The train bound for Tokyo hummed steadily along the tracks.
Makima held a Chupa Chups lollipop between her lips, staring blankly at the lake rushing past the window. Her mind replayed the master's words:
"It is lonely at the top, Miss Makima. Even the strongest face ultimate solitude. Perhaps taking the form of a pet is simply for the sake of a hug."
Makima recalled the last time she held Pochita. The Chainsaw Devil had looked genuinely happy, confirming the master's view—but could it really be so simple? Could the Hero of Hell, feared across the world, also crave a hug?
Her worldview trembled. Black Saw had always seemed an unstoppable, brutal force. Anyone calling for help would be met with chainsaws slicing indiscriminately, perpetrators and victims alike. It was terrifying... yet undeniably impressive.
Now, a new theory formed. Maybe Chainsaw Man simply wanted to hug the victims. But with chainsaws covering his body, even the gentlest embrace would shred them.
Makima murmured softly, "But that's not cool at all."
A man with a buzz cut, her subordinate, noticed her muttering. "Miss Makima, do you need anything?"
She composed herself. "What time will we reach Tokyo?"
He glanced at his wristwatch. "Two-thirty in the afternoon."
"Oh," Makima replied, preparing to stand. "Then I'll get a railway bento."
"But Special Division 4 prepared a dinner for you tonight," he noted.
Makima straightened her collar and smiled faintly. "It's fine. I'll save room for dinner."
She was in high spirits. Having successfully met Kyoto's high-ranking officials, she could enjoy the evening with a calm mind. If Cael came, Pochita likely would too. Perhaps she could hug it again. The thought made her palm tighten unconsciously, and a rare blush appeared on her face. She had actually touched a chainsaw with her own hands.
Suddenly, chaos erupted.
The passenger in front of her, dozing, and the one behind, reading a newspaper, sprang to their feet, handguns raised.
Bang, bang, bang, bang!
The carriage erupted with gunfire. The metallic stench of blood filled the air. Bullets struck Makima, and she collapsed onto her seat, seemingly lifeless.
A killer spoke into a walkie-talkie. "Group C, Makima has been successfully assassinated. Operation can begin!"
Other voices responded: "Group A received!" … "Group E received!"
Passengers screamed in terror.
The four assassins glanced at each other. "Two minutes to the station. Don't worry about the bodies. Hide the guns, blend into the crowd."
They didn't notice Makima's eyes flicker open in the pool of blood. Slowly, the light returned. She rose, her face cold.
"Makima, received," she said, voice calm.
"What?!" The assassins turned in shock.
"You can still stand?" a long-haired man sneered, raising his gun at her chest.
Makima tilted her head, contempt clear in her eyes. "The four of you, commit suicide immediately."
Almost instantly, they obeyed, guns pressing to their own chests.
Bang, bang, bang, bang. Pools of blood formed beneath them.
The walkie-talkie sizzled. "Group C, respond! Group C?!"
Crack—
Makima crushed it underfoot. Spitting out her lollipop, she muttered, "Sweetness mixed with blood is a bit disgusting."
The train screeched to a halt at an intermediate station. Covered in blood, Makima exited and found a phone booth.
"Kurose, it's Makima. Go to the Ministry of Justice immediately. Borrow thirty prisoners sentenced to life or more. Follow Tendo's arrangements."
"Understood," Kurose replied, unquestioning.
Makima dialed another number. "Tendo, I'm at Shin-Yokohama Station. Book the highest shrine nearby. Kurose will coordinate the prisoners. Take them to the shrine. Also, prepare a clean set of clothes for me."
Tendo hesitated. "Miss Makima, what happened?"
"Nothing much. I was shot on the Shinkansen. The killers are dead. Move quickly—I'm in a hurry."
She paused briefly, then added a warning. Cael would likely be a target as well.
Makima called Special Division 4.
"Is that Himeno?"
"Oh! Makima! Did Kyoto treat you well? We have a drinking party for you tonight, hehe."
Makima's expression darkened. "Regrettably, the dinner is canceled. I was shot on the Shinkansen. The attackers may be targeting Public Safety. Be careful. Warn the temporary worker as well."
"Huh?! Shooting?!"
Bang! Clang! Kon!
Gunfire and the Fox Devil's roar echoed faintly.
"Himeno, you're alive?"
"Close call! Thanks for the warning. Aki blocked a bullet for me. Where did they get these guns?"
"Spread the word. Warn everyone in Public Safety. I'll handle the enemies."
"Alone?" Himeno asked, surprised.
"Don't underestimate Makima," Aki's voice confirmed. "She'll handle it. Won't take long."
---
Ten minutes later, atop a shrine.
Makima, changed into clean clothes, stood under the torii gate. Dozens of prisoners in white robes knelt before her, eyes bound with cloth. Kurose and Tendo stood nearby, blindfolded as well.
"Tendo, why are our eyes covered?" Kurose asked.
"Makima's rank is too high. Low-level Devil Hunters cannot know the details of her contracted devil," Tendo explained.
Eagles circled above, serving as Makima's eyes. She focused on her targets, leaning toward a prisoner.
"Repeat after me: Mishima Shuzo."
"Mishima… Shuzo," the prisoner murmured.
Makima overlapped her palms, performing a hand-rubbing motion as if washing her hands.
"Ugh—"
The prisoner let out a muffled groan, collapsing instantly. In the distance, the real Mishima Shuzo exploded into a mist of blood.
---