Stunned.
Hoshigaki Kisame's mind went completely blank as he stared at Aizen in shock. What did he mean by that? Could he really be in the group?
No way, that's impossible!
Trying to suppress his panic, Kisame forced himself to sound calm. "Oh, Aizen, sir. You're saying things I don't quite understand again."
"Oh? Do you really not understand?"
Aizen's lips curled into a slight smile as he spoke in an unhurried tone. "Being near me feels like falling into a dark abyss? Smiling on the outside, but ready to consume you at any moment? It seems you have quite the opinion of me, Kisame."
Boom.
It felt like lightning had struck Kisame. His small, round eyes widened in shock. "A-Aizen, sir… you…"
"At times like this, I do prefer being called 'group leader.'"
A gentle breeze ruffled the boy's brown hair. His gaze behind the thin lenses appeared warm and kind, but to Kisame, it was bone-chilling.
Group leader?!
Kisame's whole body trembled as his mind buzzed.
So it was true—Aizen was really the group leader! And yet, the other members seemed completely unaware, even treating it as some kind of joke?
This was beyond ridiculous!
What the hell! Kisame felt like he had been completely played. His mouth hung open, but no words came out.
It took him a long while to snap out of it. "Aizen, sir… You really know how to play, don't you? A big villain sneaking into the resistance and becoming their leader—must be quite the sense of accomplishment, huh?"
"Accomplishment?" Aizen turned slightly, gazing toward the distant mountains. "If they had managed to figure out my identity based on my hints, that would've been satisfying. But unfortunately, their impression of me seems to be deeply ingrained."
Of course, it was! The memories you uploaded had nothing to do with your real identity! Who the hell would've thought memories could be faked too?
Kisame mentally ranted. He still didn't know that Aizen was a traveler from another world—he just assumed Aizen had deliberately forged that past.
"So, are you telling me this because I'm no longer useful?"
The shark-faced guy had already accepted his fate. He knew there was no point in resisting or making excuses, so he figured he might as well face it head-on.
"No, I just thought revealing the truth would make things more interesting." Aizen shook his head lightly. "Whether you choose to expose me or keep it a secret, it's entirely up to you."
With that, he casually turned and walked away.
At that moment—
The Kirigakure ninjas nearby were all busy with their tasks, completely oblivious to the fact that Aizen had been there the whole time.
"Well, is there even a choice here?" Watching Aizen's back as he walked away, Kisame grinned. Then, he turned his attention back to the chat.
Doujin Artist: Kisame-san? Where'd you go?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Maybe that conversation triggered his deepest fears.
Curly-haired Guy: Nah, I think he went to turn himself into sashimi. Or maybe a shark platter? That might actually taste pretty good. Damn, now I'm hungry.
Shark-Faced Guy: I may look like a shark, but deep down, I still think I'm human.
Curly-haired Guy: He actually responded! And with dark humor, no less! You've got a shark face, but you dream of being a comedian? Aren't you overthinking things? Besides, you're an Arrancar, man! Arrancar! Arrancar aren't human!
This is an Actor: Don't underestimate Kisame. He's got talent.
Aizen was referring to Kisame's acting skills. Staying so composed in front of him was already quite impressive.
Shark-Faced Guy: Haha, not as good as you, boss.
To Kisame, if he was just a decent comedian, then Aizen was an award-winning actor. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: Kisame sounds a lot more cheerful than before, doesn't he?
Amegakure Village's Angel: Did something good happen to you?
Shark-Faced Guy: Something good, huh? Does running into Aizen count?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: ?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: ?
Curly-Haired Guy: Whoa, whoa, seriously? What was Aizen doing there? Don't tell me he's got his eyes on a shark platter now?
Doujin Artist: Enough already! You guys just can't let this joke die, can you?
Shark-Faced Guy: That's not it. He saw what I said in the chat earlier and gave me a good scolding. Oh, and by the way, our dear group leader is actually Aizen.
This is an Actor: So in the end, you decided to spill the beans, Kisame.
Shark-Faced Guy: Isn't this what you wanted, Mr. Aizen? Must've been hard holding back all this time, huh?
This is an Actor: Not at all. It's actually been quite an entertaining experience.
Shark-Faced Guy: Geez, you really are a scheming one, aren't you?
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: ???
Curly-Haired Guy: Are you two doing some kind of comedy routine in the chat? I'm telling you, this forced humor of yours isn't funny at all.
Amegakure Village's Angel: It's fine. Seeing Kisame in a better mood is good enough.
Shark-Faced Guy: Heh, thanks for the concern.
On the surface, Kisame was grinning, but deep down, he was thinking: These people are beyond saving. I did my best to warn them, but they still think it's just a joke. Also… what even is a comedy routine?
[Notification: Scarlet Lotus Fairy has uploaded her sword technique, "Dugu Nine Swords," for 200 points.]
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Whoa, Mouchou, you actually learned Dugu Nine Swords?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: Yep. It was tough, but I finally got it down.
Li Mochou only uploaded the technique after mastering it because of how the group chat system worked.
When uploading personal abilities, the original user wouldn't lose them. The system would make infinite copies, allowing anyone in the group to buy them.
But if someone uploaded a manual or a weapon, the item itself would be transferred into the marketplace. Once purchased, it would belong to the buyer and couldn't be duplicated.
So obviously, it made the most sense to learn something first before uploading it.
Amegakure Village's Angel: Sorry, Aizen's back.
Curly-Haired Guy: I get it, I get it. Time to log off, right?
Doujin Artist: This is ridiculous. Sneaking around like this every time. Let's just elope, Konan! That brute of a husband doesn't deserve you!
Shark-Faced Guy: ?
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