Chapter 3: The Hokage's Office
Konoha Village buzzed with life. The wide streets were packed with people, a river of humanity flowing between shops and food stalls. The air was thick with the smells of dango and roasting tea, and the cheerful shouts of vendors mixed with the chatter of villagers enjoying a moment of peace in the Land of Fire. It was a picture of prosperity and tranquility.
Weaving through the bustling crowd were two young figures. Leading the way was a girl with soft, short hair and eyes of the purest white, her delicate face flushed with a gentle glow. Following close behind her was a boy with sharp, handsome features that seemed too mature for his age. But it was his eyes that truly set him apart—cold, calculating, and brimming with an arrogance that seemed to look down on the entire world. Hidden within this youthful body was the soul of Aizen, and his domineering spirit could not be completely masked.
So this is the heart of the Land of Fire, Konoha Village? Aizen mused, his gaze sweeping over the vibrant scene. It's so... alive. A far cry from the desolate stretches of the Rukongai.
He had expected a world of lesser comforts, but the hidden village was a testament to organized strength and prosperity.
"We're almost there," Hinata said, stopping and pointing a slender finger toward a prominent building ahead. "The Hokage's office is right there."
Aizen's eyes followed her gesture to a stately, red-roofed structure that stood as a focal point of the village. Then, his gaze was drawn higher, to the four colossal faces carved into the mountain behind it.
And those? he thought, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his features. Who are those four?
He could feel a palpable will emanating from the stone itself, especially from the first carving. It carried an aura of overwhelming power, a domineering presence that had once pacified the world.
"These individuals are not simple," Aizen murmured to himself, a sliver of caution piercing his confidence. "Even their stone effigies exert such pressure. If they were still alive, they would have been a significant threat." In his previous life, he would have scoffed. Now, stripped of his power, he felt a familiar sensation—the need for careful planning and patient, step-by-step execution, just like his early days in the Soul Society.
"They are the Hokage of Konoha," Hinata explained, pressing her hands together near her chin, her clear eyes filled with reverence. "The greatest ninja in the world." Her expression then softened with sadness. "Well... except for Lord Third, the others have all passed away. They died for the village. They are Konoha's eternal pride."
As I suspected, Aizen's internal calm returned. They were top-tier existences, but they are gone. He noted the crucial information Hinata let slip: the Third Hokage was old, entering the twilight of his life.
An old man in his declining years. He can be handled with a little strategy. The priority now is the system's task. I must reclaim Kyōka Suigetsu. With its power returned, I will be able to move through this world unhindered. His mind briefly flashed to Yamamoto Genryūsai, the man known as the strongest Shinigami of the Gotei 13, whom he had outmaneuvered. Compared to that old monster, the Third Hokage seemed far less intimidating. The true challenge was his own depleted state; the vast spiritual pressure that had once crushed his enemies was now just a dormant seed.
"Let's go," Aizen said, his voice neutral. "Take me to see the Third Hokage." He followed Hinata, anticipation for his Zanpakutō simmering beneath a carefully constructed mask.
Inside the Hokage's office, an old man sat behind a large desk. He wore a white haori and the distinctive Hokage hat, a long smoking pipe in his hand. Though aged, his eyes were sharp and penetrating. More importantly, Aizen could sense the vast, ocean-like chakra swirling within him—a compelling, authoritative presence. This was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the man hailed as the "Professor of Ninjutsu."
"Hinata," the Third Hokage said, exhaling a slow puff of smoke. "You say this young man wishes to join Konoha?" His keen eyes studied Aizen, who stood before him, appearing utterly ordinary, with no discernible chakra fluctuations—just a common civilian boy.
Aizen met his gaze, but all the cold intelligence and arrogance in his eyes was gone, replaced by a convincing mix of nervousness and awe. He understood that to survive and grow in this village while weak, he needed the perfect disguise. It was no different from the humble facade he had maintained for decades in the Soul Society.
"Lord Third Hokage," Hinata said with an obedient smile, her dimples showing. "I found him unconscious by the river this morning. When he woke up, he had nowhere to go. He's an orphan. So I brought him to you."
"An orphan? A pitiful thing," Hiruzen said, his expression softening. "Konoha has always cherished peace. Taking in an orphan in need is only right." He looked back at Aizen. "I will arrange a place for you to stay. From today, you are one of Konoha."
As the Hokage spoke the words of acceptance, a familiar, cold chime sounded in Aizen's mind.
Side Mission Complete: Join Konoha.
Reward: Zanpakutō - Kyōka Suigetsu - has been integrated.
A familiar power, subtle yet profound, seeped back into his soul, settling into a space only he could perceive. It was a fraction of its former self, but it was a start. The cornerstone of his illusions was once again his.
Aizen allowed a small, humble smile to touch his lips, bowing his head in gratitude.
But behind the grateful facade, his true thoughts were a silent storm. Kyōka Suigetsu's power is finally mine again. The game truly begins now.