Book Artist: "It seems there are some new genres that are worth trying out."
This is an Actor: "People should certainly try new things, but they should also be mindful of the feelings of those around them. Eriri-san, I don't think Aki Tomoya would want you to get involved in that specific world, would he?"
Book Artist: "I—I have nothing to do with him! Don't talk nonsense! Wait... why does An Ran-san know about Aki Tomoya?"
Eriri froze, suddenly feeling a wave of unease. Could it be that An Ran-san had created a fictional work about her world as well? No, that was impossible! Her world had no aliens, no ninjas, no Hollows, and no Shinigami. It couldn't possibly be a work of fiction, could it?
The next moment, her panic was vindicated.
[System Hint: 'This is an Actor' has uploaded the work: "How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend"]
This is an Actor: "That is how I know."
Book Artist: "..."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Eriri, are you okay?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Are you alright?"
Book Artist: "Good. Very good. Nothing is wrong with me. There was nothing between that guy and me to begin with; we weren't even friends. I'm fine. I really am."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "The way you said that... it doesn't sound like you're okay at all."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "You don't have to pretend to be strong in front of us."
This is an Actor: "If you are sad, you are allowed to cry. It is a natural way for humans to express their emotions."
Book Artist: "No way! I won't cry!"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Not bad."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "The fact that you can still speak in such a textbook tsundere tone proves that the matter isn't a total disaster."
Book Artist: "Ahhhh, I am not a tsundere! Don't listen to that Gintoki guy's nonsense!"
This is an Actor: "I am glad you've recovered so quickly. But believe me, your tone is practically a dictionary definition of a tsundere."
Book Artist: "An Ran-san, why are you also... Never mind. It's mainly because I've read the stories of Gintoki and Konan-nee-san. Compared to them, my little story isn't worth mentioning at all."
This is an Actor: "You needn't think that way. Konan-san's fate has already begun to change, hasn't it? Knowing the plot is equivalent to possessing foresight. It shouldn't be difficult to change your own ending."
Book Artist: "No, it's different. Whether it's Gintoki or Konan-nee-san, their original fates were being forcibly pushed by others, which is why they developed the will to resist. But I'm not like that. Even though I tried my hardest, that guy ultimately didn't choose me. If that's the case, there's no need to force it."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Eriri, I support you!"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "That's right! A man who is so indecisive isn't worthy of being with our Eriri."
There is no need to force it?
Looking at Eriri's message, Aizen's lips curled. These group members were proving to be more interesting than he had initially imagined.
Originally, he had only wanted to distract Eriri from her pursuit of BL or danmei—not because he hated the genre, but because he had no desire to become the subject of one of her doujinshi. In his past life, Aizen and Ichimaru Gin were a pairing that had countless fans; the thought of Eriri getting an "inspiration" to draw him in such a light was quite frustrating.
But now, the development of the group was exceeding his expectations. Whether it was the growing camaraderie or Eriri's personal growth, it provided him with a very novel experience.
Is this what 'family' feels like? It isn't bad at all.
Retracting his thoughts, Aizen turned his gaze to the boy beside him. "Are you satisfied with the taste of the dango in this shop, Itachi?"
The boy looked to be about nine or ten years old, with long black hair tied back in a low ponytail. He held a skewer of colorful dumplings in his hands, his cheeks puffed out. Hearing Aizen speak, Itachi nodded slightly. "It's delicious."
"Even if it tastes good, do not overindulge." Aizen smiled thinly and reached out to pat the boy's head. "Excessive intake of carbohydrates will make you sluggish."
Itachi paused, lowering the skewer. "Aizen-niisan... Shisui has been having trouble with the people in the clan again recently."
"Is that so?" Aizen didn't probe further, offering only a slight sigh.
After a moment of silence, Itachi whispered, "Can't the village and the clan just coexist peacefully?"
"Within a limited living space, humans instinctively expand their desires and demand more. The seeds of suspicion and distrust germinate, giving rise to all sorts of contradictions."
Aizen seemed to be answering the boy, yet he also seemed to be speaking to the wind. "To completely resolve such a conflict, there must either be a sufficiently powerful external force to compel them to unite, or one side must be completely destroyed."
"I don't want either the village or the clan to be destroyed," Itachi said, his voice bitter. "But a powerful outside force... that can't possibly appear now, right?"
In Itachi's eyes, the most powerful external force would be the five major ninja villages starting a war again. Although there were minor frictions, the great nations were maintaining a superficial peace, and full-scale war was unlikely in the short term.
"If it doesn't exist yet, then you must create it yourself," Aizen said calmly, his eyes reflecting a quiet confidence behind his spectacles. "Itachi... are you willing to bear this sin of arrogance with me?"
Itachi froze. He looked up, his face filled with disbelief as he began to grasp the weight of the words. "Aizen-niisan, you..."
Itachi Uchiha had never imagined that his elder brother—his mentor and closest friend—would say such a thing. Was it truly possible for a single person to create a force powerful enough to threaten Konoha? And why would he suggest such a path? At this moment, Itachi's heart was a storm of curiosity and confusion.
"Of course, I won't ask you to believe me immediately," Aizen said softly, his smile warm and reassuring. "I only ask that you place your wishes and expectations upon me. If you are ready... then follow me."
Watching Aizen's receding figure, Itachi gritted his teeth and quickly followed.