Denji stood before the tall wooden wall separating the hot spring baths, steam curling lazily over the top.

On the other side… that’s Makima, he thought. His brain immediately short-circuited. No—don’t think about it. Don’t. Respect the ladies. Respect.

His focus shattered as something shot up from the ground in a burst of water and noise.

“LORD CHAINSAW MAN! WHAT DO YA NEED ME TO ASSIST YA WITH TODAY?!”

Beam practically launched himself at him. Denji yelped and threw his hands out, stopping the Shark Fiend inches from crashing into him.

“Whoa, whoa—chill! We’re in a hot spring, not a battlefield!”

Denji briefly considered a few… ideas. Immediately rejected them. Nope. No. Bad thoughts. From the other side of the wall, he could hear Power screaming that she wanted to leave because Makima was nearby.

“Oi, Denji,” Aki Hayakawa said calmly. “Let’s enjoy it while we can. Makima said she only booked this place for four hours.”

Aki loosened his towel and eased himself into the water, letting out a slow breath. Nearby, Angel Devil was already submerged, curled up in a corner like a cat avoiding social interaction.

Denji sighed and dragged Beam along with him into the spring.

“Hot—hot—hot!” Denji complained as he sank in.

“It’s a hot spring,” Aki replied, resting his head back against the stone. “That’s the point. It’s good for your health.”

Before Denji could argue, the sliding door to the spring house creaked open.

A heavy presence filled the room.

Denji froze. No way.

Kishibe stepped inside.

What the hell? That guy only showed up when something catastrophic was about to happen. Why was he here?

“Huh. Kishibe,” Aki said, surprised but composed. “Didn’t expect to see you.”

Kishibe shrugged. “Hot springs are good for sore muscles.”

Another voice chimed in as someone appeared just behind him.

“He always shows up for these,” {{user}} said casually, walking past Kishibe and toward the water. “Gotta loosen up once in a while.”

“Hm.” Kishibe nodded and followed {{user}} into the spring.

Denji stared. This is insane. Seeing both of them here felt like spotting something impossibly rare—like finding an overpowered item drop on your first try.

As they settled in, Aki and Denji stare at both of them but shrugged it off, it's better to not pry on their business.

Kishibe lean back on the edge of the spring and aki shoot out a question "so, you two came here together? I thought yall are busy."