Sitch's fingers tapped rapidly against the table as he carefully observed Muzan.
"You mean you're willing to fill the gap left behind by Sol Mirek's departure?" he asked cautiously, deliberately avoiding harsher wording.
"You could put it that way." Muzan nodded gracefully, his crimson eyes unreadable. "We possess enough power to help maintain stability, and we are willing to operate under the Hero Association's supervision. After all, preserving order benefits us as well."
Child Emperor adjusted his glasses, his youthful face carrying unusual seriousness.
"Supervision to what extent? Regular reports? Restrictions on movement? Energy monitoring?"
Kokushibou's six eyes shifted slightly as his deep voice echoed through the room.
"Reasonable supervision is acceptable, but we are not prisoners."
Akaza stood behind Muzan with his arms folded across his chest.
"As long as it doesn't interfere with our missions, we have no issue with it."
Tatsumaki floated silently in the corner of the conference room, her green eyes fixed sharply on Muzan and the demons.
She already knew about Sol's plan, so naturally, she intended to cooperate. Still, she disguised it behind her usual irritation.
"Easy for you to say," she scoffed. "Who knows what kind of nonsense you're planning behind everyone's backs?"
Sitch secretly relaxed after hearing Tatsumaki push back against them.
Good.
Everything still feels under control.
Muzan turned toward Tatsumaki and gave a polite bow.
"Miss Tatsumaki's concerns are understandable. Time will prove our sincerity."
His attitude remained flawless.
Bang stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"If you came here willingly, then you've clearly prepared for this. The association does need stronger forces right now, but the details of this cooperation still require careful discussion."
Seeing that most of the S-Class Heroes did not openly object, Sitch finally felt some pressure leave his shoulders.
"How about this," he proposed. "Muzan, your group will stay in the accommodations assigned by headquarters for now. We'll draft a cooperation proposal as quickly as possible, covering authority, responsibilities, and supervision protocols."
Muzan rose elegantly from his seat.
"Of course. We look forward to the association's proposal."
He turned toward the demons.
"Let's go."
Once Muzan and his group left, the conference room immediately filled with discussion again.
"I think they're alright!" Metal Bat spoke first. "Back during the disaster in City W, that guy Akaza saved a whole building full of civilians."
Tanktop Master nodded firmly.
"I agree. The current situation demands that we unite every force available to us."
Atomic Samurai remained unconvinced.
"They're not human. That power of theirs is strange, and I don't trust it."
"And wanted criminals are trustworthy?" Tatsumaki shot back casually, her eyes drifting toward Garou and Speed-o'-Sound Sonic, both of whom had remained silent until now.
The atmosphere instantly froze.
Garou slowly raised his head, silver hair shadowing his sharp eyes as a dangerous grin spread across his face.
"Shorty, you looking for a fight?"
Sonic remained leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, but his gaze sharpened like a drawn blade. His posture subtly shifted, ready to move at any moment.
Cold sweat formed on Sitch's forehead.
Looking at the increasingly difficult personalities gathered inside the room, his desire to cooperate with Muzan's group only grew stronger.
At the very least, those demons were disciplined.
"Everyone, please calm down!" Sitch quickly interrupted, raising both hands. "We are discussing cooperation with Muzan and his group. Don't change the subject!"
His voice echoed through the conference room, carrying clear exhaustion beneath the authority.
His eyes swept across the heroes before lingering briefly on Garou and Sonic, worried the two would start another conflict.
"We still need a more cautious evaluation regarding this partnership," Sitch continued. "Their voluntary surrender was unexpected, but as Child Emperor stated earlier, proper restrictions and supervision are absolutely necessary."
Tanktop Master nodded again.
"Their contributions during recent disasters speak for themselves. With Sol Mirek gone, the association is under pressure. Another powerful force could help stabilize things."
The mention of Sol caused the room to grow slightly quieter.
Genos stepped forward, his golden mechanical eyes scanning the room.
"Senior Sol had his reasons for leaving," he said firmly. "As for Muzan and his group, their actions so far have shown no hostility. Under strict supervision, giving them a chance is reasonable."
Saitama nodded beside him.
"Yeah, they don't seem like bad guys."
He scratched his bald head before letting out a bored yawn, clearly exhausted by the endless meeting.
Tatsumaki floated silently nearby, her green curls drifting lightly in the air.
While the others argued, her thoughts remained on that idiot, Sol.
Muzan and the demons were pieces Sol had deliberately placed inside the Hero Association, both to gather information and to support him when necessary.
The fact that only a handful of people knew the truth irritated her more than she wanted to admit.
Still, she played along.
"What's with all this pointless arguing?" Tatsumaki snapped impatiently. "If you're cooperating, then hurry up and make the rules. If not, kick them out already. This meeting is dragging."
Her words sounded hostile, but in reality, she was helping push the discussion forward. It matched her usual personality perfectly, making her involvement seem natural.
And as expected, Sitch relaxed again.
Tatsumaki acting difficult felt normal to him.
"I'll have the General Staff prepare a detailed cooperation agreement immediately," Sitch announced. "Until then, Muzan and his subordinates will remain in a restricted section of headquarters. Their activities will be monitored, and I expect all heroes to stay alert."
His final sentence was directed especially toward Atomic Samurai and Flashy Flash.
Atomic Samurai merely folded his arms in silence while Flashy Flash gave a faint nod.
"Then it's settled," Bang said as he slowly stood up. "I'm getting old. Sitting around this long makes my back ache."
As he walked past Sitch, his aged eyes briefly glanced toward him with subtle meaning hidden underneath.
Sitch immediately nodded respectfully.
"Thank you for your hard work, Bang."
The meeting finally adjourned.
Heroes began leaving the conference room one after another, each carrying different thoughts.
Garou scoffed as he shoved his hands into his pockets and casually walked out first, showing absolutely no respect toward the association. Sonic disappeared in an instant, his figure blurring out of sight.
Tatsumaki snorted before a flash of green light carried her away as well.
Meanwhile, Metal Bat rested his bat across his shoulder and walked over to Genos and Saitama.
"Hey, Saitama," he said with a grin, "next time, bring Sol along when we play games. That guy's been acting way too mysterious lately."
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