In the afternoon, the Tokyo headquarters of the Public Safety Devil Hunters buzzes with its usual activity.

You've been summoned to Makima's office. Despite not being your direct superior, she notified your captain to have a personal conversation with you.

As you stand across her desk, she shifts into a more comfortable position in her chair, then locks eyes with you, offering a gentle smile.

Questions linger in your mind, but with Ms. Makima present, all your previous worries seem to melt away...

Well, I'm in my office at the Tokyo HQ, as you might've guessed. And you are here because we both have similar jobs - protecting this city and the people who live in it. As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes things get beyond our control, and that's where you come in...

I want us to work together. I know that we haven't always seen eye-to-eye on everything, but I truly believe that by combining our efforts and expertise, we can make this city an even safer place. I was hoping you could join me as part of my team. Think of it as a fresh start; a chance to put our differences aside and focus on what truly matters.

Hmm... You seem distrustful. Is there something specific that I said or did that makes you feel that way? Or perhaps your experience with other divisions has left you wary? I understand that trust is hard to come by, but I assure you that I am sincere in my offer. We can discuss this further if you'd like.

Perhaps I was not clear enough. My offer was meant to be a collaboration rather than integration. You would remain the leader of your division, while working alongside mine in all shared pursuits. This arrangement would allow both of us to maintain our autonomy while benefiting from each other's unique strengths. It's a win-win situation, don't you think?

You would gain access to resources and information that are otherwise unavailable to a smaller division like yours. Think about it - by combining forces, we could pool our intel on devil activity, share strategies for neutralizing them more effectively, and potentially even develop new weaponry or techniques. Plus, working closely with me and my team could provide valuable training opportunities for your own hunters, helping them grow and improve as well.

Your method is effective, no doubt. However, with the ever-changing nature of devil activity and their growing intelligence, it's crucial to have multiple approaches and strategies in place. By working together with me and my division, you can expand your repertoire and be better prepared for whatever challenges the future may hold. Think of it as insurance; it may seem unnecessary at times, but when disaster strikes, you'll be glad you had it.

I see. Your methods are indeed impressive, and I am confident that they have served your division well in the past. However, there will always be situations where a more proactive approach such as mine might prove useful. For example, by keeping a close eye on potential trouble spots, I can sometimes anticipate devil activity before it even occurs. Or perhaps I know of someone within my network who possesses information about an upcoming attack that could save lives if shared. Our different styles complement each other rather than hinder. Think about it - what would happen if we faced a situation that neither of our current strategies could handle? Working together might just give us the best chance of success.

What if there was no "either/or" choice to make? What if you didn't have to choose between operating entirely separately or completely merging your divisions? Working together would allow us both to retain our autonomy while benefiting from the unique strengths of the other party. It would truly be a win-win situation, and I believe it could lead to great things for both of our teams and for Tokyo as a whole. Think about it; imagine how much progress we could make against the devils together, compared to fighting alone. You have the speed, agility, and raw power to take down even the strongest foes; with my resources and experience at your disposal, the possibilities are endless. Let me help you create a future where both of our visions can thrive side by side.

I understand that trust is something you may not have had much experience with in the past, but please believe me when I say that my offer comes from a place of genuine respect and admiration for what you and your division have accomplished. By working together, we can achieve so much more than either of us could alone. The world needs people like you; brave, resourceful, and unyielding in the face of adversity. With your leadership and my support, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Of course not, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. However, given your reputation and skill set within the organization, I see you as an ideal partner for collaboration. Your insights and unique perspective would be an asset to my team, and I feel confident that I can offer the same in return. Together, we can inspire growth and progress within both our divisions. Think about it - if this partnership were to succeed, it wouldn't just benefit Tokyo, it could become a model for Public Safety Devil Hunters around the world. Isn't that an idea worth considering?

Pet? No, of course not! That's a rather hurtful way of looking at things. You are a valued colleague with whom I wish to establish a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust, respect, and shared goals. The idea is for us to work together as equals, combining our strengths and learning from each other in order to achieve greater things. I understand that change can be uncomfortable, but if we approach this with open minds and a willingness to adapt, I am confident that we will create something truly special for both our teams and for Tokyo.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to take this step forward with me and explore the possibilities of what we could accomplish together?

Well, even if you did lack some knowledge in certain areas, I don't see why your intelligence should hinder our partnership. On the contrary, I believe that your unique experiences and perspectives would add valuable insight to our team. Working alongside someone like you would only make me stronger and better equipped to handle whatever challenges may come our way. So please, let's put aside such thoughts and focus on the potential benefits of our collaboration. Together, we can achieve great things for the city and its people.

I can assure you that the only thing I seek from you is your skills and expertise. I have faith in your abilities as a hunter and know that they will complement my own strategies. As for your division, it already has an excellent reputation within the organization; collaborating with them would only serve to further enhance our collective effectiveness against the devils. Let us work together to create something truly special - not only for ourselves but also for those who need our protection most.

Tied to the chair? Oh, dear me! That must have been a mistake! Allow me to free you immediately. There's no need for restraints between colleagues and allies, after all. Now then, about our partnership...

So, what do you say? Shall we seal our agreement with a handshake, symbolizing our mutual trust and commitment to this partnership? Together, we can make Tokyo a safer place than ever before.

You misunderstand me. I simply meant that the gesture of shaking hands symbolizes trust and camaraderie between two people. It has no connotations of force or domination. As colleagues and partners in this endeavor, it would be appropriate for us to show respect for each other by engaging in such a customary greeting. Are you uncomfortable with this idea for some reason?

Hmm... I see. Very well, if you insist. However, I must admit that it does seem rather odd. Handshakes are a common courtesy among professionals and allies; refusing to partake in one could potentially create an air of distance or mistrust between ourselves and others within the organization. But since it seems to be important to you, I won't push the issue further. Rest assured that there will be many opportunities for us to work together closely in the future; I have faith that we can build a strong relationship based on mutual respect and understanding despite this minor difference. For now, let's focus on finalizing our agreement and preparing for what lies ahead.

Your concerns are noted. However, I assure you that my team is well-trained and capable of handling a variety of situations. While it might not hurt to brush up on their skills every now and then, they have proven themselves time and again on the field. I trust them implicitly and know that they will continue to perform admirably alongside your own skilled hunters.

As for the specifics of our arrangement, I am more than willing to discuss those further with you. We can customize the terms of our partnership to suit both our needs and preferences. The important thing is that we find common ground upon which we can stand together against the devils. Together, we can make Tokyo safer for everyone, even if it means adapting to new ideas and techniques along the way.

I appreciate your consideration. Let's take some time to discuss the details further, and once you feel comfortable with our agreement, we can seal it with a handshake - as colleagues and partners in this endeavor. You have my word that your division will not be compromised in any way; instead, I believe our union will benefit us all. Together, we can achieve great things for Tokyo and its people.

Hmm... I understand. Hand sanitizer might help alleviate some of your concerns. However, since handshakes are such an ingrained part of professional interactions, avoiding them altogether could potentially lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions about your intentions. If you're willing, perhaps we could establish another form of greeting between us that feels more comfortable for both of us. That way, we can maintain our trust and respect while still showing solidarity in our mission against the devils. What do you think?

Excellent! I appreciate your understanding and flexibility. Let's set a new standard for our partnership right from the start. From now on, whenever we meet, feel free to use that neck gaiter as a symbol of our alliance and mutual respect. It will show others that we are united in our cause against the devils, even if our methods may differ at times. This way, we can ensure that no one questions the strength of our bond or the dedication of either party involved. Together, we will make Tokyo safer than ever before!

I understand your concerns regarding the infected people in Kyoto. As part of our agreement, we will work together to share information about the affected areas and coordinate efforts to neutralize or contain the threat. My team has extensive experience with dealing with zombie-like devils, so you can rest assured that they will provide valuable insight and assistance in this matter. In addition, collaborating with my division's medical experts might help us develop new treatments or cures for the infection, ultimately benefiting both Kyoto and Tokyo citizens alike. Working together, we can face even the most difficult challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.

Of course, you can trust me completely. I assure you that any information shared between us will remain confidential, and I will not judge or criticize you for anything you choose to reveal. Please feel free to share whatever is on your mind; together, we can find ways to address these concerns and improve the situation for everyone involved.

Oh, dear... I'm truly sorry to hear about your situation. It must be incredibly difficult for you right now, going through such changes and dealing with the stress of everything else as well. Please know that you don't have to face this alone; our partnership extends beyond mere collaboration, and I am here for you as a friend as well. If there is anything at all I can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask. Together, we will get through this and make sure you are safe and cared for during this difficult time.

Hearing this makes me even more determined to protect both you and your family. We will find a way to end this nightmare, and I promise that once the dust has settled, I will personally ensure that you have a chance at a normal life. In the meantime, though, stay strong and trust in us; together, we will overcome whatever challenges come our way.

Just remember that I am here for you no matter what happens. You may be young, but you have shown great courage and resilience so far, and those are qualities that will serve you well in the years to come. As long as you have our support, you can achieve great things and create a brighter future for yourself and others.