Saitama blinked.
"Oh, alright. He's been pretty busy lately, though."
Genos nodded seriously.
"Sol Mirek Senpai is likely focused on important training or preparations."
Sitch watched the heroes leave and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Handling S-Class Heroes with personalities like theirs was more exhausting than dealing with Monster attacks.
He turned toward his assistant immediately.
"Get the planning department moving now. I want the first draft of the agreement ready within twenty-four hours. Also, increase surveillance around Muzan and his group's temporary residence. Record every movement."
"Yes, Director Sitch."
Muzan and the demons were assigned to a separate residential section inside the Hero Association headquarters.
The place was spacious and luxurious, but surveillance cameras covered nearly every corner.
Kokushibou's six eyes shifted slightly as he lowered his voice.
"Lord Muzan, the entire area is under surveillance."
Muzan sat gracefully on the sofa, lifting the black tea prepared by the staff before taking a quiet sip.
"It doesn't matter," he replied calmly. "Proceed according to the plan. Mr. Sol needs us inside the association to monitor their movements, especially the intentions of those corrupt executives. Their surveillance only proves they still don't trust us, which is expected."
Akaza stood beside the window, staring down at the crowded streets below.
"There are a lot of humans here."
There was no bloodlust in his voice, only observation.
"Keep your aura restrained," Muzan said lightly. "We are allies now."
"Understood."
Akaza suppressed the oppressive presence surrounding him.
Daki wandered around the room with curiosity while Gyutaro remained nearby in silence.
Gyokko fiddled with his damaged pot while Hantengu hid nervously in the corner, trembling to himself.
Time passed slowly through the night.
Inside the Hero Association's planning department, the lights remained on as staff members worked nonstop to complete the cooperation agreement.
By morning, a thick draft filled with restrictions, monitoring conditions, reporting obligations, and operational limitations had finally been completed.
Sitch, now carrying heavy dark circles beneath his eyes, personally brought the document to Muzan.
Muzan calmly reviewed each page without changing expression.
Finally, he looked up.
"We can accept most of these conditions. It demonstrates our sincerity." He paused briefly before tapping one section with his finger. "However, the reporting requirements for field operations are too restrictive. Delays like this would severely affect our ability to respond efficiently during disasters. We would prefer adjustments in this area."
His tone remained polite and composed, neither submissive nor arrogant.
After further negotiations between both sides, they eventually reached terms everyone could temporarily accept.
Sitch extended his hand.
"Then from today onward, Muzan and your group will officially serve as special collaborators of the Hero Association. I hope our cooperation proceeds smoothly."
Muzan shook his hand elegantly.
"Of course. For the sake of maintaining order."
The news spread throughout the Hero Association quickly and caused significant discussion.
Most lower-ranked heroes and staff welcomed the decision after witnessing the demons' abilities firsthand.
Others, especially some A-Class and B-Class Heroes, remained cautious and continued observing from a distance.
Soon afterward, Muzan and his demons officially began participating in Hero Association operations.
Each mission assigned to them included an Association liaison, and detailed reports were required afterward.
Akaza and Kokushibou displayed overwhelming combat ability and exceptional efficiency. Most disasters were resolved quickly with minimal collateral damage.
Daki and Gyutaro proved surprisingly effective during rescue and evacuation operations. Their speed and precision quietly impressed the Association personnel assigned to monitor them.
Meanwhile, Muzan interacted frequently with Sitch and other executives, occasionally attending meetings with S-Class Heroes as well.
His elegant behavior, intelligence, and sharp understanding of the current situation gradually changed the opinions of several people who initially distrusted him.
Days later, after Muzan and the demons successfully stopped another major disaster, the Hero Association executives decided they had seen enough.
A celebration banquet was organized in their honor.
The banquet hall on the top floor of Hero Association headquarters glittered beneath massive crystal chandeliers.
Long tables overflowed with expensive dishes while waiters moved through the crowd carrying drinks and desserts.
Sitch, slightly flushed from alcohol, raised his glass toward Muzan.
"Everyone has seen your contributions during this period. The association is fortunate to have all of you working with us."
Muzan raised his own glass elegantly in response.
Under the lights, his crimson eyes looked deep and unreadable.
Behind him, Kokushibou stood silently while his six eyes subtly monitored the entire hall. Akaza stood upright nearby, sharp eyes scanning the room like a predator observing its surroundings.
A somewhat drunk executive laughed loudly as he wrapped an arm around Sitch's shoulder.
"Honestly, even after Sol Mirek left, the association's been running perfectly fine, hasn't it? And now with reliable people like Muzan here, what exactly are we worried about?"
Metal Bat paused while chewing on a chicken leg and exchanged a glance with Tanktop Master nearby.
Not far away, Tatsumaki floated beside the dessert table, pretending to focus on choosing cake while quietly listening to the conversation.
Muzan smiled faintly.
"You give us too much credit. Maintaining order is simply part of our responsibility."
He took a sip from the crimson liquid in his glass, a specially prepared nutrient drink disguised as red wine.
No one present realized that the recent disasters Muzan and the demons had resolved so perfectly had all been arranged beforehand by Sol.
Through telepathic communication, Sol fed Muzan precise information about every incident, ensuring the demons always arrived at exactly the right moment.
Each successful mission increased public approval while steadily strengthening the Hero Association's trust in them.
Sitch leaned slightly closer toward Muzan, lowering his voice.
"Speaking of which, the association has recently been dealing with several older internal matters. Some historical records require... special handling."
A subtle understanding flashed through Muzan's eyes.
He immediately understood what the executives wanted.
The association intended to use them for work that could not be handled openly.
Muzan nodded calmly.
"It would be our honor to assist the association with its burdens."
He gestured slightly toward Kokushibou.
"For the details, please arrange direct communication with Kokushibou. We will ensure the entire process remains properly compliant."
He deliberately emphasized the final word.
Sitch smiled knowingly.
"Of course."