As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group Chapter 433: Eri’s Plan

"Are you feeling quite anxious?" Gerald, having already perceived her unease, inquired in a composed manner. "Are you concerned that Harry Potter might become a target of public scrutiny?"

"P-Professor... H-how did you know..." Hermione stammered, her face etched with disbelief.

This was information that, at that moment, should have been a secret known only to their trio. How could this young professor in front of her declare it with such certainty?

"I observed you during your duel class that day," Gerald responded with a slight smile.

It was during that particular duel class, when Harry Potter employed Parseltongue to command the black serpent summoned by Malfoy, that understanding dawned upon him regarding his own Parseltongue abilities.

Naturally, the majority of young wizards, and indeed some of the professors, remained unaware that the language Harry had used was Parseltongue. It was Harry and Hermione themselves who delved into various reference materials to confirm this fact.

"Professor Zickrein, I can assure you!" Hermione straightened up quickly, her voice ringing out with conviction. "Harry is not the heir, absolutely not! Please, you must believe me!"

"There's no need for you to be nervous. Of course, I know he isn't the heir," Gerald remarked with a soft chuckle. "After all, you were in the basement of the main building brewing potions when Cedric was attacked."

Oh.

Hermione froze, her voice tinged with bewildered confusion as she asked, "You... how do you know that as well?"

"Because that was precisely the location I utilized for practicing potion brewing," Gerald stated, shaking his head slightly. "Did it not strike you as peculiar that all the necessary ingredients were readily available there?"

"We... we assumed it was a storeroom that Professor Snape had abandoned..."

"It appears you truly do not grasp Snape's nature. Even if he were to abandon a room, he would never leave a single herb behind."

"I apologize, Professor Zickrein... I am sincerely sorry."

Hermione felt an overwhelming sense of mortification, her cheeks flushing with intense embarrassment, finding it difficult to remain any longer.

"The recipe you acquired is exceedingly ancient. Polyjuice Potion ought not to include Ghoul Spinal Fluid; such an addition would compromise the potion's inherent stability. It would be more advantageous to substitute it with the venom sac of a Rammous Rat; the resulting effects would be considerably superior."

Hermione was taken aback, her gaze fixed upon the young man before her. She had never anticipated that, far from punishing her, he would instead offer advice on enhancing the potion's efficacy?

"You are my assistant, Miss Hermione," Gerald stated, without diverting his attention from the intricate magic circle circuit diagrams he was meticulously sketching. "I am offering these words not from the capacity of a professor, but rather from the perspective of a collaborator."

When speaking as a professor, he naturally could not provide guidance on improving potion-making. This was because the process of brewing Polyjuice Potion already surpassed the academic curriculum expected of a second-year young wizard.

As an educator, he certainly could not endorse students in contravening established rules.

However, adopting the stance of a collaborator transformed the situation entirely. Every associate hopes for their partner to possess exceptional skills; it is simply human nature.

Time flowed onward, and the night deepened considerably.

"That shall suffice; we have achieved the majority of our intended progress for today," Gerald declared impassively, closing the drawings spread before him. "We have class tomorrow. You should return now."

"Yes, thank you, Professor Zickrein." Hermione rose politely, offered a bow, and then proceeded to exit Gerald's private chambers.

*Hum.*

Merely moments after her departure, the air in front of Gerald began to shimmer and distort. A house-elf, adorned in a formal tailcoat, slowly materialized, executing a deeply respectful bow in the manner of aristocracy. "Greetings, esteemed Lord Zickrein, your devoted servant offers salutations."

"You are aware of my sentiments on this, Aura," Gerald’s expression remained utterly placid, his tone unperturbed. "I find these perfunctory formalities to be quite tiresome."

"Indeed, from four centuries ago, you have consistently been the least aristocratic of nobles," Aura’s voice carried a subtle undertone of nostalgia as he sighed. "You disdain all elaborate rituals. However, as your subordinate, even if it displeats you, I must adhere to my own principles."

"Are you suggesting a strategy of using magic to counter magic?" Gerald retorted, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

"Precisely so, great Lord," Aura affirmed, retrieving a small, exquisitely crafted wooden box from behind him. "The Shadow Wolf Fang you desired. It remains remarkably fresh."

Gerald opened the box. Within, resting before his eyes, was a fang of a deep black hue, approximating half a meter in length, radiating an aura of intense ferocity and bloodlust.

"I am indebted to you, Aura," Gerald stated matter-of-factly, accepting the box. "The next phase is commencing. We shall begin with the pure-blood lineages of the English wizarding community."

"Your command is my directive, my Lord," Aura inclined his head, his form gradually fading from view. "Furthermore, I harbor the belief that Miss Granger possesses genuine potential to become a future mistress of the house." With those final words, he vanished entirely from Gerald’s sight, as if making a hasty retreat.

It seems that a penchant for mischief truly knows no bounds, transcending even the realms of different species.

Gerald gazed into the empty space before him, a new understanding dawning in his heart. With a helpless shake of his head, he brought up the group chat interface.

Skirt-Flipping Maniac: Should we commence our activities in Tokyo Bay? I believe it offers a suitable backdrop, especially with the Self-Defense Forces stationed nearby. I intend to create a spectacle, dramatically dispatching those SDF members, which would undoubtedly solidify our villainous personas.

Machete Girl: I find Tokyo Bay to be less than ideal. Based on the crowd segmentation data Eri provided, the population density there is exceedingly high. Should we instigate a battle in such a location, it would inevitably impact innocent civilians.

Curly-haired Guy: Are we truly still concerned with such minor impacts in this day and age? Compared to the repercussions of a mere battle, the detrimental influence wielded by those corrupt rulers is far more significant.

Machete Girl: We should not equate ourselves with those depraved individuals. It is crucial that we maintain clarity regarding the nature of our group.

Could the strategic direction be under discussion on Eri’s end?

Observing the chat logs of the group members, Gerald experienced a realization. He found himself quite approving of this method of discourse. Even when discussions became intense, they still held considerable positive value.

After all, truth tends to emerge more clearly through earnest debate.

Amegakure Village’s Angel: Kotonoha’s point is well-taken; we ought to minimize civilian harm. However, given the current circumstances, a swift and decisive strike is paramount. Tokyo Bay presents a viable starting point. We must simply endeavor to avoid involving ordinary individuals.

Doujin Artist: What if I take the initiative to handle the evacuation and mobilization procedures first? Under the guise of our team, we can announce that a powerful energy fluctuation has been detected in the vicinity.

Machete Girl: Hmm, if that is the plan, then it should be acceptable.

Doujin Artist: I shall commence with those arrangements immediately. Ruiko, please make your own preparations accordingly. This time, we shall deliver a significant and unforgettable lesson to the island nation’s corrupt ruling faction.

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