"Makima wants to adopt Pochita? That's your solution?" Cael asked, frowning. It was still a little unexpected.
"There, there, Cream Sundae, be good, don't fuss," Makima cooed, gently pushing back a spoiled husky trying to lick her face. Her gaze drifted into the distance, calm and divine.
"This decision wasn't made lightly. Right now, our enemies only know you are Chainsaw Man and that your heart holds the power of the Chainsaw Devil. They don't know that Pochita is the true Chainsaw Devil. That's our advantage, and we need to use it wisely."
Cael nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. A clever squirrel doesn't put all its nuts in one tree hole. That's what you mean, right?"
"Exactly." Makima smiled faintly and gestured with her hands. "Cael, you're not exactly the type who could handle a life of confinement, are you?"
"So I'll take care of Pochita. I'll ensure his safety until the danger passes. I'm stronger than you imagine. With me here, no one can touch him."
"I see…" Cael glanced at the pack of dogs surrounding them. Every one was energetic, well-groomed, and odorless. From a dog-raising perspective, Makima was clearly an expert.
Though Pochita wasn't exactly a dog, he'd surely be well cared for. Cael felt a sense of relief.
Another factor was Asa Mitaka. Pochita sometimes hid inside Cael's body whenever Asa appeared. Their relationship was delicate, and Asa's frequent 'surprise attacks' could make Pochita hide all day. Leaving him with Makima would solve that problem perfectly.
"Alright. I'm fine with it, but the decision has to be Pochita's," Cael said. He opened his chest, letting Pochita out.
Upon seeing the small orange dog, Makima's body tensed instinctively. No matter how many times she'd seen him, it was still incredible. This cute little fellow… was her idol.
Cael crouched to meet Pochita's eyes. "You heard what we said, right? Will you stay with Makima for a while?"
"Woof?" Pochita's pull-cord tail drooped, looking unenthusiastic.
Cael stroked his head gently. "Denji and I will visit. We're not abandoning you. Makima said it's dangerous right now, so this separation is for the best. She's good with dogs. If she bullies you, tell me and I'll deal with her."
Finally, Pochita nodded. "Okay, Pochita will listen to Cael and live with Makima. Come see me often."
Makima suddenly stood, startled.
"What's wrong?" Cael asked.
"Pochita… he can talk?" Makima said, disbelief etched across her face.
"Is it hard to believe a devil can talk? Even the Chicken Devil in Asa's class can."
Pochita looked at her. "Makima, I can talk, it's just a hassle, and I don't want to."
Makima's worldview cracked further. Chainsaw Man's fan notes had all been wrong. He wore clothes, he spoke… everything she believed about him seemed off. Her brain was on overload.
Cael asked calmly, "It was your idea, right? You're not backing out?"
Makima inhaled deeply, forcing calm. "No, I'm just surprised. Of course I won't back out."
Ding-ding-dong.
Cael's phone rang. An unknown number.
"Ah, another call. Excuse me." He walked aside. "Hello, who is this?"
"Go ahead," Makima said perfunctorily, her focus entirely on Pochita. The plan was going smoothly, much to her surprise.
Her hands itched, wanting to touch him, but she held back.
"Can I hold you like last time?"
"Woof." Pochita nodded and started barking like a dog again. Clearly, he didn't enjoy talking.
Satisfied with his consent, Makima held Pochita in her arms.
"Pochita, get along with Makima. I have a corpse waiting at the shop," Cael said after finishing the call.
"Take care," Makima replied coolly.
Before leaving, Cael added, "By the way, Makima, Pochita likes to eat—"
"Don't worry. I'll prepare a tailor-made meal for him," Makima interrupted.
"Alright then."
Seeing Makima's careful attitude toward Pochita, Cael relaxed. He had no worries about Pochita being mistreated.
After Cael left, Makima gazed at Pochita adoringly. Holding her idol, she smiled purely.
"Chainsaw Man, you belong to me now. We must be together forever," she murmured, pressing him to her cheek. "We'll eat ice cream until we're full and sleep in until the sun is high. We'll live happily together."
"Woof." Pochita wanted to respond but stayed quiet.
---
Asa Mitaka's home, Room 606.
Yoru lay on the bed, face buried in the pillow, slapping the sheets like a brat.
"Argh! Asa! I can't take it! I did intimate things with a human and got saved by Chainsaw Man!"
Asa looked on, confused. Her consciousness was in control whenever she was near Cael. She didn't understand Yoru's tantrum.
"Alright, alright, I get it, Yoru. Is this your usual performance?"
"You do this every day. You might not get tired of it, but I am. I'm starting to suspect you like Chainsaw Man."
"Huh? I like Chainsaw Man?!" Yoru shouted, flustered. "I want to kill him and devour him completely!"
Sighing, Asa analyzed objectively. "Yoru, let it go. Chainsaw Man saved us. Isn't that enough? He seems like a decent guy."
Yoru became serious. "Asa, you've changed."
"Huh?"
Hitting a nerve, Yoru threatened, "If you defend him, I'll turn Cael into a weapon when you're not looking. I can do it."
"You can't!" Asa retorted. Devils really were evil creatures. She compromised but not fully.
"Fine. We'll look for him, but if you touch Cael, I'll take you down with me—even if it costs this body."
"It's a deal."
---