Golden Butterfly | Demon Slayer x Male Reader

Chapter XIII

Y/N sat down, stretching out his legs. "So... that letter did promise some spicy things. I have some good suggestions for what we could try if you're flexible enough."

Koinatsu sighed mortified. "Y/N-san, please do not be disrespectful to Kocho-san."

He shrugged. "I'm not being disrespectful. She wrote that letter. It's on her."

Kanae skillfully steered the conversation away from the letter. "Y/N-kun, I heard you've been staying with someone interesting. A researcher, perhaps? A pretty girl, if the rumors are to be believed?"

Y/N leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took a moment before answering. "Yeah, she's a researcher. That's all you need to know."

Kanae's smile remained gentle as she continued trying to make small talk. "It's good to see you're keeping busy. The Corps has been quite active as well. We've had some interesting missions lately."

Y/N picked at his nails, "Sounds riveting. So, what's the latest? Catch any big bad demons?"

"Several, actually," Kanae replied ignoring his disinterest. "It's always a challenge, but that's why we need someone of your skill, Y/N-kun."

He snorted, "You need my skill, but you don't need me. There's a difference."

Koinatsu looked at him with disappointment. "Y/N-san, they do need you. And not just for your skill."

Kanae nodded. "Koinatsu-san is right. We need you as a person, not just as a warrior."

Y/N rolled his eyes. "Sure. Whatever you say. So, what else is new? Anything actually interesting going on?"

Kanae attempted to maintain the conversation. "Well, the Corps has been working on new strategies and techniques. It's been quite fascinating."

Y/N yawned bored. "Fascinating."

Koinatsu sighed again, "Y/N-san, please take this seriously."

He shrugged. "I am taking it seriously. Just in my own way."

Kanae pressed on, "Have you thought about what you want to do moving forward? Staying with your researcher friend indefinitely?"

"Haven't really thought about it. Taking it one day at a time."

"And what about the Corps? Would you consider coming back, even part-time?"

He glanced at her, "Depends on the terms."

"We understand that," Kanae said softly. "We want to offer you autonomy. You would have control over your missions."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, "Autonomy, huh? And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Kanae assured him. "We want you to be able to work in a way that suits you. Y/N-kun, perhaps since you and I seem to get along well, you could consider reporting directly to me. I would then report to Ubuyashiki-sama. This way, you'd have more autonomy, and I wouldn't be your superior. I'd make sure you stay out of trouble and complete missions. No one else would tell you anything."

Y/N gave a noncommittal shrug. "Meh."

"That also means if anyone has any grievances towards you, they would come to me, and I would let you know. No need for hostile confrontations."

He chuckled. "So, you want to be my mother as if I was two years old?"

"No, no! I didn't mean it like that," Kanae said, her tone almost pleading. "Think of it as... um... a confidant you can fully trust who makes sure no one annoys you."