Chapter 65: The Diplomatic Style of the Cloud Ninja
The New Year Diplomatic Meeting was something entirely new to Aizen.
In the original world, ordinary people had never witnessed such events. Even in the Soul Society, diplomacy had never been part of the structure — there was distance between the Eastern and Western Divisions, but never true negotiation. The Soul Society's reach was vast, yet its governance was self-contained.
Thus, this kind of diplomatic banquet was a first for Aizen. Still, he wasn't nervous. After all, this political framework was his own creation, shaped by his design. Whatever consequences it brought were nothing to fear.
If diplomacy could reveal the nature of this world's balance, then observation alone would be worthwhile.
"…Do I really have to go with you?"
"You don't have to, Kakashi-kun. You're still a child by age — it's natural to want to protect you."
"Then I'd better go."
Wearing a bitter look, Kakashi reluctantly followed Aizen, both clad in white robes as they walked the guarded path leading to the venue.
It was the first day of the New Year, and the assigned ninjas had no holidays — they stood at their posts with steady discipline. Compared to their earnest watchfulness, Aizen and Kakashi's diplomatic role almost felt too easy, as if they were just there to occupy seats of formality.
These gatherings, meant to ensure peace, were less about actual diplomacy and more about political theater — to show strength, unity, and balance.
Konoha sent Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin, together with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, to attend Sunagakure's New Year reception.
Konoha's delegation to Iwagakure was led by the other two Sannin and the current head of the Uchiha clan.
The Hokage personally received Kirigakure's delegation in Konoha to strengthen ties with the Mist and maintain a bridge toward the Cloud.
For Kumogakure, Konoha fielded Aizen and Kakashi, backed by several kekkei genkai holders.
Officially, it was a sign of respect. In truth, it was a calculated display of dominance.
With Aizen — Konoha's so-called "intellectual pillar" — at the head, and Kakashi, the young prodigy behind the Blut Vene and Blut Arterie, the Cloud delegation would have no room for arrogance.
Konoha understood Kumogakure well. Behind their confident demeanor and heroic reputation lay a cunning tendency to exploit chaos. Their mountain-locked village might appear noble, but their political tactics were anything but.
If they tried to test Konoha's patience at this meeting, then only overwhelming suppression would silence them.
As for their sudden obsession with praising the younger generation, Kakashi could only use his seven-year-old body and the existence of the Blood Suit he developed to silence their unrealistic boasting.
Strictly speaking, Aizen and Kakashi had little reason to be here at all. If not for the Cloud Ninjas' insistence on stirring trouble, both of them would've preferred to spend the holidays at home, quietly enjoying their rest.
Fortunately, their very presence seemed to carry a certain pressure.
After the formal introductions were exchanged in the bustling hall, the Cloud Ninjas — each with unique hairstyles and proud auras — noticeably composed themselves upon hearing the names Aizen Sosuke, Hatake Kakashi, and the roster of elite Konoha ninjas bearing inherited bloodline limits.
The Kumo delegation had indeed planned to use this event to subtly undermine Konoha. Though they appeared casual and unrestrained, they were well aware of the value of perception and reputation. When there was no clear difference in strength, appearances and propaganda could become powerful weapons — boosting morale and masking inferiority.
Yet despite their showmanship, their reputation remained infamously poor. After all, no one appreciated a guest who came only to provoke.
Still, they were Cloud Ninjas — shameless, cunning, and quick to adapt. Within moments, they adjusted their demeanor, wearing bold smiles as they guided the Konoha group toward the banquet hall.
But when they reached the venue and saw the delicate plates of food — dishes that looked exquisite but tasted uninspired — Kakashi couldn't help but sigh. The sound caught the attention of a tall ninja with light yellow hair, who approached him with a grin.
"Oh? You must be Hatake Kakashi — the developer of the Blut Arterie, right? Is there something that doesn't suit your taste?"
"Ah, no," Kakashi replied flatly. "Some of the food just isn't to my liking."
"Not to your liking? That's fine. The good stuff's in the kitchen — desserts, roast meats. Want to sneak in and grab some together?"
"Aizen," Kakashi said with deliberate indifference, "they're inviting me to the kitchen for dessert. What do you think?"
His tone was casual, but his words carried weight. Without hesitation, Aizen looked up from his polite conversation across the room, his calm gaze sweeping toward them.
The yellow-haired Cloud Ninja froze slightly under that glance. Kakashi didn't move — he knew better than to wander off during a diplomatic reception, no matter how innocent the offer seemed.
Still, the Cloud Ninja kept his composure, laughing it off as he motioned for them to follow. "Then let's all go together. No need to be so stiff."
They walked into the kitchen, where a few other Cloud Ninjas lingered in the corners, their movements too synchronized to be casual. The yellow-haired one chuckled, turning to Kakashi.
"You're still a kid… but you developed the Blut Vene and the Blut Arterie, right? You must have one of your own — and Aizen too?"
"Yeah," Kakashi replied sharply. "Why? Planning something?"
The Cloud Ninja raised his hands slightly, feigning innocence. "A plan? No, of course not. It's just… I'm curious. If you can really withstand a direct hit from a certain kind of attack, that would be remarkable. Otherwise, I might have to test it myself."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Kakashi's expression hardened, while Aizen's calm eyes followed the subtle hand gestures of the Cloud Ninjas around them.
In the next instant, several of them pressed their palms to the floor. Intricate black sealing scripts spread outward like living veins, encircling the kitchen in a heartbeat.
A sharp, spiraling wave of spacetime chakra erupted, twisting the air. Hand seals flickered faster than sight.
Aizen's lips curved slightly as he observed the distorted space — his eyes reflecting fascination rather than alarm.
"Now… start!"
The yellow-haired ninja roared, and every Kumo operative in the room flared with radiant light.
"Variable—!"
The sudden brilliance forced everyone's eyes shut. Even the Kumo delegation outside looked alarmed by the intensity.
Konoha's guards reacted immediately, some raising barriers, others leaping toward the kitchen — but too late.
In that blinding white light, the figures of Aizen Sosuke and Hatake Kakashi vanished without a trace.
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