denji and Power marvel at their new attire, but Super's voice brings them back to reality.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAutZSeSuYb
Super: “Alright, first things first. We find Makima and let her know what’s going on–”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AizWQzRrD
Before Super can finish, Alt Denji interrupts, emerging from the darkness of the forest.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgq2SuaNj9
Alt Denji: “I’m afraid she already knows..”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjuwMEzJOM
His grin stretches wide, revealing sharp fangs glinting in the moonlight. With piercing orange eyes and a menacing presence, Alt Denji's arrival is chilling. Denji and Power quickly stand beside Super, who meets the alternate's gaze with intense hatred. Alt Denji reveals what he holds behind his back: the decapitated head of Makima, tossing it at the trio's feet.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hTp30thz5
Denji and Power recoil at the gruesome sight, taking hesitant steps back. Super remains stoic, his gaze locked onto the alternate. Alt Denji casually licks the blood off his fingers before speaking.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZPr7L9HMN
Alt Denji: “I’ve had my fill of her for now. She's not dead, far from it. Fully conscious, fully aware. But I've placed a device in her skull, preventing her from using her abilities or healing. She'll stay like that until I decide otherwise.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO0PeDnMhf
Super responds firmly, his voice unwavering.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8wgqmlTVL
Super: “And why should I care? She's caused enough trouble already. You're doing us a favor by keeping her out of the way.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZjUW38yIq
The alternate chuckles, his laughter dry and hollow.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Is5o0UKvc
Alt Denji: “Well, I guess I wasted my breath then, huh? Oh well. Anyway, I've got plans to attend to. Devouring humans, wrecking the city, and a few other odds and ends. Oh, and as for your friend Aki, let's just say he's in for a few adjustments.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgPI7nsQM7
Super's eyes widen at the mention of Aki.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Juxyswomb
Super: “Adjustments?! What have you done to him?!”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZjzTeqqzV
Alt Denji waves off Super's concern with a dismissive gesture.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek3TndKkxx
Alt Denji: “Relax, it's nothing major. You'll see soon enough. But for now, I bid you adieu.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmAVCpEcnc
Before Super can react, the alternate vanishes into the darkness, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves in his wake.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wf8KdVfej
Super's frustration boils over as he curses and spits on the ground, his anger palpable. He strides toward Denji and Power, seizing them by the collars of their coats. With a swift motion, they vanish and reappear in the city outside an apartment. Releasing his grip on them, Super pushes them back, his agitation evident. Denji and Power, taken aback by his outburst, compose themselves, wary of further provoking his anger.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR40xkxnksf
Super pounds on the door, but as seconds stretch into minutes with no response, his impatience intensifies. With a swift motion, he conjures a red flare at the tip of his finger and flicks it at the door. The explosion leaves a gaping hole where the door once stood, forcing Denji and Power to shield themselves from the blast.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp49DJQyiL2
Entering the room, Super bellows a name.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn8IWCT2Mw
Super: “Himeno!!!”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8bMPPZRzm
Super hears a noise and strides down the hallway, forcefully kicking open a door to reveal Himeno in the bathroom, hastily wrapping herself in a towel. Ignoring her state of undress, Super seizes her by the hair, causing her to cry out in pain as he drags her into the living room. He roughly shoves her into a chair and tosses the towel at her face.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV8EKyqbsm
Breathing heavily, Himeno covers herself with the towel, trying to avoid any sudden movements that might trigger another outburst from Super. Denji and Power, witnessing the scene, are stunned into silence, too afraid to intervene.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTw3mAXBgC
Himeno stammers, her voice trembling with confusion and fear.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxkb32vsah
Himeno: “Wh-What are you doing here?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtZGm6Ggj3
Super explains, his tone curt and direct.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFtpMt4FjA
Super: “Listen up. Rifts in dimensional space-time are opening, releasing alternates. This chaos stems from a battle between powerful entities that I was dragged into. We need to gather our allies into our faction to identify each other in the midst of this chaos.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHYHsS6Twm
Himeno processes the information slowly, her expression reflecting confusion.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEWWJ2B2kL
Himeno: “So, these rifts are releasing alternate versions of us? What exactly do you mean by 'alternates'?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SPsi4BnHT
Super explains, his tone grave and urgent.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5JKMW28oH
Super: “They're alternate versions of ourselves. So far, only Denji and Power have come through, but more will likely follow. If we can't identify each other, we'll be vulnerable.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAoSGwCcMN
Himeno nods, finally grasping the severity of the situation.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGhi40gZEs
Himeno: “I understand now. If even Denji and Power are taking this seriously, it must be a genuine threat. And what about Aki? Is he involved in this too?”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC9W19UUO1
Super's fist clenches involuntarily, causing Himeno to flinch.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9jR4xsz3p
Super: “He was the first casualty at the hands of an alternate. That same alternate killed Makima as well.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71Rp5Cb3h1
Himeno is visibly shaken by this revelation, her head dropping as tears well up in her eyes.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYjuK96pSX
Super: “We can mourn later, Himeno. Right now, we need to gather everyone together.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30TXxzjVIm
Super claps his hands, causing a flash and fitting Himeno in the same uniform he, Denji, and Power are wearing. Himeno stands up and wipes the tears from her eyes. Super turns and leaves through the hole he blew in the wall, followed by Denji, Power, and Himeno, behind him.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpMKkRoahE
Super: “Denji, you go retrieve Arai.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKOXxOkrCE
Denji: “Got it, I’ll go find ‘em..”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAKX933cDf
Super nods, and Denji sprints ahead, making off to begin his search. Super then stops walking, making Power and Himeno stop as well.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc27rCQuqMo
Super: “Power, Himeno, go find Kishibe, he should still be around at least.”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGxuoY6kL6
Power and Himeno nod, and they both head out on their mission given to them. Super looks down at the ground, and lets out a sigh.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UdwVKgh8T
Super: “This is not gonna go well..”
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmDULJ2mlF
