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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwOrmfdH8o
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8xdR5lRLg
Denji: "Arai, I assume. Figures, because you look like 'em. Come with me; I'll explain on the way."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHotLnRkoSP
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkaZoRZrKQ
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLEI8A5oR5
The weight of the news shook Arai to his core, his voice cracking with anxiety.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvcZqvxoss
Arai: "Where is Makima now?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cV3X7fuxo
Denji glanced back at Arai, then continued in the direction they were headed.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTOivcL2Hw
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhVCPiRjWZ
Arai recoiled at the revelation, his hesitation evident as he took a step back.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iCbcuoGpS
Arai: "Wait! How do I know you're the real Denji? What if you're one of the alternates?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2BSNpYics
Denji halted abruptly, turning to fix Arai with an intense glare.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EGN84DkMV
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHVjmZ6hWw
Despite Denji's explanation, Arai remained wary, his tone laced with distrust.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiN99e49h1
Arai: "But how can I be sure you're not lying? You could be one of them, pretending to be you."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGOcVTXOC0
Denji pivoted fully to face Arai, his expression serious and determined.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFJ2OQEYBv
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaahbosspi
With that, Denji turned back around and resumed walking.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWKYyUIxt3
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurK1Dsvjd7
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne8ETYlKtH
Denji: "Super, I brought him."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNLo7o77CL
Super shifted his focus to them, nodding in approval.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm331xkhs2m
Super: "Good. Did you brief him on the situation?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad9LNwS24k
Denji affirmed with a nod.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaLbEMw8pc
Denji: "Yes, I gave him a quick rundown."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I9n0fu0d3
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy8yoRiV44
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh4xeNU2G7
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXG1plXHQo
Himeno placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed him.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX8m2f3q5B
Himeno: "Kishibe, we've come to recruit you to our faction. Will you come with us?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwYlFmWam3
A deep yet familiar voice resonated through the air.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofgCz0Gui3
???: "Ah, Himeno... It's been a while, hasn't it? Fascinating to encounter so many familiar faces..."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGw1v27JDw
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCrMKLVTIW
Himeno: "Aki, is that you?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9BCUyAoXe
Alt Aki: "Bingo, Himeno. You've always had a knack for stating the obvious..."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ7CzKAEe0
Power observed the scene unfolding, while Kishibe clenched his fists in response.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtZuAYNzlN
Kishibe confronted the alternate Aki, his frustration evident.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdrqKGiXZ6
Kishibe: "Why the hell are you using past tense words like 'were' and 'was'? Have you lost your mind?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0F2irFM6J
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc2WlzGkrh
Alt Aki: "Because, Kishibe, you two are supposed to be dead. Yet here you are, and the genius Kishibe decided to attack me."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemXmalwgR3
Power interjected.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLfLh0g4wA
Power: "Are you blind or just stupid? There's more than two people here, you idiot."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojFKdeC4kn
The alternate nonchalantly put away his flask.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsbwih4ZeB
Alt Aki: "Eh, whatever. Not like you matter."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkIaAgTqwZ
Power took a step forward but was blocked by Himeno.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYFh3KKsLO
Himeno: "Aki, I have a question. Did you go through a rift? Because, in this reality, you're supposed to be dead."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ6wyVbgEm
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYwP81XuLT
Kishibe expressed his disbelief.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5W7scXwqb
Kishibe: "That's nonsense. Are you telling me that rifts are opening up and spitting out alternate versions of us?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVnXpTnz1L
Himeno interjected, attempting to explain.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPqxOyPl0j
Himeno: "That's what we were going to explain once you came with us."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJACBJcaVG
Power, growing impatient, suggested a more forceful approach.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxWCKV4vJN
Power: "Talking to him clearly isn't working. Let's just drag him to Super, and he'll make him join us."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0vxTopJra
Himeno disagreed, considering the potential risks.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBZK9vGHQO
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaoa5xcLWQ
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJToukBdnr
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.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAChKfMEoS
Himeno: “So, you're not our enemy? You won't harm us?”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XBQaBwJcb
The alternate affirms.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxSmSQqQz2
Alt Aki: “I have more pressing concerns than wasting my efforts on you three. Simply refrain from interfering, and we need not cross paths.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMWnfwlaev
Turning away from the trio, the alternate adds:
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTEuMguwGf
Alt Aki: “Do not pursue me. It would not end favorably.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp84Y3r2rW9
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5nfLbQLhv
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.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISXq3wnMGb
Super steps forward, his gaze intent as he addresses Kishibe.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1BstAuvFG
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.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTa3sjxHyt
Kishibe exhales deeply, processing the gravity of the situation. He adjusts his appearance, smoothing down his hair and brushing off his coat.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuVhLPG1Su
Kishibe: “Given my own encounter with an alternate, and seeing your dedication, I'm in.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GZ94Kyq8m
Super's brow furrows in response.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5C2RkZIQP
Super: “You've faced an alternate? Who was it?”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4evMduEqi
Himeno provides the answer.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrvmv33RJ4
Himeno: “It was an alternate version of Aki. He claimed non-hostility and mentioned other priorities.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH2KRUgT8n
Super absorbs this information with a nod.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7feu1LVtSh
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.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8X3aXKSMy
Super claps his hands, a flash enveloping Kishibe as he's fitted into the faction's uniform. Kishibe speaks up.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RXPhjSA3O
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.”
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGiX6EIrr6
Super nods in agreement.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43YQ5DiQWy
Super: "Alright, now that we've gathered most of everyone—"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjmCI38nom
Denji interjects.
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7KdbN3d7U
Denji: "What about that crazy chick? You know, Kobeni?"
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsHOFr0VGx
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."
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcr6qsNrfO
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..
120Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxOw8TFWgI
