Chapter 63: Paths Diverge
The preliminary rounds were over. The dust had settled.
The ten elite genin departed the tower, each embarking on a month of intense preparation, all for the sake of shining on the grand stage of the main tournament.
In the familiar training ground in the northern sector of Konoha, all four members of the original Team 8 had gathered, awaiting Kurenai's arrival.
This Chunin Exam had yielded enviable results for their group. Both Aizen and Aburame Shino had advanced to the final round, earning the right to perform before the dignitaries of various nations. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that filled their peers with admiration, and perhaps a little envy.
"Aizen, Shino. You two have to give it your all," Kiba said, his usual boisterousness tempered into genuine encouragement. Though he had been eliminated by Naruto, he held no bitterness. "We have to make the name of Team 8 known throughout the entire shinobi world!"
"Don't worry, Kiba," Shino replied, a rare instance of him initiating conversation. "Even if I cannot defeat Kankuro, I am confident that Aizen will be able to advance to the very end." His words held a deep expectation for his teammate.
"Please, you flatter me. It was mostly luck," Aizen demurred, maintaining his humble and low-key facade, showing none of the impatience or pride typical of a talented youth.
At that moment, Kurenai appeared.
She was as stunningly beautiful and captivating as ever. Her lovely face, capable of captivating any heart, was complemented by a curvaceous figure that was both mature and alluring, truly making her one of Konoha's finest beauties.
"Everyone, it seems you haven't been lazy. You're all here so early," Kurenai said, her voice as clear and pleasant as a silver bell, lifting everyone's spirits.
If Hinata was a budding flower—young, tempting, pure, and beautiful—then Kurenai was the alluring, mature girl-next-door. Both were stunning women, representing the finest scenery Konoha had to offer.
"Good morning, Kurenai-sensei," the four greeted her cheerfully.
Kurenai smiled with satisfaction. "First of all, I want to congratulate Aizen and Shino for breaking through to the main tournament. I saw your performances. It was commendable."
Aizen and Shino simply nodded slightly, neither arrogant nor restless.
"As for you two," she continued, turning to Kiba and Hinata, "don't be discouraged. You also worked very hard. Over the next month, I will formulate different training plans tailored to your individual situations."
Her gaze then settled intently on Aizen. "Aizen, your talent is exceptional. During the preliminaries, you displayed a mastery of the Body Flicker Technique that was astonishing, even to me."
"I presume you have your own training regimen," she continued. "Therefore, for this month, you are exempt from our group training sessions. Practice according to your own ideas. I trust you to use this time wisely."
Though her decision was unexpected, it was not without reason. As a jōnin, she understood the unique insights of a genius. In her mind, Aizen's rapid progress was undoubtedly due to rigorous, self-directed training in secret. In this critical month, giving him the freedom to train without restraint might yield even greater results.
"Huh? What about us?" Kiba asked, a little confused.
"The three of you will continue to train step by step according to the plan I create," Kurenai said with a gentle smile, reassuring them.
Hinata secretly glanced at Aizen, a trace of sorrow hidden deep within her clear eyes. Kurenai's decision meant she would be separated from Aizen for an entire month.
"Aizen," Hinata said, forcing a calm smile, "you must do your best." She cheered for him silently in her heart. For some reason, she held immense expectations for him, believing wholeheartedly that he would soar to incredible heights during the main event.
With all matters announced, Team 8 was temporarily disbanded. Starting tomorrow, they would follow their separate paths.
This outcome was precisely what Aizen desired. The separate space and freedom would allow him to make more comprehensive preparations for his defection plan.
Later, on the path leading back to the northern sector of Konoha, Aizen walked alone.
His appearance was gentle, kind, and approachable, making it easy for others to let their guard down around him.
Suddenly, a faint rustling came from the woods on either side of the path, causing Aizen to stop.
"Oh?" Aizen frowned slightly, but a trace of a mocking smile played on his lips.
He knew who had come. It was members of the Root organization.
Sure enough, two figures emerged. They wore strange, featureless masks, their identities hidden, exuding an aura of mystery and power.
"Aizen Sōsuke," one of them stated, his voice flat. "Lord Danzō wishes to see you."
Unlike their previous aggressive demeanor, the two men in black were now completely deferential. They understood that Danzō not only valued Aizen's talent but also had crucial plans that required his involvement.