Book Artist: "Pfft! Burning Icha Icha Paradise for Aizen? Hahahaha, this Kakashi is truly a genius!"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "The best part is that Aizen saw it all through the monitor. He must be looking pretty unhappy right now, right?"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Not really. He looks very calm."
After sending the message, Konan glanced at Aizen beside her. His expression was indeed serene, as if he were completely unconcerned with the absurdity unfolding before his eyes.
Book Artist: "Just because he looks calm doesn't mean he is calm. Don't forget, this guy is an award-winning actor! How could he possibly reveal his true thoughts?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Exactly! I bet Aizen is just pretending nothing happened while he writes Kakashi's name in his little black notebook. Kakashi, you're in danger!"
Shark Face: "Hmm, I think Gintoki makes a lot of sense. What do you think, Group Leader?"
Kisame had been in the group long enough to pick up on the other members' talent for seeking death. The main reason they were so bold was that Aizen didn't seem to mind the jokes and appeared remarkably open-minded.
This is an Actor: "Group members cannot harm each other. However, the Group Owner has the privilege to kick people out. In other words, once someone is removed, the restriction against harming them is naturally lifted."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "?"
Book Artist: "Wow, there's a setting like that? I didn't even know we couldn't hurt each other."
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Eriri-neesan, haven't you read the group rules? It's stated right there!"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "This is the first I've heard of it as well."
Curly-Haired Boy: "Tsk! Suddenly pulling rank to show you're part of the privileged class? Well, Gin-san isn't afraid of power! But in the spirit of mutual support and friendship, I admit I was just jealous earlier. Please forgive me!"
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "Pffft!"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "You actually gave in, Gintoki."
Book Artist: "What happened to your promise of not fearing the powerful?"
Curly-Haired Boy: "Quiet! I'm not bowing to power! I'm just admitting my mistakes!"
This is an Actor: "Don't be so nervous. I only just realized this was the case."
Shark Face: "Sorry, Group Leader. I was too presumptuous!"
Hoshigaki Kisame decisively admitted his fault, cold sweat pouring down his face. Others might take it as a joke, but he knew better. Aizen's words were a pointed warning—a lesson not to get too arrogant.
This is an Actor: "Is something wrong? What were you about to ask?"
Shark Face: "No, nothing at all."
The corners of Kisame's mouth twitched fiercely. He thought to himself: This man is terrifyingly sinister!
This is an Actor: "If you have opinions or suggestions, please share them in the group. There is no need to curse people behind their backs. Don't worry—I am a very democratic person."
What kind of 'democracy' is this? Kisame didn't even know how to begin complaining. With such a blatant threat hanging over them, the man still had the nerve to call himself democratic? The audacity!
Book Artist: "Indeed, An Ran-san is very receptive to feedback."
Skirt-Lifting Maniac: "He is a wonderful Group Leader."
Shark Face: "..."
Kisame didn't want to talk anymore; he was simply exhausted.
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "The invasion of Konoha has begun."
Konan's message startled everyone, and the group fell silent as they shifted their focus.
In Konoha, near the Memorial Stone.
Shisui and Kakashi remained standing before Aizen's grave, watching the copy of Icha Icha Paradise gradually turn to ash. The billowing smoke drifted into the distance, as if carrying the grief of the living.
Boom!
A massive explosion suddenly erupted from the western perimeter of the village.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The shrill ringing of the alarm bells echoed throughout Konoha.
"They're here..." Shisui's expression turned solemn as he looked toward the source of the blast. Dark red flames licked at the sky.
"Yes." Kakashi nodded slightly, his usually dull eyes sharpening with focus. "Everything is happening just as the intelligence Aizen left behind predicted. He truly was an extraordinary man. Let's visit him again once this war is over."
"Yeah, it's a promise." Shisui nodded and vanished instantly.
"Well, time for me to complete my mission." Kakashi exhaled a long breath and turned, heading in the opposite direction.
Konoha, Western Fence.
The Fourth Raikage smashed through the barrier with a single fist and kicked down the wooden palisade, storming into the village with his personal guard. "Where is he? Where is that damned Aizen Sosuke?!"
Swish! Swish!
Several figures blurred into existence, blocking his path. At the lead was Sarutobi Hiruzen, dressed in his battle suit. "Fourth Raikage? Please withdraw immediately. There is still a chance to salvage the relationship between our villages!"
"Salvage it?" The Raikage scoffed. Like a bolt of azure lightning, he closed the distance to Hiruzen in an instant. He reared back a fist glowing with electrical discharge. "I didn't come here to make friends, Konoha!"
"Elbow!"
Bang!
The Raikage's strike collided with a black iron staff. The sheer force of the impact created a shockwave that rippled outward, scattering blue sparks in all directions.
"So there is no room for negotiation?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, his gaze turning cold. "What a pity." The veins on his hands bulged as he thrust the Enma Staff straight at the Raikage.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Muffled impacts rang out as the two Kage clashed, their movements a blur of high-speed exchanges. Their confrontation served as the overture to the war; Hiruzen's elite Anbu immediately engaged the Raikage's guards in a desperate struggle.
Meanwhile, at the main gate of Konoha.
"Magnet Style: Placer Gold!"
A massive explosion shook the entrance as a terrifying tide of golden sand flooded over the Konoha shinobi guarding the gate.
Step. Step.
Several figures emerged from the settling dust, all wearing Hidden Sand headbands and grey-brown vests. At their head was the auburn-haired Rasa.
"Is this all Konoha has to defend its gate?" Rasa looked down the long street, but the once bustling thoroughfare was deserted. It was clear the civilians had already been evacuated to safety.
"It seems Konoha was well-prepared for our arrival," standing beside him was the elderly, wrinkled Chiyo. The advisor spoke in a rasping voice. "I am still curious—why would Sasori send us such an invitation?"
"It doesn't matter," Rasa dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Whether your grandson invited us or not, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity like this. Konoha's main force is stretched thin, occupied by our armies and the Hidden Cloud. As long as we and the Raikage use our overwhelming strength to crush their headquarters, we win!"
His tone was brimming with confidence, as if Konoha were already a sheep led to the slaughter.
"Konoha Hurricane!"
Just as Rasa finished speaking, a green blur lunged from the shadows, aiming a powerful spinning kick directly at his head.