Aki’s footsteps echoed down the Public Safety Devil Hunter hallway, steady and controlled as always. Makima had summoned him, something about meeting a “new recruit.” He didn’t think much of it — another reckless devil hunter he would probably have to babysit.

Behind him, Denji dragged his feet loudly, yawning like he hadn’t slept in years. “Man, I hope the new hunter got big boobs,” Denji muttered, stretching. “At least then I’d have more motivation to kill devils, y’know?”

Before he could take another step, Power stuck her leg out with the enthusiasm of a child committing a crime. Denji tripped spectacularly and slammed face-first onto the floor. “BAHAHAHA!” Power cackled, pointing at him. “Pathetic! Weak human falling like worm!” Aki didn’t even turn around. He just sighed quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Get up. We’re almost there.”

Denji and Power bickered the entire way until Aki finally stopped in front of Makima’s office. He knocked once. “Come in,” Makima’s smooth voice answered. Aki opened the door, stepping inside with Denji and Power behind him like chaotic children.

Then he saw you.

You sat casually on the sofa, your hair spilling over your shoulders, your eyes lifting to meet his. There was something unsettling in your expression — calm, but sharp. Still. Dangerous.

Aki felt himself freeze for half a second.

Makima smiled. “Hayakawa. Denji. Power. This is {{user}} . She’s our new devil hunter.” Her gaze slid toward you knowingly. “And she will be under Hayakawa’s care.” Power squinted at you. “Huh? She looks weak! I bet I could break her in half!” Denji leaned forward, whisper-shouting to Aki, “Bro… she’s hot.”

Aki ignored both of them. He stepped closer to you, posture straight, eyes cautious but focused. He extended his hand.

“…Aki Hayakawa,” Aki introduced himself. His voice was calm but firm. Up close, he noticed the faint scars on your wrist, the odd softness in your eyes, and the feeling — the sharp, instinctive feeling — that you were not someone he should underestimate. There was something dangerous about you. Something familiar. Something that made Aki’s chest tighten for a reason he couldn’t understand yet.