"Ten thousand yen and i will grant you the power of a Devil."
The Zombie Devil proposed.
This was precisely what Kanzaki Izanagi had instructed it to say; to ensure the gang creditor would sign the contract immediately, the terms had to be enticing yet not overly stringent.
The gang creditor didn't hesitate and promptly created a 10,000 yen cheque on the spot. For someone of his stature, such an amount was trivial.
As the Zombie Devil accepted the money, the contract was sealed.
And in that moment, the gang creditor was slain instantly, unaware of his demise, perhaps not even realizing he had died.
"Power... power..."
The gang leader's brain was corroded by the zombie virus, leaving him with only an obsession for power, muttering to himself in a low, hoarse voice.
His face grew increasingly grotesque and menacing, his eyes bulging and bloodshot, until he completely transformed into a zombie.
Then, following Kanzaki's orders, the Zombie Devil manipulated the gang leader to return and infect all his subordinates.
This was why Kanzaki had the Zombie Devil act instead of handling it himself.
While he could have easily killed the creditor, it wouldn't have eradicated the problem entirely.
Despite the gang leader's age and declining faculties, the organization he managed remained formidable.
Not only in Suginami district, but the gang's influence extended throughout Tokyo and even across Japan, making it one of the country's largest syndicates.
If Kanzaki had acted personally, the gang would have quickly identified him as the perpetrator, and Denji would undoubtedly have been targeted as well.
In this scenario, unless the entire gang was eliminated, neither he nor Denji would find peace in the future.
Therefore, it was best to let the Zombie Devil handle it. If the gang leader died from a zombie infection, no one would associate it with Denji.
Kanzaki had also ensured the Zombie Devil would keep the truth concealed, and it dared not defy his orders.
Moreover, utilizing the zombies' infection ability allowed for the simultaneous eradication of all gang members in Suginami district; as for those elsewhere, they would be dealt with later.
"What is he doing...?"
At that moment, Denji peeked out from behind the Zombie Devil, surprised to see the gang boss's condition.
She had been obscured by the Zombie Devil earlier.
"He's been zombified; he's as good as dead now. You no longer need to worry about your debt."
Kanzaki observed the old man returning to the car with an impassive expression.
Even though he's already dead, he still retains what he mastered in his life. The Zombie Devil only needs to kill the old man.
"Ohhh, that's great!"
Denji was overjoyed.
She had suffered for so long because of debt and had to live in fear every day, but now she was finally relieved.
"Now that we've packed our things, let's go."
Kanzaki decided, "Zombie Devil, have that guy drive Denji and me to Nerima first, then proceed with the next phase."
This would also spare them from taking the subway late at night.
"Understood."
The Zombie Devil complied.
Subsequently, Kanzaki and Denji took the gang leader's car to Nerima district, where his apartment was located.
As they disembarked, Denji made a face at the gang creditor in the car and said, "Goodbye, old man."
These words were not only a farewell but also a departure from the miserable life she was living before meeting kanzaki.
Naturally, the gang creditor offered no response; he had no self-awareness anymore.
"This place isn't far from my home. Let's go back together."
Kanzaki extended his hand, ready to lead Denji.
Denji hesitated, looking embarrassed: "I'm so dirty..."
She didn't want to soil Kanzaki's hand and was worried he might find her filth repulsive.
"That's nothing."
Saying this, Kanzaki removed his coat and draped it over Denji. "It's a bit chilly at night; wear this to avoid catching a cold."
Denji was momentarily stunned, utterly surprised.
This was the first time she'd met someone who didn't mind her being dirty and smelly.
She no longer hesitated and immediately took Kanzaki's hand.
His hands were warm, strong, and large, providing her with a sense of security she'd never experienced before.
At that moment, her heart raced, and a blush spread across her face.
[Ding! Achievement "Denji's Intimacy (lv3)" unlocked; attribute points gained: 8]
This system prompt made Kanzaki subconsciously pay more attention to Denji.
He began to sense something amiss.
Wait!
Could it be that Denji has developed feelings for me?
Although the girl is very cute right now, she is still young and in the early stages of adolescence.
Due to his sense of morality, Kanzaki doesn't harbor any romantic thoughts about Denji, treating her more like a younger sister.
He didn't plan to address it now. After all, he wasn't sure if Denji truly felt that way. If she did make any advances in the future, he would try to gently dissuade her.
As for the Zombie Devil and the gang debt, Kanzaki no longer needed to worry about them.
The contract remained valid until the Zombie Devil completed his mission on his behalf.
...
After about ten minutes, they arrived at the apartment.
Kanzaki ascended the stairs with Denji and Pochita.
"This is my home, and it will also be your home from now on."
Kanzaki gestured toward the door in front of them, speaking to Denji.
"Wow~"
This was her first time entering such a high-end apartment; naturally, she had no idea what the suites looked like. She was immediately filled with curiosity and anticipation.
As Kanzaki opened the door, Denji felt as if she'd entered a new world.
The living room alone was much larger than her cabin, not to mention the kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms.
Her curiosity piqued, she began exploring.
"Can I really live here forever?"
Denji couldn't believe what she was seeing was real.
"Of course, unless you decide to move, and then only to a better place."
Kanzaki replied.
"Can I take a shower first?"
Denji was disgusted by how dirty and smelly she was and just wanted a hot bath.
"Go ahead. Wear my clothes for now; I'll take you shopping for clothes that suit you tomorrow."
Kanzaki retrieved a set of his own clothes for Denji to wear temporarily.
In the bathtub, Denji hummed familiar nursery rhymes while bathing.
It took her half an hour to finally finish bathing and feel clean..
She looked at the clothes Kanzaki had given her. Her face flushed, unsure if it was from soaking in the hot water too long or from shyness.
These are Kanzaki's clothes; they have his scent...