Saitama blinked, "Oh, okay, but he seems pretty busy lately."
Genos nodded seriously, "Allen must be undergoing crucial training or planning."
Sitch watched them leave, wiping cold sweat from his forehead.
Dealing with these S-Class Heroes, each with such strong personalities, was more exhausting than responding to Monster attacks.
He turned to his assistant and ordered, "Get the planning department moving immediately. I want to see the first draft of that agreement within twenty-four hours. Also, increase surveillance on Muzan and his demons' temporary residence; every move must be recorded."
"Yes, Director Sitch."
Muzan and his demons were temporarily housed in an independent resting area within the Hero Association Headquarters building.
The room was spacious and well-equipped, but surveillance covered the entire area.
Kokushibou's six eyes rotated slightly, and he whispered, "Lord Progenitor, we are completely monitored."
Mr. Muzan sat gracefully on the sofa, picked up the black tea brought by the staff, and took a small sip. There was no ripple in his crimson eyes, "It's fine. Just proceed as planned. Mr. Allen needs us to understand the Association's movements from within, especially the intentions of those corrupt high-ranking officials. This surveillance merely proves they don't fully trust us, which is normal."
Akaza stood by the window, watching the bustling crowd on the street below, "There are so many humans here." His tone held no greed, only a calm observation.
"Suppress your aura," Mr. Muzan reminded him faintly, "We are collaborators now."
"Yes." Akaza reined in the invisible oppressive aura around him.
Daki curiously examined the room's decorations, while Gyuutarou watched from the side.
Gyokko was playing with his broken pot, and Hantengu cowered in a corner, trembling.
Time passed bit by bit. The Association's planning department worked through the night, lights blazing, to produce a thick draft cooperation agreement, which listed dozens of restrictive clauses, reporting obligations, and energy monitoring requirements.
The next morning, Sitch, with dark circles under his eyes, took the draft and met with Mr. Muzan again.
Mr. Muzan carefully read through the clauses, his expression calm. Finally, he looked up, "We can accept most of the clauses; this demonstrates our sincerity. However..."
He pointed to the condition regarding action reporting, "This condition is too strict and will severely impact our speed and efficiency in responding to disasters. We hope for some adjustments on these points."
His attitude was neither arrogant nor humble, and his suggestions were reasonable. Sitch and several other high-ranking Association officials exchanged glances. After some negotiation, they finally reached an agreement that both sides could temporarily accept.
"Then, from today onwards, Mr. Muzan, you and your demons are special collaborators of the Hero Association." Sitch extended his hand, "I hope for a smooth cooperation."
Mr. Muzan elegantly shook his hand, "Of course, for the order of the world."
News of the agreement quickly spread within the Association, causing quite a stir.
Most low-ranking Heroes and staff welcomed it, as the strength of Muzan and his demons was evident.
However, some, like certain A-Class and B-Class Heroes, reserved judgment, observing in secret.
Muzan and his demons officially began to intervene in some of the Hero Association's affairs as special collaborators.
They were assigned to assist in handling some disaster incidents, but each mission was accompanied by an Association-appointed liaison, and detailed mission reports were required.
Akaza and Kokushibou displayed astonishing combat power and efficiency. They often resolved disaster scenes quickly with minimal impact.
Daki and Gyuutarou were more adept at rescue and evacuation work; their speed and precision left the Association's liaisons secretly amazed.
Mr. Muzan himself interacted more with Sitch and other high-ranking officials, occasionally meeting with other S-Class Heroes.
His demeanor was proper, his conversation exceptional, and his analysis of the current situation was often incisive, gradually changing the minds of some who had initially been skeptical... Days passed, and after Muzan and his demons prevented a major disaster, the Association's high-ranking officials felt they had observed enough and threw a celebration banquet for them.
The celebration banquet was held in the banquet hall on the top floor of the Hero Association Headquarters, with crystal chandeliers illuminating the interior as if it were daytime.
Long tables were laden with exquisite dishes, and waiters moved through the crowd with drinks.
Sitch, his face flushed, raised his glass to Mr. Muzan, "Everyone's performance during this period has been evident to all. It is truly fortunate for the Association to have you all join us!"
Mr. Muzan elegantly raised his glass in response, his crimson eyes appearing deep and inscrutable under the lights.
Behind him, Kokushibou stood silently, his six eyes subtly scanning the entire hall, while Akaza stood ramrod straight, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's.
"If you ask me," a slightly tipsy high-ranking official slung an arm around Sitch's shoulder and laughed loudly, "Without that kid Allen, wasn't the Association still running just fine? Look now! With reliable partners like Mr. Muzan, what do we have to worry about? The Association is still running perfectly!"
Metal Bat, who was gnawing on a chicken leg, paused and exchanged a glance with Tanktop Master in the corner.
Tatsumaki floated near the dessert section, pretending to focus on choosing a cake, but the ears under her green curly hair twitched slightly.
Mr. Muzan smiled faintly, his tone humble yet with a hint of subtle depth, "You flatter me. Maintaining order is simply our duty." He took a sip of the liquid in his glass—a specially prepared red nutrient solution that looked no different from red wine.
At the celebration banquet, Mr. Muzan elegantly raised his glass, his crimson eyes appearing deep and inscrutable under the lights, "Thank you for the Association's trust. We have only done our duty."
The banquet atmosphere was lively, and no one knew that the several disasters perfectly resolved by Muzan and his demons these past days, those Monster that suddenly appeared, were all secretly arranged by Allen.
He transmitted information to Mr. Muzan through telepathic resonance, precise down to every detail, allowing Muzan and his demons to always appear at the scene of the incident at just the right time, resolving problems under the public's gaze, gradually earning the Association's trust.
"Speaking of which," Sitch lowered his voice and leaned closer to Mr. Muzan, "The Association has recently been clearing up some historical issues. Some old files require special handling. Mr. Muzan has many talented and extraordinary individuals under his command; I wonder if you would be able to assist?"
A flash of understanding crossed Mr. Muzan's eyes. He knew that the Association's high-ranking officials wanted to use them to handle some unsavory dealings.
He nodded slightly, "It is our honor to share the Association's burdens."
"For specific matters, please arrange for a specialist to liaise with Kokushibou. We will ensure the process is compliant." He deliberately paused slightly on the last four words.
Sitch showed a knowing smile, "Of course, of course!"
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