Utterly defeated.
At this moment, Sakata Gintoki was genuinely wallowing in despair.
These were the points he had earned by trading away his own moral integrity with monumental effort. It was fine that the other group members could passive-aggressively claim the basic rewards, but why on earth did the Group Owner get four times that amount for doing absolutely nothing?
As if he could see right through Gintoki's inner turmoil, Aizen leisurely sent a message.
This is an Actor: "Of course, it is because of privilege."
Book Artist: "?"
This is an Actor: "I am simply answering Gintoki's silent grievances. He must be feeling terribly slighted right now."
Curly Hair: "How can there be any balance, you asshole?! Why does something as disgusting as Group Owner privilege even exist? These damn chat rules are completely rigged, aren't they?!"
Shark-Faced Guy: "Even if it is unfair, there is nothing we can do to change it."
Book Artist: "And you only call this privilege disgusting because you aren't the one holding it! If you were the Group Owner, who knows how unbearable you'd be right now."
Curly Hair: "Shut up! Am I really that kind of person to you, Eriri-chan?!"
Skirt-Up Maniac: "Evidently, yes."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "Without a doubt, you are."
Book Artist: "The eyes of the masses are sharp."
This is an Actor: "If you truly find it unacceptable, Gintoki, you still have time to forfeit the mission."
In truth, Aizen didn't particularly care for such an unbalanced system either, as it reminiscently mirrored the ruthless corporate exploitation of his past life. But for now, he was powerless to rewrite the core programming and could only quietly shoulder the burden of this privilege.
Bearing such heavy sins was, in its own way, a form of spiritual discipline.
Curly Hair: "Forfeit?! You must be joking! How could Gintoki-san ever leave money on the table?!"
Book Artist: "So you really are just too reluctant to give up those one thousand points."
Skirt-Up Maniac: "You are truly worthy of the name Gin-san."
Curly Hair: "Humph, this isn't about the points at all! I just want to prove to you all through my actions that I, Sakata Gintoki, am not a man who backs down from a challenge!"
Book Artist: "By the way, Anran-san, do you know what the current situation is over at the Five Kage Summit?"
This is an Actor: "The Sage of Six Paths has just finished recounting his tale."
Skirt-Up Maniac: "Eh? Even without active surveillance, you can still gather intelligence from over there?"
This is an Actor: "Yes."
Book Artist: "That's amazing! How are you doing it?"
Curly Hair: "What do you mean, you bastards?! Are you completely ignoring me now?! I just delivered an incredibly profound speech, so what is with this dismissive attitude?!"
Book Artist: "Ha! You, having a profound side? Do you actually believe that?"
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "You shouldn't mock him like that, Eriri-chan. He probably convinced himself. After all, Gintoki-san is exceptionally skilled at self-delusion."
Skirt-Up Maniac: "Hahahaha!"
Curly Hair: "Enough is enough! I've really had it with you all! You bunch of toxic women, just lay off!"
Book Artist: "Look at him, he's projecting. What else can you do besides complain? You still have to get to work obediently."
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "It is impossible to refuse the work. After all, the points are simply too valuable."
[System Message: 'This is an Actor' has started a Live Broadcast.]
[System Message: 'Curly Hair,' 'Skirt-Up Maniac,' 'Angel of the Hidden Rain Village,' 'Book Artist,' and 'Shark-Faced Guy' have entered the broadcast room.]
Skirt-Up Maniac: "Oh, wow! I can see Anran-san! The picture is incredibly clear!"
Book Artist: "Indeed, the resolution is absolutely remarkable."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Master Anran is even more striking than his portrait. And Konan-san is much more elegant than I imagined."
Looking out from the perspective of the live broadcast, the majestic palace of the Pure Land came into view. Aizen sat upon the grand throne, a trace of a gentle smile playing upon his lips.
Beside him stood Konan, attired in pristine white robes. While her distinctive hairstyle remained unchanged, her lipstick, eyeshadow, and lower lip piercings were entirely gone. Divested of her starker cosmetic choices, she looked far less severe and infinitely more ethereal.
Curly Hair: "Konan-san, you aren't even wearing the Akatsuki cloak anymore? This outfit... I almost didn't recognize you, hey!"
Angel of the Hidden Rain Village: "People change over time."
Book Artist: "Konan-neesan, do you have a radical misunderstanding of the phrase 'over time'? You mean instantly, right?"
Curly Hair: "Tsk, she's completely blinded by love, this woman."
Shark-Faced Guy: "Come to think of it, Mr. Aizen, did you initiate this broadcast solely to allow everyone to admire your commanding presence?"
"Do I truly seem like such a vain individual, Kisame?" Aizen did not type a response in the chat; instead, he spoke directly to the broadcast interface. "Give me a moment. I will alter the perspective."
Skirt-Up Maniac: "Anran-san's voice..."
Book Artist: "Oh my god, it has this incredibly deep, magnetic quality."
Scarlet Snake Fairy: "Indeed, it is exceptionally pleasant to the ear. I believe I can finally understand why Konan-san is so utterly captivated."
A striking countenance, a composed temperament, extraordinary intellect, immense power, and a voice that lingered in the mind—what woman could possibly remain indifferent?
Curly Hair: "Humph, he can barely match my level on a good day."
Book Artist: "Impossible. No one could ever match your level of sheer shamelessness."
Even as Eriri sent her retort, the scene within the live stream abruptly shifted. Uchiha Madara, clad in his dark red armor with his long, wild hair cascading over his shoulders, dominated the view.
"Aizen... Black Zetsu!" Uchiha Madara clenched his fists, his expression twisted with feral rage.
It was a farce. Everything had been a calculated lie.
Whether it was the Eye of the Moon Plan he had spent his entire life orchestrating, or the absolute loyalty those two had simulated toward him—it was all a complete fabrication.
"You ought to understand by now, Madara," Tsunade said, turning her gaze toward him as she exhaled a heavy sigh. "We are not your enemies here."
"Hmph!" Uchiha Madara snorted coldly, his countenance remaining exceedingly sour.
It was hardly surprising. Given his fiercely proud nature, it was understandably difficult for him to accept that he had been played like a fiddle.
"Lord Hagoromo, what should our next course of action be?" Onoki inquired, casting a cautious glance at Madara before addressing the Sage of Six Paths.
To be perfectly honest, the elderly Tsuchikage was secretly enjoying the spectacle. Having been thoroughly humiliated by Madara in the past, seeing his formidable rival reduced to such a resentful state naturally brought him a quiet satisfaction.
"First, we must consolidate our strength as rapidly as possible." Otsutsuki Hagoromo pondered the matter for a brief moment before continuing, "The Arrancars under Aizen's command are by no means ordinary foes. With the current military capacity of the shinobi world, I fear we are no match for them. Therefore, I shall bestow the unique power of the Shinigami upon you all."