Book Artist: "Hey, is there a new person here?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Strange. Judging from the group time, it has only been two days since Ruiko-chan joined us."
This is an Actor: "The rules for adding new members are completely random and independent of group time. There may be no new members for several consecutive years, or several might join in a single day."
As the group owner, An Ran had the right to know certain administrative rules, though he lacked the power to modify them.
Curly-Haired Boy: "Hey, forget the rules! Don't you think this new guy deserves more attention? Look at that nickname—who does it remind you of?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Shark Face? Could it be..."
At that moment, on the border of the Land of Fire:
Hoshigaki Kisame's small, round eyes stared at the light curtain that had materialized out of thin air. His face was a mask of disbelief. "A dimensional chat group that connects to countless worlds?"
"Lord Kisame, what did you say?" the Kirigakure ninja beside him asked, turning his head.
Kisame noticed that his subordinate didn't seem to see the screen at all; his eyes remained fixed on Kisame's face. In other words, this curtain is invisible to everyone but me?
Thinking quickly, Kisame shook his head calmly. "It's nothing. Continue."
"Yes." The ninja's head bobbed respectfully. "According to intelligence from the front, our advance troops have already breached the central area of the Land of Fire. We are approximately twenty-seven kilometers from Konoha..."
Kisame stopped listening to the battle report. All his focus was poured into the glowing screen.
Book Artist: "Hoshigaki Kisame? Is the newcomer really Hoshigaki Kisame? @SharkFace"
Shark Face: "You said my name directly. It seems I have joined quite an incredible organization."
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "It really is him!"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Tsk. Can we meet in person even though the time-travel feature isn't enabled yet? This is so enviable!"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Meeting in person?"
Book Artist: "Offline meeting. It's when friends who met on the internet meet in real life."
This is an Actor: "Welcome to the group, Kisame."
Shark Face: "Since you are the leader, I suppose I should say, 'Thank you for your guidance.' However, everyone here seems suspiciously familiar with me."
This is an Actor: "I know you have many questions. Don't worry. First, introduce yourself."
Book Artist: "Right! Even if we know you, you still have to do it. It's a group tradition!"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Name, gender, age, occupation, orientation, relationship history, and fetishes! All of these must be explained honestly!"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "??? Did something weird just sneak in? Aren't those last few a bit much..."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Is Gintoki having another one of his episodes?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Ignore him, Kisame. Just give us the first four. Of course, if you don't mind, you can share the rest. We'll help you with 'references.'"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "?"
Book Artist: "What kind of references?! Konan-neesan, don't start imitating Gintoki and saying such incomprehensible things!"
Kisame's mouth twitched. He felt like something was fundamentally "off" about this group. Where was the supposed mystery? He decided it was best to ignore the eccentricities.
Focusing his mind, he began to type: Name: Hoshigaki Kisame. Gender: Male. Age: 23. Occupation: Kirigakure Shinobi.
Book Artist: "Hey, has Kisame-san not defected from the Mist yet?"
Shark Face: "No. There are still certain tasks to complete."
Kisame already realized these members knew him well, so he didn't bother asking how they knew he was prone to desertion.
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Tasks? Is it a mission assigned by Uchiha Obito?"
Shark Face: "Who is that?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Oh, right. He currently goes by the name Uchiha Madara."
Shark Face: "The Uchiha Madara who controls the Fourth Mizukage? No, my superior is not that man."
Book Artist: "?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Not that man? According to the original story, didn't you agree with Madara's philosophy and join the Akatsuki because of him?"
Shark Face: "Agree with Uchiha Madara? Hahahaha... it seems you all don't know as much as you think."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "What do you mean?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "I feel like I'm being mocked."
Book Artist: "Has there been a deviation in the plot?"
Shark Face: "I don't know how much you know about me, but there is one thing you are definitely mistaken about. My superior is far more terrifying than that Uchiha Madara fellow. He is a man like the abyss itself."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "I think I understand. Aizen Sosuke?"
Seeing the name Konan sent, Kisame's pupils constricted sharply. After a long silence, he typed back: It seems I still underestimated you.
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "No. To be exact, we all underestimated Aizen. I never imagined even you would become his subordinate."
Book Artist: "I finally get it! Aizen was able to instigate the Hidden Mist to attack Konoha because of Kisame-san's involvement."
Shark Face: "It seems you know Lord Aizen very well."
This is an Actor: "It's more than just knowing him, Kisame."
The corners of An Ran's mouth curled into a meaningful smile.
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "It is indeed more than just simple understanding. Once you go through the memory archives for 'Bleach' and 'Naruto,' you will understand everything."
Following Konan's prompt, Hoshigaki Kisame opened the file list and downloaded the data for both worlds. He stood frozen for a long time, his expression going completely blank.
"So... it's you?!"