Family?
Aizen, who had originally intended to maintain his detached playfulness, was slightly taken aback. The word stirred a strange sensation within him. Both An Ran and the character he portrayed, Aizen Sosuke, were intimately familiar with the concept of family, but unfortunately, neither had any real experience with it.
Aizen had grown up in the Zaraki District of the Rukongai in Soul Society. His immense spiritual pressure caused ordinary spirits to vanish before they could even approach him. Because of this, he was branded "The Devil's Child" during his youth. Such a harrowing childhood led to a fundamental lack of understanding regarding the existence of "family." Although he later found the definition in books, his values had already calcified; he defined "family" as something unnecessary, lacking any practical utility. Thus, Aizen never sought one.
Similarly, An Ran was an orphan. While not as extreme as Aizen, An Ran's personality was naturally solitary and unsociable. This temperament had ensured that no family was willing to adopt him as a child. Although his withdrawn nature had gradually improved once he entered the workforce—and he had even considered finding someone to start a life with—he had traveled through time before those plans could ever be implemented.
Having crossed into the Ninja Realm in his original body and being raised within Root from childhood, it was impossible for him to feel a sense of belonging. Even though Danzo Shimura had granted Aizen a great deal of preferential treatment, it was only because Aizen deliberately presented himself as the "favorite disciple" who perfectly met Danzo's exacting requirements.
The relationship between the two was more akin to that of a craftsman and a work of art than a master and apprentice. Aizen was simply masquerading as the most perfect masterpiece ever carved by Danzo's hand. But even as a "perfect work of art," Aizen knew Danzo's nature; the man would discard him without hesitation the moment it became necessary. Aizen saw through the old hawk with perfect clarity.
So, how real was the "extended family" Konan-san described? Were family relationships simply a tangle of shared interests, or a different kind of bond entirely?
Inexplicably, Aizen felt a sense of anticipation. He didn't just enjoy exploiting others; he relished studying and observing the intricate web of human relationships. It was a wicked indulgence, but it was his hobby nonetheless.
His gaze returned to the group chat interface.
Book Artist: "By the way, has Konan-san come up with any good ideas? How should we deal with Uchiha Obito and Zetsu?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Alas, not yet. I haven't even decided whether to tell Nagato."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Well, those two guys might not be traditionally 'strong,' but their abilities are incredibly terrifying. If we can't deal with them both at once, it'll only create even more trouble."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Indeed. Fortunately, it's still early, so we can take it slow."
Are they discussing the plot of Naruto?
Aizen wasn't entirely surprised. The world of Gintama existed within the pages of Jump, and Naruto was a serialized manga in that same magazine. With Sakata Gintoki, the protagonist of Gintama, present, it would be stranger if the group didn't know the story. However, seeing them struggle with how to handle Obito and Black Zetsu made Aizen want to laugh.
Although Black Zetsu lacked a true physical form, he usually attached himself to a White Zetsu; he could be countered relatively easily using Yin-Yang Release or sealing jutsu. Obito was even simpler—using the Impure World Reincarnation to summon Nohara Rin would likely bring the man to his knees. If one wanted to be truly secure, they simply needed to establish an anti-space sealing barrier beforehand.
Logically speaking, being familiar with the plot meant knowing their weaknesses. Why were they overcomplicating something as simple as prescribing the right medicine?
This is an Actor: "..."
Of course, since Obito and Zetsu were still somewhat useful to Aizen's own plans, he didn't voice these thoughts. He merely typed a series of ellipses to express his "hesitation."
Book Artist: "Hmm, it seems like the newbie doesn't understand what we're saying? You can check the Memory List for information about Konan-san's world."
Memory List?
Aizen noticed the function button in the second column on the right side of the chat. Upon clicking it, he found a categorized memory bank. In addition to "Naruto" at the top, there were scattered memories uploaded by other members. From the titles, it was clear these records detailed the various worlds the group members inhabited.
Is this a way to deepen our understanding of one another?
Realizing the potential, Aizen selectively uploaded some of his memories from his past life on Earth.
Book Artist: "Wow, incredible! Our newcomer-san is so amazing! He actually has so many degrees and awards!"
This is an Actor: "I was simply a little more diligent than the average person."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Hey, isn't your life incredibly boring? All you do is work and study. Are you some kind of ascetic?"
This is an Actor: "Not exactly. I usually spend my time watching various dramas, animations, and reading novels."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Gin-san doesn't mean that! I'm talking about the 'main course,' the main course, you know? Anime and novels are just the icing! Wait... you're not a virgin, are you? Everyone, look! We have a rare specimen here! A twenty-seven-year-old virgin? In a sense, that's even more precious than a giant panda!"
This is an Actor: "..."
With Aizen's refined temperament, he naturally wouldn't get angry over such a triviality. Truly, he wasn't angry.
Book Artist: "Shut up! He's just being chaste. Do you think everyone is a degenerate like you? You're just an animal who thinks with his lower body!"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Humph, every man's lower body is a beast!"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Oh, right. There's something I forgot to tell you all."
Book Artist: "?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "What is it?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Today, Uchiha Obito brought a new member to our organization."
Curly-Haired Boy: "A newcomer? Uchiha Itachi? No, according to the timeline, that should be two years away."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "It's not Uchiha Itachi. He calls himself Aizen Sosuke. He says his greatest illusion is called Kyoka Suigetsu, but then he just pulls out a sword. Isn't that hilarious?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "???"
Book Artist: "???"