Worse Than A Demon? (Sasori x Demon Slayer)

The group stood together, witnessing the culmination of their efforts and the resolution brought by the villagers' hard-won justice.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the burning demon's screams grew fainter. The villagers' cheers began to quiet, replaced by a solemn silence as they watched the demon disintegrate into ash under the sun's relentless rays. Yuna turned to Sasori, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and sorrow.

"Thank you," she said simply. "For ending our nightmare."

Sasori nodded, his expression unreadable. "It's what I do."

The villagers began to disperse, their faces a blend of relief and exhaustion. Sasori, Iguro, Kenta, and the others stood quietly, absorbing the gravity of the moment. The fire had dwindled to embers, and the once terrifying demon was now nothing more than a memory, carried away by the morning breeze.

"Mission accomplished, it seems..." Satoru flew down, landing on Iguro's shoulder, making Kaburamaru hiss at him.

Iguro glanced at the crow perched on his shoulder and then back at the scene of destruction. "Satoru, you always have a way of making an entrance," he said with a hint of amusement.

Satoru chirped in response, seemingly unfazed by Kaburamaru's displeasure. "Just wanted to check in and see how you all were doing," he said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"I managed," Sasori replied, his tone as composed as ever. "But it wasn't easy. The villagers took matters into their own hands."

Satoru nodded, his gaze shifting to the ashes where the demon had perished. "Sometimes humans need to reclaim their strength in ways we can't always understand."

"Not that I particularly care, but you're not the type to check on slayers," Iguro said, his tone a bit suspicious.

"Believe it or not, I am here to check up on you all... and to deliver another mission," Satoru said with a hint of amusement.

"For me or Sasori?" Iguro asked.

"For both of you," Satoru answered.

"But Sasori just dealt with an Upper Moon and a Lower Moon! Shouldn't he get time to rest?" Iguro asked.

"It will take a week of travel for you to get to the village, and it's a fairly simple mission. The only reason they need to send Hashiras is because the corps are being offered a lot of money to deal with this demon," Satoru explained.

"I won't have a problem with this if you give me three days to prepare," Sasori said. Satoru nodded in agreement with Sasori's request.

"I guess... What are the details of the mission?" Iguro asked.

"There have been recent disappearances of brides in a village," Satoru answered.

Iguro's expression shifted from suspicion to annoyance. "Disappearing brides? That sounds like a different kind of nightmare."

Sasori's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "A demon targeting brides... This might be more complex than it seems."

Satoru continued, "The village elders are desperate. They believe a powerful demon is behind it, and they need skilled Hashiras to investigate and eliminate the threat."

Iguro sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, we'll take the mission. But Sasori doesn't even have a Nichirin sword anymore."

"I have placed an order for Sasori's new blade. Until it arrives, are you fine with using one of your other blades?" Satoru asked.

"I won't have a problem with that," Sasori said.

"Understood. You will also be joined by the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji," Satoru replied, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "I'll inform the corps and arrange for your departure."

"Are talking crows a common thing with you guys?" Kaito asked as Satoru flew off.

Iguro smirked not that anyone could tell. "You'll get used to it."

"Would you like to stay in our village for the night?" An elder of the village asked.

"We will be grateful to have refuge in your village for three days," Sasori said.

The elder nodded. "Follow me. We have prepared a place for you to rest."

As they followed the elder to the village, Kenta glanced at Iguro and Sasori. "So, who are you guys?" 

"We are demon slayers," Iguro answered finding no reason not to entertain Kenta's curiosity.

"Demon slayers?" Kaito asked.

"We kill creatures like the one the villagers were burning," Sasori answered.

The elder led them to a modest but comfortable house, offering warmth and respite from their recent ordeal. As they settled in, Sasori couldn't help but reflect on the upcoming mission. Disappearing brides, a new blade, and the inclusion of Mitsuri—each element added to the complexity of their next challenge.

"We'll need to strategize," Iguro said, breaking the silence. "Three days to rest and prepare, then we head to the village."

"I have repairs to do. We can discuss and strategize when we group up with the love Hasira."Sasori said as he entered his room.

-Three days later-

The days passed by swiftly for Iguro, Sasori, and their companions. They spent their time repairing equipment and resting. The village provided them with food and shelter, grateful for their help in ridding them of the demon.

On the morning of their departure, the group gathered at the village gate. Sasori's new blade had not yet arrived, but he carried one of Ren's blades, ready for the journey ahead.

The four of them left the village on the boat Kenta and Iguro had arrived on, navigating without encountering another vortex. As they neared the docks of the next village, a familiar figure appeared on the horizon.

Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, approached them with a bright smile and a wave as they docked the boat. "Hello, everyone!"

Iguro nodded in greeting. "Mitsuri, glad you could join us."

"Always happy to help!" she replied cheerfully, her presence bringing a sense of warmth and optimism to the group.

"Also!" Mitsuri pulled out a package from a small bag she was wearing. "Shinobu asked me to give you this." Mitsuri showed a wooden box to Sasori.

"What is it?" Sasori asked, opening the box Mitsuri was holding. Suddenly, a large pop of purple smoke was released from the box along with a card.

Luckily, Sasori was quick enough to move away before it exploded, but Mitsuri wasn't as fortunate and found herself enveloped in the purple smoke, which sparkled around her.

Sasori grabbed the card from the air and read it.

Dear Sasori,

I hope my surprise reached you safely. ;) Also, I would appreciate an apology for the massive hangover you gave me with that 'coffee' you so 'kindly' gave me.

I have also supplied you with more of the ample toxin I have taken the pleasure of naming 'Nocturne's Kiss.' Use it wisely.

Best, Shinobu

Sasori chuckled softly as he finished reading the card. Mitsuri, still coughing slightly from the smoke, gave him a questioning look.

"Shinobu's way of saying hello," Sasori explained, holding up the card for Mitsuri to see as he took the box from her.

"She has a unique sense of humor," Mitsuri said, smiling despite the lingering smoke.

Iguro, shaking his head with a sigh. "Let's focus on the mission. We need to get to the bottom of these disappearances."

"Agreed," Sasori said, tucking the card away. "Let's get moving."

Satoru, perched on Sasori's shoulder, chirped a greeting. "All set for the mission?"

"As ready as we'll ever be," Sasori said, adjusting his gear.

"The village is to the south. The village's name is Midori," Satoru informed them, spreading his wings as he prepared to take flight.

"Let's get going then," Iguro said as he handed Mitsuri a piece of cloth to clean herself.

-One week later-

Sasori, Iguro, and Mitsuri arrived at the outskirts of Midori after a week-long journey. The road had been uneventful, affording them time to discuss their strategy for the upcoming mission.

Midori greeted them with its tranquil charm—a village nestled amid rolling hills and dense forests. Yet, beneath its picturesque facade, an undercurrent of tension rippled through the villagers' wary gazes and somber expressions.

Approaching them was a well-dressed man who seemed to be awaiting their arrival. "Welcome, you must be the demon slayers I hired?" he asked with a mix of relief and urgency.

"Are you the village chief?" Iguro inquired, stepping forward.

"Yes, I am Hiroshi," the man confirmed. "Thank you for coming. We've been plagued by a series of bride disappearances, and we are in dire need of your assistance."

"We're here to help," Mitsuri reassured warmly, her smile easing some of the villagers' apprehension. "Could you tell us more about what has been happening?"

Hiroshi motioned for them to follow as he led them towards the village council hall, where elders and concerned residents had gathered. The atmosphere inside was tense, filled with murmurs and worried discussions.

"These brave warriors have come to aid us in finding our missing loved ones," Hiroshi announced to the assembled crowd. "Please, share any information you have with them."

A woman, tears streaking her cheeks, stepped forward clutching a faded photograph. "My daughter, Aiko, was the most recent to vanish," she began, her voice trembling with sorrow. "She disappeared on her way to the wedding ceremony at the temple of Yue Lao."

"During their journey to the temple, they were attacked by what we believe to be a demon. The bridal escort was slain, leaving only the bride missing," Hiroshi added, his concern palpable.

The villagers exchanged worried glances as the reality of their predicament sunk in. Some whispered prayers, while others clasped hands tightly, seeking solace in each other's support. Mitsuri stepped forward, her empathetic demeanor offering a comforting presence amidst the collective anxiety.

"We'll do everything in our power to avenge Aiko and all the other brides and uncover the truth behind these disappearances," Mitsuri assured them, her voice steady and determined. "Can you tell us more about the attacks? Any details could be crucial."

An elderly man, his weathered face reflecting years of wisdom and hardship, spoke up next. "The attacks have occurred sporadically over the past few months," he explained, his voice grave with concern.

Sasori turned his attention to practical matters. "Where exactly is this temple located?" he asked.

"The temple is situated deep within the forest, accessible via a road that leads through the dense woods," a woman from the crowd responded.

Iguro, ever pragmatic, questioned the necessity of the ceremony. "Why is it essential to conduct the marriage at this temple? Can't they just declare their marriage elsewhere?" he inquired.

Mitsuri stepped in with a gentle explanation. "It's a longstanding tradition to have the marriage ceremony at a temple dedicated to Yue Lao," she clarified. "Couples believe that by seeking his blessings, they ensure enduring love and prosperous marriages."

Curious about Yue Lao, Iguro sought more information. "And who exactly is Yue Lao?" he asked.

"He is revered as the god of love and marriage in Chinese mythology," Mitsuri replied respectfully, her voice tinged with reverence for the deity's significance. "Many couples place their faith in him for guidance in matters of the heart and family."

Iguro nodded in acknowledgment, his stoic demeanor unchanged. "I see," he said, processing the cultural context behind the temple's importance "And why do you know this?"

Mitsuri smiled softly at Iguro's question. "I've always been fascinated by traditions and rituals, especially those centered around love and marriage," she admitted with a hint of warmth.

"Can't you do the marriage ceremony when it's morning?" Sasori asked "We tried but they still get attacked." Hiroshi said.

Turning to the practicalities of their mission, Sasori sought clarification from Hiroshi. "You mentioned finding the remains of the bridal escort?" he inquired, his tone serious and focused.

Hiroshi nodded solemnly. "Yes, most of them suffered from burst eardrums, and some were found with crushed bodies. It's clear they faced a violent encounter, but we're uncertain about the exact nature of the assailant," he explained, his expression troubled.

Sasori pondered the information thoughtfully. "A demon wouldn't typically leave a human body intact if it was the target," he mused aloud, considering the implications of the injuries.

Iguro, ever pragmatic, interjected, "Demons don't care about who they eat. I doubt one would care enough to only target brides."

Mitsuri, sensing the need to focus on the task at hand, added, "Regardless of the assailant's motives, our priority is to investigate the temple and gather any evidence that could help us identify the threat."

Hiroshi nodded in agreement. "Please, follow me. I'll take you to the temple," he offered, leading the group towards the forest path that led deeper into the village's surroundings.

As they walked, Sasori remained silent, his mind processing the details they had gathered so far. The forest grew denser around them, casting long shadows under the late afternoon sun. Each step brought them closer to uncovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearances and the violence that had shaken the peaceful village of Midori.

"The path to the temple wound through the dense forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and the soft rustling of leaves overhead. Mitsuri walked alongside Sasori and Iguro, her presence a comforting contrast to the tension that hung in the air.

"If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was nighttime," Iguro remarked, noticing the dimming light filtering through the dense canopy.

"I hope we can find some clues at the temple," Mitsuri said softly, breaking the silence. "It's heartbreaking to think of all those brides vanishing without a trace."

Sasori nodded silently, his expression serious as he scanned their surroundings for any signs of disturbance or danger. Iguro remained alert, his senses attuned to the slightest shift in the forest's ambiance.

After a while, they reached a clearing where the temple of Yue Lao stood, its ancient architecture weathered but still imposing. Stone steps led up to a grand entrance adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of love and devotion.

"This is where the wedding ceremonies take place," Hiroshi explained, his voice reverent as he gestured towards the temple. "It's said that Yue Lao blesses couples who seek his guidance here."

The temple dedicated to Yue Lao stood amidst a serene grove, its ancient architecture a testament to centuries of devotion and reverence. The main entrance, flanked by stone dragons with weathered scales and fierce expressions, led up to a grand courtyard paved with smooth, gray stones. Lanterns adorned with crimson tassels hung from wooden beams, gently swaying in the breeze that carried the faint scent of incense.

The temple's roof curved gracefully, adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and celestial beings. Red and gold hues dominated the color scheme, symbolizing prosperity and spiritual auspiciousness. Inside, the air was cool and still, infused with the lingering aroma of sandalwood and jasmine. Tall pillars supported the high ceiling, their surfaces adorned with calligraphic scrolls extolling virtues of love and family harmony.

At the far end of the temple, an ornate altar stood adorned with offerings of fresh fruits and delicate flowers. A large statue of Yue Lao, the god of love and marriage, overlooked the sanctuary with a serene countenance, his gaze seeming to impart wisdom and benevolence to all who entered. Soft sunlight filtered through lattice windows, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow upon the polished wooden floors.

The atmosphere within the temple was one of reverence and tranquility, a sacred space where couples sought blessings for enduring love and harmonious unions. Yet, beneath its outward serenity, lingered an unsettling mystery—a place where recent events had disrupted the peaceful rhythms of devotion, leaving behind traces of fear and uncertainty among the faithful.

As they approached the temple entrance, Sasori noticed faint marks on the ground—a few scattered petals and what appeared to be bloodstains. He crouched down to examine them, his keen eyes searching for any clues that might shed light on what transpired.

"These marks," Sasori murmured, pointing at the ground. "They look recent. Someone—or something—was here. If I had to guess.. maybe a couple of days ago"

Iguro knelt beside him, studying the marks with a focused intensity. "Could be remnants from the last incident," he speculated, tracing the outline of a footprint in the dirt.

"When was the last incident?" Sasori asked, "Three days ago." Hiroshi answered.

Mitsuri glanced around the temple grounds, her gaze thoughtful. "We should investigate inside," she suggested, her voice carrying a note of determination. "There might be more clues or traces of what happened."

Hiroshi nodded in agreement, visibly relieved to have their expertise and resolve on his village's side. Together, they ascended the steps and entered the temple, ready to confront the mystery that had plagued Midori and seek justice for the vanished brides.

They walked up to the door of the temple, and Mitsuri tried to open it. "It's locked," she said, pulling on the handle with no success.

"That's not right! The key to the door was lost a few months ago. The last time I checked, the door was unlocked," Hiroshi explained, concern evident in his voice.

"When did you last check?" Iguro asked, his tone probing.

"A few days after the key went missing, and it was unlocked then," Hiroshi replied.

"And you didn't suspect someone stole the key?" Sasori questioned, stepping up to examine the keyhole.

Hiroshi's silence was telling, and the three slayers exchanged a glance. Iguro turned to Sasori. "Can you pick the lock?"

"I never bothered to learn," Sasori admitted, straightening up after peering through the keyhole.

"Why not?" Iguro pressed.

"Why bother when I can just kick the door down?" Sasori replied bluntly.

"I fully agree! Let me do it," Mitsuri chimed in eagerly, lifting her leg as if preparing to kick the door.

"Wait! Don't do that!" Hiroshi exclaimed, rushing in front of Mitsuri blocking the door as the foot stopped just in time to avoid her foot meeting his face.

"Don't attempt reckless acts like that! She could accidentally crush your head. Trust me, I've seen it happen," Iguro cautioned, his voice firm.

"Why not?" Sasori challenged, his tone indifferent.

"You can't just break down the door to a holy temple!" Hiroshi protested, his voice tinged with worry.

"Well, I don't care. Do you, Sasori?" Iguro asked, raising an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less about a man's religious beliefs," Sasori replied bluntly.

"I care!" Mitsuri exclaimed, raising her hand emphatically. "That's two to one, Mitsuri. You're outvoted," Iguro stated matter-of-factly.

"What do you think, Mr. Hiroshi?" Mitsuri asked, turning to the village chief for his opinion.

"Obviously, I don't want you to break down the door!" Hiroshi exclaimed, his concern deepening.

"There, now it's a tie," Mitsuri declared, trying to diffuse the tension with a hopeful smile.

"Let's just find an opened window then," Sasori said bluntly. "And how are we going to reach—" Iguro's sarcastic comment was cut off as Sasori jumped to the roof.

"I can do that too!" Mitsuri chimed in enthusiastically, following Sasori's lead with a graceful leap.

Iguro sighed as he scanned the surroundings, spotting a large potted plant nearby. Using it as leverage, he vaulted himself up to the roof, knocking the pot over in the process.

"Do you have any respect!?" Hiroshi exclaimed, rushing to set the pot back upright.

"Okay, let's split up and find an opened or unlocked window," Sasori decided, disregarding Hiroshi's dismay as the three slayers began their search.

-10 minutes later-

"I've got nothing," Mitsuri admitted with a dejected tone.

"Me neither. Any luck with you, Sasori?" Iguro inquired, receiving only a shake of the head from Sasori.

Iguro sighed heavily, his frustration evident. "Is this man's religious beliefs worth more than people's lives?" he questioned, his voice tinged with disappointment.

"He's paying us," Sasori replied tersely.

"Sasori, this is about people's lives," Iguro countered, his tone imploring.

"Iguro, don't try to reason with me on morals. I don't have any," Sasori retorted coldly, his stance firm.

Mitsuri glanced between them, her expression conflicted. "We need to focus on finding a way inside," she interjected, attempting to steer the conversation back to their mission. "Let's keep searching."

Iguro nodded reluctantly, swallowing his frustration for the sake of their task.

"I do have a plan though," Sasori said, breaking the tense silence.

"What is it?" Iguro asked, intrigued by Sasori's sudden shift in tone.

"We sneak in at night, break down the door, eliminate the demon, and then replace the door as if nothing happened," Sasori explained confidently.

"Yes! We can do that!" Mitsuri exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. "But where are we going to find a door like this one?" Iguro questioned, practical as ever.

"There's probably a shop in the village that sells doors," Sasori suggested.

"Yes, but this door looks ancient. We'll likely need to place an order to get one exactly like it, and that will take too long. We need to do this in one night," Iguro reasoned.

"Fair point," Sasori conceded, glancing towards the setting sun in thought. "I've got an idea..." Mitsuri began, her eyes lighting up with inspiration.

"Well, tell us," Iguro prompted. "This may sound... a bit... unconventional," Mitsuri started, sounding nervous.

"Don't beat around the bush, just tell us," Sasori urged.

"What if we stage a fake marriage ceremony?" Mitsuri asked tentatively.

"A fake marriage ceremony?" Iguro repeated, clearly intrigued.

"Yes. The demon won't know if it's a real or fake ceremony. We can lure it right towards us, and then we kill it!" Mitsuri explained, her excitement growing.

"That's... a good plan," Sasori said, sounding impressed by Mitsuri's ingenuity.

"Okay, great! I can be the bride!" Mitsuri volunteered eagerly.

"Where are we going to get the outfits to pull this off?" Iguro asked pragmatically.

"The chief probably knows a way for us to get the outfits," Sasori suggested.

After explaining the plan to the chief, he nodded in agreement. "Yes, we can arrange for traditional bridal attire from the village. We have a seamstress who can help prepare everything."

"I'm in favor of this plan," Iguro stated, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "It's a strategic way to draw out the demon without alerting it to our true intentions."

Mitsuri clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! I'll make sure to look the part of a beautiful bride!"

Sasori glanced at the darkening sky, considering their next steps. "We'll need to prepare quickly. The demon might strike again soon."

"I'll go and arrange everything with the seamstress," Hiroshi said, turning to leave. "Meet me at the village hall in an hour."

With a plan in motion, the three demon slayers nodded in agreement and dispersed to make their preparations. As they gathered their thoughts and readied themselves for the coming night, the air buzzed with anticipation and determination. They were ready to face whatever darkness lurked in the temple of Yue Lao, armed not just with weapons, but with a cunning plan to confront the unknown.

"So?" Mitsuri walked up to Iguro and Sasori, who was distracted from talking to an elder of the village. "How do I look?" She asked, spinning around to showcase her new attire.

"Let's focus," Sasori continues. "We need to execute this plan flawlessly. The success of this mission depends on our ability to convince the demon that Mitsuri is a real bride."

Iguro nodded in agreement, his earlier embarrassment replaced by a determined resolve. "Right. We can't afford any slip-ups. We need to be vigilant and ready for anything," he affirmed, glancing towards the temple in the distance.

"I have gotten you a bridal sedan and four bridal escorts," Hiroshi said as four men appeared carrying the bridal sedan.

Mitsuri nodded appreciatively at Hiroshi's arrangement, eyeing the ornate sedan and the four sturdy men who carried it with practiced ease. The sedan was adorned with red and gold ribbons, its craftsmanship reflecting the traditional elegance expected of a bridal procession.

"Thank you, Hiroshi-san," Mitsuri said gratefully, stepping forward to inspect the sedan. She noted the meticulous details— from the embroidered cushions inside to the silk curtains that partially concealed her from view. It was a convincing setup, designed to lure out any demon lurking in the shadows of the ancient temple.

Sasori observed the preparations with a critical eye, ensuring everything was in place for their deception. "Good work," he acknowledged Hiroshi, his voice steady and commanding. "Now, let's move swiftly. We have a demon to confront."

The four escorts stood silently by, their expressions serious and determined. They were locals recruited by Hiroshi, trusted for their strength and loyalty. Each man carried a weapon discreetly hidden beneath his ceremonial attire, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.

Iguro checked his equipment, adjusting the straps of his sword as he prepared mentally for what lay ahead. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath as if anticipating the outcome of their risky gambit.

"We're ready," Mitsuri announced, her tone resolute as she climbed into the sedan. She settled herself comfortably, her nerves masked by a façade of bridal serenity.

With a shared nod among the group, they set off towards the temple, the rhythmic steps of the escorts and the creak of the sedan blending with the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife. The mission had begun, and the fate of the missing brides now rested on their shoulders.