As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group Chapter 3: A Chat Group?
Previously on As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group...
A heavy thud echoed.
Biwa Juzo dropped to one knee, his massive Executioner's Blade serving as a crutch. A gaping, bloody wound sliced across his body from his right shoulder down to his midsection.
"I had intended to claim your entire right arm, but you managed an evasive maneuver at the last possible moment?" Aizen calmly flicked a droplet of blood from his sword, his expression serene as he offered, "Your reflexes are quite remarkable."
Though his words sounded like praise, Biwa Juzo perceived them as utter derision. His face contorted with fury. "Damn you... you impudent whelp!"
Aizen paid him no attention and turned towards Pain. "Leader, have I now demonstrated sufficient capability to be accepted?"
Pain's silent assent was evident as he nodded slightly, his gaze severe. "Your next assignment will be a new mission..."
Aizen scarcely registered the remainder of Pain's words. Having absorbed the original narrative, he was fully aware of the Akatsuki's agenda. The so-called 'new mission' was merely another calculated step in their scheme to hunt and capture the Tailed Beasts.
This pursuit of the Ten-Tails was precisely the reason Aizen had chosen to align himself with the Akatsuki—his own grand design hinged upon its eventual manifestation.
Naturally, even without their intervention, Aizen possessed the individual capability to subdue every Tailed Beast. With merely 34% of his true power unleashed, he could effortlessly dominate the entirety of the ninja world.
However, such a direct approach was not his preferred modus operandi.
Instead of employing overwhelming force to overcome every obstacle, Aizen found a more engaging method: guiding, manipulating, and utilizing others as expendable assets.
Yet, the 'assets' currently before him held little of his interest. His attention had been captured by something far more captivating.
[Congratulations! You have received an invitation. Would you like to join the Dimensional Chat Group?]
Confronted by the luminous screen before him, even Aizen experienced a fleeting moment of astonishment.
Upon accessing the group's details, he swiftly comprehended that this 'Dimensional Chat Group' purported to connect individuals from disparate realities within a system-governed chatroom. The interface, he noted with interest, bore a remarkable resemblance to a certain social application from his former existence.
In essence... could this be his secondary 'cheat' ability?
How intriguing.
Aizen's eyebrow arched as he mentally selected [Join], adhering to the directives outlined in the group's introductory information.
[An actor has joined this group.]
'An actor'?
Perusing his assigned designation, Aizen promptly deduced that an unseen sentience within the group recognized his persona as 'Aizen.'
Nevertheless, the notification at the apex of the chat indicated that the group leader position was presently unoccupied. This implied that the group's governing consciousness and its rules were merely emergent constructs, devoid of true agency.
It was evident that this group operated beyond Aizen's direct command, a fact he found more stimulating than disconcerting. Should a group leader emerge, however, the dynamic would irrevocably shift, introducing the potential for subjugation or control.
Neither the entity known as Anzen nor the role he embodied as Aizen could countenance such a scenario. With this resolve solidifying, his gaze drifted towards the unfolding chat interface.
Curly-haired Guy: Oh? A new participant?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: An actor?
Doujin Artist: Welcome, newcomer. If it's not too much trouble, could you perhaps introduce yourself?
Curly-haired Guy: Mochou-chan, an 'actor' is essentially a profession. They don extravagant attire and embody diverse characters in cinematic and televised productions. However, my personal preference leans towards those who adorn themselves minimally. Hmm! Could it be that our new arrival falls into that particular category of actor?
Doujin Artist: Silence! Cease your attempts to corrupt Mochou-neesan, you scoundrel!
Curly-haired Guy: What are you implying, you imbecile Eriri? I am merely assisting Mochou-chan's maturation!
An actor who eschews clothing?
Had Anzen not been immersed in his Aizen persona, his expression might have darkened considerably.
Yet, from their verbal exchange, he had largely ascertained the identities of the other group members. 'Curly-haired Guy' was unmistakably Sakata Gintoki, 'Scarlet Lotus Fairy' was Li Mochou, and 'Doujin Artist' was Eriri Spencer Sawamura.
In his previous existence, these names held a certain familiarity.
Recalling his purpose, Aizen complied with the group's unspoken request and mentally composed a message: "My designation is Anzen."
Upon dispatching the communiqué, he instinctively checked his role-play progress indicator—it remained static at 34%. Therefore, engaging in group discourse did not appear to impede his role-playing advancement.
Curly-haired Guy: Come now, newcomer, do you possess no facility for social interaction? Merely stating your name constitutes an introduction? Might you not endeavor to be somewhat more engaging?
Doujin Artist: Desist! You, of all characters, who perpetually spew lewd jests, possess no standing to critique the art of social engagement.
This is an Actor: My apologies, my introduction was indeed rather concise. My designation is Anzen, I am male, twenty-seven years of age, and my profession is that of a psychological analyst.
Curly-haired Guy: Oh? What is this, some sort of job interview?
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: A psychological analyst, you say?
Curly-haired Guy: You'd do well to ask me; even I, the great Gin-san, possess no knowledge of such matters.
Doujin Artist: Perhaps a role akin to a psychologist? However, your chosen username doesn't quite align with your stated occupation. Are you perhaps an actor in your spare time?
This is an Actor: Yes, that is a reasonable assumption.
Engaging in role-play is, in essence, acting, albeit without the accompanying remuneration.
Amegakure Village's Angel: Hmm? When did we acquire a new participant?
Amegakure Village's Angel? That username...
The instant this particular username materialized, Aizen's attention was immediately drawn to Konan, who was situated nearby. Her head was tilted slightly downwards, her gaze fixed upon something in her lower right vicinity, seemingly engrossed in contemplation.
So, it is indeed her?
With a subtle elevation of his brow, Aizen had already solidified his decision.
Although no one other than himself could perceive the chat group's luminous display, Aizen was cognizant that its location corresponded precisely to the lower right of the group members' field of vision—the very spot Konan was presently fixated upon.
Furthermore, he also observed that the influence of Kyoka Suigetsu over Konan's sensory perception had inexplicably vanished.
How truly intriguing! This is remarkably fascinating!
Aizen's lips curved into a slight smile as he conveyed a message within the group chat: "Greetings, my name is Anzen. I have recently joined and am new to this platform."
Konan appeared oblivious to the subtle implications embedded within the other individual's communication. She responded with polite courtesy, "Mm. Hello, my name is Konan. We warmly welcome you to our extended family."