I

[ call him stubborn, but denji hasn't given up with a slight possibility he might be able to take back what he has lost since arriving here. it was hard to lead a life without his 'heart'— and what he truly believed is his identity and who he is. it's not about the concept of holding a robust power and the sense of superiority it brings; it's more about denji (desperately) clinging to what he deemed is the only reason he's still alive. not trying to be dramatic, he truly isn't, but he is struggling with accepting the terms of this new city.

so, he's out here in the woods— eager to give it another try. hoping that tonight might be different, and once he pulls on the cord attached to his chest, this time his chainsaws will come out and bust through his skull, tearing his flesh apart. oh, how he missed that agonizing pain. he didn't expect to find someone lingering around, and denji would've dismissed it — if it wasn't for the heavy scent of blood in the air.

ah, is he dead? in which he approached the 'body', crouched down before it, and flat-out asked with a nonchalant tone. ]

... Hey. Are you still alive?