"Let the plans begin to unfold from now on." Back home, Naruto opened a book and began to read it meticulously, though his thoughts had already drifted far away.
Everything that happened today was the result of his careful deliberation. He was confident that Konoha's leadership, headed by the Third Hokage, wouldn't entertain any unethical ideas just because he had revealed his "Kekkei Genkai." For the past few years, Naruto had painstakingly cultivated his "Will of Fire" persona, studying diligently every day and consistently trying to help the villagers. Although he often received cold shoulders, this perseverance had been noted by the Third Hokage.
Humans aren't unfeeling plants; who can be entirely devoid of emotion? Even if these powerful figures were cold-hearted, their judgment would still be influenced by their emotions. This was precisely why formalism—or rather, putting on a show—was so important.
Naruto had learned about a system from his knowledge of the modern world. It spoke of fairness and justice, yet it was rife with formalism. This so-called formalism meant presenting the appearance that others wished to see, thereby achieving the effect of moving everyone, and even convincing oneself. In common terms, it was putting on an act.
This was exactly what Naruto was doing now: using his "Will of Fire" to move the Third Hokage, and perhaps even to move himself. No matter how deep the villagers' misunderstandings ran, he would still be filled with an ardent love for Konoha, eager to ignite himself, to dedicate himself. A single spark could start a prairie fire; he himself would eventually become that spark, allowing the Will of Fire to ignite Konoha.
As it turned out, his performance had already succeeded. In the Third Hokage's eyes, he had been successfully "brainwashed." At such a time, displaying a certain degree of talent was actually a bonus.
Naruto chose to reveal his Kyoka Suigetsu.
Firstly, in the eyes of others, Kyoka Suigetsu would only be considered an illusion-type Kekkei Genkai, one that disturbed vision through the refraction of water currents and light. It couldn't even truly be called genjutsu; at best, it created misperceptions. Although this kind of Kekkei Genkai didn't sound particularly high-end, its application in actual combat was very strong. The Third Hokage would surely hold expectations for this Kekkei Genkai, hoping to see him fully develop Kyoka Suigetsu. At that point, Naruto would become Konoha's sharpest blade.
Secondly, anyone who had seen Kyoka Suigetsu's Shikai would permanently enter a state of hypnosis. With Naruto's Reiatsu and control over his own chakra, hypnotizing these students, who weren't even Genin yet, was incredibly easy. Perhaps it was the Third Hokage's arrangement, but this year's class had many talented individuals from prominent families: Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Hinata. In the future, they could all grow into Jonin, or even powerhouses surpassing Jonin. Having them fall into Kyoka Suigetsu's trap from now on was an absolutely foolproof decision.
This was the layout Naruto had been planning for a long time.
Naruto put down his book, washed up simply, and drifted off to sleep.
Drip. Drip. The familiar sound of dripping water echoed. Naruto awoke to the sight of a vast, azure sky. The wind was bleak and biting, each exhaled breath feeling as if it would instantly freeze. Fine snow drifted from the sky, dotting the mountain cliffs with a touch of white.
Naruto stood up. The howling gales around him made his white robe rustle sharply. Beneath his feet was a cliff perched above a bottomless abyss; the slightest misstep would send him tumbling into the depths. The profound darkness below instilled a primal fear.
This was the sealed space where Aizen resided.
"It's been a while since I last came here," Naruto murmured, looking towards the highest point of the cliff. Sure enough, a figure sat quietly at the peak, unmoved no matter how fiercely the wind blew.
"Aizen-sensei." Naruto walked up to Aizen and greeted him respectfully.
Aizen opened his eyes. Watching the snow fall on the cliff before him and melt, he couldn't help but sigh. "To see such a beautiful snowy landscape in such a precipitous place… it's rather nice." He raised his head and glanced faintly at Naruto, his tone gentle. "Naruto, it has been a long time."
"Yes, it has been very long, Aizen-sensei. I have now mastered Kyoka Suigetsu's Shikai and the elementary Kido."
"Is that so? Time passes so quickly." Aizen's eyes seemed distant as if he were lost in thought. Naruto's talent was astonishing. In just a few short years, he had accomplished training that other Shinigami might take a hundred years to complete. Perhaps this was the infinite potential inherent in human existence. In his research on Shinigami and Hollows, Aizen had discovered that humans—beings seen as prey by Hollows and as weaklings by Shinigami—actually possessed a potential that could not be ignored. Whether it was Naruto in the ninja world or Kurosaki Ichigo in the Shinigami world, they were both so special.
Thinking of this, Aizen looked at Naruto. The latter's attire and smile were so similar to his own; it was as if they were carved from the same mold. If it were in the past, Aizen wouldn't have said anything. But now, he was thoroughly filled with anticipation for Naruto's future, so his expectations for him would naturally be different.
"Naruto, have you ever considered your own goal?" he asked.
"My goal? Of course, it's to possess power that transcends all, to rise above the world, to stand in Heaven," Naruto said, as if it were the most natural thing.
"Stand in Heaven, you say?" Aizen fell into contemplation. After a long moment, he suddenly asked, "Have you ever considered whether that is your goal, or mine?"
Naruto froze, an astonished expression appearing on his face. He recalled Aizen's teachings over the years. From them, he had come to understand Aizen's goals, Aizen's grand perspective, and had worshipped him for it. He wished to become someone like Aizen; that was why Naruto had begun his deliberate imitation. It was awkward at first, but gradually became more natural. Sometimes, he even saw himself as Aizen.
"Right now, I only see my shadow in you," Aizen's gentle voice sounded beside his ear. "Naruto, your talent is exceptional. You should have your own convictions. Only then will you be qualified to be my opponent."
After leaving the sealed space, Naruto found it difficult to sleep. He got up and looked out the window at the star-dappled night sky. Konoha under the night sky was so quiet, yet around his small house, there were many ninja chakra signatures. They sometimes lurked within the dense leaves of large trees, sometimes hid beside the house. But regardless of their posture, none of them slept; they were still diligently 'standing guard.' Only late at night would other ninja take over their shift.
Their mission was less about surveillance and more about protection. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto was Konoha's most important war asset and had to be well protected.
This was what it meant to be a ninja.
Naruto drew the curtains. A sudden wave of disgust washed over him. At the same time, he felt a sense of confusion.
What was his own path? To become a ninja? Stealth, assassination—these were a ninja's bread and butter. But truthfully, he had little interest in becoming one. He only wanted a future where he would no longer be bound by Konoha, where he could do whatever he wished, broaden his perspective, and see the true nature of things.
The world is vast; I want to go and see it.
Thinking this, he suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment. This was his goal. This time, it wasn't a deliberate imitation of Aizen. Instead, it was a sincere, heartfelt desire to transcend everything, to possess power surpassing the ninja world, to control his own destiny, and to stand in Heaven.