Scroll of Seals Viewing Authorization

Aizen did not actually hate Konoha that much. If anything, he rather sympathized with it.

Not just Konoha—Aizen maintained a certain degree of sympathy and understanding toward all the ninja villages of the Ninja World.

Their knowledge and understanding limited their horizons, while the conflicts and contradictions of the old clan era had made war between them seem only natural.

Almost any reason, any action, seemed forgivable as long as it was directed at the enemy. Ethics, morality, propriety, and shame were useless things to them. They were ninja, born to serve war.

Yet under such intense pressure, there would inevitably be those unwilling to remain bound by that cycle. The First Hokage, the founder of the one-village, one-country system. Aizen did not wish to say much about the many assessments of that Hokage, but he did admire him.

Though he lacked much intelligence and had few ideas regarding systems, relying only on the simplest and most straightforward ideals to rule and unite, he had still taken action.

Aizen was full of respect for those who took action, even if they failed to make the better choice. He had cast aside his old restraints, shattered the established hierarchy, and advanced toward something further ahead.

The inability to make better decisions was a shortcoming of one's own abilities. And such shortcomings in ability stemmed from shortcomings in one's environment. They had no Shino Academy, and ninja knowledge was severely lacking by comparison. They did not understand history or principles; that could not be helped.

Expecting people with no education whatsoever to create an effective system from nothing was impossible.

But clearly, the First Hokage had recognized the issue of education and his own limitations. He had hoped to buy time through a carrot-and-stick policy of distributing the Tailed Beasts and intimidating others with his own strength, then use time and education to gradually expand his advantages and make up for his deficiencies, until a system centered around Konoha was fully established.

However, that plan had died before it could be born.

The First Hokage fell out with his partner, Uchiha Madara, eventually killed his friend in the battle at the Valley of the End, and himself died in despondency not long afterward.

Yet the framework for the new era had already been handed out, and all sides had developed the desire and intent to wage war. Thus began the First Ninja World War, launched against Konoha.

A great prototype had ultimately vanished amid the flames of war, leaving behind only hatred and resentment. Whether those involved possessed such wisdom was impossible to know, but Aizen felt that it was indeed a great pity.

Yet it was precisely because of the policies established by an outlier like the First Hokage that Aizen could stand at a considerable height within Konoha with relatively little Chakra and do things that should have been done long ago. As for Konoha's forbidden techniques, now was the perfect opportunity to examine them openly.

"...The Forbidden Book? What information are you looking for?"

"Yes. I wish to seek information related to Space-Time Ninjutsu and forbidden techniques."

Facing the puzzled expressions of the Third Hokage and Elder Danzo, Aizen stood before them and bowed his head.

"Research into Blut Vene has stalled. I now wish to study more ninjutsu suitable for lower- and mid-level ninja. The Forbidden Book is necessary. If many forbidden techniques can be analyzed and simplified, perhaps Chunin and Genin will have more chances to survive."

"But you are only a Chunin, Sosuke."

"Precisely because I am a Chunin, Third Hokage."

In response to the Hokage's question, Aizen raised his head, adjusted his glasses, and spoke with confident ease.

"Precisely because I am only a Chunin, I understand the limitations of Chunin. We are the middle tier, and also the most awkward stage."

"We are stronger than Genin fresh out of the academy, yet far inferior to Jonin with mature systems of training. Even Special Jonin promoted for excelling in certain areas are the same."

"Chunin and Genin love Konoha no less than any Jonin, yet they cannot put that love into action because of their own lack of strength. That is a sad thing. Even the villagers have gradually become accustomed to it. I do not believe this is the correct path."

As the Third Hokage frowned in thought, and Elder Danzo instinctively began considering the matter from within the shadows,

"War is coming soon, but regrettably, I am only a Chunin as well. I do not possess that kind of strength. At least for now, I wish to do what I can, Third Hokage. Perhaps one day, because of my research, forbidden techniques may become techniques no longer forbidden. That is what I think."

"Sosuke..."

Looking at the earnest Konoha Advisor before him, the Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe as countless thoughts raced through his mind.

Since Sosuke Aizen had arrived, he had, in a sense, fully filled the gaps that the other two Konoha Advisors had failed to address.

When ninja made judgments and arrangements in the past, even if they spoke of the Will of Fire, it was fundamentally still an exchange of interests. It was precisely because interests and ideals were divided that many Konoha ninja found themselves in great difficulty when facing the battlefield and impossible choices.

But Sosuke Aizen advocated the Squad Fund Mutual Aid Policy, encouraging teams to recognize one another as their core and forming Jonin-led units around several teams. Several Jonin would then be gathered and interwoven once more, creating a united whole within Konoha to care for one another's families.

Though no large-scale war had yet begun, within a month, the humanitarian pacification policies advocated by Aizen had achieved unexpectedly impressive progress.

Although the environment remained high-pressure, team coordination and environmental tolerance had both risen another level.

This administrative environment, where the pressure had suddenly dropped, left the Third Hokage clicking his tongue in amazement.

From this political perspective, if they truly developed Combined Ninjutsu Formulas or Chunin/Genin Universal Ninjutsu Formulas, the benefit to Konoha might be even greater.

But there were pros and cons. If the enemy noticed, especially if the Four Nations stood together, then should the formulas be stolen or deciphered, Konoha's pressure would sharply increase as well.

After considering the matter, the Third Hokage finally rendered his conclusion.

"...Blut Vene is indeed an outstanding technique. If you have the ability to develop it further, then the Forbidden Jutsu Scroll can indeed be opened to you."

Looking at Sosuke Aizen standing respectfully before him, the Third Hokage's expression grew increasingly solemn.

"However, the techniques you develop cannot be spread directly. Secrecy is the foremost requirement."

"Yes, Third Hokage."

"As for the details, speak with Danzo. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first."

After nodding to Shimura Danzō behind him, the Third Hokage's figure quietly vanished from the office.

He had specifically set aside time to come hear the Konoha Advisor's opinion. Now that the matter had been decided, he naturally had to return to his duties. The primary responsibility for managing forbidden techniques and internal matters lay with Shimura Danzō.

The Konoha Elder, his face wrapped in bandages and his expression cold, slowly emerged from the shadows and nodded arrogantly at Aizen.

"For research into forbidden techniques and secret techniques, come ask me directly if you need anything. You may even come to me directly regarding Human Experimentation."

"Human Experimentation... I understand."

"Oh... You are not surprised? Sosuke Aizen."

Seeing that Aizen did not seem surprised upon hearing of Human Experimentation, Shimura Danzō raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"I thought a naive ninja like you would surely condemn this old man's methods and refuse all cooperation. That was what Hiruzen had in mind as well, was it not? Yet you do not seem to care?"

"No. I do care. I care very much."

Aizen sighed, adjusted his glasses, and looked sincerely at Shimura Danzō, whose body was covered in bandages. His gaze was filled with reverence and respect, as though he were looking at the Heroic Spirit Monuments of Konoha.

"Konoha is a hidden village. The existence of darkness is necessary. If anything, I greatly admire such people. For Konoha's development, they conceal their names and do work that others cannot bear to see and do not wish to see. Konoha's current life likely cannot be separated from their efforts either."

"...It is good that you understand. Only those who are not rigid can achieve great things. I think highly of you, Sosuke Aizen."

"By the way, Elder Danzo."

As though he had suddenly recalled something, Aizen spoke up.

"Are the Sannin still the highest commanders in the border regions?"

"Yes. Only when the three of them are together can they exert significant strength, and Tsunade's condition is something you, as Acting Advisor, understand quite well... Why do you ask?"

"It is nothing. I merely thought that if it is always the same three people, it may inevitably lead to excessive concentration in one area, forcing other areas to bear the pressure of adjustment. Unexpected issues may arise from that; that is my concern. And Lady Tsunade..."

"You need not think too much about that. Tsunade is not such a weak woman. As for the imbalance along the front lines, I will report it to Hiruzen. Is there anything else?"

"No, Lord Danzo."

"Go attend to your affairs. Hiruzen and I will arrange for several Jonin knowledgeable in Space-Time Ninjutsu to answer your questions. They will also serve as a guard unit to protect you. Do not disappoint Hiruzen. And do not disappoint me."

"Yes. The Sosuke Aizen everyone knows will never disappoint the people of Konoha."

"Mm, good."

After giving Sosuke Aizen, who stood there respectfully, a deep look, the mysterious Konoha Elder also vanished into the shadows.

Some time later, after receiving authorization to read the Scroll of Seals and exchanging contact information with several Jonin, Sosuke Aizen slowly left the Hokage Building and looked up at the sky.

The discussion had lasted quite a while. What had originally been an afternoon sky now held a round moon, while the sounds of Konoha's bustling nightlife rose one after another from all directions.

Looking at the bright moon in the sky, Aizen smiled at that artificial celestial body and adjusted his glasses.

Then Kagami Uchiha and Dan Katō should have arrived at the Sannin's camp by now... I truly look forward to their choice.

He lowered his head and stepped into the bustling crowd, his pure white haori gleaming beneath the crisscrossing lights.

Whether in the Soul Society or here, people imprisoned by all kinds of emotions and perceptions were everywhere.

Back in the Soul Society, he had not understood the power of courage and resolve. He had merely dismissed them as fools who did not understand the truth. Yet after living through the Thousand-Year Blood War, Aizen had come to recognize his own limitations.

If one person could not do it, then several people could. If one person could not stand up, then several people could support one another. That was what a group was: an existence that huddled together for warmth and grew stronger.

If they were given a chance to understand the truth, if they were given a common goal, would everyone one day stand before him?

What a joyous thing that would be.

"If possible, I truly hope everyone can be a little more rational and stop hurting themselves all the time."

Seeing Kakashi silently throwing shuriken at his target in the courtyard, Aizen smiled, adjusted his glasses, and walked toward him.