Worse Than A Demon? (Sasori x Demon Slayer)

"No, you say it!" Mitsuri's crow cawed anxiously.

"No, no, you must!" Sanemi's crow interjected.

Sanemi's patience was running thin, and he was ready to swat one of the crows buzzing near his ear. But before he could act, another Kasugai crow swooped into the room through the open window.

"Where's Sasori?" Aki, the new crow, asked as she landed gracefully, eyeing the three Hashira.

"He went to take a shower," Mitsuri answered just as Aoi stormed into the room. "What's with all the racket?!" she demanded.

"Aki!" Mitsuri's crow chirped. "Are you here to announce the same incident? Why don't you tell them as well?"

But Aki shook her head. "I'm here to deliver this news to one person and one person only," she replied, flying over Aoi's head as the door remained open behind her.

"Why aren't you telling us?" Iguro asked, his new voice, which momentarily caused both crows to glance at him in surprise.

Sanemis Crow dismissed the moment, speaking up. "We're... afraid of how you'll react," he admitted, tension thick in his tone.

"Just say it! We promise we won't overreact," Mitsuri said, her voice shaking slightly as the two crows exchanged nervous glances.

"On three?" Sanemi's crow suggested, and the other nodded.

"One..." Sanemi's crow began.

"Three!" he abruptly skipped ahead.

"You skipped a number!" Mitsuri's crow protested but was quickly silenced.

"Kyojuro Rengoku has fallen in combat!" Sanemi's crow blurted out in a panicked rush, casting a nervous glance toward Mitsuri's crow.

"You lying traitor!" Sanemi's crow squawked, visibly agitated. "It's not my fault you skipped a number!" Mitsuri's crow snapped back.

Before the two could argue any further, Sanemi grabbed his crow roughly. "What do you mean Kyojuro has fallen?" he demanded, his voice cold, his teeth clenched in barely contained fury.

"Told you," Mitsuri's crow muttered under its breath.

"Kyojuro Rengoku was defeated in combat... by Upper-Rank Three," Sanemi's crow cawed solemnly as Sanemi loosened his grip.

"Tch. At least he died fighting," Sanemi muttered, trying to see the bright side. But the other two Hashira reacted differently.

Iguro remained silent, his expression unreadable, showing no emotion.

Mitsuri, however, reacted unexpectedly. Without a word, she suddenly leaped out of the window that Aki had flown through earlier, leaving only a brief statement behind.

"I'm going out."

-Sasori-

Sasori walked through the halls of the Butterfly Mansion, his thoughts swirling as he mulled over the information he had overheard.

"So, Orochimaru... you're behind this," Sasori muttered to himself, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place. It explained how he had come back to life. Orochimaru had somehow revived him—but for what purpose? That part still eluded Sasori. And how had Orochimaru managed to fix his core?

It seemed impossible. Sasori had painstakingly crafted his core using materials so rare, that he'd had to commit genocide against an entire nation just to obtain them. His core was supposed to be one of a kind—at least, as far as he knew. The thought that Orochimaru could replicate something so intricate and deadly was deeply unsettling.

Orochimaru hadn't revived him using Edo Tensei; that much was clear. This resurrection was different, more precise. And somehow, Orochimaru had also managed to retrieve Sasori's original puppet body from Kankuro. It was unmistakably his—the scrolls locked inside were still there, inaccessible to anyone but him. Not even Kankuro could have pried them free.

'"He's planning something... but what?" Sasori wondered as a familiar crow landed on his shoulder.

"I bring news!" Aki spoke sharply.

"What kind of news?" Sasori asked.

"The Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, has fallen in battle against Upper Moon Three."

"Upper Moon Three..." Sasori muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't that the same Upper Moon I fought?"

"Yes," Aki confirmed, just as they noticed another familiar figure approaching.

"Sasori. Glad to see you unharmed as usual," Shinobu greeted with a gentle smile, though her expression carried a hint of grief. "You simply must tell me how you manage it," she added her voice light but tinged with curiosity.

"Maybe another time," Sasori replied, his tone more serious. "Actually, I wish to speak with you."

Shinobu blinked in mild surprise. "Oh? What about?"

"I was wondering if you could lend me a map of the world and some wood," Sasori said, his request making Shinobu arch a brow.

"A map, I can manage," she replied. "But what kind of wood do you need?"

"The wisteria kind," Sasori answered, his words piquing Shinobu's curiosity. "Why wisteria wood?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"For a project of mine," Sasori responded vaguely, not wanting to reveal too much.

Shinobu chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm afraid I won't be able to get any for you, Sasori. You'll need to request it from our master."

"Master?" Sasori echoed, clearly displeased at the idea of having to seek permission.

"Our boss. The one who funds everything," Shinobu explained further.

"And how would I get a meeting with this leader of ours?" Sasori asked, a trace of impatience in his voice.

"You won't be able to meet him for a while. He's busy with... something," Shinobu replied vaguely, leaving the matter open-ended.

"I... see," Sasori muttered, his mind already shifting to other plans.

"But don't worry," Shinobu continued with a reassuring smile. "I can still get you that map." She turned to leave, only to spot Aoi approaching them.

"Miss Kocho, you're needed for... a unique problem," Aoi said, sounding a little unsure.

Shinobu glanced back at Sasori, offering an apologetic smile. "Sorry, but I promise I'll bring you the map later."

With that, she walked off with Aoi, leaving Sasori standing in thought.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Aki asked, still perched on his shoulder. "Do you want another mission?"

"Not right now. There's something I need to take care of first," Sasori replied, his steps deliberate as he began walking down the hall.

"Are you going to try to meet with Lord Kagaya?" Aki asked, tilting her head. "I can arrange a meeting if you want."

Sasori paused, his expression unreadable as he considered the offer. "You're capable of getting me a meeting?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Aki nodded. "Yes, I can, but... it might take a while," she admitted. "He's quite the busy human."

Sasori nodded, though the idea of waiting tested his patience. He wasn't known for his tolerance when it came to delays, but it seemed there were no other legal measures to secure a meeting.

"It seems I have little choice," Sasori muttered, more to himself than to Aki. "Fine. Arrange it."

-Medical Room-

Sanemi and Iguro remained silent after Mitsuri's abrupt departure, the tension lingering in the air. Neither spoke until the door opened, revealing Shinobu and Aoi.

"Where is Mitsuri?" Shinobu asked, concern evident in her tone.

"She left a while ago..." Sanemi replied, his voice uncertain. "She didn't take the news well... I think."

"I see..." Shinobu's tone softened with sadness as she processed the information. The room fell into an awkward silence before she redirected her focus.

"Well, Iguro," she began, shifting the conversation, "Aoi mentioned your... problem."

Iguro's expression tensed his new, softer voice a clear reminder of his predicament. "Yeah... Can you fix it?" he asked, desperation creeping into his tone.

Shinobu frowned slightly, contemplating. "Wow... I'm not sure how to fix that," she muttered, her eyes examining him more closely.

"You have to have a way!" Iguro shouted, his voice cracking with frustration. The femininity of his new tone made the outburst even more surreal.

Sanemi, leaning against the bed, casually chimed in, "Have you tried... like, deepening your voice?"

All eyes turned to him, the room falling silent for a beat. Sanemi shrugged. "It might not sound like your old voice, but if this new one bothers you that much, it's worth a shot."

Iguro raised an eyebrow, glancing at Shinobu, who gave a small shrug in return. With a deep breath, he tried Sanemi's suggestion.

"Is it working?" Iguro asked. To everyone's surprise, his normal voice returned, as clear and stern as ever.

"No way..." Aoi gaped, shocked that such a simple suggestion had worked.

"Are you trying to steal my job, Sanemi?" Shinobu teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Sanemi just shrugged again. "It's called talent, Shinobu. Something you don't have."

Iguro smirked slightly, while Shinobu gave him a playful glare.

"So you can just switch between this voice and the other now?" Aoi asked curiosity in her voice.

Iguro shrugged. "I guess. But I don't see how that would ever be useful."

Sanemi leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Maybe you could go through an identity crisis."

Shinobu stifled a laugh. "It seems not all of your suggestions are helpful, Sanemi."

She then turned to Iguro with a more serious tone. "Anyways, how are you holding up with your injuries?"

"The villagers helped us with them. I just have this weird headache," Iguro replied, rubbing his temple.

"How bad is it?" Shinobu asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Eh, just feels like I'm tired and foggy," Iguro said with a shrug.

Shinobu nodded and glanced at Aoi. "Aoi, you know what to get."

Without missing a beat, Aoi retrieved the necessary medicine and handed it to Iguro, explaining the dosage and instructions clearly.

Shinobu then shifted her focus to Sanemi. "How's your leg feeling?" she asked, carefully examining his bandaged limb.

"It doesn't hurt... but it feels weird," Sanemi responded, flexing his foot slightly.

"Your bones in your foot have healed, but what you're feeling is just a bit of unease. You'll be fine after a good night's rest," Shinobu assured him with a gentle smile.

Sanemi looked thoughtful. "So, will I be able to leave tomorrow?"

Shinobu met his gaze and nodded. "Yes, you'll be cleared to leave tomorrow, but..." she added, her tone firm, "you'll need to prove you can perform at your usual level. If you're not back to your regular speed, I'll have to keep you from slaying demons until you're fully recovered."

Sanemi nodded in understanding, his expression serious. "Understood."

"Good," Shinobu replied before turning to Aoi. "Is there anything else?"

Aoi glanced at her notes. "The trio who accompanied Rengoku-san are expected to arrive in two hours."

Shinobu's smile faded slightly at the mention of Rengoku. "I see," she said softly, her tone tinged with sadness.

Shinobu nodded at Aoi's update. "In two hours... I see." She frowned slightly, her mind clearly weighing the situation. "We'll have to be ready for them."

Sanemi, now sitting up straighter, clenched his fists. "So, what do we know about their condition?"

Aoi, looking a bit apprehensive, responded, "They were injured during the battle with Upper Moon Three. Nothing too severe from what the report said, but... it'll take time to assess fully."

Shinobu exhaled softly, her tone turning more serious. "When they arrive, we'll make sure they're properly taken care of. They'll need more than just physical treatment."

Sanemi's expression hardened. "They'll need to toughen up. Rengoku wouldn't want them sulking."

"Maybe so," Shinobu agreed, though her voice was softer. "But that doesn't mean we can ignore their emotional state. Everyone handles loss differently."

Sanemi grunted but didn't argue further. The room felt heavy with the weight of Rengoku's absence.

Iguro, who had been mostly silent until now, finally spoke up. "We need to be prepared for anything. Upper Moon Three went after our strongest. He failed with Sasori, but that hasn't stopped him."

Shinobu's expression softened as she excused herself. "Well, I need to go do something," she said, leaving the medical room and walking through the quiet halls of the Butterfly Mansion toward her quarters. Once there, she opened a drawer, pulling out the map book Sasori had requested. As she rummaged through, she found a small package that Aki had entrusted to her for safekeeping.

"Almost forgot about you," Shinobu murmured to herself, picking up both the book and the package. With them in hand, she made her way through the halls, looking for Sasori. She finally found him in a training room, sitting on the floor, writing something on a piece of paper. Aki sat on the floor beside him, watching quietly.

"Hello~" Shinobu greeted, catching Sasori's attention.

"What are you writing?" she asked, bending down to take a closer look.

"A letter requesting a new sword and some materials," Sasori explained as he finished up and handed the letter to Aki, who immediately took flight, disappearing through the window.

"Anyway," Shinobu said, handing over the package and the mapbook. Sasori took them from her, inspecting the package.

"What's this?" he asked, turning it over in his hands.

"Aki delivered it a while ago. She said it was for you," Shinobu explained.

"Why didn't she give it to me directly?" Sasori questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"It was while you were away with Iguro and Mitsuri on that mission. Aki didn't know where you went, so she left it with me," Shinobu answered.

"I see..." Sasori muttered, pulling out a kunai to cut the package open.

Shinobu's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Uzui has kunai like that. Did he give you some?"

Sasori shook his head absently as he carefully unwrapped the package. 

Inside was a luxurious cloak. The black fabric flowed smoothly, adorned with intricate golden rose patterns that spread elegantly across its surface. The roses shimmered under the light, adding a touch of sophistication. Gold and red accents lined the edges of the cloak, giving it a regal flair, while a subtle hint of pink on the collar offered a delicate contrast. Every detail seemed intentional, from the blooming roses to the way the gold and red intertwined, making the cloak both fierce and refined.

"Wow... That's beautiful. Where did you have it made?" Shinobu asked, amazed by the craftsmanship. Sasori glanced at the address on the packaging and read aloud, "It's from a place called 'Eternal Silks.' Never heard of it before."  

Shinobu's eyes widened. "You got it from there? You must have spent a fortune on this," she said, admiring the cloak's craftsmanship.

"Is this place popular?" Sasori asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shinobu nodded quickly. "Yes, Eternal Silks is known for its high-quality fabrics, and it's incredibly expensive. You must have been saving for quite some time to afford this."

Sasori shook his head. "Nope, got it for free."

Shinobu stared at him, stunned. "How?"

"I was hired for a modeling job. The owner said she'd give me a new cloak if I agreed. Guess this is it," Sasori explained casually.

"Seriously?" Shinobu looked a bit envious but impressed. "Lucky you. But I wouldn't recommend wearing that on missions. It'll probably get destroyed."

"Don't worry," Sasori reassured her with a smirk, his fingers lightly tracing the golden roses on the cloak. "I'll put some protective seals on it. And if it does get ruined, I can probably sew it back together."

"Seals?" Shinobu raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Sasori examined the cloak briefly before replying, "I'll show you later." He turned to her, his expression shifting. "Actually, I need to talk to you about Nocturne's Kiss."

Shinobu's curiosity deepened. "What about it? Is it not working as expected?"

"No, it's working just as it should," Sasori replied, shaking his head. I just wanted to show you the results." He pulled out a scroll, unrolling it swiftly. A puff of smoke filled the air as Seraphina was summoned before them, her form materializing gracefully.

"How did you do that?" Shinobu asked, her eyes shifting from the scroll to Seraphina, clearly intrigued.

Shinobu blinked, her gaze lingering on Seraphina's helmet and imposing figure. "What's that?" she asked, both curious and cautious.

"A demon," Sasori explained casually.

Shinobu's expression hardened for a moment, but she stayed composed. "What?" she asked, her voice low and tense.

"You know about my ability to control creatures like puppets?" Sasori inquired, glancing at her.

Shinobu nodded slowly. "I know you have wooden puppets you control," she replied.

Sasori gave a small chuckle. "Well, with Nocturne's Kiss, the demons become braindead. But not turn into dust. That allows me to turn them into puppet demons." His tone was matter-of-fact, as though he was simply explaining a technique, but the implications hung heavy in the air.

Shinobu's expression hardened as she processed Sasori's words. "So you're saying you're using their bodies to fight against the demons? That seems... morally ambiguous."

Sasori smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Morally ambiguous? Perhaps. But isn't the fight against demons already filled with shades of gray?" He leaned closer, his tone dripping with feigned sincerity. "Imagine the power we could wield if we harness their strength."

Shinobu blinked, her uncertainty palpable. "What if they still have remnants of their past selves? Shouldn't we be concerned about that?"

Sasori suppressed a chuckle, his internal thoughts racing. 'If she recoils at the idea of using demon puppets, revealing my human puppets would be a disaster. I can't afford to have her suspect me; the last thing I need is a bounty on my head.'

"Regret is a luxury they lost the moment they chose their path," he replied smoothly, his voice calm and persuasive. "They became monsters, and now they serve a purpose. We need every advantage we can get in this fight, and if that means using their corpses, so be it."

He watched her closely, gauging her response. 'Let her wrestle with that for now. I can't let her see my human puppets—she'd never understand the lengths I'm willing to go to protect my own interests. If she reacts negatively, it might expose her too much.'

Shinobu furrowed her brow, her instincts telling her something was off. "But using them like this... it feels wrong. They were still once living beings."

"Living beings who chose to harm others," Sasori countered, his tone sharp. "They forfeited their right to be seen as anything but tools in our fight. If you're looking for a clear-cut battle of good and evil, you're going to be disappointed."

He leaned back slightly, his demeanor casual. "It's just strategy, Shinobu. Sometimes we have to make hard choices for the greater good."

'The more conflicted she is, the better for me, he thought. I need to maintain this facade, and keep her questioning herself. As long as she doubts her own morals, she won't suspect me of harboring deeper secrets.'

Shinobu hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I need time to think about this."

"Of course," Sasori replied, his smile growing as he turned his attention back to Seraphina. "Take all the time you need. Just remember, every moment we hesitate allows the demons to regroup and retaliate. We can't afford to let our guard down."

As he sealed Seraphina once again, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. 'For now, I'll keep her close and under my influence. The game is just beginning, and I can't let her see the pieces I have in play. My human puppets will remain a secret, and I'll manipulate her as I need to—without her ever knowing the truth.'

Further conversation was halted as the door to the training room was abruptly slammed open.

"Miss Shinobu! The Kakushi returned with the trio faster than we expected!" Aoi announced, her breathless urgency filling the room. The atmosphere shifted, and both Sasori and Shinobu turned their attention to the doorway.

"They did? Sorry, Sasori, but we're going to have to cut our conversation short," Shinobu said, her tone leaving little room for argument as she followed Aoi out of the room.

Sasori watched them leave, a faint irritation brewing beneath his calm exterior. Just as he began to process the abrupt end to their discussion, Aki landed on his shoulder again, breaking the silence.

"Returned so quickly?" Sasori asked, pocketing his scroll with a fluid motion, the remnants of their conversation lingering in his mind.

"I delivered it to one of the crows assigned to send letters to the Blacksmith Village," Aki explained, her tone a mix of pride and weariness.

"Good. Let's hope it reaches them without complications," Sasori replied, his gaze drifting to the door through which Shinobu had exited.

With a practiced motion, he sealed the cloak away, tucking it into a small scroll. 

"So, what now?" Aki asked, her wings fluttering lightly as she perched on his shoulder.

Sasori calmly sat down on the ground, pulling out another scroll. "Now we wait until my new sword arrives," he said, unwrapping the scroll and revealing an array of intricate seal designs, each one meticulously crafted.

"Of course," Aki yawned, clearly uninterested. "You're going to do your magic stuff again. Well, I'll leave you to it," she muttered as she hopped off his shoulder and settled on the floor, slowly drifting into sleep.

Sasori cast a quick glance at the slumbering raven, then turned his attention back to the intricate seals before him.

The scroll bore the title "Divine Scroll Extension: Perfect Armament."

A subtle click sounded from a compartment on his arm, and slowly, a blood capsule slipped out. Sasori caught it effortlessly before it could hit the ground, inspecting it closely.

The capsule contained a vital resource: the blood of the Third Kazekage. Perfect Armament allowed Sasori to tap into the Third Kazekage's formidable iron sand bloodline technique.

Within the scroll lay only the iron sand itself, suspended by the seals, which helped bind the iron sand to the capsule, preserving it in the Third Kazekage's blood. The capsule, marked with seals of its own, granted Sasori control over the iron sand bloodline—even without the Third Kazekage's puppet.

But there was a catch. Sasori had a limited supply of the Kazekage's blood, restricting its use to only the most critical of situations.

Sasori held the capsule to the light, his eyes narrowing as he examined the swirling contents. The blood inside was thick and viscous, almost syrup-like in its consistency. It clung to the glass of the capsule, slow to move, and seemed darker than normal blood—more of a deep, murky blackish-red. Tiny, congealed clots floated within, giving it a grotesque texture as if it hadn't been alive for years.

The Third Kazekage's blood had a sinister quality to it. It pulsed with a faint, eerie energy, as though it hadn't entirely died with its owner, carrying the lingering essence of the Kazekage's iron sand powers. Yet its stagnant, semi-coagulated appearance only added to the unsettling reality—this was no ordinary blood; it was a foul relic.

Sasori pulled out another scroll, his movements calm and precise. He swiftly sealed the spoiled blood inside, the capsule disappearing in a puff of smoke. Without hesitation, he retrieved another scroll, unrolling it with a fluid motion. This one contained usable blood—seven capsules arranged neatly in a row.

His eyes scanned the vials for a moment before selecting one. The others were swiftly sealed away, vanishing back into storage.

Sasori examined the capsule, feeling the familiar hum of energy pulsing from within. Unlike the corrupted blood he'd just sealed, this one was still potent, rich with the power he needed. He carefully inserted the capsule into the compartment in his arm, the soft click of it locking into place echoing faintly in the room. With a twist of his wrist, he sealed it inside.

A faint sensation spread through his body as the blood began to integrate, but Sasori remained composed, knowing this was just the beginning. The barest amount of the Third Kazekage's blood would be enough to cover his entire form when necessary, but he was aware of the cost. His supply was limited, reserved for moments of calculated necessity, and even now, each capsule represented a dwindling resource he could ill afford to waste.

Sasori was still focused on the subtle pulse of the blood capsule integrating with his system when the sound of the door creaking open caught his attention.

A Kakushi stood in the doorway, their voice calm but urgent. "Mister Sasori. Miss Kocho is requesting you to meet her in the Emergency Room."

Sasori's gaze shifted from the scroll on the ground to the messenger, his expression unreadable as he absorbed the information.

"And," the Kakushi added, hesitating briefly, "she specifically requested that you bring your Kasugai crow along."

At that, Aki stirred, fluttering her wings as she woke from her slumber, her beady eyes focusing on the Kakushi.

Sasori rose from his seated position with deliberate ease, sealing away the scrolls and standing tall. "Very well," he replied, his voice cool. He glanced at Aki. "Looks like we have been summoned."

Aki cawed softly, still groggy, but aware enough to take flight, fluttering her wings before settling atop Sasori's head. She nuzzled down into his hair, her feathers ruffling slightly as she nestled in for warmth.

Sasori's expression remained neutral, though he couldn't help but glance upward briefly at the bird. Before turning back toward the Kakushi.

"Lead the way," he instructed, his posture composed yet ready for whatever Shinobu had in store.

The Kakushi nodded and quickly led the way down the dimly lit corridor. Sasori followed with measured steps, his mind quietly calculating what this unexpected summons could mean. Aki remained nestled comfortably atop his head, occasionally ruffling her feathers as she woke more fully.

As they approached the emergency room, the scent of antiseptics mingled with faint traces of medicinal herbs in the air. The door creaked open, revealing Shinobu standing by Tanjiro's bedside. Nearby, Zenitsu lay unconscious in one bed, while Inosuke rested in another.

"What did you summon me for?" Sasori asked, directing his gaze at Shinobu, who pointed at Tanjiro.

Sasori raised an eyebrow at Tanjiro, who shifted uncomfortably. "It wasn't me who wanted to meet you," he replied, just as Nezuko emerged from the blanket. She climbed down from the bed and approached Sasori, lifting her small hands toward Aki.

Sasori regarded Nezuko with a raised eyebrow before gently lifting Aki off his head and handing her to the girl.

"Ah... hello, small child?" Aki spoke, her voice tinged with nervousness and uncertainty.

No one but Sasori noticed Tanjiro's nose twitching as he began to sniff the air, a surprised expression spreading across his face and illuminating his eyes.

"Kabocha?" Tanjiro asked, confusion evident as he looked at Aki.

Aki became still, almost as if she were pretending to be dead, while Sasori and Shinobu exchanged glances, curiosity, and confusion written across their faces.