At the rooftop of the Public Safety Devil Hunter building in Kyoto, Aki and Himeno stood side by side, waiting for Kang Woo and Kishibe to return. The night had fully settled in, casting long shadows across the rooftop, and the air was still, heavy with unspoken tension.

Himeno, with her usual calm demeanor, lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, exhaling the smoke slowly into the quiet night air. She glanced over at Aki, her eyes reflecting the weight of countless battles. With a playful smirk, she held out a cigarette to him. "Want one?"

Aki hesitated for a moment, his usual stiff posture softening ever so slightly. Just as he reached for it, though, Himeno pulled the cigarette back with a teasing grin. "Didn't you say smoking's bad for your bones?"

Aki blinked, taken aback by her playful jab, then chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I did say that." He paused, his gaze distant as he looked out over the city skyline. "But after watching Kang Woo... how he operates, how he plans everything so meticulously, it made me think. He once said, 'I'll prepare a thousand plans, even if only one is used, it's worth it.'"

Himeno raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in Aki's tone. "And?"

Aki sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets as he leaned back against the railing. "I've been too focused—too obsessed with chasing the Gun Devil. It's consumed everything I do, every decision I make. But now… I realize I need to slow down, take a step back, and plan my way to victory, just like Kang Woo does. It's not about rushing headfirst into revenge. It's about thinking things through. Maybe I need to relax a little, not let the need for revenge control me."

Himeno listened quietly, her heart swelling with warmth at his words. She smiled, a rare, wholesome smile that lit up her face. "That's growth, Aki. I'm proud of you."

Aki glanced at her, his usual stoic expression softening in the warmth of the moment. "I used to think revenge was everything. But now... maybe there's more to life than just chasing after the past."

Himeno took another slow drag from her cigarette, savoring the taste as if it carried away her burdens. "You know, there's something about smoking that's comforting. It's like… all the stress, all the weight you carry just lifts off for a moment. I used to hate the taste at first, but now, every puff feels like I'm letting go of something."

Aki nodded thoughtfully, contemplating her words. "Maybe that's why people smoke—to feel like they can breathe for just a second, even if it's bad for them."

Himeno chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling in the low light. "Exactly. Sometimes we need those small moments of release. You've been carrying too much on your shoulders, Aki. If you keep going like that, the weight will crush you."

Without warning, Aki reached over and took the cigarette straight from Himeno's mouth, taking a drag himself. Himeno's eyes widened in surprise, before she broke into a cheerful laugh. "Heeh, getting aggressive all of a sudden? How does it taste coming from your partner's mouth?"

Aki smirked, exhaling the smoke. "Sweet. I like it. Feels like a good kiss."

Himeno, clearly touched by his rare display of affection, smiled warmly, her usual teasing replaced by a more genuine appreciation for him. "All right, then," she said playfully, lighting up a new cigarette for herself. The exchange made her feel lighter, as if Aki's words and actions had lifted a burden from her heart.

After a moment of silence, Aki spoke again, this time with a hint of uncertainty. "Himeno-senpai, do you think I can ever be as strong as Kang Woo? He always seems to have a thousand plans for everything. He can manipulate darkness and create black flames…"

Himeno smirked, her response dripping with sarcasm. "You're asking that to a drunkard and a cheerful woman?" She shook her head lightly, then added with more sincerity, "But I can suggest one thing—you've already done enough. You have a contract with the Curse Devil, and now you've got the Fox Devil, thanks to Kang Woo. The result? The Fox Devil is completely loyal to you, Aki. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. But... I think what you really need is to relax a little."

Before Aki could respond, Himeno wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Can you call me Himeno-senpai again? I like it… very much."

Aki smiled softly, the tension fading from his body. "Himeno-senpai," he said, the words feeling comforting. "When this is over… when my vengeance against the Gun Devil is finished… where do you want to go?"

Himeno pulled back slightly, her eyes glinting mischievously as she thought about it. She leaned in closer and whispered, "I want to go to a place where you finally realize you've been my subordinate this whole time... and carry all my bags."

For a second, Aki just blinked, processing the joke. Then he burst into laughter—loud and genuine. "Pffft—!"

He doubled over slightly, his shoulders shaking with amusement. "Yeah, right! Like that's ever gonna happen, Himeno-senpai!"

Himeno grinned wide, thoroughly enjoying the rare sight of Aki laughing. "Hey, you asked, didn't you? Be careful what you wish for."

Aki, still chuckling, wiped a tear from his eye. "Maybe I walked right into that one," he admitted, his heart feeling lighter as he stood beside her.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching behind them. Both Aki and Himeno turned to see Kang Woo and Kishibe arriving on the rooftop.

Himeno grinned, her cigarette dangling from her lips. "So, how's Hell?"

Kishibe, as usual, responded with his bored, nonchalant tone. "Not as fiery or terrifying as I expected. Just a bunch of doors in the sky and flowers everywhere."

Aki raised an eyebrow and directed his question to Kang Woo. "Did you get the Hell Devil's contract?"

Kang Woo gave a simple nod, his expression serious. "I've got to rescue the princess. See you later." With that, dark, shadowy wings sprouted from his back, and with a single powerful beat, he took to the sky like a dark comet, racing toward Aokigahara Forest at an incredible speed.

Kishibe watched him go, hands casually stuffed into his pockets, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That makes four times Japan's seen a dark comet. Every time, it's been Kang Woo flying."

Aki and Himeno exchanged glances, both feeling the weight of the moment. Himeno took another slow drag from her cigarette, exhaling as she gazed at the sky where Kang Woo had vanished. "Whatever happens next," she said softly, "I just hope he brings her back in one piece."

Kishibe let out a sigh, muttering, "Hell Devil, Kang Woo ditched us. We need transport, and I'm in a pinch situation."

Suddenly, the Hell Devil materialized in front of Kishibe, its massive form looming over them. "You have no authority over me, human—" the Hell Devil began in its deep, gravelly voice, but something made it pause. It narrowed its eyes, as if recognizing something. "Don't tell me... you're the noble one spoke of? To protect in a pinch situation... the human named Kishibe? That human is you?"

Kishibe shrugged nonchalantly. "If you don't believe me, ask the ones behind me," he said, glancing over his shoulder at Aki and Himeno.

Himeno, her cigarette still between her lips, grinned. "That's our teacher, the veteran devil hunter Kishibe."

Aki stood quietly beside her, nodding in agreement, though his thoughts raced. It must be Kang Woo again, he thought. The fact that a high-end devil like the Hell Devil was responding to Kishibe in such a way—it was probably thanks to Kang Woo's unpredictable and chaotic influence.

Kishibe, sensing the moment was right, turned back to the Hell Devil. "Transport us to the entrance of Aokigahara Forest. Didn't Kang Woo mention he'd reward you for your best performance?"

The Hell Devil growled, its deep voice laced with disdain. "I hate you all, humans." But despite its grumbling, it summoned a giant, six-fingered hand, grabbing onto Kishibe, Aki, and Himeno. With a single motion, it teleported them to the designated location at the entrance of Aokigahara Forest.

High above the Earth, Kang Woo hovered in the atmosphere, his dark wings outstretched against the sky. He felt the final Clink sound resonate in his mind—a confirmation of his adaptation to the Future Devil's foresight. Now, with future sight added to his growing arsenal, he felt even more unstoppable.

His mind drifted back to the Ten Shadows technique, most of which he had already subdued. However, one remained unresolved—Mahoraga. "The Mahoraga ritual was interfered with by Homelander," Kang Woo mused to himself. Summoning Mahoraga to troll Homelander had been an amusing move, but now, Kang Woo needed to kill Mahoraga again to complete his 10 shadows. "That arrogant supe still has a part to play in my grand plan," Kang Woo thought of homelander part in his grand planwith a grin.

Without further delay, Kang Woo began the chant, his voice ringing out with power. "With this treasure, I summon Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga!"

In an instant, Mahoraga appeared before him. The shikigami's towering, muscular figure cast an imposing shadow, its four wings protruding from eye sockets, and its head crowned with a spinning eight-handled wheel. Its tail-like appendage swayed ominously as it hovered in the sky, ready to adapt to its surroundings.

Kang Woo wasted no time. He grabbed Mahoraga by the neck, forcefully pushing him downward, sending them plummeting back toward Earth. As the heat of atmospheric reentry began to envelop them, Mahoraga's adaptation mechanism kicked in, its wheel spinning faster, and the telltale CLANK echoed again.

"Already adapted to the heat? Tch. Annoying as ever," Kang Woo muttered, but his grin never faltered. "No matter. I'll finish this here."

With a surge of dark energy, Kang Woo extended his palm and unleashed one of his most devastating techniques. "Hellblaze Omega!" he roared. A massive spider-like blast of black flames erupted from his hand, far more intense than any of his previous Hellblaze attacks. The flames consumed Mahoraga, wrapping around him like a relentless inferno. The shikigami's adaptation mechanism spun rapidly in an attempt to adjust, but Kang Woo grinned darkly. "Too late."

As they reached their destination, Kang Woo directed their crash toward Aokigahara Forest—the very site where Makima was locked in battle with Baba Yaga.

From a third-person perspective, it was a scene of utter destruction. The dark comet that was Kang Woo, with Mahoraga in tow, plummeted to the Earth, crashing directly onto both Baba Yaga and Makima. The impact sent devastating shockwaves through the forest, obliterating everything in its path. A massive 5-kilometer square portion of Aokigahara Forest was wiped out, reduced to ash and rubble in the wake of Kang Woo's destructive power.

As the dust settled, Kang Woo hovered above the wreckage, surveying the destruction with satisfaction. He could feel Mahoraga'sbending to his will, another powerful tool added to his growing arsenal. "Finally," he muttered, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "Mahoraga, under my command... all thanks to a little cheating, as usual."

Kang Woo's gaze shifted to the darkness cocoon the Commandment of Piety that had enveloped Makima to protect her. He thought for a moment, reflecting on how the commandment acted on its own, following his earlier order to keep her safe. "So, the Commandment has its own thoughts," he mused. "As long as it remains loyal to me or her I'm fine with that."

He recalled hearing Makima's apology and her confession through the Commandment of Piety. He had witnessed everything through it, after all it was his creation, given to Makima. With a snap of his hand, the dark cocoon dispersed, revealing Makima's weakened form. She had lost an arm in the battle, and the Commandment was doing its best to repair her heart and limbs.

Without a word, Kang Woo scooped her up in a princess-style hold, his dark wings still outstretched. He looked down at her, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "Apology accepted."

Makima, exhausted and fragile, managed a genuine smile—something she rarely allowed herself. This time, it wasn't the carefully crafted, manipulative smile she was known for. It was a tired, yet sincere expression of relief. She was glad her hero had given her one last look before the end.

Kang Woo, on the other hand, was quietly amused. As he gazed down at her, his thoughts flickered. Even if you had died, I could resurrect you with Ingál, you know, he mused, the power of resurrection lying in his hands. But this time, I want to keep this moment as it is... maybe troll her a little more.

Makima attempted to speak, but her voice failed her. Her lips moved, trembling, but no sound escaped her throat. She looked up at Kang Woo, her eyes brimming with a sudden sadness. Kang Woo, noticing this, smirked. With a wave of his wrist, he activated his Authority of Projection, creating a screen on their left. The projection captured every word that Makima was trying to say, showing it on the screen as glowing text.

Makima's lips quivered, tears beginning to stream down her face as the words appeared, translating her broken whispers into readable form. "Kang Woo... thank you... for appearing in my life... because of you, I felt alive, truly alive..." she continued, more tears falling as her heart spilled out. "If... in another lifetime, or another reincarnation, you meet a Control Devil like me... please, guide her. Make her your wife... or at least your concubine."

The words hung in the air, the weight of her final confession heavy between them. Kang Woo, despite his usual cold demeanor, felt a pang of sadness creep into his chest. He hid it well, though, and behind the sadness, he was already using his Authority of Regeneration. Secretly, he repaired all of her wounds the damage to her heart, the severed arm restoring her body without her knowing.

Makima's expression softened as she continued, her voice now accompanied by a glint of playful affection. "I won't slap you. I love you too much for that. I hope... you understand." Her tear-streaked face still held a mix of exhaustion and emotion.

Suddenly, Makima glanced down at her right arm the one that had been severed moments ago. She gasped in surprise as she saw something odd in her hand. It was a dark, shadowy trophy, glowing faintly with the inscription: Best Actress Award, 2012. She blinked in confusion, and as realization dawned, she quickly placed her hand on her chest. Her heart, which had been torn apart, was now fully healed. Her wounds completely gone.

Kang Woo's smirk widened into a mischievous grin as he leaned in closer, his lips curling as he whispered, "April Fools."

Makima's eyes widened in disbelief. Her mouth dropped open, and suddenly, an exasperated cry escaped her. "AHHHHHHHHHHH!" She screamed, her emotions overflowing as tears ran down her face.

Without thinking, she threw herself into Kang Woo's arms, hugging him tightly. The surge of feelings the relief, the frustration, and the love poured out in waves as she clung to him, her sobs muffled against his chest. Despite everything, despite the trolling, she had never felt so alive.

Makima's thoughts raced as she clung to Kang Woo, still overwhelmed by the rollercoaster of emotions. Kang Woo always bully me... ugh, it's so embarrassing and annoying... but his body is warm... and his scent is... nice. She found herself feeling strangely comforted, despite her exasperation.

Kang Woo, clearly enjoying the moment, smirked. "What, do you want another trophy?" he teased, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Makima didn't respond with words. Instead, with a sudden surge of emotion, she leaned in and kissed Kang Woo on the lips, her actions soft but filled with an undeniable romantic intensity. Kang Woo, caught completely off guard, widened his eyes in surprise. "Ehh?"

The kiss lingered for a moment, as if the world around them had paused. Makima, usually so composed and in control, felt a strange sense of power in this vulnerable act. Her heart raced, but she was fully aware of the impact it was having on Kang Woo, who for once seemed stunned into silence.

In her mind, a mischievous thought crept in. To make him mine... I need to show him kindness, don't I? She laughed softly under her breath, her lips curling into a small, sly smile. Kuhuhuhu...

Kang Woo, still processing what had just happened, looked down at her, a mixture of confusion and amusement playing on his face. This time, it was his turn to be caught in her web of unpredictable emotions.

Makima, feeling a surge of victory from her bold move, looked directly into Kang Woo's eyes and declared, "I got you, Kang Woo. For the first time, I know your weakness... and I declare you are now my property."

Kang Woo, still somewhat dazed from the kiss, muttered under his breath, "There goes the Nayuta personality... guess I'm gonna need pizza, huh."

Makima blinked in confusion, narrowing her eyes. "What? Is my charm making you stupid?"

Kang Woo shook his head, regaining his composure and waving his hand dismissively. "Nah, forget it. Not the arc for that anyway."

Before Makima could question him further, the ground shook beneath them. The half-destroyed Baba Yaga's house, a monstrous structure, reared up behind them, attempting to attack Kang Woo from behind. Makima quickly snapped to attention, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh no, we're still in her territory!"

Kang Woo didn't seem fazed by the sudden danger. With an almost casual gesture, he muttered, "Authority of Sloth."

Instantly, the entire area in front of them, including the Baba Yaga house, slowed down drastically. Time in that space crawled, the house's movements becoming sluggish and distorted as if trapped in molasses. Kang Woo's eyes fixated on the massive house, ensuring it remained in his field of vision, trapping it in the slow time field.

Makima, still held in Kang Woo's arms, watched in awe as the terrifying house barely moved, stuck in slow motion. "That's... fascinating ," she whispered, the tension easing as the immediate threat was neutralized.

Kang Woo still kept the Baba Yaga in his range of vision and activated his Authority of Beholder. Immediately, the status window of the Baba Yaga Devil appeared:

Name: Baba Yaga Devil (Primal Fear)
Level: 32

Abilities:

Cursed Inferno Skulls – Summons an army of skulls that explode upon contact with targets, causing widespread devastation.

Vines of Oblivion – Manipulates plants to unleash deadly, sharp wooden shrapnel, raining down destruction upon enemies.

Abyssal Horde (Rank A) – Summons lower-ranked devils to serve as an army or sacrifices them to absorb their power for increased strength.

Strength: 28
Dexterity: 70
Health: 100 (Mid High Regeneration)
Mana: 0
Negative Energy: 300
Intellect: 20
Wisdom: 30

Kang Woo narrowed his eyes as he looked over the stats. Although it's a primal devil, the strongest ability is only ranked A? he thought, mildly disappointed. I expected more from something like Baba Yaga.

Despite its Primal Fear status, Baba Yaga wasn't living up to his expectations. With its health regeneration and devil summoning, it was strong—but a disappointment

Kang Woo, still holding Makima in a princess-style carry, observed the Baba Yaga Devil's half-destroyed house as it began to stir once more. He kept his calm demeanor, fully aware of the advantage he held over the Primal Fear. With a wave of his hand, he deactivated his Authority of Sloth, allowing time to return to its normal flow.

Instantly, the Baba Yaga Devil roared to life, summoning an army of low-ranked devils, their grotesque forms emerging from a door-like mouth that opened wide in its chest. The devils flooded out, only to be consumed immediately by the Baba Yaga, their screams muffled as they vanished into the infernal maw.

Kang Woo, ever the tactician, wasn't fazed. With a casual smirk, he already extended his wings of darkness, hovering effortlessly in the air. He could feel Makima's weight resting gently in his arms, and with a subtle shift in his expression, he created a floating dark chair out of pure darkness manipulation. Gently, he placed Makima on the chair, allowing her to sit and observe. After all, the ground beneath them—the massive crater formed from Kang Woo's previous dark comet impact—was far too deep, spanning 5 kilometers squarein both width and depth. It was a scene of absolute devastation.

As Kang Woo turned his gaze back toward the Baba Yaga Devil, he noticed something new: the devil had begun to levitate, orange flames bursting from its feet, allowing it to rise into the air. The Baba Yaga glared at Kang Woo, rage simmering behind its hollow eyes.

In a voice laced with venom, the Baba Yaga demanded, "Where did you get that dark orb?" Its gaze was locked on the Commandment of Piety floating beside Makima, clearly unaware of the true nature and power of the orb. "That cursed object that hovers beside the Control Devil—what is it?"

The Baba Yaga's tone and demeanor were that of the mythical witch, filled with arrogance and curiosity, as though it was demanding something it had no right to claim.

Kang Woo, however, remained unshaken. With a cold and sharp tone, he responded, "Are you in any position to ask questions right now?"

The Baba Yaga, infuriated by the retort, unleashed an attack. From its half-destroyed body, countless skulls began to materialize, each one glowing with an eerie light. As they launched toward Kang Woo and Makima, the skulls exploded upon contact, sending shockwaves through the air. At the same time, the Baba Yaga's half-body began to regenerate rapidly, though it was clear the process was imperfect.

Kang Woo remained calm, raising his hand with an almost dismissive gesture. "Authority of Freezing."

A cold, piercing wind swept through the area as an intense frost covered the battlefield. The temperature dropped drastically, and a solid layer of ice spread across the crater, instantly freezing everything within a 1-kilometer radius—everything except for Makima and the Baba Yaga itself. Ice crystals formed in the air, shimmering ominously as the entire area transformed into a frozen wasteland.

The Baba Yaga, still floating, snarled in frustration. The freezing temperatures had no effect on its body, but it could feel the tension in the air. The massive crater, now filled with ice, was a chilling testament to Kang Woo's overwhelming power.

Kang Woo's gaze remained focused on the Baba Yaga, his smirk never fading. "Any other tricks to show?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of mockery. "Other than your fake regeneration, that is. I know your soul is already half-damaged."

The Baba Yaga's eyes flickered with a hint of fear, though it tried to conceal it. Kang Woo had already seen through its tactics. The low-level devils it consumed were nothing more than a facade, a cosmetic attempt to cover the true extent of its injuries.

In his thoughts, Kang Woo mused, Those devils you consume… all just for show. Pathetic. This is getting boring.

Makima, watching from her dark chair, could sense the shift in the battle.

Kang Woo, keeping his cool demeanor, glanced toward Makima, still sitting on her dark chair. With a teasing tone, he asked, "Yo, tsundere princess. Do you have any arsenal left, or is that kiss your last attack?" He teased her, though there was a hint of concern behind the banter, knowing that Makima's original power had been severely weakened after her contract with the Prime Minister was severed effectively removing her immortality.

Makimaacknowledging her vulnerability but still maintaining her composure. "Probably the only thing I currently have is that dark orb you gave me... and my control power is severely weakened. I can't regain my immortality like before, Kang Woo."

Kang Woo gave a thoughtful nod, already considering the next steps. He extended his hand, and with his darkness manipulation, he created a floating platform beside him for Makima to stand on. Gently, he grabbed her hand, his touch firm but reassuring. "Don't let go," he said, his tone uncharacteristically soft. Makima smiled and nodded, her confidence growing in his presence.

Kang Woo then turned back to the Baba Yaga Devil, who had been watching warily. His voice shifted, filled with authority as he activated his next ability. "Authority of Fear," he intoned, his eyes glowing with power. Instantly, the Baba Yaga's expression twisted into terror. Kang Woo fear authority seeped into its very being, rendering it a puppet, incapable of resisting, even in thought.

The Baba Yaga Devil, reduced to a trembling shell of its former self, stared blankly as Kang Woo mockingly said, "Fucking run, Granny." In a panic, the Baba Yaga Devil tried to flee, moving as fast as it could, desperate to escape Kang Woo's overpowering presence.

However, the Commandment of Piety—hovering beside Makima—activated in response. Ethereal chains shot out from the commandment, wrapping around the Baba Yaga, stopping it dead in its tracks. The chains glowed ominously, binding the primal devil in submission. Kang Woo's grin widened as he glanced over at Makima.

"Now you have a new slave," he said, his voice playful but with an underlying promise. "Consider this your temporary arsenal... and one of your future wedding gift."

Makima's face flushed with surprise. Her heart skipped a beat, caught completely off guard by Kang Woo's comment. Slowly, her cheeks grew warmer as a blush spread across her face, her lips parting slightly as she processed his words.

Makima's mind raced with emotions she wasn't used to—joy, comfort, even vulnerability. A wedding gift? The thought alone made her heart flutter. Her usual cold, calculating exterior melted away as she held Kang Woo's hand, her smile warm and genuine.

"Thank you…" she whispered, barely louder than a breath, but full of emotion. The words were soft, unguarded, and full of the happiness she rarely allowed herself to feel.

Kang Woo, always one to stir the pot, smirked and broke the silence with a teasing comment. "Hey, just so you know, I'm still going to have a harem in the future. But you'll be the first wife."

Makima blinked, surprised by the remark, but then without hesitation, she pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing him against her chest. Her heart beat steadily as she held him close. With a playful yet affectionate tone, she whispered, "Didn't I tell you? I don't mind being even a concubine. I'm just glad I'm the first wife."

As Kang Woo stood there, still enveloped in the warmth of Makima's embrace, his sharp senses caught a shift in the atmosphere. From deep within the massive crater below, something ancient stirred. The energy in the air thickened, an unsettling heaviness pressing down from all directions. Kang Woo's gaze sharpened, and there it was a faint, three-point magic circle forming in the depths. It was no ordinary phenomenon; reality itself had been breached, and whatever was awakening was far more dangerous than anything this worldhad encountered before.

Makima, still clinging to Kang Woo, hadn't sensed it yet. The disturbance was too subtle for anyone but someone of Kang Woo's caliber to notice in its early stages. But he knew. She hasn't picked it up yet, he thought, feeling the weight of what was to come. But I do… and whatever this is, it's not from this realm.

Kang Woo's mind raced. The dark energy radiating from the crater wasn't just any devil's aura. It was something far worse a devil from the other realms. A leader. Gravity magic… and it's going to tear through the world barrier, he realized, a grim look crossing his face. If even 25% of this being manifests… no one in this world can stop it.

His thoughts snapped back to Makima. She was still hugging him, unaware of the full danger below. He couldn't afford to wait any longer.

"Makima," Kang Woo said, his voice calm but filled with an unspoken urgency. "I need you to listen carefully."

Makima, still holding him, lifted her head slightly, sensing the sudden shift in his tone. But before she could ask, her own senses flickered to life. A familiar feeling washed over her, one she recognized all too well. Something was breaching reality from the crater below them. She stiffened, her grip tightening around him instinctively. Its the same oppressive energy she had felt when powerful forces broke into their world before.

"You sense it now, don't you?" Kang Woo asked, his tone still low, but there was no hiding the gravity of the situation anymore. "What's below us... is something not from this world."

Makima's heart raced as she looked up at him, her usual composed demeanor slipping just a bit. For the first time in a while, there was uncertainty in her eyes.

"Listen to me very carefully, and do exactly as I say," Kang Woo continued, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity she rarely saw in him. "If you see a white creature with wrinkled skin, four bat-like wings, and four curved horns pointing upward… and if I'm nowhere to be found, that means I'm dead."

Makima's breath hitched, her eyes widening in shock. "W-What?!" The words didn't make sense at first Kang Woo was unbeatable, wasn't he? How could he even be talking about death? Her heart sank as panic surged through her. No one nothing should be able to kill him, she thought, her mind scrambling to comprehend the situation. The idea of losing him, her future husband, her greatest protector, struck her like a wave of cold dread.

"Dead?" she repeated, her voice trembling with disbelief. She was used to always being in control, but this this was a fear she hadn't anticipated. Her grip on Kang Woo tightened even more, her eyes filled with fear and concern.

Kang Woo's expression didn't change. He remained but the concern behind his words was clear. "Makima, promise me… if that happens, gather everyone you know and go into hiding. Stay in a bunker. Don't try to fight it."

Makima could only stare at him, her mind racing with the terrifying thought that something was powerful enough to frighten Kang Woo. Something powerful enough to kill him. The man she thought invincible was now warning her about the very real possibility of his death and that shook her to her core.

"But... but you can't die..." she whispered, her voice trembling as she clung to him tighter, her heart filled with fear. Kang Woo… afraid?

For the first time, Makima wasn't sure if she could protect what mattered most to her.

Makima tightened her hold on Kang Woo, her grip almost desperate. the idea of losing him too unbearable. "I'm coming with you," she said fiercely, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm going to help you win, no matter what. I won't let you fight this alone."

But Kang Woo didn't respond. His face was unreadable, set in a mask of determination. Without a word, he activated the Commandment of Piety. Dark tendrils of energy snaked out, wrapping around Makima with a strength that brooked no argument.

"W-What are you doing?!" Makima's eyes flashed with anger and concern as she struggled against the darkness. "Kang Woo! Let me go! I can help you! I won't just stand by and let you face this alone!"

Kang Woo didn't look back. His gaze remained fixed ahead, his back to her as he waved a silent goodbye. "I'm glad I met you when I came to this world, Makima," he said . There was no turning back for him now.

Makima's breath caught in her throat. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she knew it, they were streaming down her face uncontrollably. "No… NO!" she screamed.

Makima struggled against the Commandment's grip, but it was too late—the darkness was already carrying her toward the entrance of the Aokigahara forest, pulling her away as fast as it could, separating her from the man she desperately wanted to protect.

Her heart broke as the sight of Kang Woo growing smaller and smaller in the distance, until finally, he was gone from view. Makimaslammed her fists against the dark barrier, her voice hoarse from crying. "KANG WOO! COME BACK! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!"

But it was no use the Commandment of Piety had its orders, and it obeyed without question.

Kang Woo stood alone now, the silence around him thick and oppressive. He stared down into the crater, his thoughts churning. Lucifero... The name weighed heavily on his mind, a harbinger of the danger to come. What the fuck is happening in this world?

Meanwhile, Makima, being carried by the dark orb that was the Commandment of Piety, whispered in desperation. "Kuhito," she said, recalling what Kang Woo had told her—the word meant to retract the Commandment of Piety to an unknown space. But nothing happened.

"Kuhito," she repeated, her voice trembling. "Kuhito, you hear me? Kuhito."

The Commandment of Piety only spun in the air. Then, engraved on its surface, cold and indifferent, appeared the words: No. Sorry.

Makima's voice fell silent.

She could only helplessly watch the man she wanted to protect, the man she loved, facing death—unable to do anything,

Meanwhile, Kishibe, Aki, and Himeno, who had already arrived at the entrance of the Aokigahara forest thanks to the Hell Devil transporting them, glanced around warily. Nearby, Barem Bridge—who was still pinned down by the darkness Kang Woo had used to bind him—groaned in frustration.

"Hey!" Barem called out, his voice laced with irritation. "Now that you're back, maybe you can ask Kang Woo to release me from this damn binding."

Kishibe remained silent, staring at Barem with cold eyes. Aki and Himeno, still disgusted by Barem's mockery of both Makima and their comrades, looked at him with disdain. Aki clenched his fists.

"How about no," Aki said coldly.

Himeno smirked and gave Barem a pointed look. "You've got a lot of nerve, Barem," she muttered, stepping forward with an ominous glint in her eyes. Aki followed her lead. Before Barem could protest, Aki kicked him squarely in the face, and Himeno followed up with a swift kick to Barem's balls . Barem let out a pained groan.

"Shut up," Aki hissed, leaving him sprawled on the ground in pain.

Suddenly, a dark cocoon arrived, descending from the air in front of them. Aki and Himeno turned to face it, their eyes narrowing in caution. Barem, still recovering from the brutal kicks, looked at the dark object in fear and confusion.

"Hey, you two juniors!" Barem croaked, still grimacing in pain. "Attack that dark object! Do something!"

Aki, still seething with anger, and Himeno, equally pissed off, shot Barem a cold glare. They both ignored him. Instead, Aki kicked him again, making him fall silent in agony.

Inside the dark cocoon, Makima who had been silently observing recognized the voices outside. Her subordinates, Aki and Himeno, were there, as well as the traitor Barem Bridge. She felt a mix of relief and frustration. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she noticed that the tendrils within the dark cocoon were gently fixing her appearance, repairing her tear-streaked face and the battle-worn clothes stained from her earlier confrontation with the Baba Yaga Devil.

Makima, feeling a surge of annoyance, glanced at the Commandment of Piety hovering beside her. "Are you the new housewife now?" she asked sarcastically, her voice cold as she eyed the dark orb.

The Commandment of Piety simply spun in the air, and again, words engraved themselves on its surface: No.

Makima sighed, regaining her cold persona as she steeled herself for what was to come. The danger that Kang Woo was about to face was unlike anything she had ever encountered, and she could feel her heart tightening with dread. But she couldn't afford to break now. She had to be strong.

Her mind turned to the man she had just been separated from. Kang Woo… if you die, she thought to herself, her inner voice trembling with resolve, I will find that white creature, and I will kill it. I'll tear it apart piece by piece. Your request to keep me safe means nothing if my future husband is taken away from me. Her eyes narrowed in cold fury. For a life… it's a life in return.

Makima was then released from the dark cocoon, with the Commandment of Piety hovering beside her. Kishibe stayed silent, watching her carefully. Aki stepped forward and addressed her. "Ms. Makima, I take it Kang Woo was successful in rescuing you?"

Makima nodded. "Yes, I'm grateful for Kang Woo's assistance," she said, her gaze briefly flickering toward Barem Bridge, who was still pinned down by darkness. She remained calm and composed, her mind calculating her next steps.

Silently, she gave a mental order to the Baba Yaga Devil still enslaved by the Commandment of Piety to hide itself deep beneath the earth, submerging into the dirt. Its terrifying house form needed to be kept out of sight for now. I can use my power to enslave Barem, she thought, considering her options, but I can't expose myself as the Control Devil yet. And besides, since the contract between me and Kentaro, the current Prime Minister of Japan, has been severed, my power is weakening. I doubt I can affect someone of Barem Bridge's caliber for a while, at least not until my power is restored. She glanced at the Commandment of Piety, almost amused by how it seemed like a caretaker orb, constantly watching over its user. A small, knowing smirk crossed her lips.

Suddenly, Barem Bridge spoke, his voice strained from being pinned down. "Makima… I'm glad you're safe. The Prime Minister requests a meeting with you—now."

Before Makima could respond, Kishibe was the one to answer, his tone casual but laced with suspicion. "You've been pinned down ever since Kang Woo got here, and Makima was rescued. That darkness won't let you move a muscle. So, tell me… how the hell did you suddenly get in contact with the Prime Minister?" His voice lowered dangerously as he added, "What are you hiding, Flamethrower Hybrid?" Kishibe's words were a direct hit, referring to Barem Bridge's transformation via his contract with the Flamethrower Devil.

Barem's face twisted in anger. "Shut up, dog," he spat. "Your fangs have grown dull. This is between me and—"

Before he could finish, Makima's voice cut through the tension like ice. "Aki-kun, Himeno-kun," she said in her usual cold, authoritative tone. "Did you kick Barem Bridge?"

Aki and Himeno both stiffened, exchanging quick glances of shame. They nodded, expecting some form of punishment for their actions.

Makima, however, walked toward Barem slowly, her footsteps deliberate. Barem, thinking she was about to free him, let out a breath of relief. "Thank you for your understanding, Makima—"

But before he could finish, Makima's boot connected with Barem Bridge's balls , delivering a swift and painful kick that left him gasping in shock. The move caught everyone off guard especially Barem, who was now doubled over in agony.

Makima turned back to Aki and Himeno with a calm but commanding tone. "Next time, kick him harder."

Himeno, barely able to suppress her laughter, leaned in to whisper to Aki. "Kang Woo's got a bad influence on her… and I kinda like it."

Aki, biting back a grin, nodded in agreement. "Yeah… I'm satisfied."

Makima then turned to Kishibe, her cold demeanor returning as she spoke. "Kishibe, you still have your phone, right? If so, contact every settlement near the Aokigahara forest. Have them evacuated by Public Safety Devil Hunter personnel. Things are going to get very dangerous."

Kishibe, despite his usual stoic demeanor, smiled slightly. There was something very human about Makima at that moment, a side of her he liked more than her usual cruel and calculating persona. "I've got my phone, and I'll do as you say. Civilians take priority right now," he replied, his voice carrying its usual steady calm.

As Kishibe worked on making the necessary calls, he glanced back at Makima. "Where's Kang Woo?" he asked, his tone as casual as ever.

Makima's expression didn't shift much, still as cold and composed as ever. "Off to save the world… or get himself killed," she replied. Though her tone was cool, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of concern behind her words.

Kishibe noticed the slight change but chose to keep silent about it, simply nodding as he continued his work.

Makima then addressed the group, her voice firm. "You all might want to evacuate from here. There will be a threat greater than Baba Yaga Devil soon, and Kang Woo himself said he might not survive."

Kishibe, still calm, took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled slowly. "I'll stay," he said with his usual laid-back confidence. "It's been a while since I've seen a real threat. Besides, someone has to be here when things go south."

Aki, his face set with determination, stepped forward. "I'm not leaving either," he said firmly. "If something happens, I'm going to be here to fight. I owe it to everyone to see this through."

Himeno smirked, placing a hand on Aki's shoulder. "Well, if Aki's staying, then I'll have to stick around too," she said lightly, though there was an undertone of seriousness. "Someone's got to keep him from doing anything suicidal."

Makima nodded in acknowledgment, her cold mask still in place, but she seemed to approve of their decision.

Suddenly, Barem Bridge, having been released from the darkness that pinned him down for unknown reasons, transformed into his Flamethrower Hybrid form. He aimed his fiery attack straight at Makima.

But before the flames could reach her, the Commandment of Piety acted swiftly. Its dark tendrils of energy wrapped around Makima, creating a shield with its darkness manipulation, blocking the flames with ease. The orb spun in the air, and once again, words engraved themselves on its surface: Sorry, got caught off guard.

Makima couldn't help but smirk in her thoughts. Truly a caretaker orb...

Barem Bridge, his face twisted with anger, sneered at her. "Makima, this is your last chance! Come with me to the Prime Minister, or you're nothing but a traitor!" His voice was filled with a mix of menace and desperation, as if his fate was tied to this final act.

Aki unsheathed his katana, ready to strike. Himeno summoned the ghostly hand of her Ghost Devil, prepared to defend them. Kishibe gripped his knife, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.

Makima, unfazed by Barem's threats, spoke in her cold, commanding tone. "Tell the Prime Minister I will kill him later for leaving me to die in that forest."

Barem, his fury growing, prepared another blast of flames. His face was twisted in rage as he aimed to kill them all, but before he could launch his attack, the Commandment of Piety spun faster and displayed an ominous new warning in large engraved letters: Lucifero has arrived in this world.

Makima's heart skipped a beat. Though she didn't know exactly who Lucifero was, she remembered Kang Woo's urgent warning. The reality of the threat dawned on her instantly. Her cold facade gave way to a sharp command, her voice filled with urgency. "Aki, Himeno, Kishibe get near me, NOW! Forget about Barem!"

Without hesitation, the group moved closer to Makima, gathering around her as the Commandment of Piety shielded them. The gravity in the air became oppressive, an intense, overwhelming force pressing down on everything around them. Barem Bridge, who saw the group's movement as a chance to strike, prepared to launch his attack only to be pinned down by a sudden, crushing weight.

The air grew heavier by the second. Around them, the trees of Aokigahara snapped like twigs under the intense gravitational pressure. Boulders cracked and crumbled, crushed by the invisible force. Barem's body was pinned mercilessly to the ground, unable to move, his eyes wide with fear as the sheer intensity of the gravity bore down on him.

The Commandment of Piety reacted quickly, creating a protective shield around Makima, Aki, Himeno, and Kishibe, lessening the effects of the overwhelming gravity within its protective barrier.

Kishibe glanced at the crumbling landscape outside the shield, taking a slow drag from his cigarette before saying, "Makima, can you, uh… drop the cold persona for a second? What exactly did Kang Woo warn you about?" His usual stoic tone remained, but his eyes were focused and sharp, realizing the gravity literally and figuratively of the situation.

Makima, her expression still strict, responded in a steady, unwavering voice. "Kang Woo said, If you see a white creature with wrinkled skin, four bat-like wings, and four curved horns pointing upward… and if I'm nowhere to be found, that means I'm dead. Do not try to fight it."

Aki, his face tense, took in the words. "So… this is a world threat," he said grimly, gripping his katana tightly.

Himeno, trying to lighten the tension in her own way, let out a small sigh. "Wish I could get drunk before the world ends."

Makima turned and glared at her sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. "Please don't say that. That would mean Kang Woo is dead."

Aki clenched his fists and, with his usual resolve, spoke up. "There must be something we can do to help him. We can't just stand here and do nothing."

Makima's eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and understanding. She looked at Aki, then at the others, before her gaze shifted toward Barem, who was being pressed into the ground by the overwhelming gravity. The harsh reality of their situation was undeniable. She sighed slightly before responding, her voice colder than ever but laced with practicality.

"Yes… there is something you can do," Makima said, her tone stern. "Do nothing. Stay inside this shield, or you'll end up like Barem there." Her eyes gestured toward Barem Bridge, his body pinned to the ground, completely helpless under the intense gravitational force.

Preview :

As Makima was carried farther away by the Commandment of Piety, Kang Woo watched her disappear into the distance. A grin slowly spread across his face as he stood at the center of the crater

He muttered to himself, a spark of excitement in his eyes, "Alright, let's go… Yagami Lightlevel to aizenmaster plan. Shall we?"