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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGih0cOlBkB
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr84QoXU37
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrPI67zh79
Denji: "What the hell happened?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIw4L8BVUM
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvlRpEGLrn
Super: "Listen carefully. Aki... he's gone."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9abo7gMbN
The blunt revelation catches both Power and Denji off guard, leaving them stunned into silence. Super continues, providing further details.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywBzLLAmj0
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k5OfzLhmG
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWG4hA9LuJ
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdXHC48T46
With Power's assistance, Denji rises to his feet, cursing softly under his breath before speaking up.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiFR0z2Onh
Denji: "It just doesn't make sense... How could another version of me and Power even find their way here?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sMCec2t34
Super takes a momentary pause, gathering his thoughts.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR3aBBd92I
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylNDnVNoMS
Power's voice cuts through the air, thick with anger and frustration.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPVghu9MDa
Power: "Damn it Super, what have we gotten ourselves into?!"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oL9JQLwu8
Super takes a moment, his expression composed as he responds to her question.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XW0owzvBl
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oY2vzprCI
A shiver runs down Power's spine as she clenches her teeth in frustration. Denji's fist tightens as he speaks up.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfpihxHNbJ
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyQGAbZAHJ
Super shakes his head solemnly.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ6ZSGUFGL
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..."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQfyFu9WVc
Power swallows hard, and Denji's gaze falls.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXIv4UC1mL
Power: "There'll be an alternate version of you..."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchrL7PSxwK
Super's tone is heavy with grim realization.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOwX3L0Dax
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt0aYobHk3
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSJuOqTkoV
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYYRcuCKS9
Denji and Power nod in acknowledgment.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSIgcLVFZW
Super: "Once Makima is in the loop, we must deal with that alternate version of Denji wreaking havoc, devouring people like a maniac."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8slGCyE87
Denji cringes at the thought.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAOCJIu7Zo
Denji: "Eating people? That's disgusting."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSPOFZCh6M
Power adds her thoughts.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2YMAu1law
Power: "But why us? There must be others more capable of dealing with him."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTa1VReb3J
Super responds firmly.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpmT6n7jvJ
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhws00ICli
Both Denji and Power nod, fully grasping the importance of their mission. Super continues to lead the discussion.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKjHG0H4HX
Super: "Now that we have our plan set, we need to establish some form of identification to avoid confusion with our alternates."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhgzxuSfbX
Denji: "That's a solid plan. But how do we go about it? Specific clothing? Markings? Colors? Code names?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf6uXbgDpG
Super scratches his head, pondering the options.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaRHmMrPNI
Super: "Those choices are quite specific. It almost sounds like you're suggesting we form a faction."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2ibqy9324
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."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSVjbFrUhR
Super considers the idea before nodding.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieoLDgtnNF
Super: "That could work. Let's get started on that. I'll ask some questions, and you answer quickly, okay?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxNmtoAhBv
Denji: "Got it."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvNQSbpYc8
Super: "Color?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstOeQlFYJt
Denji: "Red."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1n7vYNy1I
Super: "Uniform?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8PgUipsZs
Denji: "Long black coats, suits underneath, and a red band."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXvNd75ywy
Super: "Name?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ6xBtKNWU
Denji: "Team Prime."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oTpSvU66W
Super: "Logo?"
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj0TxF06tl
Denji: "A chainsaw."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvURU7ZfGZ
Super takes a moment to absorb the rapid responses.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNEpVUVf8T
Super: "You've thought this through quickly. I guess that's our plan, then."
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25RFVXE5EC
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiZYWKvhaF
Super: “Alright, first things first. We find Makima and let her know what’s going on–”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmvnKVdW8x
Before Super can finish, Alt Denji interrupts, emerging from the darkness of the forest.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoH7GvMANC
Alt Denji: “I’m afraid she already knows..”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HGkyzKNwZ
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4QkuxTJts
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37AMK9fYWi
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.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLr57V9VFO
Super responds firmly, his voice unwavering.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqUXndPq51
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.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7w3ndzLmU
The alternate chuckles, his laughter dry and hollow.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIOcl1xo4r
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.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ZmXi6KQa
Super's eyes widen at the mention of Aki.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezptefJFxe
Super: “Adjustments?! What have you done to him?!”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm73t787fQq
Alt Denji waves off Super's concern with a dismissive gesture.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYsF3vFYyc
Alt Denji: “Relax, it's nothing major. You'll see soon enough. But for now, I bid you adieu.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerurRfGAeW
Before Super can react, the alternate vanishes into the darkness, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves in his wake.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIghafFV4U
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDucUYZgwcI
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzliXmdCll
Entering the room, Super bellows a name.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpLKKpJZ76
Super: “Himeno!!!”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzHZ6qFmWn
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1htEEBcBF
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllD9mqy37t
Himeno stammers, her voice trembling with confusion and fear.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2FyJtUyWO
Himeno: “Wh-What are you doing here?”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7dsbk9gFy
Super explains, his tone curt and direct.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckoOLIYc9l
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.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjFqlAAdei
Himeno processes the information slowly, her expression reflecting confusion.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34U9ZqR4yZ
Himeno: “So, these rifts are releasing alternate versions of us? What exactly do you mean by 'alternates'?”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9puXVUnur
Super explains, his tone grave and urgent.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTymhufuQMs
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.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UaxXcmr8J
Himeno nods, finally grasping the severity of the situation.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgN0cNPg2Y
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?”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FzhSgnWvQ
Super's fist clenches involuntarily, causing Himeno to flinch.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRStWZNZqdq
Super: “He was the first casualty at the hands of an alternate. That same alternate killed Makima as well.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny4YTMzT1n
Himeno is visibly shaken by this revelation, her head dropping as tears well up in her eyes.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKSQphlzIq
Super: “We can mourn later, Himeno. Right now, we need to gather everyone together.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LneRk8fKQ
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9NuYmVxsQ
Super: “Denji, you go retrieve Arai.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUODd9AwV3
Denji: “Got it, I’ll go find ‘em..”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGzOnc29G6
Super nods, and Denji sprints ahead, making off to begin his search. Super then stops walking, making Power and Himeno stop as well.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QpqL5E0kJ
Super: “Power, Himeno, go find Kishibe, he should still be around at least.”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy5DEk7aS8
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.
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtO8B5O23p
Super: “This is not gonna go well..”
104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO3Ccfk5nT
