Chainsaw Man World, China.
The time difference between Japan and China was only one hour.
The Mochi Group, led by Mrs. Yukinoshita and Mrs. Yuigahama, had been staying in China for over a decade.
Just like in the Naruto World, Mrs. Yukinoshita also opened a dessert shop in Tianfu Province in the Chainsaw Man World. Coincidentally, Mrs. Yuigahama was also skilled in this area.
The two collaborated quite seamlessly.
The four maids helped out in the shop.
A house full of beautiful women, combined with the good flavors, made this shop hugely popular from the very start of its opening. It was said that the only place with comparable popularity was the Kikyo Restaurant on another street.
"I'm sorry, customer. We've run out of ingredients. Please come back earlier tomorrow."
After over a decade, the increasingly mature and charming Yui kept apologizing to disappointed customers.
This was something she did almost daily.
After politely seeing off another disappointed customer, Yumiko's voice came from inside: "Yui, come help me clean up."
"Oh!"
Yui turned to go inside, but suddenly saw another figure approaching.
Without even seeing who it was, she habitually apologized: "Sorry, customer, we're clo—"
"It's me."
Yui looked up sharply.
"M, Makoto!?"
Yuigahama Yui exclaimed, both surprised and overjoyed, but her smile lasted less than two seconds before freezing.
Because she saw Makoto carrying a cute girl on his back… a girl who looked high school age.
What further complicated Yui's feelings was that this girl exuded that certain... well, that unmistakable scent that everyone understood.
At 29 years old in this world, how could she not recognize that smell?
"I'm leaving her with you. Clean her up and take care of her until I finish dealing with the Gun Devil."
Without saying much else, Makoto handed the unconscious Reze over to Yui.
"..."
Just as Makoto was about to use Flying Thunder God to leave, Reze murmured, reaching out both hands to hook around Makoto's neck.
"Uncle, kiss~"
Makoto had no choice but to lower his head and kiss her.
Beside them, Yui's expression was quite similar to Ogiso Setsuna in the iconic scene from White Album 2.
Pop!
Their lips finally separated with a sound like uncorking a bottle.
Makoto tapped her on the forehead: "Alright, behave yourself while I'm gone, got it?"
"Okay… Don't abandon me, okay~"
Makoto pinched her delicate nose again and left using Flying Thunder God.
"Um, little sister, are you okay?"
Without Makoto's support, Reze looked like she was about to fall to the ground again, and Yui quickly went over to steady her.
"Mmm..."
Reze smacked her lips, as if savoring something. Seeing Yui's face, she tilted her head: "Huh... Auntie, are, are you the Uncle's wife? I'm, I'm sorry, seems like we did something bad to you..."
"Wi, Wife?!"
Hearing how Reze addressed her, Yui, who had been silently nursing her annoyance, suddenly turned bright red. She felt that maybe this girl wasn't so unpleasant after all.
"Yui, why aren't you coming in?"
Just then, Yumiko and Hina came out to see what was happening since Yui hadn't returned for so long.
They then saw the high school girl in their friend's arms, and the next second, they caught the strong scent emanating from Reze.
"Did Makoto come by just now?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita, who had just stepped out, sniffed the air and asked with a frown.
Yui looked utterly astonished, 'How did you know?'
…
In the blink of an eye, another week passed.
Makima's office.
All Devil Hunters belonging to Special Division 4 were gathered here.
Makoto, Yu, Aki, Himeno, Kobeni, Violence Devil, Angel Devil, Spider Devil...
Aki said in surprise: "Everyone from Division 4 is here, right? This is a first."
Himeno replied: "There must be something important, right? Makoto-san, do you know?"
With that, everyone looked at Makoto, who was sitting on the sofa, accepting a cup of hot tea handed to him by Yu.
Within Public Safety, the relationship between Makoto and Makima was an open secret.
But everyone was also curious: If they were in that kind of relationship, why didn't they seem very close normally?
Before Makoto could answer, Makima, showing her usual faint, mysterious smile, walked to her desk.
"Sorry for suddenly summoning everyone like this. Something very important has come up."
"Wh, what is it?"
Kobeni asked meekly, secretly hoping it wasn't anything too dangerous.
"The Gun Devil has appeared."
As soon as Makima said this, everyone present, whether human or Devil, found it hard to remain calm.
"What? Is it true, Makima-san?"
Among them, Aki was the most agitated. After all, he had joined Public Safety specifically to avenge the Gun Devil.
Makima's expression remained unchanged: "All of Special Divisions 1 through 5 will be participating. If we defeat the Gun Devil, not only will we eliminate such a terrifying enemy, but when other Devils hear that humans have defeated the Gun Devil, they likely won't dare cause trouble for a long time."
"What about the location and time?" Makoto asked suddenly.
Makima looked at her boyfriend on the sofa: "Makoto-kun doesn't need to go."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked surprised.
Makima continued: "Makoto-kun is our ace. He will remain behind in the rear. After we have worn down the Gun Devil's power sufficiently, you can step in and deliver the final blow."
At first glance, Makima's strategy seemed somewhat reasonable.
But upon closer inspection, it was full of problems.
It might be acceptable if the opponent were an ordinary Devil or its strength was within a controllable range.
But this was the Gun Devil… the apex Devil that had only appeared for a few minutes 13 years ago, yet triggered massive global panic and killed over a million people.
Facing such an opponent, you should commit your full strength from the start.
Otherwise, if you're taken out in a few hits, what's the point of holding back a trump card?
"Makima-san, this—"
"The higher-ups have already decided. If any of you wish to withdraw, you can tell me now."
Aki was about to speak but was interrupted by Makima.
Everyone looked at each other. Kobeni was the first to raise her hand, trembling all over: "Um, I, can I not go?"
She had joined Public Safety to make money for her family and really didn't want to face a monster like the Gun Devil.
Makima nodded: "Anyone else?"
Everyone exchanged glances, and then a few others whose names Makoto didn't know raised their hands, indicating they wanted to withdraw from the operation.
Really, with a monthly salary like that, why risk your life?
"Aki-kun."
Himeno glanced sideways at her partner.
"I'm going."
Aki said solemnly: "I've been waiting for this moment."
Makima said: "There is still time. Everyone can go home and think it over carefully."
Upon hearing this, everyone left one after another. Soon, only Makoto and Makima remained in the office.
"With this kind of lineup, can they really defeat the Gun Devil?" Makoto turned his head and asked.
"I'm quite confident. Besides, don't we have you, Makoto-kun, as our ace?" Makima smiled.
Makoto stared directly into Makima's concentric-circle eyes. After a few seconds, a smile appeared on his face, and he raised an eyebrow at her: "You're lying."
Makima didn't deny it. She came before Makoto and said softly, "But the possibility of failing the mission and not coming back alive is still very high. Before that, do you want me to help you with that? It might be the last time."