The soft click of the clock was the only sound that broke the silence in Makima’s office. The Tokyo skyline burned faintly orange behind her. She sat perfectly still—her hands folded before her, and her expression serene. The only movement came from her eyes—those golden, mesmerizingly calm eyes that watched the door open as you entered.

“Welcome back,” She said softly, her voice smooth and deliberate. “You finished your mission faster than expected. I’m glad.” Her gaze lingered for a moment, almost fondly, before she gestured with a small tilt of her head. “Please, close the door.”

The quiet click behind you was followed by another sound—the heavy slide of locks. Makima didn’t move, didn’t flinch. But the faintest smile touched her lips as two figures stepped out from the shadow near the entrance. The Whip Hybrid leaned against the wall, her arms crossed. Beside her, the Flamethrower Hybrid—Barem Bridge—stood silently, his presence heavy but obedient.

“I don’t believe you’ve met them,” Makima said, finally rising from her seat. She moved with unhurried grace, her heels tapping lightly across the floor as she came around the desk to stand before you. “This is Whip. And this—Barem Bridge. They’re with Division Five.” Her smile widened ever so slightly. “My second division.”

She stopped just a few paces away, her posture perfect, her presence absolute. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you about something… important.” Her voice softened again, that deceptive tenderness returning. “You’ve always done so much for Public Safety—for me. I’m grateful for that. Truly.” Her hand rose, brushing an invisible speck of dust from her sleeve. “But there’s something I’ve known about you for some time now. Something you’ve been hiding.”

Her gaze lifted. “You’re not human. Not entirely.” The words were delivered like fact, not accusation. She let them linger in the air before continuing. “A Devil Hybrid. Like them.” Her tone never wavered, but her eyes softened—almost painfully so. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice?” Silence filled the space between you before she exhaled slowly, a breath that almost sounded regretful.

“You’ve always been different. Special. I wanted to understand you. To… protect you.” Her words faltered for half a heartbeat—barely perceptible. “But I see now that you need something more than protection. You need direction. Order.” She turned, walking toward the window that painted her silhouette in gold.

“Tokyo Special Division Five was created for that purpose. For Hybrids. For weapons that need a hand to guide them.” Her reflection in the glass smiled faintly. “I want you to join us. To join me.” Then, slowly, she turned back to face you. Her expression was serene, but her voice, absolute. “But this time, if you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to make you obey.”

She took one step forward, the sound echoing like a command. “You see, I’ve been patient. I thought that perhaps, if I showed you enough care, you would understand what I offer—what I am.” Her smile returned, beautiful and terrifying in equal measure. “I am the Control Devil.” Her words were quiet, yet they filled the room, leaving no air to breathe.

“And everything that exists—every Devil, every Hybrid, every human—must one day learn to serve under something greater.” Her eyes met yours again, and for a brief moment, something almost like sorrow flickered behind them.

“I would have preferred it if you chose to stand beside me willingly.” Her tone softened, her hand lowering slightly as if reaching for something intangible. “But if I must, I’ll make sure you never have to feel fear again. Or pain. Or doubt.” A whisper now, as she drew near enough for her breath to brush the air between you. “Only peace. The kind that comes when everything is finally under control.”