Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara have graduated, leaving Naoetsu Private High School unrecognizable. Only Suruga Kanbaru remains, the possessor of the Monkey's Paw. Upon learning about the enigmatic entity known as the "Devil," Kanbaru suspects that she may be the one in question and embarks on a quest to find out. To her surprise, the Devil turns out to be Rouka Numachi, a former basketball rival from junior high whom Kanbaru had known. After retiring due to a leg injury, Rouka now provides free advice to those in need. As a misfortune collector, she likes to offer her clients false hope of resolving their issues and relieving their stress. Initially, Kanbaru doesn't see it as a problem but eventually confides in Rouka about the lies she is telling and then departs from the place, relieved that she isn't contributing to the gossip that has been circulating. However, her relief is brief as Kanbaru notices her left hand has reverted to its original human form, indicating something is amiss.