Worse Than A Demon? (Sasori x Demon Slayer)

-In between Sasori, Mitsuri and Iguros journey-

The Village of Kaede

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the village of Kaede, a quaint place nestled between dense forests and a winding river. The trio of Sasori, Mitsuri, and Iguro strolled along the cobblestone streets, the air rich with the aroma of freshly baked bread and grilled fish from nearby food stalls. Lively chatter filled the market square as villagers closed their shops for the day, and a few children ran past, laughing as they played.

"Are you sure you don't want to eat with us?" Mitsuri asked, her green eyes sparkling excitedly as she spotted a small inn serving local delicacies. "The dumplings here look amazing!"

Iguro's bandaged face showing little expression gave a small nod of agreement, his eyes trailing after her. "You should at least eat something. We've been walking for hours."

Sasori's gaze shifted toward a large wooden building down the street. "I'll meet you two later. I'm more interested in visiting the library here. There are texts I'd like to look through." He turned on his heel, already walking toward the library before either of them could protest.

The scene shifted, their paths diverging as Mitsuri and Iguro entered the inn. The sound of laughter and clinking dishes grew louder behind them, but Sasori's steps were quiet as he moved past the darkened alleyway, barely illuminated by the fading twilight.

An Alleyway, Kaede Village

The village's vibrant energy quickly faded as Sasori passed the narrow alleys, the shadows growing deeper.

In a narrow alley not far from the main street, a cold wind swept through, making the dim light from an old lantern flicker. Two figures stood in the depths of the alley, their presence oppressive and sinister. Muzan Kibutsuji, his pale skin almost glowing in the low light, leaned against the stone wall, his sharp eyes scanning the quiet street. Beside him, Doma grinned, his fan in hand, looking almost out of place in the human world with his otherworldly aura.

"They're getting closer," Muzan said, his voice a soft, venomous whisper. "But it's not yet time."

Doma laughed softly, his voice filled with amusement. "Shall we play with them a little, My lord? After all, Sasori seems... so promising."

Muzan's gaze darkened, his crimson eyes narrowing with cold intent. "No. Not yet. Let them wander," he said, his voice calm but laced with malice. He paused, as though weighing unseen options. "There are other pieces I need to move into place."

Doma's grin widened, the eerie excitement in his eyes growing. With a swift flick, he snapped his fan shut. "As you wish," he purred, amusement dripping from his tone. "But it's always such a thrill watching them squirm."

With a sharp gesture, Muzan snapped his fingers. A swirling vortex materialized behind him, twisting the air into an ominous spiral. As it dissipated, Kyoku was revealed, collapsing to his knees with a thud.

"My lord..." Kyoku's voice trembled as he lifted his gaze to Muzan, the fear of failing him evident in every movement. "How may I serve you?"

Before Muzan could answer, a door suddenly manifested on the ground, creaking open and spitting out Nanami. He tumbled forward, landing unceremoniously in a sitting position with a confused expression. In one hand, he clutched a teddy bear, in the other, a small toy. His eyes widened in bewilderment as he turned, spotting Muzan.

Panic surged through Nanami as the realization hit him. He hastily dropped the toys, bowing his head until it touched the ground. "My Lord!" he gasped, his voice betraying his shock and fear.

Muzan's expression remained icy and unmoved, his gaze flickering briefly to the discarded toys before settling on the two demons before him. "Enough with the theatrics," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "There's no time for games."

Kyoku's voice was barely above a whisper. "I will not fail you, my lord."

Nanami, pressed his forehead harder to the ground, still trembling, nodded in silence, daring not to speak.

Muzan's lips curled into a cold smile, devoid of warmth. "I expect nothing less." His tone sent a shiver down their spines as the weight of their impending orders loomed over them like a dark cloud.

-Sasori-

Sasori pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the library, his eyes scanning the quiet interior. The scent of old paper and ink filled the air. Shelves stretched up toward the high ceiling, packed with countless volumes. A lone teenager sat behind a counter, engrossed in a book. He wore glasses that slipped down his nose, and as Sasori entered, the boy's gaze briefly met his before flicking back to the pages in front of him.

Walking up to the desk, Sasori gave the bell a short ring, the chime echoing through the stillness. The boy blinked, his curiosity piqued as he marked his place, set the book aside, and looked at Sasori with mild interest.

"How can I help you?" the boy asked, folding his hands in front of him.

Sasori's expression remained sharp as if already weighing whether this conversation was worth his time. "I'm looking for a book about trees," he said after a pause, his voice even but expectant.

The boy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unusual request. "Trees?" he echoed. "What kind of trees?"

Sasori's patience thinned slightly. "I don't know the name of the trees. That's why I need a book about them," he replied, his tone flat.

The boy hummed thoughtfully, rising from his seat. "I see," he said, motioning for Sasori to follow. They walked deeper into the library, past aisles of ancient texts and forgotten knowledge, until they reached a section labeled 'Nature.'

The boy grabbed a small stool, stepping onto it as his fingers glided over the spines of various books, finally stopping at one. He pulled it free and handed it to Sasori.

"This book has documented every type of tree native to Japan and China," the boy explained, stepping off the stool. His eyes briefly met Sasori's again, curiosity still lingering. "It should have what you're looking for."

Sasori took the book, his fingers brushing the worn leather cover, and gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Thank you," he said, his voice softer now as he turned toward the quiet solitude of the library's reading area.

Just as he was about to walk away, Sasori paused. "Also..." he spoke again, catching the boy's attention. "Do you have any books on demons?"

The boy raised an eyebrow, curious. "Stories about demons? Or demon mythology?" he asked.

"Both," Sasori replied, his gaze unwavering.

The boy nodded thoughtfully. "Stories about demons should be in the fiction section. As for demon mythology, you'll find that in the history section," he explained, gesturing toward the opposite side of the library.

Sasori gave another small nod as the boy turned to leave, his curiosity now pulling him toward the darker corners of knowledge.

-Demons-

Muzan's gaze remained cold and calculating as he observed Kyoku and Nanami materialize before him. The small vortex that had summoned them dissipated, leaving a palpable sense of dread in the air. Kyoku knelt before Muzan, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and reverence, while Nanami, unceremoniously ejected from a door with toys in hand, quickly gathered himself and dropped to his knees, terror etched across his face.

Muzan reached into his pocket and produced two rings: one was a deep purple adorned with the kanji for "Jewel," while the other was a bright yellow bearing the kanji for "Sky."

"What's that, my lord?" Doma inquired, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"The reason we don't need Sasori to turn me into... whatever he is," Muzan replied, his gaze lingering on the rings.

"Aww, are we giving up on the 'Seduce Sasori' mission? I even got you some cute outfits to make you more appealing, my lord," Doma said, clapping his hands. A window next to him swung open, and a human man popped out, holding a basket of clothes.

"I have brought the garments you requested, my lord," the man announced, offering the basket filled with women's clothing.

"See? I especially think you would look adorable in this!" Doma exclaimed, pulling out a frilly maid dress while wearing a mischievous grin.

But before he could say anything further, Muzan swiftly obliterated Doma's head with a flick of his wrist.

The man stared in horror at Doma's headless body, dropping the blood-soaked basket and glancing down at his own bloodstained clothes. Moments later, Doma's head reformed, causing the man's expression to shift from terror to relief.

Muzan let out a long, drawn-out sigh. "Never. Never do that again," he warned, his gaze lowering to the two Lower Moons.

"Kyoku, I don't need you for this mission. You're only here because if we let Sasori get away, you won't let him die." Muzan's words made Kyoku lift his head to meet Muzan's gaze.

"If? If, my lord?" Kyoku questioned, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

"Sasori is a strong creature. If he is related to that man..." Muzan trailed off, his attention fixating on the yellow ring.

"That man... my lord?" Nanami asked nervously, looking up at Muzan.

"The teacher of the man who turned me into a demon," Muzan explained, his tone heavy with disdain.

"You were turned into a demon, my lord?" Kyoku asked, eyes wide with intrigue.

"Yes, of course. I was once human. The imperfect creatures they are," Muzan replied, his voice dripping with contempt.

"But before I realized I was weak to the sun, I killed the man. He spent his dying moments detailing how skilled his teacher was and how he had learned everything from him. So if anyone can make me immune to the sun, it's him," Muzan continued.

"And what does Sasori have to do with this? You still haven't explained what the rings are," Doma interjected, his tone subdued and blank.

Muzan's expression darkened. "It's always questions with you failures, isn't it? Let me first explain where I got this information." He gestured at the rings.

"A while ago, Gyokko was involved in a scandal in Germany. During that time, he uncovered a hidden base inside a mountain, where he found these," Muzan explained, lifting the rings for emphasis.

"And how does Sasori tie into all of this, my lord?" Kyoku asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"I'm beginning to think patience isn't a virtue among you morons," Muzan spat, irritation lacing his words. "As I was saying, he also discovered a clock."

The three demons, along with Doma's followers, exchanged curious glances.

"A clock exactly like Sasori's," Muzan continued, and Doma raised his hand.

Muzan shot him an annoyed look. "What is it, Doma?"

"How do we know the base belonged to the teacher?" he asked.

"Because I found a picture of the doctor's teacher on his person, and Gyokko discovered an album containing images of the man," Muzan answered, his tone sharp.

"But before he could investigate further, the base was infiltrated by the slayers, and Gyokko escaped with only these rings, and clock." Muzan elaborated, his gaze fixed on his subordinates.

Doma raised his hand again, but this time, Nanami did too.

"Nanami... what is it?" Muzan asked, his patience thinning.

"Are we sure the teacher is even still alive?" Nanami questioned, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Of course, he must be. I refuse to believe that a man who taught his students to turn people into demons, and who is associated with Sasori—who may have been alive longer than I have—is simply dead. He must be immortal by some means, or perhaps he is a demon himself," Muzan replied, his voice steady yet filled with conviction.

Doma waved his hand, signaling for more clarity.

"What?" Muzan asked, glancing back at Doma.

"I mean, you told us we don't need Sasori. So why are we here?" Doma pressed.

"Because, Doma, you single-minded dolt," Muzan replied, irritation creeping into his voice. "If anyone would know where that man is, it's Sasori. So, Nanami..." Muzan turned his attention to Nanami, formulating his strategy.

"Your mission is to use one of your children to kidnap Sasori and extract information about that man from him," Muzan commanded. Nanami's expression shifted to one of blankness, clearly taken aback by the unexpected order.

"My lord... do my children need to be involved in this?" Nanami asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Both Doma and Kyoku raised an eyebrow at him, intrigued by his question.

Muzan slowly approached Nanami, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him off the ground. "I don't care how you get him. You can use your children or not. But don't you dare question my suggestions. Do you understand?" Muzan's gaze bore into Nanami's.

"I... understand, my lord," Nanami replied, his voice steady despite the tension. Muzan released him, letting him drop back to his feet.

"Good. Now, Doma." Muzan turned his attention to Doma, who looked visibly excited. "I don't know why you're here," Muzan said bluntly. "Why did Nakime let you into this meeting?"

Doma shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "I asked her to send me your way, my lord!" he explained enthusiastically.

"And why did you want to see me?" Muzan asked, arching an eyebrow.

"To show you the outfits I wanted you to try out. But you seem to not like them," Doma said, a playful tone in his voice.

Muzan sighed, shaking his head. "Well, you might as well be useful. You need to keep an eye on the two Hashira. Make sure they don't get involved in Nanami's plan and go along with whatever he has in mind."

"Don't let the Hashira out of your sight," Muzan warned, his voice low and serious.

"Aye aye, Captain!" Doma replied with a playful salute.

-Sasori-

Sasori made his way toward the history section, the book on trees clutched tightly under his arm. The air felt cooler as he ventured deeper into the library, shadows stretching along the walls from the flickering candlelight. Each step echoed softly, a reminder of the solitude that surrounded him.

As he reached the history section, he scanned the shelves, noting the vast array of texts that detailed the world's darkest legends and ancient myths. He was searching for something specific: information about demons, their origins, and their connection to the living.

Sasori selected a thick, dusty volume titled Legends of the Underworld. It seemed promising, and he carefully opened it to inspect the yellowed pages. The words jumped out at him, describing various types of demons, their powers, and the tales that bound them to the mortal realm.

He sank into a nearby chair, the leather creaking under his weight, and began to read. The words transported him into a world of shadowy figures and ethereal beings, their stories intertwining with those of mortals. He became engrossed, the library around him fading into the background as he lost track of time.

But he never let his guard down, aware of the demon lurking just behind the wall, concealed from sight. Sasori's instincts were sharp, honed through years of survival against threats both seen and unseen. He could feel a tension in the air, a flicker of energy that signaled he wasn't alone, even though the library appeared quiet.

He turned a page, but his senses remained attuned to the faintest sounds—the creaking of wood, the soft rustle of fabric. He had a feeling that whatever was hiding behind him was not there to admire the books.

Nanami crouched low outside the library, his fingers brushing against the cool stone beneath the window. He could see Sasori, absorbed in his reading, oblivious to the danger that lurked nearby. The faint light of the library illuminated the young man's features, highlighting the determination etched in his expression.

Nanami had his own mission: to kidnap Sasori and extract information from him.

'Why did Lord Muzan send me?' he thought, panic bubbling up inside him. 'He had Lord Doma as an option. Why the hell am I here?!' Doubt gnawed at him, his mind spiraling.

'I have children... I can't die here trying to kidnap the thing that beat Lord Akaza!' His hands flew to his head, gripping his skull in frustration. "What the hell do I do?" he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of his impossible task press down on him.

Muzan's voice echoed in his mind, cold and unwavering: 'Your mission is to use one of your children to kidnap Sasori.' 

Just then, a door to his left—one that hadn't been there a moment ago—creaked open. His heart skipped a beat as a young boy, no more than twelve, stepped out. The boy's black hair fell over his brow, and his hazel eyes blinked in surprise as he spotted Nanami.

"Dad?" the boy asked, astonishment lacing his voice.

Nanami's mind raced as he quickly shushed him. "Shhh!" His tone was urgent, his eyes darting around to make sure they were still alone.

The boy glanced around nervously, but curiosity got the better of him. "What are you doing here?" he whispered.

"I could ask you the same," Nanami said, his voice tight. "How did you even get here?"

"I found this... random door in our house," the boy explained, his voice confused, his innocence catching Nanami off guard.

Nanami's mind raced as an idea ignited within him. This could be his way out of this nightmare—using one of his children, just as Muzan had instructed.

"Listen to me carefully," Nanami said, kneeling to meet his son's gaze. "I need you to help me with something. Can you do that for me?"

The boy looked up at him, confusion etched on his face. "What do you need, Dad?"

Nanami hesitated for a moment, guilt tightening its grip on him, but there was no turning back now. "Go find your sister, Aiko."

The boy nodded, glancing back toward the still-open door before retreating into the shadows. Nanami took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He had to be decisive.

Once his son was out of sight, Nanami's thoughts focused on the plan. He envisioned Aiko's natural charm, the way she could draw others in without them realizing the danger lurking beneath her innocent facade. It was the perfect approach to lure Sasori into a trap.

His heart raced with anxiety and resolve. Aiko would have to lead Sasori into an alleyway where he could ambush him. He knew the risks involved, but he also understood that his mission was vital. Sasori was a powerful adversary, and getting close to him would require careful manipulation.

As he waited, Nanami replayed Muzan's words in his mind. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option. He had to ensure that everything went smoothly, and that Aiko would bring Sasori to him without arousing any suspicion.

Moments later, Aiko appeared at the doorway, her youthful features framed by the dim light. "Dad, I'm here. What do you want me to do?"

"I need you," Nanami said, gesturing toward her and then to the window where Sasori's red hair was visible in the distance. "To get that man into an alleyway."

Aiko's brow furrowed slightly as she processed his request. "Are you sure? But how? I can't just ask him to follow me to an alleyway."

Nanami took a deep breath, steadying himself. "You're clever, Aiko. Use your charm. Start a conversation with him, something that piques his interest. Make it sound innocent. Maybe ask him about something he likes. Once you have his attention, lead him away. It's important that it's just the two of you."

Aiko looked uncertain but nodded slowly. "Okay, I think I can do that. But what if he doesn't want to follow me?"

"Then find a way to make him curious," Nanami urged, his voice firm yet encouraging. "You can handle this. Just remember, it's crucial that he trusts you. This is our only chance."

With a determined look, Aiko replied, "I won't let you down, Dad."

"Good," Nanami said, forcing a smile despite the tension coiling in his stomach. "Be careful, and don't draw attention to yourself."

As Aiko turned to leave, Nanami watched her, his heart heavy with the weight of the plan. She was young and innocent, but he believed she had the strength to carry this through. He hoped it would be enough.

"Also," Nanami called out, making Aiko stop in her tracks. "If at any moment you think you're in danger, run. He won't follow you if you run; you're human, after all. He would waste time trying to figure out what to do." He glanced nervously at the door where Nakime had disappeared.

Aiko smirked at him, her confidence unwavering. "Don't worry, Dad." She pulled out a kitchen knife from her kimono, the blade gleaming in the dim light.

"I think I can handle any surprises," she said, tucking the knife away before walking toward the library entrance.

Nanami shook his head, knowing that a simple knife wouldn't be enough to hurt Sasori. If this man was anything like Lord Muzan described, he was a formidable opponent, far beyond the reach of Aiko's weaponry. But he had to trust her instincts and hope for the best.

Aiko approached the library entrance, her heart racing with anticipation. She glanced back at her father one last time, searching for reassurance. Nanami offered her a small nod, masking the turmoil churning inside him.

Taking a deep breath, Aiko stepped into the library, the scent of old paper and ink swirling around her. Her eyes locked onto Sasori, seated at a table, completely absorbed in a thick, ancient tome. The rich red of his hair stood out sharply against the muted tones of the room, making him seem almost otherworldly.

She straightened her komon, gathering her thoughts before approaching. Sliding into the chair beside him, Aiko glanced at the title of the book he was reading.

"So... you're into trees?" she asked casually, trying to sound natural as a plan quickly formed in her mind.

Sasori's sharp eyes flicked up from the pages, narrowing slightly as he assessed her. His voice was calm, but laced with suspicion. "What do you want?"

"I... own a shop," Aiko said, improvising quickly. "We sell wood, seeds, that kind of thing."

Sasori raised an eyebrow. "Really? And what brings a merchant to a library? Doesn't seem like the best place to find customers."

Caught off guard for a moment, Aiko faltered but quickly recovered. "I'm desperate," she replied, her voice wavering just enough to sound convincing.

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Sasori's lips. "Desperate, huh? Alright... I'll bite. Where's this shop of yours?"

Relieved, Aiko beamed at him, standing as she motioned for him to follow. "It's nearby, but a little hidden. Not many people find it."

Sasori stood, his movements smooth and deliberate as he followed her outside. "A hidden shop in an alley? Strange place for a business," he commented, his voice skeptical but still amused as they walked through the narrow streets.

Aiko led him down a twisting path, her heart pounding in her chest. Just a little further, she told herself. But before she could fully commit to her plan, Sasori's voice broke the silence.

"You know," he said, his tone dropping slightly, "you and your father aren't as subtle as you think."

Aiko froze for a split second, then swiftly pulled out the kitchen knife she had hidden in her kimono. With a desperate cry, she lunged at Sasori, aiming for his chest. But Sasori moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior. He dodged the attack easily, grabbing her wrist in one fluid motion. There was a sickening crack as he snapped it effortlessly, pulling her in close.

Aiko gasped, her face twisted in pain, but before she could scream, Sasori acted swiftly. With cold precision, he reached into his pocket, pulling out two small smoke bombs and forcing them into her mouth. She gagged, her body convulsing violently as the smoke began to fill her throat and lungs.

Sasori released her, stepping back as Aiko stumbled, clutching at her neck, desperate for air. Her eyes rolled back, and her legs gave out beneath her, her body crumpling to the ground in a limp heap.

But Sasori's sharp senses caught movement from behind. Something lunged at him, fast and silent. Without hesitation, he stepped aside, narrowly avoiding the attack, his instincts guiding him effortlessly. His hand moved with practiced ease as he pulled out a scroll from his cloak. In a single fluid motion, he unraveled it and swiftly wrapped it around Aiko's body.

The scroll glowed faintly, releasing a puff of smoke as Aiko's body vanished, sealed securely within its folds. Behind him, the lurking figure froze, clearly taken aback by how swiftly Sasori had neutralized the situation.

Sasori, without missing a beat, turned slightly, his sharp gaze piercing through the shadows. His expression remained calm, almost indifferent. "You thought you could catch me off guard?" he murmured, his voice carrying a quiet menace. "You're not the first, and you certainly won't be the last."

The shadow hesitated, then retreated further into the darkness, uncertainty replacing its initial aggression. Sasori straightened, his attention momentarily shifting back to the library before returning to the now-empty alleyway. He smirked, sensing the fear emanating from the hidden figure.

"Run along," Sasori whispered, more to himself than to the unseen enemy. "I have other matters to attend to."

"No..." The voice growled from the darkness, low and guttural, as the figure stepped into the dim light, revealing its grotesque form.

The creature's head was split down the middle, a grotesque gash lined with rows of sharp, jagged teeth. Several long, slimy tongues writhed out of its maw, each one twitching as if eager to strike. Its body was a nightmarish patchwork of misshapen limbs and twisted flesh.

Sasori's eyes flicked over the creature, his expression unchanged, though his tone carried a trace of reluctant admiration. "I have to say..." he spoke, his voice cold yet almost impressed. "You are the most disgusting mistake I've let live for this long."

The creature hissed, its tongues snapping in Sasori's direction like venomous whips, but Sasori remained unfazed. He loosened the grip on the scroll, eyes narrowing with lethal intent as he prepared for whatever the abomination would try next.

"Let's see if I can correct that," Sasori muttered, stepping forward, his fingers brushing the tools hidden within his cloak, ready to end the creature before him.

The grotesque figure put its hand forward in a grotesque mockery of a gesture of peace, its slimy tongues twitching in the air. "Give me my daughter... and we can go our separate ways," it rasped, the voice grating like nails on stone, sending a ripple of discomfort through the air.

Sasori's eyes narrowed, amusement creeping into his expression as a small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Oh, you mean her?" he asked, lifting the scroll lazily. "Wouldn't your lord be disappointed in you?" His tone was mocking, each word deliberate, meant to provoke.

Nanami stiffened, his distorted form flickering with rage and something else—hesitation. He shook his head, the weight of his reality settling in. 'Of course, he noticed us,' Nanami thought bitterly, clenching his fingers. But...

"It's just a sacrifice... a father has to make for his daughter," Nanami spoke, his voice low and guttural. His words took Sasori by surprise, not for their content, but for the sheer audacity of disregarding his master's orders so openly. Nanami's twisted reasoning hung in the air, heavy with misplaced loyalty and desperation.

Sasori paused for a moment, his expression unreadable. "A sacrifice?" he echoed softly. "You'd defy The demon king... for this?" Sasori's voice dripped with incredulity, but beneath that, there was a cold calculation. "You really think betraying him will save either of you?"

Nanami's eyes flashed. "She's my daughter... my blood may be cursed, but I won't let him take her from me," he snarled, his monstrous form tensing for battle.

Sasori tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "So that's what you're willing to risk it all for?" His fingers danced along the edge of the scroll. "Interesting." The grin returned, sharper this time, as he prepared for what was about to unfold.

"Let's see how far a father's sacrifice can go." Sasori's smirk deepened as the tension hung in the air, thick and almost suffocating. He could see the desperation in Nanami's grotesque form, the frantic twitch of his many tongues, and the fire in his eyes that came from fear rather than rage.

"You're willing to throw everything away for her," Sasori said softly, his voice almost curious, as if considering Nanami's reasoning. "A father's sacrifice." He paused, eyeing the twisted creature before him. "What if I made you an offer?"

Nanami's monstrous form quivered with barely contained rage, his multiple eyes glinting with a mixture of suspicion and desperation. "You think I'll just trust you with my daughter's life?" he spat, his voice low and guttural, reverberating through the dim alley.

Sasori met his gaze, his expression unyielding. "Trust isn't necessary. What matters is that you keep your end of the bargain. Aiko will be safe as long as you comply." He waved the scroll slightly, emphasizing its significance. "You'll get her back. Just let me and the two Hashira leave without interference."

Nanami's massive body tensed further, claws flexing as he struggled between his instincts to protect Aiko and the realization that this might be his only chance to save her. The thought of surrendering control made his skin crawl, but the alternative was far more terrifying. "And what's to stop you from harming her after you leave?" he demanded, his voice dripping with suspicion.

Sasori's smirk faded slightly, replaced by an icy seriousness. "After ten minutes, she'll emerge from this scroll, unharmed. I have no interest in causing her pain. I just want to leave this village." He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, his tone more intense. "You and I both know the dangers of crossing paths with me. I suggest you think carefully about your next move."

Nanami hesitated, the weight of his monstrous form pressing down on him. The idea of losing Aiko to Sasori was unbearable, but so was the thought of fighting a battle he could not win. He could feel the conflicting emotions boiling within him, each pulse of his heart echoing his desperation.

"Fine," he growled at last, the surrender tasting bitter on his tongue. "You have a deal. But if you so much as lay a finger on her—"

"Then I'll be the one to face your wrath," Sasori interjected smoothly, his confidence unwavering. "But I assure you, harming her is not my intention. I just need to get out of here."

Nanami's eyes narrowed further, and he could sense the risk, yet he was willing to take it if it meant keeping Aiko safe. "Ten minutes," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "If she's not back in that time, I will come for you."

Sasori nodded, the corners of his mouth turning up in a slight smirk. "I look forward to our next encounter." With a flick of his wrist, he tucked the scroll away, sealing their fate.

"Now, let's make this quick," Sasori said, leaping effortlessly onto the rooftop, his form disappearing into the night as he sprinted toward where Iguro and Mitsuri were waiting.

He reached the inn in mere seconds, landing deftly on the roof. Using his chakra, he walked down the wall to a window that led to the room where Mitsuri and Iguro were staying.

Sasori opened the window and noticed that Mitsuri was the only one still awake, munching on a late-night snack while Iguro was sound asleep. He slipped into the room, moving quietly.

"Sasori?" Mitsuri questioned, her voice muffled by the food in her mouth as he approached Iguro. Without a second thought, he wrapped the sheets around him and hoisted him over his shoulder.

"Wh-What the hell are you doing?" Iguro grumbled, disturbed from his slumber by Sasori's sudden actions.

"It's the middle of the night!" he continued, his irritation evident.

Mitsuri, sensing the urgency, jumped onto Sasori's back, wrapping her arms and legs around him. "Are we going somewhere?" she asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Yeah. We're leaving," Sasori replied, his tone flat.

"Why? It's the middle of the night!" Mitsuri exclaimed, her curiosity piqued.

"Because the cops are after me," Sasori lied smoothly, though the glint in his eyes betrayed a deeper truth.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Iguro shouted, still trying to make sense of the situation as Sasori suddenly jumped out of the window.

Iguro struggled against the bedsheets, panic rising as they plummeted toward the ground. But before they reached the ground, Sasori deftly used his chakra strings to swing them around the building, their descent transformed into a graceful arc through the night air.

Mitsuri squealed in delight, her laughter ringing out as they swung from the building. "This is amazing!" she cheered, while Iguro shouted, "HOW THE HELL ARE YOU DOING THIS?!"

As they swung through the night, a few villagers caught sight of the oddly shaped figure gliding through the air.

"It's a spider!" one man exclaimed, pointing up in disbelief.

"No, it's a man!" another shouted, squinting in the moonlight.

As the light illuminated Sasori's face, the villagers froze, recognition dawning upon them.

And from that day forth, a myth was born—a legend of a figure who defied gravity, a creature of the night that danced among the rooftops, forever changing the tales told around the village fires.

As Sasori and the others landed on the carriage, the driver and the horses, who had been sleeping, stirred awake.

"Start moving," Sasori ordered, dropping the two Hashira onto the carriage floor.

"Hold on there, mister! You can't just jump onto a man's carriage and order him around!" the driver protested, but his sentence was abruptly cut off as Iguro threw a stack of money near him, silencing any further complaints.

"Okay, fine! Where do you want me to take you?" the man relented, his demeanor shifting in an instant.

"Just out of this village—full speed," Sasori instructed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

The driver shrugged and reluctantly complied as the carriage jolted into motion, rumbling down the path away from the village.

While Mitsuri leaned forward to provide the driver with more detailed directions, Sasori turned around, scanning their surroundings. That's when he spotted Nanami standing near a cluster of trees, almost hidden in the shadows.

-Back with Nanami-

Nanami's monstrous shape began to dissolve, his body shifting back into its normal, unassuming form as he caught the scroll Sasori had tossed. He felt its weight in his hands, the reality of his choices settling in. As he stood there, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand, suppressing the turmoil of emotions swirling within him.

With each second that passed, anxiety surged within him. Aiko. He had to keep her safe. The vision of her innocent face lingered in his mind, fueling his determination. He glanced up at the rooftop, where Sasori's figure had vanished into the shadows.

His breath steadied as he resolved to play the waiting game, his senses heightened. He would keep a watchful eye on the streets, ready to act if anything went awry. The plan might have been a gamble, but Nanami knew he had to trust his instincts.

He sprinted toward the village gates, spotting Sasori and the two Hashira he was dragging, seemingly pulled right out of their beds. One of them, with dual-colored eyes, was clutching a pillow and a bedsheet as Sasori stuffed them into the carriage.

With urgency fueling his actions, Nanami opened the scroll and placed it on the ground. Time was up. A puff of smoke erupted, and moments later, Aiko's body appeared before him, her eyes closed and her chest eerily still. Panic surged through Nanami as he knelt beside her, placing his ear over her heart, desperately listening for a beat despite the heavy scent of impending dread that filled the air.

As he lifted his head, the grim reality sank in—there was no heartbeat. His heart sank as he stood up, his face twisting into a mask of anguish. The fear of losing his daughter consumed him, and he felt as if his very essence was melting away. Nanami's mind raced, struggling to find a solution, a way to revive her. The memory of her laughter haunted him, intertwining with the heavy silence of the moment.

"No... this can't be happening!" he whispered, his voice shaking with desperation. His instincts kicked in, and he began to search for any signs of life, any glimmer of hope that could pull her back from the brink. He would do anything—anything—to save her.

Suddenly, the sound of a door creaking open broke the silence. Nanami turned, spotting Muzan with his back turned, lifting a finger and gesturing for him to enter.

With trembling hands, Nanami lifted Aiko's lifeless body as he stepped through the doorway, a heaviness settling in his chest.

"My lord..." Nanami began, but his voice was abruptly silenced as Muzan turned to face him.

Disappointment etched across Muzan's features, he spoke with a cold, measured tone. "You know... I know you won't be able to capture Sasori."

"Then... why? Why did you make me do it?" Nanami asked, clutching his daughter tightly against him, desperation lacing his words.

"Nanami, you are one of the more useful demons I have recently acquired. And the smartest," Muzan replied, his disappointment deepening with each word.

"I figured if my third strongest demon couldn't defeat Sasori in combat, perhaps my smartest demon could at least outsmart him. But..." Muzan's gaze dropped to Aiko, and his voice hardened. "It seems he is more of a hassle than I thought."

Nanami's heart sank at the revelation. "So, I was just a test?" he asked, meeting Muzan's piercing gaze for the first time.

Muzan nodded, the air growing heavy with unspoken truths.

"Nanami, for how smart you are... you're a coward," a voice interrupted, emanating from a tall man of muscular build. His pale complexion contrasted sharply with his long, spiky black hair tipped in red, kept in a ponytail. Three sets of eyes adorned his face, with yellow irises and red sclera, the middle set inscribed with the kanji for 'Upper Rank One.' Kokushibo stepped forward, disdain etched on his features.

Beside him stood Doma, wearing his usual unsettling grin, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

"So scared that you would leave your children without a father. Your paranoia has brought your own daughter's demise," Kokushibo stated, his words slicing through the air like a blade.

Nanami's hands tightened around Aiko's body, fury igniting within him. "You don't understand! I was trying to protect her!" he shouted, the anguish of his failure clawing at his insides.

"Protect her?" Kokushibo echoed, his tone dripping with contempt. "Your cowardice only put her in greater danger. You've let your fear dictate your actions, and look where that has led you."

Doma chuckled lightly, savoring the chaos, "A sad tale, really. But perhaps this is a lesson on the price of weakness."

Nanami's heart raced, caught between rage and despair. "I won't let this be the end," he vowed, determination fueling his resolve.

"I'm... I'm going to kill him," Nanami declared, his voice resolute. Doma's grin widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Kill Sasori? If Akara couldn't kill him, what makes you think you could?" Doma asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone.

Before Nanami could respond, Kokushibo stepped forward, his blade glinting ominously. With a swift motion, he cut the top of Doma's face, blood splattering against the ground.

"Ah! I believe I said something wrong!" Doma exclaimed, a hint of trepidation creeping into his voice as he glanced at Kokushibo, who stood tall and cold, his sword still dripping with crimson.

Kokushibo turned his gaze to Nanami, his expression unreadable. "You are consumed by cowardice," he stated bluntly, his voice a chilling whisper that cut through the tension. "Your desire for revenge is commendable, but it will lead you nowhere if you remain weak."

Nanami clenched his fists, the truth of Kokushibo's words stinging. "I'm not weak! I can—"

"You can do nothing," Kokushibo interrupted, his tone icy. "You think your emotions will guide you to victory? You think your fear will protect your children? Look where that has gotten you." He gestured to Aiko's lifeless body cradled in Nanami's arms, the stark reminder of his failure hanging heavy in the air.

"Strength is not found in empty threats or misguided determination," Kokushibo continued, stepping closer, his gaze piercing. "It lies in embracing your true nature. To protect your children, you must become stronger—beyond what you are now. You must shed this cowardice and seize power for yourself."

Nanami's breath hitched, grappling with the weight of Kokushibo's words. "But at what cost? I can't lose anyone else..."

"Loss is inevitable," Kokushibo replied, his voice devoid of empathy. "You are already losing everything by clinging to your fear. You will only continue to suffer if you do not become a force to be reckoned with."

Doma's laughter rang out, dark and mocking. "It seems your only hope lies in embracing the very darkness you fear. The irony is delicious."

Nanami glared at Doma, then turned back to Kokushibo, his resolve wavering but the flicker of defiance still burning within him. "What do you suggest I do?" he asked, desperation mingling with anger.

"Stop being a coward," Kokushibo replied, his voice low and deadly. "Unleash your true power. Make Sasori fear you. Protect your children by becoming a demon he cannot ignore." He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle. "Or lose them all."

With that, Kokushibo stepped back, leaving Nanami to grapple with the harsh reality laid before him. The choice was his: to remain in the shadows of fear or to embrace the darkness within, harnessing it to become the protector he desperately wanted to be.