As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group Chapter 2: The Akatsuki Organization

"Returning to Konohagakure, Madara-san." Aizen's voice was soft, his back still to the other man. "You've arrived a bit later than anticipated."

Uchiha Obito stiffened, a grimace forming behind his mask.

Had anyone else addressed him as Madara, he wouldn't have given it a second thought. However, the youth before him possessed an unnerving awareness of his true identity, making the name feel like a deliberate taunt.

"You seem displeased with that name," Aizen observed, appearing to read Obito's thoughts. He cocked his head slightly. "Or perhaps you'd prefer I refer to you as Obito-kun?"

"I am Uchiha Madara. That is my sole name." The masked figure's voice was like ice, his gaze drawn to the ongoing spectacle in the arena. "So, this is the might of your Kyoka Suigetsu?"

"Ah, a minor parlor trick," Aizen replied, his expression serene, his tone placid. "Such an ability holds no sway over the Mangekyou Sharingan. Mr. Madara is well aware of this fact."

The man behind the mask discerned that Aizen's use of "Madara-san" was not directed at him, but at the genuine Uchiha Madara. This brown-haired individual had known the legendary Uchiha for a longer period than he had.

Yet... could it truly be ineffective against the Mangekyou?

He glanced towards Shisui, who was engaged in a strenuous clash with a peculiar humanoid puppet. The surrounding spectators erupted in cheers, captivated by the bizarre confrontation. A profound sense of uncertainty began to surface within him.

Simultaneously, Uchiha Obito instinctively heightened his vigilance against Aizen. He resolved henceforth to maintain his Mangekyou Sharingan in a constant state of readiness whenever he was in the youth's presence. The slightest lapse in concentration could prove perilous.

"Madara-san, shall we depart?" The same calm voice cut through Obito's musings.

Noticing Aizen's close proximity, Obito retreated instinctively. Striving to maintain his composure, he questioned, "Before we go, I wish to know your true objective. Why did you align yourself with the Akatsuki?"

Obito could not fathom that someone of Aizen's caliber would harbor any genuine concern for purported world peace. If he was participating in the Moon's Eye Plan, he undoubtedly harbored his own clandestine agenda.

The assertion by the real Uchiha Madara that he could control Aizen struck Obito as utterly preposterous.

After prolonged observation and rigorous testing, Obito had become convinced that this youth was beyond anyone's control. He was far too dangerous, his methods of manipulation chillingly effective—even as an observer, Obito felt an involuntary shiver.

"My objective?" Aizen pondered for a moment before responding in his characteristic composed tone, "I suppose... I seek to comprehend the fundamental nature of this existence."

"The fundamental nature of existence?"

"Have you ever encountered the legend of Yomotsu Hirasaka? It is said that all who depart this world find their way there. If the living could breach its threshold, would it not then be feasible to guide the departed back to their homes?"

Guide them back home? Resurrect the deceased?

Obito's eyes widened at Aizen's words. If such a feat were indeed achievable... could Rin...?

For a fleeting instant—

The usually unflappable Obito felt his mind descend into utter disarray.

Aizen, keenly observing his reaction, allowed a subtle, inscrutable smile to grace his lips.

......Amegakure, the Akatsuki's clandestine headquarters.

"A new recruit, Aizen Sosuke." A gentle smile adorned his youthful features as Aizen's soft voice resonated within the chamber. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, everyone."

At this juncture, the Akatsuki had not yet attained its future zenith of power, yet its members comprised familiar figures. Alongside the leaders, Pain and Konan, were Sasori, Kakuzu, Orochimaru, and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Biwa Juzo.

"Hah? Just a brat?" Sasori grumbled, his dissatisfaction palpable.

"He is no ordinary child," Orochimaru stated in his signature rasp, his lips curling. "I did not anticipate encountering you here, Sosuke-kun."

"Indeed. It has been some time, Orochimaru-senpai." Aizen betrayed no surprise, his smile remaining as placid as ever.

"To think that one of Konoha's Twin Stars would also turn traitor." Orochimaru chuckled, a dark glint in his eyes. "How exceedingly interesting."

"The Twin Stars of Konoha? Your heads carry a bounty of six million Ryo, you know," Kakuzu interjected, fixing Aizen with an unnerving stare.

"Konoha's Twin Stars? Aizen Sosuke?" Biwa Juzo seemed to access a memory, a grin spreading across his face. "Ah, so you're the youngster who bested Mangetsu, eh? Not too shabby."

Aizen offered him a brief, indifferent glance. "To use someone like Hozuki Mangetsu as a yardstick for achievement, I would not deem that particularly impressive."

"That level?" Biwa Juzo raised an eyebrow, remarking, "Kid, you carry yourself with considerable arrogance."

"No, I'm merely presenting facts." Aizen offered a slight shake of his head as he spoke in a low tone. "My curiosity was piqued when I learned of the hunter who dared to prey upon the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. However, it appears the renowned genius of Kirigakure, heralded as a once-in-a-century talent, is nothing more than empty boasts. Or perhaps... is this the true extent of all Kirigakure ninja?"

"Brat, are you attempting to provoke me?" Biwa Juzo menacingly drew the enormous Executioner's Blade from his back, his voice laced with coldness.

Despite his defection from Kirigakure, a residual loyalty to his former village lingered within him. Moreover, he perceived Aizen's deliberate targeting of him.

Aizen replied softly, "There's no need for such anger. In your heart, you also wish to witness firsthand—just how formidable the young man who defeated your so-called genius truly is."

"You insolent child..." Biwa Juzo felt as though his innermost thoughts had been laid bare, his expression darkening.

"Not going to attack me?" Aizen inquired casually, yet his hands remained concealed within his sleeves, an undisguised display of his disdain for his opponent.

Instantly, Biwa Juzo erupted in fury. "Kid, you will regret this!" With a roar, he lunged forward, the Executioner's Blade whistling down towards Aizen's right shoulder.

As the colossal blade cut through the air, Aizen casually raised his left hand.

Clang.

The Executioner's Blade, capable of cleaving through stone with ease, was halted by a single, slender, youthful hand. Not only Biwa Juzo but even Pain, their leader, displayed a flicker of surprise.

"So this is the Executioner's Blade? It doesn't appear particularly sharp," Aizen commented as he withdrew his Zanpakuto from his waist with his right hand. "Now then, would you care to experience my blade?"

A blinding flash of silver light erupted in an instant.

Squelch.

A sword met flesh, and vibrant crimson blood sprayed through the air.