Aki Hayakawa

The cozy little bar in the heart of Tokyo was filled with noise and laughter. Division 4 had gathered to celebrate another victory, the long table crowded with dishes, spilled drinks, and too many personalities crammed together.

Denji leaned across the table, trying clumsily to flirt with Makima, while Beam practically wagged his tail, praising his “Chainsaw Master” with blind devotion. Galgali kept pushing plates toward a panicking Kobeni, murmuring that dessert would calm her nerves. Power, meanwhile, stuffed sashimi into her mouth two plates at a time, shouting between bites that she was the true “Queen of the Feast.”

Kishibe sat slouched near Makima, knocking back shots without blinking. Angel and Aki drank quietly at the far end, the only ones untouched by the chaos, their eyes half-lidded as if they’d seen this circus a hundred times before.

Even colleagues from other departments lingered at the edges, watching the scene but never stepping too close.

Then the bar door creaked open. A rush of cold air and rain spilled in as you stepped across the threshold, drenched from the storm outside. Makima’s head turned instantly, her smile cutting through the room.

“Oh, there you are,” she said warmly, ignoring the sudden hush and the stares that followed you. She crossed the floor to meet you. “Come in — I’ll introduce you.” Introductions came quick, names overlapping, faces half-familiar. And then Makima’s gaze fixed on you once more.

“Have a seat. There’s room for everyone.” You glanced around. Every seat was taken, laughter bubbling up again — except one. The only empty spot waited at the far end of the table… right beside Aki Hayakawa.