Previously on As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group...
Sakata Gintoki and Katsura Kotaro argue fiercely in the group chat. Katsura Kotaro takes control of Edo, claiming it's for the revolution, but Gintoki suspects he's just after power. Meanwhile, Geralt discusses a risky resurrection plan with Professor Snape, who agrees to provide something for the ritual. Unbeknownst to them, Harry, Ron, and Hermione overhear their conversation and begin to suspect Geralt of being the Heir of Slytherin.
"Impossible!" Hermione vehemently shook her head, exclaiming, "There's no way Professor Zickrein could be the heir!"
"What makes it impossible?" Ron narrowed his eyes, questioning, "Carefully consider the qualifications for an heir. Ambition, talent, and a remarkable past – all these perfectly describe Professor Zickrein!"
"Professor Zickrein himself said all of this!" Hermione’s voice was laced with anger.
"Doesn't the fact that he said it himself make it even more believable?" Ron’s tone sharpened, as if he had transformed into a brilliant detective. "Otherwise, how would he possess such detailed knowledge?"
"That’s true, I also feel something is amiss here," Harry concurred, nodding in agreement. "However, we cannot make baseless accusations without any evidence."
"Obtaining proof is quite simple," Ron stated, blinking. "Today is Thursday, and he’s heading to the Forbidden Forest this afternoon."
"You intend to follow Professor Zickrein into the Forbidden Forest?" Hermione instantly grasped Ron's intention, her voice rising in alarm, "Are you out of your mind? If we're discovered, we'll undoubtedly be expelled!"
"You mentioned 'if we're discovered'," Ron’s grin widened as he whispered, "What if we conceal ourselves so effectively that no one notices?"
"No, I absolutely cannot consent to this reckless plan!"
"Don't be so definitive. If Professor Zickrein isn't the heir, we can still uncover the truth by visiting the Forbidden Forest, can't we? In doing so, we can also help clear his name."
"This..." Upon hearing Ron's reasoning, Hermione showed signs of being swayed.
The trio reached a consensus once more, their minds so preoccupied that they were somewhat distracted during their morning classes. Even Hermione, usually so active and eager, was less enthusiastic when answering questions.
As they waited with bated breath, the bell finally chimed.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione bypassed lunch entirely, rushing to Gerald’s room to await his departure.
These young wizards believed their actions were discreet. Little did they know, their every movement and behavior was being meticulously recorded by an unseen camera.
Every member of the chat group was observing them.
Doujin Artist: "Amazing, I suppose you really can’t underestimate Gryffindor? They’ll dare to do anything, even tail Anzen-san."
Machete Girl: "This must be a prime example of confidence escalating into arrogance. Excessive self-assurance can truly render people foolish."
Curly-haired Guy: "More than foolish, it’s downright idiotic. I believe even if they weren't tailing the company head, but merely another professor, they'd be easily spotted. Do they truly believe an invisibility cloak grants them impunity?"
Foul-Mouthed Mask Guy: "Indeed, I share that sentiment. I feel possessing an invisibility cloak is a waste on them. These youngsters fail to grasp the true significance of wielding such an item!"
Pretty Boy from Skull Island: "Oh, so you claim extensive knowledge?"
Foul-Mouthed Mask Guy: "Naturally, my knowledge is vast! If I were equipped with this invisibility cloak, I could undoubtedly forge a new world!"
Doujin Artist: "You wouldn't be forging a new world, you'd be forging a new species, wouldn't you? If someone like you obtained an invisibility cloak, countless men would be forced to wear green hats, wouldn't they?"
Soul Society’s Villain: "Deadpool certainly wouldn’t employ such a thing for travel; it’s common knowledge."
Curly-haired Guy: "Precisely, it would be far better to entrust it to me, Gin-san!"
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: "Cease your chatter, the two of you are identical."
Doujin Artist: "Your presence in this world is an affront and a calamity to all women. Therefore, heed my counsel: end yourselves."
Curly-haired Guy: "Nonsense!"
Foul-Mouthed Mask Guy: "Would a decent person utter such a statement?"
Amegakure Village’s Angel: "However, speaking of the matter at hand, those youngsters are quite determined. Their stomachs are rumbling with hunger, yet they persist with their plan."
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: "In contrast, Anzen-san is leisurely enjoying his Mapo tofu. (Emoji: facepalm)"
Lazy Kitten: "Is he doing that deliberately? Anzen-nii is absolutely doing it on purpose!"
This is an Actor: "Recently, the culinary skills of the Hogwarts house-elves have seen remarkable improvement. Their Mapo tofu now closely resembles the authentic dish. It's spicy and flavorful, the tofu is tender and smooth, and the minced meat strikes a perfect balance between lean and fat."
Scarlet Lotus Fairy: "? Am I inadvertently tuning into a culinary broadcast?"
Doujin Artist: "Damn it, you’ve made me hungry!"
Machete Girl: "Me too... I shall prepare some Mapo tofu later and attempt it myself!"
Skirt-Flipping Maniac: "As anticipated, Anzen-san is acting with intent! He’s deliberately making the young wizards wait outside in the cold while he indulges himself. What a scoundrel!"
Amegakure Village’s Angel: "That is merely the unique characteristic of my beloved. However, I don't perceive it as negative; they brought this situation upon themselves."
While the group engaged in conversation, Gerald finished the rice and accompanying dishes in his bowl, retrieved a napkin from the table, and wiped his mouth. He then opened the door and stepped out of his room.
The moment Shun materialized in the corridor, Hermione and the others' faces brightened considerably. With haste, they donned the invisibility cloak, trailing behind Gerald as they ventured towards the Forbidden Forest.
Fortunately, the daylight provided ample visibility, dispelling much of the gloom even within the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
After navigating several winding trails under Gerald's guidance, Hermione and her companions found themselves halted before a tree with a distinctly black trunk. The figure of Gerald, who had been leading them, vanished completely.
"Where did he go? Has he disappeared?" Ron questioned, his gaze sweeping the surroundings in bewilderment.
"He was right in front of us just a moment ago, how could he vanish so suddenly?" Harry echoed, looking utterly baffled.
"He must have been obscured by those branches; we were following too far back," Hermione surmised, running a hand through her hair in evident frustration. She scanned the area, asking, "What is our next move?"
"Perhaps we should take the path to the left?" Ron ventured, suggesting, "He might have gone that direction."
"But what if he turned right?" Harry countered. "Wouldn't that mean we'd be heading further away from him?"
"So, in this predicament, we have no way of knowing which way Professor Zickrein proceeded. Whichever path we choose, it could be the wrong one," Hermione declared with a heavy sigh. "Therefore, the wisest course of action is likely to return the way we came, back to Hogwarts!"
"Just give up like this?" Ron expressed his reluctance.
"This is the Forbidden Forest!" Hermione sternly reminded them. "If we venture too deep, who knows what dangers we might encounter!"
Awooo.
No sooner had she spoken than the distant, dense woods resonated with a chorus of wolf howls, remarkably timed with her warning.
"Now, a rather critical question arises," Harry stated, turning to look back the way they had come. He asked slowly, "Do any of you recall precisely where we entered from?"
