Worse Than A Demon? (Sasori x Demon Slayer)

"Kabocha? Is that you?" Tanjiro asked, his eyes widening as he looked at Aki.

Sasori observed the scene silently, watching as Tanjiro called Aki "Kabocha" while Aki tried her best to appear lifeless.

He recalled his first encounter with the siblings. Back then, he was ready to kill Nezuko because, after all, that was his job. Like it or not, he was bound to the Corps until he figured things out. But Aki had stopped him, insisting that the demon girl was "off-limits." At Mount Natagumo, she'd even mentioned an order from the Corps' leader to protect Nezuko. But when another kasugai crow demanded Nezuko be brought in alive, Sasori noticed her surprise. He wasn't one to miss even the smallest details.

"Cut the games, Aki... Who are these two to you?" Sasori's voice broke the silence, firm and laced with irritation. His tone commanded attention, a seriousness that made everyone tense.

Aki flinched in Nezuko's arms, trembling slightly. She seemed lost, taken aback by Sasori's demanding tone, her nervousness evident.

No one dared speak. Not a sound was made. Sasori's authoritative voice had weight to it, and even the usually unrestrained Nezuko seemed affected, her demeanor turning cautious.

Finally, Aki spoke, breaking the tension.

"They... they used to raise me when I was just a hatchling..." Aki admitted, her voice soft but clear, easing their tension.

Tanjiro's expression softened, genuine warmth returning to his face. "So... it really is you," he murmured, his tone full of quiet happiness.

Aki looked at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You're not... mad?" she asked hesitantly, uncertainty lacing her words.

Tanjiro blinked in confusion. "Mad? Why would I be mad?" he replied, his surprise evident.

"Because I left and didn't try to come back," Aki said, her voice trembling with sorrow. The sadness in her eyes conveys a deep sense of loss.

Tanjiro shook his head, determination shining in his eyes. "You had your reasons. I know it must have been hard for you. But what matters is that you're here now." He smiled warmly, and Nezuko, ever supportive, huffed in agreement. In an exuberant display of joy, she lifted Aki into the air, sprinting around the emergency room, causing Aki to caw in surprise and delight.

The commotion stirred Zenitsu from his slumber. He blinked sleepily, confusion clouding his features as he took in the sight of Nezuko carrying a Kasugai crow around. His gaze then fell on the familiar redhead standing off to the side.

"Oh. It's you," Zenitsu said, recognition dawning as he looked at Sasori. But Sasori seemed lost in his own thoughts, his expression distant, as he turned to leave the room.

Sasori opened the door, his voice steady as he remarked, "Well, it seems my presence isn't needed anymore." With that, he stepped out, closing the door behind him with a quiet finality.

The medical Kakushi let out a sigh of relief, their tension easing. Tanjiro appeared unfazed by Sasori's departure, his focus still on Aki and Nezuko. Zenitsu, on the other hand, looked mildly offended by the neglect but quickly refocused on the lively antics of the two.

Shinobu watched the door Sasori had just exited, her brow furrowed in thought. 'Sasori was a mysterious man,' she pondered, an edge of caution creeping into her mind. 'A dangerous man.' The weight of that realization settled over her like a shadow, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter filling the room.

As the sounds of playful caws and laughter continued, Shinobu resolved to keep a closer eye on Sasori. She could sense that beneath his calm demeanor lay untold depths, and those depths could either be a threat or a source of unexpected strength.

Sasori walked through the dimly lit halls of the Butterfly Mansion, each soft step echoing off the stone, a reminder of how familiar isolation had become. He glanced down at the Akatsuki emblem on his cloak, feeling a mix of pride and bitterness as memories stirred—memories he would rather have left buried.

He could have left the Akatsuki behind long ago, faked his own death, transferred his consciousness to a different puppet, and disappeared without a trace. Yet here he was, still tethered to this life. It wasn't loyalty to the organization or obligation that held him. No, it was something else, something he would never admit to even himself: a need to prove to someone—anyone—that he wasn't as replaceable as every other tool of war.

He recalled Orochimaru. Once, he had called that man his friend. They'd laughed, schemed, even indulged in dreams of power together. But loyalty and trust had meant nothing to Orochimaru in the end. Sasori felt a familiar coldness settle in his chest at the thought. Orochimaru's betrayal was a sharp reminder that bonds in a world full of deceivers were fragile, if not pointless. He had spared the man once, out of a twisted respect for the past they'd shared, but he knew now that kindness had been a mistake.

Then there was Deidara. Sasori scoffed quietly, remembering their endless arguments over art, the heated debates, and the fire in Deidara's voice as he passionately defended his view that true art was a fleeting moment, an explosive release of life and color. Sasori had insisted on the opposite, that art was something crafted to last, something that stood the test of time. Those arguments had become a routine he looked forward to, a clash of ideals that, strangely, had kept his own philosophy sharp.

But now, they were all gone. Orochimaru, Deidara, the rest—all had moved on or died, while he was left behind, standing in the shadows of the world they'd once sought to conquer. There was a hollow, biting irony in that.

Leaning against the wall, he traced the outline of the Akatsuki cloak, feeling the fabric under his fingertips. He'd crafted this item himself, as perfect and lasting as he was. He didn't need anyone, he reminded himself, and certainly not their temporary allegiances or fickle admiration. But perhaps—just perhaps—he still craved the thrill of a shared vision, a partnership that wouldn't end in betrayal or abandonment.

Sasori straightened, shoving the thoughts aside as if they were nothing more than scraps from a failed project. Bonds, alliances, camaraderie—these things were for people who expected imperfection, who accepted weakness as natural. He was beyond that now, and he would make sure no one could ever leave him again.

Now that Sasori knew Orochimaru was still alive somewhere, he was going to claim him, adding him to his eternal collection.

Sasori walked down the dimly lit hallway to the room he had been assigned, plotting his next move. He opened the door and took in the sparse setting: a simple futon and a small table.

Closing the door behind him, he crossed to the table and sat down, placing the map book Shinobu had given him in front of him. Flipping through its pages, he scanned the various maps, noting the ones dedicated to specific countries. But nothing looked familiar. His frown deepened. This was supposed to be his world, yet none of it matched what he remembered.

One thought ran through his mind 'The world couldn't have changed this much so quickly. It would take decades, more than centuries even. Borderline impossible without a catastrophic jutsu involved.'

"Just why did you bring me back?" Sasori muttered, wondering what Orochimaru could possibly want from him. "I don't hold any special jutsu. Was it for my scrolls?"

He shook his head. "No... Orochimaru wouldn't go to such lengths just for scrolls."

Then it struck him. "He didn't know where my puppet body was." If Orochimaru had known, Sasori would have awoken in his lab, not in the middle of some test.

'Did he want me in my puppet body? or was it an accident that I ended up in my puppet body?'

'Just what could he want from bringing me back?' Sasori thought, his eyes narrowing as he continued to analyze the map, already anticipating his inevitable confrontation with his old "friend."

-Next Morning- 

Shinobu was skipping through the halls of the Butterfly Mansion when she wandered into the garden. There, in the center, she spotted Sasori sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, meditating. The afternoon sunlight filtered softly through the trees, casting a warm glow over him, though he appeared oblivious to everything around him.

Curious, she walked up to him, silently crouching down beside him and reaching out to poke his cheek. Just as her finger neared his face, he tilted his head away, opening his eyes with a look of mild irritation.

"What do you want?" Sasori asked, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.

Shinobu tilted her head, her usual mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Just curious about what you're up to," she replied breezily, feigning innocence. "You always look so serious. I thought maybe you were... reflecting on life."

Sasori raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Meditation isn't some game or distraction," he replied curtly, shutting his eyes again. "It's something I do for focus—not that you'd understand."

She chuckled lightly, undeterred by his cold tone. "Is that so? Well, I suppose we each have our own methods. Mine just involve... a little more movement," she teased, circling him playfully as if testing his patience.

Sasori exhaled a barely perceptible sigh. "If you're done amusing yourself, maybe you can go pester someone else," he muttered, trying to ignore her presence.

Shinobu clasped her hands behind her back, leaning in with a playful tilt of her head. "Oh, come now! Did you try on your new cloak yet?" she asked, an idea sparking in her eyes.

"No," Sasori replied flatly.

"Well, you should! I want to be the first to see you in it," she insisted, crouching down to his level again with a grin.

Sasori raised an eyebrow. "Why do you care?" he asked, a trace of suspicion in his voice.

Shinobu waved off his question, laughing softly. "Don't sound so grumpy, Sasori. You're starting to remind me of someone—someone very antisocial. And trust me, you don't want to be like him. It's not healthy," she teased, poking his arm to urge him along.

Sasori narrowed his eyes, considering. "If I do, will you finally let me get back to what I was doing?" he asked, his tone half resigned.

"Deal!" Shinobu replied eagerly, standing up and motioning for him to follow. She led him to an empty room and gestured for him to go in.

As Sasori entered the room, Shinobu waited outside, her playful smile turning into a thoughtful, almost cunning expression. She had been observing him closely for a while now, noting how he'd emerged from battles with Lower Moons, and even an Upper Moon, without so much as a scratch. Not a single drop of blood.

It didn't sit right with her.

Quietly, she crouched down by the door, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby. Then, she leaned closer, peeking through the keyhole. She knew Sasori was highly observant, but if she was careful enough, she could finally get some answers.

Inside, Sasori unfastened his outer cloak, 'oblivious' to Shinobu's watchful eye. Shinobu held her breath, waiting for any hint, any clue, to explain his unnaturally pristine condition after such intense battles.

What Shinobu saw through the keyhole made her breath catch in her throat. Beneath Sasori's cloak, his torso was not that of a human, but rather an empty shell of intricate craftsmanship. In the center, embedded where a heart should be, was a small, pulsing core inscribed with the kanji "kaku"

"What the?" She barely had a moment to process the sight when the door beside her creaked open, and Tomioka stepped out, glancing down at her.

"It seems you're finally going through puberty," he remarked with a perfectly deadpan expression.

Shinobu shot to her feet, cheeks flushed as she frantically waved her hands. "What? That's... that's not...!" she stammered, caught completely off guard by the comment.

Sasori stepped out, draped in his new cloak. The black fabric flowed smoothly over his form, adorned with intricate golden rose patterns that spread elegantly across its surface. The roses shimmered under the light, adding a touch of sophistication that was both captivating and intimidating. Gold and red accents lined the edges, giving the cloak a regal flair, while a subtle hint of pink on the collar offered a soft, unexpected contrast. Each detail seemed deliberate, from the blooming roses to the intertwining of gold and red, making the cloak exude both fierceness and refined elegance.

"Happy now?" Sasori asked, his tone laced with impatience, catching Shinobu off guard as she quickly tried to compose herself.

At that moment, Tomioka stepped past Shinobu, positioning himself in front of Sasori.

"You're Sasori, right?" Tomioka asked, his gaze steady. The man drew Sasori's attention, making him both irritated and curious. He recognized the man from the Natagumo mission—the Water Hashira.

"Who's asking?" Sasori replied coolly.

"Giyu Tomioka. I have some questions for you," Tomioka responded, his tone unwavering.

But Sasori barely glanced at him. "Your questions can wait," he said dismissively. "I have something to get back to."

Tomioka didn't try to stop Sasori as he walked away, his eyes lingering on the retreating figure.

Shinobu took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain composure as she turned her gaze back to Tomioka.

"There's something not right about him..." Tomioka muttered, almost to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Sasori leave.

"You don't need to convince me of that," Shinobu replied, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of wariness. She then shifted the conversation, trying to regain some control over the situation. "Anyway, what brings you to the Butterfly Mansion, Tomioka-san?"

"Just here on Master's orders," Tomioka answered vaguely, his expression unreadable.

"On Master's orders?" Shinobu repeated, raising an eyebrow. Tomioka nodded.

"I believe the Master is preparing to hold a meeting," Tomioka added, his tone neutral.

"A meeting? ...Is it about Kujiro?" Shinobu asked, her voice softening slightly with concern.

Tomioka didn't immediately answer. His gaze seemed distant, as if the question didn't warrant a simple reply. The silence hung between them, the weight of unspoken thoughts passing through the air.

"We'll have to wait and see," Tomioka finally responded, his voice quiet and deliberate.

-Hours Later-

A Kasuki crow landed with an urgent caw near the Hashira, signaling that it was time for the meeting.

-Shinobu-

Shinobu was in her room, preparing medicine for the injured in the emergency ward, when a Kasuki crow flew in through the open window.

"Meeting! Meeting! Meeting! Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting!" the crow cawed, its sharp cry cutting through the room.

-Tomioka- 

Tomioka sat by the small pond in the Butterfly Mansion, quietly listening to the gentle sound of the flowing water. The peaceful moment was interrupted when a Kasuki crow landed on his head, flapping its wings frantically.

"Meeting! Meeting! Meeting! Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting!" it cawed, continuing its relentless flapping, making Tomioka swat it away with a small sigh.

-Obanai and Sanemi-

In an effort to pass the time and cure their shared boredom, Iguro and Sanemi were playing chess. The board had been gifted to them by Aoi after their continuous complaints about having nothing to do.

Iguro's irritation mounted as Sanemi beat him in every single game.

"Fuck it, Kaburamaru, I choose you. You play," Iguro grumbled, tired of being outmatched.

Sanemi raised an eyebrow as Kaburamaru slithered down Iguro's neck and settled in front of the chessboard.

The serpent opened its mouth, immediately sinking its fangs into Sanemi's kingpiece, attempting to swallow it whole.

"Kaburamaru, no!" Iguro panicked, rushing to grab his companion and pull the king out of the serpent's mouth.

Just then, a Kasuki crow flew through the open window and landed on Sanemi's lap.

"Meeting! Meeting! Meeting! Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting!" the crow announced loudly.

-Muichiro-

Muichiro was practicing with a wooden sword in one of the training rooms, his movements smooth and effortless. Suddenly, a Kasuki crow landed on the ground nearby.

"Meeting! Meeting! Meeting! Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting! Please find Gyomei Himejima or another Hashira to escort you to the meeting location, if you've forgotten!" the crow announced, its voice shrill as it fluttered around.

-Mitsuri and Gyomei- 

Mitsuri had made it a habit to meditate with Gyomei after the tragic loss of her student, finding peace in his company. The two sat still on the vast, open grass, the tranquility surrounding them. Birds perched on them, and small animals like rabbits nestled around Gyomei's towering frame, seeking shade from the hot sun.

The stillness was shattered when a Kasuki crow suddenly swooped down.

"Meeting! Meeting! Meeting!" the crow shouted, its shrill voice startling the animals and causing them to scatter.

Mitsuri slowly opened her eyes and looked at the crow.

"Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting," the crow added softly as if the earlier ruckus had been solely to drive away the animals.

-Uzui-

As Uzui crouched on the roof, clutching the mysterious book Hinatsuru had shared with him, a small smile began to spread across his face, filled with a mix of excitement and concern.

"At least I found something about you..." Uzui muttered to himself as a Kasuki crow landed on his shoulder "Meeting! Meeting! Meeting! Lord Kagaya is holding a meeting! Don't! Don't! Don't! break trow the ceiling!" It announced.