Tokyo.
A luxurious building.
The headquarters of a mafia gang.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Creak.
A young gangster in a suit pushed open the door, carrying two photographs and a stack of documents.
Inside the office, a man and a woman were waiting. The man, in his early thirties, had a neat black buzz cut and prominent sideburns. He leaned back in his chair, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window.
The woman leaned against the side of the desk, hands in her pockets. She looked younger than twenty, with short orange hair and a red coat several sizes too large, paired with ultra-short shorts. Her legs weren't long, but they were fair.
The young gangster knelt and handed the photos to the man.
"Young Master, our men spent two days reviewing surveillance footage. This man," he said, pointing to one of the photos, "is the suspected killer of the old family head."
"Mm."
The man gave a dull acknowledgment and picked up the documents. Two photos: one of a funeral home, the other of a young man. The papers detailed the shop owner's information, gathered by the gang.
"Cael Lior, Lior Family Funeral Home…"
"Heh. A funeral home is convenient. Saves time on collecting the body," the man muttered through gritted teeth.
The woman frowned. "I advise against distractions. Focus on helping the Gun Devil find the Chainsaw Devil."
Bang!
"You're kidding me!" The man slammed his fist onto the desk, then started sniffling and crying. "My grandfather's death is not irrelevant! To me, it's life and death! Sawatari Akane, I won't waste time."
Sigh.
Sawatari Akane exhaled, trying to reason with him. "Even your grandfather's bones are gone. We don't even know if the killer is human or devil. And if this human is the culprit, their power must be extraordinary. Are you sure you can win?"
The man paused, fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "I couldn't be sure before, but now…" He stared at his left hand. "Thanks to your modification, even if he formed a contract with a devil, small-fry devils can't touch me."
Tch.
Sawatari Akane frowned. She didn't understand his confidence. Yet, after her work turning him into a Weapon Human, his strength had indeed transformed. As long as his devil heart remained, he could be resurrected repeatedly with blood, making him near-immortal. He had the right to be arrogant.
She relented. "Then go. Complete the mission quickly."
"Don't worry." He donned a black overcoat, rising. A chilling killing intent radiated from him. "It'll be over soon."
---
Meanwhile, at Lior Family Funeral Home…
Denji walked through the courtyard gate, carrying three servings of tonkotsu ramen.
"Mr. Cael! Don't bother making lunch! I used my salary to get big bowls of tonkotsu ramen for us!"
In the kitchen, Cael quickly untied his apron.
"Woof?" Pochita, already done chopping vegetables, looked up at him. It seemed ready for Cael to take the lead. Since transmigrating, Cael had been cooking for himself, mostly Eastern dishes. He preferred them, but Denji and Pochita would eat anything.
Cael lifted Pochita onto his head and stepped into the courtyard to greet Denji.
"Denji, why the sudden ramen splurge?" Cael asked with a smile.
Denji grinned cheekily. "It's a surprise, a surprise!"
The sunlight made Cael squint. Pochita tilted its head, shading him with its chainsaw blade.
Cael stretched. "The sun's nice today. Feels warm. Denji, Pochita, let's eat here."
Sunlight helped replenish his Yang energy after long hours dealing with the dead.
"Yay!"
They set up a folding table and chairs in the sunniest spot.
"Itadakimasu!" Denji slurped noisily.
After helping Pochita with its box, Cael began eating slowly.
"Denji, next time, let's eat at the shop. Takeout ramen gets soggy," Cael remarked.
Denji wiped green onion from his mouth. "I thought you'd be busy, and Pochita might stand out at the shop."
Cael nodded, approving. "Thoughtful as always."
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang. Both stopped eating.
"Pochita."
"Woof."
Cael opened a Dark Hole on his chest, letting Pochita crawl inside—a habit now. Pochita preferred staying close to him or Denji.
"Denji, keep eating. I'll get it."
"Oh."
The main gate opened.
"Lior Family Funeral Home, how can I help you?" Cael's voice slipped out automatically, almost a catchphrase.
A man in a black suit stood outside, with a buzz cut and thick sideburns. His expression was somber.
"Sir, would you like to come in and discuss details?" Cael asked calmly.
Hmph. The man ignored him, striding into the courtyard. Cael raised an eyebrow at his rudeness. The man wasn't drawing a blade yet—he was testing Cael, judging whether he was the killer.
He sat at the table next to Denji, staring at the bowls. "To think you can eat this garbage. Don't you find it disgusting?"
Cael's eyes narrowed. The man wasn't here for small talk.
Denji shrugged. "I think it's pretty good. Pork bone broth, dried fish, kelp."
"This is a funeral home, not a restaurant," Cael reminded him.
The man ignored him. "You don't understand flavor. If you only eat the same things as a child, you grow up taste-blind. Happiness declines with taste."
Denji shook his head. "No way, I feel happy just being with Mr. Cael."
The man ignored Denji, continuing to speak to himself. "My grandpa was the best. Even though a gangster, he was righteous. Women and children he killed? Countable on one hand. He was a necessary evil."
Cael silently pulled Denji behind him, alert.
The man reached inside his clothes. "No matter what I asked, Grandpa would buy it, money from drugs. He was loved by all, a true son of Edo."
He then pulled out a photo, showing Cael. "Cael, you asked if I'm here for a funeral. I am. Look—can you handle this?"
Cael's pupils constricted.
It was a photo of the man with an old man—the Zombie Devil Cael had killed not long ago.
"What the hell are you trying to do?!" Cael stood abruptly, taking steps back.
The man smiled, relieved. He tossed the photo aside and drew a gun.
"Bastard, the killer really is a piece of trash like you!"
___
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