Rayshell

See, I don’t think the timeline reset erases those bonds so much as it GUARANTEES they’ll still happen, this time without tragedy. They only happened in the first place cuz of Denji, not Pochita! We see he’s already calling Power “Powy” which only started happening once they began bonding. If their seniors are Aki and Himeno, then shaking em down for money is inline with the dynamic Aki once had with them. We can assume Kishibe still mentored them. Asa’s the one who reminds Denji he has a heart (which is why he’s so dead inside until this moment) instead of Makima. If they ever cross paths again they can actually develop a fulfilling relationship. How long will it be until Nayuta realizes she might wanna give multiplayer games a shot with Denji and Power? How long until Denji starts bringing her sweets after hunts just cuz he knows she’d like them? I dunno, but it feels set in stone in this future. The found family aspect of CSM wasn’t taken away. It was reinforced. The journey there was just sloppy.

Part 2’s message is blatantly “Don’t mask your selfish desires under noble intent” if you ask me Denji’s motivation to continuing being a hero was fueled by lust and a need for adoration. It was a hollow endeavor. Asa’s motivation to save Denji was fueled by a desire to prove she’s a good person, that she’s worthy of living. Yoru ultimately vindicates her, but dedicating your life to save/fix someone you barely know is a hollow endeavor. They both were so focused on chasing these selfish, empty goals that they neglected the world ending around them and got nothing out of it. Public Safety also does this in the story. Barem and the weapons less so, but still do. Shit even Tanaka in the first chapter sums this up - acts as if he has Asa’s best interest at heart, really just wants to sleep her.