The morning sun streamed through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the room. Allen sat on the sofa in his apartment, a freshly delivered newspaper in his hand.
The front page of the newspaper prominently displayed the headline, "Former S-Class Hero Allen Publicly Murders Association Executive," accompanied by a picture of him gripping Zenil's neck.
"It's a pretty cool shot," Allen remarked, seemingly unfazed.
The clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen, where Tatsumaki was making breakfast. Ever since their conversation last night, she had been sulking, but this morning, she uncharacteristically prepared food for two.
"Time to eat," Tatsumaki floated to the dining table, her voice stiff.
Allen walked to the dining table and sat down. Before him lay a slightly overcooked egg and toast. He looked up at Tatsumaki and noticed distinct dark circles under her eyes.
"Didn't sleep well last night?" Allen asked softly.
Tatsumaki turned her face away, her green curly hair trembling slightly: "None of your business."
They ate breakfast in silence, the atmosphere heavy. Allen could feel Tatsumaki occasionally glancing at him, looking as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.
"That..." Tatsumaki suddenly began, her voice much softer than usual.
"Are you really sure?"
Allen put down his fork and looked at her seriously: "Yes."
A complex emotion flickered in Tatsumaki's green eyes. She opened her mouth, but in the end, only managed to say: "Idiot."
The communicator suddenly rang, breaking the silence. Tatsumaki frowned as she looked at it; it was an urgent contact from the Association.
"Tsk, another meeting," she grumbled, floating up irritably.
"It's about the aftermath of yesterday's incident."
Allen nodded: "Go. Just remember not to speak up for me."
"Who would speak up for you!" Tatsumaki retorted, her hair bristling, but then she paused at the door.
"You... don't go wandering off."
Once Tatsumaki left, Allen immediately got up and drew all the curtains. He closed his eyes, contacting Muzan through their mental link.
"How are things?"
Muzan's respectful voice echoed in his mind: "Lord Ancestor, public acceptance of us is very high. This morning, thirty-seven people voluntarily sent letters of thanks, calling us kind demons."
"The Hero Association has also invited us to join and attend today's meeting."
"Keep up the good work. What about the Association?" Allen's lips curved into a slight smile.
"Sitch is holding an emergency meeting to discuss how to deal with you. Lady Tatsumaki has not yet arrived, and Old Man Bang is also there."
Allen cut the connection and walked to the window, lifting a corner of the curtain. Several media outlets had already gathered downstairs, their cameras and microphones pointed at the apartment entrance. He sneered; the Hero Association's propaganda machine was indeed running at full throttle.
Suddenly, a red figure flashed across the top of the building opposite. Allen narrowed his eyes; it was Phoenix Man, one of the Monster Association's executives.
"They arrived quickly," Allen murmured to himself.
He hadn't expected the Monster Association to be so efficient; they came to recruit him as soon as he got into trouble.
Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Through the peephole, Allen saw a Monster dressed in elaborate feathered attire standing outside—it was Phoenix Man.
Allen opened the door, and Phoenix Man's exaggerated mascot costume came into view. The other party bowed slightly, his feather decorations gleaming with an eerie light in the morning sun.
"Mr. Allen, I've long heard of your reputation. Our leader is very interested in you."
Allen stepped aside to let him in: "Dai Kyōgan sent you?"
A flicker of surprise passed through Phoenix Man's eyes under his mascot costume: "You are indeed well-informed."
He looked around, his gaze lingering for a moment on the two sets of tableware on the dining table: "It seems Miss Tatsumaki cares a great deal about you."
Phoenix Man suddenly felt a chill on his neck. Allen had, at some point, moved behind him, his finger lightly resting on his neck.
"Get to the point."
"We... we, the Monster Association, sincerely invite you to join us." Phoenix Man took a letter from his feathered decorations.
"Given your strength and current situation, we are the best choice."
Allen took the letter, his fingertips gently caressing its edge: "Conditions?"
"You will become one of the executives and have independent authority to act," Phoenix Man said in a low voice.
"Most importantly, we can help you deal with those... troublesome people in the Hero Association."
Allen's lips curved slightly: "Sounds good, but I have a condition..."
Phoenix Man's eyes under his mascot costume lit up: "So you agree? If you agree, any condition is negotiable."
Allen put the letter into his pocket: "I need to think about it."
"Of course," Phoenix Man bowed slightly.
"However, time is of the essence. The Hero Association has already started a full-scale manhunt for you."
"I'll give you my answer by this time tomorrow," Allen walked to the window, signaling the end of their conversation.
Phoenix Man wisely retreated to the door: "I look forward to your good news, Mr. Allen."
"Lord Ancestor," Muzan's voice suddenly echoed in his mind: "The Hero Association is holding an emergency meeting to discuss how to deal with you."
Allen's movements paused: "Has Tatsumaki gone?"
"She just arrived at the venue and seems to be in a bad mood," Muzan's voice carried a hint of hesitation: "Old Man Bang is trying to smooth things over for her."
Allen chuckled softly: "It's good for her to let off some steam."
Meanwhile, at the Hero Association, Sitch roared: "We are now discussing the fact that Allen murdered an Association executive! According to the regulations, I propose immediately revoking his S-Class Hero qualification and issuing an SS-Class arrest warrant!"
"I second that."
"Seconded."
"Opposed!"
The vote quickly concluded, and the proposal to revoke Allen's qualification and issue an arrest warrant passed by a narrow margin.
"So, next, we discuss who will be responsible for the pursuit..."
"I'll go," Tatsumaki suddenly spoke, her voice as cold as ice.
Everyone was stunned, even Sitch looked at her in surprise.
"Miss Tatsumaki, are you sure?" Sitch asked tentatively.
"I said I'll go!" Tatsumaki's green curly hair flared out, and her Psychokinesis overturned all the surrounding chairs.
"Any objections?"
Sitch wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "No... none. Then we'll leave it to Miss Tatsumaki."
After the meeting, Bang stopped Tatsumaki, who was about to leave.
"Girl, are you really going to..."
"Old man, don't meddle," Tatsumaki turned her face away, a complex emotion flashing in her green eyes.
"I know what I'm doing."
Bang sighed and gently patted her shoulder: "That child... I'll leave him to you."
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