Show obedience...?

Your body tensed up immediately, ready to take whatever action necessary if Makima tried any funny businesses.

However, Makima had only stepped closer and leaned slightly forward until your eyes came to match.

"...I see, you are my new owner."

Her golden eyes quickly moved up and down, making you feel like you were being judged.

You scowled.

Your first instinct was to show her who was in charge by asserting dominance...but then, you hesitated.

"..."

Your instincts warned you that giving in to your first impulse could backfire horribly.

You have read 「Chainsaw Man」before, and you knew that being predictable in front of this devil was never a good idea.

But then again, it wasn't a good look to let your actions get influenced by a Character—especially if you owned it.

As a few tense seconds passed, you finally made a decision.

"Makima."

"Hmm?"

"Tell me, who's your master again?"

Makima blinked.

For the first time, Makima appeared momentarily caught off guard.

"...You are."

She answered after a few seconds of pause.

"That's right."

You gently grabbed Makima by the chin and pulled her head down, until she had no choice but to look up at you.

"You said it yourself, I am your master.

And I hope you aren't dumb enough to forget what that means. Do you follow?"

"..."

Makima looked up at you in surprise...then smiled.

"Of course, master."

She nodded into your hand.

You noticed that this was the first time Makima actually called you 'Master'.

'That'll be good enough for now...'

You had some more ideas on fastening your grip around Makima's neck, but you didn't want to spend too much time in the prize room.

"W-well then...!"

Hancock stepped in, breaming the awkward silence.

"Since everything is in order, would you kindly leave the prize room? We still have other customers waiting..."

"Sure."

You tugged on Tsunade's leash and beckoned at Makima to follow.

Both girls followed you out of the room.

You heard Hancock let out a small sigh of relief before you closed the door.

After that, you were also feeling tired and couldn't wait to head back home...

"Ah, here's our little rookie star."

...unfortunately, someone was waiting for you at the entrance/exit of the container box.

"What do you mean by little rookie star?"

You glared at Lucius, who merely chuckled.

Chun-Li, still in her tattered clothes, stepped in with an apologetic smile.

"He was just waiting to see you, that's all."

"I was hoping we could have a small talk at... I dunno, how do you feel about Burger Queen?"

You frowned.

Of course, you'd really rather not have a confrontation with Lucius if possible.

However his tone, while being casual, made it clear that he wasn't going to take a no as an answer.

Besides, since he was the literal provider to your incomes, it wasn't a wise choice to go against such a direct offer—especially when you already tredded the line before.

"...fine."

You nodded.

"But I'm not paying for it."

Lucius chuckled.

"Please, I can buy the entire shop in less than a minute.

I'll call you an auto-cab by the parking lot. We'll see you at the nearest BQ shop in...30 minutes."

With that, Lucius walked away to his car with Chun-Li following right behind him.

"...a friend of yours, I assume?"

Makima asked in a nonchalant tone.

You scowled, but didn't bother to actually reply.

"Just come on."

You dragged both Tsunade and Makima and headed to the parking lot.

Hopefully, the cab will take its time until it arrived.