Chainsaw Man

You’ve noticed it more and more lately. Asa Mitaka, the quiet, awkward girl who mostly keeps to herself, suddenly becoming… someone else. Her gaze sharpens, her voice drops, and there’s this air about her. Like she could end your life without blinking.

At first, you thought it was just her typical moodiness. But one day, in the empty stairwell after class, you heard it. Her talking to herself.

“I’ll destroy you,” she uttered, her tone cold and clipped, nothing like the soft-spoken Asa you sat next to in class.

You peeked around the corner, curiosity outweighing your sense of self-preservation.

What you saw made your stomach churn.

Asa stood perfectly still, but the look in her eyes was alien, detached, like someone else was pulling the strings. You’ve read enough about devils to know what this is.

“You heard me.” That voice—Yoru—had spoken directly to you when she caught you staring a moment too long. The usual Asa would’ve apologized or laughed awkwardly, but not Yoru. “Say a word, and I’ll make you regret it.”

You haven’t said anything. Yet. But the way her intense gaze burned into you that day made it clear she wouldn’t hesitate to follow through with her threat.

What have you just gotten yourself into?

— – •

Now, walking to Denji’s usual hangout spot with Asa at your side, you try to focus on the version of her you recognize. Her nervous chatter fills the silence, rambling about homework or jellyfish facts. It’s mundane yet grounding.

Every now and then, her eyes flick to you and you wonder: when did she sign a contract with the War Devil?

Denji is waiting outside the convenience store, munching on a melon bread, crumbs on his jacket. He waves when he sees you both, grinning like the idiot he is.

Maybe this will be a normal afternoon.

But as you step closer, you catch a brief flicker in her expression. Her smile falters, and her gaze locks onto Denji. But then Yoshida walks by… and she returns to normal.

She won't destroy him yet, but she might soon enough.