The Vixen's Gambit: Tonight We Hunt

The very thing Aki dreaded finally happened. Power and Denji, those two knuckleheads, seized the opportunity while he wasn't looking and pilfered the offerings from the other graves.

Fortunately, Shoko still possessed some semblance of a moral compass and immediately scolded them – though it would have been better if she'd done so before they'd stuffed their faces.

"Sigh..."

Makima, in a display of her financial prowess, had booked the entire hot spring inn for them. So, despite the lingering chill in the air, they could relax and enjoy the warmth of the onsen.

With most of the group being female, Aki's ears finally found some peace after they entered the baths.

So exhausting.

But surprisingly, the usual sadness he felt during these visits was absent. Perhaps the chaotic journey had left him too preoccupied with managing everyone to dwell on his grief.

Honestly, it wasn't a bad feeling...

Aki glanced at Denji, who was pressed against the wall separating the men's and women's baths, clearly eavesdropping. Aki knew exactly what the kid was thinking. "No peeking."

"Wh-Who's peeking?!"

Denji's face flushed crimson. "I'm not trying to see Shoko naked! I'm just… just… worried they might drown!"

Give me a break. What a lame excuse.

Having lived with Denji for over a year, Aki was well-acquainted with his antics. Shaking his head, he made a mental note to keep an eye on the kid and prevent any indecent behavior.

But the night was long, and the warm water had a relaxing effect, loosening the knot of anxiety that had been building in Aki's chest. He felt a sudden urge to confide in someone.

"Denji, you like Shoko, right?"

"Huh?!"

Caught off guard by Aki's blunt question, Denji stammered, his face reddening even further. After much hemming and hawing, he finally admitted, "Super like..."

Unsurprised by the answer, Aki simply nodded, then continued, "Does Shoko like you?"

"Uh..."

This time, Denji was genuinely stumped. He hesitated, then mumbled, "I don't know. Never really thought about it… but I think she likes me, right? She's always been really nice to me..."

"Yes, Shoko's always been good to you, for a long time." Aki nodded. "But the question is, why, Denji? Why is she so good to you?"

Clenching his fists, Aki's voice dropped. "I'm worried, Denji… worried that all these gifts come with a price tag."

Denji remained silent, seemingly unable to respond to Aki's somber tone—

"A long time? Aki, you knew Shoko before me?!"

Seriously, that's what you're focused on right now?

Aki was speechless. Denji's ability to derail serious conversations was truly remarkable. His heavy heart lightened despite himself. "I've known her for probably just as long as you, maybe even a few days longer. Over two years!"

"Two years… so, about the same as me?"

Seeing Denji lost in thought, Aki shook his head. He knew the kid was dense, but this was a new level.

Even if Denji wouldn't consider these things, Aki, as his family, had to. He had to prepare for the worst.

But wasn't Shoko family too?

If Shoko was planning to hurt Denji, what would he do…?

"What should I do…?"

Overwhelmed by this dilemma and unsure who to confide in, Aki closed his eyes wearily.

"Just ask Shoko."

"Huh?"

Aki opened his eyes in surprise, looking at Denji, who was gazing at the night sky, his tone unusually serious.

"I don't get Shoko either, but this is what's been bothering you, right?" Denji scratched his head. "So just ask her. If she knows it's making you worry, she'll tell you."

"...Just ask?"

Aki repeated the words, as if they held some hidden power. As he did, a smile crept onto his face. Why had he made things so complicated? Why not just try the simplest solution first?

Why had he assumed Shoko wouldn't answer? He considered both Denji and Shoko family. Why couldn't he be honest with them?

"Denji, maybe you are a genius." Aki said sincerely.

Makima hadn't enjoyed meddling with human power structures or manipulating those self-serving ministers, but those fools kept doing things that displeased her. So, for the sake of her own peace of mind, she'd had to employ certain methods to ensure their silence on matters concerning her.

At least the Japanese government wasn't actively plotting her demise anymore, which meant Shoko's safety was also somewhat guaranteed.

An unexpected benefit was the access to public funds.

Booking this entire inn would have been a significant expense for Makima on her salary. Now, she could simply charge it to the government, avoiding the need to use her powers for a free stay.

It also meant everyone could enjoy the luxury of a high-end inn, wearing yukatas and admiring the Hokkaido spring night.

"So, you saw everyone dying in the future, and me taking Denji's heart?"

Everyone gathered in the room, their reactions varied after hearing Aki's concerns. But on one thing, they were in agreement.

"The Future Devil… I've heard of it at Public Safety. It can see the future. But Shoko defeating everyone and taking Denji's heart…?"

Himeno frowned. After Shoko had saved her from the gunfire, her gratitude, mixed with guilt over her previous suspicion, had maxed out her affection for Shoko. She was firmly Team Shoko now.

Even so, she had to point out the obvious: "Unless Shoko uses another gas explosion, I could probably take her down without even using the Ghost Devil's power."

"This Great Power being killed by Shoko, my body cut in half?" Power burst out laughing. "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Frowny Face, you've been stressing over this? I could beat Shoko with both hands tied behind my back!"

Makima's gaze turned sharp, a hint of coldness in her eyes. "Let's drag that Future Devil out and ask it ourselves."

"Now, now, little devils have it rough enough. Let's not bully it."

Shoko chuckled, stopping Makima. She turned to Aki, her expression serious for a moment, then—she burst out laughing.

"Me killing everyone and taking Denji's heart… Aki, where do you think I could possibly win against Makima and Denji?"

"It's impossible, just based on basic strength. You're overthinking things."

"But the Future Devil…" Aki still seemed hesitant.

"Tell you what, Aki. I'll make a contract with you right now, promising never to harm Denji. How about that?" Shoko smiled brightly, not the least bit offended by Aki's suspicion.

Her open and honest demeanor dispelled Aki's remaining doubts.

When a devil was willing to make a contract guaranteeing Denji's safety, how could he question her sincerity?

"You're right… I must be losing it! Too much has been happening lately."

Aki chuckled ruefully, rubbing his face. "I can't believe I actually believed something from the Future Devil. I must have been out of my mind!"

"Hahaha~"

Warm laughter filled the brightly lit room, while outside, the wind howled through the darkness.