Perfect Score

Aki opens his eyes in a hospital bed to find Denji and Power squabbling over apples while reading manga at his side. When he asks who from the 4th Division lived, Denji says only Kobeni and Madoka. Summoned by Makima, the two start to go, but Denji, catching Aki's gloom, sets an apple down for him. Left by himself, Aki draws the Curse Sword and questions the Curse Devil about how much life remains to him; the reply is two years. He reaches for a cigarette, then thinks of Himeno, lets it fall, and breaks into sobs.

Returning to the window for his manga, Denji is struck by the realization that Himeno's death, despite his fondness for her, brings him no grief at all. He recalls the real sorrow Pochita's death caused and accepts that losing Power or Aki would not move him either; even Makima's death would only dampen his mood briefly. The thought disturbs him, and he wonders whether surrendering his heart to a Devil cost him his humanity. Pushing the gloom aside, he and Power head off to Makima, who tells them enemies are aiming at Denji specifically and that training has been arranged. She begins introducing Kishibe, who cuts in to grill the two on how they felt when comrades died, whether they crave revenge, and where their loyalty lies. They answer that they felt nothing, want no vengeance, and follow whoever offers the best deal, which satisfies him. Slinging his arms over their shoulders and naming his love of booze, women, and killing Devils, Kishibe abruptly throttles the pair and breaks their necks.

The Curse Devil informs Aki he has two years left, and he mourns Himeno for the first time. Denji confronts his shrinking ability to grieve and fears his contract robbed him of his humanity. Makima warns that enemies target Denji and assigns Kishibe of the Special 1st Division to train him and Power, a session Kishibe opens by choking the two and snapping their necks.

A Volume 4 chapter in the Katana Man arc, this installment appeared in issue 2019-32 on July 8, 2019, and was adapted in Episode 10. It debuts Kishibe as a ruthless mentor and pushes the recurring theme of devil power eroding the humanity of its bearers.