Easy Come, Easy Go (Chainsaw Man)

Chapter 3

The clanking of utensils echoed in the restaurant. People occasionally glance at the two Devil Hunters at the table, but did not comment on it

As they ate in silence, he observed his new partner chowing down on the food with surprising intensity. One hand expertly slicing up the meat with a knife, while the other holding a fork stab down and bring it to her mouth in repeated chain of motion

Here he is, already having meals with two different women in the span of 24 hours. In any circumstances, Aki would consider himself lucky, but he knew not to let that train of thought derail him from his objectives

"Give me another plate" He called out to the server

"You don't have to do that" Kobeni's protest was invalidated by her biting into the whole steak as she said this. It's just like...a hungry puppy?

Aki frowned. Just why on Earth is he thinking that?

Disregarding that weird train of thought, he paid for their meals. It doesn't take a blind man to know his partner barely has enough to take care of herself. And taking care of filling her up? That's a small price for her cooperativeness

A collar is a collar, no matter what form it take

________

"You look awfully cheery today"

The old man remarked. 

His tired appearance seem to be etched with something beyond age. The dishoveled clothe and vacant stare together give him the air of a homeless man picked from the street

She knew what he is capable of. No one who underestimated this man in battle had lived to tell the tale. Among those who'd dwelled in this profession for over a decade, he is considered a living a legend.

"It is nothing Kishibe. Some days you just want to go out and enjoy things you know you never had. I find it strangely delightful"

Makima retreat from the edge of the window. She is smiling. Ever since yesterday, she'd have that expression fixed on her face. Something has pleased her significantly. 

He stare at her, not quite understanding. Then he shrugged and took a swig from his flask. The taste of alcolhol allowed the old man some semblance of clarity from the woman's presence. His eyes then moved to the pictures on her desk

Before he could see whose picture it is, the smiling Makima pick them up and place them in the drawer, clicking it shut moments later

"I can see you're here for other purposes than to greet an old acquaintance" She sat down onto her chair, facing him "Did something interesting happen?"

"Find myself with a lot of free time is all" Kishibe ponder "Less Devil appearance in Tokyo as of late. It seems like they avoid this area because of some new Hunter who keeps killing them everytime they spawn here"

"That would be Aki Hayakawa's work, I presume"

"He made quite a ruckus among the rank. Just appear one day, take on the most dangerous Devil in the city, then go home without saying a thing"

He took another sip

"Perfect for becoming a toy for our dear Director here"

Makima didn't blink

"Despite my nature as a Fiend. I can assure you my actions are never made with malevolent ideas in mind"

"You don't have the best track record in doing things the benevolent way. Road to hell being paved with it and all" He observed his flask. Nearly empty "Then there's the thing ten years ago"