"An insider?" the Fourth Raikage asked, frowning as he scrutinized Kabuto. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," Kabuto's mouth curled slightly, a gentle, practiced smile appearing on his face.
"Kid, are you planning to play these sorts of mystery games in front of us?" Onoki snorted coldly, his dissatisfaction evident. This irritation was directed not only at Kabuto but also at Pain, as the silver-haired boy was clearly standing there as Pain's representative.
"Wait... Kabuto Yakushi?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed as a memory surfaced. "Are you the Kabuto Yakushi from the Konoha Orphanage, Aizen's childhood friend? I recall you joined Root with him later, didn't you?"
"Lady Tsunade is well-informed. Did Aizen tell you?" Kabuto turned his gaze toward her and asked respectfully.
Tsunade nodded slightly, a complicated expression crossing her features. "Aizen once told me that you were a rare genius of the shinobi world."
"Genius?" Kabuto shook his head slightly, sighing. "In front of Aizen, I'm afraid no one deserves such a title."
Silence fell over the room. Even as Aizen's enemies, no one present could deny that statement. At only thirteen years old, he was making the entire shinobi world run in circles through sheer strength and strategy. Such talent was absolutely unprecedented.
"However, he didn't tell you the full truth back then, Tsunade-sama," Kabuto continued after a pause. "It's not that I simply joined Root with him; I was forced into Root by him to act as his spy. His true goal was to dismantle Danzo and Orochimaru-sama."
"So that's how it was," Jiraiya muttered, nodding as the pieces began to fit together.
"Of course, the phrase 'dismantle' might be a bit inaccurate," Kabuto said calmly, pushing up his glasses. "After all, even then, Aizen possessed power that transcended the shinobi world. To him, whether it was me, Danzo, or Lord Orochimaru, we were likely nothing more than pawns for his entertainment."
"Transcended the shinobi world?" Uchiha Shisui, who had remained silent until now, frowned as a thought occurred to him.
"You must be Shisui-kun. I've heard much about you," Kabuto noted with a faint smile. "As Aizen's close friend, you should be familiar with Kyoka Suigetsu, right? In truth, that is not a simple genjutsu, but the inherent ability of the blade in Aizen's hand."
The power of a blade?
Shisui was stunned. He suddenly recalled the bizarre sensation he felt during his fight with Aizen. He also remembered a specific detail: every time the opponent utilized an "illusion," he had first drawn his sword.
"It seems you've realized it." Kabuto's smile faded, his eyes turning grave. "The true power of that blade is called 'Complete Hypnosis.' It is capable of perfectly controlling all five senses. Once you witness the release of that sword, you become its captive forever. Neither the Mangekyō Sharingan nor the Rinnegan can dispel its influence."
"What?"
The Kage were struck with astonishment. Complete hypnosis? Control over all five senses? How could such a thing even be possible?
"Have you seen... the release of that blade?" Shisui asked, his face darkening with thought.
"I have. Chanting the release command completes the hypnosis ritual," Kabuto confirmed. "'Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu.' Does that phrase sound familiar? Those are the words of release."
"Are you joking?" Rasa's eyes widened in disbelief. "It's just a sword. How can it possess such power?"
"Indeed, if it were an ordinary blade, it wouldn't. But that sword is unique," Kabuto's mouth curved into a faint, knowing smile. "No one in the entire shinobi world, save for Aizen, has mastered its forging method. With that blade alone, he has already surpassed us all."
The information revealed by Kabuto plunged the hall into a heavy, oppressive silence. If what this silver-haired boy said was true, then among those present, very few had not witnessed the release of Aizen's sword. If they were to fight him in this state, they would be nothing more than cannon fodder.
Boom!
A thunderous crash shattered the silence. The irascible Fourth Raikage had slammed the table once again.
"Kid, are you asking us to sit here and listen to you praise the enemy?" the Raikage roared, raising a fist, his eyes burning with rage. "If you think you can break my will with these stories, you are far too green. No matter how powerful the enemy is, I will never surrender!"
"As expected of the Raikage. Such conviction is truly an example for us all," Kabuto said with practiced admiration. "But isn't it equally important to correctly understand the enemy's advantages? If I truly wanted to break your will, I wouldn't be standing here, let alone offering to join forces with the Akatsuki."
"So, you've come here to find a way to break free from Aizen's control?" Tsunade asked, her brow furrowed.
"That isn't the only factor. Lady Tsunade, you've heard the name Yakushi Nono, haven't you?" Kabuto shook his head, his voice softening with emotion. "She was the first teacher Aizen and I had at the orphanage, and the person I cherish most. But now she is being imprisoned by Aizen, and I intend to rescue her."
His look of grim determination seemed to move everyone in the room. Meanwhile, Aizen and Konan watched the scene unfold through the monitor.
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Anran-san, this Kabuto Yakushi... he seems to be imitating you?"
This is an Actor: "Indeed."
In the original timeline, Kabuto had obsessed over imitating Orochimaru; now, his target was Aizen. It was obvious the young man lacked self-confidence, leading him to mimic the person he admired most.
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "But he is far inferior to you in every way. As I thought, Anran-san is the most perfect."
Book Artist: "Konan-neesan, that's enough! Even if you want to praise Anran-san, don't be so blunt about it! I don't want to be fed dog food in the group chat!"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "You can join me if you like, Eriri. I don't mind."
Book Artist: "?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "?"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Wait, you 'don't mind'?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Hey, what do you mean by 'together'? Is this the kind of thing I'm thinking of?"
This is an Actor: "Konan-nee, you've met most of the Arrancars by now, haven't you? Is there anyone you're particularly dissatisfied with?"
Book Artist: "Uh, what's the motive behind that question?"
This is an Actor: "Now that the Five Kage Summit has convened, I should at least offer a formal greeting. If these people aren't made aware of the seriousness of the situation, they will never truly unite."
Shark-Faced Guy: "So, Aizen-sama is planning to send an Arrancar to stir up trouble? One who might not return?"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Anran-san, your logic is sound. Others fear the enemy being too strong, but you fear the enemy being too weak."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "In that case, Pakura should be the one. The way that woman looks at you isn't right. I don't like it."
Book Artist: "Pfft! Is Konan-neesan taking this opportunity to eliminate a romantic rival?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "You just said you didn't mind Eriri?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "I don't mind her. But I do mind other women."
This is an Actor: "Let's pick someone else. The Espada level is still useful for now. Besides, with Pakura's current strength... these Kage probably wouldn't even be able to resist her."