Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man / The Boys) Multiverse later

With a lazy wave, Kishibe stepped out of the restaurant, leaving Makima and Kang Woo alone .

Makima's gaze softened slightly, though there was a sharp glint in her eyes. A playful smile curled at the corners of her lips as she addressed Kang Woo.

"Kang Woo," she began, her voice light but laced with an undercurrent of intent, "let's play a game."

Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "A game?" he echoed, leaning forward slightly.

Makima's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Yes. If I guess something about you—something true—like, for example, you're a male, and that's the characteristic of you that's correct—you'll have to answer one of my questions. No lies, Kang Woo," she added, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "And of course, you can ask me questions in return. I'll do the same—no lies."

Kang Woo's eyes flickered with amusement, but his mind raced. Are you an idiot, Makima? The Control Devil herself, trying to play this game with me? I've read Chainsaw Man a hundred times. I know exactly who and what you are. And I'm the lord of lies, so much so that even the demons of the 9th Hell struggle to discern my true intentions.

Outwardly, Kang Woo maintained his casual demeanor, a smirk playing on his lips. "Alright," he said, leaning back with a relaxed air. "Shoot."

Makima's eyes sparkled, her curiosity barely contained. Inwardly, she was thrilled. It's time I satisfy my curiosity about you, Kang Woo. What are you really? This mystery surrounding you… it's driving me mad. Let's see how much you're willing to reveal.

Makima leaned forward slightly, her voice still playful, but her gaze intense. "Let's start simple. You're not originally from this world, are you?"

Kang Woo's smirk widened, but inside, his mind was already calculating how to play this game. He tilted his head and responded, "Correct." Then, without hesitation, he added, "Now, what's your question?"

Makima blinked, a little taken aback. "Huh… what?" She hadn't expected him to cut straight to the point so quickly. Wait, this was supposed to be a round, wasn't it? Wasn't he supposed to negotiate or at least play along? He's given me the chance to satisfy my curiosity, but… why do I have this strange feeling that I'm dancing on his palm?

Before she could finish her thought, Kang Woo reached out and flicked her forehead, breaking her concentration.

"Ow!" Makima yelped, her thoughts scattering. She rubbed her forehead, a slight pout forming on her lips.

"You alright, princess?" Kang Woo teased, his smirk never fading.

Makima huffed, a bit grumpy now. "Stop flicking my forehead."

Kang Woo chuckled, and before she could react, he placed a hand on top of her head, gently ruffling her hair. "Sure, sure," he said, his tone teasing yet oddly warm.

Makima froze, her eyes widening slightly. His hand is warm… it's… nice… She shook the thought from her head quickly. Wait, what the hell am I thinking?! Regaining her composure, she cleared her throat and quickly straightened up, her expression composed once more.

"Right," she said, her voice steady again, "where does your power come from? You're not a hybrid, not a devil, not even a Supe… and unlike our personnel, you don't seem to have a devil contract either."

Kang Woo's smirk deepened as he leaned back in his chair. "Authority of Silence combined with Ten Shadows," he said casually, almost as if the answer were an afterthought.

Makima's eyebrow twitched, a teasing smirk crossing her lips as she leaned closer. "Heh, are you becoming a chuuni now?" she teased, clearly underestimating him. The tone in her voice was playful but dismissive, as if she thought he was just spouting nonsense.

But before Makima could fully process his words, the room darkened. In an instant, shadows moved rapidly, sealing the space around them like a veil. The room's interior became a private chamber, encased in thick silence. From the outside, it would seem like a normal conversation in a restaurant, but within, they were completely isolated—no sound, no outside interference, just them.

Makima's eyes widened, her teasing smirk fading into shock. Wait... what just happened?

Her fingers grazed the edge of the shadowy barrier, feeling its eerie texture. I thought he was talking rubbish and playing up a fantasy… but this? This is real? She turned her gaze back to Kang Woo, who was calmly watching her with that same amused smile.

"I thought you were spouting chuuni nonsense," she muttered, clearly impressed, though she tried to hide it. "But this…?"

Kang Woo leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting in the dim light of the shadowed chamber. "Still think I'm a chuuni, princess?"

Makima paused, then, for the first time, offered him a genuine smile—unlike her usual fake and sinister expressions, this one held a rare warmth. "You're still a chuuni," she teased softly, her voice laced with a touch of amusement.

Kang Woo chuckled. "You're not wrong." He raised his palm, and with a whisper, "Hellblaze," a black flame ignited from his hand. The flame danced ominously, casting flickering shadows across the room.

Makima's eyes widened in fascination as she instinctively reached out, wanting to touch the flame. Something in the back of her mind stirred—a memory of a conversation of fox devil with aki , the mention of a black flame that symbolized something ancient and powerful. Is this…?

Before her fingers could make contact, Kang Woo slapped her hand away, his expression shifting into something more serious. "Don't touch it, princess. It can kill immortals—even someone like you."

Makima pulled her hand back, slightly grumpy again, her usual composure rattled by the sudden warning. "Hey, you still haven't answered my question yet," she muttered, her irritation slipping through. "You can't just keep showing off and dodge it."

Kang Woo smirked, leaning back once again. "I'm getting there, just be patient. Telling stories takes effort, and I'm too lazy for that," he said casually, before adding, "I made them up."

Makima blinked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You shitting me?"

Kang Woo chuckled. "Some abilities I've eaten from someone unfortunate enough to cross my path, and others... I just thought about them, and voilà, they came to be."

Makima's mind raced as she processed his words. He's telling the truth, but he's speaking in riddles, making it difficult to figure out what he really means. She frowned, not satisfied with his cryptic response. "That's not an answer, Kang Woo. Come on, tell me the truth."

Kang Woo's smirk only grew wider. "Your turn is up. Now it's my turn."

Makima sighed internally. Now I'm really dancing in his palm, huh? What a failure of a devil I am, letting him tease me like this. She was growing weary of the back-and-forth, feeling like she wasn't gaining any ground. "Alright, Kang Woo," she said, her voice resigned. "Shoot."

Kang Woo grinned, his eyes gleaming mischievously. She's mirroring my style of language now, he thought, amused by her slow descent into his playful rhythm.

Kang Woo leaned back, holding up his fingers as he began to list everything about Makima.

"First," he said, counting on his fingers, "you're the Control Devil. Second, you have three sisters—the Death Devil, I don't know her name, the War Devil named Yoru, who's kinda dumb, and the Famine Devil, Fami, who's obsessed with pizza and has the Falling Devil under her command."

Makima's eyes narrowed slightly, though she didn't interrupt.

"Third," Kang Woo continued, "you've got a contract with the Japanese prime minister that gives you around 127 million lives. All harm or damage to you is redirected to Japanese citizens. Clever way to stay immortal."

Makima remained silent, though her eyes flickered, betraying her surprise at how much he knew.

"Fourth, you're a Chainsaw Devil fan, though your little jump at enemy antics toward him with your sisters are kinda funny." He grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Fifth, you want to use the Chainsaw Devil to erase all devils in the world, which, if you ask me, is a terrible idea."

Makima's composure slipped ever so slightly at that comment, a subtle twitch in her lips, but she stayed silent.

"And lastly," Kang Woo finished with a flourish, "you've got seven dogs at home."

He leaned back, clearly pleased with himself, grinning like he expected some kind of award. "Now, did I miss something?"

Makima's Thought

How... does he know all of this? she thought, her heart racing slightly. She had always been in control, always the one holding all the cards. Yet here was Kang Woo, listing her most guarded secrets like it was casual conversation. The fact that he knew about her sisters, the prime minister's contract, her obsession with the Chainsaw Devil, and even her seven dogs... it was unnerving. But at the same time, it stirred something else inside her—something unexpected.

He's not like the others, Makima thought. He's different. He's not afraid of me. In fact... he seems to enjoy this game, like he's always ten steps ahead. Her curiosity deepened, but so did something else, something she hadn't fully acknowledged until now. Could it be...? Do I...? She quickly pushed the thought aside, unwilling to confront it.

Third POV

Outwardly, Makima remained calm, her eyes never leaving Kang Woo's. But the usual cold detachment in her gaze softened slightly, a glimmer of something deeper hidden within. She allowed a small smile to cross her lips—not her usual, calculated one, but a genuine, if subtle, smile.

"You really are full of surprises, Kang Woo," she said, her voice smooth but carrying a hint of admiration she didn't often show. "But you're right about one thing... that's quite a list. I didn't think anyone would know so much about me."

For a moment, she let her guard down, just a fraction, as she added, almost playfully, "But no, you didn't miss anything."

She leaned forward slightly, her curiosity now fully piqued. "So tell me, Kang Woo... how did you figure all that out? Or is this just another one of your tri—"

Before she could finish, Kang Woo interrupted her, smirking mischievously. "You really are a liar, aren't you?"

Veins popped comically on Makima's forehead, her face scrunching up in mock irritation. "Tch," she muttered, her tone grumpy. "First Kishibe mocks me, and now you too?!" The exaggerated shonen-style frustration painted across her face was obvious.

Kang Woo's grin widened as he continued, his tone shifting to something more serious. "There are two things I forgot to mention. First, you have telekinesis that you can command with your signature hand pistol gesture—using your index finger and saying, 'Bang.'"

Makima's eyebrow twitched, but she stayed quiet.

"And second," Kang Woo leaned forward, his voice lowering slightly, "you might not even realize it yourself, but you crave an equal relationship... and a lot of hugs and love."

Makima's playful irritation quickly vanished. Her expression darkened, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Slowly, she raised her hand, making the signature pistol gesture with her index finger pointed directly at Kang Woo's head. "The first one is acceptable," she said coldly, her voice low and menacing. "But the second one... that's personal."

Kang Woo, however, was unfazed, his smirk unwavering. He simply leaned back, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he watched her reaction. The tension in the room grew thick, the air between them charged with both challenge and unspoken connection.

Makima's finger hovered over his forehead for a moment before she finally sighed, lowering her hand slightly, but still glaring at him. He's... too much, she thought, though somewhere in her mind, she couldn't help but acknowledge how well he could read her.

Suddenly, Kang Woo reached up and grabbed Makima's hand, keeping her index finger in its pistol gesture, and pressed it firmly against his forehead. His voice dropped to a low, playful tone, "Go on. Do it. Aren't you the type who kills first and asks questions later?"

Makima's eyes widened in brief surprise, her thoughts spinning. Why... why the hell does this man—of all people I've taken an interest in—want to die so badly? It's like some twisted game to him. She felt a flicker of confusion, something she wasn't used to feeling. She gritted her teeth, taking a deep breath to regain control.

But instead of pulling away, she leaned into her usual taunting tone, deciding to push back. "You want to die so badly, beggar?" she spat, bringing up the insult she had thrown at him during their very first meeting, hoping it would hit a nerve.

Kang Woo's smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "More like... I'm judging whether or not you're worthy of me."

Makima's mind stilled for a second, her thoughts catching on that single phrase. Is this man... narcissistic beyond compare? She studied his face, trying to read him, but as always, Kang Woo's playful and enigmatic nature left her unsure. He wasn't playing by her rules, and that made him both infuriating and fascinating.

For the first time in a long while, she felt like the one being evaluated—and it both excited and irritated her.

Her finger still hovering against Kang Woo's forehead, Makima suddenly whispered, "Bang."

Kang Woo remained still, his smirk unwavering, eyes filled with amusement as no bullet or telekinetic force manifested. It was just a bluff from Makima, and he knew it.

Makima sighed, slightly frustrated, and said, "Can you let go of my finger?"

Kang Woo chuckled, his grip relaxing as he released her hand. But just as he was about to respond, Makima's frustration boiled over. She suddenly pinched his cheek—hard—and without thinking, she shouted with uncharacteristic anger, forgetting entirely the game she had been playing with him.

"YOU ARE A VERY, VERY ANNOYING PERSON! THE MOST HATED, DESPICABLE PERSON I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE! AND I VERRRRRYYYY HATE YOUUUUUUUUU!"

Makima's voice echoed through the space as her outburst caught even her off guard. She had let her irritation with Kang Woo, his smug demeanor, and the way he consistently outplayed her, get the better of her.

Kang Woo, despite the outburst, remained unfazed, his cheek still in her grip. He gave her a calm, knowing look and said with a teasing smile, "So… are you becoming a tsun tsun tsun tsun tsun dere?"

Makima's eyes widened in shock at the phrase, her breath hitching in surprise. She let go of his cheek, her frustration clearly reaching a boiling point. She gritted her teeth, taking a deep breath to compose herself, but it was clear Kang Woo had gotten under her skin in a way only him could.

Why... why does he always make me lose my cool? she thought, genuinely bewildered by the effect he had on her. No one ever pushed her buttons like this, and it was driving her mad.

Makima stared at him, her frustration and irritation palpable, yet somewhere deep inside her, she felt something else—a spark of something that confused her even more. Damn him, she thought, he's the only one who can make me feel like this.

Kang Woo chuckled softly, the amusement never leaving his face. "Alright, alright. I'll tell you about my ability."

Makima, still recovering from her outburst, shot him a sarcastic glare. "Oh, really? Me going crazy mad and childish is amusing to you, huh?"

Kang Woo grinned shamelessly. "Yup."

Makima sighed, her frustration lingering, but curiosity still sparked beneath the surface. She straightened herself, folding her arms and giving him a serious look, though she couldn't hide the faint trace of interest in her eyes. "Fine, spill it."

Kang Woo leaned forward slightly, his playful demeanor shifting into something more focused. "The Hellblaze, or the black flame you saw, it can kill you. It bypasses your contract of a million lives, since it's designed to kill immortals. It doesn't target the body—it directly hits the soul."

Makima's eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening. She was intrigued but cautious. "And how does one obtain this kind of power?"

Kang Woo smirked, knowing this would spark her curiosity even more. "Well, for most, you'd need a lot of red demon blood, which resides either in Hell or the demon world. It's not something your average person can just stumble upon."

Makima raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with skepticism. "There's no such thing as 'red demons.' In Hell, we only have devils that represent specific fears or concepts. And if gaining power was as simple as eating something, I'd have done it by now."

Kang Woo's smile grew even wider, as if he were amused by her doubt. "Ah, but that's because you haven't been looking in the right places, princess. You think you've seen everything Hell has to offer? I'm afraid there's more than what your pretty little chains of control can touch."

Makima frowned, her fingers tapping lightly against her arm in thought. He's taunting me again... but why does it sound like there's some truth to what he's saying? She remained silent for a moment, her mind racing through possibilities. His mention of red demons sounded ridiculous, but coming from Kang Woo, she couldn't help but wonder.

"So," she finally said, her voice steady, "you're telling me that this Hellblaze of yours could kill me, bypassing my contract with the prime minister, and it's powered by... 'red demon blood'?

Kang Woo leaned back, smirking slightly as Makima processed his words. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Ah, sorry, I forgot to mention... my Hellblaze isn't exactly the same as the ordinary one that red demons use. My Hellblaze can target the soul directly. Ordinary Hellblaze, on the other hand, can kill someone with super regenerative abilities by nullifying their regeneration, but it doesn't affect the soul. So... I'm not sure if it could bypass your contract. It's more about negating damage to the physical body than anything else. Or maybe I'm missing something?"

Makima's expression remained sharp, though a flicker of curiosity sparked in her eyes. She tapped her fingers lightly against her arm. "If you used ordinary Hellblaze on me, it might not bypass the contract. In fact, it could end up extending my lives even further, depending on how the damage is processed."

Kang Woo chuckled softly. "Well, that sounds like it could get messy. Alright, since this is getting serious, there's something I need to know," he said, leaning forward, his playful demeanor dropping slightly. "Is your contract with the prime minister a two-way deal? Meaning either you or the prime minister can sever it at will... which would be dangerous if one of you decided to pull the plug. Or is it a one-way contract where only you hold the control?"

Makima's eyes narrowed at the question, the weight of it hitting her. She didn't answer immediately, instead studying Kang Woo's face for a moment. His curiosity seemed genuine, but there was always an edge to his words, like he was enjoying the game too much.

Finally, she spoke, her voice measured. "It's a one-way contract. I hold the control. If I wished, I could sever it... but that would be a foolish move."

Kang Woo leaned back, a glint of mischief still in his eyes. "You know, sorry to say this, but it's written like this, isn't it?" he began, his tone still playful but with an edge of seriousness. "Makima made a contract with the Prime Minister of Japan in return for working for the Japanese government. As a result of this contract, any fatal attacks inflicted on Makima are transferred into an appropriate illness or ailment affecting a random citizen of Japan."

He tilted his head, his smile turning slightly sarcastic. "You sure it's a one-way contract?"

Makima's expression didn't change much, though her eyes narrowed. She seemed a little bored by the conversation, as if it were beneath her to be questioned. "Yes, it's a one-way contract," she replied in a flat, almost tired tone. "I hold all the control. I can sever it if I wish, but doing so would be counterproductive."

She explained it as though it were obvious, but Kang Woo's mind was already racing. He let her explanation sink in but couldn't help the thoughts bubbling in his head. That's a pretty terrible contract if you ask me, he thought, his eyes flicking over Makima, studying her carefully. You're practically enslaved to it, tied to the whims of the government, and you don't even realize it yet.

But Kang Woo kept these thoughts to himself, choosing not to voice them yet. Instead, he remained silent, observing her closely. He wasn't sure if she truly believed she had full control or if she was simply choosing to ignore the potential flaw in her contract.

Makima stared at him, waiting for a response, her usual calm demeanor unwavering. But there was a flicker of something in her eyes—perhaps a curiosity as to why he was so interested in the details of her contract.

Kang Woo leaned back, his expression shifting slightly as he looked at Makima. "And you don't have any backup plan, huh?" he asked, a hint of genuine concern in his voice.

Makima blinked, caught off guard for the first time. Backup plan? she thought, her mind racing. She had built her entire existence on being in control, yet here was Kang Woo—Kang Woo, of all people, the chaotic and narcissistic man—expressing concern for her. It was unexpected.

Kang Woo's expression remained uncharacteristically serious as he reached out his hand. "Commandment," he muttered, and suddenly, a dark orb materialized in his palm, crackling with energy. The Commandment of Piety, the one Zeldris had once wielded. He didn't tell her that, of course.

The orb hovered between them, glowing ominously. Kang Woo brought it closer to Makima, its energy swirling in the air. "Say 'Kuhito,'" he instructed, his voice calm and steady.

Makima's eyes narrowed in confusion. "I already have a problem with the Commandment of Love," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's stuck on me, making it hard to act without hatred clouding my judgment… until you freed me and took it back, which I'm grateful for since it freed my emotions again. And now you want me to take this?"

Kang Woo smirked, his casual demeanor returning, though his eyes gleamed with a deeper intent. "This is different. The Commandment of Piety won't mess with you like Love does. You won't have to change anything about how you operate. The commandment only affects your enemies."

Makima tilted her head slightly, clearly intrigued but still wary. "And what's the catch?"

Kang Woo chuckled. "The penalty only applies to your enemies. The moment they decide to run from you, they're completely controlled by you. It's a powerful form of dominance—perfect for someone like you. Now, just say 'Kuhito,' already."

Makima's eyes flickered with curiosity, her mind racing. He's offering me this... to help? She hesitated, considering the potential ramifications. She didn't trust Kang Woo fully, but the power he was offering intrigued her deeply. If this really works...

She looked into his eyes, trying to discern his motives, but as always, Kang Woo remained unreadable—half playful, half serious.

Makima's voice trailed off as she muttered, "Kuhito." Suddenly, the Commandment vanished, leaving no trace behind. Her eyes flickered with confusion. "Where did it go?"

Kang Woo smiled, his tone calm but teasing. "It resides in an unknown space. Hard to explain, but you can summon it by saying 'Commandment' or 'Jikkai,' whatever suits your fancy."

Makima's eyes narrowed again, a mix of intrigue and suspicion in her gaze. She crossed her arms, a sarcastic edge creeping into her voice. "Why are you so interested in me, Kang Woo? You're practically my enemy."

Kang Woo smirked but didn't reply immediately. Instead, he watched her carefully, his usual playful demeanor gone, replaced by something deeper. Before Makima could push further, something unexpected happened. A tear slipped down her cheek. Her own hand reached up, brushing it away almost in disbelief. No one had ever shown her genuine kindness—not her enemies, not her subordinates, not even her sisters.

Suddenly, Makima's frustration boiled over. She balled her fists and screamed, "Don't you understand? I'm playing a game with you! A game to control you! TO CONTROL YOU!" she repeated, her voice rising with each word, filled with anger and desperation.

Her vulnerability was now fully on display, something she had never shown before. She had spent her life manipulating, dominating, and controlling everyone around her, but Kang Woo... he was different. He wasn't falling into her game, and it was driving her mad.

"Why are you so kind toward your enemy? Why do you still want to talk even though you know my goals? Why are you still... still... stilll—" Her words broke down as she repeated herself, her frustration unraveling into an unexpected breakdown. Her voice was soft, unsteady, and trembling as she spoke.

But before she could finish, Kang Woo moved closer, wrapping his arms around her in a sudden embrace. The action was swift, and for the first time, Makima was caught off guard. She stood frozen, unsure how to react. No one had ever done something like this for her. No one had ever dared.

Kang Woo's voice was low and steady as he held her. "If a country wanted you dead," he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead, "I'd blow them to pieces and leave nothing but ashes."

He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his touch surprisingly tender, contradicting everything she thought she knew about him.

Makima's heart raced. What is this? she wondered, still too stunned to pull away. His actions, his words—they were unlike anything she had ever experienced. She had spent her entire existence manipulating, controlling, and dominating others. Yet here was someone who saw through it all and didn't care.

For the first time, Makima felt truly vulnerable. Her control, her carefully built walls, seemed to crumble in Kang Woo's embrace. And as much as she hated it... a part of her didn't want to push him away.

Makima's heart raced, emotions she had buried long ago bubbling to the surface as she hesitantly, almost instinctively, hugged Kang Woo back. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of his embrace, something she had never expected to feel, especially from someone like him. But then, reality cut through the moment like a sharp knife.

Her phone buzzed.

Reluctantly, she pulled away, fishing her phone from her pocket. With her usual calm demeanor, she answered, "Yes?" After a brief, matter-of-fact conversation, her expression hardened, and she said coldly, "On my way to the site."

Makima hung up, her face now a mixture of lingering vulnerability and her usual icy control. She turned to Kang Woo, her eyes locking onto his with a sharp edge. The moment of tenderness seemed to pass, but something had undeniably shifted between them.

"You're a DESPICABLE person ," she said, her voice laced with both frustration and something resembling admiration. "The worst DESPICABLE I've ever met."

Kang Woo raised an eyebrow, amused, but remained silent as she continued.

"But," she added, a sly grin playing on her lips, "you're a Despicable with a heart."

She stepped closer to him, her voice lowering slightly, more sincere than he had ever heard from her. "If you lie, Kang Woo, just make sure you lie in a good way. Tell me good stories, with hope, in this boring world. Because," she paused, giving him a smug look, "I might just want to hear them"

"Where is this going?" Kang Woo asked, his eyes never leaving hers. "No one ever asks you to handle things like this because your personnel can. But the moment they come to you directly, it means things have gone to hell. So, can I ask you this, Makima... can you refuse this order?"

Makima sighed softly, her eyes briefly looking past him, as if weighing the burden she carried. "No," she replied with a quiet firmness. "I can't refuse it. And you're right, it's worse than it seems. I need the contract with the prime minister to negate the damage if I want to achieve my utopia this twisted version of being accepted. But in exchange," she paused, her gaze hardening, "I became a slave. A corporate tool in hell."

There was a long silence between them, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Kang Woo studied her face, sensing the conflict within her. She was the Control Devil, but in some ways, she was controlled more than anyone else.

Makima broke the silence, a faint, bittersweet smile crossing her lips. "It's been... nice, talking with you, Kang Woo. I hope this won't be the last..." She paused when she almost said "lovey dovey ," her face betraying a moment of vulnerability. She had clearly enjoyed their time together more than just as a casual conversation. But she composed herself, quickly correcting, "...conversation."

With that, she turned, walking toward the exit. Kang Woo's shadow veil still hung around them, a thin barrier between them and the outside world. As she stepped through it, she glanced back at him one last time before leaving the restaurant, her figure disappearing into the streets.

As Kang Woo glanced at his status window, a series of notifications popped up, filling him with amusement and curiosity:

...........................….

+25 Affection with Makima (85/100):

Makima is in love. You know that someone finally wanted to hug her and be her hope , even though you're still a DESPICABLE.

+10 Reputation with Makima (90/100):

Makima is still angry that you know so much about her and her goals, and she thinks you're a despicable or an asshole but one she can't seem to let go of.

...........................….

Kang Woo smirked, leaning back in his chair, thinking about the complex dance of emotions between him and Makima. Her mix of frustration, admiration, and vulnerability intrigued him. So, even the Control Devil has her soft side... he thought, his smirk deepening.

More notifications appeared:

.................................

+30 Relationship with Kishibe (70/100):

Kishibe respects you. He's thankful that, at the very least, if Public Safety personnel become Supes, it will reduce casualties. He hates watching his disciples die all the time.

+10 Reputation with Kishibe (80/100):

"Crazy bastard," he thinks. "Somehow, you managed to change Makima. Ironic that she's the one controlled by you."

...........................

Kang Woo chuckled at that. Kishibe... He knew the grizzled man would never admit it outright, but there was a grudging respect there. It amused Kang Woo to no end that he had somehow managed to make an impression on someone as hardened as Kishibe.

The last two notifications caught his attention, though:

.............................

+60 Relationship with Denji (60/100):

Denji appreciates your help in easing his biggest problem, even if only temporarily.

+70 Relationship with Pochita (70/100):

Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, is thankful that you, the Noble One, spared both him and Denji.

............................

Kang Woo leaned back, tapping his fingers on the table, deep in thought. Even Pochita, huh? That was interesting. He hadn't anticipated how his actions would ripple through these individuals' lives. He had his own game to play, but the pieces were falling into place nicely.

"Looks like I'm racking up some points with everyone," he murmured to himself, a smirk tugging at his lips. But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. The pieces were moving, and the next steps would be crucial.

Kang Woo stood up, his shadow veil dissolving into nothingness. He glanced toward the door where Makima had just left, a mischievous glint in his eye. What will you do next, Makima?

As Kang Woo prepared to leave the restaurant, something caught his attention. Out of the corner of his eye, he sensed a faint presence—barely noticeable, but there. His Authority of Beholder allowed him to detect even the subtlest disturbances, and now it was telling him that someone was nearby, watching.

His eyes flicked to a spot near the back of the restaurant, where he sensed the faintest shimmer in the air. The figure wasn't visible to the naked eye, but Kang Woo could sense it clearly: Translucent, the invisible supe from The Seven, was spying on them.

So, the Supes have gotten bold enough to come to Japan, huh? Kang Woo thought, his smirk never faltering. Probably because of Peter January saying that line, 'Furube Yura Yura,' thinking it sounded suspicious enough to draw attention.

Kang Woo's gaze lingered on the spot where Translucent was hidden, fully aware that the supe couldn't hear anything from his conversation with Makima. His shadow veil had blocked any attempt at eavesdropping, leaving Translucent with only the sight of an innocuous conversation between him and a "hot woman."

What a pervert, Kang Woo mused, his eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. He's probably just jealous I was talking to someone like Makima. Guess even Supes get lonely.

With that, Kang Woo casually walked out of the restaurant, not bothering to confront Translucent. The supe posed no real threat, and there were bigger things to worry about. Besides, if Translucent was foolish enough to try something, Kang Woo would deal with him easily.

Meanwhile, in Translucent's mind:

Hidden and invisible, Translucent had been watching the whole time, though the shadowy veil Kang Woo had conjured had blocked any sound or deeper view of what was happening. He couldn't figure out what they were talking about, but that didn't stop his mind from wandering.

What the hell is going on here? Translucent thought, his annoyance growing by the second. I'm a Supe—top of the food chain. Why the hell does this ordinary guy get to sit there, having a cozy little chat with a hot girl like that?

Translucent's frustration simmered. His life as a member of The Seven had given him the belief that he was invincible, that he could have anything he wanted. But watching Kang Woo, a man who seemed so unassuming, sitting there with Makima had stoked a flame of jealousy inside him.

What does that guy even have? Translucent thought, his thoughts spiraling. Just because he can pull off a conversation with her? He gritted his teeth in frustration, feeling the growing irritation that someone like Kang Woo—a nobody, as far as he was concerned—could be in the same space as someone so out of his league.