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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16VCaDcE0v
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeqfyp3PmC
Denji: "Arai, I assume. Figures, because you look like 'em. Come with me; I'll explain on the way."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Sr8d6vIr
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAST7MqsKd
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWLpAqIFbn
The weight of the news shook Arai to his core, his voice cracking with anxiety.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy1Xe4H6VD
Arai: "Where is Makima now?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqzh610OZa
Denji glanced back at Arai, then continued in the direction they were headed.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpDpLf56yJ
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtf4WnueF4
Arai recoiled at the revelation, his hesitation evident as he took a step back.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE0RX5ctXJ
Arai: "Wait! How do I know you're the real Denji? What if you're one of the alternates?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP2tO6Sb8m
Denji halted abruptly, turning to fix Arai with an intense glare.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1fosg49fC
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwwS4FhKDa
Despite Denji's explanation, Arai remained wary, his tone laced with distrust.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceTorj8ioY
Arai: "But how can I be sure you're not lying? You could be one of them, pretending to be you."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAczgJKgTz
Denji pivoted fully to face Arai, his expression serious and determined.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsabGVdPvN
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzStYgwAB3F
With that, Denji turned back around and resumed walking.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkaxuAgnFG
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUJwxQSmwt
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu2JifwFdU
Denji: "Super, I brought him."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllmXFn8iiA
Super shifted his focus to them, nodding in approval.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgslh1D6ZKc
Super: "Good. Did you brief him on the situation?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jSfVW2aYq
Denji affirmed with a nod.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcwRGwgyiY
Denji: "Yes, I gave him a quick rundown."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nNUNs7OJA
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF9c6uajs4
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu65mT3zh0
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrk5ooSeXi
Himeno placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed him.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOxqRuOuO7
Himeno: "Kishibe, we've come to recruit you to our faction. Will you come with us?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinyzkNn3q4
A deep yet familiar voice resonated through the air.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGSURtArLJ
???: "Ah, Himeno... It's been a while, hasn't it? Fascinating to encounter so many familiar faces..."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq9b5WXWVa
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhfmygdYZH
Himeno: "Aki, is that you?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyymew5sQN
Alt Aki: "Bingo, Himeno. You've always had a knack for stating the obvious..."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI9NxBQpN6
Power observed the scene unfolding, while Kishibe clenched his fists in response.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ZSQNZIlA
Kishibe confronted the alternate Aki, his frustration evident.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlV4XLutw2
Kishibe: "Why the hell are you using past tense words like 'were' and 'was'? Have you lost your mind?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNDT5Szi8X
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72jZ9It0Dz
Alt Aki: "Because, Kishibe, you two are supposed to be dead. Yet here you are, and the genius Kishibe decided to attack me."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg4nVvFB50
Power interjected.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMM2vtcMbz
Power: "Are you blind or just stupid? There's more than two people here, you idiot."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPETYRWzixY
The alternate nonchalantly put away his flask.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnrol3L9by
Alt Aki: "Eh, whatever. Not like you matter."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeCapTf5Oy
Power took a step forward but was blocked by Himeno.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jFA6XdQog
Himeno: "Aki, I have a question. Did you go through a rift? Because, in this reality, you're supposed to be dead."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekiYJM83aO
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXgIbiBlEM
Kishibe expressed his disbelief.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHc3H3c06u
Kishibe: "That's nonsense. Are you telling me that rifts are opening up and spitting out alternate versions of us?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRLHHakrEC
Himeno interjected, attempting to explain.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt18BDe0t47
Himeno: "That's what we were going to explain once you came with us."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX5x1bvVY7
Power, growing impatient, suggested a more forceful approach.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxft9bLHhfD
Power: "Talking to him clearly isn't working. Let's just drag him to Super, and he'll make him join us."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNlk3mUuQo
Himeno disagreed, considering the potential risks.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbhQ6ib4xG
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdGzvgatFs
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4JD8cFomA
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.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1piouvircp
Himeno: “So, you're not our enemy? You won't harm us?”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUnyqAgdkM
The alternate affirms.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ913z6qno1x
Alt Aki: “I have more pressing concerns than wasting my efforts on you three. Simply refrain from interfering, and we need not cross paths.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0D6hawWhy
Turning away from the trio, the alternate adds:
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoqGMKFNtU
Alt Aki: “Do not pursue me. It would not end favorably.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEqcfkBmF2
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQUR4BHnVS
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.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEwIr3kd7G
Super steps forward, his gaze intent as he addresses Kishibe.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFVGcxCavH
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.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lvb3Xzew7
Kishibe exhales deeply, processing the gravity of the situation. He adjusts his appearance, smoothing down his hair and brushing off his coat.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPGfhzkWLq
Kishibe: “Given my own encounter with an alternate, and seeing your dedication, I'm in.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHu8hXdAwx
Super's brow furrows in response.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJzX0rY8iT
Super: “You've faced an alternate? Who was it?”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWcmdpueua
Himeno provides the answer.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAllNf5nJVk
Himeno: “It was an alternate version of Aki. He claimed non-hostility and mentioned other priorities.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGAJmJjV6L
Super absorbs this information with a nod.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqONiBojXeg
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.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdX8eMK1n5
Super claps his hands, a flash enveloping Kishibe as he's fitted into the faction's uniform. Kishibe speaks up.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeegQdRyDY
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.”
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9afKe05NtX
Super nods in agreement.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGpECFuJga
Super: "Alright, now that we've gathered most of everyone—"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRfUWGer3f
Denji interjects.
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHSYBxyVkX
Denji: "What about that crazy chick? You know, Kobeni?"
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERCEFWuH56
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."
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58OihElspk
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..
70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ4A32QL6c
