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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGkZmjVvx0
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6WrBQzckb
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2HC7eh5ln
Denji: "What the hell happened?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08rJEQg3PF
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8LrwdTJM7
Super: "Listen carefully. Aki... he's gone."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sNLzmZRGR
The blunt revelation catches both Power and Denji off guard, leaving them stunned into silence. Super continues, providing further details.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBPhpBsHnm
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlXBLxqTCK
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNrgtKhAq2
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszKkbkv0hP
With Power's assistance, Denji rises to his feet, cursing softly under his breath before speaking up.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK6avBoyDI
Denji: "It just doesn't make sense... How could another version of me and Power even find their way here?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKttRPh7qXa
Super takes a momentary pause, gathering his thoughts.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkMKpbXLAo
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5yEWezHMJ
Power's voice cuts through the air, thick with anger and frustration.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P5fZWddn5
Power: "Damn it Super, what have we gotten ourselves into?!"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKViCHdp4E9
Super takes a moment, his expression composed as he responds to her question.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9eMuggUpN
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiy0Bukyag
A shiver runs down Power's spine as she clenches her teeth in frustration. Denji's fist tightens as he speaks up.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GD86y1UPQ
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIaZwrtzJP
Super shakes his head solemnly.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkTcuxZlHF
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..."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e1QNFJxXa
Power swallows hard, and Denji's gaze falls.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBisMyWEO5
Power: "There'll be an alternate version of you..."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GoMIPXHKU
Super's tone is heavy with grim realization.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yN7GJMXtt
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA8LhU8ybz
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEw7CKTXp5
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e3q2fAL4m
Denji and Power nod in acknowledgment.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSwbJogfKu
Super: "Once Makima is in the loop, we must deal with that alternate version of Denji wreaking havoc, devouring people like a maniac."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw1jYlREBz
Denji cringes at the thought.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpufeKdlFt
Denji: "Eating people? That's disgusting."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvY3FFPS60
Power adds her thoughts.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgegapZ2u4O
Power: "But why us? There must be others more capable of dealing with him."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7Xv9xePHT
Super responds firmly.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQYH9SzqUR
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeFgIr9Orz
Both Denji and Power nod, fully grasping the importance of their mission. Super continues to lead the discussion.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEewCtnoWgS
Super: "Now that we have our plan set, we need to establish some form of identification to avoid confusion with our alternates."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrSMVgxYAs
Denji: "That's a solid plan. But how do we go about it? Specific clothing? Markings? Colors? Code names?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1aCnIKCsT
Super scratches his head, pondering the options.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP96tU5dru
Super: "Those choices are quite specific. It almost sounds like you're suggesting we form a faction."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnL5j7d8lO
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."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg70cQfJ5qg
Super considers the idea before nodding.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZe6yId5K7
Super: "That could work. Let's get started on that. I'll ask some questions, and you answer quickly, okay?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SsttB42to
Denji: "Got it."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZZbY6qTIW
Super: "Color?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv74kjb2yfY
Denji: "Red."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiQcIFXmTH
Super: "Uniform?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G6RxU9Wg1
Denji: "Long black coats, suits underneath, and a red band."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehPKIcuHOw
Super: "Name?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoDcvUuaQO
Denji: "Team Prime."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMJiq6vUGh
Super: "Logo?"
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypBty6WWay
Denji: "A chainsaw."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWmGL1xpdF
Super takes a moment to absorb the rapid responses.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqJPQYbsHF
Super: "You've thought this through quickly. I guess that's our plan, then."
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTpBGE2xlN
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lS1nWHPfi
Super: “Alright, first things first. We find Makima and let her know what’s going on–”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLtNsEISXU
Before Super can finish, Alt Denji interrupts, emerging from the darkness of the forest.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKctR7ClpF3
Alt Denji: “I’m afraid she already knows..”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeegk7qOvK
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I3RfexRwS
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIvZKlYPbo
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.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiNDKtkQjh
Super responds firmly, his voice unwavering.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUxp7D20I7
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.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIa31wXcBz
The alternate chuckles, his laughter dry and hollow.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9yiBSAveL
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.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjtWf8nc7f
Super's eyes widen at the mention of Aki.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUVtrkVxRS
Super: “Adjustments?! What have you done to him?!”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQojfLhzXe
Alt Denji waves off Super's concern with a dismissive gesture.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnBHAuZVhs
Alt Denji: “Relax, it's nothing major. You'll see soon enough. But for now, I bid you adieu.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VxgSM4jSw
Before Super can react, the alternate vanishes into the darkness, leaving only the sound of rustling leaves in his wake.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGysRFeeo5D
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvbENULReM
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAGSJsB4y5
Entering the room, Super bellows a name.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDys2YohZH
Super: “Himeno!!!”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO7LkT5Hdg
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XhdbwLSEq
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vnTpiSwpW
Himeno stammers, her voice trembling with confusion and fear.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dynG623I0
Himeno: “Wh-What are you doing here?”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKgrZCQ0ek
Super explains, his tone curt and direct.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCFu9x8ZnO
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.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlFXqBNNzn
Himeno processes the information slowly, her expression reflecting confusion.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg40cQ60dVI
Himeno: “So, these rifts are releasing alternate versions of us? What exactly do you mean by 'alternates'?”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1J44cOXw2
Super explains, his tone grave and urgent.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27oSFPp3ZE
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.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyNukiMvlh
Himeno nods, finally grasping the severity of the situation.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYWIUulE3g
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?”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMCF9yKew3
Super's fist clenches involuntarily, causing Himeno to flinch.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa0bhYU6k0
Super: “He was the first casualty at the hands of an alternate. That same alternate killed Makima as well.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pawzCY5BM
Himeno is visibly shaken by this revelation, her head dropping as tears well up in her eyes.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZAuPEIBk5
Super: “We can mourn later, Himeno. Right now, we need to gather everyone together.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo72V66qw3z
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAAI48uqTv
Super: “Denji, you go retrieve Arai.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYjh5iGqWN
Denji: “Got it, I’ll go find ‘em..”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsIQ34zrum
Super nods, and Denji sprints ahead, making off to begin his search. Super then stops walking, making Power and Himeno stop as well.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtKRHWz20d
Super: “Power, Himeno, go find Kishibe, he should still be around at least.”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSMTIsZK7R
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.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeUP2YOaTE
Super: “This is not gonna go well..”
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkhZWQMYzV
