Chapter 29
Crack!
A slightly grating sound came from the kitchen—the unmistakable noise of a plate shattering.
The startled figure inside seemed to hear the front door opening too.
Golden hair fluttered wildly.
Power's head shot out from the kitchen like a cannonball.
Eyes glistening with tears, full of apology; small mouth pouting as if ready to whine.
"Sorry, Denji… this great one accidentally…"
After poking her head out, her gaze quickly locked onto Denji.
But at the same time, she noticed the unfamiliar Hayakawa Aki.
In an instant, her little head retracted back into the kitchen.
The very next second, arms crossed, Power marched out with exaggerated seriousness.
Ahem ahem.
She cleared her throat, eyes slightly lowered, tone regretful yet solemn:
"The plate… committed suicide. This great one failed to stop it."
"…"
Denji fell silent.
Aki mentally added another tag: This one's even more off—lying with a straight face. Typical devil.
Seeing no immediate response from Denji, Power assumed he didn't believe her. Her big eyes darted around as a new excuse formed.
She suddenly pointed toward Meowy—who had been waiting by the entrance and had just jumped down from the side shelf, heading toward Denji.
Before the cat could take two steps, a pitch-black pot suddenly dropped onto her head.
Unable to hold back, Meowy glanced at Power—shock mixed with a tiny hiss—
"Meow~?"
Power instantly dashed over, scooped Meowy up, rubbed her head, squeezed her body.
"Geez, Meowy, how could you be so careless! Punishment today: one extra dried fish!"
"Meow…"
After petting her, Power seemed to feel guilty for blaming the cute cat—so she suddenly gasped as if discovering a shocking secret:
"This great one understands now! It was the little ponytail! He must've shattered this great one's plate while you weren't looking, Denji!
Evil fiend—I've already seen through your crime! Confess at once!"
"…"
"Okay, Power."
Denji stepped forward two paces and gently ruffled the top of her head.
"You did great—were washing the plates properly. Accidents happen. Go clean up. We need to head to work."
Power rubbed happily against Denji's petting hand. Hearing his praise, she threw her arms around him in delight, then bounced back to the kitchen to tidy the mess.
Denji—still a little worried—followed after her.
Meowy padded closely behind Denji, heading deeper into the house.
That left only one person at the entrance.
Aki stood there like he was being punished—face even stiffer than usual, expression blank with confusion.
What exactly did I experience this morning? Is the world crazy… or am I?
Fortunately, with Denji's help, the kitchen mess was cleaned up quickly.
"Stay home and be good. I'll make something tasty when we get back tonight."
After saying goodbye to Meowy at the door, the three of them set off—Aki driving.
During the ride, Denji gave brief introductions.
"This is Power."
Aki gave a small nod from the driver's seat.
"He's Hayakawa Aki. Don't go giving people weird nicknames anymore, got it~?"
Power—humming cheerfully—draped herself over Denji, happily playing with his fingers~
"Got. It?"
Denji enunciated each syllable, punctuating every word with a light poke to Power's forehead.
Power dramatically clutched the poked spot as if in agony, then—being spoiled—pressed even closer, sprawling across Denji's upper body while casually replying:
"This great one understands~"
Denji rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
He reached around Power, lifted her bodily, and moved her to the seat beside him—properly seated.
He wanted her to sit properly.
But Power immediately complained the car ride was boring—alternating between pitifully clinging to him and slowly wrapping around him like a spoiled vine.
With no other choice, Denji kept her in check within reasonable limits—pacifying her overflowing energy.
Some time passed.
Amid the playful chaos, Denji suddenly sensed something. His voice dropped, serious:
"Pull over, Aki."
Aki didn't ask why—he immediately slowed and stopped at the roadside.
Through the rearview mirror, he looked at Denji in the back seat—eyes closed, brows furrowed—and asked:
"What is it?"
Denji focused carefully. Once he confirmed the special aura belonged to a devil, the corner of his mouth curved into a hunter's smile.
But it vanished in an instant—replaced by his usual sunny expression.
"There's a devil."
He opened the door. After a quick scan, he locked onto the direction.
One hand pressed down on Power's curious little head poking out.
"Stay put. I'll be right back."
Though reluctant, Power obediently sat back inside the car.
Up front, Aki had just unbuckled and opened his door.
The wind seemed to pause for a split second.
By the time he stepped out—Denji was already gone.
After looking around and finding no trace, Aki turned back to Power:
"Where'd he go?"
Power ignored him. She was still sulking at Denji in her heart.
Stupid Denji—leaving this great one behind.
Though she gave no answer, Aki wasn't surprised.
He'd heard Denji's words earlier, but that didn't mean he could relax.
He pulled out his phone, ready to report the situation. (In-city devil sighting—whether evacuating civilians or cleanup, headquarters always needed to dispatch support.)
But before he could dial—
Power suddenly cheered excitedly:
"I smell blood! Denji's amazing—the 'blood' died so fast?"
"What do you mean?"
Aki couldn't help asking again. This time Power didn't completely ignore him—after all,
Denji seemed to consider this little ponytail a friend.
"Hmph hmph! The devil was scared to death by this great one's terrifying aura. This great one really is the strongest!"
…Though the explanation was absurd, at least it confirmed the devil was dead.
Aki's eyelid twitched.
He suddenly felt like an idiot for trying to get intel from a devil.
The call connected. Aki gave a rough location range. Since the devil's exact position wasn't confirmed, he didn't request a full lockdown—just asked for cleanup personnel.
Makima on the other end said only one sentence:
"Denji has already perfectly eliminated the devil. You all did well."
Call ended.
Aki felt even more lost about life.
Right now… he genuinely didn't understand this world anymore…
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