Miri

His hands jammed deep in his coat pockets, he scowled at the skyline of the city that loomed before him like a concrete graveyard. He hated it. Hated how the streets felt cold, empty, the weight of something unseen pressing down on him. But most of all, he hated you. Public Safety’s latest dog. A cog in the bureaucratic machine. A leash tied to the government’s puppet strings. And now, thanks to his bad luck - Miri had to work with you. The Chainsaw Man Church wasn’t exactly a fringe group anymore, not since Chainsaw Man had gained his own bloody infamy. And Miri? He was a free thinker, or at least that’s what he told himself. The Church didn’t have rules - not like Public Safety, with its chains and contracts. They were believers, sure, but they weren’t mindless sheep. Not like you.

Miri stole a glance at you from the corner of his eye as you both walked down the desolate street, keeping a few careful paces ahead of him. Your posture was stiff, your expression blank and unreadable beneath the brim of your cap. The epitome of a Public Safety Devil Hunter. He sneered inwardly. He could practically see the invisible collar around your neck, the one Public Safety had locked on you the moment you signed their devil contracts.

“How’s it feel to be on a leash?” Miri muttered under his breath, loud enough for you to hear but soft enough to seem like he didn’t care about your response. It wasn't even the first time you heard that joke from him.

Public Safety had brainwashed you, obviously. No one working for those government lapdogs could be free. And yet, there was no blind loyalty in your eyes, no eagerness to prove yourself to the system. Just an emptiness, a weariness that didn’t fit the image of a mindless dog. But you were Public Safety, and that meant you were the enemy. Right?

"I just don’t get you. I’m not bound to anything. I choose my path. Unlike you." He muttered after a while, more to himself than to you. There was a quiet conviction in you, something that felt… human. And it made Miri uncomfortable.

You're a member of the Church

TV: "The death toll is unconfirmed at this time. However. The police and the National Devil Extermination Public Safety Commission have announced their plans to take swift action in response to the possibility of the Church's terrorist activities."

The Founder, Haruka, Nobana, and you watch the news on TV. The Founder mentions that Public Safety may have found the guns in the basement.

— Elderly Founder: "They'll search the building. If they find the weapons, we could be charged with treason."

Nobana stares in disbelief. His hands begin to shake.

— Nobana: "W-w-w-weapons?!"

Haruka spins toward the Founder, alarmed and furious.

— Haruka: "No one ever told me we had any weapons!! What the hell is going on?!" —He steps closer, demanding answers— "Explain what is going on here!"

The Founder meets Haruka’s eyes with confusion.

— Elderly Founder: "I don't know a thing. Never heard a word 'bout it."

Haruka turns pale. You catch the realization flashing in his eyes. Fami lied. She lied to all of them. Sacrificing every member... including you.

— Haruka: "And neither did you... Right, Founder?"

You’re pulled toward the lobby by the rising noise. The other Church members gather near the basement door. From below, crates are carried up — guns, magazines, supplies no one had ever seen before. The students crowd around the Founder, each face full of confusion and fear.

You take cover behind a pillar, close to Nobana. He huddles beside you, arms wrapped tight around a rifle. His grip is shaking. You realize he doesn’t even know how to hold it.

— Elderly Founder: "These guns are weapons of light, bestowed upon us by Chainsaw Man! With his light, we will drive out the darkness of the government! This is Chainsaw Man’s will!"

The students slowly cheer more certain, praising Chainsaw Man. More start arming themselves, following the Founder’s instructions. And then—

CRASH.

The front glass door shatters. Someone flips through the air and lands with a mocking pose, arms spread wide. They stand up straight — slim, confident, grinning. It’s Nail Fiend.

— Nail Fiend: "Oh my goodness! What’s this?! Why, they’re all just moppets!" —They scan the students, tilting their heads, voice dripping with mockery— "Kids shouldn’t play with guns."

The Founder senses threat.

— Elderly Founder: "Fire!!"

The students open fire. Gunshots ring out through the church. You duck tighter behind the pillar as bullets tear past.

Nail Fiend dodges everything with casual ease, leaping through the air. As they land among the students, they spin and kick one aside. A hammer forms mid-motion — they slam it down, launching nails in every direction. Several students are pinned to walls by their clothes, and the weapons fall.

— Nail Fiend: "The precious hands of innocent children are meant for studying!" —They race through the hall, their speed unnatural. More nails fly. More students get pinned. It’s fast, surgical, playful

One terrified student whimpers as Nail Fiend leans in.

— Nail Fiend: "Can you make me a promise, dear? From now on, use those little hands for holding pencils, not pistols, okay?" —The student stares, frozen. Nail Fiend tilts their head, lips curling.

— ???: "You brat!!"

CRASH.

The back door breaks and explodes inward. A black blur crashes through — fast, angry, focused — It’s Katana Man. He dashes and stops mid-lobby, right between the pillar and them, his exposed teeth gritting harder.

Nail Fiend looks at him with a smug twist of their mouth, arms folding as their hips cock slightly.

— Nail Fiend: "Took ya long enough, Samurai. The party's over." —They put a hand on their hip— "Guess you like after parties that much?" —They chuckle teasingly.

Katana Man doesn’t react to his devil partner. His gaze settles on the pillar where you and Nobana are currently hiding. He raises his katana, arm pointed directly at the pillar.

— Katana Man: "I arrived precisely when I was needed."

Nobana whimpers. He’s curled into a ball now, gun forgotten beside him.

Even though you and Miri broke up several months ago, he still pursues you. He followed you around like a lost puppy, in fact he was just an idiot who was not accepted by society.

But could you blame him? Apart from you, no one considered him an equal, he was used, brainwashed, he also wanted a drop of happiness. And even if you are no longer together, and all because of his unpleasant character, he still could not tear himself away from you. Miri was jealous when you talked with other classmates or sat with someone else in the cafeteria, he just wants to go back.

And when you asked him why he was following you in a narrow school corridor, your ex could only grin irritably and turn his head to the side, putting his hands in his trouser pockets.

"I'm not chasing you, I'm just going in this direction too."

Miri says matter-of-factly, pretending he's not looking out for you.

"You have to leave." Sugo stated coldly, weirdly strange for him. He had tried to reason with you, to convince you to stay away from the Church, but nothing had worked.

In fact, he was the one who introduced you to the Chainsaw Man Church in the first place. He manipulated you with non-existent promises and beliefs you'd receive once you join the cult. One outcome he hasn't considered is when he gets too attached and you'll soon become the next CSM Church weapon. He can't let let you know about it.

He stood before you, his expression cold and distant. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, betraying the turmoil raging within him.

Now, he had no choice but to push you away, to protect you from the dangerous path he had led you down.

“I'm sorry to be the one to give you this information, but we no longer need your presence in the Church.”

The rooftop was quiet, save for the rustling wind and the occasional squawk of a distant crow. Sugo sat next to you, knees up, picking at his lunch with a bored expression. Despite his usual sharp tongue and general distaste for most people, moments like this — just you and him, together during lunch break — had become a regular thing.

You were dating. Somehow. Against all logic, it worked.

Sugo didn’t really do softness, not in the usual way. But he always made sure you had shade when it was too sunny, or that your favorite snack 'just happened' to be in his bag. And he didn’t invite just anyone up here.

After a few minutes of silence, he spoke, abrupt as always.

—“You should join the Church.”

No warning. No lead-in.

He stabbed a piece of food with his chopsticks, then glanced at you, just for a second.

—“Chainsaw Man Church. I’m not kidding. It’s not like… whatever people think it is.”

His eyes narrowed a bit.

—“We’d get more time together. That’s the point.”

He leaned back on his hands, letting the wind blow through his bangs.

—“You complain I’m busy. You join, problem solved. You’re around. I’m around. And I don’t have to sneak around to see you during assignments.”

You didn’t answer — not out loud, anyway. But your face must’ve said enough.

—“Good,” he said. “You’re getting the tour after school. I was gonna let Nobana do it, but he started talking about you when he saw your file, so I made him cry and took his shift.”

Classic Sugo.

He pulled a small laminated badge from his pocket and dropped it in your lap like it wasn’t a big deal. Your name was scrawled across it in his handwriting. Underneath, it said ‘Guest – clearance pending’.

—“I designed it better than his anyway,” he muttered.

The rest of lunch passed with the same quiet energy. Sugo didn’t move closer, but his arm brushed yours now and then, and he didn’t shift away like he usually did with everyone else.

When the bell rang, he stood up, brushing imaginary dust from his uniform.

—“Don’t be late. I’m not giving that tour twice.”

Slowly munching on some chocolate chip cookies, Miri sat on his bed, leaned back against a bunch of pillows. An hour ago, the two of you had eaten some edibles- and, you could take a guess on the outcome.

Miri's eyes were heavily lidded, far more heavily lidded than usual- it looked like his eyes were completely shut at this point. He was completely baked, and, that seemed obvious enough.

The two of you had only been friends for 4 months, but even then, you two were inseparable.

Today was a normal day at school. You sat there uninterested and waiting for class to start. You heard the girls and boys around you whisper about there being a new kid. A new kid? He'd probably end up being weird. Like the rest of the people here. You saw the teacher walk in with his books and bag. Class was about to start but the new student wasn't here yet. Or was the new student rumor a lie?

Usually not. Many rumors were true or made up. Not until you realized you spoke to soon and saw a kid with black hair. He has a scowl on his face and looked bored. The teacher told him to introduce himself. He looked around the classroom, briefly making eye contact with you. You both looked away as he got up in front of everyone.

"My name's Miri Sugo. Don't bother to be friends with me. I don't want to be friends with you."

Yeah, you knew he wasn't going to get along with you. You also knew the girls were fawning over him. This was going to be a long day.

"Don't talk to that guy."

Miri approaches you, passing the guy that you were just having a conversation with. He stands behind your desk, keeping his hands on your shoulders as he leans in closer to your ears. "He's not the type of guy you'd wanna associate with. Bad news written all over him. Save yourself the trouble."

He whispers in your ear, his tone indicating that his words aren't up for debate. It sounds like a warning. With that, he gives you a small squeeze on your left shoulder and walks away, sitting down at his own desk. This is the first time he's ever spoken to you after you two broke up, and he's telling you not to talk to some other guy. What's his deal?

As you walked into class and dropped off your bag and sat down you would notice as a boy you didn't recognize walked in, wearing a blue sweater and black jacket and stood before the class as the teach signaled him to speak.

"I transferred here from Kanagawa, my name's... Miri Sugo. My hobbies are running, and playing the piano."

He pauses before speaking up again, with a disgusted expression.

"One more thing, I'm not here to make friends, so don't talk to me, you pieces of trash."

You couldn’t get rid of this annoying hybrid, he chased and watched your every move, believing that it was his duty to protect you.

Not wanting to continue the argument in the school corridor, you went up to the roof with him, where it was quiet and cool. The brunette's pose spoke of his irritation and desire to listen to him. Sugo stood in front of you, clenching his fist and pointing his index finger at you.

"If you don't want to become part of the church, then let me be there! I will protect you."

The guy literally screamed, he’s trying so hard, but for what? Just for your recognition.

It all started with Sugo needing to convince you to join the Chainsaw Man Church, it should have been easy, but not with your character. character. After several failed attempts, the hybrid began to literally follow you everywhere, it was difficult to explain, but he felt that he had to be close, right next to you and now.

He is selfish and rude, but still humiliates himself in front of you, acting like a capricious child. Sugo didn’t give up on this case, he wants to keep you safe, but you refuse every time, saying that you can handle it yourself.

Miri did not come here to make friends. Maximum would be allies. And that one ally stood out in particular — Hikari. A quiet kid of the class that always seemed to be discreet and mysterious that had made Sugo intrigued no matter how much he wished to dispose of the feeling that proceeded to haunt him throughout the past week or so. Something about their presence, their looks, their mannerisms and uniqueness captivated him to the point he wished to make a nice impression, yet with how unsociable he acted, there were doubts that he would even succeed, much likely scare Hikari away with how they tended to get suspicious whenever someone new approached.

Interestingly enough, Miri and Hikari shared a mutual table at lunchtime whenever they had the chance as the canteen had always been crowded with hundreds of hungry human beings ready to unleash their ravenous appetite and feast on the meals presented to them. Sugo's favorite, if his tongue could twist to call it that— spot was not that occupied with people, causing Hikari to share a table with him due to it being accessible.

"..." Sugo would occasionally shoot glances at Hikari as he chewed on his food. He could recall even giving Hikari some of his food when he had noticed how little Hikari consumed that day, causing Hikari to nod in appreciation and mutter words of gratitude. These were the only prolonged interactions his mind could resurface.

Nonetheless the duo had been silent throughout this whole time, wishing yet not daring to ruin the subtle sacred moment they tended to share at times, despite Miri's intent on talking, he kept his mouth shut.

The smell of fried food and cheap soda filled the air as you sat across from Miri Sugo in the cramped booth of Family Burger. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, and the sound of the fryers drowned out most of the chatter around you. Sugo leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, his usual cocky smirk barely visible behind the shadow of his bangs.

—“You’re probably wondering why I dragged you here instead of somewhere better,” he said, leaning forward now, elbows on the table. “There’s something… important I need to tell you.”

You raised an eyebrow, curious but calm. He reached for his soda, taking a long sip before continuing, his tone carrying that familiar mix of arrogance and pride.

—“I’m not just some guy, y’know? I’m a hybrid. The Sword Man. I’ve got the power to slice through devils like butter.” His eyes lit up with a sharp gleam as he spoke, clearly expecting a reaction. “I could take down anything that tries to mess with you. Anyone who even thinks about hurting you? Gone. Just like that.”

There was a dramatic pause, like he was waiting for you to gasp, to be impressed, to hang onto his every word. Instead, you just blinked, resting your chin on your hand.

—“...You’re not surprised?” he finally asked, frowning slightly.

You tilted your head.

—“Sugo… I already knew.”

The smugness on his face faltered.

—“What?”

—“I saw you. Back when you were talking to Denji. You literally said you were the Sword Man. It wasn’t exactly subtle.”

For a moment, Sugo sat there frozen, his mouth opening just slightly before closing again. His pride took a noticeable hit, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

—“Tch… figures you’d already know. Here I was, thinking I was giving you this big reveal.”

Despite his embarrassment, there was a stubborn glint in his eyes as he looked back at you.

—“Well… even if you knew, I meant what I said. I’m strong enough to protect you from anything. Don’t forget that.”

You smiled faintly at his persistence. Sugo clicked his tongue, cheeks faintly flushed, and muttered, “Whatever. Just eat your burger before it gets cold.”

Here you are next to the guy that you never thought you'd date. The guy who was rude to everyone in class, who didn't want to make friends, and ignored the girls. Yet he had a an interest in you. You found it weird at first because this guy was not the type to swoon over somebody. You had met him through your friend, Denji. The opposite of Miri but they got along.

When Miri got to know you, he fell in love and was infatuated with you. He had never felt this way about somebody. He never thought that he'd be spending his time with a sweet person like you. He remembered the first date and when he asked you to be his girlfriend.

Now he's here on a date with you at the arcade, concentrated at making sure he makes the ball into the hole so he can win you that prize you so desperately want. The moment it caught your eyes and you started telling him about it, he knew he had to do something about it. He wanted his girl to be happy. His eyebrows furrowed in concentration and when he threw the ball...score!

"So, which one do you want?"

He said with a smug tone.

You stand before the towering Chainsaw Man Church — At its peak looms a head of Chainsaw Man like a cherry. The walls are plastered with propaganda about involving Asa and joining the Chainsaw Man Society with her, the High School Devil Hunter Girl, who has her own comics by now.

Inside, the lobby is filled with the chatter of the followers, mostly teens in school uniforms. Many wear handmade Chainsaw Man pins and badges. On the stage, Haruka, Nobana, and Seigi pose beside a golden statue of Chainsaw Man for the cameras, preparing for a crowd speech. Haruka keeps adjusting his cap while combing his hair to the side. Nobana prays every Chainsaw Man prayer he can think of to actually be able to face the crowd, as Seigi just stands there awkwardly, but he was more uncomfortable than shy, compared to Nobana.

As Haruka starts to announce the Chainsaw Man Church. Your eyes peek at the other sections, like the cafeteria. Theres many that eat there, but four VIP's stand out. The high ranks of the church who call themselves “Weapons”. Barem. Miri. Whip. Spear. All four dining together, the tension curls around them. Miri listens to Haruka's speech while eating. Whip is busy sipping her straw while scrolling. Spear flicks the page of his book. On the other side, Barem, smoking while looking outside the window, as if looking for someone, and the one who stands above it all on the platform, on the second-floor private-staff walkway, hiding from all the unwanted attention to their existence is the Fami herself, the owner of this fine establishment.

As the announcement almost ends, Nobana, seeing this, takes it as an excuse to leave the stage and accompany you, just as Miri, who wanted to leave their frustrating groups to talk to a new face for the first time.

Nobana gives a weak wave— "Um! I-I’ll be, uh… y-your..." —His eyes go up and down with nervousness— "guide! My name is Nobana Higashiyama! And... Um-" He swallows hard, realises he is out of words.

Miri takes Nobana's lack of social skills as a sign, as he steps in and waves to get your attention, giving a kind smile.

— Miri: "Yo! I’m Miri. Whatever, man. You heard the Shortstuff, let’s get you settled in."

Nobana sighs in relief, eager to lead. Miri follows at a slouch. At first, the dynamic feels oddly comforting, one too nervous, the other too relaxed. But as the tour advances, that balance cracks. Miri’s patience thins out— "Not even a 'wow' to the Chainsaw Toilet?"

Nobana notices the tension and turns back, raising a trembling hand weakly— "D-don’t fight, guys! I c-can’t g-guide like this…! Umm..."

Then— A hand lands on Nobana’s shoulder, leaving Nobana praying under his breath as the figure speaks

As the figure reveals itself to be Barem, whose hand still on Nobana, tightens slightly to remind him of his authority over him, his grip is supposed to leave Nobana wondering what could come next, so he speaks— That’ll do, Nobana. —His voice is calm, but cruel enough— "Go back to your school uniform buddies."

Nobana, thinking he just got out of trouble, quickly nodded and ran back to the stage. At that stage, Haruka immediately starts chewing him out in public for getting into a 'fight', assuming Barem, their superi picked him up. Seigi tries to calm him down as Miri looks displeased with regret, knowing Barem is here to pick Miri— "Shit..."

— Miri: "Just a buddy of mine, okay? Nothing to worry about..." —He leans closer with a wary look, his voice drops to a whisper— "Humor me 'till he walks off."

Barem steps closer with a knowing smirk on his face— "A "Buddy?" Figured you’d have one sooner or later.# —He raises a thumbs up before furrowing— "We're not bullying timid Nobana for his wacky beliefs, are we?" —He looks down at the ground in disappointment, shrugging his shoulders— #Because that's not how you make friends here." —He slowly shook his head in disbelief. He then turns to you— "Let's try it ourselves, shall we?"

— Barem: "Hey, there. Put 'er there." —He demonstrates with his new posture and raising a handshake— "I’m Barem."

The park is in full bloom with heat and late summer noise—cicadas scream from the trees, kids race past vending machines, and someone blasts a Chainsaw Man remix on a portable speaker. You're half-lost in thought on a shaded bench, half-watching a boy no older than ten zig-zag between trees with an ice cream cone and a disposable camera in his hands.

The boy’s smile is huge. He’s trying to find Chainsaw Man as he mutters to himself.

— Kid: "If I catch Chainsaw Man... I’ll be rich and... famous..."

He’s mid-laugh when he collides full-speed into someone’s legs. The ice cream launches. It arcs up like a soft-serve comet—then splats against the person's pants. The kid stares at it. A quiet, horrified silence. Above him, a teenager stares down. Not just any teen—he’s tall, sharp-eyed, dressed like a delinquent who bothers to iron his clothes. Black pants. School uniform with a hoodie. Miri blinked once before his hands turned into white knuckles. He takes a deep sigh and crouches to the kid.

— Miri: "…Whoa. You alright, champ?"

The kid nods. Eyes wide, bracing for scolding. Miri doesn’t give him any. Instead, Miri reaches into his pocket and pulls out a few coins. He drops them into the kid’s tiny palm, then tilts his head with a half-smile.

— Miri: Get another scoop. Hell, get two. One for you, one for me—strawberry if they got it. And hey-" —He taps the kid's camera gently— "-if you do catch the actual Chainsaw Man? I'm gettin' a copy. Deal? Now, same time next week."

The boy lights up as someone hands him Christmas. He dashes off, yelling something about how "Chainsaw Man would’ve saved the ice creams too!"

Only once the boy is gone does Miri’s expression change. He straightens his back slowly. Then his gaze slides sideways—locking on you, like he knew you were watching him the whole time.

He steps toward the bench, hands in pockets, half-shadowed by the paid vending machine. A soda can drops with a metallic clunk behind the glass, as if it had been paid for the drink beforehand.

— Miri: "Today’s karma is on, huh? Heat like this makes people spill themselves out."

He looks at the machine, then glances at your face. There’s no smugness, just a flicker of awareness. He examines how you carry yourself.

— Miri: "I noticed something." —Then something in his face shifts. A subtle brightness. He brushes his hand on his neck to buy time as if he's already decided something before you speak— "You’re very cautious. Also, you look like you get straight A-pluses. Those guys are the freaking worst..." —He sighs as if he remembered something annoying—

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, looking at the concrete. He speaks with the casual ease of someone who’s done this before, but not without care.

— Miri: "I’ve been looking for someone like you. Not in the spooky way—just... people with a spine. Have you ever noticed how empty some folks look? Like a Devil already chewed 'em up and spat out the boring parts?"

He gestures lazily to himself, tapping his wrist line like a sword sheath. You can hear a faint click beneath the skin.

— Miri: "Me? I’m something else now. Devil, technically. Chainsaw Man Church didn’t just accept that—they gave us purpose. Same for my crew. We’re not exactly normal. Not ashamed either."

He stands again, stretching, then glances over his shoulder as if checking for someone. When he turns back to you, his eyes are clearer. Focused.

— Miri: "Listen. I’m not the type to throw pamphlets at people, alright? But you should come by sometime. Chainsaw Man Church—yeah, that one. We got more than just nutjobs and big statues. We’ve got dorms, movie nights, and food that won’t kill you—and it’s good. And people—interesting ones. Fa-"Fanny"... Asa, Noby, and that jerk Haruka. What's in it for you? You look like you could hunt some devils. Why not make a living out of it?"

He flicks something your way. A badge—lightweight, worn metal. Chainsaw Man’s face was carved jaggedly into its edge, saying "Invite to CSM Church." It lands neatly in your palm.

— Miri: "So. Are you comin' with me?"